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Sweden on Thursday (August 15, 2024) announced the first case outside Africa of the more dangerous variant of Mpox, which the WHO has declared a global public health emergency. The country’s public health agency confirmed that it was the same strain of the virus that has surged in the Democratic Republic of Congo since September 2023, known as the Clade 1b subclade.

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Thailand's parliament on Friday (Aug 16) elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra as its youngest prime minister. A report by the news agency Reuters said that Paetongtarn, the 37-year-old daughter of divisive political heavyweight Thaksin Shinawatra sailed through a House vote.

Thailand's parliament on Friday (Aug 16) elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra as its youngest prime minister. A report by the news agency Reuters said that Paetongtarn, the 37-year-old daughter of divisive political heavyweight Thaksin Shinawatra sailed through a House vote. Her appointment comes two days after Srettha Thavisin was dismissed as premier by a judiciary central to Thailand's two decades of intermittent turmoil. Paetongtarn is Thailand's second female prime minister and the third Shinawatra to take the top job after her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra, and father Thaksin, the country's most influential and polarising politician. Also read | Political chaos in Thailand: PM Srettha Thavisin removed from office by court Reuters reported that she won easily with 319 votes or nearly two-thirds of the house. What's at stake for the new PM? At stake for Paetongtarn could be the legacy and political future of the billionaire Shinawatra family. The 37-year-old has never been in government. Reuters reported that Paetongtarn would immediately face challenges on multiple fronts, with the economy floundering, competition from a rival party growing, and Pheu Thai's popularity dwindling, having yet to deliver on its flagship cash handout programme worth $14.25 billion. 'The first meal...': Paetongtarn reacts to her appointment Paetongtarn was not present in parliament and watched the vote from her Pheu Thai Party's headquarters. Her first public comment on the win was posting on Instagram a picture of her lunch - chicken rice - with the caption: "The first meal after listening to the vote." "I really hope that I can make people feel confident. I hope to improve the quality of lives and empower all Thais," she separately said. Paetongtarn had entered politics just two years ago. Before that, she helped run the hotel arm of the Shinawatra business empire. (With inputs from agencies)

Thailand elects Paetongtarn Shinawatra as its youngest prime minister

Mpox Outbreak: Sweden confirms first case of Mpox

When Nicolas Maduro was declared president-elect for a third successive term, Colombian-based Venezuelan migrant Jose Ochoa started packing his bags for the long and dangerous trek to the United States.

Like others who have sought respite from Venezuela's economic collapse in various countries around the world, Ochoa's last hope for a change that would allow him to return home was dashed by Maduro's disputed win at the polls.

Ochoa, 38, had been confident of an opposition victory, as predicted by opinion polls, in the July 28 vote.

And he thought he would finally be able to return home four years after fleeing the economic crash overseen by Maduro.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mpox-crisis-pakistan-reports-three-cases-china-to-monitor-arrivals-of-people-goods-top-updates-750583">Mpox crisis: Pak detects 3 cases, China to monitor arrivals of people, goods</a>

An 80 percent drop in GDP in a decade pushed more than seven million Venezuelans to seek a better life elsewhere -- most of them, some three million, in neighboring Colombia.

Now, with the prospect of another six years of Maduro -- whose purported election victory has been rejected by the opposition, the United States, European Union and several Latin American countries -- many&nbsp;fear that things will never improve.

"I am hitting the road for the United States," Ochoa told AFP in Madrid, a small municipality near Bogota where he rented a small room.

"It makes me angry because we all had hope that things are going to change," he said of the "hard decision" to move on.

When AFP visited Ochoa just days after the election, he had already sold his bed and a bicycle he had used to get to work at a flower plantation.

He had packed a backpack with what he thought he would need for the estimated 15-day walk through the so-called Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama -- a perilous journey through the jungle that claimed dozens of lives last year alone.

After the interview, AFP lost contact with Ochoa.

- 'Beyond our borders' -

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who was barred from seeking election by institutions loyal to Maduro, had warned that if the strongman "grabs power," another "three, four, five million" Venezuelans will likely join the exodus.

"What's at stake here goes beyond our borders, beyond Venezuela," she said on election day.

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Ochoa told AFP that a defeat for Maduro -- which the opposition says is what in fact happened -- would have prompted him to join his father back in Venezuela.

His mother and a sister died in his absence.

Instead, he was set to take on the Darien Gap, where migrants face treacherous terrain, wild animals and violent criminal gangs that extort, kidnap and abuse them.

Ronal Rodriguez of the Venezuela Observatory at Colombia's Rosario University told AFP "we already have" a new migration wave from Venezuela.

In 2023, more than half a million migrants crossed the lawless corridor, most of them Venezuelans, according to Panamanian figures.

So far this year, the figure stands at 200,000.

In 2022, 62 people died on the trek, and a provisional count for 2023 stands at 34.

Keeping track is difficult as many deaths are never reported, and jungle animals sometimes devour the bodies of those who perish along the way.

- 'God will remove him' -

In Brazil, fellow migrant Yajaira Deyanira Resplandor said she felt "defeated" when she heard the news of Maduro's claimed victory.

"I was sad, hopeless for my country, for the people who have died and those who are imprisoned," the 56-year-old told AFP in a shantytown of Rio de Janeiro.

She arrived in Brazil seven years ago with her two daughters, but yearns to go home "provided the president leaves."

According to official figures, almost 600,000 Venezuelans entered and remained in Brazil from 2017 to June 2024.

For William Clavijo, president of the NGO Venezuela Global, which supports migrants in Brazil, the election outcome plunged many into "great sadness."&nbsp;

"There is uncertainty about the possibility of returning... of having stable lives again, decent wages," he said.

Yet Resplandor remains convinced that one day, "God will remove" Maduro.&nbsp;

Further south, in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo, migrant Alba Olivero, 70, said she was anxious for a change that would allow her to return home.

"I want to get my life back in Venezuela," she told AFP.

"As soon as the Maduro government falls, I will return to help in the reconstruction of the country," she added.

In Argentina, 29-year-old Mariangel Navas said she had been "almost sure" this would be the year she returned home after six years in Buenos Aires.

"But in this context, I'm not going back," Navas said.

When Nicolas Maduro was declared president-elect for a third successive term, Colombian-based Venezuelan migrant Jose Ochoa started packing his bags for the long and dangerous trek to the United States.

