Ukraine struck&nbsp;Russia with US-made long-range missiles for the first time even as Russian President Vladimir Putin talked&nbsp;of 'nuclear response'.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian armed forces carried out their first strike in a border region within Russian territory with an Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The ministry said that Kyiv fired six US-made ATACMS at Russia’s Bryansk region. This comes a day after US President Joe Biden permitted Ukraine to use the US-supplied long-range missiles to attack inside Russia.

Ukrainian forces fired six "ballistic missiles," the ministry said on its official Telegram page, adding that five of these missiles were downed and the sixth was damaged.&nbsp;

"According to confirmed data, American-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles were used," it added.

"Tonight, at 3:25, the enemy launched a strike on a facility in the Bryansk region with six ballistic missiles. According to confirmed data, American-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles were used," the department said, as reported by state media RIA Novosti. 
 
It claimed that the S-400 and Pantsir air defence missile systems shot down five missiles and damaged sixth one, fragments of which fell on a&nbsp;military facility, causing a fire. 
 
The ministry stressed the debris fell on the territory of an unspecified military facility.&nbsp;

The fallen debris led to a fire, but no causalities have been reported, the ministry added.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;signed a decree allowing Moscow to use nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear state&nbsp;receiving backing from nuclear powers.

Kremlin further defended the decree, labelling it as "necessary".

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov&nbsp;said that Russia broadening its rules for the use of nuclear weapons was a "necessary" response to what the country considers Western threats to its security.

As Biden is set to leave the administration in January, the move marks a significant change in the policy of the US in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to limit US support for Ukraine and bring an end to the ongoing war.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-permits-ukraine-to-use-us-supplied-long-range-missiles-to-strike-inside-russia-776920">Also read:&nbsp;Biden permits Ukraine to use US-supplied long-range missiles to strike inside Russia</a>

Biden administration's decision comes months after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky requested permission to use American weapons to strike inside Russia.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Army Tactical Missile System?</h2>

The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile that can hit targets at up to 300 km. The range of the missile makes it particularly significant for Ukraine.&nbsp;

ATACMS was built by the defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin. They are fuelled by solid rocket propellant and follow a ballistic path into the atmosphere before coming back down at a high speed and high angle, which makes them difficult to intercept.&nbsp;

Kyiv has been using these missiles on Russian targets in occupied Ukrainian territory for more than a year now.&nbsp;

Till now, the US has never permitted Ukraine to use the ATACMS inside Russian territory. However, Ukraine kept on asking America to allow them to use it.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Biden Allows Ukraine To Use U.S. Arms To Strike Inside Russia

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However, the Ukrainian president has not confirmed anything about these attacks inside Russia. But, on Sunday, he said, "Strikes are not made with words ... The missiles will speak for themselves."

A Western diplomat stressed that it might raise the war cost for Russia.

"I don't think it will be decisive," a Western diplomat in Kyiv told the BBC, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. However, it’s an overdue symbolic decision to raise the stakes and demonstrate military support to Ukraine."

"It can raise the war cost for Russia," the diplomat added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine struck Russia with US-made long-range missiles for the first time even as Russian President Vladimir Putin talked of 'nuclear response'. The Ukrainian armed forces carried out their first strike in a border region within Russian territory with an Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.

Ukraine struck Russia with US-made long-range missiles for the first time even as Russian President Vladimir Putin talked of 'nuclear response'. The Ukrainian armed forces carried out their first strike in a border region within Russian territory with an Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Tuesday. The ministry said that Kyiv fired six US-made ATACMS at Russia’s Bryansk region. This comes a day after US President Joe Biden permitted Ukraine to use the US-supplied long-range missiles to attack inside Russia. Ukrainian forces fired six "ballistic missiles," the ministry said on its official Telegram page, adding that five of these missiles were downed and the sixth was damaged. "According to confirmed data, American-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles were used," it added. "Tonight, at 3:25, the enemy launched a strike on a facility in the Bryansk region with six ballistic missiles. According to confirmed data, American-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles were used," the department said, as reported by state media RIA Novosti. It claimed that the S-400 and Pantsir air defence missile systems shot down five missiles and damaged sixth one, fragments of which fell on a military facility, causing a fire. The ministry stressed the debris fell on the territory of an unspecified military facility. The fallen debris led to a fire, but no causalities have been reported, the ministry added. Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing Moscow to use nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear state receiving backing from nuclear powers. Kremlin further defended the decree, labelling it as "necessary". Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russia broadening its rules for the use of nuclear weapons was a "necessary" response to what the country considers Western threats to its security. As Biden is set to leave the administration in January, the move marks a significant change in the policy of the US in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to limit US support for Ukraine and bring an end to the ongoing war. Also read: Biden permits Ukraine to use US-supplied long-range missiles to strike inside Russia Biden administration's decision comes months after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky requested permission to use American weapons to strike inside Russia. What is the Army Tactical Missile System? The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile that can hit targets at up to 300 km. The range of the missile makes it particularly significant for Ukraine. ATACMS was built by the defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin. They are fuelled by solid rocket propellant and follow a ballistic path into the atmosphere before coming back down at a high speed and high angle, which makes them difficult to intercept. Kyiv has been using these missiles on Russian targets in occupied Ukrainian territory for more than a year now. Till now, the US has never permitted Ukraine to use the ATACMS inside Russian territory. However, Ukraine kept on asking America to allow them to use it. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Biden Allows Ukraine To Use U.S. Arms To Strike Inside Russia × However, the Ukrainian president has not confirmed anything about these attacks inside Russia. But, on Sunday, he said, "Strikes are not made with words ... The missiles will speak for themselves." A Western diplomat stressed that it might raise the war cost for Russia. "I don't think it will be decisive," a Western diplomat in Kyiv told the BBC, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. However, it’s an overdue symbolic decision to raise the stakes and demonstrate military support to Ukraine." "It can raise the war cost for Russia," the diplomat added. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia claims Ukraine fired six US-made long range missiles after Biden admin gave nod for use

Three workers died at a Hyundai car plant on Tuesday, the South Korean automaker told AFP, with local reports suggesting it was an accident during a vehicle performance test.

Along with its affiliate Kia, Hyundai is the world's third-largest automaker, recording more than 4.2 million units in global sales in 2023.

"Three research workers have died at an Ulsan assembly line," a Hyundai representative told AFP.

"We are trying to determine the cause of the incident," the representative said, without giving any further details.

Hyundai's Ulsan plant is 370 kilometres (229 miles) southeast of Seoul, and the assembly line there has been described by the company as the "world's largest single automobile plant" with an export shipping dock.

According to South Korea's Yonhap news agency, the incident occurred during a vehicle performance test inside a chamber.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/autonews/hyundai-names-first-foreign-co-ceo-amid-trump-policy-concerns-777083">Also read:&nbsp;Hyundai names first foreign co-CEO amid Trump policy concerns</a>

Unventilated exhaust gases inside the chamber might have been responsible for the fatal accident, Yonhap said.

