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

Hong Kong leader John Lee on Tuesday unveiled details of proposed security legislation intended to supplement the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. The legislation will cover treason and theft of state secrets, which are not covered under the national security law. The new law will prohibit foreign groups from conducting political activities and local organizations from establishing ties with them, a move designed to further crack down on dissent in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's new National Security law

Israeli security forces conducted a hospital raid in the West Bank, resulting in the death of at least three Palestinians, as captured in a dramatic CCTV footage. On the economic front, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised its global growth forecast, citing the "resilience" of major economies, including India.&nbsp;

Moreover, in a demonstration of international collaboration, the Indian Navy, in coordination with Seychelles Defence Forces and the Sri Lanka Navy, successfully thwarted the hijacking of a Sri Lankan fishing vessel. The joint efforts ensured the safety of the vessel's crew.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cctv-footage-shows-how-undercover-israeli-troops-raided-west-bank-hospital-killing-three-palestinians-685179">CCTV footage shows how undercover Israeli troops raided West Bank hospital</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/30/408924-israel-hamas-war-22.png?imwidth=256" />

A dramatic CCTV footage released on Tuesday (Jan 30) showed Israeli security forces engaged in a hospital raid that killed at least three Palestinians. The footage showed around a dozen Israeli troops running with rifles through a corridor in Ibn Sina Hospital in the West Bank. The video showed some in women's garb and two dressed as medical staff.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/imf-improves-world-growth-forecast-india-to-grow-by-67-per-cent-685223">IMF raises world economy growth forecast, pegs up India’s growth to 6.5 per cent</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/photo_2/public/2022/12/13/317900-imf.jpeg?imwidth=640" />

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), on Tuesday (January 30) improved its forecast of growth of global economy citing "resilience" from major economies including India. The updated global growth figure is 0.2 percentage points higher than its previous forecast in October. The IMF said that Indian economy may grow by 6.5&nbsp;per cent, up by 0.2 per cent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-rescues-hijacked-sri-lankan-vessel-all-six-crew-members-safe-685213">Indian Navy rescues hijacked Sri Lankan vessel, all six crew members safe</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/photo_2/public/2024/01/30/408964-untitled-design-2024-01-30t185817173.png?imwidth=640" />

In a display of international cooperation, the Indian Navy, in conjunction with Seychelles Defence Forces and the Sri Lanka Navy, successfully thwarted the hijacking of a Sri Lankan fishing vessel, ensuring the safety of its crew, an Indian government press release said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-encounter-with-naxalites-injures-security-personnel-685178">India: Three security persons killed, 14 injured in Maoist-hit Chhattisgarh</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/30/408967-chhattisgarh.jpg?imwidth=640" />

At least three&nbsp;security personnel were&nbsp;killed and 14 injured in Chhattisgarh, an Indian&nbsp;state hit with Maoist-stoked violence, on Tuesday (January 30) in an encounter. The encounter took place at Jonaguda &amp; Aliguda at Bijapur- Sukma border in the state.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabias-makkah-hosts-yoga-event-685240">Saudi Arabia's Makkah hosts Yoga event</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/photo_2/public/2024/01/30/408980-untitled-design-2024-01-30t205802106.png" />

Saudi Arabia's Makkah hosted the second Saudi Open Yoga Asana Championship on 27th January, Saturday. Hosted by Al-Wehda Saudi Club, the event saw the participation of several girls and 10 boys who competed at the championship.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-prince-harry-urged-to-step-down-from-national-parks-board-amid-reports-of-abuse-and-rape-by-rangers-685225">Prince Harry urged to step down from national parks board amid reports of abuse and rape by rangers</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/photo_2/public/2023/12/09/398156-untitled-design-2023-12-09t102513977.jpg?imwidth=640" />

Britain's Prince Harry is being urged to step down from the board of African Parks amid a report that its rangers raped and tortured Indigenous people in Africa.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-h-1b-visa-renewal-online-drive-begins-heres-how-to-apply-685254">US H-1B visa renewal drive begins online. Here's how to apply</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/photo_2/public/2019/01/31/82317-h-1b-visas-statue-of-liberty.jpg" />

