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The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Monday that the Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip has exceeded 18,000 as a result of the Hamas-Israel conflict since Oct. 7.

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Former US President Donald Trump refused to take the witness stand at the trial against him over charges of fraud. This was Trump's last chance to make his case as hearings drew to a close. A potential 250 million dollar fine hangs over his family business in the event of a guilty verdict

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After 16 days of hearing, the Indian Supreme Court in a unanimous ruling upheld the Narendra Modi government’s decision in 2019 to scrap Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that had guaranteed special autonomous status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

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Nearly 40% of Dementia Patients Don't Seem to Recognize Their Illness. As per a recent report by the Dementia Commission, approximately 36 percent of individuals in England suffering from dementia are not aware that they have the illness.

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<p>Renowned Chinese doctor, Dr&nbsp;Gao Yaojie, who fearlessly exposed the AIDS epidemic&nbsp;in rural China during the 1990s, has passed away at the age of 95. Her impactful contributions to raising awareness about the crisis, despite government pressure, have left an indelible mark on the fight against HIV/AIDS.</p>

<p>Born in 1927 in Shandong, Dr&nbsp;Gao witnessed China's tumultuous history, marked by Japanese invasion and the Communist Party's ascent to power.</p>

<p>Her family's "landlord" status subjected her to beatings during Mao's Cultural Revolution, shaping her resilience in the face of adversity.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/these-living-things-have-quietly-preserved-the-great-wall-of-china-for-ages-and-we-werent-even-aware-668525">Also read |&nbsp;These living things have quietly preserved the Great Wall of China for ages and we weren't even aware</a></p>

<h2><strong>The blood-selling scandal</strong></h2>

<p>Dr Gao rose to prominence by exposing the blood-selling schemes that infected thousands with HIV, particularly in her home province of Henan, reported The Independent.</p>

<p>Poor farmers were lured into donating blood, and the use of unsanitary practices led to a devastating AIDS epidemic.</p>

<p>Known as "Grandma Gao," she traversed Henan's villages, providing aid to afflicted families and speaking out against the AIDS epidemic.</p>

<p>Despite government pressure, she persevered in her work, driven by the belief that everyone has a responsibility to help their own people. Her courage and persistence drew international recognition.</p>

<p>Gao faced hurdles from the Chinese government, which initially refused her a passport in 2001 to receive a UN award. In 2007, Henan officials placed her under house arrest, aiming to prevent her from obtaining a US visa.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US sanctions more Chinese officials and firms over alleged human rights abuse in China</strong></p>

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<p>Eventually allowed to leave China, Gao settled in New York, where she continued advocating for AIDS awareness.</p>

<p>Her efforts led to international awareness of the Henan blood-sales AIDS epidemic, prompting the Chinese government to address the crisis. Her tenacity left a lasting impact, earning praise from figures like Hillary Clinton, who lauded her as "one of the bravest people."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Renowned Chinese doctor, Dr Gao Yaojie, who fearlessly exposed the AIDS epidemic in rural China during the 1990s, has passed away at the age of 95. Her impactful contributions to raising awareness about the crisis, despite government pressure, have left an indelible mark on the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Renowned Chinese doctor, Dr Gao Yaojie, who fearlessly exposed the AIDS epidemic in rural China during the 1990s, has passed away at the age of 95. Her impactful contributions to raising awareness about the crisis, despite government pressure, have left an indelible mark on the fight against HIV/AIDS. Born in 1927 in Shandong, Dr Gao witnessed China's tumultuous history, marked by Japanese invasion and the Communist Party's ascent to power. Her family's "landlord" status subjected her to beatings during Mao's Cultural Revolution, shaping her resilience in the face of adversity. Also read | These living things have quietly preserved the Great Wall of China for ages and we weren't even aware The blood-selling scandal Dr Gao rose to prominence by exposing the blood-selling schemes that infected thousands with HIV, particularly in her home province of Henan, reported The Independent. Poor farmers were lured into donating blood, and the use of unsanitary practices led to a devastating AIDS epidemic. Known as "Grandma Gao," she traversed Henan's villages, providing aid to afflicted families and speaking out against the AIDS epidemic. Despite government pressure, she persevered in her work, driven by the belief that everyone has a responsibility to help their own people. Her courage and persistence drew international recognition. Gao faced hurdles from the Chinese government, which initially refused her a passport in 2001 to receive a UN award. In 2007, Henan officials placed her under house arrest, aiming to prevent her from obtaining a US visa. Also watch | US sanctions more Chinese officials and firms over alleged human rights abuse in China Eventually allowed to leave China, Gao settled in New York, where she continued advocating for AIDS awareness. Her efforts led to international awareness of the Henan blood-sales AIDS epidemic, prompting the Chinese government to address the crisis. Her tenacity left a lasting impact, earning praise from figures like Hillary Clinton, who lauded her as "one of the bravest people." (With inputs from agencies)

