<p>Seeking presidential nomination, Donald Trump has once again refused to spell out explicitly if he would help Taiwan in the event China decides to invade the island nation. The former US president in an interview with <em>Fox News </em>was quizzed if, under a hypothetical second Trump&nbsp;presidency, Washington would stand up for Taiwan and protect it when the inadvertent incursion from China comes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Instead of giving a firm answer, Trump showed discontent with Taiwan for taking the lucrative semiconductor business away from the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Taiwan did take all of our chip business. We used to make all of our own chips, now they're made in Taiwan, 90 per cent of [them]...Remember this, Taiwan took, smart, brilliant, they took our business away," said Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netizens interpreted Trump's statement as an indication that he would not come to Taiwan's aid if the situation became worrisome.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If Trump is elected, Taiwan is gone and so is a significant chunk of our semiconductor capacity. Not only is Trump unfit for the office, he's just plain wrong on so many things like this," said one user.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another added: "Trump clearly has made bed with China on the Taiwan issue. Surprising that out of all candidates, he refused to have Taiwan in his corner."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-businesses-received-millions-in-foreign-payments-while-he-was-in-office-676963"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Donald Trump businesses received millions in foreign payments while he was in office</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Trump and Biden's&nbsp;stance on Taiwan</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, this is not the first instance when Trump has shown ambiguity on the Taiwan issue. In September last year, during an interview with <em>NBC</em>, Trump was asked if he would send the military to help defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack.</p>

<p>"I won't say, I won't say, because if I said, I'm giving away...you know, only stupid people are going to give that (away)," said Trump whilst taking a jab at Ron DeSantis whom the former president criticised revealing his strategy on key geopolitical issues.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/influenced-by-china-nauru-severs-diplomatic-ties-with-taiwan-680088"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Influenced by China, Nauru severs diplomatic ties with Taiwan</strong></a></p>

<p>China considers Taiwan a part of its territory but the island nation and its people have never accepted Beijing's control. The US follows the One-China principle as well, meaning, it does not have any diplomatic relations with Taipei.</p>

<p>However, US President Joe Biden, on no less than four occasions since 2021, has stated that his government would defend Taipei in case of a potential conflict with China. Washington has also increased its arms sales to Taipei under Biden administration which has irked Beijing. Consequently, experts argue that&nbsp;Biden has been far more transparent regarding his Taiwan policy than his predecessor.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Seeking presidential nomination, Donald Trump has once again refused to spell out explicitly if he would help Taiwan in the event China decides to invade the island nation.

Seeking presidential nomination, Donald Trump has once again refused to spell out explicitly if he would help Taiwan in the event China decides to invade the island nation. The former US president in an interview with Fox News was quizzed if, under a hypothetical second Trump presidency, Washington would stand up for Taiwan and protect it when the inadvertent incursion from China comes. Instead of giving a firm answer, Trump showed discontent with Taiwan for taking the lucrative semiconductor business away from the US. "Taiwan did take all of our chip business. We used to make all of our own chips, now they're made in Taiwan, 90 per cent of [them]...Remember this, Taiwan took, smart, brilliant, they took our business away," said Trump. Netizens interpreted Trump's statement as an indication that he would not come to Taiwan's aid if the situation became worrisome. "If Trump is elected, Taiwan is gone and so is a significant chunk of our semiconductor capacity. Not only is Trump unfit for the office, he's just plain wrong on so many things like this," said one user. Another added: "Trump clearly has made bed with China on the Taiwan issue. Surprising that out of all candidates, he refused to have Taiwan in his corner." Watch | Donald Trump businesses received millions in foreign payments while he was in office × Trump and Biden's stance on Taiwan Notably, this is not the first instance when Trump has shown ambiguity on the Taiwan issue. In September last year, during an interview with NBC, Trump was asked if he would send the military to help defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. "I won't say, I won't say, because if I said, I'm giving away...you know, only stupid people are going to give that (away)," said Trump whilst taking a jab at Ron DeSantis whom the former president criticised revealing his strategy on key geopolitical issues. Also read | Influenced by China, Nauru severs diplomatic ties with Taiwan China considers Taiwan a part of its territory but the island nation and its people have never accepted Beijing's control. The US follows the One-China principle as well, meaning, it does not have any diplomatic relations with Taipei. However, US President Joe Biden, on no less than four occasions since 2021, has stated that his government would defend Taipei in case of a potential conflict with China. Washington has also increased its arms sales to Taipei under Biden administration which has irked Beijing. Consequently, experts argue that Biden has been far more transparent regarding his Taiwan policy than his predecessor. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump’s indecisive remark on Taiwan sparks concern once again

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<p>In an attempt to increase milk production in the country, India has imported 40,000 doses of bull semen from Brazil, to be used in artificial insemination, according to a report in Mint.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Government-owned cooperative National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), which operates the famous Mother Dairy brand, said it has imported the doses that would be used to increase the number of native breeds such as Gir and Kankrej.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Gir, one of the principal Zebu breeds that originated in India was gifted to Brazil by the Maharaja of Bhavnagar in the 18th century. Since then, the South American nation has preserved the original breed which has now become a high-milk producing breed. It is quite famous in other South American countries due to its ability to survive extreme weather.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the native species in India declined due to cross breeding.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The first imports of 40,000 semen doses just took place this month by India’s NDDB. It’s been a project for a long time. For three to four years, they have been discussing it. Though it was a tough discussion, we managed to solve it and now import has taken place," Angelo de Queiroz Mauricio, agricultural attaché at Brazil’s embassy in New Delhi was quoted as saying by the outlet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-mrna-detected-in-breast-milk-640688"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Covid-19 MRNA detected in breast milk</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Why India needs more milk?</strong></h2>

<p>Despite being the world's largest milk producer, accounting for 24 per cent of the global output, India needs to increase output as demand is increasing exponentially for the world's most populated nation. India's current milk production is on par with its consumption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NDDB is aiming to increase the average amount of milk produced by the cows here by mixing Brazilian genetics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The average here is eight litres. Some animals in Brazil can even produce up to 40 litres of milk. However, the average is 20-22 litres per animal," said Mauricio.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-the-silent-saboteur-unveiling-the-dark-side-of-adulterated-milk-636548"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;The silent saboteur: Unveiling the dark side of adulterated milk</strong></a></p>

<p>India wanting to import Brazilian bull semen is an idea that was first mooted in 2017. However, it never managed to get off the ground as detractors opposed the move saying the Brazilian semen will lead to genetic erosion and destroy the purity of India's original established cattle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cow breeders argued that&nbsp;NDDB provide technical guidance to Indian cow breeders, purchase bulls from them and do research on various indigenous breeds before purchasing Brazilian bull semen.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In an attempt to increase milk production in the country, India has imported 40,000 doses of bull semen from Brazil, to be used in artificial insemination, according to a report in Mint.

In an attempt to increase milk production in the country, India has imported 40,000 doses of bull semen from Brazil, to be used in artificial insemination, according to a report in Mint. Government-owned cooperative National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), which operates the famous Mother Dairy brand, said it has imported the doses that would be used to increase the number of native breeds such as Gir and Kankrej. Notably, Gir, one of the principal Zebu breeds that originated in India was gifted to Brazil by the Maharaja of Bhavnagar in the 18th century. Since then, the South American nation has preserved the original breed which has now become a high-milk producing breed. It is quite famous in other South American countries due to its ability to survive extreme weather. Meanwhile, the native species in India declined due to cross breeding. “The first imports of 40,000 semen doses just took place this month by India’s NDDB. It’s been a project for a long time. For three to four years, they have been discussing it. Though it was a tough discussion, we managed to solve it and now import has taken place," Angelo de Queiroz Mauricio, agricultural attaché at Brazil’s embassy in New Delhi was quoted as saying by the outlet. Watch | Covid-19 MRNA detected in breast milk × Why India needs more milk? Despite being the world's largest milk producer, accounting for 24 per cent of the global output, India needs to increase output as demand is increasing exponentially for the world's most populated nation. India's current milk production is on par with its consumption. NDDB is aiming to increase the average amount of milk produced by the cows here by mixing Brazilian genetics. “The average here is eight litres. Some animals in Brazil can even produce up to 40 litres of milk. However, the average is 20-22 litres per animal," said Mauricio. Also read | The silent saboteur: Unveiling the dark side of adulterated milk India wanting to import Brazilian bull semen is an idea that was first mooted in 2017. However, it never managed to get off the ground as detractors opposed the move saying the Brazilian semen will lead to genetic erosion and destroy the purity of India's original established cattle. The cow breeders argued that NDDB provide technical guidance to Indian cow breeders, purchase bulls from them and do research on various indigenous breeds before purchasing Brazilian bull semen. (With inputs from agencies)

India to import bull semen from Brazil to boost milk production: Report

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: 4th round of US strikes in Yemen; Pakistan-Iran tensions; Chinese warplanes detected in Taiwan; Rishi Sunak survives knife-edge vote and more.

4th round of US strikes in Yemen | Chinese warplanes detected in Taiwan | WION Speed News

<p>The next presidential debate has been cancelled after former UN ambassador Nikki Haley said she would not appear on stage unless Donald Trump participates, ABC News announced on Tuesday (Jan 16).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former US president has refused to be part of the Republican primary debates, arguing there was no point, given his large polling lead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about her refusal to take part in the next debate, Haley said:&nbsp;“We’ve had five great debates in this campaign.&nbsp;Unfortunately, Donald Trump has ducked all of them. He has nowhere left to hide. The next debate I do will either be with Donald Trump or with Joe Biden. I look forward to it.”</p>

<p>The development comes a day after the Iowa caucuses where Trump emerged victorious, gaining over 50 per cent votes while Ron DeSantis and Haley occupied the second and third spots, respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drill-baby-drill-trump-reiterates-his-campaign-talking-points-after-massive-victory-in-iowa-caucuses-680403"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'Drill, baby, drill': Trump reiterates his campaign talking points after massive victory in Iowa caucuses</strong></a></p>

<p>With Haley opting out, it left only DeSantis for the debate, forcing ABC News to pull the plug on the entire programme.</p>

<p>“Our intent was to host a debate coming out of the Iowa caucuses, but we always knew that would be contingent on the candidates and the outcome of the race,” ABC News spokesperson Van Scott said in a statement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-wins-first-republican-contest-of-us-presidential-race-680371"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Donald Trump wins first Republican contest of US Presidential race</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>DeSantis attacks Haley</strong></h2>

<p>Even the last debate featured only Haley and Ron DeSantis with the former not performing as expected. Consequently, Haley lost Iowa to DeSantis who managed to make up for&nbsp;lost ground in the nick of time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Florida governor took the opportunity to target Haley once again and said she was afraid of the competition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Nikki Haley is afraid to debate because she doesn’t want to answer the tough questions such as how she got rich off Boeing after giving them millions in taxpayer handouts as governor of South Carolina. The reality is that she is not running for the nomination, she’s running to be Trump’s VP," posted DeSantis on X (formerly known as Twitter).&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nikki Haley is afraid to debate because she doesn’t want to answer the tough questions such as how she got rich off Boeing after giving them millions in taxpayer handouts as governor of South Carolina.<br />
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The reality is that she is not running for the nomination, she’s running to…</p>
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) <a href="https://twitter.com/RonDeSantis/status/1747264088282214463?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I won’t snub New Hampshire voters like both Nikki Haley and Donald Trump, and plan to honor my commitments. I look forward to debating two empty podiums in the Granite State this week," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Haley's decision also casts a shadow of doubt on the New Hampshire debate, scheduled for Sunday (Jan 21) on CNN.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The next presidential debate has been cancelled after former UN ambassador Nikki Haley said she would not appear on stage unless Donald Trump participates, ABC News announced on Tuesday (Jan 16).

The next presidential debate has been cancelled after former UN ambassador Nikki Haley said she would not appear on stage unless Donald Trump participates, ABC News announced on Tuesday (Jan 16). The former US president has refused to be part of the Republican primary debates, arguing there was no point, given his large polling lead. Speaking about her refusal to take part in the next debate, Haley said: “We’ve had five great debates in this campaign. Unfortunately, Donald Trump has ducked all of them. He has nowhere left to hide. The next debate I do will either be with Donald Trump or with Joe Biden. I look forward to it.” The development comes a day after the Iowa caucuses where Trump emerged victorious, gaining over 50 per cent votes while Ron DeSantis and Haley occupied the second and third spots, respectively. Also read | 'Drill, baby, drill': Trump reiterates his campaign talking points after massive victory in Iowa caucuses With Haley opting out, it left only DeSantis for the debate, forcing ABC News to pull the plug on the entire programme. “Our intent was to host a debate coming out of the Iowa caucuses, but we always knew that would be contingent on the candidates and the outcome of the race,” ABC News spokesperson Van Scott said in a statement. Watch | Donald Trump wins first Republican contest of US Presidential race DeSantis attacks Haley Even the last debate featured only Haley and Ron DeSantis with the former not performing as expected. Consequently, Haley lost Iowa to DeSantis who managed to make up for lost ground in the nick of time. The Florida governor took the opportunity to target Haley once again and said she was afraid of the competition. "Nikki Haley is afraid to debate because she doesn’t want to answer the tough questions such as how she got rich off Boeing after giving them millions in taxpayer handouts as governor of South Carolina. The reality is that she is not running for the nomination, she’s running to be Trump’s VP," posted DeSantis on X (formerly known as Twitter). Nikki Haley is afraid to debate because she doesn’t want to answer the tough questions such as how she got rich off Boeing after giving them millions in taxpayer handouts as governor of South Carolina. The reality is that she is not running for the nomination, she’s running to… — Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) January 16, 2024 × "I won’t snub New Hampshire voters like both Nikki Haley and Donald Trump, and plan to honor my commitments. I look forward to debating two empty podiums in the Granite State this week," he added. Haley's decision also casts a shadow of doubt on the New Hampshire debate, scheduled for Sunday (Jan 21) on CNN. (With inputs from agencies)

Next Republican debate cancelled after Nikki Haley pulls out saying she wants Donald Trump on stage

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar was in Iran on an official visit. The visit comes amid rising Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. Watch this video for all details.

