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The cost of Israel's ongoing war with Hamas in the Gaza strip is estimated to be as high as $51 billion, according to preliminary figures reported by the Calcalist financial newspaper. This figure, equivalent to 10% of Israel's gross domestic product, is based on several key assumptions, including the conflict lasting between eight to 12 months.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel defence spending to climb | Hamas war to cost Israel more in 2024 | WION

Wolfgang Schaeuble, one of the most important figures in German politics for decades and an icon of budgetary rigour in the eurozone, has died aged 81, the German parliament said Wednesday.

Schaeuble, who was a minister under chancellors Helmut Kohl and Angela Merkel, and played a key role in German reunification in 1990, died peacefully in the night, the Bild daily reported.

The current Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Schaeuble had "shaped our country for more than half a century".&nbsp;

"Germany has lost a sharp thinker, passionate politician and pugnacious democrat," Scholz wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Merkel also paid tribute to Schaeuble in a statement shared by her office, describing him as "an outstanding personality... who shaped our country in many ways."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/lufthansas-9-bn-aircraft-bonanza-german-airline-orders-80-planes-from-boeing-and-airbus-671629">Lufthansa's $9 bn aircraft bonanza: German airline orders 80 planes from Boeing and Airbus</a>

As finance minister for several years under Merkel, Schaeuble carved out a reputation as the guardian of German budgetary rigour, particularly during the Greek debt crisis.

Describing himself as "pitiless" in his management of Germany's public purse, he showed the same exactitude towards his euro partners, campaigning for tight fiscal discipline and insisting on stringent conditions for any bailout contribution by Berlin.

<h2>'Destructive policies'</h2>

His harsh stance made him unpopular with many Greeks in the aftermath of the financial crisis of 2007-2008 and the ensuing eurozone debt crisis.&nbsp;

Former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, who clashed with Schaeuble during the crisis, on Wednesday accused his erstwhile counterpart of having contributed to "the impoverishment of Greece".&nbsp;

"History will judge him harshly, but not more harshly than those who succumbed to his destructive policies," he wrote on X.&nbsp;

Watch | Germany ends e-vehicle subsidy | World Business Watch

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Born in Freiburg in 1942, Schaeuble was the longest-serving member of the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, where he had sat since 1972.

It was under former conservative leader Kohl that the pro-European Schaeuble forged his career, rising through the ranks to eventually become chief of staff for the chancellor, to whom he was long seen as the heir apparent.

Together they oversaw Germany's national reunification, before personal tragedy struck Schaeuble -- an assassination attempt by a deranged man in 1990 left him badly injured and forced him to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

The son of a conservative politician, Schaeuble was known for his biting wit and unerring sense of duty. He was married with four children.

His biographer Peter Schuetz described him as the "most honest man" he knew, "even if he's not always the most charming".

<h2>'Commitment to Europe'</h2>

After a slush-fund scandal shattered Kohl's reputation in the 1990s, Schaeuble spent a period in the political wilderness before making a comeback in 2002.

While Merkel refused to back him two years later for the role of federal president -- instead picking former International Monetary Fund chief Horst Koehler -- he became interior minister in 2005.

Schaeuble was criticised by civil liberties groups for curbing rights in response to the threat of extremist attacks.

However, Merkel rewarded him in 2009 when she tapped him for the more high-profile finance ministry.&nbsp;

Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank, hailed Schaeuble as "one of the most influential European leaders of his generation".&nbsp;

"I personally witnessed his commitment to Europe, his intellectual rigour and his statesmanship," she wrote on X. 
Schaeuble subsequently served as president of the Bundestag from 2017 until 2021, and remained a member of parliament up until his death.

He had been suffering from cancer for several years, according to Bild.

In a recent interview with Der Spiegel magazine, Schaeuble admitted he felt "lonely" as most of his peers were no longer around, but it did not appear to bother him.&nbsp;

"I can now observe my life as it comes to an end," he said. "I find it exciting to observe myself."

Wolfgang Schaeuble, one of the most important figures in German politics for decades and an icon of budgetary rigour in the eurozone, has died aged 81, the German parliament said Wednesday.

