The United States would be very disappointed if <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-holds-top-party-meeting-ahead-of-us-deadline-270787">North Korea</a> tested a long-range or nuclear missile and would take appropriate action as a leading military and economic power, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday.

Washington has many "tools in its tool kit" to respond to any such test, O'Brien said in an interview with ABC's "This Week."

"We'll reserve judgment but the United States will take action as we do in these situations," he said. "If Kim Jong Un takes that approach we'll be extraordinarily disappointed and we'll demonstrate that disappointment."

North Korea has asked Washington to offer a new initiative to iron out differences over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program. It warned Washington this month that failure to meet its expectations could result in an unwanted "Christmas gift."

US&nbsp;military commanders have said the North Korean move could involve the testing of a long-range missile - something North Korea has suspended, along with nuclear bomb tests, since 2017.

O'Brien said the United States and North Korea had open channels of communication but did not elaborate. He said Washington hoped North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would live up to his commitments to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.

The United States was still the leading military power in the world and had tremendous economic power, said O'Brien. "There's a lot of pressure that we can bring to bear," he said.

North Korea threatened a Christmas surprise, despite the fact that Trump and Kim have engaged in personal diplomacy over the years and have a good personal relationship, O'Brien said.

"So perhaps he's reconsidered that," O'Brien added. "But we will have to wait and see. We're going to monitor it closely. It's a situation that concerns us, of course."

Kim convened a meeting of top ruling party officials on Saturday to discuss important policy matters ahead of the year-end deadline set by Kim for the United States, the state news agency said on Sunday.

Senator Ben Cardin, a Democrat on the US&nbsp;Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said meetings between the two leaders have produced "very little" on denuclearization.

"So what I want to see, I want to see is the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, make a full declaration of his nuclear weapons program and make a real commitment to start to dismantle that," he said. "We haven’t seen any of that during the Trump administration."

The United States would be very disappointed if North Korea tested a long-range or nuclear missile and would take appropriate action as a leading military and economic power, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday.

The United States would be very disappointed if North Korea tested a long-range or nuclear missile and would take appropriate action as a leading military and economic power, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday. Washington has many "tools in its tool kit" to respond to any such test, O'Brien said in an interview with ABC's "This Week." "We'll reserve judgment but the United States will take action as we do in these situations," he said. "If Kim Jong Un takes that approach we'll be extraordinarily disappointed and we'll demonstrate that disappointment." North Korea has asked Washington to offer a new initiative to iron out differences over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program. It warned Washington this month that failure to meet its expectations could result in an unwanted "Christmas gift." US military commanders have said the North Korean move could involve the testing of a long-range missile - something North Korea has suspended, along with nuclear bomb tests, since 2017. O'Brien said the United States and North Korea had open channels of communication but did not elaborate. He said Washington hoped North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would live up to his commitments to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. The United States was still the leading military power in the world and had tremendous economic power, said O'Brien. "There's a lot of pressure that we can bring to bear," he said. North Korea threatened a Christmas surprise, despite the fact that Trump and Kim have engaged in personal diplomacy over the years and have a good personal relationship, O'Brien said. "So perhaps he's reconsidered that," O'Brien added. "But we will have to wait and see. We're going to monitor it closely. It's a situation that concerns us, of course." Kim convened a meeting of top ruling party officials on Saturday to discuss important policy matters ahead of the year-end deadline set by Kim for the United States, the state news agency said on Sunday. Senator Ben Cardin, a Democrat on the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said meetings between the two leaders have produced "very little" on denuclearization. "So what I want to see, I want to see is the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, make a full declaration of his nuclear weapons program and make a real commitment to start to dismantle that," he said. "We haven’t seen any of that during the Trump administration."

United States promises action on any North Korea missile test: White House

A Turkish military plane on Sunday evacuated 16 gravely wounded victims of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-to-evacuate-wounded-after-deadly-mogadishu-blast-270851">devastating bombing that killed 79 people</a> and overwhelmed local health services, in the latest attack on a city dogged by insecurity.

The aircraft also brought doctors to help treat the some 125 people injured in Saturday's blast, which happened when a vehicle packed with explosives detonated at a busy security checkpoint.

"The rescue mission continues since yesterday when the blast occurred and after long and diligent efforts, we have managed to evacuate 16 of the wounded people to Turkey for further medical treatment," Mogadishu mayor Omar Mohamed Mohamud told reporters at the airport.

No group has claimed the bloody attack, however President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has blamed Islamist group Al-Shabaab, which regularly carries out car bombings and other attacks on the capital, in their decade-long bid to topple the internationally-backed government.

Saturday's bombing was the deadliest since truck exploded in 2017 near a fuel tanker, creating a fireball that killed over 500 people.

Farmaajo pinned the attack on the "terrorist organisation Al-Shabaab" in a televised message and slammed it as an attempt to "intimidate and terrorise the Somali public and to massacre them at every opportunity available".

At least 16 of those killed were students from the capital's private Banadir University, who had been travelling on a bus when the car bomb detonated at a busy intersection southwest of the Somali capital.

The director of the private Aamin Ambulance service, Abdukadir Abdirahman Haji, told AFP around 125 people were injured, a number which has overwhelmed health services in the capital.

Somali police chief Abdi Hassan Mohamed said Saturday that 79 had died, but the toll could increase.

"There are still rescue operations going on to assist those who have been massacred by the terrorists while going about their business," Somalia's Information Minister Mohamed Abdi Heyr told journalists.

"We have received this morning doctors and medicine sent by the Turkish government and we are working to separate people seriously wounded from others in order to send them outside the country and the rest will be treated by the doctors," he added.

