Denmark's prime minister has told Donald Trump that it is up to Greenland to decide on its future. This comes after the president-elect's remarks about seizing the island. 
Trump set off alarm bells last week when he refused to rule out military intervention to bring the Panama Canal and Greenland under US control. 
In a statement, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's office said she spoke to Trump in a 45-minute long phone call and declared that it is up to Greenland itself to decide on independence. Watch in for more details!

Greenland ready to work with US on defence: PM Egede

According to a prominent Chinese economist, China’s economy remains on course to surpass that of the United States within the next decade. Justin Lin Yifu, who served as the World Bank’s Chief Economist from 2008 to 2012, said that China could outpace the U.S. by 2030—or by 2035 at the latest—based on market exchange rates.

US vs China: Who will lead the global economy?

New U.S. sanctions imposed on January 10th have left nearly 500,000 metric tons of Russian oil products stranded on sanctioned tankers. The sanctions target over 180 vessels and insurance companies, further tightening restrictions on Russian oil exports. Watch in for more details!

500,000 tons of Russian oil trapped on sanctioned tankers

The largest U.S. Banks finished the year with impressive results, marking their second-most profitable year in history. Jpmorgan chase led the pack, becoming the first bank in U.S. History to exceed 50 billion dollars in annual profit.

Wall Street Banks Report Second-highest Profits In History | World Business Watch

The U.S. Consumer price inflation for December rose by less than expected. This positive development halted a steep decline in bond prices and rekindled hopes that the fed may lower rates sooner than expected.

US Inflation In December Comes In Cooler Than Expected | World Business Watch | WION

Outgoing US President Joe Biden delivered a farewell address to the nation, his fifth and final address from the Oval Office, just days before President-elect Donald Trump takes over.

'No President Should Be Immune From Crimes Committed In Office', Says Prez Biden In Farewell Address

Survey Finds Donald Trump's Second Term Welcomed By Rivals Than Allies

Survey Finds Donald Trump's Second Term Welcomed By Rivals Than Allies | World News | WION

Five days before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, watch live as President Joe Biden gives a goodbye speech to the country from the Oval Office. Before he leaves office at noon on January 20, the president's speeches are expected to be his final major chance to address the American people and the globe. Watch in for more details!

'An oligarchy is taking shape in the United States,' says President Joe Biden in farewell address

Marco Rubio, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be secretary of state, said Wednesday that the next US administration would seek "bold diplomacy" with the goal of ending Russia's invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;
"This war has to end, and I think it should be the official policy of the United States that we want to see it end," Rubio said at his confirmation hearing in the Senate.&nbsp;
"This is not going to be an easy endeavor," he said, "but it's going to require bold diplomacy."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-waltz-stephen-miller-marco-rubio-donald-trumps-key-picks-for-white-house-775358" rel="dofollow">Mike Waltz, Stephen Miller &amp; Marco Rubio: Donald Trump's key picks for White House</a>
"It is important for everyone to be realistic. There will have to be concessions made by the Russian Federation, but also by the Ukrainians," he said.&nbsp;
Trump has previously vowed to end the war within a day, with his aides speaking of leveraging US assistance to Ukraine to force it into territorial concessions.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-lifts-ban-on-bhabha-atomic-research-centre-indian-rare-earths-indira-gandhi-atomic-research-centre-igcar-why-is-it-important-8624889" rel="dofollow">US lifts ban on Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, two other Indian entities - Why is it important?</a>
Rubio, a one-time political opponent of Trump, is a three-term senator who has robustly supported both Ukraine and NATO, the transatlantic alliance forged in the Cold War.
Trump in his first term repeatedly described NATO as a bad deal for the United States, accusing European nations who are US economic competitors of freeloading.
Rubio distanced himself from calls to exit NATO but said: "What's important for the United States is not just to have defense allies, it's to have capable defense allies."
"I think there is a question to be asked -- I'm not stating a public policy position, I'm stating a question to be asked.
"And that is, should the role of the United States and NATO in the 21st century be the primary defense role, or as a backstop to aggression, with countries in the region assuming more of that responsibility by contributing more?"
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: "This war has to end, and I think it should be the official policy of the United States that we want to see it end," Rubio said at his confirmation hearing in the Senate. 

