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Iran, India agree to deepen humanitarian and political ties, President Pezeshkian says

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Trump says Canada eager to reach a deal, it could come ‘fairly soon’ if Ottawa treats US farmers better

Turkish Airlines plane flies through a storm three times, triggering severe turbulence

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China thinned Himalayan troop presence in 2025, India defence report says; terms border situation 'stable'

Russia proposes to build 360 kmph Ivolga FG trains in India: What happened on sidelines of BRICS

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

Israeli minister calls to strip Gaza film directors of citizenship

'Nobody knows if it can be in control': ‘Godfather’ of AI, China spy chief back AI slowdown calls, flags political threat

China discovers vast gold and silver 'mine' in the Pacific with unheard-of deposits

Russian drone hits Warsaw-bound train near Polish border, Zelensky accuses Moscow of ‘deliberate’ targeting

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Indian importers urge Bangladesh to lift export ban on 'Hilsa' fish ahead of Durga Puja

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2023: Rise of military rulers in Africa, military rulers fighting for control in Sudan

The year of great strategic realignment; China's diplomatic coup in West. Watch the video to know more.

The year of great strategic realignment; China's diplomatic coup in West

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was holding presidential and legislative elections on December 20 after a chaotic campaign marred by opposition allegations of fraud, electoral violence, and logistical setbacks that could prevent many from voting. DRC marks Christmas amid all the chaos followed by the elections. Watch the video to know more!

Congo marks Christmas amid unrest following elections

2023 showed the world that as much as the multi-polar narrative is gaining traction superpower politics still dominates geopolitics. The rest of the world closely follows how the great powers engage among themselves. The United States and China are the undisputed great powers at the moment and their rivalry dominated headlines almost all of this year.

WION Rewind 2023: Superpower politics between US and China

The United States 2023 was a rollercoaster ride and the Man in the driver's seat was Donald Trump. The year saw the former president of the US rising from the ashes with back-to-back legal troubles, indictments and arrangements. Seemed more than enough to weigh Trump down as they could have been his downfall but he turned them into opportunities. Let's find out how.

WION Rewind 2023: This year saw Trump rising from the ashes

The year 2023 saw a tremendous rise of the right-wing across the globe be it France, Germany, Finland, the Netherlands in Europe to the United States and Argentina across the Atlantic. The rise of the right especially the far-right was evident in all these regions. Stricter immigration laws, Islamophobic attitudes, hesitation for LGBTQ rights and climate change denial are some of the distinctive features of the far-right narrative.

WION Rewind 2023: Immigration debate bolsters far right position

The merchant ship MV Chem Pluto which was attacked by a drone on Saturday will be arriving in Mumbai today. The vessel is being escorted by Indian Coast Guard ship Vikram.

Indian merchant ship MV Chem Pluto to reach Mumbai | Ship attacked in Arabian Sea

The Chinese capital Beijing broke its nearly 75-year record for hours of sub-zero temperatures in the month of December after a cold wind tore through the city bringing the temperature down to record lows.

The northern and northeastern parts of the country were most affected by the biting cold air that flowed down from the Arctic, as some areas recorded a historic dip with the northeast hitting minus 40 Celsius (minus 40 Fahrenheit) and below.

A weather observatory in Beijing had, as of Sunday, recorded more than 300 hours of below-freezing temperatures since Dec 11, which is the most for the month since records began in 1951, as per the state-backed Beijing Daily.

The Chinese capital has also faced temperatures below minus 10 C (14 F) for nine days in this period, news agency Reuters reported, citing the Beijing Daily.

Several cities in the central Chinese province of Henan, southwest of Beijing, are in the grip of a winter heating supply crunch, with thermal power suppliers in the city of Jiaozuo under pressure to ensure supplies.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-feel-sad-bethlehem-the-birthplace-of-jesus-marks-sombre-christmas-celebration-with-vigil-amid-gaza-war-673157">Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, marks sombre Christmas Eve amid Gaza war</a>

Heating boilers at JiaoZuo WanFang Aluminum Manufacturing, which is one of the major suppliers in the city, broke down which left some areas in urgent need of more heat supply, news agency Reuters reported, citing state media.

