Lady Gaga is a mom! Oscar-winning singer welcomes first child with fiance Michael Polansky

BRICS Summit 2026: Iran's Pezeshkian praises PM Modi at BRICS

Karthik Subbaraj’s Dorothy gets a standing ovation at TIFF world premiere

Harry Potter TV show vs films: Gary Oldman explains why HBO’s reboot could be better

North Korea fires missiles after US, South Korea and Japan military drills but America says 'does not pose immediate threat'

Delhi's top luxury hotels turn into high-security fortress hubs for BRICS 2026 delegations

BRICS Summit 2026: 30+ countries seek BRICS membership

Frustrated man demolishes his kitchen after thousands flock to see Mother Mary his wife spotted on the wall

BRICS summit: India faces delicate Iran-UAE diplomatic test

From drones to KAAN fighters: Turkey outlines 229% surge in defence spending amid regional shifts

Odisha gets investment proposals worth Rs 2.42 trillion from UAE with 6.18 lakh potential jobs

After praising Modi, Pezeshkian meets Indian religious leaders, Hurriyat's Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

Houthis vs Saudi Arabia: East-west oil pipeline shut after drone attacks from Iraq

South Africa batter Jordan Hermann hits highest individual score on ODI debut

800 million years old - Scientists discover 'fingerprints' of supercontinent Gondwana in ancient rocks

Osama Bin Laden's son ALIVE? Al-Qaeda releases video 7 years after US declared him dead

BRICS Summit 2026: South Africa says it will use the summit to advance its economic priorities

Israel spent nearly $470,000 on PM's hair, makeup since 2019, data shows

BRICS Summit 2026: Rivals in West Asia, partners in BRICS, UAE, Iran, and Saudi delegations in Delhi

BRICS Summit 2026: PM Modi meets Malaysia, Ethiopia leaders; defence ties, trade in focus

From India, Putin warns Europe against sending troops to Ukraine, Zelensky expresses willingness to meet him at G20 Summit

BRICS Summit 2026: Special BRICS session on 'inclusive global governance' 

Satellite images show construction surge at Iran’s Pickaxe nuclear site amid US war

9/11 attack anniversary: The day that changed America forever

9-year-old Chennai prodigy clears Cambridge IGCSE grade 10 exams

Satya Niketan horror: Who is responsible? 

BRICS Summit 2026: Top world leaders in New Delhi; West Asia war casts shadow on BRICS Summit

New Friday OTT releases (September 11, 2026): The Revolutionaries, Vishwanath & Sons, Ghamasaan- 6 new titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Years before 9/11, CIA warned Clinton, Bush of 'explosive-packed airplane attack': What newly released files reveal

In first of its kind, Trump admin deports Afghan woman via Alien Terrorist Court

Saudi Arabia shuts East-West oil pipeline, key Hormuz bypass, after attacks

IND vs AFG, 1st T20I: When and where to watch live streaming in India?

WION Expertspeak: Understanding India's BRICS presidency amid wars, trade tensions and global turmoil

BRICS Summit: China resumes Guangzhou-New Delhi flight, issues 'good-neighbourliness' remark ahead of Xi-Modi meet

The Islamic State jihadist group on Thursday (Jan 4) claimed responsibility for twin bombings that killed 84 people&nbsp;in Iran a day before.&nbsp;

In a statement on Telegram, the group said two of its members "activated their explosives vests" at a gathering near the grave&nbsp;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;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-accuses-us-led-coalition-of-baghdad-strike-calls-it-blatant-aggression-676570">Iraq accuses US-led coalition of Baghdad strike, calls it 'blatant aggression'</a>&nbsp;

Jafar Miadfar, who is the head of&nbsp;Iran's emergency services, also confirmed the revised toll as he said that the earlier tally was due to the fact that some bodies had been dismembered and counted "several times".&nbsp;

The explosions took place on the anniversary of Soleimani's killing in a US drone strike in Iraq in 2020 as hundreds of people were gathered to mark the occasion.&nbsp;

Iran-based Tasnim news agency reported that the first blast happened at 15:04 pm (local time) when people were packed on a road leading to a cemetery where the tomb of Soleimani is located. The second blast occurred around 13 minutes later.&nbsp;

Soleimani was an Iranian military officer who served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. He was the commander of the Quds Force, which is an IRGC division primarily responsible for extraterritorial and clandestine military operations, from 1998 until his death. He was killed in a US drone strike just outside Baghdad airport. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-source-says-local-chief-among-four-killed-in-south-lebanon-676604">Hezbollah source says local chief among four killed in south Lebanon</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;West Asia: Israel stares at wider conflict&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-west-asia-israel-stares-at-wider-conflict-676602/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Tensions rise in West Asia&nbsp;</h2>

