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The White House on Thursday (Dec 7) urged India to hold accountable those behind the alleged plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader, which the US claims to have thwarted, even as it called New Delhi a strategic partner.

“India is a strategic partner. We’re deepening that strategic partnership. They’re a member of the Quad in the Pacific. We participate with them on a range of issues and we want to see that continue unabated. That said, at the same time, we certainly recognise the seriousness of these allegations,” National Security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters at a White House news conference.

Kirby's was asked about the impact that the alleged foiled plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun would have on bilateral ties.

“We want it fully investigated and those responsible to be held properly accountable,” he said.

“It’s under active investigation. We’ve said that we’re glad that our Indian counterparts are taking it seriously and doing that. We want those responsible for these attacks to be held fully accountable, but I won’t get ahead of an investigation that isn’t complete,” Kirby added.

Earlier, White House deputy national security adviser Jon Finer led a US delegation to India's capital New Delhi where he discussed forming an investigative panel to probe the murder plot against Pannun, the leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit.

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"Mr Finer acknowledged India's establishment of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate lethal plotting in the United States and the importance of holding accountable anyone found responsible," the White House said in a statement.

This came after New Delhi reiterated that it would be guided by the results of a high-level panel set up to probe the alleged murder plot.

'Matter of concern'

During a press conference, Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), called the situation a "matter of concern". &nbsp;

“The nexus between organised crime, trafficking, gunrunning and extremists at an international level is a serious issue for the law enforcement agencies and organisations to consider and it is for that reason that a high-level inquiry committee has been constituted and we will be guided by its results,” said the MEA spokesperson, in response to the question about the case.&nbsp;

<h2>FBI director to visit India amid probe</h2>

The US Ambassador, Eric Garcetti during a panel discussion at the Carnegie 'Global Technology Summit' held in New Delhi, made a mention of an upcoming visit by the FBI director next week amid a US federal probe into the alleged plot to kill Pannun on American soil.

He said that India was "the number one country she (US Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen) went to outside the United States. Four times this year. The Secretary of State (Antony Blinken) just came here for the third time. Secretary of Defence (Lloyd Austin) for the second time. The FBI director is here next week."

(With inputs from agencies)

The White House on Thursday (Dec 7) urged India to hold accountable those behind the alleged plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader, which the US claims to have thwarted, even as it called New Delhi a strategic partner.

The White House on Thursday (Dec 7) urged India to hold accountable those behind the alleged plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader, which the US claims to have thwarted, even as it called New Delhi a strategic partner. “India is a strategic partner. We’re deepening that strategic partnership. They’re a member of the Quad in the Pacific. We participate with them on a range of issues and we want to see that continue unabated. That said, at the same time, we certainly recognise the seriousness of these allegations,” National Security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters at a White House news conference. Kirby's was asked about the impact that the alleged foiled plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun would have on bilateral ties. “We want it fully investigated and those responsible to be held properly accountable,” he said. “It’s under active investigation. We’ve said that we’re glad that our Indian counterparts are taking it seriously and doing that. We want those responsible for these attacks to be held fully accountable, but I won’t get ahead of an investigation that isn’t complete,” Kirby added. Earlier, White House deputy national security adviser Jon Finer led a US delegation to India's capital New Delhi where he discussed forming an investigative panel to probe the murder plot against Pannun, the leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit. Also read: Biden underlines 'critical need to protect civilians' in call with Netanyahu "Mr Finer acknowledged India's establishment of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate lethal plotting in the United States and the importance of holding accountable anyone found responsible," the White House said in a statement. This came after New Delhi reiterated that it would be guided by the results of a high-level panel set up to probe the alleged murder plot. 'Matter of concern' During a press conference, Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), called the situation a "matter of concern". “The nexus between organised crime, trafficking, gunrunning and extremists at an international level is a serious issue for the law enforcement agencies and organisations to consider and it is for that reason that a high-level inquiry committee has been constituted and we will be guided by its results,” said the MEA spokesperson, in response to the question about the case. FBI director to visit India amid probe The US Ambassador, Eric Garcetti during a panel discussion at the Carnegie 'Global Technology Summit' held in New Delhi, made a mention of an upcoming visit by the FBI director next week amid a US federal probe into the alleged plot to kill Pannun on American soil. He said that India was "the number one country she (US Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen) went to outside the United States. Four times this year. The Secretary of State (Antony Blinken) just came here for the third time. Secretary of Defence (Lloyd Austin) for the second time. The FBI director is here next week." (With inputs from agencies)

India a strategic partner but those behind Pannun 'murder plot' should be held accountable: White House

The son of Israel's former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, who is currently a minister in the country's war cabinet, has been killed in Gaza, the military says.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel war cabinet minister's son killed in Gaza fighting

Africa's first trial of two combination vaccines for HIV has been halted after researchers concluded that the drug was not working.&nbsp;

<h2>The drug</h2>

The vaccines as per the Guardian were under testing and&nbsp;subjects included 1,500 people from Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa, aged between 18 and 40.

Trial of the vaccines was part of a PrEPVacc study — an African-led, European-supported HIV prevention study.&nbsp;It began in December 2020 but was stopped last month after an interim review of the progress.&nbsp;

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"Vaccinations to PrEPVacc trial participants have been stopped because an analysis of the data collected so far by our independent data-monitoring committee has led them to conclude that there is little or no chance of demonstrating that the vaccines we are testing are reducing the risk of acquiring HIV," said the trial director from the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and assistant professor of epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene &amp; Tropical Medicine, Dr Eugene Ruzagira.

<h2>What was so special about the trial?</h2>

For the first time, the trial combined the evaluation of experimental HIV vaccines and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Even as the trial of the vaccines was stopped, one for the PrEP pill will continue.

Funded with a €15 million ($16.18 million) grant from the EU's European &amp; Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, the PrEPVacc trials tested two different combinations of HIV. This was done to see if either could prevent infection in populations&nbsp;particularly at risk of infection.

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&nbsp; 
"We do clinical trials because we don’t know the answer to questions. It was important to find out whether the combination vaccine regimens in PrEPVacc, developed over 20 years, should be ruled out or further developed for preventing HIV," said Proffesor Jonathan Weber, who works with Imperial College London, one of the trial's sponsors.

For Africa, where more than 25 million people live with HIV, an effective vaccine against the infection was "a critical goal," said Prof Pontiano Kaleebu, PrEPVacc’s chief investigator at UVRI.&nbsp;

"It is a goal that must have even greater urgency now that no HIV vaccines are being trialled for efficacy anywhere in the world," he added, as quoted by The Guardian.

(With inputs from agencies)

Africa's first trial of two combination vaccines for HIV has been halted after researchers concluded that the drug was not working. The drug The vaccines as per the Guardian were under testing and subjects included 1,500 people from Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa, aged between 18 and 40.

Africa's first trial of two combination vaccines for HIV has been halted after researchers concluded that the drug was not working. The drug The vaccines as per the Guardian were under testing and subjects included 1,500 people from Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa, aged between 18 and 40. Trial of the vaccines was part of a PrEPVacc study — an African-led, European-supported HIV prevention study. It began in December 2020 but was stopped last month after an interim review of the progress. Also read | Your everyday shampoo has chemicals you can't even fathom, says study "Vaccinations to PrEPVacc trial participants have been stopped because an analysis of the data collected so far by our independent data-monitoring committee has led them to conclude that there is little or no chance of demonstrating that the vaccines we are testing are reducing the risk of acquiring HIV," said the trial director from the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and assistant professor of epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Dr Eugene Ruzagira. What was so special about the trial? For the first time, the trial combined the evaluation of experimental HIV vaccines and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Even as the trial of the vaccines was stopped, one for the PrEP pill will continue. Funded with a €15 million ($16.18 million) grant from the EU's European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, the PrEPVacc trials tested two different combinations of HIV. This was done to see if either could prevent infection in populations particularly at risk of infection. Also read | Scientists say they can ‘predict’ age of organs through a blood test "We do clinical trials because we don’t know the answer to questions. It was important to find out whether the combination vaccine regimens in PrEPVacc, developed over 20 years, should be ruled out or further developed for preventing HIV," said Proffesor Jonathan Weber, who works with Imperial College London, one of the trial's sponsors. For Africa, where more than 25 million people live with HIV, an effective vaccine against the infection was "a critical goal," said Prof Pontiano Kaleebu, PrEPVacc’s chief investigator at UVRI. "It is a goal that must have even greater urgency now that no HIV vaccines are being trialled for efficacy anywhere in the world," he added, as quoted by The Guardian. (With inputs from agencies)

Trial of groundbreaking HIV vaccine halted in Africa

The Department of Justice filed fresh criminal charges against US President Joe Biden's son, Hunter, on Thursday (Dec 7), which condemned him for not paying $1.4 million in taxes and rather spending money on a lavish lifestyle.

