An American citizen on Tuesday (Jan 9) was arrested on drug charges in Russia, the press service of the Moscow courts reported.&nbsp;The mentioned charges can carry up to 20 years in prison.&nbsp;

So far, details related to the case have not been revealed by Mosocw court, but as per the Russian media, the name of the accused matches that of a US citizen interviewed by the popular daily Komsomolskaya Pravda in 2020 - who was Robert Woodland Romanov.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that the Ostankino District Court ruled on Saturday to hold him in detention for two months on charges of preparing to engage in illegal drug trafficking pending an official investigation.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-journalist-in-canada-arrested-after-he-questions-deputy-pm-elon-musk-reacts-678307">Journalist in Canada arrested after he questions deputy PM, Elon Musk reacts</a>&nbsp;

The 2020 interview contained details about his personal life. He said in the interview that he was born in the Perm region in the Ural Mountains in 1991, and was adopted by an American couple when he was two.&nbsp;

He said that he travelled to Russia to find his Russian mother and eventually met her in a TV show in Moscow.&nbsp;

The man informed Komsomolskaya Pravda that he enjoyed living in Russia and planned to relocate there.&nbsp;

He also said in the interview that he moved to the town of Dolgoprudny, just outside of Moscow, and worked as an English teacher at a local school.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secret-tunnel-found-under-brooklyn-synagogue-wild-riot-breaks-out-as-police-make-arrests-video-678322">Secret tunnel found under Brooklyn synagogue, wild riot breaks out as police make arrests. Video</a>&nbsp;

The incident can further escalate tensions between the United States and Russia, as&nbsp; Washington has already been pressing Moscow&nbsp;to release jailed Americans Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich.&nbsp;

Gershkovich was detained in March while reporting in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg, which is about 2,000 kilometres east of Moscow and has remained behind bars ever since. He is a Wall Street Journal reporter, and the media house has denied all the accusations.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Whelan has been jailed in Russia since his December 2018 arrest on espionage-related charges. He is a corporate security executive from Michigan.&nbsp;

The US has said that both have been wrongfully detained.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An American citizen on Tuesday (Jan 9) was arrested on drug charges in Russia, the press service of the Moscow courts reported. The mentioned charges can carry up to 20 years in prison.

An American citizen on Tuesday (Jan 9) was arrested on drug charges in Russia, the press service of the Moscow courts reported. The mentioned charges can carry up to 20 years in prison. So far, details related to the case have not been revealed by Mosocw court, but as per the Russian media, the name of the accused matches that of a US citizen interviewed by the popular daily Komsomolskaya Pravda in 2020 - who was Robert Woodland Romanov. The report mentioned that the Ostankino District Court ruled on Saturday to hold him in detention for two months on charges of preparing to engage in illegal drug trafficking pending an official investigation. Also read: Journalist in Canada arrested after he questions deputy PM, Elon Musk reacts The 2020 interview contained details about his personal life. He said in the interview that he was born in the Perm region in the Ural Mountains in 1991, and was adopted by an American couple when he was two. He said that he travelled to Russia to find his Russian mother and eventually met her in a TV show in Moscow. The man informed Komsomolskaya Pravda that he enjoyed living in Russia and planned to relocate there. He also said in the interview that he moved to the town of Dolgoprudny, just outside of Moscow, and worked as an English teacher at a local school. Also read: Secret tunnel found under Brooklyn synagogue, wild riot breaks out as police make arrests. Video The incident can further escalate tensions between the United States and Russia, as Washington has already been pressing Moscow to release jailed Americans Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich. Gershkovich was detained in March while reporting in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg, which is about 2,000 kilometres east of Moscow and has remained behind bars ever since. He is a Wall Street Journal reporter, and the media house has denied all the accusations. Meanwhile, Whelan has been jailed in Russia since his December 2018 arrest on espionage-related charges. He is a corporate security executive from Michigan. The US has said that both have been wrongfully detained. (With inputs from agencies)

US citizen detained in Russia on drug charges which carry up to 20 years in prison

The United States' Peregrine spacecraft, which was headed towards the Moon and was carrying cremated human remains,&nbsp;abandoned the Moon landing less than 24 hours after the vehicle took off but malfunctioned&nbsp;because of a fuel leak.&nbsp;

Astrobotic Technology, the company which had made the first lunar lander to be launched in five decades from the US, said that the attempt to place Peregrine spacecraft on the Moon is being abandoned since the spacecraft suffered “critical” propellant loss because of a fuel leak, as per the company.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/peregrine-mission-one-american-moon-lander-suffers-anomaly-677917">Peregrine Mission One: Private mission to land on Moon suffers ‘anomaly’ after entering safe operational state</a>

Hours after the launch of the vehicle from Florida towards the moon on Monday morning (Jan 8), it was announced by Astrobotic that the mission had encountered trouble. The lunar lander, which was named Peregrine, failed to place itself in a position in which it was facing the sun, especially because of a propulsion issue, as per Astrobotic. Due to its wayward orientation, the spacecraft was not able to charge its batteries.

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Update #6 for Peregrine Mission One: <a href="https://t.co/lXh9kcubXs">pic.twitter.com/lXh9kcubXs</a>
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Later, the battery issue was resolved, but Astrobotic failed to correct the apparent issue with the propulsion system of the Peregrine lander. In a statement posted on X, the company on Monday (Jan 8) said that an "ongoing propellant leak is causing the spacecraft's Attitude Control System (ACS) thrusters to operate well beyond their expected service life cycles to keep the lander from an uncontrollable tumble."

"At this time, the goal is to get Peregrine as close to lunar distance as we can before it loses the ability to maintain its sun-pointing position and subsequently loses power," the company added in a statement&nbsp;late Monday evening.

Astrobotic said that the thrusters are likely to only operate for 40 more hours at most. This means a potential moon landing, which was scheduled for February 23, is not happening any more.&nbsp;

Just after 1 pm ET, Astrobotic had already warned that a “failure within the propulsion system” was draining the fuel of the vehicle. However, the company worked for hours on Monday to stabilise the issue and assess options.

<h2>Image of crippled private Peregrine Moon lander surfaces &nbsp;</h2>

Astrobotic, at one point, also shared the Peregrine lander's first image in space. In the photograph, the outer layers of insulation on the vehicle appeared crinkled.

The distorted material was “the first visual clue that aligns with our telemetry data pointing to a propulsion system anomaly,” said the company, in a post shared on the social media platform X on Monday (Jan 8).

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Update #5 for Peregrine Mission One: <a href="https://t.co/94wy2J0GyA">pic.twitter.com/94wy2J0GyA</a>
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"The camera utilised is mounted atop a payload deck and shows Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) in the foreground," wrote Astrobotic, in the X post which featured the photo. "The disturbance of the MLI is the first visual clue that aligns with our telemetry data pointing to a propulsion system anomaly," it added.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US: First Lunar mission in 50 years faces technical difficulties

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They had also informed that the lander's battery was fully charged, "and we are using Peregrine's existing power to perform as many payload and spacecraft operations as possible," wrote Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic, in that same X post.

Peregrine flew on Monday (Jan 8) as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme which arranged for getting five agency science instruments on the lander.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States' Peregrine spacecraft, which was headed towards the Moon and was carrying cremated human remains, abandoned the Moon landing less than 24 hours after the vehicle took off but malfunctioned because of a fuel leak.

The United States' Peregrine spacecraft, which was headed towards the Moon and was carrying cremated human remains, abandoned the Moon landing less than 24 hours after the vehicle took off but malfunctioned because of a fuel leak. Astrobotic Technology, the company which had made the first lunar lander to be launched in five decades from the US, said that the attempt to place Peregrine spacecraft on the Moon is being abandoned since the spacecraft suffered “critical” propellant loss because of a fuel leak, as per the company. Also read: Peregrine Mission One: Private mission to land on Moon suffers ‘anomaly’ after entering safe operational state Hours after the launch of the vehicle from Florida towards the moon on Monday morning (Jan 8), it was announced by Astrobotic that the mission had encountered trouble. The lunar lander, which was named Peregrine, failed to place itself in a position in which it was facing the sun, especially because of a propulsion issue, as per Astrobotic. Due to its wayward orientation, the spacecraft was not able to charge its batteries. Update #6 for Peregrine Mission One: pic.twitter.com/lXh9kcubXs — Astrobotic (@astrobotic) January 9, 2024 × Later, the battery issue was resolved, but Astrobotic failed to correct the apparent issue with the propulsion system of the Peregrine lander. In a statement posted on X, the company on Monday (Jan 8) said that an "ongoing propellant leak is causing the spacecraft's Attitude Control System (ACS) thrusters to operate well beyond their expected service life cycles to keep the lander from an uncontrollable tumble." "At this time, the goal is to get Peregrine as close to lunar distance as we can before it loses the ability to maintain its sun-pointing position and subsequently loses power," the company added in a statement late Monday evening. Astrobotic said that the thrusters are likely to only operate for 40 more hours at most. This means a potential moon landing, which was scheduled for February 23, is not happening any more. Just after 1 pm ET, Astrobotic had already warned that a “failure within the propulsion system” was draining the fuel of the vehicle. However, the company worked for hours on Monday to stabilise the issue and assess options. Image of crippled private Peregrine Moon lander surfaces Astrobotic, at one point, also shared the Peregrine lander's first image in space. In the photograph, the outer layers of insulation on the vehicle appeared crinkled. The distorted material was “the first visual clue that aligns with our telemetry data pointing to a propulsion system anomaly,” said the company, in a post shared on the social media platform X on Monday (Jan 8). Update #5 for Peregrine Mission One: pic.twitter.com/94wy2J0GyA — Astrobotic (@astrobotic) January 8, 2024 × "The camera utilised is mounted atop a payload deck and shows Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) in the foreground," wrote Astrobotic, in the X post which featured the photo. "The disturbance of the MLI is the first visual clue that aligns with our telemetry data pointing to a propulsion system anomaly," it added. Watch: US: First Lunar mission in 50 years faces technical difficulties They had also informed that the lander's battery was fully charged, "and we are using Peregrine's existing power to perform as many payload and spacecraft operations as possible," wrote Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic, in that same X post. Peregrine flew on Monday (Jan 8) as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme which arranged for getting five agency science instruments on the lander. (With inputs from agencies)

US Peregrine mission with cremated human remains abandons Moon landing; first photo shows anomaly

Pakistan, China, Myanmar and North Korea are among those designated as "countries of particular concern" by the US in its annual report on religious freedom, for engaging in and tolerating "particularly severe violations of religious freedom".

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, while announcing the Religious Freedom Designations, said that advancing the freedom of belief or religion has been US foreign policy's core objective since the International Religious Freedom Act was passed and enacted in 1998.

As part of the "enduring commitment", Blinken last week said that he has designated Burma (Myanmar), China, Cuba, North Korea, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as “Countries of Particular Concern for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-focus-on-ending-israeli-aggression-hamas-chief-tells-antony-blinken-677218">Israel-Hamas war: Focus on ending Israeli aggression, Hamas chief tells Antony Blinken</a>

Along with that, he also designated Algeria, Azerbaijan, the Central African Republic, Comoros, and Vietnam in the category of "Special Watch List" countries after they engaged in or tolerated major violations of religious freedom.&nbsp;

Blinken further designated al-Shabab, Boko Haram, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Houthis, ISIS-Sahel, ISIS-West Africa, al-Qa’ida affiliate Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin, and the Taliban as “Entities of Particular Concern.”

<h2>Religious freedom also violated in non-designated nations: Blinken</h2>

He emphasised that major violations of religious freedom have also taken place in countries which are not designated.

Watch:&nbsp;US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Turkiye in fresh West Asia trip

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"Governments must end abuses such as attacks on members of religious minority communities and their places of worship, communal violence and lengthy imprisonment for peaceful expression, transnational repression, and calls to violence against religious communities, among other violations that occur in too many places around the world,” said Blinken.

He stated that the challenges to religious freedom are structural, systemic, and deeply entrenched across the globe.&nbsp;

"But with thoughtful, sustained commitment from those who are unwilling to accept hatred, intolerance, and persecution as the status quo we will one day see a world where all people live with dignity and equality,” said Blinken.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan, China, Myanmar and North Korea are among those designated as "countries of particular concern" by the US in its annual report on religious freedom, for engaging in and tolerating "particularly severe violations of religious freedom".

Pakistan, China, Myanmar and North Korea are among those designated as "countries of particular concern" by the US in its annual report on religious freedom, for engaging in and tolerating "particularly severe violations of religious freedom". US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, while announcing the Religious Freedom Designations, said that advancing the freedom of belief or religion has been US foreign policy's core objective since the International Religious Freedom Act was passed and enacted in 1998. As part of the "enduring commitment", Blinken last week said that he has designated Burma (Myanmar), China, Cuba, North Korea, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as “Countries of Particular Concern for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom.” Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Focus on ending Israeli aggression, Hamas chief tells Antony Blinken Along with that, he also designated Algeria, Azerbaijan, the Central African Republic, Comoros, and Vietnam in the category of "Special Watch List" countries after they engaged in or tolerated major violations of religious freedom. Blinken further designated al-Shabab, Boko Haram, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Houthis, ISIS-Sahel, ISIS-West Africa, al-Qa’ida affiliate Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin, and the Taliban as “Entities of Particular Concern.” Religious freedom also violated in non-designated nations: Blinken He emphasised that major violations of religious freedom have also taken place in countries which are not designated. Watch: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Turkiye in fresh West Asia trip "Governments must end abuses such as attacks on members of religious minority communities and their places of worship, communal violence and lengthy imprisonment for peaceful expression, transnational repression, and calls to violence against religious communities, among other violations that occur in too many places around the world,” said Blinken. He stated that the challenges to religious freedom are structural, systemic, and deeply entrenched across the globe. "But with thoughtful, sustained commitment from those who are unwilling to accept hatred, intolerance, and persecution as the status quo we will one day see a world where all people live with dignity and equality,” said Blinken. (With inputs from agencies)

US designates China, Pakistan as 'countries of particular concern' on religious freedom

United States President Joe Biden's issue of age was once again re-ignited on social media after video footage of First Lady Jill Biden escorting him off stage, after he delivered the January 6 anniversary remarks, went viral.&nbsp;

RNC Research's X account shared a video which included the footage in which Biden just ended his speech near Valley Forge in Pennsylvania on Friday (Jan 5) after which his wife held his hand and led him away from the podium.&nbsp;

Social media users were left amused by the fact that Joe Biden's wife was allowed by the White House staff to rush to the stage and lead President Biden away from the podium before he by any chance hesitated awkwardly or walked towards the stage's wrong end in confusion, reported Fox News.

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Jill, Ed.D., escorts Biden off the stage following his remarks <a href="https://t.co/jCaV2Rtk49">pic.twitter.com/jCaV2Rtk49</a>
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In the video, Jill Biden is seen climbing the stage as soon as the president has ended his speech, grabbing his hand and taking him to the back of the stage where the two disappeared behind the American flags that were kept on display.

<h2>Netizens react to the video, call it 'pathetic'&nbsp;</h2>

Sharing the video, The Daily Mail US on X wrote, “Jill Biden rushed to embrace zoned-out Biden after he finished the speech, then went into trance-like state on-stage." Quickly responding to the trolling of Biden, some netizens wrote, “Remember the many times Melania wouldn’t hold Trump’s hand?"

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Jill Biden rushed to embrace zoned-out Biden after he finished speech, then went into trance-like state on-stage <a href="https://t.co/fYJ1zrdQwL">https://t.co/fYJ1zrdQwL</a> <a href="https://t.co/aBELRccmER">pic.twitter.com/aBELRccmER</a>
— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) <a href="https://twitter.com/DailyMail/status/1743667700071621022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, other netizens taking a subtle dig at Donald Trump, wrote, “Yeah wives actually want to hold the hands of their husbands when their husbands are faithful and didn't raw dog a pornstar when they were home with their infant son. Crazy."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-joe-bidens-age-in-focus-yet-again-as-us-prez-celebrates-81st-birthday-ahead-of-2024-elections-660845">Explained | Joe Biden’s age in focus again as US president celebrates 81st birthday ahead of 2024 elections</a>

“Couples that actually love each other still hold hands. It's a thing Repukes don't comprehend because you are not capable of love," said another.&nbsp;

However, many others joined the trolling of Biden ahead of the US Presidential elections which are set to be held this year and in which President Biden is seeking another term at the White House.&nbsp;

"Tried to cover it by running on stage to hug him beforehand. I bet we'll see more of these "displays of love" to help him exit," netizens wrote.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Xi Jinping, Joe Biden vow to promote bilateral ties | WION

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“It's pathetic to see the Commander in Chief being led off the stage. But Jill is there specifically to make sure Biden finds his way off of the stage and doesn't get distracted trying to shake hands with invisible people," another user said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden's issue of age was once again re-ignited on social media after video footage of First Lady Jill Biden escorting him off stage, after he delivered the January 6 anniversary remarks, went viral.

