European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Saturday ahead of a report the European Union is expected to present next week about Ukraine's progress in its membership bid.

"Good to be back in Kyiv for my sixth wartime visit," von der Leyen wrote on social media platform X, posting a picture of her with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at a railway station.

"I'm here to discuss Ukraine’s accession path to the EU. The EU’s financial support to rebuild Ukraine as a modern, prosperous democracy. And how we will continue to make Russia pay for its war of aggression."

The EU assessment due on Wednesday is expected to detail how far Ukraine has advanced in fulfilling various economic, legal, and other criteria to clear the way for accession talks to be launched in December.

Ukraine, which applied to join the European Union days after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, sees joining the trade bloc as a top priority.

The EU's 27 members are due at a summit in December to decide whether to allow Kyiv to begin accession negotiations, a move requiring the unanimous backing of all the bloc's members.

Ukraine's bid got a boost on Thursday when German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said she was confident the bloc would advance Ukraine's application next month.

Membership talks typically take years and involve extensive legal, political and economic reform. Ukraine's case is made much harder by the war raging in its south and east with no end in sight.

Von der Leyen's visit comes as Ukraine's troops battle fatigue and concerns swirl over the future of U.S. military assistance which Kyiv relies on heavily.

Parliamentary deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak said on his Telegram channel that von der Leyen was expected to speak in the Ukrainian parliament.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Saturday ahead of a report the European Union is expected to present next week about Ukraine's progress in its membership bid.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Saturday ahead of a report the European Union is expected to present next week about Ukraine's progress in its membership bid. "Good to be back in Kyiv for my sixth wartime visit," von der Leyen wrote on social media platform X, posting a picture of her with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at a railway station. "I'm here to discuss Ukraine’s accession path to the EU. The EU’s financial support to rebuild Ukraine as a modern, prosperous democracy. And how we will continue to make Russia pay for its war of aggression." The EU assessment due on Wednesday is expected to detail how far Ukraine has advanced in fulfilling various economic, legal, and other criteria to clear the way for accession talks to be launched in December. Ukraine, which applied to join the European Union days after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, sees joining the trade bloc as a top priority. The EU's 27 members are due at a summit in December to decide whether to allow Kyiv to begin accession negotiations, a move requiring the unanimous backing of all the bloc's members. Ukraine's bid got a boost on Thursday when German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said she was confident the bloc would advance Ukraine's application next month. Membership talks typically take years and involve extensive legal, political and economic reform. Ukraine's case is made much harder by the war raging in its south and east with no end in sight. Von der Leyen's visit comes as Ukraine's troops battle fatigue and concerns swirl over the future of U.S. military assistance which Kyiv relies on heavily. Parliamentary deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak said on his Telegram channel that von der Leyen was expected to speak in the Ukrainian parliament.

EU's von der Leyen visits Kyiv ahead of report on accession progress

Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman on Friday (Nov 3) courted controversy after making an awkward attempt to kiss his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock while the two leaders posed for a group photograph in Berlin.

In a video that went viral on social media, Radman, 65, can be seen reaching out to Baerbock in an attempt to shake hands with her and trying to plant a kiss on her cheek during a photo shoot at a European Union conference on Thursday (Nov 2).&nbsp;

During the awkward encounter, the German foreign affairs minister. in the video, could be seen dodging his affections.

Radman's gesture sparked fierce debate on the internet and prompted outrage from feminist groups.

However, the Croatian foreign minister shrugged off the criticism saying that this was "a warm human approach to a fellow colleague".

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"I don't know what the problem was... We always greet each other warmly. It is a warm human approach to a colleague,"&nbsp;he told reporters.

<h2>Croatian women's rights activist slams Radman's move</h2>

Notable Croatian women's rights activist Rada Boric denounced the minister's move calling it "highly inappropriate".

Taking a dig at Radman's response to the criticism, Boric said that "warm greetings" should happen only among those whose relationship allows kissing.

"It's clear that such a relationship doesn't exist here and that the (German) minister was left surprised with such closeness," Boric told the Jutarnji List outlet.

Former Croatian prime minister Jadranka Kosor also took to her official social media handle and lambasted Radman.

"Violent kissing of women is also called violence, is it not?," Kosor wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

(With inputs from agencies)

Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman on Friday (Nov 3) courted controversy after making an awkward attempt to kiss his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock while the two leaders posed for a group photograph in Berlin.

Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman on Friday (Nov 3) courted controversy after making an awkward attempt to kiss his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock while the two leaders posed for a group photograph in Berlin. In a video that went viral on social media, Radman, 65, can be seen reaching out to Baerbock in an attempt to shake hands with her and trying to plant a kiss on her cheek during a photo shoot at a European Union conference on Thursday (Nov 2). During the awkward encounter, the German foreign affairs minister. in the video, could be seen dodging his affections. Radman's gesture sparked fierce debate on the internet and prompted outrage from feminist groups. However, the Croatian foreign minister shrugged off the criticism saying that this was "a warm human approach to a fellow colleague". Also read: Italian PM Meloni proposes direct election of premier in ‘mother of all reforms’ "I don't know what the problem was... We always greet each other warmly. It is a warm human approach to a colleague," he told reporters. Croatian women's rights activist slams Radman's move Notable Croatian women's rights activist Rada Boric denounced the minister's move calling it "highly inappropriate". Taking a dig at Radman's response to the criticism, Boric said that "warm greetings" should happen only among those whose relationship allows kissing. "It's clear that such a relationship doesn't exist here and that the (German) minister was left surprised with such closeness," Boric told the Jutarnji List outlet. Former Croatian prime minister Jadranka Kosor also took to her official social media handle and lambasted Radman. "Violent kissing of women is also called violence, is it not?," Kosor wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. (With inputs from agencies)

Croatian foreign minister sparks controversy by making attempt to kiss German peer

Microblogging site X, formerly known as Twitter, is reportedly rolling out plans to sell old, unused social media handles, a move which was signalled by billionaire owner Elon Musk after he acquired the platform last year.

According to a report by Forbes, the @Handle Team within the organisation has started working on a handle marketplace where people can sell the account usernames that were left unused by the people who originally registered them.&nbsp;

In some of the cases, the social media platform has requested the potential buyers a fee of $50,000, the report further added.

The emails obtained by Forbes were from the current employees of X which noted that the tech giant recently made updates to its @handle guidelines, process and fees.

There had been rumours about Musk planning to usher in such a programme in the ensuing days post his acquisition of Twitter, which he later renamed&nbsp;X, in November last year.

He, on his social media handle, had shared in November 2022 that a “vast number” of handles had been taken by “bots and trolls” which he planned to begin “freeing up next month.”&nbsp;

By January 2023, Musk was reportedly working on plans to free up as many as 1.5 billion usernames.

In the month of May, the social media site began to purge such defunct accounts.

On Friday evening, X’s username registration policy still stated, “Unfortunately, we cannot release inactive usernames at this time,” said the Forbes report.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musks-chandrasekhar-connection-with-india-born-nobel-physicist-in-spotlight-654633">Elon Musk's Chandrasekhar connection with India-born Nobel physicist in spotlight</a>

Microblogging site X's “inactive account policy,” warns users to log in every 30 days to avoid being considered inactive.&nbsp;

<h2>Musk announces new rule over revenue sharing&nbsp;arrangement with X users</h2>

In a bid to curb the spread of disinformation or blatantly false information on the platform, Musk, last week, announced a significant change to its platform's community notes system.

He said that the users whose posts on X get amended by the platform's "community notes" feature won’t be able to monetise those posts.

Musk said that the change is aimed at ensuring "accuracy over sensationalism."

The community notes feature is a crowdsourced fact-checking programme that enables other users to add context or correct information below a post. 'Community notes' was initially introduced under former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in 2021 as a means to debunk misleading tweets.

(With inputs from agencies)

Microblogging site X, formerly known as Twitter, is reportedly rolling out plans to sell old, unused social media handles, a move which was signalled by billionaire owner Elon Musk after he acquired the platform last year.

Microblogging site X, formerly known as Twitter, is reportedly rolling out plans to sell old, unused social media handles, a move which was signalled by billionaire owner Elon Musk after he acquired the platform last year. According to a report by Forbes, the @Handle Team within the organisation has started working on a handle marketplace where people can sell the account usernames that were left unused by the people who originally registered them. In some of the cases, the social media platform has requested the potential buyers a fee of $50,000, the report further added. The emails obtained by Forbes were from the current employees of X which noted that the tech giant recently made updates to its @handle guidelines, process and fees. There had been rumours about Musk planning to usher in such a programme in the ensuing days post his acquisition of Twitter, which he later renamed X, in November last year. He, on his social media handle, had shared in November 2022 that a “vast number” of handles had been taken by “bots and trolls” which he planned to begin “freeing up next month.” By January 2023, Musk was reportedly working on plans to free up as many as 1.5 billion usernames. In the month of May, the social media site began to purge such defunct accounts. On Friday evening, X’s username registration policy still stated, “Unfortunately, we cannot release inactive usernames at this time,” said the Forbes report. Also read: Elon Musk's Chandrasekhar connection with India-born Nobel physicist in spotlight Microblogging site X's “inactive account policy,” warns users to log in every 30 days to avoid being considered inactive. Musk announces new rule over revenue sharing arrangement with X users In a bid to curb the spread of disinformation or blatantly false information on the platform, Musk, last week, announced a significant change to its platform's community notes system. He said that the users whose posts on X get amended by the platform's "community notes" feature won’t be able to monetise those posts. Musk said that the change is aimed at ensuring "accuracy over sensationalism." The community notes feature is a crowdsourced fact-checking programme that enables other users to add context or correct information below a post. 'Community notes' was initially introduced under former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in 2021 as a means to debunk misleading tweets. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk's X rolls out plans to sell old, defunct Twitter handles

More than 30&nbsp;people were killed and dozens were injured after a&nbsp;powerful earthquake of 6.4 magnitude struck&nbsp;Nepal on Friday night (Nov 3), reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;The tremors of the earthquake&nbsp;were felt in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) and some other parts of north India, the National Centre for Seismology said.

