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<p>United States President Joe Biden, who is seeking re-election in the upcoming presidential election, posted a cryptic post on social media platform X on Monday (Feb 12), which led to users wondering if his account had been hacked. "Just like we drew it up," President Biden's post said. The post was accompanied by a presidential portrait of Biden with his eyes lit up in red shooting laser.</p>

<p>The photo is the "Dark Brandon" meme which portrays Biden as a a strong and resolute leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The post seems to be a congratulatory one for the Kansas City Chiefs who defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl Sunday. According to reports, it is a reference to a Super Bowl conspiracy theory involving game-rigging, and a Taylor Swift endorsement for Biden for the election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The theory is that this NFL season was rigged to ensure the Chiefs&nbsp;win the Super Bowl and Travis Kelce's girlfriend Taylor Swift, would then use the&nbsp;victory to endorse Biden.</p>

<h2><strong>'Which intern posted this?': X users chuckle over post</strong></h2>

<p>There were several reactions to Biden's post. X user Esfand said, "Which intern tweeted this?" In another post, user Ford News said, "Sir this is next level trolling. You are awarded 10/10."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just like we drew it up. <a href="https://t.co/9NBvc5nVZE">pic.twitter.com/9NBvc5nVZE</a></p>
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1756888470599967000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"At first I thought this was a parody account but what the hell is this," another user said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Biden's re-election campaign joins TikTok</strong></h2>

<p>Hours before his "Just like we drew it up," post, Joe Biden shared an update mentioning that his re-election campaign had joined TikTok, despite his administration cracking down on the Chinese video platform's potential national security concerns.</p>

<p>Many American lawmakers have long called for the app to be banned over concerns that the Chinese government could access user data or influence what people see on the app.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hypocrisy-us-president-joe-biden-joins-tiktok-to-power-re-election-campaign-689374">Hypocrisy? US President Joe Biden's re-election campaign joins TikTok even as govt cracks down on app</a></strong></p>

<p>Despite the concerns, Biden's campaign joined the platform. The video shared by Biden showed him answering rapid-fire questions, such as whether he supported the Kansas City Chiefs or the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl, and if he was watching for the game or the commercials.</p>

<p>Biden joked he would be in trouble with his wife if he didn't say the Philadelphia Eagles and that he was watching&nbsp;the game. The video ended with a shot of the Dark Brandon meme.&nbsp;</p>

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United States President Joe Biden, who is seeking re-election in the upcoming presidential election, posted a cryptic post on social media platform X on Monday (Feb 12), which led to users wondering if his account had been hacked.

United States President Joe Biden, who is seeking re-election in the upcoming presidential election, posted a cryptic post on social media platform X on Monday (Feb 12), which led to users wondering if his account had been hacked. "Just like we drew it up," President Biden's post said. The post was accompanied by a presidential portrait of Biden with his eyes lit up in red shooting laser. The photo is the "Dark Brandon" meme which portrays Biden as a a strong and resolute leader. The post seems to be a congratulatory one for the Kansas City Chiefs who defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl Sunday. According to reports, it is a reference to a Super Bowl conspiracy theory involving game-rigging, and a Taylor Swift endorsement for Biden for the election. The theory is that this NFL season was rigged to ensure the Chiefs win the Super Bowl and Travis Kelce's girlfriend Taylor Swift, would then use the victory to endorse Biden. 'Which intern posted this?': X users chuckle over post There were several reactions to Biden's post. X user Esfand said, "Which intern tweeted this?" In another post, user Ford News said, "Sir this is next level trolling. You are awarded 10/10." Just like we drew it up. pic.twitter.com/9NBvc5nVZE — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) February 12, 2024 × "At first I thought this was a parody account but what the hell is this," another user said. Biden's re-election campaign joins TikTok Hours before his "Just like we drew it up," post, Joe Biden shared an update mentioning that his re-election campaign had joined TikTok, despite his administration cracking down on the Chinese video platform's potential national security concerns. Many American lawmakers have long called for the app to be banned over concerns that the Chinese government could access user data or influence what people see on the app. Also read | Hypocrisy? US President Joe Biden's re-election campaign joins TikTok even as govt cracks down on app Despite the concerns, Biden's campaign joined the platform. The video shared by Biden showed him answering rapid-fire questions, such as whether he supported the Kansas City Chiefs or the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl, and if he was watching for the game or the commercials. Biden joked he would be in trouble with his wife if he didn't say the Philadelphia Eagles and that he was watching the game. The video ended with a shot of the Dark Brandon meme.

'Just like we drew it up': As Chiefs win Super Bowl, Biden brings back 'Dark Brandon' to extend wishes

<p>Qatar freed eight Indian sailors who were arrested in Aug 2022 and kept in detention without specifying the crimes committed by them. On Monday (Feb 12), the Indian government&nbsp;welcomed the release of the sailors, saying that seven of them returned to India. The whereabouts of the remaining sailor were not immediately known.</p>

<p>Israel is carrying out a special operation in the Gaza Strip's Rafah, as its war&nbsp;with Hamas militants drags on. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed it had managed to safely rescue two hostages from Hamas captivity in Rafah.&nbsp;The two freed hostages were identified as&nbsp;Fernando Simon Marman (age 60) and Norberto Louis Har (age 70).</p>

<p>In other news from around the world,&nbsp;US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has been re-hospitalised due to an “emergent bladder issue.”</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/qatar-releases-eight-indian-nationals-detained-seven-returned-to-india-mea-689312"><strong>'We waited 18 months': Freed sailors after returning to India from Qatar</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/12/411498-untitled-design-2.png?imwidth=500" /></p>

<p>India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement on early Monday (Feb 12), said that it welcomed the release of eight Indian nationals who were detained in Qatar, saying that seven have returned to India. Videos of the sailors exiting the airport went viral on social media as netizens applauded the government for its deft diplomacy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-rescues-two-hostages-from-rafah-in-special-operation-689324"><strong>Israel rescues two hostages from Rafah in special operation</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/12/411501-untitled-design-3.png?imwidth=500" /></p>

<p>The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday (Feb 12) claimed it had managed to safely rescue two hostages from Hamas captivity during a special operation in Gaza's southern city of Rafah, according to a report in&nbsp;The Times of Israel.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-hospitalised-again-pentagon-releases-statement-689313"><strong>US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin re-hospitalised; Pentagon issues statement</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/10/12/385944-austin.png?imwidth=500" /></p>

<p>US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has been hospitalised at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center yet again due to an “emergent bladder issue”, the Pentagon said in a statement on Sunday (Feb 11).&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-haryana-government-converts-two-stadiums-into-makeshift-prisons-ahead-of-farmers-march-689356"><strong>India: Haryana govt converts two stadiums into makeshift prisons ahead of farmers' march</strong></a></p>

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<p>Haryana's Manohar Lal Khattar-led government has ramped up security measures in the state in order to prevent the Punjab farmers from marching to Delhi who are set to stage the ‘Delhi Chalo’ demonstration on Tuesday (Feb 13).</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Senate advances $95 billion bill for aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan</strong></p>

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Qatar freed eight Indian sailors who were arrested in Aug 2022 and kept in detention without specifying the crimes committed by them. On Monday (Feb 12), the Indian government welcomed the release of the sailors, saying that seven of them returned to India.

