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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. 
 
Click here to read more:

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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;

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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.

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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.

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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

At least 700 fall sick after Airbus Staff Christmas dinner. French health authorities investigate mass gastroenteritis outbreak after company restaurant served foie gras and lobster.

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At least five civilians were killed after Russian attacks on southern Ukraine’s Kherson region, said Ukrainian officials. Meanwhile, Russian-installed officials in the eastern town of Horlivka said one person was killed after Ukrainian shelling.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian army, on Monday (Dec 25) also claimed to have shot down 28 of the 31 drones fired by Russia and destroyed two missiles mostly targeting the south of the country. The war-torn country is also in the midst of celebrating Christmas on December 25 for the first time in over a century.&nbsp;

<h2>Attacks in Kherson and Horlivka</h2>

The deaths in the Ukrainian region follow incessant Russian shelling of Kherson&nbsp;city and the region over the preceding 24 hours, according to local officials. Reuters citing regional police said three people died in the shelling of an apartment building and a private home in Kherson city.&nbsp;

Additionally, a woman died in a drone attack in a small town south of Kherson and a second woman was killed when a town further north came under heavy fire. The attacks also partially cut gas and water supplies as well as hit a medical facility.&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>

“The windows were broken, the building was damaged,” Oleksandr Tolokonnikov from Kherson’s regional military administration told the Ukrainian public broadcaster.&nbsp;

Around 600 kilometres northeast of Kherson in the town of Horlivka, in Ukraine’s Donetsk region under Russian control, one woman was killed and six others were injured following Ukrainian shelling, said a Russian-installed official.&nbsp;

Mayor of Horlivka, Ivan Prikhodko, in a post on Telegram, also said that the shelling destroyed a shopping centre and several other buildings.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine downs&nbsp;barrage of drones fired by Russia</h2>

According to the Ukrainian military, Russia launched 31 drones from Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.&nbsp;

“As a result of air combat, the Ukrainian Air Force and defence forces destroyed 28 Shahed attack drones in Odesa, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Donetsk, Kirovohrad and Khmelnytskyi regions,” said Ukrainian Air Forces in a post on Telegram.&nbsp;

Debris from the downed drones damaged technical facilities in the Odesa port as well as an “inoperable administrative building and a warehouse,” said the Ukrainian forces.&nbsp;

The attack, according to the military, also led to a fire in a warehouse in the Kherson region. “No people were injured,” it added.

<h2>Moscow ‘will be defeated’</h2>

In what is being seen as a snub to Russia, Ukraine has decided to officially celebrate Christmas on December 25 this year. 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.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed his nation on Sunday (Dec 24), Christmas Eve with a message of encouragement amid the ongoing war with Russia.&nbsp;

“In the end, darkness will lose. Evil will be defeated,” the Ukrainian president said in a video message reportedly recorded in front of Kyiv’s famous Pechersk Lavra monastery complex.&nbsp;

The whole country would pray together during the holidays “for our freedom. For our victory. For our Ukraine,” said Zelensky.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainians-to-officially-celebrate-christmas-on-december-25-for-the-first-time-in-snub-to-russia-673201">Ukrainians to officially celebrate Christmas on December 25 for the first time</a>

Like Russia, Ukraine has also been observing the holiday on January 7, following the old Julian calendar. However, a bill making the date change was passed in July and later signed by the Ukrainian president.

Zelensky noted this change allows Ukrainians to “abandon the Russian heritage of imposing Christmas celebrations on January 7.”&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine received $1.34 billion under World Bank plan</h2>

Kyiv received $1.34 billion under the World Bank’s public expenditures for administrative capacity endurance in Ukraine, said the Ukrainian finance ministry, on Monday (Dec 25).&nbsp;

The financing consisted of a $1.086 billion loan from the World Bank, $190 million grant from Norway, $50 million grant from the United States and $20 million grant from Switzerland, said the ministry.&nbsp;

The funds, in part, will be used for non-security and defence-related expenditures like old-age social payments. 
 
