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<p>A massive wedding scam was unearthed in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, according to media reports on Sunday (Feb 4). In Uttar Pradesh's Ballia district, more than 200 couples allegedly took part in fake marriages to receive benefits from the state government's Mass Marriage Scheme. Citing officials, a report by India Today said that 568 couples were believed to have been wedded at the event.</p>

<p>However, investigations later uncovered that more than 200 couples were paid to act as brides and grooms. This event took place on Jan 25. Speaking to India Today, a participant, aged 19, said he was offered $24 (Rs 2,000) to sit at the event. But the man said he was not paid.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Brides garland themselves</strong></h2>

<p>A video of the event has gone viral on social media. The video showed several brides garlanding themselves while some grooms were covering up their faces as they sat down for marriage ceremonies.</p>

<h3><strong>Here's a look at the video:</strong></h3>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Marriage without a groom in the Ballia district of UP -<br />
<br />
January 25, 568 couples married under the CM Group Marriage Scheme. A large number of brides were garlanded without the groom.<br />
Many had been married many years ago.<br />
Some were even siblings.<br />
<br />
All this happened to posing as… <a href="https://t.co/lHvzuvEQLS">pic.twitter.com/lHvzuvEQLS</a></p>
— ShoneeKapoor (@ShoneeKapoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShoneeKapoor/status/1752930972436213840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Jan 29, a probe committee was formed to investigate the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by the news agency PTI on Thursday said that many of the participants (fake actors) in the event were already married. Archana, a beneficiary of the state government's mass marriage scheme, was married in June last year. Apart from this, Ranjana Yadav and Suman Chauhan got married in March 2023, Priyanka got married in November 2023, Pooja got married a year ago, Sanju got married three years ago and Ramita got married in July 2023, the report said.</p>

<p>The probe committee said all of them were not eligible for the scheme. Ineligible applicants had applied illegally to get benefits under the scheme by hiding the facts, the committee added.</p>

<p>The PTI report further said that the Social Welfare department’s assistant development officer was negligent in examining the applications that led to this fraud.</p>

<h2><strong>15 arrested including govt officials</strong></h2>

<p>Around 15 people were arrested in this scandal including state government officials. Ballia District Magistrate (DM) Ravindra Kumar said on Thursday, "Two assistant development officers — Sunil Kumar Yadav and Bhanu Pratap of the Social Welfare department — have been arrested along with Ravindra Gupta, Alok Srivastav, Upendra Yadav, Deepak Chauhan, Mukesh Kumar Gupta, Ramji Chauhan, Santosh Yadav, Arjun Verma, Ramnath, Acchelal Verma, Dharmendra Yadav, Gulab Yadav and Sarabjeet Singh of the Social Welfare department."</p>

<p>Kumar said that among the arrested, Sunil Kumar Yadav was mentioned in the case registered and the names of 14 others have come to light during the investigation. Yadav has been suspended.</p>

<p>“Whether those involved in corruption in the matter are officers, employees, or anyone else, no one will be spared and strict action will be taken against them. Such action will be taken against those involved in corruption in the Mass Marriage Scheme that it will become an example for Ballia district,” Kumar told PTI.</p>

<h2><strong>The mass marriage scheme</strong></h2>

<p>The scheme was introduced by the Yogi Adityanath government in Oct 2017. "Under this scheme wedding programs are conducted according to the rituals practiced in various communities and religions. Another objective of the scheme is to abolish the unwanted and extravagance in wedding ceremonies," the social welfare department's website said.</p>

<p>The scheme also covers the re-marriage of widows, abandoned and divorced women.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A payment of $614 is made of which $421 goes to the woman, around $120 for purchasing matrimonial materials, and $73 for the event.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A massive wedding scam was unearthed in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, according to media reports on Sunday (Feb 4). In Uttar Pradesh's Ballia district, more than 200 couples allegedly took part in fake marriages to receive benefits from the state government's Mass Marriage Scheme.

A massive wedding scam was unearthed in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, according to media reports on Sunday (Feb 4). In Uttar Pradesh's Ballia district, more than 200 couples allegedly took part in fake marriages to receive benefits from the state government's Mass Marriage Scheme. Citing officials, a report by India Today said that 568 couples were believed to have been wedded at the event. However, investigations later uncovered that more than 200 couples were paid to act as brides and grooms. This event took place on Jan 25. Speaking to India Today, a participant, aged 19, said he was offered $24 (Rs 2,000) to sit at the event. But the man said he was not paid. Brides garland themselves A video of the event has gone viral on social media. The video showed several brides garlanding themselves while some grooms were covering up their faces as they sat down for marriage ceremonies. Here's a look at the video: Marriage without a groom in the Ballia district of UP - January 25, 568 couples married under the CM Group Marriage Scheme. A large number of brides were garlanded without the groom. Many had been married many years ago. Some were even siblings. All this happened to posing as… pic.twitter.com/lHvzuvEQLS — ShoneeKapoor (@ShoneeKapoor) February 1, 2024 × On Jan 29, a probe committee was formed to investigate the matter. A report by the news agency PTI on Thursday said that many of the participants (fake actors) in the event were already married. Archana, a beneficiary of the state government's mass marriage scheme, was married in June last year. Apart from this, Ranjana Yadav and Suman Chauhan got married in March 2023, Priyanka got married in November 2023, Pooja got married a year ago, Sanju got married three years ago and Ramita got married in July 2023, the report said. The probe committee said all of them were not eligible for the scheme. Ineligible applicants had applied illegally to get benefits under the scheme by hiding the facts, the committee added. The PTI report further said that the Social Welfare department’s assistant development officer was negligent in examining the applications that led to this fraud. 15 arrested including govt officials Around 15 people were arrested in this scandal including state government officials. Ballia District Magistrate (DM) Ravindra Kumar said on Thursday, "Two assistant development officers — Sunil Kumar Yadav and Bhanu Pratap of the Social Welfare department — have been arrested along with Ravindra Gupta, Alok Srivastav, Upendra Yadav, Deepak Chauhan, Mukesh Kumar Gupta, Ramji Chauhan, Santosh Yadav, Arjun Verma, Ramnath, Acchelal Verma, Dharmendra Yadav, Gulab Yadav and Sarabjeet Singh of the Social Welfare department." Kumar said that among the arrested, Sunil Kumar Yadav was mentioned in the case registered and the names of 14 others have come to light during the investigation. Yadav has been suspended. “Whether those involved in corruption in the matter are officers, employees, or anyone else, no one will be spared and strict action will be taken against them. Such action will be taken against those involved in corruption in the Mass Marriage Scheme that it will become an example for Ballia district,” Kumar told PTI. The mass marriage scheme The scheme was introduced by the Yogi Adityanath government in Oct 2017. "Under this scheme wedding programs are conducted according to the rituals practiced in various communities and religions. Another objective of the scheme is to abolish the unwanted and extravagance in wedding ceremonies," the social welfare department's website said. The scheme also covers the re-marriage of widows, abandoned and divorced women. A payment of $614 is made of which $421 goes to the woman, around $120 for purchasing matrimonial materials, and $73 for the event. (With inputs from agencies)

