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North Korea on Friday (Jan 5) said that it had carried out naval artillery live-fire exercises as a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula, state media reported.

Pyongyang's drills did "not even have any indirect impact on Baengnyeong Island and Yeonpyeong Island", where residents were told to evacuate by local authorities, according to KCNA's report.

South Korea had on Friday told civilians on Yeonpyeong Island, located about 115km east of Seoul in terms of aerial distance,&nbsp;to evacuate after North Korea fired around 200 artillery shells off its west coast.

"About 200 shots were fired by North Korea (near) Yeonpyeong Island," a defence ministry official said at a briefing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-us-conduct-week-long-wargames-near-north-korea-border-676450">South Korea, US conduct week-long wargames near North Korea border</a>

Yeonpyeong local officials told news agency AFP that civilians had been asked to evacuate.

Hours later, South Korean defence ministry described it as a&nbsp;"provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response.

The shells reportedly splashed into the maritime buffer zone north of the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the de facto maritime border between both Koreas in the Yellow Sea.

Also watch |&nbsp;North Korea: Allies pushing region into brink of Nuclear War

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The buffer zone was set under an inter-Korean military accord signed on Sept&nbsp;19, 2018, to reduce border tensions.

"We gravely warn that the entire responsibility of such crisis-escalating situations lies with North Korea and strongly urge for its immediate halt," JCS spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a press conference.

"Under close coordination between South Korea and the United States, our military is tracking and monitoring related activity, and will conduct corresponding measures to North Korea's provocations."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-us-conduct-week-long-wargames-near-north-korea-border-676450">South Korea, US conduct week-long wargames near North Korea border</a>

<h2>South Korea stages live-fire drills on border island</h2>

South Korean marines on the border island of Yeonpyeong conducted live-fire artillery drills on Friday (Jan 5), as per the Yonhap news agency reports.&nbsp;

This came hours after North Korea staged an artillery barrage in the area.

The troops held "live-fire artillery drills with K9 self-propelled howitzers," Yonhap said, the first such drills in the area since both countries dropped a military accord in November.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea on Friday (Jan 5) said that it had carried out naval artillery live-fire exercises as a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula, state media reported.

North Korea on Friday (Jan 5) said that it had carried out naval artillery live-fire exercises as a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula, state media reported. Pyongyang's drills did "not even have any indirect impact on Baengnyeong Island and Yeonpyeong Island", where residents were told to evacuate by local authorities, according to KCNA's report. South Korea had on Friday told civilians on Yeonpyeong Island, located about 115km east of Seoul in terms of aerial distance, to evacuate after North Korea fired around 200 artillery shells off its west coast. "About 200 shots were fired by North Korea (near) Yeonpyeong Island," a defence ministry official said at a briefing. Also read | South Korea, US conduct week-long wargames near North Korea border Yeonpyeong local officials told news agency AFP that civilians had been asked to evacuate. Hours later, South Korean defence ministry described it as a "provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response. The shells reportedly splashed into the maritime buffer zone north of the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the de facto maritime border between both Koreas in the Yellow Sea. Also watch | North Korea: Allies pushing region into brink of Nuclear War × The buffer zone was set under an inter-Korean military accord signed on Sept 19, 2018, to reduce border tensions. "We gravely warn that the entire responsibility of such crisis-escalating situations lies with North Korea and strongly urge for its immediate halt," JCS spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a press conference. "Under close coordination between South Korea and the United States, our military is tracking and monitoring related activity, and will conduct corresponding measures to North Korea's provocations." Also read: South Korea, US conduct week-long wargames near North Korea border South Korea stages live-fire drills on border island South Korean marines on the border island of Yeonpyeong conducted live-fire artillery drills on Friday (Jan 5), as per the Yonhap news agency reports. This came hours after North Korea staged an artillery barrage in the area. The troops held "live-fire artillery drills with K9 self-propelled howitzers," Yonhap said, the first such drills in the area since both countries dropped a military accord in November. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea says live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats

The French and Jordanian air forces have dropped seven tonnes of urgent humanitarian and medical aid for a field hospital set up in Gaza’s second city. Watch the video to know more!

