<p>Masood Azhar Alvi, the orchestrator of the 2001 Parliament attack in New Delhi, is reportedly living under the protective custody of the Pakistani deep state in Islamabad, twenty-two years after the infamous incident.</p>

<p>Despite being charge-sheeted for the Parliament attack and the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack, Azhar allegedly enjoys the security typically accorded to a visiting head of state.</p>

<h2><strong>How Jaish-e-Mohammed targeted India?</strong></h2>

<p>The 55-year-old founder of&nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist group has been linked to numerous brutal terror attacks on India, including the 2005 Ram Janambhoomi temple attack in Ayodhya and the Pulwama attack on men of Indian armed forces in February 2019.</p>

<p>Azhar's involvement also extends to directing an attack on the Indian Consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan, in 2016, showcasing his deep-rooted connections with extremist activities.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-designated-terror-group-jaish-e-mohammed-openly-collects-funds-in-peshawar-585353">UN-designated terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed openly collects funds in Peshawar</a></strong></p>

<p>Despite the international pressure and a looming threat of war, Pakistan designated Azhar as a terrorist in January 2002 and JeM as a terrorist group under then-dictator Gen Pervez Musharraf.</p>

<p>But according to a report in Hindustan Times, Azhar continues to be shielded by Pakistani authorities, raising concerns about their commitment to curbing terrorism.</p>

<h2><strong>How Jaish-e-Mohammed functions?</strong></h2>

<p>Azhar's influence persists in Jaish-e-Mohammed&nbsp;as he strategically places close family members in key positions within JeM and its front organisations.</p>

<p>His younger brother, Abdul Rauf Asgar Alvi, oversees the day-to-day affairs of the terrorist group, while other family members hold crucial roles in training, operations, and funding activities.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Jaish-E-Mohammed terrorist Raheem Ullah Tariq killed</strong></p>

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<p>Despite global scrutiny on Pakistan's alleged support for jihadist groups, Azhar's JeM remains active in the Jammu and Kashmir, with a singular focus on targeting India and perpetrating communal strife within the country.</p>

<p>A recent intelligence assessment by&nbsp;central intelligence agencies have warned senior officers of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Jammu and Kashmir Police that&nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) is planning to target residences of Jammu and Kashmir officers posted in Delhi and the office of the NIA in the Union Territory, raising the existing threat perception of Pakistan-based organisation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><i>(With inputs from agencies)</i></p>


Masood Azhar Alvi, the orchestrator of the 2001 Parliament attack in New Delhi, is reportedly living under the protective custody of the Pakistani deep state in Islamabad, twenty-two years after the infamous incident.

Masood Azhar Alvi, the orchestrator of the 2001 Parliament attack in New Delhi, is reportedly living under the protective custody of the Pakistani deep state in Islamabad, twenty-two years after the infamous incident. Despite being charge-sheeted for the Parliament attack and the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack, Azhar allegedly enjoys the security typically accorded to a visiting head of state. How Jaish-e-Mohammed targeted India? The 55-year-old founder of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist group has been linked to numerous brutal terror attacks on India, including the 2005 Ram Janambhoomi temple attack in Ayodhya and the Pulwama attack on men of Indian armed forces in February 2019. Azhar's involvement also extends to directing an attack on the Indian Consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan, in 2016, showcasing his deep-rooted connections with extremist activities. Also read | UN-designated terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed openly collects funds in Peshawar Despite the international pressure and a looming threat of war, Pakistan designated Azhar as a terrorist in January 2002 and JeM as a terrorist group under then-dictator Gen Pervez Musharraf. But according to a report in Hindustan Times, Azhar continues to be shielded by Pakistani authorities, raising concerns about their commitment to curbing terrorism. How Jaish-e-Mohammed functions? Azhar's influence persists in Jaish-e-Mohammed as he strategically places close family members in key positions within JeM and its front organisations. His younger brother, Abdul Rauf Asgar Alvi, oversees the day-to-day affairs of the terrorist group, while other family members hold crucial roles in training, operations, and funding activities. Also watch | Jaish-E-Mohammed terrorist Raheem Ullah Tariq killed × Despite global scrutiny on Pakistan's alleged support for jihadist groups, Azhar's JeM remains active in the Jammu and Kashmir, with a singular focus on targeting India and perpetrating communal strife within the country. A recent intelligence assessment by central intelligence agencies have warned senior officers of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Jammu and Kashmir Police that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) is planning to target residences of Jammu and Kashmir officers posted in Delhi and the office of the NIA in the Union Territory, raising the existing threat perception of Pakistan-based organisation. (With inputs from agencies)

How Pakistan harbours Masood Azhar's Jaish-e-Mohammed, 22 years since parliament attack

<p>The human-made possessions from about 7,000 years ago are being discovered from Mount Edziza, a volcano located in northwestern British Columbia in Canada.&nbsp;The site belonged to the Tahltan First Nations. With latest discoveries, the spotlight is back on what the life was around 5,000 BC.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What has been found so far?</strong></h2>

<p>Archaeologists have found containers crafted from birch bark,&nbsp;antler ice picks, tools carved from bones, walking sticks as well as a stitched boot.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>They are rare finds. According to Duncan McLaren, the lead archaeologist on the project to study the signs of human life thousands of years ago, the findings hold remarkable significance for the study of human ancestry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There was such a high density of artifacts. We knew there was obsidian, but we didn’t realise until we had done this project that there were all these organic artifacts that were preserved around the obsidian," he was quoted as saying by <em>Atlas Obscura</em>.</p>

<p>Notably, these objects were so well-preserved partly due to their remote location.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/escape-from-british-museum-chinese-tiktok-video-on-artefact-return-becomes-a-hit-632943">'Escape from British Museum': Chinese TikTok video on artefact return becomes a hit</a></strong></p>

<p>"This keeps visitor numbers low and also aids in the protection and preservation of artifacts," said David Karn while&nbsp;commenting on behalf of the Ministry of Environment to <em>Atlas Obscura</em>.</p>

<p>Noting the reason why these objects surfaced encapsulated in ice, researchers say it's the low snowback in the Canadian region over the period of time that kept it well preserved.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The excavation first began in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: U.K secretly ships stolen artefacts to Cambodia</strong></p>

<p>McLaren's research team&nbsp;worked on exploratory project along&nbsp;with organisations, including the Obsidian Discoveries Tahltan Tene Mehodihi Youth Group Hike. <em>Tene mehodihi</em> translates to "<em>the trail we know</em>".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The education program aims to educate Tahltan youth about the history of their nation through exploratory experiences such as this one.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The human-made possessions from about 7,000 years ago are being discovered from Mount Edziza, a volcano located in northwestern British Columbia in Canada. The site belonged to the Tahltan First Nations.

