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Guyanese president Mohamed Irfan Ali met his Venezuelan counterpart on Thursday. Fresh tensions erupted after Venezuela released a map on the 8th of December showing the disputed area as a part of its territory. This after Venezuelans voted for the creation of a new state in a referendum defying the international court of justice's jurisdiction.

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<p>At least 11 Iranian police officers were killed in a terrorist attack on a police station in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, as reported by an official on state television this Friday (Dec 15). The responsibility for the assault has been claimed by the Sunni jihadist group Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice), AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alireza Marhamati, the deputy governor of the province, shared details of the attack, stating, "In the terrorist assault on the police headquarters in the town of Rask, 11 policemen lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries."</p>

<p>He added that several attackers were also killed during the incident.&nbsp;The jihadist militant group has&nbsp;a significant presence in the border region between Iran and Pakistan. The group has been active in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, an area that has a more Sunni Baluchis ethnic composition.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/austria-challenges-ukrainian-blacklist-to-safeguard-business-ties-with-russia-669912">Austria challenges Ukrainian blacklist to safeguard business ties with Russia</a></p>

<p>Jaish al-Adl has been responsible for a series of attacks, primarily targeting Iranian security forces and government installations. The group's objectives are rooted in its extremist interpretation of Sunni Islam and its opposition to the Iranian government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Formed in 2012, the group has been blacklisted by the Iranian government.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Previous attack&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In another such incident, four patrol police were killed on July 23 this year in Sistan-Baluchistan province. Two weeks prior to the July 23 attack, two policemen and four assailants were killed in the province. The responsibility for this attack was also claimed by the Jaish al-Adl group.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fewer-teens-are-having-sex-and-most-young-adults-are-using-contraceptives-in-the-us-cdc-report-669901">Fewer teens are having sex and most young adults are using contraceptives in the US: CDC report</a></p>

<p>Before that, in May, five Iranian border guards were killed following clashes with an armed group in Saravan southeast of the provincial capital of Sistan-Baluchistan,&nbsp;Zahedan, a Sunni-majority city in predominantly Shiite Iran.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/seven-arrested-in-europe-on-suspicion-of-terrorism-four-suspects-linked-to-hamas-669918">Seven arrested in Europe on suspicion of terrorism | Four suspects linked to Hamas</a></strong></p>

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<p>The militant group has been known for its guerrilla-style tactics, employing ambushes and hit-and-run attacks. Their activities often escalate tensions in the sensitive border region, contributing to security challenges for Iran.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


At least 11 Iranian police officers were killed in a terrorist attack on a police station in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, as reported by an official on state television this Friday (Dec 15).

At least 11 Iranian police officers were killed in a terrorist attack on a police station in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, as reported by an official on state television this Friday (Dec 15). The responsibility for the assault has been claimed by the Sunni jihadist group Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice), AFP reported. Alireza Marhamati, the deputy governor of the province, shared details of the attack, stating, "In the terrorist assault on the police headquarters in the town of Rask, 11 policemen lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries." He added that several attackers were also killed during the incident. The jihadist militant group has a significant presence in the border region between Iran and Pakistan. The group has been active in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, an area that has a more Sunni Baluchis ethnic composition. Also Read | Austria challenges Ukrainian blacklist to safeguard business ties with Russia Jaish al-Adl has been responsible for a series of attacks, primarily targeting Iranian security forces and government installations. The group's objectives are rooted in its extremist interpretation of Sunni Islam and its opposition to the Iranian government. Formed in 2012, the group has been blacklisted by the Iranian government. Previous attack In another such incident, four patrol police were killed on July 23 this year in Sistan-Baluchistan province. Two weeks prior to the July 23 attack, two policemen and four assailants were killed in the province. The responsibility for this attack was also claimed by the Jaish al-Adl group. Also Read | Fewer teens are having sex and most young adults are using contraceptives in the US: CDC report Before that, in May, five Iranian border guards were killed following clashes with an armed group in Saravan southeast of the provincial capital of Sistan-Baluchistan, Zahedan, a Sunni-majority city in predominantly Shiite Iran. Watch | Seven arrested in Europe on suspicion of terrorism | Four suspects linked to Hamas × The militant group has been known for its guerrilla-style tactics, employing ambushes and hit-and-run attacks. Their activities often escalate tensions in the sensitive border region, contributing to security challenges for Iran. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 11 Iranian officers killed in jihadist terror attack on police station

Spain is developing an age verification technology in a bid to protect children from inappropriate online content. Users will have to verify their age after downloading an app or QR code or certificate to access websites.

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<p>Over 100 individuals in China were injured on Thursday evening, as carriages disconnected from a train on a bustling commuter line in Beijing.</p>

<p>As per the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport, initial investigations have revealed that the train executed an emergency stop following a signal downgrade.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How did the accident happen?</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement on Friday, the commission said that the sloping terrain, coupled with icy rails, led to the carriages slipping and colliding.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As of Friday morning, 67 people had been hospitalised, with 25 of them kept under observation. A total of 515 individuals were sent to the hospital for medical attention. 102 had bone fractures.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-three-found-guilty-of-caroline-glachan-murder-that-took-place-27-years-ago-669809">UK: Three found guilty of Caroline Glachan murder that took place 27 years ago</a></strong></p>

<p>The South China Morning Pots (SCMP) reports that the accident on the Changping line, which serves Beijing's northern region, occurred at about 7 pm (local time).</p>

<p>According to the subway authorities, the conductor rail lost electricity on part of the line, which lead to sudden stoppages and delays for other trains. The cause of the power failure is yet unknown.</p>

<h2><strong>Line to operate as usual</strong></h2>

<p>Beijing Subway in a statement said that the Changping line, where the accident happened, has resumed operations with shuttle buses between Xierqi and Zhuxinzhuang, the affected stations.</p>

<p>"Most of the line will operate as usual on Friday and passengers will be able to change to Line 8 and Line 13 to travel to the central part of the city," stated subway authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To ensure safety amid severe weather, fewer trains will operate at slower speeds, added the statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-black-people-immoderately-stopped-checked-by-toronto-police-finds-report-669796">Canada: Black people immoderately stopped, checked by Toronto police, finds report</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>'My train broke in two'</strong></h2>

<p>Videos shared online show a stranded carriage packed with people.</p>

<p>On China's social media platform Weibo, pictures of passengers continuing their journey on foot along icy roads were posted with comments like "My train broke in two" accompanying the images.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨 Beijing metro collision on Thursday left 102 people with fractures. A total of 515 individuals were sent to the hospital for examination after the last two train cars separated.: CCTV<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> <a href="https://t.co/XJ40k73DIV">pic.twitter.com/XJ40k73DIV</a></p>
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<h2><strong>China's weather woes</strong></h2>

<p>Recent days have seen northern China grappling with a heavy snowstorm, prompting authorities to advise residents in the Chinese capital to stay indoors. This, as per the SCMP report, has also resulted in the closure of schools and outdoor facilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Over 100 individuals in China were injured on Thursday evening, as carriages disconnected from a train on a bustling commuter line in Beijing. As per the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport, initial investigations have revealed that the train executed an emergency stop following a signal downgrade.