"The three -- two Hyundai researchers and the other affiliated with a subcontractor -- were found collapsed at a test chamber of the plant where they were conducting a car performance test," Yonhap reported.

"They were taken to nearby hospitals but were pronounced dead," it said.&nbsp;

"The victims were presumed to have been suffocated due to toxic gas in the enclosed space, and a police investigation is underway to find the exact cause of the accident."

In a statement to AFP, Hyundai said it was "deeply saddened by the incident that occurred" at the plant, and pledged full cooperation with investigators.

"We will cooperate fully with all relevant authorities to determine the cause of this incident as more information becomes available," the automaker said.&nbsp;

It added that it "will work tirelessly to implement measures to prevent any future incidents", said the statement which did not include details of the incident.&nbsp;

Hyundai and Kia together account for around 80 per cent of all new vehicle sales in the South Korean domestic market, according to 2023 data.

One worker died at the same Hyundai Motor factory in Ulsan in 2023 after his head was caught in a heat treatment machine during an inspection, local media reported at the time.

The 2023 incident prompted Hyundai to issue an apology, saying they would "do our best to come up with follow-up measures" to prevent such incidents.

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.

Three workers died at a Hyundai car plant on Tuesday, the South Korean automaker told AFP, with local reports suggesting it was an accident during a vehicle performance test.

Three workers died at a Hyundai car plant on Tuesday, the South Korean automaker told AFP, with local reports suggesting it was an accident during a vehicle performance test. Along with its affiliate Kia, Hyundai is the world's third-largest automaker, recording more than 4.2 million units in global sales in 2023. "Three research workers have died at an Ulsan assembly line," a Hyundai representative told AFP. "We are trying to determine the cause of the incident," the representative said, without giving any further details. Hyundai's Ulsan plant is 370 kilometres (229 miles) southeast of Seoul, and the assembly line there has been described by the company as the "world's largest single automobile plant" with an export shipping dock. According to South Korea's Yonhap news agency, the incident occurred during a vehicle performance test inside a chamber. Also read: Hyundai names first foreign co-CEO amid Trump policy concerns Unventilated exhaust gases inside the chamber might have been responsible for the fatal accident, Yonhap said. "The three -- two Hyundai researchers and the other affiliated with a subcontractor -- were found collapsed at a test chamber of the plant where they were conducting a car performance test," Yonhap reported. "They were taken to nearby hospitals but were pronounced dead," it said. "The victims were presumed to have been suffocated due to toxic gas in the enclosed space, and a police investigation is underway to find the exact cause of the accident." In a statement to AFP, Hyundai said it was "deeply saddened by the incident that occurred" at the plant, and pledged full cooperation with investigators. "We will cooperate fully with all relevant authorities to determine the cause of this incident as more information becomes available," the automaker said. It added that it "will work tirelessly to implement measures to prevent any future incidents", said the statement which did not include details of the incident. Hyundai and Kia together account for around 80 per cent of all new vehicle sales in the South Korean domestic market, according to 2023 data. One worker died at the same Hyundai Motor factory in Ulsan in 2023 after his head was caught in a heat treatment machine during an inspection, local media reported at the time. The 2023 incident prompted Hyundai to issue an apology, saying they would "do our best to come up with follow-up measures" to prevent such incidents. 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.

Three workers died during car test at Hyundai car plant in South Korea, presumed to be suffocated

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India soon, Indian news agency ANI reported citing Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's press secretary, on Tuesday (Nov 19).

The dates are yet to be confirmed.&nbsp;

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"Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India soon. We are working on the dates," says Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's press secretary. <a href="https://t.co/2TTy6A9UUO">pic.twitter.com/2TTy6A9UUO</a>
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Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, speaking at the Sputnik India event said, "we hope that soon we will figure out the dates of President Putin's visit to India."

Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Putin to visit India next year for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-modi-invites-russian-president-putin-to-visit-india-for-india-russia-annual-summit-next-year-770054">Also read:&nbsp;PM Modi invites Russian President Putin to Delhi for India-Russia Annual Summit next year</a>

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, marking their second meeting this year. They had earlier met in Moscow for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit in July 2024.

The two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including political, economic, defence, energy, and people-to-people ties, the Indian prime minister's office said in a press release.

Modi and Putin exchanged views on India-Russia engagement in multilateral fora, in particular in BRICS, according to the press release.&nbsp;

They also shared views on key regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy was the way forward in resolving conflicts.

While reflecting on close ties between India and Russia and his personal rapport with PM Modi, the Russian president quipped that they have such a relationship that the Indian PM will not need a translator.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India soon, Indian news agency ANI reported citing Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's press secretary, on Tuesday (Nov 19).

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India soon, Indian news agency ANI reported citing Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's press secretary, on Tuesday (Nov 19). The dates are yet to be confirmed. "Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India soon. We are working on the dates," says Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's press secretary. pic.twitter.com/2TTy6A9UUO — ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2024 × Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, speaking at the Sputnik India event said, "we hope that soon we will figure out the dates of President Putin's visit to India." Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Putin to visit India next year for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Also read: PM Modi invites Russian President Putin to Delhi for India-Russia Annual Summit next year The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, marking their second meeting this year. They had earlier met in Moscow for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit in July 2024. The two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including political, economic, defence, energy, and people-to-people ties, the Indian prime minister's office said in a press release. Modi and Putin exchanged views on India-Russia engagement in multilateral fora, in particular in BRICS, according to the press release. They also shared views on key regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy was the way forward in resolving conflicts. While reflecting on close ties between India and Russia and his personal rapport with PM Modi, the Russian president quipped that they have such a relationship that the Indian PM will not need a translator. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Putin expected to visit India soon, says Kremlin spokesperson

Almost a month after a Sikh teenage woman was found dead inside a walk-in oven at a Walmart store in Canada, the police said that her death was not suspicious, adding that there was no evidence of foul play.&nbsp;

Gursimran Kaur, a 19-year-old woman was found dead inside a walk-in oven of a Walmart store's bakery department in Canada's Halifax city on October 19.&nbsp;

The police did not reveal her name yet, However, a Sikh organisation in Canada identified the victim.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sikh-teenage-girl-found-dead-inside-walk-in-over-at-walmart-store-in-canada-770030">Also read:&nbsp;Sikh teenage girl found dead inside walk-in oven at Walmart store in Canada</a>

Moreover, the officials did not specify the nature of the death.&nbsp;

At approximately 9:30 pm, officers responded to a report of a sudden death in the Walmart located at 6990 Mumford Road. A 19-year-old woman, who was an employee of the store, was located deceased in a large walk-in oven belonging to the store’s bakery department,” the Halifax Regional Police said in a news release on Facebook.&nbsp;