Gao Yaojie: Iconic doctor, who exposed China's AIDS epidemic, passes away at 95

United Nations' climate body on Monday (Dec 11) released draft text of the deal which would be put up for passage at the ongoing COP28 Summit in Dubai in United Arab Emirates. The text advocates for reducing production as use of fossil fuels but stops short of using the wording 'phase out'.

COP28 Summit: New COP28 draft deal avoids `phase out` of fossil fuels

<p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Hamas fighters to "surrender now," saying that the Palestinian militant group's&nbsp;end was near. Meanwhile, a report by Reuters citing&nbsp;diplomats said that the&nbsp;193-member United Nations General Assembly is likely to vote on a&nbsp;draft resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Follow WION for latest updates from the war. Meanwhile, in a move which can impact the arrival of Indian students in Australia, the country announced that it was tightening its visa rules for foreign students.&nbsp;Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said in a statement ahead of the formal release of the government’s strategy said that the move is expected to halve its migrant intake over the next two years.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more.</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-unga-to-vote-on-gaza-ceasefire-demand-netanyahu-calls-on-hamas-to-surrender-now-668317"><strong>Israel-Hamas war LIVE updates: Israel continues its offensive in South Gaza</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/11/398435-untitled-design-43.png?imwidth=3840" />Israel continued its offensive in southern Gaza on Monday after Hamas warned&nbsp;no Israeli hostages would leave the territory alive unless its demands for prisoner releases were met.&nbsp;This is WION's live blog, bringing to you the latest updates from the war.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-announces-stricter-visa-rules-for-students-workers-as-it-prepares-to-overhaul-immigration-system-668343"><strong>Australia announces stricter visa rules for students, workers as it prepares to overhaul immigration system</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/11/398450-syd.jpg?imwidth=3840" />In a bid to “fix the broken immigration system”, Australia said on Monday (Dec 11) that is restricting the intake of international students and low-skilled workers by tightening the visa rules.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-f-16-fighter-jet-crashes-in-south-korea-during-training-exercise-reports-668319"><strong>US F-16 fighter jet crashes in South Korea during training exercise: Report</strong></a><br />
<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/11/398436-wion-images-2023-12-11t075740221.png?imwidth=3840" />An American&nbsp;F-16 fighter jet crashed in South Korea on Monday (Dec 11) during a training exercise and the pilot has ejected, reported news agency&nbsp;Yonhap citing a military source.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Zelesnky to meet with Biden, US Republicans, invited to address US Senators in Capitol&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Ukrainian President Zelensky who will be travelling to US this week to meet President Joe Biden, will plead his case before Republicans who are opposed to sending more money for Ukraine's fight against Russia.</p>

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<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia Presidential Polls: Navalny camp sets strategy to disrupt Putin's path to new term</strong></p>

<p>With his hands on all the levers of power in Russia, Vladimir Putin appears unbeatable in a presidential election but opposition activists scent a chance to show he is vulnerable.</p>

