After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ terms of a ceasefire in Gaza, five Israeli hostages, who were released in the month of November, launched an appeal seeking&nbsp;him to push for a deal.

During an emotional press conference in Tel Aviv, 72-year-old Adina Moshe pleaded with the Israeli prime minister saying "Everything is in your hands."

Tearful Moshe said that she feared the ones held captive by the Palestinian militant group would have to pay the price for Netanyahu's plan to attain “absolute victory” over Hamas.

She said, “I’m very afraid and very concerned that if you continue with this line of destroying Hamas, there won’t be any hostages left to release.”

The others present in the emotional presser were 34-year-old Sharon Aloni Cunio, 41-year-old Nili Margalit, 62-year-old Aviva Siegel and 16-year-old Sahar Calderon, who were kidnapped by Hamas on Oct 7 when the militant group launched unprecedented attacks against Israel. They were released&nbsp;as&nbsp;part of a temporary truce deal with Israel in November.

The freed hostages came together after Netanyahu rebuffed Hamas' terms for a ceasefire deal saying that the victory was "within reach".

“We are on the way to complete victory. The victory is within reach,” said Netanyahu, during a press conference, adding that the war will be won in a “matter of months” not years.&nbsp;

“We will continue until the end,” said the Israeli PM in his remarks.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-mocks-tucker-carlson-for-being-rejected-by-cia-688728">Vladimir Putin mocks Tucker Carlson for being rejected by CIA</a>

“There is no other solution besides absolute victory.” He also said surrendering to Hamas’ “delusional demands” would spell disaster and only “invite an additional slaughter”.&nbsp;

“The day after is the day after Hamas. All of Hamas,” said Netanyahu.&nbsp;

Cunio who was abducted along with her daughters and her husband said that the fate of her family was in Netanyahu's hands.

“We’ve reached the awful moment when you must decide who lives and who dies … 136 hostages now wait in tunnels, without oxygen, without food, without water and without hope, waiting for you to save them. The price is heavy, unbearable, but the price of negligence will become a stain for generations,” she said.

Calderon who was released along with her brother in November, said that she was desperately waiting for the return of her father who was still in captivity.

“I am alive and breathing, but my soul has been murdered,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Cunio.

“I am grateful to the government for bringing me back, but what about my father who is abandoned anew every day, uncertain if he will live or die? I just want his warm embrace. Bring him back, do not make me lose faith in our country a second time,” she added.

Margalit, who was abducted from the Nir Oz kibbutz, said, “If the hostages do not return to their homes, every mother and father will know that they are next in line and that they live in a country that is not committed to their safety.”

While Keshet said, “This is a decisive moment. I want to stress the urgency of the situation. We urge the world’s leaders to help us make sure that the deal goes through. The price on our society is unbearable. The price of not getting them back while we still can is unbearable.”

(With inputs from agencies)

After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ terms of a ceasefire in Gaza, five Israeli hostages, who were released in the month of November, launched an appeal seeking him to push for a deal.

After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ terms of a ceasefire in Gaza, five Israeli hostages, who were released in the month of November, launched an appeal seeking him to push for a deal. During an emotional press conference in Tel Aviv, 72-year-old Adina Moshe pleaded with the Israeli prime minister saying "Everything is in your hands." Tearful Moshe said that she feared the ones held captive by the Palestinian militant group would have to pay the price for Netanyahu's plan to attain “absolute victory” over Hamas. She said, “I’m very afraid and very concerned that if you continue with this line of destroying Hamas, there won’t be any hostages left to release.” The others present in the emotional presser were 34-year-old Sharon Aloni Cunio, 41-year-old Nili Margalit, 62-year-old Aviva Siegel and 16-year-old Sahar Calderon, who were kidnapped by Hamas on Oct 7 when the militant group launched unprecedented attacks against Israel. They were released as part of a temporary truce deal with Israel in November. The freed hostages came together after Netanyahu rebuffed Hamas' terms for a ceasefire deal saying that the victory was "within reach". “We are on the way to complete victory. The victory is within reach,” said Netanyahu, during a press conference, adding that the war will be won in a “matter of months” not years. “We will continue until the end,” said the Israeli PM in his remarks. Also read: Vladimir Putin mocks Tucker Carlson for being rejected by CIA “There is no other solution besides absolute victory.” He also said surrendering to Hamas’ “delusional demands” would spell disaster and only “invite an additional slaughter”. “The day after is the day after Hamas. All of Hamas,” said Netanyahu. Cunio who was abducted along with her daughters and her husband said that the fate of her family was in Netanyahu's hands. “We’ve reached the awful moment when you must decide who lives and who dies … 136 hostages now wait in tunnels, without oxygen, without food, without water and without hope, waiting for you to save them. The price is heavy, unbearable, but the price of negligence will become a stain for generations,” she said. Calderon who was released along with her brother in November, said that she was desperately waiting for the return of her father who was still in captivity. “I am alive and breathing, but my soul has been murdered,” said Cunio. “I am grateful to the government for bringing me back, but what about my father who is abandoned anew every day, uncertain if he will live or die? I just want his warm embrace. Bring him back, do not make me lose faith in our country a second time,” she added. Margalit, who was abducted from the Nir Oz kibbutz, said, “If the hostages do not return to their homes, every mother and father will know that they are next in line and that they live in a country that is not committed to their safety.” While Keshet said, “This is a decisive moment. I want to stress the urgency of the situation. We urge the world’s leaders to help us make sure that the deal goes through. The price on our society is unbearable. The price of not getting them back while we still can is unbearable.” (With inputs from agencies)

Released Israeli hostages plead with Netanyahu to push for ceasefire deal

Tucker Carlson launched a scathing attack against the Biden administration after interviewing Vladimir Putin as he claimed that the Russian president was extremely "hurt" by the rejection of the West.

In a reaction video, Carlson stated that the Russian Premier was not good at explaining himself as he never had to do so and nor did he give enough interviews previously, which is why he could not put forward his stance coherently.

“Putin doesn't do a lot of interviews, not good at explaining himself. He is smart but doesn't have to explain himself. He didn't lay out his case very coherently. He is very wounded by the rejection of the West. Moscow is a very European city… but the West rejected Russia,” Carlson said.

The American journalist then stated that Russia was not an "expansionist power" and that Putin was angry as he thought the West and Russia were going to be friends.

“He didn't have a coherent theory why he is hated by the West. Russia is not an expansionist power because the ideologues that run the State Department want to make him like Hitler or Imperialist Japan. Russia's the biggest land mass in the world and they have 80 provinces. They have more than enough natural resources. The idea they want to take over Poland is (preposterous). They want secure borders and there's no evidence they want to roll into Vienna. He said he is angry because he thought we were (the West and Russia) were going to be friends,” he added.

He further stated that the Russian president wanted a peace deal in Ukraine and then went on to flagellate the US State Department which he dubbed “lunatics”.

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After The Vladimir Putin Interview<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TuckerCarlson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TuckerCarlson</a> <a href="https://t.co/0R0JKJQu9A">pic.twitter.com/0R0JKJQu9A</a>
— 1776 (@TheWakeninq) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheWakeninq/status/1755730069643817428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

He said: “They want a weak leadership in Russia. Why would you want that? A weak central government in a country with the world's biggest nuclear stockpile is insane, especially a country as large and potentially fractious, with so many religions and 20% Muslim population. You are freaking nutcase if you desire that. Our track record of knocking out the leader is spotty at best and to do that to Russia, you are on drugs if you think that's a good idea.”&nbsp;

American journalist Tucker Carlson, who came under the spotlight on Thursday (Feb 8) after he interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin, had previously accused the Biden administration of sabotage claiming that the US government illegally spied on him in a bid to prevent him from conducting a one-on-one with the Russian Premier.

