The war in Ukraine took a fierce new turn with a deadly attack by Russia that killed at least 18 people and injured over a hundred others. Russia claimed all targets were hit in Ukraine while adding that it carried out 50 group strikes and one massive strike in the last week...

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia fires missiles & drones on Ukrainian cities, at least 18 killed

Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, India on Thursday released the second tranche of 2.5 million US dollars to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), fulfilling its annual commitment of 5 million US dollars for the year 2023-24.

UNRWA, functional since 1950, carries out direct relief and works programmes for registered Palestinian refugees.

It is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states. The Government of India had released the first tranche of its annual commitment in November, about a month ago.

The UN agency is struggling to keep up its functioning in the middle of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and had appreciated and welcomed India's "generous contribution" last month coming at a difficult time, particularly in Gaza.

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Palestinians in Gaza are bearing the brunt of the terrible conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has been ruling the Gaza Strip since 2007 since the October 7 attack by the militant organisation on Israel, prompting it to pound the territory to its southwest with continued air and ground strikes.

“UNRWA received a very generous contribution from India which is most welcome during these difficult times and in the face of huge needs across the region, particularly in Gaza,” a spokesperson for UNRWA, Tamara Alrifai, had told PTI last month in a text message from Amman.

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India’s support is meant to help the agency's core programmes and services, including education, healthcare, relief and social services provided to Palestinian refugees.

The second tranche of the contribution was handed over to UNRWA by Charge deAffaires Elizabeth Rodrigues, a press statement from the Representative Office of India in Palestine said.

New Delhi has underlined its continued support for the agency's activities in the region and the services it provides to the Palestinian Refugees.

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Earlier on November 19, India had delivered 32 tonnes of “humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine” via the El-Arish Airport in Egypt.

Since 2018, India has given USD 30 million to UNRWA.

During an Extraordinary Virtual Ministerial Pledging Conference for UNRWA held on June 23, 2020, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, announced that India will contribute USD 10 million to UNRWA over the next two years.

Since the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel and the retaliatory action by Israel, more than two-thirds of the Gaza population – of approximately 2.3 million – has fled their homes to move southwards.

The UNRWA has been struggling to provide basic services to hundreds of thousands of people in shelters.

Before the war in Gaza, UNRWA was already facing an increased demand for services resulting from a growth in the number of registered Palestine refugees, the extent of their vulnerability and their deepening poverty. The agency is mandated to provide assistance and protection to some 5.6 million Palestine refugees registered with it across its five fields of operation.

Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip achieve their full human development potential, pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.

UNRWA services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, protection, and microfinance among Palestinian refugees.

During the first-ever Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Palestine in February 2018, India increased its annual financial contribution four-fold to the UNRWA core budget, from USD 1.25 million to USD 5 million.

India has also made a strong appeal to other traditional donors of UNRWA to consider enhancing their contributions as well as to non-donor member states to consider contributing to the agency in solidarity with the Palestine refugees.

 
&nbsp;

Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, India on Thursday released the second tranche of 2.5 million US dollars to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), fulfilling its annual commitment of 5 million US dollars for the year 2023-24.

Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, India on Thursday released the second tranche of 2.5 million US dollars to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), fulfilling its annual commitment of 5 million US dollars for the year 2023-24. UNRWA, functional since 1950, carries out direct relief and works programmes for registered Palestinian refugees. It is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states. The Government of India had released the first tranche of its annual commitment in November, about a month ago. The UN agency is struggling to keep up its functioning in the middle of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and had appreciated and welcomed India's "generous contribution" last month coming at a difficult time, particularly in Gaza. Also Read | India gifts Solomon Islands 20 buses for Pacific Games Palestinians in Gaza are bearing the brunt of the terrible conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has been ruling the Gaza Strip since 2007 since the October 7 attack by the militant organisation on Israel, prompting it to pound the territory to its southwest with continued air and ground strikes. “UNRWA received a very generous contribution from India which is most welcome during these difficult times and in the face of huge needs across the region, particularly in Gaza,” a spokesperson for UNRWA, Tamara Alrifai, had told PTI last month in a text message from Amman. Also Read | Watch out for THESE new Covid symptoms as JN.1 variant cases see a spike India’s support is meant to help the agency's core programmes and services, including education, healthcare, relief and social services provided to Palestinian refugees. The second tranche of the contribution was handed over to UNRWA by Charge deAffaires Elizabeth Rodrigues, a press statement from the Representative Office of India in Palestine said. New Delhi has underlined its continued support for the agency's activities in the region and the services it provides to the Palestinian Refugees. Watch | India: ISRO to usher in 2024 with XPoSat mission × Earlier on November 19, India had delivered 32 tonnes of “humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine” via the El-Arish Airport in Egypt. Since 2018, India has given USD 30 million to UNRWA. During an Extraordinary Virtual Ministerial Pledging Conference for UNRWA held on June 23, 2020, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, announced that India will contribute USD 10 million to UNRWA over the next two years. Since the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel and the retaliatory action by Israel, more than two-thirds of the Gaza population – of approximately 2.3 million – has fled their homes to move southwards. The UNRWA has been struggling to provide basic services to hundreds of thousands of people in shelters. Before the war in Gaza, UNRWA was already facing an increased demand for services resulting from a growth in the number of registered Palestine refugees, the extent of their vulnerability and their deepening poverty. The agency is mandated to provide assistance and protection to some 5.6 million Palestine refugees registered with it across its five fields of operation. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip achieve their full human development potential, pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. UNRWA services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, protection, and microfinance among Palestinian refugees. During the first-ever Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Palestine in February 2018, India increased its annual financial contribution four-fold to the UNRWA core budget, from USD 1.25 million to USD 5 million. India has also made a strong appeal to other traditional donors of UNRWA to consider enhancing their contributions as well as to non-donor member states to consider contributing to the agency in solidarity with the Palestine refugees.

India releases 2nd installment of $2.5 million for Palestinian refugees

Former liberal democratic party lawmaker Mito Kakizawa has been arrested over allegations of vote-buying in a Tokyo ward mayoral election in April.

Japanese lawmaker Kakizawa arrested over vote-buying allegations

Devastating wildfires swept the globe this summer. Canada experienced its worst wildfire season on record this year. Even Hawaii had to bear the brunt of extreme wildfires. In 2023, forest fires destroyed nearly 988 million acres of land around the world and killed more than 250 people. Here is a recap of deadly wildfires that were fuelled by climate change.

Record year of Wildfires: Canada, Hawaii, Greece

The year 2023 was officially declared the hottest by Scientists. Several parts of the world witnessed record heatwaves that persisted for weeks instead of days. High temperatures were registered from Death Valley in California to a township in northwest China that endured temperatures of more than 52°Celsius. Antarctica too registered temperatures as high as 8.7°Celsius during its winter season.

2023 Global Heatwaves: From Arizona to Antarctica | WION Wideangle

Romania and Bulgaria have reached an agreement with Austria to join Europe's open-borders Schengen area by air and sea from March 2024, with talks set to continue next year about land borders, the Romanian interior ministry said late on Wednesday.

Romania, Bulgaria set to join Europe's Schengen Zone

As many as 14 gunshots were fired at the residence of the son of a Hindu temple president in Surrey, in the Canadian province of British Columbia. In the wake of this unsettling incident, Canadian authorities are currently investigating the matter, details of which in media reports only include the efforts being made in the probe and do not confirm&nbsp;if any suspects have been identified. The house in this case is of the son of Satish Kumar, who is the president of the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey.&nbsp;

The man whose house came under attack is a Hindu businessman and the incident transpired on December 27, 2023, at around 8:03 am. The resident is located in the 14900 block of 80 Avenue.&nbsp;Surrey Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) responded to a report of shots fired at the house.&nbsp;

According to a statement from RCMP,&nbsp;no one was injured during the incident. However, the police added that the residence involved "sustained damage consistent with bullet holes."