Marco Rubio, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be secretary of state, said Wednesday that the next US administration would seek "bold diplomacy" with the goal of ending Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "This war has to end, and I think it should be the official policy of the United States that we want to see it end," Rubio said at his confirmation hearing in the Senate. "This is not going to be an easy endeavor," he said, "but it's going to require bold diplomacy." Also read: Mike Waltz, Stephen Miller & Marco Rubio: Donald Trump's key picks for White House "It is important for everyone to be realistic. There will have to be concessions made by the Russian Federation, but also by the Ukrainians," he said. Trump has previously vowed to end the war within a day, with his aides speaking of leveraging US assistance to Ukraine to force it into territorial concessions. Also read: US lifts ban on Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, two other Indian entities - Why is it important? Rubio, a one-time political opponent of Trump, is a three-term senator who has robustly supported both Ukraine and NATO, the transatlantic alliance forged in the Cold War. Trump in his first term repeatedly described NATO as a bad deal for the United States, accusing European nations who are US economic competitors of freeloading. Rubio distanced himself from calls to exit NATO but said: "What's important for the United States is not just to have defense allies, it's to have capable defense allies." "I think there is a question to be asked -- I'm not stating a public policy position, I'm stating a question to be asked. "And that is, should the role of the United States and NATO in the 21st century be the primary defense role, or as a backstop to aggression, with countries in the region assuming more of that responsibility by contributing more?" Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Trump State Dept Marco Rubio calls for 'bold diplomacy' to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Days before Donald Trump returns to the White House with a vow of mass deportations, migrants in Mexico are increasingly nervous about whether their asylum appointments will be honored.

US: Migrants worried ahead of Donald Trump inauguration

US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday (Jan 15) that the Israel-Hamas have reached a Gaza ceasefire deal.&nbsp;
Trump took to his Truth Social, saying that the hostages will be released shortly.&nbsp;
"WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!," the US president-elect posted.&nbsp;
<figure class="image"><img alt="trump" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/880x267/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/15/mvvwaENnS2CLCCFtE4zZ.png" style="width: 880px;">
<figcaption></figcaption>
</figure>
Further, the US, Qatar and Egypt will issue a joint statement announcing the deal, a senior Arab diplomat familiar with the negotiations told The Times of Israel.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-agreement-know-whats-in-the-draft-as-israel-hamas-talks-enter-final-stage-8622034" rel="dofollow">Gaza truce: Know what's in the draft as Israel-Hamas talks enter final stage</a>
<h2>'EPIC ceasefire'</h2>
Trump in another post said that the "EPIC" ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of his victory in November.&nbsp;
"This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones," Trump said in his post.&nbsp;
"We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my Administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States!," he added.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tense-meet-between-trump-aide-netanyahu-did-more-for-gaza-deal-than-biden-ever-did-report-8624183" rel="dofollow">Tense meet between Trump aide, Netanyahu did more for Gaza deal than Biden ever did: Report</a>
<h2>Security cabinet to meet</h2>
The security cabinet will meet at 11 am (local time) on Thursday to approve the hostage-ceasefire deal, according to Hebrew media reports.&nbsp;
<h2>Hamas official confirms&nbsp;</h2>
Following Trump's announcement, Senior Hamas official Basem Naim confirmed that the Palestinian militant group has accepted deal with Israel.&nbsp;
The war began after the Hamas group attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking around 250 hostages.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-rejects-hamas-accusation-of-setting-gaza-hospital-on-fire-8573248" rel="dofollow"> IDF arrests 240 'terrorists' after targeted operation near Gaza's Kamel Adwan Hospital</a>
Following the attack, Israel retaliated with attacks on the Gaza Strip, and killed more than 64,000 people, according to a study published in The Lancet.&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;
<h2>Herzog meets Red Cross President</h2>
Israeli President Isaac Herzog is currently meeting with International Committee of the Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric to discuss preparations for a hostage deal, his official said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hospital-or-hamas-lair-who-says-israeli-raid-put-gazas-last-major-hospital-out-of-service-8571974" rel="dofollow">Hospital or Hamas lair? WHO says Israeli raid put Gaza's last major hospital 'out of service'</a>
Spoljaric informed Herzog about the ICRC's "preparedness for the transfer of the hostages and the different challenges facing them,&rdquo; according to the president&rsquo;s office.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The US, Qatar and Egypt will issue a joint statement announcing the deal, a senior Arab diplomat familiar with the negotiations told The Times of Israel. 

US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday (Jan 15) that the Israel-Hamas have reached a Gaza ceasefire deal. Trump took to his Truth Social, saying that the hostages will be released shortly. "WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!," the US president-elect posted. Further, the US, Qatar and Egypt will issue a joint statement announcing the deal, a senior Arab diplomat familiar with the negotiations told The Times of Israel. Also read: Gaza truce: Know what's in the draft as Israel-Hamas talks enter final stage 'EPIC ceasefire' Trump in another post said that the "EPIC" ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of his victory in November. "This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones," Trump said in his post. "We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my Administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States!," he added. Also read: Tense meet between Trump aide, Netanyahu did more for Gaza deal than Biden ever did: Report Security cabinet to meet The security cabinet will meet at 11 am (local time) on Thursday to approve the hostage-ceasefire deal, according to Hebrew media reports. Hamas official confirms Following Trump's announcement, Senior Hamas official Basem Naim confirmed that the Palestinian militant group has accepted deal with Israel. The war began after the Hamas group attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking around 250 hostages. Also read: IDF arrests 240 'terrorists' after targeted operation near Gaza's Kamel Adwan Hospital Following the attack, Israel retaliated with attacks on the Gaza Strip, and killed more than 64,000 people, according to a study published in The Lancet. Also read: Herzog meets Red Cross President Israeli President Isaac Herzog is currently meeting with International Committee of the Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric to discuss preparations for a hostage deal, his official said. Also read: Hospital or Hamas lair? WHO says Israeli raid put Gaza's last major hospital 'out of service' Spoljaric informed Herzog about the ICRC's "preparedness for the transfer of the hostages and the different challenges facing them,” according to the president’s office. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel, Hamas reach Gaza ceasefire deal; Trump says 'hostages to be released soon'