In a preview video posted on Wednesday (Feb 7) on social media platform X, he said that the US government leaked his text messages to other media platforms in order to stop him from interviewing the Russian president.

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Why I'm interviewing Vladimir Putin. <a href="https://t.co/hqvXUZqvHX">pic.twitter.com/hqvXUZqvHX</a>
— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) <a href="https://twitter.com/TuckerCarlson/status/1754939251257475555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"Almost three years ago, the Biden administration illegally spied on our text messages and then leaked the contents to their servants in the news media. They did this in order to stop a Putin interview that we were planning. Last month, we're pretty certain they did exactly the same thing once again," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-rare-interview-with-tucker-carlson-putin-hints-ukraine-war-can-be-over-in-a-few-weeks-688452">What Putin said about Ukraine war, invading Poland in Tucker Carlson interview</a>

<h2>'Americans have a right to know about Ukraine-Russia war', says Carlson</h2>

Carlson, further elucidating the reason why he was conducting the controversial interview, said that it was America's right to know Putin's stance on the war with Ukraine and the reason why the Russian president launched an offensive against Kyiv.

"Most Americans have no idea why Putin invaded Ukraine or what his goals are now. You've never heard his voice. That's wrong. Americans have a right to know all they can about a war they're implicated in, and we have the right to tell them about it because we are Americans, too," the American journalist said.

"Freedom of speech is our birthright. We were born with the right to say what we believe. That right cannot be taken away no matter who is in the White House," he added.

<h2>White House rebuffs allegations</h2>

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre rebuffed Carlson’s allegations dubbing them as “ridiculous”.

On being asked about Carlson's interview during her regular press briefing on Tuesday, (Feb 6), Pierre said that the American journalist's statement was “a ridiculous premise and a ridiculous statement” about the administration.&nbsp;

“So I just want to be very very clear — it’s just ridiculous,” she added.

The two-hour interview with Carlson, a former Fox News host and right-wing commentator who supports former US president Donald Trump, was recorded in Moscow.

It was the first interview given by Putin to a Western media outlet since his troops invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Carlson, who has been a staunch critic of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, had earlier levelled allegations in June 2021 that the National Security Agency was “monitoring our electronic communications and is planning to leak them in an attempt to take this show off the air.” The NSA had dismissed the claims.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Tucker Carlson launched a scathing attack against the Biden administration after interviewing Vladimir Putin as he claimed that the Russian president was extremely "hurt" by the rejection of the West.

Tucker Carlson launched a scathing attack against the Biden administration after interviewing Vladimir Putin as he claimed that the Russian president was extremely "hurt" by the rejection of the West. In a reaction video, Carlson stated that the Russian Premier was not good at explaining himself as he never had to do so and nor did he give enough interviews previously, which is why he could not put forward his stance coherently. “Putin doesn't do a lot of interviews, not good at explaining himself. He is smart but doesn't have to explain himself. He didn't lay out his case very coherently. He is very wounded by the rejection of the West. Moscow is a very European city… but the West rejected Russia,” Carlson said. The American journalist then stated that Russia was not an "expansionist power" and that Putin was angry as he thought the West and Russia were going to be friends. “He didn't have a coherent theory why he is hated by the West. Russia is not an expansionist power because the ideologues that run the State Department want to make him like Hitler or Imperialist Japan. Russia's the biggest land mass in the world and they have 80 provinces. They have more than enough natural resources. The idea they want to take over Poland is (preposterous). They want secure borders and there's no evidence they want to roll into Vienna. He said he is angry because he thought we were (the West and Russia) were going to be friends,” he added. He further stated that the Russian president wanted a peace deal in Ukraine and then went on to flagellate the US State Department which he dubbed “lunatics”. After The Vladimir Putin Interview#TuckerCarlson pic.twitter.com/0R0JKJQu9A — 1776 (@TheWakeninq) February 8, 2024 × He said: “They want a weak leadership in Russia. Why would you want that? A weak central government in a country with the world's biggest nuclear stockpile is insane, especially a country as large and potentially fractious, with so many religions and 20% Muslim population. You are freaking nutcase if you desire that. Our track record of knocking out the leader is spotty at best and to do that to Russia, you are on drugs if you think that's a good idea.” American journalist Tucker Carlson, who came under the spotlight on Thursday (Feb 8) after he interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin, had previously accused the Biden administration of sabotage claiming that the US government illegally spied on him in a bid to prevent him from conducting a one-on-one with the Russian Premier. In a preview video posted on Wednesday (Feb 7) on social media platform X, he said that the US government leaked his text messages to other media platforms in order to stop him from interviewing the Russian president. Why I'm interviewing Vladimir Putin. pic.twitter.com/hqvXUZqvHX — Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) February 6, 2024 × "Almost three years ago, the Biden administration illegally spied on our text messages and then leaked the contents to their servants in the news media. They did this in order to stop a Putin interview that we were planning. Last month, we're pretty certain they did exactly the same thing once again," he said. Also read: What Putin said about Ukraine war, invading Poland in Tucker Carlson interview 'Americans have a right to know about Ukraine-Russia war', says Carlson Carlson, further elucidating the reason why he was conducting the controversial interview, said that it was America's right to know Putin's stance on the war with Ukraine and the reason why the Russian president launched an offensive against Kyiv. "Most Americans have no idea why Putin invaded Ukraine or what his goals are now. You've never heard his voice. That's wrong. Americans have a right to know all they can about a war they're implicated in, and we have the right to tell them about it because we are Americans, too," the American journalist said. "Freedom of speech is our birthright. We were born with the right to say what we believe. That right cannot be taken away no matter who is in the White House," he added. White House rebuffs allegations White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre rebuffed Carlson’s allegations dubbing them as “ridiculous”. On being asked about Carlson's interview during her regular press briefing on Tuesday, (Feb 6), Pierre said that the American journalist's statement was “a ridiculous premise and a ridiculous statement” about the administration. “So I just want to be very very clear — it’s just ridiculous,” she added. The two-hour interview with Carlson, a former Fox News host and right-wing commentator who supports former US president Donald Trump, was recorded in Moscow. It was the first interview given by Putin to a Western media outlet since his troops invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Carlson, who has been a staunch critic of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, had earlier levelled allegations in June 2021 that the National Security Agency was “monitoring our electronic communications and is planning to leak them in an attempt to take this show off the air.” The NSA had dismissed the claims. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Tucker Carlson launches scathing attack against Biden administration after interviewing Vladimir Putin

In yet another gaffe, US President Joe Biden left the internet baffled after he seemingly forgot Palestinian militant group Hamas' name during a press conference.

He was asked a question about the Israel-Hamas truce negotiations at the presser after he delivered a speech on a new border security bill on Tuesday (Feb 6) when the goof-up happened.

<h2>What did Biden say?</h2>

In the video, which is doing rounds on social media, Biden was heard saying, “There is some movement, and I don’t wanna, I don’t wanna …, let me choose my words — there’s some movement, there’s been.. a response from the, uh..”&nbsp;

“There’s been a response … from … the opposition, but, um —” the 81-year-old said.

Seemingly confused Biden, after some guidance said, "Yes I am sorry, from Hamas."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-rejects-bipartisan-bill-on-immigration-aid-for-israel-and-ukraine-688017">Republicans in US Senate block Bipartisan bill on immigration, aid for Israel and Ukraine</a>

<h2>'Shame on all of you pretending everything is ok,' says Dean Phillips</h2>

Democratic presidential challenger Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn) took to his official X account and shared the video saying,&nbsp;“I’m attacked for being honest and saying the quiet part out loud - the part DC insiders only do in private.”