<h2>At least 37&nbsp;killed, dozens injured in Nepal</h2>

At least 37&nbsp;people were killed and dozens injured after the earthquake hit Nepal, reported AP.&nbsp;The death toll is expected to rise, officials told the news agency, noting that communications were cut off with many villages.

At least 20 people have been killed Namaraj Bhattarai, a police official in the&nbsp;Rukum district told AP&nbsp;over the telephone.&nbsp;

Local official Harish Chandra Sharma told Reuters that they have not been&nbsp;able to establish any contact at the epicentre in Jajarkot and that&nbsp;there are reports of 17 deaths just in the district.

Jajarkot district official Suresh Sunar told Reuters by phone, that around 20 people were also rushed to the&nbsp;hospital with injuries.&nbsp;

"I am out in the open myself. We are collecting details but due to cold and night it is difficult to get information from remote areas," he told Reuters.

<h2>Earthquake shook buildings in New Delhi</h2>

Nepal's National Seismological Centre said the quake occurred at 11:47 pm (local time) in Jajarkot district of Karnali province.

As per the National Centre for Seismology, the epicentre of the quake was in Nepal at a depth of 10 km, about 227 km north of Ayodhya and 331 km west-northwest of Kathmandu.

"Earthquake of Magnitude:6.4, Occurred on 03-11-2023, 23:32:54 IST, Lat: 28.84 &amp; Long: 82.19, Depth: 10 Km," NCS said in its post on X.

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Earthquake of Magnitude:6.4, Occurred on 03-11-2023, 23:32:54 IST, Lat: 28.84 &amp; Long: 82.19, Depth: 10 Km ,Location: Nepal, for more information Download the BhooKamp App <a href="https://t.co/SSou5Hs0eO">https://t.co/SSou5Hs0eO</a><a href="https://twitter.com/ndmaindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ndmaindia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiametdept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Indiametdept</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Dr_Mishra1966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dr_Mishra1966</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Ravi_MoES?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ravi_MoES</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KirenRijiju</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/XBXjcT29WX">pic.twitter.com/XBXjcT29WX</a>
— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1720504271630954695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the United States Geological Survey, said that the quake was of magnitude 5.6. "Notable quake, preliminary info: M 5.6 - 42 km S of Jumla, Nepal," it wrote on X.&nbsp;

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Notable quake, preliminary info: M 5.6 - 42 km S of Jumla, Nepal <a href="https://t.co/BPIEGFOQir">https://t.co/BPIEGFOQir</a>
— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) <a href="https://twitter.com/USGS_Quakes/status/1720514573932098045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The earthquake shook buildings as far as New Delhi, which is around 600 kilometres away. People immediately rushed out of their houses as the strong tremors reverberated through parts of north&nbsp;Indian states and lasted for over a minute.&nbsp;

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— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1720506710656479373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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This is the third time in a month that strong quakes have struck Nepal.

(With inputs from agencies)

More than 30 people were killed and dozens were injured after a powerful earthquake of 6.4 magnitude struck Nepal on Friday night (Nov 3), reported the Associated Press.

More than 30 people were killed and dozens were injured after a powerful earthquake of 6.4 magnitude struck Nepal on Friday night (Nov 3), reported the Associated Press. The tremors of the earthquake were felt in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) and some other parts of north India, the National Centre for Seismology said. At least 37 killed, dozens injured in Nepal At least 37 people were killed and dozens injured after the earthquake hit Nepal, reported AP. The death toll is expected to rise, officials told the news agency, noting that communications were cut off with many villages. At least 20 people have been killed Namaraj Bhattarai, a police official in the Rukum district told AP over the telephone. Local official Harish Chandra Sharma told Reuters that they have not been able to establish any contact at the epicentre in Jajarkot and that there are reports of 17 deaths just in the district. Jajarkot district official Suresh Sunar told Reuters by phone, that around 20 people were also rushed to the hospital with injuries. "I am out in the open myself. We are collecting details but due to cold and night it is difficult to get information from remote areas," he told Reuters. Earthquake shook buildings in New Delhi Nepal's National Seismological Centre said the quake occurred at 11:47 pm (local time) in Jajarkot district of Karnali province. As per the National Centre for Seismology, the epicentre of the quake was in Nepal at a depth of 10 km, about 227 km north of Ayodhya and 331 km west-northwest of Kathmandu. "Earthquake of Magnitude:6.4, Occurred on 03-11-2023, 23:32:54 IST, Lat: 28.84 & Long: 82.19, Depth: 10 Km," NCS said in its post on X. Earthquake of Magnitude:6.4, Occurred on 03-11-2023, 23:32:54 IST, Lat: 28.84 & Long: 82.19, Depth: 10 Km ,Location: Nepal, for more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/SSou5Hs0eO@ndmaindia @Indiametdept @Dr_Mishra1966 @Ravi_MoES @KirenRijiju @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/XBXjcT29WX — National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) November 3, 2023 × Meanwhile, the United States Geological Survey, said that the quake was of magnitude 5.6. "Notable quake, preliminary info: M 5.6 - 42 km S of Jumla, Nepal," it wrote on X. Notable quake, preliminary info: M 5.6 - 42 km S of Jumla, Nepal https://t.co/BPIEGFOQir — USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) November 3, 2023 × The earthquake shook buildings as far as New Delhi, which is around 600 kilometres away. People immediately rushed out of their houses as the strong tremors reverberated through parts of north Indian states and lasted for over a minute. #WATCH | Bihar: People come out of their homes as tremors felt in Patna pic.twitter.com/PoINrMXIA1 — ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2023 × This is the third time in a month that strong quakes have struck Nepal. (With inputs from agencies)

