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

The second edition of the World Defence Show is underway in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The 5-day show is a unique platform for the world's defence industry to discover new innovations and capabilities across all defence domains.

World Defence Show kicks off in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh

Maldivian President Muhammad Muizzu delivered his first presidential address at the parliament today. The main opposition parties which includes the Maldivian Democratic party and the Democrats decided to boycott this address. President Muizzu's address at the opening of The People's Majlis comes after the chaos in the Maldivian parliament. Watch to know more!

Maldives President Muizzu's address ahead of Parliamentary polls

India, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Champai Soren took oath as the twelfth Chief Minister of Jharkhand on Friday, even as his predecessor Hemant Soren was remanded to five days in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate.

India: Champai Soren takes oath as Jharkhand Chief Minister after Hemant Soren's arrest

As per Japanese media reports the United States and Japan have named China as a hypothetical enemy for the first time during their joint command and control simulation exercises that began on the 1st of February. The exercise envisions an emergency in Taiwan which China claims to be a part of its territory. Watch to know more!

US, Japan engage in army drills using China as the 'enemy'

In the latest international news, a drone strike in Syria targeting a US troop base, killed&nbsp;seven Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces fighters, with accusations pointing towards Syrian regime-backed mercenaries.&nbsp;Meanwhile,&nbsp;tensions escalate in the Middle East as a report claims President Joe Biden angrily referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a "bad fu*cking guy."&nbsp;The Royal Navy's HMS Queen Elizabeth faced a setback, pulling out of a NATO exercise due to issues with its propeller shaft. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Parliament, sharing key insights, while the UK witnesses a legal battle over the identity of Bitcoin's founder, Satoshi Nakamoto.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-drone-strike-on-syrian-democratic-forces-kills-seven-in-syria-687239">Middle East Crisis: Drone strike on base housing US troops kills seven in Syria</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/05/410192-houthi-tribesmen.png?imwidth=500" />

A war monitor claimed on Monday (Feb 5) that seven fighters from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were killed in an attack on an American base in eastern Syria overnight. SDF accused "Syrian regime-backed mercenaries" of carrying out the attack.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/furious-biden-calls-netanyahu-bad-fuking-guy-as-middle-east-crisis-deepens-report-687236">Furious Biden calls Netanyahu ‘bad fu*king guy’ as Middle East crisis deepens: Report</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/05/410190-download-7.jpg?imwidth=500" />

As the conflict in the Middle East widens, US President Joe Biden is believed to have lost his cool with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called him a “bad fucking guy”, according to a report by Politico. However, the claim was struck down by the White House as Joe Biden’s spokesperson Andrew Bates said, “The president did not say that, nor would he," Politico reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cancel-culture-to-370-seats-key-takeaways-from-pm-modis-parliament-speech-687202">‘Cancel culture to 370+ seats’: Key takeaways from PM Modi’s Parliament speech</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/25/407842-untitled-design-2024-01-25t105412991.png?imwidth=500" />

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Feb 5) replied to the ‘Motion of Thanks’ on President Droupadi Murmu's address, delivered on January 31, the first day of the budget session of the Parliament.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/royal-navys-hms-queen-elizabeth-faces-setback-propeller-shaft-issue-halts-nato-exercise-plans-687215">Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth pulls out of NATO exercise after propeller shaft snag</a>

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The planned departure of the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, which was set to lead the largest NATO exercise since the Cold War, has been abruptly cancelled after an issue with a propeller shaft was detected during final checks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oecd-raises-india-and-global-growth-outlook-for-2024-687238">OECD raises India and global growth outlook for 2024, warns of Middle East crisis 'risk'</a>

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The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) raised its world economic growth forecast for 2024, on Monday (Feb 5) and lifted the outlook for India’s economy as well. However, the Paris-based organisation warned that the conflict in the Middle East posed a threat to global growth as disruptions in Red Sea shipping may increase consumer prices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-satoshi-nakamoto-war-begins-in-the-uk-court-to-decide-on-bitcoin-founders-identity-687233">Who is Satoshi Nakamoto? 'War' begins in the UK, court to decide on Bitcoin founder’s identity</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/05/410189-new-wion-2024-02-05t201659248.jpg?imwidth=500" />