When Nicolas Maduro was declared president-elect for a third successive term, Colombian-based Venezuelan migrant Jose Ochoa started packing his bags for the long and dangerous trek to the United States. Like others who have sought respite from Venezuela's economic collapse in various countries around the world, Ochoa's last hope for a change that would allow him to return home was dashed by Maduro's disputed win at the polls. Ochoa, 38, had been confident of an opposition victory, as predicted by opinion polls, in the July 28 vote. And he thought he would finally be able to return home four years after fleeing the economic crash overseen by Maduro. Also read: Mpox crisis: Pak detects 3 cases, China to monitor arrivals of people, goods An 80 percent drop in GDP in a decade pushed more than seven million Venezuelans to seek a better life elsewhere -- most of them, some three million, in neighboring Colombia. Now, with the prospect of another six years of Maduro -- whose purported election victory has been rejected by the opposition, the United States, European Union and several Latin American countries -- many fear that things will never improve. "I am hitting the road for the United States," Ochoa told AFP in Madrid, a small municipality near Bogota where he rented a small room. "It makes me angry because we all had hope that things are going to change," he said of the "hard decision" to move on. When AFP visited Ochoa just days after the election, he had already sold his bed and a bicycle he had used to get to work at a flower plantation. He had packed a backpack with what he thought he would need for the estimated 15-day walk through the so-called Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama -- a perilous journey through the jungle that claimed dozens of lives last year alone. After the interview, AFP lost contact with Ochoa. - 'Beyond our borders' - Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who was barred from seeking election by institutions loyal to Maduro, had warned that if the strongman "grabs power," another "three, four, five million" Venezuelans will likely join the exodus. "What's at stake here goes beyond our borders, beyond Venezuela," she said on election day. Also read: Thailand elects Paetongtarn Shinawatra as its youngest prime minister Ochoa told AFP that a defeat for Maduro -- which the opposition says is what in fact happened -- would have prompted him to join his father back in Venezuela. His mother and a sister died in his absence. Instead, he was set to take on the Darien Gap, where migrants face treacherous terrain, wild animals and violent criminal gangs that extort, kidnap and abuse them. Ronal Rodriguez of the Venezuela Observatory at Colombia's Rosario University told AFP "we already have" a new migration wave from Venezuela. In 2023, more than half a million migrants crossed the lawless corridor, most of them Venezuelans, according to Panamanian figures. So far this year, the figure stands at 200,000. In 2022, 62 people died on the trek, and a provisional count for 2023 stands at 34. Keeping track is difficult as many deaths are never reported, and jungle animals sometimes devour the bodies of those who perish along the way. - 'God will remove him' - In Brazil, fellow migrant Yajaira Deyanira Resplandor said she felt "defeated" when she heard the news of Maduro's claimed victory. "I was sad, hopeless for my country, for the people who have died and those who are imprisoned," the 56-year-old told AFP in a shantytown of Rio de Janeiro. She arrived in Brazil seven years ago with her two daughters, but yearns to go home "provided the president leaves." According to official figures, almost 600,000 Venezuelans entered and remained in Brazil from 2017 to June 2024. For William Clavijo, president of the NGO Venezuela Global, which supports migrants in Brazil, the election outcome plunged many into "great sadness." "There is uncertainty about the possibility of returning... of having stable lives again, decent wages," he said. Yet Resplandor remains convinced that one day, "God will remove" Maduro. Further south, in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo, migrant Alba Olivero, 70, said she was anxious for a change that would allow her to return home. "I want to get my life back in Venezuela," she told AFP. "As soon as the Maduro government falls, I will return to help in the reconstruction of the country," she added. In Argentina, 29-year-old Mariangel Navas said she had been "almost sure" this would be the year she returned home after six years in Buenos Aires. "But in this context, I'm not going back," Navas said.

Hopes shattered, Venezuelan migrants abandon plans to return

A fresh round of Gaza ceasefire negotiations is scheduled to begin on Thursday in Qatar. However, Hamas announced on Wednesday that it will not participate in these discussions, casting doubt on the possibility of a negotiated truce that could prevent an Iranian attack on Israel.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel intensifies Gaza bombardment

The World Health Organization on Wednesday (August 14) declared that the mpox surge in Africa is now a global public health emergency, sounding its highest possible alarm over the worsening situation.

Also watch |&nbsp;Mpox in Africa: New MPOX strain stirs public health emergency in Africa

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"Today, the emergency committee met and advised me that in its view, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference.

Amid worries caused by the rise in mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the spread to nearby countries, the WHO hastily convened a meeting of experts to study the outbreak.

A Public Health Emergency is the highest level of alarm under the International Health Regulations, which are legally binding on 196 countries.

"The detection and rapid spread of a new clade of mpox in eastern DRC, its detection in neighbouring countries that had not previously reported mpox, and the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond is very worrying," said Tedros.

"It's clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives.

"This is something that should concern us all."

WHO's decision comes after the African Union's health watchdog declared its own public health emergency over the growing outbreak.

Tedros said the more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths reported so far this year in DR Congo had already exceeded last year's total.

"The emergence last year and rapid spread of clade 1b in DRC, which appears to be spreading mainly through sexual networks, and its detection in countries neighbouring DRC is especially concerning," he said, citing Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.

He said many members feared the known situation in Africa was "actually the tip of the iceberg", because without surveillance, "we don't have the full picture".

Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention director, insisted: "We can stop transmission of mpox with a concerted effort."

Two vaccines for mpox are recommended by WHO immunisation experts.

<h2>What is mpox?</h2>

Formerly called monkeypox, the virus was first discovered in humans in 1970 in what is now the DRC.

Mpox is an infectious disease caused by a virus transmitted to humans by infected animals but can also be passed from human to human through close physical contact.

The disease causes fever, muscular aches and large boil-like skin lesions.

In May 2022, mpox infections surged worldwide, mostly affecting gay and bisexual men.

The WHO declared a public health emergency which lasted from July 2022 to May 2023. The outbreak, which has now largely subsided, caused some 140 deaths out of around 90,000 cases.

A Public Health Emergency has only been declared seven times previously since 2009: over H1N1 swine flu, poliovirus, Ebola, Zika virus, Ebola again, COVID-19 and mpox.

<h2>The cases reported so far</h2>

On Friday, the health department in Pakistan's&nbsp;Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province said it detected three cases of mpox.&nbsp;The viral infection was detected in the patients on their arrival from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the department said.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was not immediately clear which variant was detected in the patients.

A day earlier, Sweden confirmed its first case of the viral infection, which was also the first case outside Africa.

Addressing a press conference,&nbsp;Olivia Wigzell, director-general at the Swedish Public Health Agency, said that the person was&nbsp;infected while staying in a part of Africa where there was a large outbreak of the disease.

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organization on Wednesday (August 14) declared that the mpox surge in Africa is now a global public health emergency, sounding its highest possible alarm over the worsening situation.

The World Health Organization on Wednesday (August 14) declared that the mpox surge in Africa is now a global public health emergency, sounding its highest possible alarm over the worsening situation. Also watch | Mpox in Africa: New MPOX strain stirs public health emergency in Africa × "Today, the emergency committee met and advised me that in its view, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference. Amid worries caused by the rise in mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the spread to nearby countries, the WHO hastily convened a meeting of experts to study the outbreak. A Public Health Emergency is the highest level of alarm under the International Health Regulations, which are legally binding on 196 countries. "The detection and rapid spread of a new clade of mpox in eastern DRC, its detection in neighbouring countries that had not previously reported mpox, and the potential for further spread within Africa and beyond is very worrying," said Tedros. "It's clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives. "This is something that should concern us all." WHO's decision comes after the African Union's health watchdog declared its own public health emergency over the growing outbreak. Tedros said the more than 14,000 cases and 524 deaths reported so far this year in DR Congo had already exceeded last year's total. "The emergence last year and rapid spread of clade 1b in DRC, which appears to be spreading mainly through sexual networks, and its detection in countries neighbouring DRC is especially concerning," he said, citing Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. He said many members feared the known situation in Africa was "actually the tip of the iceberg", because without surveillance, "we don't have the full picture". Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention director, insisted: "We can stop transmission of mpox with a concerted effort." Two vaccines for mpox are recommended by WHO immunisation experts. What is mpox? Formerly called monkeypox, the virus was first discovered in humans in 1970 in what is now the DRC. Mpox is an infectious disease caused by a virus transmitted to humans by infected animals but can also be passed from human to human through close physical contact. The disease causes fever, muscular aches and large boil-like skin lesions. In May 2022, mpox infections surged worldwide, mostly affecting gay and bisexual men. The WHO declared a public health emergency which lasted from July 2022 to May 2023. The outbreak, which has now largely subsided, caused some 140 deaths out of around 90,000 cases. A Public Health Emergency has only been declared seven times previously since 2009: over H1N1 swine flu, poliovirus, Ebola, Zika virus, Ebola again, COVID-19 and mpox. The cases reported so far On Friday, the health department in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province said it detected three cases of mpox. The viral infection was detected in the patients on their arrival from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the department said. It was not immediately clear which variant was detected in the patients. A day earlier, Sweden confirmed its first case of the viral infection, which was also the first case outside Africa. Addressing a press conference, Olivia Wigzell, director-general at the Swedish Public Health Agency, said that the person was infected while staying in a part of Africa where there was a large outbreak of the disease. (With inputs from agencies)

