Residential property accounts for two third of losses in Japan quake. People in Japan remain stranded amid freezing temperatures. Watch the video to know more!

Japan Earthquake: Losses to touch $6.4 billion, death toll climbs to 98

A united nations report is predicting a marked slowdown in growth for 2024. After a surprisingly strong 2023, the international outlook is shifting, with headwinds from rising debt, slowing trade, and geopolitical tensions posing significant challenges.

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The jihadist terrorist group Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the twin blasts in Iran near the grave of a slain senior Iranian commander during his death anniversary.

Iraq meanwhile blamed the US-led anti-jihadist coalition for a drone strike that killed a commander.

&nbsp;In other news, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak indicated on Thursday (Jan 4) that the nation will likely go to the polls in the last six months of 2024.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-twin-blasts-islamic-state-jihadist-group-claims-responsibility-for-bombings-676650">Iran blasts: Islamic State jihadist group claims responsibility for bombings</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/04/403684-twin-iran-blasts.png?imwidth=1920" />

The Islamic State jihadist group on Thursday claimed responsibility for twin bombings that killed 84 people&nbsp;in Iran.&nbsp;In a statement on Telegram, the group said two of its members "activated their explosives vests" at a gathering near the grave&nbsp;in the southern city of Kerman of slain Revolutionary Guards general Qasem Soleimani.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-accuses-us-led-coalition-of-baghdad-strike-calls-it-blatant-aggression-676570">Iraq accuses US-led coalition of Baghdad strike, calls it 'blatant aggression'</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/04/403630-succession-2024-01-04t174719341.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

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.&nbsp;"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.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-indicates-britain-will-likely-go-to-polls-in-last-six-months-of-2024-676621">Britain likely go to polls in last six months of 2024, Rishi Sunak indicates</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/19/352760-rishi-sunak-2.png?imwidth=3840" />

Rishi Sunak's announcement came amid mounting speculations about the date of the general election.&nbsp;The prime minister has ruled out a spring election. He has until the end of January 2025 to call a much-anticipated general election. He said that his "working assumption" was it would take place in the second half of the year.&nbsp;During his visit to Mansfield, central England, Sunal said: "My working assumption is we'll have a general election in the second half of this year."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-earthquake-sent-ripple-effect-across-world-got-recorded-within-minutes-676564">Japan earthquake sent ripple effect across world, got recorded in minutes</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/04/403633-untitled-design-2024-01-04t175126134.png?imwidth=640" />

Japan's massive earthquake which shook the country on Monday at 4:10 pm local time and had a magnitude of 7.5 was immediately registered on the seismometers present in the near vicinity. It was also recorded within minutes across the world, which included North Carolina, as per a media report.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/businesses-tied-to-donald-trump-got-78-million-in-foreign-payments-when-he-was-us-president-report-676640">Businesses tied to Donald Trump got $7.8 million in foreign payments when he was US president: Report</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/04/403679-untitled-design-2024-01-04t220114223.png?imwidth=3840" />

Businesses tied to former United States president Donald Trump got at least $7.8 million in foreign payments from 20 countries when he was serving as president, the news agency Reuters reported on Thursday (Jan 4) Democratic congressional investigators.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-vs-ind-cape-town-test-scripts-world-record-after-indias-inspiring-win-676574">SA vs Ind: Cape Town Test scripts WORLD RECORD after India's inspiring win</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/04/403639-mixcollage-04-jan-2024-06-05-pm-7397.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

On Thursday (Jan 4), India ended the second and final Test versus South Africa, at Newlands, Cape Town, with an impressive seven-wicket win. This marked their first-ever Test win&nbsp;at the venue as Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. ended the two-match series at 1-1. Thus, India ended with a drawn Test series&nbsp;in South Africa for only the second time -- after 2010/11 tour.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/britney-spears-says-she-would-never-return-to-music-industry-676626">Britney Spears says she would 'never return to music industry'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/09/22/297975-framing-britney-spears.PNG?imwidth=640" />

