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Continuing its support to the Pacific nations, India gifted the Solomon Islands a fleet of 20 buses, marking the largest such donation from India to the country. Valued at an impressive USD 1 million, the buses arrived on November 14, 2023, just five days before the grand opening of the much-anticipated 2023 Pacific Games, significantly bolstering the transportation infrastructure of the Solomon Islands.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, expressing his gratitude alongside Indian Envoy to the country, Inbasekar Sundaramurthi, hailed the buses as "yet another symbol of our friendship and shared commitment to addressing our common goals together."

He went on to emphasise the buses' crucial role during the Pacific Games, stating, "These 20 Tata buses were extremely useful during the 2023 Pacific Games."

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Sogavare, underscoring the prompt clearance by Ports &amp; Customs officials, highlighted the strategic arrival of the buses with an abundance of spare parts, ensuring maintenance for up to two years.

He expressed anticipation for additional partnership projects between the two countries, extending his "sincere and heartfelt gratitude" for the buses, which made a "huge positive difference" during the sporting extravaganza.

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The buses, thoughtfully designed with 32 seats and additional holding rails for standing passengers, exceeded expectations by accommodating more than 32 people in each run, sometimes nearly 60 individuals.

This feature proved indispensable during the Pacific Games, mitigating the transportation challenges faced by the National Hosting Authority and Games Organizing Committee.

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Solomon Islands is the third-largest country in the Pacific with PM Sogavare pitching&nbsp;his nation as a "growing market for motor vehicles" and suggested to the Indian ambassador that "your support to build expertise in the country of one of the largest vehicle brands in the world is worth considering."

With the conclusion of the Pacific Games, the National Hosting Authority is expected to distribute the buses and the beneficiaries include boarding schools in Honiara and the provinces, the Honiara City Council transport services, and the Ministry of Infrastructure&nbsp;Transport&nbsp;pool.

Continuing its support to the Pacific nations, India gifted the Solomon Islands a fleet of 20 buses, marking the largest such donation from India to the country.

Continuing its support to the Pacific nations, India gifted the Solomon Islands a fleet of 20 buses, marking the largest such donation from India to the country. Valued at an impressive USD 1 million, the buses arrived on November 14, 2023, just five days before the grand opening of the much-anticipated 2023 Pacific Games, significantly bolstering the transportation infrastructure of the Solomon Islands. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, expressing his gratitude alongside Indian Envoy to the country, Inbasekar Sundaramurthi, hailed the buses as "yet another symbol of our friendship and shared commitment to addressing our common goals together." He went on to emphasise the buses' crucial role during the Pacific Games, stating, "These 20 Tata buses were extremely useful during the 2023 Pacific Games." Also Read | US warship shoots down drone, anti-ship ballistic missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels Sogavare, underscoring the prompt clearance by Ports & Customs officials, highlighted the strategic arrival of the buses with an abundance of spare parts, ensuring maintenance for up to two years. He expressed anticipation for additional partnership projects between the two countries, extending his "sincere and heartfelt gratitude" for the buses, which made a "huge positive difference" during the sporting extravaganza. Also Read | 'Devastated', says Biden as 70-year-old American hostage confirmed dead The buses, thoughtfully designed with 32 seats and additional holding rails for standing passengers, exceeded expectations by accommodating more than 32 people in each run, sometimes nearly 60 individuals. This feature proved indispensable during the Pacific Games, mitigating the transportation challenges faced by the National Hosting Authority and Games Organizing Committee. Watch | Donald Trump blocked from Maine presidential ballot in 2024 × Solomon Islands is the third-largest country in the Pacific with PM Sogavare pitching his nation as a "growing market for motor vehicles" and suggested to the Indian ambassador that "your support to build expertise in the country of one of the largest vehicle brands in the world is worth considering." With the conclusion of the Pacific Games, the National Hosting Authority is expected to distribute the buses and the beneficiaries include boarding schools in Honiara and the provinces, the Honiara City Council transport services, and the Ministry of Infrastructure Transport pool.

India gifts Solomon Islands 20 buses for Pacific Games

Amid the horrors of war in Gaza, a woman pregnant with quadruplets had to walk five kilometres in search of shelter for her unborn babies. The Gazan woman, 28-year-old Iman al-Masry, has now given birth to her premature children, one of whom was too weak to leave the hospital.

<h2>Simply exhausted</h2>

Talking to news agency AFP, the mother said she is simply exhausted after giving birth to the quadruplets in a hospital in Southern Gaza.&nbsp;

Al-Masry, at six months pregnant, had to flee her family home in Beit Hanun on foot, along with her three other children, seeking safety.&nbsp;

The family had to walk five kilometres (around three miles) to the Jabalia refugee camp. "The distance was too long,"&nbsp;the young woman told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-several-killed-in-strike-near-south-gaza-hospital-un-asks-israel-to-end-unlawful-killings-674387">Israel-Hamas war: Several killed in strike near south Gaza hospital; UN asks Israel to ‘end unlawful killings’</a>

"It affected my pregnancy," she added. On December 18, she gave birth by C-section to daughters Tia and Lynn and sons Yasser and Mohammed.&nbsp;

Of the four, Mohammed was too fragile to leave the hospital. However, to make space for other patients of war, Iman and her other newborns had to leave the medical facility.&nbsp;

"Mohammed weighs only one kilogram (2.2 pounds). He cannot survive," said Iman, talking about the child she had to leave behind at a hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp.

