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Former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani has been ordered by a federal judge on Wednesday (Dec 20) to immediately start paying the $148 million he owes to two former election workers in the US state of Georgia after he was found guilty of falsely accusing them of manipulating ballots after the 2020 elections&nbsp;last week.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the judge say?</h2>

The decision by Judge Beryl Howell was in response to the former Georgia election workers’ request who sued the former NYC mayor over defamation claims and sought the $148 million. &nbsp;

The mother-daughter duo, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss had argued that Giuliani would not have had the money to pay them when the 30-day waiting period on the payouts was lifted and even might&nbsp; have “conceal his assets”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-trump-attorney-rudy-giuliani-opts-not-to-testify-in-georgia-defamation-trial-669762">Former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani opts not to testify in Georgia defamation trial</a>

The latest decision comes as Giuliani is facing a number of legal woes for his efforts to keep former President Donald Trump in office even though he lost to incumbent Joe Biden.&nbsp;

The former NYC Mayor, who is already strapped for cash, according to the latest order will not have the 30-day stay that would have delayed his payments. Freeman and Moss filed the request days after a jury in Washington DC imposed the fine.&nbsp;

In their request, the mother-daughter duo argued that Giuliani had already failed to obey other court orders in the case related to money that he owed them including women’s legal fees of over $200,000.&nbsp;

Therefore, there is “especially good reason,” lawyers for the women wrote, “to believe that defendant Giuliani intends to evade payment of the judgment by any means he can devise.”

In his 13-page order, the judge said Giuliani has proven to be an “uncooperative litigant,” and that she agreed with Freeman and Moss’ points. Howell added that throughout the case, the former NYC mayor had an “ample record” of efforts meant to conceal or hide financial assets.

<h2>What did Giuliani do?</h2>

Giuliani was found guilty by an eight-person jury in Washington DC for repeatedly defaming&nbsp;Freeman and Moss and was asked to pay $148 million in damages last week.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-trump-lawyer-rudy-giuliani-slapped-with-default-judgment-and-penalties-in-defamation-lawsuit-630659">Former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani slapped with default judgment and penalties in defamation lawsuit</a>

The defamation case centres around Giuliani, then personal lawyer to the former president Donald Trump, directing his millions of social media followers to watch a video of them in a Georgia vote-counting centre and without any evidence claiming that they were manipulating ballots to make Trump lose.&nbsp;

During the trial, the women described how his claims led to a torrent of threats and racist abuse to the point where they left their home in 2021 for two months at the recommendation of the FBI.&nbsp;

The $148 million owed to Freeman and Moss includes $75 million in punitive damages, along with awards of $20 million to each of the two election workers for emotional distress and more than $16 million each for defamation.

Giuliani called the damages figure “absurd” and vowed to appeal.&nbsp;

Howell, in her order, also noted that she did not consider the amount excessive, saying that the “amount of compensatory damages for defamation awarded by the jury was nearly $10,000,000 less than the amount requested by plaintiffs for reputational harm.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani has been ordered by a federal judge on Wednesday (Dec 20) to immediately start paying the $148 million he owes to two former election workers in the US state of Georgia after he was found guilty of falsely accusing them of manipulating ballots after the 2020 elections last week.

Former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani has been ordered by a federal judge on Wednesday (Dec 20) to immediately start paying the $148 million he owes to two former election workers in the US state of Georgia after he was found guilty of falsely accusing them of manipulating ballots after the 2020 elections last week. What did the judge say? The decision by Judge Beryl Howell was in response to the former Georgia election workers’ request who sued the former NYC mayor over defamation claims and sought the $148 million. The mother-daughter duo, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss had argued that Giuliani would not have had the money to pay them when the 30-day waiting period on the payouts was lifted and even might have “conceal his assets”. ALSO READ | Former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani opts not to testify in Georgia defamation trial The latest decision comes as Giuliani is facing a number of legal woes for his efforts to keep former President Donald Trump in office even though he lost to incumbent Joe Biden. The former NYC Mayor, who is already strapped for cash, according to the latest order will not have the 30-day stay that would have delayed his payments. Freeman and Moss filed the request days after a jury in Washington DC imposed the fine. In their request, the mother-daughter duo argued that Giuliani had already failed to obey other court orders in the case related to money that he owed them including women’s legal fees of over $200,000. Therefore, there is “especially good reason,” lawyers for the women wrote, “to believe that defendant Giuliani intends to evade payment of the judgment by any means he can devise.” In his 13-page order, the judge said Giuliani has proven to be an “uncooperative litigant,” and that she agreed with Freeman and Moss’ points. Howell added that throughout the case, the former NYC mayor had an “ample record” of efforts meant to conceal or hide financial assets. What did Giuliani do? Giuliani was found guilty by an eight-person jury in Washington DC for repeatedly defaming Freeman and Moss and was asked to pay $148 million in damages last week. ALSO READ | Former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani slapped with default judgment and penalties in defamation lawsuit The defamation case centres around Giuliani, then personal lawyer to the former president Donald Trump, directing his millions of social media followers to watch a video of them in a Georgia vote-counting centre and without any evidence claiming that they were manipulating ballots to make Trump lose. During the trial, the women described how his claims led to a torrent of threats and racist abuse to the point where they left their home in 2021 for two months at the recommendation of the FBI. The $148 million owed to Freeman and Moss includes $75 million in punitive damages, along with awards of $20 million to each of the two election workers for emotional distress and more than $16 million each for defamation. Giuliani called the damages figure “absurd” and vowed to appeal. Howell, in her order, also noted that she did not consider the amount excessive, saying that the “amount of compensatory damages for defamation awarded by the jury was nearly $10,000,000 less than the amount requested by plaintiffs for reputational harm.” (With inputs from agencies)