US H-1B visa-holders&nbsp;who got their visas issued from India or Canada need not leave US just to get their visa renewed as the online visa renewal drive has kicked off. The pilot programme is a significant change in US visa policy in nearly two decades. There is usually a long wait to get an H-1B visa or carry out related formalities. The online visa renewal is therefore likely to be a great help for these visa holders. The drive has already started on January 29, 2024, and will go on till April 1, 2024.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-based-tech-entrepreneur-donates-1375-mln-to-alma-mater-iit-madras-685187">US-based tech entrepreneur donates $13.75 million to alma mater IIT-Madras</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/photo_2/public/2024/01/30/408951-untitled-design-2024-01-30t180134853.png?imwidth=640" />

In what is said to be among the highest individual contributions by an alumnus to Indian academia, US-based tech entrepreneur Sunil Wadhwani donated Rs. 110 crore or $13.75 million to his alma mater, IIT-Madras. A student of the 1984 batch, the entrepreneur donated the sum of money to establish a Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, at the campus where he had studied.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-7-killed-in-attacks-across-ukraine-blinken-nato-chief-warn-about-dwindling-us-aid-to-kyiv-685229">At least 7 killed in attacks across Ukraine; Blinken, NATO chief warn about dwindling US aid to Kyiv</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/photo_2/public/2024/01/30/408974-wion-images-2024-01-30t201227130.png?imwidth=640" />

At least seven people across Ukraine have been killed in Russia’s latest overnight attacks on Ukraine with missiles and dozens of drones, said Ukrainian officials. Meanwhile, Russia claims to have downed 21 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-the-curious-case-of-now-suspended-russian-figure-skater-kamila-valieva-685251">EXPLAINED – The curious case of now suspended Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/photo_2/public/2024/01/30/408987-untitled-design-2024-01-30t213820622.png" />

Imagine creating history for your country at the tender age of 15 only to test positive for doping soon after, facing humiliation and suspension. Russian figure skating prodigy Kamila Valieva suffered the exact fate as she got stripped of her gold medal win at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in the team event. &nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Israeli security forces conducted a hospital raid in the West Bank, resulting in the death of at least three Palestinians, as captured in a dramatic CCTV footage.

Israeli security forces conducted a hospital raid in the West Bank, resulting in the death of at least three Palestinians, as captured in a dramatic CCTV footage. On the economic front, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised its global growth forecast, citing the "resilience" of major economies, including India. Moreover, in a demonstration of international collaboration, the Indian Navy, in coordination with Seychelles Defence Forces and the Sri Lanka Navy, successfully thwarted the hijacking of a Sri Lankan fishing vessel. The joint efforts ensured the safety of the vessel's crew. CCTV footage shows how undercover Israeli troops raided West Bank hospital A dramatic CCTV footage released on Tuesday (Jan 30) showed Israeli security forces engaged in a hospital raid that killed at least three Palestinians. The footage showed around a dozen Israeli troops running with rifles through a corridor in Ibn Sina Hospital in the West Bank. The video showed some in women's garb and two dressed as medical staff. IMF raises world economy growth forecast, pegs up India’s growth to 6.5 per cent The International Monetary Fund (IMF), on Tuesday (January 30) improved its forecast of growth of global economy citing "resilience" from major economies including India. The updated global growth figure is 0.2 percentage points higher than its previous forecast in October. The IMF said that Indian economy may grow by 6.5 per cent, up by 0.2 per cent. Indian Navy rescues hijacked Sri Lankan vessel, all six crew members safe In a display of international cooperation, the Indian Navy, in conjunction with Seychelles Defence Forces and the Sri Lanka Navy, successfully thwarted the hijacking of a Sri Lankan fishing vessel, ensuring the safety of its crew, an Indian government press release said. India: Three security persons killed, 14 injured in Maoist-hit Chhattisgarh At least three security personnel were killed and 14 injured in Chhattisgarh, an Indian state hit with Maoist-stoked violence, on Tuesday (January 30) in an encounter. The encounter took place at Jonaguda & Aliguda at Bijapur- Sukma border in the state. Saudi Arabia's Makkah hosts Yoga event Saudi Arabia's Makkah hosted the second Saudi Open Yoga Asana Championship on 27th January, Saturday. Hosted by Al-Wehda Saudi Club, the event saw the participation of several girls and 10 boys who competed at the championship. Prince Harry urged to step down from national parks board amid reports of abuse and rape by rangers Britain's Prince Harry is being urged to step down from the board of African Parks amid a report that its rangers raped and tortured Indigenous people in Africa. US H-1B visa renewal drive begins online. Here's how to apply US H-1B visa-holders who got their visas issued from India or Canada need not leave US just to get their visa renewed as the online visa renewal drive has kicked off. The pilot programme is a significant change in US visa policy in nearly two decades. There is usually a long wait to get an H-1B visa or carry out related formalities. The online visa renewal is therefore likely to be a great help for these visa holders. The drive has already started on January 29, 2024, and will go on till April 1, 2024. US-based tech entrepreneur donates $13.75 million to alma mater IIT-Madras In what is said to be among the highest individual contributions by an alumnus to Indian academia, US-based tech entrepreneur Sunil Wadhwani donated Rs. 110 crore or $13.75 million to his alma mater, IIT-Madras. A student of the 1984 batch, the entrepreneur donated the sum of money to establish a Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, at the campus where he had studied. At least 7 killed in attacks across Ukraine; Blinken, NATO chief warn about dwindling US aid to Kyiv At least seven people across Ukraine have been killed in Russia’s latest overnight attacks on Ukraine with missiles and dozens of drones, said Ukrainian officials. Meanwhile, Russia claims to have downed 21 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory. EXPLAINED – The curious case of now suspended Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva Imagine creating history for your country at the tender age of 15 only to test positive for doping soon after, facing humiliation and suspension. Russian figure skating prodigy Kamila Valieva suffered the exact fate as she got stripped of her gold medal win at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in the team event.