Over 100 individuals in China were injured on Thursday evening, as carriages disconnected from a train on a bustling commuter line in Beijing. As per the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport, initial investigations have revealed that the train executed an emergency stop following a signal downgrade. How did the accident happen? In a statement on Friday, the commission said that the sloping terrain, coupled with icy rails, led to the carriages slipping and colliding. As of Friday morning, 67 people had been hospitalised, with 25 of them kept under observation. A total of 515 individuals were sent to the hospital for medical attention. 102 had bone fractures. Also read | UK: Three found guilty of Caroline Glachan murder that took place 27 years ago The South China Morning Pots (SCMP) reports that the accident on the Changping line, which serves Beijing's northern region, occurred at about 7 pm (local time). According to the subway authorities, the conductor rail lost electricity on part of the line, which lead to sudden stoppages and delays for other trains. The cause of the power failure is yet unknown. Line to operate as usual Beijing Subway in a statement said that the Changping line, where the accident happened, has resumed operations with shuttle buses between Xierqi and Zhuxinzhuang, the affected stations. "Most of the line will operate as usual on Friday and passengers will be able to change to Line 8 and Line 13 to travel to the central part of the city," stated subway authorities. To ensure safety amid severe weather, fewer trains will operate at slower speeds, added the statement. Also read | Canada: Black people immoderately stopped, checked by Toronto police, finds report 'My train broke in two' Videos shared online show a stranded carriage packed with people. On China's social media platform Weibo, pictures of passengers continuing their journey on foot along icy roads were posted with comments like "My train broke in two" accompanying the images. 🚨 Beijing metro collision on Thursday left 102 people with fractures. A total of 515 individuals were sent to the hospital for examination after the last two train cars separated.: CCTV#China pic.twitter.com/XJ40k73DIV — QuickUpdate (@BigBreakingWire) December 15, 2023 × China's weather woes Recent days have seen northern China grappling with a heavy snowstorm, prompting authorities to advise residents in the Chinese capital to stay indoors. This, as per the SCMP report, has also resulted in the closure of schools and outdoor facilities. (With inputs from agencies)

'My train broke in two': Over 100 injured as carriages detach from train owing to icy tracks in Beijing

The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 2 PM within minutes of reconvening as Opposition MPs demanded a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and a discussion on the security lapse in the Lok Sabha as well as the suspension of 14 Opposition MPs for the remaining Winter Session. Meanwhile, the suspended MPs staged a protest in front of the Gandhi statue situated in Parliament premises on Friday morning.

Parliament winter session: Oppn MPs take protest outside House as Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha adjourned

<p>In the United States, fewer teens are sexually active and there is an increased use of contraception among young adults, a new CDC report published on Thursday.</p>

<p>The CDC report used data from the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) dated from 2015 to 2019. Results based on the data suggested that 40. 5 per cent of female teenagers and 38.7 per cent of male teenagers engaged in vaginal intercourse with an opposite-sex partner during the 2015-2019 period.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/alphabets-gemini-ai-sparks-market-surge-paving-the-way-for-googles-technological-leap-669862">Alphabet's Gemini AI sparks market surge, paving the way for Google's technological leap</a></p>

<p>The percentage of sexually active female teenagers remained quite the same but there was a 1.5 per cent drop in sexually active male teenagers as compared to 2002.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nearly four out of five female teenagers in 2015–2019 used a method of contraception at first sex and among male teenagers, the use of contraception at first sex increased by 10 per cent since 2002. This is a good indicator of safe sex awareness among US teens.</p>

<p>The report drew from interviews with more than 21,000 men and women, including more than 3,800 teenage boys and girls. Researchers said the study sought to provide information on sexual activity and contraception use among teenagers.</p>

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<h2><strong>Interesting findings from the report&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;In 2015–2019, 37.4 per cent of female teenagers and 34.2 per cent&nbsp;of male teenagers had sex in the past 12 months.</p>

<p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;The percentage of teenagers who had sex in the past 3 months (“sexually active”) in 2015–2019 was 29.8 per cent&nbsp;among females and 24.9 per cent&nbsp;among males.</p>

<p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Among females, a higher percentage of Black teenagers (45.7 per cent) had sex in the past 12 months compared with Hispanic (34.1 per cent) and White (37.3 per cent) teenagers. However, the observed difference between Black and White teenagers was not significant.</p>

<p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Among males, higher percentages of Black (43.4 per cent) and Hispanic (38.9 per cent) teenagers had sex in the past 12 months compared with White teenagers (29.5 per cent).</p>

<p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Overall, 7.6 per cent&nbsp;of females “really did not want first sex to happen at the time,” and the remainder had mixed feelings (46.5 per cent) or “really wanted it to happen at the time” (45.9 per cent).</p>

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<p><strong>Here are the top reasons teenagers provided for why they had not had sex:</strong></p>

<p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Among girls, 32.5 per cent&nbsp;said it was “against religion or morals”; 25.3 per cent said they hadn't “found the right person yet”; and 15.9 per cent&nbsp;said, they didn't "want to get pregnant.”</p>

<p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Among boys, 35.3 per cent&nbsp;said they hadn't "found the right person yet”; 26.2 per cent&nbsp;said sex was “against religion or morals”; and 11.1 per cent&nbsp;said they did not “want to get a female pregnant.”</p>

<p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Teenagers were least likely to choose “Don’t want to get a sexually transmitted disease” as their primary reason for abstaining from sex.</p>

<h2><strong>Contraceptive use among teenagers</strong></h2>

<p>The report also showed the ever-use of contraceptive methods among teenagers. From 2002 through 2015–2019, nearly all sexually experienced female teenagers ever used some method of contraception, with 98.9 per cent&nbsp;having used any method of contraception in 2015–2019.</p>

<p>The most-used methods among female teenagers in 2015–2019, similar to previous survey periods, were the condom (95.4 per cent), withdrawal (64.8 per cent), and the pill (52.0 per cent).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the United States, fewer teens are sexually active and there is an increased use of contraception among young adults, a new CDC report published on Thursday. The CDC report used data from the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) dated from 2015 to 2019.