India's Jaishankar discusses Houthi attacks near India during Iran visit

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<p>The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday (Jan 16) stayed the decision by the Allahabad High Court ordering the inspection of the Shahi Idgah mosque complex in Mathura by a court-appointed commissioner in connection with the Krishna Janmabhoomi case.</p>

<p>The bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta presided over the case and stayed the December 14, 2023, order by the HC. Justice Khanna said some legal issues needed sorting out, adding that the application filed before the HC, seeking the appointment of a commissioner was “very vague”.</p>

<p>“Can an application be made like this? We have reservations about the application. Look at the prayer. It’s so vague. Read it. You cannot make an omnibus application like this. You have to be very clear about what you want the local commissioner to do,” said Justice Khanna.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the Mosque committee which has approached the SC, argued that the Allahabad HC could not have passed the order when an application seeking rejection of the suit was pending.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The apex court added the issue of the transfer was also coming up which means that the HC court order cannot be executed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Issue notice. Tag with transfer matter, list on 23rd January. Proceedings before the High Court can continue but commission cannot be executed till next date," the court said, noting that the next hearing will take place on January 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-supreme-court-refuses-to-stay-allahabad-hc-order-on-mathuras-shahi-idgah-on-plea-of-mosque-committee-670395"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: Supreme Court refuses to stay Allahabad HC order of Mathura’s Shahi Idgah survey</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>What did the Allahabad HC order say?</strong></h2>

<p>The Allahabad HC last month<strong>&nbsp;</strong>allowed a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah and also agreed on the appointment of an advocate commissioner to supervise the survey of the mosque premises.</p>

<p>“Our demand was that in the Shahi Idgah mosque, there are lots of signs and symbols, and to know the actual factual position, an actual Advocate Commissioner is required. The Court has allowed our application,” said&nbsp;Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who appeared on behalf of the Hindu petitioners at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://qad.wionews.com/videos/allahabad-high-court-allows-survey-of-disputed-land-669757"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Allahabad high court allows survey of disputed land</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the dispute?</strong></h2>

<p>The Shahi Idgah Mosque sits next to the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple which Hindus consider to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The main suit, which is currently before the Allahabad HC, argues that the disputed land, including the land where the mosque is situated, belongs to Lord Shree Krishna Virajman.</p>

<p>Notably, the original suit has been filed on behalf of<strong>&nbsp;</strong>the deity Bhagwan Shri Krishna Virajman and seven others.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday (Jan 16) stayed the decision by the Allahabad High Court ordering the inspection of the Shahi Idgah mosque complex in Mathura by a court-appointed commissioner in connection with the Krishna Janmabhoomi case.

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday (Jan 16) stayed the decision by the Allahabad High Court ordering the inspection of the Shahi Idgah mosque complex in Mathura by a court-appointed commissioner in connection with the Krishna Janmabhoomi case. The bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta presided over the case and stayed the December 14, 2023, order by the HC. Justice Khanna said some legal issues needed sorting out, adding that the application filed before the HC, seeking the appointment of a commissioner was “very vague”. “Can an application be made like this? We have reservations about the application. Look at the prayer. It’s so vague. Read it. You cannot make an omnibus application like this. You have to be very clear about what you want the local commissioner to do,” said Justice Khanna. Notably, the Mosque committee which has approached the SC, argued that the Allahabad HC could not have passed the order when an application seeking rejection of the suit was pending. The apex court added the issue of the transfer was also coming up which means that the HC court order cannot be executed. "Issue notice. Tag with transfer matter, list on 23rd January. Proceedings before the High Court can continue but commission cannot be executed till next date," the court said, noting that the next hearing will take place on January 23. Also read | India: Supreme Court refuses to stay Allahabad HC order of Mathura’s Shahi Idgah survey What did the Allahabad HC order say? The Allahabad HC last month allowed a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah and also agreed on the appointment of an advocate commissioner to supervise the survey of the mosque premises. “Our demand was that in the Shahi Idgah mosque, there are lots of signs and symbols, and to know the actual factual position, an actual Advocate Commissioner is required. The Court has allowed our application,” said Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who appeared on behalf of the Hindu petitioners at the time. Watch | Allahabad high court allows survey of disputed land × What is the dispute? The Shahi Idgah Mosque sits next to the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple which Hindus consider to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The main suit, which is currently before the Allahabad HC, argues that the disputed land, including the land where the mosque is situated, belongs to Lord Shree Krishna Virajman. Notably, the original suit has been filed on behalf of the deity Bhagwan Shri Krishna Virajman and seven others. (With inputs from agencies)

Krishna Janmabhoomi case: SC stays Allahabad HC order on Shahi Idgah survey

<p>Tang Shuangning, a former head of the Chinese state-owned banking giant Everbright Group has been arrested on suspicions of taking bribes and corruption, according to state media reports on Monday (Jan 15).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tang was expelled from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) earlier this&nbsp;month on disciplinary&nbsp;grounds.&nbsp;The Supreme People's Procuratorate said the case was under further investigation.</p>

<p>Tang, 69,&nbsp;had served as vice&nbsp;chairman of China's top banking regulator in 2003 before he was appointed as chairman of China&nbsp;Everbright&nbsp;Group in 2007. He remained at the helm for around a decade before retiring in 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His arrest comes at a time when&nbsp;Chinese President Xi Jinping has waged an anti-corruption crackdown in the last couple of years&nbsp;that critics claim helps him purge political rivals and guarantee loyalty within his ranks.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ex-chairman-of-chinas-everbright-group-expelled-from-ccp-677852"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ex-Chairman of China's Everbright group expelled from CCP</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ex-chairman-of-chinas-everbright-group-expelled-from-ccp-677852/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Previous arrest</strong></h2>

<p>The arrest of&nbsp;Tang comes in the backdrop of the banking group's other former boss Li&nbsp;Xiaopeng being arrested by the authorities on similar corruption charges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Li was arrested in October last year, days after being sacked from&nbsp;the CCP due to "severe violations of discipline and law".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-former-head-of-state-owned-banking-giant-fired-from-ccp-644586"><strong>Also read | China: Former head of state-owned banking giant fired from Communist Party</strong></a></p>

<p>"Li had sought benefits for others in the selection and appointment of officials and took advantage of his power to secure profits for his relatives in their business operating activities," read a statement by the state media at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report by CCTV, the investigation found out that Li accepted bribes, illegally held stakes in non-listed companies, and misused power to grant loans and business contracts in exchange for money.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Tang Shuangning, a former head of the Chinese state-owned banking giant Everbright Group has been arrested on suspicions of taking bribes and corruption, according to state media reports on Monday (Jan 15).

Tang Shuangning, a former head of the Chinese state-owned banking giant Everbright Group has been arrested on suspicions of taking bribes and corruption, according to state media reports on Monday (Jan 15). Tang was expelled from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) earlier this month on disciplinary grounds. The Supreme People's Procuratorate said the case was under further investigation. Tang, 69, had served as vice chairman of China's top banking regulator in 2003 before he was appointed as chairman of China Everbright Group in 2007. He remained at the helm for around a decade before retiring in 2017. His arrest comes at a time when Chinese President Xi Jinping has waged an anti-corruption crackdown in the last couple of years that critics claim helps him purge political rivals and guarantee loyalty within his ranks. Watch | Ex-Chairman of China's Everbright group expelled from CCP Previous arrest The arrest of Tang comes in the backdrop of the banking group's other former boss Li Xiaopeng being arrested by the authorities on similar corruption charges. Li was arrested in October last year, days after being sacked from the CCP due to "severe violations of discipline and law". Also read | China: Former head of state-owned banking giant fired from Communist Party "Li had sought benefits for others in the selection and appointment of officials and took advantage of his power to secure profits for his relatives in their business operating activities," read a statement by the state media at the time. According to a report by CCTV, the investigation found out that Li accepted bribes, illegally held stakes in non-listed companies, and misused power to grant loans and business contracts in exchange for money. (With inputs from agencies)

China: Former chairman of state-owned banking giant Everbright arrested for alleged corruption

Sikhs residing in Britain have received a warning from the police that their lives are in jeopardy due to heightened tensions over the separatist movement in India and allegations of intimidation by the Narendra Modi government.

UK: Threat to life notices for pro-Khalistan individuals in Britain: Report

<p>Former US president Donald Trump&nbsp;targeted his rival Vivek Ramaswamy, urging his supporters to not 'waste' their vote on the rookie in the presidential nomination race. Trump's statement comes a couple of days prior to the Iowa caucuses and signals a shift in strategy against&nbsp;Ramaswamy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Up until now, Trump had been rather unreactive on Ramaswamy and kept his distance from the Republican challenger. However, with Ramaswamy building up steam in his campaign and flicking away some of the established leaders, Trump has been forced to take evasive actions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Vivek started his campaign as a great supporter, "the best President in generations," etc. Unfortunately, now all he does is disguise his support in the form of deceitful campaign tricks," Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump was reportedly miffed by Ramaswamy's campaign wherein he is handing out shirts that say 'Save Trump, Vote Vivek' on them. Ramaswamy posted a picture of his&nbsp;young supporters posing with him, wearing the shirt, on social media, which caught the attention of Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Very sly, but a vote for Vivek is a vote for the "other side" — don't get duped by this. Vote for "TRUMP," don't waste your vote! Vivek is not MAGA," Trump added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Trump kept the attack fairly docile, his campaign advisor&nbsp;Chris LaCivita took it a notch above, calling Ramaswamy a 'fraud'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Here is a great picture of this campaigns number one FRAUD.&nbsp;Trump doesnt need "saving"," wrote&nbsp;LaCivita on X, formerly known as Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Here’s the plot : @VivekGRamaswamy is a fraud …and a classic conman…a classic “pump and dump” scheme on the MAGA movement," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here’s the plot : <a href="https://twitter.com/VivekGRamaswamy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VivekGRamaswamy</a> is a fraud …and a classic conman …a classic “pump and dump” scheme on the MAGA movement …. <a href="https://t.co/bFGV2xUWDj">https://t.co/bFGV2xUWDj</a></p>
— Chris LaCivita (@LaCivitaC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaCivitaC/status/1746337223061000233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-farmers-in-iowa-have-dumped-donald-trump-for-ron-desantis-679762"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US: Farmers in Iowa have dumped Donald Trump for Ron DeSantis</strong></a></p>

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<p>After Trump's attack, Ramaswamy doubled down on his admiration of the former president, dubbing him as the "best president of the 21st century" who he respected the "hell out of".<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>However, he issued a word of caution by adding: "I’ve defended him at every step against the unjust persecutions,” he said in a statement. “But open your eyes to the hard truth: This system will stop at nothing to keep this man away from the White House. Just because it’s wrong doesn’t mean it won’t happen.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-mocks-biden-with-white-house-senior-living-campaign-video-679457"><strong>Also read | Donald Trump mocks Biden with 'White House Senior Living' campaign video</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Iowa caucus</strong></h2>

<p>After several rounds of debates, the Iowans will cast the first votes in the 2024&nbsp;presidential nomination&nbsp;process on Monday (Jan 15).</p>

<p>According to the Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom poll released on Saturday night, Trump was leading in the state with 48 per cent votes, with Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis occupying the subsequent spots with 20 and 16 per cent votes, respectively.</p>

<p>Ramaswamy occupied the fourth position with only eight per cent votes to his name.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former US president Donald Trump targeted his rival Vivek Ramaswamy, urging his supporters to not 'waste' their vote on the rookie in the presidential nomination race.

Former US president Donald Trump targeted his rival Vivek Ramaswamy, urging his supporters to not 'waste' their vote on the rookie in the presidential nomination race. Trump's statement comes a couple of days prior to the Iowa caucuses and signals a shift in strategy against Ramaswamy. Up until now, Trump had been rather unreactive on Ramaswamy and kept his distance from the Republican challenger. However, with Ramaswamy building up steam in his campaign and flicking away some of the established leaders, Trump has been forced to take evasive actions. "Vivek started his campaign as a great supporter, "the best President in generations," etc. Unfortunately, now all he does is disguise his support in the form of deceitful campaign tricks," Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump was reportedly miffed by Ramaswamy's campaign wherein he is handing out shirts that say 'Save Trump, Vote Vivek' on them. Ramaswamy posted a picture of his young supporters posing with him, wearing the shirt, on social media, which caught the attention of Trump. "Very sly, but a vote for Vivek is a vote for the "other side" — don't get duped by this. Vote for "TRUMP," don't waste your vote! Vivek is not MAGA," Trump added. While Trump kept the attack fairly docile, his campaign advisor Chris LaCivita took it a notch above, calling Ramaswamy a 'fraud'. "Here is a great picture of this campaigns number one FRAUD. Trump doesnt need "saving"," wrote LaCivita on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Here’s the plot : @VivekGRamaswamy is a fraud …and a classic conman…a classic “pump and dump” scheme on the MAGA movement," he added. Here’s the plot : @VivekGRamaswamy is a fraud …and a classic conman …a classic “pump and dump” scheme on the MAGA movement …. https://t.co/bFGV2xUWDj — Chris LaCivita (@LaCivitaC) January 14, 2024 × Watch | US: Farmers in Iowa have dumped Donald Trump for Ron DeSantis × After Trump's attack, Ramaswamy doubled down on his admiration of the former president, dubbing him as the "best president of the 21st century" who he respected the "hell out of". However, he issued a word of caution by adding: "I’ve defended him at every step against the unjust persecutions,” he said in a statement. “But open your eyes to the hard truth: This system will stop at nothing to keep this man away from the White House. Just because it’s wrong doesn’t mean it won’t happen.” Also read | Donald Trump mocks Biden with 'White House Senior Living' campaign video Iowa caucus After several rounds of debates, the Iowans will cast the first votes in the 2024 presidential nomination process on Monday (Jan 15). According to the Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom poll released on Saturday night, Trump was leading in the state with 48 per cent votes, with Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis occupying the subsequent spots with 20 and 16 per cent votes, respectively. Ramaswamy occupied the fourth position with only eight per cent votes to his name. (With inputs from agencies)

