A Russian missile strike on the eastern Ukraine town of Pokrovsk on Saturday (Jan 6) killed at least 11 people, including five children, said head of the Donetsk region, Vadim Filashkin.

A Russian missile strike on the eastern Ukraine town of Pokrovsk on Saturday (Jan 6) killed at least 11 people, including five children, said head of the Donetsk region, Vadim Filashkin. "The main blow was dealt to Pokrovsk and Rivne in the community of Myrnograd," Filashkin said in a post on Telegram. Eight people were also injured in the strikes. Filashkin released photographs showing rescue workers working through the debris of the attack which damaged six houses. Also read: Moscow says one killed in city of Belgorod in Ukrainian strikes Pokrovsk, a town with a population of 60,000, had been hit by a deadly bombardment in August last year as well. The strike killed nine and injured 82 others. Pokrovsk is around 50 kilometres away from the front line of the fighting. Russian missiles hit residential area in Kharkiv The fresh strikes in Pokrovsk come four days after Russian missiles hit a residential area in Ukraine's Kharkiv. In a post on Telegram, Kharkiv's regional governor Oleh Synehubov said that the attack on Tuesday killed a 91-year-old woman and injured 44 civilians. Many residential buildings in the area appeared heavily damaged as emergency workers evacuated the casualties on-site. Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Kharkiv region prosecutor's office provided further evidence that Russia had attacked Ukraine with missiles supplied by North Korea. This was the first time that missiles supplied by North Korea were used in the war, a senior adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, as reported by news agency Reuters. "This missile is similar to one of the North Korean missiles. I am not going to name the exact type. However, according to information that is publicly available on the internet, the images that depict the North Korean (military) parades, the nozzles and the rear part are very similar. And in fact, that North Korean missile type was developed on the base of (Russian) Iskander missiles, which is why they are so similar. That is why we are leaning towards the version that this may be a missile which was supplied by North Korea," said Kharkiv region prosecutor's office's spokesperson Dmytro Chubenko. "Most likely, this missile was either supplied by North Korea or was produced only recently using blueprints and technologies supplied by Russia to third countries or to North Korea," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine war: At least 11, including 5 children, killed in Russian strikes in Pokrovsk

The opposition INDIA alliance on Sunday (Jan 7) finalised its seat sharing in Bihar, ahead of the Lok Sabha election in India. A formula of 17+17+4+2 has been decided for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The formula was decided during a meeting between the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The ruling Janata Dal (United) and the RJD will contest the election on 17 seats each.

The Congress will contest the poll on four Lok Sabha seats and one Rajya Sabha seat. The remaining two seats in the Lok Sabha will be given to the Left parties.

Sunday's meeting in New Delhi was attended by RJD leader Manoj Jha, and Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot, Salman Khurshid and Mukul Wasnik.

Following the meeting, Salman Khurshid said, "The meeting will continue with various parties. In the meeting, we are first presenting our understanding about the seats there and then asking them for their assessment."

"In the meeting, we are first presenting our understanding about the seats there and then asking them for their assessment," Khurshid said, adding a meeting with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will be held on Monday.

A meeting with the JD(U) will be held in the next 1-2 days.&nbsp;

The INDIA alliance is a group of 28 opposition parties including the Congress, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), and the AAP. Recently, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee proposed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's name as a prime ministerial candidate.&nbsp;

The general election in India is expected to be held between April and May 2024 to elect 543 members of the Lok Sabha- Parliament's lower house. The tenure of the 17th Lok Sabha will end on June 16. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is seeking a third consecutive victory in the general election.

The opposition INDIA alliance on Sunday (Jan 7) finalised its seat sharing in Bihar, ahead of the Lok Sabha election in India. A formula of 17+17+4+2 has been decided for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

The opposition INDIA alliance on Sunday (Jan 7) finalised its seat sharing in Bihar, ahead of the Lok Sabha election in India. A formula of 17+17+4+2 has been decided for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The formula was decided during a meeting between the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The ruling Janata Dal (United) and the RJD will contest the election on 17 seats each. The Congress will contest the poll on four Lok Sabha seats and one Rajya Sabha seat. The remaining two seats in the Lok Sabha will be given to the Left parties. Sunday's meeting in New Delhi was attended by RJD leader Manoj Jha, and Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot, Salman Khurshid and Mukul Wasnik. Following the meeting, Salman Khurshid said, "The meeting will continue with various parties. In the meeting, we are first presenting our understanding about the seats there and then asking them for their assessment." "In the meeting, we are first presenting our understanding about the seats there and then asking them for their assessment," Khurshid said, adding a meeting with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will be held on Monday. A meeting with the JD(U) will be held in the next 1-2 days. The INDIA alliance is a group of 28 opposition parties including the Congress, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), and the AAP. Recently, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee proposed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's name as a prime ministerial candidate. The general election in India is expected to be held between April and May 2024 to elect 543 members of the Lok Sabha- Parliament's lower house. The tenure of the 17th Lok Sabha will end on June 16. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is seeking a third consecutive victory in the general election.

