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In a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie, SpaceX on Sunday (Oct 13) scripted history by catching the nearly 20-storey tall booster of its Starship rocket, minutes after launching it from the same platform.

Using the chopstick or what SpaceX CEO Elon Musk refers to as 'Mechazilla', the&nbsp;rocket’s “Super Heavy” booster returned to land on the arms of the company’s launch tower, in a dramatic catch for the first time.

The significance of the achievement is gargantuan, as it paves the way for humanity to possibly settle on Mars. Rapid reusability of rockets and boosters is essential if humans are to become&nbsp;interstellar species, according to Musk.

Currently, boosters land on their legs or on drone ships but catching them mid-air on the launch platform can dramatically cut down the time and resources needed for refurbishment and send the rockets instantly back in the air.&nbsp;

NASA is also keenly awaiting a modified version of Starship to act as a lander vehicle for crewed flights to the Moon under the Artemis programme later this decade.

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Mechazilla has caught the Super Heavy booster! <a href="https://t.co/6R5YatSVJX">pic.twitter.com/6R5YatSVJX</a>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1845442658397049011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2 aria-hidden="true">The launch</h2>

The launch window opened at 7:00 am (1200 GMT) from the company's Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. The successful liftoff took place at 7:25 am with the&nbsp;Raptor engines working perfectly to send the second-stage Starship rocket on a path in space, bound for the Indian Ocean west of Australia, where it will attempt to land on a podium in water.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Super Heavy booster, after separating from the Starship around 74 kilometres in the air, returned to the launching&nbsp;pad, where the two giant robotic arms managed to catch it.&nbsp;

<h2 aria-hidden="true">Netizens in awe</h2>

The launch and the subsequent catch&nbsp;left the netizens shocked, who marvelled at&nbsp;arguably one of the greatest engineering feats of modern humanity.&nbsp;

"HOLY S***BALLS THEY CAUGHT IT!" wrote astronomer&nbsp;Scott Manley.&nbsp;

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HOLY SHITBALLS THEY CAUGHT IT! <a href="https://t.co/MBkH0UCmXA">pic.twitter.com/MBkH0UCmXA</a>
— Scott Manley (@DJSnM) <a href="https://twitter.com/DJSnM/status/1845442487068000524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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A user wrote, "We are making history right now ladies and gentlemen", while another added: "Incredible engineering.&nbsp;This completely changes the game."

A third added: "That was without a doubt the coolest thing I’ve ever seen."

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BREAKING: SpaceX just successfully caught its Super Heavy rocket booster in mid-air on its first try! This is the first time anyone has accomplished such a feat, marking one of the most significant engineering achievements in human history. 
 
Congrats <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> team! 🚀 <a href="https://t.co/Ho7DIUap23">pic.twitter.com/Ho7DIUap23</a>
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) <a href="https://twitter.com/SawyerMerritt/status/1845442808733368754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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SpaceX's "fail fast, learn fast" strategy of rapid iterative testing, even when its rockets blow up, has accelerated development and contributed to the company's success. However, the launch of test flight 5 was delayed several times with Musk blaming the 'stifling red tape' hinting towards the Joe Biden administration.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie, SpaceX on Sunday (Oct 13) scripted history by catching the nearly 20-storey tall booster of its Starship rocket, minutes after launching it from the same platform.

In a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie, SpaceX on Sunday (Oct 13) scripted history by catching the nearly 20-storey tall booster of its Starship rocket, minutes after launching it from the same platform. Using the chopstick or what SpaceX CEO Elon Musk refers to as 'Mechazilla', the rocket’s “Super Heavy” booster returned to land on the arms of the company’s launch tower, in a dramatic catch for the first time. The significance of the achievement is gargantuan, as it paves the way for humanity to possibly settle on Mars. Rapid reusability of rockets and boosters is essential if humans are to become interstellar species, according to Musk. Currently, boosters land on their legs or on drone ships but catching them mid-air on the launch platform can dramatically cut down the time and resources needed for refurbishment and send the rockets instantly back in the air. NASA is also keenly awaiting a modified version of Starship to act as a lander vehicle for crewed flights to the Moon under the Artemis programme later this decade. Mechazilla has caught the Super Heavy booster! pic.twitter.com/6R5YatSVJX — SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 13, 2024 × The launch The launch window opened at 7:00 am (1200 GMT) from the company's Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. The successful liftoff took place at 7:25 am with the Raptor engines working perfectly to send the second-stage Starship rocket on a path in space, bound for the Indian Ocean west of Australia, where it will attempt to land on a podium in water. Meanwhile, the Super Heavy booster, after separating from the Starship around 74 kilometres in the air, returned to the launching pad, where the two giant robotic arms managed to catch it. Netizens in awe The launch and the subsequent catch left the netizens shocked, who marvelled at arguably one of the greatest engineering feats of modern humanity. "HOLY S***BALLS THEY CAUGHT IT!" wrote astronomer Scott Manley. HOLY SHITBALLS THEY CAUGHT IT! pic.twitter.com/MBkH0UCmXA — Scott Manley (@DJSnM) October 13, 2024 × A user wrote, "We are making history right now ladies and gentlemen", while another added: "Incredible engineering. This completely changes the game." A third added: "That was without a doubt the coolest thing I’ve ever seen." BREAKING: SpaceX just successfully caught its Super Heavy rocket booster in mid-air on its first try! This is the first time anyone has accomplished such a feat, marking one of the most significant engineering achievements in human history. Congrats @SpaceX team! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/Ho7DIUap23 — Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) October 13, 2024 × SpaceX's "fail fast, learn fast" strategy of rapid iterative testing, even when its rockets blow up, has accelerated development and contributed to the company's success. However, the launch of test flight 5 was delayed several times with Musk blaming the 'stifling red tape' hinting towards the Joe Biden administration. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX 'Mechazilla' catches Starship booster mid-air in historic achievement - WATCH

U.S. officials believe Israel has narrowed down targets in its potential response to Iran's attack this month to military and energy infrastructure,&nbsp;NBC&nbsp;reported on Saturday.

The Middle East remains on high alert for further escalation in a year of war as Israel battles Iran-backed groups Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Tehran, a major oil producer, has threatened Israel with severe consequences if the Islamic Republic is attacked.

Israel has repeatedly said it will respond to Iran's missile barrage on Oct. 1, which was launched in retaliation for Israel's military operations in Gaza and Lebanon and the killings of a string of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.

There is no indication that Israel will target nuclear facilities or carry out assassinations, the&nbsp;NBC&nbsp;report said, citing unnamed U.S. officials and adding that Israel has not made final decisions about how and when to act.

U.S. and Israeli officials said a response could come during the current Yom Kippur holiday, according to the report.

Israeli officials have not publicly commented on the report.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants erupted a year ago when Hezbollah began launching rockets at northern Israel at the start of the Gaza war, and has sharply escalated in recent weeks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vs-un-netanyahu-tells-guterres-to-withdraw-south-lebanon-peacekeepers-767053">Israel vs UN: Netanyahu tells Guterres to withdraw south Lebanon peacekeepers</a>

Israel's military said it continues to operate in southern Lebanon to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure.

"Over the past day, the IAF (air force) has struck approximately 200 Hezbollah targets deep in Lebanon and southern Lebanon, including terrorist cells, launchers, anti-tank missile posts, and terrorist infrastructure sites," it said.

Israel also said five launches that crossed from Lebanon were intercepted by the air force.