“The police investigation determined the death is not suspicious and there is no evidence of foul play," the post read.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Canada: Khalistan Supporters Attack Devotees At Hindu Sabha Mandir In Brampton | WION Originals

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“Investigators met with the family to share this update and extend condolences. Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time. The family asks the public to respect their privacy and the dignity and memory of their loved one, as they receive this news," it added.&nbsp;

Martin Cromwell, public information officer for Halifax Regional Police said in a video statement, "We conducted several interviews, reviewed video footage, and worked very closely with our partners at Nova Scotia Department of Labor and Medical Examiner Service," according to NBC News.&nbsp;

“We do not believe anyone else was involved in the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death," Cromwell added.&nbsp;

The Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration said that it issued a stop-work order for the Walmart’s bakery and a piece of equipment at the store on October 22.&nbsp;

Later on October 28, the order was lifted "after the oven was assessed and determined to have been operating as per the manufacturer’s requirements.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Almost a month after a Sikh teenage woman was found dead inside a walk-in oven at a Walmart store in Canada, the police said that her death was not suspicious, adding that there was no evidence of foul play.

Almost a month after a Sikh teenage woman was found dead inside a walk-in oven at a Walmart store in Canada, the police said that her death was not suspicious, adding that there was no evidence of foul play. Gursimran Kaur, a 19-year-old woman was found dead inside a walk-in oven of a Walmart store's bakery department in Canada's Halifax city on October 19. The police did not reveal her name yet, However, a Sikh organisation in Canada identified the victim. Also read: Sikh teenage girl found dead inside walk-in oven at Walmart store in Canada Moreover, the officials did not specify the nature of the death. At approximately 9:30 pm, officers responded to a report of a sudden death in the Walmart located at 6990 Mumford Road. A 19-year-old woman, who was an employee of the store, was located deceased in a large walk-in oven belonging to the store’s bakery department,” the Halifax Regional Police said in a news release on Facebook. “The police investigation determined the death is not suspicious and there is no evidence of foul play," the post read. Watch | Canada: Khalistan Supporters Attack Devotees At Hindu Sabha Mandir In Brampton | WION Originals × “Investigators met with the family to share this update and extend condolences. Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time. The family asks the public to respect their privacy and the dignity and memory of their loved one, as they receive this news," it added. Martin Cromwell, public information officer for Halifax Regional Police said in a video statement, "We conducted several interviews, reviewed video footage, and worked very closely with our partners at Nova Scotia Department of Labor and Medical Examiner Service," according to NBC News. “We do not believe anyone else was involved in the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death," Cromwell added. The Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration said that it issued a stop-work order for the Walmart’s bakery and a piece of equipment at the store on October 22. Later on October 28, the order was lifted "after the oven was assessed and determined to have been operating as per the manufacturer’s requirements.” (With inputs from agencies)

Canadian police rules out 'foul play' in Indian teen girl's death in Walmart oven

United States President-elect Donald Trump has bypassed standard background checks by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for some of his controversial cabinet appointees, to minimise the chances of them being rejected during the Senate confirmation for any conflict of interest, reported CNN.&nbsp;

These background checks have been a longstanding tradition for incoming presidential nominations and date back to the early Cold War days.

However, Trump has outsourced it to private investigators instead of the FBI.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-20-what-will-his-revenge-cabinet-do-to-the-us-and-world-who-can-stop-him-776402">Also read:&nbsp;Trump 2.0: What will his 'revenge cabinet' do to the US and world? Who can stop him?</a>

According to Trump and his allies, the FBI system is plagued with issues that could hinder the President-elect's plan to quickly begin the work of implementing his agenda, people briefed on the plans reportedly said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the critics of this move have said that the intrusive background checks sometimes bring up embarrassing information used to inflict political damage.&nbsp;

The move to keep the FBI out of it lines up with a pre-election memo drafted by Trump's legal advisors and also fits with his enduring suspicion that the agency is part of what, without evidence, he believes to be a "deep state" machine within the federal government bent on undermining him.&nbsp;

Trump appointed Matt Gaetz as the attorney general, who has faced a two-year Department of Justice investigation into sex-trafficking allegations, which were eventually dropped without charges being lodged.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;The Return Of 'Dealmaker' Donald Trump | WION Wideangle

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This led to a further investigation by the House of Representatives ethics committee that had been due to culminate in a report this week before Gaetz effectively suspended its publication by resigning.

However, it was not immediately known which of Trump's picks will be&nbsp;spared by the routine FBI check.&nbsp;

Ultimately, the president holds the final authority on who he nominates to share intelligence with, regardless of the established protocol set in the wake of World War II, to ensure these selections don't have unknown foreign ties.&nbsp;

Dan Meyer, a national security attorney in Washington DC, said the incoming Trump administration “doesn’t want harmony.” They “don’t want the FBI to coordinate a norm; they want to hammer the norm,” he said.

Moreover, some of Trump’s advisers also circulated a memo ahead of the election, urging him to bypass the traditional background check process for some of his appointees, a source briefed on the memo told CNN.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President-elect Donald Trump has bypassed standard background checks by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for some of his controversial cabinet appointees, to minimise the chances of them being rejected during the Senate confirmation for any conflict of interest, reported CNN.

United States President-elect Donald Trump has bypassed standard background checks by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for some of his controversial cabinet appointees, to minimise the chances of them being rejected during the Senate confirmation for any conflict of interest, reported CNN. These background checks have been a longstanding tradition for incoming presidential nominations and date back to the early Cold War days. However, Trump has outsourced it to private investigators instead of the FBI. Also read: Trump 2.0: What will his 'revenge cabinet' do to the US and world? Who can stop him? According to Trump and his allies, the FBI system is plagued with issues that could hinder the President-elect's plan to quickly begin the work of implementing his agenda, people briefed on the plans reportedly said. Meanwhile, the critics of this move have said that the intrusive background checks sometimes bring up embarrassing information used to inflict political damage. The move to keep the FBI out of it lines up with a pre-election memo drafted by Trump's legal advisors and also fits with his enduring suspicion that the agency is part of what, without evidence, he believes to be a "deep state" machine within the federal government bent on undermining him. Trump appointed Matt Gaetz as the attorney general, who has faced a two-year Department of Justice investigation into sex-trafficking allegations, which were eventually dropped without charges being lodged. Watch | The Return Of 'Dealmaker' Donald Trump | WION Wideangle × This led to a further investigation by the House of Representatives ethics committee that had been due to culminate in a report this week before Gaetz effectively suspended its publication by resigning. However, it was not immediately known which of Trump's picks will be spared by the routine FBI check. Ultimately, the president holds the final authority on who he nominates to share intelligence with, regardless of the established protocol set in the wake of World War II, to ensure these selections don't have unknown foreign ties. Dan Meyer, a national security attorney in Washington DC, said the incoming Trump administration “doesn’t want harmony.” They “don’t want the FBI to coordinate a norm; they want to hammer the norm,” he said. Moreover, some of Trump’s advisers also circulated a memo ahead of the election, urging him to bypass the traditional background check process for some of his appointees, a source briefed on the memo told CNN. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump skips FBI standard background checks for some of his Cabinet appointees

United States Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign did not pay millions of dollars for celebrity endorsements ahead of the 2024 elections, a former top campaign official said on Friday (Nov 15).&nbsp;

“We do not pay. We have never paid any artist and performer,” Adrienne Elrod, who served as senior adviser and senior spokesperson for the Harris campaign, told Deadline.