More than 30 people killed after 6.4 magnitude earthquake hits Nepal; tremors felt in Delhi

The number of Indians arrested while unlawfully entering into the United States between October 2022 and September 2023 has witnessed a record-breaking increase with nearly 96,917 Indian citizens being apprehended, news agency PTI reported citing the latest data released by US Customs and Border Protection (UCBP).

According to the data, in 2019-20, 19,883 Indians were apprehended, whereas in 2020-21, 30,662 Indians were arrested and in 2021-22 this number was 63,927.

As many as 96,917 Indians were arrested between October 2022 and September 2023, out of which 30,010 were caught on the Canadian border and 41,770 at the frontier with Mexico.

The ones apprehended have been tagged under four categories which are, Accompanied Minors (AM), Individuals in a Family Unit (FMUA), Single Adults, and Unaccompanied Children (UC).&nbsp;

As per the reports, single adults account for the largest category.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/data-lab-delhi-leads-october-pollution-among-major-indian-cities-what-awaits-in-the-diwali-month-654506">Data Lab: Delhi leads October pollution among major Indian cities. What awaits in the Diwali month?</a>

In the fiscal year 2023, 84,000 Indian adults sneaked into the United States unlawfully. 730 unaccompanied minors were among the ones apprehended.

<h2>Criminal cartels in Mexico train migrants, says&nbsp;Senator James Lankford</h2>

Meanwhile, Senator James Lankford said on Thursday that such people take about four flights including through countries like France to be able to get to Mexico, which is the closest airport, and then take a bus that is rented by the cartels up to the border to be dropped off for their final delivery.

“So far this year we've had 45,000 people from India that have crossed our southern border, paid the cartels, crossed into our country, and said they have fear in their country from India,” Lankford said.

He then reiterated that the criminal cartels in Mexico were the ones training migrants across the world on how to trick officials and sneak into the country while awaiting an asylum hearing.

“This doesn't make sense to just about everyone in the world. Just about everyone in the world has shifted on this except for us. We're literally inviting people from all over the world to exploit our system,” he said in his remarks about America's broken asylum system and the areas that need to be addressed in policy.

He said that asylum is the same as refugee status, "it's the same in international law. A refugee flees to a spot who is afraid and gets to a refugee centre and says to the UN, ‘I have dramatic fear of persecution in my country.' If they do, then they actually share them all over the world including here in the United States."

“We take refugees here from all over the world. Asylum seekers are on the same standard. They're supposed to go to the next safe place, get there, and request asylum. That is the international standard, but we don't do that here,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of Indians arrested while unlawfully entering into the United States between October 2022 and September 2023 has witnessed a record-breaking increase with nearly 96,917 Indian citizens being apprehended, news agency PTI reported citing the latest data released by US Customs and Border Protection (UCBP).

The number of Indians arrested while unlawfully entering into the United States between October 2022 and September 2023 has witnessed a record-breaking increase with nearly 96,917 Indian citizens being apprehended, news agency PTI reported citing the latest data released by US Customs and Border Protection (UCBP). According to the data, in 2019-20, 19,883 Indians were apprehended, whereas in 2020-21, 30,662 Indians were arrested and in 2021-22 this number was 63,927. As many as 96,917 Indians were arrested between October 2022 and September 2023, out of which 30,010 were caught on the Canadian border and 41,770 at the frontier with Mexico. The ones apprehended have been tagged under four categories which are, Accompanied Minors (AM), Individuals in a Family Unit (FMUA), Single Adults, and Unaccompanied Children (UC). As per the reports, single adults account for the largest category. Also read: Data Lab: Delhi leads October pollution among major Indian cities. What awaits in the Diwali month? In the fiscal year 2023, 84,000 Indian adults sneaked into the United States unlawfully. 730 unaccompanied minors were among the ones apprehended. Criminal cartels in Mexico train migrants, says Senator James Lankford Meanwhile, Senator James Lankford said on Thursday that such people take about four flights including through countries like France to be able to get to Mexico, which is the closest airport, and then take a bus that is rented by the cartels up to the border to be dropped off for their final delivery. “So far this year we've had 45,000 people from India that have crossed our southern border, paid the cartels, crossed into our country, and said they have fear in their country from India,” Lankford said. He then reiterated that the criminal cartels in Mexico were the ones training migrants across the world on how to trick officials and sneak into the country while awaiting an asylum hearing. “This doesn't make sense to just about everyone in the world. Just about everyone in the world has shifted on this except for us. We're literally inviting people from all over the world to exploit our system,” he said in his remarks about America's broken asylum system and the areas that need to be addressed in policy. He said that asylum is the same as refugee status, "it's the same in international law. A refugee flees to a spot who is afraid and gets to a refugee centre and says to the UN, ‘I have dramatic fear of persecution in my country.' If they do, then they actually share them all over the world including here in the United States." “We take refugees here from all over the world. Asylum seekers are on the same standard. They're supposed to go to the next safe place, get there, and request asylum. That is the international standard, but we don't do that here,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Around 97,000 Indians held while unlawfully sneaking into US between Oct 2022 to Sept 2023: Report

Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Friday (Nov 3) broke weeks of silence since the upsurge of violence between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

During his address, he warned Israel against attacking Lebanon, stating that "all options" were on the table and that the possibility of an open conflict was "realistic".

"All options are open on our Lebanese front," Nasrallah said.&nbsp;

"We say to the enemy that might think of attacking Lebanon or carrying out a pre-emptive operation, that this would be the greatest foolishness of its existence," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-we-must-do-more-to-protect-palestinians-says-blinken-654818">Israel-Hamas war: We must do more to protect Palestinians, says Blinken</a>

<h2>Nasrallah blames US for Gaza war</h2>

Nasrallah, in the televised broadcast, said that the United States was "entirely responsible" for the war that broke out in Gaza. He also dubbed Israel as the US' "tool of execution" for the ongoing conflict.

"America is entirely responsible for the ongoing war on Gaza and its people, and Israel is simply a tool of execution," the Hezbollah leader said.

The United States "impedes a ceasefire and the end of the aggression," he added. &nbsp;

He also said that his group was ready to face the US fleet, further stating that the countries who want to prevent a regional war should halt the attacks in Gaza.

"Your fleet in the Mediterranean do not scare us... We are ready to face the fleet you threaten us with," Nasrallah said, addressing the United States.&nbsp;

"Whoever wants to prevent a regional war must quickly stop the aggression on Gaza," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Friday (Nov 3) broke weeks of silence since the upsurge of violence between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Friday (Nov 3) broke weeks of silence since the upsurge of violence between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. During his address, he warned Israel against attacking Lebanon, stating that "all options" were on the table and that the possibility of an open conflict was "realistic". "All options are open on our Lebanese front," Nasrallah said. "We say to the enemy that might think of attacking Lebanon or carrying out a pre-emptive operation, that this would be the greatest foolishness of its existence," he added. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: We must do more to protect Palestinians, says Blinken Nasrallah blames US for Gaza war Nasrallah, in the televised broadcast, said that the United States was "entirely responsible" for the war that broke out in Gaza. He also dubbed Israel as the US' "tool of execution" for the ongoing conflict. "America is entirely responsible for the ongoing war on Gaza and its people, and Israel is simply a tool of execution," the Hezbollah leader said. The United States "impedes a ceasefire and the end of the aggression," he added. He also said that his group was ready to face the US fleet, further stating that the countries who want to prevent a regional war should halt the attacks in Gaza. "Your fleet in the Mediterranean do not scare us... We are ready to face the fleet you threaten us with," Nasrallah said, addressing the United States. "Whoever wants to prevent a regional war must quickly stop the aggression on Gaza," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah chief warns Israel of wider conflict, blames US for Gaza war

A massive blaze ripped through a drug rehabilitation centre in northern Iran on Friday (Nov 3), claiming the lives of at least 32 people and wounding 16 others, local media reported.

"Thirty-two people have been killed in the fire" which broke out at a drug rehabilitation centre in Langarud, a city in the northern Gilan province, said Fars news agency quoting the province's deputy governor Mohammad Jalai.

Jalai said 16 others were wounded in the blaze, four of whom were in "critical condition".

The blaze erupted during the night after a heater caught fire with the flames setting light to the curtains, he said on the reason behind the incident.

He said that the number of casualties was high because the rehab centre was overcrowded and the ones being treated there had no space to move freely.

Earlier, the death toll was reported as 27 with 12 injured, by the judiciary's Mizan Online news website, highlighting that the rehab centre only had a capacity of 40 people.

The province's chief justice Esmail Sadeghi released a statement saying that the manager and other possible culprits have been arrested.

As per news agency AFP, the footage of the incident showed massive flames gushing out of the rehab centre forcing plumes of smoke into the air.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-chief-warns-israel-of-wider-conflict-blames-us-for-gaza-war-654836">Hezbollah chief warns Israel of wider conflict, blames US for Gaza war</a>

The blaze engulfed the building, destroyed its roof and shattered all the windows. The walls of the centre also turned black in the aftermath.

<h2>Iran and drug abuse</h2>

Drug abuse has been an constant issue in Iran and as per the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), it has one of the most severe addiction problems in the world.

Figures cited by UNODC in 2021 suggested 2.8 million people in Iran were struggling with a drug problem.