The Israeli military added in a statement on Sunday that one of its reservists and an officer were severely injured in two separate incidents during combat in southern Lebanon, with additional soldiers suffering light to moderate injuries.

The Israeli military also said that it captured a Hezbollah militant in southern Lebanon after discovering an underground tunnel leading to a hideout, where they found an area with weapons and supplies for extended use.

Hezbollah announced a rocket strike on the Tirat HaCarmel transport base in southern Haifa, in a statement on Sunday.

Israel has intensified its military operations in recent weeks, bombing southern Lebanon, Beirut's southern suburbs, and the Bekaa Valley, killing many of Hezbollah's top leaders, and sending ground troops across the border.

Hezbollah, for its part, has fired rockets deeper into Israel.

Israel's expanded operation has displaced more than 1.2 million people, according to Lebanon's government, which says more than 2,100 people have been killed and 10,000 wounded in over a year of fighting. The toll does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, but includes scores of women and children.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in a call with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Saturday, expressed "deep concern" about reports that Israeli forces had fired on U.N. peacekeeping positions in Lebanon in recent days and urged Israel to ensure safety for them and the Lebanese military, the Pentagon said.

Five peacekeepers have been injured in three separate incidents since Thursday, the peacekeeping mission UNIFIL has said.

The fighting in the region, which includes all of Tehran's allied militant groups -- Hezbollah, Yemen's Houthis and armed groups in Iraq -- has raised fears that the United States and Iran will be sucked into a full-scale conflict in the oil-producing Middle East.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq said in a statement on Sunday it had targeted a military site in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights with drones as part of its support of the Palestinian people and Lebanon. It said it would continue escalating attacks against Israeli strongholds.

The war in Gaza began after a Hamas-led assault on Oct. 7, 2023, on southern Israeli communities in which 1,200 people were killed and about 250 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's military campaign in Gaza, aimed at eliminating Hamas, has killed more than 42,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry, and has laid waste to the enclave.

U.S. officials believe Israel has narrowed down targets in its potential response to Iran's attack this month to military and energy infrastructure, NBC reported on Saturday.

U.S. officials believe Israel has narrowed down targets in its potential response to Iran's attack this month to military and energy infrastructure, NBC reported on Saturday. The Middle East remains on high alert for further escalation in a year of war as Israel battles Iran-backed groups Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Tehran, a major oil producer, has threatened Israel with severe consequences if the Islamic Republic is attacked. Israel has repeatedly said it will respond to Iran's missile barrage on Oct. 1, which was launched in retaliation for Israel's military operations in Gaza and Lebanon and the killings of a string of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. There is no indication that Israel will target nuclear facilities or carry out assassinations, the NBC report said, citing unnamed U.S. officials and adding that Israel has not made final decisions about how and when to act. U.S. and Israeli officials said a response could come during the current Yom Kippur holiday, according to the report. Israeli officials have not publicly commented on the report. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants erupted a year ago when Hezbollah began launching rockets at northern Israel at the start of the Gaza war, and has sharply escalated in recent weeks. Also read: Israel vs UN: Netanyahu tells Guterres to withdraw south Lebanon peacekeepers Israel's military said it continues to operate in southern Lebanon to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure. "Over the past day, the IAF (air force) has struck approximately 200 Hezbollah targets deep in Lebanon and southern Lebanon, including terrorist cells, launchers, anti-tank missile posts, and terrorist infrastructure sites," it said. Israel also said five launches that crossed from Lebanon were intercepted by the air force. The Israeli military added in a statement on Sunday that one of its reservists and an officer were severely injured in two separate incidents during combat in southern Lebanon, with additional soldiers suffering light to moderate injuries. The Israeli military also said that it captured a Hezbollah militant in southern Lebanon after discovering an underground tunnel leading to a hideout, where they found an area with weapons and supplies for extended use. Hezbollah announced a rocket strike on the Tirat HaCarmel transport base in southern Haifa, in a statement on Sunday. Israel has intensified its military operations in recent weeks, bombing southern Lebanon, Beirut's southern suburbs, and the Bekaa Valley, killing many of Hezbollah's top leaders, and sending ground troops across the border. Hezbollah, for its part, has fired rockets deeper into Israel. Israel's expanded operation has displaced more than 1.2 million people, according to Lebanon's government, which says more than 2,100 people have been killed and 10,000 wounded in over a year of fighting. The toll does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, but includes scores of women and children. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in a call with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Saturday, expressed "deep concern" about reports that Israeli forces had fired on U.N. peacekeeping positions in Lebanon in recent days and urged Israel to ensure safety for them and the Lebanese military, the Pentagon said. Five peacekeepers have been injured in three separate incidents since Thursday, the peacekeeping mission UNIFIL has said. The fighting in the region, which includes all of Tehran's allied militant groups -- Hezbollah, Yemen's Houthis and armed groups in Iraq -- has raised fears that the United States and Iran will be sucked into a full-scale conflict in the oil-producing Middle East. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq said in a statement on Sunday it had targeted a military site in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights with drones as part of its support of the Palestinian people and Lebanon. It said it would continue escalating attacks against Israeli strongholds. The war in Gaza began after a Hamas-led assault on Oct. 7, 2023, on southern Israeli communities in which 1,200 people were killed and about 250 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's military campaign in Gaza, aimed at eliminating Hamas, has killed more than 42,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry, and has laid waste to the enclave.

Israel eyes military, energy sites in potential retaliation to Iran’s missile attack: Report

Senior NCP leader Baba Siddique passed away after being fired upon by unidentified people in Mumbai on Saturday. Probe in the murder case is now intensified, UP polices reaches the house of the third accused. Mumbai Police has said that a fourth accused has also been identified. Authorities believe that the murder was premeditated with police investigating multiple angles including possible contract killing and business rivalry.

India: We Are All Shocked Says Devendra Fadnavis On Baba Siddique's Death

The Israeli military said on Sunday (Oct 13) that it intercepted about five projectiles fired from Lebanon shortly after air raid sirens blared in several northern areas of the country.

The Israeli military said on Sunday (Oct 13) that it intercepted about five projectiles fired from Lebanon shortly after air raid sirens blared in several northern areas of the country. Sirens also sounded in and around the northern city of Haifa, a day after the army said the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah had fired around 320 projectiles from Lebanon into Israel during Yom Kippur. The Israeli military's interception as Lebanese state media reported that an Israeli strike destroyed a mosque in the war-torn south. Here's a look at the latest updates from the West Asia crisis: > Lebanon's National News Agency (NAA) reported on Sunday that at around 3.45 am local time, an Israeli military aircraft carried out an airstrike targeting the old mosque in the centre of the village of Kfar Tibnit, completely destroying it. Also read | Is Kamala Harris friendly with Iranian operative and supporter of Hezbollah Elahi? New report reveals... > Hezbollah, meanwhile, said on Sunday that it clashed twice with Israeli troops who attempted to infiltrate near a Lebanese border village and claimed several other attacks on Israeli troops overnight in Lebanon and on the Israeli side of the border. > In a statement, the Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group said that its fighters detonated explosive devices at Israeli soldiers and clashed with them as they attempted to infiltrate twice near the Lebanese village of Ramia. Fighting near the village, lasted for about an hour, Hezbollah added. > The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants erupted one year ago when the Iranian-backed group began launching rockets at northern Israel in support of Hamas at the start of the Gaza war. > Israel's expanded operation has displaced more than 1.2 million people, according to Lebanon's government, which says more than 2,100 people have been killed and 10,000 wounded in over a year of fighting. Also watch | Israel ramps up military push in Lebanon × > On Saturday, the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, said a third peacekeeper was wounded in an Israeli strike when he was hit by gunfire on Friday, adding that the man was stable after undergoing surgery to remove the bullet, the news agency Reuters reported. > The agency statement said its position in the southern Lebanese town of Ramyah had sustained significant damage due to explosions following nearby shelling but did not specify who was responsible for either attack. > Two UN peacekeepers were wounded by an Israeli strike near their watchtower at the UNIFIL's main base in Naqoura in southern Lebanon on Friday. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: Israel intercepts about five projectiles from Lebanon- Top updates

A man lost his life, and nine others were hurt in a shooting on Saturday (Oct 12) near Tennessee State University, where the school was celebrating homecoming. Authorities suspect at least one of those injured may have been involved in the gunfire, according to officials.