United States President Joe Biden's issue of age was once again re-ignited on social media after video footage of First Lady Jill Biden escorting him off stage, after he delivered the January 6 anniversary remarks, went viral. RNC Research's X account shared a video which included the footage in which Biden just ended his speech near Valley Forge in Pennsylvania on Friday (Jan 5) after which his wife held his hand and led him away from the podium. Social media users were left amused by the fact that Joe Biden's wife was allowed by the White House staff to rush to the stage and lead President Biden away from the podium before he by any chance hesitated awkwardly or walked towards the stage's wrong end in confusion, reported Fox News. Jill, Ed.D., escorts Biden off the stage following his remarks pic.twitter.com/jCaV2Rtk49 — RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 5, 2024 × In the video, Jill Biden is seen climbing the stage as soon as the president has ended his speech, grabbing his hand and taking him to the back of the stage where the two disappeared behind the American flags that were kept on display. Netizens react to the video, call it 'pathetic' Sharing the video, The Daily Mail US on X wrote, “Jill Biden rushed to embrace zoned-out Biden after he finished the speech, then went into trance-like state on-stage." Quickly responding to the trolling of Biden, some netizens wrote, “Remember the many times Melania wouldn’t hold Trump’s hand?" Jill Biden rushed to embrace zoned-out Biden after he finished speech, then went into trance-like state on-stage https://t.co/fYJ1zrdQwL pic.twitter.com/aBELRccmER — Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) January 6, 2024 × Meanwhile, other netizens taking a subtle dig at Donald Trump, wrote, “Yeah wives actually want to hold the hands of their husbands when their husbands are faithful and didn't raw dog a pornstar when they were home with their infant son. Crazy." Also read: Explained | Joe Biden’s age in focus again as US president celebrates 81st birthday ahead of 2024 elections “Couples that actually love each other still hold hands. It's a thing Repukes don't comprehend because you are not capable of love," said another. However, many others joined the trolling of Biden ahead of the US Presidential elections which are set to be held this year and in which President Biden is seeking another term at the White House. "Tried to cover it by running on stage to hug him beforehand. I bet we'll see more of these "displays of love" to help him exit," netizens wrote. Watch: Xi Jinping, Joe Biden vow to promote bilateral ties | WION “It's pathetic to see the Commander in Chief being led off the stage. But Jill is there specifically to make sure Biden finds his way off of the stage and doesn't get distracted trying to shake hands with invisible people," another user said. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Biden ‘escorted’ off stage by First Lady, age debate sparks on social media ahead of polls

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Friday (Jan 5) called for increasing the production of missile launchers while visiting a factory, said the state media.&nbsp;

The orders were given by the North Korean leader as the country prepares for a “military showdown” with South Korea as well as the United States.&nbsp;

During his factory visit, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un said that increasing the production of missile launch vehicles is an important task for completing preparations for a “military showdown” with the enemy, reported the state media.&nbsp;

Kim, who was visiting a transporter erector launcher (TEL) manufacturing factory, said that the production of different vehicles for strategic and tactical weapons was an important task in bolstering the nuclear war deterrent of the country, reported KCNA news agency.&nbsp;

"Stressing that the factory's position and role are very important ... given the prevailing grave situation that requires the country to be more firmly prepared for a military showdown with the enemy, he indicated the tasks to be fulfilled by the factory," KCNA reported.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-claims-north-korea-supplied-russia-with-missiles-for-ukraine-attacks-676691">US claims North Korea supplied Russia with missiles for Ukraine attacks</a>

In the images released by the state media, Kim was seen touring the factory along with his young daughter Ju Ae in tow that produces transport erector launchers (TELs) which have been used in the banned intercontinental ballistic missiles of the country, before hailing a "dynamic drive for increased production" of the weapons.

Speaking to workers, Kim said that increasing TEL production capacity was important "given the prevailing grave situation that requires the country to be more firmly prepared for a military showdown with the enemy," said KCNA.

"He specified the immediate plan for the production of varieties of TELs, long-term production plan and the task of production capacity expansion" to strengthen the country's nuclear war deterrence, the report said.

<h2>White House says North Korea provides ballistic missiles and launchers to Russia</h2>

The report was published hours after the White House stated that Pyongyang had provided ballistic missiles and launchers to Russia which were used in the recent attacks carried out on cities in Ukraine.

Watch:&nbsp;South Korea, US hold firing drills near North Korea border

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For months, Washington has accused Pyongyang of providing military equipment to Moscow in return for technical support provided by Russia to North Korea for advancing its military capabilities. However, North Korea has denied transferring arms to Moscow.

In a key party meeting last week, the country's military, nuclear weapons sector and munitions industry were ordered by Kim to accelerate war preparations, as the leader said that the policies of the United States have been making war inevitable.

"(Kim) specified the immediate plan for the production of varieties of TELs, long-term production plan and task of production capacity," reported KCNA.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Friday (Jan 5) called for increasing the production of missile launchers while visiting a factory, said the state media. The orders were given by the North Korean leader as the country prepares for a “military showdown” with South Korea as well as the United States.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Friday (Jan 5) called for increasing the production of missile launchers while visiting a factory, said the state media. The orders were given by the North Korean leader as the country prepares for a “military showdown” with South Korea as well as the United States. During his factory visit, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un said that increasing the production of missile launch vehicles is an important task for completing preparations for a “military showdown” with the enemy, reported the state media. Kim, who was visiting a transporter erector launcher (TEL) manufacturing factory, said that the production of different vehicles for strategic and tactical weapons was an important task in bolstering the nuclear war deterrent of the country, reported KCNA news agency. "Stressing that the factory's position and role are very important ... given the prevailing grave situation that requires the country to be more firmly prepared for a military showdown with the enemy, he indicated the tasks to be fulfilled by the factory," KCNA reported. Also read: US claims North Korea supplied Russia with missiles for Ukraine attacks In the images released by the state media, Kim was seen touring the factory along with his young daughter Ju Ae in tow that produces transport erector launchers (TELs) which have been used in the banned intercontinental ballistic missiles of the country, before hailing a "dynamic drive for increased production" of the weapons. Speaking to workers, Kim said that increasing TEL production capacity was important "given the prevailing grave situation that requires the country to be more firmly prepared for a military showdown with the enemy," said KCNA. "He specified the immediate plan for the production of varieties of TELs, long-term production plan and the task of production capacity expansion" to strengthen the country's nuclear war deterrence, the report said. White House says North Korea provides ballistic missiles and launchers to Russia The report was published hours after the White House stated that Pyongyang had provided ballistic missiles and launchers to Russia which were used in the recent attacks carried out on cities in Ukraine. Watch: South Korea, US hold firing drills near North Korea border For months, Washington has accused Pyongyang of providing military equipment to Moscow in return for technical support provided by Russia to North Korea for advancing its military capabilities. However, North Korea has denied transferring arms to Moscow. In a key party meeting last week, the country's military, nuclear weapons sector and munitions industry were ordered by Kim to accelerate war preparations, as the leader said that the policies of the United States have been making war inevitable. "(Kim) specified the immediate plan for the production of varieties of TELs, long-term production plan and task of production capacity," reported KCNA. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un calls for more production of missile launchers amid US-South Korea wargames

Iraq's pro-Iran Hashed force on Thursday (Jan 4) condemned the United States for launching a drone strike that killed a military commander of the ex-paramilitary force.

"A drone targeted the logistical support headquarters of Hashed al-Shaabi," mainly pro-Iranian former paramilitary units integrated into the Iraqi armed forces, said the security official.

The official further said that the drone attack killed two more members of their militia group.

The strike killed "two members and wounded seven others", said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

Harakat al-Nujaba, one of the Hashed's factions, released a statement saying that "the deputy commander of operations for Baghdad, Mushtaq Talib al-Saidi" had been "martyred in a US strike".

As per news agency AFP, there was no immediate response from the United States officials.

The strike comes in the midst of heightened regional tensions since the war broke out between US ally Israel and Iran-backed Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip after the Palestinian militant group launched unprecedented attacks against Tel Aviv on Oct 7.

US armed forces deployed in Iraq and neighbouring country Syria have faced a surge in the number of attacks ever since then.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-us-state-capitols-shut-down-briefly-after-receiving-hoax-bomb-threats-676417">Several US state capitols shut down briefly after receiving hoax bomb threats</a>

According to news agency AFP, videos that were shared on a Telegram channel which was linked to the militia group Hashed, showed a plume of smoke rising from where the drone struck.

<h2>Iraq accuses US-led coalition of Baghdad strike</h2>

The Iraqi government accused the US-led anti-jihadist coalition of the strike and further called it "a blatant aggression" as well as "a dangerous escalation and assault".

"The Iraqi armed forces hold the forces of the international coalition responsible for this attack," Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani's office said in a statement.&nbsp;

<h2>Attacks against US targets</h2>

Washington has till now counted more than a hundred attacks that were aimed at the US targets in Syria and Iraq since mid-October 2023.

Out of these assaults, many have been claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which is a loose alliance of Iran-linked armed groups that oppose US backing for Israel in the Gaza war.

The United States has around 2,500 troops deployed in Iraq and approximately 900 in Syria as a part of a multinational coalition fighting the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

The United States military has responded to recent attacks by launching air strikes targeting sites used by Iran and its proxy forces in Iraq and Syria, including Hashed sites.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iraq's pro-Iran Hashed force on Thursday (Jan 4) condemned the United States for launching a drone strike that killed a military commander of the ex-paramilitary force.

Iraq's pro-Iran Hashed force on Thursday (Jan 4) condemned the United States for launching a drone strike that killed a military commander of the ex-paramilitary force. "A drone targeted the logistical support headquarters of Hashed al-Shaabi," mainly pro-Iranian former paramilitary units integrated into the Iraqi armed forces, said the security official. The official further said that the drone attack killed two more members of their militia group. The strike killed "two members and wounded seven others", said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. Harakat al-Nujaba, one of the Hashed's factions, released a statement saying that "the deputy commander of operations for Baghdad, Mushtaq Talib al-Saidi" had been "martyred in a US strike". As per news agency AFP, there was no immediate response from the United States officials. The strike comes in the midst of heightened regional tensions since the war broke out between US ally Israel and Iran-backed Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip after the Palestinian militant group launched unprecedented attacks against Tel Aviv on Oct 7. US armed forces deployed in Iraq and neighbouring country Syria have faced a surge in the number of attacks ever since then. Also read: Several US state capitols shut down briefly after receiving hoax bomb threats According to news agency AFP, videos that were shared on a Telegram channel which was linked to the militia group Hashed, showed a plume of smoke rising from where the drone struck. Iraq accuses US-led coalition of Baghdad strike The Iraqi government accused the US-led anti-jihadist coalition of the strike and further called it "a blatant aggression" as well as "a dangerous escalation and assault". "The Iraqi armed forces hold the forces of the international coalition responsible for this attack," Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani's office said in a statement. Attacks against US targets Washington has till now counted more than a hundred attacks that were aimed at the US targets in Syria and Iraq since mid-October 2023. Out of these assaults, many have been claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which is a loose alliance of Iran-linked armed groups that oppose US backing for Israel in the Gaza war. The United States has around 2,500 troops deployed in Iraq and approximately 900 in Syria as a part of a multinational coalition fighting the Islamic State group. The United States military has responded to recent attacks by launching air strikes targeting sites used by Iran and its proxy forces in Iraq and Syria, including Hashed sites. (With inputs from agencies)

Iraq accuses US-led coalition of Baghdad drone strike, calls it 'blatant aggression'

The US&nbsp;will reopen four legal US-Mexico border crossings on Thursday as high levels of illegal&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;have receded and freed up personnel, U.S. border authorities said on Tuesday.

The US&nbsp;will resume operations at an international bridge in Eagle Pass, Texas, two crossings in Arizona and another near San Diego, California, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a press release, adding that it will continue to prioritize border security "as necessary."

US&nbsp;border authorities struggled in December to process migrants as apprehensions reached nearly 11,000 in a single day, which several current and former officials said was near or at a record high.

Lawmakers remain in talks over a possible deal that would combine increased border security measures with foreign aid, including military funding for Ukraine, U.S. officials said.

"We gotta do something. They ought to give me the money I need to protect the border," US&nbsp;President Joe Biden told reporters on his arrival at the White House on Tuesday evening, apparently referring to members of Congress.

Mexican and US officials pledged last week to work together more closely to tackle record migration at their shared border after top US officials travelled to Mexico to meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Mexican officials have stepped up&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;enforcement in recent weeks, including moving migrants to southern Mexico and resuming deportation flights to Venezuela, a senior US&nbsp;official said during a call with reporters on Tuesday, requesting anonymity as a condition of the briefing.

Mexico on Tuesday evening cheered the reopening of the border crossings.

"This will benefit the economies of both countries," Mexico's foreign ministry, which had previously called for the reopening of crossings between the two nations, said in a statement.

US&nbsp;border authorities arrested an average of 6,400 migrants per day over the past week, according to an internal U.S. government report reviewed by Reuters, a steep decline from the levels before Christmas.

A separate US&nbsp;official on the call cautioned that migrant crossings have historically dropped between Christmas and New Year's Day.

"We have seen over the last year periods of increased encounters and periods of decreased encounters," the official said. "We will continue to stand ready to respond to these kinds of surges."

The US will reopen four legal US-Mexico border crossings on Thursday as high levels of illegal immigration have receded and freed up personnel, U.S. border authorities said on Tuesday.

The US will reopen four legal US-Mexico border crossings on Thursday as high levels of illegal immigration have receded and freed up personnel, U.S. border authorities said on Tuesday. The US will resume operations at an international bridge in Eagle Pass, Texas, two crossings in Arizona and another near San Diego, California, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a press release, adding that it will continue to prioritize border security "as necessary." US border authorities struggled in December to process migrants as apprehensions reached nearly 11,000 in a single day, which several current and former officials said was near or at a record high. Lawmakers remain in talks over a possible deal that would combine increased border security measures with foreign aid, including military funding for Ukraine, U.S. officials said. "We gotta do something. They ought to give me the money I need to protect the border," US President Joe Biden told reporters on his arrival at the White House on Tuesday evening, apparently referring to members of Congress. Mexican and US officials pledged last week to work together more closely to tackle record migration at their shared border after top US officials travelled to Mexico to meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Mexican officials have stepped up immigration enforcement in recent weeks, including moving migrants to southern Mexico and resuming deportation flights to Venezuela, a senior US official said during a call with reporters on Tuesday, requesting anonymity as a condition of the briefing. Mexico on Tuesday evening cheered the reopening of the border crossings. "This will benefit the economies of both countries," Mexico's foreign ministry, which had previously called for the reopening of crossings between the two nations, said in a statement. US border authorities arrested an average of 6,400 migrants per day over the past week, according to an internal U.S. government report reviewed by Reuters, a steep decline from the levels before Christmas. A separate US official on the call cautioned that migrant crossings have historically dropped between Christmas and New Year's Day. "We have seen over the last year periods of increased encounters and periods of decreased encounters," the official said. "We will continue to stand ready to respond to these kinds of surges."

US to reopen border crossings as illegal immigration drops

A fierce vehicle collision&nbsp;which took the lives of two people&nbsp;on New Year's Day (Jan 1) outside an entertainment venue in upstate New York is being investigated as possible terrorism,&nbsp;a law enforcement source said while speaking to ABC News. 
 
As per the city's police chief David Smith, two people lost their lives while five others suffered injuries after a Mitsubishi Outlander – which was standing in the parking lot near the Kodak Center in Rochester – was hit by a Ford Expedition, as stated by the city's police chief, David Smith. 
 
Smith said that the collision took place around 12:50 am local time on Monday (Jan 1) close to the crosswalk at a time when concertgoers were exiting the venue. 
 
"The force of the collision caused the two vehicles to go through a group of pedestrians that were in the crosswalk, and then into two other vehicles," said Smith&nbsp;at a press briefing on Monday (Jan 1). "There was a large fire associated with the crash that took the Rochester Fire Department almost one hour to extinguish,” he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-new-york-city-cop-kills-wife-sons-before-dying-by-suicide-675649">US: New York City cop kills wife, sons before dying by suicide</a>

The chief said that two people sitting inside a Mitsubishi Outlander were killed in the accident and the driver was sent to a local hospital after he suffered non-life-threatening injuries. He added that the Ford Expedition's driver was hospitalised with life-threatening injuries. 
 
Smith said that three pedestrians were hit in the crash and were admitted to a local hospital - one was reported to be in life-threatening condition and two had suffered non-life-threatening injuries, said Smith. The police have not released any additional details regarding the victims. 
 
The police chief said that the first responders had discovered at least a dozen gasoline canisters in and near the Ford Expedition after extinguishing the fire. "We are continuing to work with our federal partners, including the FBI, to learn exactly what led to this crash," Smith added.

<h2 lang="en-US">Joint Terrorism Task Force leads investigation</h2>

The law enforcement source said that the Joint Terrorism Task Force has been leading the investigation. The official said that the authorities are not yet certain if this was a case of terrorism, however, they are investigating the case to determine what happened and why.

Watch:&nbsp;New York to be under drone surveillance on New year's eve

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-york-to-be-under-drone-surveillance-on-new-years-eve-675316/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The source said that the investigators are currently investigating the social media and devices of the driver of the Ford Expedition and have been speaking to his relatives and friends to see if they can bring together additional information which might explain why there were so many gas cans there. 
 
As per the law enforcement officials, the driver was from Syracuse and was driving his own vehicle to the Syracuse airport where the extra-large SUV was rented by him. The officials said that the Mitsubishi Outlander, which was involved in the crash, was an Uber. 
 