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Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Hamas fighters to "surrender now," saying that the Palestinian militant group's end was near. Meanwhile, a report by Reuters citing diplomats said that the 193-member United Nations General Assembly is likely to vote on a draft resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Hamas fighters to "surrender now," saying that the Palestinian militant group's end was near. Meanwhile, a report by Reuters citing diplomats said that the 193-member United Nations General Assembly is likely to vote on a draft resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Follow WION for latest updates from the war. Meanwhile, in a move which can impact the arrival of Indian students in Australia, the country announced that it was tightening its visa rules for foreign students. Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said in a statement ahead of the formal release of the government’s strategy said that the move is expected to halve its migrant intake over the next two years. Click on the headlines to read more. Israel-Hamas war LIVE updates: Israel continues its offensive in South Gaza Israel continued its offensive in southern Gaza on Monday after Hamas warned no Israeli hostages would leave the territory alive unless its demands for prisoner releases were met. This is WION's live blog, bringing to you the latest updates from the war. Australia announces stricter visa rules for students, workers as it prepares to overhaul immigration system In a bid to “fix the broken immigration system”, Australia said on Monday (Dec 11) that is restricting the intake of international students and low-skilled workers by tightening the visa rules. US F-16 fighter jet crashes in South Korea during training exercise: Report An American F-16 fighter jet crashed in South Korea on Monday (Dec 11) during a training exercise and the pilot has ejected, reported news agency Yonhap citing a military source. Watch: Zelesnky to meet with Biden, US Republicans, invited to address US Senators in Capitol Ukrainian President Zelensky who will be travelling to US this week to meet President Joe Biden, will plead his case before Republicans who are opposed to sending more money for Ukraine's fight against Russia. × Watch: Russia Presidential Polls: Navalny camp sets strategy to disrupt Putin's path to new term With his hands on all the levers of power in Russia, Vladimir Putin appears unbeatable in a presidential election but opposition activists scent a chance to show he is vulnerable. ×

Morning brief: Australia to tighten visa rules, US fighter jet crashes in South Korea, and more

Israel-Hamas war: Benjamin Netanyahu: Surrender now, don't die

Karan Singh of Congress welcomes decision, urges statehood restoration soon. On Supreme Court constitutionally validating the removal of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, senior Congress leader and Maharaja Hari Singh's son Karan Singh says, "I welcome it. Now it has become clear that whatever happened is constitutionally valid...I request PM Modi to restore statehood soon...''

Former Jammu & Kashmir governor Karan Singh on WION | SC upolds art 370 revocation

Amid the controversy over an attempt to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said on Wednesday that the Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray is likely to visit India next week.

FBI Chief Christopher Wray set to visit India, first India visit in 12 years | World DNA

<p>Released after 54 days in captivity by Hamas last month, 21-year-old Mia&nbsp;Schem has got a new tattoo that reads, "We will dance again", as a sign of defiance against the terror outfit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to her Instagram handle,&nbsp;Schem posted a picture of the tattoo with the date 7.10.23 below it, referring to when she was abducted by Hamas members.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"7.10.23 I will never forget. The pain and the fear, the difficult sights, the friends that will not come back and the ones we must get back," she captioned the post as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But we will&nbsp;win. We will dance again!" she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As of the last update, Schem's post had garnered over 200,000 likes and thousands of comments with the majority showing solidarity with her and Israel.&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>What happened with Schem?</strong></h2>

<p>Schem was at a rave party when the Hamas terrorists attempted to abduct her on October 7. During the chase, she was shot in the arm and eventually caught and taken hostage.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>She made international headlines after a chilling video released by Hamas showed her receiving treatment from a veterinarian on her right arm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“At the moment, I am in Gaza,” Schem could be heard saying in&nbsp;Hebrew in the 60-second clip.</p>

<p>She said she was injured and taken across the border, where she underwent a three-hour surgery to treat her undisclosed injuries.</p>

<p>“They are taking care of me, giving me medicine, everything is fine. I only ask that they bring me home as soon as possible to my parents, to my siblings. Get me out of here as soon as possible. Please.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-got-21-year-old-hostage-operated-on-by-vet-says-family-665134"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Hamas releases 21-year-old Mia Schem kidnapped from music fest; family says she was operated on by vet</strong></a></p>

<p>After a truce deal was agreed between Israel-Hamas, Schem was released on November 30 and returned to her family and friends.</p>

<p>In the photos shared by the Israeli prime minister's office, Schem – who also has French citizenship – was seen embracing her brother and mother after they got reunited at Hatzerim military base in Israel.</p>

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed his happiness over the release of Mia.</p>

<p>"Mia Schem is free. It is a great joy that I share with her family and all French people," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-british-team-helping-palestinian-authority-prepare-for-governance-667592"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: British team helping Palestinian authority prepare for governance</strong></a></p>

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<p>Ever since the second truce deal between Israel and Hamas collapsed, Tel Aviv has upped the ante by re-launching aerial and ground operations.</p>

<p>Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry claims that&nbsp;nearly 18,000 people have been killed since Israel launched its retaliatory operations following the militant group’s attack on October 7 in southern Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Released after 54 days in captivity by Hamas last month, 21-year-old Mia Schem has got a new tattoo that reads, "We will dance again", as a sign of defiance against the terror outfit.