The Israel-Hamas war has already escalated tensions in West Asia, and the recent attacks in Lebanon and Iran have added fuel to the fire.&nbsp;

The two explosions in Iran have been labelled a "terrorist attack" by state media and regional authorities, which sparked fears of a widening conflict in the region. In the immediate implications, global markets were rattled and oil prices jumped more than three per cent.&nbsp;

The Iranian president's political deputy, Mohammad Jamshidi wrote on X: "Washington says USA and Israel had no role in terrorist attack in Kerman, Iran. Really? A fox smells its own lair first."&nbsp;

"Make no mistake. The responsibility for this crime lies with the US and Zionist regimes (Israel) and terrorism is just a tool," he added.&nbsp;

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed "evil and criminal enemies" of the country for the attack and vowed a "harsh response".&nbsp;

President Ebrahim Raisi condemned the "heinous" crime as the Islamic Republic of Iran declared Thursday a national day of mourning.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Islamic State jihadist group on Thursday (Jan 4) claimed responsibility for twin bombings that killed 84 people in Iran a day before. 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 Islamic State jihadist group on Thursday (Jan 4) claimed responsibility for twin bombings that killed 84 people in Iran a day before. 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". Also read: Iraq accuses US-led coalition of Baghdad strike, calls it 'blatant aggression' Jafar Miadfar, who is the head of Iran's emergency services, also confirmed the revised toll as he said that the earlier tally was due to the fact that some bodies had been dismembered and counted "several times". The explosions took place on the anniversary of Soleimani's killing in a US drone strike in Iraq in 2020 as hundreds of people were gathered to mark the occasion. Iran-based Tasnim news agency reported that the first blast happened at 15:04 pm (local time) when people were packed on a road leading to a cemetery where the tomb of Soleimani is located. The second blast occurred around 13 minutes later. Soleimani was an Iranian military officer who served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. He was the commander of the Quds Force, which is an IRGC division primarily responsible for extraterritorial and clandestine military operations, from 1998 until his death. He was killed in a US drone strike just outside Baghdad airport. Also read: Hezbollah source says local chief among four killed in south Lebanon Watch: West Asia: Israel stares at wider conflict × Tensions rise in West Asia The Israel-Hamas war has already escalated tensions in West Asia, and the recent attacks in Lebanon and Iran have added fuel to the fire. The two explosions in Iran have been labelled a "terrorist attack" by state media and regional authorities, which sparked fears of a widening conflict in the region. In the immediate implications, global markets were rattled and oil prices jumped more than three per cent. The Iranian president's political deputy, Mohammad Jamshidi wrote on X: "Washington says USA and Israel had no role in terrorist attack in Kerman, Iran. Really? A fox smells its own lair first." "Make no mistake. The responsibility for this crime lies with the US and Zionist regimes (Israel) and terrorism is just a tool," he added. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed "evil and criminal enemies" of the country for the attack and vowed a "harsh response". President Ebrahim Raisi condemned the "heinous" crime as the Islamic Republic of Iran declared Thursday a national day of mourning. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran twin blasts: Islamic State jihadist group claims responsibility for bombings

According to law enforcement authorities, the gunman at Perry High School killed himself with a gunshot wound. According to the officials, three more people were hurt in today's incident, including two students and an administrator. Information on the wounds was not immediately accessible.

Multiple people shot at Iowa high school on the first day after winter break, officials say | WION

The death toll from a series of powerful earthquakes in Japan on New Year's day has now risen to 78 as the search for survivors under collapsed buildings continues for the fourth day.

Japan Earthquake: Death toll rises to 78; rescuers race against time | World News | WION

US warns Houthis over Red Sea attacks says action will be taken if attacks do not stop. Watch the video to know more.

US warns Houthis over Red Sea attacks says action will be taken if attacks do not stop

Dozens of Republican Senators headed to the southern border in Texas on Wednesday to draw attention to record migrant crossings and bash the Biden administration's enforcement of immigration laws.

US: Republican Senators visit Texas border over migration crisis

A woman, who has claimed to be one of the survivors of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's trafficking ring, said that Britain's Prince Andrew placed his hand on her breast, as per&nbsp;the court documents which were made public on Wednesday (Jan 3). The incident of groping was said to have taken place at Epstein's Manhattan townhouse in 2001. 
 
The groping incident, which was reported by other media outlets previously and has been refuted by Prince Andrew, was a part of the details mentioned in an initial trove of earlier redacted documents which revealed fewer new details regarding the extent of alleged sex trafficking activities carried out by Epstein. In the coming days, more documents are likely to be unredacted or unsealed.