Wolfgang Schaeuble, one of the most important figures in German politics for decades and an icon of budgetary rigour in the eurozone, has died aged 81, the German parliament said Wednesday. Schaeuble, who was a minister under chancellors Helmut Kohl and Angela Merkel, and played a key role in German reunification in 1990, died peacefully in the night, the Bild daily reported. The current Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Schaeuble had "shaped our country for more than half a century". "Germany has lost a sharp thinker, passionate politician and pugnacious democrat," Scholz wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Merkel also paid tribute to Schaeuble in a statement shared by her office, describing him as "an outstanding personality... who shaped our country in many ways." Also Read | Lufthansa's $9 bn aircraft bonanza: German airline orders 80 planes from Boeing and Airbus As finance minister for several years under Merkel, Schaeuble carved out a reputation as the guardian of German budgetary rigour, particularly during the Greek debt crisis. Describing himself as "pitiless" in his management of Germany's public purse, he showed the same exactitude towards his euro partners, campaigning for tight fiscal discipline and insisting on stringent conditions for any bailout contribution by Berlin. 'Destructive policies' His harsh stance made him unpopular with many Greeks in the aftermath of the financial crisis of 2007-2008 and the ensuing eurozone debt crisis. Former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, who clashed with Schaeuble during the crisis, on Wednesday accused his erstwhile counterpart of having contributed to "the impoverishment of Greece". "History will judge him harshly, but not more harshly than those who succumbed to his destructive policies," he wrote on X. Watch | Germany ends e-vehicle subsidy | World Business Watch × Born in Freiburg in 1942, Schaeuble was the longest-serving member of the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, where he had sat since 1972. It was under former conservative leader Kohl that the pro-European Schaeuble forged his career, rising through the ranks to eventually become chief of staff for the chancellor, to whom he was long seen as the heir apparent. Together they oversaw Germany's national reunification, before personal tragedy struck Schaeuble -- an assassination attempt by a deranged man in 1990 left him badly injured and forced him to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life. The son of a conservative politician, Schaeuble was known for his biting wit and unerring sense of duty. He was married with four children. His biographer Peter Schuetz described him as the "most honest man" he knew, "even if he's not always the most charming". 'Commitment to Europe' After a slush-fund scandal shattered Kohl's reputation in the 1990s, Schaeuble spent a period in the political wilderness before making a comeback in 2002. While Merkel refused to back him two years later for the role of federal president -- instead picking former International Monetary Fund chief Horst Koehler -- he became interior minister in 2005. Schaeuble was criticised by civil liberties groups for curbing rights in response to the threat of extremist attacks. However, Merkel rewarded him in 2009 when she tapped him for the more high-profile finance ministry. Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank, hailed Schaeuble as "one of the most influential European leaders of his generation". "I personally witnessed his commitment to Europe, his intellectual rigour and his statesmanship," she wrote on X. Schaeuble subsequently served as president of the Bundestag from 2017 until 2021, and remained a member of parliament up until his death. He had been suffering from cancer for several years, according to Bild. In a recent interview with Der Spiegel magazine, Schaeuble admitted he felt "lonely" as most of his peers were no longer around, but it did not appear to bother him. "I can now observe my life as it comes to an end," he said. "I find it exciting to observe myself."

Wolfgang Schaeuble, veteran of German politics, dies at 81

Sweden is now one step closer to joining NATO, this is after a lot of delay. Member Turkey is now moving ahead to ractify its bid to join its military alliance.

Sweden edges closer to joining NATO, Turkey objects Sweden's bid | World DNA | WION

Australia thunderstorms: 10 killed after severe storms hit country's east. The bureau of meteorology warns the coastal regions in Queensland are still at risk of 'dangerous' storms as well as 'life-threatening' floods.

Christmas & Boxing day turn tragic for Australians

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announces 10 10-pointer party manifesto for 8th Feb 2024 elections during a party gathering at Garhi Khuda Bux. Bilawal Bhutto announces candidacy for Prime Ministerhip subject to his party’s Central Executive Committee’s approval.

PPP'S Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announces candidature for Pak PM

The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs commission approved Sweden's NATO membership bid on Tuesday in a key step towards enlarging the Western bloc after 19 months of delays in which Ankara demanded security-related concessions from Stockholm.

Sweden edges closer to NATO after vote in Turkish parliamentary commission

Researchers in the United States have issued a warning against the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which is present among wildlife, in humans, reported the Independent.&nbsp;

The illness, which is also known as ‘Zombie Deer Disease’, leaves animals drooling and confused. It was first detected in November in Yellowstone National Park.&nbsp;

The disease was discovered in 800 samples of deer, moose and elk across Wyoming.&nbsp;

The CWD has been labelled by the experts as a ''slow-moving disaster'' and the governments are being strongly advised to prepare for the chances of its transmission to humans.&nbsp;

As per the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the disease was reported in 31 states in the United States.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/worlds-oldest-disease-causing-species-found-its-407mn-year-old-fungus-667950">World’s oldest disease-causing species found: It’s 407mn-year-old fungus</a>

''The mad cow disease outbreak in Britain provided an example of how, overnight, things can get crazy when a spillover event happens from, say, livestock to people. We're talking about the potential of something similar occurring. No one is saying that it's going to happen, but people need to be prepared,'' said CWD researcher Dr Cory Anderson, while speaking to The Guardian.