“I admire our President. I voted for him and campaigned for him. He has visited my home and been gracious to my family and our country,”&nbsp;Phillips said.

“But shame on all of you pretending everything is ok. You are leading us - and him - into a disaster, and you damn well know it,” he added.

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I’m attacked for being honest and saying the quiet part out loud - the part DC insiders only do in private. 
 
I admire our President. I voted for him and campaigned for him. He has visited my home and been gracious to my family and our country. 
 
But shame on all of you pretending… <a href="https://t.co/OdaKvW7vbc">pic.twitter.com/OdaKvW7vbc</a>
— Dean Phillips (@deanbphillips) <a href="https://twitter.com/deanbphillips/status/1754948258571407570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<h2>'Biden is unwell,' argue netizens</h2>

The video, after going viral, sparked a debate on the internet with some users saying that the US president was unwell and unfit to run for another term.

One user wrote, "It's sad to watch and scary at the same time. I'm not a Biden supporter based on his policies and time in office, but what is happening is terrifying and, frankly, elder abuse.”

“I was a nurse in an Alzheimer's unit in Florida... I know what I'm seeing,” said a netizen.

While another wrote, “We have a minimum age to be president, why not a maximum age? Either get rid of age discrimination altogether or set an upper and lower threshold for the role of congress, senate, and presidency.”

“He belongs to nursing home, not WH. 25 Amendment now. I dare you,” said while user, while another wrote in part, “I’m so tired of all of this … he is not well and CAN NOT be POTUS. I see attacks on “Maga"&nbsp;all the time, with insults like “it’s a cult” .. but as an independent.. I see just as much “cult-like"&nbsp;propaganda coming for the left.. if not more.”

This is not the first time Biden has been ridiculed for his goof-ups.

Recently, he confused his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron with France’s former leader Francois Mitterrand who died nearly three decades ago, during a recent speech.

While addressing a crowd in Las Vegas ahead of the US state of Nevada’s primary on Tuesday (Feb 6), where he intended to say something that Macron had told him at a G7 meeting in 2020, the 81-year-old not only mixed up his French counterpart’s name but also misstated the name of the country he leads.&nbsp;

“It was in the south of England. And I sat down and I said, ‘America is back,’ and Mitterrand from Germany, I mean from France, looked at me and said – said, ‘you know what – why – how long you back for?’” said Biden according to a White House transcript.

He added, “And I looked at him, and the — and the Chancellor of Germany said, ‘What would you say, Mr President, if you picked up the paper tomorrow in the London Times, and London Times said, ‘A thousand people break through the House of Commons, break down the doors, two Bobbies are killed in order to stop the election of the Prime Minister.’ What would you say?”

“I never thought about it from that perspective,” Biden said. “What would we say if that happened in another democracy around the world?”

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

In yet another gaffe, US President Joe Biden left the internet baffled after he seemingly forgot Palestinian militant group Hamas' name during a press conference.

In yet another gaffe, US President Joe Biden left the internet baffled after he seemingly forgot Palestinian militant group Hamas' name during a press conference. He was asked a question about the Israel-Hamas truce negotiations at the presser after he delivered a speech on a new border security bill on Tuesday (Feb 6) when the goof-up happened. What did Biden say? In the video, which is doing rounds on social media, Biden was heard saying, “There is some movement, and I don’t wanna, I don’t wanna …, let me choose my words — there’s some movement, there’s been.. a response from the, uh..” “There’s been a response … from … the opposition, but, um —” the 81-year-old said. Seemingly confused Biden, after some guidance said, "Yes I am sorry, from Hamas." Also read: Republicans in US Senate block Bipartisan bill on immigration, aid for Israel and Ukraine 'Shame on all of you pretending everything is ok,' says Dean Phillips Democratic presidential challenger Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn) took to his official X account and shared the video saying, “I’m attacked for being honest and saying the quiet part out loud - the part DC insiders only do in private.” “I admire our President. I voted for him and campaigned for him. He has visited my home and been gracious to my family and our country,” Phillips said. “But shame on all of you pretending everything is ok. You are leading us - and him - into a disaster, and you damn well know it,” he added. I’m attacked for being honest and saying the quiet part out loud - the part DC insiders only do in private. I admire our President. I voted for him and campaigned for him. He has visited my home and been gracious to my family and our country. But shame on all of you pretending… pic.twitter.com/OdaKvW7vbc — Dean Phillips (@deanbphillips) February 6, 2024 × 'Biden is unwell,' argue netizens The video, after going viral, sparked a debate on the internet with some users saying that the US president was unwell and unfit to run for another term. One user wrote, "It's sad to watch and scary at the same time. I'm not a Biden supporter based on his policies and time in office, but what is happening is terrifying and, frankly, elder abuse.” “I was a nurse in an Alzheimer's unit in Florida... I know what I'm seeing,” said a netizen. While another wrote, “We have a minimum age to be president, why not a maximum age? Either get rid of age discrimination altogether or set an upper and lower threshold for the role of congress, senate, and presidency.” “He belongs to nursing home, not WH. 25 Amendment now. I dare you,” said while user, while another wrote in part, “I’m so tired of all of this … he is not well and CAN NOT be POTUS. I see attacks on “Maga" all the time, with insults like “it’s a cult” .. but as an independent.. I see just as much “cult-like" propaganda coming for the left.. if not more.” This is not the first time Biden has been ridiculed for his goof-ups. Recently, he confused his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron with France’s former leader Francois Mitterrand who died nearly three decades ago, during a recent speech. While addressing a crowd in Las Vegas ahead of the US state of Nevada’s primary on Tuesday (Feb 6), where he intended to say something that Macron had told him at a G7 meeting in 2020, the 81-year-old not only mixed up his French counterpart’s name but also misstated the name of the country he leads. “It was in the south of England. And I sat down and I said, ‘America is back,’ and Mitterrand from Germany, I mean from France, looked at me and said – said, ‘you know what – why – how long you back for?’” said Biden according to a White House transcript. He added, “And I looked at him, and the — and the Chancellor of Germany said, ‘What would you say, Mr President, if you picked up the paper tomorrow in the London Times, and London Times said, ‘A thousand people break through the House of Commons, break down the doors, two Bobbies are killed in order to stop the election of the Prime Minister.’ What would you say?” “I never thought about it from that perspective,” Biden said. “What would we say if that happened in another democracy around the world?” (With inputs from agencies)

Joe Biden gets ridiculed online after struggling to recall Hamas' name during speech

WION morning brief:&nbsp;Pakistan is going to polls on Thursday (Feb 8) after months of delay&nbsp;which critics say is aimed at ensuring the election of candidates favoured by the country's army. On the eve of polls, the country was rocked by multiple bomb blasts in front of the offices of some independent candidates. In other news, Republican politician and US presidential contender Nikki Haley&nbsp;said India perceives Washington as 'weak', which is one of the reasons why New Delhi has allied with Russia.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-election-2024-live-in-backdrop-of-violence-bomb-blasts-pakistan-set-to-vote-688026">Pakistan Elections 2024: 'Beginning of rigging' feared as voting begins</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/08/410722-untitled-design-2024-02-08t085513872.png?imwidth=500" />

Former Pakistan People's Party senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar described shutting down of mobile services as the "beginning of rigging" on election day. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) slammed the suspension of mobile phone services, including the internet, and urged people to remove personal WiFi passwords so that people are able to access the internet.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-aligned-with-russia-as-it-perceives-us-weak-and-untrustworthy-says-nikki-haley-688050">India aligned with Russia as it sees US 'weak' and untrustworthy: Nikki Haley</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/24/353921-new-wion-2023-05-24t010135005.png?imwidth=500" />