According to a new survey, President-elect Donald Trump's return to the world stage is being welcomed more by traditional US adversaries than by the nation's allies. Watch this report for more details!

Donald Trump's second term welcomed by rivals than allies, finds survey

Ahead of his farewell speech, outgoing US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Jan 15) said that it has been the "privilege of my life" to serve this nation for over 50 years, further reflecting on what all his administration looked after, including the Covid pandemic and January 6 attack.&nbsp;
Biden in his farewell letter published by The White House, stressed that he ran for the president because he believed the "soul of America was at stake", adding that it is still the case.&nbsp;
"America is an idea stronger than any army and larger than any ocean. It&rsquo;s the most powerful idea in the history of the world," he said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-farewell-speech-how-when-and-where-to-watch-live-streaming-details-8624491" rel="dofollow">Biden&rsquo;s farewell speech: How, when and where to watch; live streaming details</a>
Biden highlighted that when he took office, the country was in the midst of the worst pandemic in more than a century and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.&nbsp;
Biden's letter comes just hours before his farewell speech as US President-elect Donald Trump is set to take over the administration on January 20.
Four years back, on his first day in office, Biden released a National Strategy for the COVID-19 response to vaccinate the nation and stood up for the largest free vaccination program in the country&rsquo;s history, the White House stated.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tense-meet-between-trump-aide-netanyahu-did-more-for-gaza-deal-than-biden-ever-did-report-8624183" rel="dofollow">Tense meet between Trump aide, Netanyahu did more for Gaza deal than Biden ever did: Report</a>
Moreover, with his American Rescue Plan, Biden changed the US's economic trajectory through "targeted relief to meet the urgent needs of American communities, leading to the strongest jobs recovery on record and a world-leading economic performance."
<h2>'Strongest economy'</h2>
Biden in his letter, further stressed that the US has the strongest economy in the world.&nbsp;
"Today, we have the strongest economy in the world and have created a record 16.6 million new jobs. Wages are up. Inflation continues to come down," he said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-in-farewell-foreign-policy-speech-slams-president-elect-donald-trump-claims-america-stronger-on-world-stage-8619679" rel="dofollow">Joe Biden in farewell foreign policy speech slams Trump, defends Afghanistan withdrawal</a>
Emphasising on the country's economic growth, Biden said, "We&rsquo;re rebuilding our entire nation -- urban, suburban, rural, and Tribal communities."
"Manufacturing is coming back to America. We&rsquo;re leading the world again in science and innovation, including the semiconductor industry. And we finally beat Big Pharma to lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors," he added.
"More people have health insurance today in America than ever before."&nbsp;
In terms of aiding warring countries, Biden worked around the clock to build a coalition of more than 50 countries to support the people of Ukraine by providing funding.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-silences-media-during-california-wildfires-briefing-grabs-attention-by-whistling-loudly-8611643" rel="dofollow">Biden silences media during California wildfires briefing by whistling loudly</a>
Biden said, "I have given my heart and my soul to our nation. And I have been blessed a million times in return with the love and support of the American people."
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Biden in his letter published, said that he ran for the president because he believed the "soul of America was at stake", adding that it is still the case. 