“International financial assistance is a significant contribution to maintaining Ukraine’s financial and economic stability and allows us to provide priority social expenditures during the war,” said Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least five civilians were killed after Russian attacks on southern Ukraine’s Kherson region, said Ukrainian officials. Meanwhile, Russian-installed officials in the eastern town of Horlivka said one person was killed after Ukrainian shelling.

At least five civilians were killed after Russian attacks on southern Ukraine’s Kherson region, said Ukrainian officials. Meanwhile, Russian-installed officials in the eastern town of Horlivka said one person was killed after Ukrainian shelling. The Ukrainian army, on Monday (Dec 25) also claimed to have shot down 28 of the 31 drones fired by Russia and destroyed two missiles mostly targeting the south of the country. The war-torn country is also in the midst of celebrating Christmas on December 25 for the first time in over a century. Attacks in Kherson and Horlivka The deaths in the Ukrainian region follow incessant Russian shelling of Kherson city and the region over the preceding 24 hours, according to local officials. Reuters citing regional police said three people died in the shelling of an apartment building and a private home in Kherson city. Additionally, a woman died in a drone attack in a small town south of Kherson and a second woman was killed when a town further north came under heavy fire. The attacks also partially cut gas and water supplies as well as hit a medical facility. ALSO READ | ‘We feel sad’: Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, marks sombre Christmas Eve amid Gaza war “The windows were broken, the building was damaged,” Oleksandr Tolokonnikov from Kherson’s regional military administration told the Ukrainian public broadcaster. Around 600 kilometres northeast of Kherson in the town of Horlivka, in Ukraine’s Donetsk region under Russian control, one woman was killed and six others were injured following Ukrainian shelling, said a Russian-installed official. Mayor of Horlivka, Ivan Prikhodko, in a post on Telegram, also said that the shelling destroyed a shopping centre and several other buildings. Ukraine downs barrage of drones fired by Russia According to the Ukrainian military, Russia launched 31 drones from Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. “As a result of air combat, the Ukrainian Air Force and defence forces destroyed 28 Shahed attack drones in Odesa, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Donetsk, Kirovohrad and Khmelnytskyi regions,” said Ukrainian Air Forces in a post on Telegram. Debris from the downed drones damaged technical facilities in the Odesa port as well as an “inoperable administrative building and a warehouse,” said the Ukrainian forces. The attack, according to the military, also led to a fire in a warehouse in the Kherson region. “No people were injured,” it added. Moscow ‘will be defeated’ In what is being seen as a snub to Russia, Ukraine has decided to officially celebrate Christmas on December 25 this year. 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. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed his nation on Sunday (Dec 24), Christmas Eve with a message of encouragement amid the ongoing war with Russia. “In the end, darkness will lose. Evil will be defeated,” the Ukrainian president said in a video message reportedly recorded in front of Kyiv’s famous Pechersk Lavra monastery complex. The whole country would pray together during the holidays “for our freedom. For our victory. For our Ukraine,” said Zelensky. ALSO READ | Ukrainians to officially celebrate Christmas on December 25 for the first time Like Russia, Ukraine has also been observing the holiday on January 7, following the old Julian calendar. However, a bill making the date change was passed in July and later signed by the Ukrainian president. Zelensky noted this change allows Ukrainians to “abandon the Russian heritage of imposing Christmas celebrations on January 7.” Ukraine received $1.34 billion under World Bank plan Kyiv received $1.34 billion under the World Bank’s public expenditures for administrative capacity endurance in Ukraine, said the Ukrainian finance ministry, on Monday (Dec 25). The financing consisted of a $1.086 billion loan from the World Bank, $190 million grant from Norway, $50 million grant from the United States and $20 million grant from Switzerland, said the ministry. The funds, in part, will be used for non-security and defence-related expenditures like old-age social payments. “International financial assistance is a significant contribution to maintaining Ukraine’s financial and economic stability and allows us to provide priority social expenditures during the war,” said Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Six killed after attacks on Kherson, Horlivka; Moscow ‘will be defeated’, says Zelensky

303 passengers predominantly Indians found themselves at the centre of a high-stakes legal showdown in France the passengers had been detained by the French authorities over grave suspicions of human trafficking. Keep watching this interview with Anne Elisabeth Moutet, Columnist at the London Telegraph.

