Russian President Vladimir Putin will seek re-election as an independent candidate in 2024, Russian news agencies reported on Saturday (Dec 16).

On Saturday, a group of over 700 politicians and figures from the sporting and cultural worlds met in Moscow and gave unanimous endorsement to Vladimir Putin as an independent candidate.&nbsp;

Putin announced earlier this month that he will seek another six-year term in March next year in Russian presidential election.&nbsp;

Andrei Turchak, senior United Russia party official, told RIA news agency that Putin has complete support of the party despite the serving president's status as an independent candidate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/the-longestruling-world-leaders-putin-lukashenko-right-now-1702141879742">The Longest-Ruling World Leaders Right Now</a>

As the largest party in Russia, it holds 325 of the 450 seats in the State Duma as of 2022, having constituted the majority in the chamber since 2007.

Putin has led Russia as either president or prime minister since 1999. The 71-year-old swapped presidential job with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in 2008, following which he changed the rules that limited consecutive presidential mandates. He has been president since 2012 and can potentially remain so until 2036.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Russian president Vladimir Putin's re-election pitch

As prime minister, Putin in 2011 forged a political coalition called All-Russia People's Front (in Russian: ONF) to provide the United Russia political party with "new ideas, new suggestions and new faces".&nbsp;

The ONF aims to forge formal alliances between United Russia (the ruling party from 2001 onwards) and numerous Russian non-governmental organisations.

<h2>Putin's next presidential run: Aren't there any other candidates?</h2>

Several other candidates, including representatives of the Communist and Liberal Democratic parties that have given the semblance of opposition to Putin during his previous campaigns.

The Liberal-leaning Boris Nadezhdin is also one of the few Russian politicians who have announced their intention to run. Nadezhdin has called the war in Ukraine Putin's "fatal mistake".

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-putin-presidency-and-elections-the-ruling-russian-trio-of-convenience-668005">Explained | Putin, presidency and elections — a race of convenience for indisputable rule</a>

On the federal level, Russia elects a president as head of state and a parliament, one of the two chambers of the Federal Assembly. Since 2008, the president can hold four consecutive six-year terms.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will seek re-election as an independent candidate in 2024, Russian news agencies reported on Saturday (Dec 16). On Saturday, a group of over 700 politicians and figures from the sporting and cultural worlds met in Moscow and gave unanimous endorsement to Vladimir Putin as an independent candidate.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will seek re-election as an independent candidate in 2024, Russian news agencies reported on Saturday (Dec 16). On Saturday, a group of over 700 politicians and figures from the sporting and cultural worlds met in Moscow and gave unanimous endorsement to Vladimir Putin as an independent candidate. Putin announced earlier this month that he will seek another six-year term in March next year in Russian presidential election. Andrei Turchak, senior United Russia party official, told RIA news agency that Putin has complete support of the party despite the serving president's status as an independent candidate. Also read | The Longest-Ruling World Leaders Right Now As the largest party in Russia, it holds 325 of the 450 seats in the State Duma as of 2022, having constituted the majority in the chamber since 2007. Putin has led Russia as either president or prime minister since 1999. The 71-year-old swapped presidential job with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in 2008, following which he changed the rules that limited consecutive presidential mandates. He has been president since 2012 and can potentially remain so until 2036. Also watch | Russian president Vladimir Putin's re-election pitch As prime minister, Putin in 2011 forged a political coalition called All-Russia People's Front (in Russian: ONF) to provide the United Russia political party with "new ideas, new suggestions and new faces". The ONF aims to forge formal alliances between United Russia (the ruling party from 2001 onwards) and numerous Russian non-governmental organisations. Putin's next presidential run: Aren't there any other candidates? Several other candidates, including representatives of the Communist and Liberal Democratic parties that have given the semblance of opposition to Putin during his previous campaigns. The Liberal-leaning Boris Nadezhdin is also one of the few Russian politicians who have announced their intention to run. Nadezhdin has called the war in Ukraine Putin's "fatal mistake". Also read | Explained | Putin, presidency and elections — a race of convenience for indisputable rule On the federal level, Russia elects a president as head of state and a parliament, one of the two chambers of the Federal Assembly. Since 2008, the president can hold four consecutive six-year terms. (With inputs from agencies)

'Independent' Putin is seeking Russian presidency again. Here's what it means

Kuwait named Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah its new Emir after the death of erstwhile Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah on Saturday (Dec 16). Sheikh Meshal is the half brother of the late Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf.

The naming of Sheikh Meshal as the new Emir of Kuwait was confirmed by a statement from the deputy prime minister and minister of state for cabinet affairs.

<h2>Who is Sheikh Meshal?</h2>

Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, 83, the new Emir of Kuwait was the crown prince of Kuwait before being named as the de-facto ruler of the oil-rich Gulf country.

The octogenarian had been one of the world's oldest crown princes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kuwaits-ruling-emir-sheikh-nawaf-dies-at-the-age-of-86-670264">Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf dies at 86, Sheikh Meshal named as successor</a>

Sheikh Nawaf himself handed over most of his duties to&nbsp;Sheikh Meshal owing to his failing health. The emir-designate has been Kuwait’s de-facto ruler since 2021.

Under Kuwait's constitution, the crown prince becomes emir once the erstwhile Emir becomes incapacitated.&nbsp;

Sheikh Meshal will assume power after taking oath in parliament. The new emir has up to a year to name an heir.

<h2>Sheikh Meshal as Kuwait emir: What does it mean?</h2>

Critics cited in the western media interpreted the appointment of Sheikh Mishal, now 83 — possibly the world’s oldest crown prince — as a sign that Kuwait would defy a trend towards generational change among the Gulf’s ruling families in favour of a risk-averse oligarchal rule committed to continuity.

Besides, under Sheikh Nawaf and his Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal, Kuwait continued to align itself more closely with the regional powerhouse, Saudi Arabia.

Also watch |&nbsp;Kuwait's national assembly: Women candidates make a comeback

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At the same time, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-saudi-arabia-restore-ties-as-china-brokered-deal-outfoxes-west-570766">restoration of Iran-Saudi ties</a> has given a new dimension to West Asia's internal geo-economic alignments with a semblance of stability. But the Israel-Hamas war has added to the latest string of challenges for stability in the volatile region.&nbsp;

<h2>Sheikh Meshal as new Kuwait Emir: Immediate challenges</h2>

The new emir’s choice of crown prince and premier – who would face the challenge of managing the government's tumultuous relationship with parliament – will be consequential as a younger generation of Kuwait’s ruling family jostles for position.

Such factional struggles within the Sabah family have often played out in parliament as contenders for succession build their political capital.

Kuwait, which has a population of 4.2 million people, has the world’s sixth-largest known oil reserves.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kuwait named Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah its new Emir after the death of erstwhile Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah on Saturday (Dec 16).