Massive wedding fraud in India’s UP: Brides garland themselves, 200+ fake marriages held. Here’s what happened

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<p>A poll from the news agency Associated Press on Friday (Feb 2) revealed that half of adults in the United States said&nbsp;that Israel's ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip has “gone too far.” Broadly, the poll showed support for Israel and the Biden administration's handling of the situation (the Israel-Hamas war). Thirty-one per cent of American adults approved of President Joe Biden's handling of the war. But 50 per cent said the Israeli response had gone too far, up from 40 per cent in a previous poll carried out by the news agency in November 2023.</p>

<p>Since the conflict started on Oct 7 last year, Washington has become increasingly isolated in its support of Israel as the death toll in the Gaza Strip crossed 27,000 with most of the victims being women and children.</p>

<p>The poll was carried out from Jan 25-28. It overlapped with the killing of three US troops in Jordan, the first deaths among American service members in what’s been widening regional conflict since Oct 7.</p>

<h2><strong>What did Democrats and Republicans say?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the poll, 33 per cent of Republicans said the Israeli offensive had gone too far, up from 18 per cent in the previous poll. Fifty-two per cent of independents agreed with this school of thought, up from 39 per cent.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/where-is-al-tanf-the-site-of-deadly-drone-strike-on-us-troops-in-jordan-located-684727">Where is Al-Tanf, the site of deadly drone strike that killed 3 US troops, located?</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, 63 per cent of Democrats said the offensive had gone too far. The poll's findings include more worrying news for Biden when it comes to support from the Democrats.</p>

<h2><strong>'An unfair fight'</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking with the Associated Press, Melissa Morales, a political independent in Runnemede, said that she has been watching videos and news from Gaza daily. Expressing concerns over images and visuals of Palestinian children wounded, orphaned, or unhoused by the fighting, Morales said, "I just can’t even imagine, like, my son roaming the streets, wanting to be safe. Wanting his mom. Or just wanting someone to get him."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: US House proposes $17.6 billion in military aid to Israel</strong></p>

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<p>“These kids ... they’re needing the end of this. It’s such an unfair fight," she added.</p>

<p>John Milor, a Republican voting independent, said he remained 100 per cent behind Israel. However, Milor said he noticed more young people in his circle speaking out against Israel.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A poll from the news agency Associated Press on Friday (Feb 2) revealed that half of adults in the United States said that Israel's ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip has “gone too far.

A poll from the news agency Associated Press on Friday (Feb 2) revealed that half of adults in the United States said that Israel's ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip has “gone too far.” Broadly, the poll showed support for Israel and the Biden administration's handling of the situation (the Israel-Hamas war). Thirty-one per cent of American adults approved of President Joe Biden's handling of the war. But 50 per cent said the Israeli response had gone too far, up from 40 per cent in a previous poll carried out by the news agency in November 2023. Since the conflict started on Oct 7 last year, Washington has become increasingly isolated in its support of Israel as the death toll in the Gaza Strip crossed 27,000 with most of the victims being women and children. The poll was carried out from Jan 25-28. It overlapped with the killing of three US troops in Jordan, the first deaths among American service members in what’s been widening regional conflict since Oct 7. What did Democrats and Republicans say? According to the poll, 33 per cent of Republicans said the Israeli offensive had gone too far, up from 18 per cent in the previous poll. Fifty-two per cent of independents agreed with this school of thought, up from 39 per cent. Also read | Where is Al-Tanf, the site of deadly drone strike that killed 3 US troops, located? Meanwhile, 63 per cent of Democrats said the offensive had gone too far. The poll's findings include more worrying news for Biden when it comes to support from the Democrats. 'An unfair fight' Speaking with the Associated Press, Melissa Morales, a political independent in Runnemede, said that she has been watching videos and news from Gaza daily. Expressing concerns over images and visuals of Palestinian children wounded, orphaned, or unhoused by the fighting, Morales said, "I just can’t even imagine, like, my son roaming the streets, wanting to be safe. Wanting his mom. Or just wanting someone to get him." Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: US House proposes $17.6 billion in military aid to Israel × “These kids ... they’re needing the end of this. It’s such an unfair fight," she added. John Milor, a Republican voting independent, said he remained 100 per cent behind Israel. However, Milor said he noticed more young people in his circle speaking out against Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Half of adults in US say Israel’s campaign in Gaza has gone ‘too far’

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidTnnPaFktPh1G" /><meta charset="utf-8" />The Japanese government will introduce a new visa status that will make it easy for IT engineers and other workers for overseas companies to reside in the country. According to a report by Nikkei Asia on Friday (Feb 2), Japan's immigration services agency said that the visa status would allow highly skilled workers to work in the country on a teleworking basis for up to six months while enjoying sightseeing trips.</p>

<p>The agency hopes to launch the programme by next month. It will create the system to accept "digital nomads" who can work from anywhere they happen to be, the report said.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the eligibility for the new visa?</strong></h2>

<p>As per the report, to be eligible for a digital nomad visa, applicants must have an annual income equivalent to $68,000 (10 million yen) or more. The applicants must be citizens of one of the 50 countries and regions that have visa waiver agreements with Japan and have private health insurance.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-massive-hike-in-h-1b-and-other-visa-fees-heres-all-you-need-to-know-686186">US announces massive hike in H-1B and other visa fees. Here's all you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>Self-employed people can be eligible for the visa only if they do business for overseas revenue, the report further said, adding they will be allowed to bring family members who are covered by private health insurance.</p>

<h2><strong>Foreigners working in Japan top 2 million for first time</strong></h2>

<p>Last week, the labour ministry said that the number of foreign nationals working in Japan topped 2 million for the first time. The ministry said that the figure for Oct 2023 was up 12.4% on the year to nearly 2.05 million, a growth rate 6.9 percentage points higher than in the same month in 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;New eligibility requirements for visa in UK</strong></p>

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<p>People from Vietnam made up 25.3 per cent of the workers, at 518,364. This was followed by people from China whose number was 397,918 and 226,846 people from the Philippines, Nikkei Asia reported.</p>

<p>Overall workers from Indonesia grew by 56%, the fastest pace among all nationalities, the report added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Japanese government will introduce a new visa status that will make it easy for IT engineers and other workers for overseas companies to reside in the country.

