South Korea, along with the United States and Japan, conducted their first anti-submarine drills in almost five years on Friday. The drills took place just hours after multiple ballistic tests were carried out by North Korea reportedly in response to the earlier military training by US and South Korean military.&nbsp;

According to the official statement from the South Korean military, the one-day training involving the three nations was aimed at creating defenses against North Korea’s strategy to fire missiles from submarines. In the recent past, North Korea has added bigger submarines to its arsenal.&nbsp;

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Besides the bigger and more advanced submarines, North Korea has also been testing specific missiles which are capable of being fired from underwater. As a result, the training focused on tracking and neutralising the threat posed by submarines which are sometimes hard to spot on the radars.&nbsp;

The official statement from the United States military said that the training involved the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan as well as the US, South Korean, and Japanese destroyers.&nbsp;

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“We will respond and neutralize any forms of North Korean provocations in an overwhelming and decisive manner,” Capt. Cho, Chung-Ho, commander of South Korean navy troops, said in a statement.&nbsp;

On Thursday, North Korea tested five ballistic missiles with US Vice President Kamala Harris visiting South Korea as part of her Asian tour. During her visit to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) dividing the two Koreas, she said, “In the South, we see a thriving democracy. In the North, we see a brutal dictatorship.”&nbsp;

South Korea, along with the United States and Japan, conducted their first anti-submarine drills in almost five years on Friday. The drills took place just hours after multiple ballistic tests were carried out by North Korea reportedly in response to the earlier military training by US and South Korean military.

South Korea, along with the United States and Japan, conducted their first anti-submarine drills in almost five years on Friday. The drills took place just hours after multiple ballistic tests were carried out by North Korea reportedly in response to the earlier military training by US and South Korean military. According to the official statement from the South Korean military, the one-day training involving the three nations was aimed at creating defenses against North Korea’s strategy to fire missiles from submarines. In the recent past, North Korea has added bigger submarines to its arsenal. Also read | Death toll remains uncertain as Hurricane Ian causes devastation in Florida Besides the bigger and more advanced submarines, North Korea has also been testing specific missiles which are capable of being fired from underwater. As a result, the training focused on tracking and neutralising the threat posed by submarines which are sometimes hard to spot on the radars. The official statement from the United States military said that the training involved the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan as well as the US, South Korean, and Japanese destroyers. Also read | Putin recognises independence of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions “We will respond and neutralize any forms of North Korean provocations in an overwhelming and decisive manner,” Capt. Cho, Chung-Ho, commander of South Korean navy troops, said in a statement. On Thursday, North Korea tested five ballistic missiles with US Vice President Kamala Harris visiting South Korea as part of her Asian tour. During her visit to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) dividing the two Koreas, she said, “In the South, we see a thriving democracy. In the North, we see a brutal dictatorship.”

United States, South Korea and Japan conduct trilateral anti-submarine drills

Former United States President Donald Trump will not need to provide the authorities with a sworn statement stating that the list of materials seized by the FBI during their Mar-a-Lago raid was ‘accurate and complete, a federal judge said on Thursday. The order came after US Senior Judge Raymond Dearie was appointed ‘special master’ to oversee the review of the materials ahead of a full investigation.&nbsp;

The Department of Justice was asked to provide a complete list of the materials found during the raid on Trump’s Florida residence and it will then be sent to his lawyers for confirmation. Earlier, Trump had alleged that the authorities planted some evidence at Mar-a-Lago in order to frame him.&nbsp;

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Dearie asked Trump’s lawyers to make it clear if they want to officially claim that some evidence was planted but they refused to admit it officially claiming that it was difficult to go through all the materials.&nbsp;

"There shall be no separate requirement on [Trump] at this stage, prior to the review of any of the seized materials, to lodge ex-ante final objections to the accuracy of [the government's] inventory, its descriptions. The court’s appointment order did not contemplate that obligation," the court said.&nbsp;

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The FBI said that the raid was conducted after witnesses told them that the Mar-a-Lago residence had several classified documents from Trump’s tenure as President and proof of ‘obstruction of justice'. &nbsp;

During the raid, more than 11,000 records were found with more than 100 marked classified, according to their official affidavit. However, the DOJ later decreased the number of classified ones to 53 in their sworn declaration.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Former United States President Donald Trump will not need to provide the authorities with a sworn statement stating that the list of materials seized by the FBI during their Mar-a-Lago raid was ‘accurate and complete, a federal judge said on Thursday.

