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A Hindu temple was defaced with pro-Khalistani slogans in California, US. The incident happened in Newark city. India's Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar says that an investigation is due. Keep watching to know more.

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Russia on Saturday (Dec 23) rejected an application by presidential hopeful Yekaterina Duntsova calling for peace. The Central Electoral Commission, citing mistakes in the documents submitted by Duntsova, cancelled the plea, reported Russian television.

The commission's chief, Ella Pamfilova, released a statement saying that the members rejected Duntsova's bid to stand in the elections to be held next year.

It further said Duntsova, who is a former journalist and city councillor campaigning "for peace and democratic processes", could not move on to the next stage of assembling thousands of supporters' signatures.

Pamfilova told her: "You are a young woman, you have everything ahead of you."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/drone-strike-hits-ship-off-indias-coast-says-report-672821">Missile strike hits merchant ship off India's coast; crew included 21 Indians</a>

She further said that at least 29 people had filed to run for the presidency in Russia.

The 40-year-old former journalist was asked to provide documents proving that a group of at least 500 people had held a meeting supporting her.

"A people's initiative is not needed, is not welcomed," Duntsova told journalists, saying she would not have time to file another application as an independent candidate.

She then took to her official social media account saying that she would file an appeal against the ruling with the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

<h2>Anti-war candidate</h2>

Duntsova submitted her application on Wednesday (Dec 20) to challenge incumbent President Vladimir Putin in the country’s upcoming elections in March 2024.&nbsp;

She had planned to run on a scaffold of ending the war in Ukraine and freeing political prisoners.

Duntsova, in an interview with Reuters last month, called for an end to the war and the release of political prisoners, including opposition leader Alexei Navalny.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/czech-president-attends-mass-for-victims-of-prague-attack-as-country-holds-national-mourning-672861">Prague shooting: Czech president attends mass for victims as nation mourns</a>

“I feel a sense of accomplishment: We’ve done everything that we needed to do. We’ve made this step, and I think it should inspire people who support us,” said Duntsova, speaking to journalists in Moscow on Wednesday.

In her interview with Reuters, Duntsova avoided using the word “war” to describe the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which Putin calls his “special military operation", but did acknowledge that she was afraid. “Any sane person taking this step would be afraid - but fear must not win.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Saturday (Dec 23) rejected an application by presidential hopeful Yekaterina Duntsova calling for peace. The Central Electoral Commission, citing mistakes in the documents submitted by Duntsova, cancelled the plea, reported Russian television.

Russia on Saturday (Dec 23) rejected an application by presidential hopeful Yekaterina Duntsova calling for peace. The Central Electoral Commission, citing mistakes in the documents submitted by Duntsova, cancelled the plea, reported Russian television. The commission's chief, Ella Pamfilova, released a statement saying that the members rejected Duntsova's bid to stand in the elections to be held next year. It further said Duntsova, who is a former journalist and city councillor campaigning "for peace and democratic processes", could not move on to the next stage of assembling thousands of supporters' signatures. Pamfilova told her: "You are a young woman, you have everything ahead of you." Also read: Missile strike hits merchant ship off India's coast; crew included 21 Indians She further said that at least 29 people had filed to run for the presidency in Russia. The 40-year-old former journalist was asked to provide documents proving that a group of at least 500 people had held a meeting supporting her. "A people's initiative is not needed, is not welcomed," Duntsova told journalists, saying she would not have time to file another application as an independent candidate. She then took to her official social media account saying that she would file an appeal against the ruling with the Supreme Court. Anti-war candidate Duntsova submitted her application on Wednesday (Dec 20) to challenge incumbent President Vladimir Putin in the country’s upcoming elections in March 2024. She had planned to run on a scaffold of ending the war in Ukraine and freeing political prisoners. Duntsova, in an interview with Reuters last month, called for an end to the war and the release of political prisoners, including opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Also read: Prague shooting: Czech president attends mass for victims as nation mourns “I feel a sense of accomplishment: We’ve done everything that we needed to do. We’ve made this step, and I think it should inspire people who support us,” said Duntsova, speaking to journalists in Moscow on Wednesday. In her interview with Reuters, Duntsova avoided using the word “war” to describe the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which Putin calls his “special military operation", but did acknowledge that she was afraid. “Any sane person taking this step would be afraid - but fear must not win.” (With inputs from agencies)

Russia bars anti-war candidate Yekaterina Duntsova from presidential ballot

Yemeni citizens took to the streets again protesting Israel's endless military operations in Gaza that have triggered a dire humanitarian crisis in The Enclave. Thousands protested in solidarity with Gazans in Yemen's capital city of Sanaa.