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans and local police appealed to people to provide them with more information, if they have any. "I know that the community will have lots of questions as it relates to this. I ask them to continue to stay tuned," said Evans during Monday's briefing. "More information will come out as we are able to,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

A fierce vehicle collision which took the lives of two people on New Year's Day (Jan 1) outside an entertainment venue in upstate New York is being investigated as possible terrorism, a law enforcement source said while speaking to ABC News.

A fierce vehicle collision which took the lives of two people on New Year's Day (Jan 1) outside an entertainment venue in upstate New York is being investigated as possible terrorism, a law enforcement source said while speaking to ABC News. As per the city's police chief David Smith, two people lost their lives while five others suffered injuries after a Mitsubishi Outlander – which was standing in the parking lot near the Kodak Center in Rochester – was hit by a Ford Expedition, as stated by the city's police chief, David Smith. Smith said that the collision took place around 12:50 am local time on Monday (Jan 1) close to the crosswalk at a time when concertgoers were exiting the venue. "The force of the collision caused the two vehicles to go through a group of pedestrians that were in the crosswalk, and then into two other vehicles," said Smith at a press briefing on Monday (Jan 1). "There was a large fire associated with the crash that took the Rochester Fire Department almost one hour to extinguish,” he added. Also read: US: New York City cop kills wife, sons before dying by suicide The chief said that two people sitting inside a Mitsubishi Outlander were killed in the accident and the driver was sent to a local hospital after he suffered non-life-threatening injuries. He added that the Ford Expedition's driver was hospitalised with life-threatening injuries. Smith said that three pedestrians were hit in the crash and were admitted to a local hospital - one was reported to be in life-threatening condition and two had suffered non-life-threatening injuries, said Smith. The police have not released any additional details regarding the victims. The police chief said that the first responders had discovered at least a dozen gasoline canisters in and near the Ford Expedition after extinguishing the fire. "We are continuing to work with our federal partners, including the FBI, to learn exactly what led to this crash," Smith added. Joint Terrorism Task Force leads investigation The law enforcement source said that the Joint Terrorism Task Force has been leading the investigation. The official said that the authorities are not yet certain if this was a case of terrorism, however, they are investigating the case to determine what happened and why. Watch: New York to be under drone surveillance on New year's eve The source said that the investigators are currently investigating the social media and devices of the driver of the Ford Expedition and have been speaking to his relatives and friends to see if they can bring together additional information which might explain why there were so many gas cans there. As per the law enforcement officials, the driver was from Syracuse and was driving his own vehicle to the Syracuse airport where the extra-large SUV was rented by him. The officials said that the Mitsubishi Outlander, which was involved in the crash, was an Uber. Rochester Mayor Malik Evans and local police appealed to people to provide them with more information, if they have any. "I know that the community will have lots of questions as it relates to this. I ask them to continue to stay tuned," said Evans during Monday's briefing. "More information will come out as we are able to,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

New York police looking at terrorism as reason behind deadly Rochester crash that killed two

The government data obtained by CBS News revealed that the United States immigration officials on the southern border expect to process more than 300,000 migrants in December alone, which is an all-time monthly high. The report said that it will likely include a record number of families travelling with children.&nbsp;

This came amid reports emerged that migrants amassed at the US southern border with Mexico as officials from both countries agreed to work together more closely to tackle record migration at their shared border.&nbsp;

The migrants gathered behind barbed wire set up by the state of Texas and patrolled by the Texas National Guard. They were to be processed.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-dead-in-week-of-burkina-attacks-security-sources-675377">'Dozens' dead in week of Burkina attacks: Security sources</a>&nbsp;

Following US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Mexico, the countries agreed to strengthen a sponsorship project for Venezuelan, Cuban, Nicaraguan, and Haitian migrants while also addressing the core causes of migration. The negotiations came after the US temporarily closed some border crossings in order to redeploy agents to enforcement.&nbsp;

The CBS News report highlighted how the massive number of migrant arrivals this month put a strain on both sides. The situation has stranded tens of thousands of migrants and spurred politicians to consider severely restricting asylum.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that US Border Patrol agents are on course to take into custody a quarter of a million migrants who entered the country illegally at the Mexican border in December.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-sunak-at-centre-of-tory-breakdown-over-secret-election-talks-with-dominic-cummings-675371">UK PM Sunak at centre of Tory breakdown over 'secret election talks' with Dominic Cummings</a>&nbsp;

Meanwhile, other officials at ports are expected to process roughly 50,000 new arrivals under a Biden administration appointment system. The data has posed a significant political vulnerability for President Joe Biden as he seeks re-election.&nbsp;

This is the first time, as monthly statistics dating back to the fiscal year 2000 showed that the US Customs and Border Protection has never processed that many migrants along the southern border in one month.&nbsp;

As reported, the preliminary Department of Homeland Security (DHS) statistics showed that Border Patrol personnel processed approximately 235,000 migrants till December 28. They crossed the southern border unlawfully between ports of entry. If current trends continue, Border Patrol will report over 260,000 apprehensions this month, which is a record high.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The government data obtained by CBS News revealed that the United States immigration officials on the southern border expect to process more than 300,000 migrants in December alone, which is an all-time monthly high.

The government data obtained by CBS News revealed that the United States immigration officials on the southern border expect to process more than 300,000 migrants in December alone, which is an all-time monthly high. The report said that it will likely include a record number of families travelling with children. This came amid reports emerged that migrants amassed at the US southern border with Mexico as officials from both countries agreed to work together more closely to tackle record migration at their shared border. The migrants gathered behind barbed wire set up by the state of Texas and patrolled by the Texas National Guard. They were to be processed. Also read: 'Dozens' dead in week of Burkina attacks: Security sources Following US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Mexico, the countries agreed to strengthen a sponsorship project for Venezuelan, Cuban, Nicaraguan, and Haitian migrants while also addressing the core causes of migration. The negotiations came after the US temporarily closed some border crossings in order to redeploy agents to enforcement. The CBS News report highlighted how the massive number of migrant arrivals this month put a strain on both sides. The situation has stranded tens of thousands of migrants and spurred politicians to consider severely restricting asylum. The report mentioned that US Border Patrol agents are on course to take into custody a quarter of a million migrants who entered the country illegally at the Mexican border in December. Also read: UK PM Sunak at centre of Tory breakdown over 'secret election talks' with Dominic Cummings Meanwhile, other officials at ports are expected to process roughly 50,000 new arrivals under a Biden administration appointment system. The data has posed a significant political vulnerability for President Joe Biden as he seeks re-election. This is the first time, as monthly statistics dating back to the fiscal year 2000 showed that the US Customs and Border Protection has never processed that many migrants along the southern border in one month. As reported, the preliminary Department of Homeland Security (DHS) statistics showed that Border Patrol personnel processed approximately 235,000 migrants till December 28. They crossed the southern border unlawfully between ports of entry. If current trends continue, Border Patrol will report over 260,000 apprehensions this month, which is a record high. (With inputs from agencies)

US border officials to process a record 300,000 migrants in December: Report

The Colorado Republican Party on Wednesday (Dec 27) urged the US Supreme Court to intervene after Colorado's topmost court barred Donald Trump from appearing on the state's primary ballot in 2024, said an attorney for the Republican group.

The appeal comes after the Colorado Supreme Court disqualified the former United States president over his involvement in the US Capitol riots.

The court banned Trump under a US constitutional provision which prohibits officials who engage in "insurrection or rebellion" from holding public office.&nbsp;

The representative of the Colorado Republican Party is Jay Sekulow from the conservative litigation firm the American Center for Law and Justice.

<h2>Michigan Supreme Court rejects attempt to ban former Trump from 2024 ballot</h2>

The Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday (Dec 27) rejected an attempt to disqualify Trump from appearing on the state's Republican primary ballot in 2024 over his involvement in the Jan 6, 2021 storming of the US Capitol by his supporters.

This bid was the latest in a series of moves to bar Trump from appearing on ballots in multiple states under the 14th Amendment

However, Michigan's high court, in a brief ruling said that&nbsp;it was "not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this court" ahead of the state's February 27 presidential primary.

The ruling came almost a week after Colorado's Supreme Court disqualified Trump from the state's primary ballot over being involved in the Capitol riot which he has been accused of inciting.

Hailing the Michigan decision, Trump slammed the move calling it a "Desperate Democrat attempt" to frame a plot against him as he plans on running for US presidential elections scheduled in 2024.

"This pathetic gambit to rig the Election has failed all across the country, including in States that have historically leaned heavily toward the Democrats," he posted on Truth Social, his social media platform.

The Colorado Supreme Court had put a stay on its decision until January 4 stating that Trump would stay on the ballot if he appealed.

Trump, who is the frontrunner for the Republican 2024 presidential nomination, is expected to file his own appeal. &nbsp;

Granting the Colorado case for consideration would propel the country's top court into the centre of the presidential race, as any judgment it makes on whether Trump was involved in insurrection and on his eligibility could be binding on lower courts nationwide.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-wished-modi-well-for-lok-sabha-elections-heres-what-it-means-for-india-russia-ties-674323">Vladimir Putin wished Modi well for Lok Sabha elections. Here’s what it means</a>

<h2>'Court's decision disappointing', says election lawyer Mark Brewer</h2>

The Michigan lawsuit was filed earlier in September this year by liberal-leaning Free Speech For People.

"The court's decision is disappointing but we will continue, at a later stage, to seek to uphold this critical constitutional provision designed to protect our republic," election lawyer Mark Brewer, who joined the group in the lawsuit, said in a statement.

"Trump led a rebellion and insurrection against the Constitution when he tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election and he is disqualified from ever seeking or holding public office again."

Justice Elizabeth Welch, who is out of the four Democratic-nominated justices on the seven-member panel, acknowledged the Colorado decision.

However, Welch said that the state's election law varied from Michigan's "in a material way" in requiring candidates to be "qualified" to run.

"The appellants have identified no analogous provision in the Michigan Election Law that requires someone seeking the office of President of the United States to attest to their legal qualification to hold the office," Welch said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Colorado Republican Party on Wednesday (Dec 27) urged the US Supreme Court to intervene after Colorado's topmost court barred Donald Trump from appearing on the state's primary ballot in 2024, said an attorney for the Republican group.

The Colorado Republican Party on Wednesday (Dec 27) urged the US Supreme Court to intervene after Colorado's topmost court barred Donald Trump from appearing on the state's primary ballot in 2024, said an attorney for the Republican group. The appeal comes after the Colorado Supreme Court disqualified the former United States president over his involvement in the US Capitol riots. The court banned Trump under a US constitutional provision which prohibits officials who engage in "insurrection or rebellion" from holding public office. The representative of the Colorado Republican Party is Jay Sekulow from the conservative litigation firm the American Center for Law and Justice. Michigan Supreme Court rejects attempt to ban former Trump from 2024 ballot The Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday (Dec 27) rejected an attempt to disqualify Trump from appearing on the state's Republican primary ballot in 2024 over his involvement in the Jan 6, 2021 storming of the US Capitol by his supporters. This bid was the latest in a series of moves to bar Trump from appearing on ballots in multiple states under the 14th Amendment However, Michigan's high court, in a brief ruling said that it was "not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this court" ahead of the state's February 27 presidential primary. The ruling came almost a week after Colorado's Supreme Court disqualified Trump from the state's primary ballot over being involved in the Capitol riot which he has been accused of inciting. Hailing the Michigan decision, Trump slammed the move calling it a "Desperate Democrat attempt" to frame a plot against him as he plans on running for US presidential elections scheduled in 2024. "This pathetic gambit to rig the Election has failed all across the country, including in States that have historically leaned heavily toward the Democrats," he posted on Truth Social, his social media platform. The Colorado Supreme Court had put a stay on its decision until January 4 stating that Trump would stay on the ballot if he appealed. Trump, who is the frontrunner for the Republican 2024 presidential nomination, is expected to file his own appeal. Granting the Colorado case for consideration would propel the country's top court into the centre of the presidential race, as any judgment it makes on whether Trump was involved in insurrection and on his eligibility could be binding on lower courts nationwide. Also read: Vladimir Putin wished Modi well for Lok Sabha elections. Here’s what it means 'Court's decision disappointing', says election lawyer Mark Brewer The Michigan lawsuit was filed earlier in September this year by liberal-leaning Free Speech For People. "The court's decision is disappointing but we will continue, at a later stage, to seek to uphold this critical constitutional provision designed to protect our republic," election lawyer Mark Brewer, who joined the group in the lawsuit, said in a statement. "Trump led a rebellion and insurrection against the Constitution when he tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election and he is disqualified from ever seeking or holding public office again." Justice Elizabeth Welch, who is out of the four Democratic-nominated justices on the seven-member panel, acknowledged the Colorado decision. However, Welch said that the state's election law varied from Michigan's "in a material way" in requiring candidates to be "qualified" to run. "The appellants have identified no analogous provision in the Michigan Election Law that requires someone seeking the office of President of the United States to attest to their legal qualification to hold the office," Welch said. (With inputs from agencies)

Colorado Republicans seek intervention by US Supreme Court in Donald Trump's 2024 ballot disqualification

A textbook introduced for students in Russia&nbsp;claims that former United States President Donald Trump did not win the 2020 presidential elections due to voter fraud which was committed by the Democrats. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The images of the content in the history book - which is being reportedly studied by students in the 11th grade - are being circulated on social media platforms in recent days. A page from the book was posted by a foreign correspondent for The Times (UK), Marc Bennetts on his X account and he translated the text in&nbsp;the book which read - Trump lost the election "as a result of obvious electoral fraud by the Democratic Party."

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The Reverse Cargo Cult it is. The new World History textbook for high schools in Russia quietly informs kids that Donald Trump was denied presidency in 2020 as a result of "obvious falsifications" by the Democratic Party. The "reverse cargo cult" is a staple of authoritarian… <a href="https://t.co/3sztTO7C7c">pic.twitter.com/3sztTO7C7c</a>
— Konstantin Sonin (@k_sonin) <a href="https://twitter.com/k_sonin/status/1739572585929613421?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Trump, along with his allies, has been facing criminal charges and has been accused of interfering with the 2020 election&nbsp;results in which President Joe Biden emerged victorious. Meanwhile, claims by Trump of the election being rigged&nbsp;have been widely debunked in the courts and other judicial places.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-holds-wide-ranging-talks-with-lavrov-says-india-russia-relations-reflect-geopolitical-realities-674165">Lavrov hails 'mutually beneficial' India-Russia ties, Jaishankar calls Moscow a 'time-tested partner'</a>

Trump has also faced criticism for complimenting Russian President Vladimir Putin even though he has condemned the invasion of Ukraine. Still, few Russian analysts have said that the Kremlin is likely to prefer Trump over Biden in 2024.

Professor at the University of Chicago, Konstantin Sonin, who has been writing frequently about Russian politics, talked about the claims in Russian textbooks regarding the 2020 election, on X.

<h2>Textbook&nbsp;makes unproven claims</h2>

Speaking to Newsweek about the textbook, Sonin said that he didn't doubt the content's&nbsp;authenticity and that the publication of the book was announced earlier this year in a press conference by the authors of the book and Russia's Minister of Education Sergei Kravstov.&nbsp;

Another excerpt from the textbook was shared by Bennetts on X, which included Biden's photograph wearing a mask which was designed to curb the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Russia's defence sector booms amid gains in Ukraine war | Gravitas

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As per Bennetts, the excerpt included some unproven claims regarding President Biden. "On (masked) Biden from the same Russian school textbook 'His entire political career has been accompanied by corruption scandals. He and his family have commercial interests in Ukraine,'" wrote Bennetts.&nbsp;

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On (masked) Biden from the same Russian school textbook "His entire political career has been accompanied by corruption scandals. He and his family have commercial interests in Ukraine." <a href="https://t.co/hTJVctaMDK">https://t.co/hTJVctaMDK</a> <a href="https://t.co/WFm9ogsgAI">pic.twitter.com/WFm9ogsgAI</a>
— Marc Bennetts (@marcbennetts1) <a href="https://twitter.com/marcbennetts1/status/1739732428883665242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Since the invasion of Ukraine by Putin in February 2022, Biden has been one of the strongest allies of Kyiv and has been pledging more support to the war-torn country as it tries to fight against Russia. The US president has also disparaged Putin publicly by calling the Russian leader a "pure thug" and a "murderous dictator".

(With inputs from agencies)

A textbook introduced for students in Russia claims that former United States President Donald Trump did not win the 2020 presidential elections due to voter fraud which was committed by the Democrats.

