The Early Spring is proof not everyone can talk about their real feelings, and it is perfectly OK

UN votes to ‘correct the map’ as India backs fairer world view

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

Bengaluru: Officials find 40 kg expired chilli at chairman's club 

Jaishankar rejects trade link to ending Ukraine war 

Israeli strikes on Lebanon kill three, injure 23 despite truce

Alpine glacier was covered with sheep wool sheets to prevent melting. It worked

South Korea mulls deploying military assets to Strait of Hormuz

World's fifth-largest economy, British army can't afford to train

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

Taiwan raises 'concerns' over China's missile test

BRICS 2026: $1 trillion sovereign capital set to converge in Delhi for first iBRICS Summit

What is Iran's Pickaxe Mountain that Trump has again threatened to bomb?

UN votes to correct world map that visually shrank Africa for 450 years

Former NewJeans member Danielle launches YouTube channel, hints at new solo journey

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

Brendan Fraser’s transformation fuels The Mummy 4 excitement as fans welcome back Rick O’Connell

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

Donald Trump plans to travel to Ireland on Qatari-donated jet amid security concerns

Nazi-looted art to return to Jewish heirs

Eight killed in Kerala’s Thrissur after car rams into lorry parked on highway

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

FBI-wanted fraud accused arrested in Jalandhar over $600,000 scam

Why US tanks weigh over 20 tons more than Russian tanks

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

Killing the Himalayas slowly: Human urine is melting a glacier on Mount Everest

Israel on Monday (Mar 11) launched fresh airstrikes on what it said were&nbsp;Hezbollah sites near Lebanon's eastern city of Baalbek marking the second raid in the region since cross-border hostilities began after the Gaza war.

<h2>Fatalities</h2>

As per&nbsp;an agency AFP report citing security sources, the strikes had killed one person and injured others.

Bashir Khader, the governor of Baalbek, also confirmed the strikes and the fatality after Israel launched four strikes, reports Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-pm-netanyahu-meets-indias-national-security-advisor-ajit-doval-amid-ongoing-war-in-gaza-699142">Israeli PM Netanyahu meets India's NSA Ajit Doval; discusses humanitarian assistance amid ongoing war</a> 
&nbsp; 
Reportedly, one of the strikes hit the southern entrance to the city of Baalbek, at least 2 km (1.24 miles) from ancient Roman ruins, the security sources said.

The three other strikes hit near the city of Taraya, 20 km (12.4 miles) west of Baalbek, they added.

AFP, on the other hand, reported that "Israeli aircraft targeted a former Hezbollah building near Dar Al Amal hospital." The news agency's security source also said that Israel had "conducted another raid on a warehouse west of Baalbek".

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) also reported Israeli airstrikes, saying they "targeted a residential building in the town of Ansar … south of Baalbek".&nbsp;

"Fire and plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the targeted location," it added.

<h2>IDF on social media&nbsp;</h2>

On X, formerly Twitter, the Israel Defense Forces reported that its fighter jets struck two sites of the terrorist organisation Hezbollah in the area of Beqaa Valley in Lebanon.&nbsp;

"The sites belong to Hezbollah’s aerial forces that planned and carried out various attacks against Israel," said IDF.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
IDF fighter jets struck 2 Hezbollah terrorist organisation sites in the area of the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon. The sites belong to Hezbollah’s aerial forces that planned and carried out various attacks against Israel.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1767321345585565944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 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>

The IDF has also released footage of the attack.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
IDF: A short while ago, IDF fighter jets struck two Hezbollah terrorist organization sites in the area of the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon. The sites belong to Hezbollah’s aerial forces that planned and carried out various attacks against the State of Israel. 
 
The strikes were in… <a href="https://t.co/EzurS5PTpb">pic.twitter.com/EzurS5PTpb</a>
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeTruzman/status/1767316370688295405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 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>

<h5>&nbsp;</h5>

Since&nbsp;October 8, the day after Hamas launched an attack on Israel that left 1,200 people dead,&nbsp;Hamas ally Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged near-daily fire. The strikes have largely remained confined to border regions, but several have hit Hezbollah positions further north in recent weeks, raising fears of a full-blown conflict.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-verifying-if-hamas-military-leader-marwan-issa-was-killed-in-gaza-699109">Israel ‘verifying’ if Hamas military leader Marwan Issa was killed in Gaza</a>

The city of Baalbek, in the Beqaa valley, is a Hezbollah bastion that borders Syria. Previously, on&nbsp;February 26, Israeli strikes targeted Baalbek, located about 100 km (62.14 miles) from the border. In what was the deepest such raid into Lebanese territory since the hostilities began, two Hezbollah members were killed.

Hezbollah has repeatedly said that it would stop its attacks on Israel only after a ceasefire in Gaza. However, in a recent statement, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant said that any truce would not change Israel's goal of pushing Hezbollah out of southern Lebanon, by force or diplomacy.

According to an AFP tally, since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October, at least 316 people—mainly Hezbollah fighters—and 53 civilians have been killed in Lebanon.

(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.

Israel on Monday (Mar 11) launched fresh airstrikes on what it said were Hezbollah sites near Lebanon's eastern city of Baalbek marking the second raid in the region since cross-border hostilities began after the Gaza war.

Israel on Monday (Mar 11) launched fresh airstrikes on what it said were Hezbollah sites near Lebanon's eastern city of Baalbek marking the second raid in the region since cross-border hostilities began after the Gaza war. Fatalities As per an agency AFP report citing security sources, the strikes had killed one person and injured others. Bashir Khader, the governor of Baalbek, also confirmed the strikes and the fatality after Israel launched four strikes, reports Reuters. Also read | Israeli PM Netanyahu meets India's NSA Ajit Doval; discusses humanitarian assistance amid ongoing war Reportedly, one of the strikes hit the southern entrance to the city of Baalbek, at least 2 km (1.24 miles) from ancient Roman ruins, the security sources said. The three other strikes hit near the city of Taraya, 20 km (12.4 miles) west of Baalbek, they added. AFP, on the other hand, reported that "Israeli aircraft targeted a former Hezbollah building near Dar Al Amal hospital." The news agency's security source also said that Israel had "conducted another raid on a warehouse west of Baalbek". Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) also reported Israeli airstrikes, saying they "targeted a residential building in the town of Ansar … south of Baalbek". "Fire and plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the targeted location," it added. IDF on social media On X, formerly Twitter, the Israel Defense Forces reported that its fighter jets struck two sites of the terrorist organisation Hezbollah in the area of Beqaa Valley in Lebanon. "The sites belong to Hezbollah’s aerial forces that planned and carried out various attacks against Israel," said IDF. IDF fighter jets struck 2 Hezbollah terrorist organisation sites in the area of the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon. The sites belong to Hezbollah’s aerial forces that planned and carried out various attacks against Israel. — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 11, 2024 × The IDF has also released footage of the attack. IDF: A short while ago, IDF fighter jets struck two Hezbollah terrorist organization sites in the area of the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon. The sites belong to Hezbollah’s aerial forces that planned and carried out various attacks against the State of Israel. The strikes were in… pic.twitter.com/EzurS5PTpb — Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) March 11, 2024 × Since October 8, the day after Hamas launched an attack on Israel that left 1,200 people dead, Hamas ally Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged near-daily fire. The strikes have largely remained confined to border regions, but several have hit Hezbollah positions further north in recent weeks, raising fears of a full-blown conflict. Also read | Israel ‘verifying’ if Hamas military leader Marwan Issa was killed in Gaza The city of Baalbek, in the Beqaa valley, is a Hezbollah bastion that borders Syria. Previously, on February 26, Israeli strikes targeted Baalbek, located about 100 km (62.14 miles) from the border. In what was the deepest such raid into Lebanese territory since the hostilities began, two Hezbollah members were killed. Hezbollah has repeatedly said that it would stop its attacks on Israel only after a ceasefire in Gaza. However, in a recent statement, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant said that any truce would not change Israel's goal of pushing Hezbollah out of southern Lebanon, by force or diplomacy. According to an AFP tally, since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October, at least 316 people—mainly Hezbollah fighters—and 53 civilians have been killed in Lebanon. (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.

Israel launches airstrikes against Hezbollah targets near Lebanon's Baalbek, one killed

Amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and updated him on recent developments in the fighting in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;

Netanyahu released a statement saying that both sides also had a discussion surrounding the efforts for the release of hostages held captive in Gaza.

"The sides also discussed the effort to release the hostages and the issue of humanitarian assistance," he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met today with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and updated him on recent developments in the fighting in the Gaza Strip. The sides also discussed the effort to release the hostages and the issue of humanitarian assistance. <a href="https://t.co/EJzlR2dupE">pic.twitter.com/EJzlR2dupE</a>
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/1767239531080667399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 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>

&nbsp;

"The Director of the National Security Council, the Prime Minister's Foreign Policy Advisor and the Indian Ambassador to Israel also participated in the meeting," the statement said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-verifying-if-hamas-military-leader-marwan-issa-was-killed-in-gaza-699109">Israel ‘verifying’ if Hamas military leader Marwan Issa was killed in Gaza</a>

<h2>Netanyahu says at least 13,000 'terrorists' killed</h2>

The Israeli prime minister on Sunday&nbsp;(March 10) said that at least 13,000 "terrorists" were among Palestinians killed during the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

He further vowed to continue with the offensive in the south of the besieged Palestinian enclave.

Netanyahu told German media company Axel Springer that pushing Israel's military offensive into Rafah in southern Gaza was a significant move in defeating Hamas.

"We are very close to victory ... Once we begin military action against the remaining terror battalions in Rafah, it is only a question of weeks" until the intensive phase of fighting is concluded, Bild newspaper quoted Netanyahu as saying.

The move has been termed a "red line" by US President Joe Biden, who along with his aides has urged Netanyahu to not press ahead with an offensive in Rafah until he comes up with a plan for mass evacuation of civilians.

"It is a red line but I'm never going to leave Israel. The defence of Israel is still critical. So there's no red line (in which) I'm going to cut off all weapons so they don't have the Iron Dome to protect them," said Biden on being asked by MSNBC if the invasion of Rafah would be a red line.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and updated him on recent developments in the fighting in the Gaza Strip.

Amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and updated him on recent developments in the fighting in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu released a statement saying that both sides also had a discussion surrounding the efforts for the release of hostages held captive in Gaza. "The sides also discussed the effort to release the hostages and the issue of humanitarian assistance," he said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met today with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and updated him on recent developments in the fighting in the Gaza Strip. The sides also discussed the effort to release the hostages and the issue of humanitarian assistance. pic.twitter.com/EJzlR2dupE — Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) March 11, 2024 × "The Director of the National Security Council, the Prime Minister's Foreign Policy Advisor and the Indian Ambassador to Israel also participated in the meeting," the statement said. Also read: Israel ‘verifying’ if Hamas military leader Marwan Issa was killed in Gaza Netanyahu says at least 13,000 'terrorists' killed The Israeli prime minister on Sunday (March 10) said that at least 13,000 "terrorists" were among Palestinians killed during the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. He further vowed to continue with the offensive in the south of the besieged Palestinian enclave. Netanyahu told German media company Axel Springer that pushing Israel's military offensive into Rafah in southern Gaza was a significant move in defeating Hamas. "We are very close to victory ... Once we begin military action against the remaining terror battalions in Rafah, it is only a question of weeks" until the intensive phase of fighting is concluded, Bild newspaper quoted Netanyahu as saying. The move has been termed a "red line" by US President Joe Biden, who along with his aides has urged Netanyahu to not press ahead with an offensive in Rafah until he comes up with a plan for mass evacuation of civilians. "It is a red line but I'm never going to leave Israel. The defence of Israel is still critical. So there's no red line (in which) I'm going to cut off all weapons so they don't have the Iron Dome to protect them," said Biden on being asked by MSNBC if the invasion of Rafah would be a red line. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli PM Netanyahu apprises India's National Security Advisor Doval about Gaza war

A lawsuit settlement regarding Florida's contentious "don't say gay" statute, announced Monday, marks&nbsp;a significant shift in policy. The settlement, as per reports, affirms the rights of teachers and students to discuss LGBTQ+ issues and access related library materials openly.&nbsp;

This settlement, which is widely being celebrated by rights groups,&nbsp;comes as a win for LGBTQ+ individuals and families who previously had been silenced by the controversial legislation introduced by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.

<h2>A 'giant step' forward</h2>

Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality&nbsp;Florida, hailed the settlement as a "giant step" towards rectifying the harm inflicted by the law on families, schools, and the state.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/elon-musk-accused-of-using-charity-foundation-for-serving-tax-breaks-and-self-interests-699225">Elon Musk&nbsp;accused of using charity foundation for serving tax breaks and self-interests</a>

"Florida has already endured nearly two years of book banning, educators leaving the profession, and safe space stickers being ripped off of classroom windows in the wake of this law cynically targeting the LGBTQ+ community," said Smith.