Britney Spears has no plans to return to music. After the 13-year-old conservatorship ended, the one thing that Spears' millions of fans had been waiting for was when she would release her new music.&nbsp;Rumours were rife that the singer is currently working on her next album, but quashing all of them, the singer has confirmed that she will never return to the music industry.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-active-shooter-situation-in-perry-high-school-in-iowa-676625">US: Active shooter situation in Perry High School in Iowa</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/04/403671-perry-high-school-iowa.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Police in the United States have confirmed that an Iowa school is currently in the midst of an active shooter situation. The incident is unfolding on the very first day at the Perry High School after winter break.&nbsp;As per reports in the US media, first reports of the shooting were received around 7:40 am local time. NBC News has reported that most of the students have been evacuated but more details are awaited.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-source-says-local-chief-among-four-killed-in-south-lebanon-676604">Hezbollah source says local chief among four killed in south Lebanon</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/04/403648-israel-soldiers.png?imwidth=3840" />

Hezbollah said on Thursday (Jan 5) that a local leader was among four fighters&nbsp;killed overnight in southern Lebanon, in&nbsp;Israeli strikes on the border town of Naqura.&nbsp;The news agency AFP reported that a source close to the militant group said that the deaths included a local Hezbollah leader.&nbsp;This comes after a strike on Beirut this week&nbsp;killed a senior Hamas leader, which further raised tensions in the West Asia region due to the war in the Gaza Strip.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-opposition-leader-lee-jae-myung-recovering-well-after-he-was-stabbed-676535">South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung recovering well after being stabbed</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/04/403613-untitled-design-2024-01-04t162705341.png?imwidth=3840" />

South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who was stabbed in the neck earlier this week, is recovering well but needs close monitoring to avoid complications, a doctor from the Seoul National University Hospital said on Thursday (Jan 4), as reported by news agency&nbsp;AFP. Addressing a press conference, Dr Min Seung-kee said that Lee, 59, suffered a 1.4-centimetre pierced wound that cut through his muscle. &nbsp;

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The jihadist terrorist group Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the twin blasts in Iran near the grave of a slain senior Iranian commander during his death anniversary.

