How fast can the Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet really fly?

South Korea plans for military deployment in Strait of Hormuz amid US pressure

Earth-Theia collision created the moon in just 5 hours, study shows

Nigerian Navy discovers 99,000 litres of suspected stolen, illegally refined products as it intensifies anti-crude oil theft operations

Who is Aditi Paudel? 17-year-old becomes Japan's first literacy ambassador

Why US tanks can spin their heavy turrets much faster than Russian tanks

Man pushes Russian humanoid robot. Watch what happens next

Nobel laureate Machado says Venezuela’s ‘illegitimate’ regime has no right to strike US oil deal

The Verdict: Peace for Iran, pressure on Afghanistan: Pakistan’s contradictory diplomacy

Netherlands shifts 86 tonnes of gold reserve to UK citing geopolitical risks

Breaking | Vance takes the podium: First White House briefing since Leavitt's exit

Inside Iran's shadow fleet: How Tehran dodges the US blockade at sea

Why the Su-30MKI uses a giant air brake on its back instead of its wings

Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy creates history with 350 not out in South Africa

Krishna Janmashtami 2026: From Dhaniya Panjiri to Makhana Kheer- 5 best sweet dishes perfect for celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth

ISRO stages comeback with GSLV-F17/EOS-05 success; targets six more launches

‘I wouldn’t call it a war,’ says JD Vance on ongoing conflict with Iran

Iran's army conducts drone & missile attack on US bases

Happy Krishna Janmashtami 2026 wishes: 30+ messages, quotes, greetings, and WhatsApp status ideas to share

Husband uses secret camera to record wife’s affair, wins divorce case, ends up in jail for spying

Suvendu Adhikari threatens to cut school aid over refusal to sing full Vande Mataram

At least 2 killed in Minneapolis shooting, suspect also dead

Why Russian fighter jets use bulky, low-pressure tyres compared to US jets

Why US tanks weigh over 20 tons more than Russian tanks

Major AI platforms ChatGPT, Claude, and Grok hit by simultaneous service disruptions

NATO troops gather in Arctic, Russia threatens nuclear retaliation

Manipur violence: 25 houses torched in Manipur’s Kangpokpi a day after 10 homes were burnt along Imphal-Tamenglong road

New Friday OTT releases (September 4, 2026): GDN, Dhamaal 4, Jagamae Sangeetham- Watch 6 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Iran attacks US bases in Kuwait & UAE, supersecret missile project in focus | Gravitas

Influencer shows off what he claims is Apple's first foldable iPhone 18 Ultra

The latest source of contention between Beijing and Manila is Sabina Shoal, as the foreign ministry denounces "infringing behavior." Watch to know more.

Sabina Shoal: Beijing vows 'strong measure' against Manila

With the World Health Organization declaring a global Public Health Emergency for Mpox, countries like India, Pakistan and China have all now sprung into action to protect their citizens from a possible outbreak. Watch in for more details!

MPOX in Pakistan: China, India mull measures

<p>The US Democratic National Committee (DNC) is set to host its convention in Chicago from August 19 to August 22, 2024, to celebrate Kamala Harris's nomination as the party's presidential candidate. This four-day event will attract thousands to the city, marking Harris’s unexpected rise to the nomination following President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race. Here's everything you need to know:</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-family-killed-in-us-car-crash-14-year-old-son-lone-survivor-751078">Indian-origin family killed in US car crash, 14-year-old son lone survivor</a></p>

<h2><strong>When is the convention?</strong></h2>

<p>The convention will run from August 19 to August 22, 2024.</p>

<h2><strong>Where is the convention?</strong></h2>

<p>The convention will be held at the United Centre&nbsp;in Chicago.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-safety-at-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-is-deteriorating-un-agency-warns-751062">Ukraine war: Safety at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is deteriorating, UN agency warns</a></p>

<h2><strong>Broadcast Information</strong></h2>

<p>Major networks and streaming platforms, such as Hulu, Paramount Plus, Peacock and Max, will broadcast the prime-time events. Additionally, the DNC’s YouTube and X channels will offer coverage of the convention.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I grew up in a middle-class household. For most of my childhood, we were renters.<br />
<br />
My mother saved for well over a decade to buy a home. I was a teenager when the day finally came—and I can still remember how excited she was.<br />
<br />
In college, I worked at McDonald’s to earn spending… <a href="https://t.co/rQu2uVTkVQ">pic.twitter.com/rQu2uVTkVQ</a></p>
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1824831207839818148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What else to expect</strong></h2>

<p>Inside the United Centre, the convention will be a vibrant celebration, while outside, Chicago is expected to see significant protests. Demonstrators are anticipated to voice their discontent with the Democratic administration’s policies on the Gaza conflict.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-and-ukraine-were-close-to-ceasefire-talks-until-this-happened-751074">Russia and Ukraine were close to ceasefire talks until this happened...</a></p>

<h2><strong>Key Speakers</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Joe Biden: </strong>Former President Biden will deliver a poignant keynote address on the opening night, marking a farewell to a presidency he was until recently expected to continue.<br />
<strong>Hillary Clinton: </strong>The former presidential candidate will take a prominent speaking slot.<br />
<strong>Barack Obama and Bill Clinton:</strong> The former presidents will also address the convention.<br />
<strong>Tim Walz: </strong>The Minnesota Governor and Harris’s running mate, will introduce himself to the nation on Wednesday night.<br />
<strong>Kamala Harris:</strong> The convention will culminate with Harris’s major address on Thursday, highlighting a pivotal moment in her political career.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US Democratic National Committee (DNC) is set to host its convention in Chicago from August 19 to August 22, 2024, to celebrate Kamala Harris's nomination as the party's presidential candidate.

The US Democratic National Committee (DNC) is set to host its convention in Chicago from August 19 to August 22, 2024, to celebrate Kamala Harris's nomination as the party's presidential candidate. This four-day event will attract thousands to the city, marking Harris’s unexpected rise to the nomination following President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race. Here's everything you need to know: Also read | Indian-origin family killed in US car crash, 14-year-old son lone survivor When is the convention? The convention will run from August 19 to August 22, 2024. Where is the convention? The convention will be held at the United Centre in Chicago. Also read | Ukraine war: Safety at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is deteriorating, UN agency warns Broadcast Information Major networks and streaming platforms, such as Hulu, Paramount Plus, Peacock and Max, will broadcast the prime-time events. Additionally, the DNC’s YouTube and X channels will offer coverage of the convention. I grew up in a middle-class household. For most of my childhood, we were renters. My mother saved for well over a decade to buy a home. I was a teenager when the day finally came—and I can still remember how excited she was. In college, I worked at McDonald’s to earn spending… pic.twitter.com/rQu2uVTkVQ — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 17, 2024 × What else to expect Inside the United Centre, the convention will be a vibrant celebration, while outside, Chicago is expected to see significant protests. Demonstrators are anticipated to voice their discontent with the Democratic administration’s policies on the Gaza conflict. Also read | Russia and Ukraine were close to ceasefire talks until this happened... Key Speakers Joe Biden: Former President Biden will deliver a poignant keynote address on the opening night, marking a farewell to a presidency he was until recently expected to continue. Hillary Clinton: The former presidential candidate will take a prominent speaking slot. Barack Obama and Bill Clinton: The former presidents will also address the convention. Tim Walz: The Minnesota Governor and Harris’s running mate, will introduce himself to the nation on Wednesday night. Kamala Harris: The convention will culminate with Harris’s major address on Thursday, highlighting a pivotal moment in her political career. (With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris’ pivotal moment in US politics: What you need to know about the 2024 Democratic Convention

As Ukraine's incursion into Russia enters its 12th day, the border regions of Kursk continue to witness destruction and devastation. In the latest, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is once again in the eye of the storm. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Zaporizhzhia plant in eye of the storm

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit Israel today, August 17, to advance efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, as well as facilitating the release of hostages held in Gaza. During his visit, Blinken will stress the critical importance of all parties in the region avoiding further escalation.