Top 10 world news: Israeli troops raid West Bank hospital; IMF pegs up India’s growth at 6.5 pc, and more

United Nations Secretary Secretary-General Antonio Guterres vows to hold to account "any UN employee involved in acts of terror" after allegations that some Palestinian refugee agency staffers were involved in the October 7 Hamas attack.

UN Chief vows action as several key donor nations pause funding

CIA Director William Burns said Tuesday that Ukraine faces a test of staying power against Russia and that if the U.S. cut off support for Kyiv it would be a mistake of “historic proportions.”

CIA Chief warns against stopping Ukraine aid

US President Joe Biden says he has made up his mind on how to respond to a drone attack that killed us service members in Jordan. The remarks come as the embattled US president weighs options to punish Iran-backed militias without triggering a World War.

Biden under pressure over death of three US soldiers in Jordan

Hong Kong's Article 23 of basic law, new National Security laws

A married British couple of Indian origin, Arti Dhir, 59, and Kavaljitsinh Raijada, 35, were found guilty of leading a drug-smuggling operation and exporting more than half a tonne of cocaine from the United Kingdom to Australia.

Indian-origin couple in the UK exports cocaine worth of $70 million

New Zealand announced that it is banning so-called “forever chemicals” from 2026, making it the first country to do so in a bid to protect people and the environment. The decision by the country’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) was announced on Tuesday (Jan 30), and the ban will come into effect two years later.

New Zealand to ban cosmetics containing toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in 2026

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have been sentenced to 14 years in prison. Both were found guilty of acquiring expensive gifts illegally from the Toshakhana, or the country's state treasury while in power.

Toshakhana case: Imran Khan, wife sentenced to 14 years

Maldives is facing political turmoil. The Maldives prosecutor general was attacked in the capital city Male today. This comes when the opposition Maldivian democratic party is collecting signatures for an impeachment motion against president mohamed Muizzu.

Maldives prosecutor General Hussain Shaheem attacked

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on Tuesday (Jan 30) sacked the country’s deputy intelligence director amid an investigation into alleged illegal espionage during his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

Alessandro Moretti, second-in-command at the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (Abin) was fired by Lula, according to an announcement in an official gazette published on Tuesday. The bulletin named political scientist Marco Aurelio Cepik as his replacement, without giving further details.