The jihadist terrorist group Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the twin blasts in Iran near the grave of a slain senior Iranian commander during his death anniversary. Iraq meanwhile blamed the US-led anti-jihadist coalition for a drone strike that killed a commander. In other news, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak indicated on Thursday (Jan 4) that the nation will likely go to the polls in the last six months of 2024. Click on the headlines to read more. Iran blasts: Islamic State jihadist group claims responsibility for bombings The Islamic State jihadist group on Thursday claimed responsibility for twin bombings that killed 84 people in Iran. In a statement on Telegram, the group said two of its members "activated their explosives vests" at a gathering near the grave in the southern city of Kerman of slain Revolutionary Guards general Qasem Soleimani. Iraq accuses US-led coalition of Baghdad strike, calls it 'blatant aggression' 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. Britain likely go to polls in last six months of 2024, Rishi Sunak indicates Rishi Sunak's announcement came amid mounting speculations about the date of the general election. The prime minister has ruled out a spring election. He has until the end of January 2025 to call a much-anticipated general election. He said that his "working assumption" was it would take place in the second half of the year. During his visit to Mansfield, central England, Sunal said: "My working assumption is we'll have a general election in the second half of this year." Japan earthquake sent ripple effect across world, got recorded in minutes Japan's massive earthquake which shook the country on Monday at 4:10 pm local time and had a magnitude of 7.5 was immediately registered on the seismometers present in the near vicinity. It was also recorded within minutes across the world, which included North Carolina, as per a media report. Businesses tied to Donald Trump got $7.8 million in foreign payments when he was US president: Report Businesses tied to former United States president Donald Trump got at least $7.8 million in foreign payments from 20 countries when he was serving as president, the news agency Reuters reported on Thursday (Jan 4) Democratic congressional investigators. SA vs Ind: Cape Town Test scripts WORLD RECORD after India's inspiring win On Thursday (Jan 4), India ended the second and final Test versus South Africa, at Newlands, Cape Town, with an impressive seven-wicket win. This marked their first-ever Test win at the venue as Rohit Sharma & Co. ended the two-match series at 1-1. Thus, India ended with a drawn Test series in South Africa for only the second time -- after 2010/11 tour. Britney Spears says she would 'never return to music industry' Britney Spears has no plans to return to music. After the 13-year-old conservatorship ended, the one thing that Spears' millions of fans had been waiting for was when she would release her new music. Rumours were rife that the singer is currently working on her next album, but quashing all of them, the singer has confirmed that she will never return to the music industry. US: Active shooter situation in Perry High School in Iowa Police in the United States have confirmed that an Iowa school is currently in the midst of an active shooter situation. The incident is unfolding on the very first day at the Perry High School after winter break. As per reports in the US media, first reports of the shooting were received around 7:40 am local time. NBC News has reported that most of the students have been evacuated but more details are awaited. Hezbollah source says local chief among four killed in south Lebanon Hezbollah said on Thursday (Jan 5) that a local leader was among four fighters killed overnight in southern Lebanon, in Israeli strikes on the border town of Naqura. The news agency AFP reported that a source close to the militant group said that the deaths included a local Hezbollah leader. This comes after a strike on Beirut this week killed a senior Hamas leader, which further raised tensions in the West Asia region due to the war in the Gaza Strip. South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung recovering well after being stabbed South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who was stabbed in the neck earlier this week, is recovering well but needs close monitoring to avoid complications, a doctor from the Seoul National University Hospital said on Thursday (Jan 4), as reported by news agency AFP. Addressing a press conference, Dr Min Seung-kee said that Lee, 59, suffered a 1.4-centimetre pierced wound that cut through his muscle.

Top 10 news: Islamic State jihadist group claims Iran bombings, multiple injured in US school shooting, & more

Japan's massive earthquake which shook the country on Monday at 4:10 pm local time and had a magnitude of 7.5 was immediately registered on the seismometers present in the near vicinity. It was also recorded within minutes across the world, which included North Carolina, as per a media report. 
 
Earthquakes take place with an instant release of strain energy at the hypocentre below the surface of the Earth and are first felt at the epicenter which is directly above them. The quake that occurred on Monday was more than 6 miles beneath the Sea of Japan and close to the town of Suzu on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-earthquake-death-toll-rises-to-eight-as-country-lifts-all-tsunami-warnings-675703">Japan earthquake death toll rises to 48, as 120 people wait to get rescued</a>

The energy released during an earthquake travels outward in all directions in the form of waves – similar to ripples in a pond, along the surface of the Earth and through its core.

<h2 lang="en-US">Waves travelled throughout the world at different motions</h2>

Primary (P) waves are said to travel faster&nbsp;and reach the seismometers first while the rocks are compressed horizontally. Shear (S) waves are the next ones to reach which deliver destructive up and down motion. 
 
Seismometers are able to record both horizontal and vertical motion, however, the charts which are prepared include mostly destructive vertical components. 
 
According to a sampling of seismometers which has been collected by the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS), the earthquake was registered on a seismograph located in northern Alaska nearly nine minutes after it struck Japan. 
 
After 12 minutes, the first seismic wave reached Casper, Wyoming and the waves then reached Pittsboro 14 minutes later at 2:24 a.m. EST.

Watch:&nbsp;Japan Earthquake: Search for survivors enters Day 4; death toll rises to 78

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-earthquake-search-for-survivors-enters-day-4-death-toll-rises-to-78-676471/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, similar to waves which move outward after a pebble is tossed in a pond, seismic waves remain the strongest near the source. The speed of ripples, after getting recorded in Japan, reduced by a factor of several thousand times, after it reached&nbsp;North Carolina. 
 