Meanwhile, two other cities in Henan - Puyang and Pingdingshan, have already suspended heat supply to government departments and administrative institutions to make way for residential usage, said the local governments taking into consideration the extremely cold weather.

The weather forecast indicates temperatures in the three cities descending to sub-zero on Sunday. Temperatures in several other areas in Henan would drop to a low of minus 15 C (5 F) over the weekend, the central province's weather authority said on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Chinese capital Beijing broke its nearly 75-year record for hours of sub-zero temperatures in the month of December after a cold wind tore through the city bringing the temperature down to record lows.

The Chinese capital Beijing broke its nearly 75-year record for hours of sub-zero temperatures in the month of December after a cold wind tore through the city bringing the temperature down to record lows. The northern and northeastern parts of the country were most affected by the biting cold air that flowed down from the Arctic, as some areas recorded a historic dip with the northeast hitting minus 40 Celsius (minus 40 Fahrenheit) and below. A weather observatory in Beijing had, as of Sunday, recorded more than 300 hours of below-freezing temperatures since Dec 11, which is the most for the month since records began in 1951, as per the state-backed Beijing Daily. The Chinese capital has also faced temperatures below minus 10 C (14 F) for nine days in this period, news agency Reuters reported, citing the Beijing Daily. Several cities in the central Chinese province of Henan, southwest of Beijing, are in the grip of a winter heating supply crunch, with thermal power suppliers in the city of Jiaozuo under pressure to ensure supplies. Also read: Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, marks sombre Christmas Eve amid Gaza war Heating boilers at JiaoZuo WanFang Aluminum Manufacturing, which is one of the major suppliers in the city, broke down which left some areas in urgent need of more heat supply, news agency Reuters reported, citing state media. Meanwhile, two other cities in Henan - Puyang and Pingdingshan, have already suspended heat supply to government departments and administrative institutions to make way for residential usage, said the local governments taking into consideration the extremely cold weather. The weather forecast indicates temperatures in the three cities descending to sub-zero on Sunday. Temperatures in several other areas in Henan would drop to a low of minus 15 C (5 F) over the weekend, the central province's weather authority said on Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese capital Beijing breaks record for hours of sub-zero temperatures

In the Far East where tensions ran high this year North Korea's Relentless missile tests continued as South Korea and Japan got closer. The United States meanwhile increased its presence in the region with more drills and Military posturing in the Korean Waters. Let's take a look.

WION Rewind 2023: Tensions rose high across the Korean peninsula

No big debt relief for government in 2023. Watch the video to know more.

2023 Rewind: Debt threat to countries

Jailed Russian ultranationalist Igor Girkin for 2024 presidential race. Can he beat Putin? Russia's communist party pits Nikolai Kharitonov against Putin. Kharitonov ran against Putin in 2004 & polled barely 14% votes.

Russia's Presidential Election heats up | 2024 Presidential Race

Israeli officials confirmed the local media reports that Egypt has laid out a new proposal for a truce which includes the release of all Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip. Reports in the Israeli media indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration has not rejected the proposal and that further negotiations may follow.

But PM Netanyahu said that Israel will keep fighting in Gaza until a complete victory over Hamas is achieved.

"This is the only way to destroy Hamas, bring our hostages back, and ensure that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel," Netanyahu said.&nbsp;

According to the Saudi news website Asharq cited by The Times of Israel, the Egyptian initiative is a plan to end hostilities and release all the remaining hostages&nbsp;in three stages.

<h2>Egypt's proposal for peace in Gaza: Reading into three stages</h2>

According to a report in The Times of Israel, the first stage would be a two-week halt in fighting, extendable to three or four, in exchange for the release of 40 hostages — women, minors and elderly men, especially sick ones.