The human-made possessions from about 7,000 years ago are being discovered from Mount Edziza, a volcano located in northwestern British Columbia in Canada. The site belonged to the Tahltan First Nations. With latest discoveries, the spotlight is back on what the life was around 5,000 BC. What has been found so far? Archaeologists have found containers crafted from birch bark, antler ice picks, tools carved from bones, walking sticks as well as a stitched boot. What does it mean? They are rare finds. According to Duncan McLaren, the lead archaeologist on the project to study the signs of human life thousands of years ago, the findings hold remarkable significance for the study of human ancestry. "There was such a high density of artifacts. We knew there was obsidian, but we didn’t realise until we had done this project that there were all these organic artifacts that were preserved around the obsidian," he was quoted as saying by Atlas Obscura. Notably, these objects were so well-preserved partly due to their remote location. Also read | 'Escape from British Museum': Chinese TikTok video on artefact return becomes a hit "This keeps visitor numbers low and also aids in the protection and preservation of artifacts," said David Karn while commenting on behalf of the Ministry of Environment to Atlas Obscura. Noting the reason why these objects surfaced encapsulated in ice, researchers say it's the low snowback in the Canadian region over the period of time that kept it well preserved. The excavation first began in 2019. Also watch | Gravitas: U.K secretly ships stolen artefacts to Cambodia McLaren's research team worked on exploratory project along with organisations, including the Obsidian Discoveries Tahltan Tene Mehodihi Youth Group Hike. Tene mehodihi translates to "the trail we know". The education program aims to educate Tahltan youth about the history of their nation through exploratory experiences such as this one. (With inputs from agencies)

Ancient stones trapped in ice give glimpse of how life was 7,000 years ago

<p>A total of 15 lawmakers on Thursday&nbsp;were suspended from the Indian parliament over "unruly conduct" in one of the biggest mass suspensions of Members of Parliament this year. One MP from Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the parliament and a total of 14 MPs from Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian parliament directly elected by people were suspended.</p>

<p>The suspension of DMK MP SR Pratiban was later withdrawn.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who all have been suspended from the Indian parliament?</strong></h2>

<p>Derek O'Brien, former quizmaster-turned-politician from Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC) was the lone Member of Parliament suspended from the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, a member of Lok Sabha from southern India's Thoothukkudi constituency from Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party was suspended.</p>

<p>Other than Kanimozhi, Congress party's Manickam Tagore, a member of Lok Sabha from Tamil Nadu state's Virudhnagar constituency was also suspended.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-two-men-enter-lok-sabha-hurl-tear-gas-canisters-with-mps-around-669194">India: Major security breach in Lok Sabha, two men jump in MPs’ area from gallery, hurl smoke canisters</a></strong></p>

<p>P.R. Natarajan, Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore constituency in Tamil Nadu from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) was suspended from Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>V K Shrikantam, Beni Bahan, K Subramanyam, S Venkateshan, Mohammed Javed, TN Prathapan, Hibi Eden, S Jothimani, Ramya Haridas and Dean Kuriakose were also suspended from the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among the 14 MPs suspended, nine are from Congress, two from CPM, and one each&nbsp;from DMK, CPI (M) and TMC.</p>

<h2><strong>Why all these MPs have been suspended?</strong></h2>

<p>All the suspensions are linked to the Opposition's protests within Parliament over Wednesday's security breach in Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The protests by the lawmakers purportedly stalled proceedings in both the houses of parliament and led to subsequent adjournments.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Indian Parliament Upgrades Security After Major Security Breach | Who's behind it?</strong></p>

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<p>Earlier on Thursday, the Lok Sabha passed a resolution suspending five Congress MPs -- namely T N Prathapan, Hibi Eden, Jothimani, Ramya Haridas and Dean Kuriakose Kuryakus -- for the remainder of the Winter Session, which will conclude on December 22.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, the security of Lok Sabha was breached after two miscreants entered the parliament and hurled cannisters of coloured smoke while raising slogans stating 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' (No to Autocracy).</p>


A total of 15 lawmakers on Thursday were suspended from the Indian parliament over "unruly conduct" in one of the biggest mass suspensions of Members of Parliament this year.

A total of 15 lawmakers on Thursday were suspended from the Indian parliament over "unruly conduct" in one of the biggest mass suspensions of Members of Parliament this year. One MP from Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the parliament and a total of 14 MPs from Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian parliament directly elected by people were suspended. The suspension of DMK MP SR Pratiban was later withdrawn. Who all have been suspended from the Indian parliament? Derek O'Brien, former quizmaster-turned-politician from Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC) was the lone Member of Parliament suspended from the Rajya Sabha. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, a member of Lok Sabha from southern India's Thoothukkudi constituency from Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party was suspended. Other than Kanimozhi, Congress party's Manickam Tagore, a member of Lok Sabha from Tamil Nadu state's Virudhnagar constituency was also suspended. Also read | India: Major security breach in Lok Sabha, two men jump in MPs’ area from gallery, hurl smoke canisters P.R. Natarajan, Lok Sabha MP from Coimbatore constituency in Tamil Nadu from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) was suspended from Lok Sabha. V K Shrikantam, Beni Bahan, K Subramanyam, S Venkateshan, Mohammed Javed, TN Prathapan, Hibi Eden, S Jothimani, Ramya Haridas and Dean Kuriakose were also suspended from the Lok Sabha. Among the 14 MPs suspended, nine are from Congress, two from CPM, and one each from DMK, CPI (M) and TMC. Why all these MPs have been suspended? All the suspensions are linked to the Opposition's protests within Parliament over Wednesday's security breach in Lok Sabha. The protests by the lawmakers purportedly stalled proceedings in both the houses of parliament and led to subsequent adjournments. Also watch | Gravitas | Indian Parliament Upgrades Security After Major Security Breach | Who's behind it? × Earlier on Thursday, the Lok Sabha passed a resolution suspending five Congress MPs -- namely T N Prathapan, Hibi Eden, Jothimani, Ramya Haridas and Dean Kuriakose Kuryakus -- for the remainder of the Winter Session, which will conclude on December 22. On Wednesday, the security of Lok Sabha was breached after two miscreants entered the parliament and hurled cannisters of coloured smoke while raising slogans stating 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' (No to Autocracy).