What is mpox? Which countries have reported cases so far?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared that an outbreak of mpox, a viral infection that spreads through close contact, represented a global health emergency for the second time in two years.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared that an outbreak of mpox, a viral infection that spreads through close contact, represented a global health emergency for the second time in two years. "It's clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at a press conference in Geneva on Wednesday (Aug 14). The WHO's announcement came after an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo spread to nearby countries in a more serious type. Here's a look at the latest updates from the health crisis: > On Thursday, Sweden confirmed its first case of the viral infection, which was also the first case outside Africa. Addressing a press conference, Olivia Wigzell, director-general at the Swedish Public Health Agency, said that the person was infected while staying in a part of Africa where there was a large outbreak of the disease. Also read | Sweden reports first case of more contagious mpox strain > Wigzell said the patient received care and instructions in line with the health agency's recommendations. "The case is the first caused by Clade I that has been diagnosed outside the African continent. The affected person has also been infected during a stay in an area of Africa where there is a large outbreak of mpox Clade I," she added. > Pakistan became the latest country to see cases of mpox. On Friday, the health department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province said that three people were found infected with the virus. > The health department said that the viral infection was detected in the patients on their arrival from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Pakistan has had cases of mpox previously and it was not immediately clear which variant was detected in the patients, Reuters reported. > Also on Friday, China said it would monitor people and goods entering the country for mpox for the next six months. "Personnel from countries with monkeypox outbreaks who have been in contact with monkeypox cases or display symptoms ... should take the initiative to declare themselves to Customs," China's customs administration said in a statement. Also watch | Gravitas- Mpox outbreak: WHO sounds alarm as new variant spreads rapidly in Africa × > In 2023, China's National Health Commission had announced mpox would be managed as a Category B infectious disease, enabling officials to take emergency measures such as restricting gatherings, suspending work and school or sealing off areas when there is an outbreak of a disease. 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 and 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: Pakistan detects three cases, China to monitor arrivals of people, goods| Top updates

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Wednesday (August 14) declared a state of emergency in the Caribbean nation's southern Clarendon parish after eight people were killed in separate gun attacks on Sunday night, including a seven-year-old boy.

"This is an opportunity for the government to mobilize fully to have a very serious focus&nbsp;on&nbsp;gangs," Holness told a press conference at his office. "We cannot allow murders to be normalized in our&nbsp;country."

The prime minister did not immediately detail what regulations would be imposed, but these can typically involve nightly curfews, longer detention periods without formal charges and the ability by police to search properties without warrants.

Holness said he hoped the measure would prevent reprisal killings, saying intelligence had warned there was a "very high probability" of retaliation attempts.

Five people have been arrested so far in relation with Sunday's shootings, Holness said.

Jamaica&nbsp;last year ranked as the second-deadliest country in the Latin American and Caribbean region, according to a study by Insight Crime, with 60.9 homicides per 100,000 people, second only to the small island state of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

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Holness noted that while the number of gangs estimated to be active in the country has shrunk from 400 to 185 in five years, the figures remain "very high."

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has been looking to clamp down on rising gun violence through stronger law enforcement and stemming imports of illegal firearms.

Around 87% of guns traced in the Caribbean come from the United States, according to U.S. government data.

The United States advises its citizens to reconsider travel to&nbsp;Jamaica&nbsp;due to crime, and to avoid Clarendon altogether, ranking the parish as "off-limits" for its embassy personnel.

(With inputs from agencies)

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Wednesday (August 14) declared a state of emergency in the Caribbean nation's southern Clarendon parish after eight people were killed in separate gun attacks on Sunday night, including a seven-year-old boy.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Wednesday (August 14) declared a state of emergency in the Caribbean nation's southern Clarendon parish after eight people were killed in separate gun attacks on Sunday night, including a seven-year-old boy. "This is an opportunity for the government to mobilize fully to have a very serious focus on gangs," Holness told a press conference at his office. "We cannot allow murders to be normalized in our country." The prime minister did not immediately detail what regulations would be imposed, but these can typically involve nightly curfews, longer detention periods without formal charges and the ability by police to search properties without warrants. Holness said he hoped the measure would prevent reprisal killings, saying intelligence had warned there was a "very high probability" of retaliation attempts. Five people have been arrested so far in relation with Sunday's shootings, Holness said. Jamaica last year ranked as the second-deadliest country in the Latin American and Caribbean region, according to a study by Insight Crime, with 60.9 homicides per 100,000 people, second only to the small island state of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Also read: Israeli military can't do anything more against Hamas in Gaza: Report Holness noted that while the number of gangs estimated to be active in the country has shrunk from 400 to 185 in five years, the figures remain "very high." The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has been looking to clamp down on rising gun violence through stronger law enforcement and stemming imports of illegal firearms. Around 87% of guns traced in the Caribbean come from the United States, according to U.S. government data. The United States advises its citizens to reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime, and to avoid Clarendon altogether, ranking the parish as "off-limits" for its embassy personnel. (With inputs from agencies)

Jamaica declares southern state of emergency after serious gun violence

India marks its Independence Day on August 15 each year, celebrating freedom from British colonial rule. This national holiday features various patriotic and ceremonial events nationwide. A yearly ceremony is being held at the famous Red Fort in Delhi, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance. This year's theme, ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’, aims to push the country towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

In other news, a&nbsp;peaceful protest against the brutal rape of a doctor in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata turned violent on Thursday (Aug 15) as miscreants entered RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and vandalised the property.&nbsp;

Click on the links to read more...

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-2024-live-pm-modi-hoists-the-tiranga-at-red-fort-750244">Independence Day 2024: PM Modi expresses concern over Bangladesh unrest, urges safety for Hindus, minorities</a>

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India marks its Independence Day on August 15 each year, celebrating freedom from British colonial rule. This national holiday features various patriotic and ceremonial events nationwide. A yearly ceremony is being held at the famous Red Fort in Delhi, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance. This year's theme, ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’, aims to push the country towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-horror-rape-miscreants-vandalise-rg-kar-hospital-disrupt-midnight-protest-video-750268">Kolkata rape: Miscreants vandalise RG Kar hospital, disrupt midnight protest</a>

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A peaceful protest against the brutal rape of a doctor in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata turned violent on Thursday (Aug 15) as miscreants entered RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and vandalised the property.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-declares-mpox-a-global-public-health-emergency-750211">What is mpox and why has WHO declared it a global health emergency?</a>

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The World Health Organization on Wednesday (August 14) declared that the mpox surge in Africa is now a global public health emergency, sounding its highest possible alarm over the worsening situation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/columbia-university-president-resigns-after-antisemitic-protests-on-campus-750273">Columbia University president resigns after antisemitic protests on campus</a>

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Columbia&nbsp;University President Minouche Shafik resigned on Wednesday (Aug 14), nearly four months after the university's handling of campus protests over Israel's war in Gaza drew criticism from pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian sides alike.