"This settlement is a giant step toward repairing the immense damage these laws and the dangerous political rhetoric has inflicted on our families, our schools, and our state."

<h2>What happens to the 'don't say gay' statute?</h2>

As per the terms of the settlement, the statute itself remains intact. However, now, because of the settlement, the state must clarify that the statute only restricts classroom instruction on specific subjects — sexual orientation and gender identity — but doesn't prohibit their mere discussion or access to related library books.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/syrian-woman-uses-ai-to-chat-with-dead-mother-got-spooky-results-as-responses-felt-too-real-699239">Syrian woman uses AI to 'chat' with dead mother; got 'spooky' results as responses felt too real</a>

Under the terms of the settlement, the Florida Board of Education has been mandated to send instructions outlining these requirements to all 67 school districts across Florida.

Governor DeSantis's administration has described the settlement as a "major win", reports WP. This is because the prohibition of sexual ideology instruction in classrooms has been retained.

However, critics have long argued that the law instilled fear and censorship regarding LGBTQ+ topics in schools. This law, when introduced, led to far-reaching consequences, such as the removal of rainbow flags and the cancellation of student groups advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

The settlement addresses concerns over the vague language of the law, which led to its misinterpretation by many school districts, resulting in the suppression of LGBTQ+ representation and discourse.

(With inputs from agencies)

A lawsuit settlement regarding Florida's contentious "don't say gay" statute, announced Monday, marks a significant shift in policy. The settlement, as per reports, affirms the rights of teachers and students to discuss LGBTQ+ issues and access related library materials openly.

A lawsuit settlement regarding Florida's contentious "don't say gay" statute, announced Monday, marks a significant shift in policy. The settlement, as per reports, affirms the rights of teachers and students to discuss LGBTQ+ issues and access related library materials openly. This settlement, which is widely being celebrated by rights groups, comes as a win for LGBTQ+ individuals and families who previously had been silenced by the controversial legislation introduced by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. A 'giant step' forward Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida, hailed the settlement as a "giant step" towards rectifying the harm inflicted by the law on families, schools, and the state. Also read | Elon Musk accused of using charity foundation for serving tax breaks and self-interests "Florida has already endured nearly two years of book banning, educators leaving the profession, and safe space stickers being ripped off of classroom windows in the wake of this law cynically targeting the LGBTQ+ community," said Smith. "This settlement is a giant step toward repairing the immense damage these laws and the dangerous political rhetoric has inflicted on our families, our schools, and our state." What happens to the 'don't say gay' statute? As per the terms of the settlement, the statute itself remains intact. However, now, because of the settlement, the state must clarify that the statute only restricts classroom instruction on specific subjects — sexual orientation and gender identity — but doesn't prohibit their mere discussion or access to related library books. Also read | Syrian woman uses AI to 'chat' with dead mother; got 'spooky' results as responses felt too real Under the terms of the settlement, the Florida Board of Education has been mandated to send instructions outlining these requirements to all 67 school districts across Florida. Governor DeSantis's administration has described the settlement as a "major win", reports WP. This is because the prohibition of sexual ideology instruction in classrooms has been retained. However, critics have long argued that the law instilled fear and censorship regarding LGBTQ+ topics in schools. This law, when introduced, led to far-reaching consequences, such as the removal of rainbow flags and the cancellation of student groups advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. The settlement addresses concerns over the vague language of the law, which led to its misinterpretation by many school districts, resulting in the suppression of LGBTQ+ representation and discourse. (With inputs from agencies)

Florida's 'don't say gay' settlement: Teachers, students free to discuss LGBTQ+ issues openly

The first day of Ramadan on Monday arrived like others for Palestinians in war-ravaged Gaza: stalked by famine and disease, shivering in tents and threatened by bombs more than five months into fighting between Israel and Hamas militants.

As the Muslim world welcomed the holy month and its customary daytime fast, many Gazans faced bombardment that saw residents once more search through the rubble of destroyed homes for survivors and bodies.

A UN report, citing the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, said 25 people have now died from malnutrition and dehydration, most of them children.

"We are running out of time," Cindy McCain, head of the World Food Programme (WFP), said on Monday. "If we do not exponentially increase the size of aid going into the northern areas" of Gaza, she said, "famine is imminent."

The United Nations has reported particular difficulty in accessing northern Gaza for deliveries of food and other aid.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-airstrikes-against-hezbollah-targets-near-lebanons-baalbek-one-killed-699147">Israel launches airstrikes against Hezbollah targets near Lebanon's Baalbek, one killed</a>

Gazans throughout the territory are feeling shortages even more during Ramadan.

"We don't know what we are going to eat to break the fast," Zaki Abu Mansour, 63, said inside his tent. "I have only a tomato and a cucumber... and I have no money to buy anything."

Any goods that are available are sold at exorbitant prices, residents say.

Fighting raged across Gaza, even as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for "silencing the guns" during the Muslim holy month and said he was "appalled and outraged that conflict is continuing".

Guterres also appealed for the removal of "all obstacles" to aid delivery.

<h2>Israeli screening</h2>

With aid entering Gaza by truck far below pre-war levels, and Gazans increasingly desperate, foreign governments have turned to airdrops and are now trying to operate a maritime aid corridor.

Jose Andres said his American charity World Central Kitchen and its partner Open Arms are "ready to sail for Gaza" from Cyprus with food aid on the new maritime corridor which the European Union had hoped could open last Sunday.

"There have been many statements made about the maritime corridor being open, and the timeline," Andres said on social media platform X. "WCK never announced departure dates."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthi-rebels-target-us-ship-pinocchio-in-red-sea-as-11-killed-in-us-british-airstrikes-699164">Houthi rebels target US ship 'Pinocchio' in Red Sea as 11 killed in US-British airstrikes</a>

A senior US administration official has said the Cyprus initiative provides a platform at the port of Larnaca for "screening by Israeli officials of Gaza-bound goods".

Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said "this is an initiative, the complexity of which requires both due care and attention so that the ship can depart and the cargo can safely reach the civilian population of Gaza".

Israel's cumbersome screenings are a major reason current shortages are so glaring, aid workers say.

Israel, however, blames problems on the Palestinian side, saying the "ability of humanitarian organisations within the Gaza Strip to absorb the aid" dictates how much of it is let in.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel's military spokesman, on Monday said a weekend air strike on an underground compound in central Gaza had targeted Marwan Issa, deputy head of Hamas's armed wing.

Results of the strike were still being examined, he said, and it was unclear if Issa was killed.

Hamas authorities reported at least 67 people killed since Sunday, with more than 40 air strikes across the territory.

<h2>Meagre decorations</h2>

Hamas's October 7 attack that started the war resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP count based on Israeli official figures.

The militants also took around 250 hostages, dozens of whom were released during a week-long truce in November. Israel believes 99 hostages still in Gaza remain alive and 31 have died.

Israel's retaliatory bombardment and ground offensive has killed 31,112 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry.

The United States and other countries again airdropped aid into northern Gaza on Monday, but outgoing Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said it could be delivered more efficiently via five land borders.

Humanitarian workers have made similar comments.

Weeks of talks involving US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators failed to bring about a truce and hostage exchange deal ahead of Ramadan.

Despite widespread deprivation, some Gazans found ways to celebrate Ramadan's start, fashioning meagre decorations and distributing traditional lanterns between their tents.

In Rafah, dozens of Gazans offered prayers on Ramadan's first day in the ruins of a mosque hit by an Israeli air strike just days ago.

Tens of thousands of worshippers are drawn every Ramadan to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem -- Islam's third holiest site and the most sacred for Jews.

The site has been a flashpoint of tensions in the past and is again a focus.

<h2>A sea of tents</h2>

In Washington, President Joe Biden, facing domestic criticism in an election year for his steadfast support of Israel, said that as Muslims around the world gather to break their fast, "the suffering of the Palestinian people will be front of mind for many. It is front of mind for me."

The United States provides billions of dollars in military aid to Israel, and Biden's administration has given short shrift to activist calls to cut such funding.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure from desperate families of hostages still held in Gaza as well as critics of his government, a coalition including religious and ultra-nationalist parties.

In an interview with Politico, he reiterated his intention to send troops into Rafah to root out Hamas in Gaza's southernmost tip where around 1.5 million people -- most of Gaza's population -- have tried to find refuge.

"We'll go there," he said, adding that his "red line" is that "October 7 doesn't happen again".

Many of Rafah's displaced are sheltered in a sea of makeshift tents. They sat on the ground between the structures, under a string of decorative lights, to break their fast on the first day of Ramadan.

The first day of Ramadan on Monday arrived like others for Palestinians in war-ravaged Gaza: stalked by famine and disease, shivering in tents and threatened by bombs more than five months into fighting between Israel and Hamas militants.

The first day of Ramadan on Monday arrived like others for Palestinians in war-ravaged Gaza: stalked by famine and disease, shivering in tents and threatened by bombs more than five months into fighting between Israel and Hamas militants. As the Muslim world welcomed the holy month and its customary daytime fast, many Gazans faced bombardment that saw residents once more search through the rubble of destroyed homes for survivors and bodies. A UN report, citing the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, said 25 people have now died from malnutrition and dehydration, most of them children. "We are running out of time," Cindy McCain, head of the World Food Programme (WFP), said on Monday. "If we do not exponentially increase the size of aid going into the northern areas" of Gaza, she said, "famine is imminent." The United Nations has reported particular difficulty in accessing northern Gaza for deliveries of food and other aid. Also read | Israel launches airstrikes against Hezbollah targets near Lebanon's Baalbek, one killed Gazans throughout the territory are feeling shortages even more during Ramadan. "We don't know what we are going to eat to break the fast," Zaki Abu Mansour, 63, said inside his tent. "I have only a tomato and a cucumber... and I have no money to buy anything." Any goods that are available are sold at exorbitant prices, residents say. Fighting raged across Gaza, even as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for "silencing the guns" during the Muslim holy month and said he was "appalled and outraged that conflict is continuing". Guterres also appealed for the removal of "all obstacles" to aid delivery. Israeli screening With aid entering Gaza by truck far below pre-war levels, and Gazans increasingly desperate, foreign governments have turned to airdrops and are now trying to operate a maritime aid corridor. Jose Andres said his American charity World Central Kitchen and its partner Open Arms are "ready to sail for Gaza" from Cyprus with food aid on the new maritime corridor which the European Union had hoped could open last Sunday. "There have been many statements made about the maritime corridor being open, and the timeline," Andres said on social media platform X. "WCK never announced departure dates." Also read | Houthi rebels target US ship 'Pinocchio' in Red Sea as 11 killed in US-British airstrikes A senior US administration official has said the Cyprus initiative provides a platform at the port of Larnaca for "screening by Israeli officials of Gaza-bound goods". Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said "this is an initiative, the complexity of which requires both due care and attention so that the ship can depart and the cargo can safely reach the civilian population of Gaza". Israel's cumbersome screenings are a major reason current shortages are so glaring, aid workers say. Israel, however, blames problems on the Palestinian side, saying the "ability of humanitarian organisations within the Gaza Strip to absorb the aid" dictates how much of it is let in. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel's military spokesman, on Monday said a weekend air strike on an underground compound in central Gaza had targeted Marwan Issa, deputy head of Hamas's armed wing. Results of the strike were still being examined, he said, and it was unclear if Issa was killed. Hamas authorities reported at least 67 people killed since Sunday, with more than 40 air strikes across the territory. Meagre decorations Hamas's October 7 attack that started the war resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP count based on Israeli official figures. The militants also took around 250 hostages, dozens of whom were released during a week-long truce in November. Israel believes 99 hostages still in Gaza remain alive and 31 have died. Israel's retaliatory bombardment and ground offensive has killed 31,112 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry. The United States and other countries again airdropped aid into northern Gaza on Monday, but outgoing Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said it could be delivered more efficiently via five land borders. Humanitarian workers have made similar comments. Weeks of talks involving US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators failed to bring about a truce and hostage exchange deal ahead of Ramadan. Despite widespread deprivation, some Gazans found ways to celebrate Ramadan's start, fashioning meagre decorations and distributing traditional lanterns between their tents. In Rafah, dozens of Gazans offered prayers on Ramadan's first day in the ruins of a mosque hit by an Israeli air strike just days ago. Tens of thousands of worshippers are drawn every Ramadan to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem -- Islam's third holiest site and the most sacred for Jews. The site has been a flashpoint of tensions in the past and is again a focus. A sea of tents In Washington, President Joe Biden, facing domestic criticism in an election year for his steadfast support of Israel, said that as Muslims around the world gather to break their fast, "the suffering of the Palestinian people will be front of mind for many. It is front of mind for me." The United States provides billions of dollars in military aid to Israel, and Biden's administration has given short shrift to activist calls to cut such funding. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure from desperate families of hostages still held in Gaza as well as critics of his government, a coalition including religious and ultra-nationalist parties. In an interview with Politico, he reiterated his intention to send troops into Rafah to root out Hamas in Gaza's southernmost tip where around 1.5 million people -- most of Gaza's population -- have tried to find refuge. "We'll go there," he said, adding that his "red line" is that "October 7 doesn't happen again". Many of Rafah's displaced are sheltered in a sea of makeshift tents. They sat on the ground between the structures, under a string of decorative lights, to break their fast on the first day of Ramadan.