The Japanese government will introduce a new visa status that will make it easy for IT engineers and other workers for overseas companies to reside in the country. According to a report by Nikkei Asia on Friday (Feb 2), Japan's immigration services agency said that the visa status would allow highly skilled workers to work in the country on a teleworking basis for up to six months while enjoying sightseeing trips. The agency hopes to launch the programme by next month. It will create the system to accept "digital nomads" who can work from anywhere they happen to be, the report said. What is the eligibility for the new visa? As per the report, to be eligible for a digital nomad visa, applicants must have an annual income equivalent to $68,000 (10 million yen) or more. The applicants must be citizens of one of the 50 countries and regions that have visa waiver agreements with Japan and have private health insurance. Also read | US announces massive hike in H-1B and other visa fees. Here's all you need to know Self-employed people can be eligible for the visa only if they do business for overseas revenue, the report further said, adding they will be allowed to bring family members who are covered by private health insurance. Foreigners working in Japan top 2 million for first time Last week, the labour ministry said that the number of foreign nationals working in Japan topped 2 million for the first time. The ministry said that the figure for Oct 2023 was up 12.4% on the year to nearly 2.05 million, a growth rate 6.9 percentage points higher than in the same month in 2022. Also watch | New eligibility requirements for visa in UK × People from Vietnam made up 25.3 per cent of the workers, at 518,364. This was followed by people from China whose number was 397,918 and 226,846 people from the Philippines, Nikkei Asia reported. Overall workers from Indonesia grew by 56%, the fastest pace among all nationalities, the report added. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan to unveil six-month residency visa for IT engineers, other workers

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<p>The United Kingdom (UK) warned on Saturday (Feb 4) that it is “too weak” to fight a prolonged war, adding that since Feb 2022, its stockpile of munitions was far below the level required to counter with certainty a threat from Russia. In a <strong><a href="https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/43178/documents/214880/default/">73-page report</a></strong>, the House of Commons Defence Committee said that the country's armed forces had deployed above their capacity in response to the worsening security situation.</p>

<p>"But all have capability shortfalls and stockpile shortages, and are losing personnel faster than they can recruit them," the report said. The committee said that the armed forces are also consistently overstretched, and this has negatively impacted retention as well as delayed the development of warfighting readiness.</p>

<p>"Either the Ministry of Defence must be fully funded to engage in operations whilst also developing warfighting readiness, or the Government must reduce the operational burden on the Armed Forces," the report added.</p>

<h2><strong>'Sustained ongoing investment needed'</strong></h2>

<p>The defence committee said that to be able to fight a sustained, high-intensity war, the military requires sustained ongoing investment. "There is no easy answer to these problems. We recognise that the Government is considering options for improving recruitment and retention of personnel whilst also aiming to reform its procurement system with a view to building industrial capacity so that munitions stockpiles can be replenished," the committee said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-carry-out-joint-air-raids-against-houthi-targets-in-yemen-hit-36-sites-686775">US, UK carry out joint air raids against Houthi targets in Yemen, hit 36 sites</a></strong></p>

<p>It added that it welcomed the above initiatives but highlighted that previous reforms have not had the desired effect.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is clear that the Government will never achieve warfighting or strategic readiness without a thriving industrial base and without an offer that can attract, develop and sustain enough service personnel skilled to meet the increasing and evolving military challenges that we as a nation face. These reforms need to work, and at pace," the report further said.</p>

<h2><strong>The concerns about Russia's war in Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>The committee also said on Saturday that Russia's war in Ukraine, which started in late Feb 2022, has fundamentally changed the threat — demonstrating that Russia has both the capability and intent to prosecute a war in Europe. "This requires a wholesale shift in approach towards warfighting resilience both in the UK and Allies," it said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv's case of Moscow violating genocide convention moves to top court</strong></p>

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<p>Professor Justin Bronk from the Royal United Services Institute said that when it comes to fighting Russians, “We would have to beat them on the ground, but, ultimately, our armies will never be resourced or the size required to beat them land for land.”</p>

<p>“Our strategy is predicated, as is the entire Western military instrument, on air superiority. Put bluntly, we have a Russia problem if we cannot establish air superiority over where we have to fight,” Professor Bronk said.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United Kingdom (UK) warned on Saturday (Feb 4) that it is “too weak” to fight a prolonged war, adding that since Feb 2022, its stockpile of munitions was far below the level required to counter with certainty a threat from Russia.

The United Kingdom (UK) warned on Saturday (Feb 4) that it is “too weak” to fight a prolonged war, adding that since Feb 2022, its stockpile of munitions was far below the level required to counter with certainty a threat from Russia. In a 73-page report, the House of Commons Defence Committee said that the country's armed forces had deployed above their capacity in response to the worsening security situation. "But all have capability shortfalls and stockpile shortages, and are losing personnel faster than they can recruit them," the report said. The committee said that the armed forces are also consistently overstretched, and this has negatively impacted retention as well as delayed the development of warfighting readiness. "Either the Ministry of Defence must be fully funded to engage in operations whilst also developing warfighting readiness, or the Government must reduce the operational burden on the Armed Forces," the report added. 'Sustained ongoing investment needed' The defence committee said that to be able to fight a sustained, high-intensity war, the military requires sustained ongoing investment. "There is no easy answer to these problems. We recognise that the Government is considering options for improving recruitment and retention of personnel whilst also aiming to reform its procurement system with a view to building industrial capacity so that munitions stockpiles can be replenished," the committee said. Also read | US, UK carry out joint air raids against Houthi targets in Yemen, hit 36 sites It added that it welcomed the above initiatives but highlighted that previous reforms have not had the desired effect. "It is clear that the Government will never achieve warfighting or strategic readiness without a thriving industrial base and without an offer that can attract, develop and sustain enough service personnel skilled to meet the increasing and evolving military challenges that we as a nation face. These reforms need to work, and at pace," the report further said. The concerns about Russia's war in Ukraine The committee also said on Saturday that Russia's war in Ukraine, which started in late Feb 2022, has fundamentally changed the threat — demonstrating that Russia has both the capability and intent to prosecute a war in Europe. "This requires a wholesale shift in approach towards warfighting resilience both in the UK and Allies," it said. Also watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv's case of Moscow violating genocide convention moves to top court × Professor Justin Bronk from the Royal United Services Institute said that when it comes to fighting Russians, “We would have to beat them on the ground, but, ultimately, our armies will never be resourced or the size required to beat them land for land.” “Our strategy is predicated, as is the entire Western military instrument, on air superiority. Put bluntly, we have a Russia problem if we cannot establish air superiority over where we have to fight,” Professor Bronk said. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain warns it is ‘too weak’ to fight a prolonged war: Report gives details