He further said that it is a worrying situation since there is no known way to eradicate the disease ''neither from the animals it infects nor the environment it contaminates.''

As per a report by Fox News, no cases of CWD have been found so far in humans.&nbsp;

However, as per some studies, monkeys face the threat of getting infected by chronic wasting disease if they eat infected animal meat or come in contact with the bodily fluids or brains of infected animals.&nbsp;

''These studies raise concerns that there may also be a risk to people. Since 1997, the World Health Organization has recommended that it is important to keep the agents of all known prion diseases from entering the human food chain,'' read the CDC website.&nbsp;

<h2>What is Zombie Deer Disease?</h2>

The ‘Zombie Deer Disease’ is a fatal and contagious disease illness which affects cervids, which is a group of animals that includes elk, deer, moose, reindeer and caribou.&nbsp;

The disease is caused by a malformed protein - known as prion - which gets accumulated in the tissues and the brain and causes behavioural and physiological changes, emaciation and ultimately death.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;3D printed face implants for face disfigurement for Black Fungus patients&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/3d-printed-face-implants-for-face-disfigurement-for-black-fungus-patients-world-dna-673886/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The disease gets transmitted by direct animal-to-animal contact and also indirectly by getting in contact with infectious particles which are present in soil, vegetation or faeces.&nbsp;

Animals can also get an infection if their pasture or feed is contaminated by the prions which are carrying it.&nbsp;

As per the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, it may take more than a year for the development of symptoms in the deer.&nbsp;

It generally starts with the deer losing weight drastically, stumbling around, and eventually losing all the energy. At present, there is no cure or vaccine with CWD.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers in the United States have issued a warning against the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which is present among wildlife, in humans, reported the Independent.

Researchers in the United States have issued a warning against the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which is present among wildlife, in humans, reported the Independent. The illness, which is also known as ‘Zombie Deer Disease’, leaves animals drooling and confused. It was first detected in November in Yellowstone National Park. The disease was discovered in 800 samples of deer, moose and elk across Wyoming. The CWD has been labelled by the experts as a ''slow-moving disaster'' and the governments are being strongly advised to prepare for the chances of its transmission to humans. As per the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the disease was reported in 31 states in the United States. Also read: World’s oldest disease-causing species found: It’s 407mn-year-old fungus ''The mad cow disease outbreak in Britain provided an example of how, overnight, things can get crazy when a spillover event happens from, say, livestock to people. We're talking about the potential of something similar occurring. No one is saying that it's going to happen, but people need to be prepared,'' said CWD researcher Dr Cory Anderson, while speaking to The Guardian. He further said that it is a worrying situation since there is no known way to eradicate the disease ''neither from the animals it infects nor the environment it contaminates.'' As per a report by Fox News, no cases of CWD have been found so far in humans. However, as per some studies, monkeys face the threat of getting infected by chronic wasting disease if they eat infected animal meat or come in contact with the bodily fluids or brains of infected animals. ''These studies raise concerns that there may also be a risk to people. Since 1997, the World Health Organization has recommended that it is important to keep the agents of all known prion diseases from entering the human food chain,'' read the CDC website. What is Zombie Deer Disease? The ‘Zombie Deer Disease’ is a fatal and contagious disease illness which affects cervids, which is a group of animals that includes elk, deer, moose, reindeer and caribou. The disease is caused by a malformed protein - known as prion - which gets accumulated in the tissues and the brain and causes behavioural and physiological changes, emaciation and ultimately death. Watch: 3D printed face implants for face disfigurement for Black Fungus patients The disease gets transmitted by direct animal-to-animal contact and also indirectly by getting in contact with infectious particles which are present in soil, vegetation or faeces. Animals can also get an infection if their pasture or feed is contaminated by the prions which are carrying it. As per the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, it may take more than a year for the development of symptoms in the deer. It generally starts with the deer losing weight drastically, stumbling around, and eventually losing all the energy. At present, there is no cure or vaccine with CWD. (With inputs from agencies)

Humans may get infected by ‘Zombie Deer Disease’, warn scientists amid case surge in US

Antony Blinken visits Mexico as massive migrant caravan inches toward the U.S. The meeting comes as attention turns to a caravan reportedly made up of 6,000 migrants that is making its way toward the U.S. And promising to be a political headache for both countries’ leaders.