<h2 lang="en-US">Allegations are "categorically untrue”: Buckingham Palace</h2>

In the documents released, references have been made to Johanna Sjoberg - who had alleged that Prince Andrew groped her while she was sitting on a couch in the Manhattan apartment of Epstein in 2001. 
 
Previously, Buckingham Palace had said that her allegations were "categorically untrue". In one of the depositions, Sjoberg said that Prince Andrew had placed his hand on her breast allegedly while posing for a picture in Epstein's New York mansion while they were accompanied by another accuser Virginia Giuffre as well as a puppet that said "Prince Andrew" on it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epsteins-court-files-unsealed-prince-andrew-and-clinton-emerge-as-big-names-676343">Jeffrey Epstein's court files unsealed, Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew emerge as big names</a>

In 2022, millions were paid by the British royalty to Ms Giuffre for settling a lawsuit which was filed by her, in which she alleged that she was only 17 years old when Prince Andrew sexually abused her. Prince Andrew said that he had never met Giuffre, while categorically denying her allegations. 
 
However, most of the royal titles were taken away from Prince Andrew because of his association with Epstein.

<h2 lang="en-US">Epstein's sex-trafficking case</h2>

Epstein is said to have socialised with Wall Street titans, celebrities and royalty before he pleaded guilty to pushing a minor into prostitution in 2008. In 2019, he allegedly took his own life at age 66 while waiting for trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.

Watch:&nbsp;Names of Jeffrey Epstein associates and others unsealed in lawsuit documents

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/names-of-jeffrey-epstein-associates-and-others-unsealed-in-lawsuit-documents-676385/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Epstein has been accused by dozens of women of forcing them to perform sexual services on him as well as his guests who stayed in his homes and private Caribbean island. 
 
More than 150 people are part of the lawsuit by Virginia Giuffre, who is one of the most prominent accusers of Epstein. The lawsuit was kept sealed for years till a federal judge ruled last month that no legal justification was there for keeping them private.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A woman, who has claimed to be one of the survivors of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's trafficking ring, said that Britain's Prince Andrew placed his hand on her breast, as per the court documents which were made public on Wednesday (Jan 3).

A woman, who has claimed to be one of the survivors of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's trafficking ring, said that Britain's Prince Andrew placed his hand on her breast, as per the court documents which were made public on Wednesday (Jan 3). The incident of groping was said to have taken place at Epstein's Manhattan townhouse in 2001. The groping incident, which was reported by other media outlets previously and has been refuted by Prince Andrew, was a part of the details mentioned in an initial trove of earlier redacted documents which revealed fewer new details regarding the extent of alleged sex trafficking activities carried out by Epstein. In the coming days, more documents are likely to be unredacted or unsealed. Allegations are "categorically untrue”: Buckingham Palace In the documents released, references have been made to Johanna Sjoberg - who had alleged that Prince Andrew groped her while she was sitting on a couch in the Manhattan apartment of Epstein in 2001. Previously, Buckingham Palace had said that her allegations were "categorically untrue". In one of the depositions, Sjoberg said that Prince Andrew had placed his hand on her breast allegedly while posing for a picture in Epstein's New York mansion while they were accompanied by another accuser Virginia Giuffre as well as a puppet that said "Prince Andrew" on it. Also read: Jeffrey Epstein's court files unsealed, Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew emerge as big names In 2022, millions were paid by the British royalty to Ms Giuffre for settling a lawsuit which was filed by her, in which she alleged that she was only 17 years old when Prince Andrew sexually abused her. Prince Andrew said that he had never met Giuffre, while categorically denying her allegations. However, most of the royal titles were taken away from Prince Andrew because of his association with Epstein. Epstein's sex-trafficking case Epstein is said to have socialised with Wall Street titans, celebrities and royalty before he pleaded guilty to pushing a minor into prostitution in 2008. In 2019, he allegedly took his own life at age 66 while waiting for trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. Watch: Names of Jeffrey Epstein associates and others unsealed in lawsuit documents Epstein has been accused by dozens of women of forcing them to perform sexual services on him as well as his guests who stayed in his homes and private Caribbean island. More than 150 people are part of the lawsuit by Virginia Giuffre, who is one of the most prominent accusers of Epstein. The lawsuit was kept sealed for years till a federal judge ruled last month that no legal justification was there for keeping them private. (With inputs from agencies)

UK royal Prince Andrew groped Epstein accuser, reveal court documents

More information are coming in from events leading up to Tuesday's collision between two planes at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. Air Traffic Control transcripts appear to show that the Japanese Coast Guard plane did not have permission to take off before entering the runway where Japan Airlines passenger jet was cleared to land.

Japan jet crash: More details emerge from Air Traffic Communications | World News | WION

Former President Donald Trump appealed to the US supreme court on Wednesday to undo the Colorado ruling that removed him from the ballot in the western state under the 14th amendment to the US constitution.

