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<p>German police said Tuesday they had shut down a "dizzyingly large" child pornography website with hundreds of thousands of users and arrested six people with links to the network.</p>

<p>The men, aged 43 to 69, were suspected of being the "leading figures behind the dark web platform", police in the North Rhine-Westphalia region said in a statement.</p>

<p>The website was used "solely" to share pornographic images of children, chief investigator Kai-Arne Gailer told a press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Officials did not provide an estimate for the number of victims affected but said the abusive material shared on the site exclusively depicted girls.</p>

<p>Police arrested the men in nationwide raids carried out at the end of September, seizing huge amounts of material.</p>

<p>Investigators collected 1,517 items of evidence, including laptops, computers and mobile phones, as well as 94 boxes filled with video cassettes and DVDs.</p>

<p>One suspect's computer contained 13.5 terabytes of data, the equivalent of 3.4 million photos, according to police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gailer said the equivalent of about 1,000 terabytes was involved.</p>

<p>Regional interior minister Herbert Reul said the scope of the investigation was "dizzyingly large and extensive".</p>

<p>The law enforcement operation was a "massive blow" against distributors of child pornography that would have a "lasting effect on the scene", Gailer said.</p>

<p>Police were still investigating and would now have to comb through the evidence collected, Gailer said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>International law enforcement authorities were also continuing investigations into suspects. "There is no continent that is not affected," Gailer said.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>


German police said Tuesday they had shut down a "dizzyingly large" child pornography website with hundreds of thousands of users and arrested six people with links to the network.

German police said Tuesday they had shut down a "dizzyingly large" child pornography website with hundreds of thousands of users and arrested six people with links to the network. The men, aged 43 to 69, were suspected of being the "leading figures behind the dark web platform", police in the North Rhine-Westphalia region said in a statement. The website was used "solely" to share pornographic images of children, chief investigator Kai-Arne Gailer told a press conference. Officials did not provide an estimate for the number of victims affected but said the abusive material shared on the site exclusively depicted girls. Police arrested the men in nationwide raids carried out at the end of September, seizing huge amounts of material. Investigators collected 1,517 items of evidence, including laptops, computers and mobile phones, as well as 94 boxes filled with video cassettes and DVDs. One suspect's computer contained 13.5 terabytes of data, the equivalent of 3.4 million photos, according to police. Gailer said the equivalent of about 1,000 terabytes was involved. Regional interior minister Herbert Reul said the scope of the investigation was "dizzyingly large and extensive". The law enforcement operation was a "massive blow" against distributors of child pornography that would have a "lasting effect on the scene", Gailer said. Police were still investigating and would now have to comb through the evidence collected, Gailer said. International law enforcement authorities were also continuing investigations into suspects. "There is no continent that is not affected," Gailer said. 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.

German police shut down 'dizzyingly large' child pornography website with thousands of users, arrest 6

<p>Last month was the second-warmest September ever registered globally in an exceptional year "almost certain" to become the hottest on record, the EU climate monitor Copernicus said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>September saw extreme rainfall and destructive storms across the world, events that are occurring with greater severity and frequency as temperatures rise due to climate change.</p>

<p>The average global temperature last month was second only to September 2023, said Copernicus, which uses billions of measurements from satellites, ships, aircraft and weather stations to aid its calculations.</p>

<p>Last year was the hottest on record, but 2024 looks set to beat that.</p>

<p>Global warming is not just about rising temperatures, but the knock-on effect of all the extra heat trapped in the atmosphere and seas.</p>

<p>Warmer air can hold more water vapour, and warmer oceans mean greater evaporation, affecting rainfall and resulting in more intense downpours and storms.</p>

<p>In September some parts of the world saw "months' worth of rain falling in just a few days,"&nbsp;said Samantha Burgess, deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The extreme rainfall events of this month, something we are observing more and more often, have been made worse by a warmer atmosphere," Burgess said.</p>

<p>"The risk of extreme rainfall will continue to increase with rising temperatures."</p>

<p>In a month of wild weather, Hurricane Helene pounded the southeast United States, Typhoon Krathon slammed into Taiwan and Storm Boris brought floods and devastation to central Europe.</p>

<p>Typhoons Yagi and Bebinca left a trail of destruction in Asia while deadly floods hit Nepal, Japan and west and central Africa.</p>

<p>Copernicus said wetter than average conditions also hit parts of Africa, Russia, China, Australia and Brazil, while Pakistan was "severely" impacted by the monsoon.</p>

<h2><strong>- New highs -&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Copernicus said the months January through September 2024 have already set fresh highs "making it almost certain that 2024 is going to be the warmest year on record".</p>

<p>Fourteen of the last 15 months have been at least 1.5 degrees Celsius above average temperatures experienced in the pre-industrial era, taken as the period between 1850-1900.</p>

<p>This does not signal a breach of the Paris climate deal, which strives to limit global warming to below 2C and preferably 1.5C, because that is measured over decades and not individual years.</p>

<p>But scientists have warned the 1.5C cap is slipping out of reach.</p>

<p>The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned that a breach is likely sometime between 2030 and 2035.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Planet-heating greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from the burning of fossil fuels, have risen in recent years, even as scientists say they need to fall by almost half this decade.</p>

<p>Taken together, national policies to cut emissions would lead to as much as 2.9C of warming by 2100, according to the UN Environment Programme.</p>

<p>Much of this excess heat is stored in the oceans, which cover 70 per cent of the Earth's surface, and acts as a major climate regulator.</p>

<p>The pace at which oceans are warming has almost doubled since 2005 because of human-caused climate change, Copernicus said in September.</p>

<p>This has lead to stronger and more frequent marine heatwaves and greater ocean acidity, which above a certain point can make seawater corrosive to certain marine life.</p>

<p>Copernicus records go back to 1940 but other data sources such as ice cores, tree rings and coral skeletons allow scientists to expand their conclusions using evidence from much deeper in the past.</p>

<p>Climate scientists say the period being lived through right now is likely the warmest the earth has seen for the last 100,000 years, back at the start of the last Ice Age.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>


Last month was the second-warmest September ever registered globally in an exceptional year "almost certain" to become the hottest on record, the EU climate monitor Copernicus said on Tuesday.

Last month was the second-warmest September ever registered globally in an exceptional year "almost certain" to become the hottest on record, the EU climate monitor Copernicus said on Tuesday. September saw extreme rainfall and destructive storms across the world, events that are occurring with greater severity and frequency as temperatures rise due to climate change. The average global temperature last month was second only to September 2023, said Copernicus, which uses billions of measurements from satellites, ships, aircraft and weather stations to aid its calculations. Last year was the hottest on record, but 2024 looks set to beat that. Global warming is not just about rising temperatures, but the knock-on effect of all the extra heat trapped in the atmosphere and seas. Warmer air can hold more water vapour, and warmer oceans mean greater evaporation, affecting rainfall and resulting in more intense downpours and storms. In September some parts of the world saw "months' worth of rain falling in just a few days," said Samantha Burgess, deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service. "The extreme rainfall events of this month, something we are observing more and more often, have been made worse by a warmer atmosphere," Burgess said. "The risk of extreme rainfall will continue to increase with rising temperatures." In a month of wild weather, Hurricane Helene pounded the southeast United States, Typhoon Krathon slammed into Taiwan and Storm Boris brought floods and devastation to central Europe. Typhoons Yagi and Bebinca left a trail of destruction in Asia while deadly floods hit Nepal, Japan and west and central Africa. Copernicus said wetter than average conditions also hit parts of Africa, Russia, China, Australia and Brazil, while Pakistan was "severely" impacted by the monsoon. - New highs - Copernicus said the months January through September 2024 have already set fresh highs "making it almost certain that 2024 is going to be the warmest year on record". Fourteen of the last 15 months have been at least 1.5 degrees Celsius above average temperatures experienced in the pre-industrial era, taken as the period between 1850-1900. This does not signal a breach of the Paris climate deal, which strives to limit global warming to below 2C and preferably 1.5C, because that is measured over decades and not individual years. But scientists have warned the 1.5C cap is slipping out of reach. The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned that a breach is likely sometime between 2030 and 2035. Planet-heating greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from the burning of fossil fuels, have risen in recent years, even as scientists say they need to fall by almost half this decade. Taken together, national policies to cut emissions would lead to as much as 2.9C of warming by 2100, according to the UN Environment Programme. Much of this excess heat is stored in the oceans, which cover 70 per cent of the Earth's surface, and acts as a major climate regulator. The pace at which oceans are warming has almost doubled since 2005 because of human-caused climate change, Copernicus said in September. This has lead to stronger and more frequent marine heatwaves and greater ocean acidity, which above a certain point can make seawater corrosive to certain marine life. Copernicus records go back to 1940 but other data sources such as ice cores, tree rings and coral skeletons allow scientists to expand their conclusions using evidence from much deeper in the past. Climate scientists say the period being lived through right now is likely the warmest the earth has seen for the last 100,000 years, back at the start of the last Ice Age. 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.

September becomes second-warmest month on record globally: EU climate monitor

<p>The iconic Times Square in New York City was&nbsp;lit up in the lights and cultural fervour of Durga Puja, for the first time ever in history. A viral video shows Times Square as an unrecognisable sight, full of&nbsp;colours as&nbsp;Bengali songs echoed at the iconic tourist destination with dancing&nbsp;people dressed in&nbsp;traditional clothes.</p>

<p>Sharing the video, X handle @MeghUpdates wrote, “History has been Scripted !!! For the 1st time, Durga puja was organized at the centre of Times Square, New York City, United States.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-doctor-rape-murder-50-senior-doctors-at-rg-kar-resign-in-support-of-protesting-colleagues-765597">Kolkata doctor rape-murder: 50 senior doctors at RG Kar resign in support of protesting colleagues</a></strong></p>

<p>In the video, a singer can be heard singing the popular Bengali song 'Dhak Baja Kashor Baja' as several Indians, dressed in colourful traditional clothes, dance around the Goddess Durga idol.</p>

<p><strong><em>Watch the video here:</em></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">History has been Scripted !!!<br />
<br />
For the 1st time, Durga puja was organized at the centre of Times Square, New York City, United States. <a href="https://t.co/QpTRdVDsxn">pic.twitter.com/QpTRdVDsxn</a></p>
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) <a href="https://twitter.com/MeghUpdates/status/1843255851316089312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The video quickly gained attention on social media as netizens flocked to the comment section. A user wrote, “The respect and recognition Indians are getting abroad nowadays was never seen or given before.”</p>

<p>Another user commented, “It is a proud moment for all Indians to see India’s culture and civilizations being respected across the world.”</p>

<p>“What a monumental moment! Bringing Durga Puja to Times Square is a beautiful way to celebrate and share culture on such a global stage. History indeed!” a third user reacted.</p>

<p>Ruchika Jain, a popular influencer also shared a video from NYC where several women can be seen performing the Dhunuchi dance at Times Square. According to the video, the festivities have been organised by the Bengali Club in the United States.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/navratri-2024-internet-reacts-to-viral-video-of-student-dancing-garba-while-studying-765297">Navratri 2024: Internet reacts to viral video of student playing Garba while studying</a></strong></p>

<p>“Experience traditional festivities, cultural performances, and a sense of community as we honour this cherished festival. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Indian culture right in the heart of New York City!” the caption on the video read.</p>

<p>Later, several X users, who were present at the celebrations, shared their experience of the first-ever Durga Puja in the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Pujo at Times Square was surreal, serendipitous, cacophonous, and splendid. Everything I had hoped it would be, and more,” a user wrote with pictures.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pujo at Times Square was surreal, serendipitous, cacaphonous, and splendid. Everything I had hoped it would be, and more.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DurgaPuja2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DurgaPuja2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/ss9nfMXugZ">pic.twitter.com/ss9nfMXugZ</a></p>
— Sreyoshi (@ThatStatsGirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThatStatsGirl/status/1843105595530080547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated every year by the Bengali community in the Indian states of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, and the diaspora from these areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The iconic Times Square in New York City was lit up in the lights and cultural fervour of Durga Puja, for the first time ever in history. A viral video shows Times Square as an unrecognisable sight, full of colours as Bengali songs echoed at the iconic tourist destination with dancing people dressed in traditional clothes.

