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'Huge destructive power': North Korea calls its latest missile launches 'live-fire drill' even as US dismisses 'immediate threat'

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

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

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The Russia-Ukraine war has been continuing for over an year now. As tensions are soar, fatigue is building in the allies of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said, "Won't give up on what's ours!" as he questions the legitimacy of Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine war: "Won't give up what is ours," says Putin

Facebook parent Meta's Oversight Board has criticised the social media platform for removing two videos depicting hostages and injured people in the Israel-Gaza war.

Facebook parent Meta's Oversight Board has criticised the social media platform for removing two videos depicting hostages and injured people in the Israel-Gaza war. The board said the videos should never have been removed as they were valuable to understanding human suffering on both sides during the war. One of the videos posted on Facebook showed an Israeli woman begging Hamas terrorists not to kill her as she was taken hostage after the dastardly October 7 attacks. The other video showed the aftermath of an Israeli strike near al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. “The Board focused on protecting the right to the freedom of expression of people on all sides about these horrific events, while ensuring that none of the testimonies incited violence or hatred,” Michael McConnell, a co-chair of the board, said in a statement. “These testimonies are important not just for the speakers, but for users around the world who are seeking timely and diverse information about ground-breaking events," he added. While Meta reinstated the videos, soon after the quasi-independent board came into the picture, experts argue that the company's policy in policing the content leaves a lot to be desired. The social media giant uses an automatic moderation system which was seemingly responsible for deleting the two videos. Although the videos contained injured children and disturbing images, the board argued that Meta needs to maintain “freedom of expression and access to information". Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Hamas video shows three elderly Israeli hostages pleading for release × Oversight Board - Supreme Court of Meta It also urged Meta to “respond more quickly to changing circumstances on the ground, which affect the balance between the values of voice and safety”. Usually, the Oversight Board takes 90 days to access a single case but this verdict took only 12 days, given the gravity and complexity of the matter. Also read | Who is Abu Ubaida? Hamas' masked spokesperson resurfaces with chilling warning for Israel Notably, the board, comprising of experts in freedom of expression and human rights is often described as the "Supreme Court for Meta". It allowed users to appeal content decisions on Meta platforms, viz. Instagram and Facebook. Since the war first broke out, there has been renewed scrutiny over Meta's content moderation practices. According to the board, it has seen a nearly threefold increase in content removal appeals in the Middle East and North Africa. (With inputs from agencies)

Oversight Board criticises Meta for removing two Israel-Hamas war videos

The tiny island nation of Singapore is considering plans to build artificial islands off its east coast, with the new land specifically designed to protect against rising sea levels.

Singapore considering artificial islands to deal with rising sea levels

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Dec 19) said that the war could change significantly if Donald Trump was elected US president in 2024. Zelensky's remarks came amid fears that Washington could reduce aid for the war-ravaged Ukraine.&nbsp;

Zelensky said during a press conference, "If the policy of the next president, whoever it is, is different towards Ukraine, more cold or more economical, I think these signals will have a very strong impact on the course of the war."&nbsp;

So far in the opinion polls, Trump has led in the Republican presidential nomination battle ahead of the 2024 presidential elections, however, he is facing many legal troubles that could even land him in prison.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-says-russia-upgrading-nuclear-arsenal-amid-hybrid-war-with-west-671399">Vladimir Putin says Russia upgrading nuclear arsenal amid ‘hybrid war’ with West</a>&nbsp;

Trump has often said that he would have stopped the war, and has also spoken out against President Joe Biden's military support for Ukraine.&nbsp;

Referring to Trump, Zelensky said, "I think he will surely have a different policy. I am not sure that the policy of the US as a country towards Ukraine will change. But we have to look at it soberly."&nbsp;

"I am confident that the United States will not betray us, that what we agreed on in the United States will be fulfilled, fully," Zelensky told reporters.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-speaks-to-israels-netanyahu-urges-for-early-restoration-of-peace-671389">PM Modi speaks to Israel's Netanyahu, urges for 'early restoration of peace'</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Zelensky on Russia-Ukraine war</h2>

He slammed Russia's "arrogance and murder", and stated that he doesn't know when the ongoing war will end. Even as his country faces severe battles on the ground and struggles to avoid war fatigue, Zelensky dismissed the prospect of discussions with Russia.&nbsp;