After the first shock from the earthquake, the motion continues along the surface as well as through the core of the Earth. The seismometer in Pittsboro, as well as in other places across the world, continued recording this motion for many hours after the initial shock was felt.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Japan's massive earthquake which shook the country on Monday at 4:10 pm local time and had a magnitude of 7.5 was immediately registered on the seismometers present in the near vicinity.

Japan's massive earthquake which shook the country on Monday at 4:10 pm local time and had a magnitude of 7.5 was immediately registered on the seismometers present in the near vicinity. It was also recorded within minutes across the world, which included North Carolina, as per a media report. Earthquakes take place with an instant release of strain energy at the hypocentre below the surface of the Earth and are first felt at the epicenter which is directly above them. The quake that occurred on Monday was more than 6 miles beneath the Sea of Japan and close to the town of Suzu on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture. Also read: Japan earthquake death toll rises to 48, as 120 people wait to get rescued The energy released during an earthquake travels outward in all directions in the form of waves – similar to ripples in a pond, along the surface of the Earth and through its core. Waves travelled throughout the world at different motions Primary (P) waves are said to travel faster and reach the seismometers first while the rocks are compressed horizontally. Shear (S) waves are the next ones to reach which deliver destructive up and down motion. Seismometers are able to record both horizontal and vertical motion, however, the charts which are prepared include mostly destructive vertical components. According to a sampling of seismometers which has been collected by the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS), the earthquake was registered on a seismograph located in northern Alaska nearly nine minutes after it struck Japan. After 12 minutes, the first seismic wave reached Casper, Wyoming and the waves then reached Pittsboro 14 minutes later at 2:24 a.m. EST. Watch: Japan Earthquake: Search for survivors enters Day 4; death toll rises to 78 However, similar to waves which move outward after a pebble is tossed in a pond, seismic waves remain the strongest near the source. The speed of ripples, after getting recorded in Japan, reduced by a factor of several thousand times, after it reached North Carolina. After the first shock from the earthquake, the motion continues along the surface as well as through the core of the Earth. The seismometer in Pittsboro, as well as in other places across the world, continued recording this motion for many hours after the initial shock was felt. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan earthquake was registered in several other countries within minutes, even Alaska

China experienced an extraordinary surge in travel during the three-day new year holiday, with domestic tourist trips soaring by 155% compared to last year. The tourism revenue hit an impressive 79.73 billion Yuan, reflecting a nation on the move.

China's New Year travel spree surges 155% | Air passenger trips skyrocket

Massive earthquake jolts Japan; the country was hit by 155 aftershocks since Monday. Residents flee some coastal areas. Over 1,00,000 residents ordered to evacuate. Watch the video to know more!

Japan Earthquake: Many still feared trapped under rubble | Authorities warn of strong tremors

According to reports, an Israeli drone strike hit Beirut's southern suburb. The explosion shook Beirut's southern suburb of Musharafieh. UN urges 'maximum restraint' as Beirut blast kills Hamas leader.

Israel-Hamas War: At least 7 people killed in suspected Israeli strike in Beirut

Big news from the world of energy as Exxon Mobil, the U.S. Energy giant, officially says goodbye to its role in the West Qurna 1 oilfield in southern Iraq.

ExxonMobil handsover West Qurna 1 oil field to PetroChina

Pakistan's inflation surged for the second consecutive month in December. Price growth was fueled by a weak currency and the international monetary fund-backed increase in energy cost. That stands in stark contrast to an easing in inflation globally.

Pakistan's inflation rises for the second straight month

The Pakistan election body rejected former Prime Minister Imran Khan's nomination to run in the 2024 parliamentary elections. Khan's Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has accused authorities of stopping its candidates from participating in the February elections. Pakistan's rights body has said there is little chance of fair polls.

Will Nawaz Sharif be able to wrest back support base from Imran Khan?

Japan Earthquake: Death toll climbs to 48, no damage to nuclear reactors

A group of scientists from China revealed to the world the intricate design of a new type of electronic warfare weapon, even as the world continues to witness increasing death tolls in the two ongoing wars. 
 