In the United States, fewer teens are sexually active and there is an increased use of contraception among young adults, a new CDC report published on Thursday. The CDC report used data from the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) dated from 2015 to 2019. Results based on the data suggested that 40. 5 per cent of female teenagers and 38.7 per cent of male teenagers engaged in vaginal intercourse with an opposite-sex partner during the 2015-2019 period. Also Read | Alphabet's Gemini AI sparks market surge, paving the way for Google's technological leap The percentage of sexually active female teenagers remained quite the same but there was a 1.5 per cent drop in sexually active male teenagers as compared to 2002. Nearly four out of five female teenagers in 2015–2019 used a method of contraception at first sex and among male teenagers, the use of contraception at first sex increased by 10 per cent since 2002. This is a good indicator of safe sex awareness among US teens. The report drew from interviews with more than 21,000 men and women, including more than 3,800 teenage boys and girls. Researchers said the study sought to provide information on sexual activity and contraception use among teenagers. Also Read | Flashback Friday: How Charlie Munger and Warren Buffett influenced each other for six decades Interesting findings from the report • In 2015–2019, 37.4 per cent of female teenagers and 34.2 per cent of male teenagers had sex in the past 12 months. • The percentage of teenagers who had sex in the past 3 months (“sexually active”) in 2015–2019 was 29.8 per cent among females and 24.9 per cent among males. • Among females, a higher percentage of Black teenagers (45.7 per cent) had sex in the past 12 months compared with Hispanic (34.1 per cent) and White (37.3 per cent) teenagers. However, the observed difference between Black and White teenagers was not significant. • Among males, higher percentages of Black (43.4 per cent) and Hispanic (38.9 per cent) teenagers had sex in the past 12 months compared with White teenagers (29.5 per cent). • Overall, 7.6 per cent of females “really did not want first sex to happen at the time,” and the remainder had mixed feelings (46.5 per cent) or “really wanted it to happen at the time” (45.9 per cent). Also Read | 'Boxing glove' claws, breathing through legs: Newly found sea spider species have some bizarre features Here are the top reasons teenagers provided for why they had not had sex: • Among girls, 32.5 per cent said it was “against religion or morals”; 25.3 per cent said they hadn't “found the right person yet”; and 15.9 per cent said, they didn't "want to get pregnant.” • Among boys, 35.3 per cent said they hadn't "found the right person yet”; 26.2 per cent said sex was “against religion or morals”; and 11.1 per cent said they did not “want to get a female pregnant.” • Teenagers were least likely to choose “Don’t want to get a sexually transmitted disease” as their primary reason for abstaining from sex. Contraceptive use among teenagers The report also showed the ever-use of contraceptive methods among teenagers. From 2002 through 2015–2019, nearly all sexually experienced female teenagers ever used some method of contraception, with 98.9 per cent having used any method of contraception in 2015–2019. The most-used methods among female teenagers in 2015–2019, similar to previous survey periods, were the condom (95.4 per cent), withdrawal (64.8 per cent), and the pill (52.0 per cent). (With inputs from agencies)

More American teens are abstaining from sex, and religion is one of the many reasons

The Taliban is sending women to jail to protect them from gender-based violence. The Taliban has limited the access of women to almost everything in the country and according to a UN report, a woman with no male relative is considered unsafe.

Afghanistan: Taliban sending women to jail to save them from gender-based violence | WION

<p>PDD Holdings' international facing discount e-commerce platform, Temu, filed a lawsuit in a US District of Columbia court on Wednesday (Dec 13) alleging rival Shein employed "Mafia-style intimidation" to coerce suppliers that also worked with Temu.</p>

<p>According to the filing, Boston-based company WhaleCo Inc, which operates in the U.S. as Temu, alleges China-founded, Singapore-based rival Shein misused intellectual property legislation to stop merchants and suppliers working with Temu.</p>

<p>It also claimed Shein "falsely imprisoned" vendors who dealt with Temu by detaining merchant representatives in</p>

<p>Shein's offices for many hours, confiscating their electronic devices and threatening them with penalties for doing business with Temu.</p>

<p>"We believe this lawsuit is without merit and we will vigorously defend ourselves," Shein said in reply to a request for comment on the lawsuit.</p>

<p>Both firms, which have roots in China, have seen their businesses boom in the U.S. market in recent years as inflation and cost-of-living pressures have helped attract consumers to low-cost e-commerce offerings, such as Shein's $5 T-shirts and Temu's $3 earphones.</p>

<p>The bulk of suppliers for both companies are in China and a spokesperson for Temu confirmed the alleged infractions involved Chinese vendors.</p>

<p>"We sued Shein because recently their actions have escalated. They began to illegally detain merchants, forcibly asking for their phones, stealing our merchant accounts and passwords, stealing our business secrets, and simultaneously forcing merchants to leave our platform," the spokesperson said.</p>

<p>The lawsuit also alleges that Shein poached Temu's key marketing and advertising personnel. It did not specify where they were based.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-controversial-shein-files-for-us-ipo-664409"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Controversial Shein files for US IPO</strong></a></p>

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<p>This is not the first time the fierce rivals have traded barbs in legal suits filed in US&nbsp;courts. Both companies withdrew actions filed against one another in October without giving a reason. Shein's previous US&nbsp;lawsuit against Temu alleged&nbsp;</p>

<p>Temu told social media influencers to make disparaging remarks about the fast-fashion retailer and tricked customers into downloading the Temu app using "imposter" social media accounts.</p>

<p>In July, Temu filed its own lawsuit in a Boston federal court, accusing Shein of violating US antitrust law in its dealings with clothing manufacturers. Last month, Shein confidentially filed to list publicly in New York in what could be a $90 billion float, renewing scrutiny of its business practices and supply chain.</p>


PDD Holdings' international facing discount e-commerce platform, Temu, filed a lawsuit in a US District of Columbia court on Wednesday (Dec 13) alleging rival Shein employed "Mafia-style intimidation" to coerce suppliers that also worked with Temu.

