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A fire broke out on a nuclear-powered Russian cargo ship on Sunday (Dec 24).The incident took place in one of the&nbsp;cabins of the&nbsp;cargo-icebreaker Soviet-era ship,&nbsp;currently docked in Murmansk, northern Russian city.

The state company which runs the ship said that emergency crews put out the fire and that there were no casualties. It added there wasn't any threat to the nuclear reactor.

Russia's emergency ministry has said that at its peak, the fire covered 30 square metres (323 square feet) area on the ship.

"The fire was quickly liquidated," Atomflot, which owns the vessel, said in a statement. "There were no injuries."

"There was no threat to crucial support systems or to the reactor plant," Atomflot said.

It was not immediately clear what caused the fire. There was no immediate official clarification on this.

Atomflot is part of Rosatom, Russia's state nuclear corporation. Atomflot operates the country's fleet of nuclear icebreakers.

Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russian strikes kill at least 4 in Kherson

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Sevmorput, the ship on which the fire broke out, entered service in the year 1988. Just a decade ago, the ship underwent an extensive upgrade. It is the only nuclear-powered icebreaking transport ship in Russia, says Rosatom.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-moved-to-prison-in-the-arctic-673412">Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny moved to Arctic penal colony</a>

Murmansk region in northwest Russia borders Norway and Finland. It also has access to the Barents and White seas.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-external-affairs-minister-jaishankar-arrives-in-russia-on-five-day-visit-673388">India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrives in Russia on five-day visit</a>

The fire at the nuclear powered&nbsp;ship&nbsp;caused a scare in world media, and may start a debate about safety and risks around nuclear-powered shipping.

Sevmorput, the ship in question has been in news due to previous incidents. It was allegedly involved in an incident which caused damage to an undersea gas pipeline.

(With inputs from agencies)

A fire broke out on a nuclear-powered Russian cargo ship on Sunday (Dec 24).The incident took place in one of the cabins of the cargo-icebreaker Soviet-era ship, currently docked in Murmansk, northern Russian city.

A fire broke out on a nuclear-powered Russian cargo ship on Sunday (Dec 24).The incident took place in one of the cabins of the cargo-icebreaker Soviet-era ship, currently docked in Murmansk, northern Russian city. The state company which runs the ship said that emergency crews put out the fire and that there were no casualties. It added there wasn't any threat to the nuclear reactor. Russia's emergency ministry has said that at its peak, the fire covered 30 square metres (323 square feet) area on the ship. "The fire was quickly liquidated," Atomflot, which owns the vessel, said in a statement. "There were no injuries." "There was no threat to crucial support systems or to the reactor plant," Atomflot said. It was not immediately clear what caused the fire. There was no immediate official clarification on this. Atomflot is part of Rosatom, Russia's state nuclear corporation. Atomflot operates the country's fleet of nuclear icebreakers. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russian strikes kill at least 4 in Kherson × Sevmorput, the ship on which the fire broke out, entered service in the year 1988. Just a decade ago, the ship underwent an extensive upgrade. It is the only nuclear-powered icebreaking transport ship in Russia, says Rosatom. Also Read | Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny moved to Arctic penal colony Murmansk region in northwest Russia borders Norway and Finland. It also has access to the Barents and White seas. Also Read | India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrives in Russia on five-day visit The fire at the nuclear powered ship caused a scare in world media, and may start a debate about safety and risks around nuclear-powered shipping. Sevmorput, the ship in question has been in news due to previous incidents. It was allegedly involved in an incident which caused damage to an undersea gas pipeline. (With inputs from agencies)

Fire breaks out on Russian nuclear-powered ship

Alexei Navalny, the jailed Russian opposition leader, has been moved to a penal colony in the Arctic, his spokeswoman said on Monday. Navalny's whereabouts were not known for over two weeks.