Qatar freed eight Indian sailors who were arrested in Aug 2022 and kept in detention without specifying the crimes committed by them. On Monday (Feb 12), the Indian government welcomed the release of the sailors, saying that seven of them returned to India. The whereabouts of the remaining sailor were not immediately known. Israel is carrying out a special operation in the Gaza Strip's Rafah, as its war with Hamas militants drags on. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed it had managed to safely rescue two hostages from Hamas captivity in Rafah. The two freed hostages were identified as Fernando Simon Marman (age 60) and Norberto Louis Har (age 70). In other news from around the world, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has been re-hospitalised due to an “emergent bladder issue.” Click on the headlines to read more: 'We waited 18 months': Freed sailors after returning to India from Qatar India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement on early Monday (Feb 12), said that it welcomed the release of eight Indian nationals who were detained in Qatar, saying that seven have returned to India. Videos of the sailors exiting the airport went viral on social media as netizens applauded the government for its deft diplomacy. Israel rescues two hostages from Rafah in special operation The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday (Feb 12) claimed it had managed to safely rescue two hostages from Hamas captivity during a special operation in Gaza's southern city of Rafah, according to a report in The Times of Israel. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin re-hospitalised; Pentagon issues statement US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has been hospitalised at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center yet again due to an “emergent bladder issue”, the Pentagon said in a statement on Sunday (Feb 11). India: Haryana govt converts two stadiums into makeshift prisons ahead of farmers' march Haryana's Manohar Lal Khattar-led government has ramped up security measures in the state in order to prevent the Punjab farmers from marching to Delhi who are set to stage the ‘Delhi Chalo’ demonstration on Tuesday (Feb 13). Watch | US Senate advances $95 billion bill for aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan ×

Morning brief: Qatar frees 8 Indian sailors; Israel rescues two hostages from Rafah, and more

<p>Russia's envoy to India Denis Alipov said on Saturday (Feb 10) that the US was making attempts to threaten Moscow's relationship with New Delhi via sanctions. "In India, Russia enjoys a solid reputation as a reliable, sincere, well-intentioned, time-tested friend," Alipov told the news agency RT and highlighted that the two countries never meddle in each other's domestic affairs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taiwan detected eight more Chinese balloons crossing the Taiwan Strait in the last 24 hours. Taiwan's defence ministry said that five of these eight balloons flew directly over the island. The balloons were spotted at an altitude of 12,000 to 35,000 feet.</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, the Indian state of Haryana has suspended internet services in seven districts ahead of the farmers' march in New Delhi on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-trying-to-threaten-india-russia-relationship-with-sanctions-says-russian-envoy-689061"><strong>'US trying to threaten India-Russia relationship with sanctions,' says Russian Envoy</strong></a></p>

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<p>Russian envoy to India, Denis Alipov on Saturday (Feb 10) stated that the United States was making attempts to threaten Moscow's relationship with New Delhi via sanctions even though his country continues to be India's "reliable and time-tested friend".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-detects-eight-more-chinese-balloons-crossing-taiwan-strait-689074"><strong>Taiwan detects eight more Chinese balloons crossing Taiwan Strait</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/11/411342-untitled-design.png?imwidth=500" /></p>

<p>Taiwan said on Sunday (Feb 11) that it detected eight more Chinese balloons crossing the Taiwan Strait in the last 24 hours. Taiwan's defence ministry said that five of these eight balloons flew directly over the island. The balloons were spotted at an altitude of 12,000 to 35,000 feet, the news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-haryana-government-suspends-internet-services-in-several-districts-ahead-of-farmers-march-689064"><strong>India: Haryana government suspends internet services in several districts ahead of farmers' march</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/11/411335-succession-2024-02-11t073303413.jpg?imwidth=500" /></p>

<p>Ahead of the farmers' call for march to India's capital Delhi on February 13,&nbsp;Haryana's Manohar Lal Khattar-led government on Saturday (Feb 10) announced the suspension of internet services in several districts.&nbsp;According to an official order, mobile internet services will remain suspended in--Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa--from 6 am on February 11 till 11.59 pm on February 13.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/king-charles-expresses-heartfelt-thanks-in-first-statement-since-being-diagnosed-with-cancer-689066"><strong>King Charles expresses 'heartfelt thanks' in first statement since being diagnosed with cancer</strong></a></p>

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<p>Britain's King Charles on Saturday (Feb 10) released his first statement since being diagnosed with cancer and expressed gratitude to the people for their messages of support.&nbsp;The 75-year-old monarch said that it was heartening to witness how sharing his diagnosis helped promote a better understanding of the condition.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Joe Biden 'poor memory' row: Donald Trump says Biden is 'disaster mentally'</strong></p>

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Russia's envoy to India Denis Alipov said on Saturday (Feb 10) that the US was making attempts to threaten Moscow's relationship with New Delhi via sanctions. "In India, Russia enjoys a solid reputation as a reliable, sincere, well-intentioned, time-tested friend," Alipov told the news agency RT and highlighted that the two countries never meddle in each other's domestic affairs.

Russia's envoy to India Denis Alipov said on Saturday (Feb 10) that the US was making attempts to threaten Moscow's relationship with New Delhi via sanctions. "In India, Russia enjoys a solid reputation as a reliable, sincere, well-intentioned, time-tested friend," Alipov told the news agency RT and highlighted that the two countries never meddle in each other's domestic affairs. Taiwan detected eight more Chinese balloons crossing the Taiwan Strait in the last 24 hours. Taiwan's defence ministry said that five of these eight balloons flew directly over the island. The balloons were spotted at an altitude of 12,000 to 35,000 feet. In other news from around the world, the Indian state of Haryana has suspended internet services in seven districts ahead of the farmers' march in New Delhi on Tuesday. Click on the headlines to read more: 'US trying to threaten India-Russia relationship with sanctions,' says Russian Envoy Russian envoy to India, Denis Alipov on Saturday (Feb 10) stated that the United States was making attempts to threaten Moscow's relationship with New Delhi via sanctions even though his country continues to be India's "reliable and time-tested friend". Taiwan detects eight more Chinese balloons crossing Taiwan Strait Taiwan said on Sunday (Feb 11) that it detected eight more Chinese balloons crossing the Taiwan Strait in the last 24 hours. Taiwan's defence ministry said that five of these eight balloons flew directly over the island. The balloons were spotted at an altitude of 12,000 to 35,000 feet, the news agency AFP reported. India: Haryana government suspends internet services in several districts ahead of farmers' march Ahead of the farmers' call for march to India's capital Delhi on February 13, Haryana's Manohar Lal Khattar-led government on Saturday (Feb 10) announced the suspension of internet services in several districts. According to an official order, mobile internet services will remain suspended in--Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa--from 6 am on February 11 till 11.59 pm on February 13. King Charles expresses 'heartfelt thanks' in first statement since being diagnosed with cancer Britain's King Charles on Saturday (Feb 10) released his first statement since being diagnosed with cancer and expressed gratitude to the people for their messages of support. The 75-year-old monarch said that it was heartening to witness how sharing his diagnosis helped promote a better understanding of the condition. Watch | Joe Biden 'poor memory' row: Donald Trump says Biden is 'disaster mentally' ×