Derek O'Brien, Kanimozhi among 15 lawmakers suspended from Indian parliament

<p>Lok Sabha Security Breach: The security of Lok Sabha, Indian parliament's lower house comrising of lawmakers&nbsp;directly elected by the people, was breached on Wednesday (Dec 13) after two miscreants entered the parliament and hurled cannisters&nbsp;of&nbsp;coloured smoke while raising slogans stating 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' (No to Autocracy).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The event momentarily disrupted the Zero Hour of the ongoing Winter Session of the parliament. The attention is now on who these intruders were, how exactly they entered the Lok Sabha and what was their motivation for the act.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-two-men-enter-lok-sabha-hurl-tear-gas-canisters-with-mps-around-669194">India: Major security breach in Lok Sabha, two men jump in MPs’ area from gallery, hurl smoke canisters</a></strong></p>

<p>Notably, the visitor pass of one intruder was issued by Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker from southern India's Mysuru constituency Pratap Simha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pratap Simha, 42-year-old former journalist, wrote a biography of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2007. He has been elected from Mysuru for the second time in a row in 2019.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The MP later met Speaker Om Birla and shared that the father of the accused, Sagar Sharma, resides in his constituency, Mysuru, and had requested for the pass. He added that he had no additional information apart from what he shared, said sources.</p>

<h2><strong>Sequence of events: Who were the parliament intruders?</strong></h2>

<p>According to reports, a total of six people were involved in the security breach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two men, who jumped from the public gallery into the area where the lawmakers sit, have been identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/parliament-security-breach-indian-parliaments-lower-house-resumes-after-security-breach-669301">Parliament Security Breach: Indian Parliament's Lower House resumes after security breach</a></strong></p>

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<p>Even as there was chaos in the Lok Sabha, a man and a woman sprayed coloured smoke from canisters and shouted slogans outside Parliament premises. The duo was identified as Amol Shinde and Neelam.</p>

<p>The four were apprehended by the security apparatus deployed at the scene.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Delhi Police sources, the fifth accused in this case, Lalit Jha, was present outside the Parliament House. When the police caught Amol and Neelam, Lalit fled from the spot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police sources say that the investigation so far has revealed that all these people are unemployed and during interrogation the accused have told that they were troubled by unemployment and had reached outside the Parliament House on December 13.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All four (Neelam, Manoranjan, Sagar, Amol) had given their mobile phones to Lalit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As soon as the commotion started, Lalit fled from the spot. Lalit has mobile phones of the detained accused. The search for Lalit was on at the time of filing this report.&nbsp;</p>


Lok Sabha Security Breach: The security of Lok Sabha, Indian parliament's lower house comrising of lawmakers directly elected by the people, was breached on Wednesday (Dec 13) after two miscreants entered the parliament and hurled cannisters of coloured smoke while raising slogans stating 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' (No to Autocracy).

Lok Sabha Security Breach: The security of Lok Sabha, Indian parliament's lower house comrising of lawmakers directly elected by the people, was breached on Wednesday (Dec 13) after two miscreants entered the parliament and hurled cannisters of coloured smoke while raising slogans stating 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' (No to Autocracy). The event momentarily disrupted the Zero Hour of the ongoing Winter Session of the parliament. The attention is now on who these intruders were, how exactly they entered the Lok Sabha and what was their motivation for the act. Also read | India: Major security breach in Lok Sabha, two men jump in MPs’ area from gallery, hurl smoke canisters Notably, the visitor pass of one intruder was issued by Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker from southern India's Mysuru constituency Pratap Simha. Pratap Simha, 42-year-old former journalist, wrote a biography of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2007. He has been elected from Mysuru for the second time in a row in 2019. The MP later met Speaker Om Birla and shared that the father of the accused, Sagar Sharma, resides in his constituency, Mysuru, and had requested for the pass. He added that he had no additional information apart from what he shared, said sources. Sequence of events: Who were the parliament intruders? According to reports, a total of six people were involved in the security breach. The two men, who jumped from the public gallery into the area where the lawmakers sit, have been identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D. Also watch | Parliament Security Breach: Indian Parliament's Lower House resumes after security breach × Even as there was chaos in the Lok Sabha, a man and a woman sprayed coloured smoke from canisters and shouted slogans outside Parliament premises. The duo was identified as Amol Shinde and Neelam. The four were apprehended by the security apparatus deployed at the scene. According to Delhi Police sources, the fifth accused in this case, Lalit Jha, was present outside the Parliament House. When the police caught Amol and Neelam, Lalit fled from the spot. Police sources say that the investigation so far has revealed that all these people are unemployed and during interrogation the accused have told that they were troubled by unemployment and had reached outside the Parliament House on December 13. All four (Neelam, Manoranjan, Sagar, Amol) had given their mobile phones to Lalit. As soon as the commotion started, Lalit fled from the spot. Lalit has mobile phones of the detained accused. The search for Lalit was on at the time of filing this report.

Indian Parliament security breach: Who are the intruders and how did they enter Lok Sabha?

1. This Sharp-Clawed Dinosaur Ate Plants


The geochemical traces preserved in the dinosaur Trodon’s bones showed this year that they were hungry for greens as well as small prey.


2. Dinosaur Giants Evolved Again And Again


An analysis of 250 sauropod species published in May found that truly giant members of this dinosaur group evolved superlative size at least 36 times over the course of a hundred million years. 

3. This Lawyer Destroyed the Majestic Dinosaur Museum 


Lawyer Henry Hilton is the ‘real villain’ who ordered the destruction of the models at the Paleozoic Museum, it emerged this year.



4. Dust From the Asteroid Impact Drifted For Years 

A study published this October found that silicate dust created by the impact stuck around for as long as 15 years, hindering photosynthesis and contributing to cooling as life was recovering. 

A study published this March proposes that the tyrant lizard and many other dinosaurs had their teeth concealed by fleshy lips not unlike those seen among modern lizards. 

This is what the top discoveries have been, right from the Earth's Jurassic world.