Republican politician and US presidential contender Nikki Haley has said India perceives Washington as 'weak', which is one of the reasons why New Delhi&nbsp;has allied&nbsp;with Russia.&nbsp;Speaking to&nbsp;Fox Business News, the Indian-American presidential aspirant lauded India&nbsp;for 'playing smart' in the current global situation and choosing its allies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-gets-ridiculed-as-he-struggles-to-recall-hamas-name-during-speech-688065">Joe Biden gets ridiculed as he struggles to recall Hamas' name during speech</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/08/410726-succession-2024-02-08t085802268.jpg?imwidth=500" />

In yet another gaffe, US President Joe Biden left the internet baffled after he seemingly forgot Palestinian militant group Hamas' name during a press conference.&nbsp;He was asked a question about the Israel-Hamas truce negotiations at the presser after he delivered a speech on a new border security bill on Tuesday (Feb 6) when the goof-up happened.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-indian-origin-student-sameer-kamath-had-shot-himself-officials-688075">US: Indian-origin student Sameer Kamath had 'shot himself': officials</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/07/410528-pic.png?imwidth=500" />

A 23-year-old Indian-American student Sameer Kamath from Purdue University, who was found dead by the officials in a nature preserve in Indiana this week, had shot himself in the head with a gun, said the authorities.&nbsp;Sameer Kamath, who is a US citizen, was discovered dead in the woods on February 5 at 5 pm local time in NICHES Land Trust - Crow's Grove in Williamsport, Indiana.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drone-strike-in-iraqi-capital-kills-leaders-of-iran-linked-militia-reports-688019">US drone strike in Iraqi capital kills leader of Iran-linked militia</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/08/410706-wion-images-2024-02-08t020121580.png?imwidth=500" />

A senior commander of Kataib Hezbollah – an Iran-backed armed group in Iraq that the Pentagon linked to the fatal attack that killed three American troops in Jordan – was killed&nbsp;in a drone strike on a vehicle in eastern Baghdad on Wednesday (Feb 7) night,&nbsp;the US military said.

Watch: Pakistan general elections 2024: Mobile phone services suspended across Pakistan as voting begins

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WION morning brief: Pakistan is going to polls on Thursday (Feb 8) after months of delay which critics say is aimed at ensuring the election of candidates favoured by the country's army.

WION morning brief: Pakistan is going to polls on Thursday (Feb 8) after months of delay which critics say is aimed at ensuring the election of candidates favoured by the country's army. On the eve of polls, the country was rocked by multiple bomb blasts in front of the offices of some independent candidates. In other news, Republican politician and US presidential contender Nikki Haley said India perceives Washington as 'weak', which is one of the reasons why New Delhi has allied with Russia. Click on the headlines to read more. Pakistan Elections 2024: 'Beginning of rigging' feared as voting begins Former Pakistan People's Party senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar described shutting down of mobile services as the "beginning of rigging" on election day. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) slammed the suspension of mobile phone services, including the internet, and urged people to remove personal WiFi passwords so that people are able to access the internet. India aligned with Russia as it sees US 'weak' and untrustworthy: Nikki Haley Republican politician and US presidential contender Nikki Haley has said India perceives Washington as 'weak', which is one of the reasons why New Delhi has allied with Russia. Speaking to Fox Business News, the Indian-American presidential aspirant lauded India for 'playing smart' in the current global situation and choosing its allies. Joe Biden gets ridiculed as he struggles to recall Hamas' name during speech In yet another gaffe, US President Joe Biden left the internet baffled after he seemingly forgot Palestinian militant group Hamas' name during a press conference. He was asked a question about the Israel-Hamas truce negotiations at the presser after he delivered a speech on a new border security bill on Tuesday (Feb 6) when the goof-up happened. US: Indian-origin student Sameer Kamath had 'shot himself': officials A 23-year-old Indian-American student Sameer Kamath from Purdue University, who was found dead by the officials in a nature preserve in Indiana this week, had shot himself in the head with a gun, said the authorities. Sameer Kamath, who is a US citizen, was discovered dead in the woods on February 5 at 5 pm local time in NICHES Land Trust - Crow's Grove in Williamsport, Indiana. US drone strike in Iraqi capital kills leader of Iran-linked militia A senior commander of Kataib Hezbollah – an Iran-backed armed group in Iraq that the Pentagon linked to the fatal attack that killed three American troops in Jordan – was killed in a drone strike on a vehicle in eastern Baghdad on Wednesday (Feb 7) night, the US military said. Watch: Pakistan general elections 2024: Mobile phone services suspended across Pakistan as voting begins ×

Morning news brief: Voting begins in Pakistan; Nikki Haley says India perceives Washington as 'weak', and more

In his first public response to the recent release of the hidden camera footage where South Korea's first lady, Kim Keon Hee, was seen accepting a luxury designer handbag as a gift, President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday (Feb 8) called it a "political manoeuvre".

However, he assured that clearer lines would be drawn in order to ensure such incidents do not happen in future.

During his interview with broadcaster KBS, Yoon stated&nbsp;that the footage, which was filmed in September 2022, and released in November 2023, just before elections in the country, should be considered as "a political manoeuvre".

"However, it's not important whether to call it a political manoeuvre or not," he said. "What's important is to set clearer boundaries with others to prevent something like this from happening in the future."

The pastor, who offered the Dior handbag worth 3 million won ($2,250) and secretly captured the act, claimed to have ties with Kim's father who passed away when she was a child, claimed Yoon.

He further said that the fact&nbsp;he was living in their private home ahead of shifting to a newly constructed presidential residence may also have added to the confusion about how the gifts should have been handled.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-gets-ridiculed-as-he-struggles-to-recall-hamas-name-during-speech-688065">Joe Biden gets ridiculed online after struggling to recall Hamas' name during speech</a>

<h2>'Dior bag scandal'</h2>

The pastor, Reverend Abraham Choi, who presented the gift to the first lady, earlier told the news agency Reuters that he wanted to raise concerns about Yoon's hawkish North Korea policies and that offering expensive gifts seemed to be the way to secure a meeting with Kim Keon Hee.

Choi used a wristwatch to record himself presenting the designer handbag to Hee, who is heard saying "please don't buy an expensive item like this" in the footage.

However, she is not seen returning the handbag.&nbsp;

Accepting the gift is a breach of South Korean law where public officials and their spouses cannot accept gifts worth more than $750.&nbsp;

News agency AFP, citing a report from Yonhap News Agency, said that the gift was being "stored according to the relevant regulations".

After the incident came to light, members of Yoon's conservative People Power Party (PPP) urged the president and his wife to issue an apology and admit that receiving the gift was inappropriate.

(With inputs from agencies)

In his first public response to the recent release of the hidden camera footage where South Korea's first lady, Kim Keon Hee, was seen accepting a luxury designer handbag as a gift, President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday (Feb 8) called it a "political manoeuvre".