Judge orders former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani to immediately pay $148mn to Georgia election workers

The swap includes notorious key ally of Nicolas Maduro. Some of the Americans who were freed by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in a U.S. prisoner swap have landed at a U.S. military base in San Antonio, Texas, a Reuters witness said.

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Following the US warning to New Delhi about its suspected role in a failed plan to murder a Sikh separatist leader on US soil, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he has observed a "tonal shift" in India's stance towards Ottawa.

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Britain's Metropolitan Police on Thursday (Dec 12) appealed for more information on the last movements of Indian student, Gurashman Singh Bhatia, who went missing last week and his body was found by police divers in a lake in the Canary Wharf area of east London.

The Met Police released a statement saying that the 23-year-old was reported missing after he went on a night out with his friends last week on Thursday (Dec 14).

The police officials carried out “extensive enquiries” into the matter, including viewing CCTV footage, speaking to witnesses and analysing telephonic and financial data.&nbsp;

After the water searches, which were carried out by the police divers in the water in South Quay, a body was recovered which was believed to be that of Bhatia.

“Gurashman's death is being treated as unexpected, and while there is nothing to suggest it was suspicious, we will ensure our investigation is as thorough as possible to confirm this,” said Detective Chief Superintendent (DCI) James Conway, responsible for local policing in the Tower Hamlets area of Canary Wharf.

“Because of this, we are releasing a CCTV image of Gurashman that was taken before his disappearance and would like anyone who may have seen him in the Marsh Wall area on the evening of Thursday, 14 December and in the early hours of Friday, 15 December, to contact us,” he said.

Further calling the outcome of the inquiry "extremely tragic", Conway said that it was not the news he was hoping to give to Bhatia's family and friends.

“I send them my deepest condolences,” he said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/APPEAL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#APPEAL</a> | We are appealing for information after a body, believed to be that of a missing man, was found in Canary Wharf. 
 
Gurashman Singh Bhatia was reported missing after a night out with friends last Thursday. 
 
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The police underlined that though the formal identification was pending, Bhatia's family was informed.

The police have also asked to share information about the deceased's movements.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-planning-on-setting-up-mobile-courts-imposing-prison-terms-for-those-defying-hijab-dress-code-report-672080">Leaked documents reveal Iran's harsh plans to crackdown on hijab violators</a>

<h2>Appeals by Indian students</h2>

There were widespread social media appeals by the Indian student community in the United Kingdom after the Sikh student was reported missing.

“What a tragic, heartbreaking loss of one of our beautiful lives. I had spoken to his father and friends only some days ago when we first found out he was missing and had been praying for his safe discovery,” said Sanam Arora, Chair of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK.

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“Our thoughts are with his family &amp; friends. Requesting all to please say a prayer for the departed soul,” she said.

Bhatia was pursuing an MSc in Digital Finance at Loughborough University.&nbsp;

His case was also flagged with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar by BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa after he went missing last week.

“Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of G.S. Bhatia, a Loughborough University student who was missing since Dec 15th. Our thoughts are with the family and friends during this difficult time. May Waheguru give strength to his parents mourning this profound loss,” Sirsa said in a social media post.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's Metropolitan Police on Thursday (Dec 12) appealed for more information on the last movements of Indian student, Gurashman Singh Bhatia, who went missing last week and his body was found by police divers in a lake in the Canary Wharf area of east London.