The Harris campaign held several star-studded events, leading up to the Democrat’s defeat by President-elect Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Megan Thee Stallion, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, 2 Chainz, and ​​Mumford &amp; Sons were among the artists who performed in support of Harris' campaign in an effort to get low-propensity voters out to the polls.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/us-elections-2024-beyonces-kamala-harris-t-shirt-screams-support-internet-reacts-773842">Also read:&nbsp;US Elections 2024: Beyonce’s Kamala Harris t-shirt screams support; internet reacts</a>

Moreover, Grammy Award-winning artists Beyonce, Cardi B, and Jennifer Lopez also appeared on the stage for Harris but did not perform, which disappointed the VP’s supporters.&nbsp;

Under the Federal Election Commission rules, Elrod said that the Harris campaign was required to pay fair market value "for any ancillary costs" of performances, including wages for band members and producers.&nbsp;

“There are laws that have to be followed that we have followed religiously on this campaign,” she said.

Reportedly, a series of election-eve events alone cost the campaign $20 million.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Celebrity Power Not Enough to Win Harris Votes | GRAVITAS

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Television talk show icon Oprah Winfrey said&nbsp;that&nbsp;Harris'&nbsp;campaign did not pay her anything. However, the Washington Examiner reported that last week Winfrey received $1 million from her campaign.&nbsp;

She said the report was not true and was not paid anything, ever.&nbsp;

However, reports have emerged, showing that two separate payments of $50,000 were made from the Harris campaign to Oprah's production company Harpo Productions INC in October.

"Oprah Winfrey was at no point during the campaign paid a personal fee, nor did she receive a fee from Harpo," the company said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign did not pay millions of dollars for celebrity endorsements ahead of the 2024 elections, a former top campaign official said on Friday (Nov 15).

United States Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign did not pay millions of dollars for celebrity endorsements ahead of the 2024 elections, a former top campaign official said on Friday (Nov 15). “We do not pay. We have never paid any artist and performer,” Adrienne Elrod, who served as senior adviser and senior spokesperson for the Harris campaign, told Deadline. The Harris campaign held several star-studded events, leading up to the Democrat’s defeat by President-elect Donald Trump. Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Megan Thee Stallion, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, 2 Chainz, and Mumford & Sons were among the artists who performed in support of Harris' campaign in an effort to get low-propensity voters out to the polls. Also read: US Elections 2024: Beyonce’s Kamala Harris t-shirt screams support; internet reacts Moreover, Grammy Award-winning artists Beyonce, Cardi B, and Jennifer Lopez also appeared on the stage for Harris but did not perform, which disappointed the VP’s supporters. Under the Federal Election Commission rules, Elrod said that the Harris campaign was required to pay fair market value "for any ancillary costs" of performances, including wages for band members and producers. “There are laws that have to be followed that we have followed religiously on this campaign,” she said. Reportedly, a series of election-eve events alone cost the campaign $20 million. Watch | Celebrity Power Not Enough to Win Harris Votes | GRAVITAS × Television talk show icon Oprah Winfrey said that Harris' campaign did not pay her anything. However, the Washington Examiner reported that last week Winfrey received $1 million from her campaign. She said the report was not true and was not paid anything, ever. However, reports have emerged, showing that two separate payments of $50,000 were made from the Harris campaign to Oprah's production company Harpo Productions INC in October. "Oprah Winfrey was at no point during the campaign paid a personal fee, nor did she receive a fee from Harpo," the company said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris' campaign 'never paid' any artist for celebrity endorsement ahead of election, says ex-advisor

In the wake of the BJP approaching the Election Commission (EC) against Rahul Gandhi and the Congress against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for alleged poll code violations, the election panel asked the presidents of the two parties on Saturday to comment on the charges levelled against their leaders.&nbsp;

The EC wrote separate letters to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, asking them to comment on the complaints filed by the other side.

The commission exchanged the complaints between the two parties while seeking their responses.

The EC has sought formal responses from both the party presidents by 1 pm on Monday (November 18), while reminding them of the commission's earlier advisory to them during the Lok Sabha election to keep star campaigners and leaders under check so that public decorum is not flouted and the model code is followed in its letter and spirit during campaigning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-aircraft-hit-by-technical-snag-at-jharkhands-deoghar-airport-plane-grounded-776439">Also read:&nbsp;PM Modi's aircraft hit by technical snag at Jharkhand's Deoghar airport, plane grounded</a>

Top leaders of the two parties are campaigning in Jharkhand and Maharashtra for the ongoing Assembly polls in the two states.

During the Lok Sabha election too, the poll authority had exchanged complaints filed by the two parties against the other's star campaigners, including Modi, Shah, Gandhi, and Kharge.

According to one of the complaints filed by the Congress, at election rallies in Maharashtra's Nasik and Dhule on November 8, Modi made a series of "false, malicious, and slanderous statements targeting the Indian National Congress (INC) and its allies".

"In his statements, Shri Narendra Modi leveled allegations against prominent leaders of the INC and former prime ministers namely late Jawaharlal Nehru, late Indira Gandhi and late Rajiv Gandhi...," the Congress has told the EC.

It has also accused Shah of making a "slew of false, divisive, malicious and slanderous statements about the Indian National Congress (INC) and its allies" at a poll rally in Jharkhand's Dhanbad on November 12.

"During his speech, Mr Shah alleged that the INC and its allies were against Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBC); promoting terrorism in the country," the Congress has told the poll panel.

Watch |&nbsp;Jharkhand Assembly Election: Phase 1 Voting Today

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The BJP has moved the EC against Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, for alleged poll code violations during a rally in Mumbai.

It has accused Gandhi of making false claims that big international brands are opening manufacturing plants in other states at the cost of Maharashtra.

The saffron party has said Gandhi's remarks were false and "totally unverified to true facts".

It has alleged that the Congress leader "distorted the truth by stating that Apple's iPhones and Boeing's aeroplanes are being manufactured in other Indian states at the expense of Maharashtra.

"Through his statements, Shri Rahul Gandhi has falsely accused other states of stealing and snatching alleged opportunities from the state of Maharashtra," the BJP has told the EC.