The mother and her other three newborns are now living in a cramped schoolroom turned shelter in Deir al-Balah along with around 50 other members of their extended family.

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Talking to AFP, she recounted her journey from "hell",&nbsp;and said: "When I left home, I had only some summer clothes for the children. I thought the war would last a week or two and that afterwards we would go back home."

Now, more than 11 weeks later, her hope of going&nbsp;home has shattered.

<h2>The human cost of war</h2>

Iman is not alone. Thousands of Gazans have been rendered homeless by the war that began on Oct 7, with Hamas launching an attack on Israel. In the first attack, as per Israeli figures, 1,140 Israelis lost their lives. Another 250 were taken hostage by the Hamas militants, and 129 of them still remain in captivity.

The retaliatory attack by Israel, according to the latest toll issued by Gaza's health ministry, has killed at least 21,110 people — about two-thirds of them women and children.

Amid the horrors of war in Gaza, a woman pregnant with quadruplets had to walk five kilometres in search of shelter for her unborn babies. The Gazan woman, 28-year-old Iman al-Masry, has now given birth to her premature children, one of whom was too weak to leave the hospital.

Amid the horrors of war in Gaza, a woman pregnant with quadruplets had to walk five kilometres in search of shelter for her unborn babies. The Gazan woman, 28-year-old Iman al-Masry, has now given birth to her premature children, one of whom was too weak to leave the hospital. Simply exhausted Talking to news agency AFP, the mother said she is simply exhausted after giving birth to the quadruplets in a hospital in Southern Gaza. Al-Masry, at six months pregnant, had to flee her family home in Beit Hanun on foot, along with her three other children, seeking safety. The family had to walk five kilometres (around three miles) to the Jabalia refugee camp. "The distance was too long," the young woman told AFP. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Several killed in strike near south Gaza hospital; UN asks Israel to ‘end unlawful killings’ "It affected my pregnancy," she added. On December 18, she gave birth by C-section to daughters Tia and Lynn and sons Yasser and Mohammed. Of the four, Mohammed was too fragile to leave the hospital. However, to make space for other patients of war, Iman and her other newborns had to leave the medical facility. "Mohammed weighs only one kilogram (2.2 pounds). He cannot survive," said Iman, talking about the child she had to leave behind at a hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp. The mother and her other three newborns are now living in a cramped schoolroom turned shelter in Deir al-Balah along with around 50 other members of their extended family. Also read | Son of Hamas Deputy Commander Marwan Issa killed in Israeli airstrike: Reports Talking to AFP, she recounted her journey from "hell", and said: "When I left home, I had only some summer clothes for the children. I thought the war would last a week or two and that afterwards we would go back home." Now, more than 11 weeks later, her hope of going home has shattered. The human cost of war Iman is not alone. Thousands of Gazans have been rendered homeless by the war that began on Oct 7, with Hamas launching an attack on Israel. In the first attack, as per Israeli figures, 1,140 Israelis lost their lives. Another 250 were taken hostage by the Hamas militants, and 129 of them still remain in captivity. The retaliatory attack by Israel, according to the latest toll issued by Gaza's health ministry, has killed at least 21,110 people — about two-thirds of them women and children.

Heavily pregnant Gaza woman forced to walk 5km seeking shelter, gives birth to quadruplets

Maine’s top election official disqualifies Donald Trump from the state ballot in next year's u.S. Presidential primary election. Shenna bellows cites the 14th amendment's 'insurrection' clause for Trump's role in the january 6, 2021 attack on capitol hill.

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As the JN.1 variant of COVID-19 continues its rapid spread in many countries, new symptoms, which are different from the common ones like runny nose&nbsp;and cough, are also emerging. Recent data from December 2023 by the UK’s Office for National Statistics revealed that the most common symptoms like a runny nose (31.1 per cent of respondents), cough (22.9 per cent), headache (20.1 per cent), weakness or tiredness (19.6 per cent), muscle ache (15.8 per cent) and sore throat (13.2 per cent) were seen in respondents.&nbsp;

While these symptoms have been consistent since 2020, two new ones were also observed in COVID-19-infected patients. It included trouble sleeping (in 10.8 per cent of respondents), and worry or anxiety (10.5 per cent). Surprisingly, the once prominent loss of taste and smell symptom is only reported by 2 to 3 per cent of infected individuals in the UK.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-shoots-down-drone-anti-ship-ballistic-missile-fired-by-yemens-houthi-rebels-674534">US warship shoots down drone, anti-ship ballistic missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels</a>

JN.1 cases are seeing a spike in the US, UK, China, and India. The surge in JN.1 cases suggests increased transmissibility or enhanced immune evasion. However, there's no evidence of heightened aggressiveness compared to other circulating variants, as stated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

<h2>JN.1 cases in China&nbsp;</h2>

In China, the National Health Commission (NHC) has raised concerns about JN.1 potentially becoming the dominant strain due to continuous transmission from abroad and heightened travel associated with the New Year and Spring Festival.&nbsp;

NHC's Li Zhengmao&nbsp;warned of increased COVID-19 cases even as the cases are not high at this time. Meanwhile, many experts reportedly cautioned people of alternating or simultaneous outbreaks of various respiratory diseases during the winter and spring of 2024 in China.