Israel-Hamas war: Antony Blinken to visit West Asia

The Indian Medical Association, which is the largest organisation of medical staff, has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come up with a central law to check violence against Health Care Professionals in India and also to declare hospitals as safe zones with compulsory security entitlements. Watch to know more!

Kolkata hospital horror: Stir over 'inaction' in doctor's death case

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1765}">An outbreak of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has claimed more than 500 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as per reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:63,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1813}">The virus, which is rapidly spreading to neighbouring countries, has prompted fears of a global health crisis, even as over seven million displaced high-risk people in the DRC await vaccine.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:116,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1866}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:116,&quot;w&quot;:218,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1866}">Mpox deaths in DRC</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:161,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1911}">According to a China Central Television report citing Health Minister Roger Kamba, since the beginning of 2024, the DRC has reported 15,664 suspected cases and 548 deaths.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:210,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1960}">The country has been grappling with the ongoing outbreak since late 2022, but the emergence of a more lethal variant, Clade 1b — which has a mortality rate of 3.6 per cent — has exacerbated the situation.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:276,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2026}"><strong>Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:83,&quot;y&quot;:276,&quot;w&quot;:484,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:116,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2026}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mpox-crisis-virus-cases-logged-in-africa-this-year-exceed-last-years-total-751083">Mpox crisis: Virus cases logged in Africa this year exceed last year's total</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:311,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2061}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:311,&quot;w&quot;:428,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2061}">Challenges in DRC displacement camps</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:356,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2106}">In DRC, as per AFP, the situation is particularly dire in makeshift camps. These camps, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, house at least 7.3 million internally displaced people, and are hence overcrowded. These conditions heighten the risk of transmission.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:422,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2172}">Contagious people continue to stay in close quarters, despite the risks, as health workers struggle to enforce prevention measures.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:471,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2221}">"My son was hospitalised here for mpox, and my daughter was looking after him. After they got out on a Sunday, my daughter began showing the same symptoms by Wednesday," said Deogracias Mahombi Sekabanza, a health worker from Goma.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:537,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:67,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2287}">Furaha Makambo, a mother of three, shared her fears from a nearby tent where her children sleep together, making it impossible to prevent cross-infection. "We are scared, this disease needs to be eradicated so that it stops reaching the displaced because it can exterminate us," she said while speaking to AFP.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:537,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:67,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2287}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mpox-crisis-updates-pakistan-adopts-safety-measures-who-says-no-need-to-close-borders-750836">Mpox crisis updates: Pakistan adopts safety measures; WHO says no need to close borders</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:623,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2373}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:623,&quot;w&quot;:496,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2373}">Global health emergency and vaccine urgency</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:668,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:67,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2418}">The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday (August 14) declared the mpox surge a public health emergency of international concern — its highest alert level as the virus spreads beyond the DRC. Already, 12 African countries and nations outside Africa, like Pakistan and&nbsp;Sweden, have reported&nbsp;cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:751,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2501}">The WHO on Friday (August 16) urged vaccine manufacturers to increase production of mpox vaccines.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:800,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2550}">"We do need the manufacturers to really scale up so that we've got access to many, many more vaccines," said WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris, while talking to reporters.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:849,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2599}">The international health agency has also called on countries to donate stockpiles to those affected by the outbreak.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:898,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2648}">The charity, Doctors Without Borders, also said that countries with vaccine stockpiles but no outbreaks "must donate as many doses as possible" to affected countries in Africa.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:947,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2697}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:947,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2697}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An outbreak of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has claimed more than 500 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as per reports. The virus, which is rapidly spreading to neighbouring countries, has prompted fears of a global health crisis, even as over seven million displaced high-risk people in the DRC await vaccine.

An outbreak of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has claimed more than 500 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as per reports. The virus, which is rapidly spreading to neighbouring countries, has prompted fears of a global health crisis, even as over seven million displaced high-risk people in the DRC await vaccine. Mpox deaths in DRC According to a China Central Television report citing Health Minister Roger Kamba, since the beginning of 2024, the DRC has reported 15,664 suspected cases and 548 deaths. The country has been grappling with the ongoing outbreak since late 2022, but the emergence of a more lethal variant, Clade 1b — which has a mortality rate of 3.6 per cent — has exacerbated the situation. Also read | Mpox crisis: Virus cases logged in Africa this year exceed last year's total Challenges in DRC displacement camps In DRC, as per AFP, the situation is particularly dire in makeshift camps. These camps, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, house at least 7.3 million internally displaced people, and are hence overcrowded. These conditions heighten the risk of transmission. Contagious people continue to stay in close quarters, despite the risks, as health workers struggle to enforce prevention measures. "My son was hospitalised here for mpox, and my daughter was looking after him. After they got out on a Sunday, my daughter began showing the same symptoms by Wednesday," said Deogracias Mahombi Sekabanza, a health worker from Goma. Furaha Makambo, a mother of three, shared her fears from a nearby tent where her children sleep together, making it impossible to prevent cross-infection. "We are scared, this disease needs to be eradicated so that it stops reaching the displaced because it can exterminate us," she said while speaking to AFP. Also read | Mpox crisis updates: Pakistan adopts safety measures; WHO says no need to close borders Global health emergency and vaccine urgency The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday (August 14) declared the mpox surge a public health emergency of international concern — its highest alert level as the virus spreads beyond the DRC. Already, 12 African countries and nations outside Africa, like Pakistan and Sweden, have reported cases. The WHO on Friday (August 16) urged vaccine manufacturers to increase production of mpox vaccines. "We do need the manufacturers to really scale up so that we've got access to many, many more vaccines," said WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris, while talking to reporters. The international health agency has also called on countries to donate stockpiles to those affected by the outbreak. The charity, Doctors Without Borders, also said that countries with vaccine stockpiles but no outbreaks "must donate as many doses as possible" to affected countries in Africa. (With inputs from agencies)

Mpox crisis: WHO pushes for scaling up mpox vaccine production as death toll in DRC nears 550

<p>Hezbollah deputy leader Fuad Shukr was lured to his seventh-floor residence from his second-floor office in Beirut last month when he was killed in an airstrike, a report in newspaper&nbsp;<em>Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has </em>claimed.</p>

<p>An official belonging to the Iran-backed terror outfit said minutes before the airstrike, Shukr had gone upstairs, which made his assassination easier. He had been living and working from the same building to limit his time outside.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) strike on July 30 killed Shukr, his wife, two other women and two children. The aftermath of the attack left the top corner of a multi-storey building demolished, with charred debris scattered across the vicinity.</p>

<p>The report added that Hezbollah was working with Iran to investigate the security breach which led to the airstrike - killing one of its most important assets.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hezbollah-confirms-death-of-top-commander-fuad-shukr-in-israeli-air-strike-746333"><strong>Watch | Hezbollah confirms death of top commander Fuad Shukr in Israeli air strike</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hezbollah-confirms-death-of-top-commander-fuad-shukr-in-israeli-air-strike-746333/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Retaliatory strike from Israel</strong></h2>

<p>The Israeli military, while announcing the killing,&nbsp;labelled Shukr as Hezbollah's most senior commander.&nbsp;The strike was retaliatory in nature after a Hezbollah rocket hit the northern town of Majdal Shams, killing 12 children and teenagers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Galant justified the strike, asserting that Shukr was responsible for numerous Israeli deaths.</p>

<p>"He [Shukr] has the blood of many Israelis on his hands. Tonight, we have shown that the blood of our people has a price and that there is no place out of reach for our forces to this end," said Gallant at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, hours after the attack, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was also assassinated in a bomb blast at a guesthouse in Tehran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, Israel was behind the attack as well with Iranian assets helping in setting off the bomb, planted in at least three rooms in the guesthouse, belonging to the&nbsp;Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-chief-haniyeh-was-killed-by-bomb-hidden-two-months-ago-in-tehran-guesthouse-746338" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Hamas chief Haniyeh was killed by bomb hidden two months ago in Tehran guesthouse: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>After the twin attacks, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed of&nbsp;retaliation against Israel, which has kept the region on its toes with the US repeatedly calling for de-escalation in the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved,"&nbsp;Khamenei said at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, US warships, fighter jets and submarine have been deployed in the Middle East to avoid any potential Israel-Iran flare-up.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Israel-Hamas 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.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>


Hezbollah deputy leader Fuad Shukr was lured to his seventh-floor residence from his second-floor office in Beirut last month when he was killed in an airstrike, a report in newspaper Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has claimed.