As per an indictment filed in US District Court in Central California, Hunter was charged with three felony and six misdemeanour tax offences.

If convicted, he would face up to 17 years in prison. The Justice Department said its probe into Hunter is ongoing.

"The Defendant engaged in a four-year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes he owed for tax years 2016 through 2019," the indictment read.

It added that Biden had "spent millions of&nbsp;dollars on an extravagant lifestyle rather than paying his tax bills."

It added: "Between 2016 and October 15, 2020, the defendant spent this money on drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature, in short, everything but his taxes."

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The charges that were filed on Thursday stated that Hunter had "earned handsomely" whilst he was serving on the boards of a Ukrainian industrial cartel and a Chinese private equity fund.

However, as his income increased, his expenditures also kept increasing, according to the indictment.

Hunter Biden, in 2018 alone "spent more than $1.8 million, including approximately $772,000 in cash withdrawals, approximately $383,000 in payments to women, approximately $151,000 in clothing and accessories" among other expenditures, read the indictment.

"The Defendant did not use any of these funds to pay his taxes in 2018," it further added.

Earlier in October, Hunter pleaded not guilty to the charges in Delaware which stated that he lied about his drug use while buying a handgun, in the first criminal prosecution of a sitting US president's child.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Department of Justice filed fresh criminal charges against US President Joe Biden's son, Hunter, on Thursday (Dec 7), which condemned him for not paying $1.4 million in taxes and rather spending money on a lavish lifestyle.

The Department of Justice filed fresh criminal charges against US President Joe Biden's son, Hunter, on Thursday (Dec 7), which condemned him for not paying $1.4 million in taxes and rather spending money on a lavish lifestyle. As per an indictment filed in US District Court in Central California, Hunter was charged with three felony and six misdemeanour tax offences. If convicted, he would face up to 17 years in prison. The Justice Department said its probe into Hunter is ongoing. "The Defendant engaged in a four-year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes he owed for tax years 2016 through 2019," the indictment read. It added that Biden had "spent millions of dollars on an extravagant lifestyle rather than paying his tax bills." It added: "Between 2016 and October 15, 2020, the defendant spent this money on drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature, in short, everything but his taxes." Also read: Biden underlines 'critical need to protect civilians' in call with Netanyahu The charges that were filed on Thursday stated that Hunter had "earned handsomely" whilst he was serving on the boards of a Ukrainian industrial cartel and a Chinese private equity fund. However, as his income increased, his expenditures also kept increasing, according to the indictment. Hunter Biden, in 2018 alone "spent more than $1.8 million, including approximately $772,000 in cash withdrawals, approximately $383,000 in payments to women, approximately $151,000 in clothing and accessories" among other expenditures, read the indictment. "The Defendant did not use any of these funds to pay his taxes in 2018," it further added. Earlier in October, Hunter pleaded not guilty to the charges in Delaware which stated that he lied about his drug use while buying a handgun, in the first criminal prosecution of a sitting US president's child. (With inputs from agencies)

US president's son Hunter Biden faces new criminal charges in federal tax case

Alan Hostetter, a retired US police chief, has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison over his participation in the notorious January 6, 2021 assault on US Capitol Hill.&nbsp;

On Thursday, a Washington court passed the sentence based on his July conviction on charges, including conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and entering a restricted building with a deadly or dangerous weapon.

<h2>Unwavering support</h2>

An unwavering Donald Trump supporter, Hostetter chose to represent himself at the trial. All through it, he never wavered from his belief that President Joe Biden had stolen the election from Trump.

The 135 months, or a little more than 11 years' sentence awarded to him, was only slightly less than the 12.5 years requested by prosecutors.&nbsp;

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As per a KTLA report citing the United States Department of Justice, on January 6, 2021, the 59-year-old ex-policeman brought tactical gear, pepper spray and hatchets to the government building.

He was retired from law enforcement and, at the time of the attack on Capitol Hill, he worked as a yoga instructor.&nbsp;

Leading up to the riot at Capitol Hill, Hostetter gave several inflammatory speeches in which he echoed Trump's claims and said that the election was fraudulent. He also called for the execution of Trump's political rivals.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened on Jan 6?</h2>

On January 6, 2021, hundreds of Trump supporters attacked the Capitol building, home to the US Congress. The riot attempted to try to disrupt the official certification of Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election.&nbsp;

The action was sparked by a fiery speech from Trump himself. However, the 2024 US presidential election&nbsp;hopeful has not directly been implicated in the event.

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To date, more than 1,230 of the hundreds that rallied at Capital Hill have been charged for their crimes related to the riot, said the Justice Department. More than 720 have been convicted, and of these, more than 450 will serve prison time.

In December 2022, a congressional commission investigating the January 6 riot recommended criminal charges against Trump. The charges suggested include aiding an insurrection and conspiracy to defraud the United States.

Donald Trump, who has already been indicted for racketeering in Georgia, is set to go on trial in Washington in March. He faces the charges of conspiring to overturn the results of the November 2020 election won by contender Biden.

(With inputs from agencies)

Alan Hostetter, a retired US police chief, has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison over his participation in the notorious January 6, 2021 assault on US Capitol Hill.

Alan Hostetter, a retired US police chief, has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison over his participation in the notorious January 6, 2021 assault on US Capitol Hill. On Thursday, a Washington court passed the sentence based on his July conviction on charges, including conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and entering a restricted building with a deadly or dangerous weapon. Unwavering support An unwavering Donald Trump supporter, Hostetter chose to represent himself at the trial. All through it, he never wavered from his belief that President Joe Biden had stolen the election from Trump. The 135 months, or a little more than 11 years' sentence awarded to him, was only slightly less than the 12.5 years requested by prosecutors. Also read | Donald Trump appears in New York court, calls fraud trial 'witch hunt and corrupt' As per a KTLA report citing the United States Department of Justice, on January 6, 2021, the 59-year-old ex-policeman brought tactical gear, pepper spray and hatchets to the government building. He was retired from law enforcement and, at the time of the attack on Capitol Hill, he worked as a yoga instructor. Leading up to the riot at Capitol Hill, Hostetter gave several inflammatory speeches in which he echoed Trump's claims and said that the election was fraudulent. He also called for the execution of Trump's political rivals. What happened on Jan 6? On January 6, 2021, hundreds of Trump supporters attacked the Capitol building, home to the US Congress. The riot attempted to try to disrupt the official certification of Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election. The action was sparked by a fiery speech from Trump himself. However, the 2024 US presidential election hopeful has not directly been implicated in the event. Also read | US President's son Hunter Biden faces new criminal charges in federal tax case To date, more than 1,230 of the hundreds that rallied at Capital Hill have been charged for their crimes related to the riot, said the Justice Department. More than 720 have been convicted, and of these, more than 450 will serve prison time. In December 2022, a congressional commission investigating the January 6 riot recommended criminal charges against Trump. The charges suggested include aiding an insurrection and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Donald Trump, who has already been indicted for racketeering in Georgia, is set to go on trial in Washington in March. He faces the charges of conspiring to overturn the results of the November 2020 election won by contender Biden. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Trump supporter ex-police chief sentenced to over 11 years in jail for role in Jan 6 riots

Russian President Vladimir Putin got a royal welcome in Abu Dhabi, the first leg of his blitz gulf tour. UAE staged a lavish welcome ceremony with jets flying over the city leaving contrails in the colours of the Russian flag. Camel and horse cavalry guards lined the route of Putin's motorcade from the airport to the presidential palace.

Putin in UAE: Russia asserts its power

Kamala Harris on Tuesday set the record for breaking the most ties in the Senate by a U.S. vice president as she cast a vote to confirm President Joe Biden's nominee Loren AliKhan to become the first South Asian woman judge on the federal district court in Washington.

Kamla Harris breaks record for tie-breaking senate votes

The United States on Wednesday formally determined that warring parties in Sudan committed war crimes, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, as Washington increases pressure on the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to end fighting that has caused a humanitarian crisis.

Washington also determined that the RSF and allied militias committed crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing, Blinken said in a statement.

The fighting, which broke out in mid-April, has displaced more than 6.5 million inside and outside Sudan, killed more than 10,000 and decimated the economy.