In his first public response to the recent release of the hidden camera footage where South Korea's first lady, Kim Keon Hee, was seen accepting a luxury designer handbag as a gift, President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday (Feb 8) called it a "political manoeuvre". However, he assured that clearer lines would be drawn in order to ensure such incidents do not happen in future. During his interview with broadcaster KBS, Yoon stated that the footage, which was filmed in September 2022, and released in November 2023, just before elections in the country, should be considered as "a political manoeuvre". "However, it's not important whether to call it a political manoeuvre or not," he said. "What's important is to set clearer boundaries with others to prevent something like this from happening in the future." The pastor, who offered the Dior handbag worth 3 million won ($2,250) and secretly captured the act, claimed to have ties with Kim's father who passed away when she was a child, claimed Yoon. He further said that the fact he was living in their private home ahead of shifting to a newly constructed presidential residence may also have added to the confusion about how the gifts should have been handled. Also read: Joe Biden gets ridiculed online after struggling to recall Hamas' name during speech 'Dior bag scandal' The pastor, Reverend Abraham Choi, who presented the gift to the first lady, earlier told the news agency Reuters that he wanted to raise concerns about Yoon's hawkish North Korea policies and that offering expensive gifts seemed to be the way to secure a meeting with Kim Keon Hee. Choi used a wristwatch to record himself presenting the designer handbag to Hee, who is heard saying "please don't buy an expensive item like this" in the footage. However, she is not seen returning the handbag. Accepting the gift is a breach of South Korean law where public officials and their spouses cannot accept gifts worth more than $750. News agency AFP, citing a report from Yonhap News Agency, said that the gift was being "stored according to the relevant regulations". After the incident came to light, members of Yoon's conservative People Power Party (PPP) urged the president and his wife to issue an apology and admit that receiving the gift was inappropriate. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea's Yoon calls wife's 'Dior bag scandal' a political manoeuvre

India's capital city on Thursday (Feb 8) witnessed massive traffic jams on the Delhi-Noida border due to heavy deployment of&nbsp;security personnel to inspect vehicles following a&nbsp;protest&nbsp;march called by&nbsp;Noida and Greater Noida farmers&nbsp;to the Parliament pressing for their demands.

Videos shared on social media showed vehicles snarling at the Chilla border amid heightened security.

"Heavy security arrangements have been made in different border entry points in the national capital. No one will be allowed to breach the law and order," a senior police officer said.

Heavy security forces, including&nbsp;paramilitary&nbsp;were also stationed along major entry points in order to maintain the law and order.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-takes-sarcastic-jibe-at-mallikarjun-kharge-after-congress-releases-black-paper-688166">PM Modi lauds predecessor Manmohan Singh in Rajya Sabha during farewell of retiring members</a>

<h2>Police impose CrPC section 144&nbsp;</h2>

Section 144 of the&nbsp;CrPC has also been imposed and all the borders&nbsp;sealed for 24 hours, said the police official.

Noida DIG, Additional CP (L&amp;O), Shivhari Meena spoke about the protest and said, "Section 144 has been imposed &amp; all the borders have been sealed for 24 hours. Heavy security deployment at all the borders. Arrangements have been made so that the people do not face any trouble. Security has been heightened. We are in talks with the farmers. All the vehicles are being checked."

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<h2>Farmers march towards Parliament</h2>

Farmers on Thursday marched towards the Parliament in the national capital seeking their demands to be fulfilled.

They gathered outside the NTCP office in Noida and the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority's office under the banners of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sabha.

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The farmers along with a hike in compensation, demand that the government must provide them with an equivalent compensation in lieu of land acquired from them for development projects.

While talking to the news agency ANI about the protest march, one of the farmers said, "Nobody listens to us, what should we do. It seems that we have been protesting for over 5 years now. We will take what is in our rights. We are not asking for anything extra, we are asking for what has already been passed. It is our right for the 10 per cent of abadi land."

In December last year, the farmers had held a mahapanchayat at the Noida Authority office.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

India's capital city on Thursday (Feb 8) witnessed massive traffic jams on the Delhi-Noida border due to heavy deployment of security personnel to inspect vehicles following a protest march called by Noida and Greater Noida farmers to the Parliament pressing for their demands.

India's capital city on Thursday (Feb 8) witnessed massive traffic jams on the Delhi-Noida border due to heavy deployment of security personnel to inspect vehicles following a protest march called by Noida and Greater Noida farmers to the Parliament pressing for their demands. Videos shared on social media showed vehicles snarling at the Chilla border amid heightened security. "Heavy security arrangements have been made in different border entry points in the national capital. No one will be allowed to breach the law and order," a senior police officer said. Heavy security forces, including paramilitary were also stationed along major entry points in order to maintain the law and order. Also read: PM Modi lauds predecessor Manmohan Singh in Rajya Sabha during farewell of retiring members Police impose CrPC section 144 Section 144 of the CrPC has also been imposed and all the borders sealed for 24 hours, said the police official. Noida DIG, Additional CP (L&O), Shivhari Meena spoke about the protest and said, "Section 144 has been imposed & all the borders have been sealed for 24 hours. Heavy security deployment at all the borders. Arrangements have been made so that the people do not face any trouble. Security has been heightened. We are in talks with the farmers. All the vehicles are being checked." #WATCH | Traffic snarls at Delhi-Noida, Chilla border as security is heightened, in view of the farmers' protest march pic.twitter.com/Kr3jnpsFpI — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2024 × Farmers march towards Parliament Farmers on Thursday marched towards the Parliament in the national capital seeking their demands to be fulfilled. They gathered outside the NTCP office in Noida and the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority's office under the banners of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sabha. #WATCH | UP farmers marching towards Parliament stopped by police in Noida The farmers are protesting over their various demands including hiked compensation pic.twitter.com/fwdQ2mVM4R — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2024 × The farmers along with a hike in compensation, demand that the government must provide them with an equivalent compensation in lieu of land acquired from them for development projects. While talking to the news agency ANI about the protest march, one of the farmers said, "Nobody listens to us, what should we do. It seems that we have been protesting for over 5 years now. We will take what is in our rights. We are not asking for anything extra, we are asking for what has already been passed. It is our right for the 10 per cent of abadi land." In December last year, the farmers had held a mahapanchayat at the Noida Authority office. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Delhi-Noida border witnesses massive traffic jams as farmers gather in protest

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Feb 8) while bidding farewell to members retiring from the Rajya Sabha, lauded his predecessor Manmohan Singh's "immense contribution" to the House.

"I wish to remember Dr Manmohan Singh today, his contribution in the House, with his invaluable thoughts, both as a leader and in the opposition has been immense. For such a long time, the way he has guided this House and country, Dr Manmohan Singh will always be remembered for it," PM Modi said during his speech in the upper house.

"It doesn't matter who he was supporting, I believe that he was supporting our democracy," he said.

He then recalled how Singh had arrived in a wheelchair to cast his vote on the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

"Dr Manmohan Singh ji came to the parliament in a wheelchair. How conscious he is of his responsibilities, not only this, I was watching, whenever committee elections were held, he came to vote, the question is not to whom he came to give strength, I believe, to give strength to democracy," the Indian prime minister said in his speech.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-releases-black-paper-against-modi-government-688128">India: Congress releases 'black paper' against Modi government</a>

<h2>'Kaala teeka'</h2>

During his speech, PM Modi also took a sarcastic jibe at the Congress party over the release of the 'Black Paper' which the grand old party claimed would highlight the failures of the ruling BJP government.

Thanking the Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge for coming out with the paper, the Indian prime minister dubbed it as "kaala teeka" (to ward off the evil eye) amid the good work being done by his government.

"When a child gets ready for some good occasion by wearing some nice clothes, then a family member says to go after applying a Kaala Teeka, to ward off an evil eye. Today, as the country is touching new heights of prosperity over the last ten years, an attempt has been made today to put a Kaala Teeka, so that no one can cast an evil eye on it. I thank Kharge Ji a lot for (bringing a Black Paper)," PM Modi said.

