An Israeli airstrike in Lebanon hit a building housing Syrian workers and their families, killing 23 people, Lebanese officials said on Thursday. It was one of the deadliest single strikes in an intensified air campaign against the militant Hezbollah group.

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The strike late Wednesday came as the United States and its allies called for an “immediate” 21-day cease-fire to “provide space for diplomacy”.

Israel has threatened to launch a ground invasion, and the increasingly heavy exchanges of fire could trigger an all-out war. 
 
Lebanon's National News Agency said the strike occurred near the ancient city of Baalbek in Lebanon's northeastern Bekaa Valley, which runs along the Syrian border. It quoted Ali Kassas, mayor of the village of Younine, as saying that the bodies of 23 Syrian citizens were pulled from under the rubble. He said four Syrians and four Lebanese were wounded. 
 
Hussein Salloum, a local official in Younine, said most of the dead were women and children, and that rescue efforts lasted through the night and into Thursday morning.

“We dug through the rubble with our own hands” until a small bulldozer was brought in, Salloum told The Associated Press by telephone. “We had very limited capabilities.” The Lebanese Red Cross said it recovered nine bodies, while others were recovered by the Hezbollah militant group's paramedic service and the Lebanese Civil Defence.

Lebanon, with a population of around 6 million, hosts nearly 780,000 registered Syrian refugees and hundreds of thousands who are unregistered — the world's highest refugee population per capita. 
 
Israel has carried out heavy strikes across Lebanon for days, targeting what it says are Hezbollah rocket launchers and other military infrastructure. The militants have fired hundreds of rockets into Israel and on Wednesday targeted Tel Aviv for the first time with a long-range missile that was intercepted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is travelling to the United States for the UN General Assembly, has not yet responded to the cease-fire proposal. But his foreign minister, Israel Katz, said Israel would continue fighting “with full force until victory”. 
 
Hezbollah has also not yet responded to the proposal. The militant group has insisted it would only halt its strikes if there is a cease-fire in Gaza, which appears out of reach despite months of negotiations led by the United States, Egypt and Qatar.

Israeli strikes since Monday have killed more than 630 people in Lebanon, according to local health authorities, who say around a quarter were women and children. Several people have been wounded by shrapnel in Israel. 
 
Israel struck 75 sites overnight across southern and eastern Lebanon, the military said. At least 45 projectiles were fired from Lebanon early Thursday, all of which were intercepted or fell in open areas, it said.

Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after Hamas' October 7 attack ignited the war in Gaza, hoping to pin down Israeli forces. Both Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies of Iran. The fighting has killed dozens of people in Israel and driven tens of thousands from their homes on both sides of the border. 
 
Israel has vowed to do whatever is necessary to allow its citizens to return, and it has moved thousands of troops to the northern border in preparation for a possible ground operation.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

An Israeli airstrike in Lebanon hit a building housing Syrian workers and their families, killing 23 people, Lebanese officials said on Thursday. It was one of the deadliest single strikes in an intensified air campaign against the militant Hezbollah group.

An Israeli airstrike in Lebanon hit a building housing Syrian workers and their families, killing 23 people, Lebanese officials said on Thursday. It was one of the deadliest single strikes in an intensified air campaign against the militant Hezbollah group. The strike late Wednesday came as the United States and its allies called for an “immediate” 21-day cease-fire to “provide space for diplomacy”. Israel has threatened to launch a ground invasion, and the increasingly heavy exchanges of fire could trigger an all-out war. Lebanon's National News Agency said the strike occurred near the ancient city of Baalbek in Lebanon's northeastern Bekaa Valley, which runs along the Syrian border. It quoted Ali Kassas, mayor of the village of Younine, as saying that the bodies of 23 Syrian citizens were pulled from under the rubble. He said four Syrians and four Lebanese were wounded. Hussein Salloum, a local official in Younine, said most of the dead were women and children, and that rescue efforts lasted through the night and into Thursday morning. “We dug through the rubble with our own hands” until a small bulldozer was brought in, Salloum told The Associated Press by telephone. “We had very limited capabilities.” The Lebanese Red Cross said it recovered nine bodies, while others were recovered by the Hezbollah militant group's paramedic service and the Lebanese Civil Defence. Lebanon, with a population of around 6 million, hosts nearly 780,000 registered Syrian refugees and hundreds of thousands who are unregistered — the world's highest refugee population per capita. Israel has carried out heavy strikes across Lebanon for days, targeting what it says are Hezbollah rocket launchers and other military infrastructure. The militants have fired hundreds of rockets into Israel and on Wednesday targeted Tel Aviv for the first time with a long-range missile that was intercepted. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is travelling to the United States for the UN General Assembly, has not yet responded to the cease-fire proposal. But his foreign minister, Israel Katz, said Israel would continue fighting “with full force until victory”. Hezbollah has also not yet responded to the proposal. The militant group has insisted it would only halt its strikes if there is a cease-fire in Gaza, which appears out of reach despite months of negotiations led by the United States, Egypt and Qatar. Israeli strikes since Monday have killed more than 630 people in Lebanon, according to local health authorities, who say around a quarter were women and children. Several people have been wounded by shrapnel in Israel. Israel struck 75 sites overnight across southern and eastern Lebanon, the military said. At least 45 projectiles were fired from Lebanon early Thursday, all of which were intercepted or fell in open areas, it said. Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after Hamas' October 7 attack ignited the war in Gaza, hoping to pin down Israeli forces. Both Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies of Iran. The fighting has killed dozens of people in Israel and driven tens of thousands from their homes on both sides of the border. Israel has vowed to do whatever is necessary to allow its citizens to return, and it has moved thousands of troops to the northern border in preparation for a possible ground operation. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Lebanon’s state-run news agency claims Israeli airstrike killed around 23 Syrian workers and kin

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has&nbsp;distanced itself from MP Kangana Ranaut's statement on farm laws. BJP’s&nbsp;National Spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill on Wednesday labelled Kangana'd remarks as 'baseless and illogical', adding that the Mandi MP's statement is damaging the good work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to ANI on actor and BJP MP Mandi Kangana Ranaut's remarks on farmers, Jaiveer Shergill said, "I am grateful to the BJP for distancing themselves from the comments of Kangana Ranaut. But as a Punjabi, I must say that Kangana Ranaut's consistent rant, useless, baseless and illogical statements against the Sikh community, the farmers of Punjab are damaging all the good work, the welfare-oriented, the Vikas-oriented work being done, that has been done by PM Modi for the welfare of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat."

This remark came even after Kangana Ranaut issued a public apology and expressed "regret" over her statement on Wednesday. 
 
Mandi Lok Sabha MP Kangana Ranaut had suggested that the three farm laws that were repealed following prolonged farmer protests should be brought back.&nbsp;The actor-turned-politician was quoted as saying, "I know this statement could be controversial, but the three farm laws should be brought back. Farmers themselves should demand it."