Lok Sabha poll: INDIA alliance’s seat sharing in Bihar finalised. Details here

A poll observer from the United States, who is currently in Bangladesh, said on Sunday (Jan 7) that the 12th general election in the South Asian country was free and fair.

A poll observer from the United States, who is currently in Bangladesh, said on Sunday (Jan 7) that the 12th general election in the South Asian country was free and fair. "I would like to say it is a free and fair election already," observer Jim Bates told reporters, Rtv News reported. “So when they say ‘low turnout,’ that’s something to manoeuvre the press,” Bates said, adding, "The thing they keep talking about is low turnout, that is a misnomer. In some countries, voting goes on until 5/6 pm or even months." Around 127 foreign observers are there in Bangladesh to observe the national election. Voting ended at 4 pm and the counting of votes is going on. Results are expected to be announced on Monday. 25 candidates abstain from voting citing irregularities A total of 25 candidates abstained from voting in the general election citing irregularities. According to the Election Commission, 1,970 candidates contested the 299 parliamentary seats in this election. Click here to follow all updates on the Bangladesh general election Among the 44 political parties registered with the poll body, 1,534 candidates from 28 parties participated, and 436 candidates ran as independents, Rtv News further reported. Earlier in the day, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said that the voter turnout was at around 40 per cent. “Although we are not sure yet, on average the turnout was 40%,” Awal told reporters. The main opposition in the country - the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) - boycotted the election and urged the public not to participate in what it called a "sham" election. Speaking to the news agency AFP, BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said he feared that "fake votes" would be used to boost voter turnout. I congratulate the people of Bangladesh for showing a unified passion for democracy today, and securing a victory without even participating in the sham election. What unfolded was not an election, but rather a disgrace to the democratic aspirations of Bangladesh. The… pic.twitter.com/VXTxsR48t1 — Tarique Rahman (@trahmanbnp) January 7, 2024 × "What unfolded was not an election, but rather a disgrace to the democratic aspirations of Bangladesh. The irregularities and violence orchestrated by Awami League, along with disturbing pictures and videos from across the country despite the boycott by 63 pro-democracy parties, prove that a free, fair, participatory, and peaceful election under Sheikh Hasina is just not possible," Rahman said in a post on X. In months ahead of the election, the BNP and other parties staged protests, demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down. The protests often took a violent turn. BNP is a terrorist organisation: PM After casting her vote, Prime Minister Hasina called the BNP a "terrorist organisation." Also read: Bangladesh election: Newspaper’s website back online after it was reportedly blocked "I am trying my best to ensure that democracy should continue in this country," Hasina said and called for citizens to show faith in the democratic process. She also said that the election would be free and fair. Awami League candidate leads in Magura-1 seat Awami League candidate Shakib Al Hasan has taken lead in the Magura-1 parliamentary constituency with a big margin. Out of the 3,270 votes cast in those three centres under the boat symbol, Shakib secured a substantial advantage, Rtv News reported.

Bangladesh election: Poll is free and fair, says US observer

The website of one of Bangladesh's key newspapers is online after the publication said on Sunday (Jan 7) it had been blocked, as the country is holding its 12th general election.

The website of one of Bangladesh's key newspapers is online after the publication said on Sunday (Jan 7) it had been blocked, as the country is holding its 12th general election. According to a report by the news agency AFP, Sajid Hoque, news editor at the Daily Manab Zamin, said that the newspaper had been flooded with calls and messages from readers who said "that they cannot access our website." However, the website was now online. AFP reported that the newspaper's print edition was still available on the streets. Daily Manab Zamin is one of the most popular newspapers in Bangladesh and is known for its critical coverage of political affairs. The edition earlier said in a post on Facebook that the blockage was not due to any technical issues on the website. B'desh ranks 163rd in world press freedom index Reporters Without Borders (RSF), an international media watchdog, had ranked Bangladesh 163rd out of 180 countries in its World Press Freedom Index. Ahead of the Sunday election, the RSF warned of the government's "harmful grip on information". Click here to follow all updates on the Bangladesh general election "More than a fifth of the 168 million Bangladeshis live below the poverty line and have little access to mainstream media. The internet plays a growing role in the circulation of news and information," its website said. Voter turnout in the election at 40%: CEC Voting in Bangladesh's 12th general election ended at 4 pm on Sunday and the counting of votes is underway. Addressing a press conference, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said, “Although we are not sure yet, on average the turnout was 40%.” The election is guaranteed to give a fourth consecutive term to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The election has been boycotted by the main opposition the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who called for a general strike in the country and urged the public not to participate in what it called a "sham" election. On Sunday, Prime Minister Hasina called for citizens to show faith in the democratic process. Also read: In Anowara Islam Rani, Bangladesh could elect South Asia's first-ever transgender Member of Parliament "The BNP is a terrorist organisation. I am trying my best to ensure that democracy should continue in this country," Hasina said as she cast her vote. Results of the election are expected as early as Monday morning, with television channels broadcasting early counts from several polling stations putting ruling party candidates ahead. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh elections: Newspaper’s website back online after it was reportedly blocked

The health ministry in the Gaza Strip said on Sunday (Jan 7) that two journalists were killed in an Israeli air strike in the war-torn region as the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates.