The iconic Times Square in New York City was lit up in the lights and cultural fervour of Durga Puja, for the first time ever in history. A viral video shows Times Square as an unrecognisable sight, full of colours as Bengali songs echoed at the iconic tourist destination with dancing people dressed in traditional clothes. Sharing the video, X handle @MeghUpdates wrote, “History has been Scripted !!! For the 1st time, Durga puja was organized at the centre of Times Square, New York City, United States.” Also Read | Kolkata doctor rape-murder: 50 senior doctors at RG Kar resign in support of protesting colleagues In the video, a singer can be heard singing the popular Bengali song 'Dhak Baja Kashor Baja' as several Indians, dressed in colourful traditional clothes, dance around the Goddess Durga idol. Watch the video here: History has been Scripted !!! For the 1st time, Durga puja was organized at the centre of Times Square, New York City, United States. pic.twitter.com/QpTRdVDsxn — Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) October 7, 2024 × The video quickly gained attention on social media as netizens flocked to the comment section. A user wrote, “The respect and recognition Indians are getting abroad nowadays was never seen or given before.” Another user commented, “It is a proud moment for all Indians to see India’s culture and civilizations being respected across the world.” “What a monumental moment! Bringing Durga Puja to Times Square is a beautiful way to celebrate and share culture on such a global stage. History indeed!” a third user reacted. Ruchika Jain, a popular influencer also shared a video from NYC where several women can be seen performing the Dhunuchi dance at Times Square. According to the video, the festivities have been organised by the Bengali Club in the United States. View this post on Instagram A post shared by RUCHIKA JAIN FIREFLYDO (@fireflydo) × Also Read | Navratri 2024: Internet reacts to viral video of student playing Garba while studying “Experience traditional festivities, cultural performances, and a sense of community as we honour this cherished festival. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Indian culture right in the heart of New York City!” the caption on the video read. Later, several X users, who were present at the celebrations, shared their experience of the first-ever Durga Puja in the US. “Pujo at Times Square was surreal, serendipitous, cacophonous, and splendid. Everything I had hoped it would be, and more,” a user wrote with pictures. Pujo at Times Square was surreal, serendipitous, cacaphonous, and splendid. Everything I had hoped it would be, and more.#DurgaPuja2024 pic.twitter.com/ss9nfMXugZ — Sreyoshi (@ThatStatsGirl) October 7, 2024 × Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated every year by the Bengali community in the Indian states of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, and the diaspora from these areas. (With inputs from agencies)

First-ever Durga Puja celebrations at Times Square in NYC, videos go viral | WATCH

<p>Geoffrey Hinton, regarded by many as the 'godfather of artificial intelligence' (AI), was awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in physics alongside John Hopfield on Tuesday (Oct 8) by the&nbsp;Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Immediately after winning the award, Hopfield talked about the significance of the technology but also warned of it "getting out of control".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hinton&nbsp;laid the foundations for machine learning that is powering many of today's AI-based products and applications. However, he grew wary of AI's future development and cut ties with his&nbsp;former employer Google in order to speak more freely on the issue.</p>

<p>“It will be comparable with the industrial revolution. But instead of exceeding people in physical strength, it’s going to exceed people in intellectual ability. We have no experience of what it’s like to have things smarter than us,” Hinton was quoted as saying by <em>CNN.</em></p>

<p>“But we also have to worry about a number of possible bad consequences, particularly the threat of these things getting out of control,” he cautioned.</p>

<p>Hinton added, “I am worried that the overall consequence of this might be systems more intelligent than us that eventually take control."</p>

<p>This is not the first instance when Hinton was warned of AI's future and its impact on humanity. Speaking at the&nbsp;Collision tech conference in Toronto last year, the so-called "godfather of AI"&nbsp;emphasised the importance of understanding how&nbsp;artificial intelligence&nbsp;might attempt to take control before it surpasses human intelligence.</p>

<p>"Before AI is smarter than us, I think the people developing it should be encouraged to put a lot of work into understanding how it might try and take control away."</p>

<p>"Right now there are 99 very smart people trying to make AI better and one very smart person trying to figure out how to stop it taking over and maybe you want to be more balanced," he added.</p>

<p>As per Hinton, it's not just the threat of a takeover, AI also threatens to deepen pre-existing inequalities. He argued that AI's benefits and productivity gains are likely to benefit the wealthy.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nobel-prize-in-medicine-ambros-and-ruvkun-win-for-microrna-discovery-765492" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Nobel Prize In Medicine: Ambros And Ruvkun Win For microRNA Discovery</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nobel-prize-in-medicine-ambros-and-ruvkun-win-for-microrna-discovery-765492/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Who is Hinton?</strong></h2>

<p>Born in London in 1947, Hinton is currently a professor at the University of Toronto, Canada, having earned his PhD from the University of Edinburgh in 1978.</p>

<p>Hinton improved on his colleague's <em>Hopfield network</em>&nbsp;to create a new network that uses a different method,&nbsp;the <em>Boltzmann machine</em>, for saving and recreating patterns.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/godfather-of-ai-calls-for-action-before-ai-is-smarter-than-us-warns-looming-takeover-isnt-science-fiction-609899"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Godfather of AI calls for action 'before AI is smarter than us', warns looming takeover isn't science fiction</strong></a></p>

<p>Hinton used tools from statistical physics, the science of systems built from many similar components. The machine is trained by feeding it examples that are very likely to arise when the machine is run.</p>

<p>The Boltzmann machine can be used to classify images or create new examples of the type of pattern on which it was trained. Hinton has built upon this work, helping initiate the current explosive development of machine learning.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Geoffrey Hinton, regarded by many as the 'godfather of artificial intelligence' (AI), was awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in physics alongside John Hopfield on Tuesday (Oct 8) by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

Geoffrey Hinton, regarded by many as the 'godfather of artificial intelligence' (AI), was awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in physics alongside John Hopfield on Tuesday (Oct 8) by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Immediately after winning the award, Hopfield talked about the significance of the technology but also warned of it "getting out of control". Hinton laid the foundations for machine learning that is powering many of today's AI-based products and applications. However, he grew wary of AI's future development and cut ties with his former employer Google in order to speak more freely on the issue. “It will be comparable with the industrial revolution. But instead of exceeding people in physical strength, it’s going to exceed people in intellectual ability. We have no experience of what it’s like to have things smarter than us,” Hinton was quoted as saying by CNN. “But we also have to worry about a number of possible bad consequences, particularly the threat of these things getting out of control,” he cautioned. Hinton added, “I am worried that the overall consequence of this might be systems more intelligent than us that eventually take control." This is not the first instance when Hinton was warned of AI's future and its impact on humanity. Speaking at the Collision tech conference in Toronto last year, the so-called "godfather of AI" emphasised the importance of understanding how artificial intelligence might attempt to take control before it surpasses human intelligence. "Before AI is smarter than us, I think the people developing it should be encouraged to put a lot of work into understanding how it might try and take control away." "Right now there are 99 very smart people trying to make AI better and one very smart person trying to figure out how to stop it taking over and maybe you want to be more balanced," he added. As per Hinton, it's not just the threat of a takeover, AI also threatens to deepen pre-existing inequalities. He argued that AI's benefits and productivity gains are likely to benefit the wealthy. Watch | Nobel Prize In Medicine: Ambros And Ruvkun Win For microRNA Discovery Who is Hinton? Born in London in 1947, Hinton is currently a professor at the University of Toronto, Canada, having earned his PhD from the University of Edinburgh in 1978. Hinton improved on his colleague's Hopfield network to create a new network that uses a different method, the Boltzmann machine, for saving and recreating patterns. Also read | Godfather of AI calls for action 'before AI is smarter than us', warns looming takeover isn't science fiction Hinton used tools from statistical physics, the science of systems built from many similar components. The machine is trained by feeding it examples that are very likely to arise when the machine is run. The Boltzmann machine can be used to classify images or create new examples of the type of pattern on which it was trained. Hinton has built upon this work, helping initiate the current explosive development of machine learning. (With inputs from agencies)

'I'm worried': Godfather of AI who won Nobel Prize in Physics warns of technology getting out of control

<p>Russian state media company VGTRK was targeted in a massive cyberattack on the day of Russian President Vladimir Putin's 72nd birthday, on Monday (Oct 7). A report by news agency Reuters citing a&nbsp;Ukrainian government source said Kyiv's hackers were behind the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The media conglomerate owns and operates the country's main national TV stations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The website of VGTRK, the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, was not loading early on Monday. Additionally,&nbsp;its Rossiya-24, a rolling 24-hour news channel, was also affected and was not available online.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"503 Service Unavailable. No server is available to handle this request," the error read when Reuters reporters tried to access the livestream.</p>

<p>"Our state media holding, one of the largest, has faced an unprecedented hacker attack on its digital infrastructure," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, saying VGTRK was working to overcome the consequences.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-sentences-72-year-old-us-man-to-nearly-7-years-in-prison-for-allegedly-fighting-as-mercenary-in-ukraine-765556"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Russia sentences 72-year-old US man to nearly 7 years in prison for allegedly fighting as mercenary in Ukraine</strong></a></p>

<p>"Specialists are working to find out all the circumstances, to understand where the traces left behind by those who organised this hacker attack on the critical infrastructure object lead," Peskov added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The attack on Russian state media on the day of Putin's birthday prompted speculations about the motives behind the assault.</p>

<p>According to Reuters,&nbsp;an unnamed&nbsp;government source from Ukraine claimed responsibility on behalf of Ukrainian hackers, stating that the attack was a symbolic birthday "gift" to the Russian president.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian Dragon Drone Obliterates Russian Tank In Fiery Strike</strong></p>

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<p>Moreover, the attack not only affected external broadcasts but also crippled VGTRK's internal systems, including its telephone&nbsp;and internet services, with reports indicating that even backup servers were wiped, according to the Russian news outlet Gazeta.ru.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the attack, the Russian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Maria Zakharova, announced that Moscow would raise the issue in international forums, including UNESCO, which promotes freedom of speech.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said that Russian media had long since become targets for what she called "the collective West" and said what had happened was part of a "hybrid war".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian state media company VGTRK was targeted in a massive cyberattack on the day of Russian President Vladimir Putin's 72nd birthday, on Monday (Oct 7). A report by news agency Reuters citing a Ukrainian government source said Kyiv's hackers were behind the incident.