Watch |&nbsp;Independence Day 2024: All levels of governance should go hard on crimes against women: PM Modi

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India marks its Independence Day on August 15 each year, celebrating freedom from British colonial rule. This national holiday features various patriotic and ceremonial events nationwide.

India marks its Independence Day on August 15 each year, celebrating freedom from British colonial rule. This national holiday features various patriotic and ceremonial events nationwide. A yearly ceremony is being held at the famous Red Fort in Delhi, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance. This year's theme, ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’, aims to push the country towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. In other news, a peaceful protest against the brutal rape of a doctor in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata turned violent on Thursday (Aug 15) as miscreants entered RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and vandalised the property. Click on the links to read more... Independence Day 2024: PM Modi expresses concern over Bangladesh unrest, urges safety for Hindus, minorities India marks its Independence Day on August 15 each year, celebrating freedom from British colonial rule. This national holiday features various patriotic and ceremonial events nationwide. A yearly ceremony is being held at the famous Red Fort in Delhi, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance. This year's theme, ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’, aims to push the country towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. Kolkata rape: Miscreants vandalise RG Kar hospital, disrupt midnight protest A peaceful protest against the brutal rape of a doctor in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata turned violent on Thursday (Aug 15) as miscreants entered RG Kar Medical College and Hospital and vandalised the property. What is mpox and why has WHO declared it a global health emergency? The World Health Organization on Wednesday (August 14) declared that the mpox surge in Africa is now a global public health emergency, sounding its highest possible alarm over the worsening situation. Columbia University president resigns after antisemitic protests on campus Columbia University President Minouche Shafik resigned on Wednesday (Aug 14), nearly four months after the university's handling of campus protests over Israel's war in Gaza drew criticism from pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian sides alike. Watch | Independence Day 2024: All levels of governance should go hard on crimes against women: PM Modi ×

Morning news brief: India celebrates 78th Independence Day; Kolkata rape case, and more

A Russian court on Thursday (August 15) sentenced dual US-Russian citizen Ksenia Karelina to 12 years in prison. She was found guilty of "high treason" for donating around $50 to a pro-Ukraine charity.&nbsp;

The case has drawn significant criticism, with the White House condemning the ruling as "vindictive cruelty."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:133,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1883}">Who is Karelina?</h2>

Ksenia Karelina is a 32-year-old ballet dancer and spa worker from Los Angeles, United States. She was detained in January while visiting her family in Yekaterinburg, a Russian city in the Urals.&nbsp;

The Sverdlovsk Regional Court, where her trial took place, stated that Karelina had been found "guilty of high treason and sentenced her to 12 years' imprisonment in a general regime colony".

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:276,&quot;w&quot;:635,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2026}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/backing-down-from-retaliating-against-israel-would-invite-divine-wrath-iran-supreme-leader-khamenei-750467">Backing down from retaliating against Israel would invite ‘divine wrath’: Iran supreme leader Khamenei</a>

She transferred $51.80 to the New York-based charity "Razom for Ukraine" on February 24, 2022, the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

According to the court, the funds were allegedly "used to purchase tactical medical supplies, equipment, weapons and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces."

Karelina pleaded guilty to the charges last week, reported state media.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:454,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2204}">White House expresses outrage</h2>

The court's decision has been met with outrage from both her supporters and international observers.&nbsp;The White House was quick to denounce the sentence calling it "nothing less than just vindictive cruelty".

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby criticised the severity of the punishment and said "We're talking about 50 bucks to try to alleviate the suffering of the people of Ukraine, and to call that treason is just absolutely ludicrous."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-leader-mahmud-abbas-vows-to-visit-gaza-declares-our-life-is-not-more-worthy-than-a-childs-750488">Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas vows to visit Gaza, says ‘our life is not more worthy’ than a child’s</a>

Karelina's case is the latest in a series of high-profile incidents involving US citizens detained in Russia on charges of espionage or treason.&nbsp;

Just two weeks earlier, Russia engaged in a major prisoner swap with the West, which resulted in the release of US journalist Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan, and 14 others. However, Karelina was not included in this exchange.

Karelina's boyfriend, Christopher van Heerden, expressed his frustration and sorrow over the verdict. "She’s facing 12 years in prison for a $51 donation that she made as an American citizen on American soil," he said, urging the US State Department to declare her "wrongfully detained" and prioritise her release.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Russian court on Thursday (August 15) sentenced dual US-Russian citizen Ksenia Karelina to 12 years in prison. She was found guilty of "high treason" for donating around $50 to a pro-Ukraine charity.

A Russian court on Thursday (August 15) sentenced dual US-Russian citizen Ksenia Karelina to 12 years in prison. She was found guilty of "high treason" for donating around $50 to a pro-Ukraine charity. The case has drawn significant criticism, with the White House condemning the ruling as "vindictive cruelty." Who is Karelina? Ksenia Karelina is a 32-year-old ballet dancer and spa worker from Los Angeles, United States. She was detained in January while visiting her family in Yekaterinburg, a Russian city in the Urals. The Sverdlovsk Regional Court, where her trial took place, stated that Karelina had been found "guilty of high treason and sentenced her to 12 years' imprisonment in a general regime colony". Also read | Backing down from retaliating against Israel would invite ‘divine wrath’: Iran supreme leader Khamenei She transferred $51.80 to the New York-based charity "Razom for Ukraine" on February 24, 2022, the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. According to the court, the funds were allegedly "used to purchase tactical medical supplies, equipment, weapons and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces." Karelina pleaded guilty to the charges last week, reported state media. White House expresses outrage The court's decision has been met with outrage from both her supporters and international observers. The White House was quick to denounce the sentence calling it "nothing less than just vindictive cruelty". National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby criticised the severity of the punishment and said "We're talking about 50 bucks to try to alleviate the suffering of the people of Ukraine, and to call that treason is just absolutely ludicrous." Also read | Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas vows to visit Gaza, says ‘our life is not more worthy’ than a child’s Karelina's case is the latest in a series of high-profile incidents involving US citizens detained in Russia on charges of espionage or treason. Just two weeks earlier, Russia engaged in a major prisoner swap with the West, which resulted in the release of US journalist Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan, and 14 others. However, Karelina was not included in this exchange. Karelina's boyfriend, Christopher van Heerden, expressed his frustration and sorrow over the verdict. "She’s facing 12 years in prison for a $51 donation that she made as an American citizen on American soil," he said, urging the US State Department to declare her "wrongfully detained" and prioritise her release. (With inputs from agencies)

'High treason': Who is Ksenia Karelina? US woman Russia sentenced to 12yrs for donating $51 to Ukraine charity

‘Dangerous’ and ‘stupid’ climate activists in Germany temporarily blocked operations at two airports on Thursday (Aug 15), in an attempt to force the government to ban the use of oil, gas and coal by 2030.