A man lost his life, and nine others were hurt in a shooting on Saturday (Oct 12) near Tennessee State University, where the school was celebrating homecoming. Authorities suspect at least one of those injured may have been involved in the gunfire, according to officials. The incident happened at around 5 pm on a street where the homecoming parade had taken place earlier that morning, Nashville police and fire officials revealed during a press conference on Saturday evening. The victim who died was a 24-year-old man, police confirmed on X (formerly Twitter). His identity, along with the names of the injured and details about the motive, have yet to be made public. Among the wounded were at least three children, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The injured children included a 12-year-old girl and two 14-year-old girls, who were taken to a local children’s hospital, as stated by Don Aaron, spokesperson for the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. The Metro Nashville Police Department posted on X, “A total of 10 gunshot wound victims are now at area hospitals. 5 were transported by NFD. 5 arrived by private vehicles. A 24-year-old man is deceased. 3 non-critical juvenile victims are at Vandy Peds. At least 1 of the injured is suspected to have been involved in the gunfire.” Also read: Is Kamala Harris friendly with Iranian operative Elahi? New report reveals... Metro Nashville Police Commander Anthony McClain clarified that the gunfire did not appear to be directly connected to the events at Tennessee State University, which included the morning parade and other festivities. At the time of the shooting, the school’s homecoming football game was taking place in a different part of the city. Commander McClain said, “It's unfortunate that a few folks ruined it for everybody. "We have to come to a point to stop this violence.” He also noted that the 24-year-old man had died, and the juvenile victims, including two 12-year-olds and a 14-year-old, had sustained non-critical injuries. In a separate event at Nissan Stadium, where the homecoming football game was underway, Tennessee State University officials reported an investigation into shots that were heard at the site. However, police have not yet found any victims of this incident. Nashville’s Mayor Freddie O’Connell took to social media to express his condemnation of the violence. He said, “What was a joyous atmosphere is tonight very different because of a senseless act of violence carried out by people who didn’t care who else might be caught in the crossfire.” He further added, “Sadly, many in our community are familiar with the pain inflicted by gun violence. It hurts anew every time. We’re grateful for our first responders who quickly rendered aid and secured the scene - and sorrowful and prayerful for the victims.” (With inputs from agencies)

Tennessee shooting: One dead, 9 injured in gunfire near Tennessee State University homecoming parade

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Oct 13) told&nbsp;UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to withdraw the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) soldiers from the combat areas in the southern region of the country.&nbsp;

Addressing the UN chief in a Hebrew message, Netanyahu said the UNIFIL soldiers were being used as human shields by the Hezbollah militants.&nbsp;

"It is time for you to withdraw UNIFIL from Hezbollah strongholds and from the areas of combat. The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) has repeatedly asked for this, and has been met with repeated refusals, all aimed at providing a human shield to Hezbollah terrorists,”&nbsp;said Netanyahu.&nbsp;

“Mr Secretary General, get the UNIFIL forces out of harm’s way. It should be done right now, immediately,” he added.&nbsp;

Netanyahu warned that the refusal by the UN to pull out its troops endangered them as well as the Israeli soldiers.&nbsp;

"The simple and obvious way to ensure this is just get them out of the danger zone.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/international-anger-mounts-over-idf-firing-at-un-peacekeepers-766496">Watch |&nbsp;International Anger Mounts Over IDF Firing At UN Peacekeepers</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2>Third attack in a row</h2>

In the last few days, the UNIFIL has claimed that the IDF&nbsp;had struck a number of its posts, including the headquarters at&nbsp;Naqoura.&nbsp;

"Last night, a peacekeeper at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura was hit by gunfire due to ongoing military activity nearby. He underwent surgery at our Naqoura hospital to remove the bullet and is currently stable. We do not yet know the origin of the fire," UNIFIL claimed on Saturday (Oct 12)

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fifth-un-peacekeeper-injured-in-two-days-as-israel-hezbollah-border-conflict-escalates-766918">Also read |&nbsp;Fifth UN peacekeeper injured in two days as Israel-Hezbollah border conflict escalates</a>

On Friday, the IDF took&nbsp;responsibility for an incident in which two Sri Lankan soldiers serving with UNIFIL were wounded. According to the IDF, its troops, operating near the UNIFIL base in Naqoura, perceived a threat and opened fire.

The Israeli military has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation “at the highest levels.” A day earlier, two Indonesian peacekeepers were hurt when they fell from an observation post after an Israeli tank fired in their direction.

Meanwhile, Italy's defence minister had slammed Israel for the shooting by calling it "intolerable".&nbsp;The minister, Guido Crosetto said he "protested" to Israel's defence minister and summoned the Israeli ambassador over the incident.

Italy has more than 1,000 troops in the 10,000-strong UNIFIL force in south Lebanon that said Israeli tank fire on its headquarters wounded two members.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Oct 13) told UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to withdraw the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) soldiers from the combat areas in the southern region of the country.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Oct 13) told UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to withdraw the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) soldiers from the combat areas in the southern region of the country. Addressing the UN chief in a Hebrew message, Netanyahu said the UNIFIL soldiers were being used as human shields by the Hezbollah militants. "It is time for you to withdraw UNIFIL from Hezbollah strongholds and from the areas of combat. The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) has repeatedly asked for this, and has been met with repeated refusals, all aimed at providing a human shield to Hezbollah terrorists,” said Netanyahu. “Mr Secretary General, get the UNIFIL forces out of harm’s way. It should be done right now, immediately,” he added. Netanyahu warned that the refusal by the UN to pull out its troops endangered them as well as the Israeli soldiers. "The simple and obvious way to ensure this is just get them out of the danger zone.” Watch | International Anger Mounts Over IDF Firing At UN Peacekeepers × Third attack in a row In the last few days, the UNIFIL has claimed that the IDF had struck a number of its posts, including the headquarters at Naqoura. "Last night, a peacekeeper at UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura was hit by gunfire due to ongoing military activity nearby. He underwent surgery at our Naqoura hospital to remove the bullet and is currently stable. We do not yet know the origin of the fire," UNIFIL claimed on Saturday (Oct 12) Also read | Fifth UN peacekeeper injured in two days as Israel-Hezbollah border conflict escalates On Friday, the IDF took responsibility for an incident in which two Sri Lankan soldiers serving with UNIFIL were wounded. According to the IDF, its troops, operating near the UNIFIL base in Naqoura, perceived a threat and opened fire. The Israeli military has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation “at the highest levels.” A day earlier, two Indonesian peacekeepers were hurt when they fell from an observation post after an Israeli tank fired in their direction. Meanwhile, Italy's defence minister had slammed Israel for the shooting by calling it "intolerable". The minister, Guido Crosetto said he "protested" to Israel's defence minister and summoned the Israeli ambassador over the incident. Italy has more than 1,000 troops in the 10,000-strong UNIFIL force in south Lebanon that said Israeli tank fire on its headquarters wounded two members. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel vs UN: Netanyahu tells Guterres to withdraw peacekeepers from south Lebanon

As the date to the US election comes close, the Democratic White House candidate Kamala Harris has released a medical report confirming her fitness to be the president. This puts pressure on rival Donald Trump to publish his own health records. Watch to know more.