Hezbollah deputy leader Fuad Shukr was lured to his seventh-floor residence from his second-floor office in Beirut last month when he was killed in an airstrike, a report in newspaper Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has claimed. An official belonging to the Iran-backed terror outfit said minutes before the airstrike, Shukr had gone upstairs, which made his assassination easier. He had been living and working from the same building to limit his time outside. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) strike on July 30 killed Shukr, his wife, two other women and two children. The aftermath of the attack left the top corner of a multi-storey building demolished, with charred debris scattered across the vicinity. The report added that Hezbollah was working with Iran to investigate the security breach which led to the airstrike - killing one of its most important assets. Watch | Hezbollah confirms death of top commander Fuad Shukr in Israeli air strike × Retaliatory strike from Israel The Israeli military, while announcing the killing, labelled Shukr as Hezbollah's most senior commander. The strike was retaliatory in nature after a Hezbollah rocket hit the northern town of Majdal Shams, killing 12 children and teenagers. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Galant justified the strike, asserting that Shukr was responsible for numerous Israeli deaths. "He [Shukr] has the blood of many Israelis on his hands. Tonight, we have shown that the blood of our people has a price and that there is no place out of reach for our forces to this end," said Gallant at the time. Notably, hours after the attack, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was also assassinated in a bomb blast at a guesthouse in Tehran. According to reports, Israel was behind the attack as well with Iranian assets helping in setting off the bomb, planted in at least three rooms in the guesthouse, belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Also read | Hamas chief Haniyeh was killed by bomb hidden two months ago in Tehran guesthouse: Report After the twin attacks, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed of retaliation against Israel, which has kept the region on its toes with the US repeatedly calling for de-escalation in the situation. “The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved," Khamenei said at the time. Since then, US warships, fighter jets and submarine have been deployed in the Middle East to avoid any potential Israel-Iran flare-up. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Israel-Hamas 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)

Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr was lured to his apartment via phone call, minutes before deadly Israeli strike

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidmCGT4TNdEUtb" /></p>

<p>The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said on Saturday (Aug 18) that the total number of suspected or confirmed cases of mpox,&nbsp;logged across the continent since the beginning of this year, has already exceeded the total reported in 2023.</p>

<p>As of Saturday,&nbsp;12 of the African Union's 55 member states have experienced&nbsp;mpox&nbsp;outbreaks, with a total of 18,737 cases reported since the beginning of 2024.&nbsp;The figure includes 3,101 confirmed cases, 15,636 suspected cases, and 541 fatalities, with a mortality rate of 2.89 per cent.</p>

<p>In 2023, a little over 14,300 cases of mpox were seen</p>

<h2><strong>The latest cases include 3 strains of mpox</strong></h2>

<p>The latest cases include&nbsp;three strains of the virus. One of these strains is the&nbsp;deadly Clade 1b which began spreading in the&nbsp;Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in September 2023, and the country remains the epicenter of the current global outbreak.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mpox-crisis-updates-pakistan-adopts-safety-measures-who-says-no-need-to-close-borders-750836">Mpox crisis updates: Pakistan adopts safety measures; WHO says no need to close borders</a></strong></p>

<p>Presently, the&nbsp;mpox&nbsp;outbreak has spread beyond Africa, with confirmed cases reported in Sweden and Pakistan.&nbsp;Earlier this week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the rise in monkeypox cases a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).</p>

<h2>More imported cases of mpox strain in Europe expected</h2>

<p>On Friday, the&nbsp;European Centre for Disease Prevention (European CDC) and Control warned that more cases of&nbsp;mpox&nbsp;clade I strain would appear in the continent in the coming weeks but the risk of sustained transmission remained low.</p>

<p>"There will be more cases in the coming weeks. That's the expectation... But regarding the risk [for the] general European population, we have to say that our assessment is that the risk is very low at the moment," European CDC Director Pamela Rendi-Wagner said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;ECDC in EU ups Mpox risk from 'low' to 'moderate'</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mpox-outbreak-ecdc-in-eu-ups-mpox-risk-from-low-to-moderate-750946/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>She called for European countries to step up preparedness and raise awareness to prevent further spread.</p>

<p>The European CDC recommended that public health authorities plan and prepare for quick detection of any clade I cases that may reach Europe.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said on Saturday (Aug 18) that the total number of suspected or confirmed cases of mpox, logged across the continent since the beginning of this year, has already exceeded the total reported in 2023.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said on Saturday (Aug 18) that the total number of suspected or confirmed cases of mpox, logged across the continent since the beginning of this year, has already exceeded the total reported in 2023. As of Saturday, 12 of the African Union's 55 member states have experienced mpox outbreaks, with a total of 18,737 cases reported since the beginning of 2024. The figure includes 3,101 confirmed cases, 15,636 suspected cases, and 541 fatalities, with a mortality rate of 2.89 per cent. In 2023, a little over 14,300 cases of mpox were seen The latest cases include 3 strains of mpox The latest cases include three strains of the virus. One of these strains is the deadly Clade 1b which began spreading in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in September 2023, and the country remains the epicenter of the current global outbreak. Also read | Mpox crisis updates: Pakistan adopts safety measures; WHO says no need to close borders Presently, the mpox outbreak has spread beyond Africa, with confirmed cases reported in Sweden and Pakistan. Earlier this week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the rise in monkeypox cases a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). More imported cases of mpox strain in Europe expected On Friday, the European Centre for Disease Prevention (European CDC) and Control warned that more cases of mpox clade I strain would appear in the continent in the coming weeks but the risk of sustained transmission remained low. "There will be more cases in the coming weeks. That's the expectation... But regarding the risk [for the] general European population, we have to say that our assessment is that the risk is very low at the moment," European CDC Director Pamela Rendi-Wagner said. Also watch | ECDC in EU ups Mpox risk from 'low' to 'moderate' × She called for European countries to step up preparedness and raise awareness to prevent further spread. The European CDC recommended that public health authorities plan and prepare for quick detection of any clade I cases that may reach Europe. (With inputs from agencies)

Mpox crisis: Virus cases logged in Africa this year exceed last year's total

Kyiv said it wants to strike Russian airfields and logistics hubs far behind the front line using the long-range missiles. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv points out potential Russian targets

Republican Donald Trump said on Saturday he believed Democrat Kamala Harris will be easier to beat than President Joe Biden even as some polls showed her edging ahead in the race for the Nov. 5 presidential election.