Russian state media company VGTRK was targeted in a massive cyberattack on the day of Russian President Vladimir Putin's 72nd birthday, on Monday (Oct 7). A report by news agency Reuters citing a Ukrainian government source said Kyiv's hackers were behind the incident. The media conglomerate owns and operates the country's main national TV stations. The website of VGTRK, the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, was not loading early on Monday. Additionally, its Rossiya-24, a rolling 24-hour news channel, was also affected and was not available online. "503 Service Unavailable. No server is available to handle this request," the error read when Reuters reporters tried to access the livestream. "Our state media holding, one of the largest, has faced an unprecedented hacker attack on its digital infrastructure," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, saying VGTRK was working to overcome the consequences. Also read: Russia sentences 72-year-old US man to nearly 7 years in prison for allegedly fighting as mercenary in Ukraine "Specialists are working to find out all the circumstances, to understand where the traces left behind by those who organised this hacker attack on the critical infrastructure object lead," Peskov added. The attack on Russian state media on the day of Putin's birthday prompted speculations about the motives behind the assault. According to Reuters, an unnamed government source from Ukraine claimed responsibility on behalf of Ukrainian hackers, stating that the attack was a symbolic birthday "gift" to the Russian president. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian Dragon Drone Obliterates Russian Tank In Fiery Strike × Moreover, the attack not only affected external broadcasts but also crippled VGTRK's internal systems, including its telephone and internet services, with reports indicating that even backup servers were wiped, according to the Russian news outlet Gazeta.ru. Following the attack, the Russian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Maria Zakharova, announced that Moscow would raise the issue in international forums, including UNESCO, which promotes freedom of speech. She said that Russian media had long since become targets for what she called "the collective West" and said what had happened was part of a "hybrid war". Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies)

Russian state media hacked on Putin's birthday; Ukrainian source says symbolic 'gift' for him

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has announced plans to fast-track his country's efforts to become a dominant nuclear power. This move signals his intention to expand North Korea's nuclear arsenal and enhance its military capabilities amid rising global tensions. Kim's ambitions underscore the regime's defiance of international sanctions and growing pressure from the global community to curb its nuclear program.

Kim Jong-Un Aims To Accelerate North Korea's Path To Becoming A Nuclear Superpower

Following a recent terror attack in Karachi that targeted Chinese nationals, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Chinese embassy to express solidarity and concern. The attack, which raised alarm over the safety of foreign workers in the region, prompted a swift response from the government. During his visit, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to ensuring the security of Chinese citizens and investments in the country. He condemned the attack and emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between Pakistan and China, particularly in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of collaborative projects. The Prime Minister's visit highlights the deepening ties between the two nations amid ongoing security challenges.

Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif Visits Chinese Embassy After Terror Attack In Karachi

According to reports, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is alive and has secretly established contact with Qatar. Sinwar is the mastermind of Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel. Watch for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Hamas' Yahya Sinwar Said to Have Renewed Contacts With Mediators

Japan's government has admitted an official photo of its new cabinet was manipulated to make members look less unkempt after online speculation that it had been edited. Watch for more details!

Japanese Government Confesses Manipulation of Cabinet Members' Photo

<p>A 43-year-old woman has earned the title of “Chinese Spider-Woman” as she displayed her remarkable ability to climb more than 100 metre&nbsp;cliffs with bare hands without using any safety gear or gloves.</p>

<p>Luo Dengpin, who is from Ziyun Miao and Buyei counties in southwestern China, is recognised as the only female practitioner of bare-handed rock climbing, which is part of the ancient Miao tradition.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-clinic-to-provide-treatment-and-medication-to-math-struggling-students-765279">Chinese clinic to provide treatment and medication to math-struggling students</a></p>

<p>The woman is able to climb a 108-metre-high cliff, which is equivalent to a 30-storey building, and effortlessly moves across vertical rock faces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her skills have their roots in the ancient Miao practice of carrying out cliff burials.</p>

<h2><strong>Story of China's spider-woman</strong></h2>

<p>Currently, Luo is the only female “spider people” in the region. She started rock climbing at the age of 15 and got the guidance of her father.</p>

<p>As a child, she wanted to compete with boys and wished to earn a living by collecting medicinal herbs and bird droppings, which worked as fertiliser.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They said this was only for boys, but I believe men and women are equal, so I learned. That is how my journey as a spider woman began,” said Luo, while speaking to the BBC in 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Before this area was developed, I climbed every day to collect swallows’ droppings. We would scale 108 metres. Foreigners were often frightened by our bare-handed climbing, but I grew accustomed to it. After doing it so many times, my hands became callused,” she added in an interview with Shandong TV.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-raises-retirement-age-for-first-time-in-70-years-amid-low-pension-budget-758537">China raises retirement age for first time in 70 years amid low pension budget</a></p>

<p>To master the technique of rock climbing, one does not only require physical strength but also significant skill, which can be honed by gathering medicinal herbs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In present times, collecting the swallows’ droppings is not just a necessity but has become a skill which provides entertainment to tourists.</p>

<p>“Many visitors wanted to see how we gathered the herbs and paid us to demonstrate. My income isn’t high, but I take pride in being a spider woman,” Luo said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A 43-year-old woman has earned the title of “Chinese Spider-Woman” as she displayed her remarkable ability to climb more than 100 metre cliffs with bare hands without using any safety gear or gloves.

A 43-year-old woman has earned the title of “Chinese Spider-Woman” as she displayed her remarkable ability to climb more than 100 metre cliffs with bare hands without using any safety gear or gloves. Luo Dengpin, who is from Ziyun Miao and Buyei counties in southwestern China, is recognised as the only female practitioner of bare-handed rock climbing, which is part of the ancient Miao tradition. Also Read: Chinese clinic to provide treatment and medication to math-struggling students The woman is able to climb a 108-metre-high cliff, which is equivalent to a 30-storey building, and effortlessly moves across vertical rock faces. Her skills have their roots in the ancient Miao practice of carrying out cliff burials. Story of China's spider-woman Currently, Luo is the only female “spider people” in the region. She started rock climbing at the age of 15 and got the guidance of her father. As a child, she wanted to compete with boys and wished to earn a living by collecting medicinal herbs and bird droppings, which worked as fertiliser. “They said this was only for boys, but I believe men and women are equal, so I learned. That is how my journey as a spider woman began,” said Luo, while speaking to the BBC in 2017. “Before this area was developed, I climbed every day to collect swallows’ droppings. We would scale 108 metres. Foreigners were often frightened by our bare-handed climbing, but I grew accustomed to it. After doing it so many times, my hands became callused,” she added in an interview with Shandong TV. Also Read: China raises retirement age for first time in 70 years amid low pension budget To master the technique of rock climbing, one does not only require physical strength but also significant skill, which can be honed by gathering medicinal herbs. In present times, collecting the swallows’ droppings is not just a necessity but has become a skill which provides entertainment to tourists. “Many visitors wanted to see how we gathered the herbs and paid us to demonstrate. My income isn’t high, but I take pride in being a spider woman,” Luo said. (With inputs from agencies)

This 'Spider-Woman' of China can climb 108-metre cliff without any safety gear

<p><em><strong>Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.</strong></em></p>

<p>A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded on Saturday evening when a mother was brutally stabbed to death by her child's father, just one day after her protection order against him expired. The terrifying attack occurred in front of the couple’s 2-year-old son.</p>

<h2><strong>Woman found stabbed in basement</strong></h2>

<p>According to police, Brenda Guadalupe Alfaro-Alcantara, 29, was found dead in the basement of her home on Botsford Avenue after being stabbed 34 times by Jose W. Funes-Zabala, 43 on Saturday evening, around 8:30 p.m. She had been in a relationship with Jose W. Funes-Zabala for three years, and they had a&nbsp;2-year-old son. Their relationship was violent, and family members had thrown Funes-Zabala out of the house due to his behaviour.</p>

<h2><strong>Details of the incident</strong></h2>

<p>An argument began when Funes-Zabala found out that Alfaro-Alcantara had started dating someone else. The situation quickly escalated, and in a rage, he stabbed her 34 times while their 2-year-old son watched, the child, covered in his mother’s blood, walked out of the basement to find other family members. "I can't imagine what that baby went through. It's just unbelievable,"&nbsp;said neighbour Larissa Del Gado.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-widow-finds-out-about-husbands-infidelity-after-his-death-eats-his-ashes-765270">Canadian widow finds out about husband's infidelity after his death, eats his ashes</a></p>

<p>In October 2023, Alfaro-Alcantara took their son to court after the child was allegedly injured by his father, suffering fractures to his femur and skull. A protection order was placed against Funes-Zabala, but that order expired on Friday, October 4. One day later, he showed up to visit his son.</p>

<p>Funes-Zabala fled the scene but was later found at a hospital with self-inflicted injuries. He was treated and declared fit for arrest. Police charged him with second-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><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></p>

<h2><strong>Police urge for extended protection orders</strong></h2>

<p>Local police are urging anyone in a similar situation to seek help immediately. They also stressed that protection orders can be extended to avoid such tragedies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded on Saturday evening when a mother was brutally stabbed to death by her child's father, just one day after her protection order against him expired.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded on Saturday evening when a mother was brutally stabbed to death by her child's father, just one day after her protection order against him expired. The terrifying attack occurred in front of the couple’s 2-year-old son. Woman found stabbed in basement According to police, Brenda Guadalupe Alfaro-Alcantara, 29, was found dead in the basement of her home on Botsford Avenue after being stabbed 34 times by Jose W. Funes-Zabala, 43 on Saturday evening, around 8:30 p.m. She had been in a relationship with Jose W. Funes-Zabala for three years, and they had a 2-year-old son. Their relationship was violent, and family members had thrown Funes-Zabala out of the house due to his behaviour. Details of the incident An argument began when Funes-Zabala found out that Alfaro-Alcantara had started dating someone else. The situation quickly escalated, and in a rage, he stabbed her 34 times while their 2-year-old son watched, the child, covered in his mother’s blood, walked out of the basement to find other family members. "I can't imagine what that baby went through. It's just unbelievable," said neighbour Larissa Del Gado. Also read | Canadian widow finds out about husband's infidelity after his death, eats his ashes In October 2023, Alfaro-Alcantara took their son to court after the child was allegedly injured by his father, suffering fractures to his femur and skull. A protection order was placed against Funes-Zabala, but that order expired on Friday, October 4. One day later, he showed up to visit his son. Funes-Zabala fled the scene but was later found at a hospital with self-inflicted injuries. He was treated and declared fit for arrest. Police charged him with second-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child. Also read | This 'Spider-Woman' of China can climb 108-metre cliff without any safety gear Police urge for extended protection orders Local police are urging anyone in a similar situation to seek help immediately. They also stressed that protection orders can be extended to avoid such tragedies. (With inputs from agencies)