Kuwait named Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah its new Emir after the death of erstwhile Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah on Saturday (Dec 16). Sheikh Meshal is the half brother of the late Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf. The naming of Sheikh Meshal as the new Emir of Kuwait was confirmed by a statement from the deputy prime minister and minister of state for cabinet affairs. Who is Sheikh Meshal? Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, 83, the new Emir of Kuwait was the crown prince of Kuwait before being named as the de-facto ruler of the oil-rich Gulf country. The octogenarian had been one of the world's oldest crown princes. Also read | Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf dies at 86, Sheikh Meshal named as successor Sheikh Nawaf himself handed over most of his duties to Sheikh Meshal owing to his failing health. The emir-designate has been Kuwait’s de-facto ruler since 2021. Under Kuwait's constitution, the crown prince becomes emir once the erstwhile Emir becomes incapacitated. Sheikh Meshal will assume power after taking oath in parliament. The new emir has up to a year to name an heir. Sheikh Meshal as Kuwait emir: What does it mean? Critics cited in the western media interpreted the appointment of Sheikh Mishal, now 83 — possibly the world’s oldest crown prince — as a sign that Kuwait would defy a trend towards generational change among the Gulf’s ruling families in favour of a risk-averse oligarchal rule committed to continuity. Besides, under Sheikh Nawaf and his Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal, Kuwait continued to align itself more closely with the regional powerhouse, Saudi Arabia. Also watch | Kuwait's national assembly: Women candidates make a comeback × At the same time, the restoration of Iran-Saudi ties has given a new dimension to West Asia's internal geo-economic alignments with a semblance of stability. But the Israel-Hamas war has added to the latest string of challenges for stability in the volatile region. Sheikh Meshal as new Kuwait Emir: Immediate challenges The new emir’s choice of crown prince and premier – who would face the challenge of managing the government's tumultuous relationship with parliament – will be consequential as a younger generation of Kuwait’s ruling family jostles for position. Such factional struggles within the Sabah family have often played out in parliament as contenders for succession build their political capital. Kuwait, which has a population of 4.2 million people, has the world’s sixth-largest known oil reserves. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Sheikh Meshal? The new emir of oil-rich Kuwait

The Aam Aadmi Party has appointed its MP Raghav Chadha as the leader of the party in Rajya Sabha in place of Sanjay Singh, sources said.

In a letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, the AAP party leadership has said that in the absence of Sanjay Singh, who has "health issues", Raghav Chadha will henceforth be the party's leader in the upper house.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh is currently behind bars in the Delhi liquor policy case.

Sources in the Rajya Sabha secretariat confirmed that a letter has been received from AAP regarding appointing Chadha as its floor leader.

The letter is with the RS Secretary General for implementation.

Chadha is one of the youngest members of Rajya Sabha. The AAP has a total of 10 MPs in the Upper House currently.

AAP has the fourth largest strength in Rajya Sabha after the BJP, the Congress and the TMC.

The Aam Aadmi Party has appointed its MP Raghav Chadha as the leader of the party in Rajya Sabha in place of Sanjay Singh, sources said. In a letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, the AAP party leadership has said that in the absence of Sanjay Singh, who has "health issues", Raghav Chadha will henceforth be the party's leader in the upper house.

The Aam Aadmi Party has appointed its MP Raghav Chadha as the leader of the party in Rajya Sabha in place of Sanjay Singh, sources said. In a letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, the AAP party leadership has said that in the absence of Sanjay Singh, who has "health issues", Raghav Chadha will henceforth be the party's leader in the upper house. AAP MP Sanjay Singh is currently behind bars in the Delhi liquor policy case. Sources in the Rajya Sabha secretariat confirmed that a letter has been received from AAP regarding appointing Chadha as its floor leader. The letter is with the RS Secretary General for implementation. Chadha is one of the youngest members of Rajya Sabha. The AAP has a total of 10 MPs in the Upper House currently. AAP has the fourth largest strength in Rajya Sabha after the BJP, the Congress and the TMC.

Raghav Chadha appointed AAP leader in Rajya Sabha

Homelessness in the United States reached to a record high as it surged to an unprecedented level due to a significant increase in first-time homelessness in the post-pandemic period.&nbsp;

The findings of a report released by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development on Friday (Dec 15) revealed that over 650,000 individuals experienced homelessness on a single night in January this year, marking a notable 12 per cent rise from the figures reported in 2022.

According to the report, the number of individuals newly experiencing homelessness between the federal fiscal years 2021 and 2022 witnessed a sharp 25 per cent increase. The fiscal year 2022 concluded in September 2022.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

This alarming statistic represents the highest number recorded since the inception of the annual point-in-time survey in 2007 meaning that the homelessness in the United States is highest since George Bush held office in the White House.&nbsp;

Also watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;US: Rise in homelessness in major urban areas

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Further, it also means that the homelessness in the Biden era, by implication, is more than Donald Trump's presidency years.&nbsp;

<h2>Why homelessness rose to record high in the United States?</h2>

According to the analysts cited in the US media, the conclusion of pandemic-related programmes, including the eviction moratorium, and substantial spikes in rental costs led to the overall homelessness crisis in the United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nyc-sees-record-high-100000-homeless-people-us-media-610462">NYC sees record-high 100,000 homeless people: US media</a>

The end of crucial Covid-era aids such as the expanded Child Tax Credit, stimulus checks, and other support systems remains a driving factor behind the spike in poverty, particularly affecting children, whose poverty rate doubled in the last year, according to the US housing department report.

While the US had previously made strides in reducing homelessness, particularly through targeted efforts to house veterans, the post-pandemic era has presented a financial double-whammy.&nbsp;

<h2>US homelessness crisis: What is the bottom line?&nbsp;</h2>

The report puts spotlight on the pressing need for attention and deployment of resources to tackle the escalating crisis of homelessness in the United States.

(With inputs from agencies)

Homelessness in the United States reached to a record high as it surged to an unprecedented level due to a significant increase in first-time homelessness in the post-pandemic period.