Britain's Metropolitan Police on Thursday (Dec 12) appealed for more information on the last movements of Indian student, Gurashman Singh Bhatia, who went missing last week and his body was found by police divers in a lake in the Canary Wharf area of east London. The Met Police released a statement saying that the 23-year-old was reported missing after he went on a night out with his friends last week on Thursday (Dec 14). The police officials carried out “extensive enquiries” into the matter, including viewing CCTV footage, speaking to witnesses and analysing telephonic and financial data. After the water searches, which were carried out by the police divers in the water in South Quay, a body was recovered which was believed to be that of Bhatia. “Gurashman's death is being treated as unexpected, and while there is nothing to suggest it was suspicious, we will ensure our investigation is as thorough as possible to confirm this,” said Detective Chief Superintendent (DCI) James Conway, responsible for local policing in the Tower Hamlets area of Canary Wharf. “Because of this, we are releasing a CCTV image of Gurashman that was taken before his disappearance and would like anyone who may have seen him in the Marsh Wall area on the evening of Thursday, 14 December and in the early hours of Friday, 15 December, to contact us,” he said. Further calling the outcome of the inquiry "extremely tragic", Conway said that it was not the news he was hoping to give to Bhatia's family and friends. “I send them my deepest condolences,” he said. #APPEAL | We are appealing for information after a body, believed to be that of a missing man, was found in Canary Wharf. Gurashman Singh Bhatia was reported missing after a night out with friends last Thursday. Our thoughts are with his family. https://t.co/ZhXhaA3Prn — Tower Hamlets Police (@MPSTowerHam) December 20, 2023 × The police underlined that though the formal identification was pending, Bhatia's family was informed. The police have also asked to share information about the deceased's movements. Also read: Leaked documents reveal Iran's harsh plans to crackdown on hijab violators Appeals by Indian students There were widespread social media appeals by the Indian student community in the United Kingdom after the Sikh student was reported missing. “What a tragic, heartbreaking loss of one of our beautiful lives. I had spoken to his father and friends only some days ago when we first found out he was missing and had been praying for his safe discovery,” said Sanam Arora, Chair of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK. Also read: Brazil's first lady Janja, Elon Musk lock horns after hacker posts lewd images and insults on X “Our thoughts are with his family & friends. Requesting all to please say a prayer for the departed soul,” she said. Bhatia was pursuing an MSc in Digital Finance at Loughborough University. His case was also flagged with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar by BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa after he went missing last week. “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of G.S. Bhatia, a Loughborough University student who was missing since Dec 15th. Our thoughts are with the family and friends during this difficult time. May Waheguru give strength to his parents mourning this profound loss,” Sirsa said in a social media post. (With inputs from agencies)

UK Metropolitan police appeals for information after missing Indian student found dead

A volcano erupted late on Monday (December 18) in southwest Iceland, spewing lava and smoke across a wide area after weeks of intense earthquake activity, the country's Meteorological Office said, threatening a nearby town.

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Jeff Bezos-owned Amazon is the subject of a lawsuit wherein a West Virginian man was able to spy on an underage Brazilian girl using a hidden camera, bought from the e-commerce platform.

Jeff Bezos-owned Amazon is the subject of a lawsuit wherein a West Virginian man was able to spy on an underage Brazilian girl using a hidden camera, bought from the e-commerce platform. The suit, brought by the girl, alleges that Amazon failed to remove the controversial product from its catalogue despite inspecting it three times and knowing the harm it could cause. The girl is suing the e-commerce giant for unspecified damages and is looking for a jury trial. Amazon attempted to get the case dismissed previously but a judge said Amazon cannot act surprised when a buyer used the product for its advertised purpose. The said device resembles a clothes hook and was purchased from Amazon by the accused, identified as Darrel Wells. He spied on a foreign exchange student who was living in his home. He has been charged with child porn and 10 counts of criminal invasion of privacy. According to a report in Fox News, the seller on the platform sold the camera s part of the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program. The company policy states that products sold in the FBA program go through a thorough inspection process under which it is checked if the product meets restrictions, is in good shape and meets the safety standards. While the exact clothes hook hidden camera is no longer available on Amazon, several similar products are still available for purchase on the Amazon marketplace. WATCH | Why you shouldn't put Alexa in your bedroom Previous instances Notably, this is not the first instance when Amazon has come under scrutiny for selling hidden cameras that have been used for ulterior purposes. In June, earlier this year, the company agreed to a $5.8 million settlement with the US Federal Trade Commission after a former employee of its Ring doorbell camera unit was caught spying for months on female customers in 2017. The FTC in its complaint stated the employee viewed videos made by at least 81 female customers and Ring employees using Ring products. "Undetected by Ring, the employee continued spying for months," the FTC said, adding, "Ring's disregard for privacy and security exposed consumers to spying and harassment." Also read | Amazon settles Ring camera spying scandal, to pay this amount as settlement Apart from the $5.8 million settlement, Amazon also agreed to pay $25 million after Alexa (virtual assistant technology) was found violating the privacy rights of children. FTC found that Alexa failed to delete recordings at the request of parents and kept them longer than necessary. (With inputs from agencies)

Amazon sued for selling hidden camera used to spy on underage girl

The strong relationship between the two nations, which has endured despite Russia's military invasion of its neighbour Ukraine in early 2022, has faced pointed criticism from Western leaders in recent years.