"Police remained in the area, examining the scene, speaking with witnesses and canvassing the neighbourhood for CCTV footage. The Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit has conduct of the investigation. Officers are still working to determine the motive of this incident," the statement added.&nbsp;

The police requested anyone with more information about the incident, including dashcam footage of the incident, to get in contact with them.&nbsp;

This attack comes against the backdrop of a growing diplomatic row between India and Canada.

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The Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit has taken charge of the investigation and is working to ascertain the motive behind this targeted attack.

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There has been a concerning escalation in violence against Hindu communities in Canada. Temples have been increasingly subjected to acts of vandalism and attacks, coinciding with the surging presence of Khalistani groups in the country, something that India has been probing Canada to take action against.

In September, the Shri Mata Bhameshwari Durga temple, in Canada's Surrey was defaced with anti-India and pro-Khalistan graffiti on its outer walls.&nbsp;Recent occurrences also include vandalism at temples in Brampton and the Greater Toronto area.

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Community leaders are pressing law enforcement to allocate additional resources for the security of these temples as the Hindu community remains uneasy in the face of these troubling developments and heightening tensions in the diplomatic relations between India and Canada.

(With inputs from agencies)

As many as 14 gunshots were fired at the residence of the son of a Hindu temple president in Surrey, in the Canadian province of British Columbia. In the wake of this unsettling incident, Canadian authorities are currently investigating the matter, details of which in media reports only include the efforts being made in the probe and do not confirm if any suspects have been identified.

As many as 14 gunshots were fired at the residence of the son of a Hindu temple president in Surrey, in the Canadian province of British Columbia. In the wake of this unsettling incident, Canadian authorities are currently investigating the matter, details of which in media reports only include the efforts being made in the probe and do not confirm if any suspects have been identified. The house in this case is of the son of Satish Kumar, who is the president of the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey. The man whose house came under attack is a Hindu businessman and the incident transpired on December 27, 2023, at around 8:03 am. The resident is located in the 14900 block of 80 Avenue. Surrey Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) responded to a report of shots fired at the house. According to a statement from RCMP, no one was injured during the incident. However, the police added that the residence involved "sustained damage consistent with bullet holes." "Police remained in the area, examining the scene, speaking with witnesses and canvassing the neighbourhood for CCTV footage. The Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit has conduct of the investigation. Officers are still working to determine the motive of this incident," the statement added. The police requested anyone with more information about the incident, including dashcam footage of the incident, to get in contact with them. This attack comes against the backdrop of a growing diplomatic row between India and Canada. Also Read | Volodymyr Zelensky and Pope discuss Ukraine's Peace Plan The Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit has taken charge of the investigation and is working to ascertain the motive behind this targeted attack. Also Read | Maine deals 2nd blow to Trump, disqualifies him from primary ballot after similar move by Colorado There has been a concerning escalation in violence against Hindu communities in Canada. Temples have been increasingly subjected to acts of vandalism and attacks, coinciding with the surging presence of Khalistani groups in the country, something that India has been probing Canada to take action against. In September, the Shri Mata Bhameshwari Durga temple, in Canada's Surrey was defaced with anti-India and pro-Khalistan graffiti on its outer walls. Recent occurrences also include vandalism at temples in Brampton and the Greater Toronto area. Watch | Donald Trump blocked from Maine presidential ballot × Community leaders are pressing law enforcement to allocate additional resources for the security of these temples as the Hindu community remains uneasy in the face of these troubling developments and heightening tensions in the diplomatic relations between India and Canada. (With inputs from agencies)

14 shots fired at house of Hindu temple president's son in Canada's British Columbia

After a highly productive 2023, with the successful launch of the third Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-3 and the first Sun exploratory Aditya-L1, a buoyant Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will usher in 2024 with the launch of PSLV-C58/X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) mission on January 1.

India: ISRO to usher in 2024 with XPoSat mission

The US Air Force had said that its nuclear missile capsules, which have been in operation for decades, were safe. However, many of the crew who worked on these missiles since the 1960s have cancer, the news agency Associated Press reported on Friday (Dec 29), citing documents.