US Elections: Harris Seeks To Draw Focus On Trump's Health

Images of United States Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris happily interacting with Iranian operative Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi were published in a new report on extremism by the researchers of George Washington University.

In the report, the researchers stated that the Iran operatives have been funding and fuelling hate across the United States.

In one of the images shared in the <a href="https://extremism.gwu.edu/propaganda-procurement-and-lethal-operations-irans-activities-inside-america">report</a>, Harris is seen mingling happily with Iranian-born cleric Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi, as reported by The New York Times.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-goes-full-trump-challenges-78-year-old-republican-to-reveal-his-health-report-766957">Kamala Harris goes full Trump, challenges 78-year-old Republican to reveal his health report</a>

In the 1980s, Elahi was the head of the Iranian Navy’s political-ideological office and had praised the Islamic Republic’s bloodthirsty founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as well as Hezbollah. Elahi had stated that he could give his life for the terror outfit.

<h2>Harris and Elahi's chance encounter at event</h2>

According to the report, Harris met Elahi&nbsp;at a vaccination event held at the TCF Centre (since renamed Huntington Place)&nbsp;in Detroit in July 2021.

She had also made the plan to visit his controversial Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn. However, the visit was cancelled at the last minute because of a flood, as stated by the nonprofit’s website.

“Imam Elahi joined the vaccination mobilization event addressed by Vice President Harris, Governor [Gretchen] Whitmer . . . and a group of state and national political leaders,” said the nonprofit while sharing the images of Elahi with Harris.

Watch:&nbsp;US Elections: Harris Releases Medical Report, Drawing Contrast With Trump

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“Talking with VP Harris, the imam congratulated the administration for their great achievements in fighting COVID-19 and advancing the vaccination services. Vice President Harris thanked Imam Elahi and IHW for their preparation to host her at the House of Wisdom," they added.

Speaking to The New York Post about this encounter, chief editor of the Middle East Forum Jim Hanson said, “Democrats hold a dangerously mistaken notion that Iran is part of the solution — not the main problem in the Middle East. This leads them to outreach here in the U.S. with Muslims tied to that tyrannical theocracy like Mohammad Ali Elahi. Obama, Biden and Harris have all enabled and even funded their efforts.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Images of United States Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris happily interacting with Iranian operative Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi were published in a new report on extremism by the researchers of George Washington University.

Images of United States Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris happily interacting with Iranian operative Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi were published in a new report on extremism by the researchers of George Washington University. In the report, the researchers stated that the Iran operatives have been funding and fuelling hate across the United States. In one of the images shared in the report, Harris is seen mingling happily with Iranian-born cleric Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi, as reported by The New York Times. Also Read: Kamala Harris goes full Trump, challenges 78-year-old Republican to reveal his health report In the 1980s, Elahi was the head of the Iranian Navy’s political-ideological office and had praised the Islamic Republic’s bloodthirsty founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as well as Hezbollah. Elahi had stated that he could give his life for the terror outfit. Harris and Elahi's chance encounter at event According to the report, Harris met Elahi at a vaccination event held at the TCF Centre (since renamed Huntington Place) in Detroit in July 2021. She had also made the plan to visit his controversial Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn. However, the visit was cancelled at the last minute because of a flood, as stated by the nonprofit’s website. “Imam Elahi joined the vaccination mobilization event addressed by Vice President Harris, Governor [Gretchen] Whitmer . . . and a group of state and national political leaders,” said the nonprofit while sharing the images of Elahi with Harris. Watch: US Elections: Harris Releases Medical Report, Drawing Contrast With Trump “Talking with VP Harris, the imam congratulated the administration for their great achievements in fighting COVID-19 and advancing the vaccination services. Vice President Harris thanked Imam Elahi and IHW for their preparation to host her at the House of Wisdom," they added. Speaking to The New York Post about this encounter, chief editor of the Middle East Forum Jim Hanson said, “Democrats hold a dangerously mistaken notion that Iran is part of the solution — not the main problem in the Middle East. This leads them to outreach here in the U.S. with Muslims tied to that tyrannical theocracy like Mohammad Ali Elahi. Obama, Biden and Harris have all enabled and even funded their efforts.” (With inputs from agencies)

Is Kamala Harris friendly with Iranian operative Elahi, a supporter of Hezbollah? New report reveals...

At least one person was killed and more than 20 injured after a locomotive crashed into the back of a Cairo-bound passenger train in southern Egypt on Sunday (Oct 13), according to local media reports. The incident comes less than a month after three people were killed in a&nbsp;similar collision in the city of Zagazig.

As per the rail authorities, Sunday's accident took place in the province of Minya,&nbsp;270 kilometres (about 168 miles) south of Cairo. Images and videos shown by local media showed two railway carriages partially submerged in the watercourse nearby.&nbsp;

Along with the fatality, the Health Ministry said in a separate statement that at least 21 people were taken to hospitals, of which 19 were later discharged after receiving treatment.

Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel Al-Wazir, ordered the formation of a committee of railway specialists to determine the technical causes of the accident.

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20 passengers were injured as a preliminary result of a collision between two trains in the city of Minya in Upper Egypt, and two carriages fell into the Ibrahimiya Canal. <a href="https://t.co/EuY5wW91m1">pic.twitter.com/EuY5wW91m1</a>
— S p r i n t e r (@SprinterFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/SprinterFamily/status/1845350114153410829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Quite ironic considering the fact that el sisi just inaugurated a new train station in Upper Egypt that is "four times larger than Ramses". Not only does this accident speak volumes on the grave mismanagement of public transportation infrastructure, but it also shows that... <a href="https://t.co/AbhF3N2iPu">pic.twitter.com/AbhF3N2iPu</a>
— Molokheia 🇵🇸 🇸🇩 🇨🇩 (@taysimplyy) <a href="https://twitter.com/taysimplyy/status/1845404037048381503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-train-accident-19-injured-after-12-coaches-derail-probe-ordered-766807">Watch |&nbsp;Tamil Nadu Train Accident: 19 Injured After 12 Coaches Derail, Probe Ordered</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2>Previous incident&nbsp;</h2>

At least four people were killed&nbsp;and 49 sustained injuries&nbsp;in a train collision in Egypt last month.&nbsp;Following the collision, 30 ambulances and reinforcement medical teams were sent to the incident site in the city of Zagazig, the capital of Al Sharkia governorate

For the past 20 years, there has been a fatal accident on Egypt's antiquated railway infrastructure nearly every year. According to the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS), there were 2,044 rail accidents in Egypt in 2018 compared to 1,793 in 2017, reported CNN.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/11-dead-98-injured-after-train-derails-in-egypt-378508">Also read |&nbsp;11 dead, 98 injured after train derails in Egypt</a>

At least 32 people died and 165 were injured, following a massive collision between two trains in 2021. Whereas, in August 2017, a train crash occurred in Alexandria, the second largest city in Egypt&nbsp;resulting in over 40 fatalities and several injuries.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least one person was killed and more than 20 injured after a locomotive crashed into the back of a Cairo-bound passenger train in southern Egypt on Sunday (Oct 13), according to local media reports.