The minister said about 24 doctors specialising in trauma had arrived from Turkey -- a key ally of Somalia.

Somalia's Security Minister Mohamed Abukar Islow who held a press conference alongside the mayor at the airport said some of the doctors from Turkey would stay to treat people in the country.

"There are doctors from Turkey some of them went back with the plane but others will remain here preferably to treat people here, our Qatari brothers will also send another plane which will evacuate some more people who are seriously wounded as well," he said.

'Life-threatening injuries'

Dozens of ambulances carried wounded people from various hospitals in the city to the Turkish-run Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital from where they were taken to the airport.&nbsp;

Abdukadir Moalim, a Mogadishu resident, said his family was feeling desperate because his cousin had sustained serious head wounds in the blast.

"The problem with the blast is that even if you escape death, you can sustain life-threatening injuries like my cousin, who has injuries in the head and medical doctors here could not treat him inside the country," he said.&nbsp;

"Thank God, he will be taken to Turkey now and we are expecting that with time he gets well."

Two Turkish citizens were killed in the blast and according to medical sources, another two who were wounded will be among those airlifted home.

Since 2015, there have been 13 attacks in Somalia with death tolls above 20. Eleven of these have been in Mogadishu, according to a tally of AFP figures. All of them involved car bombs.

A Turkish military plane on Sunday evacuated 16 gravely wounded victims of a devastating bombing that killed 79 people and overwhelmed local health services, in the latest attack on a city dogged by insecurity.

A Turkish military plane on Sunday evacuated 16 gravely wounded victims of a devastating bombing that killed 79 people and overwhelmed local health services, in the latest attack on a city dogged by insecurity. The aircraft also brought doctors to help treat the some 125 people injured in Saturday's blast, which happened when a vehicle packed with explosives detonated at a busy security checkpoint. "The rescue mission continues since yesterday when the blast occurred and after long and diligent efforts, we have managed to evacuate 16 of the wounded people to Turkey for further medical treatment," Mogadishu mayor Omar Mohamed Mohamud told reporters at the airport. No group has claimed the bloody attack, however President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has blamed Islamist group Al-Shabaab, which regularly carries out car bombings and other attacks on the capital, in their decade-long bid to topple the internationally-backed government. Saturday's bombing was the deadliest since truck exploded in 2017 near a fuel tanker, creating a fireball that killed over 500 people. Farmaajo pinned the attack on the "terrorist organisation Al-Shabaab" in a televised message and slammed it as an attempt to "intimidate and terrorise the Somali public and to massacre them at every opportunity available". At least 16 of those killed were students from the capital's private Banadir University, who had been travelling on a bus when the car bomb detonated at a busy intersection southwest of the Somali capital. The director of the private Aamin Ambulance service, Abdukadir Abdirahman Haji, told AFP around 125 people were injured, a number which has overwhelmed health services in the capital. Somali police chief Abdi Hassan Mohamed said Saturday that 79 had died, but the toll could increase. "There are still rescue operations going on to assist those who have been massacred by the terrorists while going about their business," Somalia's Information Minister Mohamed Abdi Heyr told journalists. "We have received this morning doctors and medicine sent by the Turkish government and we are working to separate people seriously wounded from others in order to send them outside the country and the rest will be treated by the doctors," he added. The minister said about 24 doctors specialising in trauma had arrived from Turkey -- a key ally of Somalia. Somalia's Security Minister Mohamed Abukar Islow who held a press conference alongside the mayor at the airport said some of the doctors from Turkey would stay to treat people in the country. "There are doctors from Turkey some of them went back with the plane but others will remain here preferably to treat people here, our Qatari brothers will also send another plane which will evacuate some more people who are seriously wounded as well," he said. 'Life-threatening injuries' Dozens of ambulances carried wounded people from various hospitals in the city to the Turkish-run Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital from where they were taken to the airport. Abdukadir Moalim, a Mogadishu resident, said his family was feeling desperate because his cousin had sustained serious head wounds in the blast. "The problem with the blast is that even if you escape death, you can sustain life-threatening injuries like my cousin, who has injuries in the head and medical doctors here could not treat him inside the country," he said. "Thank God, he will be taken to Turkey now and we are expecting that with time he gets well." Two Turkish citizens were killed in the blast and according to medical sources, another two who were wounded will be among those airlifted home. Since 2015, there have been 13 attacks in Somalia with death tolls above 20. Eleven of these have been in Mogadishu, according to a tally of AFP figures. All of them involved car bombs.

Turkish military plane evacuates Somalia bomb victims

A total of 2,231 people have died out of 3,373 declared cases of Ebola in the current epidemic in the DR Congo, according to the agency overseeing the response, health officials said Sunday.

Deadly unrest in the fragile state has hampered the fight against the disease during the latest epidemic, which broke out on August 1, 2018, with the eastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri particularly badly hit.

Both areas, beset by violence for two decades, have seen repeated attacks on Ebola health workers by dozens of armed groups as well as on health sites set up to treat victims.

More than 200 civilians have been killed in the troubled east since November in clashes blamed on the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militia group of Ugandan origin which officials blame for a string of massacres in recent weeks.

Health authorities meanwhile said Sunday that 341 suspected Ebola cases were being investigated, a day after the Multisectoral Committee for Epidemic Response (CMRE) monitoring the disease unveiled its latest batch of data Saturday.

The current epidemic is the tenth overall and the second deadliest on record since a 2014-16 outbreak struck west Africa, killing more than 11,300.

A total of 2,231 people have died out of 3,373 declared cases of Ebola in the current epidemic in the DR Congo, according to the agency overseeing the response, health officials said Sunday.