Russia & China hit trade target ahead of schedule; Russian PM praises Beijing-Moscow relationship

On Tuesday, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif cleared yet another legal hurdle ahead of the Feb 8 general election after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) acquitted him in the Al-Azizia reference. The Al-Azizia case was one of the two graft references that Nawaz was convicted in. He was acquitted in the Avenfield reference on Nov 29 by the same bench.

‘India not responsible for Pakistan’s economy woes’, says Former-PM Nawaz Sharif, blames army

A woman, taking to TikTok, made a strange claim that she was sacked by her company for her mysterious antics at their Christmas party, after making a promise that she would ‘behave’. 
 
The woman said that she was thrown from her job after she attended the party and shared the termination letter, which was sent by her boss, on TikTok. 
 
The woman, whose name is Molly, shared a music clip from the famous movie “The Hangover” as well as Flo Rida’s “Right Round” as she made the promise that she would “behave at the staff party.” 
 
After this, a note appeared on the right side of her selfie which panned out as a letter sent by her boss to inform her that she had been sacked.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-enjoy-these-heartwarming-christmas-favorites-with-your-family-671738">Enjoy these heartwarming Christmas favourites with your family</a>

“Dear Molly, It is with regret that I must confirm the outcome of my investigation into the events that took place at the staff Christmas party on Saturday evening,” reads the letter at the start.

<h2>Gross misconduct, says Molly's boss</h2>

The former employee of Molly, who did not speak about her occupation, informed the girl that she “risked putting the reputation of the nursery into disrepute” 
 
“This amounts to gross misconduct. As you are still on your probationary period, I had no option but to terminate your contract of employment with immediate effect,” the letter stated. 
 
However, the letter did not specifically detail what Molly did or the reason behind her firing. 
 
“You will be paid any holiday that you have accrued along with your hours for this month in your final pay packet on 7th January,” stated the letter.

Watch:&nbsp;Christmas nativity scene craft kept alive in Naples

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In another video, Molly said that she could not speak over the incident even though she was offered money to speak about it by people across social media. She accepted that allegedly there was involvement of somebody else and mentioned that they “played an equal part in what happened,” even though that person did not leave their job. 
 
“Unfortunately, without her permission, I can’t actually upload a story time [explain what happened] again but I mean if she one day says ‘you know what, go ahead with it, just don’t use my name, whatever,’ then I will post it,” said Molly. 
 
The comments by Molly on the original video were removed. The video has now more than 2.5 million views even though many curious users have been asking how this happened. 
 
“How come she kept her job but you got sacked when you both did the same?,” commented one person, replying to which Molly said, “She’s been there over 2 years, whereas I was fairly new.” 
 
“You can’t call it a story time and not tell us the story,” said another frustrated user. “If you both had a part to play, she [the friend] should have lost her job, too. Doesn’t matter how long she’s worked there,” told a third person.

(With inputs from agencies)

A woman, taking to TikTok, made a strange claim that she was sacked by her company for her mysterious antics at their Christmas party, after making a promise that she would ‘behave’.

A woman, taking to TikTok, made a strange claim that she was sacked by her company for her mysterious antics at their Christmas party, after making a promise that she would ‘behave’. The woman said that she was thrown from her job after she attended the party and shared the termination letter, which was sent by her boss, on TikTok. The woman, whose name is Molly, shared a music clip from the famous movie “The Hangover” as well as Flo Rida’s “Right Round” as she made the promise that she would “behave at the staff party.” After this, a note appeared on the right side of her selfie which panned out as a letter sent by her boss to inform her that she had been sacked. Also read: Enjoy these heartwarming Christmas favourites with your family “Dear Molly, It is with regret that I must confirm the outcome of my investigation into the events that took place at the staff Christmas party on Saturday evening,” reads the letter at the start. Gross misconduct, says Molly's boss The former employee of Molly, who did not speak about her occupation, informed the girl that she “risked putting the reputation of the nursery into disrepute” “This amounts to gross misconduct. As you are still on your probationary period, I had no option but to terminate your contract of employment with immediate effect,” the letter stated. However, the letter did not specifically detail what Molly did or the reason behind her firing. “You will be paid any holiday that you have accrued along with your hours for this month in your final pay packet on 7th January,” stated the letter. Watch: Christmas nativity scene craft kept alive in Naples In another video, Molly said that she could not speak over the incident even though she was offered money to speak about it by people across social media. She accepted that allegedly there was involvement of somebody else and mentioned that they “played an equal part in what happened,” even though that person did not leave their job. “Unfortunately, without her permission, I can’t actually upload a story time [explain what happened] again but I mean if she one day says ‘you know what, go ahead with it, just don’t use my name, whatever,’ then I will post it,” said Molly. The comments by Molly on the original video were removed. The video has now more than 2.5 million views even though many curious users have been asking how this happened. “How come she kept her job but you got sacked when you both did the same?,” commented one person, replying to which Molly said, “She’s been there over 2 years, whereas I was fairly new.” “You can’t call it a story time and not tell us the story,” said another frustrated user. “If you both had a part to play, she [the friend] should have lost her job, too. Doesn’t matter how long she’s worked there,” told a third person. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Gross misconduct’: Woman fails to 'behave' at company's Christmas party, loses job

Uncertainty looms over a new ceasefire deal in the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. The Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh's visit to Egypt and the Hamas Chief's engagement with other officials for the talks was seen as a positive sign. However, both sides have again indicated that a new agreement right now might be off the table.

