<p>The French parliament unanimously voted late on Monday to ban single-use electronic cigarettes as health and environmental concerns continue to grow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government has often said that e-cigarettes encourage "bad habits" in teenagers. Cheap pre-filled disposable e-cigarettes are popular among young people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They are known as puffs in France and come in a variety of tastes and have a high nicotine content. To tackle the issue, the national assembly has voted unanimously for the move.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-boris-johnson-really-ask-to-plan-raid-on-dutch-covid-vaccine-factory-666600">Did Boris Johnson really ask to plan raid on Dutch Covid vaccine factory?</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>However, it still needs backing from France's upper house senate as well as clearance from the EU Commission. Aurélien Rousseau, the French health minister, said: "They open a pathway to serious addiction."&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted, the MP Francesca Pasquini, said: "They're ridiculously cheap, the fruity and sugary flavours are attractive, and their small size makes them easy to hide from parents."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pasquini is the one who submitted the draft law in November last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wales-29-year-old-stabbed-in-village-of-aberfan-manhunt-underway-666581">29-year-old stabbed in village of Aberfan, manhunt underway</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Michel Lauzzana who is the bill's co-sponsor said that France's National Academy of Medicine qualified disposable vapes as "a sneaky trap, especially for children and teenagers".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Not just France, several other countries in Europe, including UK, Ireland, and Germany, are also considering similar measures.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The French parliament unanimously voted late on Monday to ban single-use electronic cigarettes as health and environmental concerns continue to grow. The government has often said that e-cigarettes encourage "bad habits" in teenagers.

The French parliament unanimously voted late on Monday to ban single-use electronic cigarettes as health and environmental concerns continue to grow. The government has often said that e-cigarettes encourage "bad habits" in teenagers. Cheap pre-filled disposable e-cigarettes are popular among young people. They are known as puffs in France and come in a variety of tastes and have a high nicotine content. To tackle the issue, the national assembly has voted unanimously for the move. Also read: Did Boris Johnson really ask to plan raid on Dutch Covid vaccine factory? However, it still needs backing from France's upper house senate as well as clearance from the EU Commission. Aurélien Rousseau, the French health minister, said: "They open a pathway to serious addiction." As quoted, the MP Francesca Pasquini, said: "They're ridiculously cheap, the fruity and sugary flavours are attractive, and their small size makes them easy to hide from parents." Pasquini is the one who submitted the draft law in November last year. Also read: 29-year-old stabbed in village of Aberfan, manhunt underway Michel Lauzzana who is the bill's co-sponsor said that France's National Academy of Medicine qualified disposable vapes as "a sneaky trap, especially for children and teenagers". Not just France, several other countries in Europe, including UK, Ireland, and Germany, are also considering similar measures. (With inputs from agencies)

French parliament votes to ban single-use e-cigarettes amid health concerns

10 Things to Take Care of During Urban Floods 

Rely only on orders from the government. Shift to a safer place and avoid getting carried away by rumours. Besides, do not spread rumours yourself! 


Stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel if high tide and heavy rains occur simultaneously. 

When the government starts issuing warnings for floods and heavy rain, put all valuables in a higher place in the house. 

The flood water may get contaminated with sewage, oil, chemicals or other substances, hence avoid contact as much as possible. 

Do not touch open wires during floods and heavy downpours and switch off all the electrical supplies. Once the situation gets better, don’t reconnect the power supply until a qualified engineer has checked it. 

During floods, open manholes or ditches on the roads are not visible. So, always use a pole or stick while walking in standing water. Avoid stepping into deep water. 

Do not litter waste, plastic bags, or plastic bottles in drains. It will further clog the drainage system. 


Making the character even more captivating, Aishwarya lent her voice to the central character Maleficent in Hindi, played by Angelina Jolie in the original version of the movie.

After the flood, be alert for gas leaks. Do not smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames. 


Don’t remove standing water using your vacuum cleaner. 


<p>A manhunt was launched on Tuesday (Dec 5) after a 29-year-old woman was stabbed in Aberfan, a small Welsh town known for the tragic 1966 colliery disaster.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the reports, the locals thought that the woman was pregnant. She was reportedly found in a pool of blood on the pavement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The woman was rushed to the University Hospital of Wales with police describing her injuries as "non-life threatening".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-signs-new-treaty-with-rwanda-to-send-illegal-migrants-to-african-country-666573">UK signs new treaty with Rwanda to send illegal migrants to the African nation</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Emergency services and armed officers were called to Moy Road in the South Wales village in connection to a "serious assault", local reports have mentioned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Authorities have ordered to close the schools and a community centre as a precaution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by ITC News, a South Wales Police spokesperson said: "The suspect left the scene immediately after the incident and enquiries are ongoing to find him."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A search of the immediate area is being carried out by armed officers," the spokesperson added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-wont-happen-overnight-sunak-appears-defeatist-on-small-boats-channel-crossings-582456"><strong>'It won't happen overnight...': UK PM Rishi Sunak appears defeatist on illegal migrants issue</strong></a></p>

<p>Local reports have said that some schools activated their lockdown protocols to keep pupils safe. The police have also requested people to avoid the area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted, the Welsh Ambulance Service said: "We were called today (5 December), at approximately 9.10 am, to reports of an incident in Aberfan, Merthyr Tydfil."</p>

<p>"We sent one emergency ambulance, one air ambulance and one Cymru High Acuity Response unit to the scene where advanced critical care support was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service. We conveyed one patient by road to the University Hospital Of Wales, Cardiff for further treatment," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


A manhunt was launched on Tuesday (Dec 5) after a 29-year-old woman was stabbed in Aberfan, a small Welsh town known for the tragic 1966 colliery disaster. As per the reports, the locals thought that the woman was pregnant.