Ramadan in Gaza: UN warns of famine as residents scramble for aid

Donald Trump on Monday pledged to free people jailed for taking part in the 2021 attack on the US Capitol as one of his first actions if reelected, calling them "hostages."

The rioters — egged on by the then-president and fuelled by his false claims of voter fraud — stormed the seat of US democracy on January 6, 2021, in a bid to halt the transfer of power to Joe Biden.

Around 1,358 defendants have been charged in the 38 months since then, according to the latest figures from the Justice Department released last week. About 500 have been sentenced to prison terms.

Trump posted the comments on his Truth Social website, additionally promising to shut down the border with Mexico as part of his first acts, if reelected, without providing details.

"My first acts as your next President will be to Close the Border, DRILL, BABY, DRILL, and Free the January 6 Hostages being wrongfully imprisoned!" he wrote late Monday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="truthsocial-embed" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/112079753989223875/embed" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0" width="600"></iframe><script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Trump has made previous comments about his hypothetical first day in office, vowing during a televised town hall in December not to act as a dictator except "other than day one."

Nor is it the first time Trump has called his imprisoned supporters "hostages" or suggested they should be freed.

In January, he implored President Biden to "release the J6 hostages, Joe" during a campaign rally in Iowa.

Trump faces four criminal indictments, including two -- one federal and one in Georgia, — stemming from his attempts to overturn the election results after losing to Biden.

Trump is virtually assured of being the Republican presidential nominee now that his last remaining rival, Nikki Haley, dropped out of the race following his overwhelming wins in the primaries.

Trump insists that the support he enjoys among his Republican base has been enhanced, not hurt, by his many legal woes.

Donald Trump on Monday pledged to free people jailed for taking part in the 2021 attack on the US Capitol as one of his first actions if reelected, calling them "hostages.

Donald Trump on Monday pledged to free people jailed for taking part in the 2021 attack on the US Capitol as one of his first actions if reelected, calling them "hostages." The rioters — egged on by the then-president and fuelled by his false claims of voter fraud — stormed the seat of US democracy on January 6, 2021, in a bid to halt the transfer of power to Joe Biden. Around 1,358 defendants have been charged in the 38 months since then, according to the latest figures from the Justice Department released last week. About 500 have been sentenced to prison terms. Trump posted the comments on his Truth Social website, additionally promising to shut down the border with Mexico as part of his first acts, if reelected, without providing details. "My first acts as your next President will be to Close the Border, DRILL, BABY, DRILL, and Free the January 6 Hostages being wrongfully imprisoned!" he wrote late Monday. × Trump has made previous comments about his hypothetical first day in office, vowing during a televised town hall in December not to act as a dictator except "other than day one." Nor is it the first time Trump has called his imprisoned supporters "hostages" or suggested they should be freed. In January, he implored President Biden to "release the J6 hostages, Joe" during a campaign rally in Iowa. Trump faces four criminal indictments, including two -- one federal and one in Georgia, — stemming from his attempts to overturn the election results after losing to Biden. Trump is virtually assured of being the Republican presidential nominee now that his last remaining rival, Nikki Haley, dropped out of the race following his overwhelming wins in the primaries. Trump insists that the support he enjoys among his Republican base has been enhanced, not hurt, by his many legal woes.

Trump vows to free January 6 rioters if re-elected, calling them 'wrongfully imprisoned hostages'

Govt plans to develop foundational models with a capacity of more than 100 billion parameters, said Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Watch the video to know more.

India: 10 AI labs to be set inThiruvananthapuram

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebel group on Saturday (March 9) said that it targeted bulk carrier Propel Fortune in the Gulf of Aden.

“The naval forces and the air force of the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out two specific military operations. The first operation targeted the American ship “Propel Fortune” in the Gulf of Aden with a number of suitable naval missiles," the group's military spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a televised speech.

"The second operation targeted a number of American war destroyers in&nbsp;the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden with 37 drones, and the two operations successfully achieved their goals,” Sarea added.

The Houthi rebels have been launching attacks against ships in the Red Sea since November. The group dubs the attacks as a campaign of solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and militant group Hamas.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-truce-looking-tough-before-ramadan-as-group-says-no-compromise-698245">Israel-Hamas truce 'looking tough' before Ramadan, group says 'no compromise'</a>

<h2>US Navy shoots down 15 UAVs in Red Sea area</h2>

Meanwhile, the US Navy ships and aircraft downed 15 uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched by Yemen's Houthis in the Red Sea area, said US Central Command (CENTCOM).

The military was responding to a large-scale attack launched by the "Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists" into the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden between 4 am and 6:30 am (1300-1530 GMT).

The UAVs were determined to present "an imminent threat to merchant vessels, U.S. Navy, and coalition ships in the region," it said.

<h2>Houthi attack on commercial ship near Yemen kills 3</h2>

A missile from Yemen on Wednesday hit a bulk carrier in the Gulf of Aden which killed three people and injured four others.

The incident marked the first time when fatalities due to Houthi attacks in either the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden claimed lives.

The ship that came under attack was identified as Barbados-flagged True Confidence. It was hit in the Gulf of Aden at about 11:30 (GMT), according to the US military. The ship was abandoned and had been drifting with a fire on board after the strike.

"These reckless attacks by the Houthis have disrupted global trade and taken the lives of international seafarers," US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees operations in West Asia.

(With inputs from agencies)

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebel group on Saturday (March 9) said that it targeted bulk carrier Propel Fortune in the Gulf of Aden. “The naval forces and the air force of the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out two specific military operations.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebel group on Saturday (March 9) said that it targeted bulk carrier Propel Fortune in the Gulf of Aden. “The naval forces and the air force of the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out two specific military operations. The first operation targeted the American ship “Propel Fortune” in the Gulf of Aden with a number of suitable naval missiles," the group's military spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a televised speech. "The second operation targeted a number of American war destroyers in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden with 37 drones, and the two operations successfully achieved their goals,” Sarea added. The Houthi rebels have been launching attacks against ships in the Red Sea since November. The group dubs the attacks as a campaign of solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and militant group Hamas. Also read: Israel-Hamas truce 'looking tough' before Ramadan, group says 'no compromise' US Navy shoots down 15 UAVs in Red Sea area Meanwhile, the US Navy ships and aircraft downed 15 uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched by Yemen's Houthis in the Red Sea area, said US Central Command (CENTCOM). The military was responding to a large-scale attack launched by the "Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists" into the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden between 4 am and 6:30 am (1300-1530 GMT). The UAVs were determined to present "an imminent threat to merchant vessels, U.S. Navy, and coalition ships in the region," it said. Houthi attack on commercial ship near Yemen kills 3 A missile from Yemen on Wednesday hit a bulk carrier in the Gulf of Aden which killed three people and injured four others. The incident marked the first time when fatalities due to Houthi attacks in either the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden claimed lives. The ship that came under attack was identified as Barbados-flagged True Confidence. It was hit in the Gulf of Aden at about 11:30 (GMT), according to the US military. The ship was abandoned and had been drifting with a fire on board after the strike. "These reckless attacks by the Houthis have disrupted global trade and taken the lives of international seafarers," US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees operations in West Asia. (With inputs from agencies)

Yemen’s Houthi rebel group targets US destroyers in Red Sea

The US Senate has approved a six-bill package of $460 billion to finance various federal government sectors&nbsp;in time to meet a midnight deadline&nbsp;until September, narrowly averting a partial shutdown. 
 
The Senate on Friday approved a $460 billion package of spending bills for avoiding a shutdown of many key federal agencies.

The upper chamber voted 75 to 22, delivering the bill to President Joe Biden's desk just before the midnight deadline, with his expected signature on Saturday (March 9).

Republicans' insistence on amendment votes related to immigration and other measures slowed down the bill's progress, risking a final vote on Saturday after funding expiration.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted the bipartisan effort and emphasised the positive impact on essential programmes, expressing optimism about completing the remaining appropriation bills by March 22.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-republican-block-ukraine-israel-aid-bill-over-immigration-row-667007" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-republican-block-ukraine-israel-aid-bill-over-immigration-row-667007&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwigl7_cpeeEAxXJTGwGHZdjC7MQFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1_r7AMShV21g9cLxh2aKel" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-republican-block-ukraine-israel-aid-bill-over-immigration-row-667007" target="_blank">US Senate&nbsp;Republicans block Ukraine, Israel aid bill&nbsp;</a>

Schumer&nbsp;said the bill’s passage would allow the hiring of more air traffic controllers and rail safety inspectors, give federal firefighters a raise and boost support for homeless veterans, besides other things.

The House passed the package earlier in the week, relying on Democratic support to secure approval. Conservatives remained steadfast in opposing funding extensions that lacked preferred spending cuts and policy riders.

In a statement from the White House, the Office of Management and Budget confirmed the cessation of shutdown preparations, anticipating the bill's prompt signing by the President. The legislation covers agriculture, energy, environment, housing, transportation, veterans, and the Justice Department until the fiscal year's end on September 30.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congress-averts-govt-shutdown-ahead-of-holidays-after-senate-votes-in-favour-of-stopgap-funding-bill-659144" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congress-averts-govt-shutdown-ahead-of-holidays-after-senate-votes-in-favour-of-stopgap-funding-bill-659144&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwigl7_cpeeEAxXJTGwGHZdjC7MQFnoECAAQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1iPxBRj_E5UVXBxY5FFCvA" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congress-averts-govt-shutdown-ahead-of-holidays-after-senate-votes-in-favour-of-stopgap-funding-bill-659144" target="_blank">US&nbsp;Congress averts govt shutdown ahead of holidays</a>

Congress has until March 22 to pass the remaining six spending bills, including funding for Defense, State, and Homeland Security, which may prove more contentious. Successfully navigating this hurdle would resolve a recurring spending conflict, allowing Congress to focus on next year's appropriations bills.

Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, expressed confidence in meeting the March 22 deadline, noting that the bills are progressing at various stages.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-advances-95-billion-ukraine-israel-aid-bill-in-rare-sunday-session-despite-trump-opposition-689310" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-advances-95-billion-ukraine-israel-aid-bill-in-rare-sunday-session-despite-trump-opposition-689310&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj0iPj3peeEAxX5UGwGHdz3DXI4ChAWegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2AmPc9_SfujA__cxsHAmLB" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-advances-95-billion-ukraine-israel-aid-bill-in-rare-sunday-session-despite-trump-opposition-689310" target="_blank">US Senate&nbsp;advances $95 billion Ukraine, Israel aid bill&nbsp;</a>

The current package includes cuts to several agencies, with Democrats securing victories in areas such as abortion access, infrastructure investments, veteran programmes, and full funding for the WIC nutrition programme for low-income women, infants, and children.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Senate has approved a six-bill package of $460 billion to finance various federal government sectors in time to meet a midnight deadline until September, narrowly averting a partial shutdown.

The US Senate has approved a six-bill package of $460 billion to finance various federal government sectors in time to meet a midnight deadline until September, narrowly averting a partial shutdown. The Senate on Friday approved a $460 billion package of spending bills for avoiding a shutdown of many key federal agencies. The upper chamber voted 75 to 22, delivering the bill to President Joe Biden's desk just before the midnight deadline, with his expected signature on Saturday (March 9). Republicans' insistence on amendment votes related to immigration and other measures slowed down the bill's progress, risking a final vote on Saturday after funding expiration. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted the bipartisan effort and emphasised the positive impact on essential programmes, expressing optimism about completing the remaining appropriation bills by March 22. Also read: US Senate Republicans block Ukraine, Israel aid bill Schumer said the bill’s passage would allow the hiring of more air traffic controllers and rail safety inspectors, give federal firefighters a raise and boost support for homeless veterans, besides other things. The House passed the package earlier in the week, relying on Democratic support to secure approval. Conservatives remained steadfast in opposing funding extensions that lacked preferred spending cuts and policy riders. In a statement from the White House, the Office of Management and Budget confirmed the cessation of shutdown preparations, anticipating the bill's prompt signing by the President. The legislation covers agriculture, energy, environment, housing, transportation, veterans, and the Justice Department until the fiscal year's end on September 30. Also read: US Congress averts govt shutdown ahead of holidays Congress has until March 22 to pass the remaining six spending bills, including funding for Defense, State, and Homeland Security, which may prove more contentious. Successfully navigating this hurdle would resolve a recurring spending conflict, allowing Congress to focus on next year's appropriations bills. Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, expressed confidence in meeting the March 22 deadline, noting that the bills are progressing at various stages. Also read: US Senate advances $95 billion Ukraine, Israel aid bill The current package includes cuts to several agencies, with Democrats securing victories in areas such as abortion access, infrastructure investments, veteran programmes, and full funding for the WIC nutrition programme for low-income women, infants, and children. (With inputs from agencies)

US Senate approves initial funding package of $460 billion to avert government shutdown

Portugal is holding a snap parliamentary election, voting is currently underway in the country polling stations opened at 8:00 a.m. and will close at 7:00 p.m. local time. Results are expected around midnight. More than 10 million citizens are eligible to vote in this election. The choice is between Center left Socialist Party Center right Social Democratic party and a far right Chega party. Watch to know more!