Ahead of his farewell speech, outgoing US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Jan 15) said that it has been the "privilege of my life" to serve this nation for over 50 years, further reflecting on what all his administration looked after, including the Covid pandemic and January 6 attack. Biden in his farewell letter published by The White House, stressed that he ran for the president because he believed the "soul of America was at stake", adding that it is still the case. "America is an idea stronger than any army and larger than any ocean. It’s the most powerful idea in the history of the world," he said. Also read: Biden’s farewell speech: How, when and where to watch; live streaming details Biden highlighted that when he took office, the country was in the midst of the worst pandemic in more than a century and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Biden's letter comes just hours before his farewell speech as US President-elect Donald Trump is set to take over the administration on January 20. Four years back, on his first day in office, Biden released a National Strategy for the COVID-19 response to vaccinate the nation and stood up for the largest free vaccination program in the country’s history, the White House stated. Also read: Tense meet between Trump aide, Netanyahu did more for Gaza deal than Biden ever did: Report Moreover, with his American Rescue Plan, Biden changed the US's economic trajectory through "targeted relief to meet the urgent needs of American communities, leading to the strongest jobs recovery on record and a world-leading economic performance." 'Strongest economy' Biden in his letter, further stressed that the US has the strongest economy in the world. "Today, we have the strongest economy in the world and have created a record 16.6 million new jobs. Wages are up. Inflation continues to come down," he said. Also read: Joe Biden in farewell foreign policy speech slams Trump, defends Afghanistan withdrawal Emphasising on the country's economic growth, Biden said, "We’re rebuilding our entire nation -- urban, suburban, rural, and Tribal communities." "Manufacturing is coming back to America. We’re leading the world again in science and innovation, including the semiconductor industry. And we finally beat Big Pharma to lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors," he added. "More people have health insurance today in America than ever before." In terms of aiding warring countries, Biden worked around the clock to build a coalition of more than 50 countries to support the people of Ukraine by providing funding. Also read: Biden silences media during California wildfires briefing by whistling loudly Biden said, "I have given my heart and my soul to our nation. And I have been blessed a million times in return with the love and support of the American people." (With inputs from agencies)

'Privilege of my life': Biden pens letter for Americans ahead of farewell speech

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's farewell speech on Tuesday (Jan 15) was disrupted by protesters who shouted and heckled at him, calling him "Bloody Blinken".
Blinken during his speech was laying out a proposal for the effective management of the war-torn Gaza Strip post the war.
He said that Joe Biden's outgoing administration will hand over the strategical roadmap to President-elect Donald Trump&rsquo;s team to pick up if a ceasefire deal is reached.
Blinken's speech was interrupted by a protester who accused Joe Biden and his administration of &lsquo;genocide&rsquo; committed by Israel against Palestine in the ongoing war.
&ldquo;You will forever be known as bloody Blinken, secretary of genocide. The blood of innocent civilians, of children is on your hands," she can be heard shouting in the video that has been doing rounds on social media.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5xwmc88-0c13986c-7nqwmzwb">
"Secretary of genocide" US Secretary of State Antony Blinken heckled during a speech on Gaza's post-war management; protesters say 'you will forever be known as bloody Blinken' . . . .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IsraelHamasWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IsraelHamasWar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AntonyBlinken?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AntonyBlinken</a> <a href="https://t.co/zLG4OP2fCL">pic.twitter.com/zLG4OP2fCL</a>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1879460431716303236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
Then Blinken, keeping his cool, asked the protester to let her share her views, and said that he respects her opinion about the ongoing situation in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
&ldquo;So we continue,&rdquo; he said, as the protester was removed from the venue.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-expected-to-release-33-hostages-in-first-phase-of-emerging-truce-deal-with-israel-report-8620200">Also read: Hamas expected to release 33 hostages in first phase of emerging truce deal with Israel: Report&nbsp;</a>
<h2>Blinken calls for 'another path' in the region</h2>
The US Secretary of State called for &ldquo;another path" in the region that is away from war and violence.&nbsp;
&ldquo;For many months, we&rsquo;ve been working intensely with our partners to develop a detailed post-conflict plan that would allow Israel to fully withdraw from Gaza, prevent Hamas from filling back in, and provide for Gaza&rsquo;s governance, security and reconstruction," Blinken said.
<h2>Biden says Gaza ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel 'on the brink' of being finalised</h2>
Meanwhile, outgoing US President Joe Biden on Monday said that a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas was nearing completion.
Speaking at the State Department, Biden said, &ldquo;In the war between Israel and Hamas, we're on the brink of a proposal that I laid out in detail months ago finally coming to fruition.&rdquo;&nbsp;
House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan too echoed Biden's sentiment earlier in the day, suggesting a truce could be sealed within days. &ldquo;I'm not making a promise or prediction, but it is there for the taking and we are going to work to make it happen,&rdquo; Sullivan told reporters.
A Palestinian official close to Hamas also acknowledged that the current negotiations are the most &ldquo;serious and deep&rdquo; to date.
&ldquo;The current round of negotiations is the most serious and deep and has made significant progress,&rdquo; the official told AFP.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: Blinken said that Joe Biden's outgoing administration will hand over the strategical roadmap to President-elect Donald Trump’s team to pick up if a ceasefire deal is reached.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's farewell speech on Tuesday (Jan 15) was disrupted by protesters who shouted and heckled at him, calling him "Bloody Blinken". Blinken during his speech was laying out a proposal for the effective management of the war-torn Gaza Strip post the war. He said that Joe Biden's outgoing administration will hand over the strategical roadmap to President-elect Donald Trump’s team to pick up if a ceasefire deal is reached. Blinken's speech was interrupted by a protester who accused Joe Biden and his administration of ‘genocide’ committed by Israel against Palestine in the ongoing war. “You will forever be known as bloody Blinken, secretary of genocide. The blood of innocent civilians, of children is on your hands," she can be heard shouting in the video that has been doing rounds on social media. "Secretary of genocide" US Secretary of State Antony Blinken heckled during a speech on Gaza's post-war management; protesters say 'you will forever be known as bloody Blinken' . . . .#IsraelHamasWar #AntonyBlinken pic.twitter.com/zLG4OP2fCL — WION (@WIONews) January 15, 2025 Then Blinken, keeping his cool, asked the protester to let her share her views, and said that he respects her opinion about the ongoing situation in the besieged Palestinian enclave. “So we continue,” he said, as the protester was removed from the venue. Also read: Hamas expected to release 33 hostages in first phase of emerging truce deal with Israel: Report Blinken calls for 'another path' in the region The US Secretary of State called for “another path" in the region that is away from war and violence. “For many months, we’ve been working intensely with our partners to develop a detailed post-conflict plan that would allow Israel to fully withdraw from Gaza, prevent Hamas from filling back in, and provide for Gaza’s governance, security and reconstruction," Blinken said. Biden says Gaza ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel 'on the brink' of being finalised Meanwhile, outgoing US President Joe Biden on Monday said that a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas was nearing completion. Speaking at the State Department, Biden said, “In the war between Israel and Hamas, we're on the brink of a proposal that I laid out in detail months ago finally coming to fruition.” House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan too echoed Biden's sentiment earlier in the day, suggesting a truce could be sealed within days. “I'm not making a promise or prediction, but it is there for the taking and we are going to work to make it happen,” Sullivan told reporters. A Palestinian official close to Hamas also acknowledged that the current negotiations are the most “serious and deep” to date. “The current round of negotiations is the most serious and deep and has made significant progress,” the official told AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Pro-Palestine protesters disrupt Antony Blinken's farewell speech, call him 'Secretary of genocide'