The US Air Force had said that its nuclear missile capsules, which have been in operation for decades, were safe. However, many of the crew who worked on these missiles since the 1960s have cancer, the news agency Associated Press reported on Friday (Dec 29), citing documents. As per the documents, some of the toxic risks in these capsules included a large pool of dark liquid festering on the floor, no fresh air, and asbestos readings 50 times higher than the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) safety standards. On Dec 30, 2001, an air force investigation found that the workplace (capsules) was free of health hazards. However, the documents, which date back to the 1980s, tell a far different story from what the air force said when reports of cancer among service members started to emerge. “Sometimes, illnesses tend to occur by chance alone,” a follow-up 2005 Air Force review found, the report said, adding that the capsules were again under scrutiny. Hundreds of missileers diagnosed with cancer Earlier in January, the Associated Press reported that at least nine current or former nuclear missile officers, also called missileers, had been diagnosed with the blood cancer non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Following this news, hundreds of others came forward self-reporting cancer diagnoses. In response, the air force launched its most sweeping review to date and tested thousands of air, water, soil and surface samples in all of the facilities where the service members worked. The report further said that four current samples came back with unsafe levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs. PCBs are a known carcinogen used in electrical wiring. Current missileers told the news agency they were concerned by the new reports but believed the air force was being transparent in its search for toxins. “Whenever you hear ‘cancer’ it’s a little concerning,” said Lt. Joy Hawkins, 23, a missileer at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana. Lt. Samantha McGlinchey, another missileer at the base said, "There’s more testing, things to come, cleanup efforts." More data is expected early next year. The air force has already been working on an official count of how many current or former missile community service members have cancer. The warning signs At present, there are three nuclear missile bases in the US: F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, Minot, and Malmstrom. Each of these bases has 15 underground launch capsules that are manned around the clock. There have been plenty of warnings about past toxic risks in the documents obtained by AP. The report said that an environmental team at Malmstrom base's capsules Hotel and Juliet got worrisome asbestos readings from underneath a generator in the capsule equipment rooms which are also underground within the same sealed-in workplace. The EPA's threshold for asbestos exposure is 1% for an eight-hour workday. But missileers were locked in there for 24 hours at a time, at least. If the weather was bad and the replacement crew couldn’t make the drive to the site, a team could be stuck underground for as long as three days. Both Hotel and Juliet capsules recorded solid samples of chrysotile asbestos. However, in the official report, the risks were downplayed. “Asbestos presents a health hazard only when it is crushed (able to be crushed or pulverized by hand pressure.) All suspect (asbestos) was found to be in good condition,” an annual review of the Hotel said. All of these capsules would shut in a few years as the new gigantic ICBM called the Sentinel would come online. The old capsules would be demolished and a new, modern underground control centre would be built on top of them. Air force teams working on the new designs are privy to the cancer reports and would apply modern environmental health standards in the new centre, said Maj. Gen. John Newberry, commander of the air force’s nuclear weapons centre. (With inputs from agencies)

Toxins lurked in US Air Force's nuclear missile capsules, many of the crew have cancer: Report

Indian entertainers ruled the roost this year globally. 'Naatu Naatu' had Hollywood dancing as it won the Golden Globes and the Oscars. 'The Elephant Whisperers' established that India was not just about song and dance as the short documentary bagged the Oscars. And finally, Vir Das put Indian comedy on the international stage after winning the Emmys for his Netflix stand-up special 'Vir Das: Landing'.

Recapping 2023: How India utilised its soft power around the globe

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.

Donald Trump blocked from Maine presidential ballot in 2024

Power cuts and internet outages have left millions of Gazans disconnected from the world. In these desperate times, people are embracing the old and new. Radio sets are sold out, and eSIMs are in high demand. Rahesha Sehgal reports how besieged Gazans are struggling to stay connected.