At least one person was killed and more than 20 injured after a locomotive crashed into the back of a Cairo-bound passenger train in southern Egypt on Sunday (Oct 13), according to local media reports. The incident comes less than a month after three people were killed in a similar collision in the city of Zagazig. As per the rail authorities, Sunday's accident took place in the province of Minya, 270 kilometres (about 168 miles) south of Cairo. Images and videos shown by local media showed two railway carriages partially submerged in the watercourse nearby. Along with the fatality, the Health Ministry said in a separate statement that at least 21 people were taken to hospitals, of which 19 were later discharged after receiving treatment. Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel Al-Wazir, ordered the formation of a committee of railway specialists to determine the technical causes of the accident. 20 passengers were injured as a preliminary result of a collision between two trains in the city of Minya in Upper Egypt, and two carriages fell into the Ibrahimiya Canal. pic.twitter.com/EuY5wW91m1 — S p r i n t e r (@SprinterFamily) October 13, 2024 × Quite ironic considering the fact that el sisi just inaugurated a new train station in Upper Egypt that is "four times larger than Ramses". Not only does this accident speak volumes on the grave mismanagement of public transportation infrastructure, but it also shows that... pic.twitter.com/AbhF3N2iPu — Molokheia 🇵🇸 🇸🇩 🇨🇩 (@taysimplyy) October 13, 2024 × Watch | Tamil Nadu Train Accident: 19 Injured After 12 Coaches Derail, Probe Ordered × Previous incident At least four people were killed and 49 sustained injuries in a train collision in Egypt last month. Following the collision, 30 ambulances and reinforcement medical teams were sent to the incident site in the city of Zagazig, the capital of Al Sharkia governorate For the past 20 years, there has been a fatal accident on Egypt's antiquated railway infrastructure nearly every year. According to the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS), there were 2,044 rail accidents in Egypt in 2018 compared to 1,793 in 2017, reported CNN. Also read | 11 dead, 98 injured after train derails in Egypt At least 32 people died and 165 were injured, following a massive collision between two trains in 2021. Whereas, in August 2017, a train crash occurred in Alexandria, the second largest city in Egypt resulting in over 40 fatalities and several injuries. (With inputs from agencies)

Another train collision in Egypt kills one, leaves over 20 injured

Alex Salmond a former first Minister and prominent advocate for Scottish independence has passed away at the age of 69. His death brings to a close a significant chapter in Scottish politics. Watch to know more.

Alex Salmond Passes Away At The Age Of 69

The Festival of Lights marked two decades attracting thousands of people to celebrate its 20th anniversary in Berlin. Watch the visuals of how people celebrate in Berlin.

Berlin: 'Festival Of Lights' Celebrates 20 Years

The visit of King Charles and queen Camila to Australia later this month is being very keenly watched for more reasons than one. Now besides being a key international trip after his cancer diagnosis his reaction to the question of the fate of the monarchy in Australia is also gaining a lot of interest.

Future Of Monarchy In Australia

Thousands of Taiwanese pilgrims travelled to China's Fujian province this week for a religious festival. It's a rare instance of cross straight cultural exchanges that threaten to be overshadowed by China's military phase. Watch to know more

Taiwan-China: People's Bridge Overcoming War Tensions

A third junior doctor has been hospitalised during protest as he demanded for justice over the rape and murder of a woman medic at R G Kar Medical College. Group of doctors are holding an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity. Watch to know more.

Kolkata Doctor Rape-murder Case: 3rd Doctor Hospitalised Amid Hunger Strike

A woman in the United States has been claiming that she is a "real-life vampire" and has been feeding on the energy of humans.

The woman, identified as Hellen Schweizer, has earned for herself the title "Vampire Hellie" and is known to wear cloaks and fangs.&nbsp;

The 29-year-old claims to "feed on people's energy" and eat bloody sausages and has now become a&nbsp;viral&nbsp;sensation.

Hellie says she does not like daylight and when she is out in the sun, her energy is depleted and she feels nauseous, irritable and dizzy.

<h2>Woman embodies life of vampire</h2>

The woman, who hails from Ohio, United States, said that vampirism interested her from an early age, but when she grew older, she did more research on it and started to live her life like a vampire.

Speaking to The Mirror, Hellie said, "I was interested in vampires from a young age, but because I grew up in a religious household, I was not encouraged."&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-spider-woman-of-china-can-climb-108-metre-cliff-without-any-safety-gear-765483">This 'Spider-Woman' of China can climb 108-metre cliff without any safety gear</a>

She does a lot of live videos, and speaks in a hushed voice, where she creates "what would you do if this vampire entered your home" videos while in costume.

"People love me dressing up, and I embrace that - it is very good for business. It really did start out as a cosplay on TikTok for fun, but one day I looked at myself in the mirror and thought, 'this is not the costume'. When all of the fangs and costume are off - that's the costume. So I started digging deeper into what real vampirism is," Hellie said.

"While I do love wearing fangs, that's not exactly what being a real vampire is all about," she added.&nbsp;

"For me, I feed off energy. Not in the sense of sucking the energy out of a room,&nbsp;but energy is everywhere and is in every living thing,&nbsp;and there is ambient energy, which is great and you can&nbsp;take that. In a spiritual sense, I don't have enough energy of my own, so I need a little help from my friends," Hellie said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A woman in the United States has been claiming that she is a "real-life vampire" and has been feeding on the energy of humans. The woman, identified as Hellen Schweizer, has earned for herself the title "Vampire Hellie" and is known to wear cloaks and fangs.

A woman in the United States has been claiming that she is a "real-life vampire" and has been feeding on the energy of humans. The woman, identified as Hellen Schweizer, has earned for herself the title "Vampire Hellie" and is known to wear cloaks and fangs. The 29-year-old claims to "feed on people's energy" and eat bloody sausages and has now become a viral sensation. Hellie says she does not like daylight and when she is out in the sun, her energy is depleted and she feels nauseous, irritable and dizzy. Woman embodies life of vampire The woman, who hails from Ohio, United States, said that vampirism interested her from an early age, but when she grew older, she did more research on it and started to live her life like a vampire. Speaking to The Mirror, Hellie said, "I was interested in vampires from a young age, but because I grew up in a religious household, I was not encouraged." Also Read: This 'Spider-Woman' of China can climb 108-metre cliff without any safety gear She does a lot of live videos, and speaks in a hushed voice, where she creates "what would you do if this vampire entered your home" videos while in costume. "People love me dressing up, and I embrace that - it is very good for business. It really did start out as a cosplay on TikTok for fun, but one day I looked at myself in the mirror and thought, 'this is not the costume'. When all of the fangs and costume are off - that's the costume. So I started digging deeper into what real vampirism is," Hellie said. "While I do love wearing fangs, that's not exactly what being a real vampire is all about," she added. "For me, I feed off energy. Not in the sense of sucking the energy out of a room, but energy is everywhere and is in every living thing, and there is ambient energy, which is great and you can take that. In a spiritual sense, I don't have enough energy of my own, so I need a little help from my friends," Hellie said. (With inputs from agencies)

US woman claims she is a ‘real-life vampire’, ‘feeds on energy of people’