Homelessness in the United States reached to a record high as it surged to an unprecedented level due to a significant increase in first-time homelessness in the post-pandemic period. The findings of a report released by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development on Friday (Dec 15) revealed that over 650,000 individuals experienced homelessness on a single night in January this year, marking a notable 12 per cent rise from the figures reported in 2022. According to the report, the number of individuals newly experiencing homelessness between the federal fiscal years 2021 and 2022 witnessed a sharp 25 per cent increase. The fiscal year 2022 concluded in September 2022. What does it mean? This alarming statistic represents the highest number recorded since the inception of the annual point-in-time survey in 2007 meaning that the homelessness in the United States is highest since George Bush held office in the White House. Also watch | US: Rise in homelessness in major urban areas × Further, it also means that the homelessness in the Biden era, by implication, is more than Donald Trump's presidency years. Why homelessness rose to record high in the United States? According to the analysts cited in the US media, the conclusion of pandemic-related programmes, including the eviction moratorium, and substantial spikes in rental costs led to the overall homelessness crisis in the United States. Also read | NYC sees record-high 100,000 homeless people: US media The end of crucial Covid-era aids such as the expanded Child Tax Credit, stimulus checks, and other support systems remains a driving factor behind the spike in poverty, particularly affecting children, whose poverty rate doubled in the last year, according to the US housing department report. While the US had previously made strides in reducing homelessness, particularly through targeted efforts to house veterans, the post-pandemic era has presented a financial double-whammy. US homelessness crisis: What is the bottom line? The report puts spotlight on the pressing need for attention and deployment of resources to tackle the escalating crisis of homelessness in the United States. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden failing for the poor? US records highest-ever number of homeless people

Born in the boom of telegraphs and trunk calls in Germany's Bavaria region in May 1923, the immensely controversial and equally consequential US foreign policy practitioner Henry Kissinger <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/henry-kissinger-the-most-controversial-and-influential-american-of-20th-century-dies-at-100-664470">died in the hyperconnected times of internet</a> on November 30, 2023. The scholar-turned-diplomat was serving as the US National Security Advisor to President Richard Nixon in the December of 1971 when New Delhi&nbsp;intervened in the erstwhile East Pakistan after millions of refugees poured into India in the wake of atrocities committed by Punjabi-dominated West Pakistan military against their own Bengali brethren.&nbsp;

With an indecipherable ink of a Harvard scholar acting as the signature of his diplomacy, Kissinger also shaped the geopolitics of Indian subcontinent during that strife, which later came to be known as Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/south-asia/bangladesh/meet-lieutenant-general-js-aurora-sam-bahadur-manekshaw-jfr-jacob-the-liberator-of-bangladesh-1700980577673">Meet Lieutenant General J.S. Aurora: The 'Liberator of Bangladesh'</a>

India's military intervention in Bangladesh began on December 3 that year. Ducca (now Dhaka) fell in 12 days. The then West Pakistan Army signed an Instrument of Surrender on December 16, 1971, leaving about 93,000 Pakistani soldiers effectively under New Delhi's control in the newly-created Bangladesh.&nbsp;

But one of the most curious things about this war was the 'Chinese intervention' that never happened.

According to the US state department Archives, the then US President Richard Nixon instructed Kissinger "to ask the Chinese to move some forces toward the frontier with India" in December 1971.&nbsp;

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Kissinger should have apologized to people of Bangladesh , Bangladesh Foreign Minister Momen recounts his support to West Pakistan that led to genocide in the then East Pakistan. Details: <a href="https://t.co/02DvWHl8C1">https://t.co/02DvWHl8C1</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1730208439035675072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"Threaten to move forces or move them, Henry, that's what they (Chinese) must do now," Nixon told Kissinger inside Oval Office on December 10, 1971.

The US did not share formal ties with Communist Party-led mainland China between 1949 to 1972, with absolute resumption of diplomatic relations only coming in 1979 — one of the most significant geopolitical events of the second half of 20th century which effectively tilted the balance of Cold War in Washington's favour.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/dubious-strategist-ruthless-diplomat-south-asian-loser-kissingers-bull-run-was-stopped-by-indian-defiance-664604">Dubious strategist, ruthless diplomat, South Asian loser: Kissinger's bull run was stopped by Indian defiance</a>

Kissinger's efforts to establish diplomatic ties between Washington and Beijing were being aided by Pakistan as a channel of communication at least since December 1970.

In April 1971, a month after Sheikh Mujibur Rehman proclaimed the birth of Bangladesh in the territory of erstwhile East Pakistan, and Pakistan reacted by launching 'Operation Searchlight', the Pakistani ambassador delivered Chinese leader Zhou Enlai's reply to Washington. This correspondence paved the way for Kissinger's secret trip to Beijing in July 1971 and beginning of events that fully restored US-China&nbsp;ties in 1979. The rest as they say, to use a cliche, is history.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/features/sam-manekshaw-and-indira-gandhi-and-that-one-cabinet-meeting-1701332854821">Sam Manekshaw and Indira Gandhi, and That One Cabinet Meeting</a> 
 
In an odd turn of events, while the US cosied up with Communist China, the Soviet Union, another Communist nation that two decades later become Russia, cemented its ties with India after signing&nbsp;a comprehensive treaty of ‘Peace, Friendship and Cooperation’ on August 9, 1971.

In order to aid Islamabad that was facilitating the dialogue between Washington and Beijing — and thereby giving Washington an edge against Moscow in Cold War&nbsp;—&nbsp;the US deployed Task Force 74 of the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet in the Bay of Bengal to prevent India from overrunning Pakistan.

In response, the Soviets deployed two groups of cruisers and destroyers as well as a submarine armed with nuclear warheads in the region.&nbsp;

The geopolitical calculations in the Oval Office where Nixon and Kissinger met on December 10, 1971,&nbsp;did not want the dismembering of Pakistan despite its mass atrocities on Bangla-speaking people of erstwhile East Pakistan.

<h2>Henry Kissinger was meeting Chinese at CIA 'safe houses': Benazir Bhutto</h2>

According to former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, her father, erstwhile prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto,&nbsp;was worried that the Chinese would not&nbsp; intervene militarily on the side of Pakistan. But both Islamabad and Washington were working in tandem&nbsp;to ensure a Chinese military intervention.

"While Papa is planning to ask Yahya to fly to Peking (now Beijing) as a last resort, Henry Kissinger, I read later, is having meetings with the Chinese in CIA 'safe houses' all over New York," the late former prime minister wrote in her autobiography Daughter of the East.

Contrary to the expectations from some corners in US and Pakistan, China did not move its forces towards its unresolved frontier with India during crucial days of Indian operations in present-day Bangladesh.

Peking did not intend to militarily confront Moscow, a fellow Communist nation, even for an all-weather partner like Pakistan and despite the prospect of resumption of ties with Washington at the height Cold War.&nbsp;

Nixon concluded to Kissinger at the end of that discussion on December 10, 1971 that "Russia and China aren't going to go to war."

"India, however, had emerged from the crisis confirmed as the preeminent power on the subcontinent, and Soviet support for India during the crisis had enhanced Soviet influence in India," the US state department concluded in a document on the war. 
 
And Kissinger's secret diplomacy eventually led to American diplomatic recognition of and closer ties with China, only for him to see it all unravel in his own lifetime, in the past decade.

Born in the boom of telegraphs and trunk calls in Germany's Bavaria region in May 1923, the immensely controversial and equally consequential US foreign policy practitioner Henry Kissinger died in the hyperconnected times of internet on November 30, 2023.