US Elections: Battle for key swing state of Pennsylvania

<p>Over two years after the war broke out, Ukraine and Russia were on the precipice of engaging in indirect ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, earlier this month. The discussions, however, never went beyond the initial planning stage after Kyiv launched a surprise ground offence in Russia's western Kursk region, according to a report in the <em>Washington&nbsp;Post, </em>citing diplomats and officials familiar with the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Qataris were expected to serve as mediators with negotiations centring around both sides halting strikes on energy and power infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moscow has&nbsp;been pounding Kyiv's power grid with a barrage of cruise missiles and drone strikes for more than a year, Meanwhile, Ukraine has returned the favour by destroying Russia's oil facilities with long-range drone attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the willingness to sit across the table and talk about a partial ceasefire signalled a change in strategy from Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart&nbsp; Volodymyr Zelensky, the diplomats stated.</p>

<p>But after the Kyiv offensive, Russian officials postponed their meeting with the Qatari officials. The publication said Moscow "didn't call off the talks" albeit asked to be given some time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Ukrainian presidential office said in a statement that the summit in Doha was postponed “due to the situation in the Middle East".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraines-incursion-into-russia-day-11-ukraine-says-strengthening-positions-in-kursk-750997"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine's incursion into Russia: Day 11 | Ukraine says strengthening positions in Kursk</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraines-incursion-into-russia-day-11-ukraine-says-strengthening-positions-in-kursk-750997/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine's&nbsp;Kursk offensive&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine agreeing to a partial ceasefire may have been a misdirection as an NBC report has claimed that Kyiv was planning an incursion-style attack on Russia for nearly a year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the war broke out in February 2022, Kyiv launched its largest attack on the internationally recognised Russian territory of Kursk on August 6.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-penetrating-2km-deeper-into-russias-kursk-india-issues-advisory-750172"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine forces advance 2 km inside Russia’s Kursk, claims Zelensky&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>The attack, described as a "high stakes gamble" is meant to divert Russia's attention from other parts of the front line, especially Donbas where Moscow has been steadily making advances since the start of the year.</p>

<p>However, Moscow is of the view that Kyiv wants to capture the Kursk nuclear power plant.&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>


Over two years after the war broke out, Ukraine and Russia were on the precipice of engaging in indirect ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, earlier this month.

Over two years after the war broke out, Ukraine and Russia were on the precipice of engaging in indirect ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, earlier this month. The discussions, however, never went beyond the initial planning stage after Kyiv launched a surprise ground offence in Russia's western Kursk region, according to a report in the Washington Post, citing diplomats and officials familiar with the matter. The Qataris were expected to serve as mediators with negotiations centring around both sides halting strikes on energy and power infrastructure. Moscow has been pounding Kyiv's power grid with a barrage of cruise missiles and drone strikes for more than a year, Meanwhile, Ukraine has returned the favour by destroying Russia's oil facilities with long-range drone attacks. However, the willingness to sit across the table and talk about a partial ceasefire signalled a change in strategy from Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, the diplomats stated. But after the Kyiv offensive, Russian officials postponed their meeting with the Qatari officials. The publication said Moscow "didn't call off the talks" albeit asked to be given some time. The Ukrainian presidential office said in a statement that the summit in Doha was postponed “due to the situation in the Middle East". Watch | Ukraine's incursion into Russia: Day 11 | Ukraine says strengthening positions in Kursk × Ukraine's Kursk offensive Ukraine agreeing to a partial ceasefire may have been a misdirection as an NBC report has claimed that Kyiv was planning an incursion-style attack on Russia for nearly a year. Since the war broke out in February 2022, Kyiv launched its largest attack on the internationally recognised Russian territory of Kursk on August 6. Also read | Ukraine forces advance 2 km inside Russia’s Kursk, claims Zelensky The attack, described as a "high stakes gamble" is meant to divert Russia's attention from other parts of the front line, especially Donbas where Moscow has been steadily making advances since the start of the year. However, Moscow is of the view that Kyiv wants to capture the Kursk nuclear power plant. 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)

Russia and Ukraine were close to ceasefire talks until this happened...

<p>An Indian-origin family's three members were killed in a car crash in the Texas state of the US. The couple's 14-year-old son is the lone survivor. Arvind Mani, 45, his wife Pradeepa Arvind, 40, and their 17-year-old daughter Andril Arvind, all residents of Leander — over 870 miles southwest of Tennessee — were killed around 5.45 am on Wednesday (August 14) near Lampass County, local media reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 14-year-old Adiryan was not in the vehicle and thus became the only surviving member of the family, according to a GoFundMe page set up to financially aid the boy. The page has raised over $700,000 so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pune-porsche-crash-police-arrests-teen-drivers-father-family-of-victims-calls-it-murder-723795">Pune Porsche Crash: Police arrest teen driver's father, family of victim calls it 'murder'</a></strong></p>

<p>"Arvind (45) and Pradeepa (42) were a wonderful couple blessed with two children, Andril (17) and Adiryan (14)," reads the GoFundMe page titled 'Support for Adiryan Arvind: A Tragic Loss and a Young Life to Rebuild'.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>According to reports, Arvind and his wife were driving their daughter to college in North Texas. The 17-year-old girl had just graduated from high school and was going to attend the University of Dallas where she planned to take up a course in computer science.</p>

<p>The crash killed five people in total. This also includes the driver of the car that crashed into the family's vehicle. The Indian-American family's vehicle then caught fire in which three members perished.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There was no chance of survival. It is one of the worst crashes I have seen in 26 years because of the magnitude of the damage and amount of people lost," police told local media.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pune Porsche crash: 2 doctors arrested on charges of manipulating teen driver's blood sample</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pune-porsche-crash-2-doctors-arrested-on-charges-of-manipulating-teen-drivers-blood-sample-725755/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Authorities say that the driver of the car that hit the family could be running on the road at a speed as high as 160 kmph, according to a witness who said the vehicles zoomed past her.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the family's car driving around 112 kmph, the car was "like driving into a concrete wall at 270 kmph," police said.</p>

<p>"The Rouse High School family is deeply saddened to share the loss of one of our very own Raiders from the Class of 2024, Andril Arvind," said a letter sent to parents from the school's principal.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An Indian-origin family's three members were killed in a car crash in the Texas state of the US. The couple's 14-year-old son is the lone survivor. Arvind Mani, 45, his wife Pradeepa Arvind, 40, and their 17-year-old daughter Andril Arvind, all residents of Leander — over 870 miles southwest of Tennessee — were killed around 5.

An Indian-origin family's three members were killed in a car crash in the Texas state of the US. The couple's 14-year-old son is the lone survivor. Arvind Mani, 45, his wife Pradeepa Arvind, 40, and their 17-year-old daughter Andril Arvind, all residents of Leander — over 870 miles southwest of Tennessee — were killed around 5.45 am on Wednesday (August 14) near Lampass County, local media reported. The 14-year-old Adiryan was not in the vehicle and thus became the only surviving member of the family, according to a GoFundMe page set up to financially aid the boy. The page has raised over $700,000 so far. Also read | Pune Porsche Crash: Police arrest teen driver's father, family of victim calls it 'murder' "Arvind (45) and Pradeepa (42) were a wonderful couple blessed with two children, Andril (17) and Adiryan (14)," reads the GoFundMe page titled 'Support for Adiryan Arvind: A Tragic Loss and a Young Life to Rebuild'. What happened? According to reports, Arvind and his wife were driving their daughter to college in North Texas. The 17-year-old girl had just graduated from high school and was going to attend the University of Dallas where she planned to take up a course in computer science. The crash killed five people in total. This also includes the driver of the car that crashed into the family's vehicle. The Indian-American family's vehicle then caught fire in which three members perished. "There was no chance of survival. It is one of the worst crashes I have seen in 26 years because of the magnitude of the damage and amount of people lost," police told local media. Also watch | Pune Porsche crash: 2 doctors arrested on charges of manipulating teen driver's blood sample × Authorities say that the driver of the car that hit the family could be running on the road at a speed as high as 160 kmph, according to a witness who said the vehicles zoomed past her. With the family's car driving around 112 kmph, the car was "like driving into a concrete wall at 270 kmph," police said. "The Rouse High School family is deeply saddened to share the loss of one of our very own Raiders from the Class of 2024, Andril Arvind," said a letter sent to parents from the school's principal. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-origin family killed in US car crash, 14-year-old son lone survivor

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine's incursion into Russia enters its twelfth day

Nigerian police and security agencies are working to secure the release of 20 medical students who were kidnapped in the eastern part of the country, officials say. The medical students were on their way to an annual convention when they were abducted in Benue State on Thursday evening, police and university sources said on Saturday.

Nigerian Medical Students Kidnapped: Kidnappers demand ransom of 50 million Naira

Russia-Ukraine war: Impact close to plant's ponds and power lines, says IAEA

Venezuela's political opposition and its supporters gathered in cities around the country on Saturday to demand recognition of what they say is their candidate's resounding victory in a presidential vote nearly three weeks ago.