Israel-Gaza War: French-Jordanian aid air-dropped into Gaza by military cargo plane

Iran's security forces arrested 11 people over involvement in the twin bomb blasts that claimed the lives of around 100 people attending a memorial service for a slain military commander, the authorities said on Friday (Jan 5).

Iran's intelligence ministry released a statement saying that the security forces detained two people for helping the suicide bombers in Kerman.

Nine others, who were based in several parts of Iran, were also arrested over alleged links to the bombings.

"Nine other members of the terrorist group's support network and its associates were identified and arrested in six provinces," the ministry said in reference to IS.&nbsp;

The ministry, further revealing details about the nationality of the suicide bombers said that one of them was a Tajik citizen, whereas the identity of the other had yet to be determined. &nbsp;

The blasts were the deadliest attacks to rock the country since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-bakhmut-its-marinka-is-russia-close-to-taking-control-of-entire-donbas-676810">Ukraine: After Bakhmut, it's Marinka. Is Russia close to taking control of entire Donbas?</a>

<h2>Raisi vows to avenge killings</h2>

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who joined the mourners in the southern city of Kerman on Friday for the funerals of 89 people who were killed in the twin bombings, vowed to avenge the killings saying, "Our forces will decide on the place and time to take action".

"We will find you wherever you are," Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami said at the funeral.

The Islamic State jihadist group on Thursday (Jan 4) claimed responsibility for twin bombings.

In a statement on Telegram, the group said two of its members "activated their explosives vests" at a gathering near the grave in the southern city of Kerman of slain Revolutionary Guards general Qasem Soleimani.&nbsp;

The death toll earlier was reported to be 103, but Iranian authorities on Thursday said blasts killed 84 people, revising the toll.&nbsp;

Tehran's official news agency IRNA quoted Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi as saying that "according to forensic statistics, the number of martyrs from this incident has been announced as 84 so far".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran's security forces arrested 11 people over involvement in the twin bomb blasts that claimed the lives of around 100 people attending a memorial service for a slain military commander, the authorities said on Friday (Jan 5).

Iran's security forces arrested 11 people over involvement in the twin bomb blasts that claimed the lives of around 100 people attending a memorial service for a slain military commander, the authorities said on Friday (Jan 5). Iran's intelligence ministry released a statement saying that the security forces detained two people for helping the suicide bombers in Kerman. Nine others, who were based in several parts of Iran, were also arrested over alleged links to the bombings. "Nine other members of the terrorist group's support network and its associates were identified and arrested in six provinces," the ministry said in reference to IS. The ministry, further revealing details about the nationality of the suicide bombers said that one of them was a Tajik citizen, whereas the identity of the other had yet to be determined. The blasts were the deadliest attacks to rock the country since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Also read: Ukraine: After Bakhmut, it's Marinka. Is Russia close to taking control of entire Donbas? Raisi vows to avenge killings Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who joined the mourners in the southern city of Kerman on Friday for the funerals of 89 people who were killed in the twin bombings, vowed to avenge the killings saying, "Our forces will decide on the place and time to take action". "We will find you wherever you are," Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami said at the funeral. The Islamic State jihadist group on Thursday (Jan 4) claimed responsibility for twin bombings. In a statement on Telegram, the group said two of its members "activated their explosives vests" at a gathering near the grave in the southern city of Kerman of slain Revolutionary Guards general Qasem Soleimani. The death toll earlier was reported to be 103, but Iranian authorities on Thursday said blasts killed 84 people, revising the toll. Tehran's official news agency IRNA quoted Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi as saying that "according to forensic statistics, the number of martyrs from this incident has been announced as 84 so far". (With inputs from agencies)

Iran arrests 11 suspects over involvement in twin blasts, Raisi vows to avenge killings

In the ever-accelerating race for EV dominance, a new victor has emerged. China's BYD co. Has claimed the pole position as the world's most popular EV maker, outpacing the renowned Tesla. However, the electrifying battle for supremacy is far from over, with several twists and turns still ahead. Can tesla regain its title?