Morning brief: US trying to threaten India-Russia relationship, says Russian envoy, and more

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<p>Taiwan said on Sunday (Feb 11) that it detected eight more Chinese balloons crossing the Taiwan Strait in the last 24 hours. Taiwan's defence ministry said that five of these eight balloons flew directly over the island. The balloons were spotted at an altitude of 12,000 to 35,000 feet, the news agency AFP reported. A map released by the ministry showed five of the balloons flew directly over the island, and one grazed its northern tip.</p>

<p>China has not commented on this development yet, which comes amid&nbsp;Beijing and Taipei&nbsp;currently celebrating the Lunar New Year holiday, the most important festival in the Chinese-speaking world.</p>

<h2><strong>Eight balloons detected on Friday</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, a batch of eight balloons was detected on Friday, the highest number since the defence ministry started regularly releasing data on balloon sightings in December. In Jan, the Xi Jinping government dismissed repeated complaints by Taiwan about the balloons, saying they are for meteorological purposes and should not be hyped up for political reasons.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-japan-simulate-military-exercise-to-counter-chinese-threat-against-taiwan-687137">US-Japan simulate military exercise to counter Chinese threat against Taiwan</a></strong></p>

<p>China claims Taiwan as its territory and has not renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control.</p>

<p>In Feb last year, the Taiwanese military alerted aviation authorities after it spotted a balloon floating in the island's airspace but did not say where the balloon came from or provided a detailed location.</p>

<p>In recent years, Beijing has ramped up military pressure, deploying warplanes and naval vessels around the island almost daily,&nbsp;with balloons also increasingly flying over the island.</p>

<p>The latest balloon sightings come after Taiwan's presidential election on Jan 13 which was won by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's Lai Ching-te. Ahead of the election, China had warned that Lai would bring "war and decline" to Taiwan, AFP reported.</p>

<p>However, Beijing did not send an oversised number of warplanes and naval vessels in the election's immediate aftermath.</p>

<p>Taiwan has said that since the election, the largest incursions included 33 Chinese warplanes detected around the island.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Taiwan stops new group trips to China&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Taiwan has told<strong>&nbsp;</strong>travel agents on the island to stop organising new group tours to China since Beijing has yet to allow such trips to the island by Chinese tourists. Taiwan had initially planned to resume group tours for Taiwanese to China from March 1 after they were suspended during the Covid pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China spy balloon: Latest balloon sightings come after Taiwan Presidential polls</strong></p>

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<p>"Considering the change in the situation", including China not allowing Chinese to visit Taiwan and China's altering of a flight route through the Taiwan Strait last week, Taiwanese travel agencies cannot arrange any more tours," Taiwan's tourism administration said in a statement.</p>

<p>Reacting to Taipei's move, China's Taiwan affairs office said, "This will only make the Taiwanese people and the tourism industry once again be dissatisfied with the political manipulation of tourism by the Democratic Progressive Party authorities."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Taiwan said on Sunday (Feb 11) that it detected eight more Chinese balloons crossing the Taiwan Strait in the last 24 hours. Taiwan's defence ministry said that five of these eight balloons flew directly over the island.

Taiwan said on Sunday (Feb 11) that it detected eight more Chinese balloons crossing the Taiwan Strait in the last 24 hours. Taiwan's defence ministry said that five of these eight balloons flew directly over the island. The balloons were spotted at an altitude of 12,000 to 35,000 feet, the news agency AFP reported. A map released by the ministry showed five of the balloons flew directly over the island, and one grazed its northern tip. China has not commented on this development yet, which comes amid Beijing and Taipei currently celebrating the Lunar New Year holiday, the most important festival in the Chinese-speaking world. Eight balloons detected on Friday Earlier, a batch of eight balloons was detected on Friday, the highest number since the defence ministry started regularly releasing data on balloon sightings in December. In Jan, the Xi Jinping government dismissed repeated complaints by Taiwan about the balloons, saying they are for meteorological purposes and should not be hyped up for political reasons. Also read | US-Japan simulate military exercise to counter Chinese threat against Taiwan China claims Taiwan as its territory and has not renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. In Feb last year, the Taiwanese military alerted aviation authorities after it spotted a balloon floating in the island's airspace but did not say where the balloon came from or provided a detailed location. In recent years, Beijing has ramped up military pressure, deploying warplanes and naval vessels around the island almost daily, with balloons also increasingly flying over the island. The latest balloon sightings come after Taiwan's presidential election on Jan 13 which was won by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's Lai Ching-te. Ahead of the election, China had warned that Lai would bring "war and decline" to Taiwan, AFP reported. However, Beijing did not send an oversised number of warplanes and naval vessels in the election's immediate aftermath. Taiwan has said that since the election, the largest incursions included 33 Chinese warplanes detected around the island. Taiwan stops new group trips to China Meanwhile, Taiwan has told travel agents on the island to stop organising new group tours to China since Beijing has yet to allow such trips to the island by Chinese tourists. Taiwan had initially planned to resume group tours for Taiwanese to China from March 1 after they were suspended during the Covid pandemic. Also watch | China spy balloon: Latest balloon sightings come after Taiwan Presidential polls × "Considering the change in the situation", including China not allowing Chinese to visit Taiwan and China's altering of a flight route through the Taiwan Strait last week, Taiwanese travel agencies cannot arrange any more tours," Taiwan's tourism administration said in a statement. Reacting to Taipei's move, China's Taiwan affairs office said, "This will only make the Taiwanese people and the tourism industry once again be dissatisfied with the political manipulation of tourism by the Democratic Progressive Party authorities." (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan detects eight more Chinese balloons crossing Taiwan Strait