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Monitoring data indicated a rising trend in the proportion of locally transmitted JN.1 cases in China, with 490 reported cases nationwide and 47 local cases.&nbsp;

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While the JN.1 variant exhibits immune evasion and increased transmissibility, its pathogenicity remains unchanged, according to Li, who added that some antiviral drugs are effective against&nbsp;the variant.&nbsp;

Although respiratory diseases are increasing across medical institutions, mainly influenza, the NHC stressed the importance of maintaining hygiene habits like ventilation, hand washing, and social distancing. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, individuals with severe chronic conditions, and pregnant women, need to be more cautious.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the JN.1 variant of COVID-19 continues its rapid spread in many countries, new symptoms, which are different from the common ones like runny nose and cough, are also emerging.

As the JN.1 variant of COVID-19 continues its rapid spread in many countries, new symptoms, which are different from the common ones like runny nose and cough, are also emerging. Recent data from December 2023 by the UK’s Office for National Statistics revealed that the most common symptoms like a runny nose (31.1 per cent of respondents), cough (22.9 per cent), headache (20.1 per cent), weakness or tiredness (19.6 per cent), muscle ache (15.8 per cent) and sore throat (13.2 per cent) were seen in respondents. While these symptoms have been consistent since 2020, two new ones were also observed in COVID-19-infected patients. It included trouble sleeping (in 10.8 per cent of respondents), and worry or anxiety (10.5 per cent). Surprisingly, the once prominent loss of taste and smell symptom is only reported by 2 to 3 per cent of infected individuals in the UK. Also Read | US warship shoots down drone, anti-ship ballistic missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels JN.1 cases are seeing a spike in the US, UK, China, and India. The surge in JN.1 cases suggests increased transmissibility or enhanced immune evasion. However, there's no evidence of heightened aggressiveness compared to other circulating variants, as stated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). JN.1 cases in China In China, the National Health Commission (NHC) has raised concerns about JN.1 potentially becoming the dominant strain due to continuous transmission from abroad and heightened travel associated with the New Year and Spring Festival. NHC's Li Zhengmao warned of increased COVID-19 cases even as the cases are not high at this time. Meanwhile, many experts reportedly cautioned people of alternating or simultaneous outbreaks of various respiratory diseases during the winter and spring of 2024 in China. Also Read | Elon Musk's X fails in its bid to block California's content moderation law Monitoring data indicated a rising trend in the proportion of locally transmitted JN.1 cases in China, with 490 reported cases nationwide and 47 local cases. Watch | China: Central conference on work relating to foreign affairs held in Beijing × While the JN.1 variant exhibits immune evasion and increased transmissibility, its pathogenicity remains unchanged, according to Li, who added that some antiviral drugs are effective against the variant. Although respiratory diseases are increasing across medical institutions, mainly influenza, the NHC stressed the importance of maintaining hygiene habits like ventilation, hand washing, and social distancing. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, individuals with severe chronic conditions, and pregnant women, need to be more cautious. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch out for THESE new Covid symptoms as JN.1 variant cases see a spike

Big Tech made billions in Advertisements targeting children. Social Media giants earn nearly $11 billion from minors in U.S. Watch the video to get more insights!

Instagram tops advertisement revenue chart with $4.4 Billion

A United Nations report published on Thursday deplored what it said was a "rapid deterioration" of human rights in the West Bank and urged Israeli authorities to end violence against the Palestinian population there.

Severe unrest in West bank amid Gaza war, Israeli raids in West Bank target Hamas funding | WION

India's Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar in Russia's St. Petersburg on Thursday (Dec 28) laid emphasis on developing International Relations with Indian characteristics. Jaishankar was addressing Indologists —&nbsp; scholars of Indian literature, history, and philosophy — in the second-largest city in Russia after Moscow, also described as the country's cultural capital.&nbsp;

A career diplomat before succeeding former Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj in 2019, Jaishankar said: "As someone who has spent his working life in International Affairs and Diplomacy. How to develop International Relations with Indian characteristics is&nbsp;my major preoccupation."

"Certainly, that is a subject I would encourage Indologists to look at," Jaishankar added.&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has been on Russia visit since December 25. The visit is scheduled to conclude on December 29.&nbsp;

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To develop International relations with Indian characteristics is my major pre-occupation, says EAM Jaishankar in St Petersburg; points to increasing pace of changes in India <a href="https://t.co/myy3q9Qrtt">pic.twitter.com/myy3q9Qrtt</a>
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In St Petersburg, Jaishankar said that India and Russia need to refresh their understanding of one another in terms of changing times.&nbsp;

Jaishankar pointed out that the two countries must also focus on "refreshing our understanding of each other."&nbsp;

"Because societies are changing. The more experienced we are the more important it is that we keep up with the time. We must understand the changes," he said.