Born in the boom of telegraphs and trunk calls in Germany's Bavaria region in May 1923, the immensely controversial and equally consequential US foreign policy practitioner Henry Kissinger died in the hyperconnected times of internet on November 30, 2023. The scholar-turned-diplomat was serving as the US National Security Advisor to President Richard Nixon in the December of 1971 when New Delhi intervened in the erstwhile East Pakistan after millions of refugees poured into India in the wake of atrocities committed by Punjabi-dominated West Pakistan military against their own Bengali brethren. With an indecipherable ink of a Harvard scholar acting as the signature of his diplomacy, Kissinger also shaped the geopolitics of Indian subcontinent during that strife, which later came to be known as Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. Also Read | Meet Lieutenant General J.S. Aurora: The 'Liberator of Bangladesh' India's military intervention in Bangladesh began on December 3 that year. Ducca (now Dhaka) fell in 12 days. The then West Pakistan Army signed an Instrument of Surrender on December 16, 1971, leaving about 93,000 Pakistani soldiers effectively under New Delhi's control in the newly-created Bangladesh. But one of the most curious things about this war was the 'Chinese intervention' that never happened. According to the US state department Archives, the then US President Richard Nixon instructed Kissinger "to ask the Chinese to move some forces toward the frontier with India" in December 1971. Kissinger should have apologized to people of Bangladesh , Bangladesh Foreign Minister Momen recounts his support to West Pakistan that led to genocide in the then East Pakistan. Details: https://t.co/02DvWHl8C1 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) November 30, 2023 × "Threaten to move forces or move them, Henry, that's what they (Chinese) must do now," Nixon told Kissinger inside Oval Office on December 10, 1971. The US did not share formal ties with Communist Party-led mainland China between 1949 to 1972, with absolute resumption of diplomatic relations only coming in 1979 — one of the most significant geopolitical events of the second half of 20th century which effectively tilted the balance of Cold War in Washington's favour. Also Read | Dubious strategist, ruthless diplomat, South Asian loser: Kissinger's bull run was stopped by Indian defiance Kissinger's efforts to establish diplomatic ties between Washington and Beijing were being aided by Pakistan as a channel of communication at least since December 1970. In April 1971, a month after Sheikh Mujibur Rehman proclaimed the birth of Bangladesh in the territory of erstwhile East Pakistan, and Pakistan reacted by launching 'Operation Searchlight', the Pakistani ambassador delivered Chinese leader Zhou Enlai's reply to Washington. This correspondence paved the way for Kissinger's secret trip to Beijing in July 1971 and beginning of events that fully restored US-China ties in 1979. The rest as they say, to use a cliche, is history. Also read | Sam Manekshaw and Indira Gandhi, and That One Cabinet Meeting In an odd turn of events, while the US cosied up with Communist China, the Soviet Union, another Communist nation that two decades later become Russia, cemented its ties with India after signing a comprehensive treaty of ‘Peace, Friendship and Cooperation’ on August 9, 1971. In order to aid Islamabad that was facilitating the dialogue between Washington and Beijing — and thereby giving Washington an edge against Moscow in Cold War — the US deployed Task Force 74 of the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet in the Bay of Bengal to prevent India from overrunning Pakistan. In response, the Soviets deployed two groups of cruisers and destroyers as well as a submarine armed with nuclear warheads in the region. The geopolitical calculations in the Oval Office where Nixon and Kissinger met on December 10, 1971, did not want the dismembering of Pakistan despite its mass atrocities on Bangla-speaking people of erstwhile East Pakistan. Henry Kissinger was meeting Chinese at CIA 'safe houses': Benazir Bhutto According to former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, her father, erstwhile prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was worried that the Chinese would not intervene militarily on the side of Pakistan. But both Islamabad and Washington were working in tandem to ensure a Chinese military intervention. "While Papa is planning to ask Yahya to fly to Peking (now Beijing) as a last resort, Henry Kissinger, I read later, is having meetings with the Chinese in CIA 'safe houses' all over New York," the late former prime minister wrote in her autobiography Daughter of the East. Contrary to the expectations from some corners in US and Pakistan, China did not move its forces towards its unresolved frontier with India during crucial days of Indian operations in present-day Bangladesh. Peking did not intend to militarily confront Moscow, a fellow Communist nation, even for an all-weather partner like Pakistan and despite the prospect of resumption of ties with Washington at the height Cold War. Nixon concluded to Kissinger at the end of that discussion on December 10, 1971 that "Russia and China aren't going to go to war." "India, however, had emerged from the crisis confirmed as the preeminent power on the subcontinent, and Soviet support for India during the crisis had enhanced Soviet influence in India," the US state department concluded in a document on the war. And Kissinger's secret diplomacy eventually led to American diplomatic recognition of and closer ties with China, only for him to see it all unravel in his own lifetime, in the past decade.

Cast From The Past: When Kissinger failed to make China attack India during 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War

A new study suggests that genetic materials from our Neanderthal ancestors may be responsible for our habit of waking up early. For the results, published in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution on December 14, researchers combined the ancient DNA of Neanderthals, large-scale genetic studies in modern humans, and artificial intelligence for the study.&nbsp;

Experts often study the archaeological evidence of Neanderthals and learn about their life and our history. Scientists have previously established that around 700,000 years ago, our lineages split apart, most likely in Africa.&nbsp;

The modern humans largely stayed in Africa and the Neanderthal lineage migrated into Eurasia, where they encountered diverse new environments.&nbsp;

They experienced higher latitudes with greater seasonal variation in daylight and temperature — all of it impacted their way of living.&nbsp;

The population split in two about 400,000 years ago with hominins spreading west becoming Neanderthals and their cousins to the east becoming a group known as Denisovans.&nbsp;

Former studies have found that the two groups lived for hundreds of thousands of years, but about 40,000 years ago, they disappeared from the fossil record. &nbsp;

By then, modern humans had expanded out of Africa, sometimes even interbreeding with Neanderthals and Denisovans. And the fragments of their DNA can be found in most living humans even today.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/evolution-for-lust-male-sea-snakes-have-big-eyes-to-ogle-at-opposite-sex-669723">Evolution for lust? Male sea snakes have big eyes to ogle at opposite sex</a>&nbsp;

Now, a team of researchers at Vanderbilt University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of California San Francisco studied genetic data from a catalogue of hundreds of thousands of people in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

For the study, they performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to look for traits linked to the habit of waking up early in the morning.&nbsp;

Notably, the process of GWAS helps scientists to identify genes associated with a particular disease, or another trait.&nbsp;

Earlier, the experts have noted that this particular method studies the entire set of DNA of a large group of people, searching for small variations, called single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs.&nbsp;

The researchers have inferred differences in circadian gene sequences, splicing, and regulation between archaic hominins and modern humans.&nbsp;