"He (Gandhi) has been constantly making false, unsubstantiated, unverified, and baseless allegations against the BJP. His nefarious attempt to create a rift between the citizens of India on the basis of place, caste and religion is solely aimed to achieve the electoral gains in the ongoing Assembly elections in the state of Maharashtra," it has alleged.

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.

In the wake of the BJP approaching the Election Commission (EC) against Rahul Gandhi and the Congress against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for alleged poll code violations, the election panel asked the presidents of the two parties on Saturday to comment on the charges levelled against their leaders.

In the wake of the BJP approaching the Election Commission (EC) against Rahul Gandhi and the Congress against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for alleged poll code violations, the election panel asked the presidents of the two parties on Saturday to comment on the charges levelled against their leaders. The EC wrote separate letters to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, asking them to comment on the complaints filed by the other side. The commission exchanged the complaints between the two parties while seeking their responses. The EC has sought formal responses from both the party presidents by 1 pm on Monday (November 18), while reminding them of the commission's earlier advisory to them during the Lok Sabha election to keep star campaigners and leaders under check so that public decorum is not flouted and the model code is followed in its letter and spirit during campaigning. Also read: PM Modi's aircraft hit by technical snag at Jharkhand's Deoghar airport, plane grounded Top leaders of the two parties are campaigning in Jharkhand and Maharashtra for the ongoing Assembly polls in the two states. During the Lok Sabha election too, the poll authority had exchanged complaints filed by the two parties against the other's star campaigners, including Modi, Shah, Gandhi, and Kharge. According to one of the complaints filed by the Congress, at election rallies in Maharashtra's Nasik and Dhule on November 8, Modi made a series of "false, malicious, and slanderous statements targeting the Indian National Congress (INC) and its allies". "In his statements, Shri Narendra Modi leveled allegations against prominent leaders of the INC and former prime ministers namely late Jawaharlal Nehru, late Indira Gandhi and late Rajiv Gandhi...," the Congress has told the EC. It has also accused Shah of making a "slew of false, divisive, malicious and slanderous statements about the Indian National Congress (INC) and its allies" at a poll rally in Jharkhand's Dhanbad on November 12. "During his speech, Mr Shah alleged that the INC and its allies were against Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBC); promoting terrorism in the country," the Congress has told the poll panel. Watch | Jharkhand Assembly Election: Phase 1 Voting Today × The BJP has moved the EC against Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, for alleged poll code violations during a rally in Mumbai. It has accused Gandhi of making false claims that big international brands are opening manufacturing plants in other states at the cost of Maharashtra. The saffron party has said Gandhi's remarks were false and "totally unverified to true facts". It has alleged that the Congress leader "distorted the truth by stating that Apple's iPhones and Boeing's aeroplanes are being manufactured in other Indian states at the expense of Maharashtra. "Through his statements, Shri Rahul Gandhi has falsely accused other states of stealing and snatching alleged opportunities from the state of Maharashtra," the BJP has told the EC. "He (Gandhi) has been constantly making false, unsubstantiated, unverified, and baseless allegations against the BJP. His nefarious attempt to create a rift between the citizens of India on the basis of place, caste and religion is solely aimed to achieve the electoral gains in the ongoing Assembly elections in the state of Maharashtra," it has alleged. 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.

India: EC asks BJP, Congress chiefs to comment on complaints filed by both parties for alleged poll violation

The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday formed a four-member committee to probe into the Jhansi fire incident at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a medical college, which led to the death of&nbsp;10 infants. In other news, Iran denied reports of Elon Musk meeting with the Iranian envoy to the United Nations, Iranian media reported citing two government officials. The Iranian foreign ministry “categorically denied” the meeting and a spokesperson said he was “surprised” by the American media coverage. &nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more

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The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday formed a four-member committee to probe into the fire at the children's ward of a medical college in Jhansi that snuffed out the lives of 10 newborns as officials suspect an electrical short circuit to be the cause of the tragic incident.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-categorically-rejects-reports-of-meeting-between-un-envoy-and-elon-musk-776716">Iran ‘categorically’ rejects reports of meeting between UN envoy and Elon Musk</a>

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No meeting took place between the Iranian envoy to the United Nations and US billionaire Elon Musk, earlier this week, as claimed by a New York Times report, Iranian media reported Saturday (Nov 16) citing two government officials. The Iranian foreign ministry “categorically denied” the meeting and a spokesperson said he was “surprised” by the American media coverage. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgian-opposition-politician-pours-black-paint-on-election-chief-as-protests-continue-after-disputed-polls-776713">Georgia parliamentary polls: Election chief doused in black paint as opposition alleges rigging</a>

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Head of Georgia's Central Election Commission (CEC) Giorgi Kalandarishvili on Saturday (Nov 16) was drenched in black paint after Georgian opposition politician Davit Kirtadze threw it at him during a meeting as he was about to validate results of parliamentary elections held last month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ireland-uk-submarine-cables-under-threat-irish-navy-claims-it-escorted-russian-spy-ship-out-of-eez-776698">Ireland-UK submarine cables under threat? Irish Navy claims it escorted Russian spy ship out of EEZ</a>

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The Irish Navy said it escorted a Russian spy ship out of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), an area critical for energy and submarine pipelines and cables, on Friday (Nov 15). The spy ship was earlier spotted by Norwegian, United States, French and British navy and air defence services on Thursday (Nov 14) east of Dublin and southwest of the Isle of Man as it was accompanying Russian warship Admiral Golovko.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-was-my-first-baby-bereaving-parents-share-tragic-ordeal-after-infants-die-in-jhansi-hospital-fire-776690">India: 'It was my first baby,' Bereaving parents share tragic ordeal after infants die in Jhansi hospital fire</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/16/466361-untitled-design.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Parents of the newborn children who died in the hospital fire in the Indian city of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh on Friday (Nov 15) night, shared their heartbreaking ordeal. Meanwhile many were seen seeking answers as they searched for their missing infants.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-family-freezes-to-death-while-trying-to-slip-into-us-from-canada-two-accused-await-trial-776702">Indian family freezes to death while trying to slip into US from Canada, two accused await trial</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/16/466368-untitled-design-1.jpg?imwidth=400" />

An Indian family of four froze to death while attempting to slip into the United States from Canada in January 2022, as the temperature dropped to minus 36 Fahrenheit (minus 38 Celsius) in the country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-authorities-impose-curfew-in-imphal-west-district-amid-violent-protests-776720">Manipur authorities impose curfew in Imphal West District amid violent protests</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/16/466378-untitled-design-4.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Authorities in Imphal West District have re-imposed a curfew starting at 4:30 am on Saturday until further notice, due to the prevailing law and order situation in the district.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-airline-plane-hit-by-gunfire-while-taking-off-from-dallas-faa-776673">US airline plane hit by gunfire while taking off from Dallas: FAA</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/16/466350-untitled.png?imwidth=400" />