Jaishankar said that in the ever-changing world at present, India and Russia are constantly trying to refresh each other's understanding with efforts from both sides consistently focused "to deepen" the same.

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"Here is what the intellectual world can make a difference," Jaishankar told a gathering of Indologists.&nbsp;

"To me, Indology is something beyond knowledge and scholarship. Something beyond culture and tradition. It's an effort and investment to first hand understand the other society which is very important partner. Certainly, on behalf of that society, I would like to appreciate all of you for the contribution you have made and the relationships you have cultivated," Jaishankar said.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;S Jaishankar in Russia: India &amp; Russia sign pacts, inch closer to jointly producing weapons | WION

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"The relationship between India and Russia is not just one of politics, diplomacy, academics or economics. It is something much deeper," he added.

India's Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar in Russia's St. Petersburg on Thursday (Dec 28) laid emphasis on developing International Relations with Indian characteristics.

India's Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar in Russia's St. Petersburg on Thursday (Dec 28) laid emphasis on developing International Relations with Indian characteristics. Jaishankar was addressing Indologists — scholars of Indian literature, history, and philosophy — in the second-largest city in Russia after Moscow, also described as the country's cultural capital. A career diplomat before succeeding former Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj in 2019, Jaishankar said: "As someone who has spent his working life in International Affairs and Diplomacy. How to develop International Relations with Indian characteristics is my major preoccupation." "Certainly, that is a subject I would encourage Indologists to look at," Jaishankar added. India's External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has been on Russia visit since December 25. The visit is scheduled to conclude on December 29. To develop International relations with Indian characteristics is my major pre-occupation, says EAM Jaishankar in St Petersburg; points to increasing pace of changes in India pic.twitter.com/myy3q9Qrtt — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 28, 2023 × In St Petersburg, Jaishankar said that India and Russia need to refresh their understanding of one another in terms of changing times. Jaishankar pointed out that the two countries must also focus on "refreshing our understanding of each other." "Because societies are changing. The more experienced we are the more important it is that we keep up with the time. We must understand the changes," he said. Jaishankar said that in the ever-changing world at present, India and Russia are constantly trying to refresh each other's understanding with efforts from both sides consistently focused "to deepen" the same. Also read | Putin invites PM Modi to Russia during his meeting with EAM Jaishankar "Here is what the intellectual world can make a difference," Jaishankar told a gathering of Indologists. "To me, Indology is something beyond knowledge and scholarship. Something beyond culture and tradition. It's an effort and investment to first hand understand the other society which is very important partner. Certainly, on behalf of that society, I would like to appreciate all of you for the contribution you have made and the relationships you have cultivated," Jaishankar said. Also watch | S Jaishankar in Russia: India & Russia sign pacts, inch closer to jointly producing weapons | WION × "The relationship between India and Russia is not just one of politics, diplomacy, academics or economics. It is something much deeper," he added.

Jaishankar on Delhi's foreign policy goals: 'To develop International Relations with Indian characteristics'

A US warship on Thursday (Dec 28) shot down a drone and an anti-ship ballistic projectile fired by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the US military said in a statement.

"The USS Mason (DDG 87) shot down one drone and one anti-ship ballistic missile in the Southern Red Sea that were fired by the Huthis," US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement, referring to a guided-missile destroyer.

"There was no damage to any of the 18 ships in the area or reported injuries," CENTCOM said, adding that it was the 22nd attempted attack on international shipping by the Huthis since mid-October.

The Houthi rebels have recently targeted vessels repeatedly in the Red Sea shipping lane amid the Israel-Hamas war in support of the Palestinians in the conflict-torn Gaza Strip.

The attacks are threatening a transit route that carries up to 12 per cent of global trade, pushing the United States to deploy a multinational naval task force earlier this month to shield Red Sea shipping.

The Treasury Department, in addition to the US military action, announced sanctions against a network believed to be involved in financing the Houthi attacks on Thursday (Dec 28).

The Treasury in a statement said that it had imposed sanctions against the chief of the Currency Exchangers Association in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, along with three exchanges in Yemen and Turkey who were responsible for "facilitating the flow of Iranian financial assistance" to the Houthis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/devastated-says-biden-as-70-year-old-american-hostage-confirmed-dead-674514">'Devastated', says Biden as 70-year-old American hostage confirmed dead</a>

The Houthi rebels say that they are targeting Israel and Israeli-linked vessels to push for a halt to the offensive in the besieged Palestinian enclave.

<h2>Spate of attacks</h2>

The Yemeni Houthis have launched a series of drone and projectile strikes targetting Israel-linked vessels after Israel started attacking&nbsp;Gaza following the Oct 7 incursion and killings by Hamas.&nbsp;

Nearly 200&nbsp;people were taken hostage in the attacks. &nbsp;

Israel in retaliation launched a counter-offensive that, as per the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, has killed at least 21,000 people, mostly women and children.