A Congressional report has claimed that China's military may have received a boost from NASA-funded research to advance its military, space, submarine and surveillance programmes. The report presented by the&nbsp;Republican members of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) stated that the US and Chinese institutes had jointly published more than 1,000 research papers with financial support from NASA.&nbsp;

The report&nbsp;added that dozens of people affiliated with China's&nbsp;Seven Sons of National Defence, a group of universities with ties to the Ministry of Industry and Information, were involved in the research.&nbsp;

"Many of these papers also list Chinese&nbsp;government funding. Most of these publications are from the last ten years, and around 140 of them are from 2023-24 alone," the report noted.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-accuses-beijing-for-stealing-american-jobs-but-his-god-bless-the-usa-bible-printed-in-china-766106">Also read |&nbsp;Trump accuses Beijing of stealing American jobs, but his 'God Bless the USA' Bible printed in China</a>

The report raised concerns about a&nbsp;NASA-backed fog study in the Chukchi-Beaufort Seas with China's Ocean University, which maintains a formal relationship with the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Navy Submarine Academy.&nbsp;

“The study’s focus on the Chukchi–Beaufort Seas, a strategic area for submarine operations, raises concerns about potential benefits to PLA Navy capabilities in navigation and stealth activities.”

Another study focused on satellite-derived sea surface temperature measurements with researchers from the Ocean University of China, the Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, and the China Academy of Space Technology—which is part of a Chinese state company that develops space satellites.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-us-race-to-control-time-on-the-moon-764611">Watch | China, US, Race To Control Time On The Moon</a>

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<h2>'Lack of legal guardrails'</h2>

Notably,&nbsp;in the last decade alone, there have been 9,000 examples of research publications&nbsp;that had received funding from the Pentagon or the US intelligence community, and had co-authors with ties to Chinese institutions.

The report warned that due to lack of legal guardrails around federally funded research, the knowledge gained had contributed to help China "achieve advancements in dual-use, critical, and emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, fourth-generation nuclear weapons technology, and semiconductor technology".

"The Chinese Communist Party is driving its military advancements through US taxpayer-funded research and through joint US-PRC institutes in China. We also must ban research collaboration with blacklisted entities, enact stricter guardrails on emerging technology research, and hold American universities accountable through passing the Deterrent Act,” said Chairman John Moolenaar

The Committee recommended implementing&nbsp;post-award restrictions on collaborations with blacklisted entities from a foreign country of concern. Additionally, it argued for strengthening&nbsp;oversight and enforcement of postsecondary institutions’ failure to disclose foreign gifts and contracts.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Congressional report has claimed that China's military may have received a boost from NASA-funded research to advance its military, space, submarine and surveillance programmes.

A Congressional report has claimed that China's military may have received a boost from NASA-funded research to advance its military, space, submarine and surveillance programmes. The report presented by the Republican members of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) stated that the US and Chinese institutes had jointly published more than 1,000 research papers with financial support from NASA. The report added that dozens of people affiliated with China's Seven Sons of National Defence, a group of universities with ties to the Ministry of Industry and Information, were involved in the research. "Many of these papers also list Chinese government funding. Most of these publications are from the last ten years, and around 140 of them are from 2023-24 alone," the report noted. Also read | Trump accuses Beijing of stealing American jobs, but his 'God Bless the USA' Bible printed in China The report raised concerns about a NASA-backed fog study in the Chukchi-Beaufort Seas with China's Ocean University, which maintains a formal relationship with the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Navy Submarine Academy. “The study’s focus on the Chukchi–Beaufort Seas, a strategic area for submarine operations, raises concerns about potential benefits to PLA Navy capabilities in navigation and stealth activities.” Another study focused on satellite-derived sea surface temperature measurements with researchers from the Ocean University of China, the Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, and the China Academy of Space Technology—which is part of a Chinese state company that develops space satellites. Watch | China, US, Race To Control Time On The Moon × 'Lack of legal guardrails' Notably, in the last decade alone, there have been 9,000 examples of research publications that had received funding from the Pentagon or the US intelligence community, and had co-authors with ties to Chinese institutions. The report warned that due to lack of legal guardrails around federally funded research, the knowledge gained had contributed to help China "achieve advancements in dual-use, critical, and emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, fourth-generation nuclear weapons technology, and semiconductor technology". "The Chinese Communist Party is driving its military advancements through US taxpayer-funded research and through joint US-PRC institutes in China. We also must ban research collaboration with blacklisted entities, enact stricter guardrails on emerging technology research, and hold American universities accountable through passing the Deterrent Act,” said Chairman John Moolenaar The Committee recommended implementing post-award restrictions on collaborations with blacklisted entities from a foreign country of concern. Additionally, it argued for strengthening oversight and enforcement of postsecondary institutions’ failure to disclose foreign gifts and contracts. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA-funded research helping China advance its space and military programmes: Report

Breaking: As tensions escalate between Israel and Hezbollah, Hezbollah now claims that it is fighting the IDF troops in point blank range. Watch to know more.

Hezbollah-Israel Conflict: Fighting IDF Troops In Point Blank Range: Hezbollah

Taiwan&nbsp;said it was "on alert" as it detected a Chinese aircraft carrier group to its south on Sunday, days after the United States warned Beijing against taking "provocative" actions on the self-ruled island.

US State Secretary Antony Blinken warned China on Friday against taking action in response to a speech by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te during the island's National Day celebrations.

China has ramped up military activity around&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;in recent years, sending in warplanes and other military aircraft while Chinese ships maintain a near-constant presence around its waters.

Taiwan's defence ministry said Sunday that a Chinese Liaoning aircraft carrier group had entered the Bashi Channel, a waterway that separates the island from the Philippines, "and is likely to proceed into the western Pacific".&nbsp;

"The Taiwanese military is employing joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems to closely monitor related activities and remains on alert, prepared to respond as necessary," it said in a statement.

China's military, meanwhile, released a video on Sunday saying it was "prepared for battle", with a small map of&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;included in its title.

The video, posted on the People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command's social media channels, shows missiles, jets, helicopters, and warships. China's military was "ready for battle at any time", the post added.

Taiwan&nbsp;and US officials had warned of possible Chinese military drills in response to Lai's speech.

The United States is&nbsp;Taiwan's most important backer and biggest supplier of weapons, but does not hold formal diplomatic relations with Taipei.

<h2>'Resist annexation'</h2>

Lai, who took office in May, has been more outspoken than his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen in defending&nbsp;Taiwan's sovereignty, angering Beijing, which calls him a "separatist".

In his speech on Thursday, Lai vowed to "resist annexation" of the island, and insisted Beijing and Taipei were "not subordinate to each other".

China warned after the speech that Lai's "provocations" would result in "disaster" for the people of&nbsp;Taiwan.

Taiwan's National Day on Thursday marked the 113th anniversary of the toppling of China's Qing dynasty and the subsequent founding of the Republic of China -- which remains&nbsp;Taiwan's official name.

The current dispute between China and&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;dates back to a civil war in which the nationalist forces of Chiang Kai-shek were defeated by Mao Zedong's communist fighters and fled to&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;in 1949.

Lai's Democratic Progressive Party has long defended the sovereignty and democracy of&nbsp;Taiwan, which has its own government, military, and currency.

Beijing has sought to erase Taipei from the international stage, blocking it from global forums and poaching its diplomatic allies.

China has held three rounds of large-scale war games in the past two years, deploying aircraft and ships to encircle the island.