The Most Detailed X-Ray Map of Universe Revealed

All images: Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science; NASA

Thousands of Stars, Galaxies and Black Holes Found

Astronomers unveiled the most detailed X-ray map of the universe. The map reveals the presence of over 700,000 monster black holes, 180,000 stars, and 12,000 clusters of galaxies.

Germany is behind the creation of the X-Ray map. The data was collected by the eRosita X-ray telescope on board the Spektrum-RG satellite during the first all-sky survey. The first eRosita All-Sky Survey Catalogue (eRASS1) is the largest collection of X-ray sources ever published, the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science said in a statement.

A 6-Month Long Mission that Scanned the Universe

The eROSITA All-Sky Survey scanned the universe for six months- from Dec 12, 2019, to June 11, 2020. During this period, the mission detected more than 170 million X-ray photons in the sky, which astronomers later identified as roughly 900,000 distinct objects in space.

Reacting to the mission's findings, eROSITA principal investigator Andrea Merloni said, "These are mind-blowing numbers for X-ray astronomy." Merloni added, "We've detected more sources in 6 months than the big flagship missions XMM-Newton and Chandra have done in nearly 25 years of operation."

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<p>The iconic Ram Mandir in the Indian city of Ayodhya has received more than $1.3 million (over Rs 11 crore) in donations in the last 11 days, the news agency PTI reported on Friday (Feb 2). Speaking to PTI, Prakash Gupta, office in-charge of the temple trust, said that around $964,000 (over Rs 8 crore)&nbsp;were deposited in the donation boxes while the remaining amount was received through cheque and online modes.</p>

<p>Gupta said that in the temple's sanctum sanctorum, where the deity is seated, four big size donation boxes have been kept near the 'darshan path' in front of the sanctorum, in which the devotees donate the amount. Besides people also donate at 10 computerised counters.</p>

<p>The temple trust official further told PTI that the trust employees are appointed at the donation counter and they submit the account of the donation received in the trust office after the counter is closed in the evening.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-mandir-prasad-on-amazon-modi-government-pulls-up-e-commerce-platform-681764">Ram Mandir 'prasad' on Amazon? Modi government pulls up e-commerce platform</a></strong></p>

<p>A team including bank employees and trust officials count the offerings in the four donation boxes. The entire process- from depositing the donation to counting is done under the surveillance of CCTV cameras, Gupta added.</p>

<h2><strong>Over 2.5 million devotees visited temple in last 11 days</strong></h2>

<p>PTI reported that more than 2.5 million devotees visited the Ram Mandir in 11 days. The 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony took place on Jan 22. The idol of Ram Lalla was unveiled at the consecration ceremony in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;President Murmu hails Ram Mandir construction, says 'centuries-old desire now a reality'</strong></p>

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<p>"Our 'Ram Lalla' will no longer live in a tent (as earlier the idols were in a makeshift tent before the apex court's order to build the temple). Our Lord Ram will now live in this grand temple. I am confident and have unending faith that this moment will be felt by every Lord Ram devotee across the country and the world. This moment is divine," Prime Minister Modi said during the ceremony.</p>

<p>"22nd January 2024 isn't just a date on the calendar anymore…it is the beginning of a new era," he added.</p>

<p>The Jan 22 ceremony saw the participation of around 8,000 invitees.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The iconic Ram Mandir in the Indian city of Ayodhya has received more than $1.3 million (over Rs 11 crore) in donations in the last 11 days, the news agency PTI reported on Friday (Feb 2).

The iconic Ram Mandir in the Indian city of Ayodhya has received more than $1.3 million (over Rs 11 crore) in donations in the last 11 days, the news agency PTI reported on Friday (Feb 2). Speaking to PTI, Prakash Gupta, office in-charge of the temple trust, said that around $964,000 (over Rs 8 crore) were deposited in the donation boxes while the remaining amount was received through cheque and online modes. Gupta said that in the temple's sanctum sanctorum, where the deity is seated, four big size donation boxes have been kept near the 'darshan path' in front of the sanctorum, in which the devotees donate the amount. Besides people also donate at 10 computerised counters. The temple trust official further told PTI that the trust employees are appointed at the donation counter and they submit the account of the donation received in the trust office after the counter is closed in the evening. Also read | Ram Mandir 'prasad' on Amazon? Modi government pulls up e-commerce platform A team including bank employees and trust officials count the offerings in the four donation boxes. The entire process- from depositing the donation to counting is done under the surveillance of CCTV cameras, Gupta added. Over 2.5 million devotees visited temple in last 11 days PTI reported that more than 2.5 million devotees visited the Ram Mandir in 11 days. The 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony took place on Jan 22. The idol of Ram Lalla was unveiled at the consecration ceremony in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Also watch | President Murmu hails Ram Mandir construction, says 'centuries-old desire now a reality' × "Our 'Ram Lalla' will no longer live in a tent (as earlier the idols were in a makeshift tent before the apex court's order to build the temple). Our Lord Ram will now live in this grand temple. I am confident and have unending faith that this moment will be felt by every Lord Ram devotee across the country and the world. This moment is divine," Prime Minister Modi said during the ceremony. "22nd January 2024 isn't just a date on the calendar anymore…it is the beginning of a new era," he added. The Jan 22 ceremony saw the participation of around 8,000 invitees. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Ram Mandir gets over $1.3 million in donations in last 11 days

