<p><span class="region">Moscow, Russia</span>
<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (Dec 22) vowed to bring more destruction to Ukraine in retaliation for a drone attack on a high-rise apartment block in the city of Kazan on Saturday. </p></p>
<p>Putin said that Ukraine will face many times more destruction and will regret this. </p>
<p>"Whoever, and however much they try to destroy, they will face many times more destruction themselves and will regret what they are trying to do in our country," Putin said while commenting on the attack on Kazan during a televised government meeting. </p>
<p>Ukraine launched a drone attack deep inside Russia on Saturday, hitting several residential high-rise buildings in the city of Kazan. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-ukraine-hits-russian-residential-high-rises-in-kazan-dramatic-visuals-shows-911-like-attack-785770"><strong>Also read: Video: Ukraine hits Russian residential high-rises in Kazan. Dramatic visuals show '9/11-style attack'</strong></a></p>
<p>A video of the strike, purportedly shot by eyewitnesses, shows the drones hitting a residential building head-on, in what some users have labelled as a '9/11-style' attack.</p>
<p>Russia’s Defence Ministry said that its forces had intercepted 42 Ukrainian drones launched overnight at Russian territory. </p>
<p>It added that 20 of those were over the Oryol region, where the local governor said a blaze tore through the oil terminal. </p>
<p>There were no casualties reported from the site of the attack.</p>
<p><strong>Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine Launches Drone Attack On Russia</strong></p>
<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/22/2212_rusisa_4pm_wion-1734870012-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2212_rusisa_4pm_wion_.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=148&tags=WION,wion news,World News,world news latest,viral" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<p><a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p></div>
<p>Moreover, local authorities said that debris from one of the downed drones fell on the roof of a multi-storey building in the Kyiv region, which caused a fire.</p>
<p>This attack comes hours after the Russian Defence Ministry on its Telegram channel reported that its air defences shot down one "Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle over the Republic of Tatarstan," whose capital is Kazan.</p>
<p><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Putin said that Ukraine will face many times more destruction and will regret this. 



Moscow, Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (Dec 22) vowed to bring more destruction to Ukraine in retaliation for a drone attack on a high-rise apartment block in the city of Kazan on Saturday. Putin said that Ukraine will face many times more destruction and will regret this. "Whoever, and however much they try to destroy, they will face many times more destruction themselves and will regret what they are trying to do in our country," Putin said while commenting on the attack on Kazan during a televised government meeting. Ukraine launched a drone attack deep inside Russia on Saturday, hitting several residential high-rise buildings in the city of Kazan. Also read: Video: Ukraine hits Russian residential high-rises in Kazan. Dramatic visuals show '9/11-style attack' A video of the strike, purportedly shot by eyewitnesses, shows the drones hitting a residential building head-on, in what some users have labelled as a '9/11-style' attack. Russia’s Defence Ministry said that its forces had intercepted 42 Ukrainian drones launched overnight at Russian territory. It added that 20 of those were over the Oryol region, where the local governor said a blaze tore through the oil terminal. There were no casualties reported from the site of the attack. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine Launches Drone Attack On Russia × Moreover, local authorities said that debris from one of the downed drones fell on the roof of a multi-storey building in the Kyiv region, which caused a fire. This attack comes hours after the Russian Defence Ministry on its Telegram channel reported that its air defences shot down one "Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle over the Republic of Tatarstan," whose capital is Kazan. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

'They will regret,' Putin vows 'destruction' on Ukraine after drone attack in Kazan

<p><span class="region">New Delhi, India</span>
<p>Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday (Dec 22) that India can never allow others to veto its choices and would do everything right in its national interest and for the global welfare. </p></p>
<p>EAM Jaishankar further emphasised that independence could never be confused with neutrality. </p>
<p>"Independence should never be confused with neutrality. We will do whatever is right in our national interest and for the global good without being intimidated to conform. Bharat can never permit others to have a veto on its choices," he said in a video message for a function in Mumbai.</p>
<p>He further said that India had been "schooled too long to visualise progress and modernity as a rejection of our heritage and traditions."</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-jaishankar-hails-quads-rise-during-trump-presidency-says-alliance-is-most-expansive-yet-782101"><strong>Also read: India’s Jaishankar hails Quad’s rise during Trump presidency, says alliance is 'most expansive' yet</strong></a></p>
<p>He emphasised the need for India to embrace its traditions while progressing and believed that India's growing global presence has significant implications and that the world can learn from India's heritage. </p>
<p>Jaishankar further reiterated the importance of balancing tradition and technology in a globalised world. </p>
<p>"Bharat will inevitably progress, but it must do so without losing its Bharatiyata (Indianness). Only then can we truly emerge as a leading power in a multipolar world," he added.</p>
<p><strong>Watch | S Jaishankar on WION: Calls for collective self-reliance in the Indian Ocean</strong></p>
<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/02/11/WEB_INTV_1002_JAISHANKAR_SIDHANT-1707619807-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/WEB_INTV_1002_JAISHANKAR_SIDHANT.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=391&tags=S Jaishankar,Red Sea,india,Indian Ocean,World News" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<p><a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p></div>
<p>The minister stressed the need for having an impact at the societal level. "To that it is essential that we ourselves, the younger generation, are fully aware of the value and significance of our heritage. This can be articulated at various levels, but most importantly, it should have an impact at the societal level," he said. </p>
<p>He noted that in the last decade, India had shown everyone that it had the capabilities, confidence, and commitment to advance development across the board. </p>
<p>"It has shown that the age-old problems of poverty, discrimination, and lack of opportunities can indeed be addressed. On the global stage, it has established itself as an independent power, but one committed to global good, especially the well-being of the global south," he added. </p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


EAM Jaishankar further emphasised that independence could never be confused with neutrality. 