A textbook introduced for students in Russia claims that former United States President Donald Trump did not win the 2020 presidential elections due to voter fraud which was committed by the Democrats. The images of the content in the history book - which is being reportedly studied by students in the 11th grade - are being circulated on social media platforms in recent days. A page from the book was posted by a foreign correspondent for The Times (UK), Marc Bennetts on his X account and he translated the text in the book which read - Trump lost the election "as a result of obvious electoral fraud by the Democratic Party." The Reverse Cargo Cult it is. The new World History textbook for high schools in Russia quietly informs kids that Donald Trump was denied presidency in 2020 as a result of "obvious falsifications" by the Democratic Party. The "reverse cargo cult" is a staple of authoritarian… pic.twitter.com/3sztTO7C7c — Konstantin Sonin (@k_sonin) December 26, 2023 × Trump, along with his allies, has been facing criminal charges and has been accused of interfering with the 2020 election results in which President Joe Biden emerged victorious. Meanwhile, claims by Trump of the election being rigged have been widely debunked in the courts and other judicial places. Also read: Lavrov hails 'mutually beneficial' India-Russia ties, Jaishankar calls Moscow a 'time-tested partner' Trump has also faced criticism for complimenting Russian President Vladimir Putin even though he has condemned the invasion of Ukraine. Still, few Russian analysts have said that the Kremlin is likely to prefer Trump over Biden in 2024. Professor at the University of Chicago, Konstantin Sonin, who has been writing frequently about Russian politics, talked about the claims in Russian textbooks regarding the 2020 election, on X. Textbook makes unproven claims Speaking to Newsweek about the textbook, Sonin said that he didn't doubt the content's authenticity and that the publication of the book was announced earlier this year in a press conference by the authors of the book and Russia's Minister of Education Sergei Kravstov. Another excerpt from the textbook was shared by Bennetts on X, which included Biden's photograph wearing a mask which was designed to curb the spread of respiratory illnesses. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war: Russia's defence sector booms amid gains in Ukraine war | Gravitas As per Bennetts, the excerpt included some unproven claims regarding President Biden. "On (masked) Biden from the same Russian school textbook 'His entire political career has been accompanied by corruption scandals. He and his family have commercial interests in Ukraine,'" wrote Bennetts. On (masked) Biden from the same Russian school textbook "His entire political career has been accompanied by corruption scandals. He and his family have commercial interests in Ukraine." https://t.co/hTJVctaMDK pic.twitter.com/WFm9ogsgAI — Marc Bennetts (@marcbennetts1) December 26, 2023 × Since the invasion of Ukraine by Putin in February 2022, Biden has been one of the strongest allies of Kyiv and has been pledging more support to the war-torn country as it tries to fight against Russia. The US president has also disparaged Putin publicly by calling the Russian leader a "pure thug" and a "murderous dictator". (With inputs from agencies)

New textbook for Russian students claims Donald Trump lost in 2020 due to ‘rigged’ US polls

Blizzards and winter storms sweep central US, travel turns dangerous during holiday season

Tesla has recalled more than 120,000 Model S and Model X vehicles&nbsp;in the United State over the risk of car doors getting unlocked and opening when the car crashes,&nbsp;said the automaker on Friday (Dec 22). 
 
An over-the-air (OTA) software update was released by Tesla for model years 2021-2023 which does not comply with federal safety standards needed for side-impact protection, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 
 
On Friday, Tesla in its filing with NHTSA, said it saw the unlatching of a cabin door after there was impact on the non-struck side in between routine crash test earlier this month.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tesla-plans-to-launch-affordable-25000-euro-car-in-germany-source-says-655965">Tesla plans to launch affordable 25,000-euro car in Germany: Media reports</a>

The test vehicle was operational but did not have lockout functionality which Tesla found was excluded inadvertently from the software updates, which it started issuing in late 2021. 
 
Tesla stated that it was not aware of any injuries or warranty claims related to the issue.

<h2>Tesla recalled 2.03 million vehicles</h2>

Tesla last week had recalled all 2.03 million of its vehicles which were on the roads of the United States. This was the largest action taken by the company in the country for fixing or replacing a defective product. 
 
In the recall, the company was to install new safeguards in the car's Autopilot advanced driver-assistance system, after safety concerns were cited by NHTSA.

Watch:&nbsp;Tesla Cybertruck deliveries hostage to battery production hell

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Speaking to Reuters earlier this week, NHTSA said that it plans to test hardware and&nbsp;software updates which were installed by Tesla on vehicles recalled for the Autopilot issue. 
 
NHTSA said that the agency's Vehicle Research and Test Centre in Ohio has many vehicles of Tesla that will be used for evaluating ways to solve the issues. It will also look into additional information such as "real-world incident outcomes before and after the remedy rollout as well," it added. 
 
The agency added that the over-the-air remedy of Tesla has not been evaluated by the company “because it only received the software update on the vehicles it owns a few days ago.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Tesla has recalled more than 120,000 Model S and Model X vehicles in the United State over the risk of car doors getting unlocked and opening when the car crashes, said the automaker on Friday (Dec 22).

Tesla has recalled more than 120,000 Model S and Model X vehicles in the United State over the risk of car doors getting unlocked and opening when the car crashes, said the automaker on Friday (Dec 22). An over-the-air (OTA) software update was released by Tesla for model years 2021-2023 which does not comply with federal safety standards needed for side-impact protection, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). On Friday, Tesla in its filing with NHTSA, said it saw the unlatching of a cabin door after there was impact on the non-struck side in between routine crash test earlier this month. Also read: Tesla plans to launch affordable 25,000-euro car in Germany: Media reports The test vehicle was operational but did not have lockout functionality which Tesla found was excluded inadvertently from the software updates, which it started issuing in late 2021. Tesla stated that it was not aware of any injuries or warranty claims related to the issue. Tesla recalled 2.03 million vehicles Tesla last week had recalled all 2.03 million of its vehicles which were on the roads of the United States. This was the largest action taken by the company in the country for fixing or replacing a defective product. In the recall, the company was to install new safeguards in the car's Autopilot advanced driver-assistance system, after safety concerns were cited by NHTSA. Watch: Tesla Cybertruck deliveries hostage to battery production hell Speaking to Reuters earlier this week, NHTSA said that it plans to test hardware and software updates which were installed by Tesla on vehicles recalled for the Autopilot issue. NHTSA said that the agency's Vehicle Research and Test Centre in Ohio has many vehicles of Tesla that will be used for evaluating ways to solve the issues. It will also look into additional information such as "real-world incident outcomes before and after the remedy rollout as well," it added. The agency added that the over-the-air remedy of Tesla has not been evaluated by the company “because it only received the software update on the vehicles it owns a few days ago.” (With inputs from agencies)

Tesla recalls 120,000 cars in United States over risk of doors getting unlocked during crash

The United States on Saturday (Dec 23) condemned the vandalism of the Shri Swaminarayan Temple in California further welcoming the Newark Police Department's efforts to make sure that the ones behind the act are held accountable.

The US State Department for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs took to its official X handle and wrote, "We condemn the vandalism of Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in California. We welcome efforts by the Newark Police Department to ensure that those responsible are held accountable."

This came after suspected pro-Khalistan activists allegedly defaced the Hindu temple in California's Newark, said the local police further adding that the incident was brought to their notice on Friday (Dec 22).

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We condemn the vandalism of Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in California. We welcome efforts by the Newark Police Department to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
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&nbsp;

The exterior walls of the temple were defaced with anti-India graffiti.

<h2>Consulate General of India in San Francisco condemns defacement</h2>

The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has condemned&nbsp;the act and called for an immediate probe into the matter by the US authorities.

In a post shared on X, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco stated, "We strongly condemn the defacing of SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at Newark, California with anti-India graffiti. This incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. We have pressed for quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities in this matter."

The Newark Police Service has started&nbsp;a probe into the matter.

As per the temple administration, the vandalism took place on Thursday night.

"One of the devotees, who lives close to the shrine, discovered anti-Hindu and anti-India graffiti in black ink on an exterior wall of the building, and the local administration was immediately informed," news agency ANI quoted Bhargav Raval, the spokesperson for the temple administration as saying.

The spokesperson revealed that the temple authorities were extremely shocked to find the anti-Indian graffiti on its wall.

Sharing more details regarding the incident, Jonathan Arguello, a police captain for the city of Newark, said the 'targeted act' was being probed.

"Based on the graffiti, we believe it was a targeted act, and it's going to be investigated with full thoroughness. I can also tell you that as a member of the Newark Police Department and the Newark community, we're deeply saddened when these types of acts occur, and we think they're senseless and they have no room. We won't tolerate them here in Newark. So today, I wanted to make sure that you understand how seriously we take these situations and know that we will investigate as thoroughly as possible with utmost care and sensitivity. I can also tell you that officers are currently investigating this via evidence collection," the captain told reporters during a press conference.

He also said that the authorities were picking up clues leading to the incident and that the footage from CCTV surveillance cameras was also being looked into.

"Our policies that any acts of violence or threats of violence, property damage, harassment, intimidation, or other crimes motivated by hate or bias are considered very serious and given the utmost care. We're handling this investigation as a hate crime at this point, based on our conversations with you and the physical evidence we've seen," said Arguello.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The United States on Saturday (Dec 23) condemned the vandalism of the Shri Swaminarayan Temple in California further welcoming the Newark Police Department's efforts to make sure that the ones behind the act are held accountable.

The United States on Saturday (Dec 23) condemned the vandalism of the Shri Swaminarayan Temple in California further welcoming the Newark Police Department's efforts to make sure that the ones behind the act are held accountable. The US State Department for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs took to its official X handle and wrote, "We condemn the vandalism of Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in California. We welcome efforts by the Newark Police Department to ensure that those responsible are held accountable." This came after suspected pro-Khalistan activists allegedly defaced the Hindu temple in California's Newark, said the local police further adding that the incident was brought to their notice on Friday (Dec 22). We condemn the vandalism of Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in California. We welcome efforts by the Newark Police Department to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. — State_SCA (@State_SCA) December 23, 2023 × The exterior walls of the temple were defaced with anti-India graffiti. Consulate General of India in San Francisco condemns defacement The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has condemned the act and called for an immediate probe into the matter by the US authorities. In a post shared on X, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco stated, "We strongly condemn the defacing of SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at Newark, California with anti-India graffiti. This incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. We have pressed for quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities in this matter." The Newark Police Service has started a probe into the matter. As per the temple administration, the vandalism took place on Thursday night. "One of the devotees, who lives close to the shrine, discovered anti-Hindu and anti-India graffiti in black ink on an exterior wall of the building, and the local administration was immediately informed," news agency ANI quoted Bhargav Raval, the spokesperson for the temple administration as saying. The spokesperson revealed that the temple authorities were extremely shocked to find the anti-Indian graffiti on its wall. Sharing more details regarding the incident, Jonathan Arguello, a police captain for the city of Newark, said the 'targeted act' was being probed. "Based on the graffiti, we believe it was a targeted act, and it's going to be investigated with full thoroughness. I can also tell you that as a member of the Newark Police Department and the Newark community, we're deeply saddened when these types of acts occur, and we think they're senseless and they have no room. We won't tolerate them here in Newark. So today, I wanted to make sure that you understand how seriously we take these situations and know that we will investigate as thoroughly as possible with utmost care and sensitivity. I can also tell you that officers are currently investigating this via evidence collection," the captain told reporters during a press conference. He also said that the authorities were picking up clues leading to the incident and that the footage from CCTV surveillance cameras was also being looked into. "Our policies that any acts of violence or threats of violence, property damage, harassment, intimidation, or other crimes motivated by hate or bias are considered very serious and given the utmost care. We're handling this investigation as a hate crime at this point, based on our conversations with you and the physical evidence we've seen," said Arguello. (With inputs from agencies)

United States condemns vandalism of Swaminarayan Temple in California

The United States Department of Agriculture on Thursday (Dec 21) said that Santa Claus and his reindeer were given clearance for entry and exit in the country, ahead of the upcoming Christmas. 
 
The permit was issued by the department's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to allow free passage to “Mr. S. Nicholas Claus of the North Pole, a distributor with Gifts and Good Cheer, Inc.” throughout the country between 6 pm (local time) on December 24 and 6 am (local time) on December 25. 
 
In the press release, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programmes Jenny Lester Moffitt said, "USDA is delighted to grant Mr. Claus and his reindeer a special permit to enter the United States, ensuring a seamless journey for the joy they bring each holiday season.”

"We extend a warm welcome to Mr. Claus and recognize the vital role of U.S. milk and cookies in fueling his festive flight,” she added. 
 
The reindeer of Santa Claus is a historic group of nine flying reindeer, which as per the folklore, pull the sleigh of Santa Claus throughout the night sky and help him deliver gifts on Christmas eve to children.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-enjoy-these-heartwarming-christmas-favorites-with-your-family-671738">Enjoy these heartwarming Christmas favourites with your family</a>

The veterinary officials of the department have ensured that all entry requirements are met by the reindeer before the permit is issued. USDA’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rosemary Sifford said, “At a recent inspection, the reindeer were found to be healthy and able to prance and paw with each hoof.” 
 
On the health certificate of one reindeer, called Rudolph, it was&nbsp;noted that he was suffering from a minor physical anomaly. However, it was indicated by APHIS that the bright red nose of Rudolph was normal for him and is not an issue of concern. 
 
The movement of cervids, which includes reindeer, is regulated by APHIS to protect the health of the livestock population of the US. The process of giving permits provided assurance that only healthy animals will enter the United States.

<h2>Precautionary measures are to be adopted by Santa and his reindeer</h2>

USDA stated that reindeer will pull the wooden sleigh which will have jingling bells attached to it and will be filled with brightly wrapped gifts. The runners and the underside of the sleigh will be cleaned and disinfected by port personnel at the time of entry.

Watch:&nbsp;Christmas 2023: Up, close and personal with Finland's Santa Claus | WION E-Club Exclusive

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A short visual inspection of the reindeer will also be conducted by the officials and Claus will disinfect his boots and wash his hands thoroughly. An advance list of what port personnel will be expecting on their arrival has been handed over to Santa Claus. 
 
The loss includes a variety of food items from approved locations and does not pose any threat to the health of animals or plants in the country. 
 
“It’s important that Gifts and Good Cheer, Inc. take all the right steps and precautions to protect against the potential introduction of pests and diseases. I appreciate USDA’s assistance every year as we gear up for our big night,” said Santa Claus.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The United States Department of Agriculture on Thursday (Dec 21) said that Santa Claus and his reindeer were given clearance for entry and exit in the country, ahead of the upcoming Christmas.

The United States Department of Agriculture on Thursday (Dec 21) said that Santa Claus and his reindeer were given clearance for entry and exit in the country, ahead of the upcoming Christmas. The permit was issued by the department's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to allow free passage to “Mr. S. Nicholas Claus of the North Pole, a distributor with Gifts and Good Cheer, Inc.” throughout the country between 6 pm (local time) on December 24 and 6 am (local time) on December 25. In the press release, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programmes Jenny Lester Moffitt said, "USDA is delighted to grant Mr. Claus and his reindeer a special permit to enter the United States, ensuring a seamless journey for the joy they bring each holiday season.” "We extend a warm welcome to Mr. Claus and recognize the vital role of U.S. milk and cookies in fueling his festive flight,” she added. The reindeer of Santa Claus is a historic group of nine flying reindeer, which as per the folklore, pull the sleigh of Santa Claus throughout the night sky and help him deliver gifts on Christmas eve to children. Also read: Enjoy these heartwarming Christmas favourites with your family The veterinary officials of the department have ensured that all entry requirements are met by the reindeer before the permit is issued. USDA’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rosemary Sifford said, “At a recent inspection, the reindeer were found to be healthy and able to prance and paw with each hoof.” On the health certificate of one reindeer, called Rudolph, it was noted that he was suffering from a minor physical anomaly. However, it was indicated by APHIS that the bright red nose of Rudolph was normal for him and is not an issue of concern. The movement of cervids, which includes reindeer, is regulated by APHIS to protect the health of the livestock population of the US. The process of giving permits provided assurance that only healthy animals will enter the United States. Precautionary measures are to be adopted by Santa and his reindeer USDA stated that reindeer will pull the wooden sleigh which will have jingling bells attached to it and will be filled with brightly wrapped gifts. The runners and the underside of the sleigh will be cleaned and disinfected by port personnel at the time of entry. Watch: Christmas 2023: Up, close and personal with Finland's Santa Claus | WION E-Club Exclusive A short visual inspection of the reindeer will also be conducted by the officials and Claus will disinfect his boots and wash his hands thoroughly. An advance list of what port personnel will be expecting on their arrival has been handed over to Santa Claus. The loss includes a variety of food items from approved locations and does not pose any threat to the health of animals or plants in the country. “It’s important that Gifts and Good Cheer, Inc. take all the right steps and precautions to protect against the potential introduction of pests and diseases. I appreciate USDA’s assistance every year as we gear up for our big night,” said Santa Claus. (With inputs from agencies)

US grants clearance to Santa Claus and reindeer for entry ahead of Christmas

A 27-year-old black woman, identified as&nbsp;Niani Finlayson, dialled the emergency helpline number 911 in Los Angeles, United States to report domestic violence on December 4. Responding to the distress call, the deputies of the Los Angeles County sheriff reached her house, however, the black woman was shot dead by the cops after a confrontation.

<h2>911 Distress Call</h2>

In a press release, the LA County Sheriff's Department said, “On December 4, 2023, at 6:08 p.m., Lancaster Station deputies responded to an apartment in the 2100 block of East Avenue J-8 in the city of Lancaster, regarding a domestic violence call. A female called 9-1-1 and reported that her boyfriend would not leave her alone and then screaming and sounds of a struggle could be heard.” 
 
After the LA County Sheriff's deputies reached the apartment in East Avenue, Lancaster, they heard people yelling and arguing. The police forced open the door and saw that the woman had a large kitchen knife in her hand.