Moretti is under investigation by the federal police which is looking into a clandestine government network which allegedly used Israeli spyware FirstMile to illegally spy on hundreds of politicians and public figures between 2019 and 2022, when Bolsonaro was president.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-prosecutors-charge-39-in-pro-bolsonaro-riots-in-brasilia-553939">Brazil: Prosecutors charge 39 in pro-Bolsonaro riots in Brasilia</a>

The investigators believe a group within the Abin spied on Bolsonaro’s perceived opponents, including supreme court justices and the former lower-house speaker.&nbsp;

Moretti’s dismissal also comes amid speculation Lula could fire top figures at the Abin over the scandal.

<h2>How is Bolsonaro’s son involved?</h2>

A report by Reuters, on Tuesday citing two sources and a spokesman for the former president’s family said that the police have also raided a property linked to Bolsonaro’s son Carlos.&nbsp;

According to an AFP report, the police raid took place on Monday (Jan 29), following an order by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes – who himself was an alleged target of Israeli spyware.&nbsp;

The police have identified Carlos, who is a member of the Rio de Janeiro city council, as part of the “political nucleus” suspected of ordering the illegal spying, said the supreme court judge.&nbsp;

Notably, Bolsonaro’s son was already under investigation for running a fake news factory but has denied any wrongdoing in that case. On Tuesday, the former president’s second son appeared for questioning by federal police but made no statement to the media.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-police-raid-bolsonaro-aides-over-jewels-probe-624805">Brazil: Police raid Bolsonaro aides over jewels probe</a>

The former president slammed the investigation a day before the police raid at his son’s properties and called it “persecution.”&nbsp;

In an interview with CBN radio, Lula called Bolsonaro’s claim “a bunch of nonsense.”&nbsp;

“The Brazilian government doesn’t give orders to the federal police, much less the courts,” said the incumbent president. When asked if he trusted Abin’s current leadership in the context of the current scandal, Lula said “you can never be sure”.&nbsp;

However, he expressed “great confidence” in Abin director Luiz Fernando Correa, whom he named to the post.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on Tuesday (Jan 30) sacked the country’s deputy intelligence director amid an investigation into alleged illegal espionage during his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on Tuesday (Jan 30) sacked the country’s deputy intelligence director amid an investigation into alleged illegal espionage during his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency. What happened? Alessandro Moretti, second-in-command at the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (Abin) was fired by Lula, according to an announcement in an official gazette published on Tuesday. The bulletin named political scientist Marco Aurelio Cepik as his replacement, without giving further details. Moretti is under investigation by the federal police which is looking into a clandestine government network which allegedly used Israeli spyware FirstMile to illegally spy on hundreds of politicians and public figures between 2019 and 2022, when Bolsonaro was president. ALSO READ | Brazil: Prosecutors charge 39 in pro-Bolsonaro riots in Brasilia The investigators believe a group within the Abin spied on Bolsonaro’s perceived opponents, including supreme court justices and the former lower-house speaker. Moretti’s dismissal also comes amid speculation Lula could fire top figures at the Abin over the scandal. How is Bolsonaro’s son involved? A report by Reuters, on Tuesday citing two sources and a spokesman for the former president’s family said that the police have also raided a property linked to Bolsonaro’s son Carlos. According to an AFP report, the police raid took place on Monday (Jan 29), following an order by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes – who himself was an alleged target of Israeli spyware. The police have identified Carlos, who is a member of the Rio de Janeiro city council, as part of the “political nucleus” suspected of ordering the illegal spying, said the supreme court judge. Notably, Bolsonaro’s son was already under investigation for running a fake news factory but has denied any wrongdoing in that case. On Tuesday, the former president’s second son appeared for questioning by federal police but made no statement to the media. ALSO READ | Brazil: Police raid Bolsonaro aides over jewels probe The former president slammed the investigation a day before the police raid at his son’s properties and called it “persecution.” In an interview with CBN radio, Lula called Bolsonaro’s claim “a bunch of nonsense.” “The Brazilian government doesn’t give orders to the federal police, much less the courts,” said the incumbent president. When asked if he trusted Abin’s current leadership in the context of the current scandal, Lula said “you can never be sure”. However, he expressed “great confidence” in Abin director Luiz Fernando Correa, whom he named to the post. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil intelligence agency’s second-in-command fired in Bolsonaro illegal spying probe

Maldives prosecutor general Hussain Shameem, who was appointed by former Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government, was brutally attacked by unidentified miscreants in the capital city of Male. He was rushed to the Maldives's ADK Hospital and is currently receiving treatment.