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Against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war and Western sanctions, President Vladimir Putin has taken control of Rolf, Russia's largest car dealership owned by a Cyprus-based firm, placing it under temporary state management.

The Kremlin insisted that the move is driven by commercial considerations, citing the need to comply with Russian legislation and address the challenging international economic situation.

Rolf, originally founded by Russian businessman Sergei Petrov, has been a prominent player in the automotive industry since the post-Soviet era.&nbsp;Petrov, who resides in Austria, faces accusations from Russian authorities of illegally moving money abroad.&nbsp;However, he has denied these allegations.

This seizure follows Moscow's trend of temporarily assuming control of Western-owned assets in response to sanctions disrupting Russian assets abroad.

West has been imposing sanctions on Russia primarily in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine. Sanctions were also imposed in connection with issues such as human rights abuses, cyberattacks, and interference in foreign elections.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-outpaces-colombia-in-alarming-cocaine-consumption-data-672826">UK outpaces Colombia in alarming cocaine consumption: Data</a>

Notably, this marks the first instance of a high-profile Russian business leader losing control of their property in this manner.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that this is "solely linked to&nbsp; economic expediency and compliance with the current legislation of the Russian Federation and taking into account the known international economic situation that is around us now."&nbsp;

Rolf has announced the appointment of Alexei Gulyaev as the new CEO and Svetlana Vinogradova as the first deputy, assuring that the temporary management will not impact its operations.

Russia's federal property management agency, Rosimushchestvo, plans to develop Rolf and enhance its financial performance.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-upgraded-warship-cheonan-begins-mission-amidst-north-korean-tensions-672819">South Korea's upgraded warship, Cheonan, begins mission amidst North Korean tensions</a>

Petrov, however, viewed this move as a severe blow to Russia's investment landscape, questioning the willingness of investors, especially from Asia, to engage with Russian assets.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nikhil-dhar-associate-vp-digital-marketing-indigo-speaks-to-wion-672840">Nikhil Dhar, Associate VP- digital &amp; marketing, Indigo speaks to WION</a>

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"This has a devastating effect on everyone. The state is, as a rule, inefficient, especially in such things as retail," Petrov said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)
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Against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war and Western sanctions, President Vladimir Putin has taken control of Rolf, Russia's largest car dealership owned by a Cyprus-based firm, placing it under temporary state management.

Against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war and Western sanctions, President Vladimir Putin has taken control of Rolf, Russia's largest car dealership owned by a Cyprus-based firm, placing it under temporary state management. The Kremlin insisted that the move is driven by commercial considerations, citing the need to comply with Russian legislation and address the challenging international economic situation. Rolf, originally founded by Russian businessman Sergei Petrov, has been a prominent player in the automotive industry since the post-Soviet era. Petrov, who resides in Austria, faces accusations from Russian authorities of illegally moving money abroad. However, he has denied these allegations. This seizure follows Moscow's trend of temporarily assuming control of Western-owned assets in response to sanctions disrupting Russian assets abroad. West has been imposing sanctions on Russia primarily in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine. Sanctions were also imposed in connection with issues such as human rights abuses, cyberattacks, and interference in foreign elections. Also Read | UK outpaces Colombia in alarming cocaine consumption: Data Notably, this marks the first instance of a high-profile Russian business leader losing control of their property in this manner. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that this is "solely linked to economic expediency and compliance with the current legislation of the Russian Federation and taking into account the known international economic situation that is around us now." Rolf has announced the appointment of Alexei Gulyaev as the new CEO and Svetlana Vinogradova as the first deputy, assuring that the temporary management will not impact its operations. Russia's federal property management agency, Rosimushchestvo, plans to develop Rolf and enhance its financial performance. Also Read | South Korea's upgraded warship, Cheonan, begins mission amidst North Korean tensions Petrov, however, viewed this move as a severe blow to Russia's investment landscape, questioning the willingness of investors, especially from Asia, to engage with Russian assets. Watch | Nikhil Dhar, Associate VP- digital & marketing, Indigo speaks to WION × "This has a devastating effect on everyone. The state is, as a rule, inefficient, especially in such things as retail," Petrov said. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin brings Rolf, Russia’s largest car dealership owned by Cyprus-based firm, under state management

The World Health Organization on Tuesday classified the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a "variant of interest" but said it did not pose much threat to public health.