Mother stabbed to death in front of 2-year-old, just one day after protection order expired

<p>Five Russian mountaineers died while climbing the world's seventh-highest peak in Nepal after they slipped and fell, an expedition organiser in Nepal said on Tuesday (Oct 8).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The team lost contact with them two days ago while they were on Mount Dhaulagiri.<br />
<br />
The Russian mountaineers were climbing the 26,788-foot-high Mount Dhaulagiri during Nepal's autumn climbing season.</p>

<p>They were reportedly missing since Sunday, and a rescue helicopter found their bodies on Tuesday, said Pemba Jangbu Sherpa of the Kathmandu-based IAM Trekking and Expeditions.</p>

<p>Rakesh Gurung, from Nepal's tourism department, said the team went missing late on the evening of October 6, while they were attempting to summit the 8,167 metre&nbsp;(26,795 feet) high Himalayan peak.</p>

<p>"Five dead bodies were discovered by a helicopter rescue team," Gurung told AFP. "They fell from 7,700 metres."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sherpa-kami-rita-breaks-own-record-successfully-scales-mount-everest-peak-29-times-720842"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Nepal Mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa breaks own record, successfully scales Mount Everest peak 29th time</strong></a></p>

<p>He further said that one climber who quit the summit attempt had been rescued from the mountain and "admitted to a hospital" in Kathmandu.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, nothing has been decided about bringing the bodies down from the mountain, which would require extensive planning, manpower, and equipment.</p>

<p>Eight of the world's 14 highest peaks are in Nepal, and&nbsp;foreign climbers who aim to climb these mountains are a major source of revenue for the country.</p>

<p>Hundreds of people across the world travel to the Himalayas every year for the autumn climbing season in Nepal.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Climbing Mount Everest To Become More Difficult?</strong></p>

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<p>The growth of the climbing industry has created huge competition among companies for business&nbsp;while also raising fears that some are cutting corners on safety.</p>

<p>Earlier in October last year, a well-known Russian climber Nadezhda Oleneva died on Mount Dhaulagiri, just weeks after five climbers died in the French Alps.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, four mountaineers from Italy and South Korea were found dead on the Alps' highest peak of Mont Blanc after they had been missing for three days in bad weather.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Five Russian mountaineers died while climbing the world's seventh-highest peak in Nepal after they slipped and fell, an expedition organiser in Nepal said on Tuesday (Oct 8).

Five Russian mountaineers died while climbing the world's seventh-highest peak in Nepal after they slipped and fell, an expedition organiser in Nepal said on Tuesday (Oct 8). The team lost contact with them two days ago while they were on Mount Dhaulagiri. The Russian mountaineers were climbing the 26,788-foot-high Mount Dhaulagiri during Nepal's autumn climbing season. They were reportedly missing since Sunday, and a rescue helicopter found their bodies on Tuesday, said Pemba Jangbu Sherpa of the Kathmandu-based IAM Trekking and Expeditions. Rakesh Gurung, from Nepal's tourism department, said the team went missing late on the evening of October 6, while they were attempting to summit the 8,167 metre (26,795 feet) high Himalayan peak. "Five dead bodies were discovered by a helicopter rescue team," Gurung told AFP. "They fell from 7,700 metres." Also read: Nepal Mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa breaks own record, successfully scales Mount Everest peak 29th time He further said that one climber who quit the summit attempt had been rescued from the mountain and "admitted to a hospital" in Kathmandu. Meanwhile, nothing has been decided about bringing the bodies down from the mountain, which would require extensive planning, manpower, and equipment. Eight of the world's 14 highest peaks are in Nepal, and foreign climbers who aim to climb these mountains are a major source of revenue for the country. Hundreds of people across the world travel to the Himalayas every year for the autumn climbing season in Nepal. Watch | Climbing Mount Everest To Become More Difficult? × The growth of the climbing industry has created huge competition among companies for business while also raising fears that some are cutting corners on safety. Earlier in October last year, a well-known Russian climber Nadezhda Oleneva died on Mount Dhaulagiri, just weeks after five climbers died in the French Alps. Last month, four mountaineers from Italy and South Korea were found dead on the Alps' highest peak of Mont Blanc after they had been missing for three days in bad weather. (With inputs from agencies)

Five Russian climbers died on world's 7th-highest-peak in Nepal's Dhaulagiri

<p>Democratic presidential nominee and United States Vice President&nbsp;Kamala Harris refused to call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a close ally during an interview with American broadcaster CBS, covering wide-ranging issues, aired on Monday (Oct 7).</p>

<p>Speaking about&nbsp;the Russia-Ukraine war, the current vice president&nbsp;said she would not meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin for peace talks if Ukraine were not also represented. She ruled out a bilateral meeting with Putin, saying, "Without Ukraine? No."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Further, she defended her economic plans while getting grilled during CBS'&nbsp;<em>60 Minutes</em> prime-time election special.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the presidential race between Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Harris tightens ahead of the November elections, the VP has increased her media presence and recently appeared for podcasts, talk radio, a battleground state town hall, daytime television, and late-night shows.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-white-house-disgusted-as-trump-blames-illegal-immigrants-for-bad-genes-in-us-765407"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Watch: White House 'disgusted' as Trump blames illegal immigrants for ‘bad genes in US’</strong></a></p>

<p>Before the interview was aired, CBS correspondent Scott Pelley detailed his attempts to secure a similar <em>60 Minutes</em> sit-down with Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pelley said, "Unfortunately last week, Trump cancelled", adding that the Republican candidate's&nbsp;campaign provided “shifting explanations” for why he declined to participate, including that the former US president&nbsp;did not want to be fact-checked.</p>

<p>Harris, during the interview with CBS'&nbsp;Bill Whitaker, was pressed on how she would pay for her economic proposals, including her plans to build millions of new housing units, tax breaks for new parents, and $25,000 down-payment assistance for new homebuyers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She vowed to raise taxes on the country's billionaires and biggest corporations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;U.S. Presidential Election: How Swing States Can Make Or Break Campaigns | WION originals</strong></p>

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<p>However, Whitaker found it dubious and said, "We’re dealing with the real world here."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He asked how Harris would persuade Congress to raise taxes on the country’s highest earners. To this, Harris said there were lawmakers who would listen to her pitch if she were president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I cannot afford to be myopic in terms of how I think about strengthening America’s economy,” the Democratic presidential candidate&nbsp;said in the interview. “Let me tell you something. I am a devout public servant. You know that I’m also a capitalist, and I know the limitations of government.”</p>

<p>Shifting to the question of whether Netanyahu was “a real close ally", Harris said, "The better question is: Do we have an important alliance between the American people and the Israeli people? And the answer to that question is yes.”</p>

<p>She added Israel had a right to defend itself, but went on to say that “far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed.”</p>

<p>Israel’s war has levelled Gaza and killed almost 42,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza&nbsp;health ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Democratic presidential nominee and United States Vice President Kamala Harris refused to call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a close ally during an interview with American broadcaster CBS, covering wide-ranging issues, aired on Monday (Oct 7).

Democratic presidential nominee and United States Vice President Kamala Harris refused to call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a close ally during an interview with American broadcaster CBS, covering wide-ranging issues, aired on Monday (Oct 7). Speaking about the Russia-Ukraine war, the current vice president said she would not meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin for peace talks if Ukraine were not also represented. She ruled out a bilateral meeting with Putin, saying, "Without Ukraine? No." Further, she defended her economic plans while getting grilled during CBS' 60 Minutes prime-time election special. As the presidential race between Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Harris tightens ahead of the November elections, the VP has increased her media presence and recently appeared for podcasts, talk radio, a battleground state town hall, daytime television, and late-night shows. Also read: Watch: White House 'disgusted' as Trump blames illegal immigrants for ‘bad genes in US’ Before the interview was aired, CBS correspondent Scott Pelley detailed his attempts to secure a similar 60 Minutes sit-down with Trump. Pelley said, "Unfortunately last week, Trump cancelled", adding that the Republican candidate's campaign provided “shifting explanations” for why he declined to participate, including that the former US president did not want to be fact-checked. Harris, during the interview with CBS' Bill Whitaker, was pressed on how she would pay for her economic proposals, including her plans to build millions of new housing units, tax breaks for new parents, and $25,000 down-payment assistance for new homebuyers. She vowed to raise taxes on the country's billionaires and biggest corporations. Watch | U.S. Presidential Election: How Swing States Can Make Or Break Campaigns | WION originals × However, Whitaker found it dubious and said, "We’re dealing with the real world here." He asked how Harris would persuade Congress to raise taxes on the country’s highest earners. To this, Harris said there were lawmakers who would listen to her pitch if she were president. “I cannot afford to be myopic in terms of how I think about strengthening America’s economy,” the Democratic presidential candidate said in the interview. “Let me tell you something. I am a devout public servant. You know that I’m also a capitalist, and I know the limitations of government.” Shifting to the question of whether Netanyahu was “a real close ally", Harris said, "The better question is: Do we have an important alliance between the American people and the Israeli people? And the answer to that question is yes.” She added Israel had a right to defend itself, but went on to say that “far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed.” Israel’s war has levelled Gaza and killed almost 42,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry. (With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris refuses to call Netanyahu 'close ally' during 60 minutes interview

<p>A lot of times employees find themselves in difficult situations when their parents come forth to talk to their bosses or managers regarding some not sanctioned leaves or other managerial issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But how many times does this really happen that one's parents are speaking to the managers?&nbsp;</p>

<p>What looks like an impossible conversation actually happened between a man and the manager of his daughter and screenshots of the conversation sparked an intense debate on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The screenshots of the conversation were shared by the man who was criticised by many for interfering too much in his child's life.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lucknow-bank-employee-dies-after-falling-off-chair-in-office-peers-allege-work-pressure-761782">Lucknow bank employee dies after falling off chair in office, peers allege 'work pressure'</a></p>

<p>"Local Pizza joint denied my 16 yo daughter vacation with 3 weeks notice and tried to force her to quit, I text the boss..." stated the caption on&nbsp;Threads.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The screenshots shared by the man gave glimpses of the conversation which happened between the boss of the girl and her father.</p>

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<p>The manager informed the father that his daughter's vacation was not granted and if she took off without authorisation, it would be considered as “voluntary resignation.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>At one point, the father is seen as saying, “You are forcing a kid to resign for vacation she has no control over, and I'm making this hard?”</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how netizens reacted to the conversation</strong></h2>

<p>Some of them slammed the father for interfering a lot in his child's life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“1. A 10-day&nbsp;vacation&nbsp;is not trivial. A small business losing a worker for 10 days is very significant. People put in these kinds of requests MONTHS in advance. 2. Why are you texting your daughter’s manager for her?” wrote a Threads user.</p>

<p>“Sorry, but you were out of line. Your daughter accepted a job and told the hiring manager there were no upcoming trips. Then you scheduled a trip for your daughter without checking her schedule. Then you jumped the chain of command and embarrassed yourself and your child in front of her boss. The only way she can comfortably continue this job is if you stop calling and she forgoes the trip. If you think the trip you planned is more important than her job, then just tell her to quit," commented another user.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anna-sebastian-perayil-case-ey-pune-operating-since-2007-without-required-permits-761615">Anna Sebastian Perayil case: EY Pune operating since 2007 without required permits, reveal authorities</a></p>

<p>“While I feel for your daughter, can I ask why, before booking the trip you didn’t have her check with her employer as to whether or not the time off would be approved? Do you book trips before validating that you can actually get the time off work and that you aren’t leaving your employer and peers short-handed? As the parent, you’ve put the employer in a bad situation and have taught your daughter how to be an irresponsible employee. It’s not just the employer you hurt, but also her coworkers," stated a third user.</p>

<p>However, some of them felt that the actions of the father were not wrong and that the manager was too “strict” and “unreasonable”.</p>

<p>“There’s just absolutely no reason why your business is so understaffed that you’re relying on a 16-year-old to work. It's ridiculous, let the girl take her vacation and come back, this is another major reason why so much of the younger generation has no desire to work. there is no work-life balance even at 16 years old," wrote a user.</p>

<p>"Your daughter is 16 and should be able to participate in a family vacation!! The boss is just an a** that doesn’t wanna do his job. He needs her more than he’s letting on but doesn’t wanna have to deal with the paperwork that comes with firing her and knows she will get more benefits that way! I'd say don’t let her resign, let her let HIM fire her and she’ll reap more benefits that way!” another said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A lot of times employees find themselves in difficult situations when their parents come forth to talk to their bosses or managers regarding some not sanctioned leaves or other managerial issues.