Former United States President Donald Trump will not need to provide the authorities with a sworn statement stating that the list of materials seized by the FBI during their Mar-a-Lago raid was ‘accurate and complete, a federal judge said on Thursday. The order came after US Senior Judge Raymond Dearie was appointed ‘special master’ to oversee the review of the materials ahead of a full investigation. The Department of Justice was asked to provide a complete list of the materials found during the raid on Trump’s Florida residence and it will then be sent to his lawyers for confirmation. Earlier, Trump had alleged that the authorities planted some evidence at Mar-a-Lago in order to frame him. Also read | Putin recognises independence of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions Dearie asked Trump’s lawyers to make it clear if they want to officially claim that some evidence was planted but they refused to admit it officially claiming that it was difficult to go through all the materials. "There shall be no separate requirement on [Trump] at this stage, prior to the review of any of the seized materials, to lodge ex-ante final objections to the accuracy of [the government's] inventory, its descriptions. The court’s appointment order did not contemplate that obligation," the court said. Also read | Nord Stream leaks: No timeframe for fixing the pipelines, says operator The FBI said that the raid was conducted after witnesses told them that the Mar-a-Lago residence had several classified documents from Trump’s tenure as President and proof of ‘obstruction of justice'. During the raid, more than 11,000 records were found with more than 100 marked classified, according to their official affidavit. However, the DOJ later decreased the number of classified ones to 53 in their sworn declaration.

Donald Trump not required to attest that FBI's list of seized records is accurate, US judge rules

Twenty five people were killed, and 28 others were injured after a Russian missile strike on the outskirts of the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, the regional governor said on Friday. According to local officials, the missile hit a convoy of civilian vehicles resulting in the death of a number of local inhabitants.&nbsp;

"Twenty-five killed and about 50 wounded in an attack by the Russian military on a humanitarian convoy in Zaporizhzhia. Investigation launched," said the prosecutor general's office on Telegram.

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The police and emergency workers reached the scene shortly after the missile strike and even the local people helped in getting the people out of the cars. According to Ukraine Times, the cars were sprayed with shrapnel and several of them were badly damaged due to the impact.&nbsp;

A witness in Zaporizhzhia told Reuters that the incident took place near the Orekhovo car market and the convoy comprised of three cars and three vans. The missile landed in the middle of the convoy – where it left a huge crater. The bodies were draped up quickly in plastic sheets.&nbsp;

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"We were returning to my mother who is 90 years old. We have been spared. It’s a miracle," said a woman.&nbsp;

The attack came hours ahead of Russia’s official proclamation regarding the annexation of the region. In the aftermath of the referendums which were declared “sham” by western countries, Russia has claimed victory and formally&nbsp;annexed Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Lugansk&nbsp;regions. 
&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Twenty five people were killed, and 28 others were injured after a Russian missile strike on the outskirts of the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, the regional governor said on Friday.

Twenty five people were killed, and 28 others were injured after a Russian missile strike on the outskirts of the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, the regional governor said on Friday. According to local officials, the missile hit a convoy of civilian vehicles resulting in the death of a number of local inhabitants. "Twenty-five killed and about 50 wounded in an attack by the Russian military on a humanitarian convoy in Zaporizhzhia. Investigation launched," said the prosecutor general's office on Telegram. Also read | At least 17 dead as Hurricane Ian causes massive devastation in Florida The police and emergency workers reached the scene shortly after the missile strike and even the local people helped in getting the people out of the cars. According to Ukraine Times, the cars were sprayed with shrapnel and several of them were badly damaged due to the impact. A witness in Zaporizhzhia told Reuters that the incident took place near the Orekhovo car market and the convoy comprised of three cars and three vans. The missile landed in the middle of the convoy – where it left a huge crater. The bodies were draped up quickly in plastic sheets. Also read | 19 dead and 27 injured after suicide bomb blast at educational center in Kabul "We were returning to my mother who is 90 years old. We have been spared. It’s a miracle," said a woman. The attack came hours ahead of Russia’s official proclamation regarding the annexation of the region. In the aftermath of the referendums which were declared “sham” by western countries, Russia has claimed victory and formally annexed Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Lugansk regions.

25 killed and 28 injured in Russian attack on civilian convoy in Zaporizhzhia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday that the country’s federal police will be launching an investigation into the data breach affecting Optus customers. Around 9.8 million customer records were leaked online, and Optus has agreed to pay for the replacement of their passports.