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<p>Hamas warned on Sunday (Feb 11) that any Israeli offensive in <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-says-military-action-in-rafah-may-lead-to-tens-of-thousands-of-casualties-689035">the Gaza Strip's Rafah</a> </strong>would "blow up" the hostage exchange negotiations. Speaking to the al-Aqsa channel, a senior Hamas leader said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was trying to avoid the price of the prisoner exchange by continuing the mass extermination and humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah.</p>

<p>"What Netanyahu and the Israeli army failed to do in four months, he won't be able to achieve it even if the war drags on," the leader added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The war between Israel and Hamas started on Oct 7 last year when Hamas militants stormed border defences to attack Israeli towns, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 hostages back to Gaza. Israel responded with a massive offensive in the Gaza Strip, killing over 28,000 people as per Hamas' claims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Netanyahu's office said that it had ordered the military to develop a plan to evacuate Rafah and destroy four Hamas battalions it says are deployed there, the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Netanyahu promises safe passage ahead of offensive</strong></h2>

<p>PM Netanyahu promised "safe passage" to civilians displaced in Rafah before the Israeli military carried out its offensive. "We're going to do it while providing safe passage for the civilian population so they can leave," he told ABC News on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-israel-shows-hamas-tunnel-network-below-un-agencys-gaza-headquarters-689044">Israel reveals Hamas tunnel network below UN agency's Gaza headquarters</a></strong></p>

<p>As the military has pushed steadily southwards, Rafah has become the last major population centre in Gaza that troops have yet to enter, even as it is bombarded by air strikes almost daily.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Saturday, Saudi Arabia warned of "very serious repercussions of storming and targeting" Rafah and called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from the offensive possibly blowing up the hostage exchange negotiations, Hamas also warned full-scale Israeli invasion of Rafah could cause tens of thousands of casualties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday, the Palestinian health ministry said that 94 people were killed in overnight bombardments across Gaza, including in Rafah.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hamas warned on Sunday (Feb 11) that any Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip's Rafah would "blow up" the hostage exchange negotiations. Speaking to the al-Aqsa channel, a senior Hamas leader said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was trying to avoid the price of the prisoner exchange by continuing the mass extermination and humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah.

Hamas warned on Sunday (Feb 11) that any Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip's Rafah would "blow up" the hostage exchange negotiations. Speaking to the al-Aqsa channel, a senior Hamas leader said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was trying to avoid the price of the prisoner exchange by continuing the mass extermination and humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah. "What Netanyahu and the Israeli army failed to do in four months, he won't be able to achieve it even if the war drags on," the leader added. The war between Israel and Hamas started on Oct 7 last year when Hamas militants stormed border defences to attack Israeli towns, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 hostages back to Gaza. Israel responded with a massive offensive in the Gaza Strip, killing over 28,000 people as per Hamas' claims. Earlier, Netanyahu's office said that it had ordered the military to develop a plan to evacuate Rafah and destroy four Hamas battalions it says are deployed there, the news agency Reuters reported. Netanyahu promises safe passage ahead of offensive PM Netanyahu promised "safe passage" to civilians displaced in Rafah before the Israeli military carried out its offensive. "We're going to do it while providing safe passage for the civilian population so they can leave," he told ABC News on Sunday. Also read | Israel reveals Hamas tunnel network below UN agency's Gaza headquarters As the military has pushed steadily southwards, Rafah has become the last major population centre in Gaza that troops have yet to enter, even as it is bombarded by air strikes almost daily. On Saturday, Saudi Arabia warned of "very serious repercussions of storming and targeting" Rafah and called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting. Apart from the offensive possibly blowing up the hostage exchange negotiations, Hamas also warned full-scale Israeli invasion of Rafah could cause tens of thousands of casualties. On Sunday, the Palestinian health ministry said that 94 people were killed in overnight bombardments across Gaza, including in Rafah. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli offensive in Rafah will ‘blow up’ hostage exchange negotiations, says Hamas

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<p>The counting of votes in the general elections held in Pakistan was completed on Sunday (Feb 11). Of the total 265 seats, independent candidates won 101 seats, followed by Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) which won 75 seats, and Bilwal Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) grabbed&nbsp;54 seats. The results of the NA 88 constituency have been withheld.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now the independents have 72 hours to decide on their political status and support. They have three options- either the independents merge themselves and form an entity, or they merge with a party, or they keep on maintaining their independent status.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-three-newly-elected-independents-announce-support-for-nawaz-sharifs-pml-n-689108">Pakistan elections: Three newly elected Independents announce support for Nawaz Sharif's PML-N</a></strong></p>

<p>In this election, most of the independents backed former jailed prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The nation of 241 million people voted on Thursday, but the results were delayed. The interior ministry said the delay happened due to a "lack of connectivity" which it stressed was the result of preventive measures taken to ensure foolproof security.</p>

<h2><strong>Protests over delayed results</strong></h2>

<p>On Saturday, hundreds of people demonstrated outside the Election Commission office in Karachi against delayed election results and allegations of poll rigging. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami were joined by supporters of PTI in the protest. At least 90 of the victorious independent candidates were backed by Khan and the PTI, a Reuters analysis showed.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Who will be Pakistan's next prime minister? Imran-backed independents take lead</strong></p>

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<p>Khan's supporters were running as independents because they had been barred from contesting the polls under his party's (PTI) electoral symbol by the election commission for not complying with electoral laws.</p>

<p>The PTI had announced that it would hold peaceful protests on Sunday if complete results were not out. A day earlier, the party&nbsp;chairperson Gohar Khan, called on all institutions in Pakistan to respect his party's mandate.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Had EVMs been there today...'</strong></h2>

<p>Pakistan President Arif Alvi said on Saturday that had Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) been used in the election, there would have been no delay in the results.</p>

<p>"Remember 'our' long struggle for Electronic Voting Machines. EVM had paper ballots that could be counted separately by hand (like it is being done today) BUT it also had a simple electronic calculator/counter of each vote button pressed. Totals of every candidate would have been available &amp; printed within five minutes of closing of poll,"&nbsp;said Alvi in a post on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Remember 'our' long struggle for Electronic Voting Machines. EVM had paper ballots that could be counted separately by hand (like it is being done today) BUT it also had a simple electronic calculator/counter of each vote button pressed. Totals of every candidate would have been…</p>
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArifAlvi/status/1756264268624765291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The entire effort that included more than 50 meetings at the Presidency alone was scuttled," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The counting of votes in the general elections held in Pakistan was completed on Sunday (Feb 11). Of the total 265 seats, independent candidates won 101 seats, followed by Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) which won 75 seats, and Bilwal Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) grabbed 54 seats.