New Delhi, India Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday (Dec 22) that India can never allow others to veto its choices and would do everything right in its national interest and for the global welfare. EAM Jaishankar further emphasised that independence could never be confused with neutrality. "Independence should never be confused with neutrality. We will do whatever is right in our national interest and for the global good without being intimidated to conform. Bharat can never permit others to have a veto on its choices," he said in a video message for a function in Mumbai. He further said that India had been "schooled too long to visualise progress and modernity as a rejection of our heritage and traditions." Also read: India’s Jaishankar hails Quad’s rise during Trump presidency, says alliance is 'most expansive' yet He emphasised the need for India to embrace its traditions while progressing and believed that India's growing global presence has significant implications and that the world can learn from India's heritage. Jaishankar further reiterated the importance of balancing tradition and technology in a globalised world. "Bharat will inevitably progress, but it must do so without losing its Bharatiyata (Indianness). Only then can we truly emerge as a leading power in a multipolar world," he added. Watch | S Jaishankar on WION: Calls for collective self-reliance in the Indian Ocean × The minister stressed the need for having an impact at the societal level. "To that it is essential that we ourselves, the younger generation, are fully aware of the value and significance of our heritage. This can be articulated at various levels, but most importantly, it should have an impact at the societal level," he said. He noted that in the last decade, India had shown everyone that it had the capabilities, confidence, and commitment to advance development across the board. "It has shown that the age-old problems of poverty, discrimination, and lack of opportunities can indeed be addressed. On the global stage, it has established itself as an independent power, but one committed to global good, especially the well-being of the global south," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

India can never permit others to veto its choices, says EAM Jaishankar

<p><span class="region">Tel Aviv, Israel</span>
<p>Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened to "crush Hezbollah's head" if the Lebanon-based militant group violates the ceasefire agreement. </p></p>
<p>Katz was on a visit to an Israeli military position in southern Lebanon.</p>
<p>“We defanged the snake, and if Hezbollah does not withdraw beyond the Litani [River] and tries to violate the ceasefire, we will crush its head,” Katz said in the remarks shared by his office. </p>
<p>He further said that we will not allow Hezbollah operatives to return to the southern villages. </p>
<p>"We will not allow Hezbollah operatives to return to the southern villages and reestablish the terror infrastructure that will pose a threat to the northern communities,” he added.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/absurd-irans-supreme-leader-khamenei-denies-using-proxies-in-west-asia-785976"><strong>Also read: Iran's Khamenei says Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis act independently, rejects ‘proxy force’ accusations</strong></a></p>
<p>The minister stressed that Israel would make sure that the threat was removed. </p>
<p>"We will ensure the removal of the threat and the restoration of security to allow the residents of the north to return safely to their homes,” Katz said.</p>
<h2><strong>Two Israelis charged for contact with Hezbollah </strong></h2>
<p>Two residents of Jerusalem were indicted for having contact with the Hezbollah group and providing them with information during the war. </p>
<p>The two men, Abd al-Salam Qawasameh and Taar Asili, who are in their 30s, were in contact via a WhatsApp group with a woman using the name "Diana", who was a Hezbollah operative. </p>
<p>According to the indictment, even after knowing that she was a member of Hezbollah, the two men continued to maintain contact with her and shared information about Israel. </p>
<p>Qawasameh shared the handler photos from the coastal town for Caesarea. In Caesarea, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a private residence. </p>
<p><strong>Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War: Why Is Hezbollah Targeting Haifa?</strong></p>
<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/10/28/2810_KD_HAIFA_730AM-1730091630-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2810_KD_HAIFA_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=269&tags=israel,Hezbollah,World News,WION" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<p><a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p></div>
<p>Meanwhile, Asili sent her news articles about Israel and the security situation, the indictment read. </p>
<p>The pair was also allegedly asked to speak with a senior Hezbollah intelligence officer. Asili bought a new SIM card to contact the officer but refused a request to take photos in the northern border town of Metula. </p>
<p>The two have been charged with "contact with a foreign agent" and passing information to the enemy. </p>
<p>Moreover, Qawasameh has also been charged with weapon offences after he took a photo with an assault rifle that belonged to a Palestinian gunman during a visit to the West Bank city of Jenin. </p>
<p>The prosecution has appealed to the Jerusalem District Court to keep them in custody until the legal proceedings are concluded. </p>
<p><em>Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.</em></p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


“We defanged the snake, and if Hezbollah does not withdraw beyond the Litani [River] and tries to violate the ceasefire, we will crush its head,” Katz said in the remarks shared by his office. 



Tel Aviv, Israel Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened to "crush Hezbollah's head" if the Lebanon-based militant group violates the ceasefire agreement. Katz was on a visit to an Israeli military position in southern Lebanon. “We defanged the snake, and if Hezbollah does not withdraw beyond the Litani [River] and tries to violate the ceasefire, we will crush its head,” Katz said in the remarks shared by his office. He further said that we will not allow Hezbollah operatives to return to the southern villages. "We will not allow Hezbollah operatives to return to the southern villages and reestablish the terror infrastructure that will pose a threat to the northern communities,” he added. Also read: Iran's Khamenei says Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis act independently, rejects ‘proxy force’ accusations The minister stressed that Israel would make sure that the threat was removed. "We will ensure the removal of the threat and the restoration of security to allow the residents of the north to return safely to their homes,” Katz said. Two Israelis charged for contact with Hezbollah Two residents of Jerusalem were indicted for having contact with the Hezbollah group and providing them with information during the war. The two men, Abd al-Salam Qawasameh and Taar Asili, who are in their 30s, were in contact via a WhatsApp group with a woman using the name "Diana", who was a Hezbollah operative. According to the indictment, even after knowing that she was a member of Hezbollah, the two men continued to maintain contact with her and shared information about Israel. Qawasameh shared the handler photos from the coastal town for Caesarea. In Caesarea, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a private residence. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War: Why Is Hezbollah Targeting Haifa? × Meanwhile, Asili sent her news articles about Israel and the security situation, the indictment read. The pair was also allegedly asked to speak with a senior Hezbollah intelligence officer. Asili bought a new SIM card to contact the officer but refused a request to take photos in the northern border town of Metula. The two have been charged with "contact with a foreign agent" and passing information to the enemy. Moreover, Qawasameh has also been charged with weapon offences after he took a photo with an assault rifle that belonged to a Palestinian gunman during a visit to the West Bank city of Jenin. The prosecution has appealed to the Jerusalem District Court to keep them in custody until the legal proceedings are concluded. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli minister Katz threatens to 'crush Hezbollah's head' if it violates ceasefire