Taiwan's defence ministry said Sunday that 11 Chinese military aircraft and eight navy vessels were detected around the island in the 24 hours to 6:00 am.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience. 
&nbsp;

Taiwan said it was "on alert" as it detected a Chinese aircraft carrier group to its south on Sunday, days after the United States warned Beijing against taking "provocative" actions on the self-ruled island.

Taiwan said it was "on alert" as it detected a Chinese aircraft carrier group to its south on Sunday, days after the United States warned Beijing against taking "provocative" actions on the self-ruled island. US State Secretary Antony Blinken warned China on Friday against taking action in response to a speech by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te during the island's National Day celebrations. China has ramped up military activity around Taiwan in recent years, sending in warplanes and other military aircraft while Chinese ships maintain a near-constant presence around its waters. Taiwan's defence ministry said Sunday that a Chinese Liaoning aircraft carrier group had entered the Bashi Channel, a waterway that separates the island from the Philippines, "and is likely to proceed into the western Pacific". "The Taiwanese military is employing joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems to closely monitor related activities and remains on alert, prepared to respond as necessary," it said in a statement. China's military, meanwhile, released a video on Sunday saying it was "prepared for battle", with a small map of Taiwan included in its title. The video, posted on the People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command's social media channels, shows missiles, jets, helicopters, and warships. China's military was "ready for battle at any time", the post added. Taiwan and US officials had warned of possible Chinese military drills in response to Lai's speech. The United States is Taiwan's most important backer and biggest supplier of weapons, but does not hold formal diplomatic relations with Taipei. 'Resist annexation' Lai, who took office in May, has been more outspoken than his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen in defending Taiwan's sovereignty, angering Beijing, which calls him a "separatist". In his speech on Thursday, Lai vowed to "resist annexation" of the island, and insisted Beijing and Taipei were "not subordinate to each other". China warned after the speech that Lai's "provocations" would result in "disaster" for the people of Taiwan. Taiwan's National Day on Thursday marked the 113th anniversary of the toppling of China's Qing dynasty and the subsequent founding of the Republic of China -- which remains Taiwan's official name. The current dispute between China and Taiwan dates back to a civil war in which the nationalist forces of Chiang Kai-shek were defeated by Mao Zedong's communist fighters and fled to Taiwan in 1949. Lai's Democratic Progressive Party has long defended the sovereignty and democracy of Taiwan, which has its own government, military, and currency. Beijing has sought to erase Taipei from the international stage, blocking it from global forums and poaching its diplomatic allies. China has held three rounds of large-scale war games in the past two years, deploying aircraft and ships to encircle the island. Taiwan's defence ministry said Sunday that 11 Chinese military aircraft and eight navy vessels were detected around the island in the 24 hours to 6:00 am. 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.

Taiwan on alert as it detects Chinese aircraft carrier group to its south

Senior NCP leader Baba Siddique passed away after being fired upon by unidentified people in Mumbai on Saturday. Probe in the murder case is now intensified, UP polices reaches the house of the third accused. Authorities believe that the murder was premeditated with police investigating multiple angles including possible contract killing and business rivalry.

India: Maharashtra CM Assures Fast-Tracked Probe

Vietnam and China agreed to calm tensions in their South China Sea dispute, Vietnamese state media reported on Sunday, days after Hanoi accused Beijing of a "brutal" attack on its fishermen.

China is Vietnam's biggest trade partner, but the two countries share historic tensions, including in the South China Sea, a waterway through which trillions of dollars of trade pass each year.

Beijing has for years sought to expand its presence in contested areas of the sea, brushing aside an international ruling that its claim to most of the waterway has no legal basis.

Last week, Hanoi protested a "brutal" attack by Chinese vessels, in which it said 10 Vietnamese fishermen were beaten with iron bars and robbed of thousands of dollars' worth of fish and equipment.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and visiting Chinese Premier Li Qiang "exchanged sincere and frank opinions on maritime issues" at a meeting in Hanoi, Vietnamese state media said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:260,&quot;w&quot;:680,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1950}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-condemns-trudeaus-unfounded-allegations-in-nijjar-murder-case-calls-for-concrete-proof-766996">India condemns Trudeau's unfounded allegations in Nijjar murder case, calls for concrete proof</a>

"They committed to adequately controlling differences... avoiding actions that complicate the situation, and jointly maintaining stability at sea," the Bao Chinh Phu newspaper said.

The two countries also signed 10 agreements on Sunday, including on expanding cross-border railway links, payments and economic cooperation.

They agreed to work on a technical plan for a rail link between Lao Cai in northern Vietnam and Hekou in China's Yunnan province.

They also signed a memorandum of understanding on the implementation of cross-border payment services via QR codes and an agreement to study a model for an "economic cooperation zone" across their border.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-new-us-oil-sanctions-calls-them-illegal-and-unjustified-767029">Iran slams new US oil sanctions, calls them ‘illegal and unjustified’</a>

Vietnam's top leader To Lam and Li agreed on Saturday to boost defence and economic cooperation, Vietnamese state media reported.

Hanoi would facilitate more high-tech Chinese investment in Vietnam and Beijing would strengthen market access for Vietnamese agricultural products, the Nhan Dan newspaper said.

At Saturday's meeting, Lam "urged both parties to... better manage and resolve differences" in maritime issues, the newspaper said.

Lam took office in early August as general secretary following the death of his predecessor, Nguyen Phu Trong.

He later met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing during his first overseas trip.

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&nbsp;audience. 
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Vietnam and China agreed to calm tensions in their South China Sea dispute, Vietnamese state media reported on Sunday, days after Hanoi accused Beijing of a "brutal" attack on its fishermen.

Vietnam and China agreed to calm tensions in their South China Sea dispute, Vietnamese state media reported on Sunday, days after Hanoi accused Beijing of a "brutal" attack on its fishermen. China is Vietnam's biggest trade partner, but the two countries share historic tensions, including in the South China Sea, a waterway through which trillions of dollars of trade pass each year. Beijing has for years sought to expand its presence in contested areas of the sea, brushing aside an international ruling that its claim to most of the waterway has no legal basis. Last week, Hanoi protested a "brutal" attack by Chinese vessels, in which it said 10 Vietnamese fishermen were beaten with iron bars and robbed of thousands of dollars' worth of fish and equipment. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and visiting Chinese Premier Li Qiang "exchanged sincere and frank opinions on maritime issues" at a meeting in Hanoi, Vietnamese state media said. Also read | India condemns Trudeau's unfounded allegations in Nijjar murder case, calls for concrete proof "They committed to adequately controlling differences... avoiding actions that complicate the situation, and jointly maintaining stability at sea," the Bao Chinh Phu newspaper said. The two countries also signed 10 agreements on Sunday, including on expanding cross-border railway links, payments and economic cooperation. They agreed to work on a technical plan for a rail link between Lao Cai in northern Vietnam and Hekou in China's Yunnan province. They also signed a memorandum of understanding on the implementation of cross-border payment services via QR codes and an agreement to study a model for an "economic cooperation zone" across their border. Also read | Iran slams new US oil sanctions, calls them ‘illegal and unjustified’ Vietnam's top leader To Lam and Li agreed on Saturday to boost defence and economic cooperation, Vietnamese state media reported. Hanoi would facilitate more high-tech Chinese investment in Vietnam and Beijing would strengthen market access for Vietnamese agricultural products, the Nhan Dan newspaper said. At Saturday's meeting, Lam "urged both parties to... better manage and resolve differences" in maritime issues, the newspaper said. Lam took office in early August as general secretary following the death of his predecessor, Nguyen Phu Trong. He later met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing during his first overseas trip. 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.