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As per the police, the woman threatened to stab her boyfriend because he had pushed her nine-year-old daughter. It was further reported that she went inside the apartment where her boyfriend was sitting and “grabbed her boyfriend while holding the knife in an apparent attempt to stab him”. 
 
The confrontation led to a fatal shooting and the woman suffered multiple gunshot wounds while her daughter was in front of her. The woman was rushed to the hospital and she was declared dead. An investigation into the case is being carried out by the homicide investigators.

<h2>Family contest claims of police</h2>

The family's attorney, as reported by the Guardian, said that the woman had reported to the police that she was inside the house with her nine-year-old daughter and had suffered injuries by her ex-boyfriend and wanted him to be removed. 
 
In a press conference, her daughter Xaisha – who also witnessed the mother's shooting – said, “The police lied that my mom was threatening them.” She was accompanied by her grandparents and called for Shelton to be prosecuted.

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"She was my best friend. She was always there for me. It's unbelievable that she's gone and she's not coming back. I miss my mom," said the nine-year-old. 
 
The girl stated that her two-year-old sister has been asking about her mother and that she doesn't know how she should respond. 
 
A legal claim has been filed against the county and sheriff's department by her family alleging wrongful death, civil rights violations and assault and have initiated a $30,000 fundraiser in her memory.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A 27-year-old black woman, identified as Niani Finlayson, dialled the emergency helpline number 911 in Los Angeles, United States to report domestic violence on December 4.

A 27-year-old black woman, identified as Niani Finlayson, dialled the emergency helpline number 911 in Los Angeles, United States to report domestic violence on December 4. Responding to the distress call, the deputies of the Los Angeles County sheriff reached her house, however, the black woman was shot dead by the cops after a confrontation. 911 Distress Call In a press release, the LA County Sheriff's Department said, “On December 4, 2023, at 6:08 p.m., Lancaster Station deputies responded to an apartment in the 2100 block of East Avenue J-8 in the city of Lancaster, regarding a domestic violence call. A female called 9-1-1 and reported that her boyfriend would not leave her alone and then screaming and sounds of a struggle could be heard.” After the LA County Sheriff's deputies reached the apartment in East Avenue, Lancaster, they heard people yelling and arguing. The police forced open the door and saw that the woman had a large kitchen knife in her hand. Also read: US: Supreme Court refuses to hear Trump immunity case, delaying trial As per the police, the woman threatened to stab her boyfriend because he had pushed her nine-year-old daughter. It was further reported that she went inside the apartment where her boyfriend was sitting and “grabbed her boyfriend while holding the knife in an apparent attempt to stab him”. The confrontation led to a fatal shooting and the woman suffered multiple gunshot wounds while her daughter was in front of her. The woman was rushed to the hospital and she was declared dead. An investigation into the case is being carried out by the homicide investigators. Family contest claims of police The family's attorney, as reported by the Guardian, said that the woman had reported to the police that she was inside the house with her nine-year-old daughter and had suffered injuries by her ex-boyfriend and wanted him to be removed. In a press conference, her daughter Xaisha – who also witnessed the mother's shooting – said, “The police lied that my mom was threatening them.” She was accompanied by her grandparents and called for Shelton to be prosecuted. Watch: US announces Naval 20-country coalition to defend Red Sea "She was my best friend. She was always there for me. It's unbelievable that she's gone and she's not coming back. I miss my mom," said the nine-year-old. The girl stated that her two-year-old sister has been asking about her mother and that she doesn't know how she should respond. A legal claim has been filed against the county and sheriff's department by her family alleging wrongful death, civil rights violations and assault and have initiated a $30,000 fundraiser in her memory. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Police shoot black woman wielding knife after she dials 911 to report domestic violence

The US Air Force has been planning to reclaim the Pacific Island airfield – the same place from where they once launched&nbsp;atomic bombs on Japan – and bring it back into commission as it takes steps for broadening its basing options in case of any hostilities with China, said the service’s top officer in the Pacific. 
 
Speaking in an interview with Nikkei Asia, commander of Pacific Air Forces Gen Kenneth Wilsbach said that North Airfield, which is located on the island of Tinian, will turn into an “extensive” facility after it has been completely reclaimed from a forest which has grown over the base since it was abandoned by the last US Army Air Force units in 1946. 
 
“If you pay attention in the next few months, you will see significant progress, especially at Tinian North,” said Wilsbach. Facilities are also being added by the Air Force at Tinian International Airport, which is in the centre of the island.

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Tinian has been part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which is a US territory in the Pacific and has a population of 3,000 people. 
 
As per the Nikkei report, Wilsbach did not provide a timeline on when they will make the airfield operational.

<h2>Role of&nbsp;Tinian&nbsp;Island in World War II</h2>

Tinian, as well as the nearby islands of Guam and Saipan, have played a major role in the US air operations. During World War II, after Japanese occupiers captured all three islands, it was home to US fleets of B-29 Superfortress bombers which caused destruction on the Japanese homeland. 
 
On March 10, 1945, the deadliest bombing raid in history was carried out on Tokyo in which as many as 100,000 people were killed and a million had suffered injuries. The attack was carried out by B-29s, which were launched from the three islands. 
 
In 1945, amid relentless bombing on Japan, North Field on Tinian – which had four 8,000-foot runways and 40,000 personnel – became the world's largest and busiest airport.

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On August 6, 1945, North Field made its place in history when a B-29 bomber named Enola Gay ejected its Runway Able – which was carrying the atomic bomb – and dropped it on Hiroshima, in which 70,000 people were killed in its initial blast and the world suddenly moved into the nuclear age. 
 
Another B-29, called Bockscar, took off from Tinian three days later and dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki in which 46,000 people were killed in its initial blast.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The US Air Force has been planning to reclaim the Pacific Island airfield – the same place from where they once launched atomic bombs on Japan – and bring it back into commission as it takes steps for broadening its basing options in case of any hostilities with China, said the service’s top officer in the Pacific.

The US Air Force has been planning to reclaim the Pacific Island airfield – the same place from where they once launched atomic bombs on Japan – and bring it back into commission as it takes steps for broadening its basing options in case of any hostilities with China, said the service’s top officer in the Pacific. Speaking in an interview with Nikkei Asia, commander of Pacific Air Forces Gen Kenneth Wilsbach said that North Airfield, which is located on the island of Tinian, will turn into an “extensive” facility after it has been completely reclaimed from a forest which has grown over the base since it was abandoned by the last US Army Air Force units in 1946. “If you pay attention in the next few months, you will see significant progress, especially at Tinian North,” said Wilsbach. Facilities are also being added by the Air Force at Tinian International Airport, which is in the centre of the island. Also read: Trump barred from Colorado ballot for role in January 6 attack on US Capitol Tinian has been part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which is a US territory in the Pacific and has a population of 3,000 people. As per the Nikkei report, Wilsbach did not provide a timeline on when they will make the airfield operational. Role of Tinian Island in World War II Tinian, as well as the nearby islands of Guam and Saipan, have played a major role in the US air operations. During World War II, after Japanese occupiers captured all three islands, it was home to US fleets of B-29 Superfortress bombers which caused destruction on the Japanese homeland. On March 10, 1945, the deadliest bombing raid in history was carried out on Tokyo in which as many as 100,000 people were killed and a million had suffered injuries. The attack was carried out by B-29s, which were launched from the three islands. In 1945, amid relentless bombing on Japan, North Field on Tinian – which had four 8,000-foot runways and 40,000 personnel – became the world's largest and busiest airport. Watch: US Investors Bullish on India, Washington-Delhi Ties Mature says USISPF Chief Aghi On August 6, 1945, North Field made its place in history when a B-29 bomber named Enola Gay ejected its Runway Able – which was carrying the atomic bomb – and dropped it on Hiroshima, in which 70,000 people were killed in its initial blast and the world suddenly moved into the nuclear age. Another B-29, called Bockscar, took off from Tinian three days later and dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki in which 46,000 people were killed in its initial blast. (With inputs from agencies)

US plans to reclaim Pacific airfield from where atom bombings were launched

The secret space plane of China is likely to be sending signals to maybe a ship or a hidden ground station near the west coast of North America, said amateur astronomer Scott Tilley, who has kept track of the craft since it entered the orbit of Earth last week. 
 
The astronomer claimed that strong emissions, which were at the frequency of 2280 megahertz, were detected at a time when the uncrewed reusable plane flew over British Columbia in Canada, as reported by the South China Morning Post. 
 
“I’m seeing a pattern in its radio emissions while over me and it appears to favour low-elevation western passes,” said Tilley, who has earlier worked with NASA in finding its long-lost IMAGE satellite in 2018. 
 
“This could indicate a clandestine ground station on the west coast of North America or on a ship off the coast,” he added while clarifying that he was speculating.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/amateur-trackers-claim-china-has-deployed-6-mysterious-unidentified-objects-in-earth-orbit-671239">Chinese space plane deployed 6 mysterious 'wingmen' in Earth's orbit: Reports</a>

China's secret plane, which has been seen as the US military space plane X-37B's counterpart, has been closely followed by satellite trackers from across the world since it took off from the Gobi Desert.

<h2>Six objects now flying in Earth's lower orbit: Tilley</h2>

As per Tilley and his team in Switzerland, which has specialised in optical-band space surveillance, because of the secret plane's launch, at least six objects are now flying in the lower orbit of the Earth. 
 
Tilley added that the six objects also included the space plane, which was designated by him as object A and looked very bright with a stable altitude control. 
 
He added that probably there was a pair of satellites (objects D and E) which were released by the plane and emitted radio signals which were similar to object A, “but without any form of data, just idle filler”.

Watch:&nbsp;China rocked by 6.2-magnitude earthquake

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Tilley added that although both the satellite's purpose remains unknown, there is a possibility that they were being used to “test rendezvous and retrieval operations”. 
 
Taking to social media platform X, the European team wrote that object B was “very bright” and its light curve was pointing to a rocket upper stage. Tilley said that Objects C and F also appeared to be rocket debris since they were tumbling and dim. 
 
It is the third mission of the Chinese plane after their two-day maiden flight in 2020 followed by a second flight which lasted only for nine months. As per reports, the plane released mysterious objects during the two previous missions.

(With inputs from agencies)

The secret space plane of China is likely to be sending signals to maybe a ship or a hidden ground station near the west coast of North America, said amateur astronomer Scott Tilley, who has kept track of the craft since it entered the orbit of Earth last week.

The secret space plane of China is likely to be sending signals to maybe a ship or a hidden ground station near the west coast of North America, said amateur astronomer Scott Tilley, who has kept track of the craft since it entered the orbit of Earth last week. The astronomer claimed that strong emissions, which were at the frequency of 2280 megahertz, were detected at a time when the uncrewed reusable plane flew over British Columbia in Canada, as reported by the South China Morning Post. “I’m seeing a pattern in its radio emissions while over me and it appears to favour low-elevation western passes,” said Tilley, who has earlier worked with NASA in finding its long-lost IMAGE satellite in 2018. “This could indicate a clandestine ground station on the west coast of North America or on a ship off the coast,” he added while clarifying that he was speculating. Also read: Chinese space plane deployed 6 mysterious 'wingmen' in Earth's orbit: Reports China's secret plane, which has been seen as the US military space plane X-37B's counterpart, has been closely followed by satellite trackers from across the world since it took off from the Gobi Desert. Six objects now flying in Earth's lower orbit: Tilley As per Tilley and his team in Switzerland, which has specialised in optical-band space surveillance, because of the secret plane's launch, at least six objects are now flying in the lower orbit of the Earth. Tilley added that the six objects also included the space plane, which was designated by him as object A and looked very bright with a stable altitude control. He added that probably there was a pair of satellites (objects D and E) which were released by the plane and emitted radio signals which were similar to object A, “but without any form of data, just idle filler”. Watch: China rocked by 6.2-magnitude earthquake Tilley added that although both the satellite's purpose remains unknown, there is a possibility that they were being used to “test rendezvous and retrieval operations”. Taking to social media platform X, the European team wrote that object B was “very bright” and its light curve was pointing to a rocket upper stage. Tilley said that Objects C and F also appeared to be rocket debris since they were tumbling and dim. It is the third mission of the Chinese plane after their two-day maiden flight in 2020 followed by a second flight which lasted only for nine months. As per reports, the plane released mysterious objects during the two previous missions. (With inputs from agencies)

China's secret aircraft sending signals to hidden station in US? Satellite tracker says 'maybe'

2023 has been a significant year for alien hunters who have been making efforts to find evidence of extraterrestrial life. From some studies suggesting that aliens are likely to have been sending signals from the centre of Milk Way to Harvard Professor Avi Loeb claiming that an unidentified space object (UFO) has crashed into the Pacific Ocean, the year has seen scientists trying to gather the tiniest proofs which hint at the existence of aliens.

But what emerged as breakthroughs were a whistleblower's claim of the United States possessing UFOs and non-human bodies and Mexico Congress displaying two alleged 'alien corpses', which sparked debates around the existence of extraterrestrial living beings.

<h2>US' ‘multi-decade’ programme to capture UFOs</h2>

In one of the most shocking claims ever made by a whistleblower, Retired Maj. David Grusch in the US Congress said that the country has a secretive programme which retrieves unidentified flying objects and reverse engineers them.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dna-of-mexicos-alien-corpses-matches-not-to-humans-but-to-unknown-species-analyst-665525">DNA of Mexico's 'alien' corpses matches not with humans but unknown species: Analyst</a>

Grusch had stated that the head of a government task force on UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena) had given him the task of identifying all highly classified programmes in 2019 which were related to the mission of the task force.

“I was informed in the course of my official duties of a multi-decade UAP crash retrieval and reverse engineering programme to which I was denied access,” he had said. Grusch had added that the US had information regarding “non-human” activity since the 1930s. The claims made by Grusch were denied by the Pentagon.

<h2>Mexico’s ‘alien’ corpses</h2>

The story of whether aliens exist and if the US has UFOs in its possession took an interesting turn when two alleged 'alien corpses' were put on display in Mexico Congress in an unusual event, while the world wondered what these actually were. The corpses were said to have been retrieved from Cusco, Peru and are estimated to have been fossilised nearly 1,000 years ago.

Journalist and ufologist Jaime Maussan, who presented the corpses in windowed boxes, said, ''These specimens are not part of our terrestrial evolution… These aren't beings that were found after a UFO wreckage. They were found in diatom [algae] mines, and were later fossilised.''

Watch:&nbsp;NASA uses laser technology to send the first-ever cat footage from deep space

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-uses-laser-technology-to-send-the-first-ever-cat-footage-from-deep-space-671270/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He further informed Congress that the two corpses' DNA samples had been tested and compared to other samples after which it was found that nearly 30 per cent of their DNA specimen was ''unknown''. &nbsp;In the X-rays of the alien corpses, eggs were also seen present inside one of the bodies, which also had rare metal implants. It was also claimed that corpses did not have any lungs or ribs.

NASA, however, decided to remain neutral on the matter, till the samples are not scientifically tested by them. They asked the Mexican government to hand them over the specimen so that they could study it and ascertain if it really had links to extraterrestrial beings.

Even though scientists and alien hunters moved with great speed in 2023 to solve curiosities around 'alien life', many questions still remain unresolved and may find a breakthrough in 2024.

(With inputs from agencies)

2023 has been a significant year for alien hunters who have been making efforts to find evidence of extraterrestrial life. From some studies suggesting that aliens are likely to have been sending signals from the centre of Milk Way to Harvard Professor Avi Loeb claiming that an unidentified space object (UFO) has crashed into the Pacific Ocean, the year has seen scientists trying to gather the tiniest proofs which hint at the existence of aliens.