Cuba will release 553 prisoners after the United States removed the country from its list of terrorism sponsors. The White House said President Joe Biden was removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism in one of his last official acts before Donald Trump is sworn in next Monday. Watch to know more!

Havana to free prisoners after removal from US terror list

President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary is facing Senators for his confirmation hearing, being grilled over allegations of misconduct. Let's listen in

US: Senate grills Pete Hegseth on military diversity, sexual assault claim

US: Trump's Pentagon Pick Pete Hegseth Grilled By Senators As Cabinet Hearings Begin | World | WION

US President-elect Donald Trump will take office next week, and even before officially assuming office, he has made his intentions for the second term very clear. Trump's takeover goals and aspirations are reverberating on the international stage, the latest being making Greenland a part of America. So, what does this mean for the NATO territory? Watch this report for more details!

US Lawmakers Greenlight Trump Bid For Greenland, Negotiations To Begin?

The talks between Israel and Hamas on the ceasefire agreement and hostages deal are in the final stages, as the Palestinian militant group has reportedly accepted a draft agreement on Tuesday for the deal.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, an Israeli official said that progress was made, however, the details were still being finalised.&nbsp;
The war began after the Hamas group attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking around 250 hostages.&nbsp;
Following the attack, Israel retaliated with attacks on the Gaza Strip, and killed more than 64,000 people, according to a study published in The Lancet.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-accepts-draft-agreement-for-gaza-ceasefire-hostage-deal-awaits-israels-approval-report-8621263" rel="dofollow">Hamas accepts draft agreement for Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal; awaits Israel's approval: Report</a>
The officials from the US, as well as Arab countries, have also been playing a key role in the ongoing negotiations.&nbsp;
<h2>What is there in the agreement?</h2>
The Gaza ceasefire agreement is a three-phase plan, based on a framework laid by US President Joe Biden in June 2024.&nbsp;
The first phase would last for six weeks and include a "full and complete ceasefire," the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, and the release of 33 Israeli hostages on October 7 by the Hamas group, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-expected-to-release-33-hostages-in-first-phase-of-emerging-truce-deal-with-israel-report-8620200" rel="dofollow">Hamas expected to release 33 hostages in first phase of emerging truce deal with Israel: Report</a>
Moreover, by the end of the first phase, all civilian captives, including living or dead, would have been released, according to the Associated Press.&nbsp;
The second phase plan would be negotiated during phase one. According to an Associated Press report, "Those details remain difficult to resolve &mdash; and the deal does not include written guarantees that the ceasefire will continue until a deal is reached. That leaves the potential for Israel to resume its military campaign after the first phase ends.&rdquo;
16 days after the agreement takes effect, negotiations will begin for the second phase.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-in-farewell-speech-says-gaza-ceasefire-deal-with-hamas-and-israel-on-the-brink-of-being-finalised-8619662" rel="dofollow">Biden says Gaza ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel 'on the brink' of being finalised</a>
In the second phase, Hamas would release the remaining living hostages, mainly males and soldiers, in exchange for more prisoners and the "complete withdrawal" of Israeli forces from Gaza.&nbsp;
Lastly, in the third phase, any final remains of hostages who have been killed would be returned to their families.&nbsp;
Moreover, Israel will not fully withdraw its troops from Gaza until all hostages have been returned to their families. The Israeli troops will stay in the border perimeter to defend Israeli border towns and villages.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-denies-receiving-ceasefire-proposal-despite-qatar-says-it-shared-final-hostage-deal-draft-8618427" rel="dofollow">'Breakthrough,' Qatar presents Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal draft to Israel, Hamas</a>
Further, as per the agreement, the unarmed residents of North Gaza would be allowed to return home. The Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza will also begin its operations for facilitating the passage of humanitarian cases.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Middle East, Trending: The Israel-Hamas Gaza ceasefire agreement is a three-phase plan based on a framework laid by US President Joe Biden in June 2024. 