Referring to the potential negotiations, Zelensky&nbsp;said, "I don't see a request from Russia. I don't see it in their actions. I see only arrogance and murder in their rhetoric."&nbsp;

The Ukrainian president said that Ukraine's military had scored "a big victory" on the Black Sea, where Kyiv has launched successful strikes on Russian warships and secured maritime trading routes.&nbsp;

Zelensky said that everyone can appreciate that the Russian fleet was deprived of its "almost total dominance" in the Ukrainian Black Sea.&nbsp;He added that Moscow had tried to impose controls over "what we should do, what we should export, and so on".&nbsp;

While talking about the war, Zelensky said that&nbsp;Ukraine's military leadership had proposed mobilising "450,000 to 500,000 people" but that he "needed more arguments to support this idea."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announces naval operation over Red Sea&nbsp;

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The military officials told the news agency AFP that the Ukrainian army is struggling to find new recruits to battle Russian forces.&nbsp;

The officials also said that some Ukrainians who entered the conflict in February 2022 are still battling and fatigued, while volunteers to replace those dead or injured are growing scarce.&nbsp;

Zelensky asked at the start of December that the military command review the recruitment system. He said another wave of mobilisation was "very sensitive" and needed to be handled in a fair way.&nbsp;

He also warned that Ukraine may not be able to afford to mobilise huge numbers, explaining that roughly six taxpayers were needed to finance one soldier.&nbsp;

"How do we find three million more taxpayers from January on?" Zelensky asked.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Dec 19) said that the war could change significantly if Donald Trump was elected US president in 2024. Zelensky's remarks came amid fears that Washington could reduce aid for the war-ravaged Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Dec 19) said that the war could change significantly if Donald Trump was elected US president in 2024. Zelensky's remarks came amid fears that Washington could reduce aid for the war-ravaged Ukraine. Zelensky said during a press conference, "If the policy of the next president, whoever it is, is different towards Ukraine, more cold or more economical, I think these signals will have a very strong impact on the course of the war." So far in the opinion polls, Trump has led in the Republican presidential nomination battle ahead of the 2024 presidential elections, however, he is facing many legal troubles that could even land him in prison. Also read: Vladimir Putin says Russia upgrading nuclear arsenal amid ‘hybrid war’ with West Trump has often said that he would have stopped the war, and has also spoken out against President Joe Biden's military support for Ukraine. Referring to Trump, Zelensky said, "I think he will surely have a different policy. I am not sure that the policy of the US as a country towards Ukraine will change. But we have to look at it soberly." "I am confident that the United States will not betray us, that what we agreed on in the United States will be fulfilled, fully," Zelensky told reporters. Also read: PM Modi speaks to Israel's Netanyahu, urges for 'early restoration of peace' Zelensky on Russia-Ukraine war He slammed Russia's "arrogance and murder", and stated that he doesn't know when the ongoing war will end. Even as his country faces severe battles on the ground and struggles to avoid war fatigue, Zelensky dismissed the prospect of discussions with Russia. Referring to the potential negotiations, Zelensky said, "I don't see a request from Russia. I don't see it in their actions. I see only arrogance and murder in their rhetoric." The Ukrainian president said that Ukraine's military had scored "a big victory" on the Black Sea, where Kyiv has launched successful strikes on Russian warships and secured maritime trading routes. Zelensky said that everyone can appreciate that the Russian fleet was deprived of its "almost total dominance" in the Ukrainian Black Sea. He added that Moscow had tried to impose controls over "what we should do, what we should export, and so on". While talking about the war, Zelensky said that Ukraine's military leadership had proposed mobilising "450,000 to 500,000 people" but that he "needed more arguments to support this idea." Watch: US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announces naval operation over Red Sea × The military officials told the news agency AFP that the Ukrainian army is struggling to find new recruits to battle Russian forces. The officials also said that some Ukrainians who entered the conflict in February 2022 are still battling and fatigued, while volunteers to replace those dead or injured are growing scarce. Zelensky asked at the start of December that the military command review the recruitment system. He said another wave of mobilisation was "very sensitive" and needed to be handled in a fair way. He also warned that Ukraine may not be able to afford to mobilise huge numbers, explaining that roughly six taxpayers were needed to finance one soldier. "How do we find three million more taxpayers from January on?" Zelensky asked. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky says Trump presidency could have 'strong impact' on war

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.