<p><span class="region">New Delhi, India</span>
<p>After months of fear due to bomb threats received by several schools in Delhi, the Special Cell of Delhi Police revealed that at least two schools in the Rohini district received threatening emails from their own students, who wanted to postpone exams as they were not prepared. </p></p>
<p>"After investigation by the Special Cell of Delhi Police, it was found that the emails were sent to both schools by two different students of the same school," Delhi police said in a statement.</p>
<p>The police added, "Both students had sent this email to stop the exam because they were not prepared for the exam paper."</p>
<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Threat case in two schools in Delhi's Rohini district | After investigation by the Special Cell of Delhi Police, it was found that the emails were sent to both schools by two different students of the same school. Both students had sent this email to stop the exam because they…</p>
<p>— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1870685451037929662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p></div>
<p><a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p></div>
<p>However, since both of them were students, they were counselled and their parents were warned, and both those students were let off. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-school-gets-bomb-threat-mail-search-underway-785443"><strong>Also read: Delhi school receives bomb threat, classes shifted to online mode</strong></a></p>
<p>During their counselling, the students confessed to their actions. </p>
<p>In the second incident, a student from Delhi's Paschim Vihar admitted to a similar act after the police traced an email to his home. The students said that they got the idea from previous incidents of bomb threats being made to schools. </p>
<p>When these bomb threats emerged, the police conducted the research and declared them as hoaxes. </p>
<p>On December 13, a total of 30 schools across Delhi received hoax bomb threat emails.</p>
<p><strong>Watch | India: Bomb Hoax In 40 Delhi Schools, Demand For $30,000 Ransom | World News | WION</strong></p>
<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/09/0912_WION_DELHI_SCHOOL_THREAT_10AM-1733726413-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/0912_WION_DELHI_SCHOOL_THREAT_10AM.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=179&tags=delhi,Schools,bomb threat,WION" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<p><a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p></div>
<p>Following this, former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal raised concerns about recurring bomb threats targeting schools in the national capital. He questioned the potential psychological and academic impact on children, adding that such incidents could disrupt their studies and well-being if they continue abated.</p>
<p>In the past 11 days, over 100 schools in Delhi received a series of bomb threats. The emails were sent via Virtual Private Network (VPN), which made it challenging for the police to track down the perpetrators. </p>
<p>Since May this year, over 50 bomb threats and emails have targeted schools, hospitals, airports, and airline companies in Delhi. </p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


"After investigation by the Special Cell of Delhi Police, it was found that the emails were sent to both schools by two different students of the same school," Delhi Police said in a statement.



New Delhi, India After months of fear due to bomb threats received by several schools in Delhi, the Special Cell of Delhi Police revealed that at least two schools in the Rohini district received threatening emails from their own students, who wanted to postpone exams as they were not prepared. "After investigation by the Special Cell of Delhi Police, it was found that the emails were sent to both schools by two different students of the same school," Delhi police said in a statement. The police added, "Both students had sent this email to stop the exam because they were not prepared for the exam paper." Threat case in two schools in Delhi's Rohini district | After investigation by the Special Cell of Delhi Police, it was found that the emails were sent to both schools by two different students of the same school. Both students had sent this email to stop the exam because they… — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2024 × However, since both of them were students, they were counselled and their parents were warned, and both those students were let off. Also read: Delhi school receives bomb threat, classes shifted to online mode During their counselling, the students confessed to their actions. In the second incident, a student from Delhi's Paschim Vihar admitted to a similar act after the police traced an email to his home. The students said that they got the idea from previous incidents of bomb threats being made to schools. When these bomb threats emerged, the police conducted the research and declared them as hoaxes. On December 13, a total of 30 schools across Delhi received hoax bomb threat emails. Watch | India: Bomb Hoax In 40 Delhi Schools, Demand For $30,000 Ransom | World News | WION × Following this, former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal raised concerns about recurring bomb threats targeting schools in the national capital. He questioned the potential psychological and academic impact on children, adding that such incidents could disrupt their studies and well-being if they continue abated. In the past 11 days, over 100 schools in Delhi received a series of bomb threats. The emails were sent via Virtual Private Network (VPN), which made it challenging for the police to track down the perpetrators. Since May this year, over 50 bomb threats and emails have targeted schools, hospitals, airports, and airline companies in Delhi. (With inputs from agencies)

'Wanted to postpone exams': Students sent bomb threats to own schools in Delhi

<p><span class="region">Maharashtra, India</span>
<p>Around two weeks after the Maharashtra swearing-in ceremony, the cabinet portfolio was announced on Saturday (Dec 21). Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde got three ministries, including Urban Development, Housing and Public Works. However, he did not get the Home portfolio, which he was interested in. </p></p>
<p>The second Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has been assigned the key Finance Ministry portfolio. Moreover, he also got the Excise portfolio. </p>
<p>Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis got himself the Home, Energy, and Law ministries. </p>
<p>Shiv Sena's Dadaji Bhuse will be the new school education minister while Uday Samant will continue to be the industries minister. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-cabinet-shiv-sena-mla-bhondekar-resigns-citing-broken-promise-of-cabinet-berth-784294"><strong>Also read: Maharashtra cabinet: Shiv Sena MLA Bhondekar resigns citing broken promise of cabinet berth</strong></a></p>
<p>Sena's Prakash Abitkar will be heading the health ministry while Pratap Sarnaik is the transport minister. </p>
<p>Bharatiya Janata Party's Chandrashekhar Bawankule got the revenue ministry. </p>
<p>In the Maharashtra assembly polls, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a decisive victory, winning 235 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats, while Shiv Sena won 57 and NCP secured 41 seats. </p>
<p>Shiv Sena demanded the CM portfolio for Eknath Shinde after the victory. However, after days of discussion, Shinde relented and conceded the Chief Minister's post to Devendra Fadnavis. </p>
<p><strong>Watch | Why Maharashtra matters to India</strong></p>
<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/04/11/1104_WION_MAHARASTRA_11AM-1712817914-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1104_WION_MAHARASTRA_11AM.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=186&tags=india,Maharashtra,India elections 2024" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<p><a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p></div>
<p>Later, Shinde demanded the home portfolio. </p>
<p>Hours before the cabinet portfolios were assigned today, state minister Girish Mahajan said "he believes a unanimous decision has been reached" between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his Deputies over portfolio allocation.</p>
<p>Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray slammed the Devendra Fadnavis-led government, terming the delay in portfolio allocation "a joke", adding that the ministers have gotten their perks but no responsibility. </p>
<p>"All ministers got bungalows and cars but no responsibility. A joke is going on. No one wants to serve," he told Indian news agency ANI.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Deputy CM Eknath Shinde landed three ministries, including Urban Development, Housing and Public Works. 