A lot of times employees find themselves in difficult situations when their parents come forth to talk to their bosses or managers regarding some not sanctioned leaves or other managerial issues. But how many times does this really happen that one's parents are speaking to the managers? What looks like an impossible conversation actually happened between a man and the manager of his daughter and screenshots of the conversation sparked an intense debate on social media. The screenshots of the conversation were shared by the man who was criticised by many for interfering too much in his child's life. Also Read: Lucknow bank employee dies after falling off chair in office, peers allege 'work pressure' "Local Pizza joint denied my 16 yo daughter vacation with 3 weeks notice and tried to force her to quit, I text the boss..." stated the caption on Threads. The screenshots shared by the man gave glimpses of the conversation which happened between the boss of the girl and her father. Post by @quitbytext View on Threads × The manager informed the father that his daughter's vacation was not granted and if she took off without authorisation, it would be considered as “voluntary resignation.” At one point, the father is seen as saying, “You are forcing a kid to resign for vacation she has no control over, and I'm making this hard?” Here's how netizens reacted to the conversation Some of them slammed the father for interfering a lot in his child's life. “1. A 10-day vacation is not trivial. A small business losing a worker for 10 days is very significant. People put in these kinds of requests MONTHS in advance. 2. Why are you texting your daughter’s manager for her?” wrote a Threads user. “Sorry, but you were out of line. Your daughter accepted a job and told the hiring manager there were no upcoming trips. Then you scheduled a trip for your daughter without checking her schedule. Then you jumped the chain of command and embarrassed yourself and your child in front of her boss. The only way she can comfortably continue this job is if you stop calling and she forgoes the trip. If you think the trip you planned is more important than her job, then just tell her to quit," commented another user. Also Read: Anna Sebastian Perayil case: EY Pune operating since 2007 without required permits, reveal authorities “While I feel for your daughter, can I ask why, before booking the trip you didn’t have her check with her employer as to whether or not the time off would be approved? Do you book trips before validating that you can actually get the time off work and that you aren’t leaving your employer and peers short-handed? As the parent, you’ve put the employer in a bad situation and have taught your daughter how to be an irresponsible employee. It’s not just the employer you hurt, but also her coworkers," stated a third user. However, some of them felt that the actions of the father were not wrong and that the manager was too “strict” and “unreasonable”. “There’s just absolutely no reason why your business is so understaffed that you’re relying on a 16-year-old to work. It's ridiculous, let the girl take her vacation and come back, this is another major reason why so much of the younger generation has no desire to work. there is no work-life balance even at 16 years old," wrote a user. "Your daughter is 16 and should be able to participate in a family vacation!! The boss is just an a** that doesn’t wanna do his job. He needs her more than he’s letting on but doesn’t wanna have to deal with the paperwork that comes with firing her and knows she will get more benefits that way! I'd say don’t let her resign, let her let HIM fire her and she’ll reap more benefits that way!” another said. (With inputs from agencies)

Father reaches out to boss for rejecting his daughter's leaves. Here's what happens next

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<p>A court in Russia on Monday (Oct 7) sentenced a 72-year-old man from the United States (US) to nearly seven years in prison for allegedly fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, the man was identified as&nbsp;Stephen Hubbard.</p>

<p>On Monday, prosecutors said that Hubbard signed a contract with the Ukrainian military after Moscow launched its offensive in late February 2022 and he fought alongside them&nbsp;until being captured two months later.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-north-korean-soldiers-likely-fighting-alongside-russian-troops-says-seoul-765509">Ukraine war: North Korean soldiers likely fighting alongside Russian troops, says Seoul</a></strong></p>

<p>Hubbard was sentenced to six years and 10 months in a general-security prison, the report said. Prosecutors had called for a seven-year sentence in a maximum security prison.</p>

<h2><strong>Washington reacts to the development</strong></h2>

<p>US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Monday that the department had limited information about the case as Moscow refused to grant consular access.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They have an obligation to provide it and we’re going to continue to press for it. We’re looking at the case very closely and considering our next steps,” Miller said during a press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A relief by Russian prosecutors</strong></h2>

<p>Hubbard, is the first American known to have been convicted on charges of fighting as a mercenary in the Ukraine war.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | Russian President Putin&nbsp;draws a nuclear red line for the West</strong></p>

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<p>The charges against the 72-year-old&nbsp;carried a potential sentence of 15 years, but prosecutors asked that his age be taken into account along with his admission of guilt, the Associated Press reported citing Russian media.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A court in Russia on Monday (Oct 7) sentenced a 72-year-old man from the United States (US) to nearly seven years in prison for allegedly fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine.

A court in Russia on Monday (Oct 7) sentenced a 72-year-old man from the United States (US) to nearly seven years in prison for allegedly fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, the man was identified as Stephen Hubbard. On Monday, prosecutors said that Hubbard signed a contract with the Ukrainian military after Moscow launched its offensive in late February 2022 and he fought alongside them until being captured two months later. Also read | Ukraine war: North Korean soldiers likely fighting alongside Russian troops, says Seoul Hubbard was sentenced to six years and 10 months in a general-security prison, the report said. Prosecutors had called for a seven-year sentence in a maximum security prison. Washington reacts to the development US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Monday that the department had limited information about the case as Moscow refused to grant consular access. “They have an obligation to provide it and we’re going to continue to press for it. We’re looking at the case very closely and considering our next steps,” Miller said during a press conference. A relief by Russian prosecutors Hubbard, is the first American known to have been convicted on charges of fighting as a mercenary in the Ukraine war. Also watch | Russian President Putin draws a nuclear red line for the West × The charges against the 72-year-old carried a potential sentence of 15 years, but prosecutors asked that his age be taken into account along with his admission of guilt, the Associated Press reported citing Russian media. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia sentences 72-year-old US man to nearly 7 years in prison for allegedly fighting as mercenary in Ukraine

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<p>North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un said on Monday&nbsp;(Oct 7) that his country would speed up toward becoming a military superpower with nuclear weapons, the state news agency KCNA reported on Tuesday. Kim made this remark during a speech at the&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;Jong&nbsp;Un&nbsp;National Defense&nbsp;University.</p>

<p>For decades, North Korea has pursued a nuclear weapons program&nbsp;and is believed to have enough fissile materials to build dozens of the weapons.</p>

<p>KCNA reported on Tuesday that Kim mentioned South Korean President&nbsp;Yoon Suk Yeol by name for the second time in a week in denouncing Seoul for colluding with Washington&nbsp;to destabilise the region to gloss over the fact it does not even have proper strategic weapons.</p>

<h2><strong>'Have no intention of attacking South Korea'</strong></h2>

<p>"Yoon Suk Yeol made some tasteless and vulgar comment about the end of the Republic in his speech, and it shows he is totally consumed by his blind faith in his master's strength,"&nbsp;Kim said, referring to South Korea's alliance with the United States.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-president-warns-norths-kim-will-face-end-of-regime-if-it-uses-nuclear-weapons-763556">South Korea warns North of ‘end of Kim’s regime’ if it uses nuclear weapons</a></strong></p>

<p>He pointed out that Pyongyang had no intention of attacking Seoul.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Every time I stated our position on the use of military force, I clearly and consistently used the qualification 'if.' If the enemies try to use force against our country, the Republic's military will use all offensive power without hesitation. This does not preclude the use of nuclear weapons," North Korea's supreme leader added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Seoul's warning to&nbsp;Pyongyang</strong></h2>

<p>Kim's remarks came a week after South Korean President Yoon warned North Korea&nbsp;against using nuclear weapons.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | Newspoint: North Korea's&nbsp;Kim Jong Un oversees artillery exercise</strong></p>

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<p>"That day will see the end of the North Korean regime," Yoon said as his country marked&nbsp;an annual armed forces day with a large military parade showcasing a ballistic missile capable of carrying a massive warhead and featuring a flypast of a US&nbsp;strategic bomber.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un said on Monday (Oct 7) that his country would speed up toward becoming a military superpower with nuclear weapons, the state news agency KCNA reported on Tuesday.

North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un said on Monday (Oct 7) that his country would speed up toward becoming a military superpower with nuclear weapons, the state news agency KCNA reported on Tuesday. Kim made this remark during a speech at the Kim Jong Un National Defense University. For decades, North Korea has pursued a nuclear weapons program and is believed to have enough fissile materials to build dozens of the weapons. KCNA reported on Tuesday that Kim mentioned South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol by name for the second time in a week in denouncing Seoul for colluding with Washington to destabilise the region to gloss over the fact it does not even have proper strategic weapons. 'Have no intention of attacking South Korea' "Yoon Suk Yeol made some tasteless and vulgar comment about the end of the Republic in his speech, and it shows he is totally consumed by his blind faith in his master's strength," Kim said, referring to South Korea's alliance with the United States. Also read | South Korea warns North of ‘end of Kim’s regime’ if it uses nuclear weapons He pointed out that Pyongyang had no intention of attacking Seoul. "Every time I stated our position on the use of military force, I clearly and consistently used the qualification 'if.' If the enemies try to use force against our country, the Republic's military will use all offensive power without hesitation. This does not preclude the use of nuclear weapons," North Korea's supreme leader added. Seoul's warning to Pyongyang Kim's remarks came a week after South Korean President Yoon warned North Korea against using nuclear weapons. Also watch | Newspoint: North Korea's Kim Jong Un oversees artillery exercise × "That day will see the end of the North Korean regime," Yoon said as his country marked an annual armed forces day with a large military parade showcasing a ballistic missile capable of carrying a massive warhead and featuring a flypast of a US strategic bomber. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea will speed up toward becoming military superpower with nuclear weapons: Kim Jong Un

<p>Lawyers for a man who is also under investigation in the 2007 disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann called on Monday for him to be acquitted in his trial on charges of unrelated sexual offenses.</p>