Israel-Hamas war | Reports: Hamas Chief's talks ended 'without results'

The European Union countries on Wednesday (Dec 20) reached an agreement on a new set of rules to manage asylum requests what are being called the 'irregular' migrants. Countries in the bloc have hailed the move, some calling it historic and a great success, with Hungary being a voice of dissent. In any case, The New Pact on Migration and Asylum is broadly being taken to be greater willingness within the European Union to tackle the issue of migrants, many of whom cross the Mediterranean Sea in overcrowded boats, which often are not adequately seaworthy.

<h2>The refugee and migrant crisis</h2>

As defined by the United Nations, a refugee is a person who has been 'forced to flee' own country due to 'persecution, war or violence'.

"A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Most likely, they cannot return home or are afraid to do so. War and ethnic, tribal and religious violence are leading causes of refugees fleeing their countries, says the UN.

A migrant is someone who 'chooses to move...mainly to improve their lives through work opportunities, education, family reunification or other reasons'.

Europe faced a huge influx of refugees around 2015 as war in Syria raged. By 2022 end, Europe hosted 1 in 3 refugees in the world (36 per cent).

The number rose from 7 million by the end of 2021 to 12.4 million by the end of 2022.&nbsp;

War in Ukraine has also contributed to influx of refugees in EU countries.

Additionally, the bloc has seen huge migrant influx, especially from north Africa to EU countries, mainly Italy and Greece which are on the borders of the European Union.

Statistics with the United Nations say that in 2022 alone, 159,000 people tried reaching Europe by land and sea, thousands of them perished en-route.

The flow of refugees and migrants reached a low in the year 2020. But now has seen an uptick.

The issue has assumed political colour in Europe with right-wing politicians demanding that illegal migrants be sent back to their home countries. Several of such politicians have come to power.

Gravitas: What's causing Europe's far right surge?

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Countries on the periphery of the EU, like Italy and Greece have long been complaining that they were forced manage a disproportionate share of refugees and migrants and called for other countries in the bloc to take part in managing the situation.

<h2>The New Pact on Migration&nbsp;</h2>

On Wednesday (Dec 20) the European Union countries agreed for an overhaul of migrant and asylum-granting process in the bloc. The pact seeks to consider demands by EU periphery countries for a more equitable distribution of asylum seekers' applications.

The new system will give countries that are not at EU border two options.

One, they can take in their share of 30,000 asylum applicants.

Or, they can deposit at least 20,000 euros (USD 21,870) per asylum seeker into an EU fund.

These provisions are aimed at making countries not at EU borders take part in managing the migrant issue.

In addition to this, the pact seeks to strengthen screening process which will determine who is in genuine need of asylum and who is not. The pact seeks to create uniform rules that will identify who is from an EU country and who is from a non-EU nation.

The pact also seeks to create quicker procedures to take decisions about whether a person is to be granted asylum or he/ she is to be deported.

The pact is also aimed at creating a framework to ensure that the European Union is better prepared to tackle such a crisis should in erupt in future.

<h2>How have been the reactions?</h2>

Matteo Piantedosi, Italy's interior minister hailed the development. He said that agreement over the reforms was a "great success". He added that frontline countries like Italy would "no longer feel alone".

Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement as "historic" and "a fair and pragmatic approach to managing migration".

EU countries like France, Germany the Netherlands and Spain have also hailed the agreement.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-mp-lokkegaard-urges-political-actions-in-fta-talks-stresses-democratic-connect-671566">EU MP Løkkegaard urges ‘political actions’ in FTA talks, stresses ‘Democratic connect’</a>

Hungary however has rejected the deal. The country has been opposing having to take in irregular migrants or even pay the countries that do. Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjart said that Hungary rejects the deal in the "strongest possible terms."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-let-anyone-in-hungary-condemns-eus-new-asylum-deal-in-strongest-terms-671847">‘Won’t let anyone in,’ Hungary condemns EU’s new asylum deal in ‘strongest’ terms</a>

<h2>Rights organisations protest</h2>

Sea-Watch, the ship rescue charity said that the EU deal "will cost more lives at sea." The charity also said that the deal was "a bow to the right-wing parties of Europe".