Maharashtra, India Around two weeks after the Maharashtra swearing-in ceremony, the cabinet portfolio was announced on Saturday (Dec 21). Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde got three ministries, including Urban Development, Housing and Public Works. However, he did not get the Home portfolio, which he was interested in. The second Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has been assigned the key Finance Ministry portfolio. Moreover, he also got the Excise portfolio. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis got himself the Home, Energy, and Law ministries. Shiv Sena's Dadaji Bhuse will be the new school education minister while Uday Samant will continue to be the industries minister. Also read: Maharashtra cabinet: Shiv Sena MLA Bhondekar resigns citing broken promise of cabinet berth Sena's Prakash Abitkar will be heading the health ministry while Pratap Sarnaik is the transport minister. Bharatiya Janata Party's Chandrashekhar Bawankule got the revenue ministry. In the Maharashtra assembly polls, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a decisive victory, winning 235 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats, while Shiv Sena won 57 and NCP secured 41 seats. Shiv Sena demanded the CM portfolio for Eknath Shinde after the victory. However, after days of discussion, Shinde relented and conceded the Chief Minister's post to Devendra Fadnavis. Watch | Why Maharashtra matters to India × Later, Shinde demanded the home portfolio. Hours before the cabinet portfolios were assigned today, state minister Girish Mahajan said "he believes a unanimous decision has been reached" between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his Deputies over portfolio allocation. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray slammed the Devendra Fadnavis-led government, terming the delay in portfolio allocation "a joke", adding that the ministers have gotten their perks but no responsibility. "All ministers got bungalows and cars but no responsibility. A joke is going on. No one wants to serve," he told Indian news agency ANI. (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra cabinet portfolios allocated: Devendra Fadnavis keeps home ministry. Know what others got

<p>Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of US President-elect Donald Trump, withdrew her name from consideration for a seat in the US Senate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, she was considering herself for Florida Republican Marco Rubio’s seat in the US Senate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After an incredible amount of thought, contemplation, and encouragement from so many, I have decided to remove my name from consideration for the United States Senate," she posted on X on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I could not have been more honored to serve as RNC co-chair during the most high-stakes election of our lifetime and I’m truly humbled by the unbelievable support shown to me by the people of our country, and here in the great state of Florida," Lara Trump added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After an incredible amount of thought, contemplation, and encouragement from so many, I have decided to remove my name from consideration for the United States Senate.<br />
<br />
I could not have been more honored to serve as RNC co-chair during the most high-stakes election of our… <a href="https://t.co/ARdvTQki9N">https://t.co/ARdvTQki9N</a></p>
— Lara Trump (@LaraLeaTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaraLeaTrump/status/1870600689287901423?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"I remain incredibly passionate about public service and look forward to serving our country again sometime in the future. In the meantime, I wish Governor DeSantis the best of luck with this appointment," Lara said on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-waltz-stephen-miller-marco-rubio-donald-trumps-key-picks-for-white-house-775358"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Mike Waltz, Stephen Miller &amp; Marco Rubio: Donald Trump's key picks for White House</strong></a></p>

<p>Earlier this month, Lara Trump, the wife of the president-elect's son Eric Trump, stepped down as co-chair of the Republican National Committee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have read so many of your kind messages and I cannot thank you enough," Lara Trump said, adding she has a "big announcement that I’m excited to share in January."</p>

<p>Lara Trump was elected as RNC co-chair in March, solidifying Trump's influence over the party as he campaigned for the presidential post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump nominated Rubio to be secretary of state. Rubio was arguably the most hawkish option on Trump's shortlist for secretary of state, and he has in past years advocated for a muscular foreign policy concerning America's geopolitical foes, including China, Iran, and Cuba.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of US President-elect Donald Trump, withdrew her name from consideration for a seat in the US Senate. Earlier, she was considering herself for Florida Republican Marco Rubio’s seat in the US Senate.

Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of US President-elect Donald Trump, withdrew her name from consideration for a seat in the US Senate. Earlier, she was considering herself for Florida Republican Marco Rubio’s seat in the US Senate. "After an incredible amount of thought, contemplation, and encouragement from so many, I have decided to remove my name from consideration for the United States Senate," she posted on X on Saturday. "I could not have been more honored to serve as RNC co-chair during the most high-stakes election of our lifetime and I’m truly humbled by the unbelievable support shown to me by the people of our country, and here in the great state of Florida," Lara Trump added. After an incredible amount of thought, contemplation, and encouragement from so many, I have decided to remove my name from consideration for the United States Senate. I could not have been more honored to serve as RNC co-chair during the most high-stakes election of our… https://t.co/ARdvTQki9N — Lara Trump (@LaraLeaTrump) December 21, 2024 × "I remain incredibly passionate about public service and look forward to serving our country again sometime in the future. In the meantime, I wish Governor DeSantis the best of luck with this appointment," Lara said on X. Also read: Mike Waltz, Stephen Miller & Marco Rubio: Donald Trump's key picks for White House Earlier this month, Lara Trump, the wife of the president-elect's son Eric Trump, stepped down as co-chair of the Republican National Committee. "I have read so many of your kind messages and I cannot thank you enough," Lara Trump said, adding she has a "big announcement that I’m excited to share in January." Lara Trump was elected as RNC co-chair in March, solidifying Trump's influence over the party as he campaigned for the presidential post. Trump nominated Rubio to be secretary of state. Rubio was arguably the most hawkish option on Trump's shortlist for secretary of state, and he has in past years advocated for a muscular foreign policy concerning America's geopolitical foes, including China, Iran, and Cuba. (With inputs from agencies)

Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of Donald Trump, withdraws bid for US senate seat

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (Dec 22) vowed to bring more destruction to Ukraine in retaliation for a drone attack on a high-rise apartment block in the city of Kazan on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin said that Ukraine will face many times more destruction and will regret this.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Whoever, and however much they try to destroy, they will face many times more destruction themselves and will regret what they are trying to do in our country," Putin said while commenting on the attack on Kazan during a televised government meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine launched a drone attack deep inside Russia on Saturday, hitting several residential high-rise buildings in the city of Kazan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-ukraine-hits-russian-residential-high-rises-in-kazan-dramatic-visuals-shows-911-like-attack-785770"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Video: Ukraine hits Russian residential high-rises in Kazan. Dramatic visuals show '9/11-style attack'</strong></a></p>