The Australian authorities are calling it “Operation Guardian” and according to Reuters, the main aim of this initiative is to protect the affected individuals from “financial fraud and identity theft”.&nbsp;

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The assistant commissioner of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Justine Gough unveiled the operation, and made it clear that they will be going through records of all 10,000 victims whose information was&nbsp;leaked from the Optus database. &nbsp;

The leaked information included passports, Medicare, and driver’s licence.&nbsp;

“This will be a long investigation and it involves large data sources, multiple inquiries,” Gough said according to The Guardian. &nbsp;

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“This is a complex investigation that will take some time. There are complex datasets. It will involve co-operation with law enforcement from across the globe, potentially, given that we are talking about a type of crime that is borderless,” she added.&nbsp;

Earlier,&nbsp;Albanese asked Optus to pay for the replacement of the passports whose information was leaked, and the company agreed to do so after the leak. “[Optus] will cover the costs of replacing affected customers’ passports. I think that’s entirely appropriate,” Albanese said earlier.&nbsp;

The AFP introduced Operation Hurricane to stop the data from being sold online and although the authorities were successful, Gough said that it will remain operational. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday that the country’s federal police will be launching an investigation into the data breach affecting Optus customers.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday that the country’s federal police will be launching an investigation into the data breach affecting Optus customers. Around 9.8 million customer records were leaked online, and Optus has agreed to pay for the replacement of their passports. The Australian authorities are calling it “Operation Guardian” and according to Reuters, the main aim of this initiative is to protect the affected individuals from “financial fraud and identity theft”. Also read | 23 including girl students killed in Kabul educational centre suicide blast The assistant commissioner of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Justine Gough unveiled the operation, and made it clear that they will be going through records of all 10,000 victims whose information was leaked from the Optus database. The leaked information included passports, Medicare, and driver’s licence. “This will be a long investigation and it involves large data sources, multiple inquiries,” Gough said according to The Guardian. Also read | Xi Jinping appears in public again, attends wreath laying to mark Martyrs' Day “This is a complex investigation that will take some time. There are complex datasets. It will involve co-operation with law enforcement from across the globe, potentially, given that we are talking about a type of crime that is borderless,” she added. Earlier, Albanese asked Optus to pay for the replacement of the passports whose information was leaked, and the company agreed to do so after the leak. “[Optus] will cover the costs of replacing affected customers’ passports. I think that’s entirely appropriate,” Albanese said earlier. The AFP introduced Operation Hurricane to stop the data from being sold online and although the authorities were successful, Gough said that it will remain operational. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia launches 'Operation Guardian' to protect Optus data breach victims

The United States announced on Thursday that it will be providing an additional $810 million in support to the Pacific Island countries in an attempt to increase presence in the region. During the first US-Pacific Summit, the US also said that it will recognise Niue and Cook Islands as sovereign states.

The summit was attended by leaders from Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and New Caledonia.&nbsp;

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The summit holds special importance for the US after China made steady headways in its relationship with the Pacific Island nations this year. As a result, it came as no surprise that President Joe Biden announced that the new aid will be spent on infrastructure as well as measures against the climate crisis.&nbsp;

“The Pacific Islands are a critical voice in shaping the future, and that’s why my administration has made it a priority to strengthen our partnership with your countries,” Biden said at the summit.&nbsp;

“We’re seeing the consequences of climate change around the world very vividly, including in the United States right now, and I know your nations feel it acutely,” he added, reports Reuters.&nbsp;

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In April this year, the Solomon Islands signed a controversial security pact with China. President Manasseh Sogavare was also part of the US-Pacific declaration on Thursday.&nbsp;

During the summit, US officials did not mention China, but secretary of state Antony Blinken warned against “heightened geopolitical competition impacts” for the Pacific Island countries.&nbsp;

The United States announced on Thursday that it will be providing an additional $810 million in support to the Pacific Island countries in an attempt to increase presence in the region.

The United States announced on Thursday that it will be providing an additional $810 million in support to the Pacific Island countries in an attempt to increase presence in the region. During the first US-Pacific Summit, the US also said that it will recognise Niue and Cook Islands as sovereign states. The summit was attended by leaders from Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and New Caledonia. Also read | RBI hikes benchmark repo rate by 50 basis points to a three-year high of 5.9 per cent The summit holds special importance for the US after China made steady headways in its relationship with the Pacific Island nations this year. As a result, it came as no surprise that President Joe Biden announced that the new aid will be spent on infrastructure as well as measures against the climate crisis. “The Pacific Islands are a critical voice in shaping the future, and that’s why my administration has made it a priority to strengthen our partnership with your countries,” Biden said at the summit. “We’re seeing the consequences of climate change around the world very vividly, including in the United States right now, and I know your nations feel it acutely,” he added, reports Reuters. Also read | 19 dead and 27 injured after suicide bomb blast at educational centre in Kabul In April this year, the Solomon Islands signed a controversial security pact with China. President Manasseh Sogavare was also part of the US-Pacific declaration on Thursday. During the summit, US officials did not mention China, but secretary of state Antony Blinken warned against “heightened geopolitical competition impacts” for the Pacific Island countries.