Top Dinosaur Discoveries Of 2023 

<p>The US Supreme Court announced on Wednesday (Dec 13) that it will hear an appeal related to the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. The case involves Joseph Fischer, charged with obstructing the certification of President Joe Biden's election victory during the Capitol riot.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The outcome of the appeal may act as precedent for the criminal prosecution of former President Donald Trump, who faces similar charges.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What has happened so far in the case?</strong></h2>

<p>Fischer, along with defendants Edward Lang and Garret Miller, has appealed charges related to obstructing an official proceeding disrupted by a mob of Trump supporters. The Supreme Court's decision in Fischer's case will set a precedent for the appeals brought by Lang and Miller, and thus will influence Trump's federal election interference case.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-four-reasons-why-donald-trump-might-win-2024-presidential-elections-669267">Explained | Four reasons why Donald Trump might win 2024 presidential elections</a></strong></p>

<p>While the US District Judge Carl Nichols initially dismissed charges against the Jan. 6 defendants, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favour of the government in April, setting the stage for Supreme Court intervention.</p>

<h2><strong>Potential implications for Trump's election interference trial</strong></h2>

<p>Trump's legal team may use this involvement as an opportunity to seek delays in his scheduled election interference trial, currently set for March.</p>

<p>The potential delay could work to Trump's advantage, considering his position as the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If the trial proceeds as scheduled and results in a conviction, Trump could face sentencing before the November election.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What are the arguments of Team Trump?</strong></h2>

<p>Trump's legal team contends that the provision's application raises separate issues, given Trump's non-participation in the Capitol attack.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Charges against Joseph Fischer</strong></h2>

<p>Fischer, identified as a former police officer, is alleged to have had a physical encounter with another officer during the Capitol attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government claims he urged rioters to "charge" and "hold the line," while Fischer's lawyers argue he entered the Capitol after Congress recessed and was inside for only four minutes.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US: Donald Trump disqualification trial opens, debarment pivoted on US Capitol riots | WION DNA</strong></p>

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<p>With a 6-3 conservative majority, the Supreme Court's decision in this case may further define the scope of criminal statutes, NBC News reported.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US Supreme Court announced on Wednesday (Dec 13) that it will hear an appeal related to the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. The case involves Joseph Fischer, charged with obstructing the certification of President Joe Biden's election victory during the Capitol riot.

The US Supreme Court announced on Wednesday (Dec 13) that it will hear an appeal related to the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. The case involves Joseph Fischer, charged with obstructing the certification of President Joe Biden's election victory during the Capitol riot. What does it mean? The outcome of the appeal may act as precedent for the criminal prosecution of former President Donald Trump, who faces similar charges. What has happened so far in the case? Fischer, along with defendants Edward Lang and Garret Miller, has appealed charges related to obstructing an official proceeding disrupted by a mob of Trump supporters. The Supreme Court's decision in Fischer's case will set a precedent for the appeals brought by Lang and Miller, and thus will influence Trump's federal election interference case. Also read | Explained | Four reasons why Donald Trump might win 2024 presidential elections While the US District Judge Carl Nichols initially dismissed charges against the Jan. 6 defendants, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favour of the government in April, setting the stage for Supreme Court intervention. Potential implications for Trump's election interference trial Trump's legal team may use this involvement as an opportunity to seek delays in his scheduled election interference trial, currently set for March. The potential delay could work to Trump's advantage, considering his position as the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination. If the trial proceeds as scheduled and results in a conviction, Trump could face sentencing before the November election. What are the arguments of Team Trump? Trump's legal team contends that the provision's application raises separate issues, given Trump's non-participation in the Capitol attack. Charges against Joseph Fischer Fischer, identified as a former police officer, is alleged to have had a physical encounter with another officer during the Capitol attack. The government claims he urged rioters to "charge" and "hold the line," while Fischer's lawyers argue he entered the Capitol after Congress recessed and was inside for only four minutes. Also watch | US: Donald Trump disqualification trial opens, debarment pivoted on US Capitol riots | WION DNA × With a 6-3 conservative majority, the Supreme Court's decision in this case may further define the scope of criminal statutes, NBC News reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's prosecution in Jan 6 riots may come sooner than expected. Here's why

<p>Ahead of Pakistan's national elections scheduled for February 2024, former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday (Dec 13) was indicted on the charges of leaking state secrets. The cricketer-turned-politician&nbsp;is already&nbsp;imprisoned since August after being convicted of selling state gifts when he was prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Imran Khan is no longer the chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) after he was replaced by&nbsp;a barrister named Gohar Khan on Dec 2.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Imran Khan as well as his then foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi were indicted by a special court hearing the cypher case in Rawalpindi's Adiala jail.</p>

<p><em>More information will be added soon.&nbsp;</em></p>


Ahead of Pakistan's national elections scheduled for February 2024, former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday (Dec 13) was indicted on the charges of leaking state secrets.

Ahead of Pakistan's national elections scheduled for February 2024, former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday (Dec 13) was indicted on the charges of leaking state secrets. The cricketer-turned-politician is already imprisoned since August after being convicted of selling state gifts when he was prime minister. Imran Khan is no longer the chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) after he was replaced by a barrister named Gohar Khan on Dec 2. Imran Khan as well as his then foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi were indicted by a special court hearing the cypher case in Rawalpindi's Adiala jail. More information will be added soon.

No election for jailed Imran Khan? Former Pakistan PM indicted in cypher case

<p>A reference to the popular Netflix series Money Heist to slam alleged corruption by a Congress lawmaker.</p>

<p>Pictographs showing faces with tears of joy, and so many 'warning' emojis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These are passé if they appear on an influencer's social media feed. But the person here is Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>The tone, tenor and colourful language in the recent social media outreach deployed by Modi ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections haven't gone unnoticed.</p>

<p>The season of elections in South Asia will conclude in New Delhi's corridors of power in the summer of 2024. Bangladesh is voting in January, Pakistan in February and India by all tentative estimates, in April and&nbsp;May. The calendar is packed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the old-school election campaigns with chest-thumping rallies are expected to dominate the news cycle in the coming weeks, much of the electoral fate of the South Asian capitals remains deeply connected to the use of social media by the leaders in power and their principal challengers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-elections-2024-pm-sheikh-hasina-led-14-party-alliance-to-head-to-polls-667359">Bangladesh elections 2024: PM Sheikh Hasina-led 14 party alliance to head to polls</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-nawaz-sharifs-pmln-faces-online-embarrassment-over-deleted-poll-656595">Pakistan elections: Nawaz Sharif's PML(N) faces online embarrassment over deleted poll</a></strong></p>

<p>Over 600 million eligible voters in India are aged between 18 to 35. The politicians are now adapting to the way youngsters — a massive voting block India — interact, and their methods of communication are partly redefining the politician-voter outreach in the world's biggest democracy.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-hails-four-state-election-results-as-victory-of-politics-of-development-665751">Indian PM Modi hails three-state election win as potential sign of third term in 2024</a></strong></p>

<p>Just within last week, the Indian Prime Minister Modi has stirred the pot on social media. First by posting a banner headline of a Hindi daily with a blend of tears of joy and 'warning emojis'.</p>