After the BJP stated that her comments were "not authorised," Kangana retracted her remarks and issued an apology. She added that moving forward, she will ensure her views align with the party's stance rather than representing her personal opinions.

BJP national spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill further said that PM Modi's 'bond with Punjab, the farmer of Punjab and Punjabiyat is&nbsp;unbreakable'.

"Having said that there should not be any doubt that PM Modi's bond with Punjab, the farmer of Punjab and Punjabiyat is an unbreakable, unshakable bond and that bond should not be judged or seen through the lens of irresponsible comments being made by one MP Kangana Ranaut," the BJP national spokesperson added.

Earlier on Tuesday, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said the remarks are "personal statements" of Ranaut and don't depict BJP's view on farm bills. 
 
"On the social media platforms, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut's statement on the farm bills that were withdrawn by central govt, is going viral. I want to make it clear that this statement is a personal statement of her," Bhatia said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has distanced itself from MP Kangana Ranaut's statement on farm laws. BJP’s National Spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill on Wednesday labelled Kangana'd remarks as 'baseless and illogical', adding that the Mandi MP's statement is damaging the good work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has distanced itself from MP Kangana Ranaut's statement on farm laws. BJP’s National Spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill on Wednesday labelled Kangana'd remarks as 'baseless and illogical', adding that the Mandi MP's statement is damaging the good work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to ANI on actor and BJP MP Mandi Kangana Ranaut's remarks on farmers, Jaiveer Shergill said, "I am grateful to the BJP for distancing themselves from the comments of Kangana Ranaut. But as a Punjabi, I must say that Kangana Ranaut's consistent rant, useless, baseless and illogical statements against the Sikh community, the farmers of Punjab are damaging all the good work, the welfare-oriented, the Vikas-oriented work being done, that has been done by PM Modi for the welfare of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat." This remark came even after Kangana Ranaut issued a public apology and expressed "regret" over her statement on Wednesday. Mandi Lok Sabha MP Kangana Ranaut had suggested that the three farm laws that were repealed following prolonged farmer protests should be brought back. The actor-turned-politician was quoted as saying, "I know this statement could be controversial, but the three farm laws should be brought back. Farmers themselves should demand it." After the BJP stated that her comments were "not authorised," Kangana retracted her remarks and issued an apology. She added that moving forward, she will ensure her views align with the party's stance rather than representing her personal opinions. BJP national spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill further said that PM Modi's 'bond with Punjab, the farmer of Punjab and Punjabiyat is unbreakable'. "Having said that there should not be any doubt that PM Modi's bond with Punjab, the farmer of Punjab and Punjabiyat is an unbreakable, unshakable bond and that bond should not be judged or seen through the lens of irresponsible comments being made by one MP Kangana Ranaut," the BJP national spokesperson added. Earlier on Tuesday, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said the remarks are "personal statements" of Ranaut and don't depict BJP's view on farm bills. "On the social media platforms, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut's statement on the farm bills that were withdrawn by central govt, is going viral. I want to make it clear that this statement is a personal statement of her," Bhatia said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

BJP spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill labels Kangana Ranaut’s remarks on farm laws as ‘baseless and illogical’

An increasingly powerful hurricane threatening "catastrophic," dangerous storm surges and flooding was forecast to smash into Florida's Gulf coast on Thursday, as thousands of residents evacuated towns along the US state's shoreline.

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Helene strengthened into a hurricane mid-morning Wednesday in the Gulf of Mexico and is "expected to bring life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and flooding rains to a large portion of Florida and the Southeastern United States," the National Hurricane Center in Miami said in its latest bulletin.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to 85 miles (137 kilometers) per hour with higher gusts, as the storm moves north at 12 mph.

"Strengthening is forecast, and Helene is expected to be a major hurricane when it reaches the Florida Big Bend coast Thursday evening," the NHC added.

The storm now has the potential to roar ashore as an intensely powerful Category 4 hurricane, on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale, potentially with sustained winds of 130 miles per hour, the center said.

"A catastrophic and deadly storm surge is likely along portions of the Florida Big Bend coast, where inundation could reach as high as 20 feet (six meters) above ground level, along with destructive waves," according to the NHC.

The storm also has potential to "penetrate well inland," it added. Several states are in the warning cone, and Atlanta, a Georgia metropolis hundreds of miles from the Gulf Coast and whose region is home to five million people, is forecast to experience close to tropical storm-force winds and heavy rain into Friday.

President Joe Biden was briefed on the storm Wednesday. "The entire Biden-Harris Administration stands ready to provide further assistance to Florida, and other states in the path of the storm, as needed," the White House said in a statement.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a state of emergency for nearly all of Florida's 67 counties, including Miami-Dade. He has mobilized the National Guard and positioned thousands of personnel to prepare for possible search and rescue operations and power restoration.

"The impacts are going to be far beyond the eye of the storm," DeSantis said as he urged Floridians to rush preparations to completion and evacuate if ordered.

Helene earlier lashed Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, home to multiple tourist hotspots, including Cancun. By Wednesday afternoon, the storm's outer bands were buffeting the southern Florida Keys.

Sixteen Florida counties have announced mandatory partial evacuation orders, while two have ordered the evacuation of all residents. DeSantis said at least 62 health care facilities, from hospitals to nursing homes, have already begun evacuations.

- Whole state bracing -&nbsp;

A "direct impact" was likely in the Tallahassee region, where coastal communities already looked like ghost towns by Wednesday afternoon. 
In Crawfordville, potentially in the storm's direct path, wheelchair-bound residents of the Eden Springs Nursing and Rehab Center were being placed on coach buses for evacuation.

Other locals were seen loading up on gas and supplies, filling sandbags and boarding up homes and businesses. Communities across a wide swath of northwest Florida -- including Tampa Bay, an area of more than three million residents -- faced the dangerous threats of storm surge, heavy rain and fierce winds.

In St. Petersburg, adjacent to Tampa, cars lined up at supply donation or distribution centers while people filled sandbags. Teacher Lorraine Major, seen making her own preparations, has lived in Florida her whole life. "You get used to it," she said of the multiple storms and hurricanes that batter her state every year.

"But these last couple of years, the hurricanes are getting really, really bad," the 44-year-old told AFP in St. Petersburg.

In nearby Clearwater, resident Jasper MacFarland laid sand bags at his house entrance. "I expect the water to come up and I just don't want it to get in the house," he said.

A 250-mile stretch of coastline, essentially from Tampa Bay to just shy of Panama City, on the Florida panhandle is under hurricane warning. If forecasts are confirmed, Helene would become the most powerful hurricane to hit the US in more than a year.