Iceland Volcano erupts after weeks of quake activity

The clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces are intensifying in Sudan. The war has resulted in over 10,000 casualties. The country is facing the world's largest internal displacement crisis.

Sudan faces world's largest internal displacement crisis as RSF seizes control of Wad Madani

Penny Mordaunt: Boris Johnson’s messages vanished from my phone. MP tells COVID inquiry that then prime minister's chief of staff ignored repeated attempts to discuss matter.

Penny Mordaunt claims messages from Boris Johnson 'vanished'

The UN Security Council intensifies ceasefire resolution negotiations to try and avoid another US. Veto. A delayed vote now expected on Tuesday morning as countries are given more time to meet US. Objections on wording.

Israel-Hamas war: Security council set for Gaza ceasefire vote delayed

2023 has been a significant year for alien hunters who have been making efforts to find evidence of extraterrestrial life. From some studies suggesting that aliens are likely to have been sending signals from the centre of Milk Way to Harvard Professor Avi Loeb claiming that an unidentified space object (UFO) has crashed into the Pacific Ocean, the year has seen scientists trying to gather the tiniest proofs which hint at the existence of aliens.

But what emerged as breakthroughs were a whistleblower's claim of the United States possessing UFOs and non-human bodies and Mexico Congress displaying two alleged 'alien corpses', which sparked debates around the existence of extraterrestrial living beings.

<h2>US' ‘multi-decade’ programme to capture UFOs</h2>

In one of the most shocking claims ever made by a whistleblower, Retired Maj. David Grusch in the US Congress said that the country has a secretive programme which retrieves unidentified flying objects and reverse engineers them.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dna-of-mexicos-alien-corpses-matches-not-to-humans-but-to-unknown-species-analyst-665525">DNA of Mexico's 'alien' corpses matches not with humans but unknown species: Analyst</a>

Grusch had stated that the head of a government task force on UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena) had given him the task of identifying all highly classified programmes in 2019 which were related to the mission of the task force.

“I was informed in the course of my official duties of a multi-decade UAP crash retrieval and reverse engineering programme to which I was denied access,” he had said. Grusch had added that the US had information regarding “non-human” activity since the 1930s. The claims made by Grusch were denied by the Pentagon.

<h2>Mexico’s ‘alien’ corpses</h2>

The story of whether aliens exist and if the US has UFOs in its possession took an interesting turn when two alleged 'alien corpses' were put on display in Mexico Congress in an unusual event, while the world wondered what these actually were. The corpses were said to have been retrieved from Cusco, Peru and are estimated to have been fossilised nearly 1,000 years ago.

Journalist and ufologist Jaime Maussan, who presented the corpses in windowed boxes, said, ''These specimens are not part of our terrestrial evolution… These aren't beings that were found after a UFO wreckage. They were found in diatom [algae] mines, and were later fossilised.''

Watch:&nbsp;NASA uses laser technology to send the first-ever cat footage from deep space

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He further informed Congress that the two corpses' DNA samples had been tested and compared to other samples after which it was found that nearly 30 per cent of their DNA specimen was ''unknown''. &nbsp;In the X-rays of the alien corpses, eggs were also seen present inside one of the bodies, which also had rare metal implants. It was also claimed that corpses did not have any lungs or ribs.

NASA, however, decided to remain neutral on the matter, till the samples are not scientifically tested by them. They asked the Mexican government to hand them over the specimen so that they could study it and ascertain if it really had links to extraterrestrial beings.

Even though scientists and alien hunters moved with great speed in 2023 to solve curiosities around 'alien life', many questions still remain unresolved and may find a breakthrough in 2024.

(With inputs from agencies)

2023 has been a significant year for alien hunters who have been making efforts to find evidence of extraterrestrial life. From some studies suggesting that aliens are likely to have been sending signals from the centre of Milk Way to Harvard Professor Avi Loeb claiming that an unidentified space object (UFO) has crashed into the Pacific Ocean, the year has seen scientists trying to gather the tiniest proofs which hint at the existence of aliens.