Amnesty International has also reacted. The human rights organisation has said "likely outcome is a surge in suffering on every step of a person's journey to seek asylum in the EU"

Danish Refugee Council has said that "the EU should protect refugees -- not make it harder for them".

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union countries on Wednesday (Dec 20) reached an agreement on a new set of rules to manage asylum requests what are being called the 'irregular' migrants.

The European Union countries on Wednesday (Dec 20) reached an agreement on a new set of rules to manage asylum requests what are being called the 'irregular' migrants. Countries in the bloc have hailed the move, some calling it historic and a great success, with Hungary being a voice of dissent. In any case, The New Pact on Migration and Asylum is broadly being taken to be greater willingness within the European Union to tackle the issue of migrants, many of whom cross the Mediterranean Sea in overcrowded boats, which often are not adequately seaworthy. The refugee and migrant crisis As defined by the United Nations, a refugee is a person who has been 'forced to flee' own country due to 'persecution, war or violence'. "A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Most likely, they cannot return home or are afraid to do so. War and ethnic, tribal and religious violence are leading causes of refugees fleeing their countries, says the UN. A migrant is someone who 'chooses to move...mainly to improve their lives through work opportunities, education, family reunification or other reasons'. Europe faced a huge influx of refugees around 2015 as war in Syria raged. By 2022 end, Europe hosted 1 in 3 refugees in the world (36 per cent). The number rose from 7 million by the end of 2021 to 12.4 million by the end of 2022. War in Ukraine has also contributed to influx of refugees in EU countries. Additionally, the bloc has seen huge migrant influx, especially from north Africa to EU countries, mainly Italy and Greece which are on the borders of the European Union. Statistics with the United Nations say that in 2022 alone, 159,000 people tried reaching Europe by land and sea, thousands of them perished en-route. The flow of refugees and migrants reached a low in the year 2020. But now has seen an uptick. The issue has assumed political colour in Europe with right-wing politicians demanding that illegal migrants be sent back to their home countries. Several of such politicians have come to power. Gravitas: What's causing Europe's far right surge? × Countries on the periphery of the EU, like Italy and Greece have long been complaining that they were forced manage a disproportionate share of refugees and migrants and called for other countries in the bloc to take part in managing the situation. The New Pact on Migration On Wednesday (Dec 20) the European Union countries agreed for an overhaul of migrant and asylum-granting process in the bloc. The pact seeks to consider demands by EU periphery countries for a more equitable distribution of asylum seekers' applications. The new system will give countries that are not at EU border two options. One, they can take in their share of 30,000 asylum applicants. Or, they can deposit at least 20,000 euros (USD 21,870) per asylum seeker into an EU fund. These provisions are aimed at making countries not at EU borders take part in managing the migrant issue. In addition to this, the pact seeks to strengthen screening process which will determine who is in genuine need of asylum and who is not. The pact seeks to create uniform rules that will identify who is from an EU country and who is from a non-EU nation. The pact also seeks to create quicker procedures to take decisions about whether a person is to be granted asylum or he/ she is to be deported. The pact is also aimed at creating a framework to ensure that the European Union is better prepared to tackle such a crisis should in erupt in future. How have been the reactions? Matteo Piantedosi, Italy's interior minister hailed the development. He said that agreement over the reforms was a "great success". He added that frontline countries like Italy would "no longer feel alone". Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement as "historic" and "a fair and pragmatic approach to managing migration". EU countries like France, Germany the Netherlands and Spain have also hailed the agreement. Also Read | EU MP Løkkegaard urges ‘political actions’ in FTA talks, stresses ‘Democratic connect’ Hungary however has rejected the deal. The country has been opposing having to take in irregular migrants or even pay the countries that do. Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjart said that Hungary rejects the deal in the "strongest possible terms." Also Read | ‘Won’t let anyone in,’ Hungary condemns EU’s new asylum deal in ‘strongest’ terms Rights organisations protest Sea-Watch, the ship rescue charity said that the EU deal "will cost more lives at sea." The charity also said that the deal was "a bow to the right-wing parties of Europe". Amnesty International has also reacted. The human rights organisation has said "likely outcome is a surge in suffering on every step of a person's journey to seek asylum in the EU" Danish Refugee Council has said that "the EU should protect refugees -- not make it harder for them". (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | The 'historic' new pact on migrants that EU countries finalised

Africa's first female billionaire Isabelle Dos Santos was under scrutiny for corruption allegations in Angola. The corruption scandal dates back years with accusations that Santos steered public funds towards her personal businesses. Isabel Dos Santos was preciously Africa's first female billionaire. She was sued by Unitel. Dos Santos accused of using state funds to finance companies.

UK: Isabel Santos loses $735 million in corruption scandal court case by Unitel | World News | WION

Police in South America's&nbsp;Ecuador rescued a prominent British businessman on Wednesday (Dec 20) morning, four days after he was reported missing. Colin Armstrong was also Britain's former honorary consul in the industrial city of Guayaquil, about 431 km south of capital Quito.&nbsp;

Armstrong was reportedly abducted on Saturday&nbsp;from his home in the town of Baba in Los Rios province, local Ecuavisa outlet reported.