Category 3 Hurricane Idalia hit northwestern Florida in August 2023. Researchers say climate change likely plays a role in the rapid intensification of storms, because there is more energy in a warmer ocean for them to feed on.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

An increasingly powerful hurricane threatening "catastrophic," dangerous storm surges and flooding was forecast to smash into Florida's Gulf coast on Thursday, as thousands of residents evacuated towns along the US state's shoreline.

An increasingly powerful hurricane threatening "catastrophic," dangerous storm surges and flooding was forecast to smash into Florida's Gulf coast on Thursday, as thousands of residents evacuated towns along the US state's shoreline. Helene strengthened into a hurricane mid-morning Wednesday in the Gulf of Mexico and is "expected to bring life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and flooding rains to a large portion of Florida and the Southeastern United States," the National Hurricane Center in Miami said in its latest bulletin. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 85 miles (137 kilometers) per hour with higher gusts, as the storm moves north at 12 mph. "Strengthening is forecast, and Helene is expected to be a major hurricane when it reaches the Florida Big Bend coast Thursday evening," the NHC added. The storm now has the potential to roar ashore as an intensely powerful Category 4 hurricane, on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale, potentially with sustained winds of 130 miles per hour, the center said. "A catastrophic and deadly storm surge is likely along portions of the Florida Big Bend coast, where inundation could reach as high as 20 feet (six meters) above ground level, along with destructive waves," according to the NHC. The storm also has potential to "penetrate well inland," it added. Several states are in the warning cone, and Atlanta, a Georgia metropolis hundreds of miles from the Gulf Coast and whose region is home to five million people, is forecast to experience close to tropical storm-force winds and heavy rain into Friday. President Joe Biden was briefed on the storm Wednesday. "The entire Biden-Harris Administration stands ready to provide further assistance to Florida, and other states in the path of the storm, as needed," the White House said in a statement. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a state of emergency for nearly all of Florida's 67 counties, including Miami-Dade. He has mobilized the National Guard and positioned thousands of personnel to prepare for possible search and rescue operations and power restoration. "The impacts are going to be far beyond the eye of the storm," DeSantis said as he urged Floridians to rush preparations to completion and evacuate if ordered. Helene earlier lashed Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, home to multiple tourist hotspots, including Cancun. By Wednesday afternoon, the storm's outer bands were buffeting the southern Florida Keys. Sixteen Florida counties have announced mandatory partial evacuation orders, while two have ordered the evacuation of all residents. DeSantis said at least 62 health care facilities, from hospitals to nursing homes, have already begun evacuations. - Whole state bracing - A "direct impact" was likely in the Tallahassee region, where coastal communities already looked like ghost towns by Wednesday afternoon. In Crawfordville, potentially in the storm's direct path, wheelchair-bound residents of the Eden Springs Nursing and Rehab Center were being placed on coach buses for evacuation. Other locals were seen loading up on gas and supplies, filling sandbags and boarding up homes and businesses. Communities across a wide swath of northwest Florida -- including Tampa Bay, an area of more than three million residents -- faced the dangerous threats of storm surge, heavy rain and fierce winds. In St. Petersburg, adjacent to Tampa, cars lined up at supply donation or distribution centers while people filled sandbags. Teacher Lorraine Major, seen making her own preparations, has lived in Florida her whole life. "You get used to it," she said of the multiple storms and hurricanes that batter her state every year. "But these last couple of years, the hurricanes are getting really, really bad," the 44-year-old told AFP in St. Petersburg. In nearby Clearwater, resident Jasper MacFarland laid sand bags at his house entrance. "I expect the water to come up and I just don't want it to get in the house," he said. A 250-mile stretch of coastline, essentially from Tampa Bay to just shy of Panama City, on the Florida panhandle is under hurricane warning. If forecasts are confirmed, Helene would become the most powerful hurricane to hit the US in more than a year. Category 3 Hurricane Idalia hit northwestern Florida in August 2023. Researchers say climate change likely plays a role in the rapid intensification of storms, because there is more energy in a warmer ocean for them to feed on. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Hurricane Helene strengthens, threatens ‘catastrophic’ storms in Florida

The Israeli military said on Thursday it hit around 75 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon during the night, including ammunition depots of the Lebanese armed group.

 
"Overnight, the IDF (Israeli military)... struck approximately 75 terror targets" belonging to Hezbollah "in the area of Bekaa and in southern Lebanon, including weapons storage facilities, ready-to-fire launchers" as well as militants and other infrastructure, the military said in a statement.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

(This is a developing story. More to follow)

The Israeli military said on Thursday it hit around 75 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon during the night, including ammunition depots of the Lebanese armed group. "Overnight, the IDF (Israeli military).

The Israeli military said on Thursday it hit around 75 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon during the night, including ammunition depots of the Lebanese armed group. "Overnight, the IDF (Israeli military)... struck approximately 75 terror targets" belonging to Hezbollah "in the area of Bekaa and in southern Lebanon, including weapons storage facilities, ready-to-fire launchers" as well as militants and other infrastructure, the military said in a statement. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience. (This is a developing story. More to follow)

Israeli military claims it hit 75 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon overnight

A Special Court in Bengaluru on Wednesday ordered a Lokayukta police probe against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case, setting the stage for filing of an FIR against him. 
 
The order of the Special Court Judge, Santhosh Gajanan Bhat, came a day after the High Court upheld the sanction granted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to conduct an investigation against CM Siddaramaiah on the allegations of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife B M Parvathi by MUDA.

The Special Court that exclusively deals with criminal cases related to former and elected MPs/MLAs, issued the order directing the Lokayukta police in Mysuru to initiate an investigation on the complaint filed by RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna. 
 
The Court issued directions to take up the probe under section 156 (3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) (that gives a magistrate the power to order an investigation into a cognisable offense) and file the investigation report by December 24. 
 
The HC had also vacated its August 19 interim order directing the Special Court to defer the decision on complaints against the chief minister, giving the green signal for ordering a probe. 
 
It had dismissed Siddaramaiah's petition challenging the legality of the Governor's August 16 order granting approval for investigation under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, 1988.

Reacting to the Special Court order, Siddaramaiah reiterated that he was ready to face an investigation. 
 
"Already I have said that I am ready to face an investigation. I am not afraid of a probe," Siddaramaiah told reporters here. "I am ready for a legal fight. I had said this yesterday and I am reiterating it today as well." 
 
Home Minister G Parameshwara said Lokayukta police is an independent body. "It is not under anyone's mercy, they will investigate independently." "...Will react once the order copy comes. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that he is ready for any probe....What investigation and other things let the order come, and let's see what (the court) has defined in the order," he said.

Parameshwara chose not to directly respond to a question regarding a statement made by Siddaramaiah seeking BJP leader and former CM B S Yediyurappa's resignation during a "similar situation" in the past&nbsp;and said, "Let's see what's in the order copy." 
 