Released after 54 days in captivity by Hamas last month, 21-year-old Mia Schem has got a new tattoo that reads, "We will dance again", as a sign of defiance against the terror outfit. Taking to her Instagram handle, Schem posted a picture of the tattoo with the date 7.10.23 below it, referring to when she was abducted by Hamas members. "7.10.23 I will never forget. The pain and the fear, the difficult sights, the friends that will not come back and the ones we must get back," she captioned the post as saying. "But we will win. We will dance again!" she added. As of the last update, Schem's post had garnered over 200,000 likes and thousands of comments with the majority showing solidarity with her and Israel. View this post on Instagram A post shared by מייה שם (@mia_schem) × What happened with Schem? Schem was at a rave party when the Hamas terrorists attempted to abduct her on October 7. During the chase, she was shot in the arm and eventually caught and taken hostage. She made international headlines after a chilling video released by Hamas showed her receiving treatment from a veterinarian on her right arm. “At the moment, I am in Gaza,” Schem could be heard saying in Hebrew in the 60-second clip. She said she was injured and taken across the border, where she underwent a three-hour surgery to treat her undisclosed injuries. “They are taking care of me, giving me medicine, everything is fine. I only ask that they bring me home as soon as possible to my parents, to my siblings. Get me out of here as soon as possible. Please.” Also read | Hamas releases 21-year-old Mia Schem kidnapped from music fest; family says she was operated on by vet After a truce deal was agreed between Israel-Hamas, Schem was released on November 30 and returned to her family and friends. In the photos shared by the Israeli prime minister's office, Schem – who also has French citizenship – was seen embracing her brother and mother after they got reunited at Hatzerim military base in Israel. French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed his happiness over the release of Mia. "Mia Schem is free. It is a great joy that I share with her family and all French people," he said. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: British team helping Palestinian authority prepare for governance × Ever since the second truce deal between Israel and Hamas collapsed, Tel Aviv has upped the ante by re-launching aerial and ground operations. Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry claims that nearly 18,000 people have been killed since Israel launched its retaliatory operations following the militant group’s attack on October 7 in southern Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

'We will dance again': Freed Hamas hostage Mia Schem strikes defiance with new tattoo

The prime minister's assurance from his July visit to Paris for Bastille Day was put into effect, according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, with the statue's unveiling. The pledge made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit for Bastille Day is being implemented with the inauguration of the Thiruvalluvar statue in Cergy, France, he said on X.

A statue of Tamil icon Thiruvalluvar unveiled in French town of Cergy

<p>The voting for Russian presidential elections, which is scheduled to be held in March 2024, is set to be conducted also in the four Ukrainian regions that Russia claims to have annexed last year, Moscow said in a statement on Monday (Dec 11).</p>

<p>The Central Elections Commission said that the voting in March would be given a go-ahead in Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, the Ukrainian regions where Russia still doesn't have complete military control.</p>

<p>"The decision was adopted unanimously," commission vice-president Nikolay Bulayev said, according to the state-run news agency TASS.</p>

<p>The elections are set to be conducted over three days from March 15 to 17.</p>

<p>Earlier, Ukraine had urged the international community to "resolutely condemn Russia's intention to hold presidential elections in the occupied Ukrainian territories".</p>

<p>Kyiv had also called on the West to sanction individuals responsible.</p>

<p>Russia had previously also conducted elections in occupied regions of Ukraine. The polling was condemned by Kyiv and the West and was dubbed as null and void.</p>

<p>In the month of September, Moscow had also held ballots for local officials in the four Ukrainian regions.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-injured-after-russian-strike-on-kyiv-biden-to-host-zelensky-at-white-house-amid-deadlock-on-aid-668361">At least 4 injured after airstrike on Kyiv; Biden to host Zelensky at W. House</a></p>

<p>A year earlier, it had held a "referendum" to annex the territories.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both the votes were denounced by Kyiv and the West.</p>