Activists from Letzte Generation broke into the landing strips of four airports at dawn: Cologne-Bonn, Nuremberg, Berlin-Brandenburg, and Stuttgart. They were equipped with fence and bolt cutters. They managed to glue themselves to the asphalt and stop operations at two of them: Nuremberg and Cologne-Bonn.

They also waved banners reading: “Oil kills” and “Sign the treaty”, in order to call on the German government to sign an international treaty to ban the use of fossil fuels by 2030. The airport operations resumed after all the protestors were detained and removed by police.

<h2>Interior minister condemns protest</h2>

The protest was vehemently condemned by Germany’s Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, who dubbed the activists as “dangerous and stupid.”

“These anarchists are risking not only their own lives,&nbsp;Letzte Generation’s argument but are also endangering others. We have recommended tough prison sentences. And we obligate airports to secure their facilities significantly better,” she wrote on X.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj925KMxfeHAxU3rlYBHQfyEQsQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-woos-german-carmakers-to-avoid-eus-ev-tariffs-734751" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-woos-german-carmakers-to-avoid-eus-ev-tariffs-734751&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj925KMxfeHAxU3rlYBHQfyEQsQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">China woos German carmakers to avoid EV tariffs</a>

The climate group defended its actions, saying the government’s inaction was putting people’s lives in danger.

“What’s dangerous is your political failure which is dragging us ever deeper into a catastrophe … we’re talking about our existence. About the lives of billions of people,” the group wrote on X.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj925KMxfeHAxU3rlYBHQfyEQsQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/flying-tejas-was-a-great-experience-says-german-air-force-chief-750036" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/flying-tejas-was-a-great-experience-says-german-air-force-chief-750036&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj925KMxfeHAxU3rlYBHQfyEQsQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Flying Tejas was a great experience, says German Air Force Chief</a>

The group later said eight people were released by the police.

The disruption also attracted condemnation from airport association ADV, which said: “Today’s disruptions at several airports are a concerted act of criminal extortion. This is not a peaceful protest and it is not about supposedly higher goals.”

“These are malicious interventions in air traffic and in the personal rights of every traveller who is unable to take their flight as planned,” said DV’s managing director, Ralph Beisel.

Over the last few years, the German government has tightened the noose around climate protesters. During summers, German authorities raided homes of climate protesters in five cities and collected DNA samples, which Letzte Generation termed as “an attempt at intimidation”.

(With inputs from agencies)

‘Dangerous’ and ‘stupid’ climate activists in Germany temporarily blocked operations at two airports on Thursday (Aug 15), in an attempt to force the government to ban the use of oil, gas and coal by 2030.

‘Dangerous’ and ‘stupid’ climate activists in Germany temporarily blocked operations at two airports on Thursday (Aug 15), in an attempt to force the government to ban the use of oil, gas and coal by 2030. Activists from Letzte Generation broke into the landing strips of four airports at dawn: Cologne-Bonn, Nuremberg, Berlin-Brandenburg, and Stuttgart. They were equipped with fence and bolt cutters. They managed to glue themselves to the asphalt and stop operations at two of them: Nuremberg and Cologne-Bonn. They also waved banners reading: “Oil kills” and “Sign the treaty”, in order to call on the German government to sign an international treaty to ban the use of fossil fuels by 2030. The airport operations resumed after all the protestors were detained and removed by police. Interior minister condemns protest The protest was vehemently condemned by Germany’s Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, who dubbed the activists as “dangerous and stupid.” “These anarchists are risking not only their own lives, Letzte Generation’s argument but are also endangering others. We have recommended tough prison sentences. And we obligate airports to secure their facilities significantly better,” she wrote on X. Also read: China woos German carmakers to avoid EV tariffs The climate group defended its actions, saying the government’s inaction was putting people’s lives in danger. “What’s dangerous is your political failure which is dragging us ever deeper into a catastrophe … we’re talking about our existence. About the lives of billions of people,” the group wrote on X. Also read: Flying Tejas was a great experience, says German Air Force Chief The group later said eight people were released by the police. The disruption also attracted condemnation from airport association ADV, which said: “Today’s disruptions at several airports are a concerted act of criminal extortion. This is not a peaceful protest and it is not about supposedly higher goals.” “These are malicious interventions in air traffic and in the personal rights of every traveller who is unable to take their flight as planned,” said DV’s managing director, Ralph Beisel. Over the last few years, the German government has tightened the noose around climate protesters. During summers, German authorities raided homes of climate protesters in five cities and collected DNA samples, which Letzte Generation termed as “an attempt at intimidation”. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Stupid’ climate activists halt operations at German airports after breaking in

A woman in Britain&nbsp;has won a huge payout years after a rape case she had filed was dropped over so-called 'sexomnia'. Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott, a 32-year-old survivor and activist, was given £35,000 in compensation by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which admitted to its wrong handling of the case and apologised.

Sexomnia is a rare sleep disorder in which a person is unaware that sex is happening.

In a letter to Jade, CPS “apologised unreservedly” and expressed commitment "to improve every aspect of how life-changing crimes like rape are dealt with”.

Subject of a BBC documentary, Jade said it was a "big triumph" to hold CPS accountable, adding that it&nbsp;"took me to the darkest points of my life.”

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-horror-rape-miscreants-vandalise-rg-kar-hospital-disrupt-midnight-protest-video-750268">Kolkata horror rape: Miscreants vandalise RG Kar Hospital, disrupt midnight protest - VIDEO</a>

She said she sued CPS in search of accountability and to avoid future mistakes in similar rape cases. “For me it's not about the financial side of things. I'm very much wanting to push for systemic changes with the CPS and the legal system advocating for better training, policies, procedures and practices,” she was quoted as saying by BBC.

Centre for Women's Justice, which provided lawyers to Jade, noted that such a payout from CPS was &nbsp;"extremely rare," BBC reported.

<h2>The rape incident</h2>

The incident at the heart of the case happened in&nbsp;2017. Jade, who was 24 years old at the time, had been at a house party with friends and slept there. She woke up seminude, and found that her necklace was broken. There was a man in the room where Jade had slept. 
 
She felt she was violated. Police was called in, and a rape case was filed.

&nbsp;

WATCH: Kolkata rape-murder case: Doctors protest nationwide 'no safety, no duty' | WION Decodes 
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<h2>What is sexomnia?</h2>

First approved as a clinical condition in 2003, sexomnia, or ‘sleep sex’ happens when victims who are sleeping appear to exhibit signs of consent for sexual activity, which is often forgotten by the time the person wakes up.

Accoridng to an article in The Independent, sexmonia has "become popular among lawyers as a defence for accused rapists."

"Medically, it is a type of parasomnia, an umbrella term for sleep disorders in which people experience or exhibit unusual behaviours during sleep, which also includes sleepwalking," said the article.&nbsp;

“In the case of sexsomnia, people engage in sexual behaviours such as masturbation, sexual movements, or initiating sex with another person,” it quoted &nbsp;clinical sexologist &nbsp;Marie Morice as saying.&nbsp;

Sexomnia happens during non-REM sleep. Non-REM (REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement), which is deeper form of sleep that occurs when your heart rate and body temperature decrease. Considered a form of sleepwalking, sexomnia happens when parts of the brain that control sexual behaviour stay awake while the rest is asleep.