The counting of votes in the general elections held in Pakistan was completed on Sunday (Feb 11). Of the total 265 seats, independent candidates won 101 seats, followed by Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) which won 75 seats, and Bilwal Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) grabbed 54 seats. The results of the NA 88 constituency have been withheld. Now the independents have 72 hours to decide on their political status and support. They have three options- either the independents merge themselves and form an entity, or they merge with a party, or they keep on maintaining their independent status. Also read | Pakistan elections: Three newly elected Independents announce support for Nawaz Sharif's PML-N In this election, most of the independents backed former jailed prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The nation of 241 million people voted on Thursday, but the results were delayed. The interior ministry said the delay happened due to a "lack of connectivity" which it stressed was the result of preventive measures taken to ensure foolproof security. Protests over delayed results On Saturday, hundreds of people demonstrated outside the Election Commission office in Karachi against delayed election results and allegations of poll rigging. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami were joined by supporters of PTI in the protest. At least 90 of the victorious independent candidates were backed by Khan and the PTI, a Reuters analysis showed. Also watch | Who will be Pakistan's next prime minister? Imran-backed independents take lead × Khan's supporters were running as independents because they had been barred from contesting the polls under his party's (PTI) electoral symbol by the election commission for not complying with electoral laws. The PTI had announced that it would hold peaceful protests on Sunday if complete results were not out. A day earlier, the party chairperson Gohar Khan, called on all institutions in Pakistan to respect his party's mandate. 'Had EVMs been there today...' Pakistan President Arif Alvi said on Saturday that had Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) been used in the election, there would have been no delay in the results. "Remember 'our' long struggle for Electronic Voting Machines. EVM had paper ballots that could be counted separately by hand (like it is being done today) BUT it also had a simple electronic calculator/counter of each vote button pressed. Totals of every candidate would have been available & printed within five minutes of closing of poll," said Alvi in a post on X. Remember 'our' long struggle for Electronic Voting Machines. EVM had paper ballots that could be counted separately by hand (like it is being done today) BUT it also had a simple electronic calculator/counter of each vote button pressed. Totals of every candidate would have been… — Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) February 10, 2024 × "The entire effort that included more than 50 meetings at the Presidency alone was scuttled," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan election results: Independents win most seats in final tally

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<p>Former United States president and current presidential hopeful Donald Trump on Saturday (Feb 10) celebrated the collapse of a bipartisan bill that talked about reforms to address the US-Mexico border crisis.&nbsp;On Wednesday, Senate Republicans rejected the bill that would have included the much-needed new funding for Ukraine, plus aid for Israel, along with reforms to address the border crisis.</p>

<p>At a rally in South Carolina, Trump celebrated the collapse of the legislation, vowing that, if reelected, he would carry out a massive "deportation operation" on his first day in office. "Let's not forget that this week we also had another massive victory that every conservative should celebrate. We crushed crooked Joe Biden's disastrous open borders bill," Trump said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-hints-at-release-of-evan-gershkovich-speaks-about-personal-relationship-with-trump-688462">'I share personal relationship with Trump,' says Putin; hints US journalist can be released</a></strong></p>

<p>"The whole group did a great job in Congress," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Largest domestic deportation operation in US history</strong></h2>

<p>During the rally, Trump said that on his first day in office, he would terminate every open border policy of the Biden administration and Washington would begin the largest domestic deportation operation in American history.</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency AFP, the Senate is considering a foreign aid package that decouples the aid from the border issue entirely. The package, which is worth $95 billion, set to be debated next week includes funding for Israel's fight against Hamas militants and for key strategic ally Taiwan.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Trump also said that he would encourage Russia to attack NATO members who had not met their financial obligations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US Supreme Court skeptical of keeping Trump off the ballot</strong></p>

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<p>Describing a conversation with a fellow head of state at an unspecified NATO meeting, he said, "One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, 'Well, sir, if we don't pay, and we're attacked by Russia, will you protect us?' I said, 'You didn't pay, you're delinquent?'"</p>

<p>"No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You got to pay. You got to pay your bills," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former United States president and current presidential hopeful Donald Trump on Saturday (Feb 10) celebrated the collapse of a bipartisan bill that talked about reforms to address the US-Mexico border crisis.

Former United States president and current presidential hopeful Donald Trump on Saturday (Feb 10) celebrated the collapse of a bipartisan bill that talked about reforms to address the US-Mexico border crisis. On Wednesday, Senate Republicans rejected the bill that would have included the much-needed new funding for Ukraine, plus aid for Israel, along with reforms to address the border crisis. At a rally in South Carolina, Trump celebrated the collapse of the legislation, vowing that, if reelected, he would carry out a massive "deportation operation" on his first day in office. "Let's not forget that this week we also had another massive victory that every conservative should celebrate. We crushed crooked Joe Biden's disastrous open borders bill," Trump said. Also read | 'I share personal relationship with Trump,' says Putin; hints US journalist can be released "The whole group did a great job in Congress," he added. Largest domestic deportation operation in US history During the rally, Trump said that on his first day in office, he would terminate every open border policy of the Biden administration and Washington would begin the largest domestic deportation operation in American history. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the Senate is considering a foreign aid package that decouples the aid from the border issue entirely. The package, which is worth $95 billion, set to be debated next week includes funding for Israel's fight against Hamas militants and for key strategic ally Taiwan. Meanwhile, Trump also said that he would encourage Russia to attack NATO members who had not met their financial obligations. Also watch | US Supreme Court skeptical of keeping Trump off the ballot × Describing a conversation with a fellow head of state at an unspecified NATO meeting, he said, "One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, 'Well, sir, if we don't pay, and we're attacked by Russia, will you protect us?' I said, 'You didn't pay, you're delinquent?'" "No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You got to pay. You got to pay your bills," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump celebrates collapse of bill on reforms to address US-Mexico border crisis

<p>A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Mindanao,&nbsp;Philippines, on Saturday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said.</p>

<p>The quake was 10 km (6 miles) deep, GFZ said.</p>

<p>The Philippine seismology agency had a different reading, saying it was a magnitude 5.9 earthquake with a depth of 27 km (16.8 miles). The Philippine agency also said in a bulletin it was expecting no damage, but that there could be aftershocks.</p>

<p>Rescue workers searching for dozens of missing people in an earlier landslide in Maco town in the southern&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;province of Davao de Oro had to stop their operations because of the earthquake, authorities said.</p>

<p>The death toll from the landslide, which happened on Tuesday night outside a gold mining site, has reached 28, with 77 still missing and 32 injured, including a 3-year-old girl rescued on Friday after 60 hours under rubble.</p>

<p>Torrential rains have battered Davao de Oro in recent weeks, triggering floods and landslides.</p>


A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Mindanao, Philippines, on Saturday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said. The quake was 10 km (6 miles) deep, GFZ said.