Russia: Navalny shifted to remote prison ahead of President elections, moved to Arctic Penal Colony

New Delhi has officially announced that the country's external affairs minister S Jaishankar will fly to Russia on a key diplomatic visit beginning on Christmas day that is on December 25th. The 5-day visit is part of an ongoing high-level exchanges between Russia and India and it will include engagements in Moscow and St Petersburg.

Jaishankar on five-day Russia visit: All eyes on Jaishankar-Lavrov meet, to expand engagement

The US targeted three sides used by Iran-backed forces in Iraq on Monday after an attack wounded three American personal earlier in the day. Washington has repeatedly hit sites that were used by Iran and its proxy forces in Iraq as well as Syria in response to the attacks on US and Allied Forces.

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Alexei Navalny, the jailed Russian opposition leader, has been moved to a penal colony in the Arctic, his spokeswoman said Monday (Dec 25). Navalny's whereabouts were not known for over two weeks.

Russia: Jailed Kremlin critic moved to remote prison ahead | 2024 Presidential elections

In New York Pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with New York police after which the NYPD raised its mobilization alert level to three, where four is the highest. Protesters wearing Palestinian headscarves and holding placards storm down storm downtown Manhattan. Take a look.

New York: Pro-Palestinian protesters clash with NYPD

Israel's main ally the US has kept up its support while expressing concerns over the growing casualty toll and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, despite a spot in casualties on the Israeli side too prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to fight until Israel reaches its goals.

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Residents in Lower Hutt, near Wellington, New Zealand, grapple with an escalating stench&nbsp;emanating from a sewage plant managed by Wellington Water. The issue has prompted concerns,&nbsp;leading to fines and community frustrations.

Recent reports indicated that Mayor Campbell Barry had suggested residents "stop pooing" to alleviate the smell. However, on Tuesday (Dec 26), Mayor Barry clarified that the comment was made in jest, stressing that no such advice was issued.&nbsp;

“We acknowledge the odour levels have been unpleasant, inconvenient, and distressful for the community,” Wellington Water said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-lost-ancient-colony-where-thousands-once-lived-now-found-672943">Also read |&nbsp;Australia's lost ancient colony, where thousands once lived, now found</a>

<h2>Odour woes&nbsp;</h2>

Wellington Water and plant management contractor Veolia New Zealand faced fines of approximately $13k each for discharging objectionable odours beyond the plant boundaries.

Local councils also incurred fines. The offensive smells prompted action, with works underway to replace the plant's biofilters and deodorising chemical dispersing machines operational in the interim.

Wellington Water assured residents that initial works are progressing and expected to conclude by the end of January. Additionally, a substantial investment of $13 million NZD over the next three years is earmarked for long-term improvements. However, residents have been cautioned to anticipate a worsening stench in the interim.

The pervasive odour has spurred residents to form the group "Stop the Stench," urging local leaders to address the issue promptly. Some members expressed frustration, with one even relocating Christmas celebrations to avoid potential embarrassment. Complaints range from difficulties in concentrating at school to employees refraining from eating lunch due to the unpleasant smell.

Also watch |&nbsp;Will you drink a coffee made through animal poop?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-you-drink-a-coffee-made-through-animal-poop-464843/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kylie Hood, a member of 'Stop the Stench',&nbsp;remains skeptical about promises to permanently resolve the odour problem.&nbsp;

“Sometimes I’ve felt close to vomiting. You can’t escape when it’s in your home. It gets hot, but you can’t open a window,” Kylie Hood, of Stop the Stench, told Stuff.&nbsp;

As Lower Hutt navigates these olfactory challenges, the collective call for swift and lasting resolutions echoes through the community. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Residents in Lower Hutt, near Wellington, New Zealand, grapple with an escalating stench emanating from a sewage plant managed by Wellington Water. The issue has prompted concerns, leading to fines and community frustrations.