2023 has been a significant year for alien hunters who have been making efforts to find evidence of extraterrestrial life. From some studies suggesting that aliens are likely to have been sending signals from the centre of Milk Way to Harvard Professor Avi Loeb claiming that an unidentified space object (UFO) has crashed into the Pacific Ocean, the year has seen scientists trying to gather the tiniest proofs which hint at the existence of aliens. But what emerged as breakthroughs were a whistleblower's claim of the United States possessing UFOs and non-human bodies and Mexico Congress displaying two alleged 'alien corpses', which sparked debates around the existence of extraterrestrial living beings. US' ‘multi-decade’ programme to capture UFOs In one of the most shocking claims ever made by a whistleblower, Retired Maj. David Grusch in the US Congress said that the country has a secretive programme which retrieves unidentified flying objects and reverse engineers them. Also read: DNA of Mexico's 'alien' corpses matches not with humans but unknown species: Analyst Grusch had stated that the head of a government task force on UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena) had given him the task of identifying all highly classified programmes in 2019 which were related to the mission of the task force. “I was informed in the course of my official duties of a multi-decade UAP crash retrieval and reverse engineering programme to which I was denied access,” he had said. Grusch had added that the US had information regarding “non-human” activity since the 1930s. The claims made by Grusch were denied by the Pentagon. Mexico’s ‘alien’ corpses The story of whether aliens exist and if the US has UFOs in its possession took an interesting turn when two alleged 'alien corpses' were put on display in Mexico Congress in an unusual event, while the world wondered what these actually were. The corpses were said to have been retrieved from Cusco, Peru and are estimated to have been fossilised nearly 1,000 years ago. Journalist and ufologist Jaime Maussan, who presented the corpses in windowed boxes, said, ''These specimens are not part of our terrestrial evolution… These aren't beings that were found after a UFO wreckage. They were found in diatom [algae] mines, and were later fossilised.'' Watch: NASA uses laser technology to send the first-ever cat footage from deep space He further informed Congress that the two corpses' DNA samples had been tested and compared to other samples after which it was found that nearly 30 per cent of their DNA specimen was ''unknown''. In the X-rays of the alien corpses, eggs were also seen present inside one of the bodies, which also had rare metal implants. It was also claimed that corpses did not have any lungs or ribs. NASA, however, decided to remain neutral on the matter, till the samples are not scientifically tested by them. They asked the Mexican government to hand them over the specimen so that they could study it and ascertain if it really had links to extraterrestrial beings. Even though scientists and alien hunters moved with great speed in 2023 to solve curiosities around 'alien life', many questions still remain unresolved and may find a breakthrough in 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

2023: A year when world saw ‘alien corpses’ and heard about US possessing UFOs

Google parent Alphabet has agreed to pay $700 million as part of an antitrust settlement made public on Monday, with the funds going to US customers of its Android app store and state governments.

Google to pay USD 700 million to US consumers, states in antitrust settlement

India has sent warships to the red sea to tackle the Houthi threat to the commercial boats in the region. INS Kochi and INS Kolkata are now patrolling in the gulf of Aden, which connects the red sea with the Arabian Sea. The Indian Navy said in a statement it remains committed to being a first responder in the region and in ensuring the safety of merchant shipping.

India sends warships to the Gulf of Aden

Yemen's Houthi rebels have increased the scale of attack on the ships in Red Sea in response to the bombings by Israel in Gaza. The attack affects the global supply chains, leading to an increased worry regarding the Global Economy.

Yemen's Houthis attack ships in Red Sea | World DNA | WION

The economic crisis in China deepens, with retail investors abandoning mutual funds in favour of hoarding cash. Investors are disillusioned with the performance of China's mutual funds this year. Previously, mutual funds were the favoured investment vehicle for investors.

China's mutual funds flows drop

Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh to visit Egypt for Gaza ceasefire talks.The UN Security Council intensifies ceasefire resolution negotiations to try and avoid another US. Veto. A delayed vote now expected on Tuesday morning as countries are given more time to meet US. Objections on wording.

Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh to visit Egypt for Gaza ceasefire talks

At least four people reportedly died in different incidents after a storm slammed into the Northeastern United States on Monday (Dec 18). The storm flooded roads, downed trees, and knocked out power, impacting hundreds of thousands of people.&nbsp;

Local reports said that as the storm moved towards Canada, a woman died in floodwaters near Charleston, South Carolina, and three men were killed in the northeastern states.&nbsp;

The National Weather Service revealed that more than 13 centimetres of rain fell in parts of New Jersey and northeastern Pennsylvania by mid-morning, and parts of several other states got more than 10 centimetres.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/pollution-makes-respiratory-illnesses-worse-in-winter-season-what-should-be-preventive-approach-671460">Pollution makes respiratory illnesses worse in winter season: What should be preventive approach?</a>&nbsp;

Wind gusts reached nearly 113 kmph along the southern New England shoreline. The disruptions led to flight cancellations and school closures.&nbsp;

Poweroutage.us reported that power was knocked out for hundreds of thousands of customers in an area stretching north from Virginia through New England, including nearly 423,000 in Maine and about 200,000 in Massachusetts as of Monday night.&nbsp;

Flood and flash flood advisories were issued for New York City and the surrounding area, as well as areas of Pennsylvania, upstate New York, western Connecticut, western Massachusetts, and parts of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/south-tamil-nadu-floods-army-navy-air-force-and-coast-guard-rescue-1000-ops-ongoing-671455">South Tamil Nadu floods: Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard rescue 1000+, ops ongoing</a>&nbsp;

The storm forced some schools to cancel classes or send students home early. A number of highways were also closed around the state owing to floods, particularly in Londonderry and Ludlow, both of which were severely flooded in July.&nbsp;

Gov Phil Scott said, "Although there will be damage to infrastructure, homes and businesses, we do not expect this to be the same scale as July. That being said, some of the places that were impacted in July are currently experiencing flooding once again. So for them, this is July and it’s a real gut punch."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

At least four people reportedly died in different incidents after a storm slammed into the Northeastern United States on Monday (Dec 18). The storm flooded roads, downed trees, and knocked out power, impacting hundreds of thousands of people.

At least four people reportedly died in different incidents after a storm slammed into the Northeastern United States on Monday (Dec 18). The storm flooded roads, downed trees, and knocked out power, impacting hundreds of thousands of people. Local reports said that as the storm moved towards Canada, a woman died in floodwaters near Charleston, South Carolina, and three men were killed in the northeastern states. The National Weather Service revealed that more than 13 centimetres of rain fell in parts of New Jersey and northeastern Pennsylvania by mid-morning, and parts of several other states got more than 10 centimetres. Also read: Pollution makes respiratory illnesses worse in winter season: What should be preventive approach? Wind gusts reached nearly 113 kmph along the southern New England shoreline. The disruptions led to flight cancellations and school closures. Poweroutage.us reported that power was knocked out for hundreds of thousands of customers in an area stretching north from Virginia through New England, including nearly 423,000 in Maine and about 200,000 in Massachusetts as of Monday night. Flood and flash flood advisories were issued for New York City and the surrounding area, as well as areas of Pennsylvania, upstate New York, western Connecticut, western Massachusetts, and parts of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Also read: South Tamil Nadu floods: Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard rescue 1000+, ops ongoing The storm forced some schools to cancel classes or send students home early. A number of highways were also closed around the state owing to floods, particularly in Londonderry and Ludlow, both of which were severely flooded in July. Gov Phil Scott said, "Although there will be damage to infrastructure, homes and businesses, we do not expect this to be the same scale as July. That being said, some of the places that were impacted in July are currently experiencing flooding once again. So for them, this is July and it’s a real gut punch." (With inputs from agencies)

At least four dead as storm batters Northeastern US, power knocked out, flights grounded and roads flooded

Nicolas Puech, the 80-year-old descendant of Thierry Hermès—who founded French luxury giant Hermes International SCA in 1837—has decided to leave half of his fortune to his former gardener, setting off a public spat with the foundation his family created.

According to Swiss media reports, Puech has initiated the legal process of adopting his former 50-year-old unnamed gardener and plans to leave him half of his 12 billion euros (£10.3 billion) fortune.

The family emerged this month as the world’s third wealthiest in Bloomberg’s annual ranking of family fortunes.

<h2>Nothing much revealed about the unnamed heir&nbsp;</h2>

Nothing much has been revealed about this gardener, except that the man is of Moroccan origins and is married with two children. Local media reports state that Puech refers to them as his “children” and “adopted son”.

However, the decision has been vehemently opposed by the Isocrates Foundation—which has a board of six including Puech as president—which has announced that it will “oppose” its founder’s decision to cancel the inheritance contract.

It is believed that Puech owns about 5.7 per cent of Hermès’ shares.

<h2>Trust opposes move</h2>

On Tuesday (Dec 19), the foundation said that it “isn’t in a position to judge the process or context” of the reports that Puech wished to adopt his former employee.

