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A 42-year-old woman has been killed and two others, including a teenager, have been injured in a shooting in east London, United Kingdom, on Tuesday (Dec 5) said the Metropolitan Police. The police have since launched a murder investigation.&nbsp;

So far, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

The incident took place in Vine Close, a small housing development in the residential part of Hackney in east London. The police were called to the area at 6:28 pm (local time) after reports of a shooting.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-indian-student-killed-another-woman-injured-after-double-stabbing-in-london-three-arrested-604349">UK: Indian student killed, another woman injured after double stabbing incident in London, three arrested</a>

Officers and paramedics attended to the scene and found three people with gunshot wounds and despite efforts could not save the 42-year-old woman who died on the spot. The Met said they are “in the process” of informing the woman’s next of kin.&nbsp;

Additionally, a 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy were taken to hospital. Their condition was not immediately known. The police have since cordoned off the area.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Shocking’ incident</h2>

Detective Superintendent Vicky Tunstall described the incident as “shocking” and said her thoughts were with all those affected. “This shocking incident has resulted in the death of a young woman and my thoughts are with her family at this incredibly difficult time,” said Tunstall.&nbsp;

She added, “My thoughts are also with the two people who have been taken to hospital.” The law enforcement official also said that they are in the early stages of the investigation and will work to establish what happened.

“Officers will remain at the scene overnight and will be in the area over the coming days,” said Tunstall.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bereft-of-food-and-water-400-rohingya-refugees-adrift-in-andaman-sea-for-two-weeks-un-666677">Bereft of food and water, 400 Rohingya refugees adrift in Andaman Sea for two weeks: UN</a>

“I do not underestimate the impact this incident will have on people in Hackney and I understand the community will want answers about what has happened this evening. We will share further information as our investigation progresses,” she added.&nbsp;

“Gun crime has no place on the streets of London and we will do all we can to bring whoever is responsible for this despicable crime to justice.”&nbsp;

The local police official also appealed for witnesses.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A 42-year-old woman has been killed and two others, including a teenager, have been injured in a shooting in east London, United Kingdom, on Tuesday (Dec 5) said the Metropolitan Police.

A 42-year-old woman has been killed and two others, including a teenager, have been injured in a shooting in east London, United Kingdom, on Tuesday (Dec 5) said the Metropolitan Police. The police have since launched a murder investigation. So far, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. What happened? The incident took place in Vine Close, a small housing development in the residential part of Hackney in east London. The police were called to the area at 6:28 pm (local time) after reports of a shooting. ALSO READ | UK: Indian student killed, another woman injured after double stabbing incident in London, three arrested Officers and paramedics attended to the scene and found three people with gunshot wounds and despite efforts could not save the 42-year-old woman who died on the spot. The Met said they are “in the process” of informing the woman’s next of kin. Additionally, a 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy were taken to hospital. Their condition was not immediately known. The police have since cordoned off the area. ‘Shocking’ incident Detective Superintendent Vicky Tunstall described the incident as “shocking” and said her thoughts were with all those affected. “This shocking incident has resulted in the death of a young woman and my thoughts are with her family at this incredibly difficult time,” said Tunstall. She added, “My thoughts are also with the two people who have been taken to hospital.” The law enforcement official also said that they are in the early stages of the investigation and will work to establish what happened. “Officers will remain at the scene overnight and will be in the area over the coming days,” said Tunstall. ALSO READ | Bereft of food and water, 400 Rohingya refugees adrift in Andaman Sea for two weeks: UN “I do not underestimate the impact this incident will have on people in Hackney and I understand the community will want answers about what has happened this evening. We will share further information as our investigation progresses,” she added. “Gun crime has no place on the streets of London and we will do all we can to bring whoever is responsible for this despicable crime to justice.” The local police official also appealed for witnesses. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Woman killed, two injured after shooting in east London

A Tehran court has issued a verdict demanding the US government to pay nearly $50 billion in damages for the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. The drone strike, ordered by then-President Donald Trump near Baghdad airport in 2020, resulted in the death of Soleimani and his Iraqi lieutenant Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

The Mizan Online news agency reported that the Tehran court sentenced the US government to pay $49.7 billion in "material, moral, and punitive damages."

The decision came as a response to a lawsuit filed by over 3,300 Iranians. Notably, 42 people&nbsp;and entities were found guilty, including Trump, the US government, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, reported AFP.

Also watch |&nbsp;Trump claims Imran Khan was elated about Qasem Soleimani`s assassination

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-claims-imran-khan-was-elated-about-qasem-soleimanis-assassination-656576/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Soleimani's role and retaliation</h2>

Soleimani, who commanded the Quds Force, Iran's foreign operations arm, was a highly regarded figure known for leading the country's Middle East operations and gaining hero status from the Iran-Iraq war.

Following his assassination, Iran retaliated by launching missiles at bases in Iraq housing American and coalition troops, resulting in traumatic brain injuries to several US personnel.