<p>Prosecutors last week urged the Braunschweig state court to convict the 47-year-old German national, who has been identified by local media as Christian Brueckner, of two counts of rape and two of sexual abuse. They argued that he should be given a 15-year-prison sentence and kept in preventive detention once he has served it, though they said he should be acquitted of a third rape charge.</p>

<p>However, the defendant’s defence team said on Monday that an acquittal would be the right outcome. Lawyer Friedrich Fülscher told the court that “there was never a sufficient suspicion” against his client, the German dpa news agency reported.</p>

<p>A verdict was scheduled for Tuesday.</p>

<p>Brueckner has been on trial since February over offences he is alleged to have committed in Portugal between 2000 and 2017. Defence lawyers pointed to what they labelled a lack of evidence and witnesses who weren’t credible, and Fülscher suggested he might not have been charged if he hadn’t also been a suspect in the McCann case.</p>

<p>The suspect has not been charged in the McCann case, in which he is under investigation on suspicion of murder. He spent many years in Portugal, including in the resort of Praia da Luz around the time of Madeleine’s disappearance there in 2007. He has denied any involvement in her disappearance.</p>

<p>He is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence in Germany for a rape in Portugal in 2005. Fülscher said he would seek to have that case reopened, citing new facts that emerged from the current trial, dpa reported.</p>

<p>In July, the court lifted an arrest warrant in the cases at stake in the current trial, citing a lack of “urgent suspicion” against the defendant. But he has remained behind bars because of the sentence he is currently serving.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>


Lawyers for a man who is also under investigation in the 2007 disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann called on Monday for him to be acquitted in his trial on charges of unrelated sexual offenses.

Lawyers for a man who is also under investigation in the 2007 disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann called on Monday for him to be acquitted in his trial on charges of unrelated sexual offenses. Prosecutors last week urged the Braunschweig state court to convict the 47-year-old German national, who has been identified by local media as Christian Brueckner, of two counts of rape and two of sexual abuse. They argued that he should be given a 15-year-prison sentence and kept in preventive detention once he has served it, though they said he should be acquitted of a third rape charge. However, the defendant’s defence team said on Monday that an acquittal would be the right outcome. Lawyer Friedrich Fülscher told the court that “there was never a sufficient suspicion” against his client, the German dpa news agency reported. A verdict was scheduled for Tuesday. Brueckner has been on trial since February over offences he is alleged to have committed in Portugal between 2000 and 2017. Defence lawyers pointed to what they labelled a lack of evidence and witnesses who weren’t credible, and Fülscher suggested he might not have been charged if he hadn’t also been a suspect in the McCann case. The suspect has not been charged in the McCann case, in which he is under investigation on suspicion of murder. He spent many years in Portugal, including in the resort of Praia da Luz around the time of Madeleine’s disappearance there in 2007. He has denied any involvement in her disappearance. He is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence in Germany for a rape in Portugal in 2005. Fülscher said he would seek to have that case reopened, citing new facts that emerged from the current trial, dpa reported. In July, the court lifted an arrest warrant in the cases at stake in the current trial, citing a lack of “urgent suspicion” against the defendant. But he has remained behind bars because of the sentence he is currently serving. 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.

German court acquits McCann case suspect of unrelated sexual offense charges

<p>The spectre of the Chinese military in Southeast Asian countries is back again, with reports suggesting that a base in Cambodia is seeing a permanent&nbsp;presence of its Navy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over the past few years, satellite imagery has shown brisk construction activity in the Ream naval base. Now, reports citing the pictures say that Chinese Navy ships appeared to be docked there on a more permanent basis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: China's new Naval outpost in Cambodia? | China &amp; Cambodia begin joint military drills</strong></p>

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<p>The images showed two Chinese 1,500-tonne warships, the A56 corvettes, and the construction of a new pier that can dock larger vessels, with Chinese funding, said a report in BBC.</p>

<p>The Navy of Cambodia, whose government has been friendly with China in recent&nbsp;years, insists that the Ream base is open to all friendly navies while maintaining that it sticks to a ban on permanent foreign military presence in line with the constitution.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-naval-base-in-cambodia-nearly-done-it-has-pier-for-aircraft-carriers-see-satellite-images-619617"><strong>Also read: Chinese naval base in Cambodia nearly complete. It has pier for aircraft carriers - see satellite images</strong></a></p>

<p>BBC, citing analysts said the construction of new infrastructure of the Ream base such as a dry dock, administrative buildings and other facilities appears to be made more for military than civilian use.</p>

<p>Ream base was once backed with US military aid until 2017 when the new government shifted loyalties to China. Earlier, the US had conducted joint military drills with Cambodia, but now, Cambodia has the Golden Dragon exercises with China.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/chinas-hegemonic-ambitions-brazen-aggression-in-scs-threat-to-regional-peace-stability-intl-order-734076"><strong>Also read: China’s hegemonic ambitions, brazen aggression in SCS: Threat to regional peace, stability, int'l order</strong></a></p>

<p>Cambodia's tilt towards China is seen as a move to counterbalance its larger neighbours Vietnam and Thailand, but the government has insisted that the Chinese military presence is for training purposes only, and&nbsp;temporary.</p>

<p>Vietnam, Thailand and other countries in the region - several having territorial disputes with China over the South China Sea - worry that China is engaging in a strategic encirclement of the Southeast Asian region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US is also worried about the Chinese footprint in the region, said the BBC report.</p>

<p>It noted that China now has more warships&nbsp;than the US but has only one overseas military base in Africa's Djibouti, as compared to the&nbsp;750 American bases including one in Djibouti.</p>

<p>The BBC cited experts who believe that more than military might, China may be using the base for intelligence gathering and monitoring of the region.</p>

<p>It said, citing analysts, that&nbsp;China would eventually have a global network of bases, or civilian ports that it can use as bases and Ream in Cambodia could be one of the first such facilities.</p>

<p>The report said Indian and American strategists are more worried about the possible Chinese base in the Indian Ocean region, in ports like Sri Lanka's&nbsp; Hambantota or Gwadar in Pakistan. Both have gotten Chinese assistance and are being used for civilian purposes, for now.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The spectre of the Chinese military in Southeast Asian countries is back again, with reports suggesting that a base in Cambodia is seeing a permanent presence of its Navy.

The spectre of the Chinese military in Southeast Asian countries is back again, with reports suggesting that a base in Cambodia is seeing a permanent presence of its Navy. Over the past few years, satellite imagery has shown brisk construction activity in the Ream naval base. Now, reports citing the pictures say that Chinese Navy ships appeared to be docked there on a more permanent basis. Watch: China's new Naval outpost in Cambodia? | China & Cambodia begin joint military drills × The images showed two Chinese 1,500-tonne warships, the A56 corvettes, and the construction of a new pier that can dock larger vessels, with Chinese funding, said a report in BBC. The Navy of Cambodia, whose government has been friendly with China in recent years, insists that the Ream base is open to all friendly navies while maintaining that it sticks to a ban on permanent foreign military presence in line with the constitution. Also read: Chinese naval base in Cambodia nearly complete. It has pier for aircraft carriers - see satellite images BBC, citing analysts said the construction of new infrastructure of the Ream base such as a dry dock, administrative buildings and other facilities appears to be made more for military than civilian use. Ream base was once backed with US military aid until 2017 when the new government shifted loyalties to China. Earlier, the US had conducted joint military drills with Cambodia, but now, Cambodia has the Golden Dragon exercises with China. Also read: China’s hegemonic ambitions, brazen aggression in SCS: Threat to regional peace, stability, int'l order Cambodia's tilt towards China is seen as a move to counterbalance its larger neighbours Vietnam and Thailand, but the government has insisted that the Chinese military presence is for training purposes only, and temporary. Vietnam, Thailand and other countries in the region - several having territorial disputes with China over the South China Sea - worry that China is engaging in a strategic encirclement of the Southeast Asian region. The US is also worried about the Chinese footprint in the region, said the BBC report. It noted that China now has more warships than the US but has only one overseas military base in Africa's Djibouti, as compared to the 750 American bases including one in Djibouti. The BBC cited experts who believe that more than military might, China may be using the base for intelligence gathering and monitoring of the region. It said, citing analysts, that China would eventually have a global network of bases, or civilian ports that it can use as bases and Ream in Cambodia could be one of the first such facilities. The report said Indian and American strategists are more worried about the possible Chinese base in the Indian Ocean region, in ports like Sri Lanka's Hambantota or Gwadar in Pakistan. Both have gotten Chinese assistance and are being used for civilian purposes, for now. (With inputs from agencies)

China's military presence in Cambodia's Ream naval base is showing signs of being permanent: Report

<p>The Israeli Army said Tuesday (Oct 8) it killed another senior Hezbollah commander in strikes on Beirut, the Lebanese capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said&nbsp;it took out&nbsp;the commander of Hezbollah’s headquarters, Suhail Hussein Husseini.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement comes a day after the IDF launched strikes on over 100 targets in southern Lebanon on Monday, using over 100 aircraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Husseini played a “crucial role in weapon transfers between Iran and Hezbollah and was responsible for distributing the advanced weaponry among Hezbollah’s units”, the statement said. He was also a member of the Jihad Council, Hezbollah’s senior military leadership council, the Israeli statement added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwieje3Flv6IAxWIsVYBHbu4OegQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hezbollah-conflict-series-of-explosions-heard-over-southern-beirut-764643" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hezbollah-conflict-series-of-explosions-heard-over-southern-beirut-764643&amp;ved=2ahUKEwieje3Flv6IAxWIsVYBHbu4OegQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">Israel-Hezbollah conflict: Series of explosions heard over southern Beirut</a></strong></p>

<p>Husseini’s death, if confirmed,&nbsp;would be another major setback for the Lebanon-based group, which has already lost its topmost leader Hassan Nasrallah on a strike on Hezbollah's headquarters on Sep 27.</p>

<p>Israel's strategy is to&nbsp;inflict&nbsp;major blows by assassinating leaders and commanders of Hezbollah and its ally Hamas, which has been fighting Israel in Gaza for a year.</p>

<h2><strong>Iran drops new warning</strong></h2>

<p>News agency Reuters quoted&nbsp;Iran’s Foreign Minister&nbsp;Abbas Araghchi as saying Tuesday morning that his nation was fully prepared to retaliate to any Israeli attack in response to the Iranian missile attack on the Jewish nation.</p>

<p>Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran’s military had prepared at least ten scenarios preparing for an expected Israeli attack.&nbsp;Araghchi said any attack on Iran's infrastructure will be met with strong retaliation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Iran’s response will not be necessarily reciprocation at the same level of the Israelis’ action, but it may be harsher and aim for different targets that would intensify the effectiveness of the response,” Iranian state media quoted a senior official as saying.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Israeli Army said Tuesday (Oct 8) it killed another senior Hezbollah commander in strikes on Beirut, the Lebanese capital. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said it took out the commander of Hezbollah’s headquarters, Suhail Hussein Husseini.