Meanwhile, the BJP once again demanded Siddaramaiah's resignation and asked him to cooperate with the probe. 
 
State BJP President B Y Vijayendra said: "The CM has said that he is ready for any probe, but has questioned why he should resign. Siddaramaiah seems to have forgotten what he preached as Leader of Opposition to the then Chief Minister Yediyurappa. He had asked Yediyurappa to resign for fair and impartial probe when the accused person is at the helm of affairs." 
 
"The Court might have asked Lokayukta police to probe, but we urge the CM -- before he resigns -- that he should order the investigation to be handed over to independent agency CBI, for free and impartial probe,", he said.

The opposition BJP and JD(S) in Karnataka stepped up their&nbsp;demand for Chief Minister's resignation as they tried to lay siege to his residence. 
 
Holding posters, placards, and raising slogans, members of BJP Yuva Morcha marched towards "Cauvery" but the police thwarted their attempt, took them into preventive custody, and whisked them away in a bus. 
 
Leaders and workers of the JD(S), an NDA partner, headed by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, staged a demonstration at the Freedom Park before proceeding to "Cauvery" but were stopped by police.

Complainant Snehamayi Krishna hailed the Special Court's order and said, once the FIR is filed, he would appeal to the High Court to hand over the case to CBI. 
 
In the MUDA site allotment case, it is alleged that compensatory sites were allotted to Siddaramaiah's wife in an upmarket area in Mysuru, which had higher property value as compared to the location of her land that was "acquired" by MUDA.

MUDA had allotted plots to Parvathi under a 50:50 ratio scheme in lieu of 3.16 acres of her land, where it developed a residential layout.

Under the controversial scheme, MUDA allotted 50 per cent of developed land to the land losers in lieu of undeveloped land acquired from them for residential layouts. It is alleged that Parvathi had no legal title over this 3.16 acres of land at survey number 464 of Kasare village, Kasaba hobli of Mysuru taluk.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

&nbsp;

A Special Court in Bengaluru on Wednesday ordered a Lokayukta police probe against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case, setting the stage for filing of an FIR against him.

A Special Court in Bengaluru on Wednesday ordered a Lokayukta police probe against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case, setting the stage for filing of an FIR against him. The order of the Special Court Judge, Santhosh Gajanan Bhat, came a day after the High Court upheld the sanction granted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to conduct an investigation against CM Siddaramaiah on the allegations of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife B M Parvathi by MUDA. The Special Court that exclusively deals with criminal cases related to former and elected MPs/MLAs, issued the order directing the Lokayukta police in Mysuru to initiate an investigation on the complaint filed by RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna. The Court issued directions to take up the probe under section 156 (3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) (that gives a magistrate the power to order an investigation into a cognisable offense) and file the investigation report by December 24. The HC had also vacated its August 19 interim order directing the Special Court to defer the decision on complaints against the chief minister, giving the green signal for ordering a probe. It had dismissed Siddaramaiah's petition challenging the legality of the Governor's August 16 order granting approval for investigation under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, 1988. Reacting to the Special Court order, Siddaramaiah reiterated that he was ready to face an investigation. "Already I have said that I am ready to face an investigation. I am not afraid of a probe," Siddaramaiah told reporters here. "I am ready for a legal fight. I had said this yesterday and I am reiterating it today as well." Home Minister G Parameshwara said Lokayukta police is an independent body. "It is not under anyone's mercy, they will investigate independently." "...Will react once the order copy comes. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that he is ready for any probe....What investigation and other things let the order come, and let's see what (the court) has defined in the order," he said. Parameshwara chose not to directly respond to a question regarding a statement made by Siddaramaiah seeking BJP leader and former CM B S Yediyurappa's resignation during a "similar situation" in the past and said, "Let's see what's in the order copy." Meanwhile, the BJP once again demanded Siddaramaiah's resignation and asked him to cooperate with the probe. State BJP President B Y Vijayendra said: "The CM has said that he is ready for any probe, but has questioned why he should resign. Siddaramaiah seems to have forgotten what he preached as Leader of Opposition to the then Chief Minister Yediyurappa. He had asked Yediyurappa to resign for fair and impartial probe when the accused person is at the helm of affairs." "The Court might have asked Lokayukta police to probe, but we urge the CM -- before he resigns -- that he should order the investigation to be handed over to independent agency CBI, for free and impartial probe,", he said. The opposition BJP and JD(S) in Karnataka stepped up their demand for Chief Minister's resignation as they tried to lay siege to his residence. Holding posters, placards, and raising slogans, members of BJP Yuva Morcha marched towards "Cauvery" but the police thwarted their attempt, took them into preventive custody, and whisked them away in a bus. Leaders and workers of the JD(S), an NDA partner, headed by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, staged a demonstration at the Freedom Park before proceeding to "Cauvery" but were stopped by police. Complainant Snehamayi Krishna hailed the Special Court's order and said, once the FIR is filed, he would appeal to the High Court to hand over the case to CBI. In the MUDA site allotment case, it is alleged that compensatory sites were allotted to Siddaramaiah's wife in an upmarket area in Mysuru, which had higher property value as compared to the location of her land that was "acquired" by MUDA. MUDA had allotted plots to Parvathi under a 50:50 ratio scheme in lieu of 3.16 acres of her land, where it developed a residential layout. Under the controversial scheme, MUDA allotted 50 per cent of developed land to the land losers in lieu of undeveloped land acquired from them for residential layouts. It is alleged that Parvathi had no legal title over this 3.16 acres of land at survey number 464 of Kasare village, Kasaba hobli of Mysuru taluk. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Karnataka court orders Lokayukta probe against CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA case

Japan could get its first woman or youngest-ever prime minister on Friday when the ruling party holds a leadership vote described as the most "unpredictable" in many years.

A record nine candidates are in the running after the long-powerful factions of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) disbanded earlier this year over a funding scandal.

Because the conservative LDP holds a parliamentary majority, the winner is certain to become prime minister, and will likely call a snap election to shore up their mandate.

Three frontrunners have emerged in polling: former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba, 43-year-old Shinjiro Koizumi <meta charset="utf-8" />–&nbsp;the son of a popular ex-premier&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" />–&nbsp;and nationalist hardliner Sanae Takaichi, who would be the first woman in the job.

Whoever wins must face down regional security threats, from an increasingly assertive China and its deepening defence ties with Russia to North Korea's banned missile tests.

At home, the leader will be tasked with breathing life into the economy, as the central bank moves away from decades of monetary easing that has slashed the value of the yen.

In debates and campaigning, many candidates "have claimed that 'I'm the one who can handle Trump' or 'I'm the one who can stand up to China'", Jeffrey J&nbsp;Hall, a lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies, told AFP.