Venezuela protests: Opposition calls for worldwide protests

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of getting involved in a conflict with the sons of assassinated Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh over his alleged funds in Turkish banks, a claim denied as “disinformation” by Ankara.

Israel alleges Turkey refused to release Haniyeh's fortune

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidwJJ3qrdW7MDJ" /></p>

<p>First cases of mpox have been detected outside of Africa with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the recent outbreak&nbsp;of the disease as a public health emergency of international concern after the new variant of the virus was identified.</p>

<p>Despite cases of mpox being reported in Sweden and Pakistan and amid fears that the virus would continue to spread, the WHO and the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) advised against&nbsp;travel restrictions to stop the spread of&nbsp;mpox.</p>

<p>The WHO said that it would publish a list of temporary recommendations for countries soon.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's a look at the latest updates from the mpox crisis:</strong></h2>

<p><strong>&gt; </strong>Pakistan said on Friday (Aug 16) that authorities would be taking all necessary measures after the health ministry confirmed at least one case of mpox in a patient who returned to Pakistan from a Gulf country. Earlier, it was reported that three patients in the country were detected with the virus.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; </strong>Speaking to the news agency Reuters,&nbsp;Dr Irshad Ali Roghani, director of public health at Directorate-General Health Services of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said the sequencing of the confirmed case was underway, and that it would not be clear which variant of&nbsp;mpox&nbsp;the patient had until the process was complete.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-mpox-virus-alert-who-say-dont-close-borders-impose-travel-restrictions-750723">Amid mpox virus alert, WHO say don't 'close borders', impose 'travel restrictions'</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt; </strong>Reuters reported that passengers were being screened, fumigation was being carried out at Jinnah International Airport in&nbsp;Karachi. Meanwhile, passengers were also being screened at the&nbsp;Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar. An isolation ward was also set up in the city.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; </strong>Before Pakistan, Sweden on Thursday confirmed its first case of mpox,&nbsp;which was also the first case outside Africa.&nbsp;The person was infected while staying in a part of Africa where there was a large outbreak of the disease, Olivia Wigzell, director-general at the Swedish Public Health Agency told a press conference.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; </strong>Sweden's confirmation came a day after the WHO&nbsp;declared the disease a global public health emergency for the second time in two years.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; </strong>The WHO's announcement of declaring mpox a global public health emergency came after&nbsp;an outbreak of the viral infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has spread to neighbouring countries including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>The outbreak in Congo began with the spread of an endemic strain, known as clade I. But a new variant, clade Ib, appears to spread more easily through routine close contact, including sexual contact, Reuters reported.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; </strong>Earlier this week, the United States (US) State Department said that it was closely tracking the spread of mpox in Central Africa. The State Department said that Washington&nbsp;provided more than $17 million beyond their regularly programmed health assistance to support&nbsp;mpox&nbsp;preparedness and response efforts in Central and Eastern Africa.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | WION Fineprint:&nbsp;WHO warns more MPOX to come in Europe after case in Sweden</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-warns-more-mpox-to-come-in-europe-after-case-in-sweden-750789/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>A German infection expert on Friday called for existing&nbsp;mpox&nbsp;vaccine supplies to be shipped to Africa, where they would have the greatest potential to tackle the disease.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; </strong>A Swedish expert, meanwhile, said that public awareness of&nbsp;mpox&nbsp;and its symptoms, as well as efficient isolation and contact tracing procedures, were key to preventing the spread of the virus.</p>

<h2><strong>What is mpox and&nbsp;its symptoms</strong>?</h2>

<p>Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is a rare disease similar to smallpox caused by a virus. It’s found mostly in areas of Africa but has been seen in other regions of the world. It causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and a rash that can take weeks to clear.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The virus has been a public health problem in parts of Africa for decades.&nbsp;The first human case was reported in Congo in 1970, and it has had outbreaks ever since.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reuters reported that the current outbreak, Congo's worst ever, has seen 27,000 cases and more than 1,100 deaths since January 2023, largely among children.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


First cases of mpox have been detected outside of Africa with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the recent outbreak of the disease as a public health emergency of international concern after the new variant of the virus was identified.

First cases of mpox have been detected outside of Africa with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the recent outbreak of the disease as a public health emergency of international concern after the new variant of the virus was identified. Despite cases of mpox being reported in Sweden and Pakistan and amid fears that the virus would continue to spread, the WHO and the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) advised against travel restrictions to stop the spread of mpox. The WHO said that it would publish a list of temporary recommendations for countries soon. Here's a look at the latest updates from the mpox crisis: > Pakistan said on Friday (Aug 16) that authorities would be taking all necessary measures after the health ministry confirmed at least one case of mpox in a patient who returned to Pakistan from a Gulf country. Earlier, it was reported that three patients in the country were detected with the virus. > Speaking to the news agency Reuters, Dr Irshad Ali Roghani, director of public health at Directorate-General Health Services of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said the sequencing of the confirmed case was underway, and that it would not be clear which variant of mpox the patient had until the process was complete. Also read | Amid mpox virus alert, WHO say don't 'close borders', impose 'travel restrictions' > Reuters reported that passengers were being screened, fumigation was being carried out at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. Meanwhile, passengers were also being screened at the Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar. An isolation ward was also set up in the city. > Before Pakistan, Sweden on Thursday confirmed its first case of mpox, which was also the first case outside Africa. The person was infected while staying in a part of Africa where there was a large outbreak of the disease, Olivia Wigzell, director-general at the Swedish Public Health Agency told a press conference. > Sweden's confirmation came a day after the WHO declared the disease a global public health emergency for the second time in two years. > The WHO's announcement of declaring mpox a global public health emergency came after an outbreak of the viral infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has spread to neighbouring countries including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. > The outbreak in Congo began with the spread of an endemic strain, known as clade I. But a new variant, clade Ib, appears to spread more easily through routine close contact, including sexual contact, Reuters reported. > Earlier this week, the United States (US) State Department said that it was closely tracking the spread of mpox in Central Africa. The State Department said that Washington provided more than $17 million beyond their regularly programmed health assistance to support mpox preparedness and response efforts in Central and Eastern Africa. Also watch | WION Fineprint: WHO warns more MPOX to come in Europe after case in Sweden × > A German infection expert on Friday called for existing mpox vaccine supplies to be shipped to Africa, where they would have the greatest potential to tackle the disease. > A Swedish expert, meanwhile, said that public awareness of mpox and its symptoms, as well as efficient isolation and contact tracing procedures, were key to preventing the spread of the virus. What is mpox and its symptoms? Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is a rare disease similar to smallpox caused by a virus. It’s found mostly in areas of Africa but has been seen in other regions of the world. It causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and a rash that can take weeks to clear. The virus has been a public health problem in parts of Africa for decades. The first human case was reported in Congo in 1970, and it has had outbreaks ever since. Reuters reported that the current outbreak, Congo's worst ever, has seen 27,000 cases and more than 1,100 deaths since January 2023, largely among children. (With inputs from agencies)

Mpox crisis updates: Pakistan adopts safety measures; WHO says no need to close borders

Authorities in Japan have issued warnings and urged residents to evacuate as Typhoon Ampil, rated as "very strong" by the Japan Meteorological Agency, approaches the shore near the capital city.