The health ministry in the Gaza Strip said on Sunday (Jan 7) that two journalists were killed in an Israeli air strike in the war-torn region as the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates. According to the health ministry and medics, Mustafa Thuria, a video stringer for AFP news agency, and Hamza Wael Dahdouh, a journalist with Al Jazeera television network, were killed while they were travelling in a car. Hamza's father Wael al-Dahdouh is Al Jazeera's bureau chief in the Gaza Strip and was also recently wounded in a strike, AFP reported. He was wounded after his wife and two children were killed by a separate Israeli strike in the initial weeks of the war which started on Oct 7 last year. Thuria, meanwhile, joined AFP in 2019. In a statement, Hamas' media office condemned the killings. "We condemn this heinous crime committed by the Israeli occupation army in a bid to intimidate and prevent media coverage," it said. 77 journalists killed since the war started According to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists, by Dec 31 last year, at least 77 journalists and media workers had been killed since the war started on Oct 7. Among the 77 killed, 70 were Palestinians, four Israelis, and three Lebanese. The death toll in Gaza Strip has climbed to 22,835 with 113 people killed in the last 24 hours, the health ministry claimed on Sunday. A total of 58,416 people had been wounded during the three months of fighting. Also read: Israel says it ‘dismantled’ Hamas command structure in north Gaza; at least 7 killed in West Bank raid On Saturday, the Israeli army said that it "dismantled" Hamas' military leadership in northern Gaza, adding its forces killed more "terrorists" in central Gaza, including in a drone strike in the Bureij refugee camp, a built-up urban area. An early morning Israeli strike in Jenin killed six Palestinians, while an Israeli border police officer died when a roadside bomb hit her vehicle Sunday, AFP reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Health ministry in Gaza says two journalists killed in Israeli strike

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Friday (Jan 5) that a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in the country last year which affected dozens of people was linked to bone grafts, echoing a larger outbreak in 2021. In its <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm725253a1.htm#:~:text=This%20second%20nationwide%20TB%20outbreak,additional%20surgical%20procedures%20with%20the">Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report</a> (MMWR), the CDC said that 113 people, who underwent spinal surgeries in 2021, were exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium behind tuberculosis, via a bone-repair product - called FiberCel which is made by Elutia.

The FiberCel batch contaminated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis had come from a deceased donor's tissues. Now the outbreak last year strongly resembled the one in 2021 as it involved a similar bone-repair product made by Elutia, and the contaminated batch came from one tissue donor.&nbsp;

The CDC said on Friday that from July 7-11 last year, it received reports of two patients in different states with a TB diagnosis following spinal surgical procedures that used bone allografts containing live cells from the same deceased donor.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tuberculosis-is-now-killing-more-people-than-covid-and-aids-report-590750">Tuberculosis is now killing more people than Covid and AIDS, says report</a>

"An outbreak associated with a similar product manufactured by the same tissue establishment (i.e., manufacturer) occurred in 2021," the statement said.

The statement added that as these cases (in 2023) represented a second outbreak, the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) worked with the tissue establishment to determine that this product was obtained from a donor different from the one implicated in the 2021 outbreak and learned that the bone allograft product was distributed to 13 health care facilities in seven states - California, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia.

The statement said that eight hospitals and five dental offices in these seven states received 50 bone allograft units from this product lot from February 27–June 20 last year. On July 12, a notification was sent to these states.&nbsp;

Upon contacting the health facilities, officials learned that including the two previously reported cases, 36 total patients had undergone procedures in which the product was used.

"As of December 20, 2023, five of the 36 recipients had received a diagnosis of laboratory-confirmed TB disease, including four that were culture-confirmed," the statement said.&nbsp;