But there are significant differences in their approach to such issues, and although some of the nine have "no hope whatsoever", the race remains "a toss-up".

"This is the most unpredictable that an LDP election has been in many years," Hall said.

<h2>- 'Fair and square' Ishiba -</h2>

LDP presidents are in office for three years and can serve up to three straight terms. Unpopular Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is not running for re-election.

With the factions dissolved, it's unlikely that any one candidate will win enough votes&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" />–&nbsp;split between lawmakers and rank-and-file party members&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" />–&nbsp;to win outright.

That makes a run-off between two top candidates the most likely scenario, with the winner announced Friday afternoon.

Ishiba, 67, has come close to the top job before, including in 2012 when he lost to arch-rival Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest serving leader who was later assassinated.

The military model-maker with an affinity for 1970s pop idols once alienated party veterans with his "outspoken criticism of LDP policies under Abe", said Yu Uchiyama, a political science professor at the University of Tokyo.

But this time, "with public discontent with the LDP rising, the tide is in favour of Ishiba and his 'fair and square' attitude," Uchiyama told AFP. 
Economic Security Minister Takaichi, 63, is "the most conservative of the top three" and "not the candidate that feminists would want", Hall said.

She is opposed to changing the law to allow separate surnames for married couples, and regularly visits Tokyo's Yasukuni war shrine&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" />–a flashpoint in relations with South Korea and China.

However, Naofumi Fujimura, a professor at the Graduate School of Law at Kobe University, said that while for now she needs the support of the LDP's right-wingers, she could perhaps be "more centrist, or more pragmatic" as prime minister.

<h2>- Koizumi offers 'rejuvenation' -</h2>

Photogenic former environment minister Koizumi would be Japan's youngest ever prime minister, but critics&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" />–&nbsp;including his own father, former premier Junichiro Koizumi <meta charset="utf-8" />–&nbsp;say he is too inexperienced to lead the country.

Keen surfer Koizumi "best personifies the idea of rejuvenation and change for the LDP" among the frontrunners, but LDP voters could think he "lacks stability", Uchiyama said.

The other six candidates include reformist Taro Kono, 61, and Toshimitsu Motegi, dubbed the "Trump whisperer" for his handling of the former US president in tough trade talks.

Also running are chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi and Takayuki Kobayashi, the only other candidate under 50 <meta charset="utf-8" />–&nbsp;seen as a wild card by some experts

Whoever emerges victorious on Friday will be formally elected by parliament on October 1.

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The LDP has governed Japan almost uninterrupted for decades, with the main opposition parties rarely seen as viable alternatives.

During his term, Kishida has taken steps to double Japan's defence spending, opening the door for military exports as the LDP seeks to revise Japan's pacifist post-war constitution.

He welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to a G7 summit in Hiroshima, and has strengthened Japan's often testy ties with its neighbour South Korea.

But his rule was also tarnished by scandals, voter anger over rising prices and sliding poll ratings.

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Japan could get its first woman or youngest-ever prime minister on Friday when the ruling party holds a leadership vote described as the most "unpredictable" in many years.

Japan could get its first woman or youngest-ever prime minister on Friday when the ruling party holds a leadership vote described as the most "unpredictable" in many years. A record nine candidates are in the running after the long-powerful factions of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) disbanded earlier this year over a funding scandal. Because the conservative LDP holds a parliamentary majority, the winner is certain to become prime minister, and will likely call a snap election to shore up their mandate. Three frontrunners have emerged in polling: former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba, 43-year-old Shinjiro Koizumi – the son of a popular ex-premier – and nationalist hardliner Sanae Takaichi, who would be the first woman in the job. Whoever wins must face down regional security threats, from an increasingly assertive China and its deepening defence ties with Russia to North Korea's banned missile tests. At home, the leader will be tasked with breathing life into the economy, as the central bank moves away from decades of monetary easing that has slashed the value of the yen. In debates and campaigning, many candidates "have claimed that 'I'm the one who can handle Trump' or 'I'm the one who can stand up to China'", Jeffrey J Hall, a lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies, told AFP. But there are significant differences in their approach to such issues, and although some of the nine have "no hope whatsoever", the race remains "a toss-up". "This is the most unpredictable that an LDP election has been in many years," Hall said. - 'Fair and square' Ishiba - LDP presidents are in office for three years and can serve up to three straight terms. Unpopular Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is not running for re-election. With the factions dissolved, it's unlikely that any one candidate will win enough votes – split between lawmakers and rank-and-file party members – to win outright. That makes a run-off between two top candidates the most likely scenario, with the winner announced Friday afternoon. Ishiba, 67, has come close to the top job before, including in 2012 when he lost to arch-rival Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest serving leader who was later assassinated. The military model-maker with an affinity for 1970s pop idols once alienated party veterans with his "outspoken criticism of LDP policies under Abe", said Yu Uchiyama, a political science professor at the University of Tokyo. But this time, "with public discontent with the LDP rising, the tide is in favour of Ishiba and his 'fair and square' attitude," Uchiyama told AFP. Economic Security Minister Takaichi, 63, is "the most conservative of the top three" and "not the candidate that feminists would want", Hall said. She is opposed to changing the law to allow separate surnames for married couples, and regularly visits Tokyo's Yasukuni war shrine –a flashpoint in relations with South Korea and China. However, Naofumi Fujimura, a professor at the Graduate School of Law at Kobe University, said that while for now she needs the support of the LDP's right-wingers, she could perhaps be "more centrist, or more pragmatic" as prime minister. - Koizumi offers 'rejuvenation' - Photogenic former environment minister Koizumi would be Japan's youngest ever prime minister, but critics – including his own father, former premier Junichiro Koizumi – say he is too inexperienced to lead the country. Keen surfer Koizumi "best personifies the idea of rejuvenation and change for the LDP" among the frontrunners, but LDP voters could think he "lacks stability", Uchiyama said. The other six candidates include reformist Taro Kono, 61, and Toshimitsu Motegi, dubbed the "Trump whisperer" for his handling of the former US president in tough trade talks. Also running are chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi and Takayuki Kobayashi, the only other candidate under 50 – seen as a wild card by some experts Whoever emerges victorious on Friday will be formally elected by parliament on October 1. The LDP has governed Japan almost uninterrupted for decades, with the main opposition parties rarely seen as viable alternatives. During his term, Kishida has taken steps to double Japan's defence spending, opening the door for military exports as the LDP seeks to revise Japan's pacifist post-war constitution. He welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to a G7 summit in Hiroshima, and has strengthened Japan's often testy ties with its neighbour South Korea. But his rule was also tarnished by scandals, voter anger over rising prices and sliding poll ratings. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Japan could get its first female Prime Minister on Friday after ‘toss-up’ vote

Pesto the penguin towers over the colony at his Australian aquarium home, a fluffy brown furball impossible to miss as he waddles across the ice.