A total of 2,231 people have died out of 3,373 declared cases of Ebola in the current epidemic in the DR Congo, according to the agency overseeing the response, health officials said Sunday. Deadly unrest in the fragile state has hampered the fight against the disease during the latest epidemic, which broke out on August 1, 2018, with the eastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri particularly badly hit. Both areas, beset by violence for two decades, have seen repeated attacks on Ebola health workers by dozens of armed groups as well as on health sites set up to treat victims. More than 200 civilians have been killed in the troubled east since November in clashes blamed on the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militia group of Ugandan origin which officials blame for a string of massacres in recent weeks. Health authorities meanwhile said Sunday that 341 suspected Ebola cases were being investigated, a day after the Multisectoral Committee for Epidemic Response (CMRE) monitoring the disease unveiled its latest batch of data Saturday. The current epidemic is the tenth overall and the second deadliest on record since a 2014-16 outbreak struck west Africa, killing more than 11,300.

DR Congo Ebola death toll 2,231 to date: Report

Delhi-NCR region likely to witness light rain showers on New Year, moreover, hailstorm is also expected over the region on January 2, said the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

"Light rain is likely over Delhi-NCR during January 1 and January 3 night. Hailstorm is also expected on January 2 over the Delhi-NCR region," said IMD.

As expected, change in wind direction from Northwesterly to easterly has started and reduction in cold days and the cold wave started from today.

This is reflected in maximum &amp; minimum temperature. Severe cold day (SCD) or cold day is prevailing over Delhi NCR since December 14.

"The minimum temperature at Safdurjung was recorded at 3.4 degree Celsius today, whereas at Lodhi Road and Aya Nagar the minimum temperature docked at 2.8 degree Celsius and 2.5 degree Celsius respectively," IMD added.

Dense fog was also witnessed at Palam this morning (visibility 150 meter) whereas moderate fog was reported at Safdarjung (visibility 600 meter).

Dense fog has been predicted for December 30 morning, cold day is also likely to prevail over few places over Delhi NCR.

Significant increase in wind speed is expected over Delhi NCR from December 31 evening under the influence of approaching western disturbance and easterly winds in the lower level.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Delhi-NCR region likely to witness light rain showers on New Year, moreover, hailstorm is also expected over the region on January 2, said the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

Delhi-NCR region likely to witness light rain showers on New Year, moreover, hailstorm is also expected over the region on January 2, said the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). "Light rain is likely over Delhi-NCR during January 1 and January 3 night. Hailstorm is also expected on January 2 over the Delhi-NCR region," said IMD. As expected, change in wind direction from Northwesterly to easterly has started and reduction in cold days and the cold wave started from today. This is reflected in maximum & minimum temperature. Severe cold day (SCD) or cold day is prevailing over Delhi NCR since December 14. "The minimum temperature at Safdurjung was recorded at 3.4 degree Celsius today, whereas at Lodhi Road and Aya Nagar the minimum temperature docked at 2.8 degree Celsius and 2.5 degree Celsius respectively," IMD added. Dense fog was also witnessed at Palam this morning (visibility 150 meter) whereas moderate fog was reported at Safdarjung (visibility 600 meter). Dense fog has been predicted for December 30 morning, cold day is also likely to prevail over few places over Delhi NCR. Significant increase in wind speed is expected over Delhi NCR from December 31 evening under the influence of approaching western disturbance and easterly winds in the lower level.

Delhi-NCR likely to receive light rain on New Year

A month after Maha Vikas Aghadi formed the government in the state, Maharashtra minister Balasaheb Thorat on Sunday said that Congress will get 12 berths in the cabinet expansion scheduled for tomorrow.

"Tomorrow is the oath-taking ceremony and we have to give the final list. We got 12 berths in which two will be state ministers and ten in Cabinet. Our list will be out soon with names," Thorat told ANI after meeting with Congress leadership in New Delhi.

On November 28, Uddhav Thackeray took oath as Chief Minister bringing an end to weeks of political instability in the state's politics after Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress stitched a post-poll coalition as Maha Vikas Aghadi. Six other ministers -- two each from NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena took the oath of office.

The Congress leader said he does not know whether his ally NCP will pitch Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister. On alleged manhandling of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra by Uttar Pradesh Police in Lucknow, Thorat said,&nbsp;"Those who do it should be suspended."

A month after Maha Vikas Aghadi formed the government in the state, Maharashtra minister Balasaheb Thorat on Sunday said that Congress will get 12 berths in the cabinet expansion scheduled for tomorrow.

A month after Maha Vikas Aghadi formed the government in the state, Maharashtra minister Balasaheb Thorat on Sunday said that Congress will get 12 berths in the cabinet expansion scheduled for tomorrow. "Tomorrow is the oath-taking ceremony and we have to give the final list. We got 12 berths in which two will be state ministers and ten in Cabinet. Our list will be out soon with names," Thorat told ANI after meeting with Congress leadership in New Delhi. On November 28, Uddhav Thackeray took oath as Chief Minister bringing an end to weeks of political instability in the state's politics after Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress stitched a post-poll coalition as Maha Vikas Aghadi. Six other ministers -- two each from NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena took the oath of office. The Congress leader said he does not know whether his ally NCP will pitch Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Minister. On alleged manhandling of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra by Uttar Pradesh Police in Lucknow, Thorat said, "Those who do it should be suspended."