Maldives Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem attacked in Male

European Union leaders are set to meet in Brussels on Thursday to agree on granting Ukraine more financial aid. However ahead of the meeting, a senior EU official has said that the talks remain difficult despite Hungary signalling its Readiness for a compromise.

European Union to grant more financial aid to Ukraine?

The Varanasi Court on Wednesday granted permission to the Hindu side petitioners to perform puja in the ‘Vyas Tekhana’ — basement — portion of the Gyanvapi mosque premises.

Gyanvapi verdict: Court allows Hindus to offer prayers in Gyanvapi mosque's basement

At least 23 countries have fallen to the lowest-ever level in the 2023 Global Corruption Index. Global watchdog - Transperancy International - has said that the efforts to fight corruption are faltering worldwide.

Global Corruption Index 2023 report: 180 countries ranked on corruption Index

An American F-16 fighter jet experienced an in-flight emergency over the West Coast of South Korea and crashed early on Wednesday. The pilot was rescued, said the United States Air Force unit stationed in the country.

Another F-16 Fighting Falcon crashes off South Korea's west coast, third  crash since May 2023

As part of initiatives to eradicate corruption in China's armed forces, a senior commander of the People's Liberation Army has demanded stricter rules and improved supervision of influential figures.

China corruption probe: China ousts senior rocket researcher over corruption suspicion

Universal Music Group said in a statement early Wednesday that it was pulling its tracks due to a lack of compensation for artists and songwriters.

Universal Music Group to remove songs from TikTok

United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday (Jan 29) made his very first appearance at the Pentagon since being hospitalised for complications after his prostate cancer surgery.

Austin, who spent two weeks in Walter Reed after being admitted to the military hospital on January 1, arrived at the Pentagon, a day after three US soldiers were killed in drone strikes at a military base in Jordan.&nbsp;

According to reports, Austin&nbsp;met&nbsp;the secretary general of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, and senior defence officials, including Gen. Charles Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Watch |&nbsp;US Defence Secy. Lloyd Austin called to testify about hospitalisation before Congress

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Notably, it was only last week that he made his first public appearance since the secret hospitalisation. At the time, he&nbsp;attended the conference on Ukraine's military needs virtually from his residence.&nbsp;

"Ukraine's fight is important for all of our countries. Ukraine's incredibly brave troops are continuing their battle against the Kremlin's invaders, against a vast front line in Ukraine's east and south in bitter winter weather. Ukraine's defenders continue to inflict significant losses on the Kremlin's forces," the Pentagon chief said.&nbsp;

"Putin continues to sacrifice staggering numbers of Russian troops in his rash and reckless war of choice, and Putin hopes that missiles and drones will demoralize the Ukrainian people and break the fighting spirit of the Ukrainian military. So I urge this group to dig deep to provide Ukraine with more life-saving, ground-based air defence systems and interceptors. And Ukraine has answered Putin's cruelty with courage and defiance," he added.

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LIVE: <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDef</a> Lloyd J. Austin III speaks from the Pentagon at a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. <a href="https://t.co/SBTX6R8Fs5">https://t.co/SBTX6R8Fs5</a>
— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofDefense/status/1749779453608087830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Furthermore, Austin in the meeting also highlighted a military package worth $250 million announced by Washington in the month of December but did not make mention of any new American aid.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/desaster-again-desantis-quotes-budweiser-thinking-words-are-from-churchill-says-report-682896">'DeSaster' again: DeSantis quotes Budweiser thinking words are from Churchill, says report</a>

<h2>Austin's secret hospitalisation</h2>

The 70-year-old underwent surgery on Dec 22 to treat prostate cancer and came back home the same day.

However, he was again hospitalised on Jan 1 for complications including nausea and severe pain and was discharged on Jan 15.

"The Secretary continues to recover well and, on the advice of doctors, will recuperate and perform his duties remotely for a period of time before returning full-time to the Pentagon," the statement said. "He has full access to required secure communications capabilities."

Austin had kept his cancer diagnosis and hospitalisation from President Biden and senior officials a secret until January.

His mishandling of the situation was a violation of the protocol for top-ranking cabinet officials, who reportedly have to inform well in advance of planned medical absences and identify the one who would be filling in for them.