Portugal Elections 2024: Portugal's Socialist Party concedes defeat

The India-EFTA trade and economic partnership agreement that was signed recently promises significant benefits for both India and the European Free Trade Association countries. The countries in the EFTA include Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein.

India-EFTA trade pact: How it benefits India?

Portugal Elections 2024: Will the Far-Right Chega Party play a pivotal role in the polls?

Palestinians prepared for Ramadan in sombre mood with heightened security measures by Israeli police and the spectre of war and hunger in Gaza overshadowing the normally festive Muslim holy month as talks to secure a ceasefire stalled.

Ramadan 2024: Palestinians prepare for Ramadan in the shadow of war

In a significant boost to India's global trade credentials, New Delhi has signed a deal with the European free trade association. Against the backdrop of the India-EFTA historic deal, Norwegian Minister for Trade and Industry, Jan Christian Vestre spoke to WION. Watch to know more!

Norwegian Minister Jan Christian Vestre hails the historic India-EFTA agreement | WION Exclusive

Ireland looked set to reject proposals to replace constitutional references to the makeup of a family and a "mother's duties in the home" in a significant defeat for the government.

Prime Minister Leo Varadkar had pitched the referendum vote, held on Friday to coincide with International Women's Day, as a chance to delete some "very old-fashioned, very sexist language about women".

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/ireland-participates-in-referendums-on-family-and-gender-equality-697634" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/ireland-participates-in-referendums-on-family-and-gender-equality-697634&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfvf2steeEAxWozTgGHZxXAmAQFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0jAt7IYU8yG7tKpKWcMlNN" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ireland-participates-in-referendums-on-family-and-gender-equality-697634" target="_blank">Ireland&nbsp;holds&nbsp;referendum&nbsp;on family and gender equality</a>

He said the government would accept the results.

"I think it's clear at this stage that the family amendment and the care amendment referendums have been defeated - defeated comprehensively on a respectable turnout," he said

"...It was our responsibility to convince the majority of people to vote 'Yes' and we clearly failed to do so."

Official results are expected later in the day.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/woman-must-accept-mans-world-taliban-edu-minister-promotes-gender-inequality-641463" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/woman-must-accept-mans-world-taliban-edu-minister-promotes-gender-inequality-641463&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjPiJKJjuKEAxUBVmwGHZmQDy0QFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw22QzDPPdwIvMNCQAXaE5V_" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/woman-must-accept-mans-world-taliban-edu-minister-promotes-gender-inequality-641463" target="_blank">'Women must accept it's a man's world': Taliban education minister</a>

The two proposals would have made changes to the text of article 41 in the Irish constitution, written in 1937.

The first asked citizens to expand the definition of family from a relationship founded on marriage to include other durable relationships, whether founded on marriage or not.

The second would have replaced language surrounding a mother's duties with a clause recognising care provided by family members by "reason of the bonds that exist among them".

In pics:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-gender-equality-to-the-participation-of-trans-athletes-a-list-of-epic-firsts-at-tokyo-olympics-404254" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-gender-equality-to-the-participation-of-trans-athletes-a-list-of-epic-firsts-at-tokyo-olympics-404254&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiWtYX4jeKEAxV6S2cHHcqPD4s4ChAWegQIAxAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw1kOO-RQiTSWiF3QCKDmDwY" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-gender-equality-to-the-participation-of-trans-athletes-a-list-of-epic-firsts-at-tokyo-olympics-404254" target="_blank">From&nbsp;gender-equality&nbsp;to the participation of trans-athletes</a>

In effect, the proposal to spread the burden of care for people with disabilities to the entire family from only the mother became a row about the extent or willingness of the state to support carers.

Ireland looked set to reject proposals to replace constitutional references to the makeup of a family and a "mother's duties in the home" in a significant defeat for the government.

Ireland looked set to reject proposals to replace constitutional references to the makeup of a family and a "mother's duties in the home" in a significant defeat for the government. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar had pitched the referendum vote, held on Friday to coincide with International Women's Day, as a chance to delete some "very old-fashioned, very sexist language about women". Also read: Ireland holds referendum on family and gender equality He said the government would accept the results. "I think it's clear at this stage that the family amendment and the care amendment referendums have been defeated - defeated comprehensively on a respectable turnout," he said "...It was our responsibility to convince the majority of people to vote 'Yes' and we clearly failed to do so." Official results are expected later in the day. Also read: 'Women must accept it's a man's world': Taliban education minister The two proposals would have made changes to the text of article 41 in the Irish constitution, written in 1937. The first asked citizens to expand the definition of family from a relationship founded on marriage to include other durable relationships, whether founded on marriage or not. The second would have replaced language surrounding a mother's duties with a clause recognising care provided by family members by "reason of the bonds that exist among them". In pics: From gender-equality to the participation of trans-athletes In effect, the proposal to spread the burden of care for people with disabilities to the entire family from only the mother became a row about the extent or willingness of the state to support carers.

Ireland to retain ‘sexist’ language in constitution about women's role as referendum fails

Pope Francis is facing criticism from Ukraine and its allies over his remarks that Kyiv should demonstrate what he referred to as the "courage of the white flag" and engage in negotiations to end the war with Russia.

Pope Francis is facing criticism from Ukraine and its allies over his remarks that Kyiv should demonstrate what he referred to as the "courage of the white flag" and engage in negotiations to end the war with Russia. The foreign ministers of Ukraine and Poland on Sunday (Mar 10) used World War II analogies to condemn the pope’s remarks. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, a leader of one of Ukraine’s Christian churches on Sunday said that only the country’s determined resistance to Moscow’s full-scale invasion prevented a mass slaughter of civilians. 'Will not raise other flags' In a post on X, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said, “The strongest is the one who, in the battle between good and evil, stands on the side of good rather than attempting to put them on the same footing and call it 'negotiations'.” The strongest is the one who, in the battle between good and evil, stands on the side of good rather than attempting to put them on the same footing and call it “negotiations”. At the same time, when it comes to the white flag, we know this Vatican's strategy from the first half… — Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) March 10, 2024 × "At the same time, when it comes to the white flag, we know this Vatican's strategy from the first half of the twentieth century. I urge to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past and to support Ukraine and its people in their just struggle for their lives," Foreign Minister Kuleba said. Also read | Ukraine war: Poland says presence of NATO troops in Ukraine ‘not unthinkable’ He added, "Our flag is a yellow and blue one. This is the flag by which we live, die, and prevail. We shall never raise any other flags." Meanwhile, Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski said, "How about, for balance, encouraging Putin to have the courage to withdraw his army from Ukraine? Peace would immediately ensue without the need for negotiations." What did Pope Francis say? In an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI last month, Francis used the phrase “the courage of the white flag” as he argued that Ukraine, facing a possible defeat, should be open to peace talks brokered by international powers. Francis insisted that negotiations were never a surrender, adding, "When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate." During the Angelus prayer on Sunday from the window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, Francis said that he was praying “for peace in the tormented Ukraine and in the Holy Land.” “Let the hostilities which cause immense suffering among the civilian population cease as soon as possible,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine war: Pope Francis' ‘white flag’ remark criticised by Kyiv, its allies

In New Delhi,&nbsp;India signed a trade agreement with <a href="https://x.com/sidhant/status/1766843156589695174?s=20">Iceland</a>, <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/1766872117616730415?s=20">Liechtenstein</a>, <a href="https://x.com/sidhant/status/1766804458456162693?s=20">Norway</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/sidhant/status/1766780674844000403?s=20">Switzerland</a> on Sunday that includes a commitment of $100 billion in investment and creating 1 million direct jobs in India in the next 15 years.

Hailed as a 'watershed moment' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New Delhi committed to reducing import tariffs on industrial products from the four European countries that comprise the European Free Trade Association, or EFTA.

Also watch |&nbsp;Norway &amp; Liechtenstein Ministers speak on India-EFTA agreement | World News

<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/norway-liechtenstein-ministers-speak-on-india-efta-agreement-world-news-698699/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India for the first time had signed an agreement with an important economic bloc in Europe.

Parmelin, speaking on behalf of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-seals-free-trade-agreement-with-four-nation-european-bloc-698498">EFTA member states</a>, said that "EFTA countries gain market access to a major growth market. Our companies strive to diversify their supply chains while rendering them more resilient. India, in return, will attract more foreign investment from EFTA, which will ultimately translate into an increase in good jobs."

Read more in The Capitals this week.

<h2>Berlin, Germany</h2>

The corridors of power in several Western capitals were rocked after a leaked audio tape showed how German military officers discussed&nbsp;deployment scenarios for Taurus missiles in Ukraine. The development occurred after a German military officer used an unsecured phone line at a Singapore hotel to join a conference call that was hacked by Russians and leaked to the public, Germany’s defence minister&nbsp;Boris Pistorius said.

Berlin was left&nbsp;embarrassed after the Allies told it to enhance the security of such crucial calls. But the real fallout was evident in the further deterioration of Berlin-Moscow ties which are already at their lowest since Russia launched an offensive on Ukraine over two years ago.&nbsp;

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that delivering those weapons to Ukraine was not an option, adding that he did not want Germany to be drawn into the war directly.

But the Russian foreign ministry in Moscow threatened Berlin with "dire consequences" in connection with the leak.

<h2>Beijing, China</h2>

In Beijing, the legislators of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) vowed to implement several new laws to "modernise China's system and capacity for national security" with a focus on sovereignty.

About 170-member National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC), gathered at the annual meeting of parliament in Beijing earlier this week. The NPSCS pledged to enact laws including an emergency management law and atomic energy law.

They also said they would revise laws on national defence education and cybersecurity.

The annual legislative plan had an increased focus on national security amid China's continuous standoff with India along the Himalayas in Ladakh and increased maritime belligerence across the Taiwan strait.

The NPCSC report also vowed to "strengthen legislation in areas involving foreign affairs and develop a system of laws for extraterritorial application."

"We will use legal means to stand up for our country in the international arena and resolutely safeguard our sovereignty, security and development interests," the NPCSC report said.

<h2>Port-au-Prince, Haiti</h2>

Heavy gunfire sporadically erupted all through this week near Haiti's national palace, escalating the political turmoil that has gripped the nation.

The strife in Haiti reached a critical point last week when the country declared a state of emergency.

The escalation saw armed gangs attacking prisons and inmates breaking free, leading to a wave of violence and chaos.

Over ten thousand people were displaced during the unrest, coinciding with Prime Minister Henry's absence. The PM is in Kenya, where he was negotiating for an international force to combat Haiti's escalating gang wars.

The United States has asked Haiti's prime minister to expedite a political transition as armed gangs actively seek his ouster.&nbsp;

<h2>Madrid, Spain</h2>

A decade ago, Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel Garcia Marquez passed away in the Mexican capital Mexico City. But this week, Marquez was reborn with his undisclosed work that was published by his sons Gonzalo and Rodrigo Garcia Barcha in Madrid. The&nbsp;novel titled "Until August" was penned by the prolific Colombian-born writer in 2004.

Garcia Marquez, renowned for his masterpieces like "One Hundred Years of Solitude", has left&nbsp;behind a rich literary legacy. The posthumous release of "Until August" offers readers a poignant glimpse into the creative mind of the acclaimed author.

The release of "Until August" coincided with Garcia Marquez's birthday.

The story revolves around Ana Magdalena Bach, who annually embarks on a ferry journey to the island where her mother rests in eternal peace. This ritual transforms into a captivating exploration of self-discovery, as Ana grapples with the temptation to embrace a different persona for one night each year. 
 
The posthumous novel is poised to add another chapter to the enduring legacy of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a literary luminary whose words continue to resonate with readers across the globe.

In New Delhi, India signed a trade agreement with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland on Sunday that includes a commitment of $100 billion in investment and creating 1 million direct jobs in India in the next 15 years.