Trump asks US top court to review Colorado ruling barring him from ballot

Top Biden administration officials huddled with Mexico’s president in urgent talks Wednesday to slow the record pace of illegal crossings at the U.S. southern border, just as congressional negotiators raced to reach a deal to tighten America’s immigration laws.

No end in sight to US-Mexico migrant crisis; thousands of migrants march to Mexico

The Vatican on Thursday moved to calm Catholic bishops in some countries who have balked over last month's approval of blessings for same-sex couples, telling them that the measure is not "heretical" or "blasphemous".

In a five-page statement, the Vatican's doctrinal office also acknowledged that such blessings could be "imprudent" in some countries where people who receive them might become targets of violence, or risk prison or even death.

Catholic bishops in some countries, particularly in Africa, have expressed various degrees of dissent over the Dec. 18 declaration, known by its Latin title Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust), which was approved by Pope Francis.

The fact that the Vatican needed to issue a five-page clarification of an eight-page declaration - little more than two weeks after it was issued - appeared to underscore the extent of the confusion it caused in many countries.

After the original declaration was issued, a number of Catholic bishops' conferences issued statements stressing that the blessings did not amount to an official approval of gay sex or a sacrament of marriage for same-sex couples.

The doctrinal office, known as the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, stressed these aspects in its statement on Thursday, saying that blessings for same-sex couples should not be seen as "a justification of all their actions, and they are not an endorsement of the life that they lead".

The office said it wanted "to clarify the reception of Fiducia Supplicans while recommending at the same time a full and calm reading" of the Dec. 18 declaration, which it said is "clear and definitive about marriage and sexuality".

It added: "Evidently, there is no room to distance ourselves doctrinally from this declaration or to consider it heretical, contrary to the Tradition of the Church or Blasphemous."

<h2>African bishops lead dissent&nbsp;</h2>

The Church teaches that same-sex attraction is not sinful but homosexual acts are. Since his election in 2013, Francis has tried to make the more than 1.35-billion-member Church more welcoming to LGBT people, without changing moral doctrine.

Still, some African bishops' conferences have made clear that they will not allow their priests to conduct such blessings. Thursday's statement advised "pastoral prudence" depending on local laws and circumstances.

Last week, Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye called on citizens to stone gay people.

Uganda passed a law last May that carries the death sentence for certain categories of same-sex offences and lengthy jail sentences for others - a move that was widely condemned by Western governments and human rights activists.

"If there are laws that condemn the mere act of declaring oneself as a homosexual with prison and in some cases with torture and even death, it goes without saying that a blessing would be imprudent," the Vatican statement said.

The original declaration and Thursday's statement both said blessings of people in same-sex relationships should not be included in Church rituals or in any way resemble a wedding. Thursday's statement said they should be short.

"We are talking about something that lasts about 10 or 15 seconds. Does it make sense to deny these kinds of blessings to these two people who ask for them?" it said.

The Vatican on Thursday moved to calm Catholic bishops in some countries who have balked over last month's approval of blessings for same-sex couples, telling them that the measure is not "heretical" or "blasphemous".

The Vatican on Thursday moved to calm Catholic bishops in some countries who have balked over last month's approval of blessings for same-sex couples, telling them that the measure is not "heretical" or "blasphemous". In a five-page statement, the Vatican's doctrinal office also acknowledged that such blessings could be "imprudent" in some countries where people who receive them might become targets of violence, or risk prison or even death. Catholic bishops in some countries, particularly in Africa, have expressed various degrees of dissent over the Dec. 18 declaration, known by its Latin title Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust), which was approved by Pope Francis. The fact that the Vatican needed to issue a five-page clarification of an eight-page declaration - little more than two weeks after it was issued - appeared to underscore the extent of the confusion it caused in many countries. After the original declaration was issued, a number of Catholic bishops' conferences issued statements stressing that the blessings did not amount to an official approval of gay sex or a sacrament of marriage for same-sex couples. The doctrinal office, known as the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, stressed these aspects in its statement on Thursday, saying that blessings for same-sex couples should not be seen as "a justification of all their actions, and they are not an endorsement of the life that they lead". The office said it wanted "to clarify the reception of Fiducia Supplicans while recommending at the same time a full and calm reading" of the Dec. 18 declaration, which it said is "clear and definitive about marriage and sexuality". It added: "Evidently, there is no room to distance ourselves doctrinally from this declaration or to consider it heretical, contrary to the Tradition of the Church or Blasphemous." African bishops lead dissent The Church teaches that same-sex attraction is not sinful but homosexual acts are. Since his election in 2013, Francis has tried to make the more than 1.35-billion-member Church more welcoming to LGBT people, without changing moral doctrine. Still, some African bishops' conferences have made clear that they will not allow their priests to conduct such blessings. Thursday's statement advised "pastoral prudence" depending on local laws and circumstances. Last week, Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye called on citizens to stone gay people. Uganda passed a law last May that carries the death sentence for certain categories of same-sex offences and lengthy jail sentences for others - a move that was widely condemned by Western governments and human rights activists. "If there are laws that condemn the mere act of declaring oneself as a homosexual with prison and in some cases with torture and even death, it goes without saying that a blessing would be imprudent," the Vatican statement said. The original declaration and Thursday's statement both said blessings of people in same-sex relationships should not be included in Church rituals or in any way resemble a wedding. Thursday's statement said they should be short. "We are talking about something that lasts about 10 or 15 seconds. Does it make sense to deny these kinds of blessings to these two people who ask for them?" it said.