The nine-month-old king penguin chick has shot to fame for his 23.5-kilogramme (51.8-pound) heft -- the weight of an overstuffed suitcase.

Pesto already weighs more than his parents, Tango and Hudson, combined. They tip the scales at about 11 kilogrammes&nbsp;each.

And with a healthy diet of up to 25 fish a day, Pesto's rotund frame will only continue to grow, senior penguin keeper Emily Thornton told AFP.&nbsp;

The feathered unit is well-behaved, curious and confident, Thornton said, often interacting with other penguins and his keepers.

Despite the human faces and cameras pressed against Pesto's enclosure, he remains fairly "humble" about his newfound fame, she added.

And, because he is so "food-oriented,", just keeping him still on the scales to clock his weight can be challenging.&nbsp;

He is already the largest penguin that the Sea Life Melbourne aquarium has seen and has a sizable social media fandom to match. 
 
One TikTok video posted by the aquarium of two employees performing a dance routine behind an impassive Pesto has racked up four million views.

<h2>- Hefty and healthy -</h2>

Pesto's coat is mostly "dense" feathers, Thornton said, which penguin chicks require to keep warm against freezing Antarctic temperatures.&nbsp;

His big size is also an advantage because smaller chicks are at risk of being eaten by predatory birds in the wild.

Genetics also play a part -- his ancestors were some of the biggest and oldest penguins the aquarium has housed.

"He is really healthy," Thornton said, adding that "chicks can get bigger than him" in the wild.&nbsp;

Despite his fish diet, his feathers smell like corn chips, Thornton added.

Pesto will soon shed his fluffy down as he develops his adult feathers, giving him a burst of yellow on his head and cheeks and a black-and-white tuxedo.

"That process is energy draining, and his appetite will reduce a lot," Thornton said.

King penguins are found in Antarctica, and their population remains fairly stable, with about 1.6 million breeding pairs.

Thornton said climate change has badly affected the habitats of some penguin species but has not yet hit the king penguins' domain.&nbsp;

During the 19th and 20th centuries, king penguin populations were almost wiped out because they were heavily hunted for their meat, oil, and blubber. &nbsp;

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Pesto the penguin towers over the colony at his Australian aquarium home, a fluffy brown furball impossible to miss as he waddles across the ice. The nine-month-old king penguin chick has shot to fame for his 23.

Pesto the penguin towers over the colony at his Australian aquarium home, a fluffy brown furball impossible to miss as he waddles across the ice. The nine-month-old king penguin chick has shot to fame for his 23.5-kilogramme (51.8-pound) heft -- the weight of an overstuffed suitcase. Pesto already weighs more than his parents, Tango and Hudson, combined. They tip the scales at about 11 kilogrammes each. And with a healthy diet of up to 25 fish a day, Pesto's rotund frame will only continue to grow, senior penguin keeper Emily Thornton told AFP. The feathered unit is well-behaved, curious and confident, Thornton said, often interacting with other penguins and his keepers. Despite the human faces and cameras pressed against Pesto's enclosure, he remains fairly "humble" about his newfound fame, she added. And, because he is so "food-oriented,", just keeping him still on the scales to clock his weight can be challenging. He is already the largest penguin that the Sea Life Melbourne aquarium has seen and has a sizable social media fandom to match. One TikTok video posted by the aquarium of two employees performing a dance routine behind an impassive Pesto has racked up four million views. - Hefty and healthy - Pesto's coat is mostly "dense" feathers, Thornton said, which penguin chicks require to keep warm against freezing Antarctic temperatures. His big size is also an advantage because smaller chicks are at risk of being eaten by predatory birds in the wild. Genetics also play a part -- his ancestors were some of the biggest and oldest penguins the aquarium has housed. "He is really healthy," Thornton said, adding that "chicks can get bigger than him" in the wild. Despite his fish diet, his feathers smell like corn chips, Thornton added. Pesto will soon shed his fluffy down as he develops his adult feathers, giving him a burst of yellow on his head and cheeks and a black-and-white tuxedo. "That process is energy draining, and his appetite will reduce a lot," Thornton said. King penguins are found in Antarctica, and their population remains fairly stable, with about 1.6 million breeding pairs. Thornton said climate change has badly affected the habitats of some penguin species but has not yet hit the king penguins' domain. During the 19th and 20th centuries, king penguin populations were almost wiped out because they were heavily hunted for their meat, oil, and blubber. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Australian penguin chick ‘Pesto’ becomes a star due to its 23.5 kg heft

Global growth is in the process of stabilising as the drag from central bank rate hikes fades and falling inflation boosts households' incomes, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said on Wednesday (September 25), marginally raising its outlook for this year.

The world economy was projected to grow 3.2% both this and next year, the OECD&nbsp;said, nudging up its 2024 forecast from 3.1% previously while leaving 2025 unchanged.

As the lagged impact of central bank tightening evaporates, interest rate cuts would boost spending going forward while consumer spending benefitted from lower inflation, the OECD said in an update of its latest economic outlook.

If the recent decline in oil prices persists, global headline inflation could be 0.5 percentage points lower than expected over the coming year, the Paris-based OECD said.

With inflation heading towards central bank targets, the OECD projected that the U.S. Federal Reserve's main interest rate would ease to 3.5% by the end of 2025 from 4.75%-5% currently and the European Central Bank would cut to 2.25% from 3.5% now.

U.S. growth was expected to slow from 2.6% this year to 1.6% in 2025, though interest rate cuts would help cushion the slowdown, the OECD said, trimming its 2025 estimate from a forecast of 1.8% in May.

The Chinese economy, the world's second-biggest, was seen slowing from 4.9% in 2024 to 4.5% in 2025 as government stimulus spending is offset by flagging consumer demand and a real estate rut.

The euro zone would help make up for slower growth in the two biggest economies next year, with the 20-nation bloc's growth forecast to nearly double from 0.7% growth this year to 1.3% as incomes grow faster than inflation.

The OECD hiked its outlook for the UK economy amid high wage growth, projecting the UK economy expanding by 1.1% in 2024 and 1.2% in 2025, up from May forecasts for 0.4% this year and 1% next year.

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Global growth is in the process of stabilising as the drag from central bank rate hikes fades and falling inflation boosts households' incomes, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said on Wednesday (September 25), marginally raising its outlook for this year.