He had earlier released a statement saying that he "could have done a better job" and took "full responsibility" for the secrecy over his hospitalisation.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday (Jan 29) made his very first appearance at the Pentagon since being hospitalised for complications after his prostate cancer surgery.

United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday (Jan 29) made his very first appearance at the Pentagon since being hospitalised for complications after his prostate cancer surgery. Austin, who spent two weeks in Walter Reed after being admitted to the military hospital on January 1, arrived at the Pentagon, a day after three US soldiers were killed in drone strikes at a military base in Jordan. According to reports, Austin met the secretary general of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, and senior defence officials, including Gen. Charles Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Watch | US Defence Secy. Lloyd Austin called to testify about hospitalisation before Congress × Notably, it was only last week that he made his first public appearance since the secret hospitalisation. At the time, he attended the conference on Ukraine's military needs virtually from his residence. "Ukraine's fight is important for all of our countries. Ukraine's incredibly brave troops are continuing their battle against the Kremlin's invaders, against a vast front line in Ukraine's east and south in bitter winter weather. Ukraine's defenders continue to inflict significant losses on the Kremlin's forces," the Pentagon chief said. "Putin continues to sacrifice staggering numbers of Russian troops in his rash and reckless war of choice, and Putin hopes that missiles and drones will demoralize the Ukrainian people and break the fighting spirit of the Ukrainian military. So I urge this group to dig deep to provide Ukraine with more life-saving, ground-based air defence systems and interceptors. And Ukraine has answered Putin's cruelty with courage and defiance," he added. LIVE: @SecDef Lloyd J. Austin III speaks from the Pentagon at a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. https://t.co/SBTX6R8Fs5 — Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) January 23, 2024 × Furthermore, Austin in the meeting also highlighted a military package worth $250 million announced by Washington in the month of December but did not make mention of any new American aid. Also read: 'DeSaster' again: DeSantis quotes Budweiser thinking words are from Churchill, says report Austin's secret hospitalisation The 70-year-old underwent surgery on Dec 22 to treat prostate cancer and came back home the same day. However, he was again hospitalised on Jan 1 for complications including nausea and severe pain and was discharged on Jan 15. "The Secretary continues to recover well and, on the advice of doctors, will recuperate and perform his duties remotely for a period of time before returning full-time to the Pentagon," the statement said. "He has full access to required secure communications capabilities." Austin had kept his cancer diagnosis and hospitalisation from President Biden and senior officials a secret until January. His mishandling of the situation was a violation of the protocol for top-ranking cabinet officials, who reportedly have to inform well in advance of planned medical absences and identify the one who would be filling in for them. He had earlier released a statement saying that he "could have done a better job" and took "full responsibility" for the secrecy over his hospitalisation. (With inputs from agencies)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin returns to Pentagon a month after prostate cancer surgery

On Sunday (Jan 28), three members of the United States troops were killed in a drone attack in Jordan. The US has blamed Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah for the attack that killed specialists Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, and Sergeant William Jerome Rivers, 46 and wounded dozens more.&nbsp;

Speaking to the press on Monday (Jan 29), Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh blamed Iran for enabling groups to attack the United States.&nbsp;

Singh said,&nbsp;"In terms of, attribution for the attack, we know this is an IRGC-backed militia. It has the footprints of Kataib Hezbollah. But we are not making a final assessment on that. Our teams here are continuing to do the analysis, but we know that Iran is behind it. And, certainly, as we've said before, here in this briefing room, Iran continues to arm and equip these groups to launch these attacks."

But, who is Kataib Hezbollah? Here's everything we know.

<h2>Kataib Hezbollah — Establishment and more&nbsp;</h2>

As per Reuters, the militant group Kataib Hezbollah was founded in the aftermath of the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq.&nbsp;

"Founded in 2007, KH seeks to establish an Iran-aligned government in Iraq, expel US and coalition forces from the country, and advance Iranian interests throughout the Middle East," states Counter Terrorism Guide.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-are-william-rivers-kennedy-sanders-and-breonna-moffett-the-us-soldiers-killed-in-jordan-685084">Who are William Rivers, Kennedy Sanders and Breonna Moffett - the US soldiers killed in Jordan?</a>

It is one of the elite Iraqi armed factions closest to Iran. While it is primarily based in Iraq and Syria; as per the US National Counterterrorism Center, it also possibly operates in Bahrain, Iran, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia.