In New Delhi, India signed a trade agreement with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland on Sunday that includes a commitment of $100 billion in investment and creating 1 million direct jobs in India in the next 15 years. Hailed as a 'watershed moment' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New Delhi committed to reducing import tariffs on industrial products from the four European countries that comprise the European Free Trade Association, or EFTA. Also watch | Norway & Liechtenstein Ministers speak on India-EFTA agreement | World News × India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India for the first time had signed an agreement with an important economic bloc in Europe. Parmelin, speaking on behalf of the EFTA member states, said that "EFTA countries gain market access to a major growth market. Our companies strive to diversify their supply chains while rendering them more resilient. India, in return, will attract more foreign investment from EFTA, which will ultimately translate into an increase in good jobs." Read more in The Capitals this week. Berlin, Germany The corridors of power in several Western capitals were rocked after a leaked audio tape showed how German military officers discussed deployment scenarios for Taurus missiles in Ukraine. The development occurred after a German military officer used an unsecured phone line at a Singapore hotel to join a conference call that was hacked by Russians and leaked to the public, Germany’s defence minister Boris Pistorius said. Berlin was left embarrassed after the Allies told it to enhance the security of such crucial calls. But the real fallout was evident in the further deterioration of Berlin-Moscow ties which are already at their lowest since Russia launched an offensive on Ukraine over two years ago. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that delivering those weapons to Ukraine was not an option, adding that he did not want Germany to be drawn into the war directly. But the Russian foreign ministry in Moscow threatened Berlin with "dire consequences" in connection with the leak. Beijing, China In Beijing, the legislators of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) vowed to implement several new laws to "modernise China's system and capacity for national security" with a focus on sovereignty. About 170-member National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC), gathered at the annual meeting of parliament in Beijing earlier this week. The NPSCS pledged to enact laws including an emergency management law and atomic energy law. They also said they would revise laws on national defence education and cybersecurity. The annual legislative plan had an increased focus on national security amid China's continuous standoff with India along the Himalayas in Ladakh and increased maritime belligerence across the Taiwan strait. The NPCSC report also vowed to "strengthen legislation in areas involving foreign affairs and develop a system of laws for extraterritorial application." "We will use legal means to stand up for our country in the international arena and resolutely safeguard our sovereignty, security and development interests," the NPCSC report said. Port-au-Prince, Haiti Heavy gunfire sporadically erupted all through this week near Haiti's national palace, escalating the political turmoil that has gripped the nation. The strife in Haiti reached a critical point last week when the country declared a state of emergency. The escalation saw armed gangs attacking prisons and inmates breaking free, leading to a wave of violence and chaos. Over ten thousand people were displaced during the unrest, coinciding with Prime Minister Henry's absence. The PM is in Kenya, where he was negotiating for an international force to combat Haiti's escalating gang wars. The United States has asked Haiti's prime minister to expedite a political transition as armed gangs actively seek his ouster. Madrid, Spain A decade ago, Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel Garcia Marquez passed away in the Mexican capital Mexico City. But this week, Marquez was reborn with his undisclosed work that was published by his sons Gonzalo and Rodrigo Garcia Barcha in Madrid. The novel titled "Until August" was penned by the prolific Colombian-born writer in 2004. Garcia Marquez, renowned for his masterpieces like "One Hundred Years of Solitude", has left behind a rich literary legacy. The posthumous release of "Until August" offers readers a poignant glimpse into the creative mind of the acclaimed author. The release of "Until August" coincided with Garcia Marquez's birthday. The story revolves around Ana Magdalena Bach, who annually embarks on a ferry journey to the island where her mother rests in eternal peace. This ritual transforms into a captivating exploration of self-discovery, as Ana grapples with the temptation to embrace a different persona for one night each year. The posthumous novel is poised to add another chapter to the enduring legacy of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a literary luminary whose words continue to resonate with readers across the globe.

The Capitals: New Delhi's 'watershed moment' with European EFTA bloc

There is no proof of extraterrestrial intelligence visiting earth or of authorities concealing crashed alien spacecraft from the public, the US Department of Defense has said.

This was the conclusion of a comprehensive review by the defence department regarding US&nbsp;government's involvement with unidentified anomalous phenomena, commonly referred to as UFOs.

The review, made public on Friday (March 8), extensively analysed all official US&nbsp;investigative endeavours from 1945 onwards, scrutinising both classified and unclassified government archives.

<h2>Clear conclusions: No extraterrestrial connection</h2>

The findings were unequivocal, stating that no US&nbsp;government investigation, academic-sponsored research, or official review panel has validated any sighting of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) as representing extraterrestrial technology.

Reports of UFOs often turned out to be mundane objects or phenomena misidentified by witnesses, it said.

Although the report is now public, it is expected to face skepticism and rejection from independent investigators, former US&nbsp;personnel, and conspiracy theorists who firmly believe in government cover-ups of alien-related evidence.

The defense department's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), which compiled the report, directly addressed these allegations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/humans-close-to-finding-alien-ruins-everywhere-ex-us-pilot-claims-after-speaking-to-aliens-686061">Also read |&nbsp;Humans close to finding ‘alien ruins’ everywhere, ex-US pilot claims after ‘speaking’ to aliens</a>

The AARO explicitly stated that claims of the US&nbsp;government's involvement in reverse-engineering extraterrestrial technology are inaccurate. The office asserted that any reports regarding specific individuals, locations, or documents related to such activities lack evidence.

Despite concerns about limited access to classified information, the AARO established a secure process to review sensitive government programs. They were granted full access to pertinent classified programs and interviewed senior-level personnel from various government agencies and contractors.

The report highlighted how popular culture has perpetuated misconceptions about alien visitations, fuelled by movies, books, and social media. It emphasised the persistent narrative of government secrecy surrounding recovered alien spacecraft, which lacks substantiation.

Investigators discovered that many individuals who claimed knowledge of alien-related activities had misinterpreted real events or sensitive government programs. Some had mistakenly attributed their observations to extraterrestrial involvement.

The report addressed several specific claims, including alleged collaborations between the CIA and a company to study alien spacecraft. It also refuted accounts of military personnel loading spacecraft onto planes and claims of alien bodies being kept by companies.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: UFO Spotted in India near airport in Imphal

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ufo-spotted-in-india-near-airport-in-imphal-660912/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Instances of individuals misunderstanding events, such as touching a classified aircraft or witnessing military tests, were clarified in the report.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

There is no proof of extraterrestrial intelligence visiting earth or of authorities concealing crashed alien spacecraft from the public, the US Department of Defense has said.

There is no proof of extraterrestrial intelligence visiting earth or of authorities concealing crashed alien spacecraft from the public, the US Department of Defense has said. This was the conclusion of a comprehensive review by the defence department regarding US government's involvement with unidentified anomalous phenomena, commonly referred to as UFOs. The review, made public on Friday (March 8), extensively analysed all official US investigative endeavours from 1945 onwards, scrutinising both classified and unclassified government archives. Clear conclusions: No extraterrestrial connection The findings were unequivocal, stating that no US government investigation, academic-sponsored research, or official review panel has validated any sighting of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) as representing extraterrestrial technology. Reports of UFOs often turned out to be mundane objects or phenomena misidentified by witnesses, it said. Although the report is now public, it is expected to face skepticism and rejection from independent investigators, former US personnel, and conspiracy theorists who firmly believe in government cover-ups of alien-related evidence. The defense department's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), which compiled the report, directly addressed these allegations. Also read | Humans close to finding ‘alien ruins’ everywhere, ex-US pilot claims after ‘speaking’ to aliens The AARO explicitly stated that claims of the US government's involvement in reverse-engineering extraterrestrial technology are inaccurate. The office asserted that any reports regarding specific individuals, locations, or documents related to such activities lack evidence. Despite concerns about limited access to classified information, the AARO established a secure process to review sensitive government programs. They were granted full access to pertinent classified programs and interviewed senior-level personnel from various government agencies and contractors. The report highlighted how popular culture has perpetuated misconceptions about alien visitations, fuelled by movies, books, and social media. It emphasised the persistent narrative of government secrecy surrounding recovered alien spacecraft, which lacks substantiation. Investigators discovered that many individuals who claimed knowledge of alien-related activities had misinterpreted real events or sensitive government programs. Some had mistakenly attributed their observations to extraterrestrial involvement. The report addressed several specific claims, including alleged collaborations between the CIA and a company to study alien spacecraft. It also refuted accounts of military personnel loading spacecraft onto planes and claims of alien bodies being kept by companies. Also watch | Gravitas: UFO Spotted in India near airport in Imphal Instances of individuals misunderstanding events, such as touching a classified aircraft or witnessing military tests, were clarified in the report. (With inputs from agencies)

No alien landings, no secret spaceships: Pentagon says no evidence of extraterrestrial visits to earth

Pope Francis is continuing to face criticism over his remarks that war-torn Ukraine should have the "courage of the white flag" and negotiate an end to the war triggered by Russia’s invasion.

Pope Francis is continuing to face criticism over his remarks that war-torn Ukraine should have the "courage of the white flag" and negotiate an end to the war triggered by Russia’s invasion. This time, the pope's remarks have been criticised by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. On Monday (Mar 11), Secretary-General Stoltenberg told the news agency Reuters that he disagreed with Francis' remarks, adding, that Ukraine needs weapons and not white flags. "If we want a negotiated peaceful lasting solution, the way to get there is to provide military support to Ukraine," he added. On being asked if his reaction meant now was not the time to talk about a white flag, Stoltenberg said: "It's not the time to talk about surrender by the Ukrainians. That will be a tragedy for the Ukrainians. It will also be dangerous for all of us." What did Pope Francis say? In February, Pope Francis used the phrase “the courage of the white flag” as he argued that Ukraine, facing a possible defeat, should be open to peace talks brokered by international powers. Also read | Ukraine war: Pope Francis' ‘white flag’ remark criticised by Kyiv, its allies Speaking to Swiss broadcaster RSI, Francis insisted that negotiations were never a surrender, adding, "When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate." Earlier, the pope's remarks were criticised by the foreign ministers of Ukraine and Poland. A leader of one of Ukraine’s Christian churches on Sunday said that only the country’s determined resistance to Moscow’s full-scale invasion prevented a mass slaughter of civilians. German bishops call on Vatican to clarify pope's remarks On Monday, German Catholic bishops called on the Vatican to clarify Pope Francis' remarks. "The fact that Pope Francis did not address the points mentioned here in his interview caused irritation among many observers, which we can understand. It would be good if the Holy See communicated a substantive clarification of its position on these issues," German bishops said. Also watch | How would Russia react to NATO in Ukraine? × They added that it was unfortunate that the pope repeated the words "white flag," but also said it was "self-evident and widely proven to us that the Pope – like the German Bishops' Conference – is committed to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine." (With inputs from agencies)

Kyiv needs weapons, not white flags: NATO chief hits out at pope’s Ukraine war remark

Celebrities showed up to the red carpet for the 96th Academy Awards wearing red pins in support of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as a protest delayed stars' arrivals.

Stars wear red pins calling for Gaza ceasefire on Oscars red carpet

A US Army analyst has been arrested for allegedly selling sensitive military information to China. Sgt Korbein Schultz, a member of the US Army, was arrested at Fort Campbell in Kentucky on Thursday (March 7) and was charged with divulging confidential military secrets to an individual in China.

According to report in BBC, the FBI and US Army counterintelligence conducted an inquiry leading to Schultz's arrest, accusing him of accepting $42,000 (£33,000) in exchange for numerous sensitive security documents. The criminal conspiracy is reported to have initiated in June 2022 and persisted until his arrest.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-finance-chiefs-open-talks-with-eye-on-curbing-tensions-657091" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-finance-chiefs-open-talks-with-eye-on-curbing-tensions-657091&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqlOGu1OSEAxW-Z2wGHSaBDEwQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Cj-6Xl84flRcOXN3zsIyC" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-finance-chiefs-open-talks-with-eye-on-curbing-tensions-657091" target="_blank">US,&nbsp;China&nbsp;finance chiefs open talks with eye on curbing tensions</a>

Sgt Schultz faces charges including conspiracy to acquire and disclose national defense information, exporting technical data related to defense articles without proper authorisation, conspiracy to export defense articles without a license and bribery of a public official.

The accused has not yet clarified whether he has retained legal representation to address the charges.

Larissa Knapp of the FBI's National Security Branch condemned the alleged actions, describing them as a severe betrayal of the oath to defend the country. Instead of safeguarding national defense information, Schultz is accused of conspiring with a foreign national, potentially compromising national security.

Confidential documents were reportedly shared with an individual believed to be residing in Hong Kong, including information on hypersonic equipment, studies on the future development of US military forces, and details on China's military readiness.

The indictment does not explicitly implicate the Chinese government or disclose the identity of the contact who provided payment.

Schultz is accused of transmitting "original and exclusive documents" as instructed, covering intelligence related to Russia's conflict in Ukraine, the operability of sensitive US military systems, and contingency plans for Taiwan in case of an attack.

Messages from Schultz, including a reference to wanting to be like "Jason Bourne," and expressing eagerness for additional funds from his handler, were highlighted in the indictment.