"The expansion of the needless conflict between RSF and the SAF has caused grievous human suffering," Blinken said, referring to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

He called on the parties to "stop this conflict now, comply with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, and hold accountable those responsible for atrocities."

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The RSF has been accused of leading an ethnic massacre in West Darfur, and in the capital Khartoum residents have accused the paramilitary force of looting, rape and imprisoning civilians.

"Masalit civilians have been hunted down and left for dead in the streets, their homes set on fire, and told that there is no place in Sudan for them," Blinken said. The Masalit are a non-Arab tribe.

Meanwhile, the army has carried out an intense campaign of air and artillery strikes on residential neighbourhoods, where the RSF has occupied, which experts say could be violations of international law.

"Detainees have been abused and some killed at SAF and RSF detention sites," Blinken added.

The official determination follows a detailed legal process and analysis led by the US&nbsp;State Department but does not automatically come with punitive actions and therefore has no immediate consequences for the parties.

The decision comes after Saudi and U.S.-brokered talks aimed at halting fighting between Sudan's warring parties faltered again, and the country's army and the RSF have pressed on with military campaigns.

Reuters has chronicled the ethnically targeted violence committed this year by the RSF and its allied Arab militias in West Darfur, in particular in the city of El Geneina.

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A September special report revealed how the RSF and its allies carried out a weeks-long killing campaign against the Masalit tribe, including the shooting of children, the burning of people in their homes, and the rape of women and girls.

In early November, the RSF and Arab militias carried out another round of ethnic killings in El Geneina, in which survivors told Reuters that Masalit men were rounded up and shot, while some were hacked to death with axes and machetes.

<h2>US PRESSURE ON WARRING PARTIES</h2>

The United States has imposed several rounds of sanctions after war between the army and the RSF broke out in April over plans for a political transition and the integration of the RSF into the army, four years after long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in a popular uprising.

Among those targeted have been the deputy leader of the RSF, former Sudanese officials and companies Washington has accused of fueling the conflict.

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But Washington has so far not targeted the army and RSF directly with sanctions, despite calls from human rights activists for it to designate the parties and determine genocide has been committed in Darfur.

But Blinken warned that Wednesday's determination does not rule out the possibility of other determinations in future as more information becomes available.

"The United States is committed to building on this determination and using available tools to end this conflict and cease committing the atrocities and other abuses that are depriving the Sudanese people of freedom, peace, and justice," Blinken said.

The United States on Wednesday formally determined that warring parties in Sudan committed war crimes, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, as Washington increases pressure on the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to end fighting that has caused a humanitarian crisis.

The United States on Wednesday formally determined that warring parties in Sudan committed war crimes, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, as Washington increases pressure on the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to end fighting that has caused a humanitarian crisis. Washington also determined that the RSF and allied militias committed crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing, Blinken said in a statement. The fighting, which broke out in mid-April, has displaced more than 6.5 million inside and outside Sudan, killed more than 10,000 and decimated the economy. "The expansion of the needless conflict between RSF and the SAF has caused grievous human suffering," Blinken said, referring to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). He called on the parties to "stop this conflict now, comply with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, and hold accountable those responsible for atrocities." ALSO READ | Three killed in Las Vegas university shooting, suspect found dead The RSF has been accused of leading an ethnic massacre in West Darfur, and in the capital Khartoum residents have accused the paramilitary force of looting, rape and imprisoning civilians. "Masalit civilians have been hunted down and left for dead in the streets, their homes set on fire, and told that there is no place in Sudan for them," Blinken said. The Masalit are a non-Arab tribe. Meanwhile, the army has carried out an intense campaign of air and artillery strikes on residential neighbourhoods, where the RSF has occupied, which experts say could be violations of international law. "Detainees have been abused and some killed at SAF and RSF detention sites," Blinken added. The official determination follows a detailed legal process and analysis led by the US State Department but does not automatically come with punitive actions and therefore has no immediate consequences for the parties. The decision comes after Saudi and U.S.-brokered talks aimed at halting fighting between Sudan's warring parties faltered again, and the country's army and the RSF have pressed on with military campaigns. Reuters has chronicled the ethnically targeted violence committed this year by the RSF and its allied Arab militias in West Darfur, in particular in the city of El Geneina. ALSO READ | India’s ‘plot’ to kill Pannun mentioned in US lawmakers’ hearing on dissenters being targeted abroad A September special report revealed how the RSF and its allies carried out a weeks-long killing campaign against the Masalit tribe, including the shooting of children, the burning of people in their homes, and the rape of women and girls. In early November, the RSF and Arab militias carried out another round of ethnic killings in El Geneina, in which survivors told Reuters that Masalit men were rounded up and shot, while some were hacked to death with axes and machetes. US PRESSURE ON WARRING PARTIES The United States has imposed several rounds of sanctions after war between the army and the RSF broke out in April over plans for a political transition and the integration of the RSF into the army, four years after long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in a popular uprising. Among those targeted have been the deputy leader of the RSF, former Sudanese officials and companies Washington has accused of fueling the conflict. ALSO READ | US and Japan militaries ground entire Osprey fleet after fatal crash that killed 8 But Washington has so far not targeted the army and RSF directly with sanctions, despite calls from human rights activists for it to designate the parties and determine genocide has been committed in Darfur. But Blinken warned that Wednesday's determination does not rule out the possibility of other determinations in future as more information becomes available. "The United States is committed to building on this determination and using available tools to end this conflict and cease committing the atrocities and other abuses that are depriving the Sudanese people of freedom, peace, and justice," Blinken said.

US says warring parties in Sudan committed crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing

A Health Ministry representative tells the Knesset Health Committee that the hostages freed from Hamas captivity were given tranquilizer pills before being handed over to the Red Cross for transfer to Israel. The drugging would have aimed to make the hostages appear calm, happy and upbeat after suffering physical abuse, deprivation and psychological terror for more than 50 days in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel claims captives were tranquilised and drugged to appear happy

Chinese leader Xi Jinping held discussions with European Union leaders Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday.&nbsp;

"Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday," reported state news agency Xinhua. The talks were held regarding the divisions between the bloc and its largest economic partner, which ranged from trade to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;

This year, the diplomatic engagement was ramped up by China and the EU so as to steer post-pandemic recovery and repair damaged relations, as a number of its commissioners visited Beijing to restart high-level dialogue.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-withdraws-from-chinas-belt-and-road-project-667010">&nbsp;Italy withdraws from China's Belt and Road project</a>

The bloc said that it hopes the meetings being held between China's top brass and the EU leaders on Thursday will give them a chance to discuss areas of common interest, like health and climate change.

The leaders will also speak about more touchy topics, ranging from human rights and continued ties between China and Russia despite its war in Ukraine as well as the increasing trade gap between the two nations.

<h2>Beijing seeks to reassure Europe</h2>

This week, von der Leyen had warned that the bloc will "not tolerate" that imbalance indefinitely. "We have tools to protect our market," she said while speaking to AFP.

Hitting back, Beijing on Wednesday said that the efforts of the bloc to curb exports of China's sensitive tech while balancing trade did not "make sense".

Throughout the year, European officials have repeatedly said that they aim to "derisk" their economic ties with China after the Ukraine war exposed the energy dependence of the continent on Russia.

Watch:&nbsp;Georgia Meloni's government exits Belt and Road Initiative by China, BRI criticised&nbsp;

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The goal of Beijing this week will be to "hinder or delay derisking at a minimum cost", said Grzegorz Stec, an analyst working at China-focused think tank MERICS, while speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday.