Vatican moves to calm bishops over same-sex blessings approval

A US Labour agency has accused the company of unlawfully firing eight employees after they circulated a letter calling CEO Elon Musk a "Distraction and embarrassment." The National Labour Relations Board claimed SpaceX violated the workers' rights. Spacex is accused of interrogating employees about the letter and threatening workers with termination if they engaged in similar activities.

SpaceX accused of unlawfully firing eight employees

Dutch computer chip equipment maker ASML faces a setback as the Dutch government partially revoked its export licence for shipments to China. This move, influenced by recent US Pressure, has triggered a slide in ASML shares and drawn criticism from Beijing.

ASML faces setback as Dutch government revokes China export license

Copilot is now the biggest competitor for 2024 thanks to Microsoft, which also easily integrates AI support into well-known programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Copilot is accessible for iOS and Android smartphones.

2024 will be the Year of Microsoft Copilot

Is the Junta losing ground in Myanmar? Myanmar's Junta is battling unprecedented opposition alliance & struggling to recruit people amid poor equipment issues. Watch to get more insights!

India may end free movement regime near Myanmar border

Government affairs across different state capitols in the US were disrupted briefly on Wednesday (Jan 3) after a bomb threat was emailed to officials. The threats prompted evacuations from buildings but no explosives were found as federal authorities dismissed them as hoaxes.

US: Hoax bomb threats prompt evacuations at multiple Capitols

According to reports, Israeli officials are holding secret talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo and other nations regarding the expulsion of Palestinians displaced by Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip.

Israel-Hamas war: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to visit Israel

Heavy fog has led to travel disruptions and road accidents in the city and other parts of northern India.

India: Dense fog blankets India's Delhi-NCR region

Iran blamed Israel and the United States on Wednesday for twin bomb blasts that killed at least 95 people in the country's south, ripping through a crowd commemorating Revolutionary Guards general Qasem Soleimani four years after his death in a US strike.

Iran blames US & Israel's role in twin blast, vows harsh response

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Thursday (Jan 4) that his cabinet would approve next week the use of its reserved funds to cover damages from the series of major earthquakes in Central Japan earlier this week.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Thursday (Jan 4) that his cabinet would approve next week the use of its reserved funds to cover damages from the series of major earthquakes in Central Japan earlier this week. Prime Minister Kishida said the figure (of the funds) to be considered in next week's meeting would be about double the roughly $13.95 million (2 billion yen) deployed in each of similar past disasters, from earthquakes to heavy rain. On New Year's Day on Monday (Jan 1), many earthquakes struck Japan's central region with the biggest one of magnitude 7.5 on the Richter scale. A total of 81 people died, and at least 330 others were injured. On Thursday, authorities published a list of 79 people whose whereabouts were unknown, the news agency AFP reported. Also read: Japan Earthquakes: Search dog rescues elderly woman trapped inside damaged house Prime Minister Kishida called the quakes the "worst catastrophe" in the current Reiwa era in the Japanese calendar. "The situation remains difficult, but we will continue to do our utmost to support the victims," he added. Thousands of households without power The AFP report said that hundreds of people in more than a dozen communities remained cut off in Ishikawa prefecture. Around 30,000 people in Ishikawa were without power, and 95,000 homes there and in two neighbouring regions had no water. The prefecture's Governor Hiroshi Hase told a disaster management meeting on Thursday that 72 hours after the earthquakes, "the survival rate of those in need of rescue is said to drop precipitously." Also read: Japan earthquakes sent ripple effect across world, got recorded within minutes In the coastal towns of Anamizu and Wajima, thousands of rescue personnel including firefighters, police officers and soldiers combed through the rubble of collapsed wooden houses and toppled commercial buildings for signs of life. Willing to help Japan on quakes: China The Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday that it was willing to provide help to Japan on the earthquakes. Addressing a press conference, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that there had been no Chinese casualties reported on the disaster.