<p>A video of the strike, purportedly shot by eyewitnesses, shows the drones hitting a residential building head-on, in what some users have labelled as a '9/11-style' attack.</p>

<p>Russia’s Defence Ministry said that its forces had intercepted 42 Ukrainian drones launched overnight at Russian territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that 20 of those were over the Oryol region, where the local governor said a blaze tore through the oil terminal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There were no casualties reported from the site of the attack.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine Launches Drone Attack On Russia</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-ukraine-launches-drone-attack-on-russia-785991/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Moreover, local authorities said that debris from one of the downed drones fell on the roof of a multi-storey building in the Kyiv region, which caused a fire.</p>

<p>This attack comes hours after the Russian Defence Ministry on its Telegram channel reported that its air defences shot down one "Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle over the Republic of Tatarstan," whose capital is Kazan.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (Dec 22) vowed to bring more destruction to Ukraine in retaliation for a drone attack on a high-rise apartment block in the city of Kazan on Saturday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (Dec 22) vowed to bring more destruction to Ukraine in retaliation for a drone attack on a high-rise apartment block in the city of Kazan on Saturday. Putin said that Ukraine will face many times more destruction and will regret this. "Whoever, and however much they try to destroy, they will face many times more destruction themselves and will regret what they are trying to do in our country," Putin said while commenting on the attack on Kazan during a televised government meeting. Ukraine launched a drone attack deep inside Russia on Saturday, hitting several residential high-rise buildings in the city of Kazan. Also read: Video: Ukraine hits Russian residential high-rises in Kazan. Dramatic visuals show '9/11-style attack' A video of the strike, purportedly shot by eyewitnesses, shows the drones hitting a residential building head-on, in what some users have labelled as a '9/11-style' attack. Russia’s Defence Ministry said that its forces had intercepted 42 Ukrainian drones launched overnight at Russian territory. It added that 20 of those were over the Oryol region, where the local governor said a blaze tore through the oil terminal. There were no casualties reported from the site of the attack. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine Launches Drone Attack On Russia × Moreover, local authorities said that debris from one of the downed drones fell on the roof of a multi-storey building in the Kyiv region, which caused a fire. This attack comes hours after the Russian Defence Ministry on its Telegram channel reported that its air defences shot down one "Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle over the Republic of Tatarstan," whose capital is Kazan. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

<p>Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday (Dec 22) that India can never allow others to veto its choices and would do everything right in its national interest and for the global welfare.&nbsp;</p>

<p>EAM Jaishankar further emphasised that independence could never be confused with neutrality.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Independence should never be confused with neutrality. We will do whatever is right in our national interest and for the global good without being intimidated to conform. Bharat can never permit others to have a veto on its choices," he said in a video message for a function in Mumbai.</p>

<p>He further said that India had been "schooled too long to visualise progress and modernity as a rejection of our heritage and traditions."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-jaishankar-hails-quads-rise-during-trump-presidency-says-alliance-is-most-expansive-yet-782101"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India’s Jaishankar hails Quad’s rise during Trump presidency, says alliance is 'most expansive' yet</strong></a></p>

<p>He emphasised the need for India to embrace its traditions while progressing and believed that India's growing global presence has significant implications and that the world can learn from India's heritage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaishankar further reiterated the importance of balancing tradition and technology in a globalised world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Bharat will inevitably progress, but it must do so without losing its Bharatiyata (Indianness). Only then can we truly emerge as a leading power in a multipolar world," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;S Jaishankar on WION: Calls for collective self-reliance in the Indian Ocean</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/s-jaishankar-on-wion-calls-for-collective-self-reliance-in-the-indian-ocean-689067/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The minister stressed the need for having an impact at the societal level. "To that it is essential that we ourselves, the younger generation, are fully aware of the value and significance of our heritage. This can be articulated at various levels, but most importantly, it should have an impact at the societal level," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He noted that in the last decade, India had shown everyone that it had the capabilities, confidence, and commitment to advance development across the board.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It has shown that the age-old problems of poverty, discrimination, and lack of opportunities can indeed be addressed. On the global stage, it has established itself as an independent power, but one committed to global good, especially the well-being of the global south," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday (Dec 22) that India can never allow others to veto its choices and would do everything right in its national interest and for the global welfare.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday (Dec 22) that India can never allow others to veto its choices and would do everything right in its national interest and for the global welfare. EAM Jaishankar further emphasised that independence could never be confused with neutrality. "Independence should never be confused with neutrality. We will do whatever is right in our national interest and for the global good without being intimidated to conform. Bharat can never permit others to have a veto on its choices," he said in a video message for a function in Mumbai. He further said that India had been "schooled too long to visualise progress and modernity as a rejection of our heritage and traditions." Also read: India’s Jaishankar hails Quad’s rise during Trump presidency, says alliance is 'most expansive' yet He emphasised the need for India to embrace its traditions while progressing and believed that India's growing global presence has significant implications and that the world can learn from India's heritage. Jaishankar further reiterated the importance of balancing tradition and technology in a globalised world. "Bharat will inevitably progress, but it must do so without losing its Bharatiyata (Indianness). Only then can we truly emerge as a leading power in a multipolar world," he added. Watch | S Jaishankar on WION: Calls for collective self-reliance in the Indian Ocean × The minister stressed the need for having an impact at the societal level. "To that it is essential that we ourselves, the younger generation, are fully aware of the value and significance of our heritage. This can be articulated at various levels, but most importantly, it should have an impact at the societal level," he said. He noted that in the last decade, India had shown everyone that it had the capabilities, confidence, and commitment to advance development across the board. "It has shown that the age-old problems of poverty, discrimination, and lack of opportunities can indeed be addressed. On the global stage, it has established itself as an independent power, but one committed to global good, especially the well-being of the global south," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

<p>Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened to "crush Hezbollah's head" if the Lebanon-based militant group violates the ceasefire agreement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Katz was on a visit to an Israeli military position in southern Lebanon.</p>