Beijing will make efforts to "project the image of a responsible global actor and to reassure European actors about the direction of the Chinese economy", said Stec.&nbsp;

However, on the eve of the summit, Italy withdrew from China's vast Belt and Road infrastructure initiative. For long, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has opposed the participation of the country, which has been viewed by many as an attempt by Beijing to get political influence and whose economic benefits were very limited for Rome.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese leader Xi Jinping held discussions with European Union leaders Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday. "Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday," reported state news agency Xinhua.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping held discussions with European Union leaders Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday. "Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing on Thursday," reported state news agency Xinhua. The talks were held regarding the divisions between the bloc and its largest economic partner, which ranged from trade to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. This year, the diplomatic engagement was ramped up by China and the EU so as to steer post-pandemic recovery and repair damaged relations, as a number of its commissioners visited Beijing to restart high-level dialogue. Also read: Italy withdraws from China's Belt and Road project The bloc said that it hopes the meetings being held between China's top brass and the EU leaders on Thursday will give them a chance to discuss areas of common interest, like health and climate change. The leaders will also speak about more touchy topics, ranging from human rights and continued ties between China and Russia despite its war in Ukraine as well as the increasing trade gap between the two nations. Beijing seeks to reassure Europe This week, von der Leyen had warned that the bloc will "not tolerate" that imbalance indefinitely. "We have tools to protect our market," she said while speaking to AFP. Hitting back, Beijing on Wednesday said that the efforts of the bloc to curb exports of China's sensitive tech while balancing trade did not "make sense". Throughout the year, European officials have repeatedly said that they aim to "derisk" their economic ties with China after the Ukraine war exposed the energy dependence of the continent on Russia. Watch: Georgia Meloni's government exits Belt and Road Initiative by China, BRI criticised The goal of Beijing this week will be to "hinder or delay derisking at a minimum cost", said Grzegorz Stec, an analyst working at China-focused think tank MERICS, while speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday. Beijing will make efforts to "project the image of a responsible global actor and to reassure European actors about the direction of the Chinese economy", said Stec. However, on the eve of the summit, Italy withdrew from China's vast Belt and Road infrastructure initiative. For long, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has opposed the participation of the country, which has been viewed by many as an attempt by Beijing to get political influence and whose economic benefits were very limited for Rome. (With inputs from agencies)

China's Xi Jinping holds talks with EU's von der Leyen and Charles Michel in Beijing

Yemen's Houthis group reportedly has now become a bit of a serious problem for the commercial sea route of the Red Sea as it continues to target commercial ships in the strategic waters. But the Israeli Defense Forces claimed that the Houthis and a continuously firing ballistic missiles and drones towards Israel.

Yemen's Houthis claim attacks on two Israeli ships in Red Sea

Pakistan High Court has rejected former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan's plea to withdrawl his appeal against his disqualification in the Toshakhana Corruption case. Khan has been in the jail since August 5.

Pakistan Toshakhana Case: Court rejects Imran Khan's plea; court says, 'Khan guilty of corruption'

A former pro-Russian member of the Ukrainian parliament was shot dead near Moscow, the responsibility for the alleged assassination, according to media reports, has been claimed by Kyiv. Notably, Kyiv, since the beginning of Moscow’s invasion, is reportedly said to be behind several assassinations and attacks on pro-war Russian and former Ukrainian officials who have backed Russia’s “special military operation”.

<h2>What happened to the former Ukrainian lawmaker?</h2>

The former Ukrainian lawmaker identified as Illia Kyva was shot dead in a park in the Odintsovo region southwest of Moscow. News agencies, AFP and Reuters citing sources have said that the attack was orchestrated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) after he defected to Moscow when Russia invaded last year.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Russian investigators said they have opened an investigation into the incident and will hunt for the suspect. “An unknown person fired shots at the victim from an unidentified weapon."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zaporizhzhia-plants-power-cut-carried-risk-of-nuclear-accident-ukraine-665458">Zaporizhzhia plant's power cut carried risk of nuclear 'accident': Ukraine</a>

“The man died on the spot from his injuries,” said Russia’s Investigative Committee, in a statement. A report by Russian news agency TASS citing a police officer said that the investigation is being treated as a “Ukrainian plot” and a search for the killer is underway.&nbsp;

Ukraine’s military intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov also seemingly hinted that Kyva was assassinated. “We can confirm that Kyva is done. Such a fate will befall other traitors of Ukraine, as well as the henchmen of the (Russian President Vladimir) Putin regime,"&nbsp;Yusov said.

He also went on to call Kyva “one of the biggest scumbags, traitors and collaborators” and said his death was “justice,” as quoted by CBS News.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Soaked in Nazism’</h2>

Kyva, who was a member of the Ukrainian parliament before the Russian invasion, has been in Moscow throughout the war and often criticised officials in Kyiv online. The former lawmaker has been sentenced in absentia by a Ukrainian court to 14 years in prison for charges, including treason and incitement to violence.

As per AFP, before Russia began its “special military operation” in Ukraine, Kyva said the country has been “soaked by Nazism” and needed “liberating” by Moscow – echoing talking points which have regularly been used by Russian media, officials, even the country’s president in his speech since before launching the attack on Kyiv.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-kremlin-writer-suffers-injuries-in-car-bombing-one-killed-589703">Russia blames Ukraine, West for pro-Kremlin writer Zakhar Prilepin’s car bombing</a>

Kyva had reportedly also written to Putin requesting Russian citizenship and fled to Moscow before the beginning of the war in February 2022. The next month, Kyva was officially expelled from the Ukrainian parliament and charged with high treason for colluding with Russia.&nbsp;

<h2>Another assassination by Kyiv?</h2>

In a separate incident, which also took place on Wednesday (Dec 6), a proxy lawmaker in Ukraine’s eastern Lugansk region was killed in a car bombing attack, according to Russian investigators.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-leaders-agree-to-impose-ban-on-russian-diamonds-in-show-of-solidarity-with-ukraine-667001">G7 leaders agree to impose ban on Russian diamonds in show of solidarity with Ukraine</a>

The lawmaker identified as Oleg Popov, who served as a deputy in the pro-Moscow Lugansk regional parliament, was killed after the “detonation of an unidentified device in a car”, said Russia’s Investigative Committee without giving any further details about the incident.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

A former pro-Russian member of the Ukrainian parliament was shot dead near Moscow, the responsibility for the alleged assassination, according to media reports, has been claimed by Kyiv.

A former pro-Russian member of the Ukrainian parliament was shot dead near Moscow, the responsibility for the alleged assassination, according to media reports, has been claimed by Kyiv. Notably, Kyiv, since the beginning of Moscow’s invasion, is reportedly said to be behind several assassinations and attacks on pro-war Russian and former Ukrainian officials who have backed Russia’s “special military operation”. What happened to the former Ukrainian lawmaker? The former Ukrainian lawmaker identified as Illia Kyva was shot dead in a park in the Odintsovo region southwest of Moscow. News agencies, AFP and Reuters citing sources have said that the attack was orchestrated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) after he defected to Moscow when Russia invaded last year. Meanwhile, Russian investigators said they have opened an investigation into the incident and will hunt for the suspect. “An unknown person fired shots at the victim from an unidentified weapon." ALSO READ | Zaporizhzhia plant's power cut carried risk of nuclear 'accident': Ukraine “The man died on the spot from his injuries,” said Russia’s Investigative Committee, in a statement. A report by Russian news agency TASS citing a police officer said that the investigation is being treated as a “Ukrainian plot” and a search for the killer is underway. Ukraine’s military intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov also seemingly hinted that Kyva was assassinated. “We can confirm that Kyva is done. Such a fate will befall other traitors of Ukraine, as well as the henchmen of the (Russian President Vladimir) Putin regime," Yusov said. He also went on to call Kyva “one of the biggest scumbags, traitors and collaborators” and said his death was “justice,” as quoted by CBS News. ‘Soaked in Nazism’ Kyva, who was a member of the Ukrainian parliament before the Russian invasion, has been in Moscow throughout the war and often criticised officials in Kyiv online. The former lawmaker has been sentenced in absentia by a Ukrainian court to 14 years in prison for charges, including treason and incitement to violence. As per AFP, before Russia began its “special military operation” in Ukraine, Kyva said the country has been “soaked by Nazism” and needed “liberating” by Moscow – echoing talking points which have regularly been used by Russian media, officials, even the country’s president in his speech since before launching the attack on Kyiv. ALSO READ | Russia blames Ukraine, West for pro-Kremlin writer Zakhar Prilepin’s car bombing Kyva had reportedly also written to Putin requesting Russian citizenship and fled to Moscow before the beginning of the war in February 2022. The next month, Kyva was officially expelled from the Ukrainian parliament and charged with high treason for colluding with Russia. Another assassination by Kyiv? In a separate incident, which also took place on Wednesday (Dec 6), a proxy lawmaker in Ukraine’s eastern Lugansk region was killed in a car bombing attack, according to Russian investigators. ALSO READ | G7 leaders agree to impose ban on Russian diamonds in show of solidarity with Ukraine The lawmaker identified as Oleg Popov, who served as a deputy in the pro-Moscow Lugansk regional parliament, was killed after the “detonation of an unidentified device in a car”, said Russia’s Investigative Committee without giving any further details about the incident. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

Kyiv assassinates pro-Russian former Ukrainian politician near Moscow: Reports

The Danish parliament on Thursday (Dec 7) passed a bill that makes it illegal for an individual or group to burn copies of the Koran in public places. The passing of the legislation comes after the Scandinavian nation received extreme backlash from the Muslim world over the desecration of&nbsp;Quran - Islam's holy book.&nbsp;

The law, criminalising the "inappropriate treatment" of religious texts was passed with&nbsp;94 votes in favour and 77 opposed in the 179-seat Folketing. Those who are found breaking the law will risk a fine or imprisonment of&nbsp;up to two years.