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The US has accused Iran of aiding Houthi Pirates. Iran was "deeply involved" in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and its intelligence was critical to enable Yemen's Houthi movement to target ships, the White House said on Friday.

Red Sea attacks: US accuses Iran of aiding Houthi pirates

Czech Republic President Petr Pavel attended a mass on Saturday (Dec 23) to remember the victims of Prague shooting on Thursday (Dec 21) which shook the entire nation. 
 
A day of national mourning is being observed by the entire country for those who lost their lives in the mass shooting that took place at a university in Prague. The bells tolled across the country and flags were flown at half-mast on the official buildings and a minute's silence was observed at midday. 
 
Candles and flowers were brought by the mourners to makeshift memorials which were outside the Faculty of Arts as well as the headquarters of Charles University. 
 
Thirteen people were killed at the Charles University's Faculty of Arts building in the capital by a student, who later took his life.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prague-shootout-people-hide-on-building-ledge-to-escape-gunman-on-camera-672530">Prague university shootout: Video shows people hiding on building ledge to escape gunman</a>

The police have been working to find the motive behind the attack. This is one of the deadliest assaults carried out by a lone gunman in Europe this century. Those who lost their lives in the attacks included the head of the Institute of Musicology at the university Lenka Hlavkova. 
 
Other victims of the attack were translator and Finnish literature expert Jan Dlask and student Lucie Spindlerova. 
 
The shooting took place at the Faculty of Arts building of Charles University around 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT) on Thursday (Dec 21). The university is near Jan Palach Square, which is located at the heart of the Czech capital. 
 
After entering the building, the gunman started to open fire in classrooms and corridors, as the students and staff used furniture to barricade themselves into rooms.

<h2>Witness recalls horror</h2>

Speaking to the BBC, US tourist Hannah Mallicoat said that she and her family were present on Jan Palach Square when the attack took place. 
 
"A crowd of people were crossing the street when the first shot hit. I thought it was something like a firecracker or a car backfire until I heard the second shot and people started running," she said.

Watch:&nbsp;Prague Mass Shooting: At least 14 killed, 25 injured in Charles University

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"I saw a bullet hit the ground on the other side of the square about 30ft [9m] away before ducking into a store. The whole area was blocked off and dozens of police cars and ambulances were going towards the university,” she added. 
 
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, in a statement, said that the country was shocked by this "horrendous act". 
 
"It is hard to find the words to express condemnation on the one hand and, on the other, the pain and sorrow that our entire society is feeling in these days before Christmas,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Czech Republic President Petr Pavel attended a mass on Saturday (Dec 23) to remember the victims of Prague shooting on Thursday (Dec 21) which shook the entire nation.

Czech Republic President Petr Pavel attended a mass on Saturday (Dec 23) to remember the victims of Prague shooting on Thursday (Dec 21) which shook the entire nation. A day of national mourning is being observed by the entire country for those who lost their lives in the mass shooting that took place at a university in Prague. The bells tolled across the country and flags were flown at half-mast on the official buildings and a minute's silence was observed at midday. Candles and flowers were brought by the mourners to makeshift memorials which were outside the Faculty of Arts as well as the headquarters of Charles University. Thirteen people were killed at the Charles University's Faculty of Arts building in the capital by a student, who later took his life. Also read: Prague university shootout: Video shows people hiding on building ledge to escape gunman The police have been working to find the motive behind the attack. This is one of the deadliest assaults carried out by a lone gunman in Europe this century. Those who lost their lives in the attacks included the head of the Institute of Musicology at the university Lenka Hlavkova. Other victims of the attack were translator and Finnish literature expert Jan Dlask and student Lucie Spindlerova. The shooting took place at the Faculty of Arts building of Charles University around 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT) on Thursday (Dec 21). The university is near Jan Palach Square, which is located at the heart of the Czech capital. After entering the building, the gunman started to open fire in classrooms and corridors, as the students and staff used furniture to barricade themselves into rooms. Witness recalls horror Speaking to the BBC, US tourist Hannah Mallicoat said that she and her family were present on Jan Palach Square when the attack took place. "A crowd of people were crossing the street when the first shot hit. I thought it was something like a firecracker or a car backfire until I heard the second shot and people started running," she said. Watch: Prague Mass Shooting: At least 14 killed, 25 injured in Charles University "I saw a bullet hit the ground on the other side of the square about 30ft [9m] away before ducking into a store. The whole area was blocked off and dozens of police cars and ambulances were going towards the university,” she added. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, in a statement, said that the country was shocked by this "horrendous act". "It is hard to find the words to express condemnation on the one hand and, on the other, the pain and sorrow that our entire society is feeling in these days before Christmas,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Czech president attends mass for Prague shooting victims as country holds national mourning