A manhunt was launched on Tuesday (Dec 5) after a 29-year-old woman was stabbed in Aberfan, a small Welsh town known for the tragic 1966 colliery disaster. As per the reports, the locals thought that the woman was pregnant. She was reportedly found in a pool of blood on the pavement. The woman was rushed to the University Hospital of Wales with police describing her injuries as "non-life threatening". Also read: UK signs new treaty with Rwanda to send illegal migrants to the African nation Emergency services and armed officers were called to Moy Road in the South Wales village in connection to a "serious assault", local reports have mentioned. Authorities have ordered to close the schools and a community centre as a precaution. As quoted by ITC News, a South Wales Police spokesperson said: "The suspect left the scene immediately after the incident and enquiries are ongoing to find him." "A search of the immediate area is being carried out by armed officers," the spokesperson added. Also read: 'It won't happen overnight...': UK PM Rishi Sunak appears defeatist on illegal migrants issue Local reports have said that some schools activated their lockdown protocols to keep pupils safe. The police have also requested people to avoid the area. As quoted, the Welsh Ambulance Service said: "We were called today (5 December), at approximately 9.10 am, to reports of an incident in Aberfan, Merthyr Tydfil." "We sent one emergency ambulance, one air ambulance and one Cymru High Acuity Response unit to the scene where advanced critical care support was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service. We conveyed one patient by road to the University Hospital Of Wales, Cardiff for further treatment," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Wales: 29-year-old woman stabbed in village of Aberfan, manhunt underway

<p>Former British prime minister Boris Johnson reportedly asked the security services to chalk out plans to raid the Dutch Covid vaccine factory in Leiden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UK-based Daily Mail newspaper reported citing diplomatic sources that Johnson made the call after saying the EU "stole" millions of AstraZeneca doses destined for Britain during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the AstraZeneca vaccine was produced at two locations in the EU – the Netherlands and Belgium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report added that the idea was dropped as the diplomats apparently warned that such an action would jeopardise the relations between both countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wales-29-year-old-stabbed-in-village-of-aberfan-manhunt-underway-666581">29-year-old stabbed in village of Aberfan, manhunt underway</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The report added that Johnson will bring up the incident when he testifies this week before an inquiry into the British government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sources told Daily Mail that the EU had "basically sequestered" and "impounded" five million doses of the vaccine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the sources was quoted as saying, "Of course, the PM was enraged – they were putting British lives at risk to make a political point and distract from their own failings".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He ordered officials to look at all options for responding, and that did include asking the security services to look at whether there were any options for physically going and taking the vaccines from the Netherlands and bringing them here," the source added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-signs-new-treaty-with-rwanda-to-send-illegal-migrants-to-african-country-666573">UK signs new treaty with Rwanda to send illegal migrants to the African nation</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>As quoted, a second source said of the raid: "Boris was infuriated, as you would expect, and he wanted to look at every avenue for responding. It went well beyond trade retaliation; it was diplomatic, security, and everything. He felt he was fighting for British lives and at one point he did ask whether there were military options for just going and getting these vaccines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Obviously, that would have had major repercussions, not least in terms of other vaccine supplies that were being manufactured in the EU. I don't know how far the idea got," the source added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;White house warns Putin could win if Ukraine aid dries up</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Did the Netherlands warn to block shipments?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Dutch government officials told Politico.eu in March 2021 that the Netherlands was prepared to halt shipments of AstraZeneca's Covid jabs if Britain did not agree to share vaccines more fairly with the EU.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Former British prime minister Boris Johnson reportedly asked the security services to chalk out plans to raid the Dutch Covid vaccine factory in Leiden. UK-based Daily Mail newspaper reported citing diplomatic sources that Johnson made the call after saying the EU "stole" millions of AstraZeneca doses destined for Britain during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Former British prime minister Boris Johnson reportedly asked the security services to chalk out plans to raid the Dutch Covid vaccine factory in Leiden. UK-based Daily Mail newspaper reported citing diplomatic sources that Johnson made the call after saying the EU "stole" millions of AstraZeneca doses destined for Britain during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Notably, the AstraZeneca vaccine was produced at two locations in the EU – the Netherlands and Belgium. The report added that the idea was dropped as the diplomats apparently warned that such an action would jeopardise the relations between both countries. Also read: 29-year-old stabbed in village of Aberfan, manhunt underway The report added that Johnson will bring up the incident when he testifies this week before an inquiry into the British government's response to the coronavirus pandemic. The sources told Daily Mail that the EU had "basically sequestered" and "impounded" five million doses of the vaccine. One of the sources was quoted as saying, "Of course, the PM was enraged – they were putting British lives at risk to make a political point and distract from their own failings". "He ordered officials to look at all options for responding, and that did include asking the security services to look at whether there were any options for physically going and taking the vaccines from the Netherlands and bringing them here," the source added. Also read: UK signs new treaty with Rwanda to send illegal migrants to the African nation As quoted, a second source said of the raid: "Boris was infuriated, as you would expect, and he wanted to look at every avenue for responding. It went well beyond trade retaliation; it was diplomatic, security, and everything. He felt he was fighting for British lives and at one point he did ask whether there were military options for just going and getting these vaccines. "Obviously, that would have had major repercussions, not least in terms of other vaccine supplies that were being manufactured in the EU. I don't know how far the idea got," the source added. Watch: White house warns Putin could win if Ukraine aid dries up × Did the Netherlands warn to block shipments? Dutch government officials told Politico.eu in March 2021 that the Netherlands was prepared to halt shipments of AstraZeneca's Covid jabs if Britain did not agree to share vaccines more fairly with the EU. (With inputs from agencies)

Did Boris Johnson really ask to plan raid on Dutch Covid vaccine factory?