In return, Israel would release 120 Palestinian prisoners of the 'same categories', the report added. During this time, hostilities would stop, Israeli tanks would withdraw, and humanitarian aid would enter Gaza, it said further.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Pope Francis prays for people suffering from war

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The second phase is an Egypt-sponsored “Palestinian national talk” to end the division between Palestinian factions — mainly the Palestinian Authority and the Hamas terror group — aiming to&nbsp;form a technocratic government in the West Bank and Gaza that would oversee the reconstruction of Gaza and pave the way for Palestinian parliamentary and presidential elections.

The third stage would include a comprehensive ceasefire&nbsp;and the release of the remaining Israeli hostages, including soldiers, in return for a to-be-determined number of Palestinian security prisoners in Israeli jails affiliated with Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad groups.&nbsp;

In this phase, Israel would withdraw its forces from cities in the Gaza Strip and would allow displaced Gazans from the blockaded Palestinian enclave’s north to return to their homes.

<h2>Egypt-led efforts to bring peace in Gaza: What is happening now?</h2>

Hamas politburo leader Ismail Haniyeh returned to Qatar on Saturday (Dec 23) after a four-day visit to Cairo to discuss the Egyptian proposal with the Hamas political bureau. On Sunday, a delegation of the Islamic Jihad arrived in Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-feel-sad-bethlehem-the-birthplace-of-jesus-marks-sombre-christmas-celebration-with-vigil-amid-gaza-war-673157">‘We feel sad’: Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, marks sombre Christmas Eve amid Gaza war</a>

The Israel-Hamas war entered Day 79 on&nbsp;Christmas Eve of 2023. The war which began on October 7 when the Palestinian armed groups attacked southern Israel and killed about 1,200 Israelis, has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip as Israel's retaliatory attacks have killed over 20,000 Palestinians so far.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli officials confirmed the local media reports that Egypt has laid out a new proposal for a truce which includes the release of all Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli officials confirmed the local media reports that Egypt has laid out a new proposal for a truce which includes the release of all Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip. Reports in the Israeli media indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration has not rejected the proposal and that further negotiations may follow. But PM Netanyahu said that Israel will keep fighting in Gaza until a complete victory over Hamas is achieved. "This is the only way to destroy Hamas, bring our hostages back, and ensure that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel," Netanyahu said. According to the Saudi news website Asharq cited by The Times of Israel, the Egyptian initiative is a plan to end hostilities and release all the remaining hostages in three stages. Egypt's proposal for peace in Gaza: Reading into three stages According to a report in The Times of Israel, the first stage would be a two-week halt in fighting, extendable to three or four, in exchange for the release of 40 hostages — women, minors and elderly men, especially sick ones. In return, Israel would release 120 Palestinian prisoners of the 'same categories', the report added. During this time, hostilities would stop, Israeli tanks would withdraw, and humanitarian aid would enter Gaza, it said further. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: Pope Francis prays for people suffering from war × The second phase is an Egypt-sponsored “Palestinian national talk” to end the division between Palestinian factions — mainly the Palestinian Authority and the Hamas terror group — aiming to form a technocratic government in the West Bank and Gaza that would oversee the reconstruction of Gaza and pave the way for Palestinian parliamentary and presidential elections. The third stage would include a comprehensive ceasefire and the release of the remaining Israeli hostages, including soldiers, in return for a to-be-determined number of Palestinian security prisoners in Israeli jails affiliated with Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad groups. In this phase, Israel would withdraw its forces from cities in the Gaza Strip and would allow displaced Gazans from the blockaded Palestinian enclave’s north to return to their homes. Egypt-led efforts to bring peace in Gaza: What is happening now? Hamas politburo leader Ismail Haniyeh returned to Qatar on Saturday (Dec 23) after a four-day visit to Cairo to discuss the Egyptian proposal with the Hamas political bureau. On Sunday, a delegation of the Islamic Jihad arrived in Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials. Also read | ‘We feel sad’: Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, marks sombre Christmas Eve amid Gaza war The Israel-Hamas war entered Day 79 on Christmas Eve of 2023. The war which began on October 7 when the Palestinian armed groups attacked southern Israel and killed about 1,200 Israelis, has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip as Israel's retaliatory attacks have killed over 20,000 Palestinians so far. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Hopes of truce revived as Egypt proposes ambitious peace plan

Serbian Opposition demonstrators broke windows as they tried to storm in Belgrade's City Hall during demonstrations over alleged election fraud. Demonstrators used flag poles, rocks and eggs to break the windows of the City Hall.