Congress to get 12 berths in Maharashtra cabinet expansion

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar arrived in India on Sunday on a one-day private trip.&nbsp;

According to reports, Indian-origin Varadkar is in the country to meet his family. He visited his ancestral village in Malvan, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Varadkar was born to Ashok and Miriam Varadkar in Dublin, Ireland in 1979. Ashok Varadkar moved to Ireland in the 1960s from Mumbai, Maharashtra to pursue his career as a doctor.&nbsp;

Varadkar took charge as Ireland's prime minister in the year 2017 and heads one of the prominent political parties of Ireland - Fine Gael.&nbsp;

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In 2015, Varadkar made headlines for coming out as gay - the first Irish prime minister and the only openly gay head&nbsp;of state in today's time.&nbsp;

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Varadkar is also the first and the only Indian-origin Taoiseach or prime minister of Ireland.&nbsp;

Before taking charge as the Irish Prime Minister, Varadkar had served as the Minister for Transport, Tourism, and Sport (2011-14) and as Minister of Health from 2014-16.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar arrived in India on Sunday on a one-day private trip. According to reports, Indian-origin Varadkar is in the country to meet his family.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar arrived in India on Sunday on a one-day private trip. According to reports, Indian-origin Varadkar is in the country to meet his family. He visited his ancestral village in Malvan, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra. Varadkar was born to Ashok and Miriam Varadkar in Dublin, Ireland in 1979. Ashok Varadkar moved to Ireland in the 1960s from Mumbai, Maharashtra to pursue his career as a doctor. Varadkar took charge as Ireland's prime minister in the year 2017 and heads one of the prominent political parties of Ireland - Fine Gael. Irish PM Leo Varadkar is on an private visit to India to meet his family. Leo is Indian origin and his father Ashok Varadkar is from Maharashtra. pic.twitter.com/gFkisFsqiK — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 29, 2019 × In 2015, Varadkar made headlines for coming out as gay - the first Irish prime minister and the only openly gay head of state in today's time. Maharashtra: Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar today visited his ancestral village in Malvan, Sindhudurg. pic.twitter.com/fhzcMakmVN — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2019 × Varadkar is also the first and the only Indian-origin Taoiseach or prime minister of Ireland. Before taking charge as the Irish Prime Minister, Varadkar had served as the Minister for Transport, Tourism, and Sport (2011-14) and as Minister of Health from 2014-16.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar visits family in India

There is no proposal of implementation of nationwide <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/detention-centres-have-nothing-to-do-with-nrc-amit-shah-270076">National Register of Citizens (NRC)</a> right now, said Union Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-rally-an-attempt-to-highlight-rahul-gandhis-leadership-ravi-shankar-prasad-268307">Ravi Shankar Prasad</a> on Sunday.

Addressing a public gathering during an event, Prasad said, "Section 14A of India`s Citizenship Act says that there would be a National Register of Citizens. And the citizens will be provided with an identity card. It was implemented from December 3, 2004. Manmohan Singh government enforced this law. When you do it then it is right and if we do it then wrong. There is no proposal of NRC right now (nationwide)."

He continued, "For NRC according to Rule 4 of law, a date will be given first then there will be a list. The objection will be taken and there would be hearings. And everyone has the right to appeal. Nobody is talking about what Prime Minister Narendra Modi said."

His remarks came after Opposition alleged that the National Population Register (NPR) is the first step towards pan-India NRC.

However, Union Minister Amit Shah had denied any link between the two exercises. On December 22, Prime Minister Modi had said that the NRC is not discussed within the government.

Attacking the Opposition over criticising the Modi government, he said, "In a debate held on the census in Lok Sabha on 7 May 2010, the then Home Minister Chidambaram sahab said they were preparing National Population Register (NPR) and NRC would be created from it. Mulayam Singh Yadav, Lalu Yadav, and Sharad Yadav were part of the debate, nobody opposed it."

The minister reiterated said that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, does not apply to Indian citizens.

"We respect the opposition and peaceful protests. But action will be taken against those who talk about dividing the country," he added.

NRC seeks to identify illegal immigrants in the country. It was rolled out in Assam on the directions of the Supreme Court where 19 lakh people were excluded in the final list.

 
&nbsp;

There is no proposal of implementation of nationwide National Register of Citizens (NRC) right now, said Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday. Addressing a public gathering during an event, Prasad said, "Section 14A of India`s Citizenship Act says that there would be a National Register of Citizens.

There is no proposal of implementation of nationwide National Register of Citizens (NRC) right now, said Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday. Addressing a public gathering during an event, Prasad said, "Section 14A of India`s Citizenship Act says that there would be a National Register of Citizens. And the citizens will be provided with an identity card. It was implemented from December 3, 2004. Manmohan Singh government enforced this law. When you do it then it is right and if we do it then wrong. There is no proposal of NRC right now (nationwide)." He continued, "For NRC according to Rule 4 of law, a date will be given first then there will be a list. The objection will be taken and there would be hearings. And everyone has the right to appeal. Nobody is talking about what Prime Minister Narendra Modi said." His remarks came after Opposition alleged that the National Population Register (NPR) is the first step towards pan-India NRC. However, Union Minister Amit Shah had denied any link between the two exercises. On December 22, Prime Minister Modi had said that the NRC is not discussed within the government. Attacking the Opposition over criticising the Modi government, he said, "In a debate held on the census in Lok Sabha on 7 May 2010, the then Home Minister Chidambaram sahab said they were preparing National Population Register (NPR) and NRC would be created from it. Mulayam Singh Yadav, Lalu Yadav, and Sharad Yadav were part of the debate, nobody opposed it." The minister reiterated said that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, does not apply to Indian citizens. "We respect the opposition and peaceful protests. But action will be taken against those who talk about dividing the country," he added. NRC seeks to identify illegal immigrants in the country. It was rolled out in Assam on the directions of the Supreme Court where 19 lakh people were excluded in the final list.