<p>“We defanged the snake, and if Hezbollah does not withdraw beyond the Litani [River] and tries to violate the ceasefire, we will crush its head,” Katz said in the remarks shared by his office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further said that we will not allow Hezbollah operatives to return to the southern villages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will not allow Hezbollah operatives to return to the southern villages and reestablish the terror infrastructure that will pose a threat to the northern communities,” he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/absurd-irans-supreme-leader-khamenei-denies-using-proxies-in-west-asia-785976"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Iran's Khamenei says Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis act independently, rejects ‘proxy force’ accusations</strong></a></p>

<p>The minister stressed that Israel would make sure that the threat was removed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will ensure the removal of the threat and the restoration of security to allow the residents of the north to return safely to their homes,” Katz said.</p>

<h2><strong>Two Israelis charged for contact with Hezbollah&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Two residents of Jerusalem were indicted for having contact with the Hezbollah group and providing them with information during the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two men, Abd al-Salam Qawasameh and Taar Asili, who are in their 30s, were in contact via a WhatsApp group with a woman using the name "Diana", who was a Hezbollah operative.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the indictment, even after knowing that she was a member of Hezbollah, the two men continued to maintain contact with her and shared information about Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Qawasameh shared the handler photos from the coastal town for Caesarea. In Caesarea, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a private residence.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah War: Why Is Hezbollah Targeting Haifa?</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-war-why-is-hezbollah-targeting-haifa-771241/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Meanwhile, Asili sent her news articles about Israel and the security situation, the indictment read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pair was also allegedly asked to speak with a senior Hezbollah intelligence officer. Asili bought a new SIM card to contact the officer but refused a request to take photos in the northern border town of Metula.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two have been charged with "contact with a foreign agent" and passing information to the enemy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, Qawasameh has also been charged with weapon offences after he took a photo with an assault rifle that belonged to a Palestinian gunman during a visit to the West Bank city of Jenin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prosecution has appealed to the Jerusalem District Court to keep them in custody until the legal proceedings are concluded.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.</em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened to "crush Hezbollah's head" if the Lebanon-based militant group violates the ceasefire agreement. Katz was on a visit to an Israeli military position in southern Lebanon.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened to "crush Hezbollah's head" if the Lebanon-based militant group violates the ceasefire agreement. Katz was on a visit to an Israeli military position in southern Lebanon. “We defanged the snake, and if Hezbollah does not withdraw beyond the Litani [River] and tries to violate the ceasefire, we will crush its head,” Katz said in the remarks shared by his office. He further said that we will not allow Hezbollah operatives to return to the southern villages. "We will not allow Hezbollah operatives to return to the southern villages and reestablish the terror infrastructure that will pose a threat to the northern communities,” he added. Also read: Iran's Khamenei says Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis act independently, rejects ‘proxy force’ accusations The minister stressed that Israel would make sure that the threat was removed. "We will ensure the removal of the threat and the restoration of security to allow the residents of the north to return safely to their homes,” Katz said. Two Israelis charged for contact with Hezbollah Two residents of Jerusalem were indicted for having contact with the Hezbollah group and providing them with information during the war. The two men, Abd al-Salam Qawasameh and Taar Asili, who are in their 30s, were in contact via a WhatsApp group with a woman using the name "Diana", who was a Hezbollah operative. According to the indictment, even after knowing that she was a member of Hezbollah, the two men continued to maintain contact with her and shared information about Israel. Qawasameh shared the handler photos from the coastal town for Caesarea. In Caesarea, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a private residence. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War: Why Is Hezbollah Targeting Haifa? × Meanwhile, Asili sent her news articles about Israel and the security situation, the indictment read. The pair was also allegedly asked to speak with a senior Hezbollah intelligence officer. Asili bought a new SIM card to contact the officer but refused a request to take photos in the northern border town of Metula. The two have been charged with "contact with a foreign agent" and passing information to the enemy. Moreover, Qawasameh has also been charged with weapon offences after he took a photo with an assault rifle that belonged to a Palestinian gunman during a visit to the West Bank city of Jenin. The prosecution has appealed to the Jerusalem District Court to keep them in custody until the legal proceedings are concluded. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

<p>After months of fear due to bomb threats received by several schools in Delhi, the Special Cell of Delhi Police revealed that at least two schools in the Rohini district received threatening emails from their own students, who wanted to postpone exams as they were not prepared.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After investigation by the Special Cell of Delhi Police, it was found that the emails were sent to both schools by two different students of the same school," Delhi police said in a statement.</p>

<p>The police added, "Both students had sent this email to stop the exam because they were not prepared for the exam paper."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Threat case in two schools in Delhi's Rohini district | After investigation by the Special Cell of Delhi Police, it was found that the emails were sent to both schools by two different students of the same school. Both students had sent this email to stop the exam because they…</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1870685451037929662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>However, since both of them were students, they were counselled and their parents were warned, and both those students were let off.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-school-gets-bomb-threat-mail-search-underway-785443"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Delhi school receives bomb threat, classes shifted to online mode</strong></a></p>

<p>During their counselling, the students confessed to their actions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the second incident, a student from Delhi's Paschim Vihar admitted to a similar act after the police traced an email to his home. The students said that they got the idea from previous incidents of bomb threats being made to schools.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When these bomb threats emerged, the police conducted the research and declared them as hoaxes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On December 13, a total of 30 schools across Delhi received hoax bomb threat emails.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: Bomb Hoax In 40 Delhi Schools, Demand For $30,000 Ransom | World News | WION</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-bomb-hoax-in-40-delhi-schools-demand-for-30000-ransom-world-news-wion-782592/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Following this, former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal raised concerns about recurring bomb threats targeting schools in the national capital. He questioned the potential psychological and academic impact on children, adding that such incidents could disrupt their studies and well-being if they continue abated.</p>

<p>In the past 11 days, over 100 schools in Delhi received a series of bomb threats. The emails were sent via&nbsp;Virtual Private Network (VPN), which made it challenging for the police to track down the perpetrators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since May this year, over 50 bomb threats&nbsp;and emails have targeted schools, hospitals, airports, and airline companies in Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After months of fear due to bomb threats received by several schools in Delhi, the Special Cell of Delhi Police revealed that at least two schools in the Rohini district received threatening emails from their own students, who wanted to postpone exams as they were not prepared.