An aircraft of Southwest Airlines was hit by gunfire while taking off from an airport in the US city of Dallas on Friday (Nov 15). The incident happened at the Dallas Love Field Airport in the US state of Texas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-202425-shubman-gill-suffers-finger-injury-while-fielding-doubtful-for-opening-contest-in-perth-776687">BGT 2024/25: Shubman Gill suffers finger injury while fielding, doubtful for opening contest in Perth</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/16/466357-bgt-202425-shubman-gill-suffers-finger-injury-while-fielding-doubtful-for-opening-contest-in-perth.png?imwidth=400" />

Team India could be handed a major blow in their preparation for the opening contest against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after Shubman Gill sustained a finger injury on Saturday (Nov 16). In preparation for the high-voltage series, Gill was fielding in slips when the injury occurred, which now casts doubt on his involvement in the opening match. India are already facing a crisis in the top order, with Rohit Sharma unlikely to play in the Perth Test due to paternity leave.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/nayanthara-slams-dhanush-in-an-open-letter-over-her-netflix-documentary-responds-to-legal-notice-776640">Nayanthara slams Dhanush in an open letter over her Netflix documentary, responds to Rs 10 crore legal notice</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/11/16/466327-happy-30th-birthday-2024-11-16t130334679.png?imwidth=400" />

Nayanthara has shared an open letter slamming Dhanush. The South Indian superstar has shared a lengthy note criticising the&nbsp;Karnan&nbsp;actor for not letting her use the clips of her&nbsp;movie&nbsp;Naanum Rowdy Dhaan,&nbsp;which he has produced.&nbsp;

The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday formed a four-member committee to probe into the Jhansi fire incident at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a medical college, which led to the death of 10 infants.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday formed a four-member committee to probe into the Jhansi fire incident at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a medical college, which led to the death of 10 infants. In other news, Iran denied reports of Elon Musk meeting with the Iranian envoy to the United Nations, Iranian media reported citing two government officials. The Iranian foreign ministry “categorically denied” the meeting and a spokesperson said he was “surprised” by the American media coverage. Click on the headlines to read more Jhansi hospital fire: Four-member team formed to probe incident, govt refutes faulty extinguishers claim The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday formed a four-member committee to probe into the fire at the children's ward of a medical college in Jhansi that snuffed out the lives of 10 newborns as officials suspect an electrical short circuit to be the cause of the tragic incident. Iran ‘categorically’ rejects reports of meeting between UN envoy and Elon Musk No meeting took place between the Iranian envoy to the United Nations and US billionaire Elon Musk, earlier this week, as claimed by a New York Times report, Iranian media reported Saturday (Nov 16) citing two government officials. The Iranian foreign ministry “categorically denied” the meeting and a spokesperson said he was “surprised” by the American media coverage. Georgia parliamentary polls: Election chief doused in black paint as opposition alleges rigging Head of Georgia's Central Election Commission (CEC) Giorgi Kalandarishvili on Saturday (Nov 16) was drenched in black paint after Georgian opposition politician Davit Kirtadze threw it at him during a meeting as he was about to validate results of parliamentary elections held last month. Ireland-UK submarine cables under threat? Irish Navy claims it escorted Russian spy ship out of EEZ The Irish Navy said it escorted a Russian spy ship out of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), an area critical for energy and submarine pipelines and cables, on Friday (Nov 15). The spy ship was earlier spotted by Norwegian, United States, French and British navy and air defence services on Thursday (Nov 14) east of Dublin and southwest of the Isle of Man as it was accompanying Russian warship Admiral Golovko. India: 'It was my first baby,' Bereaving parents share tragic ordeal after infants die in Jhansi hospital fire Parents of the newborn children who died in the hospital fire in the Indian city of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh on Friday (Nov 15) night, shared their heartbreaking ordeal. Meanwhile many were seen seeking answers as they searched for their missing infants. Indian family freezes to death while trying to slip into US from Canada, two accused await trial An Indian family of four froze to death while attempting to slip into the United States from Canada in January 2022, as the temperature dropped to minus 36 Fahrenheit (minus 38 Celsius) in the country. Manipur authorities impose curfew in Imphal West District amid violent protests Authorities in Imphal West District have re-imposed a curfew starting at 4:30 am on Saturday until further notice, due to the prevailing law and order situation in the district. US airline plane hit by gunfire while taking off from Dallas: FAA An aircraft of Southwest Airlines was hit by gunfire while taking off from an airport in the US city of Dallas on Friday (Nov 15). The incident happened at the Dallas Love Field Airport in the US state of Texas. BGT 2024/25: Shubman Gill suffers finger injury while fielding, doubtful for opening contest in Perth Team India could be handed a major blow in their preparation for the opening contest against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after Shubman Gill sustained a finger injury on Saturday (Nov 16). In preparation for the high-voltage series, Gill was fielding in slips when the injury occurred, which now casts doubt on his involvement in the opening match. India are already facing a crisis in the top order, with Rohit Sharma unlikely to play in the Perth Test due to paternity leave. Nayanthara slams Dhanush in an open letter over her Netflix documentary, responds to Rs 10 crore legal notice Nayanthara has shared an open letter slamming Dhanush. The South Indian superstar has shared a lengthy note criticising the Karnan actor for not letting her use the clips of her movie Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, which he has produced.

Top 10 world news: Team formed to probe Jhansi fire incident; Iran denies meeting with Musk, and more

Separatists fired on a paramilitary border post in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, killing seven soldiers, local authorities said Saturday, a week after the same militant group killed 26 people at a railway station.

"Around 40 to 50 armed terrorists attacked a border post manned by the Frontier Corps Balochistan in Kalat district, killing seven soldiers and wounding 15 others," a local official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"The exchange of fire lasted several hours," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/14-dead-in-pakistan-wedding-bus-crash-bride-only-survivor-say-rescuers-775748">Also read:&nbsp;At least 14 dead in Pakistan wedding bus crash, bride only survivor, say rescuers</a>

A local civilian administrative officer confirmed the number of casualties, adding that the wounded were "airlifted from this remote area to (provincial capital) Quetta for medical treatment".

Jeeyand Baloch, a spokesman for the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack without giving further details.

The BLA frequently claims deadly attacks against security forces or Pakistanis from other provinces, notably Punjabis.

Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan: Army Kills 12 Terrorists in Two Operations

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Militants have targeted energy projects with foreign financing –&nbsp;most notably from China –&nbsp;accusing outsiders of exploiting the resource-rich region while excluding residents in the poorest part of the country.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the "terrorist attack" in a post on X on Saturday, promising that "immediate action will be taken against the perpetrators".

The latest attack comes a week after the BLA killed 26 people, including 14 soldiers, at a railway station in Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran.

The BLA said the earlier attack "was carried out on a Pakistani army unit at Quetta railway station... after completing a course at the Infantry School."