Soon after it was founded, the group developed a reputation for its deadly attacks against both military and diplomatic targets. In the 2000s, it started carrying out the attacks using a mixture of sniper, rocket and mortar attacks and even roadside bombs.

<h2>Kataib Hezbollah — Leader</h2>

The group was led by dual Iraqi-Iranian citizen, Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi alias Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was killed in 2020 by a US drone strike. Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani was also killed in the strike at Baghdad's international airport. Ibrahimi&nbsp;was allegedly the mastermind behind the US and French embassy bombings in Kuwait in 1983 and the assassination attempt on Kuwait’s emir in 1985.

As per UK-based news agency Reuters, the shadowy group has no announced leadership structure. However, quoting Iraqi officials and members of the group, the news agency reports that the group is believed to have thousands of fighters and an arsenal of drones, rockets and short-range ballistic missiles.

Watch |&nbsp;Three US soldiers killed, 34 injured in drone strike in Jordan

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/west-asia-crisis-three-us-soldiers-killed-34-injured-in-drone-strike-in-jordan-684934/embed" width="560"></iframe>

However, as per National Counterterrorism Center, Kataib Hezbollah's current overall leader is Ahmad al-Hamidawi. He was named a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in February 2020.

<h2>Kataib Hezbollah — Ideology</h2>

Kataib Hezbollah, as per reports is the most powerful armed faction in the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, and also the "most secretive" and elite of Iraq's predominantly Shi'ite militias.&nbsp;

According to the US Department of State, Kataib Hezbollah is "a radical Shia Islamist group with an anti-Western establishment and jihadist ideology."

On its website, the group states that its first goal "was and still remains: thwarting the American project in the region, defeat of the occupation, and expelling them from Iraq, broken and humbled…. As for our jihadi pillars, there are four. Firstly, waging jihad against the occupation until the last American is expelled from Iraq."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-vows-action-after-jordan-attack-releases-names-of-3-us-soldiers-killed-684938">Pentagon vows action after Jordan attack, releases names of 3 soldiers killed as Iran denies involvement</a>

It is an umbrella group of hardline Shi'ite armed groups that claimed more than 150 attacks on US forces since the start of the Gaza war. The militant group was designated as a foreign terrorist organisation in July 2009 by the United States.

The group reportedly has a transnational Shi'ite ideology and views the borders between Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon as Western constructs. It also considers US troops in Iraq as foreign occupiers and has even called for their forceful expulsion.

Kataib Hezbollah is known to have fought alongside other Shi'ite militias against mostly Sunni rebels during Syria's civil war. Ever since that, it has continued to operate in Syria.

Kataib Hezbollah, is also known to be a prominent militia within Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). Initially established in 2014 to combat the Islamic State, the PMF has evolved into an officially recognised security force with fighters receiving state salaries. Notably, Kataib Hezbollah members, some of whom are designated as terrorists by the US, hold influential positions in the PMF, reports Reuters.

Despite being technically under the command of Iraq's prime minister as part of the PMF, Kataib Hezbollah often operates independently, challenging and defying government directives to cease attacks on US forces.&nbsp;

In addition to its military activities, Kataib Hezbollah is believed to have ventured into the political arena. Although the group neither confirms nor denies these political links publicly, it is widely perceived to have formed a political party that participated in the 2021 elections. Remarkably, the group secured several seats in the Iraqi parliament, signalling its expanding influence beyond the realm of armed operations.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Sunday (Jan 28), three members of the United States troops were killed in a drone attack in Jordan. The US has blamed Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah for the attack that killed specialists Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, and Sergeant William Jerome Rivers, 46 and wounded dozens more.