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidtrrPWheCQnjr" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, who is currently in jail, has been allowed to participate in the floor test on Monday (Feb 5), the news agency PTI reported on Saturday. The permission was granted by a special court in Ranchi. Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday in connection with an alleged land scam case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Soren, the chief of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), was remanded to the agency's custody for five days by a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court on Friday. Soren pleaded before the court that he was a member of the assembly and had the&nbsp;right to participate in the floor test. He filed a petition for the same.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-jmm-mlas-to-camp-in-hyderabad-till-cm-champai-sorens-floor-test-say-reports-686543">Jharkhand: JMM MLAs to camp in Hyderabad till CM Champai Soren's floor test, say reports</a></strong></p>

<p>"Applicant (Soren), is therefore, filing the present application seeking an order from this honourable court to permit the applicant to attend the special session of the Jharkhand legislative assembly and participate in the proceedings of the floor test slated for Feb 5 at 11 am," the petition said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>ED objects to petition: 'Cat out of the bag'</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to PTI, Advocate General Rajeev Ranjan said that the ED objected to the petition.</p>

<p>"We said now the cat is out of the bag, and the purpose of the ED is not to do any investigation but to scuttle the formation of a new government or to bring down the government. They have no business to object to proceedings of the assembly when he is not interfering with the investigation. Therefore, the court has accepted our petition and our petition has been allowed," Advocate General Ranjan said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Champai Soren becomes new Jharkhand CM after Hemant Soren's arrest</strong></p>

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<p>The new government led by Chief Minister Champai Soren has sought the&nbsp;floor test to prove its majority in the House.</p>

<h2><strong>HC to hear Soren's petition against arrest on Feb 5</strong></h2>

<p>Also on Monday, the Jharkhand High Court will hear Soren's petition against his arrest by the ED. The JMM chief had earlier moved the Supreme Court against his arrest, but the top court refused to entertain his plea and asked him to approach the concerned high court with his petition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The apex court&nbsp;also said that it was open for the petitioner to urge the high court to expeditiously decide the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, who is currently in jail, has been allowed to participate in the floor test on Monday (Feb 5), the news agency PTI reported on Saturday.

Former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, who is currently in jail, has been allowed to participate in the floor test on Monday (Feb 5), the news agency PTI reported on Saturday. The permission was granted by a special court in Ranchi. Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday in connection with an alleged land scam case. Soren, the chief of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), was remanded to the agency's custody for five days by a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court on Friday. Soren pleaded before the court that he was a member of the assembly and had the right to participate in the floor test. He filed a petition for the same. Also read | Jharkhand: JMM MLAs to camp in Hyderabad till CM Champai Soren's floor test, say reports "Applicant (Soren), is therefore, filing the present application seeking an order from this honourable court to permit the applicant to attend the special session of the Jharkhand legislative assembly and participate in the proceedings of the floor test slated for Feb 5 at 11 am," the petition said. ED objects to petition: 'Cat out of the bag' Speaking to PTI, Advocate General Rajeev Ranjan said that the ED objected to the petition. "We said now the cat is out of the bag, and the purpose of the ED is not to do any investigation but to scuttle the formation of a new government or to bring down the government. They have no business to object to proceedings of the assembly when he is not interfering with the investigation. Therefore, the court has accepted our petition and our petition has been allowed," Advocate General Ranjan said. Also watch | Champai Soren becomes new Jharkhand CM after Hemant Soren's arrest × The new government led by Chief Minister Champai Soren has sought the floor test to prove its majority in the House. HC to hear Soren's petition against arrest on Feb 5 Also on Monday, the Jharkhand High Court will hear Soren's petition against his arrest by the ED. The JMM chief had earlier moved the Supreme Court against his arrest, but the top court refused to entertain his plea and asked him to approach the concerned high court with his petition. The apex court also said that it was open for the petitioner to urge the high court to expeditiously decide the case. (With inputs from agencies)

Jharkhand political crisis: Former CM Hemant Soren allowed to take part in Feb 5 floor test

<p>The risk of severe head injury in&nbsp;rugby union&nbsp;means it has become a form of child abuse and should be banned among Under-18s, according to a new report by British academics.</p>

<p>The sport has just celebrated its bicentenary, with folklore proclaiming the game started when William Webb Ellis ran with a football at&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;School, central England, in 1823.</p>

<p>But researchers argue children should no longer participate in sports such as&nbsp;rugby, where there is a risk of head contact, or boxing where blows to the skull are allowed.</p>

<p>They also say parents are being kept in the dark about the long-term risk of brain injuries, with schools offering&nbsp;rugby&nbsp;not gaining informed consent from children.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rugby-new-zealand-police-investigating-alleged-online-threats-against-world-cup-referees-686343">Rugby: New Zealand police investigating alleged online threats against World Cup referees</a></strong></p>

<p>Such high-impact sports should be considered "abusive" to children's brains, according to a report published by academics at the universities of Winchester, Nottingham Trent and Bournemouth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They examined medical evidence around sports that can cause serious brain injuries and concluded the harm runs counter to child abuse laws.</p>

<p>Eric Anderson, a professor of sport at the University of Winchester who led the study, told The Times: "Sports for children should not intentionally harm their brains.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They should focus on fun, health and social development rather than conditioning them to play elite-level sport.</p>

<p>"These collisions cause cognitive harm and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and dementia; they are therefore abusive to a child's brain."</p>

<p>The report was made public in the week the annual Six Nations, European&nbsp;rugby's premier international competition, gets underway.</p>

<p>A spokeswoman for England's governing&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;Football Union (RFU) defended the 15-a-side code by telling The Times: "Player welfare has and will continue to be our top priority...Rugby&nbsp;for young people at schools or clubs in England exists in different forms -- contact, reduced contact and non-contact.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Rugby&nbsp;has established and been at the forefront of concussion and injury surveillance, education and law changes using evidence to proactively manage player welfare."</p>

<p>The study comes as a group of nearly 300 former players, including England World Cup-winners Steve Thompson and Phil Vickery, take legal action over brain injuries.</p>

<p>The players allege World&nbsp;Rugby, the Welsh&nbsp;Rugby Union&nbsp;and the RFU failed to establish reasonable measures to protect their health and safety.</p>

<p>Injuries from head blows are said to have caused disorders such as motor neurone disease, early onset dementia, epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.</p>


The risk of severe head injury in rugby union means it has become a form of child abuse and should be banned among Under-18s, according to a new report by British academics.