According to scientists, the weapon is capable of launching multiple focused beams of electromagnetic waves from one antenna, while simultaneously targeting different objects in the sky, sea or on land for disrupting their operations.

<h2 lang="en-US">Weapon's hazardous potential</h2>

The weapon's hazardous potential was revealed after laboratory tests were conducted on its miniaturised version in which its ability to operate at high power and emitting electromagnetic waves across a broad frequency range was revealed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-removes-nine-army-officials-from-parliament-in-a-reshuffle-675032">China expels nine army officials from parliament in a sweeping reshuffle</a>

Even if anti-jamming techniques – similar to frequency hopping – are employed by enemy radar or communication devices, they will still fail in evading suppression by the Chinese weapon. 
 
The research team, headed by Professor Jiang Weixiang of Southeast University in Nanjing, published the weapon's manufacturing methods, key algorithms and design concepts in a peer-reviewed paper which was published in the Journal of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China's November issue. 
 
In the published paper, the scientists said that future warfare is set to undergo major changes, primarily characterised by “increasingly fierce competition between opposing sides in the electromagnetic spectrum battlefield”.

Watch: A full-blown war in South China Sea in 2024? | Taiwan enters a 12-day crucial period

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-full-blown-war-in-south-china-sea-in-2024-taiwan-enters-a-12-day-crucial-period-675691/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In this kind of weapon warfare, some less advanced countries are likely to lose control of the electromagnetic spectrum even before these nations lose territorial ground. 
 
“Losing control of the electromagnetic spectrum will inevitably lead to the loss of air and sea control,” wrote Jiang and his colleagues, in the paper. 
 
“To adapt to high-intensity confrontational environments, electronic countermeasure systems must possess multifunctional, multi-target countermeasure and broadband capabilities,” they added. 
 
At present, most electronic warfare equipment in use is aimed at continuous suppression and high power against targets in more or less the same direction. The most notable examples are electronic warfare pods which were deployed on US F-15 and F-16 or Russian MiG-27 and MiG-29 fighter jets.

(With inputs from agencies)

A group of scientists from China revealed to the world the intricate design of a new type of electronic warfare weapon, even as the world continues to witness increasing death tolls in the two ongoing wars.

A group of scientists from China revealed to the world the intricate design of a new type of electronic warfare weapon, even as the world continues to witness increasing death tolls in the two ongoing wars. According to scientists, the weapon is capable of launching multiple focused beams of electromagnetic waves from one antenna, while simultaneously targeting different objects in the sky, sea or on land for disrupting their operations. Weapon's hazardous potential The weapon's hazardous potential was revealed after laboratory tests were conducted on its miniaturised version in which its ability to operate at high power and emitting electromagnetic waves across a broad frequency range was revealed. Also read: China expels nine army officials from parliament in a sweeping reshuffle Even if anti-jamming techniques – similar to frequency hopping – are employed by enemy radar or communication devices, they will still fail in evading suppression by the Chinese weapon. The research team, headed by Professor Jiang Weixiang of Southeast University in Nanjing, published the weapon's manufacturing methods, key algorithms and design concepts in a peer-reviewed paper which was published in the Journal of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China's November issue. In the published paper, the scientists said that future warfare is set to undergo major changes, primarily characterised by “increasingly fierce competition between opposing sides in the electromagnetic spectrum battlefield”. Watch: A full-blown war in South China Sea in 2024? | Taiwan enters a 12-day crucial period In this kind of weapon warfare, some less advanced countries are likely to lose control of the electromagnetic spectrum even before these nations lose territorial ground. “Losing control of the electromagnetic spectrum will inevitably lead to the loss of air and sea control,” wrote Jiang and his colleagues, in the paper. “To adapt to high-intensity confrontational environments, electronic countermeasure systems must possess multifunctional, multi-target countermeasure and broadband capabilities,” they added. At present, most electronic warfare equipment in use is aimed at continuous suppression and high power against targets in more or less the same direction. The most notable examples are electronic warfare pods which were deployed on US F-15 and F-16 or Russian MiG-27 and MiG-29 fighter jets. (With inputs from agencies)