The CDC recommended that all exposed patients receive prompt tuberculosis treatment, and no additional people died. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Friday (Jan 5) that a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in the country last year which affected dozens of people was linked to bone grafts, echoing a larger outbreak in 2021.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Friday (Jan 5) that a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in the country last year which affected dozens of people was linked to bone grafts, echoing a larger outbreak in 2021. In its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the CDC said that 113 people, who underwent spinal surgeries in 2021, were exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium behind tuberculosis, via a bone-repair product - called FiberCel which is made by Elutia. The FiberCel batch contaminated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis had come from a deceased donor's tissues. Now the outbreak last year strongly resembled the one in 2021 as it involved a similar bone-repair product made by Elutia, and the contaminated batch came from one tissue donor. The CDC said on Friday that from July 7-11 last year, it received reports of two patients in different states with a TB diagnosis following spinal surgical procedures that used bone allografts containing live cells from the same deceased donor. Also read: Tuberculosis is now killing more people than Covid and AIDS, says report "An outbreak associated with a similar product manufactured by the same tissue establishment (i.e., manufacturer) occurred in 2021," the statement said. The statement added that as these cases (in 2023) represented a second outbreak, the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) worked with the tissue establishment to determine that this product was obtained from a donor different from the one implicated in the 2021 outbreak and learned that the bone allograft product was distributed to 13 health care facilities in seven states - California, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia. The statement said that eight hospitals and five dental offices in these seven states received 50 bone allograft units from this product lot from February 27–June 20 last year. On July 12, a notification was sent to these states. Upon contacting the health facilities, officials learned that including the two previously reported cases, 36 total patients had undergone procedures in which the product was used. "As of December 20, 2023, five of the 36 recipients had received a diagnosis of laboratory-confirmed TB disease, including four that were culture-confirmed," the statement said. The CDC recommended that all exposed patients receive prompt tuberculosis treatment, and no additional people died. (With inputs from agencies)

TB outbreak in US which affected dozens in 2023 linked to bone grafts: CDC

Olympus Mons: The Largest Volcano in the Solar System 

Olympus Mons is Three Times the Size of Mt. Everest 

Olympus Mons, which is on Mars, is the largest volcano in our solar system. The Martian mountain towers high above the surrounding plains of Mars and is three times the size of Mount Everest. 

According to NASA, Olympus Mons is 624 km in diametre, 25 km high, and is rimmed by a 6 km high scarp. The volume of Olympus Mons is 100 times larger than that of Mauna Loa, which is the largest volcano on Earth. 

Olympus Mons is a shield volcano. This means that rather than violently spewing molten material, a shield volcano is created by lava slowly flowing down its sides. 

Olympus Mons Last Erupted 25 Million Years Ago 

Olympus Mons last erupted 25 million years ago, and some reports suggest it may still be an active volcano. 


Consumer Reports has found that plastics retain a "widespread" presence in food despite the health risks, and called on regulators to reassess the safety of plastics that come into contact with food during production.

The non-profit consumer group said on Thursday that 84 out of 85 supermarket foods and fast foods it recently tested contained "plasticizers" known as phthalates, a chemical used to make plastic more durable.

It also said 79% of food samples in its study contained bisphenol A (BPA), another chemical found in plastic, and other bisphenols, though levels were lower than in tests done in 2009.

Consumer Reports said none of the phthalate levels it found exceeded limits set by US&nbsp;and European regulators.

It also said there was no level of phthalates that scientists confirm is safe, but that does not guarantee the safety of foods you eat.

Phthalates and bisphenols can disrupt the production and regulation of estrogen and other hormones, potentially boosting the risk of birth defects, cancer, diabetes, infertility, neurodevelopmental disorders, obesity and other health problems.

Among tested supermarket foods, Annie's Organic Cheesy Ravioli contained the most phthalates in nanograms per serving, 53,579, followed by Del Monte sliced peaches and Chicken of the Sea pink salmon.

Elevated phthalate levels were also found in products such as Cheerios, Gerber baby food and Yoplait yogurt, and several burgers, nuggets and fries from Wendy's, Burger King and McDonald's.

Consumer Reports also found variations among similar products. The 33,980 phthalates in nanograms per serving in Wendy's Crispy Chicken Nuggets, for example, was more than four times the level in McDonald's Chicken McNuggets.

"That tells us that, as widespread as these chemicals are, there are ways to reduce how much is in our foods," said James Rogers, who oversees Consumer Reports' product safety testing.

The consumer group said a reassessment by the US&nbsp;Food and Drug Administration and other agencies of the risks of plasticizers is "overdue and essential."

Polar raspberry lime seltzer was the only tested product containing no phthalates.

General Mills (GIS.N), whose brands include Annie's, Cheerios and Yoplait, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Burger King (QSR.TO) and Wendy's (WEN.O) did not immediately respond to similar requests.

Chicken of the Sea (TU.BK) and Del Monte said they do not add phthalates to their food, and receive similar assurances from their suppliers. Del Monte also said that phthalates are "widespread in the environment."

Gerber and McDonald's (MCD.N) said they follow regulatory requirements, and require rigorous testing for chemicals in packaging.

&nbsp;

Consumer Reports has found that plastics retain a "widespread" presence in food despite the health risks, and called on regulators to reassess the safety of plastics that come into contact with food during production.