In August, the BLA claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks by dozens of assailants who killed at least 39 people, one of the highest tolls to hit the region.

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.

Separatists fired on a paramilitary border post in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, killing seven soldiers, local authorities said Saturday, a week after the same militant group killed 26 people at a railway station.

Separatists fired on a paramilitary border post in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, killing seven soldiers, local authorities said Saturday, a week after the same militant group killed 26 people at a railway station. "Around 40 to 50 armed terrorists attacked a border post manned by the Frontier Corps Balochistan in Kalat district, killing seven soldiers and wounding 15 others," a local official told AFP on condition of anonymity. "The exchange of fire lasted several hours," he added. Also read: At least 14 dead in Pakistan wedding bus crash, bride only survivor, say rescuers A local civilian administrative officer confirmed the number of casualties, adding that the wounded were "airlifted from this remote area to (provincial capital) Quetta for medical treatment". Jeeyand Baloch, a spokesman for the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack without giving further details. The BLA frequently claims deadly attacks against security forces or Pakistanis from other provinces, notably Punjabis. Watch | Pakistan: Army Kills 12 Terrorists in Two Operations × Militants have targeted energy projects with foreign financing – most notably from China – accusing outsiders of exploiting the resource-rich region while excluding residents in the poorest part of the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the "terrorist attack" in a post on X on Saturday, promising that "immediate action will be taken against the perpetrators". The latest attack comes a week after the BLA killed 26 people, including 14 soldiers, at a railway station in Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran. The BLA said the earlier attack "was carried out on a Pakistani army unit at Quetta railway station... after completing a course at the Infantry School." In August, the BLA claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks by dozens of assailants who killed at least 39 people, one of the highest tolls to hit the region. 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.

Pakistan separatists kill seven soldiers at border post in Balochistan

Head of Georgia's Central Election Commission (CEC) Giorgi Kalandarishvili on Saturday (Nov 16) was drenched in black paint after Georgian opposition politician Davit Kirtadze threw it at him during a meeting as he was about to validate results of parliamentary elections held last month.

The elections have led to weeks of protests by the opposition amid accusations of widespread fraud and Russian interference.&nbsp;

The protesters gathered outside the commission's building in Tbilisi, where officials announced that the ruling Georgian Dream party had won 53.93 per cent of the vote.

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Black ruZZian…. 
 
Georgian oppositionist David Kirtadze poured black paint on the head of the country's Central Election Commission, Giorgi Kalandarishvili, accusing him of falsifying the elections and of selling out to ruZZia. 
<a href="https://t.co/zgZ3cA1Q6w">pic.twitter.com/zgZ3cA1Q6w</a>
— Claretta Nijhuis (@NijhuisClaretta) <a href="https://twitter.com/NijhuisClaretta/status/1857764203118968945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The opposition supporters have called the vote 'rigged' and have rejected the results. However, the Georgian Dream denied the accusation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgias-ruling-dream-party-wins-majority-with-70-of-precincts-counted-771016">Also read:&nbsp;Georgia's ruling Dream party wins majority with 70% of precincts counted</a>

The session on Saturday was interrupted when Kirtadze, a commission member from the opposition United National Movement party, threw black paint at Kalandarishvili.

Prior to that, the opposition member told the CEC that the official results of the vote did not reflect voters’ “true choice”.&nbsp;

However, Kalandarishvili responded by saying that the use of “pressure, bullying, and personal insults” proved that there was no evidence of vote rigging.

Later, as the meeting resumed, Kalandarishvili was seen with a bandaged eye.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Georgia: Thousands Of Opposition Supporters Protest Outside Parliament

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“It once again becomes evident that there is no tangible proof indicating that the elections were manipulated,” he told the audience.

Moreover, many Georgians saw the vote as a pivotal referendum on the country's effort to join the European Union.&nbsp;

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili also rejected the official results and said that Tbilisi has fallen victim to pressure from Moscow against joining the EU.&nbsp;

Following this, the officials in the United States, and Belgium asked for a full investigation of the elections.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Kremlin rejected the accusations of interference.&nbsp;

The Georgian Central Electoral Commission on Saturday said that the Russia-friendly Georgian Dream party won 53.93 per cent of the vote, against 37.79 per cent garnered by an alliance of pro-Western opposition parties.

(With inputs from agencies)

Head of Georgia's Central Election Commission (CEC) Giorgi Kalandarishvili on Saturday (Nov 16) was drenched in black paint after Georgian opposition politician Davit Kirtadze threw it at him during a meeting as he was about to validate results of parliamentary elections held last month.

Head of Georgia's Central Election Commission (CEC) Giorgi Kalandarishvili on Saturday (Nov 16) was drenched in black paint after Georgian opposition politician Davit Kirtadze threw it at him during a meeting as he was about to validate results of parliamentary elections held last month. The elections have led to weeks of protests by the opposition amid accusations of widespread fraud and Russian interference. The protesters gathered outside the commission's building in Tbilisi, where officials announced that the ruling Georgian Dream party had won 53.93 per cent of the vote. Black ruZZian…. Georgian oppositionist David Kirtadze poured black paint on the head of the country's Central Election Commission, Giorgi Kalandarishvili, accusing him of falsifying the elections and of selling out to ruZZia. pic.twitter.com/zgZ3cA1Q6w — Claretta Nijhuis (@NijhuisClaretta) November 16, 2024 × The opposition supporters have called the vote 'rigged' and have rejected the results. However, the Georgian Dream denied the accusation. Also read: Georgia's ruling Dream party wins majority with 70% of precincts counted The session on Saturday was interrupted when Kirtadze, a commission member from the opposition United National Movement party, threw black paint at Kalandarishvili. Prior to that, the opposition member told the CEC that the official results of the vote did not reflect voters’ “true choice”. However, Kalandarishvili responded by saying that the use of “pressure, bullying, and personal insults” proved that there was no evidence of vote rigging. Later, as the meeting resumed, Kalandarishvili was seen with a bandaged eye. Watch | Georgia: Thousands Of Opposition Supporters Protest Outside Parliament × “It once again becomes evident that there is no tangible proof indicating that the elections were manipulated,” he told the audience. Moreover, many Georgians saw the vote as a pivotal referendum on the country's effort to join the European Union. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili also rejected the official results and said that Tbilisi has fallen victim to pressure from Moscow against joining the EU. Following this, the officials in the United States, and Belgium asked for a full investigation of the elections. Meanwhile, the Kremlin rejected the accusations of interference. The Georgian Central Electoral Commission on Saturday said that the Russia-friendly Georgian Dream party won 53.93 per cent of the vote, against 37.79 per cent garnered by an alliance of pro-Western opposition parties. (With inputs from agencies)

Georgia parliamentary polls: Election chief doused in black paint as opposition alleges rigging. Watch

Authorities in Imphal West District have re-imposed a curfew starting at 4:30 am on Saturday until further notice, due to the prevailing law and order situation in the district.