<p>The Congress party announced on Tuesday (Dec 5) that Anumula Revanth Reddy will be the new chief minister of Telangana. The announcement ended speculations after the party won elections in the southern Indian state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a post on social media platform X, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said that the party president Mallikarjun Kharge has "decided to go with Revanth Reddy as the new CLP of the Telangana Legislative Party."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Congress will deliver a clean and able government that will provide maximum governance," Venugopal added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress President Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kharge</a> has decided to go with Revanth Reddy as the new CLP of the Telangana Legislative Party.<br />
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The Congress will deliver a clean and able government that will provide maximum governance.<br />
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: Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/kcvenugopalmp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kcvenugopalmp</a>, General Secretary (Organisation) <a href="https://t.co/njFUduUFsb">pic.twitter.com/njFUduUFsb</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1732027840978198931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Reddy will take oath in the swearing-in ceremony of the new government scheduled to take place on December 7.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Venugopal said that the decision was made after a report submitted by AICC Telangana in-charge Manikrao Thakare and the party's special observer DK Shivakumar. They had met newly elected MLAs.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Congress wins Telangana</strong></h2>

<p>The Congress defeated the regional BHRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) party in the southern state of Telangana as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won state elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress won 64 assembly seats in Telangana, ending the nearly 10-year-old rule of the K Chandrasekhar Rao-led BRS government.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The Congress party announced on Tuesday (Dec 5) that Anumula Revanth Reddy will be the new chief minister of Telangana. The announcement ended speculations after the party won elections in the southern Indian state.

The Congress party announced on Tuesday (Dec 5) that Anumula Revanth Reddy will be the new chief minister of Telangana. The announcement ended speculations after the party won elections in the southern Indian state. In a post on social media platform X, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said that the party president Mallikarjun Kharge has "decided to go with Revanth Reddy as the new CLP of the Telangana Legislative Party." "The Congress will deliver a clean and able government that will provide maximum governance," Venugopal added. Congress President Shri @kharge has decided to go with Revanth Reddy as the new CLP of the Telangana Legislative Party. The Congress will deliver a clean and able government that will provide maximum governance. : Shri @kcvenugopalmp, General Secretary (Organisation) pic.twitter.com/njFUduUFsb — Congress (@INCIndia) December 5, 2023 × Reddy will take oath in the swearing-in ceremony of the new government scheduled to take place on December 7. Venugopal said that the decision was made after a report submitted by AICC Telangana in-charge Manikrao Thakare and the party's special observer DK Shivakumar. They had met newly elected MLAs. Congress wins Telangana The Congress defeated the regional BHRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi) party in the southern state of Telangana as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won state elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. Congress won 64 assembly seats in Telangana, ending the nearly 10-year-old rule of the K Chandrasekhar Rao-led BRS government. (With inputs from agencies)

Revanth Reddy will be new chief minister of Telangana, to take oath on December 7

<p>JT-60SA, the world's largest and most advanced nuclear fusion reactor started its official operations in Japan's Ibaraki Prefecture on Friday (Dec 1). JT-60SA is a joint initiative between the European Union and Japan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The experimental nuclear fusion reactor is quite a new technology. However, some say that it is the answer to humanity's future energy needs by establishing nuclear fusion as a clean energy source.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, fusion differs from fission, the technique currently used in nuclear power plants. The process includes fusing two atomic nuclei instead of splitting one.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/medicine-used-for-controlling-blood-pressure-found-to-have-anti-ageing-effect-665646">Medicine used for controlling blood pressure found to have anti-ageing effect</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>A press release by the European Commission for Energy mentioned that during the inauguration ceremony, the EU and Japan "underlined their support for the operation and technical upgrades of JT-60SA to continue producing groundbreaking research results".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The JT-60SA reactor is a six-storey-high machine, which is kept in a hangar in Naka north of Tokyo. It comprises a doughnut-shaped "tokamak" vessel set to contain swirling plasma heated up to 200 million degrees Celsius.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Similar to ITER</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>JT-60SA is a forerunner for its big brother in France, the under-construction International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).</p>

<p>JT-60SA and ITER both are to coax hydrogen nuclei inside to fuse into one heavier element, helium, releasing energy in the form of light and heat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On one side, JT-60SA has started operations, but researchers at ITER are behind schedule and facing major technical problems. The project is over budget. The researchers hope to achieve nuclear fusion technology's holy grail, net energy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-uncovers-startling-surge-in-us-prison-deaths-during-covid-19-crisis-666013">Study uncovers startling 77% surge in US prison deaths during COVID-19 crisis</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Sam Davis, who is the deputy project leader for the JT-60SA, said the device will "bring us closer to fusion energy".&nbsp;</p>

<p>At Friday's inauguration, Davis said: "It's the result of a collaboration between more than 500 scientists and engineers and more than 70 companies throughout Europe and Japan."&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by the news agency AFP, EU energy commissioner Kadri Simson said the JT-60SA was "the most advanced tokamak in the world", calling the start of operations "a milestone for fusion history".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Fusion has the potential to become a key component for energy mix in the second half of this century," Simson added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


JT-60SA, the world's largest and most advanced nuclear fusion reactor started its official operations in Japan's Ibaraki Prefecture on Friday (Dec 1). JT-60SA is a joint initiative between the European Union and Japan.