Turkish authorities have detained 304 people suspected of having ties to militant group Islamic State that operates across 32 provinces, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on Friday. Most suspects were detained in 3 big cities-Istanbul, Ankara & Izmir. Watch to know more!

Turkey: 304 ISIS suspects detained in 32 provinces

New US order acts against those helping Russia evade sanctions. The new order broadens the import ban on seafood & diamonds. Russia hits back at these sanctions by taking control over the assets of western companies.

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow takes control over the assets of western companies

The former Conservative peer Michelle Mone has admitted that she lied when she denied repeatedly having been involved with a company that made millions of pounds in profits from UK government PPE deals during the pandemic.

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A Hindu temple was defaced with pro-Khalistani slogans in California, US. The incident happened in Newark city.

US: Hindu temple defaced, Indian consulate in San Francisco demands investigation

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday (Dec 23), while reacting to the vandalism at a Hindu temple in the United States, said that no space should be given to extremists. 
 
"I have seen it. Extremists, separatists and such forces (against India) should not be given space in foreign lands. Our Consulate there complained to the government and the police and an inquiry is underway," news agency ANI quoted Jaishankar as saying.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On Swami Narayan temple in Newark, US defaced with pro-Khalistani slogans, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "I have seen it. Extremists, separatists and such forces should not be given space. Our Consulate there complained to the government and the police and an inquiry is… <a href="https://t.co/dfEzsfeeT8">pic.twitter.com/dfEzsfeeT8</a>
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The statement of Jaishankar came after the walls of the Swaminarayan temple were defaced with anti-India graffiti in California, United States and an investigation into the incident was started by the Indian Embassy in San Francisco.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hindu-temple-in-us-becomes-target-of-hate-crime-with-anti-india-slogans-672694">Hindu temple in US becomes target of 'hate crime' with anti-India slogans</a>

In the images shared on social media, the spray-painted word ‘Khalistan’ was seen on a signpost outside the temple which was accompanied by other objectionable graffiti, reported news agency PTI. 
 
“The mention of the Khalistan terrorist kingpin #Bhindranwale, who targeted Hindus for murder, is specifically meant to traumatise temple goers and create a fear of violence—meeting the CA definition of a hate crime,” wrote the Hindu American Foundation&nbsp;on X.

<h2>Indian community's sentiments hurt: Indian Consulate</h2>

Meanwhile, on Saturday (Dec 23), the Indian Consulate in San Francisco said that the Indian community's sentiments were hurt by the incident. 
 
In a statement, the Consulate General said, “We strongly condemn the defacing of SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at Newark, California with anti-India graffiti. This incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. We have pressed for quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities in this matter.” 
 
Meanwhile, the Newark police stated that any threats or acts of violence, harassment, property damage, intimidation, or other crimes which are motivated by hate or bias will be considered very serious and prioritised.

Watch:&nbsp;US: Hindu temple defaced with pro-Khalistani slogans

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“Based on the content of the graffiti it is believed that the defacement was a targeted act, and the vandalism is being investigated as a possible hate crime,” said the City of Newark Police Department, in an emailed statement to news agency PTI.

<h2>Consular assistance to Nikhil Gupta: EAM</h2>

Minister Jaishankar further spoke about providing consular assistance to Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who has been detained in the Czech Republic and is facing charges of taking part in conspiring&nbsp;to kill a Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. 
 