<p>"The countrymen should look at the pile of these notes and then listen to the honest 'speeches' of their leaders...," Modi wrote on X, formerly Twitter, while slamming the ₹350 Crore ($42mn) cash howl at the premises linked to opposition Congress party's&nbsp;lawmaker Dhiraj Sahu.</p>

<p>"Whatever has been looted from the public, every penny will have to be returned, this is Modi's guarantee," Modi posted on X.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">देशवासी इन नोटों के ढेर को देखें और फिर इनके नेताओं के ईमानदारी के 'भाषणों' को सुनें... 😂😂😂<br />
<br />
जनता से जो लूटा है, उसकी पाई-पाई लौटानी पड़ेगी, यह मोदी की गारंटी है।<br />
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❌❌❌💵 💵 💵❌❌❌ <a href="https://t.co/O2pEA4QTOj">pic.twitter.com/O2pEA4QTOj</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1733040901457322300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>On December 12, Modi reposted a video published by the X handle of Bharatiya Janata Party which drew parallels between Sahu's cash howl with Spanish Netflix crime drama Money Heist. "In India, who needs 'Money Heist' fiction, when you have the Congress Party, whose heists are legendary for 70 years and counting!," Modi wrote.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In India, who needs 'Money Heist' fiction, when you have the Congress Party, whose heists are legendary for 70 years and counting! <a href="https://t.co/J70MCA5lcG">https://t.co/J70MCA5lcG</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1734477685865488725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"He (Modi) is keeping it funny," said Adarsh Pandit, a New Delhi-based political strategist, when asked about the revamped social media outreach from Modi's account on X, formerly Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is how the people in their 20s or early 30s talk over social media. Most of our messages are just the emojis. Modi is simply bringing down his social media handles to the youth in the language they understand without being undignified."</p>

<p>Pandit, who was one of the key political strategists behind the BJP's win in the recently concluded state elections in central India's Chhattisgarh, added&nbsp;that taking on opposition through social media is not exclusively a Modi construct. "So many leaders in the West, be it Boris Johnson or Hillary Clinton use the social media to attack opposition black-and-white."</p>

<p>Pandit contends that Modi's revamped social media messaging is an attempt to ensure that the focus of national discussions ahead of 2024 polls "remains entirely on him."</p>

<p>But it's not just Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party who have deployed social media to target the younger demographics. The Opposition parties have blended viral trends and memes to attack Modi administration.</p>

<p>"Congress and Aam Aadmi Party have done quite well in their social media outreach," Pandit said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;"The BJP has frontrunner advantage," he added, noting&nbsp;that it's the distribution part of the social media outreach where the BJP has an edge over opposition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the early 2010s when the access to social media was beginning to shape up the public sphere in India, the BJP has created social media channels to distribute its messaging at "each and every polling booth".</p>

<p>"While the opposition can match the BJP on the content part. They have not been able to match against the distribution angle," Pandit said.</p>

<p>"That party structure is not there with any other party but the BJP. It is one thing to create good content but it is completely different to disseminate it to the basic of all levels. That's where the BJP wins," he added.&nbsp;</p>


A reference to the popular Netflix series Money Heist to slam alleged corruption by a Congress lawmaker. Pictographs showing faces with tears of joy, and so many 'warning' emojis.

A reference to the popular Netflix series Money Heist to slam alleged corruption by a Congress lawmaker. Pictographs showing faces with tears of joy, and so many 'warning' emojis. These are passé if they appear on an influencer's social media feed. But the person here is Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The tone, tenor and colourful language in the recent social media outreach deployed by Modi ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections haven't gone unnoticed. The season of elections in South Asia will conclude in New Delhi's corridors of power in the summer of 2024. Bangladesh is voting in January, Pakistan in February and India by all tentative estimates, in April and May. The calendar is packed. While the old-school election campaigns with chest-thumping rallies are expected to dominate the news cycle in the coming weeks, much of the electoral fate of the South Asian capitals remains deeply connected to the use of social media by the leaders in power and their principal challengers. Also read | Bangladesh elections 2024: PM Sheikh Hasina-led 14 party alliance to head to polls Also read | Pakistan elections: Nawaz Sharif's PML(N) faces online embarrassment over deleted poll Over 600 million eligible voters in India are aged between 18 to 35. The politicians are now adapting to the way youngsters — a massive voting block India — interact, and their methods of communication are partly redefining the politician-voter outreach in the world's biggest democracy. Also read | Indian PM Modi hails three-state election win as potential sign of third term in 2024 Just within last week, the Indian Prime Minister Modi has stirred the pot on social media. First by posting a banner headline of a Hindi daily with a blend of tears of joy and 'warning emojis'. "The countrymen should look at the pile of these notes and then listen to the honest 'speeches' of their leaders...," Modi wrote on X, formerly Twitter, while slamming the ₹350 Crore ($42mn) cash howl at the premises linked to opposition Congress party's lawmaker Dhiraj Sahu. "Whatever has been looted from the public, every penny will have to be returned, this is Modi's guarantee," Modi posted on X. देशवासी इन नोटों के ढेर को देखें और फिर इनके नेताओं के ईमानदारी के 'भाषणों' को सुनें... 😂😂😂 जनता से जो लूटा है, उसकी पाई-पाई लौटानी पड़ेगी, यह मोदी की गारंटी है। ❌❌❌💵 💵 💵❌❌❌ pic.twitter.com/O2pEA4QTOj — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2023 × On December 12, Modi reposted a video published by the X handle of Bharatiya Janata Party which drew parallels between Sahu's cash howl with Spanish Netflix crime drama Money Heist. "In India, who needs 'Money Heist' fiction, when you have the Congress Party, whose heists are legendary for 70 years and counting!," Modi wrote. In India, who needs 'Money Heist' fiction, when you have the Congress Party, whose heists are legendary for 70 years and counting! https://t.co/J70MCA5lcG — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2023 × "He (Modi) is keeping it funny," said Adarsh Pandit, a New Delhi-based political strategist, when asked about the revamped social media outreach from Modi's account on X, formerly Twitter. "This is how the people in their 20s or early 30s talk over social media. Most of our messages are just the emojis. Modi is simply bringing down his social media handles to the youth in the language they understand without being undignified." Pandit, who was one of the key political strategists behind the BJP's win in the recently concluded state elections in central India's Chhattisgarh, added that taking on opposition through social media is not exclusively a Modi construct. "So many leaders in the West, be it Boris Johnson or Hillary Clinton use the social media to attack opposition black-and-white." Pandit contends that Modi's revamped social media messaging is an attempt to ensure that the focus of national discussions ahead of 2024 polls "remains entirely on him." But it's not just Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party who have deployed social media to target the younger demographics. The Opposition parties have blended viral trends and memes to attack Modi administration. "Congress and Aam Aadmi Party have done quite well in their social media outreach," Pandit said. "The BJP has frontrunner advantage," he added, noting that it's the distribution part of the social media outreach where the BJP has an edge over opposition. Since the early 2010s when the access to social media was beginning to shape up the public sphere in India, the BJP has created social media channels to distribute its messaging at "each and every polling booth". "While the opposition can match the BJP on the content part. They have not been able to match against the distribution angle," Pandit said. "That party structure is not there with any other party but the BJP. It is one thing to create good content but it is completely different to disseminate it to the basic of all levels. That's where the BJP wins," he added.