A big showdown is underway in the United Kingdom over who's the real creator of Bitcoin. For years, an Aussie computer scientist named Craig Wright has claimed that he's the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonym used by the author of the 2008 white paper behind Bitcoin.&nbsp;However, he has failed to back his claims and people in the crypto world are not buying it.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musks-illegal-drug-use-silence-of-board-and-money-ties-with-directors-what-wsjs-new-report-claims-687186">Musk’s ‘illegal drug use’, silence of board and money ties with directors: What WSJ’s new report claims</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/17/399616-succession-2023-12-17t012340484.jpg?imwidth=500" />

Elon Musk's habit of&nbsp;taking "illegal drugs" has been known to some serving and former directors of Tesla and SpaceX but none took any action as they didn't want to lose the social currency that the billionaire's circle brought, a report in the&nbsp;Wall Street Journal&nbsp;has claimed.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-best-is-yet-to-come-mark-zuckerberg-celebrates-20-years-of-facebook-687251">'The best is yet to come': Mark Zuckerberg celebrates 20 years of Facebook</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/05/410201-new-wion-2024-02-05t210603149.jpg?imwidth=500" />

Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook, now Meta, on Sunday (Feb 4th) celebrated 20 years of the social media platform.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-monkey-fever-a-disease-that-claimed-two-lives-in-indias-karnataka-687229">What is monkey fever? A disease that claimed two lives in India's Karnataka</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/05/410164-blood-test.png?imwidth=500" />

Two people lost their lives in the southern Indian state of Karnataka due to monkey fever, news agency PTI reported citing officials from the state's health department. The reported cases forced the authorities to hold meetings and review the preparedness to tackle the spread of the viral infection.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/india-is-proud-pm-modi-congratulates-ustad-zakir-hussain-shankar-mahadevan-for-grammy-win-687174">‘India is proud’: PM Modi congratulates Ustad Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan for Grammy win</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/01/409310-untitled-design-1.png?imwidth=500" />

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated musicians Ustad Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, Rakesh Chaurasia, Ganesh Rajagopalan and Selvaganesh V for their Grammy wins.

In the latest international news, a drone strike in Syria targeting a US troop base, killed seven Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces fighters, with accusations pointing towards Syrian regime-backed mercenaries.

In the latest international news, a drone strike in Syria targeting a US troop base, killed seven Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces fighters, with accusations pointing towards Syrian regime-backed mercenaries. Meanwhile, tensions escalate in the Middle East as a report claims President Joe Biden angrily referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a "bad fu*cking guy." The Royal Navy's HMS Queen Elizabeth faced a setback, pulling out of a NATO exercise due to issues with its propeller shaft. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Parliament, sharing key insights, while the UK witnesses a legal battle over the identity of Bitcoin's founder, Satoshi Nakamoto. Click on the headlines to read more. Middle East Crisis: Drone strike on base housing US troops kills seven in Syria A war monitor claimed on Monday (Feb 5) that seven fighters from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were killed in an attack on an American base in eastern Syria overnight. SDF accused "Syrian regime-backed mercenaries" of carrying out the attack. Furious Biden calls Netanyahu ‘bad fu*king guy’ as Middle East crisis deepens: Report As the conflict in the Middle East widens, US President Joe Biden is believed to have lost his cool with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called him a “bad fucking guy”, according to a report by Politico. However, the claim was struck down by the White House as Joe Biden’s spokesperson Andrew Bates said, “The president did not say that, nor would he," Politico reported. ‘Cancel culture to 370+ seats’: Key takeaways from PM Modi’s Parliament speech Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Feb 5) replied to the ‘Motion of Thanks’ on President Droupadi Murmu's address, delivered on January 31, the first day of the budget session of the Parliament. Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth pulls out of NATO exercise after propeller shaft snag The planned departure of the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, which was set to lead the largest NATO exercise since the Cold War, has been abruptly cancelled after an issue with a propeller shaft was detected during final checks. OECD raises India and global growth outlook for 2024, warns of Middle East crisis 'risk' The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) raised its world economic growth forecast for 2024, on Monday (Feb 5) and lifted the outlook for India’s economy as well. However, the Paris-based organisation warned that the conflict in the Middle East posed a threat to global growth as disruptions in Red Sea shipping may increase consumer prices. Who is Satoshi Nakamoto? 'War' begins in the UK, court to decide on Bitcoin founder’s identity A big showdown is underway in the United Kingdom over who's the real creator of Bitcoin. For years, an Aussie computer scientist named Craig Wright has claimed that he's the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonym used by the author of the 2008 white paper behind Bitcoin. However, he has failed to back his claims and people in the crypto world are not buying it. Musk’s ‘illegal drug use’, silence of board and money ties with directors: What WSJ’s new report claims Elon Musk's habit of taking "illegal drugs" has been known to some serving and former directors of Tesla and SpaceX but none took any action as they didn't want to lose the social currency that the billionaire's circle brought, a report in the Wall Street Journal has claimed. 'The best is yet to come': Mark Zuckerberg celebrates 20 years of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook, now Meta, on Sunday (Feb 4th) celebrated 20 years of the social media platform. What is monkey fever? A disease that claimed two lives in India's Karnataka Two people lost their lives in the southern Indian state of Karnataka due to monkey fever, news agency PTI reported citing officials from the state's health department. The reported cases forced the authorities to hold meetings and review the preparedness to tackle the spread of the viral infection. ‘India is proud’: PM Modi congratulates Ustad Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan for Grammy win Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated musicians Ustad Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, Rakesh Chaurasia, Ganesh Rajagopalan and Selvaganesh V for their Grammy wins.