Copenhagen moved towards issuing the ban after the&nbsp;Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in July called on its members to take appropriate action against countries where the Quran was being desecrated.

WATCH | Unrest in Sweden over Quran burning during Easter weekend

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<h2>History will judge us: Opposition</h2>

The ruling centrist coalition government has argued that the new legislation will have a marginal impact on free speech as criticising religion in other ways, remains legal.

The decision did not go down well with the free-speech absolutists of Denmark.&nbsp;Inger Stojberg, leader of the anti-immigration&nbsp;Denmark&nbsp;Democrats party, who opposed the ban said the bill&nbsp;undermines the hard-fought liberal freedoms in the region.

"History will judge us harshly for this, and with good reason... What it all comes down to is whether a restriction on freedom of speech is determined by us, or whether it is dictated from the outside," said&nbsp;Stojberg.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedens-nato-bid-in-jeopardy-after-allowing-quran-burning-as-ankara-seethes-609948">Also read |&nbsp;Sweden’s NATO bid in jeopardy after allowing Quran burning as Ankara seethes</a>

Both Denmark and its neighbouring country Sweden have been the hotspots of Quran burning in recent months. According to police figures, between July 21 and October 24 this year, 483 book burnings or flag burnings were recorded in Denmark alone.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in Sweden, the police and the courts granted permission to burn the Quran leading to numerous protests where the holy book was not only descerated but mocked by the protesters.&nbsp;

However, after receiving strong response from the Muslim world,&nbsp;Sweden is also examining ways to legally limit Quran desecrations and reduce tensions. Earlier this year, Stockholm was forced to heighten its terror alert level to grade four on a scale of five after the Quran burnings made the country a “prioritised target,”, according to the security services.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Danish parliament on Thursday (Dec 7) passed a bill that makes it illegal for an individual or group to burn copies of the Koran in public places. The passing of the legislation comes after the Scandinavian nation received extreme backlash from the Muslim world over the desecration of Quran - Islam's holy book.

The Danish parliament on Thursday (Dec 7) passed a bill that makes it illegal for an individual or group to burn copies of the Koran in public places. The passing of the legislation comes after the Scandinavian nation received extreme backlash from the Muslim world over the desecration of Quran - Islam's holy book. The law, criminalising the "inappropriate treatment" of religious texts was passed with 94 votes in favour and 77 opposed in the 179-seat Folketing. Those who are found breaking the law will risk a fine or imprisonment of up to two years. Copenhagen moved towards issuing the ban after the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in July called on its members to take appropriate action against countries where the Quran was being desecrated. WATCH | Unrest in Sweden over Quran burning during Easter weekend History will judge us: Opposition The ruling centrist coalition government has argued that the new legislation will have a marginal impact on free speech as criticising religion in other ways, remains legal. The decision did not go down well with the free-speech absolutists of Denmark. Inger Stojberg, leader of the anti-immigration Denmark Democrats party, who opposed the ban said the bill undermines the hard-fought liberal freedoms in the region. "History will judge us harshly for this, and with good reason... What it all comes down to is whether a restriction on freedom of speech is determined by us, or whether it is dictated from the outside," said Stojberg. Also read | Sweden’s NATO bid in jeopardy after allowing Quran burning as Ankara seethes Both Denmark and its neighbouring country Sweden have been the hotspots of Quran burning in recent months. According to police figures, between July 21 and October 24 this year, 483 book burnings or flag burnings were recorded in Denmark alone. Meanwhile, in Sweden, the police and the courts granted permission to burn the Quran leading to numerous protests where the holy book was not only descerated but mocked by the protesters. However, after receiving strong response from the Muslim world, Sweden is also examining ways to legally limit Quran desecrations and reduce tensions. Earlier this year, Stockholm was forced to heighten its terror alert level to grade four on a scale of five after the Quran burnings made the country a “prioritised target,”, according to the security services. (With inputs from agencies)

Danish parliament passes bill banning Quran burnings, angering free speech absolutists

Rishi Sunak's immigration policy and its success is likely to be a key part of the fortunes of the Conservative Party going forward and now that ruling party is in a dilemma after its Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick resigned.

UK's Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick resigns over Rwanda legislation

Israel permitted a "minimal" rise in fuel provision to Gaza to avert a "humanitarian collapse" in the besieged region where civilian casualties have been on a rise since the war started following the deadly October 7 assault by Hamas. In news following a malfunction that led to the death of eight US Air Force officers in a crash off the coast of Japan, both the US military and Japan have grounded their Osprey V-22 helicopters for a week.

In India, reports from the Lancet Microbe journal indicated that AIIMS in Delhi has identified the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in seven of the collected samples.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-approves-minimal-increase-in-fuel-supply-to-gaza-to-prevent-humanitarian-collapse-667004">Israel approves 'minimal' increase in fuel supply to Gaza to prevent 'humanitarian collapse'</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/07/397693-succession-2023-12-07t064706192.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

Israel allowed a "minimal" increase in the fuel supply to conflict-torn Gaza to prevent a "humanitarian collapse", Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-japan-militaries-ground-entire-osprey-fleet-after-fatal-crash-that-killed-8-667016">US and Japan militaries ground entire Osprey fleet after fatal crash that killed 8</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/photo_2/public/2023/12/07/397699-mil.png" />

The US military and Japan grounded all of its Osprey V-22 helicopters a week after eight US Air Force officers died in a crash off the coast of Japan due to a malfunction.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-aiims-delhi-detects-7-walking-pneumonia-ve-samples-from-april-to-sept-this-year-667012">India: AIIMS Delhi detects 7 'walking pneumonia' +ve samples from April to Sept this year</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/photo_2/public/2023/12/01/396598-untitled-design-2023-12-01t131820276.jpg?imwidth=640" />

All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital in Delhi has detected the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in seven of the samples collected, local reports said citing Lancet Microbe journal.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-republican-block-ukraine-israel-aid-bill-over-immigration-row-667007">US Senate Republicans block Ukraine, Israel aid bill over immigration row</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/07/397694-succession-2023-12-07t074843222.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

Senate Republicans on Wednesday (Dec 6) blocked the White House's request for $106 billion in emergency aid for Ukraine as well as Israel as the conservatives showed resistance to the debarment of immigration reforms they had demanded as part of the package.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/unlv-shooting-at-least-3-dead-in-las-vegas-shooting-667025">UNLV shooting: At least 3 dead in Las Vegas shooting</a>

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Israel permitted a "minimal" rise in fuel provision to Gaza to avert a "humanitarian collapse" in the besieged region where civilian casualties have been on a rise since the war started following the deadly October 7 assault by Hamas.

Israel permitted a "minimal" rise in fuel provision to Gaza to avert a "humanitarian collapse" in the besieged region where civilian casualties have been on a rise since the war started following the deadly October 7 assault by Hamas. In news following a malfunction that led to the death of eight US Air Force officers in a crash off the coast of Japan, both the US military and Japan have grounded their Osprey V-22 helicopters for a week. In India, reports from the Lancet Microbe journal indicated that AIIMS in Delhi has identified the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in seven of the collected samples. Israel approves 'minimal' increase in fuel supply to Gaza to prevent 'humanitarian collapse' Israel allowed a "minimal" increase in the fuel supply to conflict-torn Gaza to prevent a "humanitarian collapse", Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement. US and Japan militaries ground entire Osprey fleet after fatal crash that killed 8 The US military and Japan grounded all of its Osprey V-22 helicopters a week after eight US Air Force officers died in a crash off the coast of Japan due to a malfunction. India: AIIMS Delhi detects 7 'walking pneumonia' +ve samples from April to Sept this year All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital in Delhi has detected the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in seven of the samples collected, local reports said citing Lancet Microbe journal. US Senate Republicans block Ukraine, Israel aid bill over immigration row Senate Republicans on Wednesday (Dec 6) blocked the White House's request for $106 billion in emergency aid for Ukraine as well as Israel as the conservatives showed resistance to the debarment of immigration reforms they had demanded as part of the package. Watch | UNLV shooting: At least 3 dead in Las Vegas shooting ×

Morning brief: Israel approves 'minimal' fuel increase to Gaza, US and Japan ground Osprey fleet, & more

Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Interior Minister of Afghanistan held a Pakistani Passport, while negotiating with the Americans in Doha. Haqqani was a UN-designated terrorist who carried a bounty of $10 million. Did the US not know, or did it willingly overlook the fact that Sirajuddin Haqqani was travelling with a Pakistani passport while negotiating with the Americans in Doha?