'He is not MAGA': Donald Trump attacks Vivek Ramaswamy ahead of Iowa caucus

<p>US climate envoy John Kerry, a key player in the Biden administration's push to tackle climate change, will step down to work on the president's reelection bid, media reported Saturday (Jan 13).</p>

<p>The former secretary of state and senator has spent the last three years liaising with other countries to up commitments on climate change, including at the most recent COP28 UN climate summit in Dubai.</p>

<p>Kerry, 80, intends to help Joe Biden's campaign by publicising the president's work in combatting global warming, according to multiple US media outlets citing officials familiar with the situation.</p>

<p>Kerry informed Biden of his intentions to leave on Wednesday, and his staff learned of the decision on Saturday, those officials said.</p>

<p>Apart from leading the US delegation at three UN climate summits, Kerry worked effectively with China despite complicated diplomatic relations. Together, the countries are the world's two largest polluters, accounting for 41 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-climate-envoy-john-kerry-holds-talks-in-china-617057"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Climate Envoy John Kerry holds talks in China</strong></a></p>

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<p>In a rare display of unity, the United States and China helped carry the COP28 December climate summit in Dubai, where negotiators sealed a historic although watered-down agreement to begin to transition away from oil, gas and coal.</p>

<p>Kerry had welcomed his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua a month earlier in California, where the two countries agreed on outlines of climate action that partly served as a basis for the nearly 200-nation Dubai deal.<br />
News of Kerry's stepping down comes one day after Xie retired on health grounds.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/he-is-not-maga-donald-trump-attacks-vivek-ramaswamy-ahead-of-iowa-caucus-679824"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'He is not MAGA': Donald Trump attacks Vivek Ramaswamy ahead of Iowa caucus</strong></a></p>

<p>One of Biden's first moves in office after his inauguration on January 20, 2021 was to rejoin the Paris climate agreement, which former president Donald Trump had exited.</p>

<p>Under the 2015 UN deal countries committed to limiting the Earth's warming to "well below" 2 degrees Celsius and preferably to the safer 1.5C threshold.</p>

<p>That said, the year 2023 was the hottest on record, with the increase in Earth's surface temperature nearly crossing the critical 1.5C threshold, according to EU climate monitors.</p>

<p>Kerry, himself a one-time Democratic presidential nominee, will step down sometime in the coming months, according to Axios, which first reported the news.<br />
The White House and Kerry's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP.</p>


US climate envoy John Kerry, a key player in the Biden administration's push to tackle climate change, will step down to work on the president's reelection bid, media reported Saturday (Jan 13).

US climate envoy John Kerry, a key player in the Biden administration's push to tackle climate change, will step down to work on the president's reelection bid, media reported Saturday (Jan 13). The former secretary of state and senator has spent the last three years liaising with other countries to up commitments on climate change, including at the most recent COP28 UN climate summit in Dubai. Kerry, 80, intends to help Joe Biden's campaign by publicising the president's work in combatting global warming, according to multiple US media outlets citing officials familiar with the situation. Kerry informed Biden of his intentions to leave on Wednesday, and his staff learned of the decision on Saturday, those officials said. Apart from leading the US delegation at three UN climate summits, Kerry worked effectively with China despite complicated diplomatic relations. Together, the countries are the world's two largest polluters, accounting for 41 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. Watch | US Climate Envoy John Kerry holds talks in China × In a rare display of unity, the United States and China helped carry the COP28 December climate summit in Dubai, where negotiators sealed a historic although watered-down agreement to begin to transition away from oil, gas and coal. Kerry had welcomed his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua a month earlier in California, where the two countries agreed on outlines of climate action that partly served as a basis for the nearly 200-nation Dubai deal. News of Kerry's stepping down comes one day after Xie retired on health grounds. Also read | 'He is not MAGA': Donald Trump attacks Vivek Ramaswamy ahead of Iowa caucus One of Biden's first moves in office after his inauguration on January 20, 2021 was to rejoin the Paris climate agreement, which former president Donald Trump had exited. Under the 2015 UN deal countries committed to limiting the Earth's warming to "well below" 2 degrees Celsius and preferably to the safer 1.5C threshold. That said, the year 2023 was the hottest on record, with the increase in Earth's surface temperature nearly crossing the critical 1.5C threshold, according to EU climate monitors. Kerry, himself a one-time Democratic presidential nominee, will step down sometime in the coming months, according to Axios, which first reported the news. The White House and Kerry's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP.

John Kerry to step down as US climate envoy to help Biden's reelection bid: Reports

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<p>All prison staff held by inmates at prisons in Ecuador amid a sharp uptick in violence had been freed by Saturday (Jan 13) evening, the SNAI prisons agency said.</p>

<p>The hostages, which SNAI previously said were 158 guards and 20 administrative staffers, were held since last Monday in at least seven prisons as a security crisis escalates in the South American country.</p>

<p>President Daniel Noboa on the social media platform X congratulated SNAI, police and armed forces for the successful release of the prison staff.</p>

<p>There would be an investigation to determine those responsible for the hostage-taking, SNAI said in its statement.</p>

<p>SNAI reported incidents at several prisons earlier Saturday, including an armed confrontation with inmates at the prison in El Oro province that resulted in the death of a guard.</p>

<p>Ecuador is grappling with a security crisis that worsened this week with the on-air storming of a TV station, unexplained explosions in several cities and the kidnapping of police officers.</p>

<p>Armed groups appear to be reacting to Noboa's plans to tackle the dire security situation, according to the government.</p>

<p>The police and the armed forces were continuing to carry out operations around the country. More than 1,000 people have been arrested since a state of emergency began on Monday, the government said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ecuador-violence-prompts-several-prison-raids-across-the-region-679295"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ecuador violence prompts several prison raids across the region</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Ecuador violence</strong></h2>

<p>Once a bastion of peace situated between major cocaine producers, Ecuador has been plunged into crisis after years of growing control by transnational cartels that use its ports to ship the drug to the United States and Europe.</p>

<p>Criminal gangs in the country of about 17 million people are thought to have more than 20,000 members.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-violence-178-prison-guards-staff-held-hostage-by-gangs-679148"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Ecuador violence: 178 prison guards, staff held hostage by gangs</strong></a></p>

<p>According to the latest official report, 859 suspects have been arrested, 25 escaped detainees have been recaptured, five "terrorists" shot dead and 57 kidnapped people have been released.</p>

<p>A chilling video filmed in Machala prison and confirmed by police shows the corpse of a prisoner wrapped in plastic thrown into the street from inside the jail, which is under the control of inmates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other images have emerged over the past few days showing arrested suspected gang members being ridiculed, forced to sing, hitting each other or being mistreated by soldiers.</p>


All prison staff held by inmates at prisons in Ecuador amid a sharp uptick in violence had been freed by Saturday (Jan 13) evening, the SNAI prisons agency said.

All prison staff held by inmates at prisons in Ecuador amid a sharp uptick in violence had been freed by Saturday (Jan 13) evening, the SNAI prisons agency said. The hostages, which SNAI previously said were 158 guards and 20 administrative staffers, were held since last Monday in at least seven prisons as a security crisis escalates in the South American country. President Daniel Noboa on the social media platform X congratulated SNAI, police and armed forces for the successful release of the prison staff. There would be an investigation to determine those responsible for the hostage-taking, SNAI said in its statement. SNAI reported incidents at several prisons earlier Saturday, including an armed confrontation with inmates at the prison in El Oro province that resulted in the death of a guard. Ecuador is grappling with a security crisis that worsened this week with the on-air storming of a TV station, unexplained explosions in several cities and the kidnapping of police officers. Armed groups appear to be reacting to Noboa's plans to tackle the dire security situation, according to the government. The police and the armed forces were continuing to carry out operations around the country. More than 1,000 people have been arrested since a state of emergency began on Monday, the government said. Watch | Ecuador violence prompts several prison raids across the region × Ecuador violence Once a bastion of peace situated between major cocaine producers, Ecuador has been plunged into crisis after years of growing control by transnational cartels that use its ports to ship the drug to the United States and Europe. Criminal gangs in the country of about 17 million people are thought to have more than 20,000 members. Also read | Ecuador violence: 178 prison guards, staff held hostage by gangs According to the latest official report, 859 suspects have been arrested, 25 escaped detainees have been recaptured, five "terrorists" shot dead and 57 kidnapped people have been released. A chilling video filmed in Machala prison and confirmed by police shows the corpse of a prisoner wrapped in plastic thrown into the street from inside the jail, which is under the control of inmates. Other images have emerged over the past few days showing arrested suspected gang members being ridiculed, forced to sing, hitting each other or being mistreated by soldiers.

Ecuador violence: 178 hostage prison workers freed, officials claim

<p>Cape Verde has achieved a decisive victory against malaria by&nbsp;becoming the third African Nation to rid itself of the disease. This is a substantial victory especially given that the mosquito-borne disease continues to kill hundreds of thousands of people on the continent, said the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday.</p>

<h2><strong>Malaria-Free nations</strong></h2>

<p>Worldwide, only 43 nations have been certified as malaria-free by the WHO. For this certification, a nation needs to prove that the domestic chain of transmission has been broken for at least three consecutive years, reports AFP.</p>

<p>On the African continent, before Cape Verde, Mauritius in 1973 and Algeria in 2019, were declared malaria-free.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-defensive-action-against-houthis-in-yemen-earns-him-democratic-ire-and-trolling-on-x-679415">Biden's 'defensive action' against Houthis in Yemen earns him Democratic ire and trolling on X</a></strong></p>

<p>Acknowledging the achievement of the Atlantic archipelago of about 500,000 inhabitants, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "I salute the government and people of Cabo Verde for their unwavering commitment and resilience in their journey to eliminating malaria."</p>

<p>"WHO's certification of Cabo Verde being malaria-free is testament to the power of strategic public health planning, collaboration, and sustained effort to protect and promote health," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Climate change effects on spread of malaria</strong></p>

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<p>The WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti also expressed happiness and said, "Cabo Verde's achievement is a beacon of hope for the African Region and beyond. It demonstrates that with strong political will, effective policies, community engagement and multi-sectoral collaboration, malaria elimination is an achievable goal."</p>

<p>Stressing the advantages this certification will have for Cape Verde, WHO said that it "has the potential to attract more visitors and boost socio-economic activities in a country where tourism accounts for approximately 25 per cent of GDP."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-men-continue-to-disappoint-their-wives-most-women-say-husbands-dont-do-enough-around-home-679350">Japanese men continue to disappoint their wives; most women say husbands don't do 'enough' around home</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Malaria</strong></h2>

<p>As per WHO estimates, in 2022, malaria killed 608,000 people worldwide and infected 250 million.</p>

<p>The disease, as per AFP, is particularly present in Africa. In 2021, the nation accounted for 95 per cent of deaths and 94 per cent of contaminations. Furthermore, on the continent, children under five represented 80 per cent of the deaths.</p>

<p>Cape Verde went through its last malaria peak in the late 1980s. Since then, it has been confined to two islands: Santiago and Boa Vista. Both the islands have now been malaria-free since 2017.</p>

<p>In 2007, eliminating malaria became a national objective for Cape Verde, and subsequently, it came up with a strategic malaria plan from 2009 to 2013.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Cape Verde has achieved a decisive victory against malaria by becoming the third African Nation to rid itself of the disease. This is a substantial victory especially given that the mosquito-borne disease continues to kill hundreds of thousands of people on the continent, said the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday.

Cape Verde has achieved a decisive victory against malaria by becoming the third African Nation to rid itself of the disease. This is a substantial victory especially given that the mosquito-borne disease continues to kill hundreds of thousands of people on the continent, said the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday. Malaria-Free nations Worldwide, only 43 nations have been certified as malaria-free by the WHO. For this certification, a nation needs to prove that the domestic chain of transmission has been broken for at least three consecutive years, reports AFP. On the African continent, before Cape Verde, Mauritius in 1973 and Algeria in 2019, were declared malaria-free. Also read | Biden's 'defensive action' against Houthis in Yemen earns him Democratic ire and trolling on X Acknowledging the achievement of the Atlantic archipelago of about 500,000 inhabitants, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "I salute the government and people of Cabo Verde for their unwavering commitment and resilience in their journey to eliminating malaria." "WHO's certification of Cabo Verde being malaria-free is testament to the power of strategic public health planning, collaboration, and sustained effort to protect and promote health," he added. Watch | Climate change effects on spread of malaria × The WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti also expressed happiness and said, "Cabo Verde's achievement is a beacon of hope for the African Region and beyond. It demonstrates that with strong political will, effective policies, community engagement and multi-sectoral collaboration, malaria elimination is an achievable goal." Stressing the advantages this certification will have for Cape Verde, WHO said that it "has the potential to attract more visitors and boost socio-economic activities in a country where tourism accounts for approximately 25 per cent of GDP." Also read | Japanese men continue to disappoint their wives; most women say husbands don't do 'enough' around home Malaria As per WHO estimates, in 2022, malaria killed 608,000 people worldwide and infected 250 million. The disease, as per AFP, is particularly present in Africa. In 2021, the nation accounted for 95 per cent of deaths and 94 per cent of contaminations. Furthermore, on the continent, children under five represented 80 per cent of the deaths. Cape Verde went through its last malaria peak in the late 1980s. Since then, it has been confined to two islands: Santiago and Boa Vista. Both the islands have now been malaria-free since 2017. In 2007, eliminating malaria became a national objective for Cape Verde, and subsequently, it came up with a strategic malaria plan from 2009 to 2013. (With inputs from agencies)

Cape Verde becomes third African nation to be declared malaria-free

<p>In the wake of the formidable New Year's Day earthquake, Japan's Noto Peninsula reportedly underwent a dramatic metamorphosis, which is vividly depicted in newly released satellite imagery. The&nbsp;images have captured some profound alterations to the Japanese coastline that now stands extended by up to 820 feet.</p>