PDD Holdings' international facing discount e-commerce platform, Temu, filed a lawsuit in a US District of Columbia court on Wednesday (Dec 13) alleging rival Shein employed "Mafia-style intimidation" to coerce suppliers that also worked with Temu. According to the filing, Boston-based company WhaleCo Inc, which operates in the U.S. as Temu, alleges China-founded, Singapore-based rival Shein misused intellectual property legislation to stop merchants and suppliers working with Temu. It also claimed Shein "falsely imprisoned" vendors who dealt with Temu by detaining merchant representatives in Shein's offices for many hours, confiscating their electronic devices and threatening them with penalties for doing business with Temu. "We believe this lawsuit is without merit and we will vigorously defend ourselves," Shein said in reply to a request for comment on the lawsuit. Both firms, which have roots in China, have seen their businesses boom in the U.S. market in recent years as inflation and cost-of-living pressures have helped attract consumers to low-cost e-commerce offerings, such as Shein's $5 T-shirts and Temu's $3 earphones. The bulk of suppliers for both companies are in China and a spokesperson for Temu confirmed the alleged infractions involved Chinese vendors. "We sued Shein because recently their actions have escalated. They began to illegally detain merchants, forcibly asking for their phones, stealing our merchant accounts and passwords, stealing our business secrets, and simultaneously forcing merchants to leave our platform," the spokesperson said. The lawsuit also alleges that Shein poached Temu's key marketing and advertising personnel. It did not specify where they were based. Watch | Gravitas: Controversial Shein files for US IPO × This is not the first time the fierce rivals have traded barbs in legal suits filed in US courts. Both companies withdrew actions filed against one another in October without giving a reason. Shein's previous US lawsuit against Temu alleged Temu told social media influencers to make disparaging remarks about the fast-fashion retailer and tricked customers into downloading the Temu app using "imposter" social media accounts. In July, Temu filed its own lawsuit in a Boston federal court, accusing Shein of violating US antitrust law in its dealings with clothing manufacturers. Last month, Shein confidentially filed to list publicly in New York in what could be a $90 billion float, renewing scrutiny of its business practices and supply chain.

Temu sues Shein alleging 'mafia-style' tactics from the ultra-cheap Chinese e-commerce retailer

'Dumb bombs' used in almost half of Israeli strikes on Gaza: US Intelligence

Seven people, including four suspected Hamas members, were arrested in Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands on suspicion of planning attacks on Jewish institutions in Europe, authorities in the three countries said on Thursday.

Seven arrested in Europe on suspicion of terrorism | Four suspects linked to Hamas

Brite semiconductor emerges as a key player in this delicate balance between global tech interests and geopolitical tensions. Part-owned by China's sanctioned chipmaker, mic, and equipped with American financial backing, Brite navigates complex terrain, offering chip design services to multiple Chinese military suppliers.

Brite semiconductor's dual role in Chinese military & US Tech investments

<p>Indhu Rubasingham, who is of South Asian origin, will become the first woman director and joint chief executive of the UK’s National Theatre. Rubasingham, who has been artistic director of the Kiln theatre since 2012, will take over from Rufus Norris in spring 2025 when his second term ends. She and Kate Varah will also become joint chief executives in a co-leadership model.</p>

<p>Born in Sheffield to Tamil parents from Sri Lanka in 1970, Rubasingham was educated at Nottingham Girls' High School, after which she studied drama at Hull University&nbsp;where she received an honorary doctorate in 2017.</p>

<p>She has been artistic director of London’s Kiln Theatre since 2012. Collaborations during her tenure&nbsp;include&nbsp;with Zadie Smith on “White Teeth” and “The Wife of Willesden” and with Ayad Aktar on “The Invisible Hand,” which was twice nominated for Olivier. Other directing credits include “Red Velvet,” “Handbagged,” “When The Crows Visit” and “A Wolf In Snakeskin Shoes.” She also programmed the Florian Zeller trilogy – “The Father,” “The Mother” and “The Son”; and Ryan Calais Cameron’s “Retrograde.”</p>

<p>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-miss-nicaragua-pageant-director-quits-following-treason-accusations-669181">Miss Nicaragua pageant director quits following treason accusations</a></p>

<p>Rubasingham said it was “a huge honour” to be appointed to “the best job in the world”.</p>

<p>She added: “The National has played an important part in my life – from tentative steps as a teenage theatregoer, to later as a theatre-maker, and to have the opportunity to play a role in its history is an incredible privilege and responsibility.</p>

<p>“Theatre has a transformative power – the ability to bring people together through shared experience and storytelling, and nowhere more so than the National.</p>

<p>“I’ve been fortunate to have directed on the National Theatre’s stages and to have witnessed first-hand the commitment, collaboration, brilliance and pride of those who bring the magic to the building, both on stage and off."</p>

<h2>Awards</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Best Director, The Father and the Assassin, Eastern Eye Arts, Culture &amp; Theatre Awards (2023)</li>
	<li>Kiln Theatre ‘Best London Theatre’ The Stage Awards (2021)</li>
	<li>Best Director, White Teeth, ACTA – Eastern Eye's Arts Culture &amp; Theatre Awards (2019)</li>
	<li>Tonic Awards (2017)</li>
	<li>Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre, Handbagged (2014)</li>
	<li>The Arts &amp; Culture Award, Asian Women of Achievement Awards (2012)</li>
	<li>Liberty Human Rights Award (2010)</li>
	<li>The Carlton Multi-Cultural Achievement Award for Performing Arts (2001)</li>
</ul>

<p><br />
<em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Indhu Rubasingham, who is of South Asian origin, will become the first woman director and joint chief executive of the UK’s National Theatre. Rubasingham, who has been artistic director of the Kiln theatre since 2012, will take over from Rufus Norris in spring 2025 when his second term ends.