Pakistani passport scandal involving Taliban's Interior Minister

In yet another show of bilateral bonhomie between Moscow and New Delhi amid war in Ukraine,&nbsp; Russian&nbsp;President Vladimir Putin praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Putin, who had visited India in December 2021 just a few weeks before he announced an offensive on Ukraine in February 2022, said that the relations between Russia and India are "consistently developing in all areas".&nbsp;

"First of all, let me say that the relations between Russia and India are consistently developing in all areas. And the main guarantor for that is the policy led by Prime Minister Modi," Putin said during 'Russia Calling Investment Forum' in St. Petersburg.&nbsp;<img alt="Russian President Vladimir Putin during plenary session of the 'Russia Calling!' | The Kremlin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4e0d69a8-20d9-49f3-b4c6-15fc29b512c9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-07T202429.643.png" />

Russian President Vladimir Putin during plenary session of the 'Russia Calling!' | The Kremlin

"I cannot imagine His Excellency Modi getting intimidated or being forced to take any steps or actions that would go against the national interests of India and the people of India," Putin said, in an indirect reference to India buying Russian oil despite war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

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Russian President Vladimir Putin praises India. Says, PM Modi despite pressure on him, took action which are in interest of India (buying Russian Oil). 
 
Vdo ctsy: Sputnik <a href="https://t.co/C6cQ1Eh28Z">pic.twitter.com/C6cQ1Eh28Z</a>
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"There is pressure against him. I am aware of that," Putin added.

<h2>India-Russia ties amid war in Ukraine</h2>

Russia's crude oil exports to India have gone above 60 million barrels per month as of August 2023, about 18 months into war in Ukraine. India&nbsp;accounts for nearly a quarter of Russia’s crude and refined oil exports.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-crude-oil-exports-to-india-gave-moscow-far-more-money-than-previously-recognised-625387">Russia's crude oil exports to India gave Moscow far more money than previously recognised</a>

The Russian custom records <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-crude-oil-exports-to-india-gave-moscow-far-more-money-than-previously-recognised-625387">from December 2022 to the end of June 2023</a> put out average price of crude oil shipped to India at around $50 per barrel against the European Union's&nbsp;$60 per barrel price cap.&nbsp;

New Delhi has staunchly defended its purchase of Russian oil when accused by the West of 'funding the war in Ukraine'.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Russia tops India's oil suppliers | World DNA

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"Europe has managed to reduce its imports while doing it in a manner that is comfortable. If at a (per capita income) of €60,000, you are so caring about your population, I have a population of $2,000 per capita income. I also need energy, and I am not in a position to pay high prices for oil," India's foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar had said in January 2023.

Besides, the defence cooperation is an important pillar of the India-Russia strategic partnership. It is guided by the Agreement on the Programme for Military Technical Cooperation signed between the two countries. The Agreement for 2021-2031 was signed during the inaugural meeting of India-Russia 2+2 Dialogue which was held in Delhi on 6th December 2021.

In yet another show of bilateral bonhomie between Moscow and New Delhi amid war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In yet another show of bilateral bonhomie between Moscow and New Delhi amid war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Putin, who had visited India in December 2021 just a few weeks before he announced an offensive on Ukraine in February 2022, said that the relations between Russia and India are "consistently developing in all areas". "First of all, let me say that the relations between Russia and India are consistently developing in all areas. And the main guarantor for that is the policy led by Prime Minister Modi," Putin said during 'Russia Calling Investment Forum' in St. Petersburg. Russian President Vladimir Putin during plenary session of the 'Russia Calling!' | The Kremlin "I cannot imagine His Excellency Modi getting intimidated or being forced to take any steps or actions that would go against the national interests of India and the people of India," Putin said, in an indirect reference to India buying Russian oil despite war in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin praises India. Says, PM Modi despite pressure on him, took action which are in interest of India (buying Russian Oil). Vdo ctsy: Sputnik pic.twitter.com/C6cQ1Eh28Z — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 7, 2023 × "There is pressure against him. I am aware of that," Putin added. India-Russia ties amid war in Ukraine Russia's crude oil exports to India have gone above 60 million barrels per month as of August 2023, about 18 months into war in Ukraine. India accounts for nearly a quarter of Russia’s crude and refined oil exports. Also read | Russia's crude oil exports to India gave Moscow far more money than previously recognised The Russian custom records from December 2022 to the end of June 2023 put out average price of crude oil shipped to India at around $50 per barrel against the European Union's $60 per barrel price cap. New Delhi has staunchly defended its purchase of Russian oil when accused by the West of 'funding the war in Ukraine'. Also watch | Russia tops India's oil suppliers | World DNA × "Europe has managed to reduce its imports while doing it in a manner that is comfortable. If at a (per capita income) of €60,000, you are so caring about your population, I have a population of $2,000 per capita income. I also need energy, and I am not in a position to pay high prices for oil," India's foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar had said in January 2023. Besides, the defence cooperation is an important pillar of the India-Russia strategic partnership. It is guided by the Agreement on the Programme for Military Technical Cooperation signed between the two countries. The Agreement for 2021-2031 was signed during the inaugural meeting of India-Russia 2+2 Dialogue which was held in Delhi on 6th December 2021.

Watch: Putin praises India, says PM Modi 'guarantor' of stronger Moscow-Delhi ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin departed from Riyadh earlier in the day his visit has sparked considerable interest in speculative questions about Russia's relationship with West Asia.

Russia seeks to advance military cooperation with China

Hundreds of North Koreans apparently "disappeared" after they were repatriated from China and sent back to the hermit kingdom, where they were expected to face imprisonment, a rights group said Thursday (Dec 7).&nbsp;

The Seoul-based human rights group, Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG), stated that they were forcibly deported by China in October under the cover of darkness in the "largest mass repatriation of its kind in years".&nbsp;

The report suggests that they could have faced abuses at the hands of North Korean authorities. The report hasn't revealed any identity of the defectors, but it mentioned that most of them are women.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-jinping-hold-talks-with-eus-von-der-leyen-and-charles-michel-in-beijing-667036">China's Xi Jinping holds talks with EU's von der Leyen and Charles Michel in Beijing</a>&nbsp;

The report by the Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) noted that no communication has been established with around 600 defectors.&nbsp;

The report came about two months after South Korea lodged a protest with China over the suspected repatriation of a large number of North Koreans. They were reportedly trying to flee to South Korea.&nbsp;

TJWG claims that on October 9, the defectors were transported in guarded buses and vans from Chinese detention centres.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;EU-China Summit: Top European Union officials meet with Xi in China Summit

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-italy-leaves-bri-china-warns-against-smearing-of-the-mega-initiative-667257">As Italy leaves BRI, China warns against 'smearing' of the mega-initiative</a>

<h2>North Korea calls the defectors criminals' and 'traitors</h2>

In a statement, the group said, "No communication has been established with the defectors since they were sent back."&nbsp;

It added, "Those forcibly returned face the prospect of torture, sexual and gender-based violence, imprisonment in concentration camps, forced abortions and execution as their authoritative regime brands them 'criminals' and 'traitors.'"

As quoted by NBC News, Ethan Hee-Seok Shin, a legal analyst at TJWG, said: "Unlike North Korea, China does actually care about its international reputation" and "We believe that more forceful criticism and more forceful action from the US side might make Beijing rethink its policy".&nbsp;

So far, there's no comment from the North Korean state media, but they had long denounced defectors as "human scum".&nbsp;

In the past few years, the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un tightened borders further.&nbsp;

There's a lack of official remarks on the case, but in October, the Chinese foreign ministry denied that there were "so-called defectors" in the nation.&nbsp;

However, they said that North Koreans had illegally entered for economic reasons and that China always handled the issue according to the law.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Hundreds of North Koreans apparently "disappeared" after they were repatriated from China and sent back to the hermit kingdom, where they were expected to face imprisonment, a rights group said Thursday (Dec 7).