Top 10 world news: Drone strike on US base in Syria, PM Modi's speech in Parliament, and more

In a significant step, the people's Liberation Army or PLA of China has devised strategic plans to introduce robotic agents for covert operations. Recent reports have unveiled the PLA's ambitious plot to deploy sophisticated machines in special operations overseas.

China: PLA'S strategic plan for autonomous military operations

Tensions are high in Senegal after angry citizens turned to the streets to express their anger against the postponed polls. On Saturday President Macky Sall announced an indefinite delay of Elections that would due to take place on February 25th. Watch to know more!

Senegal: Clashes between protesters & police officials | Elections postponed in Senegal

A war monitor claimed on Monday (Feb 5) that seven fighters from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were killed in an attack on an American base in eastern Syria overnight. SDF accused "Syrian regime-backed mercenaries" of carrying out the attack.&nbsp;

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights alleged that seven SDF special forces "commandos" were killed and 18 others wounded in "a drone attack after midnight" on the Al-Omar oil field in Syria's eastern province of Deir el-Zour, which is said to be the largest US-led coalition base in the country.&nbsp;

The US-backed SDF stated that "six of our fighters were martyred due to a terrorist attack" with a one-way drone hitting a "training academy in the Al-Omar oil field" around midnight. The death toll was earlier five, it rose to seven in the latest update.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-us-carries-out-strikes-against-five-missiles-in-yemen-687077">Middle East crisis: US carries out strikes against five missiles in Yemen</a>&nbsp;

SDF has been leading the war against Islamic State group jihadists in Syria and the force condemned the attack in a statement and said the force reserved the right to respond.&nbsp;

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which is a loose alliance of pro-Iran fighters opposed to US support for Israel in Gaza, claimed a drone attack on Sunday "against the US occupation base in the Al-Omar oil field".&nbsp;

According to Rami Abdel Rahman, who is the head of the Britain-based Observatory, the strike hit an SDF section inside the base, in "the first attack by pro-Iran groups against American bases after the US strikes on Syria and Iraq" late last week.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war | US Centcom carries out 'self-defence' strikes in Yemen&nbsp;

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/royal-navys-hms-queen-elizabeth-faces-setback-propeller-shaft-issue-halts-nato-exercise-plans-687215">Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth pulls out of NATO exercise after propeller shaft snag</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Middle East Crisis&nbsp;</h2>

A drone slammed into a base in Jordan, killing three US soldiers and wounding more than 40 on January 28. Washington blamed Iran-backed forces for the attack.&nbsp;

The US responded Friday with a series of unilateral strikes on Iran-linked targets in Syria and Iraq, and has said it would press on with its retaliation.&nbsp;

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;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A war monitor claimed on Monday (Feb 5) that seven fighters from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were killed in an attack on an American base in eastern Syria overnight.