China and Vietnam sign agreements to enhance cooperation, address maritime tensions

A Japanese group Nihon Hidankyo that has been conferred with this year's Nobel Prize for Peace says an effort towards nuclear disarmament was the sole reason for their win. Their award comes in the backdrop of the rising risk of new of the use of nuclear weapons in conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia.

Atomic Bomb Survivors Pledge Nuclear Disarmament

North&nbsp;Korea's Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of its leader Kim Jong Un, on Saturday warned Seoul of a "horrible disaster" if South&nbsp;Korean drones are found flying over Pyongyang.

She also criticised the South&nbsp;Korean military over its response to the&nbsp;North's claim,&nbsp;in a statement carried by state media KCNA, that South&nbsp;Korean drones entered the sky of the capital city.

On Friday,&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's foreign ministry accused South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;of sending drones into Pyongyang at night this week and last and that the intrusion demanded retaliatory action.

In response, South&nbsp;Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said it could not confirm the&nbsp;North's accusations.

"The fact that the means which carried the leaflets is the very drones is the core of the seriousness of the recent incident," Kim was quoted as saying, referring to anti-North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;leaflets.

Kim said the blame lies with the South&nbsp;Korean military if it failed to identify drones sent by a non-governmental organization crossing the border.

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has been floating thousands of balloons with trash attached to the South since May, exacerbating tensions between the two countries.

Pyongyang says they are a response to some activists and North Korean defectors in South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;who fly balloons into the North carrying aid parcels and leaflets criticising leader KimJong Un.

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.

North Korea's Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of its leader Kim Jong Un, on Saturday warned Seoul of a "horrible disaster" if South Korean drones are found flying over Pyongyang.

North Korea's Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of its leader Kim Jong Un, on Saturday warned Seoul of a "horrible disaster" if South Korean drones are found flying over Pyongyang. She also criticised the South Korean military over its response to the North's claim, in a statement carried by state media KCNA, that South Korean drones entered the sky of the capital city. On Friday, North Korea's foreign ministry accused South Korea of sending drones into Pyongyang at night this week and last and that the intrusion demanded retaliatory action. In response, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said it could not confirm the North's accusations. "The fact that the means which carried the leaflets is the very drones is the core of the seriousness of the recent incident," Kim was quoted as saying, referring to anti-North Korea leaflets. Kim said the blame lies with the South Korean military if it failed to identify drones sent by a non-governmental organization crossing the border. North Korea has been floating thousands of balloons with trash attached to the South since May, exacerbating tensions between the two countries. Pyongyang says they are a response to some activists and North Korean defectors in South Korea who fly balloons into the North carrying aid parcels and leaflets criticising leader KimJong Un. 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.

Kim Jong Un’s sister warns South Korea of ‘horrible disaster’ if...

As the world prepares for Israel's response to Iran's October 1st attack the US is reportedly considering sending American troops to operate a missile defense system inside Israel. As per reports the Pentagon has discussed deploying a terminal high altitude area defense or hard THAAD missile battery to Israel.

US To Deploy 'THAAD' Missile Battery To Israel ?

The Joe Biden-led United States (US) administration has approved the sale of billions of dollars in weapons to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A report by Bloomberg said that this approval was a fresh support to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who are crucial to the US pushback against Iran and its proxies as conflict escalates in West Asia.

The Joe Biden-led United States (US) administration has approved the sale of billions of dollars in weapons to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A report by Bloomberg said that this approval was a fresh support to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who are crucial to the US pushback against Iran and its proxies as conflict escalates in West Asia. The US Congress was notified about the sale approval. The approvals to Saudi Arabia and the UAE The report said that the US State Department notified Congress it approved the sale of Hellfire and Sidewinder missiles, along with artillery, tank, and machine gun ammunition, to Saudi Arabia in a deal valued at more than $1 billion. The State Department also notified lawmakers that it has approved the potential sale of GMLRS guided-rocket systems, long-range ATACMS missiles, and training and support for both systems to the UAE in a deal valued at as much as $1.2 billion. Unless Congress moved to block the proposed sales, the contractors and receiving countries could begin negotiations on contracts, which might fall short of the maximums approved. In August this year, Washington lifted limits on the sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia as a way to pressure Riyadh to wind down its war against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Since the Gaza war began in October last year, the Houthis have gone on the offensive, targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea. 'Will not recognise Israel without Palestinian state' Last month, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said that his country would not recognise Israel without a Palestinian state and strongly condemned the "crimes of the Israeli occupation" against the Palestinian people. "The kingdom will not stop its tireless work towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and we affirm that the kingdom will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that," Crown Prince Salman said on September 18. Following the eruption of the Gaza war, Saudi Arabia put on ice US-backed plans for the kingdom to normalise ties with Israel, two sources familiar with Riyadh's thinking told the news agency Reuters earlier this year. (With inputs from agencies)

US approves sale of weapons worth $2.2 billion to Saudi Arabia and UAE

Hamas tried to persuade its two allies, Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, to join its October 7, 2023, attack against Israel or at least commit to a broader fight if the Palestinian militant group staged a surprise cross-border raid, The New York Times (NYT) reported on Saturday, citing the minutes of Hamas' secret meetings seized by the Israeli military.

Hamas tried to persuade its two allies, Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, to join its October 7, 2023, attack against Israel or at least commit to a broader fight if the Palestinian militant group staged a surprise cross-border raid, The New York Times (NYT) reported on Saturday, citing the minutes of Hamas' secret meetings seized by the Israeli military. The report said that the documents showed extensive efforts to deceive Israel about its intentions as Hamas laid the groundwork for a bold assault and a regional conflagration that Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar hoped would cause Israel to “collapse.” Also read | Thousands trapped in Gaza's Jabalia Camp as Israeli forces intensify assault; those trying to flee 'get shot' The documents consist of minutes from 10 secret planning meetings of a small group of Hamas political and military leaders in the run-up to the attack. Hamas planned to attack in fall of 2022 The documents showed that Hamas initially planned to carry out its attack on Israel in the fall of 2022 but delayed it as the Palestinian militant group was persuading Iran and Hezbollah to also participate in it. Hamas members said that the internal situation in Israel, an apparent reference to the turmoil over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial plans to overhaul the judiciary, was among the reasons they were “compelled to move toward a strategic battle”. The documents cited by The NYT further revealed that in July 2023, a top Hamas official visited Lebanon, where he met a senior Iranian commander and requested help with striking sensitive sites at the start of the assault. Also watch | Israeli PM warns Lebanon with 'Gaza-like destruction' × This Iranian commander told the Hamas official that Tehran and Hezbollah were supportive in principle but needed more time to prepare. Hamas planned to discuss attack with Hassan Nasrallah Hamas planned to discuss its attack with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was recently assassinated by Israel. It was not known whether the discussion with Hezbollah happened. Hamas felt assured of its allies’ general support but concluded it might need to go ahead without their full involvement. The documents also highlighted that Hamas deliberately avoided confrontations with Israel for two years from 2021 so that it could maximise the surprise of the October 7 attack. The Gaza war Hamas militants attacked southern Israel (on October 7 last year), killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 others hostage, according to Israeli tallies. More than 100 hostages are reportedly still held by the Hamas. Israel's subsequent military assault on Gaza has killed more than 42,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Hamas tried to persuade Iran and Hezbollah to join its October 7 attack on Israel, says report

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