US announces $810 million funding for Pacific Islands in bid to counter China

Australia will end the mandatory five-day home quarantine for COVID-infected people on Oct. 14, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday, even as some doctors warned the move would put the public at risk.&nbsp;

The decision to let COVID-infected Australians decide whether they need to isolate or not removes one of country's last remaining restrictions from the pandemic era, and comes about a month after the quarantine period was cut to five days from seven.&nbsp;

"We want a policy that promotes resilience and capacity-building and reduces a reliance on government intervention," Albanese told reporters after a meeting of the national cabinet.&nbsp;

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The pandemic leave payments for casual workers will also stop when isolation rules end, as Albanese said "it isn't sustainable for government to pay people's wages forever."&nbsp;

A champion of COVID-suppression strategy, Australia shifted away from its fortress-style controls and began living with the virus from&nbsp;early this year&nbsp;through a staggered easing of curbs amid higher vaccination rates.&nbsp;

"The crucial point is that the emergency response phase is probably finished at this point in the pandemic," Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said. "This virus will be around for many years but it's time to consider ... different ways of dealing with it."&nbsp;

But Australian doctors warned that ending the mandatory quarantine rules puts the public at risk.&nbsp;

Professor Brendan Crabb, a microbiologist and chief executive of the Burnet Institute, told ABC: "It's disappointing, pretty dark day actually. You know, it's illogical and uninformed, for me I find it distressing."&nbsp;

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Australian Medical Association President, Steve Robson, concurred.&nbsp;

"I think people who are pushing for the isolation periods to be cut are not scientifically literate," Robson told ABC television ahead of the government decision.&nbsp;

Australia, one of the most heavily vaccinated countries against COVID-19, has given two doses to 96.5% of those older than 16, although just under 72% have had the booster shot.&nbsp;

People admitted to hospitals from the virus and the number of infected have been trending lower after a&nbsp;major Omicron outbreak&nbsp;during the winter. The country's tally of about 10.2 million infections and 15,153 deaths is lower than many developed economies.&nbsp;

Australia will end the mandatory five-day home quarantine for COVID-infected people on Oct. 14, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday, even as some doctors warned the move would put the public at risk.

Australia will end the mandatory five-day home quarantine for COVID-infected people on Oct. 14, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday, even as some doctors warned the move would put the public at risk. The decision to let COVID-infected Australians decide whether they need to isolate or not removes one of country's last remaining restrictions from the pandemic era, and comes about a month after the quarantine period was cut to five days from seven. "We want a policy that promotes resilience and capacity-building and reduces a reliance on government intervention," Albanese told reporters after a meeting of the national cabinet. Also read | At least 17 dead as Hurricane Ian causes massive devastation in Florida The pandemic leave payments for casual workers will also stop when isolation rules end, as Albanese said "it isn't sustainable for government to pay people's wages forever." A champion of COVID-suppression strategy, Australia shifted away from its fortress-style controls and began living with the virus from early this year through a staggered easing of curbs amid higher vaccination rates. "The crucial point is that the emergency response phase is probably finished at this point in the pandemic," Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said. "This virus will be around for many years but it's time to consider ... different ways of dealing with it." But Australian doctors warned that ending the mandatory quarantine rules puts the public at risk. Professor Brendan Crabb, a microbiologist and chief executive of the Burnet Institute, told ABC: "It's disappointing, pretty dark day actually. You know, it's illogical and uninformed, for me I find it distressing." Also read | Xi Jinping appears in public again, attends wreath laying to mark Martyrs' Day Australian Medical Association President, Steve Robson, concurred. "I think people who are pushing for the isolation periods to be cut are not scientifically literate," Robson told ABC television ahead of the government decision. Australia, one of the most heavily vaccinated countries against COVID-19, has given two doses to 96.5% of those older than 16, although just under 72% have had the booster shot. People admitted to hospitals from the virus and the number of infected have been trending lower after a major Omicron outbreak during the winter. The country's tally of about 10.2 million infections and 15,153 deaths is lower than many developed economies.