<h2><strong>Striking images</strong></h2>

<p>Satellite snapshots, juxtaposing the landscape pre and post-quake, unveil the remarkable uplift effect that stretched the coastline by an impressive 820 feet (250 meters)—a span exceeding the length of two American football fields.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shared on X (previously Twitter) by Nahel Belgherze, images show sections of the Noto Peninsula where the seafloor emerged above the waterline.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiZj4iIsNiDAxV_s1YBHSlHBSIQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-japan-earthquake-reaches-126-as-harsh-weather-conditions-hamper-rescue-efforts-677209" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-japan-earthquake-reaches-126-as-harsh-weather-conditions-hamper-rescue-efforts-677209&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZj4iIsNiDAxV_s1YBHSlHBSIQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Death toll in Japan earthquake reaches 126 as harsh weather conditions hamper rescue efforts</a></strong></p>

<p>Posting a GIF of the images, Belgherze wrote: "The earthquake that struck Japan’s Noto peninsula on Monday was so strong that the coastline has moved up to 250 meters offshore due to significant land uplift."</p>

<p>Watch it here:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The earthquake that struck Japan’s Noto peninsula on Monday was so strong that the coastline has moved up to 250 meters offshore due to significant land uplift. <a href="https://t.co/XpxBMLRTUU">pic.twitter.com/XpxBMLRTUU</a></p>
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) <a href="https://twitter.com/WxNB_/status/1742967417616138539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The earthquake struck Japan on January 1 at around 2:10 am EST (0710 GMT), registering a magnitude of 7.6. It triggered evacuations along the impacted coastal zones that witnessed a substantial uplift.</p>

<h2><strong>Scientists confirm uplift</strong></h2>

<p>Researchers from the Earthquake Research Institute at the University of Tokyo, conducting field investigations, reported findings of coseismic coastal uplift along the northwest coast of the Noto Peninsula. Notably, evidence was detected at ten locations, spanning from Kaiso to Akasaki sites.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Japan earthquake: One week later, quake-hit residents of a Japanese village live in limbo</strong></p>

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<p>"During a field investigation along the northwest coast of the Noto Peninsula, we found evidence at 10 locations, from Kaiso to Akasaki sites, of coseismic coastal uplift related to the Noto Peninsula Earthquake (M7.6)," said the researchers in a statement.</p>

<p>"The pattern of estimated coseismic coastal uplift appears to be decreasing southward from Kaiso to Akasaki," they added, as quoted by space.com.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiZj4iIsNiDAxV_s1YBHSlHBSIQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-death-toll-rises-to-161-more-than-100-missing-days-after-76-magnitude-earthquake-677676" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-death-toll-rises-to-161-more-than-100-missing-days-after-76-magnitude-earthquake-677676&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZj4iIsNiDAxV_s1YBHSlHBSIQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Japan earthquake: Death toll rises to 161, number of missing crosses 320</a></strong></p>

<p>The repercussions extended to Akasaki port, where nearly 14-foot-high (4.2 meters) tsunami&nbsp;wreaked havoc, as indicated by water stains on building walls spotted during the university's field investigations.</p>

<p>Adding another layer to the comprehensive documentation of this geological event, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) offered a bird's-eye view of the coastal transformation.</p>

<p>By comparing coastline images from June 2023 to January 2, the satellite revealed significant seaward shifts in various areas, encompassing the Nafune port, Wajima city, and Minazuki bay, as outlined by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the wake of the formidable New Year's Day earthquake, Japan's Noto Peninsula reportedly underwent a dramatic metamorphosis, which is vividly depicted in newly released satellite imagery.

In the wake of the formidable New Year's Day earthquake, Japan's Noto Peninsula reportedly underwent a dramatic metamorphosis, which is vividly depicted in newly released satellite imagery. The images have captured some profound alterations to the Japanese coastline that now stands extended by up to 820 feet. Striking images Satellite snapshots, juxtaposing the landscape pre and post-quake, unveil the remarkable uplift effect that stretched the coastline by an impressive 820 feet (250 meters)—a span exceeding the length of two American football fields. Shared on X (previously Twitter) by Nahel Belgherze, images show sections of the Noto Peninsula where the seafloor emerged above the waterline. Also read | Death toll in Japan earthquake reaches 126 as harsh weather conditions hamper rescue efforts Posting a GIF of the images, Belgherze wrote: "The earthquake that struck Japan’s Noto peninsula on Monday was so strong that the coastline has moved up to 250 meters offshore due to significant land uplift." Watch it here: The earthquake that struck Japan’s Noto peninsula on Monday was so strong that the coastline has moved up to 250 meters offshore due to significant land uplift. pic.twitter.com/XpxBMLRTUU — Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) January 4, 2024 × The earthquake struck Japan on January 1 at around 2:10 am EST (0710 GMT), registering a magnitude of 7.6. It triggered evacuations along the impacted coastal zones that witnessed a substantial uplift. Scientists confirm uplift Researchers from the Earthquake Research Institute at the University of Tokyo, conducting field investigations, reported findings of coseismic coastal uplift along the northwest coast of the Noto Peninsula. Notably, evidence was detected at ten locations, spanning from Kaiso to Akasaki sites. Watch | Japan earthquake: One week later, quake-hit residents of a Japanese village live in limbo × "During a field investigation along the northwest coast of the Noto Peninsula, we found evidence at 10 locations, from Kaiso to Akasaki sites, of coseismic coastal uplift related to the Noto Peninsula Earthquake (M7.6)," said the researchers in a statement. "The pattern of estimated coseismic coastal uplift appears to be decreasing southward from Kaiso to Akasaki," they added, as quoted by space.com. Also read | Japan earthquake: Death toll rises to 161, number of missing crosses 320 The repercussions extended to Akasaki port, where nearly 14-foot-high (4.2 meters) tsunami wreaked havoc, as indicated by water stains on building walls spotted during the university's field investigations. Adding another layer to the comprehensive documentation of this geological event, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) offered a bird's-eye view of the coastal transformation. By comparing coastline images from June 2023 to January 2, the satellite revealed significant seaward shifts in various areas, encompassing the Nafune port, Wajima city, and Minazuki bay, as outlined by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan. (With inputs from agencies)

New Year's Day quake stretched a Japanese peninsula coastline by over 800 feet

The United States and Britain launched strikes against sites linked to the Houthi movement in Yemen, the first on the country since the Iran-backed group started targeting international shipping in the Red Sea late last year.

UK, US strike Houthi targets | Trump's fraud trial wraps up | Protests in Warsaw | WION Speed News

<p>Alabama has received the go-ahead for using nitrogen gas to execute a death row inmate later this month. A federal judge on Wednesday rejected inmate Kenneth Smith's request for an injunction to stop the execution via nitrogen hypoxia which experts and his lawyers have condemned as cruel and experimental.</p>

<p>This is the first time nitrogen will be used as a method of execution in the US.</p>

<h2><strong>A test subject?</strong></h2>

<p>US District R Austin Huffaker rejected Smith's request and dismissed his lawyer's argument that the inmate was being used as a "test subject" for an untried execution method.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-outcry-as-us-plans-to-use-cruel-nitrogen-asphyxiation-to-execute-death-row-inmate-676458">International outcry over US plans to use 'inhuman' nitrogen asphyxiation to execute death row inmate</a></strong></p>

<p>As per CBS News, Kenneth Smith's lawyers are expected to appeal the federal judge's decision. The debate of whether nitrogen can be used for execution or not may end up before the US Supreme Court.</p>

<h2><strong>How will the execution go down?</strong></h2>

<p>Alabama plans to use a respirator-type face mask to cut off the murder-row inmate's oxygen supply and replace it with nitrogen. This will cause him to die due to lack of oxygen.</p>

<h2><strong>Is it cruel?</strong></h2>

<p>As of now, three US States — Alabama, Mississippi, and Oklahoma have authorised nitrogen hypoxia. However, this is the first time the execution method will be put to use.</p>

<p>Smith's attorneys vehemently assert that this untested execution protocol likely infringes upon the US Constitution's prohibition against "cruel and unusual punishments."</p>

<p>They contend that any subsequent attempt to execute him, by any means, would be unconstitutional.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-to-provide-more-age-appropriate-content-to-teens-limit-harmful-items-678613">Meta to provide more ‘age appropriate’ content to teens, limit harmful items</a></strong></p>

<p>The inmate's lawyers have also argued that in 2020, the American Veterinary Medical Association in its euthanasia guidelines cleared nitrogen hypoxia only for pigs. For other mammals, it said, nitrogen hypoxia could create an "anoxic environment that is distressing for some species."</p>

<p>International experts, including four UN human rights special rapporteurs, have also said that subjecting Smith to asphyxiation with an inert gas raises serious concerns about potential "grave suffering" and "a painful and humiliating death".</p>

<p>They say that the execution would likely violate an international treaty that expressly forbids torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading punishment—a treaty to which the United States is a party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, comparing the execution method to industrial accidents where people pass out and die within minutes, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall's office in court filings argued that oxygen deprivation will "cause unconsciousness within seconds, and cause death within minutes." They've dismissed the defence lawyers' concerns as speculative.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Kenneth Smith?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>58-year-old Kenneth Smith is a murderer-for-hire who was&nbsp;sentenced to death for the 1988 killing of a preacher's wife.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Smith found himself facing nitrogen hypoxia after Alabama botched his initial execution attempt in November 2022. The lethal injection failed due to multiple futile attempts to establish an intravenous line, leaving him as one of only two individuals in the US to survive an execution attempt.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Alabama has received the go-ahead for using nitrogen gas to execute a death row inmate later this month. A federal judge on Wednesday rejected inmate Kenneth Smith's request for an injunction to stop the execution via nitrogen hypoxia which experts and his lawyers have condemned as cruel and experimental.

Alabama has received the go-ahead for using nitrogen gas to execute a death row inmate later this month. A federal judge on Wednesday rejected inmate Kenneth Smith's request for an injunction to stop the execution via nitrogen hypoxia which experts and his lawyers have condemned as cruel and experimental. This is the first time nitrogen will be used as a method of execution in the US. A test subject? US District R Austin Huffaker rejected Smith's request and dismissed his lawyer's argument that the inmate was being used as a "test subject" for an untried execution method. Also read | International outcry over US plans to use 'inhuman' nitrogen asphyxiation to execute death row inmate As per CBS News, Kenneth Smith's lawyers are expected to appeal the federal judge's decision. The debate of whether nitrogen can be used for execution or not may end up before the US Supreme Court. How will the execution go down? Alabama plans to use a respirator-type face mask to cut off the murder-row inmate's oxygen supply and replace it with nitrogen. This will cause him to die due to lack of oxygen. Is it cruel? As of now, three US States — Alabama, Mississippi, and Oklahoma have authorised nitrogen hypoxia. However, this is the first time the execution method will be put to use. Smith's attorneys vehemently assert that this untested execution protocol likely infringes upon the US Constitution's prohibition against "cruel and unusual punishments." They contend that any subsequent attempt to execute him, by any means, would be unconstitutional. Also read | Meta to provide more ‘age appropriate’ content to teens, limit harmful items The inmate's lawyers have also argued that in 2020, the American Veterinary Medical Association in its euthanasia guidelines cleared nitrogen hypoxia only for pigs. For other mammals, it said, nitrogen hypoxia could create an "anoxic environment that is distressing for some species." International experts, including four UN human rights special rapporteurs, have also said that subjecting Smith to asphyxiation with an inert gas raises serious concerns about potential "grave suffering" and "a painful and humiliating death". They say that the execution would likely violate an international treaty that expressly forbids torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading punishment—a treaty to which the United States is a party. However, comparing the execution method to industrial accidents where people pass out and die within minutes, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall's office in court filings argued that oxygen deprivation will "cause unconsciousness within seconds, and cause death within minutes." They've dismissed the defence lawyers' concerns as speculative. Who is Kenneth Smith? 58-year-old Kenneth Smith is a murderer-for-hire who was sentenced to death for the 1988 killing of a preacher's wife. Smith found himself facing nitrogen hypoxia after Alabama botched his initial execution attempt in November 2022. The lethal injection failed due to multiple futile attempts to establish an intravenous line, leaving him as one of only two individuals in the US to survive an execution attempt. (With inputs from agencies)

Federal judge gives green light to first US execution by nitrogen gas

<p>In the United Kingdom's Wembley, last week, a Hindu temple became the scene of a potential hate crime, as a man reportedly reciting Quran verses tried to throw a sacred idol and smashed a lamp (diya).</p>

<h2><strong>Latest incident</strong></h2>

<p>On Saturday (Jan 6th), a black man wearing a hoodie and a face mask entered the Eelapatheeswarar Alayam Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Wembley, England, with his shoes on, despite being stopped by the devotees and temple volunteers.</p>

<p>As per Rajasingham Jayadevan, the founder and general secretary of the temple,&nbsp;the man was initially stopped by&nbsp;volunteers and devotees who&nbsp;asked him to remove his boots and pull down the hoodie, but&nbsp;he refused to listen and left the temple premises.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-parliamentary-breach-accused-undergo-narco-test-in-gujarat-678884">Indian parliamentary breach accused undergo narco test in Gujarat</a></strong></p>

<p>However, he came back and went to the side of the temple where the deities were placed. There, he grabbed a Goddess Laxmi Deity with the intent to throw and smash it, Jayadevan further said.</p>

<p>The volunteers, however, managed to hold the idol and no damage was caused to it.</p>

<p>"One of the devotees and our volunteers managed to restrain him after he became extremely aggressive, and were successfully able to catch the murti (idol) which was thrown," he said, as per an X post by INSIGHT, a community of British Hindus and Indians.</p>

<p>"He then went to Navagraha (nine deities) stand and there were brass diyas (lamp) there. He smashed one of the Navagraha structures and tried to shake one of the Navgrahas," Jayadevan was quoted as saying by&nbsp;Times Of India.</p>

<p>"During this time, he was reciting Quranic verses," he further claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-defence-minister-meets-uk-pm-in-london-678934">Indian defence minister meets UK PM in London</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Man detained</strong></h2>

<p>The man was detained by volunteers and the&nbsp;Metropolitan Police were called. The man even tried to assault an officer.</p>

<p>In a statement, the police said "Shortly after 1.30 pm on January 6, police were called to a man who had entered a Hindu temple in Wembley. It was reported that the 22-year-old man was causing a significant disturbance inside the temple. Officers attended, and the man was detained. He was taken to hospital as a precaution due to his elevated heart rate and subsequently arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and taken into police custody."</p>

<p>However, the man was not booked for vandalism, as "no one present wished to substantiate any related criminal allegation."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the United Kingdom's Wembley, last week, a Hindu temple became the scene of a potential hate crime, as a man reportedly reciting Quran verses tried to throw a sacred idol and smashed a lamp (diya).