Global growth is in the process of stabilising as the drag from central bank rate hikes fades and falling inflation boosts households' incomes, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said on Wednesday (September 25), marginally raising its outlook for this year. The world economy was projected to grow 3.2% both this and next year, the OECD said, nudging up its 2024 forecast from 3.1% previously while leaving 2025 unchanged. As the lagged impact of central bank tightening evaporates, interest rate cuts would boost spending going forward while consumer spending benefitted from lower inflation, the OECD said in an update of its latest economic outlook. If the recent decline in oil prices persists, global headline inflation could be 0.5 percentage points lower than expected over the coming year, the Paris-based OECD said. With inflation heading towards central bank targets, the OECD projected that the U.S. Federal Reserve's main interest rate would ease to 3.5% by the end of 2025 from 4.75%-5% currently and the European Central Bank would cut to 2.25% from 3.5% now. U.S. growth was expected to slow from 2.6% this year to 1.6% in 2025, though interest rate cuts would help cushion the slowdown, the OECD said, trimming its 2025 estimate from a forecast of 1.8% in May. The Chinese economy, the world's second-biggest, was seen slowing from 4.9% in 2024 to 4.5% in 2025 as government stimulus spending is offset by flagging consumer demand and a real estate rut. The euro zone would help make up for slower growth in the two biggest economies next year, with the 20-nation bloc's growth forecast to nearly double from 0.7% growth this year to 1.3% as incomes grow faster than inflation. The OECD hiked its outlook for the UK economy amid high wage growth, projecting the UK economy expanding by 1.1% in 2024 and 1.2% in 2025, up from May forecasts for 0.4% this year and 1% next year. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

OECD projects global growth to stabilise at 3.2% this year

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Wednesday that Israel's killing of top Hezbollah commanders couldn't bring the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group to its knees.

"Some of the effective and valuable forces of Hezbollah were martyred, which undoubtedly caused damage to Hezbollah, but this was not the sort of damage that could bring the group to its knees," he said in meeting with military personnel and veterans of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

"The organisational and human strength of Hezbollah is much more than that. Their authority, capabilities and strength are much more than that and cannot be seriously affected by these martyrdoms."

The Israel-Lebanon border has seen near-daily exchanges of fire since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October, after Palestinian militant group Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel.&nbsp;

The violence has escalated dramatically since last week after coordinated sabotage attacks targeting Hezbollah communication devices killed 39 people and wounded almost 3,000.

On Wednesday, Israeli warplanes bombed Hezbollah targets for a third day, after air raids earlier this week killed at least 558 people in the deadliest day of violence since the 1975-1990 civil war.&nbsp;

Hezbollah also said it had fired a ballistic missile at the Israeli city of Tel Aviv on Wednesday, with the Israeli military describing the launch as unprecedented.

Khamenei said Hezbollah had "protected" Gaza since the start of the conflict.&nbsp;

"Until today, the victory has been for the Palestinian resistance and Hezbollah," Khamenei said. "The final victory in this battle will belong to the resistance front and Hezbollah."

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Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Wednesday that Israel's killing of top Hezbollah commanders couldn't bring the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group to its knees.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Wednesday that Israel's killing of top Hezbollah commanders couldn't bring the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group to its knees. "Some of the effective and valuable forces of Hezbollah were martyred, which undoubtedly caused damage to Hezbollah, but this was not the sort of damage that could bring the group to its knees," he said in meeting with military personnel and veterans of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war. "The organisational and human strength of Hezbollah is much more than that. Their authority, capabilities and strength are much more than that and cannot be seriously affected by these martyrdoms." The Israel-Lebanon border has seen near-daily exchanges of fire since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October, after Palestinian militant group Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel. The violence has escalated dramatically since last week after coordinated sabotage attacks targeting Hezbollah communication devices killed 39 people and wounded almost 3,000. On Wednesday, Israeli warplanes bombed Hezbollah targets for a third day, after air raids earlier this week killed at least 558 people in the deadliest day of violence since the 1975-1990 civil war. Hezbollah also said it had fired a ballistic missile at the Israeli city of Tel Aviv on Wednesday, with the Israeli military describing the launch as unprecedented. Khamenei said Hezbollah had "protected" Gaza since the start of the conflict. "Until today, the victory has been for the Palestinian resistance and Hezbollah," Khamenei said. "The final victory in this battle will belong to the resistance front and Hezbollah." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel killing Hezbollah commanders will not bring militant group to its knees: Iran’s leader Khamenei

Pope Francis called Israeli strikes on Lebanon a "terrible escalation" of the Middle East conflict on Wednesday at the end of his weekly general audience at the Vatican, which went ahead two days after he cancelled meetings over mild flu.

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The pope said the attacks, in which Israel says it has been striking targets affiliated with the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, were "unacceptable" and urged the international community to do everything possible to halt the fighting.

Francis did not specifically identify Israel, but said he was "saddened by news from Lebanon in recent days that bombardments have caused much destruction and many victims".

The 87-year-old pontiff, who has suffered bouts of ill health in recent years, appeared in good form through his audience although he coughed lightly a few times while speaking.

The Vatican has not provided details about the pope's health since announcing on Monday he had cancelled his meetings for that day. It said at the time the pontiff had made the decision as a precautionary measure in view of a trip to Luxembourg and Belgium, which starts on Thursday.

At the audience, the pope confirmed his plans to continue with the visit, and asked for prayers for its success.

The tour, his 46th foreign visit as pope, comes less than two weeks after he returned from a demanding 12-day, four-country excursion around Southeast Asia and Oceania.

The pope referred to the strikes in Lebanon in off-the-cuff remarks at the end of his hour-long audience.

Francis, pope since March 2013, now regularly uses a wheelchair due to knee and back pain. Earlier this year, he cancelled several appointments over what the Vatican variously described as a cold, bronchitis and influenza.

On the September&nbsp;2-13 trip to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore, Francis maintained a packed schedule, headlining more than 40 events, and travelling some 33,000 km (20,500 miles).

Francis started the general audience on Wednesday by taking a tour around the crowd in an open-air popemobile, waving to people as a band played orchestral versions of pop songs.

In his main messages to pilgrims, the pope focused on the dangers of temptation, including online pornography, which Catholic teaching forbids.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Pope Francis called Israeli strikes on Lebanon a "terrible escalation" of the Middle East conflict on Wednesday at the end of his weekly general audience at the Vatican, which went ahead two days after he cancelled meetings over mild flu.