Australia ends mandatory Covid isolation period as it moves beyond 'emergency phase'

Taiwan will end its mandatory COVID-19 quarantine for arrivals from Oct. 13 and welcome tourists back, the government said on Thursday, completing a major step on its plan to re-open to the outside world.&nbsp;

Taiwan had kept some of its entry and quarantine rules in place as large parts of the rest of Asia relaxed or lifted them completely, although in June it cut the number of days required in isolation for arrivals to three from seven previously.&nbsp;

Taiwan has reported 6.3 million domestic cases since the beginning of the year, driven by the more infectious Omicron variant. With more than 99% of those showing no or only mild symptoms, the government has relaxed restrictions in its "new Taiwan model".&nbsp;

Cabinet spokesman Lo Ping-cheng told reporters that with a well vaccinated population and the pandemic under control at home, the time had come to re-open borders.&nbsp;

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Arrivals will still need to monitor their health for a seven day period and take rapid tests, but tourists will be allowed to return, he added.&nbsp;

The government had previously said it was aiming for an Oct. 13 re-opening.&nbsp;

A series of other measures came into force on Thursday, including ending PCR tests for arrivals and resuming visa-free entry for citizens of all countries that previously had that status.&nbsp;

Throughout the pandemic Taiwanese citizens and foreign residents have not been prohibited from leaving and then re-entering but have had to quarantine at home or in hotels for up to two weeks.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

Taiwan will end its mandatory COVID-19 quarantine for arrivals from Oct. 13 and welcome tourists back, the government said on Thursday, completing a major step on its plan to re-open to the outside world.

Taiwan will end its mandatory COVID-19 quarantine for arrivals from Oct. 13 and welcome tourists back, the government said on Thursday, completing a major step on its plan to re-open to the outside world. Taiwan had kept some of its entry and quarantine rules in place as large parts of the rest of Asia relaxed or lifted them completely, although in June it cut the number of days required in isolation for arrivals to three from seven previously. Taiwan has reported 6.3 million domestic cases since the beginning of the year, driven by the more infectious Omicron variant. With more than 99% of those showing no or only mild symptoms, the government has relaxed restrictions in its "new Taiwan model". Cabinet spokesman Lo Ping-cheng told reporters that with a well vaccinated population and the pandemic under control at home, the time had come to re-open borders. Also read | In maps: Accession of occupied regions of Ukraine to the Russian Federation Arrivals will still need to monitor their health for a seven day period and take rapid tests, but tourists will be allowed to return, he added. The government had previously said it was aiming for an Oct. 13 re-opening. A series of other measures came into force on Thursday, including ending PCR tests for arrivals and resuming visa-free entry for citizens of all countries that previously had that status. Throughout the pandemic Taiwanese citizens and foreign residents have not been prohibited from leaving and then re-entering but have had to quarantine at home or in hotels for up to two weeks.

Taiwan to end COVID-19 quarantine for arrivals, welcome back tourists

At least 10 armed groups in Colombia, including former members of the FARC rebels who reject a peace deal and the Clan del Golfo crime gang, have agreed to participate in unilateral ceasefires, the government said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

President Gustavo Petro, who took office in August, has promised to seek "total peace" with armed groups, fully implementing a 2016 peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and meeting with dissidents and gangs.&nbsp;

"Each group with its own identity, nature and motivation is expressing its disposition to be part of a total peace, in this exploration phase we've asked them not to kill, not to disappear people and not to torture," Danilo Rueda, the government's high peace commissioner, told journalists at an impromptu press conference. "We are moving ahead."&nbsp;

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Among the groups are two FARC dissident groups - the Estado Mayor Central and Segunda Marquetalia - as well as the Clan del Golfo, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Auto-Defenses and others Rueda did not name.&nbsp;

Illegal armed groups in Colombia - whose six-decade conflict has killed at least 450,000 people - count some 6,000 fighters in their ranks, according to security sources.&nbsp;

Leftist rebels and crime gangs both participate in extortion, murder, drug trafficking and illegal gold mining.&nbsp;

Petro - himself a former member of the urban M-19 guerrilla - has said his government could offer reduced sentences to gang members who hand over ill-gotten assets and give information about drug trafficking.&nbsp;

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"The office of peace is exploring the judicial mechanisms to permit the transition of armed groups to rule of law," said Rueda, who previously met with FARC dissidents.&nbsp;read more&nbsp;

Petro also wants to restart Havana-based peace talks with largest active rebel group the National Liberation Army (ELN), which were called off by his predecessor, and Rueda traveled there soon after the inauguration.&nbsp;

The ELN favors a bilateral ceasefire to pave the way for renewed talks, its top negotiator told Reuters this month.&nbsp;read more&nbsp;

The government has said it will suspend aerial bombings of armed groups in a bid to avoid collateral damage to civilians and deaths of forcibly recruited minors.&nbsp;

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At least 10 armed groups in Colombia, including former members of the FARC rebels who reject a peace deal and the Clan del Golfo crime gang, have agreed to participate in unilateral ceasefires, the government said on Wednesday.