BYD expected to sell more EVs than Tesla

The war between Israel and Hamas will enter the third month on Sunday (Jan 7). The conflict is intensifying in the Gaza Strip and the United Nations (UN) warned on Saturday that the besieged Palestinian territory has simply become "uninhabitable.

The war between Israel and Hamas will enter the third month on Sunday (Jan 7). The conflict is intensifying in the Gaza Strip and the United Nations (UN) warned on Saturday that the besieged Palestinian territory has simply become "uninhabitable." The Palestinian health ministry said that at least 22,722 people have been killed in Gaza since the war started on Oct 7 last year. A total of 58,166 people have been injured so far. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on a week-long tour to the Middle East, continuing Washington's diplomacy over the war. Blinken's visit comes amid heightened concerns that the conflict is spilling over. Blinken already visited Turkey and Greece and is left to make stops in Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Here's a look at the latest updates from the war: > US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Saturday. In a post on X, Blinken said that he and Erdogan "discussed the conflict in Gaza, shared security priorities as NATO Allies, and desire to expand our bilateral trade and investment." > Following his meeting with Erdogan, Blinken arrived in Greece to meet Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and address Greece's concerns about the looming sale of US fighter jets to Turkey. According to Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, the talks between Blinken and Mitsotakis would focus on international developments regarding the war in Gaza and Ukraine, and bilateral relations, especially on energy and defence cooperation issues, including the supply of F-35s. > As Blinken left for the Middle East, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh called on the US Secretary of State to use his week-long tour to end Israel's "aggression" as the conflict escalated in Gaza. > Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group said on Saturday that it fired more than 60 rockets at an Israeli military base in response to the killing in Beirut of Hamas's deputy leader. "As part of the initial response to the crime of assassinating the great leader Sheikh Saleh al-Aruri... the Islamic resistance (Hezbollah) targeted the Meron air control base with 62 missiles of various types," Hezbollah said in a statement, the news agency AFP reported. Also read: Pregnant women in Gaza face medical uncertainty with dozens of hospitals closed > Josep Borrell, the European Union foreign policy chief, said on Saturday it was absolutely necessary that Lebanon was not dragged into the conflict. "It is imperative to avoid regional escalation in the Middle East. It is absolutely necessary to avoid Lebanon being dragged into a regional conflict," Josep Borrell said during a press conference in Beirut with Lebanon's Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib. > The US military shot down a drone early Saturday over the Red Sea in international waters near several commercial vessels. "An unmanned aerial vehicle launched from Iranian-backed Huthi-controlled areas of Yemen was shot down in self-defence" by the USS Laboon, the US Central Command said in a social media post. > This incident came days after a 12-nation group led by the US warned Houthi rebels in Yemen against continuing their attacks on Red Sea shipping. Since the conflict started, Houthi rebels launched more than 100 drone and missile strikes toward targets in the Red Sea. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Blinken meets Erdogan; UN warns Gaza 'uninhabitable'

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Oil import adds new dimension to India-Russia ties

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An earthquake of magnitude 5.4 struck Maldives on Saturday (Jan 6) evening. In a post on X, India's National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said the location of the earthquake was 896 kilometres West of Male.

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Earthquake of Magnitude:5.4, Occurred on 06-01-2024, 17:16:34 IST, Lat: 3.06 &amp; Long: 65.51, Depth: 10 Km ,Location: 896km W of Male, Maldives for more information Download the BhooKamp App <a href="https://t.co/B6xdFpe6RF">https://t.co/B6xdFpe6RF</a><a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KirenRijiju</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Dr_Mishra1966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dr_Mishra1966</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ndmaindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ndmaindia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiametdept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Indiametdept</a> <a href="https://t.co/s4vtOSBehD">pic.twitter.com/s4vtOSBehD</a>
— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1743604948225413274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"Earthquake of Magnitude:5.4, Occurred on 06-01-2024, 17:16:34 IST, Lat: 3.06 &amp; Long: 65.51, Depth: 10 Km, Location: 896km W of Male," the NCS said.