Japan earthquakes: Cabinet to approve reserved funds for aid next week, says PM Kishida

Newly elected far-right Argentine President Javier Milei has received his first setback since coming to power last year. On Wednesday (Jan 3), a top Argentine court suspended a package of labour reforms he decreed last month amid much criticism from rivals.

Newly elected far-right Argentine President Javier Milei has received his first setback since coming to power last year. On Wednesday (Jan 3), a top Argentine court suspended a package of labour reforms he decreed last month amid much criticism from rivals. The National Chamber of Labor Appeals heard the case and temporarily blocked enforcement of Milei's "mega-decree" that included over 300 regulations. The judges presiding over the case said the labour measures were temporarily halted until the court can decide whether they are allowable under the Argentine law without congressional approval. The General Labor Confederation (CGT) - the nation's largest union, had filed an injunction saying the changes eroded basic worker protections such as the right to strike and parental leave. Watch | Gravitas: Who is Javier Milei, Argentina's president-elect? × The powerful CGT has long been against the reform proposal by Milei and is planning a nationwide strike, set to begin at the end of the month. However, after receiving the ruling in its favour, CGT said it "halts (Milei's) regressive and anti-worker labour reform". The Argentine president had earlier rationalised his decision saying the labour reforms were aimed at deregulating the South American country's economy which has been in a rut. After the court verdict, his government released a statement saying they planned to appeal the suspension. After taking office in December, President Milei has undertaken some drastic policy changes that include labour reforms as well as pulling out of the BRICS grouping. Last week, Milei told his counterparts from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa that the timing was not opportune for Argentina to join the grouping. Milei's unexpected win Milei managed a political upset in November last year by clinching Argentina's presidential run-off elections. Milei's campaign was marked by unconventional tactics, including wielding a chainsaw on the trail. His economic proposals, notably the bold idea of "detonating" the central bank and endorsing the US dollar as the official currency, struck a chord with voters disillusioned with traditional politics and desperate for a transformative approach. Also read | Argentina’s new far-right President Javier Milei ditches BRICS to ‘support US and Israel’ While Milei's win resonated with a significant portion of the electorate frustrated with economic hardships, critics remain sceptical of his untested leadership and unconventional policy proposals. The comparison with populist leaders like Trump and Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro raises concerns about the potential consequences of unorthodox governance. (With inputs from agencies)

Setback for Argentine President Milei as top court suspends his 'mega-decree' labour reforms

As the countdown begins for the US Presidential race, trouble is mounting for Donald Trump. Now, Trump has asked the US Supreme Court to review Colorado ruling.

US: Former Pres Trump asks Supreme Court to review Colorado ruling, bars Trump from state's ballot

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak indicated on Thursday (Jan 4) that the nation will likely go to the polls in the last six months of 2024. Sunak's announcement came amid mounting speculations about the date of the general election.&nbsp;

The prime minister has ruled out a spring election. He has until the end of January 2025 to call a much-anticipated general election. He said that his "working assumption" was it would take place in the second half of the year.&nbsp;

During his visit to Mansfield, central England, Sunak&nbsp;said: "My working assumption is we'll have a general election in the second half of this year."&nbsp;

"I want to keep going, managing the economy well and cutting people's taxes... I've got lots to get on with," &nbsp;he added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-case-files-heres-what-papers-revealed-about-clinton-prince-andrew-hawking-and-others-676534">Epstein case files: Here's what papers reveal about Clinton, Prince Andrew, Hawking and others</a>&nbsp;

Sunak's Conservative party has been in power since 2010, but it has been heavily trailing Labour in the polls. Labour party has called for an early election, but Sunak moved swiftly to deny it by saying he had work to do, including cutting taxes.&nbsp;

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer slammed the decision, accusing the Tory leader of trying to "squat" at Downing Street for months on end by "dithering and delaying" on facing the electorate.&nbsp;

Pat McFadden, Labour's national campaign coordinator, accused Sunak of "bottling" holding the election.

"He needs to stop hiding, stop being so weak, stop squatting in Number 10 without a mandate and simply come clean with the public: when will the British people get their say on 14 years of Tory (Conservative) failure?" he asked in a statement.

"Even now Rishi Sunak is still leaving himself as much wiggle room as possible. But the reality is clear: the only thing worse than five more months of this Tory government would be five more years," he further said.

Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-starts-military-patrols-in-south-china-sea-as-tensions-simmer-in-the-region-676474">China starts military patrols in South China Sea as tensions simmer in the region</a>&nbsp;

<h2>What will be possible dates?&nbsp;</h2>

The Conservatives' years in power have been bookended by economic troubles, first the fallout from the 2008 global financial crash, and latterly a cost-of-living crisis fuelled by high inflation and energy prices.