At least 10 armed groups in Colombia, including former members of the FARC rebels who reject a peace deal and the Clan del Golfo crime gang, have agreed to participate in unilateral ceasefires, the government said on Wednesday. President Gustavo Petro, who took office in August, has promised to seek "total peace" with armed groups, fully implementing a 2016 peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and meeting with dissidents and gangs. "Each group with its own identity, nature and motivation is expressing its disposition to be part of a total peace, in this exploration phase we've asked them not to kill, not to disappear people and not to torture," Danilo Rueda, the government's high peace commissioner, told journalists at an impromptu press conference. "We are moving ahead." Also read | More than 1.8 million without power as Hurricane Ian causes havoc in Florida Among the groups are two FARC dissident groups - the Estado Mayor Central and Segunda Marquetalia - as well as the Clan del Golfo, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Auto-Defenses and others Rueda did not name. Illegal armed groups in Colombia - whose six-decade conflict has killed at least 450,000 people - count some 6,000 fighters in their ranks, according to security sources. Leftist rebels and crime gangs both participate in extortion, murder, drug trafficking and illegal gold mining. Petro - himself a former member of the urban M-19 guerrilla - has said his government could offer reduced sentences to gang members who hand over ill-gotten assets and give information about drug trafficking. Also read | United States and Pacific island nations agree to ‘declaration of partnership’ "The office of peace is exploring the judicial mechanisms to permit the transition of armed groups to rule of law," said Rueda, who previously met with FARC dissidents. read more Petro also wants to restart Havana-based peace talks with largest active rebel group the National Liberation Army (ELN), which were called off by his predecessor, and Rueda traveled there soon after the inauguration. The ELN favors a bilateral ceasefire to pave the way for renewed talks, its top negotiator told Reuters this month. read more The government has said it will suspend aerial bombings of armed groups in a bid to avoid collateral damage to civilians and deaths of forcibly recruited minors.

Colombia says 10 armed groups agree to unilateral ceasefire

The United States has agreed on a historic partnership with leaders from the Pacific islands which can result in “big dollar” help for the region. It was a step taken by the US&nbsp;to stop the growing influence of China in the region as the aid is expected to be announced at the&nbsp;Pacific Islands Country Summit.&nbsp;

According to Washington Post, US President Joe Biden can announce an investment of around $860 million in various programs in order to help the islands. While no official statement has come from the White House, a US official told Reuters that the agreement for the investments is in place.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-18-million-without-power-as-hurricane-ian-causes-devastation-in-florida-520745" hreflang="en">More than 1.8 million without power as Hurricane Ian causes havoc in Florida</a>

This was the first time that the US hosted a summit involving leaders from the Pacific islands. Secretary of state&nbsp;Antony Blinken held meetings with all the major leaders in the summit and welcomed all the participating nations by saying&nbsp;- “You can count on the United States partnering with you.”&nbsp;

While it was reported that Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will not be signing the declaration with the US, reports suggest that he has also agreed to the proposed plans.&nbsp;

In April this year, the Solomon Islands signed a bilateral security cooperation agreement with China which focused on boosting the security capacity as well as humanitarian assistance in the region.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-poised-to-announce-annexation-after-sham-referendum-in-ukraine-520734">Russia poised to announce annexation after 'sham' referendum in Ukraine</a>

While there were no mentions of China, Blinken said that the US would work with the islands on “preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific where every nation – no matter how big, no matter how small – has the right to choose its own path.”&nbsp;

Joe Biden will be hosting the leaders from the Pacific islands on Thursday.&nbsp;

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The United States has agreed on a historic partnership with leaders from the Pacific islands which can result in “big dollar” help for the region. It was a step taken by the US to stop the growing influence of China in the region as the aid is expected to be announced at the Pacific Islands Country Summit.

The United States has agreed on a historic partnership with leaders from the Pacific islands which can result in “big dollar” help for the region. It was a step taken by the US to stop the growing influence of China in the region as the aid is expected to be announced at the Pacific Islands Country Summit. According to Washington Post, US President Joe Biden can announce an investment of around $860 million in various programs in order to help the islands. While no official statement has come from the White House, a US official told Reuters that the agreement for the investments is in place. Also read | More than 1.8 million without power as Hurricane Ian causes havoc in Florida This was the first time that the US hosted a summit involving leaders from the Pacific islands. Secretary of state Antony Blinken held meetings with all the major leaders in the summit and welcomed all the participating nations by saying - “You can count on the United States partnering with you.” While it was reported that Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will not be signing the declaration with the US, reports suggest that he has also agreed to the proposed plans. In April this year, the Solomon Islands signed a bilateral security cooperation agreement with China which focused on boosting the security capacity as well as humanitarian assistance in the region. Also read | Russia poised to announce annexation after 'sham' referendum in Ukraine While there were no mentions of China, Blinken said that the US would work with the islands on “preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific where every nation – no matter how big, no matter how small – has the right to choose its own path.” Joe Biden will be hosting the leaders from the Pacific islands on Thursday.