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Mindanao, Philippines, on Saturday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said. The quake was 10 km (6 miles) deep, GFZ said. The Philippine seismology agency had a different reading, saying it was a magnitude 5.9 earthquake with a depth of 27 km (16.8 miles). The Philippine agency also said in a bulletin it was expecting no damage, but that there could be aftershocks. Rescue workers searching for dozens of missing people in an earlier landslide in Maco town in the southern Philippines province of Davao de Oro had to stop their operations because of the earthquake, authorities said. The death toll from the landslide, which happened on Tuesday night outside a gold mining site, has reached 28, with 77 still missing and 32 injured, including a 3-year-old girl rescued on Friday after 60 hours under rubble. Torrential rains have battered Davao de Oro in recent weeks, triggering floods and landslides.

Earthquake of magnitude 5.6 strikes Mindanao, Philippines

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<p>Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have agreed to form the government at the Centre in Punjab, Geo News reported on Saturday (Feb 10). As per the report, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif met Bhutto and former president Asif Ali Zardari, inviting them to work together for Pakistan.</p>

<p>The meeting happened at the residence of Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Citing sources, the report said that Shehbaz discussed the future government formation with Zardari and also conveyed PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s message. He asked the two PPP leaders to sit with the PML-N leadership for political and economic stability in Pakistan, the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The general elections in Pakistan took place on Thursday and the results were announced after much delay. The results of 250 of the total 265 seats have been officially announced.</p>

<p>Independent candidates who supported jailed former prime minister Imran Khan have won 99 seats, the PML-N has won 71 seats and the PPP has won 53 seats. The rest were won by small parties and other independents.</p>

<h2><strong>Sharif hints at improving ties with India</strong></h2>

<p>Nawaz Sharif said on Friday&nbsp;that his government would try to improve relations with neighbouring countries. In the recently concluded general elections, the PML-N technically emerged as the single-largest party in the National Assembly despite the fact that the number of independent candidates supporting Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was higher than any other political party.</p>

<p>"We would improve ties with the world and with our neighbours and try to solve all issues with them," said Sharif, the former three-time prime minister, as reported by news agency PTI. Sharif asked his supporters if they agreed with this remark and they backed him.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-2024-nawaz-sharif-calls-upon-all-parties-to-sit-down-for-coalition-688780">Pakistan Elections 2024: Nawaz Sharif calls upon 'all parties' to 'sit down' for coalition</a></strong></p>

<p>Sharif did not directly mention India, but the word "neighbours" has significance as in his previous tenures as PM, he has tried to mend ties with India.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Sharif, Imran Khan claim victory in polls</strong></h2>

<p>Both Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan claimed victory in Thursday's general elections.</p>

<p>“Praise be to Allah, Muslim League-N is the largest single party in the country today after the elections. I understand that this is our duty to bring this country out of the whirlpool,” Sharif told his supporters on Friday, adding he would talk to other groups to form a coalition government as the PML-N had failed to win a clear majority on its own.</p>

<p>“Whoever has got the mandate, whether independents or parties, we respect the mandate they have got. We respect that from the bottom of our heart,” Sharif said and pointed out that it was necessary to sit down and form a government and take Pakistan out of the whirlpool.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Imran Khan, who is in jail and has been facing numerous cases since he was ousted as PM in April 2022, claimed victory in the elections in an audio-visual message created using artificial intelligence.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan Election Result 2024: Former PM Nawaz Sharif wins from Lahore</strong></p>

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<p>In the message that was shared on X, Khan rejected Sharif's victory claim and called on his supporters to celebrate a win that was achieved despite what he calls a crackdown on his party PTI.</p>

<h2><strong>'London plan has failed'</strong></h2>

<p>During his victory speech, Imran Khan also said that the London Plan of Nawaz Sharif failed with the massive turnout of voters.&nbsp; Addressing the citizens, Khan said, "By turning out in huge numbers and exercising your democratic right of franchise, you have laid the foundation for the restoration of the freedom to exercise citizens' rights. I congratulate you all on helping us win the elections handsomely."</p>

<p>"Nawaz Sharif is a leader of low intelligence who gave a victory speech despite his party trailing in 30 seats," he added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir congratulated the country on the successful conduct of the elections. "Free and unhindered participation by Pakistani people to exercise their right of vote demonstrated their commitment to democracy and the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan," a statement read.</p>

<p>"The constructive role played by national media, civil society, members of civil administration, and judiciary enabled the successful conduct of the largest electoral exercise in national history. Pakistan’s diverse polity and pluralism will be well-represented by a unified government of all democratic forces imbibed with national purpose," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have agreed to form the government at the Centre in Punjab, Geo News reported on Saturday (Feb 10).

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have agreed to form the government at the Centre in Punjab, Geo News reported on Saturday (Feb 10). As per the report, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif met Bhutto and former president Asif Ali Zardari, inviting them to work together for Pakistan. The meeting happened at the residence of Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Citing sources, the report said that Shehbaz discussed the future government formation with Zardari and also conveyed PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s message. He asked the two PPP leaders to sit with the PML-N leadership for political and economic stability in Pakistan, the report added. The general elections in Pakistan took place on Thursday and the results were announced after much delay. The results of 250 of the total 265 seats have been officially announced. Independent candidates who supported jailed former prime minister Imran Khan have won 99 seats, the PML-N has won 71 seats and the PPP has won 53 seats. The rest were won by small parties and other independents. Sharif hints at improving ties with India Nawaz Sharif said on Friday that his government would try to improve relations with neighbouring countries. In the recently concluded general elections, the PML-N technically emerged as the single-largest party in the National Assembly despite the fact that the number of independent candidates supporting Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was higher than any other political party. "We would improve ties with the world and with our neighbours and try to solve all issues with them," said Sharif, the former three-time prime minister, as reported by news agency PTI. Sharif asked his supporters if they agreed with this remark and they backed him. Also read | Pakistan Elections 2024: Nawaz Sharif calls upon 'all parties' to 'sit down' for coalition Sharif did not directly mention India, but the word "neighbours" has significance as in his previous tenures as PM, he has tried to mend ties with India. Sharif, Imran Khan claim victory in polls Both Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan claimed victory in Thursday's general elections. “Praise be to Allah, Muslim League-N is the largest single party in the country today after the elections. I understand that this is our duty to bring this country out of the whirlpool,” Sharif told his supporters on Friday, adding he would talk to other groups to form a coalition government as the PML-N had failed to win a clear majority on its own. “Whoever has got the mandate, whether independents or parties, we respect the mandate they have got. We respect that from the bottom of our heart,” Sharif said and pointed out that it was necessary to sit down and form a government and take Pakistan out of the whirlpool. Meanwhile, Imran Khan, who is in jail and has been facing numerous cases since he was ousted as PM in April 2022, claimed victory in the elections in an audio-visual message created using artificial intelligence. Also watch | Pakistan Election Result 2024: Former PM Nawaz Sharif wins from Lahore × In the message that was shared on X, Khan rejected Sharif's victory claim and called on his supporters to celebrate a win that was achieved despite what he calls a crackdown on his party PTI. 'London plan has failed' During his victory speech, Imran Khan also said that the London Plan of Nawaz Sharif failed with the massive turnout of voters. Addressing the citizens, Khan said, "By turning out in huge numbers and exercising your democratic right of franchise, you have laid the foundation for the restoration of the freedom to exercise citizens' rights. I congratulate you all on helping us win the elections handsomely." "Nawaz Sharif is a leader of low intelligence who gave a victory speech despite his party trailing in 30 seats," he added. Meanwhile, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir congratulated the country on the successful conduct of the elections. "Free and unhindered participation by Pakistani people to exercise their right of vote demonstrated their commitment to democracy and the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan," a statement read. "The constructive role played by national media, civil society, members of civil administration, and judiciary enabled the successful conduct of the largest electoral exercise in national history. Pakistan’s diverse polity and pluralism will be well-represented by a unified government of all democratic forces imbibed with national purpose," the statement added. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan elections: PML-N, PPP agree to form coalition govt at Centre, Punjab, says report