“He (Nikhil Gupta) needed consular access, our embassy provided that. He has been provided consular access thrice,” said Jaishankar.

The United States levied charges against Gupta in which he was accused of working with an Indian government employee to plot the killing of Pannun, who has dual citizenship of the US and Canada.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday (Dec 23), while reacting to the vandalism at a Hindu temple in the United States, said that no space should be given to extremists.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday (Dec 23), while reacting to the vandalism at a Hindu temple in the United States, said that no space should be given to extremists. "I have seen it. Extremists, separatists and such forces (against India) should not be given space in foreign lands. Our Consulate there complained to the government and the police and an inquiry is underway," news agency ANI quoted Jaishankar as saying. #WATCH | On Swami Narayan temple in Newark, US defaced with pro-Khalistani slogans, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "I have seen it. Extremists, separatists and such forces should not be given space. Our Consulate there complained to the government and the police and an inquiry is… pic.twitter.com/dfEzsfeeT8 — ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2023 × The statement of Jaishankar came after the walls of the Swaminarayan temple were defaced with anti-India graffiti in California, United States and an investigation into the incident was started by the Indian Embassy in San Francisco. Also read: Hindu temple in US becomes target of 'hate crime' with anti-India slogans In the images shared on social media, the spray-painted word ‘Khalistan’ was seen on a signpost outside the temple which was accompanied by other objectionable graffiti, reported news agency PTI. “The mention of the Khalistan terrorist kingpin #Bhindranwale, who targeted Hindus for murder, is specifically meant to traumatise temple goers and create a fear of violence—meeting the CA definition of a hate crime,” wrote the Hindu American Foundation on X. Indian community's sentiments hurt: Indian Consulate Meanwhile, on Saturday (Dec 23), the Indian Consulate in San Francisco said that the Indian community's sentiments were hurt by the incident. In a statement, the Consulate General said, “We strongly condemn the defacing of SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at Newark, California with anti-India graffiti. This incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. We have pressed for quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities in this matter.” Meanwhile, the Newark police stated that any threats or acts of violence, harassment, property damage, intimidation, or other crimes which are motivated by hate or bias will be considered very serious and prioritised. Watch: US: Hindu temple defaced with pro-Khalistani slogans “Based on the content of the graffiti it is believed that the defacement was a targeted act, and the vandalism is being investigated as a possible hate crime,” said the City of Newark Police Department, in an emailed statement to news agency PTI. Consular assistance to Nikhil Gupta: EAM Minister Jaishankar further spoke about providing consular assistance to Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who has been detained in the Czech Republic and is facing charges of taking part in conspiring to kill a Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. “He (Nikhil Gupta) needed consular access, our embassy provided that. He has been provided consular access thrice,” said Jaishankar. The United States levied charges against Gupta in which he was accused of working with an Indian government employee to plot the killing of Pannun, who has dual citizenship of the US and Canada. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Extremists should not be given space’: India’s Jaishankar reacts to vandalism at Hindu temple in US

The US has accused Iran of aiding Houthi Pirates. Iran was "deeply involved" in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and its intelligence was critical to enable Yemen's Houthi movement to target ships, the White House said on Friday. Dr Elisabeth Kendall, Middle East Expert & Head Girton College, Cambridge University speaks to WION.

Israel-Hamas War: Houthi leader threatens to attack U.S. Warships

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: The Palestine Red Crescent Society said it had received 70 trucks carrying humanitarian aid. The trucks entered the enclave through Egypt's Rafah border crossing.

Israel-Hamas war: 70 Humanitarian Aid trucks enter Gaza through Rafah crossing

Covid-19 India: 'JN.1 poses low risk at present': WHO

The US has accused Iran of aiding Houthi Pirates. Iran was "deeply involved" in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and its intelligence was critical to enable Yemen's Houthi movement to target ships, the White House said on Friday. Dr Elisabeth Kendall, Middle East Expert & head Girton College, Cambridge University speaks to WION.

Israel-Hamas War:Houthi leader threatens to attack US warships if Washington targets Yemen

After a student opened fire in a university in central Prague, killing 13&nbsp;and wounding 25 others, Czech police are now trying to find the motive behind the worst-ever mass shooting witnessed by the country. 
 