The talks between Israel and Hamas on the ceasefire agreement and hostages deal are in the final stages, as the Palestinian militant group has reportedly accepted a draft agreement on Tuesday for the deal. Meanwhile, an Israeli official said that progress was made, however, the details were still being finalised. The war began after the Hamas group attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking around 250 hostages. Following the attack, Israel retaliated with attacks on the Gaza Strip, and killed more than 64,000 people, according to a study published in The Lancet. Also read: Hamas accepts draft agreement for Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal; awaits Israel's approval: Report The officials from the US, as well as Arab countries, have also been playing a key role in the ongoing negotiations. What is there in the agreement? The Gaza ceasefire agreement is a three-phase plan, based on a framework laid by US President Joe Biden in June 2024. The first phase would last for six weeks and include a "full and complete ceasefire," the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza, and the release of 33 Israeli hostages on October 7 by the Hamas group, including women, the elderly, and the wounded, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Also read: Hamas expected to release 33 hostages in first phase of emerging truce deal with Israel: Report Moreover, by the end of the first phase, all civilian captives, including living or dead, would have been released, according to the Associated Press. The second phase plan would be negotiated during phase one. According to an Associated Press report, "Those details remain difficult to resolve — and the deal does not include written guarantees that the ceasefire will continue until a deal is reached. That leaves the potential for Israel to resume its military campaign after the first phase ends.” 16 days after the agreement takes effect, negotiations will begin for the second phase. Also read: Biden says Gaza ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel 'on the brink' of being finalised In the second phase, Hamas would release the remaining living hostages, mainly males and soldiers, in exchange for more prisoners and the "complete withdrawal" of Israeli forces from Gaza. Lastly, in the third phase, any final remains of hostages who have been killed would be returned to their families. Moreover, Israel will not fully withdraw its troops from Gaza until all hostages have been returned to their families. The Israeli troops will stay in the border perimeter to defend Israeli border towns and villages. Also read: 'Breakthrough,' Qatar presents Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal draft to Israel, Hamas Further, as per the agreement, the unarmed residents of North Gaza would be allowed to return home. The Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza will also begin its operations for facilitating the passage of humanitarian cases. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza truce: Know what's in the draft as Israel-Hamas talks enter final stage

US President-elect Trump needs Greenland for national security

As TikTok faces a ban in the United States, a large number of Americans are moving to an alternative Chinese social media app, RedNote.&nbsp;
The people migrating to RedNote have been calling themselves "TikTok refugees". The app has now become the most downloaded app on Apple's US App Store.&nbsp;
The app, which means "Little Red Book", came to the top position on Apple's US App Store on Tuesday.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-officials-considering-selling-tiktok-us-to-elon-musk-to-avoid-potential-ban-report-8620575" rel="dofollow">China considers selling TikTok US to Elon Musk amid ban threat: Report</a>
The Supreme Court justices are due to rule on a law that states that TikTok will face a ban in the US unless it is sold by its Chinese parent company ByteDance by January 19.&nbsp;
TikTok has been repeatedly saying that it will not sell its US business. Its lawyers warned that a ban will violate free speech protections for the platform's 170 million users in the US.&nbsp;
RedNote opened its new users as the app saw 63,000 posts on the topic "TikTok refugee", where new users are taught how to navigate the app and how to use basic Chinese phrases.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-likely-to-uphold-tiktok-ban-amid-security-concerns-8612365" rel="dofollow">US Supreme Court likely to uphold TikTok ban amid security concerns</a>
<h2>What is RedNote?</h2>
RedNote, founded in 2013, has a Chinese name, Xiaohongshu, which translates to Little Red Book.&nbsp;
RedNote is a TikTok competitor and is widely used by young people in China, Taiwan, and other Mandarin-speaking populations.&nbsp;
The app has about 300 million monthly users and has an interface that looks like a combination of TikTok and Instagram.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-to-to-hear-tiktok-ban-case-8606305" rel="dofollow">US Supreme Court to to hear TikTok ban case</a>
As seen in TikTok, RedNote also has censorship when it comes to criticism of the Chinese government.
<h2>What will happen after TikTok ban?&nbsp;</h2>
If banned in the US, TikTok will not immediately disappear, however, it will require app stores to stop offering it, which could kill it over time.
Some of the social media users told the BBC that even if TikTok stays, they will still use RedNote.&nbsp;
"Even if TikTok does stay I will continue to use the platform I've created on RedNote," Tennessee tech worker Sydney Crawley told the BBC, adding that she got over 6,000 followers in a day of creating her RedNote account.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-urges-us-supreme-court-to-pause-tiktok-ban-ahead-of-january-inauguration-8571960" rel="dofollow">Trump urges US Supreme Court to pause TikTok ban ahead of inauguration</a>
"I will continue to try to build a following there and see what new connections, friendships, or opportunities it brings me."
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Trending: The people migrating to RedNote have been calling themselves "TikTok refugees" and the app has become the most downloaded app on Apple's US App Store. 