Protest in Serbia: Stones hurled at Belgrade City Hall | World News | WION

China's latest move to curb excessive spending on Gaming. The rules target in-game purchases and compulsive playing behaviour.

China drafts new rules for online gaming

In what is being seen as a snub to Russia, Ukraine has decided to officially celebrate Christmas on December 25 this year. Notably, Kyiv has held X-Mas celebrations on January 7 for a long time. It will be the first time in over a century that Ukrainians will observe the festival in line with the Gregorian calendar and along with most of the world’s Christians.

<h2>What prompted this change?</h2>

According to the Ukrainian media, the idea of celebrating Christmas on December 25 was discussed even before Russia launched what it calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine. Like Russia, Ukraine has also been observing the holiday on January 7, following the old Julian calendar.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/some-ukrainians-to-observe-christmas-today-instead-of-january-7-heres-why-546474">Ukrainians break tradition to sever Russia ties, celebrate Christmas on Dec 25 instead of Jan 7. Here's why</a>

However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine played a role in settling the debate, which has been going on since 2019. The Ukrainian government passed legislation in July making the date change, in what was viewed as a snub to Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church, which still has some influence on Kyiv, until recently.&nbsp;

The bill, which was later signed into law by President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that Ukrainians wanted to “live their own life with their own traditions and holidays”. It added that this change also allows them to “abandon the Russian heritage of imposing Christmas celebrations on January 7.”&nbsp;

The movement to change the date can be traced back to the creation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, an independent church that held its first service in 2019.&nbsp;

The Orthodox Church of Ukraine formally broke away from the Russian Orthodox Church over Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.

“We believe that we really should celebrate Christmas with the whole world, far away, far away from Moscow. For me, that’s the new message now,” one smiling parishioner, Olena, whose son is a medic on the front line, told AFP.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-police-increase-security-at-cologne-cathedral-for-christmas-amid-attack-threat-673163">German police increase security at Cologne Cathedral for Christmas celebrations amid attack threat</a>

She added, “We really want to celebrate in a new way. This is a holiday with the whole of Ukraine, with our independent Ukraine. This is very important for us.”

Ukrainian Christmas traditions include a dinner on Christmas Eve with 12 meatless dishes, including a sweet grain pudding called kutya and it begins only after the first star rises, marked by the lighting of a Christmas candle, a prayer, and a food blessing.

<h2>At least four killed in Ukraine’s Kherson</h2>

At least four people were killed and nine others were injured over the past 24 hours after Russian bombardment in the frontline Ukrainian city of Kherson, said the region’s governor Oleksandr Prokudin, in a post on Telegram, on Sunday (Dec 24).&nbsp;

Russian forces fired 71 shells at Kherson from Saturday to Sunday morning, hitting the city centre, residential areas, medical and educational institutions and “critical infrastructure facilities,” said Prokudin.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-feel-sad-bethlehem-the-birthplace-of-jesus-marks-sombre-christmas-celebration-with-vigil-amid-gaza-war-673157">‘We feel sad’: Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, marks sombre Christmas Eve amid Gaza war</a>

“As a result of Russian aggression, four people died and nine others were wounded, including one child,” he added. Zelensky condemned what he called “brutal terrorist shelling deliberately targeting life-sustaining civilian infrastructure and ordinary streets”.&nbsp;

He added, “Unfortunately there are fatalities. My condolences to the families.” The Ukrainian president assured that repair teams would “work around the clock to restore electricity and heat supply” to the city after the strikes.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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.