In the United Kingdom's Wembley, last week, a Hindu temple became the scene of a potential hate crime, as a man reportedly reciting Quran verses tried to throw a sacred idol and smashed a lamp (diya). Latest incident On Saturday (Jan 6th), a black man wearing a hoodie and a face mask entered the Eelapatheeswarar Alayam Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Wembley, England, with his shoes on, despite being stopped by the devotees and temple volunteers. As per Rajasingham Jayadevan, the founder and general secretary of the temple, the man was initially stopped by volunteers and devotees who asked him to remove his boots and pull down the hoodie, but he refused to listen and left the temple premises. Also read | Indian parliamentary breach accused undergo narco test in Gujarat However, he came back and went to the side of the temple where the deities were placed. There, he grabbed a Goddess Laxmi Deity with the intent to throw and smash it, Jayadevan further said. The volunteers, however, managed to hold the idol and no damage was caused to it. "One of the devotees and our volunteers managed to restrain him after he became extremely aggressive, and were successfully able to catch the murti (idol) which was thrown," he said, as per an X post by INSIGHT, a community of British Hindus and Indians. "He then went to Navagraha (nine deities) stand and there were brass diyas (lamp) there. He smashed one of the Navagraha structures and tried to shake one of the Navgrahas," Jayadevan was quoted as saying by Times Of India. "During this time, he was reciting Quranic verses," he further claimed. Also read | Indian defence minister meets UK PM in London Man detained The man was detained by volunteers and the Metropolitan Police were called. The man even tried to assault an officer. In a statement, the police said "Shortly after 1.30 pm on January 6, police were called to a man who had entered a Hindu temple in Wembley. It was reported that the 22-year-old man was causing a significant disturbance inside the temple. Officers attended, and the man was detained. He was taken to hospital as a precaution due to his elevated heart rate and subsequently arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and taken into police custody." However, the man was not booked for vandalism, as "no one present wished to substantiate any related criminal allegation." (With inputs from agencies)

England-based Shiva temple vandalised by man allegedly reciting Quran verses

<p>Alaska Airlines said on Wednesday (Jan 10) it would cancel all flights on 737 MAX 9 jets through Saturday (Jan 13) as it continues to wait for regulatory approvals to resume flying after a cabin panel blowout Boeing suggested was caused by a "quality" issue.</p>

<p>The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Saturday grounded 171 Boeing jets installed with the same panel after the emergency landing, including Alaska Airlines' 65 MAX 9s.</p>

<p>The move has forced the cancellation of about 20 per cent of the Seattle-based airline's daily schedule for five consecutive days and 150 flights for Thursday.</p>

<p>United Airlines, the other US 737 MAX 9 operator with 79 of the planes in its fleet, said it had cancelled 167 flights on Wednesday and expected "significant" cancellations on Thursday as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg declined to say on Wednesday when the FAA may allow the planes to resume flights but said it would only be when safe.</p>

<p>"The only consideration on the timeline is safety," Buttigieg told reporters. "Until it is ready, it is not ready. Nobody can or should be rushed in that process."</p>

<p>Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun told CNBC on Wednesday that a "quality escape" was at issue in the MAX 9 cabin blowout that left a gaping hole in the plane that had been in service for just eight weeks, but added key questions remained.</p>

<p>"What broke down in our gauntlet of inspections? What broke down in the original work that allowed for that escape to happen?" Calhoun said.</p>

<p>A quality escape was "a description of what people are finding in their inspections...anything that could potentially contribute to an accident," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Boeing on Tuesday told staff the findings were being treated as a "quality control issue" and checks were underway at Boeing and supplier Spirit AeroSystems, Reuters reported previously.</p>

<p>Calhoun said he had spoken to Buttigieg and FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker to ensure there was no repeat of the cabin panel blowout on any MAX 9 after Friday's incident.</p>

<p>The grounding has rekindled frustration among airlines over the planemaker's struggle to contain a series of safety and supply crises, industry officials and experts said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US grounds 171 Boeing planes after Alaska Airlines window blows out mid-air</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-grounds-171-boeing-planes-after-alaska-airlines-window-blows-out-mid-air-677387/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Inspection instructions needed</strong></h2>

<p>Alaska Airlines and United said on Monday they had found loose parts on multiple grounded aircraft, raising new concerns among industry experts about how Boeing's best-selling jet family is manufactured.</p>

<p>The carriers still need revised inspection and maintenance instructions from Boeing that must be approved by the FAA before they can begin flying the planes again.</p>

<p>"We will only return these aircraft to service when all findings have been fully resolved and meet all FAA and Alaska’s stringent standards," Alaska Airlines said.</p>

<p>The International Association of Machinists (IAM), a union representing workers at fuselage maker Spirit and at Boeing's factory in Renton, Washington that produces the 737, has been appointed a party to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) investigation, an IAM spokesperson said on Wednesday evening.</p>

<p>The spokesperson did not provide further details.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heres-how-the-newly-found-door-plug-may-help-understand-alaska-airlines-mid-air-blowout-678113"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Here's how the newly-found door 'plug' may help understand Alaska Airlines' mid-air blowout</strong></a></p>

<p>The NTSB confirmed the IAM's involvement. Spirit's interim CEO Patrick Shanahan was in Seattle over the weekend at Boeing's invitation in a crisis room "listening to all of what we are trying to collect in the production process, taken it back to his team, interrogating their processes, alongside of our people," Calhoun said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Spirit said on Wednesday a company team was now supporting the NTSB's investigation directly, adding it remained "focused on the quality of each aircraft structure that leaves our facilities."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The NTSB is focusing in part on whether the recovered cabin panel that blew off had been properly attached. Buttigieg said he told Calhoun how important it was for Boeing to address the issue in the MAX 9 and to ensure every plane it delivered was "100 per cent safe."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Buttigieg said the FAA "will continue with a very, very strict level of oversight" to ensure that.</p>

<p>The transportation secretary said he had also spoken to the United and Alaska Airlines CEOs and they agreed to take care of passengers whose flights have been cancelled because of the grounding.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Buttigieg said the dramatic photos of the gaping hole led him to think what he would have done in that circumstance, which NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy described as "terrifying".</p>

<p>"I was on a plane a day or two later, with my two-year-old son sitting in the window seat next to me," Buttigieg said. "No passengers should go through what those passengers went through."</p>


Alaska Airlines said on Wednesday (Jan 10) it would cancel all flights on 737 MAX 9 jets through Saturday (Jan 13) as it continues to wait for regulatory approvals to resume flying after a cabin panel blowout Boeing suggested was caused by a "quality" issue.

Alaska Airlines said on Wednesday (Jan 10) it would cancel all flights on 737 MAX 9 jets through Saturday (Jan 13) as it continues to wait for regulatory approvals to resume flying after a cabin panel blowout Boeing suggested was caused by a "quality" issue. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Saturday grounded 171 Boeing jets installed with the same panel after the emergency landing, including Alaska Airlines' 65 MAX 9s. The move has forced the cancellation of about 20 per cent of the Seattle-based airline's daily schedule for five consecutive days and 150 flights for Thursday. United Airlines, the other US 737 MAX 9 operator with 79 of the planes in its fleet, said it had cancelled 167 flights on Wednesday and expected "significant" cancellations on Thursday as well. US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg declined to say on Wednesday when the FAA may allow the planes to resume flights but said it would only be when safe. "The only consideration on the timeline is safety," Buttigieg told reporters. "Until it is ready, it is not ready. Nobody can or should be rushed in that process." Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun told CNBC on Wednesday that a "quality escape" was at issue in the MAX 9 cabin blowout that left a gaping hole in the plane that had been in service for just eight weeks, but added key questions remained. "What broke down in our gauntlet of inspections? What broke down in the original work that allowed for that escape to happen?" Calhoun said. A quality escape was "a description of what people are finding in their inspections...anything that could potentially contribute to an accident," he added. Boeing on Tuesday told staff the findings were being treated as a "quality control issue" and checks were underway at Boeing and supplier Spirit AeroSystems, Reuters reported previously. Calhoun said he had spoken to Buttigieg and FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker to ensure there was no repeat of the cabin panel blowout on any MAX 9 after Friday's incident. The grounding has rekindled frustration among airlines over the planemaker's struggle to contain a series of safety and supply crises, industry officials and experts said. Watch: US grounds 171 Boeing planes after Alaska Airlines window blows out mid-air Inspection instructions needed Alaska Airlines and United said on Monday they had found loose parts on multiple grounded aircraft, raising new concerns among industry experts about how Boeing's best-selling jet family is manufactured. The carriers still need revised inspection and maintenance instructions from Boeing that must be approved by the FAA before they can begin flying the planes again. "We will only return these aircraft to service when all findings have been fully resolved and meet all FAA and Alaska’s stringent standards," Alaska Airlines said. The International Association of Machinists (IAM), a union representing workers at fuselage maker Spirit and at Boeing's factory in Renton, Washington that produces the 737, has been appointed a party to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) investigation, an IAM spokesperson said on Wednesday evening. The spokesperson did not provide further details. Also read | Here's how the newly-found door 'plug' may help understand Alaska Airlines' mid-air blowout The NTSB confirmed the IAM's involvement. Spirit's interim CEO Patrick Shanahan was in Seattle over the weekend at Boeing's invitation in a crisis room "listening to all of what we are trying to collect in the production process, taken it back to his team, interrogating their processes, alongside of our people," Calhoun said. Spirit said on Wednesday a company team was now supporting the NTSB's investigation directly, adding it remained "focused on the quality of each aircraft structure that leaves our facilities." The NTSB is focusing in part on whether the recovered cabin panel that blew off had been properly attached. Buttigieg said he told Calhoun how important it was for Boeing to address the issue in the MAX 9 and to ensure every plane it delivered was "100 per cent safe." Buttigieg said the FAA "will continue with a very, very strict level of oversight" to ensure that. The transportation secretary said he had also spoken to the United and Alaska Airlines CEOs and they agreed to take care of passengers whose flights have been cancelled because of the grounding. Buttigieg said the dramatic photos of the gaping hole led him to think what he would have done in that circumstance, which NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy described as "terrifying". "I was on a plane a day or two later, with my two-year-old son sitting in the window seat next to me," Buttigieg said. "No passengers should go through what those passengers went through."

Boeing's mid-air door blowout: US transportation head gives no timeline for return of 737 Max 9 planes

<p>Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pande on Thursday (Jan 11) said the increase in terror activities in Rajouri and Poonch districts of the union territory of Jammu &amp; Kashmir in the last 5-6 months was an "issue of concern".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pande was speaking&nbsp;at the annual press conference ahead of Army Day where he touched upon the myriad security threats India is facing currently.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The situation and terrorist activities in Rajouri and Poonch in the last 5–6 months have been an issue of concern to us," said General Pande.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you see...before 2003 terrorism in that area was eradicated, and peace was there till 2017/18. But now, because of the situation normalising in the Valley, our adversaries are active there," he added.</p>

<p>The Army chief stated that the rise in proxy wars could be gauged by the fact that in the last three years, as many as 45 terrorists were eliminated in these areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Last year alone there were five infiltration bids, which were foiled, and six terrorists were eliminated in those attempts. Even in the hinterland about 14 terrorists were neutralised," he further said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-army-general-manoj-pande-lauds-countrys-growth-670492"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Indian army General Manoj Pande lauds country's growth</strong></a></p>

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<p>As for the overall situation in&nbsp;J&amp;K, he said the ceasefire&nbsp;along the Line of Control (LoC) continues to hold, even though routine infiltration attempts are recorded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The COAS also provided an update on the Indo-Myanmar border, referring to the impact of&nbsp;activities by the Myanmar army and ethnic armed organisations.</p>

<p>"The situation at the Indo-Myanmar border is of concern to us. You are aware of the activities of the Myanmar army, the ethnic armed organization and the PDF in the past couple of months, which has resulted in some of the Myanmar army personnel walking across about 416 of them to date," said Pande.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further said that cross border situation had allowed "some of the insurgent groups to come onto our side of the border in the state of Manipur" which combined with the delicate situation in the Indian state, had kept the authorities on their toes.</p>

<p>He said the army had restructured its artillery, electronic warfare and electronic intelligence unit in an attempt to keep up with the changing times.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pande on Thursday (Jan 11) said the increase in terror activities in Rajouri and Poonch districts of the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir in the last 5-6 months was an "issue of concern".