On Sunday (Jan 28), three members of the United States troops were killed in a drone attack in Jordan. The US has blamed Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah for the attack that killed specialists Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, and Sergeant William Jerome Rivers, 46 and wounded dozens more. Speaking to the press on Monday (Jan 29), Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh blamed Iran for enabling groups to attack the United States. Singh said, "In terms of, attribution for the attack, we know this is an IRGC-backed militia. It has the footprints of Kataib Hezbollah. But we are not making a final assessment on that. Our teams here are continuing to do the analysis, but we know that Iran is behind it. And, certainly, as we've said before, here in this briefing room, Iran continues to arm and equip these groups to launch these attacks." But, who is Kataib Hezbollah? Here's everything we know. Kataib Hezbollah — Establishment and more As per Reuters, the militant group Kataib Hezbollah was founded in the aftermath of the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. "Founded in 2007, KH seeks to establish an Iran-aligned government in Iraq, expel US and coalition forces from the country, and advance Iranian interests throughout the Middle East," states Counter Terrorism Guide. Also read | Who are William Rivers, Kennedy Sanders and Breonna Moffett - the US soldiers killed in Jordan? It is one of the elite Iraqi armed factions closest to Iran. While it is primarily based in Iraq and Syria; as per the US National Counterterrorism Center, it also possibly operates in Bahrain, Iran, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. Soon after it was founded, the group developed a reputation for its deadly attacks against both military and diplomatic targets. In the 2000s, it started carrying out the attacks using a mixture of sniper, rocket and mortar attacks and even roadside bombs. Kataib Hezbollah — Leader The group was led by dual Iraqi-Iranian citizen, Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi alias Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was killed in 2020 by a US drone strike. Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani was also killed in the strike at Baghdad's international airport. Ibrahimi was allegedly the mastermind behind the US and French embassy bombings in Kuwait in 1983 and the assassination attempt on Kuwait’s emir in 1985. As per UK-based news agency Reuters, the shadowy group has no announced leadership structure. However, quoting Iraqi officials and members of the group, the news agency reports that the group is believed to have thousands of fighters and an arsenal of drones, rockets and short-range ballistic missiles. Watch | Three US soldiers killed, 34 injured in drone strike in Jordan However, as per National Counterterrorism Center, Kataib Hezbollah's current overall leader is Ahmad al-Hamidawi. He was named a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in February 2020. Kataib Hezbollah — Ideology Kataib Hezbollah, as per reports is the most powerful armed faction in the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, and also the "most secretive" and elite of Iraq's predominantly Shi'ite militias. According to the US Department of State, Kataib Hezbollah is "a radical Shia Islamist group with an anti-Western establishment and jihadist ideology." On its website, the group states that its first goal "was and still remains: thwarting the American project in the region, defeat of the occupation, and expelling them from Iraq, broken and humbled…. As for our jihadi pillars, there are four. Firstly, waging jihad against the occupation until the last American is expelled from Iraq." Also read | Pentagon vows action after Jordan attack, releases names of 3 soldiers killed as Iran denies involvement It is an umbrella group of hardline Shi'ite armed groups that claimed more than 150 attacks on US forces since the start of the Gaza war. The militant group was designated as a foreign terrorist organisation in July 2009 by the United States. The group reportedly has a transnational Shi'ite ideology and views the borders between Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon as Western constructs. It also considers US troops in Iraq as foreign occupiers and has even called for their forceful expulsion. Kataib Hezbollah is known to have fought alongside other Shi'ite militias against mostly Sunni rebels during Syria's civil war. Ever since that, it has continued to operate in Syria. Kataib Hezbollah, is also known to be a prominent militia within Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). Initially established in 2014 to combat the Islamic State, the PMF has evolved into an officially recognised security force with fighters receiving state salaries. Notably, Kataib Hezbollah members, some of whom are designated as terrorists by the US, hold influential positions in the PMF, reports Reuters. Despite being technically under the command of Iraq's prime minister as part of the PMF, Kataib Hezbollah often operates independently, challenging and defying government directives to cease attacks on US forces. In addition to its military activities, Kataib Hezbollah is believed to have ventured into the political arena. Although the group neither confirms nor denies these political links publicly, it is widely perceived to have formed a political party that participated in the 2021 elections. Remarkably, the group secured several seats in the Iraqi parliament, signalling its expanding influence beyond the realm of armed operations. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Who is Kataib Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group allegedly behind strike on US troops in Jordan?

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An IMD report says Delhi has experienced the coldest January in 13 years with maximum temperature recorded at 17.7C. The second coldest January was nine years ago - in 2015 - when a maximum temperature of 17.9C was recorded in the city. Nights too have been coldest this year after 2013, the report adds.

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