The Houthi rebels have threatened to attack any vessels heading to Israeli ports unless food and medicine are allowed into the war-torn Gaza Strip. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A US warship on Thursday (Dec 28) shot down a drone and an anti-ship ballistic projectile fired by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the US military said in a statement.

A US warship on Thursday (Dec 28) shot down a drone and an anti-ship ballistic projectile fired by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the US military said in a statement. "The USS Mason (DDG 87) shot down one drone and one anti-ship ballistic missile in the Southern Red Sea that were fired by the Huthis," US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement, referring to a guided-missile destroyer. "There was no damage to any of the 18 ships in the area or reported injuries," CENTCOM said, adding that it was the 22nd attempted attack on international shipping by the Huthis since mid-October. The Houthi rebels have recently targeted vessels repeatedly in the Red Sea shipping lane amid the Israel-Hamas war in support of the Palestinians in the conflict-torn Gaza Strip. The attacks are threatening a transit route that carries up to 12 per cent of global trade, pushing the United States to deploy a multinational naval task force earlier this month to shield Red Sea shipping. The Treasury Department, in addition to the US military action, announced sanctions against a network believed to be involved in financing the Houthi attacks on Thursday (Dec 28). The Treasury in a statement said that it had imposed sanctions against the chief of the Currency Exchangers Association in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, along with three exchanges in Yemen and Turkey who were responsible for "facilitating the flow of Iranian financial assistance" to the Houthis. Also read: 'Devastated', says Biden as 70-year-old American hostage confirmed dead The Houthi rebels say that they are targeting Israel and Israeli-linked vessels to push for a halt to the offensive in the besieged Palestinian enclave. Spate of attacks The Yemeni Houthis have launched a series of drone and projectile strikes targetting Israel-linked vessels after Israel started attacking Gaza following the Oct 7 incursion and killings by Hamas. Nearly 200 people were taken hostage in the attacks. Israel in retaliation launched a counter-offensive that, as per the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, has killed at least 21,000 people, mostly women and children. The Houthi rebels have threatened to attack any vessels heading to Israeli ports unless food and medicine are allowed into the war-torn Gaza Strip. (With inputs from agencies)

US warship shoots down drone, anti-ship ballistic missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels

China's defence ministry on Thursday urged the Asia-Pacific to be on high alert as the United States steps up forward military deployment in the region, after reports of a U.S. plan to revive a Pacific airfield that launched atomic bombings of Japan.

China responds to US plan to reclaim WW-2 era Tinian airfield

Latest in Russia-Ukraine war: Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said that the aim of Zelensky's peace formula is to hand over Crimea, hand over Donbas. He said that the formula is difficult to implement. Watch the video to know more!

Russian FM calls Zelensky's peace formula 'figment of sick imagination'

Qatar has agreed to supply Shell in Singapore with up to 18 million barrels of oil a year for five years in what the Gulf state's energy company said was its first ever five-year crude sales deal.

Qatar Energy & Shell ink 5-year-deal for 18 mn barrels a year | CrudeOil Deal

It is just over a month before China celebrates the Lunar New Year on Feb 10, and lawmakers on Friday (Dec 29) weighed in on a fiery debate on whether fireworks should be used to ring in the new year.

It is just over a month before China celebrates the Lunar New Year on Feb 10, and lawmakers on Friday (Dec 29) weighed in on a fiery debate on whether fireworks should be used to ring in the new year. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, lawmakers said that a total ban on pyrotechnics in the country credited with inventing them would be hard to implement. Lawmakers said that air pollution prevention laws and fire safety regulations led to differences in understanding of the ban on fireworks, which was never absolute. Folklore states that the earliest fireworks were invented 2,000 years ago to drive away the "nian", a mythical beast that preyed on people and livestock on Lunar New Year's Eve. 'We have the right to fireworks' Citing official data, Reuters reported that in 2017, 444 cities in China had banned fireworks. But since then, some cities scaled back curbs, allowing fireworks at certain times of the year and designated venues. This year in December, many counties rolled out notices prohibiting fireworks, which reignited a debate on the ban. "We have the right to fireworks," a person wrote on Weibo. Some citizens have argued that firework bans were necessary to protect the environment. "It should be regulated due to pollution and safety (fire) hazards," another person on Weibo said. Also read: People attack and overturn police car in Henan to defy fireworks ban in China Earlier this week, an online poll by the official Beijing Youth Daily showed that more than 80 per cent of respondents expressed support for fireworks during the Spring Festival, which is the most important holiday on the Chinese calendar. Some respondents said the ban was ironic after the United Nations (UN) last week adopted the Spring Festival as an official holiday, a move supported by Chinese authorities. In 2022, Reuters reported that a ban on fireworks ahead of the Beijing Winter Olympics helped China's capital record its cleanest air ahead of the Lunar New Year. Some Chinese netizens, however, were missing their fireworks. Air pollution worsened in 2023, first time in 10 yrs Last week, a study conducted by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) said that China's air pollution had worsened this year, for the first time in a decade. Also read: China’s air pollution worsened in 2023, the first time in 10 years, says study The study said that 80 per cent of provincial capitals, including Beijing, saw an increase in Particulate Matter (PM2.5) this year. "In 2023, 13 out of China’s 31 provincial capitals have not met the national standard for PM2.5, and 11 provincial capitals have not met the standard for ozone. They are concentrated in the northern key air pollution control regions and central China," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