This incident follows the recent arrest of a retired US Army colonel in Nebraska for allegedly sharing classified information through a foreign dating website.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/former-google-engineer-faces-charges-for-stealing-ai-secrets-for-chinese-companies-697444" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/former-google-engineer-faces-charges-for-stealing-ai-secrets-for-chinese-companies-697444&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiLkvCC1OSEAxVicmwGHZ5pBPAQFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2aaIMg_pwbRfYWx4eM7g_K" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/former-google-engineer-faces-charges-for-stealing-ai-secrets-for-chinese-companies-697444" target="_blank">Former Google engineer faces charges for stealing AI&nbsp;secrets</a>

Additionally, a US airman from the Massachusetts Air National Guard pleaded guilty to charges of illegally retaining and transmitting national defense information earlier this week.

(With inputs from agencies)

A US Army analyst has been arrested for allegedly selling sensitive military information to China. Sgt Korbein Schultz, a member of the US Army, was arrested at Fort Campbell in Kentucky on Thursday (March 7) and was charged with divulging confidential military secrets to an individual in China.

A US Army analyst has been arrested for allegedly selling sensitive military information to China. Sgt Korbein Schultz, a member of the US Army, was arrested at Fort Campbell in Kentucky on Thursday (March 7) and was charged with divulging confidential military secrets to an individual in China. According to report in BBC, the FBI and US Army counterintelligence conducted an inquiry leading to Schultz's arrest, accusing him of accepting $42,000 (£33,000) in exchange for numerous sensitive security documents. The criminal conspiracy is reported to have initiated in June 2022 and persisted until his arrest. Also read: US, China finance chiefs open talks with eye on curbing tensions Sgt Schultz faces charges including conspiracy to acquire and disclose national defense information, exporting technical data related to defense articles without proper authorisation, conspiracy to export defense articles without a license and bribery of a public official. The accused has not yet clarified whether he has retained legal representation to address the charges. Larissa Knapp of the FBI's National Security Branch condemned the alleged actions, describing them as a severe betrayal of the oath to defend the country. Instead of safeguarding national defense information, Schultz is accused of conspiring with a foreign national, potentially compromising national security. Confidential documents were reportedly shared with an individual believed to be residing in Hong Kong, including information on hypersonic equipment, studies on the future development of US military forces, and details on China's military readiness. The indictment does not explicitly implicate the Chinese government or disclose the identity of the contact who provided payment. Schultz is accused of transmitting "original and exclusive documents" as instructed, covering intelligence related to Russia's conflict in Ukraine, the operability of sensitive US military systems, and contingency plans for Taiwan in case of an attack. Messages from Schultz, including a reference to wanting to be like "Jason Bourne," and expressing eagerness for additional funds from his handler, were highlighted in the indictment. This incident follows the recent arrest of a retired US Army colonel in Nebraska for allegedly sharing classified information through a foreign dating website. Also read: Former Google engineer faces charges for stealing AI secrets Additionally, a US airman from the Massachusetts Air National Guard pleaded guilty to charges of illegally retaining and transmitting national defense information earlier this week. (With inputs from agencies)

US Army intelligence analyst faces charges for selling classified military information to China 

China is considering offering legal protection to employees forced to stay online even after work hours, reported Hong-Kong-based news outlet South China Morning Post (SCMP). This comes after Lyu Guoquan, head of the general office of China’s trade union federation, recommended the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) last week that guidelines and a legal framework be made for “working overtime online”. According to Lyu, the proposal was accepted by several government agencies and political advisory bodies.

<h2>China’s ‘Supreme Court’ on board</h2>

The issue was reportedly raised by the president of the Supreme People’s Court on Friday (Mar 8), who talked about rewarding employees for the “invisible overtime” in his work report to the National People’s Congress, China’s rubberstamp parliament.

Chief Justice Zhang Jun said a person was considered to be working overtime if they “contributed substantive labour” to tasks that “evidently consume time” – a definition that included staying online. “The standards guarantee that online [overtime] work is rewarded and offline rest is protected,” he said.

<h2>Chinese judiciary on overtime cases</h2>

In recent years, Chinese courts have addressed numerous cases concerning online overtime payments, with one particular case highlighted by the Supreme Court as exemplary for other judicial bodies to follow.

Watch:&nbsp;China-Taiwan Tensions: China's push for Taiwan reunification, PLA spokesperson makes strong remarks

<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/china-taiwan-tensions-chinas-push-for-taiwan-reunification-pla-spokesperson-makes-strong-remarks-698724/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

This case involved a director of a short video team, named Li, who sued their employer for unpaid overtime after being terminated in 2020. Initially, a lower court ruled that the time Li spent on WeChat for work-related communication during off-duty hours should be considered while calculating overtime compensation. However, the Supreme Court later found that quantifying such scattered time was challenging.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjPx4a2oeuEAxXTi2MGHYKECIEQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-urges-chinese-military-to-prepare-for-conflicts-at-sea-protect-maritime-rights-697782" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-urges-chinese-military-to-prepare-for-conflicts-at-sea-protect-maritime-rights-697782&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjPx4a2oeuEAxXTi2MGHYKECIEQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">Xi Jinping urges Chinese military to prepare for conflicts at sea, protect maritime rights</a>

Lou Yu, director of the Social Law Institute at China University of Political Science and Law, expressed the likelihood of regulations being established to govern online overtime labour.

“This is a very prominent labour and employment issue at present, and [the proposal] was recognised by different sectors,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

China is considering offering legal protection to employees forced to stay online even after work hours, reported Hong-Kong-based news outlet South China Morning Post (SCMP).

China is considering offering legal protection to employees forced to stay online even after work hours, reported Hong-Kong-based news outlet South China Morning Post (SCMP). This comes after Lyu Guoquan, head of the general office of China’s trade union federation, recommended the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) last week that guidelines and a legal framework be made for “working overtime online”. According to Lyu, the proposal was accepted by several government agencies and political advisory bodies. China’s ‘Supreme Court’ on board The issue was reportedly raised by the president of the Supreme People’s Court on Friday (Mar 8), who talked about rewarding employees for the “invisible overtime” in his work report to the National People’s Congress, China’s rubberstamp parliament. Chief Justice Zhang Jun said a person was considered to be working overtime if they “contributed substantive labour” to tasks that “evidently consume time” – a definition that included staying online. “The standards guarantee that online [overtime] work is rewarded and offline rest is protected,” he said. Chinese judiciary on overtime cases In recent years, Chinese courts have addressed numerous cases concerning online overtime payments, with one particular case highlighted by the Supreme Court as exemplary for other judicial bodies to follow. Watch: China-Taiwan Tensions: China's push for Taiwan reunification, PLA spokesperson makes strong remarks × This case involved a director of a short video team, named Li, who sued their employer for unpaid overtime after being terminated in 2020. Initially, a lower court ruled that the time Li spent on WeChat for work-related communication during off-duty hours should be considered while calculating overtime compensation. However, the Supreme Court later found that quantifying such scattered time was challenging. Also read: Xi Jinping urges Chinese military to prepare for conflicts at sea, protect maritime rights Lou Yu, director of the Social Law Institute at China University of Political Science and Law, expressed the likelihood of regulations being established to govern online overtime labour. “This is a very prominent labour and employment issue at present, and [the proposal] was recognised by different sectors,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

China to offer legal protection to employees for ‘invisible overtime’

Israel was verifying if Marwan Issa, the second-highest military leader of Hamas died in an air strike in Gaza, as the talks for a ceasefire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan continued to stumble.&nbsp;

If Marwan Issa is confirmed dead, it would be the highest-ranking official from Hamas in over five-month war that has killed tens of thousands in Gaza, the blockaded Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

<h2>Could Marwan Issa be dead?</h2>

On March 9 (Saturday), Israel bombed the Al-Nusseirat camp in central Gaza, Israeli Army Radio reported. The Israeli side reportedly had intelligence about the location of Issa, who leads the Hamas military wing called Izz el-Deen al-Qassam brigades.

A total of five people were killed in the bombing of Al-Nusseirat camp, Israeli Army Radio reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ramadan-begins-without-ceasefire-what-it-means-for-gaza-and-rest-of-region-top-points-698717">Ramadan begins without ceasefire: What it means for Gaza and rest of the region - Top points</a>

A day later, while Israel said its forces had killed militants in central Gaza, it did not mention if or not Issa was among those dead.&nbsp;

Issa features high on Israel's list of most-wanted leaders. He features together with the Hamas military wing head Mohammed Deif and Hamas's Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar, who are accused of masterminding the Oct 7 attack that triggered the currently ongoing conflict.&nbsp;

<h2>What Issa's death could mean for Israel-Hamas war?&nbsp;</h2>

Issa's death would bring Israel closer to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's purported goal of 'decimating Hamas'. But it would also complicate the efforts to secure a ceasefire and a prisoner-hostage exchange. The talks for a ceasefire are ongoing through Egyptian and Qatari mediators.&nbsp;

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/son-of-hamas-deputy-commander-marwan-issa-killed-in-israeli-airstrike-reports-674444">Son of Hamas Deputy Commander Marwan Issa killed in Israeli airstrike: Reports</a>

Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on October 7 and killed around 1200 people and took 253 hostages, according to the Israeli tallies. The consequent war has killed more than 31,000 Palestinians and injured about 73,000, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Will Putin emerge as the winner in Gaza war?

<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/gravitas-will-putin-emerge-as-the-winner-in-gaza-war-688387/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The conflict has displaced most of Gaza's 2.3 million people, with many cramped into makeshift tents in southern Rafah city.

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;

Israel was verifying if Marwan Issa, the second-highest military leader of Hamas died in an air strike in Gaza, as the talks for a ceasefire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan continued to stumble.

Israel was verifying if Marwan Issa, the second-highest military leader of Hamas died in an air strike in Gaza, as the talks for a ceasefire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan continued to stumble. If Marwan Issa is confirmed dead, it would be the highest-ranking official from Hamas in over five-month war that has killed tens of thousands in Gaza, the blockaded Palestinian enclave. Could Marwan Issa be dead? On March 9 (Saturday), Israel bombed the Al-Nusseirat camp in central Gaza, Israeli Army Radio reported. The Israeli side reportedly had intelligence about the location of Issa, who leads the Hamas military wing called Izz el-Deen al-Qassam brigades. A total of five people were killed in the bombing of Al-Nusseirat camp, Israeli Army Radio reported. Also read | Ramadan begins without ceasefire: What it means for Gaza and rest of the region - Top points A day later, while Israel said its forces had killed militants in central Gaza, it did not mention if or not Issa was among those dead. Issa features high on Israel's list of most-wanted leaders. He features together with the Hamas military wing head Mohammed Deif and Hamas's Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar, who are accused of masterminding the Oct 7 attack that triggered the currently ongoing conflict. What Issa's death could mean for Israel-Hamas war? Issa's death would bring Israel closer to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's purported goal of 'decimating Hamas'. But it would also complicate the efforts to secure a ceasefire and a prisoner-hostage exchange. The talks for a ceasefire are ongoing through Egyptian and Qatari mediators. Also read | Son of Hamas Deputy Commander Marwan Issa killed in Israeli airstrike: Reports Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on October 7 and killed around 1200 people and took 253 hostages, according to the Israeli tallies. The consequent war has killed more than 31,000 Palestinians and injured about 73,000, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza. Also watch | Gravitas | Will Putin emerge as the winner in Gaza war? × The conflict has displaced most of Gaza's 2.3 million people, with many cramped into makeshift tents in southern Rafah city. 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.

Israel ‘verifying’ if Hamas military leader Marwan Issa was killed in Gaza

In a landmark development, India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) sealed a trade pact on Sunday, paving the way for enhanced market access for the two&nbsp;sides. Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Helene Budliger Artieda, expressed optimism about the pact's potential impact during an exclusive interview with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. She highlighted the agreement's provision of 99 per cent market access to India to the Swiss markets under the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).

"I'm hopeful that you will get it (chocolate) and that it will be more affordable to get in India because indeed we have agreed on a position on chocolate, high-end chocolate as is what we produce," said Artieda, underscoring the prospects of Swiss delicacies becoming more accessible to Indian consumers.

Artieda further emphasised the significance of the agreement in facilitating access to Swiss watches, a cornerstone of the country's renowned craftsmanship and precision. The trade pact, signed in Delhi amidst diplomatic fanfare, also heralded substantial economic commitments, including a staggering $100 billion investment pledge for India.

WION: How big is this milestone? And essentially, what do both sides get from it?

Helene Budliger Artieda: It's a massive moment of joy for us. You have to understand we've been negotiating for 16 years, so I'm very happy that we managed to get across the finish line.