Possible dates suggested for the vote include May 2, coinciding with local elections, and coming soon after the March 6 government budget, when the Tories are tipped to announce tax cuts to woo voters.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak indicated on Thursday (Jan 4) that the nation will likely go to the polls in the last six months of 2024. Sunak's announcement came amid mounting speculations about the date of the general election.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak indicated on Thursday (Jan 4) that the nation will likely go to the polls in the last six months of 2024. Sunak's announcement came amid mounting speculations about the date of the general election. The prime minister has ruled out a spring election. He has until the end of January 2025 to call a much-anticipated general election. He said that his "working assumption" was it would take place in the second half of the year. During his visit to Mansfield, central England, Sunak said: "My working assumption is we'll have a general election in the second half of this year." "I want to keep going, managing the economy well and cutting people's taxes... I've got lots to get on with," he added. Also read: Epstein case files: Here's what papers reveal about Clinton, Prince Andrew, Hawking and others Sunak's Conservative party has been in power since 2010, but it has been heavily trailing Labour in the polls. Labour party has called for an early election, but Sunak moved swiftly to deny it by saying he had work to do, including cutting taxes. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer slammed the decision, accusing the Tory leader of trying to "squat" at Downing Street for months on end by "dithering and delaying" on facing the electorate. Pat McFadden, Labour's national campaign coordinator, accused Sunak of "bottling" holding the election. "He needs to stop hiding, stop being so weak, stop squatting in Number 10 without a mandate and simply come clean with the public: when will the British people get their say on 14 years of Tory (Conservative) failure?" he asked in a statement. "Even now Rishi Sunak is still leaving himself as much wiggle room as possible. But the reality is clear: the only thing worse than five more months of this Tory government would be five more years," he further said. Also read: China starts military patrols in South China Sea as tensions simmer in the region What will be possible dates? The Conservatives' years in power have been bookended by economic troubles, first the fallout from the 2008 global financial crash, and latterly a cost-of-living crisis fuelled by high inflation and energy prices. Possible dates suggested for the vote include May 2, coinciding with local elections, and coming soon after the March 6 government budget, when the Tories are tipped to announce tax cuts to woo voters. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain likely go to polls in last six months of 2024, Rishi Sunak indicates

As Taiwan gears up to choose a new president next week, candidates have now turned to an unexpected stop on their campaign trails. They are targetting the island's widespread religious community that would make up for a significant number of votes on January 13. In new Taipei city, frontrunner Lai Ching-Te placed his offerings at the lixing fude temple.

Taiwan: Candidates visit temples to target religious community ahead of polls

Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump are mentioned in newly unsealed Jeffrey Epstein-related court documents, but they are not accused of any wrongdoing involving the disgraced sex trafficking financier.

Names of Jeffrey Epstein associates and others unsealed in lawsuit documents

Donald Trump, the former US president, on Wednesday (Jan 3rd) appealed to the country's highest court to lift a Colorado state ban that would keep him off the presidential primary ballot in the western US state.

This overture to the US Supreme Court comes just a day after the Republican candidate filed an appeal with the Maine Superior Court against a similar decision.

<h2>Toss out the ban</h2>

In a 43-page filing, attorneys for Trump asked the conservative-dominated US Supreme Court to "summarily reverse the Colorado Supreme Court's ruling."

They claim that if the ruling is allowed to stand, it "will mark the first time in the history of the United States that the judiciary has prevented voters from casting ballots for the leading major-party presidential candidate."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-appeals-maines-biased-decision-makers-presidential-primary-ballot-ban-676039">Donald Trump appeals Maine's 'biased' decision maker's presidential primary ballot ban</a>

The appeal further states that "The question of eligibility to serve as President of the United States is properly reserved for Congress, not the state courts, to consider and decide."

Previously, on Tuesday (Jan 2nd) Trump urged the Maine Superior Court to toss out a similar ban by Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows.&nbsp;In her decision, Bellows said that the January 6 Capitol attack "occurred at the behest of, and with the knowledge and support of, the outgoing president," as quoted by AFP.

Calling Bellows, a Democrat, a "biased decision maker," he alleged that she "acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner."

<h2>Two strikes against Trump</h2>

Last week, Maine became the second US state to bar Trump from appearing on the presidential primary ballot over his role in the January 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol by his supporters. Before that, on December 19, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is ineligible to appear on the presidential primary ballot.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-a-weak-and-feeble-man-who-could-end-american-democracy-as-we-know-it-warn-his-former-staff-675547">Trump ‘a weak and feeble man’ who could ‘end American democracy as we know it,’ warn his former staffers</a>

The western state had invoked the 14th Amendment's "insurrection clause" which the state's supreme court said was violated by Donald Trump.