Earlier, the authorities had relaxed the curfew from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm on November 16, as per an order dated November 15. However, this relaxation order now stands cancelled with immediate effect.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-to-impose-afspa-in-six-police-stations-of-manipur-776341">Also read:&nbsp;Indian govt to impose AFSPA in six police stations of Manipur</a>

Individuals involved in essential services, including healthcare, will be exempt from the curfew.

An order issued by Th Kirankumar, District Magistrate, Imphal West District, on Saturday stated: "Now, due to the developing law and order situation in the district, the above-mentioned curfew relaxation order stands cancelled with immediate effect, i.e., from 4:30 pm on November 16, 2024. Total curfew is imposed with effect from 4:30 pm on November 16, 2024, until further orders."

Watch |&nbsp;AFSPA Reimposed In Five Districts Of Manipur

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"All persons involved in essential services such as health, electricity, CAF &amp; PD, PHED, petrol pumps, municipality, press and electronic media, functioning of courts, and to-and-fro movement of flight passengers to the airport, as well as contractors/workers with valid Airport Entry Permit (AEP) cards, shall be exempted from the curfew," the order further stated.&nbsp;

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.

Authorities in Imphal West District have re-imposed a curfew starting at 4:30 am on Saturday until further notice, due to the prevailing law and order situation in the district.

Authorities in Imphal West District have re-imposed a curfew starting at 4:30 am on Saturday until further notice, due to the prevailing law and order situation in the district. Earlier, the authorities had relaxed the curfew from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm on November 16, as per an order dated November 15. However, this relaxation order now stands cancelled with immediate effect. Also read: Indian govt to impose AFSPA in six police stations of Manipur Individuals involved in essential services, including healthcare, will be exempt from the curfew. An order issued by Th Kirankumar, District Magistrate, Imphal West District, on Saturday stated: "Now, due to the developing law and order situation in the district, the above-mentioned curfew relaxation order stands cancelled with immediate effect, i.e., from 4:30 pm on November 16, 2024. Total curfew is imposed with effect from 4:30 pm on November 16, 2024, until further orders." Watch | AFSPA Reimposed In Five Districts Of Manipur × "All persons involved in essential services such as health, electricity, CAF & PD, PHED, petrol pumps, municipality, press and electronic media, functioning of courts, and to-and-fro movement of flight passengers to the airport, as well as contractors/workers with valid Airport Entry Permit (AEP) cards, shall be exempted from the curfew," the order further stated. 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.

Manipur authorities impose curfew in Imphal West District amid violent protests

United States President Joe Biden jokingly made lighthearted comments about the possibility of him being sent to space to rescue the two NASA astronauts stranded at the International Space Station (ISS).

During the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation)&nbsp;economic conference meeting with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, Biden shared a personal anecdote about his wife's playful threats to send him to space when he becomes unmanageable.&nbsp;

Upon noticing NASA administrator Bill Nelson there, Biden said, “Every time my wife thinks I’m getting out of hand, she says, ‘I’m going to call NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and have him send you to space."&nbsp;

“And I’m a little concerned he may want to send me to space because we got to get some folks back home!" he added.&nbsp;

The joke comes in the context of astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been&nbsp;stranded on the ISS in June after facing complications with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/stranded-astronauts-welcome-aboard-spacex-rescue-crew-at-space-station-763435">Also read:&nbsp;Stranded astronauts welcome aboard SpaceX rescue crew at space station</a>

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and her NASA counterpart Barry Wilmore have been at the ISS for nearly five months. &nbsp;

Initially, the plan was for eight days, however, the mission extended significantly, with their return now scheduled for February 2025.&nbsp;

According to NASA, it is too risky to bring them back to Earth currently in the malfunctioned capsule.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, there were also reports of William's health deteriorating after images of her "gaunt" appearance in space went viral. However, earlier this week, she put the rumours to rest in a video interview shared by NASA.

Williams emphasised that her weight was the same as when she arrived at the ISS.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Astronaut's Health Concerns NASA: Williams Seen Undergone Excessive Weight Loss In Latest Pictures

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"I think my body has changed a little bit but I weigh the same. There are a lot of changes that go on here...It's funny, I think there are some rumors around that I am losing weight and stuff...No, I am actually right at the same amount. We go weigh ourselves, we have a spring mass...Butch and I weigh ourselves the same way that I was when I got up here," she said.

Elon Musk's SpaceX deployed its Crew Dragon capsule in September, which is set to facilitate the astronauts' return following its scheduled February mission.&nbsp;

Biden's remarks also highlighted the space collaboration between Washington and Lima, as Peru recently signed the US-led Artemis Accords on space exploration.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden jokingly made lighthearted comments about the possibility of him being sent to space to rescue the two NASA astronauts stranded at the International Space Station (ISS).

United States President Joe Biden jokingly made lighthearted comments about the possibility of him being sent to space to rescue the two NASA astronauts stranded at the International Space Station (ISS). During the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) economic conference meeting with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, Biden shared a personal anecdote about his wife's playful threats to send him to space when he becomes unmanageable. Upon noticing NASA administrator Bill Nelson there, Biden said, “Every time my wife thinks I’m getting out of hand, she says, ‘I’m going to call NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and have him send you to space." “And I’m a little concerned he may want to send me to space because we got to get some folks back home!" he added. The joke comes in the context of astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been stranded on the ISS in June after facing complications with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Also read: Stranded astronauts welcome aboard SpaceX rescue crew at space station Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and her NASA counterpart Barry Wilmore have been at the ISS for nearly five months. Initially, the plan was for eight days, however, the mission extended significantly, with their return now scheduled for February 2025. According to NASA, it is too risky to bring them back to Earth currently in the malfunctioned capsule. Meanwhile, there were also reports of William's health deteriorating after images of her "gaunt" appearance in space went viral. However, earlier this week, she put the rumours to rest in a video interview shared by NASA. Williams emphasised that her weight was the same as when she arrived at the ISS. Watch | Astronaut's Health Concerns NASA: Williams Seen Undergone Excessive Weight Loss In Latest Pictures × "I think my body has changed a little bit but I weigh the same. There are a lot of changes that go on here...It's funny, I think there are some rumors around that I am losing weight and stuff...No, I am actually right at the same amount. We go weigh ourselves, we have a spring mass...Butch and I weigh ourselves the same way that I was when I got up here," she said. Elon Musk's SpaceX deployed its Crew Dragon capsule in September, which is set to facilitate the astronauts' return following its scheduled February mission. Biden's remarks also highlighted the space collaboration between Washington and Lima, as Peru recently signed the US-led Artemis Accords on space exploration. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden jokes his wife wishes to send him to space, shows concern for stranded astronauts

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