Modi also referred to black robes worn by opposition MPs in the House as a mark of protest and said, "We also saw a fashion parade in the Rajya Sabha when some members came in black clothes."&nbsp;&nbsp;

The retiring members of the Rajya Sabha will attend an event at Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar's residence in New Delhi on Thursday evening.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Feb 8) while bidding farewell to members retiring from the Rajya Sabha, lauded his predecessor Manmohan Singh's "immense contribution" to the House.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Feb 8) while bidding farewell to members retiring from the Rajya Sabha, lauded his predecessor Manmohan Singh's "immense contribution" to the House. "I wish to remember Dr Manmohan Singh today, his contribution in the House, with his invaluable thoughts, both as a leader and in the opposition has been immense. For such a long time, the way he has guided this House and country, Dr Manmohan Singh will always be remembered for it," PM Modi said during his speech in the upper house. "It doesn't matter who he was supporting, I believe that he was supporting our democracy," he said. He then recalled how Singh had arrived in a wheelchair to cast his vote on the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023. "Dr Manmohan Singh ji came to the parliament in a wheelchair. How conscious he is of his responsibilities, not only this, I was watching, whenever committee elections were held, he came to vote, the question is not to whom he came to give strength, I believe, to give strength to democracy," the Indian prime minister said in his speech. Also read: India: Congress releases 'black paper' against Modi government 'Kaala teeka' During his speech, PM Modi also took a sarcastic jibe at the Congress party over the release of the 'Black Paper' which the grand old party claimed would highlight the failures of the ruling BJP government. Thanking the Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge for coming out with the paper, the Indian prime minister dubbed it as "kaala teeka" (to ward off the evil eye) amid the good work being done by his government. "When a child gets ready for some good occasion by wearing some nice clothes, then a family member says to go after applying a Kaala Teeka, to ward off an evil eye. Today, as the country is touching new heights of prosperity over the last ten years, an attempt has been made today to put a Kaala Teeka, so that no one can cast an evil eye on it. I thank Kharge Ji a lot for (bringing a Black Paper)," PM Modi said. Modi also referred to black robes worn by opposition MPs in the House as a mark of protest and said, "We also saw a fashion parade in the Rajya Sabha when some members came in black clothes." The retiring members of the Rajya Sabha will attend an event at Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar's residence in New Delhi on Thursday evening. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM Modi lauds predecessor Manmohan Singh in Rajya Sabha during farewell of retiring members

Congress party chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday (Feb 8) released a so-called 'Black Paper' highlighting the alleged 'failures' of the Narendra Modi government in India during its 10-year rule.

The move by the grand old party comes as the ruling BJP government is set to present a 'White Paper', which it says will showcase how the country plummeted into the "fragile five" economies of the world during the Congress-led UPA regime (2004-14).

While speaking a press conference about the release of the 'Black Paper', Kharge claimed that it comprised of the details of the failures of the BJP government, including unemployment which he said the ruling party always conceals.

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&nbsp;

"We are releasing a Black Paper against the government because the government always glorifies itself in Parliament and hides its failures. And when we say something about their failure, we are not given a chance, so today we are bringing out the Black Paper here. It contains details about unemployment, which the BJP government never discusses," the Congress chief said.

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&nbsp;

He further reacted to PM Modi's 90-minute reply to the Motion of Thanks on President's Address in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (Feb 7), stating that he did not mention the employment generated by the public sectors during former PM Jawaharlal Nehru's tenure.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-govt-to-merge-class-10-12-boards-into-one-new-body-688080">Assam govt to merge Class 10, 12 boards into one new body</a>

"He (PM Modi) didn't mention the employment generated by the public sectors like HAL, BHEL which were established during Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's tenure," the Congress chief added.

He then accused the BJP of discriminating against all the non-BJP-ruled states.

"There is a danger to democracy in the country...In the last 10 years, 411 MLAs were taken...by the BJP. They toppled so many Congress governments. They are finishing democracy," the Congress president said.

<h2>'Kaala teeka'</h2>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Feb 8) while bidding farewell to members retiring from the Rajya Sabha, reacted to Congress' release of the 'Black Paper'.

Taking a jibe at the grand old party, PM Modi thanked Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge for coming out with the paper dubbing it as "kaala teeka" (to ward off the evil eye) amid the good work being done by his government.

"When a child gets ready for some good occasion by wearing some nice clothes, then a family member says to go after applying a Kaala Teeka, to ward off an evil eye. Today, as the country is touching new heights of prosperity over the last ten years, an attempt has been made today to put a Kaala Teeka, so that no one can cast an evil eye on it. I thank Kharge Ji a lot for (bringing a Black Paper)," PM Modi said.

Modi also referred to black robes worn by opposition MPs in the House as a mark of protest and said, "We also saw a fashion parade in the Rajya Sabha when some members came in black clothes."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Congress party chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday (Feb 8) released a so-called 'Black Paper' highlighting the alleged 'failures' of the Narendra Modi government in India during its 10-year rule.

Congress party chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday (Feb 8) released a so-called 'Black Paper' highlighting the alleged 'failures' of the Narendra Modi government in India during its 10-year rule. The move by the grand old party comes as the ruling BJP government is set to present a 'White Paper', which it says will showcase how the country plummeted into the "fragile five" economies of the world during the Congress-led UPA regime (2004-14). While speaking a press conference about the release of the 'Black Paper', Kharge claimed that it comprised of the details of the failures of the BJP government, including unemployment which he said the ruling party always conceals. #WATCH | Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge releases 'Black Paper' against the Modi government pic.twitter.com/cxKvD9xyNO — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2024 × "We are releasing a Black Paper against the government because the government always glorifies itself in Parliament and hides its failures. And when we say something about their failure, we are not given a chance, so today we are bringing out the Black Paper here. It contains details about unemployment, which the BJP government never discusses," the Congress chief said. #WATCH | Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge says, "We are raising the main issue of unemployment, which the BJP never talks about...There is discrimination being done with non-BJP states like Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana..." pic.twitter.com/9kKT9qEvZ5 — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2024 × He further reacted to PM Modi's 90-minute reply to the Motion of Thanks on President's Address in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (Feb 7), stating that he did not mention the employment generated by the public sectors during former PM Jawaharlal Nehru's tenure. Also read: Assam govt to merge Class 10, 12 boards into one new body "He (PM Modi) didn't mention the employment generated by the public sectors like HAL, BHEL which were established during Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's tenure," the Congress chief added. He then accused the BJP of discriminating against all the non-BJP-ruled states. "There is a danger to democracy in the country...In the last 10 years, 411 MLAs were taken...by the BJP. They toppled so many Congress governments. They are finishing democracy," the Congress president said. 'Kaala teeka' Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Feb 8) while bidding farewell to members retiring from the Rajya Sabha, reacted to Congress' release of the 'Black Paper'. Taking a jibe at the grand old party, PM Modi thanked Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge for coming out with the paper dubbing it as "kaala teeka" (to ward off the evil eye) amid the good work being done by his government. "When a child gets ready for some good occasion by wearing some nice clothes, then a family member says to go after applying a Kaala Teeka, to ward off an evil eye. Today, as the country is touching new heights of prosperity over the last ten years, an attempt has been made today to put a Kaala Teeka, so that no one can cast an evil eye on it. I thank Kharge Ji a lot for (bringing a Black Paper)," PM Modi said. Modi also referred to black robes worn by opposition MPs in the House as a mark of protest and said, "We also saw a fashion parade in the Rajya Sabha when some members came in black clothes." (With inputs from agencies)

Congress releases 'Black Paper' highlighting 'failures' of BJP govt, PM Modi responds

Global warming has breached the mark of 1.5C across a period of 12 months for the first time on record, making 2023 hotter than the pre-industrial era, said Europe's climate monitor on Thursday (Feb 8).

As climate change, heightened by the naturally occurring El Nino phenomenon, triggered severe storms, droughts and fire across the world, planet Earth saw record warming in the year 2023, making it the hottest in nearly 100,000 years.&nbsp;

The severe temperatures have continued into 2024, said the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) service, substantiating that February 2023 to January 2024 witnessed warming of 1.52 degrees Celsius, which was above the 19th-century benchmark.