A war monitor claimed on Monday (Feb 5) that seven fighters from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were killed in an attack on an American base in eastern Syria overnight. SDF accused "Syrian regime-backed mercenaries" of carrying out the attack. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights alleged that seven SDF special forces "commandos" were killed and 18 others wounded in "a drone attack after midnight" on the Al-Omar oil field in Syria's eastern province of Deir el-Zour, which is said to be the largest US-led coalition base in the country. The US-backed SDF stated that "six of our fighters were martyred due to a terrorist attack" with a one-way drone hitting a "training academy in the Al-Omar oil field" around midnight. The death toll was earlier five, it rose to seven in the latest update. Also read: Middle East crisis: US carries out strikes against five missiles in Yemen SDF has been leading the war against Islamic State group jihadists in Syria and the force condemned the attack in a statement and said the force reserved the right to respond. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which is a loose alliance of pro-Iran fighters opposed to US support for Israel in Gaza, claimed a drone attack on Sunday "against the US occupation base in the Al-Omar oil field". According to Rami Abdel Rahman, who is the head of the Britain-based Observatory, the strike hit an SDF section inside the base, in "the first attack by pro-Iran groups against American bases after the US strikes on Syria and Iraq" late last week. Watch: Israel-Hamas war | US Centcom carries out 'self-defence' strikes in Yemen × Also read: Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth pulls out of NATO exercise after propeller shaft snag Middle East Crisis A drone slammed into a base in Jordan, killing three US soldiers and wounding more than 40 on January 28. Washington blamed Iran-backed forces for the attack. The US responded Friday with a series of unilateral strikes on Iran-linked targets in Syria and Iraq, and has said it would press on with its retaliation. 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Middle East Crisis: Drone strike on base housing US troops kills seven in Syria

The latest data released by The World Health Organization suggests the real COVID-19 death figures might be three times the reported numbers. Till now the official data has reported over 7 million fatalities from the beginning of the pandemic until the end of 2023 and now WHO states that the actual number of deaths from the disease may be closer to 21 million.

COVID-19 deaths controversy: Global death toll maybe triple the reported deaths

The Indian government had invited a delegation led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of Sri Lanka’s leftist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP or People’s Liberation Front), to New Delhi, in a significant outreach to the island nation’s most popular politician at the moment.

Sri Lanka's Marxist party JVP on India visit

As the conflict in the Middle East widens, US President Joe Biden is believed to have lost his cool with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called him a “bad fucking guy", according to a report by Politico. However, the claim was struck down by the White House as Joe Biden’s spokesperson Andrew Bates said, “The president did not say that, nor would he," Politico reported.

Andrew Bates further clarified that the two leaders have “a decades-long relationship that is respectful in public and in private."

<h2>Is Joe Biden furious at Netanyahu?</h2>

According to Politico, there is no dearth of reasons for Biden to be furious at Netanyahu as the Israel-Gaza war has already cost him millions of votes of young American liberals.

Biden is also fearful that Netanyahu’s actions might further drag the US into the conflict in the Middle East, which could put him in a tight spot ahead of 2024 polls. Netanyahu wants US to entrench itself in the turmoil to ensure steady delivery of supplies and financial aid, Politico points out.

<h2>Joe Biden treading fine line</h2>

Meanwhile, the US president is trying hard to tread the fine line between Israel and the Arab world. Earlier this week, he expressed his sympathy for those “held hostage or under bombardment or displaced" and sensitised against hate crimes. Also, he talked about hate crimes against Arab Americans in the US while speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel was supposed to kill Soleimani with us, says former US President Donald Trump

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This can be read as Biden’s message to Netanyahu that USA’s support to Israel should not be taken for granted.

<h2>But can US pull back now?</h2>

Although Biden is trying hard to strike a balance here, it won’t be a piece of cake for the US to backpedal on its extensive involvement in the crisis.

Its continuous strikes on Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen make it evident that US is definitely going to stay involved in the conflict, with no end in sight. On February 2, US hit 85 targets in Iraq and Syria. On February 3, US strikes again targeted Houthi rebels. Even on February 5, the US Central Command announced that it acted in self-defence by striking against at least five Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles “prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea."