Keeping Gaza informed and online: Gazans trust radio sets and eSIMs

In another blow to former US President Donald Trump, the state of Maine has barred him from the ballot in the upcoming US presidential primary election, Reuters reported.

This decision comes after a similar move by Colorado which disqualified Trump citing his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, a dark and unprecedented chapter in American history when a violent mob of Trump&nbsp;supporters stormed the Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.&nbsp;

Democrat and Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows asserted that Trump, the leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination, played a role in inciting insurrection by spreading baseless claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election.

In a comprehensive 34-page ruling, Bellows stated,&nbsp;"The US Constitution does not tolerate an assault on the foundations of our government."&nbsp;

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However, Trump's campaign reportedly said that they would appeal in Maine courts against Bellows' ruling, which she temporarily suspended pending the court's judgment. Trump's campaign denounced&nbsp;Bellows' decision as "atrocious".

While defending Trump, his lawyers argued that his statements on the day of the Capitol riot were protected by the right to free speech. But the US Supreme Court is yet to decide on whether Trump will remain eligible for the November general elections or not.&nbsp;

<h2>'Undemocratic': Trump's take on&nbsp;Colorado ruling</h2>

Trump is the first candidate in US history ineligible for the presidency due to alleged involvement in an insurrection and he has vowed to appeal the Colorado ruling while claiming that such moves were "undemocratic".

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It is worth noting that while the ruling applies specifically to Maine's March primary election, it could also impact the eligibility of Trump, who served as the 45th US president from 2017 to 2021,&nbsp;for the November general election.

The decision by Colorado, which has been stayed&nbsp;as Trump looks to appeal against it, and now by Maine, has also put a spotlight on the US Supreme Court as eventually, the apex body will have to address questions about Trump's eligibility under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.

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Trump is already facing legal challenges in both federal and Georgia courts related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. However, the former US president has not been charged with insurrection for the Capitol attack just yet.

Despite legal hurdles, he continues to maintain a substantial lead in opinion polls in the Republican nomination race.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In another blow to former US President Donald Trump, the state of Maine has barred him from the ballot in the upcoming US presidential primary election, Reuters reported.

In another blow to former US President Donald Trump, the state of Maine has barred him from the ballot in the upcoming US presidential primary election, Reuters reported. This decision comes after a similar move by Colorado which disqualified Trump citing his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, a dark and unprecedented chapter in American history when a violent mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Democrat and Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows asserted that Trump, the leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination, played a role in inciting insurrection by spreading baseless claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election. In a comprehensive 34-page ruling, Bellows stated, "The US Constitution does not tolerate an assault on the foundations of our government." Also Read | Microsoft's Steve Ballmer to be paid USD 1 billion in 2024 for 'doing nothing': Report However, Trump's campaign reportedly said that they would appeal in Maine courts against Bellows' ruling, which she temporarily suspended pending the court's judgment. Trump's campaign denounced Bellows' decision as "atrocious". While defending Trump, his lawyers argued that his statements on the day of the Capitol riot were protected by the right to free speech. But the US Supreme Court is yet to decide on whether Trump will remain eligible for the November general elections or not. 'Undemocratic': Trump's take on Colorado ruling Trump is the first candidate in US history ineligible for the presidency due to alleged involvement in an insurrection and he has vowed to appeal the Colorado ruling while claiming that such moves were "undemocratic". Also Read | Haley clarifies after backlash over avoidance to link slavery and Civil War It is worth noting that while the ruling applies specifically to Maine's March primary election, it could also impact the eligibility of Trump, who served as the 45th US president from 2017 to 2021, for the November general election. The decision by Colorado, which has been stayed as Trump looks to appeal against it, and now by Maine, has also put a spotlight on the US Supreme Court as eventually, the apex body will have to address questions about Trump's eligibility under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Watch | US-Mexico agree on slowing down migration × Trump is already facing legal challenges in both federal and Georgia courts related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. However, the former US president has not been charged with insurrection for the Capitol attack just yet. Despite legal hurdles, he continues to maintain a substantial lead in opinion polls in the Republican nomination race. (With inputs from agencies)

Maine deals second blow to Trump, disqualifies him from primary ballot after similar move by Colorado

The Indian defence minister responded strongly to attacks on trade vessels plying on the red sea, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. India’s maritime forces are braving through adversaries with its latest missile destroyers and recon assets to secure the region along with international players. But which groups are behind these incessant attacks? Is India ready for a maritime conflict in the red sea? Watch Game Plan with Shivan Chanana.