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<p>The death toll in clashes in <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-violence-what-is-happening-in-haldwani-4-dead-amid-internet-suspension-shoot-at-sight-orders-688532">Haldwani city of&nbsp;India's Uttarakhand</a>&nbsp;</strong>state&nbsp;has climbed to six, reported news agency PTI &nbsp;on Friday (Feb 9), citing officials. While the number of people injured in the incident has crossed 60 so far. Violence in Haldwani's Banbhoolpura town erupted on Thursday when state officials moved to demolish a property that an official said was neither registered as a madrasa nor as a place to offer prayers, though some locals considered it a religious site.</p>

<p>PTI reported that seven people, including a journalist, were under treatment on Friday at three different hospitals. Three of the injured were said to be in a serious condition, while others had been discharged. There were no further incidents of violence from the&nbsp;site.</p>

<p>Officials said that over 1,000 police personnel remained deployed in Haldwani, adding that, the demolished structures were on government land, and municipal workers and police acted after court orders.</p>

<h2><strong>Violence was a 'planned attack': CM Dhami</strong></h2>

<p>Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid a visit to Haldwani (which is in Nainital district) and met some of the injured. Chief Minister Dhami called the violence a "planned attack,"&nbsp;and said the stockpiling of arms, stones and petrol bombs suggested this.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;What's happening in Haldwani? Why did govt issue shoot-at-sight order?</strong></p>

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<p>“Our women police personnel were brutally thrashed. They even tried to throw a journalist into the flames. It was an attempt to disrupt the atmosphere of social amity and peace for which Uttarakhand is known,” Dhami told reporters and assured action against the rioters would be taken.</p>

<p>He also apprised Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Gurmit Singh about the law and order situation in the state.</p>

<h2><strong>Search for rioters going on: Police</strong></h2>

<p>The Uttarakhand Police said that they were using CCTV footage to identify rioters and stone pelters. A high alert was issued across the state, and security was tightened in Banbhoolpura.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Nainital district administration ordered the suspension of internet services and the closure of schools and colleges.&nbsp;</p>


The death toll in clashes in Haldwani city of India's Uttarakhand state has climbed to six, reported news agency PTI on Friday (Feb 9), citing officials. While the number of people injured in the incident has crossed 60 so far.

The death toll in clashes in Haldwani city of India's Uttarakhand state has climbed to six, reported news agency PTI on Friday (Feb 9), citing officials. While the number of people injured in the incident has crossed 60 so far. Violence in Haldwani's Banbhoolpura town erupted on Thursday when state officials moved to demolish a property that an official said was neither registered as a madrasa nor as a place to offer prayers, though some locals considered it a religious site. PTI reported that seven people, including a journalist, were under treatment on Friday at three different hospitals. Three of the injured were said to be in a serious condition, while others had been discharged. There were no further incidents of violence from the site. Officials said that over 1,000 police personnel remained deployed in Haldwani, adding that, the demolished structures were on government land, and municipal workers and police acted after court orders. Violence was a 'planned attack': CM Dhami Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid a visit to Haldwani (which is in Nainital district) and met some of the injured. Chief Minister Dhami called the violence a "planned attack," and said the stockpiling of arms, stones and petrol bombs suggested this. Also watch | What's happening in Haldwani? Why did govt issue shoot-at-sight order? × “Our women police personnel were brutally thrashed. They even tried to throw a journalist into the flames. It was an attempt to disrupt the atmosphere of social amity and peace for which Uttarakhand is known,” Dhami told reporters and assured action against the rioters would be taken. He also apprised Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Gurmit Singh about the law and order situation in the state. Search for rioters going on: Police The Uttarakhand Police said that they were using CCTV footage to identify rioters and stone pelters. A high alert was issued across the state, and security was tightened in Banbhoolpura. Meanwhile, the Nainital district administration ordered the suspension of internet services and the closure of schools and colleges.

Clashes in India's Haldwani: Death toll climbs to six, search for rioters going on

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<p>A BMW car seized from the residence of Hemant Soren,&nbsp;former&nbsp;chief minister of the Indian state of Jharkhand,&nbsp;in New Delhi is not his, media reports said on Thursday (Feb 8). Citing sources, a report by the media house NDTV said that the vehicle belonged to Congress leader Dhiraj Prasad Sahu, the party's Rajya Sabha MP from Jharkhand. Officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) found the vehicle when they raided Soren's residence on Jan 29.</p>

<p>Dhiraj Prasad Sahu recently made headlines when officials from the Income Tax department uncovered around $42.29 million (around Rs 351 crore) in cash. The Congress distanced itself from the case and emphasised the money belonged to Sahu's liquor business firm and not the party, the report added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-floor-test-today-champai-govt-confident-of-win-ex-cm-soren-to-cast-vote-687009">Jharkhand CM Champai Soren wins crucial floor test with 47 MLAs</a></strong></p>

<p>Soren, the leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), was arrested by the ED on Jan 31 in connection with an alleged land scam case. On Feb 2, Soren was remanded to five-day&nbsp;custody of the central agency.</p>

<p>Following his arrest, Champai Soren became Jharkhand's chief minister and he won the floor test in the state assembly on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Soren's custody extended for another five days</strong></h2>

<p>On Wednesday, a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Ranchi extended Hemant Soren's custody by another five days. Soren entered the court amid tight security with his supporters raising slogans of "Hemant Soren Zindabad".</p>

<p>The ED had earlier said that it recovered $43,385 from the former chief minister's possession, along with documents linked to the ongoing investigation into the land scam case, the news agency ANI reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Champai Soren becomes new Jharkhand chief minister after Hemant Soren arrest</strong></p>

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<p>The central agency added that land parcels spanning 8.5 acres were part of the criminal proceeds that Soren allegedly acquired. The ED said that in a raid carried out on April 13 last year, the agency unearthed several property-related records and registers that were in possession of Revenue Sub-Inspector Bhanu Pratap Prasad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The investigation further revealed that Prasad and others were part of a very large syndicate involved in corrupt practices of acquiring properties forcefully as well as based on false deeds.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A BMW car seized from the residence of Hemant Soren, former chief minister of the Indian state of Jharkhand, in New Delhi is not his, media reports said on Thursday (Feb 8).