To burst or not to burst: China's ban on fireworks sparks debate ahead of Lunar New Year

Oversharing online invites for unauthorised access. The new Instagram viral trend can expose answers to common security questions. Watch the video to know more!

nstagram trend raises 'Privacy concern' | Viral Trends

Severe unrest in West Bank: 2 killed in Iraeli raids | 300 killed in since October 7: UN report

There were some diplomatic hiccups in 2023 after Khalistan supporters vandalised Indian missions and embassies in the US, the UK, Canada and Australia. Ties between Canada and India soured after Justin Trudeau said that there were 'credible allegations' of Indian involvement in the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Wion travelled to London to show how the Indian High Commission was targeted by Khalistanis and also spoke Vikram Doraiswami, the Indian High Commssioner to the UK

Recapping 2023: How Khalistan movement led to a diplomatic standoff involving India

China has unveiled its first ocean drilling vessel, the Mengxiang, which is designed to carry out an unprecedented mission: drilling through the Earth's crust.

China's ready to open 'Gate to hell'

Chinese Ocean drilling ship ready to drill through Earth's mantle

The Polish Army on Friday (Dec 29) claimed that a Russian missile passed through the country's airspace as Moscow launched its biggest aerial attack on Ukraine since the war began in February last year.&nbsp;

General Wieslaw Kukula, chief of the general staff of the Polish armed forces confirmed that the missile briefly entered the Polish airspace before getting redirected towards Ukraine.&nbsp;

"Everything indicates that a Russian missile entered Polish airspace. It also left our airspace.&nbsp;We have national and allied radar confirmation,"&nbsp;Kukula told reporters.&nbsp;

Although the missile was in Polish airspace for only three minutes, it was sufficient for the army to&nbsp;raise its defence preparedness. According to&nbsp;armed forces spokesman Jacek Goryszewski, the jets were scrambled in the direction of the missile in response to the violation of the airspace.&nbsp;

"We sent our forces, fighter jets, to intercept it and shoot it down if necessary but the duration and the flight path... made this impossible and allowed the missile to leave Polish territory," said Maciej Klisz, the operational commander of the Polish army.&nbsp;

According to&nbsp;Klisz, the Polish air defence systems were put on alert soon after Russia launched a mega drone and missile onslaught on Ukraine, earlier in the day.&nbsp;

After the intrusion,&nbsp;Polish President Andrzej Duda dialled NATO chief Jen Stoltenberg and had a conversation over the incident.&nbsp;

Notably, in November 2022, a&nbsp;Ukrainian air defence missile fell in the Polish village of Przewodow near the border, killing two civilians.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-can-zelensky-stop-the-russian-assault-665255">Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Can Zelensky stop the Russian assault</a>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="lazy" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-can-zelensky-stop-the-russian-assault-665255/embed?autoplay=0" title="live tv" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2>Russia's onslaught on Ukraine</h2>

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had initiated one of the biggest air attacks on it by using&nbsp;'everything' in its arsenal as the death toll rose to 18 while over 100 remained wounded.&nbsp;

"Today Russia hit us with almost everything it has in its arsenal," Zelensky wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Zelensky said&nbsp;Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia among other cities were targeted in the attacks. He added that Russia used its S-300 missile system, cruise missiles and UAVs.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-unleashes-biggest-aerial-attack-of-war-on-ukraine-zelensky-says-they-hit-us-with-almost-everything-674689">Also read |&nbsp;Russia unleashes biggest aerial attack on Ukraine, killing 18; Zelensky says 'they hit us with everything'</a>

"Strategic bombers launched X-101/X-505. Approximately 110 missiles were fired, most of which were shot down," he added.&nbsp;

According to reports, the Russian military aimed to overwhelm Ukraine's air defences across the major cities by launching wave after wave of Shahed attack drones.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Polish Army on Friday (Dec 29) claimed that a Russian missile passed through the country's airspace as Moscow launched its biggest aerial attack on Ukraine since the war began in February last year.