Indhu Rubasingham, who is of South Asian origin, will become the first woman director and joint chief executive of the UK’s National Theatre. Rubasingham, who has been artistic director of the Kiln theatre since 2012, will take over from Rufus Norris in spring 2025 when his second term ends. She and Kate Varah will also become joint chief executives in a co-leadership model. Born in Sheffield to Tamil parents from Sri Lanka in 1970, Rubasingham was educated at Nottingham Girls' High School, after which she studied drama at Hull University where she received an honorary doctorate in 2017. She has been artistic director of London’s Kiln Theatre since 2012. Collaborations during her tenure include with Zadie Smith on “White Teeth” and “The Wife of Willesden” and with Ayad Aktar on “The Invisible Hand,” which was twice nominated for Olivier. Other directing credits include “Red Velvet,” “Handbagged,” “When The Crows Visit” and “A Wolf In Snakeskin Shoes.” She also programmed the Florian Zeller trilogy – “The Father,” “The Mother” and “The Son”; and Ryan Calais Cameron’s “Retrograde.” Also read |Miss Nicaragua pageant director quits following treason accusations Rubasingham said it was “a huge honour” to be appointed to “the best job in the world”. She added: “The National has played an important part in my life – from tentative steps as a teenage theatregoer, to later as a theatre-maker, and to have the opportunity to play a role in its history is an incredible privilege and responsibility. “Theatre has a transformative power – the ability to bring people together through shared experience and storytelling, and nowhere more so than the National. “I’ve been fortunate to have directed on the National Theatre’s stages and to have witnessed first-hand the commitment, collaboration, brilliance and pride of those who bring the magic to the building, both on stage and off." Awards Best Director, The Father and the Assassin, Eastern Eye Arts, Culture & Theatre Awards (2023) Kiln Theatre ‘Best London Theatre’ The Stage Awards (2021) Best Director, White Teeth, ACTA – Eastern Eye's Arts Culture & Theatre Awards (2019) Tonic Awards (2017) Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre, Handbagged (2014) The Arts & Culture Award, Asian Women of Achievement Awards (2012) Liberty Human Rights Award (2010) The Carlton Multi-Cultural Achievement Award for Performing Arts (2001) (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Indhu Rubasingham, the South Asian-origin first woman director of UK’s National Theatre?

<p>India, along with 152 other nations voted on Tuesday (Dec 12) in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.</p>

<p>For the first time, even close US ally Australia voted in favour of the resolution, marking a rare split in the alliance. The voting pattern laid bare the increased isolation that the US and Israel have been facing amongst the international community.</p>

<p>Only 10 nations voted against the resolution, and 23 nations abstained.</p>

<h2><strong>India’s explanation</strong></h2>

<p>During the explanation of vote (EoV) speech delivered Wednesday (Dec 13), India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ruchira Khamboj said India “welcomes” the fact that the international community had been able to find a “common ground” to address the situation in West Asia.</p>

<p>“Our challenge in this extraordinarily difficult time is to strike the right balance,” Khamboj added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, she stopped short of clarifying the reason for India’s decision to go against the US and Israel-backed resolution.</p>

<h2><strong>Policy shift?</strong></h2>

<p>In a previous resolution on the Israel-Gaza war, dated October 27, India had refused to vote in favour as it did not include any specific reference to the October 7 terror attacks in Israel by Hamas.</p>

<p>But this time, the Indian permanent representative cited the “gravity and complexity” of the issue to justify its vote against Israel.</p>

<p>Responding to this, the Israeli Embassy in Delhi said it appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “stand with Israel against terrorism” after the attacks.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-indian-students-workers-to-be-affected-by-visa-rules-in-australia-uk-and-canada-heres-why-668656"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Explained | How new visa rules in Australia, UK, Canada will adversely affect Indian students, workers</strong></a></p>

<p>It must be noted that the UNGA doesn’t have any power to enforce its resolutions on the ground, but it represents the sentiments of the global community.</p>

<h2><strong>Even allies ditch US</strong></h2>

<p>Several aid groups backed Australia’s decision of Tuesday to not throw support behind Israel to instead vote in favour of the UN resolution.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: India calls western report on Nijjar 'fake' &amp; 'fabricated'</strong></p>

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<p>Australia’s ambassador to the UN, James Larsen, said human suffering in Gaza was “widespread and unacceptable”. He characterised the vote as an evolution of Australia’s position.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India, along with 152 other nations voted on Tuesday (Dec 12) in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. For the first time, even close US ally Australia voted in favour of the resolution, marking a rare split in the alliance.

India, along with 152 other nations voted on Tuesday (Dec 12) in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. For the first time, even close US ally Australia voted in favour of the resolution, marking a rare split in the alliance. The voting pattern laid bare the increased isolation that the US and Israel have been facing amongst the international community. Only 10 nations voted against the resolution, and 23 nations abstained. India’s explanation During the explanation of vote (EoV) speech delivered Wednesday (Dec 13), India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ruchira Khamboj said India “welcomes” the fact that the international community had been able to find a “common ground” to address the situation in West Asia. “Our challenge in this extraordinarily difficult time is to strike the right balance,” Khamboj added. However, she stopped short of clarifying the reason for India’s decision to go against the US and Israel-backed resolution. Policy shift? In a previous resolution on the Israel-Gaza war, dated October 27, India had refused to vote in favour as it did not include any specific reference to the October 7 terror attacks in Israel by Hamas. But this time, the Indian permanent representative cited the “gravity and complexity” of the issue to justify its vote against Israel. Responding to this, the Israeli Embassy in Delhi said it appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “stand with Israel against terrorism” after the attacks. Also read: Explained | How new visa rules in Australia, UK, Canada will adversely affect Indian students, workers It must be noted that the UNGA doesn’t have any power to enforce its resolutions on the ground, but it represents the sentiments of the global community. Even allies ditch US Several aid groups backed Australia’s decision of Tuesday to not throw support behind Israel to instead vote in favour of the UN resolution. Watch: Gravitas: India calls western report on Nijjar 'fake' & 'fabricated' × Australia’s ambassador to the UN, James Larsen, said human suffering in Gaza was “widespread and unacceptable”. He characterised the vote as an evolution of Australia’s position. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Gaza war: Even allies ditch US as 153 nations including India vote in favour of ceasefire

Isareli forces' operation in Gaza is helping Hamas to gain popularity. Support for Hamas is growing in Gaza and West Bank. Palestinians are showing support for Hamas group.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel's operation in Gaza helping Hamas gain popularity

Pope Francis has chosen his final resting place. His preferred location is not the Vatican but Rome. Pope Francis doesn't want to be buried alongside his predecessors but in a basilica in Rome.