A BMW car seized from the residence of Hemant Soren, former chief minister of the Indian state of Jharkhand, in New Delhi is not his, media reports said on Thursday (Feb 8). Citing sources, a report by the media house NDTV said that the vehicle belonged to Congress leader Dhiraj Prasad Sahu, the party's Rajya Sabha MP from Jharkhand. Officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) found the vehicle when they raided Soren's residence on Jan 29. Dhiraj Prasad Sahu recently made headlines when officials from the Income Tax department uncovered around $42.29 million (around Rs 351 crore) in cash. The Congress distanced itself from the case and emphasised the money belonged to Sahu's liquor business firm and not the party, the report added. Also read | Jharkhand CM Champai Soren wins crucial floor test with 47 MLAs Soren, the leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), was arrested by the ED on Jan 31 in connection with an alleged land scam case. On Feb 2, Soren was remanded to five-day custody of the central agency. Following his arrest, Champai Soren became Jharkhand's chief minister and he won the floor test in the state assembly on Monday. Soren's custody extended for another five days On Wednesday, a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Ranchi extended Hemant Soren's custody by another five days. Soren entered the court amid tight security with his supporters raising slogans of "Hemant Soren Zindabad". The ED had earlier said that it recovered $43,385 from the former chief minister's possession, along with documents linked to the ongoing investigation into the land scam case, the news agency ANI reported. Also watch | Champai Soren becomes new Jharkhand chief minister after Hemant Soren arrest × The central agency added that land parcels spanning 8.5 acres were part of the criminal proceeds that Soren allegedly acquired. The ED said that in a raid carried out on April 13 last year, the agency unearthed several property-related records and registers that were in possession of Revenue Sub-Inspector Bhanu Pratap Prasad. The investigation further revealed that Prasad and others were part of a very large syndicate involved in corrupt practices of acquiring properties forcefully as well as based on false deeds. (With inputs from agencies)

India: BMW seized from ex-Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's residence not his, say reports

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<p>A United Nations (UN) committee said on Thursday (Feb 8) that Russia must end the forcible transfer of children from Ukraine and provide information about those already taken. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child pressed Moscow on deportation allegations levelled by Ukraine during a regular review of its record in Jan.</p>

<p>In its conclusions, the committee&nbsp;urged Russia to put an end to the forcible transfer or deportation of children from occupied Ukrainian territory. They demanded that Moscow provide information about the precise number of children taken from Ukraine and about the whereabouts of each child.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-mps-approve-use-of-dead-soldiers-sperm-in-landmark-vote-688043">Ukraine MPs approve use of dead soldiers' sperm in landmark vote</a></strong></p>

<p>This measure was needed so that parents "or legal representatives can track them, including through the identification of such children and registration of their parentage, and ensure that children are returned to their families and communities as soon as possible," the panel further said.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia rejects deportation claims</strong></h2>

<p>Since Russia launched its offensive against Ukraine in Feb 2022, Kyiv claimed that 20,000 children were forcibly transferred to Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the action "a genocide."</p>

<p>Moscow has denied the allegation insisting that "placements for evacuated children are arranged, first and foremost, at their request and with their consent."</p>

<p>In March last year, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin on the war crime accusation of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children. Similar allegations were levelled by the ICC against Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;War crimes of Russia-Ukraine war: Who's responsible? | Dark World</strong></p>

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<p>On Thursday, the UN panel expressed concerns about "the alleged responsibility of... Lvova-Belova, whose mandate is to protect children, in the war crime of unlawful deportation of children and that unlawful transfer of children from occupied areas of Ukraine" to Russia.</p>

<p>The panel demanded that Russia must investigate the allegations of war crimes against her.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, the panel further expressed concerns at reports that Ukrainian children residing even just temporarily in Russia "are deprived of their Ukrainian nationality in violation of their rights under the convention."</p>

<p>It highlighted the war's impact on children, and also the "killings and injuries of hundreds of (Ukrainian) children as a result of indiscriminate attacks... with explosive weapons."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A United Nations (UN) committee said on Thursday (Feb 8) that Russia must end the forcible transfer of children from Ukraine and provide information about those already taken.

A United Nations (UN) committee said on Thursday (Feb 8) that Russia must end the forcible transfer of children from Ukraine and provide information about those already taken. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child pressed Moscow on deportation allegations levelled by Ukraine during a regular review of its record in Jan. In its conclusions, the committee urged Russia to put an end to the forcible transfer or deportation of children from occupied Ukrainian territory. They demanded that Moscow provide information about the precise number of children taken from Ukraine and about the whereabouts of each child. Also read | Ukraine MPs approve use of dead soldiers' sperm in landmark vote This measure was needed so that parents "or legal representatives can track them, including through the identification of such children and registration of their parentage, and ensure that children are returned to their families and communities as soon as possible," the panel further said. Russia rejects deportation claims Since Russia launched its offensive against Ukraine in Feb 2022, Kyiv claimed that 20,000 children were forcibly transferred to Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the action "a genocide." Moscow has denied the allegation insisting that "placements for evacuated children are arranged, first and foremost, at their request and with their consent." In March last year, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin on the war crime accusation of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children. Similar allegations were levelled by the ICC against Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights. Also watch | War crimes of Russia-Ukraine war: Who's responsible? | Dark World × On Thursday, the UN panel expressed concerns about "the alleged responsibility of... Lvova-Belova, whose mandate is to protect children, in the war crime of unlawful deportation of children and that unlawful transfer of children from occupied areas of Ukraine" to Russia. The panel demanded that Russia must investigate the allegations of war crimes against her. Moreover, the panel further expressed concerns at reports that Ukrainian children residing even just temporarily in Russia "are deprived of their Ukrainian nationality in violation of their rights under the convention." It highlighted the war's impact on children, and also the "killings and injuries of hundreds of (Ukrainian) children as a result of indiscriminate attacks... with explosive weapons."

Russia must end forcible transfer of children from Ukraine, says UN panel

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