They identified 28 circadian genes containing variants with the potential to alter splicing in archaics and 16 circadian genes likely divergently regulated between present-day humans and archaic hominins.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/trusty-ol-hubble-space-telescope-is-working-again-after-nasa-fixes-problem-669663">Trusty ol' Hubble Space Telescope is working again after NASA fixes problem</a>&nbsp;

The study said, "These differences suggest the potential for introgression to modify circadian gene expression."&nbsp;

The study has compared associations to the genomes derived from three ancient hominins, which have been previously published by scientists.&nbsp;

The genomes have been derived from a 120,000-year-old Neanderthal, a 72,000-year-old Denisovan found in the mountains of Mongolia, and a 52,000-year-old Neanderthal from modern-day Croatia.&nbsp;

The researchers have found that many introgressed variants with effects on sleep preference. They found that these variants consistently increase "morningness". The study indicated a directional effect on the trait, and it is also consistent with adaptations to high latitudes observed in other animals.&nbsp;

Lead author John A Capra from the University of California at San Francisco, said, "By analysing the bits of Neanderthal DNA that remain in modern human genomes we discovered a striking trend: many of them have effects on the control of circadian genes in modern humans and these effects are predominantly in a consistent direction of increasing propensity to be a morning person."&nbsp;

"This change is consistent with the effects of living at higher latitudes on the circadian clocks of animals and likely enables more rapid alignment of the circadian clock with changing seasonal light patterns," Capra added.&nbsp;

A new study suggests that genetic materials from our Neanderthal ancestors may be responsible for our habit of waking up early. For the results, published in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution on December 14, researchers combined the ancient DNA of Neanderthals, large-scale genetic studies in modern humans, and artificial intelligence for the study.

A new study suggests that genetic materials from our Neanderthal ancestors may be responsible for our habit of waking up early. For the results, published in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution on December 14, researchers combined the ancient DNA of Neanderthals, large-scale genetic studies in modern humans, and artificial intelligence for the study. Experts often study the archaeological evidence of Neanderthals and learn about their life and our history. Scientists have previously established that around 700,000 years ago, our lineages split apart, most likely in Africa. The modern humans largely stayed in Africa and the Neanderthal lineage migrated into Eurasia, where they encountered diverse new environments. They experienced higher latitudes with greater seasonal variation in daylight and temperature — all of it impacted their way of living. The population split in two about 400,000 years ago with hominins spreading west becoming Neanderthals and their cousins to the east becoming a group known as Denisovans. Former studies have found that the two groups lived for hundreds of thousands of years, but about 40,000 years ago, they disappeared from the fossil record. By then, modern humans had expanded out of Africa, sometimes even interbreeding with Neanderthals and Denisovans. And the fragments of their DNA can be found in most living humans even today. Also read: Evolution for lust? Male sea snakes have big eyes to ogle at opposite sex Now, a team of researchers at Vanderbilt University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of California San Francisco studied genetic data from a catalogue of hundreds of thousands of people in the United Kingdom. For the study, they performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to look for traits linked to the habit of waking up early in the morning. Notably, the process of GWAS helps scientists to identify genes associated with a particular disease, or another trait. Earlier, the experts have noted that this particular method studies the entire set of DNA of a large group of people, searching for small variations, called single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs. The researchers have inferred differences in circadian gene sequences, splicing, and regulation between archaic hominins and modern humans. They identified 28 circadian genes containing variants with the potential to alter splicing in archaics and 16 circadian genes likely divergently regulated between present-day humans and archaic hominins. Also read: Trusty ol' Hubble Space Telescope is working again after NASA fixes problem The study said, "These differences suggest the potential for introgression to modify circadian gene expression." The study has compared associations to the genomes derived from three ancient hominins, which have been previously published by scientists. The genomes have been derived from a 120,000-year-old Neanderthal, a 72,000-year-old Denisovan found in the mountains of Mongolia, and a 52,000-year-old Neanderthal from modern-day Croatia. The researchers have found that many introgressed variants with effects on sleep preference. They found that these variants consistently increase "morningness". The study indicated a directional effect on the trait, and it is also consistent with adaptations to high latitudes observed in other animals. Lead author John A Capra from the University of California at San Francisco, said, "By analysing the bits of Neanderthal DNA that remain in modern human genomes we discovered a striking trend: many of them have effects on the control of circadian genes in modern humans and these effects are predominantly in a consistent direction of increasing propensity to be a morning person." "This change is consistent with the effects of living at higher latitudes on the circadian clocks of animals and likely enables more rapid alignment of the circadian clock with changing seasonal light patterns," Capra added.

Donald trumps Biden in all swing states, key survey says

European Union leaders agreed to open membership talks with Ukraine, marking a significant political win for President Volodymyr Zelensky amid uncertainty over future of aid from the US and the collective West during its war with Russia.&nbsp;

European Council President Charles Michel announced the move Thursday (Dec 14) as EU leaders met for a summit in Brussels.

"A clear signal of hope for their people and for our continent," Michel wrote in a post on X.

The European Council president said that the&nbsp;the bloc also agreed to open accession talks with Moldova and granted candidate status to Georgia.

Also watch |&nbsp;Hungary blocks Ukraine's EU membership bid

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So far, Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orban had opposed opening the membership talks and called for the removal of the topic from the summit agenda.

<h2>Ukraine's bid to be an EU member: A Timeline</h2>

On February 28, 2022, just four days after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced an offensive on Ukraine, Kyiv applied for EU membership.

On June 23, 2022, the European Council "recognised Ukraine's European perspective and granted the country candidate status", according to the 2023 Enlargement Package&nbsp;issued by the European Union.

On 8 November 2023, as part of its Enlargement Package, the Commission published its report on Ukraine, recommending to open accession negotiations.

<h2>Ukraine as potential EU member: What does it mean?</h2>

Ukraine is continuing to face hurdles in clinching funding from both the United States and the EU to support its war against Russia. Even procedural progress at this point&nbsp;— after its failed counteroffensive and Russian belligerence on the frontline&nbsp;—&nbsp;on joining the bloc will boost morale in its bid to fight off Russia’s offensive. 
 
But overall, the process to join the EU is lengthy and complicated. Croatia was the last country which joined the EU in 2013 and its accession process lasted ten years.

<h2>Why EU reopened accession negotiations with Ukraine?</h2>

In the 2023 enlargement communication, the European Commission said Ukraine had made substantial progress on addressing seven key reforms identified in 2022.

"The Commission considers that Ukraine sufficiently fulfils the criteria related to the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities," the EC said.

The report found that the country had established a transparent pre-selection system for Constitutional Court judges and had reformed judicial governance bodies.