The Polish Army on Friday (Dec 29) claimed that a Russian missile passed through the country's airspace as Moscow launched its biggest aerial attack on Ukraine since the war began in February last year. General Wieslaw Kukula, chief of the general staff of the Polish armed forces confirmed that the missile briefly entered the Polish airspace before getting redirected towards Ukraine. "Everything indicates that a Russian missile entered Polish airspace. It also left our airspace. We have national and allied radar confirmation," Kukula told reporters. Although the missile was in Polish airspace for only three minutes, it was sufficient for the army to raise its defence preparedness. According to armed forces spokesman Jacek Goryszewski, the jets were scrambled in the direction of the missile in response to the violation of the airspace. "We sent our forces, fighter jets, to intercept it and shoot it down if necessary but the duration and the flight path... made this impossible and allowed the missile to leave Polish territory," said Maciej Klisz, the operational commander of the Polish army. According to Klisz, the Polish air defence systems were put on alert soon after Russia launched a mega drone and missile onslaught on Ukraine, earlier in the day. After the intrusion, Polish President Andrzej Duda dialled NATO chief Jen Stoltenberg and had a conversation over the incident. Notably, in November 2022, a Ukrainian air defence missile fell in the Polish village of Przewodow near the border, killing two civilians. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Can Zelensky stop the Russian assault Russia's onslaught on Ukraine Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had initiated one of the biggest air attacks on it by using 'everything' in its arsenal as the death toll rose to 18 while over 100 remained wounded. "Today Russia hit us with almost everything it has in its arsenal," Zelensky wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Zelensky said Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia among other cities were targeted in the attacks. He added that Russia used its S-300 missile system, cruise missiles and UAVs. Also read | Russia unleashes biggest aerial attack on Ukraine, killing 18; Zelensky says 'they hit us with everything' "Strategic bombers launched X-101/X-505. Approximately 110 missiles were fired, most of which were shot down," he added. According to reports, the Russian military aimed to overwhelm Ukraine's air defences across the major cities by launching wave after wave of Shahed attack drones. (With inputs from agencies)

NATO member Poland claims Russian missile briefly entered its airspace

Top North Korean officials were seen attending leader Kim Jong Un’s year-end political meeting in swag, as several of them reportedly arrived in luxurious Mercedes S-class vehicles, despite a ban on luxury goods as a part of the United Nations imposed sanctions.&nbsp;

The 8th central committee of the North Korean Workers’ Party gathered in the country’s capital Pyongyang and kicked off its 9th plenary meeting, on Tuesday (Dec 26).&nbsp;

Kim opened the key political meeting to set new policy goals for 2024 by praising what he called achievements and victories that strengthened national power and boosted the country’s prestige this year.&nbsp;

<h2>Luxury cars seen despite UN sanctions</h2>

While top North Korean officials were seen arriving in luxurious Mercedes S-class cars, the country’s leader himself has previously made public appearances in different Mercedes-Maybach S-class vehicles, including a limousine, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap.&nbsp;

The luxury cars were seen weeks after Japanese police foiled an attempt to smuggle a nearly $70,000 Lexus car into North Korea in what was described as another one of&nbsp;Kim’s&nbsp;illegal purchases amid heavy sanctions, reported Newsweek.&nbsp;

Notably, the raid took place on the same day that North Korea recalled its ambassador to Switzerland amid an investigation into ivory trafficking.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudden-appearance-of-ghost-ships-at-dormant-north-korean-port-rings-alarm-bells-for-ukraine-674257">Sudden appearance of ghost ships at dormant North Korean port sends alarm bells ringing for Ukraine</a>

Japanese police, on December 7 raided several properties in the country’s Chiba prefecture on suspicion that the owner of a used-car showroom had attempted to transfer a Lexus to North Korea, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP).&nbsp;

The firm, as per Asahi newspaper, had submitted paperwork stating that the vehicle was being sent to Singapore via Bangladesh.&nbsp;

<h2>Kim orders military to ‘accelerate’ war preparations</h2>

The North Korean leader has ordered the country’s military, the munitions industry and the nuclear weapons sector to accelerate war preparations to counter what he called unprecedented confrontational moves by the United States, reported the state news agency KCNA, on Thursday (Dec 28).&nbsp;

The order was given during the gathering held in the capital city, on Tuesday, and comes a week after Kim said North Korea would not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack if “provoked” with nukes.

“He (Kim) set forth the militant tasks for the People’s Army and the munitions industry, nuclear weapons and civil defence sectors to further accelerate the war preparations,” reported KCNA.

The North Korean leader also highlighted that the “military situation” on the Korean peninsula had become “extreme” due to “unprecedented” confrontations with Washington.&nbsp;

In 2023, Pyongyang conducted a record-breaking number of weapons tests, prompting Seoul, Tokyo and Washington to ramp up defence cooperation. This included the US also sending nuclear-powered submarines to the South Korean port city of Busan.&nbsp;

Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told AFP, that Kim is likely to “deploy tactical nuclear weapons in areas near the inter-Korean border” and further advance its nuclear program in the upcoming year.&nbsp;

He added Pyongyang would make such moves to exert “great pressure” on South Korea and the United States while maintaining close ties with traditional allies Russia and China.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-holds-wide-ranging-talks-with-lavrov-says-india-russia-relations-reflect-geopolitical-realities-674165">Lavrov hails 'mutually beneficial' India-Russia ties, Jaishankar calls Moscow a 'time-tested partner'</a>

During the gathering in the North Korean capital, Kim defined 2023 “as a year of great turn and great change both in name and reality, in which (North Korea) left a great trace in the glorious course of development in the efforts to improve the national power and enhance the prestige of the country,” as quoted by KCNA.&nbsp;

The state media also reported how North Korea has achieved a rapid advancement in its defence capability following the launch of its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-claims-launch-of-first-spy-satellite-661540">first military spy satellite</a> in November.&nbsp;

Kim, during the meeting, laid out economic goals for the upcoming year calling for “stabilising the agricultural production on a high level.”