Section Three of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution bars anyone from holding public office if they engaged in "insurrection or rebellion" after once pledging to support and defend the Constitution.

Trump also faces similar 14th Amendment challenges questioning his&nbsp;eligibility in other US states. Recently, California, Minnesota, and Michigan ruled that the Republican leader should stay on their ballots.

<h2>Four Minnesota GOP candidates endorse Trump for US President</h2>

On Wednesday (Jan 3) Representative Tom Emmer, a Republican, currently serving as US House Majority Whip, endorsed Trump in the 2024 presidential race.&nbsp;

In a statement, he said that the endorsement was in part because Trump is the Republican party's "clear frontrunner".

"Democrats have made clear they will use every tool in their arsenal to try and keep Joe Biden and his failed policies in power. We cannot let them," said Emmer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-support-remains-resilient-while-one-in-three-americans-question-bidens-win-poll-676189">Trump's support remains resilient, while one in three Americans now question Biden's 2020 win: Poll</a>

"It's time for Republicans to unite behind our party's clear frontrunner, which is why I am proud to endorse Donald J. Trump for President," he added.

As per CBS News, Emmer was joined by three other Republican Party members of Minnesota's congressional delegation: Representatives Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber, who said that Trump "has what it takes to get our country back on track".

(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump, the former US president, on Wednesday (Jan 3rd) appealed to the country's highest court to lift a Colorado state ban that would keep him off the presidential primary ballot in the western US state.

Donald Trump, the former US president, on Wednesday (Jan 3rd) appealed to the country's highest court to lift a Colorado state ban that would keep him off the presidential primary ballot in the western US state. This overture to the US Supreme Court comes just a day after the Republican candidate filed an appeal with the Maine Superior Court against a similar decision. Toss out the ban In a 43-page filing, attorneys for Trump asked the conservative-dominated US Supreme Court to "summarily reverse the Colorado Supreme Court's ruling." They claim that if the ruling is allowed to stand, it "will mark the first time in the history of the United States that the judiciary has prevented voters from casting ballots for the leading major-party presidential candidate." Also read | Donald Trump appeals Maine's 'biased' decision maker's presidential primary ballot ban The appeal further states that "The question of eligibility to serve as President of the United States is properly reserved for Congress, not the state courts, to consider and decide." Previously, on Tuesday (Jan 2nd) Trump urged the Maine Superior Court to toss out a similar ban by Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. In her decision, Bellows said that the January 6 Capitol attack "occurred at the behest of, and with the knowledge and support of, the outgoing president," as quoted by AFP. Calling Bellows, a Democrat, a "biased decision maker," he alleged that she "acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner." Two strikes against Trump Last week, Maine became the second US state to bar Trump from appearing on the presidential primary ballot over his role in the January 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol by his supporters. Before that, on December 19, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is ineligible to appear on the presidential primary ballot. Also read | Trump ‘a weak and feeble man’ who could ‘end American democracy as we know it,’ warn his former staffers The western state had invoked the 14th Amendment's "insurrection clause" which the state's supreme court said was violated by Donald Trump. Section Three of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution bars anyone from holding public office if they engaged in "insurrection or rebellion" after once pledging to support and defend the Constitution. Trump also faces similar 14th Amendment challenges questioning his eligibility in other US states. Recently, California, Minnesota, and Michigan ruled that the Republican leader should stay on their ballots. Four Minnesota GOP candidates endorse Trump for US President On Wednesday (Jan 3) Representative Tom Emmer, a Republican, currently serving as US House Majority Whip, endorsed Trump in the 2024 presidential race. In a statement, he said that the endorsement was in part because Trump is the Republican party's "clear frontrunner". "Democrats have made clear they will use every tool in their arsenal to try and keep Joe Biden and his failed policies in power. We cannot let them," said Emmer. Also read | Trump's support remains resilient, while one in three Americans now question Biden's 2020 win: Poll "It's time for Republicans to unite behind our party's clear frontrunner, which is why I am proud to endorse Donald J. Trump for President," he added. As per CBS News, Emmer was joined by three other Republican Party members of Minnesota's congressional delegation: Representatives Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber, who said that Trump "has what it takes to get our country back on track". (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump urges US Supreme Court to 'summarily reverse' Colorado presidential primary ballot ban

The Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf party has approached the Supreme Court in a last-ditch bid to save its bat symbol. This, after the Peshawar high court restored the ECP'S order stripping the party of its electoral symbol for the upcoming election. The Lahore high court has also dismissed PTI'S plea challenging the electoral watchdog's decision.

Pakistan: PTI battling for its electoral 'bat' symbol

world

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

world news