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pande on Thursday (Jan 11) said the increase in terror activities in Rajouri and Poonch districts of the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir in the last 5-6 months was an "issue of concern". Pande was speaking at the annual press conference ahead of Army Day where he touched upon the myriad security threats India is facing currently. "The situation and terrorist activities in Rajouri and Poonch in the last 5–6 months have been an issue of concern to us," said General Pande. "If you see...before 2003 terrorism in that area was eradicated, and peace was there till 2017/18. But now, because of the situation normalising in the Valley, our adversaries are active there," he added. The Army chief stated that the rise in proxy wars could be gauged by the fact that in the last three years, as many as 45 terrorists were eliminated in these areas. "Last year alone there were five infiltration bids, which were foiled, and six terrorists were eliminated in those attempts. Even in the hinterland about 14 terrorists were neutralised," he further said. Watch | Indian army General Manoj Pande lauds country's growth × As for the overall situation in J&K, he said the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) continues to hold, even though routine infiltration attempts are recorded. The COAS also provided an update on the Indo-Myanmar border, referring to the impact of activities by the Myanmar army and ethnic armed organisations. "The situation at the Indo-Myanmar border is of concern to us. You are aware of the activities of the Myanmar army, the ethnic armed organization and the PDF in the past couple of months, which has resulted in some of the Myanmar army personnel walking across about 416 of them to date," said Pande. He further said that cross border situation had allowed "some of the insurgent groups to come onto our side of the border in the state of Manipur" which combined with the delicate situation in the Indian state, had kept the authorities on their toes. He said the army had restructured its artillery, electronic warfare and electronic intelligence unit in an attempt to keep up with the changing times. (With inputs from agencies)

'Matter of concern': Indian Army chief on prevailing condition in Jammu & Kashmir

<p>India's Parliament security breach saga has taken another turn with two of the six accused behind the major security lapse undergoing narco-analysis and brain mapping tests. On the orders of the court, a team of the Delhi Police Special Cell has taken accused Sagar Sharma, Manoranjan D, Amol Shinde, Lalit Jha and Mahesh Kumawat to Ahmedabad, Gujarat where the test will be conducted.</p>

<h2><strong>Narco test</strong></h2>

<p>The narco test is being conducted in India's most important forensic laboratory, the Forensic Science Laboratory in Gandhinagar. On Thursday (Jan 11), as per news agency ANI, tests of accused Sagar Sharma and&nbsp;Manoranjan D were underway. The whole process is expected to be completed by Friday (Jan 12).</p>

<p>Furthermore, all five will have to take polygraph tests. The sixth accused, Neelam Azad, refused to give her consent for the test.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/creme-de-la-creme-these-are-the-worlds-most-powerful-passports-india-pakistan-rank-at-these-positions-678821">Crème de la crème: These are the world's most powerful passports; India, Pakistan rank at these positions</a></strong></p>

<p>As per the report, narco-analysis and brain mapping tests on Sagar and Manoranjan were ordered by the court to conclude the real mastermind behind the Parliament infiltration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Delhi Police reportedly suspects that Manoranjan D was the mastermind behind the parliament security breach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Quoting sources, ANI reports that during interrogation, one of the accused Lalit Jha accused Manoranjan and said that he was constantly trying for funding and that Manoranjan's final goal was to create a big organisation.</p>

<p>Lalit also said that he had no idea Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, UAPA, would be imposed on all of them after the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plot-to-kill-pannun-us-court-orders-govt-to-produce-proof-against-accused-indian-nikhil-gupta-678843">Pannun murder plot: US govt refuses to produce proof against Indian national despite court ruling</a></strong></p>

<p>"We thought that we would soon become public figures and would give a message to the society by coming out on bail. We, then, would further spread our propaganda through huge funding," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The Parliament attack</strong></h2>

<p>In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, on Wednesday (Dec 13), two men - Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D - entered the Lok Sabha. They jumped into the chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour. There, they released coloured smoke and shouted slogans before being overpowered by the MPs.</p>

<p>Two other&nbsp;individuals — Neelam and Amold Shinde — were detained outside the Parliament complex for staging a protest. The four were promptly arrested and charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Parliament security breach saga has taken another turn with two of the six accused behind the major security lapse undergoing narco-analysis and brain mapping tests.

India's Parliament security breach saga has taken another turn with two of the six accused behind the major security lapse undergoing narco-analysis and brain mapping tests. On the orders of the court, a team of the Delhi Police Special Cell has taken accused Sagar Sharma, Manoranjan D, Amol Shinde, Lalit Jha and Mahesh Kumawat to Ahmedabad, Gujarat where the test will be conducted. Narco test The narco test is being conducted in India's most important forensic laboratory, the Forensic Science Laboratory in Gandhinagar. On Thursday (Jan 11), as per news agency ANI, tests of accused Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D were underway. The whole process is expected to be completed by Friday (Jan 12). Furthermore, all five will have to take polygraph tests. The sixth accused, Neelam Azad, refused to give her consent for the test. Also read | Crème de la crème: These are the world's most powerful passports; India, Pakistan rank at these positions As per the report, narco-analysis and brain mapping tests on Sagar and Manoranjan were ordered by the court to conclude the real mastermind behind the Parliament infiltration. Delhi Police reportedly suspects that Manoranjan D was the mastermind behind the parliament security breach. Quoting sources, ANI reports that during interrogation, one of the accused Lalit Jha accused Manoranjan and said that he was constantly trying for funding and that Manoranjan's final goal was to create a big organisation. Lalit also said that he had no idea Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, UAPA, would be imposed on all of them after the incident. Also read | Pannun murder plot: US govt refuses to produce proof against Indian national despite court ruling "We thought that we would soon become public figures and would give a message to the society by coming out on bail. We, then, would further spread our propaganda through huge funding," he said. The Parliament attack In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, on Wednesday (Dec 13), two men - Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D - entered the Lok Sabha. They jumped into the chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour. There, they released coloured smoke and shouted slogans before being overpowered by the MPs. Two other individuals — Neelam and Amold Shinde — were detained outside the Parliament complex for staging a protest. The four were promptly arrested and charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian parliamentary breach accused undergo narco test in Gujarat

<p>Rankings for the world's most powerful passports in 2024 are in, and the Indian passport has improved its global standing, moving up three positions.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The top placeholders: World's MOST powerful passports</strong></h2>

<p>In 2024, the Crème de la crème or the accolade of having the world's most powerful passport is split among not one or two but six countries: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain. All these nations are allowed visa-free entry to a whopping 194&nbsp;countries.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/federal-judge-gives-green-light-to-us-first-execution-by-nitrogen-gas-hypoxia-678799">Federal judge gives green light to US' first execution by nitrogen gas hypoxia</a></strong></p>

<p>These rankings are as per the latest Henley Passport Index report which ranks the world's passports "according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa". Its rankings are based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)— the world's&nbsp;largest travel information database.</p>

<p>For the past half-decade, Japan and Singapore have bagged the top spot, however, this year, multiple European nations have climbed the ladder.</p>

<p>In second place, with 193 visa-free destinations, are Finland, South Korea, and Sweden. Rounding off the top three with 192 global destinations are Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands.</p>

<h2><strong>What about India?</strong></h2>

<p>In 2023, India stood at the 83rd position and its passport didn't need a visa in 58 global destinations. This year, the nation moved up three ranks to 80th and boasts 62 visa-free destinations around the world. This includes popular tourist spots like Barbados, Fiji, and Thailand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India shares its 80th&nbsp;spot with Uzbekistan. Neighbouring nation Pakistan also improved its rank, moving from 102nd to 101st, with 34 visa-free destinations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-purchases-of-discounted-russian-crude-reach-11-month-low-678783">India's purchases of discounted Russian crude reach 11-month low</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Henley Passport Index</strong></h2>

<p>The world's leading authority on passport rankings, the Henley Passport Index includes 199 passports from around the world and 227 different travel destinations. As per the index website, it is "considered the standard reference tool for global citizens and sovereign states when assessing where a passport ranks on the global mobility spectrum".</p>


Rankings for the world's most powerful passports in 2024 are in, and the Indian passport has improved its global standing, moving up three positions. The top placeholders: World's MOST powerful passports In 2024, the Crème de la crème or the accolade of having the world's most powerful passport is split among not one or two but six countries: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain.

Rankings for the world's most powerful passports in 2024 are in, and the Indian passport has improved its global standing, moving up three positions. The top placeholders: World's MOST powerful passports In 2024, the Crème de la crème or the accolade of having the world's most powerful passport is split among not one or two but six countries: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain. All these nations are allowed visa-free entry to a whopping 194 countries. Also read | Federal judge gives green light to US' first execution by nitrogen gas hypoxia These rankings are as per the latest Henley Passport Index report which ranks the world's passports "according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa". Its rankings are based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)— the world's largest travel information database. For the past half-decade, Japan and Singapore have bagged the top spot, however, this year, multiple European nations have climbed the ladder. In second place, with 193 visa-free destinations, are Finland, South Korea, and Sweden. Rounding off the top three with 192 global destinations are Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands. What about India? In 2023, India stood at the 83rd position and its passport didn't need a visa in 58 global destinations. This year, the nation moved up three ranks to 80th and boasts 62 visa-free destinations around the world. This includes popular tourist spots like Barbados, Fiji, and Thailand. India shares its 80th spot with Uzbekistan. Neighbouring nation Pakistan also improved its rank, moving from 102nd to 101st, with 34 visa-free destinations. Also read | India's purchases of discounted Russian crude reach 11-month low Henley Passport Index The world's leading authority on passport rankings, the Henley Passport Index includes 199 passports from around the world and 227 different travel destinations. As per the index website, it is "considered the standard reference tool for global citizens and sovereign states when assessing where a passport ranks on the global mobility spectrum".

Crème de la crème: These are the world's most powerful passports; India, Pakistan rank at these positions

<p>Amalija Knavs, the mother of former United States first lady Melania Trump, has died aged 78.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday night, taking to X, Melania Trump confirmed Knavs' death, and said that her mother was a "strong woman".</p>

<h2><strong>'Grace, warmth and dignity'</strong></h2>

<p>As per an ABC News report, Knavs died in Florida on Tuesday after a long health battle.</p>

<p>In her statement on X, the former first lady said, "It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-arrives-in-court-asking-for-immunity-against-election-interference-charges-678338">Trump warns of chaos in US if court cases against him go ahead</a></strong></p>

<p>She said that her mother carried herself with "grace, warmth, and dignity."</p>

<p>"She was entirely devoted to her husband, daughters, grandson, and son-in-law. We will miss her beyond measure and continue to honour and love her legacy," she added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija.<br />
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Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity. She was entirely devoted to her husband, daughters, grandson, and son-in-law. We will miss her beyond…</p>
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/MELANIATRUMP/status/1744900932800761880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Long illness</strong></h2>

<p>As per a Newsweek report, during a New Year's Eve party at his Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump had previously spoken of his mother-in-law's illness. Describing the situation as "a very tough one," he had said that Knavs was "very ill" and that Melania was skipping the party to be with her mother in a hospital in Miami.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ais-double-edged-sword-technology-making-hacking-easy-for-non-tech-savvy-people-warn-us-officials-678440">AI's double-edged sword: Technology making hacking easy for non tech savvy people, warn US officials</a></strong></p>

<p>During Trump's presidency, his in-laws Viktor and Amalija Knavs spent time living in the upper floors of the White House, reports CBS News. The duo became US citizens during Trump's presidency and shared a very close relationship with him and their grandson, Barron Trump.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amalija Knavs, the mother of former United States first lady Melania Trump, has died aged 78. On Tuesday night, taking to X, Melania Trump confirmed Knavs' death, and said that her mother was a "strong woman".

Amalija Knavs, the mother of former United States first lady Melania Trump, has died aged 78. On Tuesday night, taking to X, Melania Trump confirmed Knavs' death, and said that her mother was a "strong woman". 'Grace, warmth and dignity' As per an ABC News report, Knavs died in Florida on Tuesday after a long health battle. In her statement on X, the former first lady said, "It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija." Also read | Trump warns of chaos in US if court cases against him go ahead She said that her mother carried herself with "grace, warmth, and dignity." "She was entirely devoted to her husband, daughters, grandson, and son-in-law. We will miss her beyond measure and continue to honour and love her legacy," she added. It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija. Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity. She was entirely devoted to her husband, daughters, grandson, and son-in-law. We will miss her beyond… — MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) January 10, 2024 × Long illness As per a Newsweek report, during a New Year's Eve party at his Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump had previously spoken of his mother-in-law's illness. Describing the situation as "a very tough one," he had said that Knavs was "very ill" and that Melania was skipping the party to be with her mother in a hospital in Miami. Also read | AI's double-edged sword: Technology making hacking easy for non tech savvy people, warn US officials During Trump's presidency, his in-laws Viktor and Amalija Knavs spent time living in the upper floors of the White House, reports CBS News. The duo became US citizens during Trump's presidency and shared a very close relationship with him and their grandson, Barron Trump. (With inputs from agencies)

Melania Trump's mother Amalija Knavs passes away after long illness

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidR9sDn9jlpRBY" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny appeared on TV screen during a court hearing on Wednesday (Jan 10) for the first time since being imprisoned by Russian authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Navalny was&nbsp;transferred to a “special regime” penal colony, the highest security level of prisons in Russia, above the Arctic Circle last month. Previously, he had&nbsp;been imprisoned in the Vladimir region of central Russia, about 230 kilometres (140 miles) east of Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the hearing, where Navalny appeared via a video link, he joked if the prison department in&nbsp;Melekhovo had staged a naked party, referring to the gathering of scantily clad celebrities in Moscow last month that turned into a major scandal.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a message relayed on his Telegram app, Navalny said he had been shunted to a punishment cell for his attitude over a minor infraction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>”The thought that Putin will be satisfied with sticking me into a barracks in the far north and will stop torturing me in the punishment confinement was not only cowardly but naive as well,” he said in his usual sardonic manner.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-happened-to-putin-critic-alexei-navalny-669051"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: What Happened to 'Putin Critic' Alexei Navalny?</strong></a></p>

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<p>A day before (Jan 9), he heaped ironic praise on the polar conditions at the prison.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It has not been colder than -32°C yet. Nothing quite invigorates you like a walk in Yamal at 6:30 in the morning," he said in the message.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Even at this temperature, you can walk for more than half an hour only if you manage to grow a new nose, new ears and new fingers."</p>

<p>Navalny mentioned a scene from the Academy-nominated 2015 film, <em>The Revenant</em>, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. In the movie, DiCaprio's character shelters himself in the carcass of a horse.</p>