This comes as North Korea has suffered serious food shortages in recent decades, Reuters citing experts warning that border closures during the COVID-19 pandemic worsened food security in the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Top North Korean officials were seen attending leader Kim Jong Un’s year-end political meeting in swag, as several of them reportedly arrived in luxurious Mercedes S-class vehicles, despite a ban on luxury goods as a part of the United Nations imposed sanctions.

Top North Korean officials were seen attending leader Kim Jong Un’s year-end political meeting in swag, as several of them reportedly arrived in luxurious Mercedes S-class vehicles, despite a ban on luxury goods as a part of the United Nations imposed sanctions. The 8th central committee of the North Korean Workers’ Party gathered in the country’s capital Pyongyang and kicked off its 9th plenary meeting, on Tuesday (Dec 26). Kim opened the key political meeting to set new policy goals for 2024 by praising what he called achievements and victories that strengthened national power and boosted the country’s prestige this year. Luxury cars seen despite UN sanctions While top North Korean officials were seen arriving in luxurious Mercedes S-class cars, the country’s leader himself has previously made public appearances in different Mercedes-Maybach S-class vehicles, including a limousine, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap. The luxury cars were seen weeks after Japanese police foiled an attempt to smuggle a nearly $70,000 Lexus car into North Korea in what was described as another one of Kim’s illegal purchases amid heavy sanctions, reported Newsweek. Notably, the raid took place on the same day that North Korea recalled its ambassador to Switzerland amid an investigation into ivory trafficking. ALSO READ | Sudden appearance of ghost ships at dormant North Korean port sends alarm bells ringing for Ukraine Japanese police, on December 7 raided several properties in the country’s Chiba prefecture on suspicion that the owner of a used-car showroom had attempted to transfer a Lexus to North Korea, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP). The firm, as per Asahi newspaper, had submitted paperwork stating that the vehicle was being sent to Singapore via Bangladesh. Kim orders military to ‘accelerate’ war preparations The North Korean leader has ordered the country’s military, the munitions industry and the nuclear weapons sector to accelerate war preparations to counter what he called unprecedented confrontational moves by the United States, reported the state news agency KCNA, on Thursday (Dec 28). The order was given during the gathering held in the capital city, on Tuesday, and comes a week after Kim said North Korea would not hesitate to launch a nuclear attack if “provoked” with nukes. “He (Kim) set forth the militant tasks for the People’s Army and the munitions industry, nuclear weapons and civil defence sectors to further accelerate the war preparations,” reported KCNA. The North Korean leader also highlighted that the “military situation” on the Korean peninsula had become “extreme” due to “unprecedented” confrontations with Washington. In 2023, Pyongyang conducted a record-breaking number of weapons tests, prompting Seoul, Tokyo and Washington to ramp up defence cooperation. This included the US also sending nuclear-powered submarines to the South Korean port city of Busan. Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told AFP, that Kim is likely to “deploy tactical nuclear weapons in areas near the inter-Korean border” and further advance its nuclear program in the upcoming year. He added Pyongyang would make such moves to exert “great pressure” on South Korea and the United States while maintaining close ties with traditional allies Russia and China. ALSO READ | Lavrov hails 'mutually beneficial' India-Russia ties, Jaishankar calls Moscow a 'time-tested partner' During the gathering in the North Korean capital, Kim defined 2023 “as a year of great turn and great change both in name and reality, in which (North Korea) left a great trace in the glorious course of development in the efforts to improve the national power and enhance the prestige of the country,” as quoted by KCNA. The state media also reported how North Korea has achieved a rapid advancement in its defence capability following the launch of its first military spy satellite in November. Kim, during the meeting, laid out economic goals for the upcoming year calling for “stabilising the agricultural production on a high level.” This comes as North Korea has suffered serious food shortages in recent decades, Reuters citing experts warning that border closures during the COVID-19 pandemic worsened food security in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korean officials attend year-end political meeting in luxury cars despite ban

Maine’s top election official disqualifies Donald Trump from the state ballot in next year's US Presidential primary election. Shenna bellows cites the 14th amendment's 'insurrection' clause for Trump's role in the january 6, 2021 attack on capitol hill.

US: More trouble for Trump Presidential bid; Ghosts of Capitol Hill riots haunt Trump | WION

Mexico & US agree to keep borders open | Crossings for Railway, bridge open | World News | WION

As the countdown begins for the US Presidential race, trouble is mounting for Donald Trump. After many legal battles, Trump is now ineligible to appear on Maine's 2024 primary ballot.

Maine's top election official removes Donald Trump from primary ballot

Households are preparing for the new year with increased financial strain due to the recently implemented sales tax hikes. The goods and services tax has risen from 7% to 9% in two phases, with the latest increment taking effect this year. This rise adds to the already escalating living costs, prompting some opposition lawmakers to advocate for a delay in the hike.

Tax burden on Singaporeans to rise

In the economic heart of China, signs of strain persist. Recent forecasts indicate a concerning trend. For the third consecutive month, China's manufacturing activity is expected to contract, hovering just above November's figures.

China: Manufacturing sector shrinks for third straight month

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