Indian-origin passengers grounded over 'human trafficking' concerns, passengers face questions

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.

S Jaishankar to meet Russia's Deputy PM; India & Moscow members of BRICS, SCO & G20 | World DNA

A second man was arrested&nbsp;on Sunday (Dec 24) on the suspicion of theft and criminal damage after a road sign featuring work by street artist Banksy was removed in south-east London on Friday, said the police. The recent arrest comes a day after another man was arrested in the case.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

A traffic stop sign covered with three aircraft resembling military drones was revealed at the intersection of Southampton Way and Commercial Way in Peckham, which is southeast of London, United Kingdom, on Friday (Dec 22) afternoon.&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>

However, around an hour after Banksy confirmed it was his with a post on social media, two men were seen ripping down the sign. Subsequently, the men were seen running down the street with the sign in hand, according to British media reports.&nbsp;

The London police said a man in his 40s was arrested on Sunday and remains in police custody. This was a day after they said they had arrested a man in his 20s also on suspicion of theft and criminal damage.&nbsp;

The man in his 20s had later been bailed pending further inquiries and will return to London police station in March. &nbsp;

British media reports citing witnesses said that the sign was taken by a man using bolt cutters prompting the Metropolitan Police to launch an investigation. “We are aware of footage being shared which shows the sign being removed,” said the Met police after the incident.&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>

The police are now looking for the sign and have asked anyone with information about its whereabouts to contact Scotland Yard.&nbsp;

<h2>‘For the people’</h2>

Southwark council has since replaced the stolen sign to avoid endangering motorists. Deputy leader of Southwark Council, Jasmine Ali&nbsp;said she had “every confidence” police would be able to retrieve the Banksy sign.

“We are not just talking about a street sign here, it is a work of art which was put there for the community,” said Ali. “It is street art and it is for the people.”

“Of course Banksy picked Peckham, it’s already on the map when it comes to art and is a hotbed for creativity,” she added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-foreign-minister-denies-helping-houthis-plan-attacks-on-israel-linked-ships-673175">Iran's foreign minister denies helping Houthis plan attacks on Israel-linked ships</a>

Banksy’s followers on Instagram have widely interpreted his latest work as calling for a ceasefire in Gaza as the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group continues to rage on.&nbsp;

John Brandler, whose Essex gallery sells Banksy’s works, said that the missing artwork could be worth more than $633,775 (£500,000), reported the Guardian.&nbsp;

“It could easily be higher,” said Brandler. “The media attention has made it more valuable.”

(With inputs from agencies)

A second man was arrested on Sunday (Dec 24) on the suspicion of theft and criminal damage after a road sign featuring work by street artist Banksy was removed in south-east London on Friday, said the police.

A second man was arrested on Sunday (Dec 24) on the suspicion of theft and criminal damage after a road sign featuring work by street artist Banksy was removed in south-east London on Friday, said the police. The recent arrest comes a day after another man was arrested in the case. What happened? A traffic stop sign covered with three aircraft resembling military drones was revealed at the intersection of Southampton Way and Commercial Way in Peckham, which is southeast of London, United Kingdom, on Friday (Dec 22) afternoon. ALSO READ | German police increase security at Cologne Cathedral for Christmas celebrations amid attack threat However, around an hour after Banksy confirmed it was his with a post on social media, two men were seen ripping down the sign. Subsequently, the men were seen running down the street with the sign in hand, according to British media reports. The London police said a man in his 40s was arrested on Sunday and remains in police custody. This was a day after they said they had arrested a man in his 20s also on suspicion of theft and criminal damage. The man in his 20s had later been bailed pending further inquiries and will return to London police station in March. British media reports citing witnesses said that the sign was taken by a man using bolt cutters prompting the Metropolitan Police to launch an investigation. “We are aware of footage being shared which shows the sign being removed,” said the Met police after the incident. ALSO READ | ‘We feel sad’: Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, marks sombre Christmas Eve amid Gaza war The police are now looking for the sign and have asked anyone with information about its whereabouts to contact Scotland Yard. ‘For the people’ Southwark council has since replaced the stolen sign to avoid endangering motorists. Deputy leader of Southwark Council, Jasmine Ali said she had “every confidence” police would be able to retrieve the Banksy sign. “We are not just talking about a street sign here, it is a work of art which was put there for the community,” said Ali. “It is street art and it is for the people.” “Of course Banksy picked Peckham, it’s already on the map when it comes to art and is a hotbed for creativity,” she added. ALSO READ | Iran's foreign minister denies helping Houthis plan attacks on Israel-linked ships Banksy’s followers on Instagram have widely interpreted his latest work as calling for a ceasefire in Gaza as the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group continues to rage on. John Brandler, whose Essex gallery sells Banksy’s works, said that the missing artwork could be worth more than $633,775 (£500,000), reported the Guardian. “It could easily be higher,” said Brandler. “The media attention has made it more valuable.” (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Police arrest two men on suspicion of theft, causing damage to Banksy artwork in Peckham