No proposal of nationwide NRC right now: Ravi Shankar Prasad

New York's governor said a knife attack by an assailant who burst into a party at a Hasidic rabbi's home and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mass-stabbing-reported-at-jewish-place-of-worship-in-new-york-270818">stabbed five people late on Saturday</a> was an act of domestic terrorism.

Visiting the scene in Rockland County, about 30 miles (48 km) north of New York City, Governor Andrew Cuomo met on Sunday with victims who had been attending the Hanukkah celebration at the home of rabbi Chaim Rottenberg.

"This is terrorism, it is domestic terrorism," Cuomo told reporters. "These are people who intend to create mass harm, mass violence, generate fear based on race, color, creed."

Authorities said the assailant was arrested in New York City's Manhattan borough after fleeing from the scene in the small town of Monsey by car, but have given no other details on the suspect.

According to Yossi Gestetner, co-founder of the Orthodox Jewish Public Affairs Council, the attacker had his face partially covered with a scarf when he stabbed five people, two of whom were in critical condition.

"One of the rabbi's children were also stabbed," Gestetner told reporters.

About a third of the population of Rockland County is Jewish, including a large enclave of Orthodox Jews who live in secluded communities.

The attack on the party, which was attended by dozens of people, followed a spate of anti-Semitic attacks in New York City and surrounding areas.

New York City's police department said on Friday its officers were stepping up patrols in heavily Jewish neighborhoods following a spate of anti-Semitic attacks.

"Hate doesn't have a home in our city," Mayor Bill de Blasio wrote on Twitter, calling the assaults attacks on all New Yorkers.

In more deadly recent attacks, a gunman killed a female rabbi and wounded three people during Sabbath services at Congregation Chabad in Poway, near San Diego, on the last day of Passover in April 2019.

Six months before that, a gunman killed 11 worshipers at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh in the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in US&nbsp;history.

The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah commemorates the 2nd century BC&nbsp;victory of Judah Maccabee and his followers in a revolt against armies of the Seleucid Empire.

New York's governor said a knife attack by an assailant who burst into a party at a Hasidic rabbi's home and stabbed five people late on Saturday was an act of domestic terrorism.

New York's governor said a knife attack by an assailant who burst into a party at a Hasidic rabbi's home and stabbed five people late on Saturday was an act of domestic terrorism. Visiting the scene in Rockland County, about 30 miles (48 km) north of New York City, Governor Andrew Cuomo met on Sunday with victims who had been attending the Hanukkah celebration at the home of rabbi Chaim Rottenberg. "This is terrorism, it is domestic terrorism," Cuomo told reporters. "These are people who intend to create mass harm, mass violence, generate fear based on race, color, creed." Authorities said the assailant was arrested in New York City's Manhattan borough after fleeing from the scene in the small town of Monsey by car, but have given no other details on the suspect. According to Yossi Gestetner, co-founder of the Orthodox Jewish Public Affairs Council, the attacker had his face partially covered with a scarf when he stabbed five people, two of whom were in critical condition. "One of the rabbi's children were also stabbed," Gestetner told reporters. About a third of the population of Rockland County is Jewish, including a large enclave of Orthodox Jews who live in secluded communities. The attack on the party, which was attended by dozens of people, followed a spate of anti-Semitic attacks in New York City and surrounding areas. New York City's police department said on Friday its officers were stepping up patrols in heavily Jewish neighborhoods following a spate of anti-Semitic attacks. "Hate doesn't have a home in our city," Mayor Bill de Blasio wrote on Twitter, calling the assaults attacks on all New Yorkers. In more deadly recent attacks, a gunman killed a female rabbi and wounded three people during Sabbath services at Congregation Chabad in Poway, near San Diego, on the last day of Passover in April 2019. Six months before that, a gunman killed 11 worshipers at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh in the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in US history. The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah commemorates the 2nd century BC victory of Judah Maccabee and his followers in a revolt against armies of the Seleucid Empire.

An act of domestic terrorism: New York governor on knife rampage at rabbi's home

The French government and a key trade union on Sunday exchanged bitter accusations over who was to blame for France's over three-week <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-continues-to-be-on-the-boil-over-proposed-pension-reforms-270795">transport strike against pension reforms</a>, as the stalemate showed little sign of relenting.

Deputy Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari accused the hardline CGT union of a "systematic opposition to any reform" while the union's chief Philippe Martinez charged the government with strewing "chaos" in the conflict.

The strike -- now longer than the notorious 22-day strike of winter 1995 -- has now lasted 25 days and is on course to surpass the longest transport strike in France which lasted for 28 days in 1986 and early 1987.

Aside from two driverless lines, the Paris metro was again almost completely shut down on Sunday while only a fraction of high-speed TGV trains were running.

The government and unions are only due to hold their next talks on January 7, two days ahead of a new day of mass demonstrations against the reform which is championed by President Emmanuel Macron.

In an interview with the Journal de Dimanche newspaper, Djebbari angrily accused the CGT of "attitudes of intimidation, harassment and even aggression" against railway workers who had opted not to down tools.

He accused the CGT of showing a "systematic opposition to any reform, of blocking and sometimes intimidation".

"The CGT wants to make its mark through media stunts. But the French are not going to be duped by the extreme-left politicisation of this movement," he added.

'Like Thatcher'

But in an interview with the same newspaper, Martinez accused the government of trying to ensure the conflict deteriorated further.

"Emmanuel Macron presents himself as a man of a new world but he is imitating Margaret Thatcher," he said, referring to the late British prime minister who sought to break the power of the unions in 1980s standoffs.

"There is real anger. Of course, not being paid for 24 days is tough. But the conflict is the result of two-and-a-half years of suffering," Martinez added.

He said he was awaiting concessions from Macron in a New Year's address Tuesday evening as well as recognition that "most people are not happy and that he (the president) was wrong".