<p>"I don't think that would have worked here. A dead horse would freeze in 15 minutes," said Navalny, referring to the scene. "We need an elephant here, a hot elephant, a fried one."</p>

<h2><strong>Case against Navalny&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Navalny was sentenced in August last year to an additional 19 years in prison on top of the 11 1/2 years he was already serving.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-faces-decades-in-prison-for-rehabilitating-nazi-ideology-and-other-crimes-605858" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny faces decades in prison for 'rehabilitating Nazi ideology' and other crimes</strong></a></p>

<p>Navalny, who denies all charges against him is a former lawyer and gained popularity by publicly criticising the elite who are said to be close to President Vladimir Putin.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny appeared on TV screen during a court hearing on Wednesday (Jan 10) for the first time since being imprisoned by Russian authorities.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny appeared on TV screen during a court hearing on Wednesday (Jan 10) for the first time since being imprisoned by Russian authorities. Navalny was transferred to a “special regime” penal colony, the highest security level of prisons in Russia, above the Arctic Circle last month. Previously, he had been imprisoned in the Vladimir region of central Russia, about 230 kilometres (140 miles) east of Moscow. During the hearing, where Navalny appeared via a video link, he joked if the prison department in Melekhovo had staged a naked party, referring to the gathering of scantily clad celebrities in Moscow last month that turned into a major scandal. In a message relayed on his Telegram app, Navalny said he had been shunted to a punishment cell for his attitude over a minor infraction. ”The thought that Putin will be satisfied with sticking me into a barracks in the far north and will stop torturing me in the punishment confinement was not only cowardly but naive as well,” he said in his usual sardonic manner. Watch | Gravitas: What Happened to 'Putin Critic' Alexei Navalny? × A day before (Jan 9), he heaped ironic praise on the polar conditions at the prison. "It has not been colder than -32°C yet. Nothing quite invigorates you like a walk in Yamal at 6:30 in the morning," he said in the message. "Even at this temperature, you can walk for more than half an hour only if you manage to grow a new nose, new ears and new fingers." Navalny mentioned a scene from the Academy-nominated 2015 film, The Revenant, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. In the movie, DiCaprio's character shelters himself in the carcass of a horse. "I don't think that would have worked here. A dead horse would freeze in 15 minutes," said Navalny, referring to the scene. "We need an elephant here, a hot elephant, a fried one." Case against Navalny Navalny was sentenced in August last year to an additional 19 years in prison on top of the 11 1/2 years he was already serving. Also read | Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny faces decades in prison for 'rehabilitating Nazi ideology' and other crimes Navalny, who denies all charges against him is a former lawyer and gained popularity by publicly criticising the elite who are said to be close to President Vladimir Putin. (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin critic Navalny makes first appearance on screen during court hearing since moving to new jail

<p>In a momentous decision, Norway's parliament, the Storting has given its nod to a government initiative allowing Arctic seabed mineral exploration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This sets the course for mining exploration into parts of its seabed, including a sprawling 280,000-square-kilometre expanse, predominantly located in the icy depths of the Arctic. Despite opposition, the plan received 80 affirmative votes and only 20 dissenting voices.</p>

<h2><strong>Norway takes a step towards becoming a significant mineral producer</strong></h2>

<p>With this, Norway, a leader in oil and gas production in Western Europe, ventures into the uncharted realms of ocean floor mining — which can potentially transform it into a formidable mineral producer, reports AFP.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clearly-unacceptable-india-condemns-israel-hamas-wars-rising-civilian-death-toll-calls-for-de-escalation-678511">'Clearly unacceptable': India condemns Israel-Hamas war's rising civilian death toll, calls for de-escalation</a></strong></p>

<p>The decision follows a comprehensive report unveiled by the Norwegian Offshore Directorate, which in 2023, identified resources nestled beneath the ocean's surface—riches encompassing minerals such as copper, zinc, and cobalt.</p>

<p>Championed by a Labour-led coalition minority government, in a bid to lead the green transition, this ambitious proposal advocates the exploration of the Arctic seabed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an impassioned plea, policymakers underscored the importance of these minerals in developing fuel cells, solar panels, electric cars, and mobile technology.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/melania-trumps-mother-amalija-knavs-passes-away-after-long-illness-678470">Melania Trump's mother Amalija Knavs passes away after long illness</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Dissenting voices</strong></h2>

<p>Yet, this stride into the deep sea has provoked disquiet among environmentalists and scientists who warn that the venture threatens marine ecosystems. They caution that disruptive noise may also affect the ocean's carbon absorption capacity and that the tranquillity of marine life will be severely affected.</p>

<p>Countries like France and the UK have sounded the clarion call for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. In response to the concerns, the Norwegian plan asserts that each step will be taken keeping in mind "environmental considerations." However, organisations like Norway's Institute of Marine Research and the Norwegian Polar Institute have pointed out that there exists a lack of essential knowledge to assess the environmental impact of deep sea mining.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a momentous decision, Norway's parliament, the Storting has given its nod to a government initiative allowing Arctic seabed mineral exploration. This sets the course for mining exploration into parts of its seabed, including a sprawling 280,000-square-kilometre expanse, predominantly located in the icy depths of the Arctic.

In a momentous decision, Norway's parliament, the Storting has given its nod to a government initiative allowing Arctic seabed mineral exploration. This sets the course for mining exploration into parts of its seabed, including a sprawling 280,000-square-kilometre expanse, predominantly located in the icy depths of the Arctic. Despite opposition, the plan received 80 affirmative votes and only 20 dissenting voices. Norway takes a step towards becoming a significant mineral producer With this, Norway, a leader in oil and gas production in Western Europe, ventures into the uncharted realms of ocean floor mining — which can potentially transform it into a formidable mineral producer, reports AFP. Also read | 'Clearly unacceptable': India condemns Israel-Hamas war's rising civilian death toll, calls for de-escalation The decision follows a comprehensive report unveiled by the Norwegian Offshore Directorate, which in 2023, identified resources nestled beneath the ocean's surface—riches encompassing minerals such as copper, zinc, and cobalt. Championed by a Labour-led coalition minority government, in a bid to lead the green transition, this ambitious proposal advocates the exploration of the Arctic seabed. In an impassioned plea, policymakers underscored the importance of these minerals in developing fuel cells, solar panels, electric cars, and mobile technology. Also read | Melania Trump's mother Amalija Knavs passes away after long illness Dissenting voices Yet, this stride into the deep sea has provoked disquiet among environmentalists and scientists who warn that the venture threatens marine ecosystems. They caution that disruptive noise may also affect the ocean's carbon absorption capacity and that the tranquillity of marine life will be severely affected. Countries like France and the UK have sounded the clarion call for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. In response to the concerns, the Norwegian plan asserts that each step will be taken keeping in mind "environmental considerations." However, organisations like Norway's Institute of Marine Research and the Norwegian Polar Institute have pointed out that there exists a lack of essential knowledge to assess the environmental impact of deep sea mining. (With inputs from agencies)

Norway’s Parliament approves deep-sea mineral exploration, ignites environmental debate

Sony Honda Mobility unveiled its Afeela Electric Vehicle at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on Monday (January 8).

CES 2024: New Afeela EV by Sony Honda Mobility launched at CES in Las Vegas

A US startup unveils "Wehead", a AI companion robot showing a human face through a screen, and capable of engaging in conversations. Visitors interact with the robot during a pre-show event one day ahead of CES opening day.

CES 2024: This US startup imagines a face for AI

<p>Switzerland will try a former Gambian minister under ousted dictator Yahya Jammeh for crimes against humanity on Monday in a milestone case where a serial rape victim will testify after a multi-decade wait for justice.</p>

<p>Former interior minister Ousman Sonko will become the highest-ranking official to be tried in Europe under the principle of universal jurisdiction that allows grave crimes to be prosecuted anywhere, said Swiss campaign group TRIAL International which filed the complaint against him.</p>

<p>Nine Gambian plaintiffs will travel to Switzerland for the scheduled Jan. 8-30 trial at the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona in a case rights activists see as ensuring global accountability for the worst atrocities.</p>

<p>Sonko, 54, faces charges including murder, multiple rapes, and torture between 2000-2016 in what is Switzerland's second trial ever for crimes against humanity. He denies the charges.</p>

<p>"It has been a long period of waiting, waiting with anger, anxiety. But I am very optimistic now and I feel so happy. I am smelling justice," said Madi Ceesay, a 67-year-old plaintiff who says he was detained and tortured under Sonko.</p>

<p>The defendant's lawyer Philippe Currat plans to ask the court to abandon the case, citing problems with the investigations and hearings.</p>

<p>"Since the beginning, I have been stupefied by the way this file has been handled," he told Reuters, saying some of the evidence in the indictment was based on "secret" hearings in Gambia and that interviewees had not been informed of their rights.</p>

<h2><strong>'Struggling for 25 years'</strong></h2>

<p>One of the plaintiffs is Binta Jamba who, according to the indictment, was raped multiple times by Sonko between 2000-2002 after he murdered her husband in connection with an alleged planned coup attempt.</p>

<p>Once, in 2005, he held her captive for five days, beating her and raping her repeatedly, the indictment said. She fell pregnant by him twice and he paid for the abortions.</p>

<p>"Me and my family have been struggling with this for almost 25 years now," she said in a message sent to Reuters. "Without justice, I will never have peace in my life."</p>

<p>Currat says he can prove that Sonko was abroad during much of the period of the rape accusations.</p>

<p>He will also argue that many of the alleged crimes against humanity, including the rape charges, happened before a relevant Swiss law took effect in 2011 and are not admissible.</p>

<p>Sonko, 54, was arrested in early 2017 in Switzerland, where he was seeking asylum. Jammeh's 22-year repressive rule ended in January 2017 after he lost an election and was forced to flee.</p>

<p>Sonko could face a life sentence as the maximum possible penalty.</p>

<p>Currat says his treatment in Swiss jails has been cruel and that he was denied food and given inadequate medical care.</p>

<p>Fatoumatta Sandeng, the daughter of Solo Sandeng, a Gambian opposition activist killed in custody in 2016, said she is eager to look into Sonko's eyes in court. "If we don't hold people accountable, things like this will keep happening in Gambia, in Africa, all over the world," she said.</p>


Switzerland will try a former Gambian minister under ousted dictator Yahya Jammeh for crimes against humanity on Monday in a milestone case where a serial rape victim will testify after a multi-decade wait for justice.

Switzerland will try a former Gambian minister under ousted dictator Yahya Jammeh for crimes against humanity on Monday in a milestone case where a serial rape victim will testify after a multi-decade wait for justice. Former interior minister Ousman Sonko will become the highest-ranking official to be tried in Europe under the principle of universal jurisdiction that allows grave crimes to be prosecuted anywhere, said Swiss campaign group TRIAL International which filed the complaint against him. Nine Gambian plaintiffs will travel to Switzerland for the scheduled Jan. 8-30 trial at the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona in a case rights activists see as ensuring global accountability for the worst atrocities. Sonko, 54, faces charges including murder, multiple rapes, and torture between 2000-2016 in what is Switzerland's second trial ever for crimes against humanity. He denies the charges. "It has been a long period of waiting, waiting with anger, anxiety. But I am very optimistic now and I feel so happy. I am smelling justice," said Madi Ceesay, a 67-year-old plaintiff who says he was detained and tortured under Sonko. The defendant's lawyer Philippe Currat plans to ask the court to abandon the case, citing problems with the investigations and hearings. "Since the beginning, I have been stupefied by the way this file has been handled," he told Reuters, saying some of the evidence in the indictment was based on "secret" hearings in Gambia and that interviewees had not been informed of their rights. 'Struggling for 25 years' One of the plaintiffs is Binta Jamba who, according to the indictment, was raped multiple times by Sonko between 2000-2002 after he murdered her husband in connection with an alleged planned coup attempt. Once, in 2005, he held her captive for five days, beating her and raping her repeatedly, the indictment said. She fell pregnant by him twice and he paid for the abortions. "Me and my family have been struggling with this for almost 25 years now," she said in a message sent to Reuters. "Without justice, I will never have peace in my life." Currat says he can prove that Sonko was abroad during much of the period of the rape accusations. He will also argue that many of the alleged crimes against humanity, including the rape charges, happened before a relevant Swiss law took effect in 2011 and are not admissible. Sonko, 54, was arrested in early 2017 in Switzerland, where he was seeking asylum. Jammeh's 22-year repressive rule ended in January 2017 after he lost an election and was forced to flee. Sonko could face a life sentence as the maximum possible penalty. Currat says his treatment in Swiss jails has been cruel and that he was denied food and given inadequate medical care. Fatoumatta Sandeng, the daughter of Solo Sandeng, a Gambian opposition activist killed in custody in 2016, said she is eager to look into Sonko's eyes in court. "If we don't hold people accountable, things like this will keep happening in Gambia, in Africa, all over the world," she said.