Consumer Reports has found that plastics retain a "widespread" presence in food despite the health risks, and called on regulators to reassess the safety of plastics that come into contact with food during production. The non-profit consumer group said on Thursday that 84 out of 85 supermarket foods and fast foods it recently tested contained "plasticizers" known as phthalates, a chemical used to make plastic more durable. It also said 79% of food samples in its study contained bisphenol A (BPA), another chemical found in plastic, and other bisphenols, though levels were lower than in tests done in 2009. Consumer Reports said none of the phthalate levels it found exceeded limits set by US and European regulators. It also said there was no level of phthalates that scientists confirm is safe, but that does not guarantee the safety of foods you eat. Phthalates and bisphenols can disrupt the production and regulation of estrogen and other hormones, potentially boosting the risk of birth defects, cancer, diabetes, infertility, neurodevelopmental disorders, obesity and other health problems. Among tested supermarket foods, Annie's Organic Cheesy Ravioli contained the most phthalates in nanograms per serving, 53,579, followed by Del Monte sliced peaches and Chicken of the Sea pink salmon. Elevated phthalate levels were also found in products such as Cheerios, Gerber baby food and Yoplait yogurt, and several burgers, nuggets and fries from Wendy's, Burger King and McDonald's. Consumer Reports also found variations among similar products. The 33,980 phthalates in nanograms per serving in Wendy's Crispy Chicken Nuggets, for example, was more than four times the level in McDonald's Chicken McNuggets. "That tells us that, as widespread as these chemicals are, there are ways to reduce how much is in our foods," said James Rogers, who oversees Consumer Reports' product safety testing. The consumer group said a reassessment by the US Food and Drug Administration and other agencies of the risks of plasticizers is "overdue and essential." Polar raspberry lime seltzer was the only tested product containing no phthalates. General Mills (GIS.N), whose brands include Annie's, Cheerios and Yoplait, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Burger King (QSR.TO) and Wendy's (WEN.O) did not immediately respond to similar requests. Chicken of the Sea (TU.BK) and Del Monte said they do not add phthalates to their food, and receive similar assurances from their suppliers. Del Monte also said that phthalates are "widespread in the environment." Gerber and McDonald's (MCD.N) said they follow regulatory requirements, and require rigorous testing for chemicals in packaging.

Consumer Reports finds 'widespread' presence of plastics in food

The war between Israel and Hamas will enter the third month on Sunday (Jan 7). The conflict is intensifying in the Gaza Strip and the United Nations (UN) warned on Saturday that the besieged Palestinian territory has simply become "uninhabitable.

The war between Israel and Hamas will enter the third month on Sunday (Jan 7). The conflict is intensifying in the Gaza Strip and the United Nations (UN) warned on Saturday that the besieged Palestinian territory has simply become "uninhabitable." The Palestinian health ministry said that at least 22,722 people have been killed in Gaza since the war started on Oct 7 last year. A total of 58,166 people have been injured so far. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on a week-long tour to the Middle East, continuing Washington's diplomacy over the war. Blinken's visit comes amid heightened concerns that the conflict is spilling over. Blinken already visited Turkey and Greece and is left to make stops in Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Here's a look at the latest updates from the war: > US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Saturday. In a post on X, Blinken said that he and Erdogan "discussed the conflict in Gaza, shared security priorities as NATO Allies, and desire to expand our bilateral trade and investment." > Following his meeting with Erdogan, Blinken arrived in Greece to meet Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and address Greece's concerns about the looming sale of US fighter jets to Turkey. According to Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, the talks between Blinken and Mitsotakis would focus on international developments regarding the war in Gaza and Ukraine, and bilateral relations, especially on energy and defence cooperation issues, including the supply of F-35s. > As Blinken left for the Middle East, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh called on the US Secretary of State to use his week-long tour to end Israel's "aggression" as the conflict escalated in Gaza. > Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group said on Saturday that it fired more than 60 rockets at an Israeli military base in response to the killing in Beirut of Hamas's deputy leader. "As part of the initial response to the crime of assassinating the great leader Sheikh Saleh al-Aruri... the Islamic resistance (Hezbollah) targeted the Meron air control base with 62 missiles of various types," Hezbollah said in a statement, the news agency AFP reported. Also read: Pregnant women in Gaza face medical uncertainty with dozens of hospitals closed > Josep Borrell, the European Union foreign policy chief, said on Saturday it was absolutely necessary that Lebanon was not dragged into the conflict. "It is imperative to avoid regional escalation in the Middle East. It is absolutely necessary to avoid Lebanon being dragged into a regional conflict," Josep Borrell said during a press conference in Beirut with Lebanon's Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib. > The US military shot down a drone early Saturday over the Red Sea in international waters near several commercial vessels. "An unmanned aerial vehicle launched from Iranian-backed Huthi-controlled areas of Yemen was shot down in self-defence" by the USS Laboon, the US Central Command said in a social media post. > This incident came days after a 12-nation group led by the US warned Houthi rebels in Yemen against continuing their attacks on Red Sea shipping. Since the conflict started, Houthi rebels launched more than 100 drone and missile strikes toward targets in the Red Sea. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Blinken meets Erdogan; UN warns Gaza 'uninhabitable'

An earthquake of magnitude 5.4 struck Maldives on Saturday (Jan 6) evening. In a post on X, India's National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said the location of the earthquake was 896 kilometres West of Male.