The French president, elected in 2017 on pledges to reform France, has remained virtually silent on the standoff, save for a call for a Christmas truce that went unheeded and a vow not to take a presidential pension.

This will intensify attention on December 31 address, with all eyes on whether Macron offers steps to defuse the conflict or indicates he is ready for a long, grinding standoff.

The unions are demanding that the government drops a plan to merge 42 existing pension schemes into a single, points-based system.

The overhaul would see workers in certain sectors -- including the railways -- lose early retirement benefits. The government says the pension overhaul is needed to create a fairer system.

But workers object to the inclusion of a so-called pivot age of 64 until which people would have to work to earn a full pension -- two years beyond the official retirement age.

The French government and a key trade union on Sunday exchanged bitter accusations over who was to blame for France's over three-week transport strike against pension reforms, as the stalemate showed little sign of relenting.

The French government and a key trade union on Sunday exchanged bitter accusations over who was to blame for France's over three-week transport strike against pension reforms, as the stalemate showed little sign of relenting. Deputy Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari accused the hardline CGT union of a "systematic opposition to any reform" while the union's chief Philippe Martinez charged the government with strewing "chaos" in the conflict. The strike -- now longer than the notorious 22-day strike of winter 1995 -- has now lasted 25 days and is on course to surpass the longest transport strike in France which lasted for 28 days in 1986 and early 1987. Aside from two driverless lines, the Paris metro was again almost completely shut down on Sunday while only a fraction of high-speed TGV trains were running. The government and unions are only due to hold their next talks on January 7, two days ahead of a new day of mass demonstrations against the reform which is championed by President Emmanuel Macron. In an interview with the Journal de Dimanche newspaper, Djebbari angrily accused the CGT of "attitudes of intimidation, harassment and even aggression" against railway workers who had opted not to down tools. He accused the CGT of showing a "systematic opposition to any reform, of blocking and sometimes intimidation". "The CGT wants to make its mark through media stunts. But the French are not going to be duped by the extreme-left politicisation of this movement," he added. 'Like Thatcher' But in an interview with the same newspaper, Martinez accused the government of trying to ensure the conflict deteriorated further. "Emmanuel Macron presents himself as a man of a new world but he is imitating Margaret Thatcher," he said, referring to the late British prime minister who sought to break the power of the unions in 1980s standoffs. "There is real anger. Of course, not being paid for 24 days is tough. But the conflict is the result of two-and-a-half years of suffering," Martinez added. He said he was awaiting concessions from Macron in a New Year's address Tuesday evening as well as recognition that "most people are not happy and that he (the president) was wrong". The French president, elected in 2017 on pledges to reform France, has remained virtually silent on the standoff, save for a call for a Christmas truce that went unheeded and a vow not to take a presidential pension. This will intensify attention on December 31 address, with all eyes on whether Macron offers steps to defuse the conflict or indicates he is ready for a long, grinding standoff. The unions are demanding that the government drops a plan to merge 42 existing pension schemes into a single, points-based system. The overhaul would see workers in certain sectors -- including the railways -- lose early retirement benefits. The government says the pension overhaul is needed to create a fairer system. But workers object to the inclusion of a so-called pivot age of 64 until which people would have to work to earn a full pension -- two years beyond the official retirement age.

French government, unions exchange barbs in strike deadlock

Ukraine and Russia-backed separatists in the country's war-torn east <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-begins-all-for-all-prisoner-swap-with-separatists-270857">exchanged 200 prisoners on Sunday</a>, swapping detained fighters for civilians and servicemen held captive in some cases for years in two breakaway regions.

Kiev handed over to separatists five riot policemen suspected of killing protesters during a pro-Western uprising in 2014 as part of the swap, sparking public outrage.

"The mutual release of the detainees has ended," the Ukrainian presidential office said in a statement on Facebook, adding that it would provide more details later.

The presidency said Kiev received 76 captives, while separatist officials said the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics took in a total of 124.

The head of the Lugansk stronghold, Leonid Pasechnik, congratulated his people on a new "victory" ahead of the New Year's festivities.

The exchange came after Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky held their first face-to-face talks in Paris on December 9 and agreed measures to de-escalate Europe's only active war.&nbsp;

Prisoners filed off coaches at the Mayorske checkpoint in the eastern Donetsk region, many carrying plastic bags stuffed with their belongings, as gun-toting uniformed soldiers and ambulances were on standby.

Among the group of detainees handed over by the separatists were those who said they had been held for several years after getting caught up in the conflict while visiting relatives.

Volodymyr Danylchenko, who said he had spent three years in captivity, said he was at a loss for words.&nbsp;

"I myself don't understand what's happened," said the 36-year-old, adding that he was leaving his mother behind in the separatist region of Lugansk.&nbsp;

Bittersweet homecoming

Another detainee released by the separatists, who gave just her first name Victoria, said she had been held for three years.&nbsp;

"I am so happy," the 24-year-old told AFP, adding that she had been convicted of "state treason" and sentenced to 12 years in prison after arriving in the Lugansk region to see her parents.&nbsp;

Another woman being handed to Kiev sported a handwritten sign on her clothing: "My country is Ukraine!"&nbsp;

The swap, which was overseen by monitors from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, came three months after Ukraine carried out a long-awaited exchange with Russia of 35 prisoners each.&nbsp;

The previous prisoner swap between Kiev and separatists took place in 2017.