Multiple campaigns have been launched by the Iranian authorities to fight the drug menace in the country in the past but the issue continues to prevail.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A massive blaze ripped through a drug rehabilitation centre in northern Iran on Friday (Nov 3), claiming the lives of at least 32 people and wounding 16 others, local media reported.

A massive blaze ripped through a drug rehabilitation centre in northern Iran on Friday (Nov 3), claiming the lives of at least 32 people and wounding 16 others, local media reported. "Thirty-two people have been killed in the fire" which broke out at a drug rehabilitation centre in Langarud, a city in the northern Gilan province, said Fars news agency quoting the province's deputy governor Mohammad Jalai. Jalai said 16 others were wounded in the blaze, four of whom were in "critical condition". The blaze erupted during the night after a heater caught fire with the flames setting light to the curtains, he said on the reason behind the incident. He said that the number of casualties was high because the rehab centre was overcrowded and the ones being treated there had no space to move freely. Earlier, the death toll was reported as 27 with 12 injured, by the judiciary's Mizan Online news website, highlighting that the rehab centre only had a capacity of 40 people. The province's chief justice Esmail Sadeghi released a statement saying that the manager and other possible culprits have been arrested. As per news agency AFP, the footage of the incident showed massive flames gushing out of the rehab centre forcing plumes of smoke into the air. Also read: Hezbollah chief warns Israel of wider conflict, blames US for Gaza war The blaze engulfed the building, destroyed its roof and shattered all the windows. The walls of the centre also turned black in the aftermath. Iran and drug abuse Drug abuse has been an constant issue in Iran and as per the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), it has one of the most severe addiction problems in the world. Figures cited by UNODC in 2021 suggested 2.8 million people in Iran were struggling with a drug problem. Multiple campaigns have been launched by the Iranian authorities to fight the drug menace in the country in the past but the issue continues to prevail. (With inputs from agencies)

Massive blaze at drug rehabilitation centre kills 32 in Iran

Amid the Israel-Hamas war, the United Nations on Friday (Nov 3) said $1.2 billion would be the minimum amount required to meet the needs of nearly 2.7 million people in the Gaza Strip and 500,000 people in the West Bank until the end of this year.

"The cost of meeting the needs of 2.7 million people -- that is the entire population of Gaza and 500,000 people in the occupied West Bank -- is estimated to be $1.2 billion," the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement.

In an appeal on Oct 12, OCHA had sought aid of $294 million to help nearly 1.3 million people affected by the war.

"The situation has grown increasingly desperate since then," it said.

The supply of aid to Gaza has been hindered since Israel launched an offensive against &nbsp;Hamas in the wake of unprecedented attacks by the Palestinian militant group on October 7.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-passes-14-billion-aid-package-for-israel-without-ukraine-to-be-rejected-by-senate-654562">US House passes $14 billion aid package for Israel, but not Ukraine</a>

"There's been a high number of casualties reported, as well as the reported use of explosive weapons with wide area effects in some of the most densely populated areas in Gaza," said Liz Throssell, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

"We have serious concerns that the principles of distinction and proportionality are not being respected by both sides."&nbsp;

OCHA said that its revised appeal for funding, which will be published on Monday, would outline the need for food, water, health care, shelter, hygiene and other urgent priorities.

"The new appeal will outline the need for food, water, health care, shelter, hygiene and other urgent priorities following the massive bombardments in the Gaza Strip," OCHA said.

"We urge donors to promptly make resources available for the response," Laerke said.

"Our ability to ease the suffering of the Palestinian population will depend on adequate funding, safe and sustained access to all people in need, wherever they are, sufficient flow of humanitarian supplies, and - importantly - fuel." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the Israel-Hamas war, the United Nations on Friday (Nov 3) said $1.2 billion would be the minimum amount required to meet the needs of nearly 2.7 million people in the Gaza Strip and 500,000 people in the West Bank until the end of this year.

Amid the Israel-Hamas war, the United Nations on Friday (Nov 3) said $1.2 billion would be the minimum amount required to meet the needs of nearly 2.7 million people in the Gaza Strip and 500,000 people in the West Bank until the end of this year. "The cost of meeting the needs of 2.7 million people -- that is the entire population of Gaza and 500,000 people in the occupied West Bank -- is estimated to be $1.2 billion," the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement. In an appeal on Oct 12, OCHA had sought aid of $294 million to help nearly 1.3 million people affected by the war. "The situation has grown increasingly desperate since then," it said. The supply of aid to Gaza has been hindered since Israel launched an offensive against Hamas in the wake of unprecedented attacks by the Palestinian militant group on October 7. Also read: US House passes $14 billion aid package for Israel, but not Ukraine "There's been a high number of casualties reported, as well as the reported use of explosive weapons with wide area effects in some of the most densely populated areas in Gaza," said Liz Throssell, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). "We have serious concerns that the principles of distinction and proportionality are not being respected by both sides." OCHA said that its revised appeal for funding, which will be published on Monday, would outline the need for food, water, health care, shelter, hygiene and other urgent priorities. "The new appeal will outline the need for food, water, health care, shelter, hygiene and other urgent priorities following the massive bombardments in the Gaza Strip," OCHA said. "We urge donors to promptly make resources available for the response," Laerke said. "Our ability to ease the suffering of the Palestinian population will depend on adequate funding, safe and sustained access to all people in need, wherever they are, sufficient flow of humanitarian supplies, and - importantly - fuel." (With inputs from agencies)

UN seeks $1.2 billion aid to support people in Gaza, West Bank

Four people were killed after a small plane flying from Croatia to Salzburg crashed in central Austria, police said Friday.