Gambian ex-minister Ousman Sonko faces rape, torture charges in long-awaited Swiss trial

<p>Lawmakers In the United States have reached a $1.4 trillion deal to avoid a partial government shutdown.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Donald Trump has&nbsp;again made headlines by&nbsp;referring&nbsp;to the those&nbsp;jailed in connection to the 2021 Capitol riots as 'hostages'. The Republican also faces condemnation as he skipped signing an Illinois loyalty oath under which candidates promise to not overthrow the government.</p>

<p>Finally, WION Showbiz brings you an extensive coverage of the 2024 edition of the Golden Globe Awards.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-reach-14tn-deal-to-avoid-partial-government-shutdown-677598">US lawmakers reach $1.4tn deal to avoid partial government shutdown</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/03/370915-capitol.jpg?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>The US lawmakers on Sunday (Jan 7) reached a $1.4&nbsp;trillion deal over the total amount of spending for the rest of 2024 to avoid a partial government shutdown.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-jan-6-rioters-hostages-skips-signing-illinois-loyalty-oath-promising-to-not-overthrow-govt-677620">Trump calls Jan 6 rioters 'hostages,' skips signing Illinois loyalty oath promising to not overthrow govt</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/08/404316-new-wion-2024-01-08t082201012.jpg?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>Donald Trump is facing criticism from Joe Biden's 2024 election campaign for failing to sign a loyalty oath in Illinois, which says that the former president won't advocate to overthrow the government.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeings-mid-air-door-blow-out-no-design-flaws-suspected-this-time-claim-investigators-677630">Boeing’s mid-air door blow out: No design flaws suspected ‘this time’, claim investigators</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/08/404324-untitled-design-2024-01-08t090115827.png?imwidth=3840" />United States aviation investigators tried to inspect the Boeing jets in Oregon on Sunday (Jan 7) and found out the reason that led to passenger jet’s door panel blowing out minutes after takeoff.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-golden-globe-awards-2024-full-list-of-winners-677596">Golden Globes 2024: Oppenheimer wins top honours; see full list of winners</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/27/369645-oppenheimer.png?imwidth=3840" />Hollywood's award season kicks off with 2024 Golden Globes. The revamped and&nbsp;reformed awards night is being hosted by Jo Koy and will aim to honour the best of cinema in 2023. Barbenheimer is leading the nominations this year and all eyes are on which film-between Barbie and Oppenheimer- will take the maximum globes home on Sunday night.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;UK: Labour scrutiny over closure of firm owned by PM Sunak's wife</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-labour-scrutiny-over-closure-of-firm-owned-by-pm-sunaks-wife-677637/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>


Lawmakers In the United States have reached a $1.4 trillion deal to avoid a partial government shutdown. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has again made headlines by referring to the those jailed in connection to the 2021 Capitol riots as 'hostages'.

Lawmakers In the United States have reached a $1.4 trillion deal to avoid a partial government shutdown. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has again made headlines by referring to the those jailed in connection to the 2021 Capitol riots as 'hostages'. The Republican also faces condemnation as he skipped signing an Illinois loyalty oath under which candidates promise to not overthrow the government. Finally, WION Showbiz brings you an extensive coverage of the 2024 edition of the Golden Globe Awards. Click on the headlines to read more US lawmakers reach $1.4tn deal to avoid partial government shutdown The US lawmakers on Sunday (Jan 7) reached a $1.4 trillion deal over the total amount of spending for the rest of 2024 to avoid a partial government shutdown. Trump calls Jan 6 rioters 'hostages,' skips signing Illinois loyalty oath promising to not overthrow govt Donald Trump is facing criticism from Joe Biden's 2024 election campaign for failing to sign a loyalty oath in Illinois, which says that the former president won't advocate to overthrow the government. Boeing’s mid-air door blow out: No design flaws suspected ‘this time’, claim investigators United States aviation investigators tried to inspect the Boeing jets in Oregon on Sunday (Jan 7) and found out the reason that led to passenger jet’s door panel blowing out minutes after takeoff. Golden Globes 2024: Oppenheimer wins top honours; see full list of winners Hollywood's award season kicks off with 2024 Golden Globes. The revamped and reformed awards night is being hosted by Jo Koy and will aim to honour the best of cinema in 2023. Barbenheimer is leading the nominations this year and all eyes are on which film-between Barbie and Oppenheimer- will take the maximum globes home on Sunday night. Watch | UK: Labour scrutiny over closure of firm owned by PM Sunak's wife

Morning news brief: Trump calls Jan 6 rioters 'hostages', Golden Globe Awards, and more

<p>Donald Trump is facing criticism from Joe Biden's 2024 election campaign for failing to sign a loyalty oath in Illinois, which says that the former president won't advocate overthrowing the government.</p>

<p>Supposedly downplaying his role in the Jan 6 Capitol Hill siege, Donald Trump, on the third anniversary of the riots, demanded that the Biden administration free those prosecuted for storming the government building in 2021.</p>

<p>Speaking at a campaign event in Iowa on Saturday (Jan 6), Trump called those jailed over charges relating to the attack "hostages" and alleged the government had mistreated them.</p>

<h2><strong>Illinois loyalty oath</strong></h2>

<p>In the US state of Illinois, there's a ballot tradition, whereby candidates pledge against advocating the overthrow of the government.</p>

<p>The loyalty oath is a time-honoured part of the election process in the state. However, it was missing from Trump's package of ballot-access paperwork&nbsp;the Republican submitted on Thursday (Jan 4), reports WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-faces-370mn-in-potential-payments-to-new-york-state-in-real-estate-fraud-case-677080">Trump faces $370 million in penalty demand to New York state in civil fraud case</a></strong></p>

<p>Condemning Trump, Biden's campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler in a statement on Saturday said: "For the entirety of our nation's history, presidents have put their hand on the Bible and sworn to protect and uphold the Constitution of the United States—and Donald Trump can't bring himself to sign a piece of paper saying he won't attempt a coup to overthrow our government."</p>

<p>"We know he's deadly serious because three years ago today he tried and failed to do exactly that."</p>

<p>As per the Guardian, Trump signed this voluntary oath in his previous presidential runs — 2016 and 2020.</p>

<p>"This is the same man who thinks American troops who died protecting the ideals outlined in the Constitution are suckers and losers – yet calls the convicted felons who violently assaulted and killed police officers on January 6th 'hostages'. He can't fathom putting anything – our country, our principles, or the wellbeing and safety of the American people – above his own quest for retribution and power," remarked Tyler.</p>

<p>Responding to Tyler's statement, Trump's spokesperson Steven Cheung said: "President Trump will once again take the oath of office on January 20th, 2025, and will swear 'to faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.'"</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-to-rule-if-trump-can-run-for-president-in-2024-677031">US Supreme Court to rule if Trump can run for president in 2024</a></strong></p>

<p>Incumbent Joe Biden and another major Republican candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, have both signed the loyalty oath.</p>

<h2><strong>'Hostage' rioters</strong></h2>

<p>Calling those jailed in the wake of the Jan 6 attack on Capitol Hill 'hostages', Trump during a campaign event in Clinton, Iowa, argued that they should be freed.</p>

<p>"They've suffered enough," he said, adding, "I call them hostages. Some people call them prisoners."</p>

<p>"I got indicted because I challenged the crooked election," said the ex-president, who continues to claim that his 2020 election loss to Biden was the result of "fraud".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Donald Trump is facing criticism from Joe Biden's 2024 election campaign for failing to sign a loyalty oath in Illinois, which says that the former president won't advocate overthrowing the government.

Donald Trump is facing criticism from Joe Biden's 2024 election campaign for failing to sign a loyalty oath in Illinois, which says that the former president won't advocate overthrowing the government. Supposedly downplaying his role in the Jan 6 Capitol Hill siege, Donald Trump, on the third anniversary of the riots, demanded that the Biden administration free those prosecuted for storming the government building in 2021. Speaking at a campaign event in Iowa on Saturday (Jan 6), Trump called those jailed over charges relating to the attack "hostages" and alleged the government had mistreated them. Illinois loyalty oath In the US state of Illinois, there's a ballot tradition, whereby candidates pledge against advocating the overthrow of the government. The loyalty oath is a time-honoured part of the election process in the state. However, it was missing from Trump's package of ballot-access paperwork the Republican submitted on Thursday (Jan 4), reports WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times. Also read | Trump faces $370 million in penalty demand to New York state in civil fraud case Condemning Trump, Biden's campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler in a statement on Saturday said: "For the entirety of our nation's history, presidents have put their hand on the Bible and sworn to protect and uphold the Constitution of the United States—and Donald Trump can't bring himself to sign a piece of paper saying he won't attempt a coup to overthrow our government." "We know he's deadly serious because three years ago today he tried and failed to do exactly that." As per the Guardian, Trump signed this voluntary oath in his previous presidential runs — 2016 and 2020. "This is the same man who thinks American troops who died protecting the ideals outlined in the Constitution are suckers and losers – yet calls the convicted felons who violently assaulted and killed police officers on January 6th 'hostages'. He can't fathom putting anything – our country, our principles, or the wellbeing and safety of the American people – above his own quest for retribution and power," remarked Tyler. Responding to Tyler's statement, Trump's spokesperson Steven Cheung said: "President Trump will once again take the oath of office on January 20th, 2025, and will swear 'to faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.'" Also read | US Supreme Court to rule if Trump can run for president in 2024 Incumbent Joe Biden and another major Republican candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, have both signed the loyalty oath. 'Hostage' rioters Calling those jailed in the wake of the Jan 6 attack on Capitol Hill 'hostages', Trump during a campaign event in Clinton, Iowa, argued that they should be freed. "They've suffered enough," he said, adding, "I call them hostages. Some people call them prisoners." "I got indicted because I challenged the crooked election," said the ex-president, who continues to claim that his 2020 election loss to Biden was the result of "fraud". (With inputs from agencies)

Trump calls Jan 6 rioters 'hostages,' skips signing Illinois loyalty oath promising to not overthrow govt

<p>In the United Kingdom, a majority of police forces now allow trans-identifying, which&nbsp;means&nbsp;biologically male officers can&nbsp;strip-search women. This, as per the Women's Rights Network, would lead to "state-sanctioned sexual assault".</p>

<p>Heather Binning, founder of the organisation which works toward "defending the sex-based rights of women and girls," alleged that police leaders have failed the public by pandering to vocal lobbyists.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>"Must not be tolerated"</strong></h2>

<p>A report titled 'State Sanctioned Sexual Assault' by the Women's Rights Network found that of the 43 police forces in England and Wales, at least 34 have either already implemented such a policy or they intend to.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Condemning this, Binning said: "Self-identification is not UK law and women should not be paying the price for policing beyond the law."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-jan-6-rioters-hostages-skips-signing-illinois-loyalty-oath-promising-to-not-overthrow-govt-677620">Trump calls Jan 6 rioters 'hostages,' skips signing Illinois loyalty oath promising to not overthrow govt</a></strong></p>

<p>"Police chiefs have failed us again. This is not reasonable or lawful, and we do not consent. It is state-sanctioned sexual assault, and it must not be tolerated," she added.</p>

<h2><strong>Too progressive?</strong></h2>

<p>Talking to Daily Mail, a serving female police officer said that she feared "both for my colleagues and for vulnerable suspects".</p>

<p>She claimed&nbsp;that she was threatened with disciplinary action for questioning the policies.</p>

<p>"A strip search is a humiliating and potentially traumatic experience and everything should be done to ensure a suspect is treated with dignity and respect," she added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-rishis-raw-deal-labour-party-attacks-sunak-in-latest-ad-677451">What is Rishi’s ‘raw deal’? Labour party attacks Sunak in latest ad campaign</a></strong></p>

<p>As per a Daily Mail report, guidelines already in place mandate female officers to carry out intimate searches of "a biological male suspect if they identify as a woman". Those who refuse could be accused of causing a hate incident and may face possible disciplinary action.</p>

<p>Cathy Larkman, a retired police superintendent and the author of the Women's Rights Network report, said that dozens of police officers have approached the organisation to voice their concerns. However, a culture of fear within the police forces prevents them from speaking out, she claimed.</p>

<p>Larkman said that the police bosses had failed women by indulging in demands of vocal trans lobbyists.</p>

<p>Previously, an NPCC spokesperson had clarified that "All searches are dealt with on a case-by-case basis after consideration by a custody sergeant based on the response of the detainee. All searches are carried out in line with the officer&nbsp;or staff member's training and legal authority."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the United Kingdom, a majority of police forces now allow trans-identifying, which means biologically male officers can strip-search women. This, as per the Women's Rights Network, would lead to "state-sanctioned sexual assault".

In the United Kingdom, a majority of police forces now allow trans-identifying, which means biologically male officers can strip-search women. This, as per the Women's Rights Network, would lead to "state-sanctioned sexual assault". Heather Binning, founder of the organisation which works toward "defending the sex-based rights of women and girls," alleged that police leaders have failed the public by pandering to vocal lobbyists. "Must not be tolerated" A report titled 'State Sanctioned Sexual Assault' by the Women's Rights Network found that of the 43 police forces in England and Wales, at least 34 have either already implemented such a policy or they intend to. Condemning this, Binning said: "Self-identification is not UK law and women should not be paying the price for policing beyond the law." Also read | Trump calls Jan 6 rioters 'hostages,' skips signing Illinois loyalty oath promising to not overthrow govt "Police chiefs have failed us again. This is not reasonable or lawful, and we do not consent. It is state-sanctioned sexual assault, and it must not be tolerated," she added. Too progressive? Talking to Daily Mail, a serving female police officer said that she feared "both for my colleagues and for vulnerable suspects". She claimed that she was threatened with disciplinary action for questioning the policies. "A strip search is a humiliating and potentially traumatic experience and everything should be done to ensure a suspect is treated with dignity and respect," she added. Also read | What is Rishi’s ‘raw deal’? Labour party attacks Sunak in latest ad campaign As per a Daily Mail report, guidelines already in place mandate female officers to carry out intimate searches of "a biological male suspect if they identify as a woman". Those who refuse could be accused of causing a hate incident and may face possible disciplinary action. Cathy Larkman, a retired police superintendent and the author of the Women's Rights Network report, said that dozens of police officers have approached the organisation to voice their concerns. However, a culture of fear within the police forces prevents them from speaking out, she claimed. Larkman said that the police bosses had failed women by indulging in demands of vocal trans lobbyists. Previously, an NPCC spokesperson had clarified that "All searches are dealt with on a case-by-case basis after consideration by a custody sergeant based on the response of the detainee. All searches are carried out in line with the officer or staff member's training and legal authority." (With inputs from agencies)

'State-sanctioned sexual assault': UK police allowing trans-identifying officers to strip-search women

It has been a week since a major earthquake destroyed roads and infrastructure in Japan’s Nishiaraya village. However, residents said on Monday that they’re still living in uncertainty.

Japan earthquake: One week later, quake-hit residents of a Japanese village live in limbo

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