China reveals new-generation electronic warfare weapon. Here's how it threatens the world

Japan: Magnitude 7.5 earthquake shatters New Year calm | Death toll climbs to 48

Pakistan Elections 2024: Election panel faces flak ahead of polls

Japan Earthquake: No damage to nuclear plants | Death toll rises to 30

Japan on high alert after Tsunami warnings | Death toll rises to 20 | Japan Earthquake

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday (Dec 31) during his address to the nation marking the new year said that "the motherland will surely be reunified". "Compatriots on both sides of the (Taiwan) Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose to share in the glory of national rejuvenation," he said. Previously, Xi has said that China would never rule out the move to exert force in order to bring Taiwan under its control.

In other news,&nbsp;President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;said Russia would "never back down" as he addressed Russian citizens with his traditional New Year's speech from Kremlin.

Click here to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-we-will-never-back-down-in-new-years-eve-address-675304">Putin says 'we will never back down' in New Year's Eve address</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/07/397825-vladimir-putin-2.png?imwidth=3840" />

President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;said Russia would "never back down" as he addressed Russian citizens with his traditional New Year's speech from Kremlin. Residents of Kamchatka and Chukotka,&nbsp;where the New Year arrives early as the time difference with Moscow is plus 9 hours were the first to see Putin make the address.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-will-surely-be-reunified-says-president-xi-jinping-in-new-years-speech-675342">China 'will surely be reunified', says President Xi Jinping in New Year's speech</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/31/402824-succession-2023-12-31t215542394.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday (Dec 31) said that China would "surely be reunified" during his address to the nation marking the new year, as per state media reports. "All Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," state news agency Xinhua said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-launches-missiles-and-drone-strikes-on-kharkiv-after-belgorod-terrorist-attack-675323">Russia launches missiles and drone strikes on Kharkiv after Belgorod attack</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/31/402809-russia-ukraine-war-2.png?imwidth=3840" />

Russia on Sunday (Dec 31) claimed that it attacked military facilities in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv overnight, including a hotel housing military commanders and "foreign mercenaries", calling it retaliation for Ukraine's strikes on Belgorod the previous day.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maersk-says-suspending-vessels-passage-through-red-sea-strait-for-48-hours-675268">Maersk suspends vessels' passage through Red Sea strait for 48 hours</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/31/402787-succession-2023-12-31t154000079.jpg?imwidth=640" />

Maersk, one of the world's largest shipping companies, on Sunday (Dec 31) said that it was suspending the passage of its vessels through a significant Red Sea strait for 48 hours after Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked one of its merchant ships.&nbsp;The Maersk Hangzhou container ship, which was heading towards Port Suez in Egypt from Singapore, reported being hit by a missile while transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-us-destroyer-receives-distress-call-shoots-down-two-anti-ship-missiles-675140">LIVE: Netanyahu slams South Africa amid ICJ case for alleged 'genocidal' acts</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/31/402799-untitled-design-2023-12-31t170920593.png?imwidth=3840" />

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed South Africa for launching a case against the former's alleged "genocidal" acts in Gaza at the International Case of Justice (ICJ). Netanyahu claimed that Israel displayed "morality" in the war, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

"We will continue our defensive war, the justice and morality of which is without peer," Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentina-to-retire-lionel-messis-famous-number-10-jersey-post-his-retirement-official-675312">Argentina to retire Lionel Messi’s famous Number 10 jersey post his retirement</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/31/402806-untitled-design-2023-12-31t183907846.png?imwidth=3840" />