JT-60SA, the world's largest and most advanced nuclear fusion reactor started its official operations in Japan's Ibaraki Prefecture on Friday (Dec 1). JT-60SA is a joint initiative between the European Union and Japan. The experimental nuclear fusion reactor is quite a new technology. However, some say that it is the answer to humanity's future energy needs by establishing nuclear fusion as a clean energy source. Notably, fusion differs from fission, the technique currently used in nuclear power plants. The process includes fusing two atomic nuclei instead of splitting one. Also read: Medicine used for controlling blood pressure found to have anti-ageing effect A press release by the European Commission for Energy mentioned that during the inauguration ceremony, the EU and Japan "underlined their support for the operation and technical upgrades of JT-60SA to continue producing groundbreaking research results". The JT-60SA reactor is a six-storey-high machine, which is kept in a hangar in Naka north of Tokyo. It comprises a doughnut-shaped "tokamak" vessel set to contain swirling plasma heated up to 200 million degrees Celsius. Similar to ITER JT-60SA is a forerunner for its big brother in France, the under-construction International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). JT-60SA and ITER both are to coax hydrogen nuclei inside to fuse into one heavier element, helium, releasing energy in the form of light and heat. On one side, JT-60SA has started operations, but researchers at ITER are behind schedule and facing major technical problems. The project is over budget. The researchers hope to achieve nuclear fusion technology's holy grail, net energy. Also read: Study uncovers startling 77% surge in US prison deaths during COVID-19 crisis Sam Davis, who is the deputy project leader for the JT-60SA, said the device will "bring us closer to fusion energy". At Friday's inauguration, Davis said: "It's the result of a collaboration between more than 500 scientists and engineers and more than 70 companies throughout Europe and Japan." As quoted by the news agency AFP, EU energy commissioner Kadri Simson said the JT-60SA was "the most advanced tokamak in the world", calling the start of operations "a milestone for fusion history". "Fusion has the potential to become a key component for energy mix in the second half of this century," Simson added. (With inputs from agencies)

JT-60SA: World's biggest experimental nuclear fusion reactor inaugurated in Japan

<p>At least five people were killed due to the heavy rains in separate incidents across Chennai, which is in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu, said the police on Monday (Dec 4).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The deep depression over the South Bay of Bengal has intensified into cyclonic storm Michaung. It became a 'severe' cyclonic storm on Monday morning about 90 kilometres east-northeast of Chennai.</p>

<p>The 'severe' cyclone is likely to make landfall on the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh between Nellore and Machilipatnam, close to Bapatla, on Tuesday morning. It is being monitored due to its destructive nature and potential impact.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-airport-runway-inundated-crocodile-spotted-on-road-cyclone-michaung-causes-mayhem-in-chennai-666044">Airport runway inundated, crocodile spotted on road, Cyclone Michaung causes mayhem in Chennai</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Relief measures&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said on Monday evening that his government was taking all necessary measures on a war footing to provide relief measures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He stated that relief measures in rain-affected regions are being implemented immediately, with various department personnel, including police, fire, and rescue, being deployed in large numbers as a preventive mechanism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an official release, Stalin mentioned: "The government is taking all precautionary measures on a war-footing in response to heavy rainfall over the last two days due to Cyclone Michaung causing devastation in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu districts."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that the educational institutions, banks, and financial institutions have been granted holidays for Monday and Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Relief measures are being undertaken in the affected districts, with senior ministers, along with government officials, directly monitoring the situation," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Red alert issued in 10 districts as cyclone approaches southern India&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry over Cyclone Michaung&nbsp;and assured all possible support from the Central government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shah took stock of the situation in these states in separate telephonic conversations with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-foxconn-halts-iphone-production-in-chennai-due-to-cyclone-michaung-report-666086">Cyclone Michaung: Foxconn, Pegatron halt iPhone production in Chennai</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Heavy rainfall warning</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall on December 4 and 5 in north-coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The agency has said that light to moderate rainfall will lash&nbsp;most places and heavy to very heavy rainfall will hit&nbsp;a few places, with extremely heavy rainfall expected in isolated places over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam&nbsp;on December 4 and 5.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sandeep Rai Rathore IPS CoP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/greaterchennaipolice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#greaterchennaipolice</a> visited water logged places. Spoke to the press about the preparedness of Greater Chennai Police like deployment of expert DDRT teams and coordination with other departments. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Michaungcyclone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Michaungcyclone</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chennairains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chennairains</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiTraffic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiTraffic</a>… <a href="https://t.co/e78cbRZZAD">pic.twitter.com/e78cbRZZAD</a></p>
— GREATER CHENNAI POLICE -GCP (@chennaipolice_) <a href="https://twitter.com/chennaipolice_/status/1731737758702707096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🌀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Michaungcyclone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Michaungcyclone</a><br />
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Police in action.<br />
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Announcements in low lying areas of Adyar River.<br />
<br />
Annai Sathya Nagar (E4 Abhirampuram PS)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChennaiRain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChennaiRain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Update?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Update</a><a href="https://twitter.com/SandeepRRathore?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SandeepRRathore</a><a href="https://twitter.com/R_Sudhakar_Ips?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@R_Sudhakar_Ips</a><a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiTraffic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiTraffic</a> <a href="https://t.co/N3mLMEqSoO">pic.twitter.com/N3mLMEqSoO</a></p>
— GREATER CHENNAI POLICE -GCP (@chennaipolice_) <a href="https://twitter.com/chennaipolice_/status/1731673031523623166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Modes of transport&nbsp;disrupted in Chennai</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In Chennai, public life has been severely affected due to heavy rains. Several areas, including Wallajah Road, Mount Road, Anna Salai, Chepauk, outside Omandurar government multispecialty hospital and other low-lying areas were left inundated due to the persistent heavy rainfall.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chennai's popular Marina Beach was flooded due to heavy downpours, and the roads from Mount Road to Marina Beach were blocked due to severe waterlogging.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chennai airfield will remain closed until 9:00 am (IST) on Tuesday. "Airfield closed for arrival and departure operations till 0900 hrs IST tomorrow due to adverse weather conditions", said the Chennai airport authority in a post on 'X'.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


At least five people were killed due to the heavy rains in separate incidents across Chennai, which is in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu, said the police on Monday (Dec 4).