After months of fear due to bomb threats received by several schools in Delhi, the Special Cell of Delhi Police revealed that at least two schools in the Rohini district received threatening emails from their own students, who wanted to postpone exams as they were not prepared. "After investigation by the Special Cell of Delhi Police, it was found that the emails were sent to both schools by two different students of the same school," Delhi police said in a statement. The police added, "Both students had sent this email to stop the exam because they were not prepared for the exam paper." Threat case in two schools in Delhi's Rohini district | After investigation by the Special Cell of Delhi Police, it was found that the emails were sent to both schools by two different students of the same school. Both students had sent this email to stop the exam because they… — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2024 × However, since both of them were students, they were counselled and their parents were warned, and both those students were let off. Also read: Delhi school receives bomb threat, classes shifted to online mode During their counselling, the students confessed to their actions. In the second incident, a student from Delhi's Paschim Vihar admitted to a similar act after the police traced an email to his home. The students said that they got the idea from previous incidents of bomb threats being made to schools. When these bomb threats emerged, the police conducted the research and declared them as hoaxes. On December 13, a total of 30 schools across Delhi received hoax bomb threat emails. Watch | India: Bomb Hoax In 40 Delhi Schools, Demand For $30,000 Ransom | World News | WION × Following this, former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal raised concerns about recurring bomb threats targeting schools in the national capital. He questioned the potential psychological and academic impact on children, adding that such incidents could disrupt their studies and well-being if they continue abated. In the past 11 days, over 100 schools in Delhi received a series of bomb threats. The emails were sent via Virtual Private Network (VPN), which made it challenging for the police to track down the perpetrators. Since May this year, over 50 bomb threats and emails have targeted schools, hospitals, airports, and airline companies in Delhi. (With inputs from agencies)

<p>With the decision by the Hong Kong-based Fitch Ratings to upgrade Sri Lanka's credit rating, the island nation has officially ended its debt default, the Finance Ministry said here on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fitch upgraded Sri Lanka's long-term credit default rating to CCC+ from CCC- on Friday as it said that "the risk of another default on local currency debt has been reduced by the completion of the international sovereign bond restructuring and an improved outlook for macroeconomic indicators."</p>

<p>Mahinda Siriwardana, a top bureaucrat in the Finance Ministry, said in a statement: "December 20 marked a major milestone in our economic recovery process as Sri Lanka officially exited sovereign default."</p>

<p>Sri Lanka plunged into an economic crisis when the island nation declared sovereign default in mid-April of 2022, its first since gaining independence from Britain in 1948. Almost civil-war-like conditions and months of public protests led to the fleeing of the then president Gotabaya Rajapaksa.</p>

<p>Ranil Wickremesinghe, who then took over as the president, began the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) soon after. His government then clinched the bailout a year later in March 2023.</p>

<p>Siriwardana said the crisis was man-made and could have been averted if the early warnings had been heeded with an early engagement with the IMF.</p>

<p>"While macroeconomic outcomes have indeed been satisfactory and the debt restructuring process is completed culminating in this rating upgrade, people still feel the pain from the crisis and the difficult remedial measures."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-disanayaka-assures-sri-lankas-land-wont-be-used-against-indias-security-interests-784493"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;President Dissanayake assures Sri Lanka's land won’t be used against India’s security interests</strong></a></p>

<p>He was perhaps referring to the time of unprecedented forex crisis that had triggered shortages of essentials and long queues were witnessed for fuel and cooking gas while the island faced power cuts for over 10 hours in 2022.</p>

<p>Siriwardana stresses that no room exists for a repeat of policy errors, the collapse happens rapidly but the recovery is painful.</p>

<p>"This is indeed a historic moment and a time to celebrate but it is a moment that should never be repeated."</p>

<p>Siriwardana was one of the two top officials besides the Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe, who saw through the recovery process from its start in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There have been three presidents and three finance ministers since the country was plunged into crisis.</p>

<p>Earlier on Wednesday, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that Sri Lanka has achieved flexibility with the IMF on its rigid state revenue tax regime, something that was part of his election promise.</p>

<p>Speaking about the agreements reached with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during its third review of the USD 2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), Dissanayake, who is also the Minister of Finance, told the parliament that his government has been able to raise the tax threshold.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka's President Chose India Over China</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lankas-president-chose-india-over-china-785830/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"We have been able to raise the tax threshold of pay as you earn (PAYE tax) so that those who have bigger incomes pay more while those who earn pay less," Dissanayake said, adding there would be other VAT exemptions and withholding tax on interest incomes for the retired.</p>

<p>Dissanayake's government has recently concluded its third review of the IMF bailout and is awaiting the fourth tranche of the nearly USD 3 billion facility.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka had on November 26 announced that it has ratified the agreement for debt restructuring for USD 14.2 billion, compulsory to maintain debt sustainability by the IMF through an exchange of new bonds for the existing bonds.</p>

<p>A week prior to it, the National People's Power (NPP) government got the IMF approval for a staff-level agreement to secure the fourth tranche of the nearly USD 3 billion bailout package, something that President Dissanayake backed despite his pre-presidential election rhetoric to renegotiate with the global lender to water down tough conditions.</p>

<p>The NPP was highly critical of the cost recovery based on utility tariffs and high taxes, which came conditional to the bailout.</p>

<p>The debt restructuring agreement was reached in the last week of then-President Ranil Wickremesinghe's regime in September, days before the presidential polls.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


With the decision by the Hong Kong-based Fitch Ratings to upgrade Sri Lanka's credit rating, the island nation has officially ended its debt default, the Finance Ministry said here on Saturday.