An Indian couple in the US state of California was robbed and assaulted by a group of thieves last week. The robbers allegedly followed the couple to their home and struck when the pair pulled up in the driveway.&nbsp;

Priyanka Wali, a Kashmiri Pandit-American and daughter of the couple took to social media to share the CCTV footage of the incident and narrated how her parents went through the terrifying ordeal.&nbsp;

“On December 22nd at 7:48 PM in Fullerton, CA my father Dr&nbsp;Vijay Wali was assaulted and my mother Dr Wali Jyotika’s purse was stolen containing jewellery and ancestral heirlooms after they returned from the jewellery store in Cerritos. This is calculated organised crime, robbery and assault,” Priyanka recounted.&nbsp;

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**CRIME ALERT UPDATE** New footage shows my parents were FOLLOWED for over 16 miles by a Black Honda Odyssey with tinted windows from the jewelry store in Little India Artesia to Fullerton where robbery &amp; assault was committed in their driveway please share if you have any info <a href="https://t.co/n9o5F70M6z">pic.twitter.com/n9o5F70M6z</a>
— Priyanka Wali, MD (@WaliPriyanka) <a href="https://twitter.com/WaliPriyanka/status/1738800304538398945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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According to Priyanka, her parents had gone jewellery shopping when the thieves laid a marker upon them. The couple in their white Tesla was followed by a black Honda Odyssey with a tinted window for over 16 miles. The robbers were joined by another white car in the middle and later the thieves from both cars combined to commit the robbery.&nbsp;

In one of the footage, Vijay Wali could be seen getting assaulted by one of the robbers as he attempted to make a dash to save his wife.&nbsp;

"The person who assaulted my father was speaking Spanish saying "quitaselo, quitaselo" which roughly means "take it from her, take it from her" in referring to my mother's purse. Please share widely so we can find this person," Priyanka said.&nbsp;

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**NEW FOOTAGE WITH AUDIO**: The person who assaulted my father was speaking Spanish saying "quitaselo, quitaselo" which roughly means "take it from her, take it from her" in referring to my mother's purse. Please share widely so we can find this person <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fullerton?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fullerton</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/crimealert?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#crimealert</a> <a href="https://t.co/oxtAJYitFr">pic.twitter.com/oxtAJYitFr</a>
— Priyanka Wali, MD (@WaliPriyanka) <a href="https://twitter.com/WaliPriyanka/status/1738615563398848566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chicago-news-crew-reporting-on-robberies-gets-robbed-630766">Watch |&nbsp;Chicago news crew reporting on robberies gets robbed</a>

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According to reports, the thieves took away the treasured family heirlooms known as&nbsp;dejhoor, which are long earrings with unique hexagon pendants that symbolise marriage.

"I mean, that's ancestral jewellery that's been in our family for so long and it's priceless. That's really the most important thing that we want back," Priyanka was quoted as saying by ABC7.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1989-neelkanth-ganjoo-murder-case-fresh-probe-into-killing-of-kashmiri-pandit-judge-623247">Also read |&nbsp;1989 Neelkanth Ganjoo murder case: Fresh probe into killing of Kashmiri Pandit judge</a>

Notably, the Walis, both doctors have served Orange County for the last 35 years but the incident has left a deep imprint on them, with the family&nbsp;fearful of security within the community.