In what is being seen as a snub to Russia, Ukraine has decided to officially celebrate Christmas on December 25 this year. Notably, Kyiv has held X-Mas celebrations on January 7 for a long time.

In what is being seen as a snub to Russia, Ukraine has decided to officially celebrate Christmas on December 25 this year. Notably, Kyiv has held X-Mas celebrations on January 7 for a long time. It will be the first time in over a century that Ukrainians will observe the festival in line with the Gregorian calendar and along with most of the world’s Christians. What prompted this change? According to the Ukrainian media, the idea of celebrating Christmas on December 25 was discussed even before Russia launched what it calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine. Like Russia, Ukraine has also been observing the holiday on January 7, following the old Julian calendar. ALSO READ | Ukrainians break tradition to sever Russia ties, celebrate Christmas on Dec 25 instead of Jan 7. Here's why However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine played a role in settling the debate, which has been going on since 2019. The Ukrainian government passed legislation in July making the date change, in what was viewed as a snub to Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church, which still has some influence on Kyiv, until recently. The bill, which was later signed into law by President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that Ukrainians wanted to “live their own life with their own traditions and holidays”. It added that this change also allows them to “abandon the Russian heritage of imposing Christmas celebrations on January 7.” The movement to change the date can be traced back to the creation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, an independent church that held its first service in 2019. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine formally broke away from the Russian Orthodox Church over Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. “We believe that we really should celebrate Christmas with the whole world, far away, far away from Moscow. For me, that’s the new message now,” one smiling parishioner, Olena, whose son is a medic on the front line, told AFP. ALSO READ | German police increase security at Cologne Cathedral for Christmas celebrations amid attack threat She added, “We really want to celebrate in a new way. This is a holiday with the whole of Ukraine, with our independent Ukraine. This is very important for us.” Ukrainian Christmas traditions include a dinner on Christmas Eve with 12 meatless dishes, including a sweet grain pudding called kutya and it begins only after the first star rises, marked by the lighting of a Christmas candle, a prayer, and a food blessing. At least four killed in Ukraine’s Kherson At least four people were killed and nine others were injured over the past 24 hours after Russian bombardment in the frontline Ukrainian city of Kherson, said the region’s governor Oleksandr Prokudin, in a post on Telegram, on Sunday (Dec 24). Russian forces fired 71 shells at Kherson from Saturday to Sunday morning, hitting the city centre, residential areas, medical and educational institutions and “critical infrastructure facilities,” said Prokudin. ALSO READ | ‘We feel sad’: Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, marks sombre Christmas Eve amid Gaza war “As a result of Russian aggression, four people died and nine others were wounded, including one child,” he added. Zelensky condemned what he called “brutal terrorist shelling deliberately targeting life-sustaining civilian infrastructure and ordinary streets”. He added, “Unfortunately there are fatalities. My condolences to the families.” The Ukrainian president assured that repair teams would “work around the clock to restore electricity and heat supply” to the city after the strikes. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Ukrainians to officially celebrate Christmas on December 25 for the first time

As Russia braces for its March 17 presidential elections and President Putin moves closer to a fifth term in office, new candidates are looking to enter the race. Russia’s civic initiative party has backed the nomination of independent candidate Boris Nadezhdin.

New candidates look to enter Russia's race to power

Christmas came with a lot of exciting presents for the furry friends at a French zoo where pandas and orangutans opened boxes of presents containing treats. The zoo's famous pandas received their favourite bamboo stocks while the orangutans got lettuce and other treats for the occasion.

Pandas rejoice: Unwrapping Christmas cheer

Israel could be considering to allow the Palestinian Authority which currently governs West Bank to rule Gaza after the war. An idea that Israel's strongest ally US has been pushing and Israel's acceptance has been indicated by Israel's National Security advisor.

Israel says five Gaza hostages found dead in tunnel, circumstances being probed | World News | WION

Russian bombardment killed at least four people and injured more than five over 24 hours in the Frontline Southern Ukrainian city of Kherson. On the other hand, Russian installed officials in the Eastern town of Horka said that Kyiv's shelling killed one person.