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Earthquake of Magnitude:5.4, Occurred on 06-01-2024, 17:16:34 IST, Lat: 3.06 &amp; Long: 65.51, Depth: 10 Km ,Location: 896km W of Male, Maldives for more information Download the BhooKamp App <a href="https://t.co/B6xdFpe6RF">https://t.co/B6xdFpe6RF</a><a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KirenRijiju</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Dr_Mishra1966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dr_Mishra1966</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ndmaindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ndmaindia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiametdept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Indiametdept</a> <a href="https://t.co/s4vtOSBehD">pic.twitter.com/s4vtOSBehD</a>
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"Earthquake of Magnitude:5.4, Occurred on 06-01-2024, 17:16:34 IST, Lat: 3.06 &amp; Long: 65.51, Depth: 10 Km, Location: 896km W of Male," the NCS said.

There were no reports of injuries or damage.&nbsp;

On Dec 29 last year, four earthquakes were reported&nbsp;along the Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean, near the Maldives. According to the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Geological Survey, the quakes had&nbsp;magnitudes of 4.8, 5.2, 5.8, and 5.0, with varying depths ranging from 7.7 km to 10 km.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.4 struck Maldives on Saturday (Jan 6) evening. In a post on X, India's National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said the location of the earthquake was 896 kilometres West of Male.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.4 struck Maldives on Saturday (Jan 6) evening. In a post on X, India's National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said the location of the earthquake was 896 kilometres West of Male. Earthquake of Magnitude:5.4, Occurred on 06-01-2024, 17:16:34 IST, Lat: 3.06 & Long: 65.51, Depth: 10 Km ,Location: 896km W of Male, Maldives for more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/B6xdFpe6RF@KirenRijiju @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia @Indiametdept pic.twitter.com/s4vtOSBehD — National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) January 6, 2024 × "Earthquake of Magnitude:5.4, Occurred on 06-01-2024, 17:16:34 IST, Lat: 3.06 & Long: 65.51, Depth: 10 Km, Location: 896km W of Male," the NCS said. There were no reports of injuries or damage. On Dec 29 last year, four earthquakes were reported along the Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean, near the Maldives. According to the US Geological Survey, the quakes had magnitudes of 4.8, 5.2, 5.8, and 5.0, with varying depths ranging from 7.7 km to 10 km.

Earthquake of magnitude 5.4 jolts Maldives

India's first solar mission Aditya-L1 reached its destination within the anticipated four-month timeframe. Launched on Sept 2 last year, the spacecraft positioned itself at Lagrange Point 1, from where it will undertake a comprehensive study of the sun. "India creates yet another landmark. It is a testament to the relentless dedication of our scientists in realizing among the most complex and intricate space missions," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X.

North Korea on Saturday fired over 60 artillery rounds near the Yeonpyeong Island in South Korea. This comes a day after both countries conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border.

In the latest news from the Israel-Hamas war, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh called on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to use his current tour to the Middle East to end Israel's aggression as the war in the Gaza Strip rages on. Blinken is on a week-long visit to the Middle East, his fourth such tour since the conflict started on Oct 7 last year.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aditya-l1-isros-first-solar-mission-enters-final-orbit-for-uninterrupted-sun-observation-677176">Aditya-L1: India’s first solar mission successfully enters final orbit for uninterrupted sun observation</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/28/369966-adital1.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

Aditya-L1, the inaugural mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at solar study, successfully reached&nbsp;its designated orbit on Saturday (Jan 6), concluding its ambitious journey that commenced over four months ago from ISRO's Sriharikota launchpad.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-over-60-artillery-rounds-near-souths-yeonpyeong-island-677249">North Korea fires over 60 artillery rounds near South's Yeonpyeong Island</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/06/404068-succession-2024-01-06t203606432.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds on Saturday (Jan 6) near Yeonpyeong Island, said Seoul's army, a day after both the sides, North and South, conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-focus-on-ending-israeli-aggression-hamas-chief-tells-antony-blinken-677218">Israel-Hamas war: Focus on ending Israeli aggression, Hamas chief tells Antony Blinken</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/06/404049-hamas-chief-ismail-haniyeh-on-friday-jan-5-called-on-us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-to-use-his-current-tour-to-the-middle-east-to-end-israels-aggression-as-the-war-in-the-gaza-strip-rages-1.png?imwidth=3840" />

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh on Friday (Jan 5) called on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to use his current tour to the Middle East to end Israel's aggression as the war in the Gaza Strip rages on.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-japan-earthquake-reaches-126-as-harsh-weather-conditions-hamper-rescue-efforts-677209">Death toll in Japan earthquake reaches 126 as harsh weather conditions hamper rescue efforts</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/06/404043-succession-2024-01-06t183144174.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