There are very few known instances of sexsomnia, with only a few hundred cases documented worldwide, according to The Independent article.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-300-million-children-victimized-by-online-sexual-abuse-annually-725808">Over 300 million children victimised by online sexual abuse annually</a>

<h2>Why did CPS drop the case of Jade?</h2>

The case was dropped by CPS in 2020 just days before it was to go into trial. CPS cited two sleep experts who had said Jade was suffering from sexomnia when the incident happened.

That conclusion came after Jade was given a questionnaire about her sleep habits. She was not interviewed by the experts.

Jade said she did not have sexsomnia, however, sleep experts felt it may have been an isolated episode.

The accused was set free without even facing a jury. That made it impossible for the case to be reopened without compelling evidence.

<h2>Jade's legal battle</h2>

After the case was dropped, Jade said she felt more upset about it, than the incident itself.

She filed an &nbsp;appeal in 2021 through the CPS system that gives victims the right to review. The payout and apology letter from a chief crown prosecutor&nbsp;were given after that.

In the apology letter, the CPS admitted the case should have gone into trial, adding it was wrong for it to close it.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

A woman in Britain has won a huge payout years after a rape case she had filed was dropped over so-called 'sexomnia'. Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott, a 32-year-old survivor and activist, was given £35,000 in compensation by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which admitted to its wrong handling of the case and apologised.

A woman in Britain has won a huge payout years after a rape case she had filed was dropped over so-called 'sexomnia'. Jade Blue McCrossen-Nethercott, a 32-year-old survivor and activist, was given £35,000 in compensation by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which admitted to its wrong handling of the case and apologised. Sexomnia is a rare sleep disorder in which a person is unaware that sex is happening. In a letter to Jade, CPS “apologised unreservedly” and expressed commitment "to improve every aspect of how life-changing crimes like rape are dealt with”. Subject of a BBC documentary, Jade said it was a "big triumph" to hold CPS accountable, adding that it "took me to the darkest points of my life.” Also Read: Kolkata horror rape: Miscreants vandalise RG Kar Hospital, disrupt midnight protest - VIDEO She said she sued CPS in search of accountability and to avoid future mistakes in similar rape cases. “For me it's not about the financial side of things. I'm very much wanting to push for systemic changes with the CPS and the legal system advocating for better training, policies, procedures and practices,” she was quoted as saying by BBC. Centre for Women's Justice, which provided lawyers to Jade, noted that such a payout from CPS was "extremely rare," BBC reported. The rape incident The incident at the heart of the case happened in 2017. Jade, who was 24 years old at the time, had been at a house party with friends and slept there. She woke up seminude, and found that her necklace was broken. There was a man in the room where Jade had slept. She felt she was violated. Police was called in, and a rape case was filed. WATCH: Kolkata rape-murder case: Doctors protest nationwide 'no safety, no duty' | WION Decodes × What is sexomnia? First approved as a clinical condition in 2003, sexomnia, or ‘sleep sex’ happens when victims who are sleeping appear to exhibit signs of consent for sexual activity, which is often forgotten by the time the person wakes up. Accoridng to an article in The Independent, sexmonia has "become popular among lawyers as a defence for accused rapists." "Medically, it is a type of parasomnia, an umbrella term for sleep disorders in which people experience or exhibit unusual behaviours during sleep, which also includes sleepwalking," said the article. “In the case of sexsomnia, people engage in sexual behaviours such as masturbation, sexual movements, or initiating sex with another person,” it quoted clinical sexologist Marie Morice as saying. Sexomnia happens during non-REM sleep. Non-REM (REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement), which is deeper form of sleep that occurs when your heart rate and body temperature decrease. Considered a form of sleepwalking, sexomnia happens when parts of the brain that control sexual behaviour stay awake while the rest is asleep. There are very few known instances of sexsomnia, with only a few hundred cases documented worldwide, according to The Independent article. Also Read: Over 300 million children victimised by online sexual abuse annually Why did CPS drop the case of Jade? The case was dropped by CPS in 2020 just days before it was to go into trial. CPS cited two sleep experts who had said Jade was suffering from sexomnia when the incident happened. That conclusion came after Jade was given a questionnaire about her sleep habits. She was not interviewed by the experts. Jade said she did not have sexsomnia, however, sleep experts felt it may have been an isolated episode. The accused was set free without even facing a jury. That made it impossible for the case to be reopened without compelling evidence. Jade's legal battle After the case was dropped, Jade said she felt more upset about it, than the incident itself. She filed an appeal in 2021 through the CPS system that gives victims the right to review. The payout and apology letter from a chief crown prosecutor were given after that. In the apology letter, the CPS admitted the case should have gone into trial, adding it was wrong for it to close it. (With inputs from agencies)

'Sexomnia' case: UK woman whose rape trial was dropped over rare sleep disorder wins huge payout

Greek emergency services fought back against a massive wildfire that has scorched the Athens suburbs, killing a woman, causing widespread damage and sending thousands of people fleeing from their homes.

Greece: Firefighters successfully tackle wildfire

As West Asia continues to be on edge days after Israel allegedly targeted former Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said&nbsp;on Thursday (August 15) that the US does not know if and when an Iran retaliatory attack against Israel might occur.

But Washington said it does have information that it could come with little or no notice.

"We have information… that an attack could come with little or no warning, and certainly could come in coming days, and we have to be ready for it," Kirby said in a phone briefing.

"I can’t sit here and tell you for sure that there’s been a decision [by Iran] to change their mind [about attacking Israel], and I can’t tell you for sure, if they attack, what that is going to look like, or even when it would occur," Kirby added.

"We know that Iran has made some preparations. We believe that should they choose to attack, they could do it with little or no notice… We don’t want it to come to that," Kirby said.

Earlier this week, the Biden administration said it was preparing for a potential attack on Israel by Iran and its proxies as soon as this week in retaliation for the recent assassinations of top leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah.

Also read |&nbsp;Israel-Iran conflict: Israeli Defence Forces on peak alert for Iran, Hezbollah attacks

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"We have to be prepared for what could be a significant set of attacks, which is why, again, we have increased our force posture and capabilities in the region even in just the last few days," John Kirby had said on Monday (Aug 12).

The Biden administration has been bracing for an attack ever since Iran publicly blamed Israel for back-to-back assassinations of top leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah at the end of July.

Israel claimed responsibility for killing Fouad Shukr, a top Hezbollah commander, in Lebanon, but did not confirm&nbsp;any involvement in the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed while visiting Tehran on July 31.

(With inputs from agencies)

As West Asia continues to be on edge days after Israel allegedly targeted former Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Thursday (August 15) that the US does not know if and when an Iran retaliatory attack against Israel might occur.