At least five people were killed due to the heavy rains in separate incidents across Chennai, which is in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu, said the police on Monday (Dec 4). The deep depression over the South Bay of Bengal has intensified into cyclonic storm Michaung. It became a 'severe' cyclonic storm on Monday morning about 90 kilometres east-northeast of Chennai. The 'severe' cyclone is likely to make landfall on the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh between Nellore and Machilipatnam, close to Bapatla, on Tuesday morning. It is being monitored due to its destructive nature and potential impact. Also read: Airport runway inundated, crocodile spotted on road, Cyclone Michaung causes mayhem in Chennai Relief measures Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said on Monday evening that his government was taking all necessary measures on a war footing to provide relief measures. He stated that relief measures in rain-affected regions are being implemented immediately, with various department personnel, including police, fire, and rescue, being deployed in large numbers as a preventive mechanism. In an official release, Stalin mentioned: "The government is taking all precautionary measures on a war-footing in response to heavy rainfall over the last two days due to Cyclone Michaung causing devastation in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu districts." He added that the educational institutions, banks, and financial institutions have been granted holidays for Monday and Tuesday. "Relief measures are being undertaken in the affected districts, with senior ministers, along with government officials, directly monitoring the situation," he added. Watch: Red alert issued in 10 districts as cyclone approaches southern India × Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry over Cyclone Michaung and assured all possible support from the Central government. Shah took stock of the situation in these states in separate telephonic conversations with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy. Also read: Cyclone Michaung: Foxconn, Pegatron halt iPhone production in Chennai Heavy rainfall warning The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall on December 4 and 5 in north-coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The agency has said that light to moderate rainfall will lash most places and heavy to very heavy rainfall will hit a few places, with extremely heavy rainfall expected in isolated places over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on December 4 and 5. Sandeep Rai Rathore IPS CoP #greaterchennaipolice visited water logged places. Spoke to the press about the preparedness of Greater Chennai Police like deployment of expert DDRT teams and coordination with other departments. #Michaungcyclone #chennairains.@ChennaiTraffic… pic.twitter.com/e78cbRZZAD — GREATER CHENNAI POLICE -GCP (@chennaipolice_) December 4, 2023 × 🌀 #Michaungcyclone Police in action. Announcements in low lying areas of Adyar River. Annai Sathya Nagar (E4 Abhirampuram PS)#ChennaiRain #Update@SandeepRRathore@R_Sudhakar_Ips@ChennaiTraffic pic.twitter.com/N3mLMEqSoO — GREATER CHENNAI POLICE -GCP (@chennaipolice_) December 4, 2023 × Modes of transport disrupted in Chennai In Chennai, public life has been severely affected due to heavy rains. Several areas, including Wallajah Road, Mount Road, Anna Salai, Chepauk, outside Omandurar government multispecialty hospital and other low-lying areas were left inundated due to the persistent heavy rainfall. Chennai's popular Marina Beach was flooded due to heavy downpours, and the roads from Mount Road to Marina Beach were blocked due to severe waterlogging. The Chennai airfield will remain closed until 9:00 am (IST) on Tuesday. "Airfield closed for arrival and departure operations till 0900 hrs IST tomorrow due to adverse weather conditions", said the Chennai airport authority in a post on 'X'. (With inputs from agencies)

Cyclone Michaung: At least five killed in Chennai amid heavy rains, flights halted

<p>Scientists recently got a chance to observe the world's largest iceberg, which split from the Antarctic coastline in 1986. The mega iceberg is about three times the size of New York City and slightly smaller than Kangaroo Island.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was grounded in the Weddell Sea, but the British Antarctic Survey confirmed last week by using satellite imagery that the iceberg was no longer stuck. It was on the move.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The images showed that the iceberg was drifting into an "iceberg alley" and moving towards the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-per-capita-emissions-less-than-half-of-global-average-report-says-666469">India's per capita greenhouse gas emissions less than half of global average, report says</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The British Antarctic Survey shared a video on Monday (Dec 4) stating that the RRS Sir David Attenborough, which is on its way to Antarctica for its first scientific mission, passed the iceberg on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video shared by BAS also included drone footage that showed a pod of orcas swimming next to the massive iceberg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scientists aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough collected samples of seawater around the A23a mega iceberg.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/researchers-discover-giant-underwater-mountain-twice-as-big-as-worlds-tallest-building-665511">Researchers discover giant underwater mountain, twice as big as world’s tallest building</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Santa's Finland 'Post Office' cabin is now on Airbnb&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>'It is incredibly lucky...'</strong></h2>

<p>Dr Andrew Meijers, Chief Scientist aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough and Polar Oceans Science Leader at British Antarctic Survey (BAS), said in a statement: "It is incredibly lucky that the iceberg's route out of the Weddell Sea sat directly across our planned path, and that we had the right team aboard to take advantage of this opportunity."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scientists have said that it's quite rare to see an iceberg of this size on the move, and they added that they will be watching its trajectory closely.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meijers added, "We're fortunate that navigating A23a hasn't had an impact on the tight timings for our science mission, and it is amazing to see this huge berg in person – it stretches as far as the eye can see."&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by The Guardian, Laura Taylor, who is a biogeochemist, said, "We know that these giant icebergs can provide nutrients to the waters they pass through, creating thriving ecosystems in otherwise less productive areas."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taylor, who was part of the team of scientists who took samples, added, "What we don't know is what difference particular icebergs, their scale and their origins can make to that process."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scientists believe that the survey of these samples will help the scientists to determine how the iceberg is influencing the carbon levels in the water.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Scientists recently got a chance to observe the world's largest iceberg, which split from the Antarctic coastline in 1986. The mega iceberg is about three times the size of New York City and slightly smaller than Kangaroo Island.