The death toll from the major earthquake, that rocked Japan on Monday (Jan 1), reached 126 on Saturday (Jan 6) as the rescuers combed through debris to recover trapped bodies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-watch-credited-for-saving-us-womans-life-during-carbon-monoxide-leak-677221">Apple watch credited for saving US woman’s life during carbon monoxide leak</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/06/404051-the-battle-for-kyiv-2024-01-06t185739954.png?imwidth=3840" />

Natalie Nasatka, a resident of Delaware, narrowly escaped a potentially fatal incident, all thanks to her quick thinking and the intervention of her Apple Watch's SOS feature.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-mandir-indian-marathoner-from-launches-1008km-run-toward-ayodhya-for-consecration-ceremony-677233">Ram mandir: Indian marathoner starts 1,008 km run to reach Ayodhya for consecration ceremony</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/28/402158-untitled-design-2023-12-28t140650018.png?imwidth=3840" />

In a testament of devotion and endurance, 22-year-old ultra marathoner Karthik Joshi from India has embarked on a 1,008 km run from Indore in Madhya Pradesh to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. His mission is&nbsp;to reach for the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple on January 22.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexican-president-asks-us-billions-in-funding-to-combat-illegal-migration-677217">Mexican president seeks billions in funding from US to combat illegal migration</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/10/324236-untitled-design-2023-01-10t081114707.png?imwidth=3840" />

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has urged the United States to allocate $20 billion to tackle the escalating issue of illegal immigration.&nbsp;Obrador's comment comes in the wake of a significant rise in illegal border crossings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-royal-navy-turns-to-social-media-for-top-job-recruitment-submariner-says-utterly-shameful-677172">UK: Royal Navy turns to social media for top job recruitment, submariner says 'utterly shameful'</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/11/20/394306-sub.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

Royal Navy, in an unprecedented move, has resorted to advertising a high-ranking position on social media. The £150,000-a-year rear-admiral role was posted on LinkedIn in December. This comes as the Navy struggled to find a suitable candidate, leaving one former senior submariner to dub the situation as "utterly shameful."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pat-cummins-to-avoid-batting-reshuffle-after-warners-retirement-says-im-pretty-happy-with-smith-at-no-4-677198">Pat Cummins to avoid batting reshuffle after Warner’s retirement, says ‘I’m pretty happy with Smith at No 4’</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/06/404028-1-2024-01-06t164207623.png?imwidth=3840" />

Australia skipper Pat Cummins is determined not to reshuffle his batting line-up as Australia search for a new opener in the team. Saturday’s (Jan 6) win against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)&nbsp;was the last dance for veteran batter David Warner as he bid farewell to the red-ball format.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sriram-raghavan-on-making-merry-christmas-in-two-different-versions-ill-not-do-this-again-677252">Sriram Raghavan on making Merry Christmas in two different versions: I’ll not do this again</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320656-merry-christmas.png?imwidth=3840" />

Director Sriram Raghavan's fourthcoming movie&nbsp;Merry Christmas&nbsp;starring two stalwarts Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupati, is all set to hit the screens on January 12. The romantic thriller will be released in two versions: Hindi and Tamil, and both versions will be different from each other. 
&nbsp;

India's first solar mission Aditya-L1 reached its destination within the anticipated four-month timeframe. Launched on Sept 2 last year, the spacecraft positioned itself at Lagrange Point 1, from where it will undertake a comprehensive study of the sun.