The risk of severe head injury in rugby union means it has become a form of child abuse and should be banned among Under-18s, according to a new report by British academics. The sport has just celebrated its bicentenary, with folklore proclaiming the game started when William Webb Ellis ran with a football at Rugby School, central England, in 1823. But researchers argue children should no longer participate in sports such as rugby, where there is a risk of head contact, or boxing where blows to the skull are allowed. They also say parents are being kept in the dark about the long-term risk of brain injuries, with schools offering rugby not gaining informed consent from children. Also read | Rugby: New Zealand police investigating alleged online threats against World Cup referees Such high-impact sports should be considered "abusive" to children's brains, according to a report published by academics at the universities of Winchester, Nottingham Trent and Bournemouth. They examined medical evidence around sports that can cause serious brain injuries and concluded the harm runs counter to child abuse laws. Eric Anderson, a professor of sport at the University of Winchester who led the study, told The Times: "Sports for children should not intentionally harm their brains. "They should focus on fun, health and social development rather than conditioning them to play elite-level sport. "These collisions cause cognitive harm and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and dementia; they are therefore abusive to a child's brain." The report was made public in the week the annual Six Nations, European rugby's premier international competition, gets underway. A spokeswoman for England's governing Rugby Football Union (RFU) defended the 15-a-side code by telling The Times: "Player welfare has and will continue to be our top priority...Rugby for young people at schools or clubs in England exists in different forms -- contact, reduced contact and non-contact. "Rugby has established and been at the forefront of concussion and injury surveillance, education and law changes using evidence to proactively manage player welfare." The study comes as a group of nearly 300 former players, including England World Cup-winners Steve Thompson and Phil Vickery, take legal action over brain injuries. The players allege World Rugby, the Welsh Rugby Union and the RFU failed to establish reasonable measures to protect their health and safety. Injuries from head blows are said to have caused disorders such as motor neurone disease, early onset dementia, epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.

New report says rugby a form of 'child abuse'

<p>A Sri Lankan court remanded a senior cabinet minister in custody Saturday over the purchase of fake medicines for state hospitals when he was in charge of the health portfolio.</p>

<p>Former health minister&nbsp;Keheliya&nbsp;Rambukwella&nbsp;was ordered to be held until February 15 pending investigations into a 144 million rupee ($465,000) scam involving what were meant to be life-saving drugs.</p>

<p>Police told the court in Colombo the health ministry had intended to buy a stock of the antibody immunoglobulin, which is used on immune-compromised patients.</p>

<p>What the ministry paid for turned out to be mostly water.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-controversial-new-law-to-regulate-online-content-comes-into-force-686131">Sri Lanka’s controversial new law to regulate online content comes into force</a></strong></p>

<p>"The drug had been issued to hospitals between July and September when patients reported adverse reactions triggering quality tests," an investigator told AFP.</p>

<p>It was not clear if there were deaths associated with the use of the fake medication.</p>

<p>The Criminal Investigations Department began questioning&nbsp;Rambukwella&nbsp;on Friday and took him before Colombo's Maligakanda Magistrate Court, where the judge ordered his detention.</p>

<p>Several other key health ministry officials have already been arrested.&nbsp;Rambukwella&nbsp;is currently the environment minister.</p>

<p>The supplier, a local company, was to be paid 960 million rupees ($3.1 million) but the payments were stopped after the quality concerns arose in September.</p>

<p>The owner of the company is also in custody.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka faced an acute shortage of medicines after the country defaulted on its $46 billion foreign debt in April 2022 after declaring bankruptcy.</p>

<p>Most essential medicines were later financed through a credit line from neighbouring India, as well as the World Bank.</p>


A Sri Lankan court remanded a senior cabinet minister in custody Saturday over the purchase of fake medicines for state hospitals when he was in charge of the health portfolio.

A Sri Lankan court remanded a senior cabinet minister in custody Saturday over the purchase of fake medicines for state hospitals when he was in charge of the health portfolio. Former health minister Keheliya Rambukwella was ordered to be held until February 15 pending investigations into a 144 million rupee ($465,000) scam involving what were meant to be life-saving drugs. Police told the court in Colombo the health ministry had intended to buy a stock of the antibody immunoglobulin, which is used on immune-compromised patients. What the ministry paid for turned out to be mostly water. Also read | Sri Lanka’s controversial new law to regulate online content comes into force "The drug had been issued to hospitals between July and September when patients reported adverse reactions triggering quality tests," an investigator told AFP. It was not clear if there were deaths associated with the use of the fake medication. The Criminal Investigations Department began questioning Rambukwella on Friday and took him before Colombo's Maligakanda Magistrate Court, where the judge ordered his detention. Several other key health ministry officials have already been arrested. Rambukwella is currently the environment minister. The supplier, a local company, was to be paid 960 million rupees ($3.1 million) but the payments were stopped after the quality concerns arose in September. The owner of the company is also in custody. Sri Lanka faced an acute shortage of medicines after the country defaulted on its $46 billion foreign debt in April 2022 after declaring bankruptcy. Most essential medicines were later financed through a credit line from neighbouring India, as well as the World Bank.

Former Sri Lanka minister Keheliya Rambukwella arrested over fake drug scam

<p>Three people were injured in a knife attack at a major railway station in Paris on Saturday (Feb 3). According to a report by the news agency AFP, the attack took place at the Gare de Lyon railway station. The attack occurred at 8 am local time leaving one person with serious injuries while two others were mildly&nbsp;wounded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police said that the suspected attacker was arrested, and the motives behind the crime were unclear.</p>

<p>"The suspect did not cry out (any religious slogans) during his attack. He presented the police with an Italian driving licence," a police source told AFP. The man's nationality was not immediately known.</p>

<p>The Gare de Lyon railway station serves domestic trains as well as those heading to Switzerland and Italy. In a post on X, &nbsp;rail operator SNCF said that the area between halls one and three at the station was temporarily inaccessible.</p>

<h2><strong>Police survey scene of attack</strong></h2>

<p>The French police said&nbsp;that the forensic police surveyed the scene of the knife attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As of now, there is no element that indicates that this could be a terrorist attack, but once again in this kind of cases, we should always be careful since investigations by police are underway. There will be investigations on his phone records, on his life in Italy, as well as statements he will make during his hearing. Then we'll see if the terrorist lead is definitely dismissed or not," Laurant Nunez, a Paris police prefect, told Reuters.</p>

<p>"The individual was found in possession of a certain number of documents. I can't say any more, the court will give out a statement. But there are documents that lead us to think that this individual came from Italy, he had an Italian residency permit, so he is in a regular situation in Italy since 2016," Nunez added.</p>

<p>"This individual seemingly suffers from mental troubles. On this, the court will have the chance to give a statement on this, but this is something that was spontaneously said to the investigators, and we have found a certain amount of medications that confirms that he was in treatment," the official further said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Three people were injured in a knife attack at a major railway station in Paris on Saturday (Feb 3). According to a report by the news agency AFP, the attack took place at the Gare de Lyon railway station.