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw0xBdMQX77JdD10DrMsqW8_" data-ved="2ahUKEwiKwebmuZSEAxUNklYBHedADK8QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-us-carries-out-strikes-against-five-missiles-in-yemen-687077" jsname="YKoRaf">Middle East crisis: US carries out strikes against five missiles in Yemen</a>

However, White House officials still want to believe that US is not getting pulled deeper into the conflict. Bloomberg quoted one senior US official as saying that the strikes in Yemen, Iraq, and Syria have been effective in degrading the groups’ capabilities and their ability to resupply their weapons.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the conflict in the Middle East widens, US President Joe Biden is believed to have lost his cool with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called him a “bad fucking guy", according to a report by Politico.

As the conflict in the Middle East widens, US President Joe Biden is believed to have lost his cool with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called him a “bad fucking guy", according to a report by Politico. However, the claim was struck down by the White House as Joe Biden’s spokesperson Andrew Bates said, “The president did not say that, nor would he," Politico reported. Andrew Bates further clarified that the two leaders have “a decades-long relationship that is respectful in public and in private." Is Joe Biden furious at Netanyahu? According to Politico, there is no dearth of reasons for Biden to be furious at Netanyahu as the Israel-Gaza war has already cost him millions of votes of young American liberals. Biden is also fearful that Netanyahu’s actions might further drag the US into the conflict in the Middle East, which could put him in a tight spot ahead of 2024 polls. Netanyahu wants US to entrench itself in the turmoil to ensure steady delivery of supplies and financial aid, Politico points out. Joe Biden treading fine line Meanwhile, the US president is trying hard to tread the fine line between Israel and the Arab world. Earlier this week, he expressed his sympathy for those “held hostage or under bombardment or displaced" and sensitised against hate crimes. Also, he talked about hate crimes against Arab Americans in the US while speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast. Watch: Israel was supposed to kill Soleimani with us, says former US President Donald Trump × This can be read as Biden’s message to Netanyahu that USA’s support to Israel should not be taken for granted. But can US pull back now? Although Biden is trying hard to strike a balance here, it won’t be a piece of cake for the US to backpedal on its extensive involvement in the crisis. Its continuous strikes on Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen make it evident that US is definitely going to stay involved in the conflict, with no end in sight. On February 2, US hit 85 targets in Iraq and Syria. On February 3, US strikes again targeted Houthi rebels. Even on February 5, the US Central Command announced that it acted in self-defence by striking against at least five Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles “prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea." Also read: Middle East crisis: US carries out strikes against five missiles in Yemen However, White House officials still want to believe that US is not getting pulled deeper into the conflict. Bloomberg quoted one senior US official as saying that the strikes in Yemen, Iraq, and Syria have been effective in degrading the groups’ capabilities and their ability to resupply their weapons. (With inputs from agencies)

Furious Biden called Netanyahu ‘bad fu*king guy’ as Middle East crisis deepens: Report

Amidst fear of further escalation in West Asia, the US has stepped up its military action in the region, after an attack on its base in Jordan killed 3 troops. For the past three days, it has carried out retaliatory strikes on Iran-linked targets in the region. While Iran has warned that it will not hesitate it "will not hesitate" to respond in the event of us attacks on its territory.

Iran says 'will not hesitate' to respond to US attack on its territory

At least 112 people have been killed as wildfires continued to rage across central Chile, reported news agency AFP citing the national organisation in charge of managing victims’ bodies, on Sunday (Feb 4) after President Gabriel Boric said the toll is expected to rise in upcoming days.

Chile: Forest fires raging in Chile kill at least 112

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne will visit Israel and the West Bank tomorrow, the French Embassy announces.

French FM to visit Jordan Israel and Lebanon

Three days ahead of the January 8 polls, At least 10 police officials have been killed and six critically injured in yet another targeted terror attack in Pakistan.

10 killed as dozens of militants attack police station in north Pakistan

In a major development, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) has arrested an employee posted at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, Russia, accused of being an agent of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Employee at Indian Embassy in Moscow arrested from Meerut for spying for Pakistan’s ISI

US senators release the full details of their highly anticipated bipartisan proposal. This pairs the Border enforcement policy with wartime aid for Ukraine Israel and other US allies as well.