Pope Francis decides to simplify Papal funeral rites

<p>For the first time in over eight years, Iranian pilgrims will visit Islam's holiest sites in Saudi Arabia from December 19, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday (Dec 13). The development is the latest sign of thawing ties between the Shia and Saudi powerhouses of West Asia.</p>

<p>Flights will take off from 10 airports around Iran carrying Iranians travelling on the year-round Umrah pilgrimage to the Islamic holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the semi-official Fars news agency said.</p>

<p>The first dispatch of Iranian Umrah pilgrims will occur from Dec. 19, Fars added.</p>

<p>Fars said up to 70,000 Iranian pilgrims were expected to travel to Saudi Arabia by the end of February 2024.</p>

<p>Since 2016, the Iranian pilgrims have only been able to complete the hajj pilgrimage, a religious duty deemed compulsory for Muslims who aim to carry it out once in their lifetime and which is subject to strict annual quotas and timings.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-saudi-arabia-restore-ties-as-china-brokered-deal-outfoxes-west-570766">Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West</a></strong></p>

<p>But Iranians are now able to complete the Umrah as well, deemed a "lesser pilgrimage" that can be taken at any time of the year and is not compulsory in Islam unlike Hajj.</p>

<p>The currently ongoing negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia also aim to re-establish non-religious tourism between the two countries, with flights linking Riyadh and Tehran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With China at the centre of the geopolitical picture in March 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic ties after their seven years of bilateral estrangement.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Saudi-Iran ties: a new beginning in West Asia?</strong></p>

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<p>The deal, which entailed Iran and Saudi Arabia reopening their embassies and missions in each other’s cities, resulted in&nbsp;a shifting of sands&nbsp;in Beijing's favour in a region where&nbsp;the United States has waged conflicts&nbsp;and spent hundreds of billions of dollars in providing security for its allies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


For the first time in over eight years, Iranian pilgrims will visit Islam's holiest sites in Saudi Arabia from December 19, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday (Dec 13).

For the first time in over eight years, Iranian pilgrims will visit Islam's holiest sites in Saudi Arabia from December 19, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday (Dec 13). The development is the latest sign of thawing ties between the Shia and Saudi powerhouses of West Asia. Flights will take off from 10 airports around Iran carrying Iranians travelling on the year-round Umrah pilgrimage to the Islamic holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the semi-official Fars news agency said. The first dispatch of Iranian Umrah pilgrims will occur from Dec. 19, Fars added. Fars said up to 70,000 Iranian pilgrims were expected to travel to Saudi Arabia by the end of February 2024. Since 2016, the Iranian pilgrims have only been able to complete the hajj pilgrimage, a religious duty deemed compulsory for Muslims who aim to carry it out once in their lifetime and which is subject to strict annual quotas and timings. Also read | Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West But Iranians are now able to complete the Umrah as well, deemed a "lesser pilgrimage" that can be taken at any time of the year and is not compulsory in Islam unlike Hajj. The currently ongoing negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia also aim to re-establish non-religious tourism between the two countries, with flights linking Riyadh and Tehran. With China at the centre of the geopolitical picture in March 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic ties after their seven years of bilateral estrangement. Also watch | Saudi-Iran ties: a new beginning in West Asia? × The deal, which entailed Iran and Saudi Arabia reopening their embassies and missions in each other’s cities, resulted in a shifting of sands in Beijing's favour in a region where the United States has waged conflicts and spent hundreds of billions of dollars in providing security for its allies. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, Saudi Arabia reopens Umrah route for Iranians since 2015

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a high-stakes case over access to an abortion pill, in the biggest reproductive rights case since the end of Roe.

US: Apex court to decide fate of abortion pill, mifepristone | WION Newspoint

Russia has continued its deadly onslaught on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, carrying out a wave of missile attack, damaging several buildings including children's hospital.

Russia-Ukraine war: 35 buildings in four districts of Kyiv targeted by Russian missile

<p>In a shocking turn of events, the 35-year-old deputy editor-in-chief of Komsomolskaya Pravda, a newspaper famously favoured by Vladimir Putin, was discovered dead at her Moscow residence.</p>

<p>The incident, reminiscent of a series of mysterious deaths in Russia, has left authorities and the public puzzled.</p>

<p>Anna Tsareva's lifeless body was found by her father in her apartment after she had been out of contact since Sunday (Dec 10).</p>

<p>Concerned about the prolonged silence, her parents visited her residence, only to discover the tragic scene.</p>

<p>Prior to her demise, Tsareva had reportedly expressed feeling unwell and complained of a high temperature, fuelling suspicions of a potential health-related cause.</p>

<h2><strong>Speculations surrounding acute heart failure</strong></h2>

<p>While a law enforcement spokesperson confirmed the discovery of Tsareva's body, local reports have raised speculations about the cause of death, with some suggesting "acute heart failure."</p>

<p>The uncertainty surrounding the circumstances has prompted an official investigation by the police, who have yet to find any signs of forced entry into her apartment.</p>

<h2><strong>Putin's 'favourite'&nbsp;newspaper</strong></h2>

<p>Anna Tsareva, who served as the deputy editor-in-chief for six years, was a prominent figure at Komsomolskaya Pravda, Russia's largest news website with a massive readership of 83.9 million in October 2023.</p>

<p>Notably, the publication holds a special place in Vladimir Putin's esteem, as he once referred to it as his "favourite newspaper" in a document from the European Commission.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-says-unaware-of-navalnys-whereabouts-rebuffs-us-concerns-over-his-disappearance-668976">Also read |&nbsp;Kremlin says unaware of Navalny's whereabouts, rebuffs US concerns over his 'disappearance'</a></p>

<h2><strong>Eerie parallel: Vladimir Sungorkin's mysterious death</strong></h2>

<p>The untimely demise of Anna Tsareva bears an eerie resemblance to the mysterious death of her former boss, Vladimir Sungorkin, just a year ago.</p>

<p>Sungorkin, the editor-in-chief of Pravda and a key ally of President Putin, suffered a stroke during a business trip to Khabarovsk.</p>

<p>His sudden death was announced via the state media's Telegram account, noting that he had been on a trip to collect material for a book about Vladimir Arseniev, a great pioneer of the Far East.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia President Putin reveals 2 new nuclear submarines</strong></p>

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<p>The recent tragedy has prompted the opening of a police investigation, as authorities aim to unravel the circumstances surrounding Anna Tsareva's death. Meanwhile, it's worth noting that Vladimir Sungorkin, Tsareva's predecessor, was among the Russian public figures sanctioned by the European Commission in April, following Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a shocking turn of events, the 35-year-old deputy editor-in-chief of Komsomolskaya Pravda, a newspaper famously favoured by Vladimir Putin, was discovered dead at her Moscow residence.