“From a legal standpoint, the abrupt and unilateral annulment of a succession agreement appears void and unfounded,” the foundation said in a statement.

“The foundation has opposed this move while leaving the door open to discussion with its founder and president.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-authorities-start-closing-bridges-with-mexico-to-contain-surge-in-immigration-671644">US authorities start closing bridges with Mexico to contain surge in immigration</a>

The foundation was referring to a 2011 agreement it had with Puech, who has no children, to fund “the protection and promotion of public debate”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-barred-from-colorado-ballot-for-role-in-jan-6-attack-on-us-capitol-671523">Trump barred from Colorado ballot for role in January 6 attack on US Capitol</a>

The foundation said it was established to fund and support “public interest journalism and media organisations committed to strengthening the field of investigative journalism” and civil society organisations “working towards responsible digitalisation and a healthy digital public space”.

It added that as a Switzerland-based charity, it is “under the authority and surveillance of Swiss Federal supervisory board for foundations”.

The move by Puech adds another twist to the long-running saga of the Hermes descendant, who alleged to have betrayed his family when he failed to join dozens of relatives, led by his brother Bertrand Puech, in pooling their Hermes shares to tighten control over the firm and repel Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, which had stealthily acquired a stake.&nbsp;

Nicolas Puech, the 80-year-old descendant of Thierry Hermès—who founded French luxury giant Hermes International SCA in 1837—has decided to leave half of his fortune to his former gardener, setting off a public spat with the foundation his family created.

Nicolas Puech, the 80-year-old descendant of Thierry Hermès—who founded French luxury giant Hermes International SCA in 1837—has decided to leave half of his fortune to his former gardener, setting off a public spat with the foundation his family created. According to Swiss media reports, Puech has initiated the legal process of adopting his former 50-year-old unnamed gardener and plans to leave him half of his 12 billion euros (£10.3 billion) fortune. The family emerged this month as the world’s third wealthiest in Bloomberg’s annual ranking of family fortunes. Nothing much revealed about the unnamed heir Nothing much has been revealed about this gardener, except that the man is of Moroccan origins and is married with two children. Local media reports state that Puech refers to them as his “children” and “adopted son”. However, the decision has been vehemently opposed by the Isocrates Foundation—which has a board of six including Puech as president—which has announced that it will “oppose” its founder’s decision to cancel the inheritance contract. It is believed that Puech owns about 5.7 per cent of Hermès’ shares. Trust opposes move On Tuesday (Dec 19), the foundation said that it “isn’t in a position to judge the process or context” of the reports that Puech wished to adopt his former employee. “From a legal standpoint, the abrupt and unilateral annulment of a succession agreement appears void and unfounded,” the foundation said in a statement. “The foundation has opposed this move while leaving the door open to discussion with its founder and president.” Also read | US authorities start closing bridges with Mexico to contain surge in immigration The foundation was referring to a 2011 agreement it had with Puech, who has no children, to fund “the protection and promotion of public debate”. Also read | Trump barred from Colorado ballot for role in January 6 attack on US Capitol The foundation said it was established to fund and support “public interest journalism and media organisations committed to strengthening the field of investigative journalism” and civil society organisations “working towards responsible digitalisation and a healthy digital public space”. It added that as a Switzerland-based charity, it is “under the authority and surveillance of Swiss Federal supervisory board for foundations”. The move by Puech adds another twist to the long-running saga of the Hermes descendant, who alleged to have betrayed his family when he failed to join dozens of relatives, led by his brother Bertrand Puech, in pooling their Hermes shares to tighten control over the firm and repel Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, which had stealthily acquired a stake.

Hermès heir decides to leave half of its fortune to his ex-gardener

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić looks set to tighten his grip on power — with early exit polling suggesting a sweeping election win for his ruling party — although his government is facing accusations of major irregularities over the course of Sunday’s vote.

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Minnesota has unveiled a new state flag design, marking the end of a competition initiated to address concerns about the current flag's perceived offensiveness to Native Americans.

The winning design, submitted by 24-year-old artist and writer Andrew Prekker from Luverne, departs significantly from the existing flag, which has been described by a lawmakers as a "cluttered genocidal mess".

Prekker's winning proposal features a light blue right panel symbolising the state's numerous lakes, juxtaposed with a navy blue left panel resembling the outline of Minnesota.