US Senators release $118.3 billion border security bill

A big showdown is underway in the United Kingdom over who's the real creator of Bitcoin. For years, an Aussie computer scientist named Craig Wright has claimed that he's the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonym used by the author of the 2008 white paper behind Bitcoin.&nbsp;

However, he has failed to back his claims and people in the crypto world are not buying it.&nbsp;

Now, a group called the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (Copa), with support from Jack Dorsey's company Block and Coinbase, is taking Wright to court. They want the judge to say that Wright is not Nakamoto officially.

<h2>Why was a lawsuit needed?</h2>

Over the years, Wright's claims and the widespread scepticism around them have led to several legal clashes.

With this case, Copa hopes to stop Wright from challenging others who are working to develop Bitcoin-related projects. The trial is expected to last about a month and will be held at the high court in England and Wales.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/bitcoin-plummets-to-40000-hits-lowest-point-since-etf-debut-682753">Bitcoin plummets to $40,000, hits lowest point since ETF debut</a>

The Guardian quotes a Copa spokesperson as saying that the case would "conclusively show that Dr Wright is not Satoshi Nakamoto and will not be able to continue to threaten developers."

Wright, who's been saying he's Nakamoto for years, last month offered to settle the case, but Copa rejected his offer.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Bitcoin miners ignore climate action calls

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It said that the offer came with loopholes "that would allow him to sue people all over again".

Now, the trial is a big deal for anyone involved in Bitcoin projects and the wider crypto community.

<h2>Who is Nakamoto?</h2>

Bitcoin's creator, mythically known as Nakamoto, published a paper in 2008 that became the basis for the cryptocurrency. Nakamoto interacted with the first Bitcoin users but vanished in 2011. Since then, people have been guessing who Nakamoto is. Wright came forward in 2016, but he hasn't been able to prove it because he hasn't shown the private keys needed to access the original bitcoins Nakamoto mined.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lufthansa-faces-turbulence-airlines-groundstaff-to-stage-one-day-strike-over-pay-dispute-687189">Lufthansa faces turbulence: Airlines ground staff to stage one-day strike over pay dispute</a>

The trial will dig into evidence from both sides, including Copa's claim that some of Wright's proof is fake.

This isn't Wright's first legal rodeo. In 2022, he won a case against a blogger who said his Nakamoto claim was fake, but he only got a tiny amount of £1 in damages. The current trial will tackle various cases related to the identity dispute, with Wright facing questioning for six days starting Tuesday. The verdict could affect the rules and procedures for how the Bitcoin system works, especially since Wright supports a version called Bitcoin Satoshi Vision (BSV).

Labelling the trial "a war," a spokesperson for Wright said: "Think of it as a modern-day tech battle, akin to that between Blu-ray and HD DVD or, for even older readers, Betamax versus VHS."

(With inputs from agencies)

A big showdown is underway in the United Kingdom over who's the real creator of Bitcoin. For years, an Aussie computer scientist named Craig Wright has claimed that he's the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonym used by the author of the 2008 white paper behind Bitcoin.