Residents in Lower Hutt, near Wellington, New Zealand, grapple with an escalating stench emanating from a sewage plant managed by Wellington Water. The issue has prompted concerns, leading to fines and community frustrations. Recent reports indicated that Mayor Campbell Barry had suggested residents "stop pooing" to alleviate the smell. However, on Tuesday (Dec 26), Mayor Barry clarified that the comment was made in jest, stressing that no such advice was issued. “We acknowledge the odour levels have been unpleasant, inconvenient, and distressful for the community,” Wellington Water said in a statement. Also read | Australia's lost ancient colony, where thousands once lived, now found Odour woes Wellington Water and plant management contractor Veolia New Zealand faced fines of approximately $13k each for discharging objectionable odours beyond the plant boundaries. Local councils also incurred fines. The offensive smells prompted action, with works underway to replace the plant's biofilters and deodorising chemical dispersing machines operational in the interim. Wellington Water assured residents that initial works are progressing and expected to conclude by the end of January. Additionally, a substantial investment of $13 million NZD over the next three years is earmarked for long-term improvements. However, residents have been cautioned to anticipate a worsening stench in the interim. The pervasive odour has spurred residents to form the group "Stop the Stench," urging local leaders to address the issue promptly. Some members expressed frustration, with one even relocating Christmas celebrations to avoid potential embarrassment. Complaints range from difficulties in concentrating at school to employees refraining from eating lunch due to the unpleasant smell. Also watch | Will you drink a coffee made through animal poop? Kylie Hood, a member of 'Stop the Stench', remains skeptical about promises to permanently resolve the odour problem. “Sometimes I’ve felt close to vomiting. You can’t escape when it’s in your home. It gets hot, but you can’t open a window,” Kylie Hood, of Stop the Stench, told Stuff. As Lower Hutt navigates these olfactory challenges, the collective call for swift and lasting resolutions echoes through the community. (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand mayor confirms no ‘poo ban’ as town tackles severe sewage stench

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was greeted with a major disruption during a parliamentary session when families of the hostages taken by Hamas heckled and booed him in the Knesset sitting in the visitors chamber.

PM Netanyahu heckled inside parliament by families of hostages

Israel-Hamas war: PM Netanyahu meets IDF in Gaza, says 'We are proud & our hearts go out to you'

King Charles III on Monday (Dec 25) delivered his second Christmas message, focusing on environmentalism and peace. King Charles' speech focused on 'shared values' amid global conflicts. Watch to know more!

UK: King Charles delivers Christmas Speech

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's defence spending to surge amid ongoing conflict

Israel PM Netanyahu tells hostage families 'we'll not stop til victory' after being heckled by them

US retaliates in Iraq after three US troops wounded in drone attack

303 passengers predominantly Indians found themselves at the centre of a high-stakes legal showdown in France. The passengers detained by the French authorities are back in India. Out of 303, around 276 Indians are back in their country.

Plane stranded in France returns to India | 276 passengers out of 303 are back, claim reports

The armed groups have reportedly killed at least about 160 people in central Nigeria in a series of attacks on villages. This is said to be 10 times who were the first 16 who were first reported being killed by the Army in a region that's long been riddled by religious and ethnic tensions.

Nigeria's horror attacks: Attacks kill at least 160 in Central Nigeria

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: Overnight airstrikes kill 100 in central Gaza

The Turkish air force conducted air strikes in northern Iraq and Syria, destroyed 29 targets of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) after 12 soldiers got killed in the past two days in Northern Iraq. In 2023,Turkiye has carried out 124 strikes in northern Syria. As Turkey airstrikes against Kurdish militants, Human Rights group says 11 civilians' were injured in the latest strikes.

Turkiye intensifies airstrikes in Syria & Northern Iraq

In a post on X, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated, "We will find the mastermind of the attack from the bottom of the sea." Singh continued, "With friendly nations we keep sea lanes safe and secure for maritime commerce." India has increased its attempts to combat drone attacks and has deployed four warships.

We will find the culprit from the bottom of the sea: India's Defence Minister on vessel attack

In a first, a Hindu woman in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Buner district has filed her nomination papers for a general seat in the upcoming polls in Pakistan that are scheduled to take place on February 8, 2024, to elect the members of the 16th National Assembly. Watch this to know more.