The Cirrus SR20 left Zagreb on Thursday afternoon for Salzburg and crashed in rugged terrain near Lintsching, police said.&nbsp;

The cause of the crash is still unknown and an investigation has been opened. Autopsies have been ordered to identify the victims.

Austrian public broadcaster ORF said flying conditions in the Salzburg province were "very difficult" on Thursday with strong winds and dense clouds.

Four people were killed after a small plane flying from Croatia to Salzburg crashed in central Austria, police said Friday. The Cirrus SR20 left Zagreb on Thursday afternoon for Salzburg and crashed in rugged terrain near Lintsching, police said.

Four people were killed after a small plane flying from Croatia to Salzburg crashed in central Austria, police said Friday. The Cirrus SR20 left Zagreb on Thursday afternoon for Salzburg and crashed in rugged terrain near Lintsching, police said. The cause of the crash is still unknown and an investigation has been opened. Autopsies have been ordered to identify the victims. Austrian public broadcaster ORF said flying conditions in the Salzburg province were "very difficult" on Thursday with strong winds and dense clouds.

Four dead after light plane crashes in central Austria

In the latest development from the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian group has said that in the coming days, it would release some of the foreign hostages that it took captive during its unprecedented onslaught on Oct&nbsp;7.

Hamas's armed wing on Tuesday (Oct 31) said that it would free "a certain number of foreigners" as it vowed to turn Gaza into a graveyard for the Israeli army.

"We have informed intermediaries that we will release a certain number of foreigners in the next few days," Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, said in a televised address.

"Gaza will be a graveyard and a quagmire for the enemy, its soldiers and its political and military leadership," said Obeida.

Reportedly, at the moment, Hamas has held approximately 240 hostages in Gaza after the militant group launched a surprise attack against Israel on Oct 7 prompting a fierce ground offensive by Israeli defence forces.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-ministry-floats-idea-of-transferring-23mn-gazans-to-egypts-sinai-peninsula-653479">Israel floats idea of shifting 2.3 million Gazans to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula</a>

As of now, five hostages have been released, including four after negotiations through a diplomatic backchannel and one following an operation by the Israeli army.

<h2>Hamas demands Israel free Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages</h2>

Earlier, Hamas had demanded Israel release purported Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages it took captive.

Israel describes such Palestinian prisoners as Hamas operatives and a threat to its national security.&nbsp;

"The price to pay for the large number of enemy hostages in our hands is to empty the (Israeli) prisons of all Palestinian prisoners," Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Obeida said in a statement broadcast by the Hamas-run Al-Aqsa television channel.

"If the enemy wants to close this file of detainees in one go, we are ready for it. If it wants to do it step-by-step, we are ready for that too."

In a press briefing on Saturday (Oct 28), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while not making any commitment to the exchange deal, vowed to "exhaust every option to bring them (the hostages) home".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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In the latest development from the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian group has said that in the coming days, it would release some of the foreign hostages that it took captive during its unprecedented onslaught on Oct 7.

In the latest development from the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian group has said that in the coming days, it would release some of the foreign hostages that it took captive during its unprecedented onslaught on Oct 7. Hamas's armed wing on Tuesday (Oct 31) said that it would free "a certain number of foreigners" as it vowed to turn Gaza into a graveyard for the Israeli army. "We have informed intermediaries that we will release a certain number of foreigners in the next few days," Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, said in a televised address. "Gaza will be a graveyard and a quagmire for the enemy, its soldiers and its political and military leadership," said Obeida. Reportedly, at the moment, Hamas has held approximately 240 hostages in Gaza after the militant group launched a surprise attack against Israel on Oct 7 prompting a fierce ground offensive by Israeli defence forces. Also read: Israel floats idea of shifting 2.3 million Gazans to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula As of now, five hostages have been released, including four after negotiations through a diplomatic backchannel and one following an operation by the Israeli army. Hamas demands Israel free Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages Earlier, Hamas had demanded Israel release purported Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages it took captive. Israel describes such Palestinian prisoners as Hamas operatives and a threat to its national security. "The price to pay for the large number of enemy hostages in our hands is to empty the (Israeli) prisons of all Palestinian prisoners," Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Obeida said in a statement broadcast by the Hamas-run Al-Aqsa television channel. "If the enemy wants to close this file of detainees in one go, we are ready for it. If it wants to do it step-by-step, we are ready for that too." In a press briefing on Saturday (Oct 28), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while not making any commitment to the exchange deal, vowed to "exhaust every option to bring them (the hostages) home". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Will free 'certain foreign hostages' in next few days, turn Gaza into graveyard for Israeli army, says Hamas

In Pics | Protesters stage demonstrations across the world in support of Gaza

The cremation of China's former Premier Li Keqiang will take place on Thursday (Nov 2) in Beijing days after the "outstanding" leader's sudden death, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

Li, a former economist and pro-reform leader who served as the premier for over a decade before stepping down in March this year, died of a heart attack on October 27 in Shanghai.