Scientists recently got a chance to observe the world's largest iceberg, which split from the Antarctic coastline in 1986. The mega iceberg is about three times the size of New York City and slightly smaller than Kangaroo Island. It was grounded in the Weddell Sea, but the British Antarctic Survey confirmed last week by using satellite imagery that the iceberg was no longer stuck. It was on the move. The images showed that the iceberg was drifting into an "iceberg alley" and moving towards the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. Also read: India's per capita greenhouse gas emissions less than half of global average, report says The British Antarctic Survey shared a video on Monday (Dec 4) stating that the RRS Sir David Attenborough, which is on its way to Antarctica for its first scientific mission, passed the iceberg on Friday. The video shared by BAS also included drone footage that showed a pod of orcas swimming next to the massive iceberg. Scientists aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough collected samples of seawater around the A23a mega iceberg. Also read: Researchers discover giant underwater mountain, twice as big as world’s tallest building Watch: Santa's Finland 'Post Office' cabin is now on Airbnb × 'It is incredibly lucky...' Dr Andrew Meijers, Chief Scientist aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough and Polar Oceans Science Leader at British Antarctic Survey (BAS), said in a statement: "It is incredibly lucky that the iceberg's route out of the Weddell Sea sat directly across our planned path, and that we had the right team aboard to take advantage of this opportunity." Scientists have said that it's quite rare to see an iceberg of this size on the move, and they added that they will be watching its trajectory closely. Meijers added, "We're fortunate that navigating A23a hasn't had an impact on the tight timings for our science mission, and it is amazing to see this huge berg in person – it stretches as far as the eye can see." As quoted by The Guardian, Laura Taylor, who is a biogeochemist, said, "We know that these giant icebergs can provide nutrients to the waters they pass through, creating thriving ecosystems in otherwise less productive areas." Taylor, who was part of the team of scientists who took samples, added, "What we don't know is what difference particular icebergs, their scale and their origins can make to that process." Scientists believe that the survey of these samples will help the scientists to determine how the iceberg is influencing the carbon levels in the water. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists got 'incredibly lucky' to observe and take samples from mega iceberg on the move

<p>Hisham Awartani, a Palestinian-Irish-American college student, was among three students who were shot in Burlington, Vermont in an unprovoked attack in November. Local media reports said citing his family that he has&nbsp;been partially paralysed from the chest down because of the bullet injury.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Awartani is a student at Brown University, where he studies math and archaeology. He is also a teaching assistant at the university. He grew up in the West Bank and reportedly speaks seven languages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Awartani's mother Elizabeth Price told NBC News recently that her son was paralysed from the mid-torso downward. She said that Hisham may not be able to walk again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Price said: "He has what they call an incomplete spinal injury, which means that he can feel, but he can't move the areas that are currently paralysed. He is going into intensive rehab later this week, and we hope that that will help with his prognosis."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-benjamin-netanyahu-graft-trial-resumes-in-israel-666091">PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s graft trial resumes in Israel</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The incident happened when the 20-year-old was taking a walk on November 25 with his childhood friends — Kinnan Abdalhamid and Tahseen Ali Ahmad — of the same age. A man approached them with a gun and opened fire at all three.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court documents have shown that Awartani was shot in the spine, Ali Ahmad was shot in the chest, and Abdalhamid was shot in the glute.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They were able to survive, but Awartani's family stated in a GoFundMe post on Saturday that their son has been&nbsp;could be paralysed permanently as they attempt to raise money for his medical costs. The fundraising effort had reached more than $400,000 toward its $800,000 goal as of midday Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He has demonstrated remarkable courage, resilience and fortitude — even a sense of humor — even as the reality of his paralysis sets in," his family wrote on the GoFundMe page.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The family is committed to his recovery and remain hopeful, in spite of the grave prognosis," they added, describing him as a "kind, gentle, brilliant young man with enormous potential".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-hostage-yonatan-samerano-abducted-during-music-festival-confirmed-dead-in-hamas-captivity-666047">Israeli hostage Jonatan Samerano abducted during music festival, confirmed dead in Hamas captivity</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel vows to destroy Hamas, civilians caught in the crossfire&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Who was the shooter?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Forty-eight-year-old Jason Eaton was arrested in connection with the shooting, but he has pleaded not guilty to three counts of second-degree attempted murder. The court records show that he is scheduled to appear in court on December 18.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Authorities are also probing whether or not the incident was related to hate crime.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Hisham Awartani, a Palestinian-Irish-American college student, was among three students who were shot in Burlington, Vermont in an unprovoked attack in November.

Hisham Awartani, a Palestinian-Irish-American college student, was among three students who were shot in Burlington, Vermont in an unprovoked attack in November. Local media reports said citing his family that he has been partially paralysed from the chest down because of the bullet injury. Awartani is a student at Brown University, where he studies math and archaeology. He is also a teaching assistant at the university. He grew up in the West Bank and reportedly speaks seven languages. Awartani's mother Elizabeth Price told NBC News recently that her son was paralysed from the mid-torso downward. She said that Hisham may not be able to walk again. Price said: "He has what they call an incomplete spinal injury, which means that he can feel, but he can't move the areas that are currently paralysed. He is going into intensive rehab later this week, and we hope that that will help with his prognosis." Also read: PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s graft trial resumes in Israel The incident happened when the 20-year-old was taking a walk on November 25 with his childhood friends — Kinnan Abdalhamid and Tahseen Ali Ahmad — of the same age. A man approached them with a gun and opened fire at all three. The court documents have shown that Awartani was shot in the spine, Ali Ahmad was shot in the chest, and Abdalhamid was shot in the glute. They were able to survive, but Awartani's family stated in a GoFundMe post on Saturday that their son has been could be paralysed permanently as they attempt to raise money for his medical costs. The fundraising effort had reached more than $400,000 toward its $800,000 goal as of midday Sunday. "He has demonstrated remarkable courage, resilience and fortitude — even a sense of humor — even as the reality of his paralysis sets in," his family wrote on the GoFundMe page. "The family is committed to his recovery and remain hopeful, in spite of the grave prognosis," they added, describing him as a "kind, gentle, brilliant young man with enormous potential". Also read: Israeli hostage Jonatan Samerano abducted during music festival, confirmed dead in Hamas captivity Watch: Israel vows to destroy Hamas, civilians caught in the crossfire × Who was the shooter? Forty-eight-year-old Jason Eaton was arrested in connection with the shooting, but he has pleaded not guilty to three counts of second-degree attempted murder. The court records show that he is scheduled to appear in court on December 18. Authorities are also probing whether or not the incident was related to hate crime. (With inputs from agencies)