Hundreds of North Koreans apparently "disappeared" after they were repatriated from China and sent back to the hermit kingdom, where they were expected to face imprisonment, a rights group said Thursday (Dec 7). The Seoul-based human rights group, Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG), stated that they were forcibly deported by China in October under the cover of darkness in the "largest mass repatriation of its kind in years". The report suggests that they could have faced abuses at the hands of North Korean authorities. The report hasn't revealed any identity of the defectors, but it mentioned that most of them are women. Also read: China's Xi Jinping holds talks with EU's von der Leyen and Charles Michel in Beijing The report by the Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) noted that no communication has been established with around 600 defectors. The report came about two months after South Korea lodged a protest with China over the suspected repatriation of a large number of North Koreans. They were reportedly trying to flee to South Korea. TJWG claims that on October 9, the defectors were transported in guarded buses and vans from Chinese detention centres. Watch: EU-China Summit: Top European Union officials meet with Xi in China Summit × Also read: As Italy leaves BRI, China warns against 'smearing' of the mega-initiative North Korea calls the defectors criminals' and 'traitors In a statement, the group said, "No communication has been established with the defectors since they were sent back." It added, "Those forcibly returned face the prospect of torture, sexual and gender-based violence, imprisonment in concentration camps, forced abortions and execution as their authoritative regime brands them 'criminals' and 'traitors.'" As quoted by NBC News, Ethan Hee-Seok Shin, a legal analyst at TJWG, said: "Unlike North Korea, China does actually care about its international reputation" and "We believe that more forceful criticism and more forceful action from the US side might make Beijing rethink its policy". So far, there's no comment from the North Korean state media, but they had long denounced defectors as "human scum". In the past few years, the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un tightened borders further. There's a lack of official remarks on the case, but in October, the Chinese foreign ministry denied that there were "so-called defectors" in the nation. However, they said that North Koreans had illegally entered for economic reasons and that China always handled the issue according to the law. (With inputs from agencies)

Hundreds of North Korean defectors were sent back by China...then they disappeared: Report

Indian Ocean archipelago&nbsp;nation Seychelles on Thursday (Dec 7) declared a state of&nbsp;emergency that lasted much of the day following a massive explosion that hurt 66 people. The office of Seychelles President&nbsp;Wavel Ramkalwan made the announcement on Thursday morning and said that the president&nbsp;had&nbsp;ordered all citizens, except workers for essential services, to stay at home.

"Following an explosion at the CCCL explosives store that has caused massive damage... and major destruction caused by flooding due to heavy rains, the President has declared a State of Emergency for today the 7th December," the statement said as reported by the AFP.

"All schools will be closed. Only workers in the essential services and persons travelling will be allowed free movement. This is to allow the emergency services to carry out essential work," the statement added.

Watch | Is China spying in the Indian Ocean?

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The state of emergency was lifted later in the day.

"As of now, the country is no longer in a state of emergency, which means that the shops can re-open and that normal movement of the public can resume, with the exception of the Providence industrial area," the president told reporters.

The explosion the president&nbsp;referred to, took place in Providence industrial area in Mahe, which is the largest island in the Indian Ocean nation. The country is a tropical haven and is tourism-dependent.

According to the statement, the explosion caused "massive damage" to the Providence Industrial Zone and that the rains had resulted in "major destruction".&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/taiwans-financial-ties-with-china-unravel-as-etf-market-nears-collapse-667106">Taiwan's financial ties with China unravel as ETF market nears collapse</a>

<h2>"I was shocked," says president</h2>

The explosion occurred before dawn. It was heard even several kilometres away. The shockwave smashed windows of nearby buildings.

"I was shocked when I arrived early in the morning. The police and the army (have taken) control of the area," Ramkalawan told a press briefing.

"Sixty-six people have been admitted to hospital," he said.

"Many people are in a state of shock, and we strive to provide them with psychological support," Ramkalawan said. He added that the blast could have resulted in many more casualties had it occurred during the daytime.

Seychelles is a former British colony and the archipelago is made up of 115 islands. As per 2021 data with the World Bank, it is the richest African country as measured by per capita GDP.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Ocean archipelago nation Seychelles on Thursday (Dec 7) declared a state of emergency that lasted much of the day following a massive explosion that hurt 66 people.

Indian Ocean archipelago nation Seychelles on Thursday (Dec 7) declared a state of emergency that lasted much of the day following a massive explosion that hurt 66 people. The office of Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalwan made the announcement on Thursday morning and said that the president had ordered all citizens, except workers for essential services, to stay at home. "Following an explosion at the CCCL explosives store that has caused massive damage... and major destruction caused by flooding due to heavy rains, the President has declared a State of Emergency for today the 7th December," the statement said as reported by the AFP. "All schools will be closed. Only workers in the essential services and persons travelling will be allowed free movement. This is to allow the emergency services to carry out essential work," the statement added. Watch | Is China spying in the Indian Ocean? × The state of emergency was lifted later in the day. "As of now, the country is no longer in a state of emergency, which means that the shops can re-open and that normal movement of the public can resume, with the exception of the Providence industrial area," the president told reporters. The explosion the president referred to, took place in Providence industrial area in Mahe, which is the largest island in the Indian Ocean nation. The country is a tropical haven and is tourism-dependent. According to the statement, the explosion caused "massive damage" to the Providence Industrial Zone and that the rains had resulted in "major destruction". Also Read | Taiwan's financial ties with China unravel as ETF market nears collapse "I was shocked," says president The explosion occurred before dawn. It was heard even several kilometres away. The shockwave smashed windows of nearby buildings. "I was shocked when I arrived early in the morning. The police and the army (have taken) control of the area," Ramkalawan told a press briefing. "Sixty-six people have been admitted to hospital," he said. "Many people are in a state of shock, and we strive to provide them with psychological support," Ramkalawan said. He added that the blast could have resulted in many more casualties had it occurred during the daytime. Seychelles is a former British colony and the archipelago is made up of 115 islands. As per 2021 data with the World Bank, it is the richest African country as measured by per capita GDP. (With inputs from agencies)

Seychelles declares, then lifts state of emergency after massive explosion hurts 66

The director of the United States FBI Christopher Wray will be visiting India next week. The planned visit comes amidst a US federal investigation into an alleged plot to kill the Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

FBI trip scheduled amid 'Pannun kill plot' charge

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has urged his Conservative party members to unite behind his plan to send the illegal migrants to Rwanda as certain lawmakers protest the move saying it did not go far enough.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During a press conference in Downing Street on Thursday (Dec 7), Sunak&nbsp;said the plan will work, to appease the Tories who want him to withdraw the UK from the European Court of Human Rights, to stop courts blocking removals.

"This bill will work...we will get flights off the ground, we will deter illegal migrants from coming here and we will finally stop the boats," said Sunak.&nbsp;

"I want to finish the job. Finishing the job means getting this legislation on the statute book," he added.

Sunak said his plan was the&nbsp;"only approach" as going any further would mean that Rwanda "will collapse the scheme and then we will have nowhere to send anyone to".&nbsp;

Sunak's statement came a day after his immigration minister Robert Jenrick resigned from the position&nbsp;due to "strong disagreements with the direction" of the government's policy on immigration.

He wrote a letter to PM Sunak saying that the proposed laws were "a triumph of hope over experience".

"The stakes for the country are too high for us not to pursue the stronger protections required to end the merry-go-round of legal challenges which risk paralysing the scheme and negating its intended deterrent," he wrote.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-immigration-minister-quits-over-rwanda-bill-666990">Also read |&nbsp;UK immigration minister Robert Jenrick resigns over Rwanda bill</a>

<h2>Why the protest?</h2>

Notably, last&nbsp;month, the UK Supreme Court ruled that Sunak's immigration&nbsp;move violates the international human rights enshrined in domestic legislation. One of the biggest points raised by the court was that the asylum seekers would then be deported back to their home nations from where they had escaped the torturous conditions.&nbsp;

Afterwards, the Sunak administration signed a new&nbsp;migrant treaty with Rwanda which attempts to circumvent the legal block placed.&nbsp;To mitigate the Supreme Court's&nbsp;concerns, the new treaty states that anyone sent to Rwanda will be given permanent leave to remain there even if their asylum application failed, according to the&nbsp;Financial Times.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-rishi-sunaks-new-rwanda-plan-suffers-blow-as-immigration-minister-quits-667126">Watch |&nbsp;UK: PM Rishi Sunak's new Rwanda plan suffers blow as immigration minister quits</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2 data-testid="paragraph-5">What is the Rwanda asylum plan?</h2>

Former interior minister Priti Patel in April 2022&nbsp;brought the "Rwanda Asylum Policy"&nbsp;but its implementation remained in limbo due to the court proceedings.