India's first solar mission Aditya-L1 reached its destination within the anticipated four-month timeframe. Launched on Sept 2 last year, the spacecraft positioned itself at Lagrange Point 1, from where it will undertake a comprehensive study of the sun. "India creates yet another landmark. It is a testament to the relentless dedication of our scientists in realizing among the most complex and intricate space missions," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X. North Korea on Saturday fired over 60 artillery rounds near the Yeonpyeong Island in South Korea. This comes a day after both countries conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border. In the latest news from the Israel-Hamas war, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh called on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to use his current tour to the Middle East to end Israel's aggression as the war in the Gaza Strip rages on. Blinken is on a week-long visit to the Middle East, his fourth such tour since the conflict started on Oct 7 last year. Click on the headlines to read more: Aditya-L1: India’s first solar mission successfully enters final orbit for uninterrupted sun observation Aditya-L1, the inaugural mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at solar study, successfully reached its designated orbit on Saturday (Jan 6), concluding its ambitious journey that commenced over four months ago from ISRO's Sriharikota launchpad. North Korea fires over 60 artillery rounds near South's Yeonpyeong Island North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds on Saturday (Jan 6) near Yeonpyeong Island, said Seoul's army, a day after both the sides, North and South, conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border. Israel-Hamas war: Focus on ending Israeli aggression, Hamas chief tells Antony Blinken Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh on Friday (Jan 5) called on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to use his current tour to the Middle East to end Israel's aggression as the war in the Gaza Strip rages on. Death toll in Japan earthquake reaches 126 as harsh weather conditions hamper rescue efforts The death toll from the major earthquake, that rocked Japan on Monday (Jan 1), reached 126 on Saturday (Jan 6) as the rescuers combed through debris to recover trapped bodies. Apple watch credited for saving US woman’s life during carbon monoxide leak Natalie Nasatka, a resident of Delaware, narrowly escaped a potentially fatal incident, all thanks to her quick thinking and the intervention of her Apple Watch's SOS feature. Ram mandir: Indian marathoner starts 1,008 km run to reach Ayodhya for consecration ceremony In a testament of devotion and endurance, 22-year-old ultra marathoner Karthik Joshi from India has embarked on a 1,008 km run from Indore in Madhya Pradesh to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. His mission is to reach for the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple on January 22. Mexican president seeks billions in funding from US to combat illegal migration Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has urged the United States to allocate $20 billion to tackle the escalating issue of illegal immigration. Obrador's comment comes in the wake of a significant rise in illegal border crossings. UK: Royal Navy turns to social media for top job recruitment, submariner says 'utterly shameful' Royal Navy, in an unprecedented move, has resorted to advertising a high-ranking position on social media. The £150,000-a-year rear-admiral role was posted on LinkedIn in December. This comes as the Navy struggled to find a suitable candidate, leaving one former senior submariner to dub the situation as "utterly shameful." Pat Cummins to avoid batting reshuffle after Warner’s retirement, says ‘I’m pretty happy with Smith at No 4’ Australia skipper Pat Cummins is determined not to reshuffle his batting line-up as Australia search for a new opener in the team. Saturday’s (Jan 6) win against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) was the last dance for veteran batter David Warner as he bid farewell to the red-ball format. Sriram Raghavan on making Merry Christmas in two different versions: I’ll not do this again Director Sriram Raghavan's fourthcoming movie Merry Christmas starring two stalwarts Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupati, is all set to hit the screens on January 12. The romantic thriller will be released in two versions: Hindi and Tamil, and both versions will be different from each other.

Top 10 world news: India's Aditya-L1 successfully enters final orbit, and more

Bangladesh's Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said on Saturday (Jan 6) that elections were not always peaceful and sometimes became turbulent, which is why forces were deployed in the country to maintain law and order.

Bangladesh's Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal said on Saturday (Jan 6) that elections were not always peaceful and sometimes became turbulent, which is why forces were deployed in the country to maintain law and order. Bangladesh is set to hold its 12th general election on Sunday with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina seeking to win a fourth straight term. Violence has gripped the country for months and the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) asked citizens to shun the election and called for a two-day nationwide strike from Saturday. The BNP has boycotted this election. Addressing a press conference, CEC Awal said that security arrangements were made, and polling stations were set for tomorrow's vote. 'We believe in credible election' "It is a great desire of the people of Bangladesh that voters will be able to peacefully cast votes but as you might know, elections are sometimes turbulent..it is not always as peaceful...at times serene atmosphere is not there. Sometimes the supporters of the candidates, also meet each other, and sometimes there may be exuberance of emotions," he said. Also read: Elections will be free, fair, transparent and credible, Bangladesh FM Momen tells WION The CEC added that the election would be held in 62,000 polling stations which will consist of a total of 262,000 polling booths. As many as 120 million people are eligible to report. "We believe in a credible election, in participation and in the fairness and acceptability of results of the election. As a result of that, we want our election to be observed not only nationally, as well as internationally," he told reporters. A day back, Awal lamented the BNP's absence from the election and said their participation would have made the poll "more competitive". On poll eve, polling booths set ablaze, train arson kills 4 Polling booths were set ablaze in Bangladesh on the eve of the general election, while four people were killed in a train fire that the government described as arson targeting democratic values. On Friday night, a fire broke out at the Benapole Express headed for Dhaka. The fire spread to the train's four compartments, killing four people including two children, and injuring eight others. "The timing of this tragedy, just a day before the election ... shows an absolute intention to hinder the festivity, safety, and security of the democratic processes of the country," Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen said. Also read: Sheikh Hasina using father Mujibur Rahman to keep grip over Bangladesh politics? "This reprehensible incident, undoubtedly orchestrated by those with malicious intent, strikes at the very heart of our democratic values," Foreign Minister Momen said, adding that authorities would bring the perpetrators to justice. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Police said they had arrested a senior BNP leader from Dhaka and seven others from the party's youth wing in connection with the arson. Fire and civil defence services said that since Friday evening, eight educational institutions and one Buddhist monastery have been torched among 14 arson incidents. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh election | Polls are not always peaceful, forces deployed to maintain law and order: CEC

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