Hisham Awartani, one of 3 Palestinian-American students shot in Vermont, is paralysed from chest down

<p>Britain's&nbsp;armed&nbsp;forces&nbsp;face an equipment funding shortfall of 17 billion pounds ($21.6 billion) over the next 10 years, a public spending watchdog said on Monday, a concern for defence chiefs at a time of heightened geopolitical risks.</p>

<p>The National Audit Office (NAO) put the estimate for the budget for new weapons and equipment at 305.5 billion pounds for 2023-2033, 16.9 billion pounds over budget, the largest deficit since its first report in 2012.</p>

<p>Soaring costs in nuclear and naval programmes, as Britain works on a replacement nuclear deterrent, as well as high inflation have pushed up the future budget, the NAO said.</p>

<p>This had resulted in a "marked deterioration" in the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) financial position.</p>

<p>Russia's war in Ukraine has highlighted the need for extra military spending across Europe, with Britain an important ally and provider of military equipment to Kyiv. It has also been investing in improving its own equipment readiness and expanding munitions facilities.</p>

<p>Defence Minister Grant Shapps said in response to the watchdog's report that while the government was forecasting budgetary pressure, "the department is confident it can live within its equipment budget".</p>

<p>There were also scenarios in which the MOD would have a surplus over 10 years, he said.</p>

<p>The government raised spending on defence by an extra 5 billion pounds earlier this year, increasing it to about 2.25% of gross domestic product this year and next. It had been about 2%.</p>

<p>Shapps said that the NAO's report did not take into account the government's aspiration to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP when economic conditions allowed.</p>

<p>"The Ministry of Defence acknowledges that its Equipment Plan for 2023–2033 is unaffordable," NAO head Gareth Davies said in a statement.</p>

<p>NAO said decisions over scrapping or scaling back projects likely to be deemed "unaffordable" should not be deferred as this would risk "poor value for money".</p>

<p>The budget deficit could be even higher, the NAO said, because the equipment plan it studied does not include things such as the cost of developing new capabilities or extending the life of some equipment including combat vehicles such as the Warrior and Challenger 2.</p>


Britain's armed forces face an equipment funding shortfall of 17 billion pounds ($21.6 billion) over the next 10 years, a public spending watchdog said on Monday, a concern for defence chiefs at a time of heightened geopolitical risks.

Britain's armed forces face an equipment funding shortfall of 17 billion pounds ($21.6 billion) over the next 10 years, a public spending watchdog said on Monday, a concern for defence chiefs at a time of heightened geopolitical risks. The National Audit Office (NAO) put the estimate for the budget for new weapons and equipment at 305.5 billion pounds for 2023-2033, 16.9 billion pounds over budget, the largest deficit since its first report in 2012. Soaring costs in nuclear and naval programmes, as Britain works on a replacement nuclear deterrent, as well as high inflation have pushed up the future budget, the NAO said. This had resulted in a "marked deterioration" in the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) financial position. Russia's war in Ukraine has highlighted the need for extra military spending across Europe, with Britain an important ally and provider of military equipment to Kyiv. It has also been investing in improving its own equipment readiness and expanding munitions facilities. Defence Minister Grant Shapps said in response to the watchdog's report that while the government was forecasting budgetary pressure, "the department is confident it can live within its equipment budget". There were also scenarios in which the MOD would have a surplus over 10 years, he said. The government raised spending on defence by an extra 5 billion pounds earlier this year, increasing it to about 2.25% of gross domestic product this year and next. It had been about 2%. Shapps said that the NAO's report did not take into account the government's aspiration to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP when economic conditions allowed. "The Ministry of Defence acknowledges that its Equipment Plan for 2023–2033 is unaffordable," NAO head Gareth Davies said in a statement. NAO said decisions over scrapping or scaling back projects likely to be deemed "unaffordable" should not be deferred as this would risk "poor value for money". The budget deficit could be even higher, the NAO said, because the equipment plan it studied does not include things such as the cost of developing new capabilities or extending the life of some equipment including combat vehicles such as the Warrior and Challenger 2.

UK military faces $22 billion equipment shortfall, watchdog says

<p>Shalanda Young, who is the White House budget chief, issued a warning to the US Congress on Monday (Dec 4) that failure to agree to fresh funds for Ukraine by the end of the year would impact Kyiv severely on the battlefield.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a letter to the House Speaker, the Office of Management and Budget director said: "I want to be clear: without congressional action, by the end of the year we will run out of resources to procure more weapons and equipment for Ukraine."&nbsp;<br />
<br />
She further added that cutting off the flow of US weapons and equipment will "kneecap" Ukraine on the battlefield amid the ongoing war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the war started last year on February 24, the US has sent more than $75 billion in assistance to Ukraine, including humanitarian aid, financial, and military support.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-for-illegally-entering-waters-near-disputed-second-thomas-shoal-666058">China slams US for 'illegally' entering waters near disputed Second Thomas Shoal</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>United States President Joe Biden in October asked Congress to approve $61.4 billion for Ukraine, $14.3 billion for Israel, and $9.15 billion for humanitarian aid in the two countries and the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Biden Administration has also said that the process of sending aid to war-ravaged Ukraine has helped the US states, primarily Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Texas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the request has not been approved as the Congress has been paralysed for months by Republican infighting, with hard-right lawmakers particularly opposing any further assistance for Kyiv as the war drags on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When new Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson took office in October after his predecessor Kevin McCarthy was ousted by a right-wing coup, the main focus of the Congress was to avert a chaotic government shutdown, which they did over the Thanksgiving holiday in November.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bodies-of-five-recovered-from-the-crashed-us-military-osprey-aircraft-off-japanese-coast-666074">Bodies of five recovered from the crashed US military Osprey aircraft off Japanese coast</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russian forces intensify attack on Ukraine&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Young's warning</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The deal to keep the lights on until mid-January left out aid to America's key allies. In her letter, Young said that by that time it would be too late and funds for Ukraine would have already dried up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is no magical pot of funding available to meet this moment. We are out of money -- and nearly out of time," Young wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She underlined that if the US fails to agree more funding, it would increase the chance of Russian military victories. It will also put Ukraine's gains so far at risk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This isn't a next year problem. The time to help a democratic Ukraine fight against Russian aggression is right now. It is time for Congress to act," she wrote.</p>

<p>This comes amid Ukraine's desperate calls for more foreign aid. Meanwhile, Russian forces have stepped up attacks in the east after holding back Kyiv's much-vaunted counteroffensive.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos</em></strong></p>


Shalanda Young, who is the White House budget chief, issued a warning to the US Congress on Monday (Dec 4) that failure to agree to fresh funds for Ukraine by the end of the year would impact Kyiv severely on the battlefield.