Pope Francis called Israeli strikes on Lebanon a "terrible escalation" of the Middle East conflict on Wednesday at the end of his weekly general audience at the Vatican, which went ahead two days after he cancelled meetings over mild flu. The pope said the attacks, in which Israel says it has been striking targets affiliated with the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, were "unacceptable" and urged the international community to do everything possible to halt the fighting. Francis did not specifically identify Israel, but said he was "saddened by news from Lebanon in recent days that bombardments have caused much destruction and many victims". The 87-year-old pontiff, who has suffered bouts of ill health in recent years, appeared in good form through his audience although he coughed lightly a few times while speaking. The Vatican has not provided details about the pope's health since announcing on Monday he had cancelled his meetings for that day. It said at the time the pontiff had made the decision as a precautionary measure in view of a trip to Luxembourg and Belgium, which starts on Thursday. At the audience, the pope confirmed his plans to continue with the visit, and asked for prayers for its success. The tour, his 46th foreign visit as pope, comes less than two weeks after he returned from a demanding 12-day, four-country excursion around Southeast Asia and Oceania. The pope referred to the strikes in Lebanon in off-the-cuff remarks at the end of his hour-long audience. Francis, pope since March 2013, now regularly uses a wheelchair due to knee and back pain. Earlier this year, he cancelled several appointments over what the Vatican variously described as a cold, bronchitis and influenza. On the September 2-13 trip to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore, Francis maintained a packed schedule, headlining more than 40 events, and travelling some 33,000 km (20,500 miles). Francis started the general audience on Wednesday by taking a tour around the crowd in an open-air popemobile, waving to people as a band played orchestral versions of pop songs. In his main messages to pilgrims, the pope focused on the dangers of temptation, including online pornography, which Catholic teaching forbids. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Pope Francis called Israel's attacks on Lebanon a 'terrible escalation' and urged to halt tensions 

A delegation of foreign diplomats from at least 15 countries, including the United States, Singapore, and South Korea, visited India's Jammu and Kashmir to witness the second phase of provincial polls on Wednesday (Sep&nbsp;25).

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The senior diplomats said they were happy to witness citizens exercising their democratic right to vote in the Indian federal territory and drew comparisons to their own countries' electoral systems.

Voting in the second phase is being held across 26 assembly constituencies, including Srinagar, and the voter turnout was 24.10 per cent as of 11:00 am (GMT 0530).

The Indian foreign ministry invited top diplomats from countries, including the United States, Singapore, South Korea, Mexico, Guyana, Somalia, Panama, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, and the Philippines.

Nearly 9 million people are registered to vote for the legislative assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The decision to hold regional elections for the first time in a decade comes after India's Supreme Court upheld a decision by the government to scrap the region's special status.

Jammu Kashmir National Conference leader Omar Abdullah expressed his views about foreign diplomats attending the voting. He slammed the Centre by saying, “We don’t need certificates from foreigners.” He was not in favour of this decision, and further said, "When foreign governments comment, the Government of India says this is an internal matter for India, now suddenly they want foreign observers to come and look at our elections."

He further added, "If diplomats can be brought here, why are foreign journalists not being permitted to come here and cover elections...Diplomats are being brought here as guided tourists. This is not good.”&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi withdrew Jammu and Kashmir's special autonomy in 2019 and split the former state into two federal territories, aiming to tighten its grip on the Muslim-majority region.

The region has been marred by militant violence, having been at the centre of decades of animosity between India and Pakistan since independence from British colonial rule.

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A delegation of foreign diplomats from at least 15 countries, including the United States, Singapore, and South Korea, visited India's Jammu and Kashmir to witness the second phase of provincial polls on Wednesday (Sep 25).

A delegation of foreign diplomats from at least 15 countries, including the United States, Singapore, and South Korea, visited India's Jammu and Kashmir to witness the second phase of provincial polls on Wednesday (Sep 25). The senior diplomats said they were happy to witness citizens exercising their democratic right to vote in the Indian federal territory and drew comparisons to their own countries' electoral systems. Voting in the second phase is being held across 26 assembly constituencies, including Srinagar, and the voter turnout was 24.10 per cent as of 11:00 am (GMT 0530). The Indian foreign ministry invited top diplomats from countries, including the United States, Singapore, South Korea, Mexico, Guyana, Somalia, Panama, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria, and the Philippines. Nearly 9 million people are registered to vote for the legislative assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The decision to hold regional elections for the first time in a decade comes after India's Supreme Court upheld a decision by the government to scrap the region's special status. Jammu Kashmir National Conference leader Omar Abdullah expressed his views about foreign diplomats attending the voting. He slammed the Centre by saying, “We don’t need certificates from foreigners.” He was not in favour of this decision, and further said, "When foreign governments comment, the Government of India says this is an internal matter for India, now suddenly they want foreign observers to come and look at our elections." He further added, "If diplomats can be brought here, why are foreign journalists not being permitted to come here and cover elections...Diplomats are being brought here as guided tourists. This is not good.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi withdrew Jammu and Kashmir's special autonomy in 2019 and split the former state into two federal territories, aiming to tighten its grip on the Muslim-majority region. The region has been marred by militant violence, having been at the centre of decades of animosity between India and Pakistan since independence from British colonial rule. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Foreign diplomats witness polling in India’s Jammu and Kashmir during second phase election

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The Israeli military said on Wednesday that for the "first time ever" a missile fired by Hezbollah reached the Tel Aviv area before being intercepted by Israel's air defences.

"It is the first time ever a Hezbollah missile reached (the) Tel Aviv area. It was intercepted by IDF (the Israeli military)," an army spokesman told AFP.&nbsp;

In a separate briefing, military spokesman Nadav Shoshani said that the firing of the surface-to-surface missile at Tel Aviv was an "escalation" on the part of Hezbollah.

"Hezbollah is definitely trying to escalate the situation... this is just part of it," Lieutenant Colonel Shoshani said.

"They are... trying to terrorise more and more people."

The military said it struck the launcher which fired the missile in the Nafakhiyeh area of south Lebanon.

Israeli warplanes also carried out a series of strikes during the night on Hezbollah targets in Lebanese territory, it said.

"As part of the strikes, the IAF (air force) struck terrorists operating within terrorist infrastructure, weapons storage facilities, launchers and additional Hezbollah terrorist targets," it added.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Israeli military said on Wednesday that for the "first time ever" a missile fired by Hezbollah reached the Tel Aviv area before being intercepted by Israel's air defences.

The Israeli military said on Wednesday that for the "first time ever" a missile fired by Hezbollah reached the Tel Aviv area before being intercepted by Israel's air defences. "It is the first time ever a Hezbollah missile reached (the) Tel Aviv area. It was intercepted by IDF (the Israeli military)," an army spokesman told AFP. In a separate briefing, military spokesman Nadav Shoshani said that the firing of the surface-to-surface missile at Tel Aviv was an "escalation" on the part of Hezbollah. "Hezbollah is definitely trying to escalate the situation... this is just part of it," Lieutenant Colonel Shoshani said. "They are... trying to terrorise more and more people." The military said it struck the launcher which fired the missile in the Nafakhiyeh area of south Lebanon. Israeli warplanes also carried out a series of strikes during the night on Hezbollah targets in Lebanese territory, it said. "As part of the strikes, the IAF (air force) struck terrorists operating within terrorist infrastructure, weapons storage facilities, launchers and additional Hezbollah terrorist targets," it added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israeli army said Hezbollah missile reached Tel Aviv for ‘first time’

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