Under the plan, the British government is aiming to send thousands of illegal migrants to Rwanda to deter others from crossing the Channel on small, dangerous boats.&nbsp;

In return, the relatively underdeveloped nation has received a payment of $180 million with the promise of more money to fund the accommodation and care of any deported individuals.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has urged his Conservative party members to unite behind his plan to send the illegal migrants to Rwanda as certain lawmakers protest the move saying it did not go far enough.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has urged his Conservative party members to unite behind his plan to send the illegal migrants to Rwanda as certain lawmakers protest the move saying it did not go far enough. During a press conference in Downing Street on Thursday (Dec 7), Sunak said the plan will work, to appease the Tories who want him to withdraw the UK from the European Court of Human Rights, to stop courts blocking removals. "This bill will work...we will get flights off the ground, we will deter illegal migrants from coming here and we will finally stop the boats," said Sunak. "I want to finish the job. Finishing the job means getting this legislation on the statute book," he added. Sunak said his plan was the "only approach" as going any further would mean that Rwanda "will collapse the scheme and then we will have nowhere to send anyone to". Sunak's statement came a day after his immigration minister Robert Jenrick resigned from the position due to "strong disagreements with the direction" of the government's policy on immigration. He wrote a letter to PM Sunak saying that the proposed laws were "a triumph of hope over experience". "The stakes for the country are too high for us not to pursue the stronger protections required to end the merry-go-round of legal challenges which risk paralysing the scheme and negating its intended deterrent," he wrote. Also read | UK immigration minister Robert Jenrick resigns over Rwanda bill Why the protest? Notably, last month, the UK Supreme Court ruled that Sunak's immigration move violates the international human rights enshrined in domestic legislation. One of the biggest points raised by the court was that the asylum seekers would then be deported back to their home nations from where they had escaped the torturous conditions. Afterwards, the Sunak administration signed a new migrant treaty with Rwanda which attempts to circumvent the legal block placed. To mitigate the Supreme Court's concerns, the new treaty states that anyone sent to Rwanda will be given permanent leave to remain there even if their asylum application failed, according to the Financial Times. Watch | UK: PM Rishi Sunak's new Rwanda plan suffers blow as immigration minister quits × What is the Rwanda asylum plan? Former interior minister Priti Patel in April 2022 brought the "Rwanda Asylum Policy" but its implementation remained in limbo due to the court proceedings. Under the plan, the British government is aiming to send thousands of illegal migrants to Rwanda to deter others from crossing the Channel on small, dangerous boats. In return, the relatively underdeveloped nation has received a payment of $180 million with the promise of more money to fund the accommodation and care of any deported individuals. (With inputs from agencies)

'It will work': Rishi Sunak pleads conservatives to support his Rwanda asylum plan

Did you know that the constant alerts that you're getting on your phones might be leading to a bit of a privacy nightmare? The notifications you receive from Tech platforms are helping governments keep an eye on what you've been doing on your apps.

Big privacy concern for Google and Apple users

In the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt, people who are seeking to become naturalised citizens will now have to confirm not only verbally but in writing that they “recognise Israel’s right to exist”, reported the news agency Deutsche Welle (DW). And now the state's&nbsp;minister is urging all 15 German states to adopt similar rules.

<h2>‘Commitment to Israel’s right to exist’</h2>

Speaking about the new measure, on Wednesday (Dec 6), ahead of the meeting of state and federal interior ministers, Saxony-Anhalt Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang, a member of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union party, called for similar measures across Germany.&nbsp;

Her ministry had sent a decree to all Saxony-Anhalt municipalities informing them of the policy in late November.&nbsp;

The decree asks all officials to pay close attention if an applicant exhibits antisemitic attitudes and states that “obtaining German citizenship requires a commitment to Israel’s right to exist.”

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The applicants would also be asked to confirm in writing that they “recognize Israel’s right to exist and condemn any efforts directed against the existence of the State of Israel.”

The Saxony-Anhalt state interior ministry, in a letter to the local authorities, reportedly said naturalisation should be denied if the person engages in activities which would affect Germany’s liberal democratic order as outlined in the country’s Basic Law – which also includes denial of Israel’s right to exist and antisemitism.&nbsp;

The local officials have also been instructed to deny an application if the individual refuses to sign the declaration and make a note of the refusal for future reference.&nbsp;

However, the state regulation is yet to be debated in the Bundestag or German parliament. According to reports, some experts have argued that a written statement does not really confirm if a person is antisemitic or not.&nbsp;

Additionally, critics have also questioned the point of having the written statement as applicants are already required to sign their support of the constitution which includes these measures.&nbsp;

<h2>Rise in antisemitism</h2>

Germany has claimed a special historical responsibility to protect Jews after the Holocaust where the Nazi government killed more than six million Jews during WWII.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/broken-pelvises-mutilated-bodiesdid-hamas-use-rape-as-weapon-of-war-666257">Explained: 'Broken pelvises, mutilated bodies'...Did Hamas use rape as weapon of war in Israel?</a>

The proposed measure by the eastern German state comes months after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched one of the deadliest attacks against Israel on October 7.&nbsp;

Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment and a group operation in Gaza. Amid mounting death toll in the Palestinian enclave which according to the Hamas-run government crossed 17,000, Israel is also garnering criticism from across the world.&nbsp;

The recent war has sparked pro-Palestinian rallies across the world some of which have witnessed antisemitic behaviour.&nbsp;

The RIAS group which is tracking antisemitism in Germany, said it recorded 994 incidents, which is an average of 29 incidents per day – between October 7 and November 9 – and an increase of 320 per cent when compared to the same time period&nbsp;last year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

In the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt, people who are seeking to become naturalised citizens will now have to confirm not only verbally but in writing that they “recognise Israel’s right to exist”, reported the news agency Deutsche Welle (DW).

In the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt, people who are seeking to become naturalised citizens will now have to confirm not only verbally but in writing that they “recognise Israel’s right to exist”, reported the news agency Deutsche Welle (DW). And now the state's minister is urging all 15 German states to adopt similar rules. ‘Commitment to Israel’s right to exist’ Speaking about the new measure, on Wednesday (Dec 6), ahead of the meeting of state and federal interior ministers, Saxony-Anhalt Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang, a member of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union party, called for similar measures across Germany. Her ministry had sent a decree to all Saxony-Anhalt municipalities informing them of the policy in late November. The decree asks all officials to pay close attention if an applicant exhibits antisemitic attitudes and states that “obtaining German citizenship requires a commitment to Israel’s right to exist.” ALSO READ | Iran Revolutionary Guard chief's open threat to Israel: 'You will collapse in 48 hours if...' The applicants would also be asked to confirm in writing that they “recognize Israel’s right to exist and condemn any efforts directed against the existence of the State of Israel.” The Saxony-Anhalt state interior ministry, in a letter to the local authorities, reportedly said naturalisation should be denied if the person engages in activities which would affect Germany’s liberal democratic order as outlined in the country’s Basic Law – which also includes denial of Israel’s right to exist and antisemitism. The local officials have also been instructed to deny an application if the individual refuses to sign the declaration and make a note of the refusal for future reference. However, the state regulation is yet to be debated in the Bundestag or German parliament. According to reports, some experts have argued that a written statement does not really confirm if a person is antisemitic or not. Additionally, critics have also questioned the point of having the written statement as applicants are already required to sign their support of the constitution which includes these measures. Rise in antisemitism Germany has claimed a special historical responsibility to protect Jews after the Holocaust where the Nazi government killed more than six million Jews during WWII. ALSO READ | Explained: 'Broken pelvises, mutilated bodies'...Did Hamas use rape as weapon of war in Israel? The proposed measure by the eastern German state comes months after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched one of the deadliest attacks against Israel on October 7. Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment and a group operation in Gaza. Amid mounting death toll in the Palestinian enclave which according to the Hamas-run government crossed 17,000, Israel is also garnering criticism from across the world. The recent war has sparked pro-Palestinian rallies across the world some of which have witnessed antisemitic behaviour. The RIAS group which is tracking antisemitism in Germany, said it recorded 994 incidents, which is an average of 29 incidents per day – between October 7 and November 9 – and an increase of 320 per cent when compared to the same time period last year. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

In this German state, citizenship applicants must sign statement supporting Israel’s right to exist

Speaking to Wion, Eylon Levy, Israeli Government Spokesman, says that Hamas bears full responsibility for the civilian deaths. We asked how the IDF differentiates between civilians and Hamas in Gaza, watch how the Israeli government spokesperson says it is very difficult to make the distinction.

WION presses Israeli govt spokesperson on civilian deaths | WION Pulse

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