<h2>Colin Armstrong rescue operation: How it occurred?</h2>

According to General Cesar Zapata, Commander General of the Police in Ecuador,&nbsp;Armstrong&nbsp;was released on Wednesday and was now safe.

Zapata added that nine people had been apprehended in the operation, one foreign national&nbsp;and eight Ecuadoreans.

Zapata later told reporters that&nbsp;a&nbsp;Colombian woman was kidnapped along with Armstrong before being abandoned in a residential area of Guayaquil. The woman was attached with what appeared to be explosives but they later turned out to be fake.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-third-political-leader-killed-in-a-week-after-presidential-hopefuls-assassination-625774">Ecuador: Third political leader killed in a week after presidential hopeful's assassination</a>

According to a report in the Reuters, police carried out more than 30 raids on homes, uncovering grenades, firearms, ammunition and drugs. They also located a vehicle they say was used for the kidnapping.

<h2>Why&nbsp;was Armstrong kidnapped?</h2>

The police said that kidnapping was economically motivated. "We will not allow impunity. Police actions continue," Interior Minister Monica Palencia added on the social media platform.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-drugs-gang-warfare-and-corruption-transformed-ecuador-625424">Explained: How drugs, gang war, corruption contributed to Ecuador prez contender's murder</a>

Kidnapping for ransom has become increasingly common in Ecuador amid rising crime largely attributed to drug trafficking gangs active in the region.

Britain's ambassador in Ecuador, Chris Campbell, thanked the police for the rescue.

(With inputs from the agencies)

Police in South America's Ecuador rescued a prominent British businessman on Wednesday (Dec 20) morning, four days after he was reported missing. Colin Armstrong was also Britain's former honorary consul in the industrial city of Guayaquil, about 431 km south of capital Quito.

Police in South America's Ecuador rescued a prominent British businessman on Wednesday (Dec 20) morning, four days after he was reported missing. Colin Armstrong was also Britain's former honorary consul in the industrial city of Guayaquil, about 431 km south of capital Quito. Armstrong was reportedly abducted on Saturday from his home in the town of Baba in Los Rios province, local Ecuavisa outlet reported. Colin Armstrong rescue operation: How it occurred? According to General Cesar Zapata, Commander General of the Police in Ecuador, Armstrong was released on Wednesday and was now safe. Zapata added that nine people had been apprehended in the operation, one foreign national and eight Ecuadoreans. Zapata later told reporters that a Colombian woman was kidnapped along with Armstrong before being abandoned in a residential area of Guayaquil. The woman was attached with what appeared to be explosives but they later turned out to be fake. Also read | Ecuador: Third political leader killed in a week after presidential hopeful's assassination According to a report in the Reuters, police carried out more than 30 raids on homes, uncovering grenades, firearms, ammunition and drugs. They also located a vehicle they say was used for the kidnapping. Why was Armstrong kidnapped? The police said that kidnapping was economically motivated. "We will not allow impunity. Police actions continue," Interior Minister Monica Palencia added on the social media platform. Also read | Explained: How drugs, gang war, corruption contributed to Ecuador prez contender's murder Kidnapping for ransom has become increasingly common in Ecuador amid rising crime largely attributed to drug trafficking gangs active in the region. Britain's ambassador in Ecuador, Chris Campbell, thanked the police for the rescue. (With inputs from the agencies)

Ecuador: Colin Armstrong, British businessman rescued, nine arrested

In a significant development, France has submitted its response to India's tender for buying 26 Rafale Marine jets for New Delhi. The response to India's letter of acceptance has reportedly been submitted by France in New Delhi.

France submits response to India's Rafale tender

The leader of Hamas visited Egypt for this first time in more than a month on Wednesday, a rare personal intervention in diplomacy amid what a source described as intensive talks on a new ceasefire to let aid reach Gaza and free more hostages.

Hamas Chief in Cairo: Will only free hostages for permanent ceasefire

Tesla recently recalled over 2 million Vehicles across its model lineup to fix a defective Software System. That's nearly all the Tesla vehicles sold in the US till now. It's alleged that Elon Musk and Tesla Executives knew about Tesla's faulty Parts but blamed Tesla customers instead.

Tesla blamed customers to avoid repairs and recalls

Colorado Supreme Court disqualifies Donald Trump from primary ballot for inciting 2021 Capitol attack. Republican rival Vivek Ramaswamy has pledged to withdraw from the race until Trump is allowed. What's next for Republican poster boy Trump? Senior journalist, Ray Locker answers from Washington, D.C.