2023 has been a significant year for alien hunters who have been making efforts to find evidence of extraterrestrial life. From some studies suggesting that aliens are likely to have been sending signals from the centre of Milk Way to Harvard Professor Avi Loeb claiming that an unidentified space object (UFO) has crashed into the Pacific Ocean, the year has seen scientists trying to gather the tiniest proofs which hint at the existence of aliens. But what emerged as breakthroughs were a whistleblower's claim of the United States possessing UFOs and non-human bodies and Mexico Congress displaying two alleged 'alien corpses', which sparked debates around the existence of extraterrestrial living beings. US' ‘multi-decade’ programme to capture UFOs In one of the most shocking claims ever made by a whistleblower, Retired Maj. David Grusch in the US Congress said that the country has a secretive programme which retrieves unidentified flying objects and reverse engineers them. Also read: DNA of Mexico's 'alien' corpses matches not with humans but unknown species: Analyst Grusch had stated that the head of a government task force on UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena) had given him the task of identifying all highly classified programmes in 2019 which were related to the mission of the task force. “I was informed in the course of my official duties of a multi-decade UAP crash retrieval and reverse engineering programme to which I was denied access,” he had said. Grusch had added that the US had information regarding “non-human” activity since the 1930s. The claims made by Grusch were denied by the Pentagon. Mexico’s ‘alien’ corpses The story of whether aliens exist and if the US has UFOs in its possession took an interesting turn when two alleged 'alien corpses' were put on display in Mexico Congress in an unusual event, while the world wondered what these actually were. The corpses were said to have been retrieved from Cusco, Peru and are estimated to have been fossilised nearly 1,000 years ago. Journalist and ufologist Jaime Maussan, who presented the corpses in windowed boxes, said, ''These specimens are not part of our terrestrial evolution… These aren't beings that were found after a UFO wreckage. They were found in diatom [algae] mines, and were later fossilised.'' Watch: NASA uses laser technology to send the first-ever cat footage from deep space He further informed Congress that the two corpses' DNA samples had been tested and compared to other samples after which it was found that nearly 30 per cent of their DNA specimen was ''unknown''. In the X-rays of the alien corpses, eggs were also seen present inside one of the bodies, which also had rare metal implants. It was also claimed that corpses did not have any lungs or ribs. NASA, however, decided to remain neutral on the matter, till the samples are not scientifically tested by them. They asked the Mexican government to hand them over the specimen so that they could study it and ascertain if it really had links to extraterrestrial beings. Even though scientists and alien hunters moved with great speed in 2023 to solve curiosities around 'alien life', many questions still remain unresolved and may find a breakthrough in 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

2023: A year when world saw ‘alien corpses’ and heard about US possessing UFOs

At least four people reportedly died in different incidents after a storm slammed into the Northeastern United States on Monday (Dec 18). The storm flooded roads, downed trees, and knocked out power, impacting hundreds of thousands of people.&nbsp;

Local reports said that as the storm moved towards Canada, a woman died in floodwaters near Charleston, South Carolina, and three men were killed in the northeastern states.&nbsp;

The National Weather Service revealed that more than 13 centimetres of rain fell in parts of New Jersey and northeastern Pennsylvania by mid-morning, and parts of several other states got more than 10 centimetres.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/pollution-makes-respiratory-illnesses-worse-in-winter-season-what-should-be-preventive-approach-671460">Pollution makes respiratory illnesses worse in winter season: What should be preventive approach?</a>&nbsp;

Wind gusts reached nearly 113 kmph along the southern New England shoreline. The disruptions led to flight cancellations and school closures.&nbsp;

Poweroutage.us reported that power was knocked out for hundreds of thousands of customers in an area stretching north from Virginia through New England, including nearly 423,000 in Maine and about 200,000 in Massachusetts as of Monday night.&nbsp;

Flood and flash flood advisories were issued for New York City and the surrounding area, as well as areas of Pennsylvania, upstate New York, western Connecticut, western Massachusetts, and parts of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/south-tamil-nadu-floods-army-navy-air-force-and-coast-guard-rescue-1000-ops-ongoing-671455">South Tamil Nadu floods: Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard rescue 1000+, ops ongoing</a>&nbsp;

The storm forced some schools to cancel classes or send students home early. A number of highways were also closed around the state owing to floods, particularly in Londonderry and Ludlow, both of which were severely flooded in July.&nbsp;

Gov Phil Scott said, "Although there will be damage to infrastructure, homes and businesses, we do not expect this to be the same scale as July. That being said, some of the places that were impacted in July are currently experiencing flooding once again. So for them, this is July and it’s a real gut punch."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

At least four people reportedly died in different incidents after a storm slammed into the Northeastern United States on Monday (Dec 18). The storm flooded roads, downed trees, and knocked out power, impacting hundreds of thousands of people.

At least four people reportedly died in different incidents after a storm slammed into the Northeastern United States on Monday (Dec 18). The storm flooded roads, downed trees, and knocked out power, impacting hundreds of thousands of people. Local reports said that as the storm moved towards Canada, a woman died in floodwaters near Charleston, South Carolina, and three men were killed in the northeastern states. The National Weather Service revealed that more than 13 centimetres of rain fell in parts of New Jersey and northeastern Pennsylvania by mid-morning, and parts of several other states got more than 10 centimetres. Also read: Pollution makes respiratory illnesses worse in winter season: What should be preventive approach? Wind gusts reached nearly 113 kmph along the southern New England shoreline. The disruptions led to flight cancellations and school closures. Poweroutage.us reported that power was knocked out for hundreds of thousands of customers in an area stretching north from Virginia through New England, including nearly 423,000 in Maine and about 200,000 in Massachusetts as of Monday night. Flood and flash flood advisories were issued for New York City and the surrounding area, as well as areas of Pennsylvania, upstate New York, western Connecticut, western Massachusetts, and parts of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Also read: South Tamil Nadu floods: Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard rescue 1000+, ops ongoing The storm forced some schools to cancel classes or send students home early. A number of highways were also closed around the state owing to floods, particularly in Londonderry and Ludlow, both of which were severely flooded in July. Gov Phil Scott said, "Although there will be damage to infrastructure, homes and businesses, we do not expect this to be the same scale as July. That being said, some of the places that were impacted in July are currently experiencing flooding once again. So for them, this is July and it’s a real gut punch." (With inputs from agencies)

At least four dead as storm batters Northeastern US, power knocked out, flights grounded and roads flooded

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Monday (Dec 18) that North Korea's latest missile launches violated resolutions of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and were a threat to peace and stability.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Monday (Dec 18) that North Korea's latest missile launches violated resolutions of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and were a threat to peace and stability. The launches are "not only a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions but also a threat to peace and stability of the region and we strongly condemn" them, Kishida told a gathering of South-East Asian leaders in Tokyo, the news agency AFP reported. On Monday, North Korea launched a long-range ballistic missile with the potential capability of striking the United States, South Korea's capital Seoul and Japan's capital Tokyo. This firing followed the test of a shorter-range missile on Sunday night. Missile launches pose a threat to Pyongyang's neighbours: US Apart from Japan, the US also condemned North Korea's latest missile launches. Speaking to AFP, a State Department spokesperson said, "These launches, like the other ballistic missile launches Pyongyang has conducted this year, are in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions." The spokesperson added that the launches posed a threat to Pyongyang's neighbours and undermined regional security. On Monday, the South Korean military said that it detected the launch of a long-range ballistic missile from the Pyongyang area on Monday that flew 1,000 kilometres before splashing down in the East Sea. According to the Japanese defence ministry, the missile was an ICBM-class missile with a potential range covering all of the United States. "The ICBM-class ballistic missile launched this time, if calculated based on the trajectory, depending on weight of warhead, could have a flying range of over 15,000 kilometres (9,320 miles)," said Shingo Miyake, parliamentary vice-minister of defence. In 2023, North Korea fired four ICBMs, with the last launch in July. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea's missile launches a threat to peace and stability: Japanese PM Kishida

The United States issued a warning to North Korea that any kind of nuclear attack against the country or its allies "is unacceptable and will result in the end of the (Kim Jong) Un regime”. The warning was issued by the country in a joint US-South Korean statement on Saturday (Dec 16). 
 
"The US&nbsp;side reiterated that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the ROK will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response," read the statement. 
 
The second US-Republic of Korea Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) started in Washington on Friday (Dec 15) to hold talks over nuclear deterrence, as part of a commitment between the two countries where they share more insight regarding the planning if there is a conflict with North Korea.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-boasts-of-satellite-capability-warns-to-launch-more-soon-667790">North Korea boasts of satellite capability, warns to launch more soon</a>

A range of ballistic missiles have been developed and tested by Pyongyang which can reach targets in Japan, South Korea and the US mainland. 
 
South Korea's deputy national security adviser Kim Tae-hyo on Friday (Dec 16) said that North Korea is likely to test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile in December, which is being seen as a nuclear threat regardless of its range since it has the capability of carrying a nuclear warhead. 
 
The third NCG will be held in South Korea next summer.

<h2>North Korea delegation reaches China for talks</h2>

A North Korean diplomatic delegation has reached China to hold talks which will focus on strengthening co-operation, said North Korean state media on Saturday (Dec 17), as Pyongyang is taking little steps towards opening its borders and resuming trade with its neighbouring countries after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Watch:&nbsp;US, Japan &amp; S. Korea to share missile warning data, North Korea slams the decision

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-japan-s-korea-to-share-missile-warning-data-north-korea-slams-the-decision-669732/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

North Korean Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Myong Ho and counterpart Sun Weidong talked about increasing strategic co-operation and improving bilateral relations on Friday (Dec 16), said KCNA in a statement, without giving any further details. 
 
The visit of North Korean officials to China to discuss political issues publicly has been rare since January 2020, when the former country closed its borders to stop the spread of COVID-19. 
 
The trip of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in September was his first overseas visit since the pandemic.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States issued a warning to North Korea that any kind of nuclear attack against the country or its allies "is unacceptable and will result in the end of the (Kim Jong) Un regime”.

The United States issued a warning to North Korea that any kind of nuclear attack against the country or its allies "is unacceptable and will result in the end of the (Kim Jong) Un regime”. The warning was issued by the country in a joint US-South Korean statement on Saturday (Dec 16). "The US side reiterated that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the ROK will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response," read the statement. The second US-Republic of Korea Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) started in Washington on Friday (Dec 15) to hold talks over nuclear deterrence, as part of a commitment between the two countries where they share more insight regarding the planning if there is a conflict with North Korea. Also read: North Korea boasts of satellite capability, warns to launch more soon A range of ballistic missiles have been developed and tested by Pyongyang which can reach targets in Japan, South Korea and the US mainland. South Korea's deputy national security adviser Kim Tae-hyo on Friday (Dec 16) said that North Korea is likely to test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile in December, which is being seen as a nuclear threat regardless of its range since it has the capability of carrying a nuclear warhead. The third NCG will be held in South Korea next summer. North Korea delegation reaches China for talks A North Korean diplomatic delegation has reached China to hold talks which will focus on strengthening co-operation, said North Korean state media on Saturday (Dec 17), as Pyongyang is taking little steps towards opening its borders and resuming trade with its neighbouring countries after the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch: US, Japan & S. Korea to share missile warning data, North Korea slams the decision North Korean Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Myong Ho and counterpart Sun Weidong talked about increasing strategic co-operation and improving bilateral relations on Friday (Dec 16), said KCNA in a statement, without giving any further details. The visit of North Korean officials to China to discuss political issues publicly has been rare since January 2020, when the former country closed its borders to stop the spread of COVID-19. The trip of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in September was his first overseas visit since the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

US warns nuclear attack by North Korea will result in end of Kim Jong Un’s regime

In a controversial step, an elementary school has decided to&nbsp;set up an After School Satan Club (ASSC) within its premises&nbsp;causing&nbsp;an uproar among the education and religious leaders in Tennessee, United States. 
 
As reported by CBS News, the club has been planning to engage children in different activities after the Christmas break. 
 
From January 10, the school will start holding a series of meetings which will run through the spring semester, added the outlet further quoting an announcement shared by various social media platforms on Tuesday (Dec 12). 
 
Satanic Temple - which is a new religious movement that is primarily based in the United States - has been running the ASSC.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-plans-to-beat-china-in-launch-of-secret-space-plane-spacex-foils-plan-670084">US plans to beat China in launch of secret space plane. SpaceX foils plan</a>

However, a flyer regarding the club has described the Satanic Temple as a non-theistic religion which sees Satan "as a literary figure who represents a metaphorical construct of rejecting tyranny and championing the human mind and spirit". 
 
The leaflet further stated that the club does not intend to convert children’s religion and make them follow any religious identity but is just offering activities that "emphasise a scientific, rationalistic, non-superstitious worldview", as reported by CBS News.

<h2>Parents and religious leaders express outrage over Satan club</h2>

In a statement, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) said that the district provided the organisation with the space on rent as per its policy. 
 
"As a public school district, we're committed to upholding the principles of the First Amendment, which guarantees equal access to all non-profit organizations seeking to use our facilities after school hours. This means we cannot approve or deny an organization's request based solely on its viewpoints or beliefs," it said.

Watch:&nbsp;Few US adults want a Biden-Trump rematch, says survey

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However, religious leaders and parents in Tennessee expressed their outrage at the recent development. 
 
District board chair Althea E Greene, in a meeting with more than 40 pastors and other religious leaders, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Satan has no room in this district". 
 
"I'm about to come unglued right now. I cannot believe ... this is a kindergarten-through-fifth-grade school and they're letting a satanic club come in here?" said Jenny Kincaid, who is a student's grandparent, as reported by CBS News.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a controversial step, an elementary school has decided to set up an After School Satan Club (ASSC) within its premises causing an uproar among the education and religious leaders in Tennessee, United States.

In a controversial step, an elementary school has decided to set up an After School Satan Club (ASSC) within its premises causing an uproar among the education and religious leaders in Tennessee, United States. As reported by CBS News, the club has been planning to engage children in different activities after the Christmas break. From January 10, the school will start holding a series of meetings which will run through the spring semester, added the outlet further quoting an announcement shared by various social media platforms on Tuesday (Dec 12). Satanic Temple - which is a new religious movement that is primarily based in the United States - has been running the ASSC. Also read: US plans to beat China in launch of secret space plane. SpaceX foils plan However, a flyer regarding the club has described the Satanic Temple as a non-theistic religion which sees Satan "as a literary figure who represents a metaphorical construct of rejecting tyranny and championing the human mind and spirit". The leaflet further stated that the club does not intend to convert children’s religion and make them follow any religious identity but is just offering activities that "emphasise a scientific, rationalistic, non-superstitious worldview", as reported by CBS News. Parents and religious leaders express outrage over Satan club In a statement, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) said that the district provided the organisation with the space on rent as per its policy. "As a public school district, we're committed to upholding the principles of the First Amendment, which guarantees equal access to all non-profit organizations seeking to use our facilities after school hours. This means we cannot approve or deny an organization's request based solely on its viewpoints or beliefs," it said. Watch: Few US adults want a Biden-Trump rematch, says survey However, religious leaders and parents in Tennessee expressed their outrage at the recent development. District board chair Althea E Greene, in a meeting with more than 40 pastors and other religious leaders, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Satan has no room in this district". "I'm about to come unglued right now. I cannot believe ... this is a kindergarten-through-fifth-grade school and they're letting a satanic club come in here?" said Jenny Kincaid, who is a student's grandparent, as reported by CBS News. (With inputs from agencies)

US elementary school introduces Satan club, sparks controversy

A secret space plane was launched by China for the third time on Thursday (Dec 15) as the United States Space Force kept waiting for its X-37B to get off the pad after facing numerous delays.

The Chinese “reusable experimental spacecraft” lifted off successfully atop a Long March 2F rocket at around 11 pm (local time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert, reported state news agency Xinhua.

As with the other two launches in 2020 and 2022, technical details or images of the spacecraft were not revealed by Xinhua and they did not state how long the flight would be.

“It’s going to operate in orbit for a period of time before returning to its intended landing site in China,” said the report.

“Reusable technology verification and space science experiments will be carried out to provide technical support for the peaceful use of space,” said the report, while using the same wording which it was used for the 2020 and 2022 missions.

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Harvard astronomer Jonathan McDowell, who tracks space activities and rocket launches, said that the US Space Force was tracking the uncrewed plane in a roughly circular orbit nearly 300km in altitude.

“This is very similar to the first launch in 2020. The second launch in 2022 went to a slightly higher orbit of 345 x 593km,” he said, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

<h2>US spacecraft waits for launch</h2>

Its US counterpart Boeing X-37B, which was originally scheduled to take off at a similar time, remained grounded atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket in Florida's Kennedy Space Centre, after postponements due to launch site issues and poor weather.

The mission, which is called as USSF-52, will be the seventh mission of the US plane to orbit since 2010 and the second ride with a SpaceX rocket.

Watch:&nbsp;Few US adults want a Biden-Trump rematch, says survey

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In a statement, Space Force in November said that it has been planning to carry out multiple ranges of tests, which include experimenting with future space domain awareness, operating in new orbital regimes and investigating the effect of radiation on materials. &nbsp;

The US military has been tight-lipped about the capabilities and objectives of X-37B, which makes it one of the most enigmatic spacecraft known to take&nbsp;flight.

Chief of Space Operations General Chance Saltzman said that the future of X-37B can be brighter because of the competition between China and the Pentagon.

On Wednesday (Dec 13), Space X cancelled the launch of the US military's X-37B robot spaceplane and wrote on X, "We are standing down from tomorrow's Falcon Heavy launch of USSF-52 to perform additional system checkouts."

(With inputs from agencies)

A secret space plane was launched by China for the third time on Thursday (Dec 15) as the United States Space Force kept waiting for its X-37B to get off the pad after facing numerous delays.