United States and Pacific island nations agree to ‘declaration of partnership’, says Blinken

Europe’s longest serving monarch at present – Queen Margrethe of Denmark – has decided to strip four of her grandchildren on their royal titles. The palace announced the decision on Wednesday and the reason was to allow the children of her younger son Prince Joachim to live a relatively normal life.&nbsp;

“As of January 1, 2023, the descendants of His Royal Highness Prince Joachim will only be able to use their titles of Count and Countess of Monpezat, their previous titles of Prince and Princess of Denmark ceasing to exist,” a statement from the royal palace stated, according to The Guardian.&nbsp;

Prince Joachim, 53, has four children — Nikolai, Felix, Henrik and Athena. Although they will not have their official royal titles, they will still be enjoying a lot of facilities that come with their lineage.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fourth-leak-found-on-nord-stream-pipelines-says-swedish-coast-guard-520806" hreflang="en">Fourth leak found on Nord Stream pipelines, says Swedish coast guard</a>

“With her decision, Her Majesty the Queen wants to create a framework for the four grandchildren, to a much greater degree, to be able to shape their own existence without being limited by the special considerations and obligations that a formal affiliation with the Royal House as an institution implies.” &nbsp;

“The queen’s decision is in line with similar changes that other royal houses have carried out in recent years in different ways,” the statement added.&nbsp;

However, Prince Joachim’s first wife – the mother of the eldest two sons – was surprised by the decision. “This came from out of the blue. The children feel excluded,” Countess Alexandra told BT.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“They can’t understand why their identity is being taken from them,” she added.&nbsp;

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Europe’s longest serving monarch at present – Queen Margrethe of Denmark – has decided to strip four of her grandchildren on their royal titles. The palace announced the decision on Wednesday and the reason was to allow the children of her younger son Prince Joachim to live a relatively normal life.

Europe’s longest serving monarch at present – Queen Margrethe of Denmark – has decided to strip four of her grandchildren on their royal titles. The palace announced the decision on Wednesday and the reason was to allow the children of her younger son Prince Joachim to live a relatively normal life. “As of January 1, 2023, the descendants of His Royal Highness Prince Joachim will only be able to use their titles of Count and Countess of Monpezat, their previous titles of Prince and Princess of Denmark ceasing to exist,” a statement from the royal palace stated, according to The Guardian. Prince Joachim, 53, has four children — Nikolai, Felix, Henrik and Athena. Although they will not have their official royal titles, they will still be enjoying a lot of facilities that come with their lineage. Also read | Fourth leak found on Nord Stream pipelines, says Swedish coast guard “With her decision, Her Majesty the Queen wants to create a framework for the four grandchildren, to a much greater degree, to be able to shape their own existence without being limited by the special considerations and obligations that a formal affiliation with the Royal House as an institution implies.” “The queen’s decision is in line with similar changes that other royal houses have carried out in recent years in different ways,” the statement added. However, Prince Joachim’s first wife – the mother of the eldest two sons – was surprised by the decision. “This came from out of the blue. The children feel excluded,” Countess Alexandra told BT. “They can’t understand why their identity is being taken from them,” she added.

Denmark’s monarch Queen Margrethe strips four grandchildren of royal titles

The Russian government seems poised to officially announce the annexation of four provinces in Ukraine after it claimed victory in the referendum vote that the western countries have been regarding as a “complete sham”. According to Reuters, giant video screens and billboards were set up in Moscow’s Red Square on Wednesday which claimed - "Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson - Russia!".&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin has already made his intentions clear of not backing out of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine by initiating partial military mobilisation in the country. With the Russia-backed governments claiming victory in the provinces, it seems likely that Putin will soon officially announce the annexation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-launches-international-terrorism-probe-after-nord-stream-leaks-report-520700" hreflang="en">Russia launches 'international terrorism' probe after Nord Stream leaks</a>

"The results are clear. Welcome home, to Russia!", Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, said on Telegram after reports of “massive wins” in the referendum.&nbsp;

The Kremlin also claimed that there was a “huge turnout” in the votes held across the four provinces and the enthusiasm was similar to the annexation of Crimea back in 2014.&nbsp;

However, this narrative has been completely rejected by the United States and western countries who have decided to recognise the results of the referendum. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky once again appealed to the global powers to continue their support and reject this vote completely.&nbsp;

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"Thank you all for your clear and unequivocal support. Thank you all for understanding our position," Zelensky said in a late-night&nbsp;video address following the claims made by Russia.&nbsp;

There was some good news for Ukraine too on Wednesday as the US announced a new weapons package worth $1.1 billion to help them in the war effort. According to CNN, the package will include 18 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers along with counter-drone systems.&nbsp;

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The Russian government seems poised to officially announce the annexation of four provinces in Ukraine after it claimed victory in the referendum vote that the western countries have been regarding as a “complete sham”.