The authorities have launched an investigation and are using the multiple security camera surveillance videos to track down the thieves.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian couple in the US state of California was robbed and assaulted by a group of thieves last week. The robbers allegedly followed the couple to their home and struck when the pair pulled up in the driveway.

An Indian couple in the US state of California was robbed and assaulted by a group of thieves last week. The robbers allegedly followed the couple to their home and struck when the pair pulled up in the driveway. Priyanka Wali, a Kashmiri Pandit-American and daughter of the couple took to social media to share the CCTV footage of the incident and narrated how her parents went through the terrifying ordeal. “On December 22nd at 7:48 PM in Fullerton, CA my father Dr Vijay Wali was assaulted and my mother Dr Wali Jyotika’s purse was stolen containing jewellery and ancestral heirlooms after they returned from the jewellery store in Cerritos. This is calculated organised crime, robbery and assault,” Priyanka recounted. **CRIME ALERT UPDATE** New footage shows my parents were FOLLOWED for over 16 miles by a Black Honda Odyssey with tinted windows from the jewelry store in Little India Artesia to Fullerton where robbery & assault was committed in their driveway please share if you have any info pic.twitter.com/n9o5F70M6z — Priyanka Wali, MD (@WaliPriyanka) December 24, 2023 × According to Priyanka, her parents had gone jewellery shopping when the thieves laid a marker upon them. The couple in their white Tesla was followed by a black Honda Odyssey with a tinted window for over 16 miles. The robbers were joined by another white car in the middle and later the thieves from both cars combined to commit the robbery. In one of the footage, Vijay Wali could be seen getting assaulted by one of the robbers as he attempted to make a dash to save his wife. "The person who assaulted my father was speaking Spanish saying "quitaselo, quitaselo" which roughly means "take it from her, take it from her" in referring to my mother's purse. Please share widely so we can find this person," Priyanka said. **NEW FOOTAGE WITH AUDIO**: The person who assaulted my father was speaking Spanish saying "quitaselo, quitaselo" which roughly means "take it from her, take it from her" in referring to my mother's purse. Please share widely so we can find this person #fullerton #crimealert pic.twitter.com/oxtAJYitFr — Priyanka Wali, MD (@WaliPriyanka) December 23, 2023 × Watch | Chicago news crew reporting on robberies gets robbed × According to reports, the thieves took away the treasured family heirlooms known as dejhoor, which are long earrings with unique hexagon pendants that symbolise marriage. "I mean, that's ancestral jewellery that's been in our family for so long and it's priceless. That's really the most important thing that we want back," Priyanka was quoted as saying by ABC7. Also read | 1989 Neelkanth Ganjoo murder case: Fresh probe into killing of Kashmiri Pandit judge Notably, the Walis, both doctors have served Orange County for the last 35 years but the incident has left a deep imprint on them, with the family fearful of security within the community. The authorities have launched an investigation and are using the multiple security camera surveillance videos to track down the thieves. (With inputs from agencies)

Video | Kashmiri Pandit-American couple robbed, assaulted in their driveway

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In a bid to sinicise Christian festivities and tighten control over organised religion, Beijing’s top political adviser Wang Huning has asked the Chinese Christian groups to ensure “strict” management of religious affairs.

While meeting with Protestant religious leaders during their once in five years national congress in Beijing last week, Wang asked the groups to guide Protestant figures and believers to be patriotic and enhance their identification with the nation, Chinese culture, the party, and socialism with Chinese characteristics, Xinhua reported on Sunday.

The call from Wang came days after the 11th National Chinese Christian Congress, held over Wednesday and Thursday, elected new leaders for the two state-sanctioned Protestant groups in the country.

<h2>'Sinicisation of Christianity'</h2>

He said that Christian groups “should adhere to the direction of Sinicisation of Christianity” and “interpret the doctrines that conform to the development and progress requirements of contemporary China, the&nbsp;core values of socialism&nbsp;and the excellent traditional Chinese culture”.

He also urged them to “adhere to comprehensive and strict governance of religions, and carry out religious activities in accordance with laws and regulations”.