Three people were injured in a knife attack at a major railway station in Paris on Saturday (Feb 3). According to a report by the news agency AFP, the attack took place at the Gare de Lyon railway station. The attack occurred at 8 am local time leaving one person with serious injuries while two others were mildly wounded. The police said that the suspected attacker was arrested, and the motives behind the crime were unclear. "The suspect did not cry out (any religious slogans) during his attack. He presented the police with an Italian driving licence," a police source told AFP. The man's nationality was not immediately known. The Gare de Lyon railway station serves domestic trains as well as those heading to Switzerland and Italy. In a post on X, rail operator SNCF said that the area between halls one and three at the station was temporarily inaccessible. Police survey scene of attack The French police said that the forensic police surveyed the scene of the knife attack. "As of now, there is no element that indicates that this could be a terrorist attack, but once again in this kind of cases, we should always be careful since investigations by police are underway. There will be investigations on his phone records, on his life in Italy, as well as statements he will make during his hearing. Then we'll see if the terrorist lead is definitely dismissed or not," Laurant Nunez, a Paris police prefect, told Reuters. "The individual was found in possession of a certain number of documents. I can't say any more, the court will give out a statement. But there are documents that lead us to think that this individual came from Italy, he had an Italian residency permit, so he is in a regular situation in Italy since 2016," Nunez added. "This individual seemingly suffers from mental troubles. On this, the court will have the chance to give a statement on this, but this is something that was spontaneously said to the investigators, and we have found a certain amount of medications that confirms that he was in treatment," the official further said. (With inputs from agencies)

Three injured in knife attack at major railway station in Paris, suspect arrested

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<p>A fugitive boss of one of Italy's most violent mafia has been captured in France, the governments of both countries said on Friday (Feb 2). Marco Raduano was detained on the French island of Corsica, a report by the news agency AFP said. Raduano is on Europol's list of Europe's most wanted criminals. Italian authorities on Friday also announced the detention of Raduano's close aide Gianluigi Troiano, who was picked up near Granada in southern Spain.</p>

<p>"The carabinieri's (police's) capture abroad of two dangerous fugitives, Marco Raduano and his right-hand man Gianluigi Troiano represents another major blow to organised crime," Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said, AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A dramatic escape from prison in 2023</strong></h2>

<p>In Feb 2023, Raduano, 40, escaped from a heavily secured prison in Nuoro, Sardinia where he had been serving a 24-year sentence for membership in a criminal organisation, drug trafficking and other crimes. He used bedsheets to scale down the walls of the prison.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-who-are-the-ndrangheta-ultrawealthy-drug-mafia-sentenced-to-2200-years-in-jail-661115">Explained: Who are the 'Ndrangheta? Ultrawealthy Italian drug mafia to get 2,200 years in jail</a></strong></p>

<p>He was jailed for being the boss of the rural Gargano clan operating within a young and little-known organised crime syndicate in Foggia, in the southern Italian region of Puglia, known as the Fourth Mafia, AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">More than 200 'Ndrangheta mobsters and their white-collar associates were sentenced to a combined 2,100 years in prison.<br />
<br />
So who is 'Ndrangheta and why is the prosecution dissatisfied with the verdict?<br />
<br />
Watch Dark World with <a href="https://twitter.com/B_Torg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@b_torg</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Italianmafia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Italianmafia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ndrangheta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ndrangheta</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForzaItalia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForzaItalia</a> <a href="https://t.co/XynDUfPAeZ">pic.twitter.com/XynDUfPAeZ</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1729674035372630279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to Europol, the 40-year-old mafia boss was at the top of his criminal organisation, "with the role of promoter, organiser and ruthless killer of the group dedicated to the perpetration of murders, drug trafficking and management of the extortion racket".</p>

<h2><strong>Raduano arrested while dining in restaurant</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to AFP,<strong>&nbsp;</strong>a source close to the matter said that Raduano was arrested on Thursday evening in Corsica's Aleria while he was dining in a restaurant with a young woman. The mafia boss had been living there "quite frugally" on false papers, using a falsely registered stolen vehicle, the source said. Raduano did not resist his arrest.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Troiano escaped from house arrest not far from Foggia in Sept 2021, the Italian police said. With his arrest, Troiano will now have to serve a sentence of nine years and two months in prison.</p>

<p>AFP reported that Raduano is also accused of the murder of two men in Foggia in separate incidents in 2017 -- with Troiano also implicated in the latter.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A fugitive boss of one of Italy's most violent mafia has been captured in France, the governments of both countries said on Friday (Feb 2). Marco Raduano was detained on the French island of Corsica, a report by the news agency AFP said.