Czech President Petr Pavel has called for unity and said that people should not use such killings for spreading misinformation or launching political attacks. The victims, whose identities have not been disclosed yet, included the father of the gunman. 
 
The government declared Saturday as a national day of mourning. Speaking over the incident, Pavel expressed his "great sadness" and "helpless anger at the totally unnecessary" loss of lives.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prague-university-shooting-police-report-people-dead-wounded-672231">Prague university shooting: Police say more than 15 killed, shooter 'eliminated'</a>

The shootout took place at the Faculty of Arts building of Charles University around 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT) on Thursday (Dec 21). The university is near Jan Palach Square, which is located at the heart of the Czech capital. 
 
After entering the building, the gunman started to open fire&nbsp;in the classrooms and corridors, as the students and staff used furniture to barricade themselves into rooms. 
 
In some dramatic videos shared on social media, people were seen dangling from the university building's outside ledge before jumping to another part of the roof, which is several metres below. However, the shooter&nbsp;killed himself after the university shooting.

<h2>Czech prime minister appeals for 'sensitivity'</h2>

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, in a message to the citizens on Friday morning, appealed to them to show consideration and stop spreading unverified information. 
 
“Dear friends, please approach the tragedy that happened yesterday at [Charles University Faculty of Arts] with sensitivity and consideration. Many people have lost loved ones and friends, and the depth of their pain and sorrow is hard to imagine. Also out of respect for them, please refrain from quick judgments and do not spread unverified information,” PM Fiala said.

Watch:&nbsp;Prague: Mass shooting in University building

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/prague-mass-shooting-in-university-building-672300/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"An investigation is ongoing at this time and it is in everyone’s interest to clarify and investigate the smallest details of what happened yesterday and what led up to it. Yesterday’s brutal attack affected our entire society, we are going through a painful and sad time, our thoughts are with those who were directly affected by yesterday’s tragedy,” he added. 
 
Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan later said that the government identified 14 bodies, and they included 13 victims, which included the shooter. He said that there were no foreign nationals among the dead.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After a student opened fire in a university in central Prague, killing 13 and wounding 25 others, Czech police are now trying to find the motive behind the worst-ever mass shooting witnessed by the country.

After a student opened fire in a university in central Prague, killing 13 and wounding 25 others, Czech police are now trying to find the motive behind the worst-ever mass shooting witnessed by the country. Czech President Petr Pavel has called for unity and said that people should not use such killings for spreading misinformation or launching political attacks. The victims, whose identities have not been disclosed yet, included the father of the gunman. The government declared Saturday as a national day of mourning. Speaking over the incident, Pavel expressed his "great sadness" and "helpless anger at the totally unnecessary" loss of lives. Also read: Prague university shooting: Police say more than 15 killed, shooter 'eliminated' The shootout took place at the Faculty of Arts building of Charles University around 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT) on Thursday (Dec 21). The university is near Jan Palach Square, which is located at the heart of the Czech capital. After entering the building, the gunman started to open fire in the classrooms and corridors, as the students and staff used furniture to barricade themselves into rooms. In some dramatic videos shared on social media, people were seen dangling from the university building's outside ledge before jumping to another part of the roof, which is several metres below. However, the shooter killed himself after the university shooting. Czech prime minister appeals for 'sensitivity' Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, in a message to the citizens on Friday morning, appealed to them to show consideration and stop spreading unverified information. “Dear friends, please approach the tragedy that happened yesterday at [Charles University Faculty of Arts] with sensitivity and consideration. Many people have lost loved ones and friends, and the depth of their pain and sorrow is hard to imagine. Also out of respect for them, please refrain from quick judgments and do not spread unverified information,” PM Fiala said. Watch: Prague: Mass shooting in University building "An investigation is ongoing at this time and it is in everyone’s interest to clarify and investigate the smallest details of what happened yesterday and what led up to it. Yesterday’s brutal attack affected our entire society, we are going through a painful and sad time, our thoughts are with those who were directly affected by yesterday’s tragedy,” he added. Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan later said that the government identified 14 bodies, and they included 13 victims, which included the shooter. He said that there were no foreign nationals among the dead. (With inputs from agencies)

Prague mass shooting: Czech police try to uncover motive behind attack, PM appeals for 'sensitivity'

The new Cheonan warship of South Korea, named after the vessel torpedoed by North Korea in 2010, has embarked on a significant mission, marked by heightened combat readiness. The sinking of the original Cheonan, resulting in the deaths of 46 sailors, remains a politically sensitive issue in South Korea, where skepticism about North Korea's involvement persists.