As West Asia continues to be on edge days after Israel allegedly targeted former Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Thursday (August 15) that the US does not know if and when an Iran retaliatory attack against Israel might occur. But Washington said it does have information that it could come with little or no notice. "We have information… that an attack could come with little or no warning, and certainly could come in coming days, and we have to be ready for it," Kirby said in a phone briefing. "I can’t sit here and tell you for sure that there’s been a decision [by Iran] to change their mind [about attacking Israel], and I can’t tell you for sure, if they attack, what that is going to look like, or even when it would occur," Kirby added. "We know that Iran has made some preparations. We believe that should they choose to attack, they could do it with little or no notice… We don’t want it to come to that," Kirby said. Earlier this week, the Biden administration said it was preparing for a potential attack on Israel by Iran and its proxies as soon as this week in retaliation for the recent assassinations of top leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah. Also read | Israel-Iran conflict: Israeli Defence Forces on peak alert for Iran, Hezbollah attacks × "We have to be prepared for what could be a significant set of attacks, which is why, again, we have increased our force posture and capabilities in the region even in just the last few days," John Kirby had said on Monday (Aug 12). The Biden administration has been bracing for an attack ever since Iran publicly blamed Israel for back-to-back assassinations of top leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah at the end of July. Israel claimed responsibility for killing Fouad Shukr, a top Hezbollah commander, in Lebanon, but did not confirm any involvement in the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed while visiting Tehran on July 31. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran attack may come soon and with no warning, US warns

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iranian Supreme leader, blasted&nbsp;Israel today for its "psychological warfare".&nbsp;Slamming the "enemy psychological warfare," Iran's supreme leader Khamenei stressed that any "non-tactical retreat — be it military, political, or economic — invites 'divine wrath', as per the Holy Quran".&nbsp;In Assam's biggest city Guwahati, the police were seen having cordoned off several roads,&nbsp;including stretches of Zoo Road, the Ulubari-Rajgarh connecting road, and Narengi after reports came that&nbsp;banned outfit United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) had delivered a bomb threat. In other news, new&nbsp;details have emerged around Ukraine’s ongoing offensive deep inside Russian territory, throwing light on the extent of unpreparedness of President Vladimir Putin’s regime.

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Security forces in northeast India's Assam state responded with a heightened state of alert after the banned outfit United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) on Thursday (August 15) delivered a bomb threat.&nbsp;

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Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iranian Supreme leader, blasted Israel today for its "psychological warfare". Slamming the "enemy psychological warfare," Iran's supreme leader Khamenei stressed that any "non-tactical retreat — be it military, political, or economic — invites 'divine wrath', as per the Holy Quran".

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iranian Supreme leader, blasted Israel today for its "psychological warfare". Slamming the "enemy psychological warfare," Iran's supreme leader Khamenei stressed that any "non-tactical retreat — be it military, political, or economic — invites 'divine wrath', as per the Holy Quran". In Assam's biggest city Guwahati, the police were seen having cordoned off several roads, including stretches of Zoo Road, the Ulubari-Rajgarh connecting road, and Narengi after reports came that banned outfit United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) had delivered a bomb threat. In other news, new details have emerged around Ukraine’s ongoing offensive deep inside Russian territory, throwing light on the extent of unpreparedness of President Vladimir Putin’s regime. Click on the headlines to read more Backing down from retaliating against Israel would invite ‘divine wrath’: Iran supreme leader Khamenei Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday (August 14) condemned Israel for its "psychological warfare" aimed at forcing Tehran to reconsider retaliation for the assassination of Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniyeh in the country. Bomb scare in Assam after ULFA (I) claims it planted explosives at 19 locations Security forces in northeast India's Assam state responded with a heightened state of alert after the banned outfit United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) on Thursday (August 15) delivered a bomb threat. Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas vows to visit Gaza, says ‘our life is not more worthy’ than a child’s Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas told a special session of the Turkish parliament on Thursday (August 15) that he would travel to Gaza, while adding, "Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child." Sharia rule a 'lifelong responsibility': Akhundzada on three years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan On the three-year anniversary of the Taliban's return to power, the group's supreme leader said in a speech that implementing Islamic law in the country was a "lifelong responsibility" for the Afghanistan rulers. ‘Russians were unarmed, having coffee,’ Ukrainian soldier recounts moment they invaded Kursk The cross-border attack, which began on August 6, caught Russian soldiers off guard and some of them were having coffee in the woods at that moment, according to an account of a Ukrainian soldier published by the Financial Times. Biden, Harris strike major pharma deal to cut Medicare drug prices The Biden administration this week has negotiated deals with major pharmaceutical companies to lower the prices of 10 of Medicare’s most widely used and expensive drugs. ‘Freedom our biggest shield,’ says Rahul Gandhi in I-Day message; Congress releases LoP's report card Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday (Aug 15) extended his Independence Day greetings to the nation, saying freedom was a protective shield woven into the Constitution. UN to send fact-finding team to crisis-hit Bangladesh, first since 1971 A team of UN experts will visit Bangladesh next week to investigate the killings of the protesters ahead of and in the aftermath of Sheikh Hasina's resignation as the prime minister last week, it was announced on Thursday. VVS Laxman to get contract extension as head of the National Cricket Academy Former India cricketer and legendary Test batter VVS Laxman is all set to extend his stay as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) according to the latest reports on Thursday (Aug 15). Stree 2 review: Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor's film expands its universe, Abhishek Banerjee shines Stree 2 picks up from where Stree had ended. After being haunted for years by a veiled ghost who targeted men in dark, lonely streets, Vicky and the town of Chanderi were able to give Stree the respect that she had craved and set her free.

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Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told a special session of the Turkish parliament on Thursday (August 15) that he would travel to Gaza, while adding, "Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child."

Abbas said this as the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that the death toll in the Israeli assaults so far has crossed 40,000.&nbsp;

<h2>I'll go to Gaza: Abbas</h2>

To thunderous applause from Turkish lawmakers, Abbas said, "I have decided to go to Gaza with other brothers from the Palestinian leadership."

He said he would do that "even if this would cost my life".

"Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child," he added.

Abbas, the leader of the Fatah Palestinian movement, a rival to Hamas as per AFP, is based in Ramallah in the West Bank.&nbsp;

The Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas, who took power in 2007. Nobody apart from a handful of humanitarian workers is allowed to visit the Palestinian group-controlled territory.

Abbas, as per AFP, has not visited the Gaza Strip since 2007.

"Gaza is ours as a whole," stressed Abbas, adding, "We don't accept any solution that would divide our territories," he told the Turkish parliament he was addressing during a special session.&nbsp;

"There cannot be a Palestinian state without Gaza. Our people will not surrender," he promised.

<h2>Abbas prays for assassinated Hamas leader&nbsp;Haniyeh</h2>

Abbas also commemorated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran, from the Turkish parliament floor.&nbsp;

He said prayers for the assassinated leader, whose picture, framed by red carnations, was seated in one of the front chairs in the parliament.

Ismail Haniyeh, as per the report, was a frequent visitor to Turkey and had close ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been a fierce critic of Israeli conduct in the war in Gaza. He has even labelled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "the butcher of Gaza".