<h2><strong>Putin to run again in presidential polls</strong></h2>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to take part in the upcoming presidential vote, giving him a chance to extend his decades-long grip on power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per state-run news agencies, Putin told Lieutenant Colonel Artyom Zhoga, a Russian military officer, about this decision following an awards ceremony for army personnel at the Kremlin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This came after Russian lawmakers on Thursday moved Putin a step closer to a fifth term in office by setting the date of the country's 2024 presidential election for March 17, which was voted unanimously by the members of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Valentina Matviyenko, the head of the chamber, had said "With this decision, we are effectively launching the start of the election campaign."&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said, "By choosing a head of state together, we fully share the common responsibility and common destiny of our fatherland."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even though five major parties have been allowed to submit a candidate for the vote, Putin is likely to win the elections as most of his critics, who could challenge him, are either in jail or in exile.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The voting for Russian presidential elections, which is scheduled to be held in March 2024, is set to be conducted also in the four Ukrainian regions that Russia claims to have annexed last year, Moscow said in a statement on Monday (Dec 11).

The voting for Russian presidential elections, which is scheduled to be held in March 2024, is set to be conducted also in the four Ukrainian regions that Russia claims to have annexed last year, Moscow said in a statement on Monday (Dec 11). The Central Elections Commission said that the voting in March would be given a go-ahead in Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, the Ukrainian regions where Russia still doesn't have complete military control. "The decision was adopted unanimously," commission vice-president Nikolay Bulayev said, according to the state-run news agency TASS. The elections are set to be conducted over three days from March 15 to 17. Earlier, Ukraine had urged the international community to "resolutely condemn Russia's intention to hold presidential elections in the occupied Ukrainian territories". Kyiv had also called on the West to sanction individuals responsible. Russia had previously also conducted elections in occupied regions of Ukraine. The polling was condemned by Kyiv and the West and was dubbed as null and void. In the month of September, Moscow had also held ballots for local officials in the four Ukrainian regions. Also read: At least 4 injured after airstrike on Kyiv; Biden to host Zelensky at W. House A year earlier, it had held a "referendum" to annex the territories. Both the votes were denounced by Kyiv and the West. Putin to run again in presidential polls Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to take part in the upcoming presidential vote, giving him a chance to extend his decades-long grip on power. As per state-run news agencies, Putin told Lieutenant Colonel Artyom Zhoga, a Russian military officer, about this decision following an awards ceremony for army personnel at the Kremlin. This came after Russian lawmakers on Thursday moved Putin a step closer to a fifth term in office by setting the date of the country's 2024 presidential election for March 17, which was voted unanimously by the members of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly. Valentina Matviyenko, the head of the chamber, had said "With this decision, we are effectively launching the start of the election campaign." She said, "By choosing a head of state together, we fully share the common responsibility and common destiny of our fatherland." Even though five major parties have been allowed to submit a candidate for the vote, Putin is likely to win the elections as most of his critics, who could challenge him, are either in jail or in exile. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia to hold presidential vote in four occupied Ukrainian regions

As Pakistan gears up for its February polls, former pm Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf party is grappling to earn a seat in the contest, and it appears that their only way to do so would involve the country's other mainstream parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz PML-N ) and the Pakistan peoples’ party (PPP).

Pakistan: PTI leaders announce possibility of talks with PML-N & PPP

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday sprang a surprise and announced the name of three-time Ujjain South MLA Mohan Yadav as the new chief minister of the central Indian state Madhya Pradesh, bringing an end to the tenure of Shivraj Singh Chouhan who led the election campaign of the party that won 163 seats in the recent assembly elections, while defying all concerns of anti-incumbency.

BJP reworks social equations in choice of Chief Ministers before 2024 elections

According to an army spokesman, dozens of terrorists in the northern Strip gave up their weapons to soldiers, complaining that "Hamas leadership is out of touch."

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli army spokesperson says dozen of 'terrorists have surrendered'

<p>As Poland's pro-EU parties prepare to assume power, Szymon Holownia, a former TV personality-turned-parliament speaker, has emerged as a captivating figure who has captured European nation's mood.</p>

<p>Holownia, a former TV personality turned parliament speaker, has quickly become a social media sensation, injecting humour and wit into the typically serious atmosphere of political discourse.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Szymon Holownia and what makes him popular?</strong></h2>

<p>Holownia, 47, known for hosting the Polish edition of 'Got Talent' before venturing into politics four years ago, now chairs plenary sessions after winning elections in&nbsp;October.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Poland Elections: Polish ruling Law and Justice party on the brink of losing power</strong></p>