Ties between Ukraine and Russia were shredded after the bloody 2014 uprising ousted a Kremlin-backed regime.&nbsp;

Moscow went on to annex Crimea and support insurgents in eastern Ukraine who launched a bid for independence in 2014. Since then more than 13,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

'No future'&nbsp;

The release of the riot police has raised concerns in Ukraine, with many fearing the country is being pushed to pay too high a price for the swap. &nbsp;

Ahead of the exchange three riot policemen were released from custody while another two were freed from house arrest.

The riot policemen are suspected to have been involved in the bloody crackdown on protesters in 2014. Some 100 demonstrators were shot dead during the uprising.

"What Ukrainians have been fighting for is going down the drain," filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, who was released in the September prisoner exchange, said on Facebook.

In an open letter to Zelensky, the victims' families warned that the release of the suspects could lead to a "wave of protests".

Volodymyr Golodnyuk, whose 19-year son was killed in the uprising, accused authorities of "abusing the justice system".

"This country has no future," he said.&nbsp;

In an apparent move to allay concerns, Ukraine's prosecutor-general's office said the trial of the five former policemen would continue.

'Frozen' conflict

Since coming to power in May, comedian-turned-president Zelensky, 41, has sought to kickstart a peace process to end the conflict.

At the Paris summit, the leaders sought to revive accords signed in Minsk in 2015 that call for the withdrawal of heavy weapons, and the restoration of Kiev's control over its borders, among other conditions.

But many doubt whether Putin genuinely wants to settle the conflict.

He has said that if Kiev gets back control of the border in the east, residents of separatist-held territories could be targeted. &nbsp;

Zelensky's peace plan has also been strongly criticised by war veterans and nationalists.

Dmitri Trenin, head of the Carnegie Moscow Centre, praised the prisoner exchange but said it would not bring a settlement any closer.&nbsp;

"The conflict is much more likely to become frozen than resolved," he said on Twitter.

Ukraine and Russia-backed separatists in the country's war-torn east exchanged 200 prisoners on Sunday, swapping detained fighters for civilians and servicemen held captive in some cases for years in two breakaway regions.

Ukraine and Russia-backed separatists in the country's war-torn east exchanged 200 prisoners on Sunday, swapping detained fighters for civilians and servicemen held captive in some cases for years in two breakaway regions. Kiev handed over to separatists five riot policemen suspected of killing protesters during a pro-Western uprising in 2014 as part of the swap, sparking public outrage. "The mutual release of the detainees has ended," the Ukrainian presidential office said in a statement on Facebook, adding that it would provide more details later. The presidency said Kiev received 76 captives, while separatist officials said the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics took in a total of 124. The head of the Lugansk stronghold, Leonid Pasechnik, congratulated his people on a new "victory" ahead of the New Year's festivities. The exchange came after Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky held their first face-to-face talks in Paris on December 9 and agreed measures to de-escalate Europe's only active war. Prisoners filed off coaches at the Mayorske checkpoint in the eastern Donetsk region, many carrying plastic bags stuffed with their belongings, as gun-toting uniformed soldiers and ambulances were on standby. Among the group of detainees handed over by the separatists were those who said they had been held for several years after getting caught up in the conflict while visiting relatives. Volodymyr Danylchenko, who said he had spent three years in captivity, said he was at a loss for words. "I myself don't understand what's happened," said the 36-year-old, adding that he was leaving his mother behind in the separatist region of Lugansk. Bittersweet homecoming Another detainee released by the separatists, who gave just her first name Victoria, said she had been held for three years. "I am so happy," the 24-year-old told AFP, adding that she had been convicted of "state treason" and sentenced to 12 years in prison after arriving in the Lugansk region to see her parents. Another woman being handed to Kiev sported a handwritten sign on her clothing: "My country is Ukraine!" The swap, which was overseen by monitors from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, came three months after Ukraine carried out a long-awaited exchange with Russia of 35 prisoners each. The previous prisoner swap between Kiev and separatists took place in 2017. Ties between Ukraine and Russia were shredded after the bloody 2014 uprising ousted a Kremlin-backed regime. Moscow went on to annex Crimea and support insurgents in eastern Ukraine who launched a bid for independence in 2014. Since then more than 13,000 people have been killed in the conflict. 'No future' The release of the riot police has raised concerns in Ukraine, with many fearing the country is being pushed to pay too high a price for the swap. Ahead of the exchange three riot policemen were released from custody while another two were freed from house arrest. The riot policemen are suspected to have been involved in the bloody crackdown on protesters in 2014. Some 100 demonstrators were shot dead during the uprising. "What Ukrainians have been fighting for is going down the drain," filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, who was released in the September prisoner exchange, said on Facebook. In an open letter to Zelensky, the victims' families warned that the release of the suspects could lead to a "wave of protests". Volodymyr Golodnyuk, whose 19-year son was killed in the uprising, accused authorities of "abusing the justice system". "This country has no future," he said. In an apparent move to allay concerns, Ukraine's prosecutor-general's office said the trial of the five former policemen would continue. 'Frozen' conflict Since coming to power in May, comedian-turned-president Zelensky, 41, has sought to kickstart a peace process to end the conflict. At the Paris summit, the leaders sought to revive accords signed in Minsk in 2015 that call for the withdrawal of heavy weapons, and the restoration of Kiev's control over its borders, among other conditions. But many doubt whether Putin genuinely wants to settle the conflict. He has said that if Kiev gets back control of the border in the east, residents of separatist-held territories could be targeted. Zelensky's peace plan has also been strongly criticised by war veterans and nationalists. Dmitri Trenin, head of the Carnegie Moscow Centre, praised the prisoner exchange but said it would not bring a settlement any closer. "The conflict is much more likely to become frozen than resolved," he said on Twitter.

Ukraine rivals exchange 200 prisoners in controversial swap

The Indian Navy is planning to build a fleet of 18 conventional and six nuclear attack submarines as part of its plans for its underwater fleet.