Blinken seeks way forward in Mexico on migration surge

Panic struck thousands of residents in a Chennai neighbourhood late Tuesday (Dec 26) after an ammonia gas leakage was detected from an underwater pipeline.

Chennai ammonia leakage: Dozens in hospital after industrial accident, police urge calm

Rahul Gandhi will lead the Bharat Nyay Yatra from Manipur on January 14, as a follow-up of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, and the yatra will will conclude on March 20 in Mumbai, the Congress announced on December 27.

Congress party pinning hopes on Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0? | 2024 General Elections

Just a couple of weeks ahead of the January 13 election in Taiwan, Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to prevent anyone from splitting the island from China. His comments assume significance given how Beijing has been ramping up military and political pressure to assert its sovereignty claims over Taipei.

China reasserts sovereignty claims over Taiwan, Xi Jinping vows Taiwan reunification | World DNA

Watch the story to see how after a Russian ship was attacked by the Ukrainian air force in Crimea, Russia fired almost 50 shahed drones at targets in Ukraine and shelled a train station. Kyiv says the barrages killed at least five people and knocked out power in most of the southern city of kherson.

Zelensky: Russia shells Kherson train station filled with civilians

Russia said on Sunday that its forces have gained full control of Maryinka in Ukraine's east, but Kyiv's military denied Moscow's claim, saying Ukrainian troops were still within the borders of the blighted town.

Russia captures key Ukrainian city of Mariinka, Ukrainian forces retreat amid Russian onslaught

A Christmas holiday turned fatal for an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) family of six in the US state of Texas when they were killed in a traffic accident.&nbsp;

The family, hailing from&nbsp;Amalapuram in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, was killed in Johnson County while returning from a relative's house after spending Christmas on December 26.

According to reports, the victims were relatives of&nbsp;a lawmaker from the state's ruling YSR Congress Party.&nbsp;

"My uncle and his family went from Atlanta to a relative's house in Texas for the Christmas holidays. They visited the zoo on the morning of December 26th and were returning around 4 pm,"&nbsp;YSRCP Mummadivaram MLA Ponnada Venkata Satish Kumar was quoted as saying by Times of India.&nbsp;

The dead have been identified as&nbsp;P Nageswara Rao, the MLA's uncle, Seetha Mahalakshmi, Naveena, Kruthik, and a young girl called Nishitha. The sixth, also a family member, has not yet been named.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-student-killed-in-us-americas-gun-problem-becomes-a-global-human-issue-662363">Watch |&nbsp;Indian student killed in US | America's gun problem becomes a global human issue</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-student-killed-in-us-americas-gun-problem-becomes-a-global-human-issue-662363/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Collision with a truck</h2>

Notably, the family was in a minivan during the return trip and was hit by a truck with two youths inside who were driving in the wrong direction.&nbsp;

The authorities have confirmed that the two occupants of the truck were responsible for the collision and the eventual deaths. The accused are currently in hospital after sustaining injuries themselves.&nbsp;

The only survivor of the accident has been identified as one Lokesh&nbsp;who was airlifted and is currently being treated at a Forth Worth hospital. The authorities have described his condition as critical.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-origin-student-stabbed-in-us-indiana-in-critical-condition-with-0-5-chances-of-survival-653693">Also read |&nbsp;US: Indian-origin student stabbed in Indiana, in critical condition with '0-5%' chances of survival</a>

Kumar stated that he was working with the&nbsp;TANA (Telugu Association of North America) as well as US authorities to retrieve the dead bodies of the family members.&nbsp;

"We are working on bringing back the bodies to Andhra. Two of them were born citizens of the US for which consent from Lokesh, who is currently undergoing treatment, is needed. Therefore, we are weighing our options. TANA&nbsp;representatives Ashok and Srikanth are helping us," added Kumar.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A Christmas holiday turned fatal for an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) family of six in the US state of Texas when they were killed in a traffic accident. The family, hailing from Amalapuram in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, was killed in Johnson County while returning from a relative's house after spending Christmas on December 26.