A big showdown is underway in the United Kingdom over who's the real creator of Bitcoin. For years, an Aussie computer scientist named Craig Wright has claimed that he's the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonym used by the author of the 2008 white paper behind Bitcoin. However, he has failed to back his claims and people in the crypto world are not buying it. Now, a group called the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (Copa), with support from Jack Dorsey's company Block and Coinbase, is taking Wright to court. They want the judge to say that Wright is not Nakamoto officially. Why was a lawsuit needed? Over the years, Wright's claims and the widespread scepticism around them have led to several legal clashes. With this case, Copa hopes to stop Wright from challenging others who are working to develop Bitcoin-related projects. The trial is expected to last about a month and will be held at the high court in England and Wales. Also read | Bitcoin plummets to $40,000, hits lowest point since ETF debut The Guardian quotes a Copa spokesperson as saying that the case would "conclusively show that Dr Wright is not Satoshi Nakamoto and will not be able to continue to threaten developers." Wright, who's been saying he's Nakamoto for years, last month offered to settle the case, but Copa rejected his offer. Watch | Bitcoin miners ignore climate action calls × It said that the offer came with loopholes "that would allow him to sue people all over again". Now, the trial is a big deal for anyone involved in Bitcoin projects and the wider crypto community. Who is Nakamoto? Bitcoin's creator, mythically known as Nakamoto, published a paper in 2008 that became the basis for the cryptocurrency. Nakamoto interacted with the first Bitcoin users but vanished in 2011. Since then, people have been guessing who Nakamoto is. Wright came forward in 2016, but he hasn't been able to prove it because he hasn't shown the private keys needed to access the original bitcoins Nakamoto mined. Also read | Lufthansa faces turbulence: Airlines ground staff to stage one-day strike over pay dispute The trial will dig into evidence from both sides, including Copa's claim that some of Wright's proof is fake. This isn't Wright's first legal rodeo. In 2022, he won a case against a blogger who said his Nakamoto claim was fake, but he only got a tiny amount of £1 in damages. The current trial will tackle various cases related to the identity dispute, with Wright facing questioning for six days starting Tuesday. The verdict could affect the rules and procedures for how the Bitcoin system works, especially since Wright supports a version called Bitcoin Satoshi Vision (BSV). Labelling the trial "a war," a spokesperson for Wright said: "Think of it as a modern-day tech battle, akin to that between Blu-ray and HD DVD or, for even older readers, Betamax versus VHS." (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Satoshi Nakamoto? 'War' begins in the UK court to decide on Bitcoin founder’s identity

At least 99 people have been killed as wildfires continued to rage across central Chile, reported news agency AFP citing the national organisation in charge of managing victims’ bodies, on Sunday (Feb 4) after President Gabriel Boric said the toll is expected to rise in upcoming days.

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India and Maldives held the second meeting of the high-level core group on Friday (Feb 2) in New Delhi, generating divergent statements on the crucial issue of Indian military personnel deployment in Maldives.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a press release, highlighting the collaborative efforts, said that both sides agreed on "a set of mutually workable solutions to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives."

In contrast, the Maldivian press release said, "Both sides agreed that the Government of India will replace the military personnel in one of the three aviation platform by 10 March 2024, and will complete replacing military personnel in the other two platforms by 10 May 2024."

Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy, an expert from the ORF thinktank, weighed in on the situation and&nbsp;highlighted&nbsp;the disparity in statements and said,&nbsp;"The Indian statement and Maldivian statements are quite different. India has had a consistent stand that they are finding ways to work with the Maldives on the operation of these Dornier aircraft that it has deployed there."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/red-sea-indian-navy-bolsters-presence-with-deployments-off-djibouti-gulf-of-aden-and-east-coast-of-somalia-686574">Red Sea: Indian Navy bolsters presence with deployments off Djibouti, Gulf of Aden, and East Coast of Somalia</a>

While addressing the uncertainty surrounding the replacement personnel, Shivamurthy pointed out, "there is no clarity on the replacements yet."&nbsp;

When WION spoke to another expert about what could phased replacement mean, he pointed out, "It could be Indian bureaucrats, but it's not clear who these Indian bureaucrats are."

The expert on Maldivian politics, who chose to remain anonymous, speculated on potential replacements, stating, "Considering the skills and techniques that are required, these might be retired personnel or individuals on deputation. Another possibility could involve private pilots, but in situations requiring medical evacuations and humanitarian assistance, state forces like the Coast Guard are essential."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/promised-in-bali-delivered-in-delhi-eam-jaishankar-on-how-india-pulled-off-african-unions-g20-inclusion-686504">Promised in Bali, delivered in Delhi: EAM Jaishankar on how India pulled off African Union's G20 inclusion</a>

"It may happen that later he sends out the Indian troops and gets another troop other than Indians... it could be Chinese. This might be the possibility," they added.&nbsp;

Regarding the broader geopolitical context, Shivamurthy pointed out that "there is a possibility that Muizzu is only doing it (not mentioning exactly what phased replacement mean) for the sake of upcoming elections in March."

Shivamurthy said that India has been very mature in dealing with the new administration in the last three-four months.&nbsp;

"India has composed its calmness all throughout," he said.