His remains were transferred to Beijing from Shanghai on a special plane on that day, reported Xinhua.

"The remains of Comrade Li Keqiang will be cremated in Beijing on Thursday," the official Xinhua news agency reported.

"He was extolled as an excellent CPC member, a time-tested and loyal communist soldier and an outstanding proletarian revolutionist, statesman and leader of the Party and the state," Xinhua said on Tuesday, referring to the Chinese Communist Party.

On the day of his cremation, the flags will fly at half-mast across the country in mourning at the capital's Tiananmen Square, the Great Hall of the People, the foreign ministry as well as seats of local governments across the country, and diplomatic missions, Xinhua said.

According to the state media, he was in Shanghai on a holiday when he suffered a sudden heart attack and passed away the next day.&nbsp;

“Comrade Li Keqiang, while resting in Shanghai in recent days, experienced a sudden heart attack on Oct. 26 and after all-out efforts to revive him failed, died in Shanghai at ten minutes past midnight on Oct. 27,” said state broadcaster CCTV.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-israeli-un-delegates-wear-yellow-stars-as-symbol-of-pride-invite-criticism-653600">Video | Israeli UN delegates wear yellow stars as 'symbol of pride', invite criticism</a>

<h2>Li's political career</h2>

Between 2013-23, Li was said to be China’s No. 2 leader but had increasingly been sidelined in recent years by Xi who has steered the world’s second-largest economy in a more statist direction.&nbsp;

Li, who served as the country’s premier – &nbsp;traditionally in charge of the economy – was an English-speaking economist and was once considered a contender to take over after then-Communist Party leader Hu Jintao in 2013 but was passed over in favour of Xi.

Notably, the elite economist was seen as a supporter of a more liberal market economy.&nbsp;

In 2014, in his first annual policy address, he was reportedly praised for promising to pursue market-oriented reform, cut government waste, and get rid of corruption that was undermining public faith in the Communist Party.

He once served as a provincial leader in Henan in central China between 1998 and 2004. However, his term was marred by his reputation for bad luck after three fatal fires struck Henan during his time in office as well as an accusation of cracking down after an AIDS scandal.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The cremation of China's former Premier Li Keqiang will take place on Thursday (Nov 2) in Beijing days after the "outstanding" leader's sudden death, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

The cremation of China's former Premier Li Keqiang will take place on Thursday (Nov 2) in Beijing days after the "outstanding" leader's sudden death, the official Xinhua news agency reported. Li, a former economist and pro-reform leader who served as the premier for over a decade before stepping down in March this year, died of a heart attack on October 27 in Shanghai. His remains were transferred to Beijing from Shanghai on a special plane on that day, reported Xinhua. "The remains of Comrade Li Keqiang will be cremated in Beijing on Thursday," the official Xinhua news agency reported. "He was extolled as an excellent CPC member, a time-tested and loyal communist soldier and an outstanding proletarian revolutionist, statesman and leader of the Party and the state," Xinhua said on Tuesday, referring to the Chinese Communist Party. On the day of his cremation, the flags will fly at half-mast across the country in mourning at the capital's Tiananmen Square, the Great Hall of the People, the foreign ministry as well as seats of local governments across the country, and diplomatic missions, Xinhua said. According to the state media, he was in Shanghai on a holiday when he suffered a sudden heart attack and passed away the next day. “Comrade Li Keqiang, while resting in Shanghai in recent days, experienced a sudden heart attack on Oct. 26 and after all-out efforts to revive him failed, died in Shanghai at ten minutes past midnight on Oct. 27,” said state broadcaster CCTV. Also read: Video | Israeli UN delegates wear yellow stars as 'symbol of pride', invite criticism Li's political career Between 2013-23, Li was said to be China’s No. 2 leader but had increasingly been sidelined in recent years by Xi who has steered the world’s second-largest economy in a more statist direction. Li, who served as the country’s premier – traditionally in charge of the economy – was an English-speaking economist and was once considered a contender to take over after then-Communist Party leader Hu Jintao in 2013 but was passed over in favour of Xi. Notably, the elite economist was seen as a supporter of a more liberal market economy. In 2014, in his first annual policy address, he was reportedly praised for promising to pursue market-oriented reform, cut government waste, and get rid of corruption that was undermining public faith in the Communist Party. He once served as a provincial leader in Henan in central China between 1998 and 2004. However, his term was marred by his reputation for bad luck after three fatal fires struck Henan during his time in office as well as an accusation of cracking down after an AIDS scandal. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China to cremate former premier Li Keqiang in Beijing on Thursday

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