Japan, Tokyo braces for Typhoon Ampil

<p>Authorities in the United Kingdom have charged the first adult with rioting in connection with the recent nationwide anti-immigration protests which turned violent. Crown Prosecution Service said 32-year-old Kieran Usher wouldn’t be the only individual to be charged with the crime that carries a maximum of 10 years in jail, double that of violent disorder.</p>

<p>Earlier on Friday (Aug 16), the Hull Crown Court sentenced two men to jail for “racist violence”. A 25-year-old named John Honey was jailed for four years and eight months after pleading guilty to violent disorder, committing racially aggravated criminal damage during an incident involving a BMW, as well as damaging nine other cars.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;UK private tutor jailed for 6 years, arrested for sexually abusing teenage boy</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-private-tutor-jailed-for-6-years-arrested-for-sexually-abusing-teenage-boy-750090/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>48-year-old David Wilkinson was sentenced to six years in prison&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;after he pleaded guilty to violent disorder, racially aggravated criminal damage and attempted arson.</p>

<p>Before that, two men and a woman were jailed for violent disorder at a protest in Plymouth on August 5. Kerry Gove, 34, Andrew Ball, 49, and Grant Braidwood, 40 had also&nbsp;pleaded guilty to the charge earlier.</p>

<p>A man named Roger Haywood was&nbsp;sentenced to 30 months in prison for causing disorder in Blackpool, England. According to the judge presiding over his case, Haywood led an "angry" mob through the seaside town in Lancashire - throwing missiles at police officers and injuring a security guard at a shopping centre.</p>

<p>As per data from the Ministry of Justice, around 460 people have been detained for causing violent disorder, and at least 99 of them have already been sentenced.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiUloS0jvqHAxXRh68BHeItEM8QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pakistanis-sing-jana-gana-mana-with-indians-in-uk-some-netizens-like-it-some-call-it-irony-video-750576" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/pakistanis-sing-jana-gana-mana-with-indians-in-uk-some-netizens-like-it-some-call-it-irony-video-750576&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiUloS0jvqHAxXRh68BHeItEM8QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">Pakistanis sing Jana Gana Mana with Indians in UK; some netizens like it, some call it `irony` | Video</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), the violent unrest that erupted after the Southport attack and spread throughout the nation left 277 police officers wounded.</p>

<p>Some officers had to be hospitalised as they sustained serious injuries like fractures and broken bones.</p>

<p>"Officers do not go to work to be assaulted or attacked and it is completely unacceptable,” said one spokesperson.</p>

<p>“Such events have a very real impact on our workforce in terms of wellbeing and psychological damage, and we know that significant issues related to PTSD can come years later,” he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Authorities in the United Kingdom have charged the first adult with rioting in connection with the recent nationwide anti-immigration protests which turned violent.

Authorities in the United Kingdom have charged the first adult with rioting in connection with the recent nationwide anti-immigration protests which turned violent. Crown Prosecution Service said 32-year-old Kieran Usher wouldn’t be the only individual to be charged with the crime that carries a maximum of 10 years in jail, double that of violent disorder. Earlier on Friday (Aug 16), the Hull Crown Court sentenced two men to jail for “racist violence”. A 25-year-old named John Honey was jailed for four years and eight months after pleading guilty to violent disorder, committing racially aggravated criminal damage during an incident involving a BMW, as well as damaging nine other cars. Watch: UK private tutor jailed for 6 years, arrested for sexually abusing teenage boy × 48-year-old David Wilkinson was sentenced to six years in prison on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to violent disorder, racially aggravated criminal damage and attempted arson. Before that, two men and a woman were jailed for violent disorder at a protest in Plymouth on August 5. Kerry Gove, 34, Andrew Ball, 49, and Grant Braidwood, 40 had also pleaded guilty to the charge earlier. A man named Roger Haywood was sentenced to 30 months in prison for causing disorder in Blackpool, England. According to the judge presiding over his case, Haywood led an "angry" mob through the seaside town in Lancashire - throwing missiles at police officers and injuring a security guard at a shopping centre. As per data from the Ministry of Justice, around 460 people have been detained for causing violent disorder, and at least 99 of them have already been sentenced. Also read: Pakistanis sing Jana Gana Mana with Indians in UK; some netizens like it, some call it `irony` | Video According to the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), the violent unrest that erupted after the Southport attack and spread throughout the nation left 277 police officers wounded. Some officers had to be hospitalised as they sustained serious injuries like fractures and broken bones. "Officers do not go to work to be assaulted or attacked and it is completely unacceptable,” said one spokesperson. “Such events have a very real impact on our workforce in terms of wellbeing and psychological damage, and we know that significant issues related to PTSD can come years later,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

UK riots: First adult charged with rioting, around 100 given sentences so far

At least one person has died after Israeli settlers torched homes and vehicles on a rampage through a Palestinian village. Several people were seriously injured in the events. Watch in for more details!

Israeli settlers torch entire village in Palestinian West Bank

<p>Even as United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on Israel to pause fighting in Gaza to facilitate a polio vaccination campaign, the Jewish country stepped up attacks on Saturday (Aug 17), reportedly&nbsp;killing at least 17 in the town of Zawayda. Among the dead were eight children and four women, hailing from the same family. "They were asleep in their beds, kids and babies, then three missiles targeted their place," one local resident was quoted as saying by news agencies.</p>

<p>A spokesperson for the Israel&nbsp;Defense Forces (IDF) claimed militants were firing rockets from the location and the strike was conducted against them.</p>

<h2><strong>Massive evacuation order</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, the Israeli military issued a new evacuation order, affecting about 170,000 people ‘in parts of Deir al Balah in the central Strip and Khan Younis in the south, including two blocks within the Israeli-designated “humanitarian zone” of Mawasi, said the&nbsp;UN humanitarian affairs office.</p>

<p>"This is one of the largest evacuation orders affecting the zone to date and it shrinks the size of the so-called 'humanitarian area' to about 41 square kilometres, or 11 per cent of the total area of the Gaza Strip," the statement added.</p>

<p>It was not clear whether the target site in Zawayda was also covered under the evacuation orders.</p>

<h2><strong>Attack in Lebanon</strong></h2>

<p>In a separate incident, an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon killed at least 10 people on Saturday, the biggest attack in terms of casualties since the start of the war in Gaza.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Yoav Gallant calls Netanyahu's victory plans as 'nonsense': Reports</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-yoav-gallant-calls-netanyahus-victory-plans-as-nonsense-reports-749830/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The strike targeted a metal warehouse, which was described as Hezbollah’s weapons storage room by Israel.</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas dismisses truce claims</strong></h2>

<p>A Hamas official on Saturday dismissed speculations that the Gaza truce plan was near; a day after the United States, Egypt and Qatar revealed a peace proposal after holding negotiations in Doha.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjH_fCMqfyHAxX1cfUHHZCROFU4ChDF9AEoAHoECA8QAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/explained-who-is-ismail-haniyeh-hamas-leader-who-masterminded-attack-on-israel-while-sitting-in-doha-646481" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/explained-who-is-ismail-haniyeh-hamas-leader-who-masterminded-attack-on-israel-while-sitting-in-doha-646481&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjH_fCMqfyHAxX1cfUHHZCROFU4ChDF9AEoAHoECA8QAQ">Explained | Who was Ismail Haniyeh? Hamas leader who masterminded attack on Israel, while sitting in Doha</a></strong></p>

<p>"To say that we are getting close to a deal is an illusion," Hamas political bureau member Sami Abu Zuhri told news agency AFP. "We are not facing a deal or real negotiations, but rather the imposing of American diktats."</p>

<p>Earlier, US President Joe Biden had said, "We are closer than we have ever been."</p>

<h2><strong>Gaza polio vaccination campaign</strong></h2>

<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned about the potential resurgence of the polio virus in the Gaza Strip as vaccination coverage has dropped to 86 per cent there.</p>

<p>Before the war, the coverage stood at 99 per cent.</p>

<p>If the virus spreads again, the disease “would have a disastrous effect, not only for Palestinian children in Gaza, but also in neighboring countries and the region,” Guterres said.</p>

<p>The warning came as Gaza reported its first&nbsp;polio case in 25 years, Hamas' health ministry said.</p>

<p>Tests in Jordan confirmed the disease in an unvaccinated 10-month-old from the central Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>


Even as United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on Israel to pause fighting in Gaza to facilitate a polio vaccination campaign, the Jewish country stepped up attacks on Saturday (Aug 17), reportedly killing at least 17 in the town of Zawayda.