Russia-Ukraine war: 71 shells fired at Kherson over 24 hours

Serbia: Thousands protest in Belgrade, stones hurled at Belgrade City Hall | World News | WION

Iran has summoned Russia's envoy following a recent statement by Moscow and Arab countries calling for talks over three islands controlled by Tehran but claimed by the United Arab Emirates.

The summoning of Moscow's charge d'affaires comes days after Iran's key ally Russia signed a joint declaration with Arab countries which "supported peaceful solutions and initiatives" to resolve the dispute over the islands.

Iran's foreign ministry on Saturday (Dec 23) said that it summoned Moscow's charge d'affaires in Tehran, in the absence of its ambassador, to submit a "note of protest" on the contents of the joint statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-feel-sad-bethlehem-the-birthplace-of-jesus-marks-sombre-christmas-celebration-with-vigil-amid-gaza-war-673157">Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, marks sombre Christmas Eve amid Gaza war</a>

"The Islamic Republic of Iran considers any claim from any side in this regard as rejected and unacceptable," Iran's foreign ministry said in a statement.

Iran's top diplomat Hossein Amir-Abdollahian also called the islands "an integral part of Iran's territorial integrity"&nbsp;in a telephonic conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Friday (Dec 22).

"Tehran will not compromise with any side on the issue of respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-responds-swiftly-to-maritime-incident-in-arabian-sea-673183">Indian Navy responds swiftly to maritime incident in Arabian Sea</a>

Iran, in July, had summoned the Russian ambassador to oppose a similar joint statement signed by Moscow and Arab countries on the islands.

Located in the Gulf, the three strategic islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa are located near the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of world oil output passes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran has summoned Russia's envoy following a recent statement by Moscow and Arab countries calling for talks over three islands controlled by Tehran but claimed by the United Arab Emirates.

Iran has summoned Russia's envoy following a recent statement by Moscow and Arab countries calling for talks over three islands controlled by Tehran but claimed by the United Arab Emirates. The summoning of Moscow's charge d'affaires comes days after Iran's key ally Russia signed a joint declaration with Arab countries which "supported peaceful solutions and initiatives" to resolve the dispute over the islands. Iran's foreign ministry on Saturday (Dec 23) said that it summoned Moscow's charge d'affaires in Tehran, in the absence of its ambassador, to submit a "note of protest" on the contents of the joint statement. Also read: Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, marks sombre Christmas Eve amid Gaza war "The Islamic Republic of Iran considers any claim from any side in this regard as rejected and unacceptable," Iran's foreign ministry said in a statement. Iran's top diplomat Hossein Amir-Abdollahian also called the islands "an integral part of Iran's territorial integrity" in a telephonic conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Friday (Dec 22). "Tehran will not compromise with any side on the issue of respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty," he added. Also read: Indian Navy responds swiftly to maritime incident in Arabian Sea Iran, in July, had summoned the Russian ambassador to oppose a similar joint statement signed by Moscow and Arab countries on the islands. Located in the Gulf, the three strategic islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa are located near the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of world oil output passes. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran summons Russian envoy, registers displeasure over statement on disputed Gulf islands

Ahead of the 2024 general elections, the unity efforts of the opposition I.N.D.I.A opposition alliance seem to be coming under massive strain. DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran is facing condemnation for his allegedly derogatory remarks on Hindi speakers.

India: DMK leader's remark on Hindi speakers sparks controversy

Amid a slew of corruption scandals gripping the country, Xi Jinping has warned the CCP members to maintain personal integrity and set rules for relatives to keep them away from corruption.

Xi Jinping corruption crackdown: Keep relatives away from corruption, says Jinping | WION

As Joe Biden's poll numbers flag ahead of the 2024 race, the President might have to turn to endorsements from his previous backers, including pop-star billionaire Taylor Swift. Swift is viewed favourably by 70% of Americans. On the other hand, Biden's approval ratings, according to polling firm gallup, have recently dipped to 39%.