India is an amazing market with&nbsp;its 1.4 billion population. It has an excellent growth rate. I'm told by Minister (Piyush) Goyal that you are aiming to become the third-largest market in the world, so the benefit&nbsp;for us from the EFTA aside, this is obvious, is access, better access to this great market. But from the get-go, we have always discussed with our Indian counterparts that we want to have a balanced deal. So, India will get excellent market access for goods and services to EFTA. We're 50 million people. So, it's a bit different in size, but we're a very mature market and we have, of course, good buying power among, but I think more important is that EFTA are known to be large, foreign, direct investors. And we have also pledged that we will invest 100 Billion US dollars, that is a massive amount of money, into India and that we are committed to generating roughly 1 million jobs in the next 15 years.

WION: What are the challenges you felt during the negotiations, and how were these challenges overcome by the two sides?

Helene Budliger Artieda: It's not only numbers and trade data. It's also important that you trust each other because, as I said, our goal was to get a balanced deal. And I think that was the greatest difficulty, you have on one side 1.4 billion people, a country that's really taking off, and then you have us in Switzerland, 9 million. To really get that balance right and make it a fair and equitable deal has been a bit of a challenge. But I think once we realise that we can, you know that India is a young country and that you need jobs, and once I consulted with our business associations, and they said we are more than willing to come to India I think we really managed to create that balance.

You know, it's a legal document, a free trade agreement. So, I think at one point we're discussing to the comma, what will be, of course, the correct text, so&nbsp;it's been very intensive, but I've always believed in it. Because we have developed this people-to-people relation of trust.

WION: Globally,&nbsp;the focus has been on&nbsp;the diversification of supply chains. How does this FTA help India, especially with diversifying its supply chains?

Helene Budliger Artieda: Swiss companies look for legal certainty. Of course, they're already present in India, but this Free Trade Agreement will give a boost to that legal certainty. And they're also you know, sort of, like when they see that the Swiss government is banking on India, all the Swiss companies, given the geopolitics are looking at their supply chain, they're looking where to manufacture, you have to understand, we're a small country in size and population, but we're a large market we're 20th largest market economy. So, our home market is not enough for our investment, and we cannot manufacture everything we produce in Switzerland. So Swiss companies after the pandemic, and now with the new geopolitics, they are looking to diversify. They're looking for new places. So, this trade and economic partnership agreement really comes at the exact right moment, because India is taking off and because of geopolitics, and because of the fact that Swiss companies are trying to organise themselves differently.

WION: Which sectors in India are going to benefit?&nbsp;

Helene Budliger Artieda:&nbsp;I'm hopeful that you will get it (Swiss chocolate) and that it will be more affordable to get in India because indeed we have agreed on a position on chocolate, high-end chocolate as is what we produce. If you look at goods, we have granted India 99 per cent access. So, we're really open. And, you know, it's up to India to diversify and seek these opportunities in Switzerland. So that's from India to Switzerland.

I would say Switzerland is truly open, if you surpass the 99 per cent&nbsp;of what has been, you know, traded in the past that you have been given access to. Switzerland is open to Indian goods.

India has also granted 95 per cent access to Switzerland,&nbsp;which is also good and&nbsp;I think it's in the area of machinery. We're not sending anything cheap, anything to India. It's the high quality, it's highly innovative machinery and precision instruments and so on, that will come to India, and they will actually help to achieve India's goal to be the premier manufacturing and service hub of the world. It's a very complementary economy. We're also happy that we're getting good access to textile machinery. So, Switzerland is not massively exporting textiles, but we have very high-end, excellent textile machinery. You talked about chocolate or another thing that we're famous for. We also managed to get good access for watches, which is important. And then, of course, we're a big life science help. So we've also got some preferential treatment on Life Science products.

In a landmark development, India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) sealed a trade pact on Sunday, paving the way for enhanced market access for the two sides.

In a landmark development, India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) sealed a trade pact on Sunday, paving the way for enhanced market access for the two sides. Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Helene Budliger Artieda, expressed optimism about the pact's potential impact during an exclusive interview with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. She highlighted the agreement's provision of 99 per cent market access to India to the Swiss markets under the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). "I'm hopeful that you will get it (chocolate) and that it will be more affordable to get in India because indeed we have agreed on a position on chocolate, high-end chocolate as is what we produce," said Artieda, underscoring the prospects of Swiss delicacies becoming more accessible to Indian consumers. Artieda further emphasised the significance of the agreement in facilitating access to Swiss watches, a cornerstone of the country's renowned craftsmanship and precision. The trade pact, signed in Delhi amidst diplomatic fanfare, also heralded substantial economic commitments, including a staggering $100 billion investment pledge for India. WION: How big is this milestone? And essentially, what do both sides get from it? Helene Budliger Artieda: It's a massive moment of joy for us. You have to understand we've been negotiating for 16 years, so I'm very happy that we managed to get across the finish line. India is an amazing market with its 1.4 billion population. It has an excellent growth rate. I'm told by Minister (Piyush) Goyal that you are aiming to become the third-largest market in the world, so the benefit for us from the EFTA aside, this is obvious, is access, better access to this great market. But from the get-go, we have always discussed with our Indian counterparts that we want to have a balanced deal. So, India will get excellent market access for goods and services to EFTA. We're 50 million people. So, it's a bit different in size, but we're a very mature market and we have, of course, good buying power among, but I think more important is that EFTA are known to be large, foreign, direct investors. And we have also pledged that we will invest 100 Billion US dollars, that is a massive amount of money, into India and that we are committed to generating roughly 1 million jobs in the next 15 years. WION: What are the challenges you felt during the negotiations, and how were these challenges overcome by the two sides? Helene Budliger Artieda: It's not only numbers and trade data. It's also important that you trust each other because, as I said, our goal was to get a balanced deal. And I think that was the greatest difficulty, you have on one side 1.4 billion people, a country that's really taking off, and then you have us in Switzerland, 9 million. To really get that balance right and make it a fair and equitable deal has been a bit of a challenge. But I think once we realise that we can, you know that India is a young country and that you need jobs, and once I consulted with our business associations, and they said we are more than willing to come to India I think we really managed to create that balance. You know, it's a legal document, a free trade agreement. So, I think at one point we're discussing to the comma, what will be, of course, the correct text, so it's been very intensive, but I've always believed in it. Because we have developed this people-to-people relation of trust. WION: Globally, the focus has been on the diversification of supply chains. How does this FTA help India, especially with diversifying its supply chains? Helene Budliger Artieda: Swiss companies look for legal certainty. Of course, they're already present in India, but this Free Trade Agreement will give a boost to that legal certainty. And they're also you know, sort of, like when they see that the Swiss government is banking on India, all the Swiss companies, given the geopolitics are looking at their supply chain, they're looking where to manufacture, you have to understand, we're a small country in size and population, but we're a large market we're 20th largest market economy. So, our home market is not enough for our investment, and we cannot manufacture everything we produce in Switzerland. So Swiss companies after the pandemic, and now with the new geopolitics, they are looking to diversify. They're looking for new places. So, this trade and economic partnership agreement really comes at the exact right moment, because India is taking off and because of geopolitics, and because of the fact that Swiss companies are trying to organise themselves differently. WION: Which sectors in India are going to benefit? Helene Budliger Artieda: I'm hopeful that you will get it (Swiss chocolate) and that it will be more affordable to get in India because indeed we have agreed on a position on chocolate, high-end chocolate as is what we produce. If you look at goods, we have granted India 99 per cent access. So, we're really open. And, you know, it's up to India to diversify and seek these opportunities in Switzerland. So that's from India to Switzerland. I would say Switzerland is truly open, if you surpass the 99 per cent of what has been, you know, traded in the past that you have been given access to. Switzerland is open to Indian goods. India has also granted 95 per cent access to Switzerland, which is also good and I think it's in the area of machinery. We're not sending anything cheap, anything to India. It's the high quality, it's highly innovative machinery and precision instruments and so on, that will come to India, and they will actually help to achieve India's goal to be the premier manufacturing and service hub of the world. It's a very complementary economy. We're also happy that we're getting good access to textile machinery. So, Switzerland is not massively exporting textiles, but we have very high-end, excellent textile machinery. You talked about chocolate or another thing that we're famous for. We also managed to get good access for watches, which is important. And then, of course, we're a big life science help. So we've also got some preferential treatment on Life Science products.

Swiss official on TEPA pact: India gets market access; chocolate and watches to be more affordable

Six couples in Japan have taken legal action against the government, aiming to secure the right to maintain separate surnames after marriage.

Timed to coincide with International Women's Day, the lawsuit challenges laws established since the 19th century, which mandate that married couples must adopt either the husband's or the wife's surname, with approximately 95 per cent&nbsp;choosing the husband's.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sharp-surge-in-female-genital-mutilation-cases-latest-data-shows-698099">Sharp surge in female genital mutilation cases, latest data shows</a>

Advocates argue that beyond the bureaucratic challenges of altering names on official documents, this practice hampers the careers of women and impacts various rights related to children, inheritance, and taxation.

One plaintiff, a 50-year-old woman who chose to remain anonymous, shared her experience of living with her partner for 17 years and raising a teenage daughter without formal marriage.

Both partners resisted changing their surnames, but the absence of legal marriage creates potential complications, such as challenges in becoming a legal heir or consenting to medical procedures.

Another couple, Yukio Koike, 66, and Yukari Uchiyama, 56, opted for repeated marriages and divorces for each of their three children to secure joint custody rights while respecting individual identities.

Filed in the Tokyo District Court and Sapporo, the lawsuit seeks a declaration of the government's failure to amend the law as illegal, along with compensation of ¥500,000 ($3,400) per plaintiff.

Lead lawyer Makiko Terahara highlighted the unique trade-off relationship in Japan, where choosing a surname during marriage necessitates giving up the other.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-92-rupert-murdoch-plans-his-fifth-wedding-with-molecular-biologist-elena-zhukova-697986">At 92, Rupert Murdoch plans his fifth wedding, this time with molecular biologist Elena Zhukova</a>

While Japan's Supreme Court has affirmed the constitutionality of the existing law, it has encouraged lawmakers to explore more flexible alternatives in response to growing demands for change.

Advocates for maintaining the current laws argue that a single family name is vital for fostering family ties, and view&nbsp;efforts to revise these rules as an assault on traditional values. Recent support for introducing the option of separate surnames has emerged, with Masakazu Tokura, head of Japan's influential business lobby Keidanren, expressing support for the change.

The debate reflects a broader societal shift and increasing calls for flexibility in Japan's traditional approach to marital naming conventions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Six couples in Japan have taken legal action against the government, aiming to secure the right to maintain separate surnames after marriage. Timed to coincide with International Women's Day, the lawsuit challenges laws established since the 19th century, which mandate that married couples must adopt either the husband's or the wife's surname, with approximately 95 per cent choosing the husband's.

Six couples in Japan have taken legal action against the government, aiming to secure the right to maintain separate surnames after marriage. Timed to coincide with International Women's Day, the lawsuit challenges laws established since the 19th century, which mandate that married couples must adopt either the husband's or the wife's surname, with approximately 95 per cent choosing the husband's. Also read: Sharp surge in female genital mutilation cases, latest data shows Advocates argue that beyond the bureaucratic challenges of altering names on official documents, this practice hampers the careers of women and impacts various rights related to children, inheritance, and taxation. One plaintiff, a 50-year-old woman who chose to remain anonymous, shared her experience of living with her partner for 17 years and raising a teenage daughter without formal marriage. Both partners resisted changing their surnames, but the absence of legal marriage creates potential complications, such as challenges in becoming a legal heir or consenting to medical procedures. Another couple, Yukio Koike, 66, and Yukari Uchiyama, 56, opted for repeated marriages and divorces for each of their three children to secure joint custody rights while respecting individual identities. Filed in the Tokyo District Court and Sapporo, the lawsuit seeks a declaration of the government's failure to amend the law as illegal, along with compensation of ¥500,000 ($3,400) per plaintiff. Lead lawyer Makiko Terahara highlighted the unique trade-off relationship in Japan, where choosing a surname during marriage necessitates giving up the other. Also read: At 92, Rupert Murdoch plans his fifth wedding, this time with molecular biologist Elena Zhukova While Japan's Supreme Court has affirmed the constitutionality of the existing law, it has encouraged lawmakers to explore more flexible alternatives in response to growing demands for change. Advocates for maintaining the current laws argue that a single family name is vital for fostering family ties, and view efforts to revise these rules as an assault on traditional values. Recent support for introducing the option of separate surnames has emerged, with Masakazu Tokura, head of Japan's influential business lobby Keidanren, expressing support for the change. The debate reflects a broader societal shift and increasing calls for flexibility in Japan's traditional approach to marital naming conventions. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese couples file lawsuit to pursue separate surnames in rare break from tradition

Several&nbsp;news agencies, including the Associated Press and AFP,&nbsp;removed the first official photo released post-surgery&nbsp;of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/first-photo-of-kate-middleton-with-kids-released-post-surgery-thanks-public-for-support-698628">Britain's Princess Kate Middleton</a> from their services on Sunday (March 10), amid doubts that the image had been manipulated.&nbsp;

The 42-year-old princess, whose husband <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-william-visits-london-synagogue-to-address-escalating-anti-semitism-695254">Prince William</a> is the heir to the British throne, has been mainly recovering at their home in Windsor, west of London, since leaving the hospital on January 29.