It said Ukraine had developed its track record of high-level corruption investigations and convictions, and that it had taken positive steps in a wider and systemic effort to address the influence of oligarchs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-eu-delivers-nearly-224000-shells-to-kyiv-as-part-of-ammo-plan-624845">Ukraine war: EU delivers nearly 224,000 shells to Kyiv as part of ammo plan</a>

But as recently as November 2023, Ukrainian judges have been accused of graft in a number of cases that have disputed the claims of judicial reforms in Ukraine.&nbsp;

On Nov 30,&nbsp;the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office accused four judges from the Kyiv Court of Appeal of graft totalling $35,000.&nbsp;

Corruption remains rampant in Ukraine, with lawmakers, judges and government&nbsp;officials having recently been charged. In 2022, Transparency International ranked Ukraine 116 out of 180 countries in terms of corruption.&nbsp;

European Union leaders agreed to open membership talks with Ukraine, marking a significant political win for President Volodymyr Zelensky amid uncertainty over future of aid from the US and the collective West during its war with Russia.

European Union leaders agreed to open membership talks with Ukraine, marking a significant political win for President Volodymyr Zelensky amid uncertainty over future of aid from the US and the collective West during its war with Russia. European Council President Charles Michel announced the move Thursday (Dec 14) as EU leaders met for a summit in Brussels. "A clear signal of hope for their people and for our continent," Michel wrote in a post on X. The European Council president said that the the bloc also agreed to open accession talks with Moldova and granted candidate status to Georgia. Also watch | Hungary blocks Ukraine's EU membership bid × So far, Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orban had opposed opening the membership talks and called for the removal of the topic from the summit agenda. Ukraine's bid to be an EU member: A Timeline On February 28, 2022, just four days after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced an offensive on Ukraine, Kyiv applied for EU membership. On June 23, 2022, the European Council "recognised Ukraine's European perspective and granted the country candidate status", according to the 2023 Enlargement Package issued by the European Union. On 8 November 2023, as part of its Enlargement Package, the Commission published its report on Ukraine, recommending to open accession negotiations. Ukraine as potential EU member: What does it mean? Ukraine is continuing to face hurdles in clinching funding from both the United States and the EU to support its war against Russia. Even procedural progress at this point — after its failed counteroffensive and Russian belligerence on the frontline — on joining the bloc will boost morale in its bid to fight off Russia’s offensive. But overall, the process to join the EU is lengthy and complicated. Croatia was the last country which joined the EU in 2013 and its accession process lasted ten years. Why EU reopened accession negotiations with Ukraine? In the 2023 enlargement communication, the European Commission said Ukraine had made substantial progress on addressing seven key reforms identified in 2022. "The Commission considers that Ukraine sufficiently fulfils the criteria related to the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities," the EC said. The report found that the country had established a transparent pre-selection system for Constitutional Court judges and had reformed judicial governance bodies. It said Ukraine had developed its track record of high-level corruption investigations and convictions, and that it had taken positive steps in a wider and systemic effort to address the influence of oligarchs. Also read | Ukraine war: EU delivers nearly 224,000 shells to Kyiv as part of ammo plan But as recently as November 2023, Ukrainian judges have been accused of graft in a number of cases that have disputed the claims of judicial reforms in Ukraine. On Nov 30, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office accused four judges from the Kyiv Court of Appeal of graft totalling $35,000. Corruption remains rampant in Ukraine, with lawmakers, judges and government officials having recently been charged. In 2022, Transparency International ranked Ukraine 116 out of 180 countries in terms of corruption.

Ukraine next EU member? Kyiv may get membership lifeboat amid sinking wartime fortunes

Delhi's Patiala House Court on Thursday (Dec 14) sent four individuals accused of breaching the security of Indian parliament a day earlier to seven days of police remand. The fifth accused Lalit Jha, allegedly the mastermind of the entire breach, was arrested on Thursday late evening.

Atul Shrivastava, a lawyer for Delhi Police said, "We had requested for 15 days police custody remand which had been considered by the court and the court had been kind enough to grant seven days police custody remand..."

The remand has been given to the Special Cell of Delhi Police. While the Special Cell had reportedly asked for a 15-day remand of the accused, the court instead approved seven days.&nbsp;

Police sources told the Press Trust of India on Thursday that it was Jha who decided on the date to carry out the breach incident inside Parliament.

"Lalit Jha had called everyone for a meeting in Gurugram. Before carrying out the incident, Lalit himself took possession of the phones of the four accused and ran away," police sources said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-parliament-security-breach-who-are-lok-sabha-intruders-and-how-they-entered-the-house-669324">Indian Parliament security breach: Who are the intruders and how did they enter Lok Sabha?</a>

"We have shown the court the grounds, following which the court gave us 7-day police custody (of the four accused arrested in the Parliament security breach case)," said public prosecutor Atul Shrivastava.

According to Special Cell sources cited by the Press Trust of India: "A day after a massive security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack in the Lok Sabha all the accused are giving rote answers to the investigation team of the cell."

Also watch |&nbsp;Parliament security breach: Lok Sabha Secretariat suspends 8 personnel for security lapse

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"After listening to the answers to the questions given by the accused, it seems that they had already made preparations as to what to answer when the police interrogate them when they are caught," stated the sources.

A total of six individuals have been accused of the overall planning and execution of the breaching incident.

According to Police sources cited by the PTI, all the accused were associated with the social media page 'Bhagat Singh Fan Club'.

The security breach happened on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack.

Two people, Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by the MPs.

(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi's Patiala House Court on Thursday (Dec 14) sent four individuals accused of breaching the security of Indian parliament a day earlier to seven days of police remand.

Delhi's Patiala House Court on Thursday (Dec 14) sent four individuals accused of breaching the security of Indian parliament a day earlier to seven days of police remand. The fifth accused Lalit Jha, allegedly the mastermind of the entire breach, was arrested on Thursday late evening. Atul Shrivastava, a lawyer for Delhi Police said, "We had requested for 15 days police custody remand which had been considered by the court and the court had been kind enough to grant seven days police custody remand..." The remand has been given to the Special Cell of Delhi Police. While the Special Cell had reportedly asked for a 15-day remand of the accused, the court instead approved seven days. Police sources told the Press Trust of India on Thursday that it was Jha who decided on the date to carry out the breach incident inside Parliament. "Lalit Jha had called everyone for a meeting in Gurugram. Before carrying out the incident, Lalit himself took possession of the phones of the four accused and ran away," police sources said. Also read | Indian Parliament security breach: Who are the intruders and how did they enter Lok Sabha? "We have shown the court the grounds, following which the court gave us 7-day police custody (of the four accused arrested in the Parliament security breach case)," said public prosecutor Atul Shrivastava. According to Special Cell sources cited by the Press Trust of India: "A day after a massive security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack in the Lok Sabha all the accused are giving rote answers to the investigation team of the cell." Also watch | Parliament security breach: Lok Sabha Secretariat suspends 8 personnel for security lapse × "After listening to the answers to the questions given by the accused, it seems that they had already made preparations as to what to answer when the police interrogate them when they are caught," stated the sources. A total of six individuals have been accused of the overall planning and execution of the breaching incident. According to Police sources cited by the PTI, all the accused were associated with the social media page 'Bhagat Singh Fan Club'. The security breach happened on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack. Two people, Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by the MPs. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian parliament security breach: All accused were part of 'Bhagat Singh Fan Club'; sent to remand

A single-engine Diamond DA-40 aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on Interstate 26 in Asheville, North Carolina, around 8:15 pm (local time) on Thursday (Dec 14).&nbsp;Visuals that went viral on social media showed aircraft in flames. Two people were reportedly injured in the incident and subsequently hospitalised.