With the decision by the Hong Kong-based Fitch Ratings to upgrade Sri Lanka's credit rating, the island nation has officially ended its debt default, the Finance Ministry said here on Saturday. Fitch upgraded Sri Lanka's long-term credit default rating to CCC+ from CCC- on Friday as it said that "the risk of another default on local currency debt has been reduced by the completion of the international sovereign bond restructuring and an improved outlook for macroeconomic indicators." Mahinda Siriwardana, a top bureaucrat in the Finance Ministry, said in a statement: "December 20 marked a major milestone in our economic recovery process as Sri Lanka officially exited sovereign default." Sri Lanka plunged into an economic crisis when the island nation declared sovereign default in mid-April of 2022, its first since gaining independence from Britain in 1948. Almost civil-war-like conditions and months of public protests led to the fleeing of the then president Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Ranil Wickremesinghe, who then took over as the president, began the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) soon after. His government then clinched the bailout a year later in March 2023. Siriwardana said the crisis was man-made and could have been averted if the early warnings had been heeded with an early engagement with the IMF. "While macroeconomic outcomes have indeed been satisfactory and the debt restructuring process is completed culminating in this rating upgrade, people still feel the pain from the crisis and the difficult remedial measures." Also read: President Dissanayake assures Sri Lanka's land won’t be used against India’s security interests He was perhaps referring to the time of unprecedented forex crisis that had triggered shortages of essentials and long queues were witnessed for fuel and cooking gas while the island faced power cuts for over 10 hours in 2022. Siriwardana stresses that no room exists for a repeat of policy errors, the collapse happens rapidly but the recovery is painful. "This is indeed a historic moment and a time to celebrate but it is a moment that should never be repeated." Siriwardana was one of the two top officials besides the Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe, who saw through the recovery process from its start in 2022. There have been three presidents and three finance ministers since the country was plunged into crisis. Earlier on Wednesday, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that Sri Lanka has achieved flexibility with the IMF on its rigid state revenue tax regime, something that was part of his election promise. Speaking about the agreements reached with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during its third review of the USD 2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), Dissanayake, who is also the Minister of Finance, told the parliament that his government has been able to raise the tax threshold. Watch | Sri Lanka's President Chose India Over China × "We have been able to raise the tax threshold of pay as you earn (PAYE tax) so that those who have bigger incomes pay more while those who earn pay less," Dissanayake said, adding there would be other VAT exemptions and withholding tax on interest incomes for the retired. Dissanayake's government has recently concluded its third review of the IMF bailout and is awaiting the fourth tranche of the nearly USD 3 billion facility. Sri Lanka had on November 26 announced that it has ratified the agreement for debt restructuring for USD 14.2 billion, compulsory to maintain debt sustainability by the IMF through an exchange of new bonds for the existing bonds. A week prior to it, the National People's Power (NPP) government got the IMF approval for a staff-level agreement to secure the fourth tranche of the nearly USD 3 billion bailout package, something that President Dissanayake backed despite his pre-presidential election rhetoric to renegotiate with the global lender to water down tough conditions. The NPP was highly critical of the cost recovery based on utility tariffs and high taxes, which came conditional to the bailout. The debt restructuring agreement was reached in the last week of then-President Ranil Wickremesinghe's regime in September, days before the presidential polls. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sri Lanka claims it has ended debt default, says crisis was 'man-made'

<p>Around two weeks after the Maharashtra swearing-in ceremony, the cabinet portfolio was announced on Saturday (Dec 21). Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde got three ministries, including Urban Development, Housing and Public Works. However, he did not get the Home portfolio, which he was interested in.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The second Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has been assigned the key Finance Ministry portfolio. Moreover, he also got the Excise portfolio.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis got himself the Home, Energy, and Law ministries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shiv Sena's Dadaji Bhuse will be the new school education minister while Uday Samant will continue&nbsp;to be the industries minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-cabinet-shiv-sena-mla-bhondekar-resigns-citing-broken-promise-of-cabinet-berth-784294"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Maharashtra cabinet: Shiv Sena MLA Bhondekar resigns citing broken promise of cabinet berth</strong></a></p>

<p>Sena's Prakash Abitkar will be heading the health ministry while Pratap Sarnaik is the transport minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party's Chandrashekhar Bawankule got the revenue ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Maharashtra assembly polls, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a decisive victory, winning 235 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats, while Shiv Sena won 57 and NCP secured 41 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shiv Sena demanded the CM portfolio for Eknath Shinde after the victory. However, after days of discussion, Shinde relented and conceded the Chief Minister's post to Devendra Fadnavis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Why Maharashtra matters to India</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-maharashtra-matters-to-india-710056/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Later, Shinde demanded the home portfolio.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hours before the cabinet portfolios were assigned today, state minister Girish Mahajan said "he believes a unanimous decision has been reached" between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his Deputies over portfolio allocation.</p>

<p>Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray slammed the Devendra Fadnavis-led government, terming the delay in portfolio allocation "a joke", adding that the ministers have gotten their perks but no responsibility.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All ministers got bungalows and cars but no responsibility. A joke is going on. No one wants to serve," he told Indian news agency ANI.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Around two weeks after the Maharashtra swearing-in ceremony, the cabinet portfolio was announced on Saturday (Dec 21). Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde got three ministries, including Urban Development, Housing and Public Works.

Around two weeks after the Maharashtra swearing-in ceremony, the cabinet portfolio was announced on Saturday (Dec 21). Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde got three ministries, including Urban Development, Housing and Public Works. However, he did not get the Home portfolio, which he was interested in. The second Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has been assigned the key Finance Ministry portfolio. Moreover, he also got the Excise portfolio. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis got himself the Home, Energy, and Law ministries. Shiv Sena's Dadaji Bhuse will be the new school education minister while Uday Samant will continue to be the industries minister. Also read: Maharashtra cabinet: Shiv Sena MLA Bhondekar resigns citing broken promise of cabinet berth Sena's Prakash Abitkar will be heading the health ministry while Pratap Sarnaik is the transport minister. Bharatiya Janata Party's Chandrashekhar Bawankule got the revenue ministry. In the Maharashtra assembly polls, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a decisive victory, winning 235 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats, while Shiv Sena won 57 and NCP secured 41 seats. Shiv Sena demanded the CM portfolio for Eknath Shinde after the victory. However, after days of discussion, Shinde relented and conceded the Chief Minister's post to Devendra Fadnavis. Watch | Why Maharashtra matters to India × Later, Shinde demanded the home portfolio. Hours before the cabinet portfolios were assigned today, state minister Girish Mahajan said "he believes a unanimous decision has been reached" between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his Deputies over portfolio allocation. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray slammed the Devendra Fadnavis-led government, terming the delay in portfolio allocation "a joke", adding that the ministers have gotten their perks but no responsibility. "All ministers got bungalows and cars but no responsibility. A joke is going on. No one wants to serve," he told Indian news agency ANI. (With inputs from agencies)

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Mansi Arora

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.