"Eighteen (Conventional) plus six SSN (nuclear-powered attack) submarines are planned but the existing strength is 15 and 1 SSN is available on lease," the Standing Committee on Defence said in its report tabled in the winter session of Parliament.

The Indian Navy had planned to build six nuclear attack submarines along with the Arihant Class SSBNs which are nuclear-powered submarines equipped with nuclear missiles.

The nuclear attack submarines are also planned to be built indigenously in partnership with private sector industries.

At present, the Navy is operating Russian-origin Kilo Class, German-origin HDW class and the latest French Scorpene-class submarines in the conventional domain while in the nuclear section, it has leased one INS Chakra (Akula class) from Russia.

The Navy also informed the committee that in the last 15 years, only two new conventional submarines have been inducted including the Scorpene-class vessels INS Kalvari and the INS Khanderi.

"It was further informed that the existing 13 conventional submarines are between 17 to 31 years old," the standing committee report said.

The Navy is also working on a plan to build six new submarines under its Project 75 India in which six more conventional submarines would be built by the Navy in partnership with Indian companies and foreign origin equipment manufacturers.

The project would be undertaken under the strategic partnership policy.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Indian Navy is planning to build a fleet of 18 conventional and six nuclear attack submarines as part of its plans for its underwater fleet. "Eighteen (Conventional) plus six SSN (nuclear-powered attack) submarines are planned but the existing strength is 15 and 1 SSN is available on lease," the Standing Committee on Defence said in its report tabled in the winter session of Parliament.

The Indian Navy is planning to build a fleet of 18 conventional and six nuclear attack submarines as part of its plans for its underwater fleet. "Eighteen (Conventional) plus six SSN (nuclear-powered attack) submarines are planned but the existing strength is 15 and 1 SSN is available on lease," the Standing Committee on Defence said in its report tabled in the winter session of Parliament. The Indian Navy had planned to build six nuclear attack submarines along with the Arihant Class SSBNs which are nuclear-powered submarines equipped with nuclear missiles. The nuclear attack submarines are also planned to be built indigenously in partnership with private sector industries. At present, the Navy is operating Russian-origin Kilo Class, German-origin HDW class and the latest French Scorpene-class submarines in the conventional domain while in the nuclear section, it has leased one INS Chakra (Akula class) from Russia. The Navy also informed the committee that in the last 15 years, only two new conventional submarines have been inducted including the Scorpene-class vessels INS Kalvari and the INS Khanderi. "It was further informed that the existing 13 conventional submarines are between 17 to 31 years old," the standing committee report said. The Navy is also working on a plan to build six new submarines under its Project 75 India in which six more conventional submarines would be built by the Navy in partnership with Indian companies and foreign origin equipment manufacturers. The project would be undertaken under the strategic partnership policy.

Indian Navy planning to build six nuclear attack submarines: Navy to Parliamentary panel

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday lauded Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as the bravest force in the world at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Directorate General building of CRPF.

"The Director-General of CRPF Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar said that it is a proud occasion for CRPF as the foundation stone of the Directorate General building of the organisation is being laid today. It is also a proud occasion for me. CRPF is not only the world`s biggest armed force, but it is also the bravest armed force in the world," Shah said while addressing the officers and jawans of CRPF.

Praising the valour and selfless service of the jawans of CRPF, Shah said, "If someone goes through the history of CRPF, one will observe many inspirational chapters. Till now 2,184 Jawans of CRPF have sacrificed their lives for the cause of their country."

The Home Minister recounted some of the landmark battles fought by CRPF in the past.

"The Hot Spring battle that CRPF fought on October 21, 1959, is etched in our memories. Only 10 Jawans of the CRPF faced a battalion of Chinese forces with valour and sacrificed their lives. Due to that reason, October 21 is observed as a Memorial day by the entire police force of the country," he said.

"CRPF faced the Pakistani forces in the 1965 war at the Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat with bravery. CRPF foiled the attack and drove the Pakistani forces away from there," he added.

Shah credited CRPF for tackling internal security challenges with efficiency.

"The 80s and 90s saw insurgency in some parts of the country. The CRPF dealt with this situation with courage. They helped bring peace to Punjab and North-East," he said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday lauded Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as the bravest force in the world at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Directorate General building of CRPF.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday lauded Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as the bravest force in the world at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Directorate General building of CRPF. "The Director-General of CRPF Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar said that it is a proud occasion for CRPF as the foundation stone of the Directorate General building of the organisation is being laid today. It is also a proud occasion for me. CRPF is not only the world`s biggest armed force, but it is also the bravest armed force in the world," Shah said while addressing the officers and jawans of CRPF. Praising the valour and selfless service of the jawans of CRPF, Shah said, "If someone goes through the history of CRPF, one will observe many inspirational chapters. Till now 2,184 Jawans of CRPF have sacrificed their lives for the cause of their country." The Home Minister recounted some of the landmark battles fought by CRPF in the past. "The Hot Spring battle that CRPF fought on October 21, 1959, is etched in our memories. Only 10 Jawans of the CRPF faced a battalion of Chinese forces with valour and sacrificed their lives. Due to that reason, October 21 is observed as a Memorial day by the entire police force of the country," he said. "CRPF faced the Pakistani forces in the 1965 war at the Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat with bravery. CRPF foiled the attack and drove the Pakistani forces away from there," he added. Shah credited CRPF for tackling internal security challenges with efficiency. "The 80s and 90s saw insurgency in some parts of the country. The CRPF dealt with this situation with courage. They helped bring peace to Punjab and North-East," he said.

Amit Shah lauds CRPF as 'bravest force' in the world

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