<h2>Symbolic support from President Yoon Suk Yeol</h2>

President Yoon Suk Yeol, known for his hawkish stance, has publicly expressed support for the victims of the Cheonan incident. Wearing a T-shirt and hat featuring the ship, President Yoon has symbolically stood by the memory of the torpedoed warship.

The new Cheonan, a 2,800-tonne frigate, signifies a considerable advancement in anti-submarine capabilities. With a mission to protect the West Sea, the vessel is equipped with long-range anti-submarine torpedoes and tactical ship-to-ship guided missiles. These enhancements enable the warship to effectively target enemy submarines from a considerable distance and strike onshore facilities commanding such submarines.

"We will be fully prepared for battle and equipped with unbeatable combat readiness posture," the Cheonan's chief said, according to the statement.

"If the enemy provokes in the West Sea, we will respond immediately and strongly until the end," the chief added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/wion-business-wrap-chinas-rare-earths-industry-talks-between-japan-and-south-korea-more-672488">Also read |&nbsp;WION Business Wrap | China’s rare earth’s industry, Talks between Japan and South Korea &amp; more</a>

The deployment of the new Cheonan comes amidst escalating nuclear and military threats from North Korea. 
 
North Korea leader Kim Jong Un's recent statement regarding the possibility of a nuclear attack if provoked adds to the heightened tensions in the region. Additionally, North Korea's recent testing of the Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile and the launch of a military spy satellite have further strained inter-Korean ties.

Also watch |&nbsp;South Korea &amp; Japan rekindle economic dialogue after 8-year pause

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-korea-japan-rekindle-economic-dialogue-after-8-year-pause-672402/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The launch of the military spy satellite led to the fracture of a military agreement aimed at de-escalating tensions between North and South Korea. Both sides responded by increasing security measures along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), exacerbating the already fragile situation on the Korean Peninsula.

(With inputs from agencies)

The new Cheonan warship of South Korea, named after the vessel torpedoed by North Korea in 2010, has embarked on a significant mission, marked by heightened combat readiness.

The new Cheonan warship of South Korea, named after the vessel torpedoed by North Korea in 2010, has embarked on a significant mission, marked by heightened combat readiness. The sinking of the original Cheonan, resulting in the deaths of 46 sailors, remains a politically sensitive issue in South Korea, where skepticism about North Korea's involvement persists. Symbolic support from President Yoon Suk Yeol President Yoon Suk Yeol, known for his hawkish stance, has publicly expressed support for the victims of the Cheonan incident. Wearing a T-shirt and hat featuring the ship, President Yoon has symbolically stood by the memory of the torpedoed warship. The new Cheonan, a 2,800-tonne frigate, signifies a considerable advancement in anti-submarine capabilities. With a mission to protect the West Sea, the vessel is equipped with long-range anti-submarine torpedoes and tactical ship-to-ship guided missiles. These enhancements enable the warship to effectively target enemy submarines from a considerable distance and strike onshore facilities commanding such submarines. "We will be fully prepared for battle and equipped with unbeatable combat readiness posture," the Cheonan's chief said, according to the statement. "If the enemy provokes in the West Sea, we will respond immediately and strongly until the end," the chief added. Also read | WION Business Wrap | China’s rare earth’s industry, Talks between Japan and South Korea & more The deployment of the new Cheonan comes amidst escalating nuclear and military threats from North Korea. North Korea leader Kim Jong Un's recent statement regarding the possibility of a nuclear attack if provoked adds to the heightened tensions in the region. Additionally, North Korea's recent testing of the Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile and the launch of a military spy satellite have further strained inter-Korean ties. Also watch | South Korea & Japan rekindle economic dialogue after 8-year pause The launch of the military spy satellite led to the fracture of a military agreement aimed at de-escalating tensions between North and South Korea. Both sides responded by increasing security measures along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), exacerbating the already fragile situation on the Korean Peninsula. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea's upgraded warship, Cheonan, begins mission amidst North Korean tensions

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