A secret space plane was launched by China for the third time on Thursday (Dec 15) as the United States Space Force kept waiting for its X-37B to get off the pad after facing numerous delays. The Chinese “reusable experimental spacecraft” lifted off successfully atop a Long March 2F rocket at around 11 pm (local time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert, reported state news agency Xinhua. As with the other two launches in 2020 and 2022, technical details or images of the spacecraft were not revealed by Xinhua and they did not state how long the flight would be. “It’s going to operate in orbit for a period of time before returning to its intended landing site in China,” said the report. “Reusable technology verification and space science experiments will be carried out to provide technical support for the peaceful use of space,” said the report, while using the same wording which it was used for the 2020 and 2022 missions. Also read: US VP Harris urges President Biden to be 'tougher' on Netanyahu, sparks tensions: Report Harvard astronomer Jonathan McDowell, who tracks space activities and rocket launches, said that the US Space Force was tracking the uncrewed plane in a roughly circular orbit nearly 300km in altitude. “This is very similar to the first launch in 2020. The second launch in 2022 went to a slightly higher orbit of 345 x 593km,” he said, as reported by the South China Morning Post. US spacecraft waits for launch Its US counterpart Boeing X-37B, which was originally scheduled to take off at a similar time, remained grounded atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket in Florida's Kennedy Space Centre, after postponements due to launch site issues and poor weather. The mission, which is called as USSF-52, will be the seventh mission of the US plane to orbit since 2010 and the second ride with a SpaceX rocket. Watch: Few US adults want a Biden-Trump rematch, says survey In a statement, Space Force in November said that it has been planning to carry out multiple ranges of tests, which include experimenting with future space domain awareness, operating in new orbital regimes and investigating the effect of radiation on materials. The US military has been tight-lipped about the capabilities and objectives of X-37B, which makes it one of the most enigmatic spacecraft known to take flight. Chief of Space Operations General Chance Saltzman said that the future of X-37B can be brighter because of the competition between China and the Pentagon. On Wednesday (Dec 13), Space X cancelled the launch of the US military's X-37B robot spaceplane and wrote on X, "We are standing down from tomorrow's Falcon Heavy launch of USSF-52 to perform additional system checkouts." (With inputs from agencies)

US plans to beat China in launch of secret space plane. SpaceX foils plan

On December 8, Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng, while interacting with reporters, shared information about China's suspected weather balloon crossing the sensitive median line of the Strait at a time when elections were just a month away and tensions were only escalating.&nbsp;

The media reports speculated that the suspected weather balloon was another one of those spy balloons used by China for surveillance. In a very short time frame, the comment by the minister took the global political stage back to the dramatic spat between the United States and China when a high-altitude Chinese balloon was seen flowing in American airspace from January 28 to February 4, only to be finally shot down by the US Air Force over its territorial waters off the coast of South Carolina.

<h2>Thaw in relations, diplomacy at bay</h2>

The spotting of the Chinese balloon in American airspace led to a political uproar between the two countries and US diplomat Antony Blinken's trip to Beijing from February 5-6 was suddenly called off.

A military operation was carried out which involved multiple fighters and refuelling aircraft and one F-22 fighter jet in shooting down the balloon. The government of the US never revealed which sites were surveyed by the Chinese balloon, but it was said to have flown over Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, which has been in charge of nuclear forces.

Through the trial and explosion of the balloon, China kept reiterating that it was a civilian craft which was used for meteorological and other purposes, and had flown into US airspace "completely accidentally".

Blinken, after cancelling his China visit, met with the Chinese embassy's senior officials along with &nbsp;Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman to convey "a strong set of messages". A team was already directed by Biden to protect sensitive information of sites from Chinese surveillance till the mission was over.

<h2>A balloon failure or just a hullabaloo?</h2>

It was only months later in June that the Pentagon revealed after analysing the debris of the balloon that it did not collect any information.

Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Pat Ryder had said that the US was "aware that [the balloon] had intelligence collection capabilities. But it has been our assessment now that it did not collect while it was transiting the United States or overflying the United States".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-president-joe-biden-will-not-attend-republic-day-celebrations-in-india-668889">US President Joe Biden to not attend Republic Day celebrations in India; Quad meet postponed</a>

US intelligence further hinted that China has most likely suspended its surveillance balloon programme after the major diplomatic escalation. However, the incident left many questions unanswered like why did China choose balloons over satellite and to what avail?

"This wasn't the first time an Asian balloon had overflown from China. This incident was one of the most absurd and obselete ones and it projected a clumsy way of gathering intel. This is because there is nothing a balloon can do that a satellite can't do much better, more accurately and with greater precision. This appeared far from challenging US hegemony and it looked something like a joke," said Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, Senior Research Fellow at the New Delhi-based Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies. &nbsp;

<h2>Hiccups in US-China panda diplomacy</h2>

The early 1970s, which marked the 'ping-pong' diplomacy between the United States and China, saw the exchange of table tennis players between the countries as an effort to establish ties between the two countries.

It was the same diplomacy which paved the way for US President Richard Nixon's historic ice-breaking visit to Beijing in 1972, where for the first time a pair of pandas were gifted by Beijing to the Smithsonian National Zoo – marking the beginning of panda diplomacy.

Since then, pandas have become some kind of unofficial barometer of China and US relations. However, 2023 saw the collapse of the panda diplomacy between the two countries as the contract for lending these fur animals expired and was not renewed.

In November, the last three remaining pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo were sent back to China after remaining in the US for more than 50 years. The departure of pandas from the United States appeared as a sign of the significant shift in their complicated relationship where tension seemed to prevail over the cuteness of the adorable bears.

<h2>A step ahead or a step behind – where is China headed?</h2>

Amid such strained ties, Xi Jinping made a political visit to the United States and held the most-awaited talks with Biden in San Francisco, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference.

The meeting saw some significant decisions being taken by the two countries like the resumption of military-to-military communication and co-operation on drug crackdown while heated issues like Taiwan remained part of the discussion.&nbsp;

However, interestingly, after the meeting with Biden Xi hinted on the return of pandas – calling them “envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples".

Watch:&nbsp;US to operate drone bases in Pakistan?

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“I…learned that the San Diego Zoo and the Californians very much look forward to welcoming pandas back. We are ready to continue our cooperation with the United States on panda conservation, and do our best to meet the wishes of the Californians so as to deepen the friendly ties between our two peoples," said Xi.&nbsp;

Speaking about the chances of pandas being recalled, Suyash Desai, a Taiwan-based research scholar on China's military and foreign policy, said, "Panda Diplomacy is used by China to thaw rising tensions between the two countries. It is an old diplomatic practice since the Tang Dynasty (618–907). Given the current geopolitical tensions between the two countries, it was likely that Pandas would be recalled and it is largely a symbolic measure by China. Also in the current scenario, I wouldn't be surprised if the rest of the Pandas would be recalled next year when the contract expires."

It will be interesting to see if Pandas will play a significant role in strengthening ties between the two countries in 2024 or whether it will hit a new low.

On December 8, Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng, while interacting with reporters, shared information about China's suspected weather balloon crossing the sensitive median line of the Strait at a time when elections were just a month away and tensions were only escalating.

On December 8, Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng, while interacting with reporters, shared information about China's suspected weather balloon crossing the sensitive median line of the Strait at a time when elections were just a month away and tensions were only escalating. The media reports speculated that the suspected weather balloon was another one of those spy balloons used by China for surveillance. In a very short time frame, the comment by the minister took the global political stage back to the dramatic spat between the United States and China when a high-altitude Chinese balloon was seen flowing in American airspace from January 28 to February 4, only to be finally shot down by the US Air Force over its territorial waters off the coast of South Carolina. Thaw in relations, diplomacy at bay The spotting of the Chinese balloon in American airspace led to a political uproar between the two countries and US diplomat Antony Blinken's trip to Beijing from February 5-6 was suddenly called off. A military operation was carried out which involved multiple fighters and refuelling aircraft and one F-22 fighter jet in shooting down the balloon. The government of the US never revealed which sites were surveyed by the Chinese balloon, but it was said to have flown over Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, which has been in charge of nuclear forces. Through the trial and explosion of the balloon, China kept reiterating that it was a civilian craft which was used for meteorological and other purposes, and had flown into US airspace "completely accidentally". Blinken, after cancelling his China visit, met with the Chinese embassy's senior officials along with Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman to convey "a strong set of messages". A team was already directed by Biden to protect sensitive information of sites from Chinese surveillance till the mission was over. A balloon failure or just a hullabaloo? It was only months later in June that the Pentagon revealed after analysing the debris of the balloon that it did not collect any information. Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Pat Ryder had said that the US was "aware that [the balloon] had intelligence collection capabilities. But it has been our assessment now that it did not collect while it was transiting the United States or overflying the United States". Also read: US President Joe Biden to not attend Republic Day celebrations in India; Quad meet postponed US intelligence further hinted that China has most likely suspended its surveillance balloon programme after the major diplomatic escalation. However, the incident left many questions unanswered like why did China choose balloons over satellite and to what avail? "This wasn't the first time an Asian balloon had overflown from China. This incident was one of the most absurd and obselete ones and it projected a clumsy way of gathering intel. This is because there is nothing a balloon can do that a satellite can't do much better, more accurately and with greater precision. This appeared far from challenging US hegemony and it looked something like a joke," said Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, Senior Research Fellow at the New Delhi-based Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies. Hiccups in US-China panda diplomacy The early 1970s, which marked the 'ping-pong' diplomacy between the United States and China, saw the exchange of table tennis players between the countries as an effort to establish ties between the two countries. It was the same diplomacy which paved the way for US President Richard Nixon's historic ice-breaking visit to Beijing in 1972, where for the first time a pair of pandas were gifted by Beijing to the Smithsonian National Zoo – marking the beginning of panda diplomacy. Since then, pandas have become some kind of unofficial barometer of China and US relations. However, 2023 saw the collapse of the panda diplomacy between the two countries as the contract for lending these fur animals expired and was not renewed. In November, the last three remaining pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo were sent back to China after remaining in the US for more than 50 years. The departure of pandas from the United States appeared as a sign of the significant shift in their complicated relationship where tension seemed to prevail over the cuteness of the adorable bears. A step ahead or a step behind – where is China headed? Amid such strained ties, Xi Jinping made a political visit to the United States and held the most-awaited talks with Biden in San Francisco, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference. The meeting saw some significant decisions being taken by the two countries like the resumption of military-to-military communication and co-operation on drug crackdown while heated issues like Taiwan remained part of the discussion. However, interestingly, after the meeting with Biden Xi hinted on the return of pandas – calling them “envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples". Watch: US to operate drone bases in Pakistan? “I…learned that the San Diego Zoo and the Californians very much look forward to welcoming pandas back. We are ready to continue our cooperation with the United States on panda conservation, and do our best to meet the wishes of the Californians so as to deepen the friendly ties between our two peoples," said Xi. Speaking about the chances of pandas being recalled, Suyash Desai, a Taiwan-based research scholar on China's military and foreign policy, said, "Panda Diplomacy is used by China to thaw rising tensions between the two countries. It is an old diplomatic practice since the Tang Dynasty (618–907). Given the current geopolitical tensions between the two countries, it was likely that Pandas would be recalled and it is largely a symbolic measure by China. Also in the current scenario, I wouldn't be surprised if the rest of the Pandas would be recalled next year when the contract expires." It will be interesting to see if Pandas will play a significant role in strengthening ties between the two countries in 2024 or whether it will hit a new low.

Spy balloon, Panda diplomacy: US-China ties in 2023 entered a phase of 21st century cold war

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy's response on being asked if the United States will accept a president of a different faith during the CNN town hall has taken the internet by storm.

Gunny Mitchell, an Iowa voter, questioned him asking, "How do you respond to those who assert that you cannot be our president because your religion does not align with what our founding fathers based our country on?"

To this, Ramaswamy responded by saying he was not a "fake convert" and that he would not lie to map out his political career. He then went on to add that both faiths, Hinduism and Christianity "share the same value set in common".

"I am a Hindu, and if I wanted to map out my political career and really solve for know, I could fake convert. I'm not going to do that. I'm going to tell you about my faith," he said.

"My upbringing was quite conventional. My parents taught me that marriages are sacred, families are the cornerstone of society, abstinence before marriage is a viable option when things don't work out, adultery is wrong. that enjoying life's pleasures requires giving something up. Are those values not from elsewhere?" Ramaswamy added.

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A voter tonight in Iowa asked about my Hindu faith. I answered honestly. <a href="https://t.co/hkUrZkbhUx">pic.twitter.com/hkUrZkbhUx</a>
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) <a href="https://twitter.com/VivekGRamaswamy/status/1735130690864201868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Further highlighting the values of the Hindu faith, Ramaswamy underlined that there is only one true God and that he lives within each one of us.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-prosecution-in-jan-6-riots-may-come-sooner-than-expected-heres-why-669385">Trump's prosecution in Jan 6 riots may come sooner than expected. Here's why</a>

"There's one true God. Don't take his name in vain. Observe the Sabbath. Respect your parents. Don't kill. Don't lie. Don't cheat, don't steal. Don't commit adultery. Don't covet. That's when it hit me. We share the same value set in common. There's another core teaching in my faith, which is that we don't get to choose who God works through. God chooses who God works through," the US presidential candidate said.

He added, "Based on my religious beliefs, I understand that every person is here for a reason and it is our moral obligation to fulfil that reason because God lives within each of us, even though God works through us in various ways, we are all equal."

<h2>Ramaswamy reiterates call to ban birthright citizenship</h2>

During the Townhall, Ramaswamy again echoed his call to put a ban on birthright citizenship for illegal immigrants stating that the country should not reward the one "who violate the law".

"I say this as the kid of legal immigrants: I favour ending birthright citizenship for those whose parents entered the country *illegally* because we shouldn't reward those who violate the law with the intent of exploiting the citizenship rules. The best border policy is to end incentives for illegal migrants to be here. Democrats created them but Republicans aren't blameless either," he said.

The Indian-origin US presidential candidate announced his election bid earlier this year.

(With inputs from agencies)

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy's response on being asked if the United States will accept a president of a different faith during the CNN town hall has taken the internet by storm.

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy's response on being asked if the United States will accept a president of a different faith during the CNN town hall has taken the internet by storm. Gunny Mitchell, an Iowa voter, questioned him asking, "How do you respond to those who assert that you cannot be our president because your religion does not align with what our founding fathers based our country on?" To this, Ramaswamy responded by saying he was not a "fake convert" and that he would not lie to map out his political career. He then went on to add that both faiths, Hinduism and Christianity "share the same value set in common". "I am a Hindu, and if I wanted to map out my political career and really solve for know, I could fake convert. I'm not going to do that. I'm going to tell you about my faith," he said. "My upbringing was quite conventional. My parents taught me that marriages are sacred, families are the cornerstone of society, abstinence before marriage is a viable option when things don't work out, adultery is wrong. that enjoying life's pleasures requires giving something up. Are those values not from elsewhere?" Ramaswamy added. A voter tonight in Iowa asked about my Hindu faith. I answered honestly. pic.twitter.com/hkUrZkbhUx — Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) December 14, 2023 × Further highlighting the values of the Hindu faith, Ramaswamy underlined that there is only one true God and that he lives within each one of us. Also read: Trump's prosecution in Jan 6 riots may come sooner than expected. Here's why "There's one true God. Don't take his name in vain. Observe the Sabbath. Respect your parents. Don't kill. Don't lie. Don't cheat, don't steal. Don't commit adultery. Don't covet. That's when it hit me. We share the same value set in common. There's another core teaching in my faith, which is that we don't get to choose who God works through. God chooses who God works through," the US presidential candidate said. He added, "Based on my religious beliefs, I understand that every person is here for a reason and it is our moral obligation to fulfil that reason because God lives within each of us, even though God works through us in various ways, we are all equal." Ramaswamy reiterates call to ban birthright citizenship During the Townhall, Ramaswamy again echoed his call to put a ban on birthright citizenship for illegal immigrants stating that the country should not reward the one "who violate the law". "I say this as the kid of legal immigrants: I favour ending birthright citizenship for those whose parents entered the country *illegally* because we shouldn't reward those who violate the law with the intent of exploiting the citizenship rules. The best border policy is to end incentives for illegal migrants to be here. Democrats created them but Republicans aren't blameless either," he said. The Indian-origin US presidential candidate announced his election bid earlier this year. (With inputs from agencies)

Will US accept Hindu president? Ramaswamy answers critical question and says 'won't fake identity'

The US Supreme Court agreed on Wednesday to rule on restrictions imposed by a lower court on a widely used abortion pill in the latest skirmish in the battle over reproductive rights in the United States.

The lower court ruling has been on hold pending a decision by the nation's top court on whether it would hear the case.

The Supreme Court will hold oral arguments in the closely watched case next year and is expected to issue a decision by the end of June.

A conservative-dominated federal appeals court imposed restrictions in August on the use of mifepristone, which accounts for more than half of the abortions in the United States.

The ruling by a three-judge panel of the New Orleans-based 5th Circuit Court of Appeals would limit use of mifepristone to the first seven weeks of pregnancy, instead of 10, and block it from being distributed by mail.

It would also require the abortion pill to be prescribed by a doctor.

Anti-abortion groups are seeking to have mifepristone banned, claiming despite its long track record that it is unsafe.

At a hearing in May, the three judges pushed back against government arguments that the decision on whether to allow the use of mifepristone should be left to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which approved the drug more than 20 years ago.

The case stems from a ruling by a conservative US District Court judge in Texas that would have banned mifepristone.

The 5th Circuit Court blocked a ban on the abortion pill, but imposed restrictions on access, after which the baton was handed to the Supreme Court, where conservatives wield a 6-3 majority.

The Supreme Court temporarily preserved access to mifepristone, freezing the rulings by the lower courts, and the drug remains on the market for the time being.

It is the most significant abortion case to reach the nine-member Supreme Court since it overturned the constitutional right to the procedure in June of last year.

Mifepristone is one component of a two-drug regimen that can be used through the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.

It has a long safety record, and the FDA estimates 5.6 million Americans have used it to terminate pregnancies since it was approved in 2000.