Even as United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on Israel to pause fighting in Gaza to facilitate a polio vaccination campaign, the Jewish country stepped up attacks on Saturday (Aug 17), reportedly killing at least 17 in the town of Zawayda. Among the dead were eight children and four women, hailing from the same family. "They were asleep in their beds, kids and babies, then three missiles targeted their place," one local resident was quoted as saying by news agencies. A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed militants were firing rockets from the location and the strike was conducted against them. Massive evacuation order Earlier, the Israeli military issued a new evacuation order, affecting about 170,000 people ‘in parts of Deir al Balah in the central Strip and Khan Younis in the south, including two blocks within the Israeli-designated “humanitarian zone” of Mawasi, said the UN humanitarian affairs office. "This is one of the largest evacuation orders affecting the zone to date and it shrinks the size of the so-called 'humanitarian area' to about 41 square kilometres, or 11 per cent of the total area of the Gaza Strip," the statement added. It was not clear whether the target site in Zawayda was also covered under the evacuation orders. Attack in Lebanon In a separate incident, an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon killed at least 10 people on Saturday, the biggest attack in terms of casualties since the start of the war in Gaza. Watch: Israel-Hamas War: Yoav Gallant calls Netanyahu's victory plans as 'nonsense': Reports × The strike targeted a metal warehouse, which was described as Hezbollah’s weapons storage room by Israel. Hamas dismisses truce claims A Hamas official on Saturday dismissed speculations that the Gaza truce plan was near; a day after the United States, Egypt and Qatar revealed a peace proposal after holding negotiations in Doha. Also read: Explained | Who was Ismail Haniyeh? Hamas leader who masterminded attack on Israel, while sitting in Doha "To say that we are getting close to a deal is an illusion," Hamas political bureau member Sami Abu Zuhri told news agency AFP. "We are not facing a deal or real negotiations, but rather the imposing of American diktats." Earlier, US President Joe Biden had said, "We are closer than we have ever been." Gaza polio vaccination campaign The World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned about the potential resurgence of the polio virus in the Gaza Strip as vaccination coverage has dropped to 86 per cent there. Before the war, the coverage stood at 99 per cent. If the virus spreads again, the disease “would have a disastrous effect, not only for Palestinian children in Gaza, but also in neighboring countries and the region,” Guterres said. The warning came as Gaza reported its first polio case in 25 years, Hamas' health ministry said. Tests in Jordan confirmed the disease in an unvaccinated 10-month-old from the central Gaza Strip. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

IDF kills 27 in separate attacks in Gaza, Lebanon; Hamas dismisses truce claims

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidFdJV9AsoWdZL" /></p>

<p>United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (Aug 16) that he was optimistic about the prospects of reaching a ceasefire and hostage deal in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters in Hagerstown, Maryland,&nbsp;Biden was asked about the status of the ceasefire talks to which he said, "...it’s still in play. I’m optimistic, it’s far from over. Just a couple more issues, I think we’ve got a shot."</p>

<p>Biden pointed out that he was more optimistic (about the deal) than&nbsp;he had been in the past few months.</p>

<h2><strong>Truce talks paused, negotiators to meet again</strong></h2>

<p>Biden's remarks came as truce talks in Doha, Qatar paused on Friday with negotiators to meet again next week. A report by the news agency Reuters said that in a joint statement, the US, Qatar and Egypt said Washington presented a new proposal.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-us-qatar-and-egypt-put-forward-bridging-proposal-hamas-rejects-israels-conditions-750775">Gaza war: US, Qatar and Egypt put forward ‘bridging proposal’, Hamas rejects Israel’s conditions</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty demanded an immediate ceasefire deal. Foreign Minister&nbsp;Abdelatty made this remark as he was on a visit to Lebanon&nbsp;amid border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel turning into an all-out war.</p>

<p>Speaking in a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib at the end of his visit, Abdelatty said Egypt will continue its effort to reach a ceasefire deal.</p>

<p>"A deal that leads to an immediate ceasefire, an end to the killing of civilians and an exchange of prisoners and hostages is the key to the beginning of the solution in this region, the beginning of a de-escalation, and the beginning to prevent the region from slipping into the furnace of a comprehensive war," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Death toll in Gaza Strip over 40,000</strong></h2>

<p>The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on October&nbsp;7, 2023,&nbsp;when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | Gravitas:&nbsp;Is Israel's High Command on Iran’s, Hezbollah's hit list?</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-israels-high-command-on-irans-hezbollahs-hit-list-750791/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Israel's subsequent assault on the enclave has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, and has displaced nearly the entire population of 2.3 million.</p>

<p>Apart from Hamas,&nbsp;Hezbollah has also vowed to retaliate against Israel for the killing of a top commander, as has Iran,&nbsp;for the killing in Tehran of the Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (Aug 16) that he was optimistic about the prospects of reaching a ceasefire and hostage deal in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (Aug 16) that he was optimistic about the prospects of reaching a ceasefire and hostage deal in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Speaking to reporters in Hagerstown, Maryland, Biden was asked about the status of the ceasefire talks to which he said, "...it’s still in play. I’m optimistic, it’s far from over. Just a couple more issues, I think we’ve got a shot." Biden pointed out that he was more optimistic (about the deal) than he had been in the past few months. Truce talks paused, negotiators to meet again Biden's remarks came as truce talks in Doha, Qatar paused on Friday with negotiators to meet again next week. A report by the news agency Reuters said that in a joint statement, the US, Qatar and Egypt said Washington presented a new proposal. Also read | Gaza war: US, Qatar and Egypt put forward ‘bridging proposal’, Hamas rejects Israel’s conditions Meanwhile, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty demanded an immediate ceasefire deal. Foreign Minister Abdelatty made this remark as he was on a visit to Lebanon amid border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel turning into an all-out war. Speaking in a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib at the end of his visit, Abdelatty said Egypt will continue its effort to reach a ceasefire deal. "A deal that leads to an immediate ceasefire, an end to the killing of civilians and an exchange of prisoners and hostages is the key to the beginning of the solution in this region, the beginning of a de-escalation, and the beginning to prevent the region from slipping into the furnace of a comprehensive war," he said. Death toll in Gaza Strip over 40,000 The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Also watch | Gravitas: Is Israel's High Command on Iran’s, Hezbollah's hit list? × Israel's subsequent assault on the enclave has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, and has displaced nearly the entire population of 2.3 million. Apart from Hamas, Hezbollah has also vowed to retaliate against Israel for the killing of a top commander, as has Iran, for the killing in Tehran of the Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: 'Optimistic about prospects of reaching truce deal', says Biden

<p>The top Polish diplomat in Delhi, Dr Sebastian Domżalski has expressed his optimism on the upcoming visit of PM Modi to his country. This will be the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to the Central European country in 45 years, the last being in 1979 by Morarji Desai.</p>

<p>Speaking to WION, he said, "We see the growing importance of India in Asia, world and in global affairs. We want to work with India, closer...I hope PM Modi's visit will not only be a new chapter in our relations, hopefully, we will be able to write a new book".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Adam Burakowski, Poland's ambassador to India speaks on the Polish role in 'Operation Ganga'</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/adam-burakowski-polands-ambassador-to-india-speaks-on-the-polish-role-in-operation-ganga-577304/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>PM Modi will be in Poland on the 21st and 22nd of August. During the visit PM will be paying tributes at the "Good Maharaja Square".</p>

<p>The square in the Polish national capital is to honour the Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja of Nawanagar, Gujarat who in 1942 gave refuge to Polish children fleeing persecution after Poland was occupied by Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. The Polish Chargé d’affaires said, "Jam Sahib is remembered for his work, for his contribution".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/auschwitz-museum-starts-work-of-conserving-8000-children-shoes-who-were-murdered-in-the-camp-592786">Auschwitz museum starts work of conserving shoes of 8,000 murdered children</a></strong></p>

<p>During the visit PM Modi will meet Poland's President Poland's President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk. It is expected that the Russia-Ukraine war will be discussed during the talk.</p>

<p>The Polish diplomat said, "What is very important, India stands out against war, stands out for peace and dialogue, highlights the importance of UN charter, sovereignty and territorial integrity, it is close to our mind. Rules-based order binds us together".</p>