US: Trump legal team appeals US top court against Colarado ruling, appeals ineligibility in ruling

Russia PM Mishustin praises China-Russia relationship | Xi calls for deeper bilateral cooperation

According to the IDF, Israeli soldiers discovered a network of tunnels that extend deep beneath the heart of Gaza City and are connected to residences owned by senior Hamas organizers Yahya Sinwar and others who planned the October 7 attacks on Israel.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli Army releases footage of tunnels used by Hamas leaders | World News | WION

Downing Street is blocking some of the UK's top military and spy Chiefs from giving interviews and that is causing anger in the Civil Services. British media says that although the precise reason is not clear one source suggested that it was because of General paranoia over government messaging before next year's election.

UK: PM Sunak bars defence and spy chiefs from talking to media

Reports: Tesla knew about flawed suspension and blamed drivers for its faulty parts

Israeli Defense Forces have successfully reached the tunnels in Gaza twice almost catching hold of the top Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. According to the reports Sinwar had narrowly escaped from The Tunnel right before the IDF managed to reach him.

Israel-Hamas war | Reports: IDF 'almost' caught top Hamas leader

Harvard University&nbsp;President Claudine Gay has been accused of more than 40 additional accusations of plagiarising other people's work.&nbsp;

According to a 37-page document obtained by the Washington Free Beacon, Gay, a political scientist, allegedly quoted or paraphrased authors without proper attribution in her academic works.&nbsp;

The outlet reported that it independently verified the veracity of the accusations along with the identity of the author — a respected professor at another university reportedly said&nbsp;requesting&nbsp;anonymity.

“[I]t is impossible that your office has already reviewed the entirety of these materials, as many … have not been previously reported or submitted,” the complaint, which was filed with Harvard on Tuesday, reads.

<h2>Claudine Gay plagiarism row</h2>

Earlier this month, the plagiarism accusations against Gay surfaced when she was accused of lifting other scholars’ works in her 1997 doctoral thesis and that four papers published between 1993 and 2017 did not have proper attributions.

Carol Swain, a former political science professor at Vanderbilt University, said Gay copied sections of her 1993 book, "Black Faces, Black Interests: The Representation of African Americans in Congress," as well as an article published in 1997 titled, “Women and Blacks in Congress: 1870-1996."&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Claudine Gay: Harvard president won't lose job over Antisemitism row

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She added in an essay for the Wall Street Journal: “Ms. Gay had no problem riding on the coattails of people whose work she used without proper attribution. Many of those whose work she pilfered aren’t as incensed as I am. They are elites who have benefited from a system that protects its own.”

<h2>Gay's defence</h2>

In a statement to the Boston Globe, Gay has vehemently defended her academic rigor, saying: "I stand by the integrity of my scholarship. Throughout my career, I have worked to ensure my scholarship adheres to the highest academic standards."

Harvard University President Claudine Gay has been accused of more than 40 additional accusations of plagiarising other people's work. According to a 37-page document obtained by the Washington Free Beacon, Gay, a political scientist, allegedly quoted or paraphrased authors without proper attribution in her academic works.

Harvard University President Claudine Gay has been accused of more than 40 additional accusations of plagiarising other people's work. According to a 37-page document obtained by the Washington Free Beacon, Gay, a political scientist, allegedly quoted or paraphrased authors without proper attribution in her academic works. The outlet reported that it independently verified the veracity of the accusations along with the identity of the author — a respected professor at another university reportedly said requesting anonymity. “[I]t is impossible that your office has already reviewed the entirety of these materials, as many … have not been previously reported or submitted,” the complaint, which was filed with Harvard on Tuesday, reads. Claudine Gay plagiarism row Earlier this month, the plagiarism accusations against Gay surfaced when she was accused of lifting other scholars’ works in her 1997 doctoral thesis and that four papers published between 1993 and 2017 did not have proper attributions. Carol Swain, a former political science professor at Vanderbilt University, said Gay copied sections of her 1993 book, "Black Faces, Black Interests: The Representation of African Americans in Congress," as well as an article published in 1997 titled, “Women and Blacks in Congress: 1870-1996." Also watch | Claudine Gay: Harvard president won't lose job over Antisemitism row × She added in an essay for the Wall Street Journal: “Ms. Gay had no problem riding on the coattails of people whose work she used without proper attribution. Many of those whose work she pilfered aren’t as incensed as I am. They are elites who have benefited from a system that protects its own.” Gay's defence In a statement to the Boston Globe, Gay has vehemently defended her academic rigor, saying: "I stand by the integrity of my scholarship. Throughout my career, I have worked to ensure my scholarship adheres to the highest academic standards."

Harvard president Claudine Gay accused of 40 plagiarism instances in new complaint

The city of El Paso, Texas, was described as being at a "breaking point" due to a dramatic increase in migrants crossing the US border from Mexico. The migrant crisis has been ongoing since 2018, with periodic surges and lulls.

US: El Paso at 'breaking point' amid surge in illegal migrants

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