An eight-pointed northern star adds a distinctive element to the design. The current flag incorporates the state seal, depicting a pioneer standing beside a rifle and a Native American on horseback with a spear – a composition criticised for its complexity and controversial imagery.

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<h2>The design that stood out</h2>

Amidst over 2,600 submissions, Prekker's design stood out to the commission appointed by the State Legislature to revamp both the flag and the state seal. His vision aims to create a flag that all Minnesotans, including Indigenous communities historically excluded, can embrace with pride and see themselves represented.

The commission, tasked with redesigning both the flag and the state seal, will present the winning design to the Legislature and governor by January 1 for final approval. The anticipated debut of the new flag is slated for May 11, coinciding with Minnesota's 166th birthday.

In addition to the flag redesign, the commission voted last week to implement changes to the state seal. The chosen design features a loon, the state bird, striking a pose amid waves, wild rice, pine trees, and stars – elements representing the distinct features of Minnesota. Despite the changes, the new seal maintains the original seal's shape, typography, and pattern, adopted in 1858, the year Minnesota became a state.

The selection process stirred passionate debates and introspection among Minnesotans as they envisioned their state's identity portrayed on a flag. Some defended the existing seal, asserting it was not racist, while others expressed concerns about the representation of farmers. Thesubmissions included varied interpretations, from a loon with laser eyes to a Labrador in a lush field.

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-court-approves-order-for-binance-to-pay-27-billion-to-cftc-671596/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Though critiques emerged, with some deeming the winning design "boring" or "too nationalist," others applauded its simplicity. Prekker's initial design included a green stripe representing nature and agriculture, but it was later removed, sparking curiosity about the decision.

The competition, as highlighted by artist Sarah Agaton Howes, prompted uncomfortable yet necessary conversations about Minnesota's history and the evolving narrative of the state.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Minnesota has unveiled a new state flag design, marking the end of a competition initiated to address concerns about the current flag's perceived offensiveness to Native Americans.

Minnesota has unveiled a new state flag design, marking the end of a competition initiated to address concerns about the current flag's perceived offensiveness to Native Americans. The winning design, submitted by 24-year-old artist and writer Andrew Prekker from Luverne, departs significantly from the existing flag, which has been described by a lawmakers as a "cluttered genocidal mess". Prekker's winning proposal features a light blue right panel symbolising the state's numerous lakes, juxtaposed with a navy blue left panel resembling the outline of Minnesota. An eight-pointed northern star adds a distinctive element to the design. The current flag incorporates the state seal, depicting a pioneer standing beside a rifle and a Native American on horseback with a spear – a composition criticised for its complexity and controversial imagery. Also read | Alphabet says will restrict election-related queries on Bard and AI- based search The design that stood out Amidst over 2,600 submissions, Prekker's design stood out to the commission appointed by the State Legislature to revamp both the flag and the state seal. His vision aims to create a flag that all Minnesotans, including Indigenous communities historically excluded, can embrace with pride and see themselves represented. The commission, tasked with redesigning both the flag and the state seal, will present the winning design to the Legislature and governor by January 1 for final approval. The anticipated debut of the new flag is slated for May 11, coinciding with Minnesota's 166th birthday. In addition to the flag redesign, the commission voted last week to implement changes to the state seal. The chosen design features a loon, the state bird, striking a pose amid waves, wild rice, pine trees, and stars – elements representing the distinct features of Minnesota. Despite the changes, the new seal maintains the original seal's shape, typography, and pattern, adopted in 1858, the year Minnesota became a state. The selection process stirred passionate debates and introspection among Minnesotans as they envisioned their state's identity portrayed on a flag. Some defended the existing seal, asserting it was not racist, while others expressed concerns about the representation of farmers. Thesubmissions included varied interpretations, from a loon with laser eyes to a Labrador in a lush field. Also watch | US court approves order for Binance to pay $2.7 billion to CFTC Though critiques emerged, with some deeming the winning design "boring" or "too nationalist," others applauded its simplicity. Prekker's initial design included a green stripe representing nature and agriculture, but it was later removed, sparking curiosity about the decision. The competition, as highlighted by artist Sarah Agaton Howes, prompted uncomfortable yet necessary conversations about Minnesota's history and the evolving narrative of the state. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Minnesota panels unveils new state flag design to replace existing one deemed offensive

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