A Christmas holiday turned fatal for an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) family of six in the US state of Texas when they were killed in a traffic accident. The family, hailing from Amalapuram in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, was killed in Johnson County while returning from a relative's house after spending Christmas on December 26. According to reports, the victims were relatives of a lawmaker from the state's ruling YSR Congress Party. "My uncle and his family went from Atlanta to a relative's house in Texas for the Christmas holidays. They visited the zoo on the morning of December 26th and were returning around 4 pm," YSRCP Mummadivaram MLA Ponnada Venkata Satish Kumar was quoted as saying by Times of India. The dead have been identified as P Nageswara Rao, the MLA's uncle, Seetha Mahalakshmi, Naveena, Kruthik, and a young girl called Nishitha. The sixth, also a family member, has not yet been named. Watch | Indian student killed in US | America's gun problem becomes a global human issue Collision with a truck Notably, the family was in a minivan during the return trip and was hit by a truck with two youths inside who were driving in the wrong direction. The authorities have confirmed that the two occupants of the truck were responsible for the collision and the eventual deaths. The accused are currently in hospital after sustaining injuries themselves. The only survivor of the accident has been identified as one Lokesh who was airlifted and is currently being treated at a Forth Worth hospital. The authorities have described his condition as critical. Also read | US: Indian-origin student stabbed in Indiana, in critical condition with '0-5%' chances of survival Kumar stated that he was working with the TANA (Telugu Association of North America) as well as US authorities to retrieve the dead bodies of the family members. "We are working on bringing back the bodies to Andhra. Two of them were born citizens of the US for which consent from Lokesh, who is currently undergoing treatment, is needed. Therefore, we are weighing our options. TANA representatives Ashok and Srikanth are helping us," added Kumar. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Six NRI family members killed in road accident in Texas, day after Christmas

AI-driven avatars and virtual reality therapy improve medication adherence and offer therapeutic interventions.

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The plans to replace stained-glass windows in Notre Dame Cathedral's side chapels with contemporary creations have been widely criticised.&nbsp;

More than 120,000 people have signed a petition to retain the original windows, and some have even called the plan an act of "vandalism".&nbsp;

A report by The Guardian cites critics as saying that the change of stained glass would hamper the architectural harmony of the historical building.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mayor-confirms-no-poo-ban-as-town-tackles-severe-sewage-stench-673727">New Zealand mayor confirms no ‘poo ban’ as town tackles severe sewage stench</a>&nbsp;

Earlier this month, French President Emmanuel Macron visited the 13th-century cathedral&nbsp;which was destroyed by a fire in April 2019.&nbsp;

Macron then announced that six of the seven chapels in the south aisle would have their windows removed and replaced with contemporary stained-glass windows.&nbsp;

As per the report, the concept is said to have come from Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, who wrote to the Élysée saying he wanted the state to construct a series of six new windows. In response, Macron approved the idea.&nbsp;

But, the plan has faced criticism. People have signed a petition that was established a little over a fortnight ago to save the original windows.&nbsp;

It read: "The stained glass windows in Notre Dame designed by Viollet-le-Duc were created as a coherent whole. It is a genuine creation that the architect wanted to be faithful to the cathedral's gothic origins."&nbsp;

Didier Rykner, who created the petition, believes that a far more modern gesture would be to commission new windows for the cathedral's north tower. It is the place where firefighters fought the hardest to rescue the structure. Rykner is the founder and editor of the online magazine La Tribune de l'Art.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/turkey-luxury-cars-seized-from-criminal-gangs-turned-into-traffic-police-vehicles-673743">Turkey: Luxury cars seized from criminal gangs turned into traffic police vehicles</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Notre Dame to get unique fire protection system&nbsp;</h2>

Paris'&nbsp;Notre Dame will be equipped with a unique fire protection system when it reopens next year, the head of the body charged with rebuilding the cathedral after a devastating blaze said Wednesday.&nbsp;

The landmark church, badly damaged by a fire in 2019, is to reopen in December 2024 after extensive repairs.&nbsp;

"All precautions have been taken for a complete rethink of its fire protection," Philippe Jost, president of the Rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris public body, told a parliamentary commission.&nbsp;

Notre Dame will notably be equipped with a vaporisation system, currently being installed below the roof and in the spire&nbsp;that Jost said would immediately stop any fire from spreading.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The plans to replace stained-glass windows in Notre Dame Cathedral's side chapels with contemporary creations have been widely criticised. More than 120,000 people have signed a petition to retain the original windows, and some have even called the plan an act of "vandalism".