Houthi attack on India-bound ships – India vows to find perpetrators in Red Sea

The central conference on work relating to foreign affairs was held in Beijing from Wednesday to Thursday. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech at the conference.

China: Central conference on work relating to foreign affairs held in Beijing

Russia fires over 158 missiles & drones on Ukraine

China appoints naval commander as new defence minister. General Dong Jun has served in all major naval divisions in the plan.

Dong Jun appointed as China's new Defence Minister

Three defence industry leaders removed from china advisory body. Departures are part of purge of figures linked to military, thought to be related to a procurement investigation

China removes 3 defence company bosses from top political body

Gypsy Rose Blanchard, a US woman who killed her abusive mother after conspiring with an online boyfriend, has been released early from prison on parole. She is now 32.&nbsp;

Her boyfriend was identified as Nicholas Godejohn.&nbsp;

Blanchard remained the centre of one of the most infamous true-crime cases in the past 15 years - a case that not just gripped the nation, but the entire world.&nbsp;

For years, her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, forced her to pretend that she was suffering from leukaemia, muscular dystrophy and other serious illnesses. In a way, she had kept her daughter prisoner, forcing her to use a wheelchair and feeding tube.&nbsp;

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Blanchard killed her mother in 2015 in Missouri. She had pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder.&nbsp;

As quoted by media outlets, Karen Pojmann, who is a spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Corrections, said that Blanchard was released early in the day from the Chillicothe correctional centre. Pojmann said that she was granted parole after serving 85 per cent of her original sentence.&nbsp;

Blanchard gave a knife to her online boyfriend, who had fled the scene.&nbsp;

Many suspected it to be the case of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSP), which is a psychological condition that causes a caregiver to engage in attention-seeking behaviour. It makes the person or people under their care ill or makes people believe they are ill.&nbsp;

Michael Stanfield, Gypsy Rose Blanchard's trial attorney, also said the same thing. He said, "People were constantly telling Dee Dee what a wonderful mother she was, and Dee Dee was getting all of this attention."&nbsp;

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<h2>How did her mother manage to con people?&nbsp;</h2>

Some reports mentioned that it is likely that a disorder, now termed a "Factitious disorder imposed on another," is what prompted Dee Dee to lie to everyone. She also tried to convince everyone that her daughter was terribly ill and much younger than she was.&nbsp;

The act helped the mother and daughter get philanthropic donations, a trip to Disney World, and even a home in Springfield from Habitat for Humanity. They also met star Miranda Lambert through the hoax.&nbsp;

Stanfield said that Gypsy Rose Blanchard's mother deceived doctors by claiming her daughter's medical records were lost during Hurricane Katrina.&nbsp;

She used to hire a replacement doctor and shaved the girl's head.

Gypsy also underwent unneeded treatments - one such was the excision of salivary glands. Her mother even persuaded doctors that it was essential by causing drooling with a topical anaesthetic.&nbsp;

She didn't attend proper schooling and was also misled. Stanfield said, "The doctors seem to confirm everything that you're being told. The outside world is telling you that your mother is a wonderful, loving, caring person. What other idea can you have?"&nbsp;

During the trial, Gypsy testified that her mother used to beat her and chained her to a bed. She mentioned that she started to get what exactly was happening to her later, and she wasn't really sick.&nbsp;