A fugitive boss of one of Italy's most violent mafia has been captured in France, the governments of both countries said on Friday (Feb 2). Marco Raduano was detained on the French island of Corsica, a report by the news agency AFP said. Raduano is on Europol's list of Europe's most wanted criminals. Italian authorities on Friday also announced the detention of Raduano's close aide Gianluigi Troiano, who was picked up near Granada in southern Spain. "The carabinieri's (police's) capture abroad of two dangerous fugitives, Marco Raduano and his right-hand man Gianluigi Troiano represents another major blow to organised crime," Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said, AFP reported. A dramatic escape from prison in 2023 In Feb 2023, Raduano, 40, escaped from a heavily secured prison in Nuoro, Sardinia where he had been serving a 24-year sentence for membership in a criminal organisation, drug trafficking and other crimes. He used bedsheets to scale down the walls of the prison. Also read | Explained: Who are the 'Ndrangheta? Ultrawealthy Italian drug mafia to get 2,200 years in jail He was jailed for being the boss of the rural Gargano clan operating within a young and little-known organised crime syndicate in Foggia, in the southern Italian region of Puglia, known as the Fourth Mafia, AFP reported. More than 200 'Ndrangheta mobsters and their white-collar associates were sentenced to a combined 2,100 years in prison. So who is 'Ndrangheta and why is the prosecution dissatisfied with the verdict? Watch Dark World with @b_torg#Italianmafia #Ndrangheta #ForzaItalia pic.twitter.com/XynDUfPAeZ — WION (@WIONews) November 29, 2023 × According to Europol, the 40-year-old mafia boss was at the top of his criminal organisation, "with the role of promoter, organiser and ruthless killer of the group dedicated to the perpetration of murders, drug trafficking and management of the extortion racket". Raduano arrested while dining in restaurant Speaking to AFP, a source close to the matter said that Raduano was arrested on Thursday evening in Corsica's Aleria while he was dining in a restaurant with a young woman. The mafia boss had been living there "quite frugally" on false papers, using a falsely registered stolen vehicle, the source said. Raduano did not resist his arrest. Meanwhile, Troiano escaped from house arrest not far from Foggia in Sept 2021, the Italian police said. With his arrest, Troiano will now have to serve a sentence of nine years and two months in prison. AFP reported that Raduano is also accused of the murder of two men in Foggia in separate incidents in 2017 -- with Troiano also implicated in the latter. (With inputs from agencies)

Boss of one of Italy's most violent mafia captured in France

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<p>Syria said on Saturday (Feb 3) that a number of people died and also got injured following US strikes in the country. In a statement, the Syrian military said that the strikes on Friday killed "a number of civilians and soldiers, wounded others and caused significant damage to public and private property."</p>

<p>"The occupation of parts of Syrian territory by US forces cannot continue," the military said and affirmed the army's "determination to liberate all Syrian territory from terrorism and occupation".</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency AFP, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights chief Rami Abdel Rahman said that at least 26 major sites housing pro-Iranian groups were destroyed in Syria, including weapons depots. Rahman added&nbsp;23 pro-Iran fighters were killed in the strikes.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The air strikes</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday, the US launched air strikes against Iranian forces and allied militias in Iraq and Syria with President Joe Biden vowing more to come in retaliation for a deadly drone attack on an American base in Jordan last week.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-says-us-airstrikes-a-breach-of-sovereignty-warns-of-drastic-consequences-686533">Iraq says US airstrikes a breach of 'sovereignty', warns of 'drastic consequences'</a></strong></p>

<p>The strikes, which lasted for 30 minutes, targeted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and "affiliated militia groups," with American forces -- including long-range bombers flown from the United States -- hitting "more than 85 targets," the US Central Command said in a statement.</p>

<p>"The airstrikes employed more than 125 precision munitions," the statement added. The targets included command and control and intelligence centres, as well as rocket, missile and drone storage facilities belonging to militia groups and their IRGC sponsors who facilitated attacks against US and coalition forces.</p>

<h1><strong>'Strikes a violation of Iraq's sovereignty'</strong></h1>

<p>General Yehia Rasool, a spokesman for Iraq's prime minister, called the strikes a "violation" of his country's sovereignty and said they would bring "disastrous consequences for the security and stability of Iraq and the region."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Baghdad condemns US strikes on Iran-backed targets in Syria, Iraq</strong></p>

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<p>Two Iraqi security sources told AFP that the strikes damaged a weapons warehouse and a command centre belonging to pro-Iranian groups in western Iraq, along the Syrian border, resulting in at least some injuries.</p>

<h2><strong>Militants target al-Harir air base hosting US forces</strong></h2>

<p>Hours after the US strikes on Saturday, Islamic Resistance in Iraq&nbsp;(IRI) militants targeted the al-Harir air base hosting American forces in northern Iraq, the news agency Reuters reported citing the group.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Syria said on Saturday (Feb 3) that a number of people died and also got injured following US strikes in the country. In a statement, the Syrian military said that the strikes on Friday killed "a number of civilians and soldiers, wounded others and caused significant damage to public and private property.

Syria said on Saturday (Feb 3) that a number of people died and also got injured following US strikes in the country. In a statement, the Syrian military said that the strikes on Friday killed "a number of civilians and soldiers, wounded others and caused significant damage to public and private property." "The occupation of parts of Syrian territory by US forces cannot continue," the military said and affirmed the army's "determination to liberate all Syrian territory from terrorism and occupation". According to a report by the news agency AFP, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights chief Rami Abdel Rahman said that at least 26 major sites housing pro-Iranian groups were destroyed in Syria, including weapons depots. Rahman added 23 pro-Iran fighters were killed in the strikes. The air strikes On Friday, the US launched air strikes against Iranian forces and allied militias in Iraq and Syria with President Joe Biden vowing more to come in retaliation for a deadly drone attack on an American base in Jordan last week. Also read | Iraq says US airstrikes a breach of 'sovereignty', warns of 'drastic consequences' The strikes, which lasted for 30 minutes, targeted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and "affiliated militia groups," with American forces -- including long-range bombers flown from the United States -- hitting "more than 85 targets," the US Central Command said in a statement. "The airstrikes employed more than 125 precision munitions," the statement added. The targets included command and control and intelligence centres, as well as rocket, missile and drone storage facilities belonging to militia groups and their IRGC sponsors who facilitated attacks against US and coalition forces. 'Strikes a violation of Iraq's sovereignty' General Yehia Rasool, a spokesman for Iraq's prime minister, called the strikes a "violation" of his country's sovereignty and said they would bring "disastrous consequences for the security and stability of Iraq and the region." Also watch | Baghdad condemns US strikes on Iran-backed targets in Syria, Iraq × Two Iraqi security sources told AFP that the strikes damaged a weapons warehouse and a command centre belonging to pro-Iranian groups in western Iraq, along the Syrian border, resulting in at least some injuries. Militants target al-Harir air base hosting US forces Hours after the US strikes on Saturday, Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI) militants targeted the al-Harir air base hosting American forces in northern Iraq, the news agency Reuters reported citing the group. (With inputs from agencies)

US occupation of our territory cannot go on: Syria says number of people dead, wounded in American strikes

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