The Israeli Army said Tuesday (Oct 8) it killed another senior Hezbollah commander in strikes on Beirut, the Lebanese capital. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said it took out the commander of Hezbollah’s headquarters, Suhail Hussein Husseini. The statement comes a day after the IDF launched strikes on over 100 targets in southern Lebanon on Monday, using over 100 aircraft. Husseini played a “crucial role in weapon transfers between Iran and Hezbollah and was responsible for distributing the advanced weaponry among Hezbollah’s units”, the statement said. He was also a member of the Jihad Council, Hezbollah’s senior military leadership council, the Israeli statement added. Also read: Israel-Hezbollah conflict: Series of explosions heard over southern Beirut Husseini’s death, if confirmed, would be another major setback for the Lebanon-based group, which has already lost its topmost leader Hassan Nasrallah on a strike on Hezbollah's headquarters on Sep 27. Israel's strategy is to inflict major blows by assassinating leaders and commanders of Hezbollah and its ally Hamas, which has been fighting Israel in Gaza for a year. Iran drops new warning News agency Reuters quoted Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as saying Tuesday morning that his nation was fully prepared to retaliate to any Israeli attack in response to the Iranian missile attack on the Jewish nation. Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran’s military had prepared at least ten scenarios preparing for an expected Israeli attack. Araghchi said any attack on Iran's infrastructure will be met with strong retaliation. "Iran’s response will not be necessarily reciprocation at the same level of the Israelis’ action, but it may be harsher and aim for different targets that would intensify the effectiveness of the response,” Iranian state media quoted a senior official as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: Hezbollah’s HQ commander Suhail Hussein killed in Beirut strikes, claims IDF

<p>The story of a Sri Lankan worker, who migrated to Australia less than a decade ago and has become a millionaire now, has taken the internet by storm. At the age of 25, Vinul Karunaratne has made enough money to quit and shift full-time to doing gig jobs.</p>

<p>Karunaratne moved to Australia in 2015 and started working at 7-Eleven stores. But in 2019, he started taking on end-of-lease cleaning jobs on Airtasker. It’s a Sydney-based online marketplace that enables people to outsource everyday tasks - such as cleaning, assembling furniture, or yard work - for others to complete in exchange for cash.</p>

<p>Karunaratne told local news channel 7News that he didn’t have much resources and equipment when he started. “When I started, I didn't even have much equipment. I had a vacuum, mop, bucket, and some rags,” he said, adding, “That was the stuff I had at home.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjdmdDZyf6IAxUDma8BHeErH0cQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jpmorgan-takes-stake-in-australias-financially-struggling-star-entertainment-764372" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jpmorgan-takes-stake-in-australias-financially-struggling-star-entertainment-764372&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjdmdDZyf6IAxUDma8BHeErH0cQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">JPMorgan takes stake in Australia's financially struggling Star Entertainment</a></strong></p>

<p>His hard work eventually paid off and he was soon able to ditch his job at 7-Eleven to shift full-time to Airtasker.</p>

<p>According to the platform, Karunaratne is one of the top 10 earners on Airtasker. He manages to pocket an impressive $1,000 to $1,400 everyday. Dailymail reported that Karunaratne mainly performs bond cleans but also steams carpets and cleans offices.</p>

<p>Tim Fung, Airtasker founder and CEO said, referring to Karunaratne’s success on the platform&nbsp;that anyone can earn extra cash by working hard. Fung also termed Karunaratne’s story as ‘inspirational.’ Fung hoped that more work will be available on his platform in the coming days.</p>

<p><strong>Also read :&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiBnd7myf6IAxU_cfUHHUVlGPM4ChDF9AEoAHoECAsQAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-doubles-foreign-student-visa-fee-to-curb-migration-indian-students-likely-to-be-hit-736799" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-doubles-foreign-student-visa-fee-to-curb-migration-indian-students-likely-to-be-hit-736799&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiBnd7myf6IAxU_cfUHHUVlGPM4ChDF9AEoAHoECAsQAQ">Australia doubles foreign student visa fee to curb migration, Indian students likely to be hit</a></strong></p>

<p>Karunaratne also shared his experience of working with the platform, saying it enabled him to be his ‘own boss.’</p>

<p>“It's physical work, but it's good money. I enjoy the flexibility and working on my own terms. I'm my own boss,” he was quoted as saying by the Australian media outlet.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The story of a Sri Lankan worker, who migrated to Australia less than a decade ago and has become a millionaire now, has taken the internet by storm. At the age of 25, Vinul Karunaratne has made enough money to quit and shift full-time to doing gig jobs.

The story of a Sri Lankan worker, who migrated to Australia less than a decade ago and has become a millionaire now, has taken the internet by storm. At the age of 25, Vinul Karunaratne has made enough money to quit and shift full-time to doing gig jobs. Karunaratne moved to Australia in 2015 and started working at 7-Eleven stores. But in 2019, he started taking on end-of-lease cleaning jobs on Airtasker. It’s a Sydney-based online marketplace that enables people to outsource everyday tasks - such as cleaning, assembling furniture, or yard work - for others to complete in exchange for cash. Karunaratne told local news channel 7News that he didn’t have much resources and equipment when he started. “When I started, I didn't even have much equipment. I had a vacuum, mop, bucket, and some rags,” he said, adding, “That was the stuff I had at home.” Also read: JPMorgan takes stake in Australia's financially struggling Star Entertainment His hard work eventually paid off and he was soon able to ditch his job at 7-Eleven to shift full-time to Airtasker. According to the platform, Karunaratne is one of the top 10 earners on Airtasker. He manages to pocket an impressive $1,000 to $1,400 everyday. Dailymail reported that Karunaratne mainly performs bond cleans but also steams carpets and cleans offices. Tim Fung, Airtasker founder and CEO said, referring to Karunaratne’s success on the platform that anyone can earn extra cash by working hard. Fung also termed Karunaratne’s story as ‘inspirational.’ Fung hoped that more work will be available on his platform in the coming days. Also read : Australia doubles foreign student visa fee to curb migration, Indian students likely to be hit Karunaratne also shared his experience of working with the platform, saying it enabled him to be his ‘own boss.’ “It's physical work, but it's good money. I enjoy the flexibility and working on my own terms. I'm my own boss,” he was quoted as saying by the Australian media outlet. (With inputs from agencies)

‘From rags to riches,’ Sri Lankan worker becomes millionaire doing cleaning jobs in Australia

The United States has approved a $175 million defense deal with India, marking a significant boost to India's maritime capabilities. Under the deal, India will acquire advanced lightweight torpedoes, enhancing its naval defense systems. This agreement strengthens defense ties between the two nations and supports India's efforts to modernize its military in response to growing regional security challenges. The deal reflects ongoing cooperation between the US and India in the defense sector, further solidifying their strategic partnership.

US Approves $175 Million Defence Deal To India, India To Get Lightweight Torpedoes

Israeli forces launched a series of airstrikes, targeting 120 Hezbollah sites, intensifying the conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border. Among the casualties was a high-ranking Hezbollah commander, further escalating tensions between the two sides.

Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Israeli Strikes Hit 120 Hezbollah Targets, Commander Killed

<p>Ahead of the ‘catastrophic’ Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Bay mayor issued a dire warning for residents who paid no heed to the calls for evacuation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mayor Jane Castor said on CNN, “If you choose to stay … you are going to die.” Castor warned the people of the “literally catastrophic” hurricane that was heading towards Florida.</p>

<p>Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm,, is likely to make landfall as early as Wednesday, October 9. It is expected to be deadlier than Hurricane Helene, which wreaked havoc in the Sunshine State last week, claiming over 230 lives.</p>

<p>Mayor Castor urged residents not to try to brave the storm; otherwise, it is going to be fatal. She told people in the evacuation zones to flee from the area.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-milton-strongest-of-2024-might-have-breached-cat-6-cutoff-expert-says-765514">Hurricane Milton, 'strongest of 2024', might have breached 'Cat 6' cutoff, expert says</a></strong></p>

<p>“I can tell you right now they might have done that in others, there’s never been one like this,” Castor said. “And Helene was a wake-up call, this is literally catastrophic.”</p>

<h2>'This is not survivable'</h2>

<p>“And I can say without any dramatization whatsoever if you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re gonna die,” added Castor, who has remained in office since 2019.</p>

<p>According to reports, Milton is the second-strongest Gulf hurricane ever recorded. Experts have predicted powerful winds at 180 mph accompanied by heavy downpours. The storm is likely to become stronger as it nears the Florida coast.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-meteorologist-fights-back-tears-while-reporting-hurricane-milton-update-765517">Watch: Meteorologist fights back tears while reporting Hurricane Milton update</a></strong></p>

<p>Castor noted that the storm could result in tides as high as 10-12 feet as per some predictions. Hurricane Helene recorded a tidal surge of 6 feet, which was “literally devastating to so many in our coastal area,” Castor said.</p>

<p>“This is something that I’ve never seen in my life and I can tell you anyone born and raised in the Tampa Bay area has never seen anything like this before,” Castor emphasised. “People need to get out.”</p>

<p>“If we have this predicted storm surge, this is not survivable,” she added.</p>

<p>Meteorologists are including the storm in the top five for strongest hurricanes in the Atlantic, Gulf, and Caribbean.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">8PM EDT: This is nothing short of astronomical. I am at a loss for words to meteorologically describe you the storms small eye and intensity. 897mb pressure with 180 MPH max sustained winds and gusts 200+ MPH. This is now the 4th strongest hurricane ever recorded by pressure on… <a href="https://t.co/QFdqFYFI7o">pic.twitter.com/QFdqFYFI7o</a></p>
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<p>A meteorologist wrote on X, “I am at a loss for words to meteorologically describe you the storm's small eye and intensity.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ahead of the ‘catastrophic’ Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Bay mayor issued a dire warning for residents who paid no heed to the calls for evacuation. Mayor Jane Castor said on CNN, “If you choose to stay … you are going to die.