The sinicsation of religion is a by-product of Xi Jinping’s overarching policy to control all facts of the religious practices in the Communist Party-ruled country, which officially practices atheism.

But it recognises five religions—Buddhism, Catholicism, Daoism, Islam, and Protestantism.

About&nbsp;7.4 per cent of China's total population identify themselves&nbsp;as Christians, according to Boston University’s 2020 World Religion Database.

Of those, around 90 per cent of Christians in China identify themselves as Protestant, a Pew Research Centre analysis of the latest available survey data collected by academic organisations in China showed.

<h2>Xi tightens grip on religious affairs&nbsp;</h2>

In December 2021, during a religious work conference, Xi had said that the religious groups should study the history of the Chinese Communist Party and strengthen the governance of online religious affairs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-detains-top-defence-official-amidst-allegations-of-40mn-fraud-673315">Ukraine detains top defence official amidst allegations of $40mn fraud</a>

The party’s policy on freedom of religious belief must be “completely, accurately and comprehensively” implemented, and religions must adapt to the fact that China is a socialist country, Xi said at that time.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-military-releases-video-of-huge-tunnel-where-five-hostages-were-found-dead-673291">Israeli military releases video of huge Hamas tunnel where five hostages were found dead</a>

However, concerns have been raised against Xi Jinping’s handling of religious affairs in the country.

In the annual US State Department report on International Religious Freedom released in May, Beijing said to have labelled a number of Christian groups as “cult organisations”, and censored online posts referencing Jesus or the Bible, and removed articles published by Christianity-related platforms.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to sinicise Christian festivities and tighten control over organised religion, Beijing’s top political adviser Wang Huning has asked the Chinese Christian groups to ensure “strict” management of religious affairs.

In a bid to sinicise Christian festivities and tighten control over organised religion, Beijing’s top political adviser Wang Huning has asked the Chinese Christian groups to ensure “strict” management of religious affairs. While meeting with Protestant religious leaders during their once in five years national congress in Beijing last week, Wang asked the groups to guide Protestant figures and believers to be patriotic and enhance their identification with the nation, Chinese culture, the party, and socialism with Chinese characteristics, Xinhua reported on Sunday. The call from Wang came days after the 11th National Chinese Christian Congress, held over Wednesday and Thursday, elected new leaders for the two state-sanctioned Protestant groups in the country. 'Sinicisation of Christianity' He said that Christian groups “should adhere to the direction of Sinicisation of Christianity” and “interpret the doctrines that conform to the development and progress requirements of contemporary China, the core values of socialism and the excellent traditional Chinese culture”. He also urged them to “adhere to comprehensive and strict governance of religions, and carry out religious activities in accordance with laws and regulations”. The sinicsation of religion is a by-product of Xi Jinping’s overarching policy to control all facts of the religious practices in the Communist Party-ruled country, which officially practices atheism. But it recognises five religions—Buddhism, Catholicism, Daoism, Islam, and Protestantism. About 7.4 per cent of China's total population identify themselves as Christians, according to Boston University’s 2020 World Religion Database. Of those, around 90 per cent of Christians in China identify themselves as Protestant, a Pew Research Centre analysis of the latest available survey data collected by academic organisations in China showed. Xi tightens grip on religious affairs In December 2021, during a religious work conference, Xi had said that the religious groups should study the history of the Chinese Communist Party and strengthen the governance of online religious affairs. Also read | Ukraine detains top defence official amidst allegations of $40mn fraud The party’s policy on freedom of religious belief must be “completely, accurately and comprehensively” implemented, and religions must adapt to the fact that China is a socialist country, Xi said at that time. Also read | Israeli military releases video of huge Hamas tunnel where five hostages were found dead However, concerns have been raised against Xi Jinping’s handling of religious affairs in the country. In the annual US State Department report on International Religious Freedom released in May, Beijing said to have labelled a number of Christian groups as “cult organisations”, and censored online posts referencing Jesus or the Bible, and removed articles published by Christianity-related platforms. (With inputs from agencies)

Beijing’s top govt advisor asks Christian community groups to align beliefs with Chinese culture

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