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<p>Holownia's&nbsp;quips and his clever comebacks have not only entertained but have drawn the spotlight on&nbsp;him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Ladies and gentlemen, stock up on popcorn... because I suspect there will be a lot of action," Holownia remarked during one of his now almost daily press conferences, setting the tone for his engaging approach to parliamentary affairs.</p>

<h2><strong>The Jay-Z Polish speaker</strong></h2>

<p>Holownia's ability to infuse humour into political debates has led to viral moments, including a correction to a conservative lawmaker who mistakenly referred to a colleague as "Jay-Z" instead of a member of Gen-Z.</p>

<p>In a matter of weeks since Holownia assumed the role of speaker, the parliament's YouTube channel, streaming debates, has witnessed a staggering increase in followers—from 45,000 to 435,000 subscribed users.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/poland-fumes-over-ukrainian-presidents-volodymyr-zelenskys-un-speech-638068">Poland fumes over Ukrainian president's Volodymyr Zelensky's UN speech</a></strong></p>

<p>The unexpected surge in interest has even prompted a Warsaw cinema, Kinoteka, to organise a screening of Monday's confidence vote for the conservative minority government.</p>

<p>Karolina Fornal, a spokesperson for Kinoteka, told Paris-based news agency AFP&nbsp;that the cinema had received an overwhelming response, with over 1,500 requests for the 500 available seats.</p>

<p>Holownia, seizing the opportunity, has launched a behind-the-scenes podcast offering insights into parliamentary life.</p>

<p>The first episode has already garnered nearly a million downloads.</p>

<h2>Holownia has his critics too</h2>

<p>Not everyone is impressed with Holownia's flashy style.</p>

<p>Conservative Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki criticised him, stating, "Instead of real work, we have the popcorn, a show, and circuses. Is this what politics is about?"</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As Poland's pro-EU parties prepare to assume power, Szymon Holownia, a former TV personality-turned-parliament speaker, has emerged as a captivating figure who has captured European nation's mood.

As Poland's pro-EU parties prepare to assume power, Szymon Holownia, a former TV personality-turned-parliament speaker, has emerged as a captivating figure who has captured European nation's mood. Holownia, a former TV personality turned parliament speaker, has quickly become a social media sensation, injecting humour and wit into the typically serious atmosphere of political discourse. Who is Szymon Holownia and what makes him popular? Holownia, 47, known for hosting the Polish edition of 'Got Talent' before venturing into politics four years ago, now chairs plenary sessions after winning elections in October. Also watch | Poland Elections: Polish ruling Law and Justice party on the brink of losing power × Holownia's quips and his clever comebacks have not only entertained but have drawn the spotlight on him. "Ladies and gentlemen, stock up on popcorn... because I suspect there will be a lot of action," Holownia remarked during one of his now almost daily press conferences, setting the tone for his engaging approach to parliamentary affairs. The Jay-Z Polish speaker Holownia's ability to infuse humour into political debates has led to viral moments, including a correction to a conservative lawmaker who mistakenly referred to a colleague as "Jay-Z" instead of a member of Gen-Z. In a matter of weeks since Holownia assumed the role of speaker, the parliament's YouTube channel, streaming debates, has witnessed a staggering increase in followers—from 45,000 to 435,000 subscribed users. Also read | Poland fumes over Ukrainian president's Volodymyr Zelensky's UN speech The unexpected surge in interest has even prompted a Warsaw cinema, Kinoteka, to organise a screening of Monday's confidence vote for the conservative minority government. Karolina Fornal, a spokesperson for Kinoteka, told Paris-based news agency AFP that the cinema had received an overwhelming response, with over 1,500 requests for the 500 available seats. Holownia, seizing the opportunity, has launched a behind-the-scenes podcast offering insights into parliamentary life. The first episode has already garnered nearly a million downloads. Holownia has his critics too Not everyone is impressed with Holownia's flashy style. Conservative Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki criticised him, stating, "Instead of real work, we have the popcorn, a show, and circuses. Is this what politics is about?" (With inputs from agencies)

Meet Szymon Holownia, the politician who brought Poland's parliament to cinemas

Israel-Hamas war: "Don't die for Sinwar, surrender now", warns Israeli PM Netanyahu to Hamas

<p>The upcoming UK election is all set to be the most unequal in 60 years, a think-tank has revealed.</p>