Authorities from the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office reported that the two individuals on board were promptly taken to a local hospital. Their identities are yet to be disclosed.

<h2>What happened?</h2>

Preliminary reports in the US media indicate that the pilot of the Diamond DA-40 communicated problems with the aircraft, seeking assistance just moments before the emergency landing.&nbsp;

The exact cause of fire remains unclear. But the landing caused significant traffic disruptions on the highway for several hours.

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Emergency response teams, including Ashville Regional Airport fire trucks, Skyland Fire and Rescue, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Asheville Police Department, and the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office, rushed to the scene to address the unfolding crisis.

Eyewitness videos captured the harrowing scene, depicting the plane engulfed in flames as traffic inched along the highway. Once extinguished, the aircraft was described as "unrecognisable," with a wing detached from the charred wreckage.

The impact of the emergency landing reverberated beyond the immediate crash site, causing power surges and outages in nearby buildings and homes.

Allen Morgan, a Buncombe County Emergency Medical Services supervisor, reassured the public, stating, "There does not appear to be any life-threatening injuries", ABC News reported.

<h2>What is the condition of those hospitalised?</h2>

The condition of the two hospitalised individuals remains unknown at the time of filing this report. &nbsp;

The Aviation Consumer said that the Diamond DA-40 airplane involved is considered one of the more preferably-used piston singles.&nbsp;

Investigations into the incident are underway as authorities work to determine the cause of the emergency landing and subsequent fire.

A single-engine Diamond DA-40 aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on Interstate 26 in Asheville, North Carolina, around 8:15 pm (local time) on Thursday (Dec 14).

A single-engine Diamond DA-40 aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on Interstate 26 in Asheville, North Carolina, around 8:15 pm (local time) on Thursday (Dec 14). Visuals that went viral on social media showed aircraft in flames. Two people were reportedly injured in the incident and subsequently hospitalised. Authorities from the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office reported that the two individuals on board were promptly taken to a local hospital. Their identities are yet to be disclosed. What happened? Preliminary reports in the US media indicate that the pilot of the Diamond DA-40 communicated problems with the aircraft, seeking assistance just moments before the emergency landing. The exact cause of fire remains unclear. But the landing caused significant traffic disruptions on the highway for several hours. × Emergency response teams, including Ashville Regional Airport fire trucks, Skyland Fire and Rescue, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Asheville Police Department, and the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office, rushed to the scene to address the unfolding crisis. Eyewitness videos captured the harrowing scene, depicting the plane engulfed in flames as traffic inched along the highway. Once extinguished, the aircraft was described as "unrecognisable," with a wing detached from the charred wreckage. The impact of the emergency landing reverberated beyond the immediate crash site, causing power surges and outages in nearby buildings and homes. Allen Morgan, a Buncombe County Emergency Medical Services supervisor, reassured the public, stating, "There does not appear to be any life-threatening injuries", ABC News reported. What is the condition of those hospitalised? The condition of the two hospitalised individuals remains unknown at the time of filing this report. The Aviation Consumer said that the Diamond DA-40 airplane involved is considered one of the more preferably-used piston singles. Investigations into the incident are underway as authorities work to determine the cause of the emergency landing and subsequent fire.

Video: Airplane makes emergency landing on US highway, catches fire

Trigger warning: The story contains graphic details of the signs of brutal violence. Discretion is advised.&nbsp;

Pakistan Police on Thursday (Dec 14) arrested a person for killing children and eating their flesh at Muzaffargarh in Punjab province, about 440 km southeast of provincial capital Lahore.&nbsp;

According to a report in Pakistan's ARY News, three children were kidnapped from Muzaffargarh's Khar Garh area last week.&nbsp;

The accused reportedly murdered the two of those three children and ate their flesh. A seven-year-old child named Ali Hassan survived the ordeal.&nbsp;

According to ARY news, Ali Hassan told police that after slaughtering three-year-old Abdullah and his one-and-a-half-year-old sister Hafsa, the man cooked and ate their flesh.

The report by ARY News added that the man also distributed the human flesh at a local dargah by passing it off as animal meat.&nbsp;

The local police has recovered the remains of Abdullah and the knives from the field but the search to find Hafsa continues.&nbsp;

The arrested suspect is currently in critical condition in the hospital, and further revelations about the brutal murders will be made once he regains consciousness, ARY News reported.

A case was also registered against the arrested suspect for murder and terrorism on a complaint by the father of the missing children.

Fayyaz, the father of the minor victims, also demanded strict action against the accused, ARY News reported.

<h2>Flashback from India's Nithari horror</h2>

The row is reminiscent of the 2006 Noida serial murders, also called Nithari serial murders or Nithari case.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nithari-killings-2006-how-reports-of-cannibalism-rapes-and-gory-murders-unfolded-647582">Nithari killings 2006: How reports of cannibalism, rapes and gory murders unfolded</a>

The Nithari case involved a string of gruesome murders of at least 19 children as well as the incidents of sexual abuse that took place in Noida, near Delhi. The convicts in the row lured children to a house in an upscale locality with promises of sweets and chocolates, only to subject them to sexual abuse and murder.

(With inputs from agencies)

Trigger warning: The story contains graphic details of the signs of brutal violence. Discretion is advised. Pakistan Police on Thursday (Dec 14) arrested a person for killing children and eating their flesh at Muzaffargarh in Punjab province, about 440 km southeast of provincial capital Lahore.