Discussing China's influence, Shivamurthy noted, "Also, there is China who has promised a lot to Muizzu. They have said that they will 'research and decide the way to offer a grace period in loan repayments over next five years' which means whoever comes to power till 2028 will have to bear what the government will have to repay. This is pushing Maldives to have a very anti-India stance."&nbsp;

Shivamurthy also touched upon on the broader regional dynamics.&nbsp;

He explained, "US and Australia have opened up their embassies in Maldives in 2023. Turkey is also upping its game in the Maldives. With all this, India also realises that it is not a good time to alienate Maldives completely."

Another key factor for India is to address its strategic concerns.&nbsp;

Shivamurthy pointed out, "If China makes complete inroads in the Maldives, India's Minicoy Islands are not too far away. There are broader strategic concerns that India has."

He concluded by saying, "Add to this is the extremism factor and the Islamist factor. India is obviously worried, so it does not want to lose out. The budget allocation to Maldives also shows that India is interested in keeping engagement with the new government despite its rhetoric. India just does not want Maldives to cross the red lines, and it's ready to cooperate&nbsp;there."

India and Maldives held the second meeting of the high-level core group on Friday (Feb 2) in New Delhi, generating divergent statements on the crucial issue of Indian military personnel deployment in Maldives.

India and Maldives held the second meeting of the high-level core group on Friday (Feb 2) in New Delhi, generating divergent statements on the crucial issue of Indian military personnel deployment in Maldives. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a press release, highlighting the collaborative efforts, said that both sides agreed on "a set of mutually workable solutions to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives." In contrast, the Maldivian press release said, "Both sides agreed that the Government of India will replace the military personnel in one of the three aviation platform by 10 March 2024, and will complete replacing military personnel in the other two platforms by 10 May 2024." Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy, an expert from the ORF thinktank, weighed in on the situation and highlighted the disparity in statements and said, "The Indian statement and Maldivian statements are quite different. India has had a consistent stand that they are finding ways to work with the Maldives on the operation of these Dornier aircraft that it has deployed there." Also Read | Red Sea: Indian Navy bolsters presence with deployments off Djibouti, Gulf of Aden, and East Coast of Somalia While addressing the uncertainty surrounding the replacement personnel, Shivamurthy pointed out, "there is no clarity on the replacements yet." When WION spoke to another expert about what could phased replacement mean, he pointed out, "It could be Indian bureaucrats, but it's not clear who these Indian bureaucrats are." The expert on Maldivian politics, who chose to remain anonymous, speculated on potential replacements, stating, "Considering the skills and techniques that are required, these might be retired personnel or individuals on deputation. Another possibility could involve private pilots, but in situations requiring medical evacuations and humanitarian assistance, state forces like the Coast Guard are essential." Also Read | Promised in Bali, delivered in Delhi: EAM Jaishankar on how India pulled off African Union's G20 inclusion "It may happen that later he sends out the Indian troops and gets another troop other than Indians... it could be Chinese. This might be the possibility," they added. Regarding the broader geopolitical context, Shivamurthy pointed out that "there is a possibility that Muizzu is only doing it (not mentioning exactly what phased replacement mean) for the sake of upcoming elections in March." Shivamurthy said that India has been very mature in dealing with the new administration in the last three-four months. "India has composed its calmness all throughout," he said. Discussing China's influence, Shivamurthy noted, "Also, there is China who has promised a lot to Muizzu. They have said that they will 'research and decide the way to offer a grace period in loan repayments over next five years' which means whoever comes to power till 2028 will have to bear what the government will have to repay. This is pushing Maldives to have a very anti-India stance." Shivamurthy also touched upon on the broader regional dynamics. He explained, "US and Australia have opened up their embassies in Maldives in 2023. Turkey is also upping its game in the Maldives. With all this, India also realises that it is not a good time to alienate Maldives completely." Another key factor for India is to address its strategic concerns. Shivamurthy pointed out, "If China makes complete inroads in the Maldives, India's Minicoy Islands are not too far away. There are broader strategic concerns that India has." He concluded by saying, "Add to this is the extremism factor and the Islamist factor. India is obviously worried, so it does not want to lose out. The budget allocation to Maldives also shows that India is interested in keeping engagement with the new government despite its rhetoric. India just does not want Maldives to cross the red lines, and it's ready to cooperate there."

India-Maldives ties: Inside phased replacement of Indian troops from island nation

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