Scientists, dubbing this a "warning to humanity", said that the current situation was a trailer of the Paris climate deal's critical 1.5C warming threshold. However, they said that this does not indicate a permanent breach of the limit, which is measured over decades.

"We are touching 1.5C and we see the cost, the social costs and economic costs," said Johan Rockstrom, of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.&nbsp;

"1.5 is a very big number and it hurts us really badly in terms of heat waves, droughts, floods, reinforced storms, water scarcity across the entire world. That is what 2023 has taught us."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-gets-ridiculed-as-he-struggles-to-recall-hamas-name-during-speech-688065">Joe Biden gets ridiculed online after struggling to recall Hamas' name during speech</a>

<h2>'Warning to humanity'</h2>

In recent months, Earth has endured an onslaught of severe temperatures, which include a devastating drought engulfing the Amazon basin, extreme winter temperatures in parts of southern Europe, deadly wildfires in South America and record rainfall in California.

"It is clearly a warning to humanity that we are moving faster than expected towards the agreed upon 1.5C limit that we signed," Rockstrom told news agency AFP, adding that temperatures will likely fall back somewhat after the El Nino comes to an end.&nbsp;

Copernicus had earlier said that January this year had witnessed record-high temperatures on record. It was the eighth month in a row of historic high monthly temperatures with temperatures 1.66C warmer overall than an estimate of the January average for 1850-1900, the pre-industrial reference period.&nbsp;

"2024 starts with another record-breaking month -- not only is it the warmest January on record but we have also just experienced a 12-month period of more than 1.5C above the pre-industrial reference period," said Samantha Burgess, C3S Deputy Director.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Global warming has breached the mark of 1.5C across a period of 12 months for the first time on record, making 2023 hotter than the pre-industrial era, said Europe's climate monitor on Thursday (Feb 8).

Global warming has breached the mark of 1.5C across a period of 12 months for the first time on record, making 2023 hotter than the pre-industrial era, said Europe's climate monitor on Thursday (Feb 8). As climate change, heightened by the naturally occurring El Nino phenomenon, triggered severe storms, droughts and fire across the world, planet Earth saw record warming in the year 2023, making it the hottest in nearly 100,000 years. The severe temperatures have continued into 2024, said the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) service, substantiating that February 2023 to January 2024 witnessed warming of 1.52 degrees Celsius, which was above the 19th-century benchmark. Scientists, dubbing this a "warning to humanity", said that the current situation was a trailer of the Paris climate deal's critical 1.5C warming threshold. However, they said that this does not indicate a permanent breach of the limit, which is measured over decades. "We are touching 1.5C and we see the cost, the social costs and economic costs," said Johan Rockstrom, of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. "1.5 is a very big number and it hurts us really badly in terms of heat waves, droughts, floods, reinforced storms, water scarcity across the entire world. That is what 2023 has taught us." Also read: Joe Biden gets ridiculed online after struggling to recall Hamas' name during speech 'Warning to humanity' In recent months, Earth has endured an onslaught of severe temperatures, which include a devastating drought engulfing the Amazon basin, extreme winter temperatures in parts of southern Europe, deadly wildfires in South America and record rainfall in California. "It is clearly a warning to humanity that we are moving faster than expected towards the agreed upon 1.5C limit that we signed," Rockstrom told news agency AFP, adding that temperatures will likely fall back somewhat after the El Nino comes to an end. Copernicus had earlier said that January this year had witnessed record-high temperatures on record. It was the eighth month in a row of historic high monthly temperatures with temperatures 1.66C warmer overall than an estimate of the January average for 1850-1900, the pre-industrial reference period. "2024 starts with another record-breaking month -- not only is it the warmest January on record but we have also just experienced a 12-month period of more than 1.5C above the pre-industrial reference period," said Samantha Burgess, C3S Deputy Director. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth witnesses first year-long breach of crucial 1.5C warming limit

The Assam government has proposed to merge the state boards for Classes 10 and 12 into one single entity to manage secondary education on Wednesday.

The state government introduced the Assam State School Education Board Bill, 2024 in the Assembly to create a new body to control the education system till Class 12 in the state.

According to the bill, the Board of Secondary Education, Assam, (SEBA) and the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC) will be merged to create a new body -Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB).

The bill has been brought to "regulate, supervise and develop Secondary Education in the state of Assam by merging the existing Board of Secondary Education, Assam, and Assam Higher Secondary Education Council", the preamble of the legislation stated.

The ASSEB will be headed by a chairman, to be nominated by the government. An individual vice chairman will look after each division under the chairman and he or she will be nominated by the government.

The new board will have a total of 21 members, who will have a three-year term and it can be renewed for an equal period.

"The objective is to introduce the Assam State School Education Board Bill, 2024 to develop, regulate and supervise the standards and quality in school education in the state of Assam," Education Minister Ranoj Pegu said in the Statement of Object and Reasons of the Bill.

The merger decision was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet earlier in November last year, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Notably, the SEBA conducts the Class 10 board examination, while the Class 12 examinations are looked after by the AHSEC.

The move comes after the leaking of at least two question papers in the Class 10 board examinations by SEBA in 2023. The general science and Assamese papers were leaked in March last year.

This forced the SEBA and government to reschedule the examinations of general science, all subjects of Modern Indian Languages (MIL), including Assamese, and English (IL).

The Assam government has proposed to merge the state boards for Classes 10 and 12 into one single entity to manage secondary education on Wednesday. The state government introduced the Assam State School Education Board Bill, 2024 in the Assembly to create a new body to control the education system till Class 12 in the state.

The Assam government has proposed to merge the state boards for Classes 10 and 12 into one single entity to manage secondary education on Wednesday. The state government introduced the Assam State School Education Board Bill, 2024 in the Assembly to create a new body to control the education system till Class 12 in the state. According to the bill, the Board of Secondary Education, Assam, (SEBA) and the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC) will be merged to create a new body -Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB). The bill has been brought to "regulate, supervise and develop Secondary Education in the state of Assam by merging the existing Board of Secondary Education, Assam, and Assam Higher Secondary Education Council", the preamble of the legislation stated. The ASSEB will be headed by a chairman, to be nominated by the government. An individual vice chairman will look after each division under the chairman and he or she will be nominated by the government. The new board will have a total of 21 members, who will have a three-year term and it can be renewed for an equal period. "The objective is to introduce the Assam State School Education Board Bill, 2024 to develop, regulate and supervise the standards and quality in school education in the state of Assam," Education Minister Ranoj Pegu said in the Statement of Object and Reasons of the Bill. The merger decision was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet earlier in November last year, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Notably, the SEBA conducts the Class 10 board examination, while the Class 12 examinations are looked after by the AHSEC. The move comes after the leaking of at least two question papers in the Class 10 board examinations by SEBA in 2023. The general science and Assamese papers were leaked in March last year. This forced the SEBA and government to reschedule the examinations of general science, all subjects of Modern Indian Languages (MIL), including Assamese, and English (IL).

India: Assam govt to merge Class 10, 12 boards into one new body

Northern Ireland's parliament on Saturday (Feb 3) appointed Irish nationalist Michelle O'Neill as their very first minister in a historic shift.

O'Neill's appointment indicates the rise of the party which has stated that its ultimate dream of a united Ireland is "within touching distance."

She in her first address to the Northern Ireland Assembly after being appointed as the First Minister was "a massive honour".

"The days of second-class citizenship are long gone and today confirms that they will never come back," she said.