Trigger warning: The story contains graphic details of the signs of brutal violence. Discretion is advised. Pakistan Police on Thursday (Dec 14) arrested a person for killing children and eating their flesh at Muzaffargarh in Punjab province, about 440 km southeast of provincial capital Lahore. According to a report in Pakistan's ARY News, three children were kidnapped from Muzaffargarh's Khar Garh area last week. The accused reportedly murdered the two of those three children and ate their flesh. A seven-year-old child named Ali Hassan survived the ordeal. According to ARY news, Ali Hassan told police that after slaughtering three-year-old Abdullah and his one-and-a-half-year-old sister Hafsa, the man cooked and ate their flesh. The report by ARY News added that the man also distributed the human flesh at a local dargah by passing it off as animal meat. The local police has recovered the remains of Abdullah and the knives from the field but the search to find Hafsa continues. The arrested suspect is currently in critical condition in the hospital, and further revelations about the brutal murders will be made once he regains consciousness, ARY News reported. A case was also registered against the arrested suspect for murder and terrorism on a complaint by the father of the missing children. Fayyaz, the father of the minor victims, also demanded strict action against the accused, ARY News reported. Flashback from India's Nithari horror The row is reminiscent of the 2006 Noida serial murders, also called Nithari serial murders or Nithari case. Also read | Nithari killings 2006: How reports of cannibalism, rapes and gory murders unfolded The Nithari case involved a string of gruesome murders of at least 19 children as well as the incidents of sexual abuse that took place in Noida, near Delhi. The convicts in the row lured children to a house in an upscale locality with promises of sweets and chocolates, only to subject them to sexual abuse and murder. (With inputs from agencies)

Trigger warning: Pakistani man arrested for butchering children, eating their flesh

Smriti Irani, Amethi and Myth of Gandhi Bastion

Smriti Irani, a union minister in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet, secured one of the most remarkable wins in India's 2019 General Elections. She defeated the Congress Party's Rahul Gandhi, a fifth-generation dynast of the country's politically significant Nehru-Gandhi dynasty. Before India's 2024 General Elections, this is what Amethi chapter of Indian politics looks like.

Amethi remained Gandhi family borough for decades


Rahul Gandhi held the seat for two consecutive terms between 2004 and 2014. The seat was previously held by Rahul's mother Sonia and uncle Sanjay; so there came the reputation of Amethi being a Gandhi family borough. Irani, after her victory shattered this belief.


Irani's 2019 win came from her 2014 experience


Irani first contested Amethi in 2014 when Modi won his first term in office. She lost to the Congress party's Rahul Gandhi by over 100,000 votes but still secured over 34 per cent of overall votes polled. In comparison Rahul got 46 per cent of overall votes polled, in a steep fall from his nearly 72 per cent vote share in 2009.


Between 2014 and 2019: Irani's Five-Year Campaign For Amethi

To Irani's credit, she continued reaching out to the residents of Amethi even after her 2014 loss. As a political worker of the BJP, she emerged as the 'didi' (elder sister) for her local colleagues. Despite holding crucial cabinet portfolio(s) during Modi's first term in office, Irani's Delhi to Amethi connect kept her grounded to the constituency's political realities.


Amethi in 2019: A result that 'pierced through the sky'

Irani defeated Rahul Gandhi by over 55,000 votes, securing nearly 50 per cent of total votes polled. After her victory, Irani took to social media to post Dushyant Kumar's poem: 'Kaun kehta hai aasman mein surakh nahi ho sakta' (Who says you can't pierce through the sky). The result pierced through the skyline of Indian politics, giving Irani a distinguished place in Indian political history. (Next slide has a Game of Thrones spoiler, you've been warned.)

It was the month of the Game of Thrones finale when Modi secured a second term in office. Irani's 2019 win was compared with Arya Stark killing off the Night King in 'The Long Night' episode of Game of Thrones. It became a rare intersection of pop and politics on the internet. In history books, it became a chapter to be studied and revised for the foreseeable future.


Before India's 2024 General Elections, this is what Amethi chapter of Indian politics looks like.

For the first time in over eight years, Iranian pilgrims will visit Islam's holiest sites in Saudi Arabia from December 19, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday (Dec 13). The development is the latest sign of thawing ties between the Shia and Saudi powerhouses of West Asia.

Flights will take off from 10 airports around Iran carrying Iranians travelling on the year-round Umrah pilgrimage to the Islamic holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the semi-official Fars news agency said.

The first dispatch of Iranian Umrah pilgrims will occur from Dec. 19, Fars added.

Fars said up to 70,000 Iranian pilgrims were expected to travel to Saudi Arabia by the end of February 2024.

Since 2016, the Iranian pilgrims have only been able to complete the hajj pilgrimage, a religious duty deemed compulsory for Muslims who aim to carry it out once in their lifetime and which is subject to strict annual quotas and timings.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-saudi-arabia-restore-ties-as-china-brokered-deal-outfoxes-west-570766">Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West</a>

But Iranians are now able to complete the Umrah as well, deemed a "lesser pilgrimage" that can be taken at any time of the year and is not compulsory in Islam unlike Hajj.

The currently ongoing negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia also aim to re-establish non-religious tourism between the two countries, with flights linking Riyadh and Tehran.&nbsp;

With China at the centre of the geopolitical picture in March 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic ties after their seven years of bilateral estrangement.

Also watch |&nbsp;Saudi-Iran ties: a new beginning in West Asia?

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The deal, which entailed Iran and Saudi Arabia reopening their embassies and missions in each other’s cities, resulted in&nbsp;a shifting of sands&nbsp;in Beijing's favour in a region where&nbsp;the United States has waged conflicts&nbsp;and spent hundreds of billions of dollars in providing security for its allies.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

For the first time in over eight years, Iranian pilgrims will visit Islam's holiest sites in Saudi Arabia from December 19, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday (Dec 13).

For the first time in over eight years, Iranian pilgrims will visit Islam's holiest sites in Saudi Arabia from December 19, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday (Dec 13). The development is the latest sign of thawing ties between the Shia and Saudi powerhouses of West Asia. Flights will take off from 10 airports around Iran carrying Iranians travelling on the year-round Umrah pilgrimage to the Islamic holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the semi-official Fars news agency said. The first dispatch of Iranian Umrah pilgrims will occur from Dec. 19, Fars added. Fars said up to 70,000 Iranian pilgrims were expected to travel to Saudi Arabia by the end of February 2024. Since 2016, the Iranian pilgrims have only been able to complete the hajj pilgrimage, a religious duty deemed compulsory for Muslims who aim to carry it out once in their lifetime and which is subject to strict annual quotas and timings. Also read | Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West But Iranians are now able to complete the Umrah as well, deemed a "lesser pilgrimage" that can be taken at any time of the year and is not compulsory in Islam unlike Hajj. The currently ongoing negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia also aim to re-establish non-religious tourism between the two countries, with flights linking Riyadh and Tehran. With China at the centre of the geopolitical picture in March 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic ties after their seven years of bilateral estrangement. Also watch | Saudi-Iran ties: a new beginning in West Asia? × The deal, which entailed Iran and Saudi Arabia reopening their embassies and missions in each other’s cities, resulted in a shifting of sands in Beijing's favour in a region where the United States has waged conflicts and spent hundreds of billions of dollars in providing security for its allies. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, Saudi Arabia reopens Umrah route for Iranians since 2015

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Mukul Sharma

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