In a shocking turn of events, the 35-year-old deputy editor-in-chief of Komsomolskaya Pravda, a newspaper famously favoured by Vladimir Putin, was discovered dead at her Moscow residence. The incident, reminiscent of a series of mysterious deaths in Russia, has left authorities and the public puzzled. Anna Tsareva's lifeless body was found by her father in her apartment after she had been out of contact since Sunday (Dec 10). Concerned about the prolonged silence, her parents visited her residence, only to discover the tragic scene. Prior to her demise, Tsareva had reportedly expressed feeling unwell and complained of a high temperature, fuelling suspicions of a potential health-related cause. Speculations surrounding acute heart failure While a law enforcement spokesperson confirmed the discovery of Tsareva's body, local reports have raised speculations about the cause of death, with some suggesting "acute heart failure." The uncertainty surrounding the circumstances has prompted an official investigation by the police, who have yet to find any signs of forced entry into her apartment. Putin's 'favourite' newspaper Anna Tsareva, who served as the deputy editor-in-chief for six years, was a prominent figure at Komsomolskaya Pravda, Russia's largest news website with a massive readership of 83.9 million in October 2023. Notably, the publication holds a special place in Vladimir Putin's esteem, as he once referred to it as his "favourite newspaper" in a document from the European Commission. Also read | Kremlin says unaware of Navalny's whereabouts, rebuffs US concerns over his 'disappearance' Eerie parallel: Vladimir Sungorkin's mysterious death The untimely demise of Anna Tsareva bears an eerie resemblance to the mysterious death of her former boss, Vladimir Sungorkin, just a year ago. Sungorkin, the editor-in-chief of Pravda and a key ally of President Putin, suffered a stroke during a business trip to Khabarovsk. His sudden death was announced via the state media's Telegram account, noting that he had been on a trip to collect material for a book about Vladimir Arseniev, a great pioneer of the Far East. Also watch | Russia President Putin reveals 2 new nuclear submarines The recent tragedy has prompted the opening of a police investigation, as authorities aim to unravel the circumstances surrounding Anna Tsareva's death. Meanwhile, it's worth noting that Vladimir Sungorkin, Tsareva's predecessor, was among the Russian public figures sanctioned by the European Commission in April, following Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia: Deputy editor of Putin's 'favourite' newspaper found dead under mysterious circumstances

<p>Countries participating in the&nbsp;United Nations climate summit or COP28 in Dubai have adopted the first-ever&nbsp;agreement calling&nbsp;for “transitioning away” from fossil fuels, but still stops short of calling for a “phase-out”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The adopted agreement, which was unveiled early Wednesday (Dec 13), is the first time in the nearly three-decade history of the UN climate summits that nations agreed to transition away from fossil fuels.</p>

<p>The recent text comes after another full night of haggling and would, according to the news agency AFP, also call for “accelerating action” during “this critical decade.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/end-fossil-fuels-indian-climate-activist-licypriya-kangujam-storms-cop28-stage-watch-668823">‘End fossil fuels’: 12-year-old Indian climate activist storms COP28 stage. Watch</a></strong><br />
<br />
The draft was meant to reflect the consensus view of nearly 200 countries gathered as a number of governments have called for strong language to signal an eventual end to the fossil fuel era.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the agreement</strong></h2>

<p>The agreement, for the first time, would call on countries to take action to transition away from fossil fuels in a bid to avert the worst impacts of climate change.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It provides more urgency than an earlier draft which was widely dismissed and criticised for offering a list of options that “could” be taken to combat global warming.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest draft more explicitly “calls on” all nations to take a series of actions and contribute to the efforts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The actions include “transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also calls for tripling of renewable energy capacity globally by 2030, phase-downs of “unabated coal power” and accelerating technologies such as carbon capture.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Phasing out’ but not ‘phase-out’</strong></h2>

<p>While the agreement&nbsp;reportedly calls for “phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that do not address energy poverty or just transitions, as soon as possible,” it does not call for a “phase-out” of fossil fuels, which had&nbsp;been sought by most countries in the West as well as island nations who are particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-cop28-draft-deal-avoids-phase-out-of-fossil-fuels-668630">New COP28 draft deal avoids 'phase out' of fossil fuels</a></strong></p>

<p>The draft adopted marks the first time in three decades of UN climate summits that nations agree on a concerted move away from oil, gas and coal, which account for about 80 per cent of global energy but are also the main culprits in the planet’s rapid warming.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happens now?</strong></h2>

<p>The countries’ representatives were called for what the COP28 Presidency hoped&nbsp;was&nbsp;a final meeting on Wednesday in a bid to pass the agreement and end two weeks of tough negotiations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is now&nbsp;up to individual countries to take action by proposing and enacting national policies and investments.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Countries participating in the United Nations climate summit or COP28 in Dubai have adopted the first-ever agreement calling for “transitioning away” from fossil fuels, but still stops short of calling for a “phase-out”.

Countries participating in the United Nations climate summit or COP28 in Dubai have adopted the first-ever agreement calling for “transitioning away” from fossil fuels, but still stops short of calling for a “phase-out”. The adopted agreement, which was unveiled early Wednesday (Dec 13), is the first time in the nearly three-decade history of the UN climate summits that nations agreed to transition away from fossil fuels. The recent text comes after another full night of haggling and would, according to the news agency AFP, also call for “accelerating action” during “this critical decade.” ALSO READ | ‘End fossil fuels’: 12-year-old Indian climate activist storms COP28 stage. Watch The draft was meant to reflect the consensus view of nearly 200 countries gathered as a number of governments have called for strong language to signal an eventual end to the fossil fuel era. About the agreement The agreement, for the first time, would call on countries to take action to transition away from fossil fuels in a bid to avert the worst impacts of climate change. It provides more urgency than an earlier draft which was widely dismissed and criticised for offering a list of options that “could” be taken to combat global warming. The latest draft more explicitly “calls on” all nations to take a series of actions and contribute to the efforts. The actions include “transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science.” It also calls for tripling of renewable energy capacity globally by 2030, phase-downs of “unabated coal power” and accelerating technologies such as carbon capture. ‘Phasing out’ but not ‘phase-out’ While the agreement reportedly calls for “phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that do not address energy poverty or just transitions, as soon as possible,” it does not call for a “phase-out” of fossil fuels, which had been sought by most countries in the West as well as island nations who are particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change. ALSO READ | New COP28 draft deal avoids 'phase out' of fossil fuels The draft adopted marks the first time in three decades of UN climate summits that nations agree on a concerted move away from oil, gas and coal, which account for about 80 per cent of global energy but are also the main culprits in the planet’s rapid warming. What happens now? The countries’ representatives were called for what the COP28 Presidency hoped was a final meeting on Wednesday in a bid to pass the agreement and end two weeks of tough negotiations. It is now up to individual countries to take action by proposing and enacting national policies and investments. (With inputs from agencies)