As TikTok faces a ban in the United States, a large number of Americans are moving to an alternative Chinese social media app, RedNote. The people migrating to RedNote have been calling themselves "TikTok refugees". The app has now become the most downloaded app on Apple's US App Store. The app, which means "Little Red Book", came to the top position on Apple's US App Store on Tuesday. Also read: China considers selling TikTok US to Elon Musk amid ban threat: Report The Supreme Court justices are due to rule on a law that states that TikTok will face a ban in the US unless it is sold by its Chinese parent company ByteDance by January 19. TikTok has been repeatedly saying that it will not sell its US business. Its lawyers warned that a ban will violate free speech protections for the platform's 170 million users in the US. RedNote opened its new users as the app saw 63,000 posts on the topic "TikTok refugee", where new users are taught how to navigate the app and how to use basic Chinese phrases. Also read: US Supreme Court likely to uphold TikTok ban amid security concerns What is RedNote? RedNote, founded in 2013, has a Chinese name, Xiaohongshu, which translates to Little Red Book. RedNote is a TikTok competitor and is widely used by young people in China, Taiwan, and other Mandarin-speaking populations. The app has about 300 million monthly users and has an interface that looks like a combination of TikTok and Instagram. Also read: US Supreme Court to to hear TikTok ban case As seen in TikTok, RedNote also has censorship when it comes to criticism of the Chinese government. What will happen after TikTok ban? If banned in the US, TikTok will not immediately disappear, however, it will require app stores to stop offering it, which could kill it over time. Some of the social media users told the BBC that even if TikTok stays, they will still use RedNote. "Even if TikTok does stay I will continue to use the platform I've created on RedNote," Tennessee tech worker Sydney Crawley told the BBC, adding that she got over 6,000 followers in a day of creating her RedNote account. Also read: Trump urges US Supreme Court to pause TikTok ban ahead of inauguration "I will continue to try to build a following there and see what new connections, friendships, or opportunities it brings me." (With inputs from agencies)

What is RedNote? Chinese social media app to which US TikTokers are migrating ahead of ban

US President Joe Biden has stressed the immediate need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of the hostages. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Negotiators ‘On Brink’ Of Deal After Midnight Breakthrough | World News | WION

According to recent poll survey, maximum people from Greenland are in full support of joining the US and major speculations are going around about whether the huge island country will eventually become a part of the US or not.

Poll Finds Majority Of Greenland Respondents Support Joining The US | World News | WION

United States President Joe Biden has delivered a soaring speech defending his administration’s foreign policy moves, just days before Donald Trump is set to take office. Watch in for more details!

Biden Delivers Final Foreign Policy Speech, Insists Us Made Friends On World Stage | WION Newspoint

US airfields in the Pacific are critically vulnerable to China’s advanced long-range aviation and missile capabilities, risking devastating losses before a potential conflict even begins.

US Pacific Airfields Highly Vulnerable To China’s Preemptive Attack | World DNA

Joe Biden said Monday that America was stronger on the global stage than it had been for decades, in a swansong foreign policy speech one week before Donald Trump's White House comeback.

USA: Biden Puts New Curbs On AI Chip Exports Aimed At China

Iran's military on Monday said it had added 1,000 "strategic drones" to its fleet amid tensions with the US and Israel. Watch this report for more details!

Iran adds 1,000 strategic drones to its fleet

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.