Years after attempting to pay homage to the late Diego Maradona by trying to retire his famous number 10 jersey, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has again raised its voice to do so for the modern-day great and World Cup winner Lionel Messi. Much like the legendary Maradona - still regarded as the greatest of his time, Messi – perhaps the most decorated footballer in history, also wears the same number jersey.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-school-college-mourn-death-of-indian-origin-student-arianna-in-murder-suicide-case-675217">US: Teachers mourn death of Indian-origin teen, who was 'brilliant student, amazing singer'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/31/402751-arianna-kamal-teena-kama-rakesh-kamal-658f3753232cf.jpg?imwidth=640" />

Vermont's Middlebury College was mourning the death of one of its students on Friday (Dec 29) as it released a grieving statement about “brilliant” Arianna Kamal. The 18-year-old student on Thursday (Dec 28) was found dead inside her house in a rich enclave outside Boston – one of the wealthiest in Massachusetts – along with her Indian-origin parents; Rakesh Kamal, 57; his wife, Teena.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-first-srinagars-ghanta-ghar-welcomes-2024-with-new-year-eve-celebrations-675345">In a first, Srinagar's Ghanta Ghar welcomes 2024 with New Year eve celebrations</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/31/402825-untitled-design-2023-12-31t220107193.png?imwidth=3840" />

For the first time in the history of Jammu&nbsp;and Kashmir, New Year celebrations were held in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk area. The Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir had organised a musical event at Srinagar’s Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower area). Hundreds of people gathered at the clock tower to participate in the New Year celebrations.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-indian-government-declares-tehreek-e-hurriyat-unlawful-association-under-uapa-675332">Jammu and Kashmir: Indian government declares Tehreek-e-Hurriyat 'unlawful association' under UAPA</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/26/347884-clipboard-3-1176783-1672488028.jpg?imwidth=640" />

The Indian government on Sunday (Dec 31) said that Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH) Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) has been declared as an 'Unlawful Association' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967 for the next five years.&nbsp;The ban has been implemented for "fomenting terrorism and anti-India propaganda" in the union territory.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/felix-tshisekedi-dr-congos-leader-for-another-five-years-675340">Felix&nbsp;Tshisekedi: DR Congo's leader for another five years</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/31/402823-felix-tshisekedi.png?imwidth=3840" />