Can Taylor Swift's endorsement impact Biden's campaign?

For a very long time, the US dollar has dominated international markets. It still does so, although, during the past 20 years, the US economy has produced a decreasing percentage of the world's production. The latest International Monetary Fund's (IMF) data shows a decline in the dollar's share in global central banks' foreign currency reserves. The data shows the dollar's share is down in the September quarter to the lowest since the final three months of last year.

Dollar reserves fall to lowest in a year

The hopes of a truce between the state of Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas were revived after Egypt's latest ceasefire plan.&nbsp;The Indian Navy responded to the missile strike incident that occurred in the Arabian Sea on MT Chem Pluto on Saturday and diverted a maritime patrol aircraft operating in the area while undertaking routine surveillance. 
 
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-logs-656-new-covid-19-cases-number-of-active-cases-rises-to-3742-kerala-reports-one-death-673122">India logs 656 new COVID-19 cases, number of active cases rises to 3,742; Kerala reports one death</a>

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India&nbsp;registered 656 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours with the total number of active cases now rising to 3,742, according to the data from the Indian health ministry. Meanwhile, the Indian state of Kerala during the same period reported 128 fresh COVID-19 infections and one death due to the disease. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-feel-sad-bethlehem-the-birthplace-of-jesus-marks-sombre-christmas-celebration-with-vigil-amid-gaza-war-673157">‘We feel sad’: Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, marks sombre Christmas Eve amid Gaza war</a>

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Amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group in Gaza, Palestinian Christians held a sombre Christmas vigil in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Saturday (Dec 23) where they once believed Jesus was born. This comes as Palestinians in the biblical place of Jesus Christ’s birth have this year decided to forego Christmas celebrations in solidarity with the Gazans as the war rages on.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explained-did-sri-lankas-rajapaksa-orchestrate-easter-bombings-of-2019-for-return-to-power-673112">Explained | Did Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa orchestrate Easter bombings of 2019 for return to power?</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/24/401326-untitled-design-2023-12-24t170224663.png?imwidth=3840" /> 
Sri Lanka's previous government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been accused of orchestrating the Easter attacks of April 2019 by a whistleblower. The latest accusation over the cause of the attack in which six suicide bombers targeted churches and luxury hotels across the country was made in a documentary for Channel 4’s Dispatches. Sri Lanka's Easter bombings of 2019, the worst terrorist attack in the history of the South Asian island nation, killed 269 people and shook Sri Lanka from a peacetime limbo for the first time since the end of its civil war in 2009.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ancient-humans-in-europe-would-chop-their-fingers-off-to-appease-deities-study-673096">Ancient humans in Europe would chop their fingers off to appease deities: Study&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/24/401317-capture.JPG?imwidth=3840" /> 
Ancient humans from the Palaeolithic era in Western Europe may have followed the practice of chopping their fingers off to appease their deities, new research has found.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-develop-wireless-charger-that-can-be-fitted-inside-human-body-673045">Scientists develop wireless charger that can be fitted inside human body, dissolve later</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/24/401287-bruh3us4rnjjpgfjffj6c6-1200-80.jpg?imwidth=3840" /> 
Scientists have developed a wireless charging device that can be fitted under the skin to charge the bioelectronic devices in the body. The product has shown promising results when tested in rodents. If a similar level of success is seen in humans, it would mean medical implants can get rid of the clunky batteries and wiring that come with them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/centre-asks-indian-olympic-association-to-form-interim-committee-to-oversee-wrestling-activities-673120">Centre asks Indian Olympic Association to form interim committee to oversee wrestling activities</a>

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Hours after the Sports Ministry suspended the newly-formed Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) body on Sunday, the Centre asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an interim committee to oversee the wrestling-related activities in the country. The development came after questions were raised over several members of WFI sharing proximity with the former president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment by several top-flight grapplers. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/srk-salman-khan-deepika-padukone-b-town-lights-up-umang-2023-hosted-by-mumbai-police-673068">SRK, Salman Khan, Deepika Padukone: B-town lights up Umang 2023 hosted by Mumbai Police</a>

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The annual Mumbai Police event, Umang, was full of glitz and glamour as&nbsp;it hosted the who's who of Bollywood on a star-studded Saturday night. The red carpet saw a dazzling array of stars, from the Khans to the Kapoors, making it a night to remember.