Indian PM Modi's new social media strategy: Emojis, elections, 'Money Heist'

<p>New Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government was sworn in by Poland's president on Wednesday, the final step in a transfer of power that marks a huge change after eight years of nationalist rule.</p>

<p>Following years of disputes between Warsaw and Brussels under the previous government, led by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, Tusk's appointment has raised hopes of smoother relations with the rest of the European Union.</p>

<p>In a speech to parliament on Tuesday, centrist Tusk, who as European Council president from 2014 to 2019 chaired summits of EU leaders, vowed to secure billions of euros for Poland that have been frozen by the EU over concerns about the rule of law.</p>

<p>His task could be complicated by judges appointed under PiS reforms that critics said undermined the independence of the courts and by the power to veto laws held by President Andrzej Duda, a PiS ally.</p>

<p>Duda has previously spoken in highly critical terms about Tusk, but on Wednesday he struck a conciliatory tone following the swearing-in ceremony.</p>

<p>"Please be aware that I am open to cooperation," he said. "We come from different political camps, but I have found out that on important issues, such as security, we can come to an understanding."</p>

<p>Tusk, 66, said his government would focus on restoring the rule of law and respect for the constitution, and his government holds Duda partly responsible for reforms that it says undermined judicial independence.</p>

<p>"Faithfulness to the provisions of the constitution will be the trademark of our government," Tusk said, adding that he thought voters' desire to see the rule of law re-established was behind record turnout in an Oct. 15 election.</p>

<h2><strong>Challenges ahead</strong></h2>

<p>PiS came first in the election but lacked the necessary majority to form a government, paving the way for Tusk to form a government which won parliament's approval on Tuesday.</p>

<p>In an example of the challenges Tusk will face, Poland's Constitutional Tribunal ruled on Monday that judicial reform legislation which Poland needed to pass to access EU funds was unconstitutional.</p>

<p>It reached the same conclusion about penalties imposed by the EU's top court before it reaches a final ruling, known as interim measures.</p>

<p>Last-minute spending by the previous government has also added to strains on the budget, complicating Tusk's efforts to deliver on campaign pledges.</p>

<p>Tusk is expected to travel to Brussels for an EU summit that takes place on Thursday and Friday.</p>

<p>In addition to trying to unblock funds for Poland, Tusk will add his support to Ukraine's bid to eventually join the bloc.</p>

<p>With concerns growing in Kyiv about its Western allies' commitment to funding its defence against Russia's invasion, Tusk said on Tuesday that Poland would advocate for continued support.</p>

<p>Ukraine faces the possibility that Hungary will not give the green light for it to start EU accession talks at a Brussels summit.</p>


New Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government was sworn in by Poland's president on Wednesday, the final step in a transfer of power that marks a huge change after eight years of nationalist rule.

New Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government was sworn in by Poland's president on Wednesday, the final step in a transfer of power that marks a huge change after eight years of nationalist rule. Following years of disputes between Warsaw and Brussels under the previous government, led by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, Tusk's appointment has raised hopes of smoother relations with the rest of the European Union. In a speech to parliament on Tuesday, centrist Tusk, who as European Council president from 2014 to 2019 chaired summits of EU leaders, vowed to secure billions of euros for Poland that have been frozen by the EU over concerns about the rule of law. His task could be complicated by judges appointed under PiS reforms that critics said undermined the independence of the courts and by the power to veto laws held by President Andrzej Duda, a PiS ally. Duda has previously spoken in highly critical terms about Tusk, but on Wednesday he struck a conciliatory tone following the swearing-in ceremony. "Please be aware that I am open to cooperation," he said. "We come from different political camps, but I have found out that on important issues, such as security, we can come to an understanding." Tusk, 66, said his government would focus on restoring the rule of law and respect for the constitution, and his government holds Duda partly responsible for reforms that it says undermined judicial independence. "Faithfulness to the provisions of the constitution will be the trademark of our government," Tusk said, adding that he thought voters' desire to see the rule of law re-established was behind record turnout in an Oct. 15 election. Challenges ahead PiS came first in the election but lacked the necessary majority to form a government, paving the way for Tusk to form a government which won parliament's approval on Tuesday. In an example of the challenges Tusk will face, Poland's Constitutional Tribunal ruled on Monday that judicial reform legislation which Poland needed to pass to access EU funds was unconstitutional. It reached the same conclusion about penalties imposed by the EU's top court before it reaches a final ruling, known as interim measures. Last-minute spending by the previous government has also added to strains on the budget, complicating Tusk's efforts to deliver on campaign pledges. Tusk is expected to travel to Brussels for an EU summit that takes place on Thursday and Friday. In addition to trying to unblock funds for Poland, Tusk will add his support to Ukraine's bid to eventually join the bloc. With concerns growing in Kyiv about its Western allies' commitment to funding its defence against Russia's invasion, Tusk said on Tuesday that Poland would advocate for continued support. Ukraine faces the possibility that Hungary will not give the green light for it to start EU accession talks at a Brussels summit.