<p>Unequal election means that the gap in voter turnout based on age, income, class, home ownership and ethnicity has widened the most so far.</p>

<p>The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), a think tank,&nbsp;released a report recently which showed that the gap between social groups was the least in the 1960s but had grown to 18 per cent by 2010.</p>

<h2><strong>Underrepresentation of humble classes</strong></h2>

<p>It also noted that those who sit at the top of the social structure were more likely to vote in the elections than those sitting at the bottom, highlighting the sheer underrepresentation of humble classes in the general elections.</p>

<p>The IPPR found that nine in every 10 people in the top third of the income distribution voted in the two most recent general elections, compared with only seven in 10 from the bottom third.</p>

<p>The study also revealed that one in three university graduates has directly contacted a politician whereas the figure for people without degrees stood at just one in seven.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-rishi-sunak-apologises-to-bereaved-families-in-covid-inquiry-faces-critique-on-economic-focus-668537"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;UK PM Rishi Sunak apologises to bereaved families in Covid inquiry, faces critique on economic focus</strong></a></p>

<p>Dr Parth Patel, a senior research fellow at the IPPR, was quoted by the Guardian as saying that one of the consequences was that government policy was more attuned to the needs of the older, better-off and those with higher levels of education.</p>

<p>“There are real differences in who gets their way in our democracy. Policy is more responsive to preferences of the well-heeled than of the worse off, and people know this – but it seems to be a blind spot for most politicians,” he said.</p>

<p>“No matter who’s in power, our democratic machine needs rewiring. If people are once again to be authors of their own lives, and to feel secure, they must sense their influence in the collective decision-making endeavour that is democracy,” he was quoted as saying.</p>

<h2><strong>Dangerous for UK democracy</strong></h2>

<p>The study revealed that the UK risked entering a “doom loop” where government policies were becoming less responsive to the needs of the citizens, “in turn stoking populism and further undermining faith in democracy”.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;UK: Rishi Sunak to be questioned at Covid inquiry, was Finance Minister at the time</strong></p>

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<p>To counter this, it recommends a new wave of constitutional reform to spread power and influence in the UK, if living standards and life expectancy are to start improving across the board again.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The upcoming UK election is all set to be the most unequal in 60 years, a think-tank has revealed. Unequal election means that the gap in voter turnout based on age, income, class, home ownership and ethnicity has widened the most so far.

The upcoming UK election is all set to be the most unequal in 60 years, a think-tank has revealed. Unequal election means that the gap in voter turnout based on age, income, class, home ownership and ethnicity has widened the most so far. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), a think tank, released a report recently which showed that the gap between social groups was the least in the 1960s but had grown to 18 per cent by 2010. Underrepresentation of humble classes It also noted that those who sit at the top of the social structure were more likely to vote in the elections than those sitting at the bottom, highlighting the sheer underrepresentation of humble classes in the general elections. The IPPR found that nine in every 10 people in the top third of the income distribution voted in the two most recent general elections, compared with only seven in 10 from the bottom third. The study also revealed that one in three university graduates has directly contacted a politician whereas the figure for people without degrees stood at just one in seven. Also read: UK PM Rishi Sunak apologises to bereaved families in Covid inquiry, faces critique on economic focus Dr Parth Patel, a senior research fellow at the IPPR, was quoted by the Guardian as saying that one of the consequences was that government policy was more attuned to the needs of the older, better-off and those with higher levels of education. “There are real differences in who gets their way in our democracy. Policy is more responsive to preferences of the well-heeled than of the worse off, and people know this – but it seems to be a blind spot for most politicians,” he said. “No matter who’s in power, our democratic machine needs rewiring. If people are once again to be authors of their own lives, and to feel secure, they must sense their influence in the collective decision-making endeavour that is democracy,” he was quoted as saying. Dangerous for UK democracy The study revealed that the UK risked entering a “doom loop” where government policies were becoming less responsive to the needs of the citizens, “in turn stoking populism and further undermining faith in democracy”. Watch: UK: Rishi Sunak to be questioned at Covid inquiry, was Finance Minister at the time × To counter this, it recommends a new wave of constitutional reform to spread power and influence in the UK, if living standards and life expectancy are to start improving across the board again. (With inputs from agencies)

Next UK elections all set to be most unequal in 60 years, says top think tank

Zelesnky to meet with Biden, US Republicans, invited to address US Senators in Capitol | World DNA

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