The US Supreme Court agreed on Wednesday to rule on restrictions imposed by a lower court on a widely used abortion pill in the latest skirmish in the battle over reproductive rights in the United States.

The US Supreme Court agreed on Wednesday to rule on restrictions imposed by a lower court on a widely used abortion pill in the latest skirmish in the battle over reproductive rights in the United States. The lower court ruling has been on hold pending a decision by the nation's top court on whether it would hear the case. The Supreme Court will hold oral arguments in the closely watched case next year and is expected to issue a decision by the end of June. A conservative-dominated federal appeals court imposed restrictions in August on the use of mifepristone, which accounts for more than half of the abortions in the United States. The ruling by a three-judge panel of the New Orleans-based 5th Circuit Court of Appeals would limit use of mifepristone to the first seven weeks of pregnancy, instead of 10, and block it from being distributed by mail. It would also require the abortion pill to be prescribed by a doctor. Anti-abortion groups are seeking to have mifepristone banned, claiming despite its long track record that it is unsafe. At a hearing in May, the three judges pushed back against government arguments that the decision on whether to allow the use of mifepristone should be left to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which approved the drug more than 20 years ago. The case stems from a ruling by a conservative US District Court judge in Texas that would have banned mifepristone. The 5th Circuit Court blocked a ban on the abortion pill, but imposed restrictions on access, after which the baton was handed to the Supreme Court, where conservatives wield a 6-3 majority. The Supreme Court temporarily preserved access to mifepristone, freezing the rulings by the lower courts, and the drug remains on the market for the time being. It is the most significant abortion case to reach the nine-member Supreme Court since it overturned the constitutional right to the procedure in June of last year. Mifepristone is one component of a two-drug regimen that can be used through the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. It has a long safety record, and the FDA estimates 5.6 million Americans have used it to terminate pregnancies since it was approved in 2000.

US Supreme Court agrees to rule on abortion pill restrictions

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a recent interview, has claimed that the allegations he levelled against India over its involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar were intended to "put a chill" on New Delhi amid strained diplomatic ties between the two countries.

While speaking to the Canadian Press in a year-end interview, Trudeau said that the statement he made on September&nbsp;18 in the House of Commons was meant to place an extra 'level of deterrence' for India to refrain from carrying out such acts in the future.

He further said that he wanted the Canadians to know that the government was on top of the situation and proactively taking measures.

"Too many Canadians were worried that they were vulnerable," Trudeau said in the interview, adding that the Sikh community in British Columbia had been raising concerns since shortly after Nijjar was killed.

"We felt that all the quiet diplomacy and all the measures that we put in -- and ensured that our security services put in to keep people safe in the community, needed a further level of deterrence, perhaps of saying publicly and loudly that we know, or we have credible reasons to believe, that the Indian government was behind this," he said.

"And therefore put a chill on them continuing or considering doing anything like this," he added.

He also went on to claim that the Indian government chose to attack and undermine them with misinformation after he had made the allegations public and accused New Delhi of launching an information war.

"They chose to attack us and undermine us with a scale of misinformation and disinformation in their media that was comical," he said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fbi-aggressively-investigating-attack-on-indian-consulate-in-san-francisco-director-wray-tells-nia-668995">FBI 'aggressively investigating' attack on Indian Consulate in San Francisco: Director Wray</a>

"(It) would have been more comical had it not had real implications for people's lives and relations between our two countries that are so deep in terms of people-to-people ties, and people depending on the flow of connections between us," he added.

<h2>'Difficult conversations'</h2>

Trudeau also stated that he raised the issue of Nijjar's killing with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during his bilateral talks in September at the time of G20 in New Delhi and was hoping for the conversation to be constructive.

However, on being asked if the discussion with Modi on the issue was helpful, the Canadian Prime Minister replied with a "No".

"We knew it would be difficult conversation, but we also knew that this was an important moment for India to be demonstrating its leadership on the world stage with the G20," Trudeau said.

"And we felt that we could use that as a constructive opportunity to work together."

India's Ministry of External Affairs, which has recently constituted a high-level inquiry committee to probe the alleged murder plot against Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, maintains that Canada had given no evidence about its allegations and so the question of equitable treatment for the two countries does not arise.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a recent interview, has claimed that the allegations he levelled against India over its involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar were intended to "put a chill" on New Delhi amid strained diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a recent interview, has claimed that the allegations he levelled against India over its involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar were intended to "put a chill" on New Delhi amid strained diplomatic ties between the two countries. While speaking to the Canadian Press in a year-end interview, Trudeau said that the statement he made on September 18 in the House of Commons was meant to place an extra 'level of deterrence' for India to refrain from carrying out such acts in the future. He further said that he wanted the Canadians to know that the government was on top of the situation and proactively taking measures. "Too many Canadians were worried that they were vulnerable," Trudeau said in the interview, adding that the Sikh community in British Columbia had been raising concerns since shortly after Nijjar was killed. "We felt that all the quiet diplomacy and all the measures that we put in -- and ensured that our security services put in to keep people safe in the community, needed a further level of deterrence, perhaps of saying publicly and loudly that we know, or we have credible reasons to believe, that the Indian government was behind this," he said. "And therefore put a chill on them continuing or considering doing anything like this," he added. He also went on to claim that the Indian government chose to attack and undermine them with misinformation after he had made the allegations public and accused New Delhi of launching an information war. "They chose to attack us and undermine us with a scale of misinformation and disinformation in their media that was comical," he said. Also read: FBI 'aggressively investigating' attack on Indian Consulate in San Francisco: Director Wray "(It) would have been more comical had it not had real implications for people's lives and relations between our two countries that are so deep in terms of people-to-people ties, and people depending on the flow of connections between us," he added. 'Difficult conversations' Trudeau also stated that he raised the issue of Nijjar's killing with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during his bilateral talks in September at the time of G20 in New Delhi and was hoping for the conversation to be constructive. However, on being asked if the discussion with Modi on the issue was helpful, the Canadian Prime Minister replied with a "No". "We knew it would be difficult conversation, but we also knew that this was an important moment for India to be demonstrating its leadership on the world stage with the G20," Trudeau said. "And we felt that we could use that as a constructive opportunity to work together." India's Ministry of External Affairs, which has recently constituted a high-level inquiry committee to probe the alleged murder plot against Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, maintains that Canada had given no evidence about its allegations and so the question of equitable treatment for the two countries does not arise. (With inputs from agencies)

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau claims he made allegations over Nijjar killing public to 'put a chill' on India

FBI Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday (Dec 12) visited the NIA headquarters where he met with the counter-terrorism law enforcement agency's Director General Dinkar Gupta and issues related to acts and activities of terrorist-organised criminal networks were discussed.

The talks also included further developments on the ongoing investigations in the United States over the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, and probe around cyber-terror and cyber-crimes of various kinds.

NIA said that during the discussion, Gupta underlined the active nexus between the terrorist organisations and terrorist elements with the members of "Organised Criminal Syndicates which was spreading to the United States as well".

Over this nexus, Wray said that "a blending of lines between terrorists and criminals was now visible in cyberspace as well. Terror incidents like 9/11 and the Mumbai attacks have changed the way in which nations respond to terror threats," according to a statement released by NIA.

The NIA DG also raised concerns about how the threats in the cyber domain were on the rise and the ways in which digital space was being extensively exploited by the extremists in order to propagate radical views across the globe.

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He further highlighted that the Indian agency had also spotted the use of cryptocurrency for the purpose of terror financing.

"The two sides noted that with the advent of newer technologies at a fast pace, tracing, tracking and investigating crypto transactions is turning out to be a huge challenge. Both the agencies recognised the challenges posed by organised crime networks, terror-related crimes, cyber-enabled terror attacks, ransomware threats, economic crimes and transnational terror crimes," NIA said in an official press statement.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-director-meets-cbi-chief-amid-us-allegations-against-india-over-alleged-pannun-murder-plot-668688">FBI director meets CBI chief amid US allegations against India over alleged Pannun 'murder plot'&nbsp;</a>

Wray also informed the NIA that the FBI was aggressively investigating the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco.

<h2>FBI Director, Delhi Police Chief emphasise need to intercept criminals finding shelter across border</h2>

Wray, who is on his two-day visit to India, also met the Delhi Police chief where both agencies highlighted the threat posed by criminals who operate across borders while also stressing the need to thwart these individuals from finding shelter in different countries.

The discussions also touched upon closer cooperation from both ends to combat transnational cybercrimes, improve access to encrypted communication applications, and the imperative to share information.&nbsp;

The high-profile visit comes against the backdrop of allegations by Washington over India's alleged connection to a foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

FBI Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday (Dec 12) visited the NIA headquarters where he met with the counter-terrorism law enforcement agency's Director General Dinkar Gupta and issues related to acts and activities of terrorist-organised criminal networks were discussed.

FBI Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday (Dec 12) visited the NIA headquarters where he met with the counter-terrorism law enforcement agency's Director General Dinkar Gupta and issues related to acts and activities of terrorist-organised criminal networks were discussed. The talks also included further developments on the ongoing investigations in the United States over the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, and probe around cyber-terror and cyber-crimes of various kinds. NIA said that during the discussion, Gupta underlined the active nexus between the terrorist organisations and terrorist elements with the members of "Organised Criminal Syndicates which was spreading to the United States as well". Over this nexus, Wray said that "a blending of lines between terrorists and criminals was now visible in cyberspace as well. Terror incidents like 9/11 and the Mumbai attacks have changed the way in which nations respond to terror threats," according to a statement released by NIA. The NIA DG also raised concerns about how the threats in the cyber domain were on the rise and the ways in which digital space was being extensively exploited by the extremists in order to propagate radical views across the globe. FBI Director Wray Visits NIA HQrs, Holds Extensive Deliberations with NIA DG pic.twitter.com/BCkMxZWxDD — NIA India (@NIA_India) December 12, 2023 × He further highlighted that the Indian agency had also spotted the use of cryptocurrency for the purpose of terror financing. "The two sides noted that with the advent of newer technologies at a fast pace, tracing, tracking and investigating crypto transactions is turning out to be a huge challenge. Both the agencies recognised the challenges posed by organised crime networks, terror-related crimes, cyber-enabled terror attacks, ransomware threats, economic crimes and transnational terror crimes," NIA said in an official press statement. Also read: FBI director meets CBI chief amid US allegations against India over alleged Pannun 'murder plot' Wray also informed the NIA that the FBI was aggressively investigating the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. FBI Director, Delhi Police Chief emphasise need to intercept criminals finding shelter across border Wray, who is on his two-day visit to India, also met the Delhi Police chief where both agencies highlighted the threat posed by criminals who operate across borders while also stressing the need to thwart these individuals from finding shelter in different countries. The discussions also touched upon closer cooperation from both ends to combat transnational cybercrimes, improve access to encrypted communication applications, and the imperative to share information. The high-profile visit comes against the backdrop of allegations by Washington over India's alleged connection to a foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. (With inputs from agencies)

FBI 'aggressively investigating' attack on Indian Consulate in San Francisco: Director Wray

Several rockets were launched at the US embassy in Baghdad's heavily secured Green Zone early on Friday (Dec 8), the mission said in its statement.

The attack on the embassy is the latest in a spate of such incidents, and comes amid intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

"A multi-rocket attack was launched at US and Coalition forces in the vicinity of Union III and the Baghdad embassy complex" without causing any reported casualties or damage, a US official said.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

The United States directs an international coalition combating jihadists in Iraq and Syria for which its&nbsp;forces have been under repeated&nbsp;attacks.

As per news agency AFP, there were five attempted strikes against the United States and coalition troops on Friday (Dec 8) besides the attack on the embassy in Baghdad.&nbsp;

Rockets were fired twice at the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and three bases in Syria were targeted, according to a US military official speaking on condition of anonymity. No casualties or damages were reported from the sites the official further said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congress-launches-antisemitism-probe-against-elite-universities-as-three-varsity-chiefs-face-backlash-667707">US Congress launches antisemitism probe against elite universities as three varsity chiefs face backlash</a>

<h2>US 'strongly condemns' rocket attacks</h2>

The United States released a statement "strongly" condemning the attacks and called on Iraq to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"The many Iran-aligned militias that operate freely in Iraq threaten the security and stability of Iraq, our personnel, and our partners in the region," spokesman Matthew Miller said in the statement.

The US embassy said "two salvoes of rockets" were launched at the mission compound in Baghdad at around 4:15 am (0115 GMT).

"Indications are the attacks were initiated by Iran-aligned militias," said a US spokesperson.

"The Iraqi government has repeatedly committed to protect diplomatic missions as well as US military personnel, who are present in the country at Iraq's invitation," Miller said.

"This is non-negotiable, as it is our right to self-defence."

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani warned that attacks on embassies threatened the country's security and called on its&nbsp;forces to bring the ones responsible to justice.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several rockets were launched at the US embassy in Baghdad's heavily secured Green Zone early on Friday (Dec 8), the mission said in its statement. The attack on the embassy is the latest in a spate of such incidents, and comes amid intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Several rockets were launched at the US embassy in Baghdad's heavily secured Green Zone early on Friday (Dec 8), the mission said in its statement. The attack on the embassy is the latest in a spate of such incidents, and comes amid intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. "A multi-rocket attack was launched at US and Coalition forces in the vicinity of Union III and the Baghdad embassy complex" without causing any reported casualties or damage, a US official said. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. The United States directs an international coalition combating jihadists in Iraq and Syria for which its forces have been under repeated attacks. As per news agency AFP, there were five attempted strikes against the United States and coalition troops on Friday (Dec 8) besides the attack on the embassy in Baghdad. Rockets were fired twice at the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and three bases in Syria were targeted, according to a US military official speaking on condition of anonymity. No casualties or damages were reported from the sites the official further said. Also read: US Congress launches antisemitism probe against elite universities as three varsity chiefs face backlash US 'strongly condemns' rocket attacks The United States released a statement "strongly" condemning the attacks and called on Iraq to bring the perpetrators to justice. "The many Iran-aligned militias that operate freely in Iraq threaten the security and stability of Iraq, our personnel, and our partners in the region," spokesman Matthew Miller said in the statement. The US embassy said "two salvoes of rockets" were launched at the mission compound in Baghdad at around 4:15 am (0115 GMT). "Indications are the attacks were initiated by Iran-aligned militias," said a US spokesperson. "The Iraqi government has repeatedly committed to protect diplomatic missions as well as US military personnel, who are present in the country at Iraq's invitation," Miller said. "This is non-negotiable, as it is our right to self-defence." Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani warned that attacks on embassies threatened the country's security and called on its forces to bring the ones responsible to justice. (With inputs from agencies)

US embassy in Baghdad struck with 7 mortars, Washington blames Iran-aligned militias, demands action

The United States widened a trade blacklist Friday taking aim at forced labour concerns involving Uyghurs and other minorities in China.

Three Chinese companies -- COFCO Sugar Holding, Sichuan Jingweida Technology Group and Anhui Xinya New Materials -- were the latest additions to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list, the government said.

From December 11, goods produced by the three firms will be barred from entering the United States, bringing the number of designated companies to 30.

This comes "as a result of the companies' participation in business practices that target members of persecuted groups, including Uyghur minorities in the PRC," said the Department of Homeland Security, referring to the People's Republic of China.

COFCO Sugar Holding refines and produces sugar, Jingweida Technology makes devices like network transformers and radio frequency filters, while Xinya New Materials manufactures textile materials.

The US government and lawmakers in a number of other Western countries have labelled China's treatment of the Uyghur minority in the northwestern Xinjiang region as "genocide," although Beijing vehemently denies this.

According to rights groups, at least one million people, mostly members of Muslim minorities, have been incarcerated in the region and face widespread abuses, including forced sterilization of women and coerced labour.

The Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act bans the import of all goods from the Xinjiang region unless companies offer verifiable proof that production did not involve forced labour.

The United States widened a trade blacklist Friday taking aim at forced labour concerns involving Uyghurs and other minorities in China. Three Chinese companies -- COFCO Sugar Holding, Sichuan Jingweida Technology Group and Anhui Xinya New Materials -- were the latest additions to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list, the government said.

The United States widened a trade blacklist Friday taking aim at forced labour concerns involving Uyghurs and other minorities in China. Three Chinese companies -- COFCO Sugar Holding, Sichuan Jingweida Technology Group and Anhui Xinya New Materials -- were the latest additions to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list, the government said. From December 11, goods produced by the three firms will be barred from entering the United States, bringing the number of designated companies to 30. This comes "as a result of the companies' participation in business practices that target members of persecuted groups, including Uyghur minorities in the PRC," said the Department of Homeland Security, referring to the People's Republic of China. COFCO Sugar Holding refines and produces sugar, Jingweida Technology makes devices like network transformers and radio frequency filters, while Xinya New Materials manufactures textile materials. The US government and lawmakers in a number of other Western countries have labelled China's treatment of the Uyghur minority in the northwestern Xinjiang region as "genocide," although Beijing vehemently denies this. According to rights groups, at least one million people, mostly members of Muslim minorities, have been incarcerated in the region and face widespread abuses, including forced sterilization of women and coerced labour. The Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act bans the import of all goods from the Xinjiang region unless companies offer verifiable proof that production did not involve forced labour.

US bars imports from more Chinese firms on Uyghur forced labour concerns

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