Donald Tusk, former European Council president, sworn in as Poland's new prime minister

<p>India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday (Dec 10) rejected the report that it had directed its consulates in North America&nbsp;to launch a "sophisticated crackdown scheme" against Khalistani separatists during the weeks when terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed in Canada.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We strongly assert that such reports are fake and completely fabricated. There is no such memo. This is part of a sustained disinformation campaign againt India. The outlet in question is known for propagating fake narratives peddled by Pakistani intelligence. The posts of the authors confirm this linkage," India's Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Those who amplify such fake news only do so at the cost of their own credibility," the MEA statement added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"reports are fake and completely fabricated. There is no such memo", MEA reacts to a media report claiming a memo was ordered by Indian side to take concrete measures against Nijjar. <a href="https://t.co/1OXbYiJfMW">pic.twitter.com/1OXbYiJfMW</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1733897016735068327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>A report in The Intercept had claimed earlier on Sunday (Dec 10), that India had issued a so-called "secret memo", which purportedly&nbsp;listed&nbsp;"several Sikh dissidents under investigation by India’s intelligence agencies, including the Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar."</p>

<p>Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/khalistani-terrorist-hardeep-nijjar-shot-dead-in-canadas-surrey-605893">shot dead in the Punjabi-dominated Surrey city of Canada's British Columbia province</a> in June 2023. India's National Investigation Agency&nbsp;in the past had announced a cash reward of ₹10 lakhs ($12,192) on him and he was designated a terrorist in India.</p>

<p>A native of Harsinghpur in Jalandhar district of India's Punjab state, the 46-year-old&nbsp;promoted secessionist and terror agenda of the banned 'Sikhs for Justice' organisation. He was also accused&nbsp;of conspiring to kill a Hindu priest at Phillaur in Punjab.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/terrorist-hardeep-singh-nijjar-was-hit-with-34-bullets-fired-by-men-in-sikh-getup-report-639697">Terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was hit with 34 bullets fired by men in 'Sikh getup': Report</a></strong></p>

<p>In September, when Nijjar's killing became a flashpoint that brought India-Canada ties to a new and unique low, a report in the Washington Post had claimed that he was&nbsp;hit with 34 bullets fired by men in 'Sikh getup'.</p>

<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an unfounded claim in September and cited "credible allegations" that the agents of the Indian government were involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing: Canada probe team shares info with WION</strong></p>

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<p>India called out Trudeau's claim as 'absurd' and expelled a Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move. New Delhi also suspended visa services for all Canadian citizens, a move which was withdrawn weeks later.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday (Dec 10) rejected the report that it had directed its consulates in North America to launch a "sophisticated crackdown scheme" against Khalistani separatists during the weeks when terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed in Canada.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday (Dec 10) rejected the report that it had directed its consulates in North America to launch a "sophisticated crackdown scheme" against Khalistani separatists during the weeks when terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed in Canada. "We strongly assert that such reports are fake and completely fabricated. There is no such memo. This is part of a sustained disinformation campaign againt India. The outlet in question is known for propagating fake narratives peddled by Pakistani intelligence. The posts of the authors confirm this linkage," India's Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement. "Those who amplify such fake news only do so at the cost of their own credibility," the MEA statement added. "reports are fake and completely fabricated. There is no such memo", MEA reacts to a media report claiming a memo was ordered by Indian side to take concrete measures against Nijjar. pic.twitter.com/1OXbYiJfMW — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 10, 2023 × A report in The Intercept had claimed earlier on Sunday (Dec 10), that India had issued a so-called "secret memo", which purportedly listed "several Sikh dissidents under investigation by India’s intelligence agencies, including the Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar." Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead in the Punjabi-dominated Surrey city of Canada's British Columbia province in June 2023. India's National Investigation Agency in the past had announced a cash reward of ₹10 lakhs ($12,192) on him and he was designated a terrorist in India. A native of Harsinghpur in Jalandhar district of India's Punjab state, the 46-year-old promoted secessionist and terror agenda of the banned 'Sikhs for Justice' organisation. He was also accused of conspiring to kill a Hindu priest at Phillaur in Punjab. Also read | Terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was hit with 34 bullets fired by men in 'Sikh getup': Report In September, when Nijjar's killing became a flashpoint that brought India-Canada ties to a new and unique low, a report in the Washington Post had claimed that he was hit with 34 bullets fired by men in 'Sikh getup'. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an unfounded claim in September and cited "credible allegations" that the agents of the Indian government were involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. Also watch | Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing: Canada probe team shares info with WION × India called out Trudeau's claim as 'absurd' and expelled a Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move. New Delhi also suspended visa services for all Canadian citizens, a move which was withdrawn weeks later. (With inputs from agencies)

India rejects 'secret memo' report over 'crackdown' against Khalistani terrorists

<p>As Poland's pro-EU parties prepare to assume power, Szymon Holownia, a former TV personality-turned-parliament speaker, has emerged as a captivating figure who has captured European nation's mood.</p>

<p>Holownia, a former TV personality turned parliament speaker, has quickly become a social media sensation, injecting humour and wit into the typically serious atmosphere of political discourse.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Szymon Holownia and what makes him popular?</strong></h2>

<p>Holownia, 47, known for hosting the Polish edition of 'Got Talent' before venturing into politics four years ago, now chairs plenary sessions after winning elections in&nbsp;October.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Poland Elections: Polish ruling Law and Justice party on the brink of losing power</strong></p>

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<p>Holownia's&nbsp;quips and his clever comebacks have not only entertained but have drawn the spotlight on&nbsp;him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Ladies and gentlemen, stock up on popcorn... because I suspect there will be a lot of action," Holownia remarked during one of his now almost daily press conferences, setting the tone for his engaging approach to parliamentary affairs.</p>

<h2><strong>The Jay-Z Polish speaker</strong></h2>

<p>Holownia's ability to infuse humour into political debates has led to viral moments, including a correction to a conservative lawmaker who mistakenly referred to a colleague as "Jay-Z" instead of a member of Gen-Z.</p>

<p>In a matter of weeks since Holownia assumed the role of speaker, the parliament's YouTube channel, streaming debates, has witnessed a staggering increase in followers—from 45,000 to 435,000 subscribed users.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/poland-fumes-over-ukrainian-presidents-volodymyr-zelenskys-un-speech-638068">Poland fumes over Ukrainian president's Volodymyr Zelensky's UN speech</a></strong></p>

<p>The unexpected surge in interest has even prompted a Warsaw cinema, Kinoteka, to organise a screening of Monday's confidence vote for the conservative minority government.</p>

<p>Karolina Fornal, a spokesperson for Kinoteka, told Paris-based news agency AFP&nbsp;that the cinema had received an overwhelming response, with over 1,500 requests for the 500 available seats.</p>

<p>Holownia, seizing the opportunity, has launched a behind-the-scenes podcast offering insights into parliamentary life.</p>

<p>The first episode has already garnered nearly a million downloads.</p>

<h2>Holownia has his critics too</h2>

<p>Not everyone is impressed with Holownia's flashy style.</p>

<p>Conservative Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki criticised him, stating, "Instead of real work, we have the popcorn, a show, and circuses. Is this what politics is about?"</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As Poland's pro-EU parties prepare to assume power, Szymon Holownia, a former TV personality-turned-parliament speaker, has emerged as a captivating figure who has captured European nation's mood.