There were no reports of injuries or damage.&nbsp;

On Dec 29 last year, four earthquakes were reported&nbsp;along the Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean, near the Maldives. According to the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Geological Survey, the quakes had&nbsp;magnitudes of 4.8, 5.2, 5.8, and 5.0, with varying depths ranging from 7.7 km to 10 km.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.4 struck Maldives on Saturday (Jan 6) evening. In a post on X, India's National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said the location of the earthquake was 896 kilometres West of Male.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.4 struck Maldives on Saturday (Jan 6) evening. In a post on X, India's National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said the location of the earthquake was 896 kilometres West of Male. Earthquake of Magnitude:5.4, Occurred on 06-01-2024, 17:16:34 IST, Lat: 3.06 & Long: 65.51, Depth: 10 Km ,Location: 896km W of Male, Maldives for more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/B6xdFpe6RF@KirenRijiju @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia @Indiametdept pic.twitter.com/s4vtOSBehD — National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) January 6, 2024 × "Earthquake of Magnitude:5.4, Occurred on 06-01-2024, 17:16:34 IST, Lat: 3.06 & Long: 65.51, Depth: 10 Km, Location: 896km W of Male," the NCS said. There were no reports of injuries or damage. On Dec 29 last year, four earthquakes were reported along the Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean, near the Maldives. According to the US Geological Survey, the quakes had magnitudes of 4.8, 5.2, 5.8, and 5.0, with varying depths ranging from 7.7 km to 10 km.

Earthquake of magnitude 5.4 jolts Maldives

Insured losses from the devastating earthquake in Japan could reach $6.4 billion, according to an estimate from US-based catastrophe modeling firm Karen Clark & Co (KCC). At least 98 people were killed in the earthquake, and hundreds of others were reported injured or missing.

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India's first solar mission Aditya-L1 reached its destination within the anticipated four-month timeframe. Launched on Sept 2 last year, the spacecraft positioned itself at Lagrange Point 1, from where it will undertake a comprehensive study of the sun. "India creates yet another landmark. It is a testament to the relentless dedication of our scientists in realizing among the most complex and intricate space missions," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X.

North Korea on Saturday fired over 60 artillery rounds near the Yeonpyeong Island in South Korea. This comes a day after both countries conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border.

In the latest news from the Israel-Hamas war, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh called on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to use his current tour to the Middle East to end Israel's aggression as the war in the Gaza Strip rages on. Blinken is on a week-long visit to the Middle East, his fourth such tour since the conflict started on Oct 7 last year.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aditya-l1-isros-first-solar-mission-enters-final-orbit-for-uninterrupted-sun-observation-677176">Aditya-L1: India’s first solar mission successfully enters final orbit for uninterrupted sun observation</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/28/369966-adital1.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

Aditya-L1, the inaugural mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at solar study, successfully reached&nbsp;its designated orbit on Saturday (Jan 6), concluding its ambitious journey that commenced over four months ago from ISRO's Sriharikota launchpad.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-over-60-artillery-rounds-near-souths-yeonpyeong-island-677249">North Korea fires over 60 artillery rounds near South's Yeonpyeong Island</a>

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North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds on Saturday (Jan 6) near Yeonpyeong Island, said Seoul's army, a day after both the sides, North and South, conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-focus-on-ending-israeli-aggression-hamas-chief-tells-antony-blinken-677218">Israel-Hamas war: Focus on ending Israeli aggression, Hamas chief tells Antony Blinken</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/06/404049-hamas-chief-ismail-haniyeh-on-friday-jan-5-called-on-us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-to-use-his-current-tour-to-the-middle-east-to-end-israels-aggression-as-the-war-in-the-gaza-strip-rages-1.png?imwidth=3840" />