Ahead of the ‘catastrophic’ Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Bay mayor issued a dire warning for residents who paid no heed to the calls for evacuation. Mayor Jane Castor said on CNN, “If you choose to stay … you are going to die.” Castor warned the people of the “literally catastrophic” hurricane that was heading towards Florida. Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm,, is likely to make landfall as early as Wednesday, October 9. It is expected to be deadlier than Hurricane Helene, which wreaked havoc in the Sunshine State last week, claiming over 230 lives. Mayor Castor urged residents not to try to brave the storm; otherwise, it is going to be fatal. She told people in the evacuation zones to flee from the area. Also read | Hurricane Milton, 'strongest of 2024', might have breached 'Cat 6' cutoff, expert says “I can tell you right now they might have done that in others, there’s never been one like this,” Castor said. “And Helene was a wake-up call, this is literally catastrophic.” 'This is not survivable' “And I can say without any dramatization whatsoever if you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re gonna die,” added Castor, who has remained in office since 2019. According to reports, Milton is the second-strongest Gulf hurricane ever recorded. Experts have predicted powerful winds at 180 mph accompanied by heavy downpours. The storm is likely to become stronger as it nears the Florida coast. Also read | Watch: Meteorologist fights back tears while reporting Hurricane Milton update Castor noted that the storm could result in tides as high as 10-12 feet as per some predictions. Hurricane Helene recorded a tidal surge of 6 feet, which was “literally devastating to so many in our coastal area,” Castor said. “This is something that I’ve never seen in my life and I can tell you anyone born and raised in the Tampa Bay area has never seen anything like this before,” Castor emphasised. “People need to get out.” “If we have this predicted storm surge, this is not survivable,” she added. Meteorologists are including the storm in the top five for strongest hurricanes in the Atlantic, Gulf, and Caribbean. 8PM EDT: This is nothing short of astronomical. I am at a loss for words to meteorologically describe you the storms small eye and intensity. 897mb pressure with 180 MPH max sustained winds and gusts 200+ MPH. This is now the 4th strongest hurricane ever recorded by pressure on… pic.twitter.com/QFdqFYFI7o — Noah Bergren (@NbergWX) October 8, 2024 × A meteorologist wrote on X, “I am at a loss for words to meteorologically describe you the storm's small eye and intensity.” (With inputs from agencies)

‘You are going to die’: Tampa mayor issues a chilling warning as Florida braces for Hurricane Milton

<p>The Japanese government accepted that a recent official photo of its new cabinet was “edited” to make members look less unkempt. This came after a lot of buzz was going around the image being manipulated by the authorities.</p>

<p>Photos of the cabinet, taken by local media, with new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his defence minister showed&nbsp;small patches of clothing visible under their suits. However, the official photos shared by the prime minister’s office on Thursday (Oct 3), didn’t have&nbsp;any of such loose clothing, creating online speculation.</p>

<p>The government spokesperson on Monday (Oct 7) said “minor editing was made” to the image, after rounds of online mockery.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-boy-goes-to-foot-spa-for-treatment-of-nail-infection-ends-up-losing-a-finger-765569">Chinese boy goes to foot spa for treatment of nail infection, ends up losing finger</a></strong></p>

<p>Spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters the image had been manipulated as group photos taken by the prime minister's office "will be preserved forever as memorabilia".</p>

<p>He added that "minor editing is customarily performed on these photos".&nbsp;</p>
<img alt="Original and edited image" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a3b5acf9-739e-4856-b7df-a45b9f1e7108" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-10-08T161125.119.png" />
<p>He was further mocked online for his bizarre reasoning behind the editing.</p>

<p>"This is more hideous than a group picture of some kind of a seniors' club during a trip to a hot spring. It's utterly embarrassing," one user wrote on X.</p>

<p>Another user said it was clear the cabinet members were wearing suits in the incorrect size.</p>

<p>Other users have been referring to the cabinet – and their trousers – as "ill-fitting", according to local media.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-rag-to-riches-sri-lankan-worker-becomes-millionaire-in-australia-doing-cleaning-jobs-765596">‘From rag to riches,’ Sri Lankan worker becomes millionaire in Australia doing cleaning jobs</a></strong></p>

<p>The photograph was taken on October 3 following the first meeting of Japan's new cabinet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A few days earlier, Ishiba, 67, replaced outgoing Prime Minister&nbsp;Fumio Kishida, as chief of the country's ruling party. He was officially appointed to the role of prime minister on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Ishiba has announced plans for a snap election on October 27.</p>

<p>"It is important for the new administration to be judged by the people as soon as possible," he told a news conference in Tokyo, according to Reuters. The election will decide which party controls parliament's lower house.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Japanese government accepted that a recent official photo of its new cabinet was “edited” to make members look less unkempt. This came after a lot of buzz was going around the image being manipulated by the authorities.

The Japanese government accepted that a recent official photo of its new cabinet was “edited” to make members look less unkempt. This came after a lot of buzz was going around the image being manipulated by the authorities. Photos of the cabinet, taken by local media, with new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his defence minister showed small patches of clothing visible under their suits. However, the official photos shared by the prime minister’s office on Thursday (Oct 3), didn’t have any of such loose clothing, creating online speculation. The government spokesperson on Monday (Oct 7) said “minor editing was made” to the image, after rounds of online mockery. Also Read | Chinese boy goes to foot spa for treatment of nail infection, ends up losing finger Spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters the image had been manipulated as group photos taken by the prime minister's office "will be preserved forever as memorabilia". He added that "minor editing is customarily performed on these photos". He was further mocked online for his bizarre reasoning behind the editing. "This is more hideous than a group picture of some kind of a seniors' club during a trip to a hot spring. It's utterly embarrassing," one user wrote on X. Another user said it was clear the cabinet members were wearing suits in the incorrect size. Other users have been referring to the cabinet – and their trousers – as "ill-fitting", according to local media. Also Read | ‘From rag to riches,’ Sri Lankan worker becomes millionaire in Australia doing cleaning jobs The photograph was taken on October 3 following the first meeting of Japan's new cabinet. A few days earlier, Ishiba, 67, replaced outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as chief of the country's ruling party. He was officially appointed to the role of prime minister on Tuesday. Ishiba has announced plans for a snap election on October 27. "It is important for the new administration to be judged by the people as soon as possible," he told a news conference in Tokyo, according to Reuters. The election will decide which party controls parliament's lower house. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan's government admits editing 'untidy' cabinet photo after online scrutiny

A fresh rocket barrage was launched toward the northern Israeli city of Haifa just moments ago, with sirens sounding across the city and nearby towns. This attack follows a day of intense bombardment, during which approximately 85 rockets were fired at Haifa in what has been the largest barrage on the city since the conflict began. The renewed assault comes shortly after Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, delivered a televised address, asserting that despite the “painful blows” inflicted by Israel in recent weeks, the Iran-backed group’s military capabilities remain intact. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with tensions continuing to rise across the region.

BREAKING: Hezbollah Launches Fresh Attacks, Fires Over 100 Rockets At Israel's Haifa

<p>In a mysterious discovery, scientists found an enigmatic stone structure - which appeared similar to the world-famous Stonehenge - sitting below&nbsp;Lake Michigan&nbsp;in the US.</p>

<p>As per experts, this underwater Stonehenge is more than 5,000 years older in comparison to its British counterpart on surface.</p>

<p>A team of archaeologists, headed by the professor of underwater archaeology at Northwestern Michigan College, Mark Holley, had discovered the site in 2007.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A survey of the lake bed was conducted by Holley and his colleagues when they discovered a series of large stones - which appeared to be arranged in a circular pattern near the coast of Traverse City, Michigan.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-six-tonne-stone-in-stonehenge-was-transported-from-750km-away-scientists-wonder-how-750392">A six-tonne stone in Stonehenge was transported from 750km away. Scientists wonder how</a></p>

<p>Holley later said that the discovery of rocks at a depth of about 40 feet (12.1 metre) was entirely unexpected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the analysis, it was found that the stones - which weighed around 3,000 lbs (around 1,360 kg) - appeared to have been arranged deliberately by humans in a circular pattern, as reported by Medium.</p>

<p>The circular pattern is nearly 40 feet in diameter and features an&nbsp;inner circle of stones which measures around 20 feet in diameter.</p>

<p>The stones are entirely made of granite and are likely to be around 10,000 years old, which makes them the oldest formation ever discovered in North America.</p>

<h2><strong>How was the Stonehenge created beneath Lake Michigan?</strong></h2>

<p>The stones in Lake Michigan are relatively similar in size, however, their origin remains mysterious and murky. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“Whilst they do seem to form a perfect geometric shape, they aren't stacked or connected in the same way,” said scientist Rob Nelson, while speaking to&nbsp;Discovery&nbsp;UK.</p>

<p>“And while there is evidence that prehistoric tribes roam to the Great Lakes for thousands of years, very little is known about them,” he said, and added that he hasn’t seen anything “remotely resembling this formation in the archaeological record".</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mystery-of-stonehenge-deepens-as-researchers-say-altar-stone-not-from-orkney-756906">Mystery of Stonehenge deepens as researchers say Altar Stone not from Orkney</a></p>

<p>Nelson connected to a man named Hank. This man's ancestors were the Anishinaabe people who were the first to inhabit the region.</p>

<p>Hank said that the prehistoric, hunter-gatherer forefathers of his tribe had settled in the area after the last Ice Age and kept those stones beneath the lake for a sacred purpose.</p>

<p>“[In Anishabe culture], we refer to stones as animate objects because they come from the mother, the Earth, who is alive,” he said and added that the presence of the monument in the lake is proof of the existence of his people.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Holley said that the area had not submerged underwater 10,000 years ago and the people had settled on the spot where they had laid the stones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It would've been a wonderful place for people to live – near the coastline, close to resources, transportation's easy,” said the archaeologist, while speaking to Nelson.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a mysterious discovery, scientists found an enigmatic stone structure - which appeared similar to the world-famous Stonehenge - sitting below Lake Michigan in the US.

In a mysterious discovery, scientists found an enigmatic stone structure - which appeared similar to the world-famous Stonehenge - sitting below Lake Michigan in the US. As per experts, this underwater Stonehenge is more than 5,000 years older in comparison to its British counterpart on surface. A team of archaeologists, headed by the professor of underwater archaeology at Northwestern Michigan College, Mark Holley, had discovered the site in 2007. A survey of the lake bed was conducted by Holley and his colleagues when they discovered a series of large stones - which appeared to be arranged in a circular pattern near the coast of Traverse City, Michigan. Also Read: A six-tonne stone in Stonehenge was transported from 750km away. Scientists wonder how Holley later said that the discovery of rocks at a depth of about 40 feet (12.1 metre) was entirely unexpected. In the analysis, it was found that the stones - which weighed around 3,000 lbs (around 1,360 kg) - appeared to have been arranged deliberately by humans in a circular pattern, as reported by Medium. The circular pattern is nearly 40 feet in diameter and features an inner circle of stones which measures around 20 feet in diameter. The stones are entirely made of granite and are likely to be around 10,000 years old, which makes them the oldest formation ever discovered in North America. How was the Stonehenge created beneath Lake Michigan? The stones in Lake Michigan are relatively similar in size, however, their origin remains mysterious and murky. “Whilst they do seem to form a perfect geometric shape, they aren't stacked or connected in the same way,” said scientist Rob Nelson, while speaking to Discovery UK. “And while there is evidence that prehistoric tribes roam to the Great Lakes for thousands of years, very little is known about them,” he said, and added that he hasn’t seen anything “remotely resembling this formation in the archaeological record". Also Read: Mystery of Stonehenge deepens as researchers say Altar Stone not from Orkney Nelson connected to a man named Hank. This man's ancestors were the Anishinaabe people who were the first to inhabit the region. Hank said that the prehistoric, hunter-gatherer forefathers of his tribe had settled in the area after the last Ice Age and kept those stones beneath the lake for a sacred purpose. “[In Anishabe culture], we refer to stones as animate objects because they come from the mother, the Earth, who is alive,” he said and added that the presence of the monument in the lake is proof of the existence of his people. Meanwhile, Holley said that the area had not submerged underwater 10,000 years ago and the people had settled on the spot where they had laid the stones. “It would've been a wonderful place for people to live – near the coastline, close to resources, transportation's easy,” said the archaeologist, while speaking to Nelson. (With inputs from agencies)

There is an ancient underwater 'Stonehenge' beneath Lake Michigan in US. It was created by...

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