The plans to replace stained-glass windows in Notre Dame Cathedral's side chapels with contemporary creations have been widely criticised. More than 120,000 people have signed a petition to retain the original windows, and some have even called the plan an act of "vandalism". A report by The Guardian cites critics as saying that the change of stained glass would hamper the architectural harmony of the historical building. Also read: New Zealand mayor confirms no ‘poo ban’ as town tackles severe sewage stench Earlier this month, French President Emmanuel Macron visited the 13th-century cathedral which was destroyed by a fire in April 2019. Macron then announced that six of the seven chapels in the south aisle would have their windows removed and replaced with contemporary stained-glass windows. As per the report, the concept is said to have come from Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, who wrote to the Élysée saying he wanted the state to construct a series of six new windows. In response, Macron approved the idea. But, the plan has faced criticism. People have signed a petition that was established a little over a fortnight ago to save the original windows. It read: "The stained glass windows in Notre Dame designed by Viollet-le-Duc were created as a coherent whole. It is a genuine creation that the architect wanted to be faithful to the cathedral's gothic origins." Didier Rykner, who created the petition, believes that a far more modern gesture would be to commission new windows for the cathedral's north tower. It is the place where firefighters fought the hardest to rescue the structure. Rykner is the founder and editor of the online magazine La Tribune de l'Art. Also read: Turkey: Luxury cars seized from criminal gangs turned into traffic police vehicles Notre Dame to get unique fire protection system Paris' Notre Dame will be equipped with a unique fire protection system when it reopens next year, the head of the body charged with rebuilding the cathedral after a devastating blaze said Wednesday. The landmark church, badly damaged by a fire in 2019, is to reopen in December 2024 after extensive repairs. "All precautions have been taken for a complete rethink of its fire protection," Philippe Jost, president of the Rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris public body, told a parliamentary commission. Notre Dame will notably be equipped with a vaporisation system, currently being installed below the roof and in the spire that Jost said would immediately stop any fire from spreading. (With inputs from agencies)

Plans to replace Notre Dame Cathedral's chapel windows face criticism

A Russian politician calling for peace in Ukraine on Wednesday lost her appeal against election officials' refusal to accept her nomination for the country's presidential race that President Vladimir Putin is all but certain to win. Former regional legislator Yekaterina Duntsova has promoted her vision of a “humane” Russia “that’s peaceful, friendly and ready to cooperate with everyone on the principle of respect.”

Russia's supreme court rejects petition of Putin's potential electoral challenger

Adverse weather conditions are gripping the capital city of india, Delhi, and its surrounding areas. This as a thick blanket of fog enveloped the city, causing visibility to plummet to nearly zero. The relentless cold wave continued to persist as the minimum temperature in the national capital region dropped to 7 degrees Celsius. The dense fog drastically reduced visibility, creating an environment where navigating through the streets became really difficult.

India: Thick fog causes visibility to plummet to nearly zero in Delhi

In a major development coming in from the Indian state of Gujarat, the state's police have now taken action to address a suspected illegal immigration network that involved 'agents' in relation to the passenger plane that recently returned from France. They have formed teams and are coordinating with passengers of the charter flight.

India: Gujarat police forms teams to probe suspected 'Illegal migration'

Weeks after India and Italy signed a mobility pact aimed at enhancing people-to-people contact between the citizens of two countries, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet on Wednesday (Dec 27) notified the pact.

"The Agreement would enhance people-to-people contacts, foster mobility of students, skilled workers, business people and young professionals and strengthen cooperation on issues related to irregular migration between the two sides," an official readout by the Indian side stated.

The agreement will remain in&nbsp;force for a period of five years and will be automatically renewed for a successive period unless it's terminated by either&nbsp;signatory.&nbsp;

<h2>India-Italy mobility pact: What does it entail?</h2>

The pact locks-in the present-day Italian visa regime including the mechanism for post-study opportunities, internships and professional trainings.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-bittersweet-melodi-in-india-italy-ties-during-swaraj-jaishankar-years-667672">Explained: The bittersweet 'melodi' in India-Italy ties during Swaraj-Jaishankar years</a>

"Cooperation between the two parties in fight against irregular migration has also been formalised through the Agreement," an official readout says.&nbsp;

<h2>What does it mean for Indians intending to work in Italy?</h2>

Under the now-formalised mobility pact, Indian students wishing to gather initial professional experience, after completing academic or vocational training in Italy may be granted temporary residence in Italy for up to 12 months, according to an official readout.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the Italian side has detailed provisions related to professional training, extracurricular and curricular internships which allow Indian students/trainees to gain experience in Italian skill/training standards.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;India and Italy celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations

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For 2023, Italian side has reserved a quota of 5000 non-seasonal Indian workers. For 2024, this number is 6,000 and for 2025, it stands at 7,000 non-seasonal Indian workers respectively.&nbsp;

The total quota stands at 12,000 for non-seasonal workers.&nbsp;

As for the seasonal workers, the Italian side has reserved a quota of 3,000, 4,000 and 5,000 Indian workers respectively, for 2023, 2024 and 2025.&nbsp;

The total quota stands at 8,000 for seasonal workers.&nbsp;

<h2>India-Italy ties in ‘Melodi’ era</h2>

The show of bilateral bonhomie between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, first seen during Meloni's New Delhi visit in March 2023, has not just taken over the internet but also the corridors of power in New Delhi and Rome.