<p>India has emphasised dialogue and diplomacy on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine</p>

<p>On Poland's stance on UN Security Council reforms and India's bid for UNSC, Dr Sebastian Domżalski pointed to his foreign minister's comments in the Parliament that "it is surprising to us that India is not a permanent member of UNSC".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-chinas-smokescreen-tricks-the-world-against-reforms-at-un-security-council-635950">How China’s ‘smokescreen’ tricks the world against reforms at UN Security Council</a></strong></p>

<p>The diplomat highlighted that "we would like to see a wider representation of central Europe... the voice of central Europe should be heard".</p>

<p>During the visit PM Modi will also pay tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Monte Cassino, alongside the Polish soldiers. The battle was a key turning point in the Allied Victory and liberation of Rome.</p>

<p>The battle remains the most brutal conflict of World War 2 and Indian soldiers played a key role in wearing down German defences. The homage by the Indian prime minister is a message by Delhi, on its role in shaping the world 70 years ago, something that the international community has rarely acknowledged much.</p>


The top Polish diplomat in Delhi, Dr Sebastian Domżalski has expressed his optimism on the upcoming visit of PM Modi to his country. This will be the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to the Central European country in 45 years, the last being in 1979 by Morarji Desai.

The top Polish diplomat in Delhi, Dr Sebastian Domżalski has expressed his optimism on the upcoming visit of PM Modi to his country. This will be the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to the Central European country in 45 years, the last being in 1979 by Morarji Desai. Speaking to WION, he said, "We see the growing importance of India in Asia, world and in global affairs. We want to work with India, closer...I hope PM Modi's visit will not only be a new chapter in our relations, hopefully, we will be able to write a new book". Also watch | Adam Burakowski, Poland's ambassador to India speaks on the Polish role in 'Operation Ganga' × PM Modi will be in Poland on the 21st and 22nd of August. During the visit PM will be paying tributes at the "Good Maharaja Square". The square in the Polish national capital is to honour the Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja of Nawanagar, Gujarat who in 1942 gave refuge to Polish children fleeing persecution after Poland was occupied by Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. The Polish Chargé d’affaires said, "Jam Sahib is remembered for his work, for his contribution". Also read | Auschwitz museum starts work of conserving shoes of 8,000 murdered children During the visit PM Modi will meet Poland's President Poland's President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk. It is expected that the Russia-Ukraine war will be discussed during the talk. The Polish diplomat said, "What is very important, India stands out against war, stands out for peace and dialogue, highlights the importance of UN charter, sovereignty and territorial integrity, it is close to our mind. Rules-based order binds us together". India has emphasised dialogue and diplomacy on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine On Poland's stance on UN Security Council reforms and India's bid for UNSC, Dr Sebastian Domżalski pointed to his foreign minister's comments in the Parliament that "it is surprising to us that India is not a permanent member of UNSC". Also read | How China’s ‘smokescreen’ tricks the world against reforms at UN Security Council The diplomat highlighted that "we would like to see a wider representation of central Europe... the voice of central Europe should be heard". During the visit PM Modi will also pay tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Monte Cassino, alongside the Polish soldiers. The battle was a key turning point in the Allied Victory and liberation of Rome. The battle remains the most brutal conflict of World War 2 and Indian soldiers played a key role in wearing down German defences. The homage by the Indian prime minister is a message by Delhi, on its role in shaping the world 70 years ago, something that the international community has rarely acknowledged much.

PM Modi's visit to forge new chapter in India-Poland ties: Top Polish diplomat

<p>Around 14,000 people in the United Kingdom have applied for government compensation, claiming they were harmed by COVID-19 vaccines, according to a recent report by&nbsp;The Telegraph.</p>

<p>The report highlights that some people have already received payments for serious conditions like strokes, heart attacks, dangerous blood clots, inflammation of the spinal cord, severe swelling in the vaccinated arm, and even facial paralysis.</p>

<p>AstraZeneca is said to be behind 97 per cent&nbsp;of all the approved claims, with only a few related to Pfizer or Moderna.</p>

<p>The Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS), initiated in 1979, has received a total of 16,000 applications over the years, and the majority of recent claims are related to COVID-19 vaccines. Many have been denied payments because they weren’t considered “disabled enough.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine attacks Russia's key supply routes</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-ukraine-attacks-russias-key-supply-routes-750993/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>For those who are successful, there’s a one-time payment of £120,000 ($155,321). However, the government has only approved payments in 175 cases so far, which is less than two per cent&nbsp;of the total applications, according to The Telegraph.</p>

<p>Over 5,500 claims have been reportedly rejected, and another 519 were dismissed before even reaching a medical assessment. Out of nearly 1,000 people who asked for their cases to be reconsidered, only 12 have had their decisions reversed and received a payment.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-x-to-end-operations-in-brazil-effective-immediately-following-spat-with-judge-751000">Elon Musk's X to end operations in Brazil 'effective immediately' following spat with judge</a></strong></p>

<p>Around 350 claims were denied because, while the vaccine was recognised as harmful, it was determined that the harm didn’t cause “severe disablement.” To qualify, applicants need to be at least 60 per cent disabled. More than 700 people have been waiting over a year for a decision.</p>

<p>Despite warnings and increasing reports of blood clots, the UK government continued to recommend the AstraZeneca vaccine, even as other countries like Germany, Italy, France, and Spain stopped using it by March 2021.</p>

<p>Last year, AstraZeneca admitted that its vaccine could cause VITT in some cases, and in May, it started pulling the vaccine worldwide, saying that newer vaccines were better at targeting COVID-19&nbsp;variants.</p>

<p>However, AstraZeneca was given legal protection early in the pandemic, so even if someone won a civil case, it would be UK taxpayers who foot the bill for compensation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Around 14,000 people in the United Kingdom have applied for government compensation, claiming they were harmed by COVID-19 vaccines, according to a recent report by The Telegraph.

Around 14,000 people in the United Kingdom have applied for government compensation, claiming they were harmed by COVID-19 vaccines, according to a recent report by The Telegraph. The report highlights that some people have already received payments for serious conditions like strokes, heart attacks, dangerous blood clots, inflammation of the spinal cord, severe swelling in the vaccinated arm, and even facial paralysis. AstraZeneca is said to be behind 97 per cent of all the approved claims, with only a few related to Pfizer or Moderna. The Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS), initiated in 1979, has received a total of 16,000 applications over the years, and the majority of recent claims are related to COVID-19 vaccines. Many have been denied payments because they weren’t considered “disabled enough.” Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine attacks Russia's key supply routes × For those who are successful, there’s a one-time payment of £120,000 ($155,321). However, the government has only approved payments in 175 cases so far, which is less than two per cent of the total applications, according to The Telegraph. Over 5,500 claims have been reportedly rejected, and another 519 were dismissed before even reaching a medical assessment. Out of nearly 1,000 people who asked for their cases to be reconsidered, only 12 have had their decisions reversed and received a payment. Also read: Elon Musk's X to end operations in Brazil 'effective immediately' following spat with judge Around 350 claims were denied because, while the vaccine was recognised as harmful, it was determined that the harm didn’t cause “severe disablement.” To qualify, applicants need to be at least 60 per cent disabled. More than 700 people have been waiting over a year for a decision. Despite warnings and increasing reports of blood clots, the UK government continued to recommend the AstraZeneca vaccine, even as other countries like Germany, Italy, France, and Spain stopped using it by March 2021. Last year, AstraZeneca admitted that its vaccine could cause VITT in some cases, and in May, it started pulling the vaccine worldwide, saying that newer vaccines were better at targeting COVID-19 variants. However, AstraZeneca was given legal protection early in the pandemic, so even if someone won a civil case, it would be UK taxpayers who foot the bill for compensation. (With inputs from agencies)

UK faces rising claims for COVID-19 vaccine damages; over 14,000 seek compensation

world

World, News on World, stories on World, articles on World, World stories at Wion, World news, World latest news

world news