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh on Friday (Jan 5) called on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to use his current tour to the Middle East to end Israel's aggression as the war in the Gaza Strip rages on.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-japan-earthquake-reaches-126-as-harsh-weather-conditions-hamper-rescue-efforts-677209">Death toll in Japan earthquake reaches 126 as harsh weather conditions hamper rescue efforts</a>

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The death toll from the major earthquake, that rocked Japan on Monday (Jan 1), reached 126 on Saturday (Jan 6) as the rescuers combed through debris to recover trapped bodies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-watch-credited-for-saving-us-womans-life-during-carbon-monoxide-leak-677221">Apple watch credited for saving US woman’s life during carbon monoxide leak</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/06/404051-the-battle-for-kyiv-2024-01-06t185739954.png?imwidth=3840" />

Natalie Nasatka, a resident of Delaware, narrowly escaped a potentially fatal incident, all thanks to her quick thinking and the intervention of her Apple Watch's SOS feature.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-mandir-indian-marathoner-from-launches-1008km-run-toward-ayodhya-for-consecration-ceremony-677233">Ram mandir: Indian marathoner starts 1,008 km run to reach Ayodhya for consecration ceremony</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/28/402158-untitled-design-2023-12-28t140650018.png?imwidth=3840" />

In a testament of devotion and endurance, 22-year-old ultra marathoner Karthik Joshi from India has embarked on a 1,008 km run from Indore in Madhya Pradesh to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. His mission is&nbsp;to reach for the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple on January 22.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexican-president-asks-us-billions-in-funding-to-combat-illegal-migration-677217">Mexican president seeks billions in funding from US to combat illegal migration</a>

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Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has urged the United States to allocate $20 billion to tackle the escalating issue of illegal immigration.&nbsp;Obrador's comment comes in the wake of a significant rise in illegal border crossings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-royal-navy-turns-to-social-media-for-top-job-recruitment-submariner-says-utterly-shameful-677172">UK: Royal Navy turns to social media for top job recruitment, submariner says 'utterly shameful'</a>

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Royal Navy, in an unprecedented move, has resorted to advertising a high-ranking position on social media. The £150,000-a-year rear-admiral role was posted on LinkedIn in December. This comes as the Navy struggled to find a suitable candidate, leaving one former senior submariner to dub the situation as "utterly shameful."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pat-cummins-to-avoid-batting-reshuffle-after-warners-retirement-says-im-pretty-happy-with-smith-at-no-4-677198">Pat Cummins to avoid batting reshuffle after Warner’s retirement, says ‘I’m pretty happy with Smith at No 4’</a>

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Australia skipper Pat Cummins is determined not to reshuffle his batting line-up as Australia search for a new opener in the team. Saturday’s (Jan 6) win against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)&nbsp;was the last dance for veteran batter David Warner as he bid farewell to the red-ball format.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sriram-raghavan-on-making-merry-christmas-in-two-different-versions-ill-not-do-this-again-677252">Sriram Raghavan on making Merry Christmas in two different versions: I’ll not do this again</a>

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Director Sriram Raghavan's fourthcoming movie&nbsp;Merry Christmas&nbsp;starring two stalwarts Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupati, is all set to hit the screens on January 12. The romantic thriller will be released in two versions: Hindi and Tamil, and both versions will be different from each other. 
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India's first solar mission Aditya-L1 reached its destination within the anticipated four-month timeframe. Launched on Sept 2 last year, the spacecraft positioned itself at Lagrange Point 1, from where it will undertake a comprehensive study of the sun.