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Good friends at COP28.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Melodi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Melodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/g0W6R0RJJo">pic.twitter.com/g0W6R0RJJo</a>
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) <a href="https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni/status/1730644622198657314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The India-Italy bilateral relationship between the two countries stands elevated to the level of strategic partnership since March, with Rome's naval experience in Adriatic Sea adding to India's strategic advantage in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

An India-Italy summit was held in 2020 in which 15 Memorandums of Understanding covering areas like energy, media, finance, and ship building were signed.

Weeks after India and Italy signed a mobility pact aimed at enhancing people-to-people contact between the citizens of two countries, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet on Wednesday (Dec 27) notified the pact.

Weeks after India and Italy signed a mobility pact aimed at enhancing people-to-people contact between the citizens of two countries, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet on Wednesday (Dec 27) notified the pact. "The Agreement would enhance people-to-people contacts, foster mobility of students, skilled workers, business people and young professionals and strengthen cooperation on issues related to irregular migration between the two sides," an official readout by the Indian side stated. The agreement will remain in force for a period of five years and will be automatically renewed for a successive period unless it's terminated by either signatory. India-Italy mobility pact: What does it entail? The pact locks-in the present-day Italian visa regime including the mechanism for post-study opportunities, internships and professional trainings. Also read | Explained: The bittersweet 'melodi' in India-Italy ties during Swaraj-Jaishankar years "Cooperation between the two parties in fight against irregular migration has also been formalised through the Agreement," an official readout says. What does it mean for Indians intending to work in Italy? Under the now-formalised mobility pact, Indian students wishing to gather initial professional experience, after completing academic or vocational training in Italy may be granted temporary residence in Italy for up to 12 months, according to an official readout. Furthermore, the Italian side has detailed provisions related to professional training, extracurricular and curricular internships which allow Indian students/trainees to gain experience in Italian skill/training standards. Also watch | India and Italy celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations × For 2023, Italian side has reserved a quota of 5000 non-seasonal Indian workers. For 2024, this number is 6,000 and for 2025, it stands at 7,000 non-seasonal Indian workers respectively. The total quota stands at 12,000 for non-seasonal workers. As for the seasonal workers, the Italian side has reserved a quota of 3,000, 4,000 and 5,000 Indian workers respectively, for 2023, 2024 and 2025. The total quota stands at 8,000 for seasonal workers. India-Italy ties in ‘Melodi’ era The show of bilateral bonhomie between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, first seen during Meloni's New Delhi visit in March 2023, has not just taken over the internet but also the corridors of power in New Delhi and Rome. Good friends at COP28.#Melodi pic.twitter.com/g0W6R0RJJo — Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) December 1, 2023 × The India-Italy bilateral relationship between the two countries stands elevated to the level of strategic partnership since March, with Rome's naval experience in Adriatic Sea adding to India's strategic advantage in the Indo-Pacific. An India-Italy summit was held in 2020 in which 15 Memorandums of Understanding covering areas like energy, media, finance, and ship building were signed.

India-Italy move forward in ‘Melodi’ era with approval of key migration and mobility pact

The renewed talks for a potential truce in the Israel-Hamas War there are reports of Discord between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence minister Yoav Gallant. The Israeli media reports that Netanyahu has barred Gallant from holding talks with the Mossad chief on the hostage release deal.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel Army says, 'War in Gaza will last many more months' | World News | WION

Ukrainian officials said on Wednesday (Dec 27) that Russia fired almost 50 Shahed drones at targets in Ukraine, the news agency Associated Press reported.&nbsp;

They also claimed that Moscow shelled a train station where more than 100 civilians were gathered to catch a train to Kyiv.&nbsp;

As per the officials, the barrages killed at least five people and knocked out power in most of the southern city of Kherson.&nbsp;

The alleged attack came a day after Ukrainian warplanes damaged a Russian ship moored in the Black Sea off Crimea.&nbsp;

Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko claimed that Russian forces launched an artillery and drone bombardment of the Kherson region overnight.&nbsp;

He said that the attack took place when some 140 civilians were waiting for a train at the region's capital city of the same name.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jaishankar-hails-very-strong-and-very-steady-indo-russia-ties-as-he-meets-russian-counterpart-lavrov-674021">Jaishankar hails ‘very strong’ and ‘very steady’ Indo-Russia ties as he meets Russian counterpart Lavrov</a>&nbsp;