The Russian government seems poised to officially announce the annexation of four provinces in Ukraine after it claimed victory in the referendum vote that the western countries have been regarding as a “complete sham”. According to Reuters, giant video screens and billboards were set up in Moscow’s Red Square on Wednesday which claimed - "Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson - Russia!". President Vladimir Putin has already made his intentions clear of not backing out of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine by initiating partial military mobilisation in the country. With the Russia-backed governments claiming victory in the provinces, it seems likely that Putin will soon officially announce the annexation. Also read | Russia launches 'international terrorism' probe after Nord Stream leaks "The results are clear. Welcome home, to Russia!", Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, said on Telegram after reports of “massive wins” in the referendum. The Kremlin also claimed that there was a “huge turnout” in the votes held across the four provinces and the enthusiasm was similar to the annexation of Crimea back in 2014. However, this narrative has been completely rejected by the United States and western countries who have decided to recognise the results of the referendum. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky once again appealed to the global powers to continue their support and reject this vote completely. Also read | California: At least six injured in school shooting, officials say "Thank you all for your clear and unequivocal support. Thank you all for understanding our position," Zelensky said in a late-night video address following the claims made by Russia. There was some good news for Ukraine too on Wednesday as the US announced a new weapons package worth $1.1 billion to help them in the war effort. According to CNN, the package will include 18 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers along with counter-drone systems.

Russia poised to announce annexation after 'sham' referendum in Ukraine

Archeologists have discovered an almost complete human skull dating back around one million years in the Chinese province of Hubei. The discovery is considered to be one of the most significant ones in recent times as experts believe that it will be crucial in understanding the evolution of human beings.&nbsp;

“There are very few human fossils around a million years old. As in China and East Asia, the only ones over one million years old are Yuanmou Man, which dates back to 1.7 million years ago, and Lantian Man, which is around 1.6 million to 1.2 million years old,” archeologist Gao Xing told state broadcaster CCTV.&nbsp;

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Lu Chengqiu, a&nbsp;researcher with the Hubei Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, was heading the team of researchers that&nbsp;found several fossils and tools in the nearby areas.&nbsp;

The excavation team earlier found two more skulls of around the same age.&nbsp;

“The No 3 skull is similar to the first two in terms of burial environment, faunal remains and technical characteristics of stone products, so the three skulls should belong to the same age. The age of the skull would be further confirmed by radiocarbon dating,” Lu told Hubei Daily. &nbsp;

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This was the most intact skull that was found in the region, according to the Hubei Daily report, and although there was some damage, the distortions were not bad enough to hinder the research.&nbsp;

The skull will be studied extensively in various universities around China and according to the researchers, it can help them in understanding the exact facial structure of the human beings who resided in the region.&nbsp;

Archeologists have discovered an almost complete human skull dating back around one million years in the Chinese province of Hubei. The discovery is considered to be one of the most significant ones in recent times as experts believe that it will be crucial in understanding the evolution of human beings.

Archeologists have discovered an almost complete human skull dating back around one million years in the Chinese province of Hubei. The discovery is considered to be one of the most significant ones in recent times as experts believe that it will be crucial in understanding the evolution of human beings. “There are very few human fossils around a million years old. As in China and East Asia, the only ones over one million years old are Yuanmou Man, which dates back to 1.7 million years ago, and Lantian Man, which is around 1.6 million to 1.2 million years old,” archeologist Gao Xing told state broadcaster CCTV. Also read | In maps: This is how Ukraine will look like if Russia annexes occupied regions Lu Chengqiu, a researcher with the Hubei Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, was heading the team of researchers that found several fossils and tools in the nearby areas. The excavation team earlier found two more skulls of around the same age. “The No 3 skull is similar to the first two in terms of burial environment, faunal remains and technical characteristics of stone products, so the three skulls should belong to the same age. The age of the skull would be further confirmed by radiocarbon dating,” Lu told Hubei Daily. Also read | ‘Where’s Jackie?’: Biden’s memory lapse leaves netizens stunned as he calls for dead Congresswoman This was the most intact skull that was found in the region, according to the Hubei Daily report, and although there was some damage, the distortions were not bad enough to hinder the research. The skull will be studied extensively in various universities around China and according to the researchers, it can help them in understanding the exact facial structure of the human beings who resided in the region.

Million-year-old skull found in Chinese province of Hubei, hailed as 'rare find'

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