Commending Erdogan's "courageous" stance, Abbas also slammed the international community for its silence on the massacres carried out by Israel.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told a special session of the Turkish parliament on Thursday (August 15) that he would travel to Gaza, while adding, "Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told a special session of the Turkish parliament on Thursday (August 15) that he would travel to Gaza, while adding, "Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child." Abbas said this as the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that the death toll in the Israeli assaults so far has crossed 40,000. I'll go to Gaza: Abbas To thunderous applause from Turkish lawmakers, Abbas said, "I have decided to go to Gaza with other brothers from the Palestinian leadership." He said he would do that "even if this would cost my life". "Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child," he added. Abbas, the leader of the Fatah Palestinian movement, a rival to Hamas as per AFP, is based in Ramallah in the West Bank. The Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas, who took power in 2007. Nobody apart from a handful of humanitarian workers is allowed to visit the Palestinian group-controlled territory. Abbas, as per AFP, has not visited the Gaza Strip since 2007. "Gaza is ours as a whole," stressed Abbas, adding, "We don't accept any solution that would divide our territories," he told the Turkish parliament he was addressing during a special session. "There cannot be a Palestinian state without Gaza. Our people will not surrender," he promised. Abbas prays for assassinated Hamas leader Haniyeh Abbas also commemorated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran, from the Turkish parliament floor. He said prayers for the assassinated leader, whose picture, framed by red carnations, was seated in one of the front chairs in the parliament. Ismail Haniyeh, as per the report, was a frequent visitor to Turkey and had close ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been a fierce critic of Israeli conduct in the war in Gaza. He has even labelled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "the butcher of Gaza". Commending Erdogan's "courageous" stance, Abbas also slammed the international community for its silence on the massacres carried out by Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas vows to visit Gaza, says ‘our life is not more worthy’ than a child’s

Columbia&nbsp;University President Minouche Shafik resigned on Wednesday (Aug 14), nearly four months after the university's handling of campus protests over Israel's war in Gaza drew criticism from pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian sides alike.

Shafik, who cited the toll the campus turmoil took on her family, becomes the third president of an Ivy League university to step down in the wake of campus protests over Gaza.

She said she made the announcement now so new leadership could be in place before the new term begins on Sept. 3, when student protesters have vowed to resume protests.

"It has...been a period of turmoil where it has been difficult to overcome divergent views across our community. This period has taken a considerable toll on my family, as it has for others in our community," Shafik said in a statement.

The university announced Katrina Armstrong, dean of&nbsp;Columbia's medical school, would serve as interim president. Armstrong said in a statement she was "acutely aware of the trials the University has faced over the past year."

Columbia&nbsp;was rocked in April and May as protesters occupied parts of the New York City campus in opposition to Palestinian civilian deaths in Gaza, resulting in hundreds of arrests. The demonstrators denounced Shafik for calling police onto campus to halt the demonstrations, while pro-Israel supporters castigated her for failing to crack down sufficiently.

Students with&nbsp;Columbia&nbsp;University Apartheid Divest, a group behind the protests, welcomed the resignation but said it should not become a distraction from their efforts to have&nbsp;Columbia&nbsp;divest from companies that support Israel's military and its occupation of Palestinian territories.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-white-house-condemns-antisemitism-at-columbia-university-protests-713997">Watch |&nbsp;US: White House condemns antisemitism at Columbia University protests</a>

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"We hope that&nbsp;Columbia&nbsp;will finally appoint a president that will hear the students and faculty rather than appeasing Congress and donors," said Mahmoud Khalil, one of the group's lead negotiators with the school's administration.

Republican U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik, a critic of university leaders in congressional hearings over Gaza protests nationwide, called Shafik's resignation "overdue" on X because of what she called failure to protect Jewish students.

Two other Ivy League presidents have resigned after facing congressional critics. Liz Magill of the University of Pennsylvania stepped down in December 2023 and Claudine Gay of Harvard quit a month later.

Shafik, an Egyptian-born economist who holds British and US nationality, was previously deputy governor of the Bank of England, president of the London School of Economics and deputy managing director at the International Monetary Fund.

After leading&nbsp;Columbia&nbsp;for little more than a year, Shafik said she would return to the British House of Lords and chair a review of the government's approach to international development.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/columbia-university-shifts-to-virtual-classes-following-on-campus-arrests-amid-anti-israel-protests-713938">Also read |&nbsp;Columbia University shifts to virtual classes following on-campus arrests amid anti-Israel protests</a>

Her position at&nbsp;Columbia&nbsp;was undermined when pro-Palestinian protesters set up dozens of tents on the main lawn.

On April 18 she took the unusual step of asking New York police to enter campus, angering rights groups, students and faculty, after encampments were not cleared voluntarily.

More than 100 people were arrested and the tents removed, but within days the encampment was back in place. The university called police back in on April 30, when they arrested 300 people at and near&nbsp;Columbia&nbsp;and the City College of New York. Some protesters were injured in the arrests.

The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on Oct. 7 when Palestinian fighters from Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's subsequent assault on the Hamas-governed enclave has since killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, while displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, causing a hunger crisis and leading to genocide allegations at the World Court that Israel denies.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik resigned on Wednesday (Aug 14), nearly four months after the university's handling of campus protests over Israel's war in Gaza drew criticism from pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian sides alike.

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik resigned on Wednesday (Aug 14), nearly four months after the university's handling of campus protests over Israel's war in Gaza drew criticism from pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian sides alike. Shafik, who cited the toll the campus turmoil took on her family, becomes the third president of an Ivy League university to step down in the wake of campus protests over Gaza. She said she made the announcement now so new leadership could be in place before the new term begins on Sept. 3, when student protesters have vowed to resume protests. "It has...been a period of turmoil where it has been difficult to overcome divergent views across our community. This period has taken a considerable toll on my family, as it has for others in our community," Shafik said in a statement. The university announced Katrina Armstrong, dean of Columbia's medical school, would serve as interim president. Armstrong said in a statement she was "acutely aware of the trials the University has faced over the past year." Columbia was rocked in April and May as protesters occupied parts of the New York City campus in opposition to Palestinian civilian deaths in Gaza, resulting in hundreds of arrests. The demonstrators denounced Shafik for calling police onto campus to halt the demonstrations, while pro-Israel supporters castigated her for failing to crack down sufficiently. Students with Columbia University Apartheid Divest, a group behind the protests, welcomed the resignation but said it should not become a distraction from their efforts to have Columbia divest from companies that support Israel's military and its occupation of Palestinian territories. Watch | US: White House condemns antisemitism at Columbia University protests × "We hope that Columbia will finally appoint a president that will hear the students and faculty rather than appeasing Congress and donors," said Mahmoud Khalil, one of the group's lead negotiators with the school's administration. Republican U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik, a critic of university leaders in congressional hearings over Gaza protests nationwide, called Shafik's resignation "overdue" on X because of what she called failure to protect Jewish students. Two other Ivy League presidents have resigned after facing congressional critics. Liz Magill of the University of Pennsylvania stepped down in December 2023 and Claudine Gay of Harvard quit a month later. Shafik, an Egyptian-born economist who holds British and US nationality, was previously deputy governor of the Bank of England, president of the London School of Economics and deputy managing director at the International Monetary Fund. After leading Columbia for little more than a year, Shafik said she would return to the British House of Lords and chair a review of the government's approach to international development. Also read | Columbia University shifts to virtual classes following on-campus arrests amid anti-Israel protests Her position at Columbia was undermined when pro-Palestinian protesters set up dozens of tents on the main lawn. On April 18 she took the unusual step of asking New York police to enter campus, angering rights groups, students and faculty, after encampments were not cleared voluntarily. More than 100 people were arrested and the tents removed, but within days the encampment was back in place. The university called police back in on April 30, when they arrested 300 people at and near Columbia and the City College of New York. Some protesters were injured in the arrests. The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on Oct. 7 when Palestinian fighters from Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's subsequent assault on the Hamas-governed enclave has since killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, while displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, causing a hunger crisis and leading to genocide allegations at the World Court that Israel denies. 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.

Columbia University president resigns after antisemitic protests on campus

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