Shalanda Young, who is the White House budget chief, issued a warning to the US Congress on Monday (Dec 4) that failure to agree to fresh funds for Ukraine by the end of the year would impact Kyiv severely on the battlefield. In a letter to the House Speaker, the Office of Management and Budget director said: "I want to be clear: without congressional action, by the end of the year we will run out of resources to procure more weapons and equipment for Ukraine." She further added that cutting off the flow of US weapons and equipment will "kneecap" Ukraine on the battlefield amid the ongoing war. Since the war started last year on February 24, the US has sent more than $75 billion in assistance to Ukraine, including humanitarian aid, financial, and military support. Also read: China slams US for 'illegally' entering waters near disputed Second Thomas Shoal United States President Joe Biden in October asked Congress to approve $61.4 billion for Ukraine, $14.3 billion for Israel, and $9.15 billion for humanitarian aid in the two countries and the Gaza Strip. The Biden Administration has also said that the process of sending aid to war-ravaged Ukraine has helped the US states, primarily Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Texas. But the request has not been approved as the Congress has been paralysed for months by Republican infighting, with hard-right lawmakers particularly opposing any further assistance for Kyiv as the war drags on. When new Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson took office in October after his predecessor Kevin McCarthy was ousted by a right-wing coup, the main focus of the Congress was to avert a chaotic government shutdown, which they did over the Thanksgiving holiday in November. Also read: Bodies of five recovered from the crashed US military Osprey aircraft off Japanese coast Watch: Russian forces intensify attack on Ukraine × Young's warning The deal to keep the lights on until mid-January left out aid to America's key allies. In her letter, Young said that by that time it would be too late and funds for Ukraine would have already dried up. "There is no magical pot of funding available to meet this moment. We are out of money -- and nearly out of time," Young wrote. She underlined that if the US fails to agree more funding, it would increase the chance of Russian military victories. It will also put Ukraine's gains so far at risk. "This isn't a next year problem. The time to help a democratic Ukraine fight against Russian aggression is right now. It is time for Congress to act," she wrote. This comes amid Ukraine's desperate calls for more foreign aid. Meanwhile, Russian forces have stepped up attacks in the east after holding back Kyiv's much-vaunted counteroffensive. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

White House says time running out to support Ukraine's fight against Russia

<p>An earthquake of magnitude 5.2&nbsp;struck&nbsp;Khuzdar, which is in the Balochistan province of Pakistan, on Monday (Dec 4), the United States Geological Survey reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the USGS report, the depth of the quake was 170 kilometres and the epicentre was 160 kilometres in the northwest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local media reports have mentioned that people came out of their houses, but no loss of life or damage to property has been reported so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moderate shaking was felt near the epicentre, and minor shaking was felt across the parts of central and southern Balochistan, and also in the western Sindh province.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ro">5.2 earthquake, 65 km SSW of Khuzdar, Pakistan. Dec 4 12:19:23 UTC (18m ago, depth 10km). <a href="https://t.co/JeiTpKifgj">https://t.co/JeiTpKifgj</a></p>
— Earthquakes (@NewEarthquake) <a href="https://twitter.com/NewEarthquake/status/1731654108728217826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Earthquake in Pakistan&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>An earthquake of magnitude 4.8 on the Richter Scale struck Pakistan on Saturday night, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) informed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The quake occurred on Saturday night at 23:52:22 IST at a depth of 24 km.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Earthquake of Magnitude:4.8, Occurred on 03-12-2023, 23:52:22 IST, Lat: 32.06 &amp; Long: 69.86, Depth: 24 Km, Location: Pakistan," read a post on the official NCS handle on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


An earthquake of magnitude 5.2 struck Khuzdar, which is in the Balochistan province of Pakistan, on Monday (Dec 4), the United States Geological Survey reported.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.2 struck Khuzdar, which is in the Balochistan province of Pakistan, on Monday (Dec 4), the United States Geological Survey reported. As per the USGS report, the depth of the quake was 170 kilometres and the epicentre was 160 kilometres in the northwest. Local media reports have mentioned that people came out of their houses, but no loss of life or damage to property has been reported so far. Moderate shaking was felt near the epicentre, and minor shaking was felt across the parts of central and southern Balochistan, and also in the western Sindh province. 5.2 earthquake, 65 km SSW of Khuzdar, Pakistan. Dec 4 12:19:23 UTC (18m ago, depth 10km). https://t.co/JeiTpKifgj — Earthquakes (@NewEarthquake) December 4, 2023 × Earthquake in Pakistan An earthquake of magnitude 4.8 on the Richter Scale struck Pakistan on Saturday night, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) informed. The quake occurred on Saturday night at 23:52:22 IST at a depth of 24 km. "Earthquake of Magnitude:4.8, Occurred on 03-12-2023, 23:52:22 IST, Lat: 32.06 & Long: 69.86, Depth: 24 Km, Location: Pakistan," read a post on the official NCS handle on X. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Earthquake of magnitude 5.2 strikes near Khuzdar in Balochistan

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Srishti Sisodia

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