The hopes of a truce between the state of Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas were revived after Egypt's latest ceasefire plan. The Indian Navy responded to the missile strike incident that occurred in the Arabian Sea on MT Chem Pluto on Saturday and diverted a maritime patrol aircraft operating in the area while undertaking routine surveillance.

The hopes of a truce between the state of Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas were revived after Egypt's latest ceasefire plan. The Indian Navy responded to the missile strike incident that occurred in the Arabian Sea on MT Chem Pluto on Saturday and diverted a maritime patrol aircraft operating in the area while undertaking routine surveillance. Click here to read more: Israel-Hamas war: Hopes of truce revived as Egypt proposes new ceasefire plan Israel will keep fighting in Gaza until a complete victory over the Hamas terror group is achieved, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday amid reports of a 14-day ceasefire proposal by Egypt. Indian Navy responds swiftly to maritime incident in Arabian Sea The Indian Navy, responding to the missile strike incident that occurred in the Arabian Sea on MT Chem Pluto on Saturday (Dec 23), diverted a maritime patrol aircraft operating in the area while undertaking routine surveillance. India logs 656 new COVID-19 cases, number of active cases rises to 3,742; Kerala reports one death India registered 656 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours with the total number of active cases now rising to 3,742, according to the data from the Indian health ministry. Meanwhile, the Indian state of Kerala during the same period reported 128 fresh COVID-19 infections and one death due to the disease. ‘We feel sad’: Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, marks sombre Christmas Eve amid Gaza war Amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group in Gaza, Palestinian Christians held a sombre Christmas vigil in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Saturday (Dec 23) where they once believed Jesus was born. This comes as Palestinians in the biblical place of Jesus Christ’s birth have this year decided to forego Christmas celebrations in solidarity with the Gazans as the war rages on. Explained | Did Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa orchestrate Easter bombings of 2019 for return to power? Sri Lanka's previous government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been accused of orchestrating the Easter attacks of April 2019 by a whistleblower. The latest accusation over the cause of the attack in which six suicide bombers targeted churches and luxury hotels across the country was made in a documentary for Channel 4’s Dispatches. Sri Lanka's Easter bombings of 2019, the worst terrorist attack in the history of the South Asian island nation, killed 269 people and shook Sri Lanka from a peacetime limbo for the first time since the end of its civil war in 2009. Ancient humans in Europe would chop their fingers off to appease deities: Study Ancient humans from the Palaeolithic era in Western Europe may have followed the practice of chopping their fingers off to appease their deities, new research has found. Scientists develop wireless charger that can be fitted inside human body, dissolve later Scientists have developed a wireless charging device that can be fitted under the skin to charge the bioelectronic devices in the body. The product has shown promising results when tested in rodents. If a similar level of success is seen in humans, it would mean medical implants can get rid of the clunky batteries and wiring that come with them. Centre asks Indian Olympic Association to form interim committee to oversee wrestling activities Hours after the Sports Ministry suspended the newly-formed Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) body on Sunday, the Centre asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form an interim committee to oversee the wrestling-related activities in the country. The development came after questions were raised over several members of WFI sharing proximity with the former president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment by several top-flight grapplers. SRK, Salman Khan, Deepika Padukone: B-town lights up Umang 2023 hosted by Mumbai Police The annual Mumbai Police event, Umang, was full of glitz and glamour as it hosted the who's who of Bollywood on a star-studded Saturday night. The red carpet saw a dazzling array of stars, from the Khans to the Kapoors, making it a night to remember.

Top 10 world news: Gaza truce hopes revived, Indian Navy responds to maritime incident in Red Sea, and more

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