In 2018, Gypsy testified at the trial of Godejohn of Big Bend, Wisconsin. She admitted that she forced him into it. "I wanted to be free of her hold on me," Gypsy said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Gypsy Rose Blanchard, a US woman who killed her abusive mother after conspiring with an online boyfriend, has been released early from prison on parole. She is now 32.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard, a US woman who killed her abusive mother after conspiring with an online boyfriend, has been released early from prison on parole. She is now 32. Her boyfriend was identified as Nicholas Godejohn. Blanchard remained the centre of one of the most infamous true-crime cases in the past 15 years - a case that not just gripped the nation, but the entire world. For years, her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, forced her to pretend that she was suffering from leukaemia, muscular dystrophy and other serious illnesses. In a way, she had kept her daughter prisoner, forcing her to use a wheelchair and feeding tube. Also read: Concerns mount as China witnesses surge in pet surgeries to mimic 'Mickey Mouse ears' Blanchard killed her mother in 2015 in Missouri. She had pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder. As quoted by media outlets, Karen Pojmann, who is a spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Corrections, said that Blanchard was released early in the day from the Chillicothe correctional centre. Pojmann said that she was granted parole after serving 85 per cent of her original sentence. Blanchard gave a knife to her online boyfriend, who had fled the scene. Many suspected it to be the case of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSP), which is a psychological condition that causes a caregiver to engage in attention-seeking behaviour. It makes the person or people under their care ill or makes people believe they are ill. Michael Stanfield, Gypsy Rose Blanchard's trial attorney, also said the same thing. He said, "People were constantly telling Dee Dee what a wonderful mother she was, and Dee Dee was getting all of this attention." Also read: Truck driver found alive almost 6 days after being trapped in wrecked truck How did her mother manage to con people? Some reports mentioned that it is likely that a disorder, now termed a "Factitious disorder imposed on another," is what prompted Dee Dee to lie to everyone. She also tried to convince everyone that her daughter was terribly ill and much younger than she was. The act helped the mother and daughter get philanthropic donations, a trip to Disney World, and even a home in Springfield from Habitat for Humanity. They also met star Miranda Lambert through the hoax. Stanfield said that Gypsy Rose Blanchard's mother deceived doctors by claiming her daughter's medical records were lost during Hurricane Katrina. She used to hire a replacement doctor and shaved the girl's head. Gypsy also underwent unneeded treatments - one such was the excision of salivary glands. Her mother even persuaded doctors that it was essential by causing drooling with a topical anaesthetic. She didn't attend proper schooling and was also misled. Stanfield said, "The doctors seem to confirm everything that you're being told. The outside world is telling you that your mother is a wonderful, loving, caring person. What other idea can you have?" During the trial, Gypsy testified that her mother used to beat her and chained her to a bed. She mentioned that she started to get what exactly was happening to her later, and she wasn't really sick. In 2018, Gypsy testified at the trial of Godejohn of Big Bend, Wisconsin. She admitted that she forced him into it. "I wanted to be free of her hold on me," Gypsy said. (With inputs from agencies)

The strange case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who conspired to kill her abusive mother. She is now released

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South Korean actor Lee Sun-Kyun's family and friends mourn his demise and the public criticism of police and media conduct during the investigation of his alleged drug use is now on the rise. Lee who was best known for his performance in the Oscar-winning movie Parasite was found dead in a car earlier this week. While celebrities continue to mourn his demise the actor's reputation has suffered a blow.

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Israeli shelling near a southern Gaza hospital has killed 41 people over the past 2 days. According to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, the casualties include displaced persons, people who were seeking shelter in the premises of the Al Amal Hospital in Khan Younis.

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A former senior official at the People’s Bank of China has been sentenced to more than 16 years in prison for taking bribes and leaking state secrets, Caixin reported.

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The strange case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who conspired to kill her abusive mother. She is now released

Nightmare floods: From Australia to India

US launches secretive X-37-B robot spaceplane from Florida

Three dead as Storm Gerrit batters Britain

Seoul: South Korean actor Lee Sun-Kyun found dead in a car amid drug case

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli official 'regrets' refugee camp attack

Former China central bank official jailed for 16 years for graft