Trump to be sworn in as 47th US President; S. Jaishankar to represent India at Trump's inauguration

US President-elect Donald Trump, on Sunday (Jan 13), shared a parody video of his conversation with Barack Obama before former president Jimmy Carter's funeral, mocking Vice President Kamala Harris.
The parody video, which had fake audio dubbed into real one, had Obama telling Trump, "I knew you&rsquo;d win."
To this, a faux Trump replied, &ldquo;Oh really? Come on, anyone could beat her."
The clip further shows Trump bashing former presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, who ran the elections in 2016 but lost to the Republican candidate then.
&ldquo;You know what I realized. Hillary still hates me so much&rdquo; the parody video shows Trump saying as Obama cracked a smile. &ldquo;She&rsquo;ll never forgive me.&rdquo;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5vvuyky-tqyd98rs-xtxarxw7">
<a href="https://t.co/5xCdrWmQEH">pic.twitter.com/5xCdrWmQEH</a>
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1878969190335590889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Trump and Obama's chat at Carter's funeral</h2>
Obama and Trump's cordial conversation on January 9, ahead of Carter's funeral, kept the internet guessing as to what both were talking about.&nbsp;
Both of them were known to be rivals, but the conversation appeared very friendly, something Trump acknowledged later.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-obamas-lighthearted-moment-at-carters-funeral-lip-reader-reveals-what-the-duo-was-discussing-8612165">Also read: Trump and Obama's chat at Carter's funeral: Lip reader shares what they may have discussed</a>
A professional lip reader has come up with an answer to the much-asked question: What did they discuss?
According to the expert, the two were engaged in a serious conversation that was sealed in laughter and smiles, said a report in the New York Post.
<h2>What was the discussion about?</h2>
Seated shoulder to shoulder, Trump leaned in, possibly concerned about the cameras, and discreetly told Obama that they needed to find a private spot later that day to discuss a pressing matter, claimed the forensic lip reader Jeremy Freeman.
The specifics of the conversation are not yet known, but as per Freeman's analysis, they were likely talking about international agreements.
"I've pulled out of that. It's the conditions. Can you imagine that?" Trump said at one point, leaning toward Obama.&nbsp;
<h2>Trump addresses 'friendly' exchange with Obama</h2>
Trump later addressed his friendly chat with Obama, stating that he didn't realise that the conversation appeared so friendly.
&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t realise how friendly we appeared,&rdquo; Trump told a reporter from his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida after the funeral.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I said, &lsquo;Boy, they look like two people that like each other.&rsquo; And we probably do. We have a little different philosophies, right? But we probably do. I don&rsquo;t know. We just got along. But I got along with just about everybody.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending: Obama and Trump's cordial conversation on January 9, ahead of Carter's funeral, kept the internet guessing as to what both were talking about.

US President-elect Donald Trump, on Sunday (Jan 13), shared a parody video of his conversation with Barack Obama before former president Jimmy Carter's funeral, mocking Vice President Kamala Harris. The parody video, which had fake audio dubbed into real one, had Obama telling Trump, "I knew you’d win." To this, a faux Trump replied, “Oh really? Come on, anyone could beat her." The clip further shows Trump bashing former presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, who ran the elections in 2016 but lost to the Republican candidate then. “You know what I realized. Hillary still hates me so much” the parody video shows Trump saying as Obama cracked a smile. “She’ll never forgive me.” pic.twitter.com/5xCdrWmQEH — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2025 Trump and Obama's chat at Carter's funeral Obama and Trump's cordial conversation on January 9, ahead of Carter's funeral, kept the internet guessing as to what both were talking about. Both of them were known to be rivals, but the conversation appeared very friendly, something Trump acknowledged later. Also read: Trump and Obama's chat at Carter's funeral: Lip reader shares what they may have discussed A professional lip reader has come up with an answer to the much-asked question: What did they discuss? According to the expert, the two were engaged in a serious conversation that was sealed in laughter and smiles, said a report in the New York Post. What was the discussion about? Seated shoulder to shoulder, Trump leaned in, possibly concerned about the cameras, and discreetly told Obama that they needed to find a private spot later that day to discuss a pressing matter, claimed the forensic lip reader Jeremy Freeman. The specifics of the conversation are not yet known, but as per Freeman's analysis, they were likely talking about international agreements. "I've pulled out of that. It's the conditions. Can you imagine that?" Trump said at one point, leaning toward Obama. Trump addresses 'friendly' exchange with Obama Trump later addressed his friendly chat with Obama, stating that he didn't realise that the conversation appeared so friendly. “I didn’t realise how friendly we appeared,” Trump told a reporter from his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida after the funeral. “I said, ‘Boy, they look like two people that like each other.’ And we probably do. We have a little different philosophies, right? But we probably do. I don’t know. We just got along. But I got along with just about everybody.” (With inputs from agencies)

Trump mocks Harris with parody video of his conversation with Obama at Carter's funeral; 'I knew you'd win'

US President Donald Trump has hired a former Special Air Service soldier, Christian Craighead, as one of his elite personal bodyguards. Craighead will be part of the security team for Trump's inauguration in Washington on January 20th. Watch in for more details!
.

Craighead Hired As Donald Trump's Bodyguard

All is not well in the Trump camp. The US president-elect's former chief strategist, Steven K. Bannon, has intensified his public attack against Elon Musk over his influence on the incoming administration.

Bannon vows to limit Musk's influence in shaping Trump's agenda

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