Hindu woman files nomination for Pakistan elections; Hamas rejects Egypt's proposal

Turkish air strikes killed eight civilians in Syria's Kurdish-held northeast Monday, a war monitor and local media said, as Ankara launched operations in Iraq and Syria following deadly attacks on its soldiers.

On Saturday, Turkey announced a new wave of air strikes in retaliation for two separate attacks on its bases in northern Iraq that killed 12 soldiers, which Ankara blamed on Kurdish militants.

Eight civilians were killed in strikes on Monday, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, revising an earlier toll of six deaths.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-60-people-killed-after-drone-attack-on-syria-military-academy-war-monitor-643007">Death toll after drone attack on Syria military academy rises to 112: War monitor</a>

The Britain-based monitor, which has a network of sources inside Syria, said five of the victims were employees of a printing works in the northern city of Qamishli, near the Turkish border.

Syrian Kurdish news agency ANHA also reported eight deaths.

The strikes hit more than 20 targets, primarily in the Qamishli area of the semi-autonomous Kurdish administration, the monitor and AFP correspondents in the region said.

Farhad Shani, spokesman for the US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said on X, formerly Twitter, that the strikes destroyed "more than 25" civilian facilities and confirmed the death toll of eight civilians.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-conducts-air-strikes-in-iraq-syria-after-12-turkish-soldiers-were-killed-673133">Turkey conducts Air Strikes in Iraq, Syria after 12 Turkish soldiers were killed</a>

The SDF spearheaded the battle to dislodge Islamic State group fighters from their last scraps of territory in Syria&nbsp;in 2019.

On Saturday evening, an AFP correspondent as well as the Observatory reported strikes against oil sites near the Turkish border, without reporting any victims.

In October, Turkey intensified air strikes on Syria's northeast after an attack in Ankara that wounded two security personnel earlier that month.

A branch of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) -- listed as a terrorist group by Ankara and its Western allies -- claimed responsibility for the attack, the first bombing to hit the Turkish capital since 2016.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-shoots-down-turkish-drone-in-syria-in-self-defence-643103">US shoots down Turkish drone in Syria in 'self defence'</a>

Turkey views the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) that dominate the SDF as an offshoot of the PKK.

Since 2016, Turkey has carried out successive ground operations to expel Kurdish forces from border areas of northern Syria. 
 
The conflict in Syria has killed more than half a million people since it began in 2011 with the authorities' brutal crackdown on anti-government protests, spiralling into a devastating war involving foreign armies and jihadists.

Turkish air strikes killed eight civilians in Syria's Kurdish-held northeast Monday, a war monitor and local media said, as Ankara launched operations in Iraq and Syria following deadly attacks on its soldiers.

Turkish air strikes killed eight civilians in Syria's Kurdish-held northeast Monday, a war monitor and local media said, as Ankara launched operations in Iraq and Syria following deadly attacks on its soldiers. On Saturday, Turkey announced a new wave of air strikes in retaliation for two separate attacks on its bases in northern Iraq that killed 12 soldiers, which Ankara blamed on Kurdish militants. Eight civilians were killed in strikes on Monday, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, revising an earlier toll of six deaths. ALSO READ | Death toll after drone attack on Syria military academy rises to 112: War monitor The Britain-based monitor, which has a network of sources inside Syria, said five of the victims were employees of a printing works in the northern city of Qamishli, near the Turkish border. Syrian Kurdish news agency ANHA also reported eight deaths. The strikes hit more than 20 targets, primarily in the Qamishli area of the semi-autonomous Kurdish administration, the monitor and AFP correspondents in the region said. Farhad Shani, spokesman for the US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said on X, formerly Twitter, that the strikes destroyed "more than 25" civilian facilities and confirmed the death toll of eight civilians. ALSO WATCH | Turkey conducts Air Strikes in Iraq, Syria after 12 Turkish soldiers were killed The SDF spearheaded the battle to dislodge Islamic State group fighters from their last scraps of territory in Syria in 2019. On Saturday evening, an AFP correspondent as well as the Observatory reported strikes against oil sites near the Turkish border, without reporting any victims. In October, Turkey intensified air strikes on Syria's northeast after an attack in Ankara that wounded two security personnel earlier that month. A branch of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) -- listed as a terrorist group by Ankara and its Western allies -- claimed responsibility for the attack, the first bombing to hit the Turkish capital since 2016. ALSO READ | US shoots down Turkish drone in Syria in 'self defence' Turkey views the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) that dominate the SDF as an offshoot of the PKK. Since 2016, Turkey has carried out successive ground operations to expel Kurdish forces from border areas of northern Syria. The conflict in Syria has killed more than half a million people since it began in 2011 with the authorities' brutal crackdown on anti-government protests, spiralling into a devastating war involving foreign armies and jihadists.