As Poland's pro-EU parties prepare to assume power, Szymon Holownia, a former TV personality-turned-parliament speaker, has emerged as a captivating figure who has captured European nation's mood. Holownia, a former TV personality turned parliament speaker, has quickly become a social media sensation, injecting humour and wit into the typically serious atmosphere of political discourse. Who is Szymon Holownia and what makes him popular? Holownia, 47, known for hosting the Polish edition of 'Got Talent' before venturing into politics four years ago, now chairs plenary sessions after winning elections in October. Also watch | Poland Elections: Polish ruling Law and Justice party on the brink of losing power × Holownia's quips and his clever comebacks have not only entertained but have drawn the spotlight on him. "Ladies and gentlemen, stock up on popcorn... because I suspect there will be a lot of action," Holownia remarked during one of his now almost daily press conferences, setting the tone for his engaging approach to parliamentary affairs. The Jay-Z Polish speaker Holownia's ability to infuse humour into political debates has led to viral moments, including a correction to a conservative lawmaker who mistakenly referred to a colleague as "Jay-Z" instead of a member of Gen-Z. In a matter of weeks since Holownia assumed the role of speaker, the parliament's YouTube channel, streaming debates, has witnessed a staggering increase in followers—from 45,000 to 435,000 subscribed users. Also read | Poland fumes over Ukrainian president's Volodymyr Zelensky's UN speech The unexpected surge in interest has even prompted a Warsaw cinema, Kinoteka, to organise a screening of Monday's confidence vote for the conservative minority government. Karolina Fornal, a spokesperson for Kinoteka, told Paris-based news agency AFP that the cinema had received an overwhelming response, with over 1,500 requests for the 500 available seats. Holownia, seizing the opportunity, has launched a behind-the-scenes podcast offering insights into parliamentary life. The first episode has already garnered nearly a million downloads. Holownia has his critics too Not everyone is impressed with Holownia's flashy style. Conservative Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki criticised him, stating, "Instead of real work, we have the popcorn, a show, and circuses. Is this what politics is about?" (With inputs from agencies)

Meet Szymon Holownia, the politician who brought Poland's parliament to cinemas

<p>The shiny green, red and purple hues of light in the night sky, called northern and southern lights, find their place on the bucket lists of many travel enthusiasts worldwide. But the mauve and white streaks of such light in the sky, called Steve and a glowing green "picket fence" often appear disguised as auroras.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Let the myth be broken that they are not auroras. In fact, they are more distinct forms of illuminance in the night sky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Claire Gasque, a University of California, Berkeley, a graduate student in physics, the appearance of Steve and the 'picket fence' is totally different from the processes responsible for the well-known auroras.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/is-northern-lights-style-aurora-in-uranus-hiding-key-to-alien-life-scientists-hint-so-655100">Is northern lights-style aurora in Uranus hiding key to alien life? Scientists hint so</a></strong></p>

<p>Gasque has reportedly teamed up with researchers at the campus's Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) to propose that NASA launch a rocket into the heart of the aurora to find out if she's correct.</p>

<p>Whether NASA would launch such a rocket, is yet to be seen.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why Steve and Picket Fence appear?</strong></h2>

<p><br />
Steve is&nbsp;an acronym for Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement.</p>

<p>The appearance of vibrant auroras along with Steve and Picket Fence is now becoming increasingly common. This is because the sun has entered an active period of its 11-year cycle of solar storms and coronal mass ejections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Spectacular display of northern lights at the Arctic</strong></p>

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<p>Gasque described the physics behind the picket fence in a paper published last month in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. Gasque is scheduled to discuss the results on Dec. 14 in a talk at the American Geophysical Union meeting in San Francisco.</p>

<p>She calculated that in a region of the upper atmosphere farther south than that in which auroras form, electric fields parallel to Earth's magnetic field could produce the colour spectrum of the picket fence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This would upend our modelling of what creates light and the energy in the aurora in some cases," Gasque said in an official comment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The really interesting thing about Claire's paper is that we've known for a couple of years now that the Steve spectrum is telling us there's some very exotic physics going on. We just didn't know what it was," Brian Harding, a co-author of the paper and an SSL assistant research physicist said. "Gasque's paper showed that parallel electric fields are capable of explaining this exotic spectrum."<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The shiny green, red and purple hues of light in the night sky, called northern and southern lights, find their place on the bucket lists of many travel enthusiasts worldwide.

The shiny green, red and purple hues of light in the night sky, called northern and southern lights, find their place on the bucket lists of many travel enthusiasts worldwide. But the mauve and white streaks of such light in the sky, called Steve and a glowing green "picket fence" often appear disguised as auroras. Let the myth be broken that they are not auroras. In fact, they are more distinct forms of illuminance in the night sky. According to Claire Gasque, a University of California, Berkeley, a graduate student in physics, the appearance of Steve and the 'picket fence' is totally different from the processes responsible for the well-known auroras. Also read | Is northern lights-style aurora in Uranus hiding key to alien life? Scientists hint so Gasque has reportedly teamed up with researchers at the campus's Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) to propose that NASA launch a rocket into the heart of the aurora to find out if she's correct. Whether NASA would launch such a rocket, is yet to be seen. Why Steve and Picket Fence appear? Steve is an acronym for Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement. The appearance of vibrant auroras along with Steve and Picket Fence is now becoming increasingly common. This is because the sun has entered an active period of its 11-year cycle of solar storms and coronal mass ejections. Also watch | Spectacular display of northern lights at the Arctic × Gasque described the physics behind the picket fence in a paper published last month in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. Gasque is scheduled to discuss the results on Dec. 14 in a talk at the American Geophysical Union meeting in San Francisco. She calculated that in a region of the upper atmosphere farther south than that in which auroras form, electric fields parallel to Earth's magnetic field could produce the colour spectrum of the picket fence. "This would upend our modelling of what creates light and the energy in the aurora in some cases," Gasque said in an official comment. "The really interesting thing about Claire's paper is that we've known for a couple of years now that the Steve spectrum is telling us there's some very exotic physics going on. We just didn't know what it was," Brian Harding, a co-author of the paper and an SSL assistant research physicist said. "Gasque's paper showed that parallel electric fields are capable of explaining this exotic spectrum."

Not all pretty lights in the sky are auroras. Some are Steve and Picket Fence

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