"We mark a moment of equality and a moment of progress - a new opportunity to work and grow together, confident in, that wherever we come from, whatever our aspirations are, we can and we must build our future together. I'm really delighted to see every MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) back in this chamber today and I welcome the fact that the DUP (Democratic Unionist Party) have decided to re-enter the democratic institutions and that the outcome of last year's assembly election is now being respected," she added while addressing her fellow Northern Irish lawmakers.

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She in her address also noted that the "historic event" was something her parents' and grandparents' generation had never imagined of.

"We must never forget all those who have died or been injured or their families," she said.&nbsp;

"I am sorry for all the lives lost during the conflict without exception," she said, adding: "I am wholeheartedly committed to continuing in the work of reconciliation between all of our people."

O'Neill designates a transformation to a renewed generation of Sinn Fein politicians who aren't directly involved in the region's decades-long bloodstained conflict between Irish nationalists aiming at a united Ireland and pro-British unionists desiring to remain in the United Kingdom.

As the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), Sinn Fein was for the longest time scorned by the political structure on both sides of the border. It is now also the most popular party in the Irish Republic.

The decision came after Sinn Fein's pro-British rival, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), concluded a two-year boycott of power-sharing government after brokering a deal with the British government to soothe post-Brexit trade conflicts.

The assembly also appointed the DUP's Emma Little-Pengelly to be her deputy and filled other top ministerial posts.

"Today is a good day for Northern Ireland, a day when once again our place in the United Kingdom and its internal market is respected and protected," DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson said at Stormont.

(With inputs from agencies)

Northern Ireland's parliament on Saturday (Feb 3) appointed Irish nationalist Michelle O'Neill as their very first minister in a historic shift. O'Neill's appointment indicates the rise of the party which has stated that its ultimate dream of a united Ireland is "within touching distance.

Northern Ireland's parliament on Saturday (Feb 3) appointed Irish nationalist Michelle O'Neill as their very first minister in a historic shift. O'Neill's appointment indicates the rise of the party which has stated that its ultimate dream of a united Ireland is "within touching distance." She in her first address to the Northern Ireland Assembly after being appointed as the First Minister was "a massive honour". "The days of second-class citizenship are long gone and today confirms that they will never come back," she said. "We mark a moment of equality and a moment of progress - a new opportunity to work and grow together, confident in, that wherever we come from, whatever our aspirations are, we can and we must build our future together. I'm really delighted to see every MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) back in this chamber today and I welcome the fact that the DUP (Democratic Unionist Party) have decided to re-enter the democratic institutions and that the outcome of last year's assembly election is now being respected," she added while addressing her fellow Northern Irish lawmakers. Also read: Three injured in knife attack at major railway station in Paris, suspect arrested She in her address also noted that the "historic event" was something her parents' and grandparents' generation had never imagined of. "We must never forget all those who have died or been injured or their families," she said. "I am sorry for all the lives lost during the conflict without exception," she said, adding: "I am wholeheartedly committed to continuing in the work of reconciliation between all of our people." O'Neill designates a transformation to a renewed generation of Sinn Fein politicians who aren't directly involved in the region's decades-long bloodstained conflict between Irish nationalists aiming at a united Ireland and pro-British unionists desiring to remain in the United Kingdom. As the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), Sinn Fein was for the longest time scorned by the political structure on both sides of the border. It is now also the most popular party in the Irish Republic. The decision came after Sinn Fein's pro-British rival, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), concluded a two-year boycott of power-sharing government after brokering a deal with the British government to soothe post-Brexit trade conflicts. The assembly also appointed the DUP's Emma Little-Pengelly to be her deputy and filled other top ministerial posts. "Today is a good day for Northern Ireland, a day when once again our place in the United Kingdom and its internal market is respected and protected," DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson said at Stormont. (With inputs from agencies)

Michelle O'Neill appointed as First Minister by North Ireland in historic shift

The Chile government on Friday (Feb 3) declared a state of emergency after a massive, rapidly expanding wildfire engulfed nearly 480 hectares encircling a residential area in the central Valparaiso region threatening hundreds of homes.

The officials&nbsp;said that the forest fires&nbsp;have claimed the lives of at least 51 people further warning that the death toll is expected to rise.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric decreed "a state of emergency due to catastrophe, in order to have all the necessary resources" to fight the fires.

The fires consolidated in the Vina del Mar and Valparaiso tourist regions have devastated thousands of hectares of forest, cloaked coastal cities in a dense fog of grey smoke and forced people to flee their homes. &nbsp;

Earlier, the officials released a statement saying that 10 people were feared dead in the tragedy.

"We have preliminary information that several people have died, around 10," said Sofia Gonzales Cortes, state representative for the central region of Valparaiso.

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<h2>Fires destroy approximately 30 homes</h2>

The blaze destroyed nearly 30 homes in the towns of Estrella and Navidad, forcing evacuations near the surfing resort of Pichilemu.

"I've never seen anything like it," 63-year-old Yvonne Guzman told news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"It's very distressing because we've evacuated the house but we can't move forward. There are all these people trying to get out and who can't move," she said.&nbsp;

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<h2>'All forces deployed in fight against fires,' says Chilean president</h2>

Chilean President Gabriel Boric, on Friday (Feb 2), decreed "a state of emergency due to catastrophe, in order to have all the necessary resources" to fight the fires.

"All forces are deployed in the fight against the forest fires," he said in a message posted on social media platform X.

Nearly 7,000 hectares have been devastated in the wildfire in Valparaiso alone, as per CONAF, the Chilean national forest authority, which called the blazes "extreme."

The authorities closed the road which connects Valparaiso to the capital Santiago, as a giant cloud of smoke "reduced visibility".

(With inputs from agencies)

The Chile government on Friday (Feb 3) declared a state of emergency after a massive, rapidly expanding wildfire engulfed nearly 480 hectares encircling a residential area in the central Valparaiso region threatening hundreds of homes.

The Chile government on Friday (Feb 3) declared a state of emergency after a massive, rapidly expanding wildfire engulfed nearly 480 hectares encircling a residential area in the central Valparaiso region threatening hundreds of homes. The officials said that the forest fires have claimed the lives of at least 51 people further warning that the death toll is expected to rise. Chilean President Gabriel Boric decreed "a state of emergency due to catastrophe, in order to have all the necessary resources" to fight the fires. The fires consolidated in the Vina del Mar and Valparaiso tourist regions have devastated thousands of hectares of forest, cloaked coastal cities in a dense fog of grey smoke and forced people to flee their homes. Earlier, the officials released a statement saying that 10 people were feared dead in the tragedy. "We have preliminary information that several people have died, around 10," said Sofia Gonzales Cortes, state representative for the central region of Valparaiso. Also read: E Jean Carroll's lawyer says Trump used coded version of C-word against her Fires destroy approximately 30 homes The blaze destroyed nearly 30 homes in the towns of Estrella and Navidad, forcing evacuations near the surfing resort of Pichilemu. "I've never seen anything like it," 63-year-old Yvonne Guzman told news agency AFP. "It's very distressing because we've evacuated the house but we can't move forward. There are all these people trying to get out and who can't move," she said. Also read: Three injured in knife attack at railway station in Paris, suspect arrested 'All forces deployed in fight against fires,' says Chilean president Chilean President Gabriel Boric, on Friday (Feb 2), decreed "a state of emergency due to catastrophe, in order to have all the necessary resources" to fight the fires. "All forces are deployed in the fight against the forest fires," he said in a message posted on social media platform X. Nearly 7,000 hectares have been devastated in the wildfire in Valparaiso alone, as per CONAF, the Chilean national forest authority, which called the blazes "extreme." The authorities closed the road which connects Valparaiso to the capital Santiago, as a giant cloud of smoke "reduced visibility". (With inputs from agencies)

Chile declares state of emergency as forest fires leave at least 51 dead

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