COP28 climate summit: Nations adopt first-ever deal to transition away from fossil fuels

Intelligence in Technology is reshaping human lives. Dr. Lovneesh Chanana, Senior Vice-President and head of government affairs for Asia Pacific and Japan region spoke to WION about the ways in which industries and government are working together for advancement of AI.

How intelligence in technology is reshaping our lives

The country's women and child development minister smriti irani has told the upper house of the parliament that menstrual leave could lead to discrimination against women in the workforce.

Debate over paid menstrual leave heats up in Rajya Sabha

If American Presidential polls are to be conducted today then President Biden would manage to beat former President Donald Trump in seven swing states but Trump would still emerge as an overall winner.

US: Latest survey finds President Biden lagging behind former President Trump

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<p>Karen Celebertti, the director of the Miss Nicaragua pageant has stepped down from her position, roughly 10 days after she was accused of treason by the Nicaraguan government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Celebertti took to social media to post a message announcing her retirement, without giving further details about her future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The time has come for my retirement. I know that there will always be more opportunities for us," Celebertti wrote on X, formerly Twitter.</p>

<p>The Miss Universe Organisation said in a statement on its Facebook page that it had indeed received the resignation letter of Celebertti.</p>

<p>"This week, we accepted the resignation of Karen Celebertti, national director of Miss Universe Nicaragua. We thank her for her exemplary work with our organisation for the past 23 years."</p>

<p>The accusations were hurled against Celebertti as soon as Miss Nicaragua Sheynnic Palacios&nbsp;won the Miss Universe title. Palacios became the first person from the Central American nation to win the pageant which sparked frenzied celebrations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, soon, photos of Palacios' involvement in a 2018 anti-government protest started doing the rounds of the internet, triggering the government's anger. Celebertti was accused of promoting Palacios to target the government on the world map.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-sized-model-wins-hearts-at-miss-universe-pageant-660906" target="_blank"><strong>Watch | Gravitas: Plus-sized model wins hearts at Miss Universe Pageant</strong></a></p>

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<h2><b>Nicaraguan government's allegations&nbsp;</b></h2>

<p>Initially, President Daniel Ortega, who has been in power since 2007, welcomed Palacios's victory, saying it was a moment of "pride and joy" but quickly changed his tune when her links to the 2018 anti-government demonstration went viral.</p>

<p>Rosario Murillo, Ortega's wife and the country's vice president alleged that “coup plotters” were planning “manufactured provocations” under the pretext of celebrating Miss Universe.</p>

<p>According to local media reports, the police have arrested Celebertti's husband and son, who co-own the local Miss Universe franchise with all three accused of treason.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, the police said the family "remained in communication with exponents of treason to the homeland" and that they used their franchises and platforms to conspire and turn the contests into "traps and political ambushes, financed by foreign agents".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-historic-miss-nicaragua-crowned-miss-universe-2023-660308" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Historic! Miss Nicaragua crowned Miss Universe 2023</strong></a></p>

<p>Despite the allegations levelled by the Nicaraguan government, Palacios has barely said anything overtly political before or after winning the pageant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Palacios is yet to return to Nicaragua, Celebertti and her daughter Luciana were barred from entering the country on November 22 by the immigration authorities as they were returning from Mexico.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Karen Celebertti, the director of the Miss Nicaragua pageant has stepped down from her position, roughly 10 days after she was accused of treason by the Nicaraguan government.

Karen Celebertti, the director of the Miss Nicaragua pageant has stepped down from her position, roughly 10 days after she was accused of treason by the Nicaraguan government. Celebertti took to social media to post a message announcing her retirement, without giving further details about her future. “The time has come for my retirement. I know that there will always be more opportunities for us," Celebertti wrote on X, formerly Twitter. The Miss Universe Organisation said in a statement on its Facebook page that it had indeed received the resignation letter of Celebertti. "This week, we accepted the resignation of Karen Celebertti, national director of Miss Universe Nicaragua. We thank her for her exemplary work with our organisation for the past 23 years." The accusations were hurled against Celebertti as soon as Miss Nicaragua Sheynnic Palacios won the Miss Universe title. Palacios became the first person from the Central American nation to win the pageant which sparked frenzied celebrations. However, soon, photos of Palacios' involvement in a 2018 anti-government protest started doing the rounds of the internet, triggering the government's anger. Celebertti was accused of promoting Palacios to target the government on the world map. Watch | Gravitas: Plus-sized model wins hearts at Miss Universe Pageant × Nicaraguan government's allegations Initially, President Daniel Ortega, who has been in power since 2007, welcomed Palacios's victory, saying it was a moment of "pride and joy" but quickly changed his tune when her links to the 2018 anti-government demonstration went viral. Rosario Murillo, Ortega's wife and the country's vice president alleged that “coup plotters” were planning “manufactured provocations” under the pretext of celebrating Miss Universe. According to local media reports, the police have arrested Celebertti's husband and son, who co-own the local Miss Universe franchise with all three accused of treason. In a statement, the police said the family "remained in communication with exponents of treason to the homeland" and that they used their franchises and platforms to conspire and turn the contests into "traps and political ambushes, financed by foreign agents". Also read | Historic! Miss Nicaragua crowned Miss Universe 2023 Despite the allegations levelled by the Nicaraguan government, Palacios has barely said anything overtly political before or after winning the pageant. While Palacios is yet to return to Nicaragua, Celebertti and her daughter Luciana were barred from entering the country on November 22 by the immigration authorities as they were returning from Mexico. (With inputs from agencies)

Miss Nicaragua beauty pageant director quits following treason accusations involving Miss Universe

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