The photo, released by Kensington Palace to mark Mother's Day in Britain, shows&nbsp;the smiling Princess of Wales seated on a garden chair. She is dressed in jeans, a sweater, and a dark jacket, surrounded by her three children, George, Charlotte, and Louis.

"Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months," read a message accompanying the photo on the social media platform X.

"Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day," said the message, which was signed "C" for Catherine.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. 
 
Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day. C 
 
📸 The Prince of Wales, 2024 <a href="https://t.co/6DywGBpLLQ">pic.twitter.com/6DywGBpLLQ</a>
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1766750995445387393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 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>

<h2>Palace clarifies photo source</h2>

The palace stated that the photo was taken "in Windsor earlier this week" by Kate's husband, Prince William. However, multiple news agencies, including AFP, later withdrew the image over concerns of manipulation.

This family portrait marked the first official release of Kate's image by the royal family since her hospitalisation on January 16.

Kate was last seen publicly during a Christmas Day walk in Sandringham, eastern England. Later, the UK media refrained from publishing photos taken by TMZ&nbsp;near Windsor Castle in March showing Kate alongside her mother in a car. Speculation emerged on social media about Kate's absence, despite Kensington Palace's announcement that she wouldn't resume public duties until after Easter.

Also watch |&nbsp;Royal Health issues shrouded in secrecy, how is the Royal family faring amid health issues?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/royal-health-issues-shrouded-in-secrecy-how-is-the-royal-family-faring-amid-health-issues-698394/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kate's hospitalisation coincided with King Charles's surgery and cancer diagnosis. He visited her in the hospital after his admission.

Queen Camilla had assumed many of Charles's duties during his treatment, with plans to resume public engagements on March 11.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Several news agencies, including the Associated Press and AFP, removed the first official photo released post-surgery of Britain's Princess Kate Middleton from their services on Sunday (March 10), amid doubts that the image had been manipulated.

Several news agencies, including the Associated Press and AFP, removed the first official photo released post-surgery of Britain's Princess Kate Middleton from their services on Sunday (March 10), amid doubts that the image had been manipulated. The 42-year-old princess, whose husband Prince William is the heir to the British throne, has been mainly recovering at their home in Windsor, west of London, since leaving the hospital on January 29. The photo, released by Kensington Palace to mark Mother's Day in Britain, shows the smiling Princess of Wales seated on a garden chair. She is dressed in jeans, a sweater, and a dark jacket, surrounded by her three children, George, Charlotte, and Louis. "Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months," read a message accompanying the photo on the social media platform X. "Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day," said the message, which was signed "C" for Catherine. Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day. C 📸 The Prince of Wales, 2024 pic.twitter.com/6DywGBpLLQ — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 10, 2024 × Palace clarifies photo source The palace stated that the photo was taken "in Windsor earlier this week" by Kate's husband, Prince William. However, multiple news agencies, including AFP, later withdrew the image over concerns of manipulation. This family portrait marked the first official release of Kate's image by the royal family since her hospitalisation on January 16. Kate was last seen publicly during a Christmas Day walk in Sandringham, eastern England. Later, the UK media refrained from publishing photos taken by TMZ near Windsor Castle in March showing Kate alongside her mother in a car. Speculation emerged on social media about Kate's absence, despite Kensington Palace's announcement that she wouldn't resume public duties until after Easter. Also watch | Royal Health issues shrouded in secrecy, how is the Royal family faring amid health issues? Kate's hospitalisation coincided with King Charles's surgery and cancer diagnosis. He visited her in the hospital after his admission. Queen Camilla had assumed many of Charles's duties during his treatment, with plans to resume public engagements on March 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Kate Middleton's first photo post-surgery pulled down by news agencies following allegations of 'manipulation'

The Indian government on Monday (Mar 11) announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act days and notified the rules for it ahead of the general elections. It is now called Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024. In other news, the economic and political direction of the world's second-biggest economy was revealed after the gathering of this month's National People's Congress, the annual legislative gathering where China’s rubber-stamp parliament approves policies from the ruling Communist Party. The weeklong annual parliamentary meetings ended on Monday (March 11).&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-act-rules-narendra-modi-699019">Indian govt announces implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/05/410003-wion-images-2024-02-05t003349242.png?imwidth=400" />

The Indian government on Monday (Mar 11) announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act days and notified the rules for it ahead of the general elections.&nbsp;The spokesperson of the Ministry of Home Affairs earlier said in a tweet: “Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be notifying today, the Rules under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA-2019). These rules, called the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 will enable the persons eligible under CAA-2019 to apply for grant of Indian citizenship.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-annual-parliamentary-meeting-ends-here-are-the-top-takeaways-699086">China's annual parliamentary meeting ends. Here are the top takeaways</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/11/417810-xijinping.png?imwidth=400" />

The economic and political direction of the world's second-biggest economy was revealed after the gathering of this month's National People's Congress, the annual legislative gathering where China’s rubber-stamp parliament approves policies from the ruling Communist Party. The weeklong annual parliamentary meetings ended on Monday (March 11).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pm-modi-praises-agni-5-missile-test-699029">PM Modi praises first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/11/417788-succession-2024-03-11t182930535.jpg?imwidth=400" />

India on Monday (March 11) conducted the first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, developed by DRDO scientists for Mission Divyastra.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-wont-give-funds-to-ukraine-if-elected-says-hungarian-pm-orban-698999">‘Donald Trump won’t give funds to Ukraine if elected,’ says Hungarian PM Orban</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/11/417755-succession-2024-03-11t152848517.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Sunday (March 10) said that Donald Trump will not provide funds to Ukraine for its fight against Russia if he gets elected as US president in this year's elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khalid-al-batarfi-al-qaedas-yemen-branch-leader-is-dead-699071">Khalid al-Batarfi, Al-Qaeda’s Yemen branch leader carrying $5mn bounty, is dead</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/11/417798-untitled-design-2024-03-11t193032225.png?imwidth=1920" />

Khalid al-Batarfi, the leader of Al-Qaeda's Yemen branch (known as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula or&nbsp;AQAP), has died, the terrorist outfit announced on Sunday (Mar 10). According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Monday, Al-Qaeda released a video showing al-Batarfi wrapped in a white funeral shroud and the outfit's black and white flag. He was believed to be in his early 40s.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-v-eng-strategy-lapse-led-to-series-loss-ian-chappell-comes-down-hard-on-ben-stokes-699040">IND v ENG: Strategy lapse led to loss – Chappell slams Ben Stokes’ captaincy</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/11/417785-ind-v-eng-strategy-lapse-led-to-series-loss-chappell-slams-stokes-captaincy.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Former Australia captain and batting great Ian Chappell has come down hard on the England Test skipper Ben Stokes for the strategy lapse in his captaincy during the fourth Test in Ranchi that led to India winning the match and taking the series home. Chappell said Stokes should have read the conditions well, and instead of giving the ball to Joe Root, he should have trusted James Anderson to get some wickets.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-are-powerful-nepali-men-stuck-in-russia-urge-india-to-rescue-as-kathmandu-ignores-them-698939">‘You are powerful,’ Nepali men stuck in Russia urge India to help as Kathmandu ‘ignores’ them</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/11/417714-nogcsanfmudm2zf.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Four Nepali nationals&nbsp;who claim they were fraudulently tricked into joining the Russian army as fighters, have pleaded with the Indian government to rescue them. The four men can be seen huddled in a hut in a video circulating on social media. They have also accused the Nepalese government of turning its back on them and “doing nothing” to secure their repatriation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2024-winners-list-robert-downey-jr-wins-his-first-oscar-for-best-supporting-actor-updating-live-698762">Oscars 2024 Full Winners List: Oppenheimer emerges clear winner with best film, top acting awards</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/11/417611-horizons-93.jpg?imwidth=400" />

The Oscars concluded the awards season with a bang on Sunday night (March 10).&nbsp;Starting an hour earlier than most expected, the 96th Academy Awards began high on glam power as celebrities&nbsp;came dressed in their best for the biggest film awards. With music, dance, explosive commentary and some political messaging, the&nbsp;Oscars ceremony was all things we expected.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ramadan-2024-crescent-moon-sighted-in-pakistan-699104">Ramadan 2024: Crescent moon sighted in Pakistan</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/11/417821-succession-2024-03-11t215004868.jpg?imwidth=400" />

The crescent Moon, which signals the start of the holy month in the Islamic Hijri calendar, was spotted in India as well as Pakistan, therefore, the first Ramadan will be observed on Tuesday (March 12).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-kate-princess-of-wales-reveals-she-edited-mothers-day-pic-apologises-for-any-confusion-it-caused-698995">Kate, Princess of Wales, reveals she edited Mother’s Day pic; apologises for any confusion it caused</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/11/417751-untitled-design-2024-03-11t162243640.jpg?imwidth=400" />

The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, issued an apology after a Mother's Day photograph sparked concerns over editing, leading multiple picture agencies to retract the image.

The Indian government on Monday (Mar 11) announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act days and notified the rules for it ahead of the general elections.

The Indian government on Monday (Mar 11) announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act days and notified the rules for it ahead of the general elections. It is now called Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024. In other news, the economic and political direction of the world's second-biggest economy was revealed after the gathering of this month's National People's Congress, the annual legislative gathering where China’s rubber-stamp parliament approves policies from the ruling Communist Party. The weeklong annual parliamentary meetings ended on Monday (March 11). Click on the headlines to read more: Indian govt announces implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act The Indian government on Monday (Mar 11) announced the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act days and notified the rules for it ahead of the general elections. The spokesperson of the Ministry of Home Affairs earlier said in a tweet: “Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be notifying today, the Rules under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA-2019). These rules, called the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 will enable the persons eligible under CAA-2019 to apply for grant of Indian citizenship.” China's annual parliamentary meeting ends. Here are the top takeaways The economic and political direction of the world's second-biggest economy was revealed after the gathering of this month's National People's Congress, the annual legislative gathering where China’s rubber-stamp parliament approves policies from the ruling Communist Party. The weeklong annual parliamentary meetings ended on Monday (March 11). PM Modi praises first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile India on Monday (March 11) conducted the first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, developed by DRDO scientists for Mission Divyastra. ‘Donald Trump won’t give funds to Ukraine if elected,’ says Hungarian PM Orban Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Sunday (March 10) said that Donald Trump will not provide funds to Ukraine for its fight against Russia if he gets elected as US president in this year's elections. Khalid al-Batarfi, Al-Qaeda’s Yemen branch leader carrying $5mn bounty, is dead Khalid al-Batarfi, the leader of Al-Qaeda's Yemen branch (known as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula or AQAP), has died, the terrorist outfit announced on Sunday (Mar 10). According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Monday, Al-Qaeda released a video showing al-Batarfi wrapped in a white funeral shroud and the outfit's black and white flag. He was believed to be in his early 40s. IND v ENG: Strategy lapse led to loss – Chappell slams Ben Stokes’ captaincy Former Australia captain and batting great Ian Chappell has come down hard on the England Test skipper Ben Stokes for the strategy lapse in his captaincy during the fourth Test in Ranchi that led to India winning the match and taking the series home. Chappell said Stokes should have read the conditions well, and instead of giving the ball to Joe Root, he should have trusted James Anderson to get some wickets. ‘You are powerful,’ Nepali men stuck in Russia urge India to help as Kathmandu ‘ignores’ them Four Nepali nationals who claim they were fraudulently tricked into joining the Russian army as fighters, have pleaded with the Indian government to rescue them. The four men can be seen huddled in a hut in a video circulating on social media. They have also accused the Nepalese government of turning its back on them and “doing nothing” to secure their repatriation. Oscars 2024 Full Winners List: Oppenheimer emerges clear winner with best film, top acting awards The Oscars concluded the awards season with a bang on Sunday night (March 10). Starting an hour earlier than most expected, the 96th Academy Awards began high on glam power as celebrities came dressed in their best for the biggest film awards. With music, dance, explosive commentary and some political messaging, the Oscars ceremony was all things we expected. Ramadan 2024: Crescent moon sighted in Pakistan The crescent Moon, which signals the start of the holy month in the Islamic Hijri calendar, was spotted in India as well as Pakistan, therefore, the first Ramadan will be observed on Tuesday (March 12). Kate, Princess of Wales, reveals she edited Mother’s Day pic; apologises for any confusion it caused The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, issued an apology after a Mother's Day photograph sparked concerns over editing, leading multiple picture agencies to retract the image.

Top 10 world news: India announces implementation of CAA; China's parliamentary meeting concludes, & more

world

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