At least eight civilians killed after Turkish strikes on Syria

Plane with Indians, grounded in France over suspected human trafficking, lands in Mumbai. A plane carrying 276 Indian passengers landed in Mumbai on December 26 morning after it was grounded in France for four days pending an investigation into possible human trafficking

Plane grounded in France over trafficking concerns lands in Mumbai

One must have seen the Squid Games on Netflix now play it in real life six challenges will put your skills to the test in an immersive competition in Los Angeles. More details in this report.

Los Angeles: Inside 'Squid games: The Trials'

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. To know more watch this interview with Former German envoy to NATO, Joachim Bitterlich.

Israel-Hamas war | Reports: Netanyahu bars Gallant from meeting Mossad Chief

A new research published by Taiwan's Information Environment Research Centre (IORG) has revealed that people using the short-video app Douyin, the Chinese-language version of TikTok are more likely to subscribe to views in favour of the communist Chinese government.

A new research published by Taiwan's Information Environment Research Centre (IORG) has revealed that people using the short-video app Douyin, the Chinese-language version of TikTok are more likely to subscribe to views in favour of the communist Chinese government. In the study, 18.2 per cent of respondents identified themselves as Chinese-speaking TikTok users who spent an average of 4.4 days per week active on the app. This particular bracket of respondents was more likely, by up to 10 percentage points or more, to agree with China's political positions while being sceptic about the policies of the United States. The majority of Chinese-speaking TikTok users strongly harboured beliefs that the Taiwanese government's closer relations with the US were "provoking China" and likely to lead to a conflict across the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, the respondents believed that Taiwan's economic prosperity was closely linked to the island nation signing various trade deals with Beijing. According to analytics service QuestMobile, based in Beijing, TikTok's Chinese language cousin Douyin had around 750 million monthly active users as of May. Since Taiwan is the frontline of China's information war, the increased use of Douyin is being seen as a national security threat. Last year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warned that TikTok and Douyin were a threat to national security. Afterwards, TikTok was banned on government devices citing cybersecurity concerns. Watch | China eyes Taiwan 'reunification' | China bolsters military aggression China and Taiwan Since the two sides split in 1949 after the civil war, they have been embroiled in a perpetual fight. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory but the island nation and its people have never accepted Beijing's control. China under President Xi Jinping has made it clear that Beijing wants to take control of Taiwan, by force if necessary. During the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) congress last year, Xi asserted that the Taiwan matter was for the Chinese people only. “The resolution of the Taiwan issue is a matter for the Chinese people themselves, to be decided by the Chinese people," said Xi. Also read | Taiwan: 10 former and current soldiers charged with spying for China “We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort. But, we will never promise to renounce the use of force. And we reserve the option of taking all measures necessary.” Over the last 12-15 months, Beijing has staged war games around the island, fired indiscriminate missiles and declared it a no-fly zone multiple times, in an attempt to simulate how it would look to cut Taiwan off in case of a potential conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

TikTok users more likely to subscribe to pro-China views: Research

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