India's first solar mission Aditya-L1 reached its destination within the anticipated four-month timeframe. Launched on Sept 2 last year, the spacecraft positioned itself at Lagrange Point 1, from where it will undertake a comprehensive study of the sun. "India creates yet another landmark. It is a testament to the relentless dedication of our scientists in realizing among the most complex and intricate space missions," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X. North Korea on Saturday fired over 60 artillery rounds near the Yeonpyeong Island in South Korea. This comes a day after both countries conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border. In the latest news from the Israel-Hamas war, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh called on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to use his current tour to the Middle East to end Israel's aggression as the war in the Gaza Strip rages on. Blinken is on a week-long visit to the Middle East, his fourth such tour since the conflict started on Oct 7 last year. Click on the headlines to read more: Aditya-L1: India’s first solar mission successfully enters final orbit for uninterrupted sun observation Aditya-L1, the inaugural mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at solar study, successfully reached its designated orbit on Saturday (Jan 6), concluding its ambitious journey that commenced over four months ago from ISRO's Sriharikota launchpad. North Korea fires over 60 artillery rounds near South's Yeonpyeong Island North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds on Saturday (Jan 6) near Yeonpyeong Island, said Seoul's army, a day after both the sides, North and South, conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border. Israel-Hamas war: Focus on ending Israeli aggression, Hamas chief tells Antony Blinken Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh on Friday (Jan 5) called on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to use his current tour to the Middle East to end Israel's aggression as the war in the Gaza Strip rages on. Death toll in Japan earthquake reaches 126 as harsh weather conditions hamper rescue efforts The death toll from the major earthquake, that rocked Japan on Monday (Jan 1), reached 126 on Saturday (Jan 6) as the rescuers combed through debris to recover trapped bodies. Apple watch credited for saving US woman’s life during carbon monoxide leak Natalie Nasatka, a resident of Delaware, narrowly escaped a potentially fatal incident, all thanks to her quick thinking and the intervention of her Apple Watch's SOS feature. Ram mandir: Indian marathoner starts 1,008 km run to reach Ayodhya for consecration ceremony In a testament of devotion and endurance, 22-year-old ultra marathoner Karthik Joshi from India has embarked on a 1,008 km run from Indore in Madhya Pradesh to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. His mission is to reach for the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple on January 22. Mexican president seeks billions in funding from US to combat illegal migration Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has urged the United States to allocate $20 billion to tackle the escalating issue of illegal immigration. Obrador's comment comes in the wake of a significant rise in illegal border crossings. UK: Royal Navy turns to social media for top job recruitment, submariner says 'utterly shameful' Royal Navy, in an unprecedented move, has resorted to advertising a high-ranking position on social media. The £150,000-a-year rear-admiral role was posted on LinkedIn in December. This comes as the Navy struggled to find a suitable candidate, leaving one former senior submariner to dub the situation as "utterly shameful." Pat Cummins to avoid batting reshuffle after Warner’s retirement, says ‘I’m pretty happy with Smith at No 4’ Australia skipper Pat Cummins is determined not to reshuffle his batting line-up as Australia search for a new opener in the team. Saturday’s (Jan 6) win against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) was the last dance for veteran batter David Warner as he bid farewell to the red-ball format. Sriram Raghavan on making Merry Christmas in two different versions: I’ll not do this again Director Sriram Raghavan's fourthcoming movie Merry Christmas starring two stalwarts Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupati, is all set to hit the screens on January 12. The romantic thriller will be released in two versions: Hindi and Tamil, and both versions will be different from each other.

Top 10 world news: India's Aditya-L1 successfully enters final orbit, and more

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Turkey, his first stop in the week-long new West Asia trip. This is US' top diplomat's fourth crisis visit to the region amid escalating tensions.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Turkey

North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds on Saturday (Jan 6) near Yeonpyeong Island, said Seoul's army, a day after both the sides, North and South, conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border.

"North Korean forces conducted artillery fire with over 60 rounds" northwest of Yeonpyeong Island on Saturday afternoon, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

North Korea's shells, on Friday as well as on Saturday, landed in a buffer zone that was created under a 2018 deal aimed at reducing tensions between the two sides.