DR Congo's President&nbsp;Felix&nbsp;Tshisekedi has won a second term in office after elections described as chaotic, and is now set to cement his authority in the impoverished central African nation.&nbsp;In pugnacious rallies ahead of the December 20 vote, the 60-year-old, sporting white shirts and baseball caps, urged voters to let him "consolidate his gains," claiming progress on development and security.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday (Dec 31) during his address to the nation marking the new year said that "the motherland will surely be reunified". "Compatriots on both sides of the (Taiwan) Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose to share in the glory of national rejuvenation," he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday (Dec 31) during his address to the nation marking the new year said that "the motherland will surely be reunified". "Compatriots on both sides of the (Taiwan) Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose to share in the glory of national rejuvenation," he said. Previously, Xi has said that China would never rule out the move to exert force in order to bring Taiwan under its control. In other news, President Vladimir Putin said Russia would "never back down" as he addressed Russian citizens with his traditional New Year's speech from Kremlin. Click here to read more: Putin says 'we will never back down' in New Year's Eve address President Vladimir Putin said Russia would "never back down" as he addressed Russian citizens with his traditional New Year's speech from Kremlin. Residents of Kamchatka and Chukotka, where the New Year arrives early as the time difference with Moscow is plus 9 hours were the first to see Putin make the address. China 'will surely be reunified', says President Xi Jinping in New Year's speech Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday (Dec 31) said that China would "surely be reunified" during his address to the nation marking the new year, as per state media reports. "All Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," state news agency Xinhua said. Russia launches missiles and drone strikes on Kharkiv after Belgorod attack Russia on Sunday (Dec 31) claimed that it attacked military facilities in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv overnight, including a hotel housing military commanders and "foreign mercenaries", calling it retaliation for Ukraine's strikes on Belgorod the previous day. Maersk suspends vessels' passage through Red Sea strait for 48 hours Maersk, one of the world's largest shipping companies, on Sunday (Dec 31) said that it was suspending the passage of its vessels through a significant Red Sea strait for 48 hours after Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked one of its merchant ships. The Maersk Hangzhou container ship, which was heading towards Port Suez in Egypt from Singapore, reported being hit by a missile while transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait. LIVE: Netanyahu slams South Africa amid ICJ case for alleged 'genocidal' acts Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed South Africa for launching a case against the former's alleged "genocidal" acts in Gaza at the International Case of Justice (ICJ). Netanyahu claimed that Israel displayed "morality" in the war, news agency AFP reported. "We will continue our defensive war, the justice and morality of which is without peer," Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv. Argentina to retire Lionel Messi’s famous Number 10 jersey post his retirement Years after attempting to pay homage to the late Diego Maradona by trying to retire his famous number 10 jersey, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has again raised its voice to do so for the modern-day great and World Cup winner Lionel Messi. Much like the legendary Maradona - still regarded as the greatest of his time, Messi – perhaps the most decorated footballer in history, also wears the same number jersey. US: Teachers mourn death of Indian-origin teen, who was 'brilliant student, amazing singer' Vermont's Middlebury College was mourning the death of one of its students on Friday (Dec 29) as it released a grieving statement about “brilliant” Arianna Kamal. The 18-year-old student on Thursday (Dec 28) was found dead inside her house in a rich enclave outside Boston – one of the wealthiest in Massachusetts – along with her Indian-origin parents; Rakesh Kamal, 57; his wife, Teena. In a first, Srinagar's Ghanta Ghar welcomes 2024 with New Year eve celebrations For the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, New Year celebrations were held in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk area. The Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir had organised a musical event at Srinagar’s Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower area). Hundreds of people gathered at the clock tower to participate in the New Year celebrations. Jammu and Kashmir: Indian government declares Tehreek-e-Hurriyat 'unlawful association' under UAPA The Indian government on Sunday (Dec 31) said that Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH) Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has been declared as an 'Unlawful Association' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967 for the next five years. The ban has been implemented for "fomenting terrorism and anti-India propaganda" in the union territory. Felix Tshisekedi: DR Congo's leader for another five years DR Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi has won a second term in office after elections described as chaotic, and is now set to cement his authority in the impoverished central African nation. In pugnacious rallies ahead of the December 20 vote, the 60-year-old, sporting white shirts and baseball caps, urged voters to let him "consolidate his gains," claiming progress on development and security.

Top 10 news: Russia launches drone strikes on Kharkiv, Xi hails China's economy in New Year speech, & more

There is no end in sight to China's economic troubles. For the third consecutive month, China's manufacturing activity contracted. This indicates the ongoing pressure from weak domestic and international demand on the economy.

China's factory activity shrinks for third straight month

A look at WION's monthly global economic health check & how Global markets performed in December. Oil fell 7% with Brent crude hovering around $77 per barrel even as Red Sea tensions escalate. Watch the video to know more!

Global economic analysis for market moves in December

Navigating the modern business landscape is an ever-shifting challenge, with trends evolving rapidly, consumer preferences in constant flux, and fortunes hanging in the balance. As business dive head-first to stay ahead of the curve in 2024, here are some trends that promise to shape the business terrain.

Can corporate giants compete with tech-first upstarts?

India: Shimla's 'White New ' year fails to draw tourists. Shimla's occupancy during New Year plunges to 50-60%. Watch the video to know more!

India: Shimla's New Year tourism occupancy plunges

A massive earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 hit central Japan on Monday, triggering a tsunami warning and advisories for residents to evacuate. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued tsunami warnings for the coastal prefectures of Ishikawa, Niigata and Toyama.

Massive earthquake jolts Japan, Tsunami warning issued

Forest fires destroyed nearly 400 million hectares worldwide, making 2023 the deadliest year for wildfires. Canada suffered the largest fires in its history in 2023.

Over 259 killed in forest fires worldwide | Devastating forest fires of year 2023

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