The shelling killed one policeman and injured two other police officers, as well as two civilians, the officials said.&nbsp;

The national rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia stated that people, who were waiting for the train at the time of the attack, arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

The regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said that the attack on the Kherson region and its capital hit residential areas and a mall as well as striking the power grid.&nbsp;

The attack left around 70 per cent of households in Kherson city without electricity during the winter cold, he said further adding that it was not immediately possible to estimate when power might be restored.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-unification-with-china-will-surely-happen-says-xi-jinping-on-maos-anniversary-673983">Taiwan’s unification with China ‘will surely’ happen, says Xi Jinping on Mao’s anniversary</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Russia to deploy Howitzers near Finland border&nbsp;

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<h2>Russia on oil exports&nbsp;</h2>

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday that Russia has redirected its oil exports from Europe to China and India.&nbsp;

Novak, who is in charge of energy policy, said as quoted by AFP: "We previously supplied a total of 40 to 45 per cent of oil and oil products to Europe. This year, we expect the figure not to exceed four to five per cent of total exports."&nbsp;

In a televised interview, he added: "China - whose share (of oil exports) has grown to 45-50 per cent - and India have become our main partners in the current situation."&nbsp;

India has also emerged as a major buyer.&nbsp;

"In two years the total share of supplies to India has increased to about 40 per cent," Novak said.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ukrainian officials said on Wednesday (Dec 27) that Russia fired almost 50 Shahed drones at targets in Ukraine, the news agency Associated Press reported. They also claimed that Moscow shelled a train station where more than 100 civilians were gathered to catch a train to Kyiv.

Ukrainian officials said on Wednesday (Dec 27) that Russia fired almost 50 Shahed drones at targets in Ukraine, the news agency Associated Press reported. They also claimed that Moscow shelled a train station where more than 100 civilians were gathered to catch a train to Kyiv. As per the officials, the barrages killed at least five people and knocked out power in most of the southern city of Kherson. The alleged attack came a day after Ukrainian warplanes damaged a Russian ship moored in the Black Sea off Crimea. Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko claimed that Russian forces launched an artillery and drone bombardment of the Kherson region overnight. He said that the attack took place when some 140 civilians were waiting for a train at the region's capital city of the same name. Also read: Jaishankar hails ‘very strong’ and ‘very steady’ Indo-Russia ties as he meets Russian counterpart Lavrov The shelling killed one policeman and injured two other police officers, as well as two civilians, the officials said. The national rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia stated that people, who were waiting for the train at the time of the attack, arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday morning. The regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said that the attack on the Kherson region and its capital hit residential areas and a mall as well as striking the power grid. The attack left around 70 per cent of households in Kherson city without electricity during the winter cold, he said further adding that it was not immediately possible to estimate when power might be restored. Also read: Taiwan’s unification with China ‘will surely’ happen, says Xi Jinping on Mao’s anniversary Watch: Russia to deploy Howitzers near Finland border × Russia on oil exports Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday that Russia has redirected its oil exports from Europe to China and India. Novak, who is in charge of energy policy, said as quoted by AFP: "We previously supplied a total of 40 to 45 per cent of oil and oil products to Europe. This year, we expect the figure not to exceed four to five per cent of total exports." In a televised interview, he added: "China - whose share (of oil exports) has grown to 45-50 per cent - and India have become our main partners in the current situation." India has also emerged as a major buyer. "In two years the total share of supplies to India has increased to about 40 per cent," Novak said. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Drone and artillery attack kills 6 in Ukrainian city, causes power outage

Another truce deal to happen soon? Biden, Qatar's Emir discuss hostage release & Gaza aid. Hamas rejects ceasefire deal by Egypt, Israel continues strikes. Watch to know more!

Israel-Palestine war: Another truce deal to happen soon?

UN calls crisis in Gaza 'a human Chess board'; Gaza on a communication blackout again | WION

The Indin government on Tuesday issued an advisory to all social media platforms to comply with IT rules amid growing concerns around deepfakes.

Indian Govt directs social media platforms to comply with IT rules amid concerns over deepfakes

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- An acclaimed Turkish TV news anchor, Meltem Gunay, was terminated from her job for featuring a Starbucks cup on her desk during a broadcast. Notably, in the Muslim-majority country, the American coffeehouse chain is believed to be pro-Israel, a claim that Starbucks has rubbished saying that the protesters are "influenced by misrepresentation".

TV news anchor sacked in Turkey for using Starbucks cup on broadcast

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