The military accord fell apart in November last year after Pyongyang launched a spy satellite.

Seoul's military said Saturday that "the repeated artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone by North Korea poses a threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and escalates tensions".

"North Korea, following its claim of the complete nullification of the 'September 19 Military Agreement', continues to threaten our citizens with ongoing artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone," the JCS said, referring to the 2018 deal.&nbsp;

"In response, our military will take appropriate measures," it said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-200-artillery-shells-south-korea-forced-to-evacuate-island-town-676765">North Korea says live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats</a>

<h2>Live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats, says North&nbsp;</h2>

Pyongyang after firing more than 200 artillery shots on Friday (Jan 5) said that the live-fire exercises were a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea released a statement saying that its drills did "not even have any indirect impact on Baengnyeong Island and Yeonpyeong Island", where residents were told to evacuate by local authorities, according to KCNA's report.

Seoul had on Friday told civilians on Yeonpyeong Island, located about 115km east of Seoul in terms of aerial distance, to evacuate after the North fired artillery shells off its west coast.

"About 200 shots were fired by North Korea (near) Yeonpyeong Island," a defence ministry official said at a briefing.

South Korean defence ministry, condemned the fire drills calling it a "provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response.

"We gravely warn that the entire responsibility of such crisis-escalating situations lies with North Korea and strongly urge for its immediate halt," Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a press conference.

"Under close coordination between South Korea and the United States, our military is tracking and monitoring related activity, and will conduct corresponding measures to North Korea's provocations."

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds on Saturday (Jan 6) near Yeonpyeong Island, said Seoul's army, a day after both the sides, North and South, conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border.

North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds on Saturday (Jan 6) near Yeonpyeong Island, said Seoul's army, a day after both the sides, North and South, conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border. "North Korean forces conducted artillery fire with over 60 rounds" northwest of Yeonpyeong Island on Saturday afternoon, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. North Korea's shells, on Friday as well as on Saturday, landed in a buffer zone that was created under a 2018 deal aimed at reducing tensions between the two sides. The military accord fell apart in November last year after Pyongyang launched a spy satellite. Seoul's military said Saturday that "the repeated artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone by North Korea poses a threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and escalates tensions". "North Korea, following its claim of the complete nullification of the 'September 19 Military Agreement', continues to threaten our citizens with ongoing artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone," the JCS said, referring to the 2018 deal. "In response, our military will take appropriate measures," it said. Also read: North Korea says live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats Live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats, says North Pyongyang after firing more than 200 artillery shots on Friday (Jan 5) said that the live-fire exercises were a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea released a statement saying that its drills did "not even have any indirect impact on Baengnyeong Island and Yeonpyeong Island", where residents were told to evacuate by local authorities, according to KCNA's report. Seoul had on Friday told civilians on Yeonpyeong Island, located about 115km east of Seoul in terms of aerial distance, to evacuate after the North fired artillery shells off its west coast. "About 200 shots were fired by North Korea (near) Yeonpyeong Island," a defence ministry official said at a briefing. South Korean defence ministry, condemned the fire drills calling it a "provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response. "We gravely warn that the entire responsibility of such crisis-escalating situations lies with North Korea and strongly urge for its immediate halt," Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a press conference. "Under close coordination between South Korea and the United States, our military is tracking and monitoring related activity, and will conduct corresponding measures to North Korea's provocations." (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea fires over 60 artillery rounds near South’s Yeonpyeong Island

Hezbollah chief warns Lebanon could be ‘exposed’ to more Israeli attacks. Israel assassinated Saleh Al-Arouri, Hamas's deputy leader, in a drone strike on Beirut. Lebanon's Hezbollah said that Arouri's killing “will not go unpunished” and claimed a strike on a group of soldiers in Israeli territory. Watch the video to know more!

Hezbollah, Hamas blame Israel for Saleh Al-Arouri's death

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