This isn't the first time Iranian courts have ruled against the United States.

In the past, compensation orders included a $420 million payment for a 1980 hostage rescue operation and a $330 million demand related to an alleged coup attempt in 1980.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-he-discussed-qassem-soleimanis-death-with-imran-khan-who-was-elated-656501">Also read |&nbsp;Trump claims he discussed Qassem Soleimani's death with Imran Khan</a>

Additionally, the US Supreme Court, in 2016, ordered frozen Iranian assets in the US to be paid to victims of attacks blamed on Tehran, despite Iran denying responsibility.

Iran has consistently appealed to international justice to unfreeze funds held by Washington, and in March, the International Court of Justice deemed the freezing of funds "manifestly unreasonable."

However, the court stated it lacked jurisdiction to release nearly $2 billion in Iranian central bank assets frozen by the US.

Iran and the US have had no diplomatic relations since the aftermath of the 1979 revolution.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Tehran court has issued a verdict demanding the US government to pay nearly $50 billion in damages for the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. The drone strike, ordered by then-President Donald Trump near Baghdad airport in 2020, resulted in the death of Soleimani and his Iraqi lieutenant Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

A Tehran court has issued a verdict demanding the US government to pay nearly $50 billion in damages for the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. The drone strike, ordered by then-President Donald Trump near Baghdad airport in 2020, resulted in the death of Soleimani and his Iraqi lieutenant Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. The Mizan Online news agency reported that the Tehran court sentenced the US government to pay $49.7 billion in "material, moral, and punitive damages." The decision came as a response to a lawsuit filed by over 3,300 Iranians. Notably, 42 people and entities were found guilty, including Trump, the US government, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, reported AFP. Also watch | Trump claims Imran Khan was elated about Qasem Soleimani`s assassination Soleimani's role and retaliation Soleimani, who commanded the Quds Force, Iran's foreign operations arm, was a highly regarded figure known for leading the country's Middle East operations and gaining hero status from the Iran-Iraq war. Following his assassination, Iran retaliated by launching missiles at bases in Iraq housing American and coalition troops, resulting in traumatic brain injuries to several US personnel. This isn't the first time Iranian courts have ruled against the United States. In the past, compensation orders included a $420 million payment for a 1980 hostage rescue operation and a $330 million demand related to an alleged coup attempt in 1980. Also read | Trump claims he discussed Qassem Soleimani's death with Imran Khan Additionally, the US Supreme Court, in 2016, ordered frozen Iranian assets in the US to be paid to victims of attacks blamed on Tehran, despite Iran denying responsibility. Iran has consistently appealed to international justice to unfreeze funds held by Washington, and in March, the International Court of Justice deemed the freezing of funds "manifestly unreasonable." However, the court stated it lacked jurisdiction to release nearly $2 billion in Iranian central bank assets frozen by the US. Iran and the US have had no diplomatic relations since the aftermath of the 1979 revolution. (With inputs from agencies)

Iranian court demands $50 billion from US over General Soleimani's assassination in 2020

President Vladimir Putin will visit Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, the Kremlin announced, as Moscow courts allies abroad despite being isolated over the Ukraine conflict.

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On Wednesday (Dec 6), the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) released a disturbing report on the state of poverty among children globally.&nbsp;

More than one in five, or around 69 million children, live in poverty, that too just in the world's 40 richest countries.

<h2>A childhood spent in poverty</h2>

The high numbers, as per AFP, are despite an around 8 per cent drop in child poverty rates from 2012 to 2014 and 2019 to 2021. The drop was witnessed in the 40 European Union and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries assessed.&nbsp;

Despite that, at the end of 2021, more than 69 million were still living in poverty in those countries, as per the report.

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As per UNICEF Innocenti, the United Nations agency's research arm, "This is equivalent to around 6 million children out of a total child population of 291 million."

"For most children, this means that they may grow up without enough nutritious food, clothes, school supplies or a warm place to call home," said Bo Viktor Nylund of UNICEF Innocenti.

Highlighting the impact of such struggles on young people's physical and mental health, the report called for action to ensure children's well-being. Evoking political will, it stressed that children aren't automatically lifted out of poverty by a country's wealth.

<h2>Main observations</h2>

The data, as per AFP, is based on relative poverty — around 60 per cent of a country's national median income — which is often used by developed countries to establish their poverty levels.

Blasting Britain and France for their particularly bad standings, UNICEF reported that since 2012, the biggest setbacks have been witnessed in the richest countries. While in Britain there were half a million or 19.6 per cent more poor children, in France the numbers increased by 10.4 per cent.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-in-this-japanese-restaurant-people-pay-not-for-food-but-to-get-slapped-for-just-2-666409">Watch: In this Japanese restaurant, people pay not for food, but to get slapped for just $2</a>

As per the report, in the European Union, children of non-EU nationality parents are 2.4 times more likely to live in poverty.

While the United States saw a 6.7 per cent decrease in the number of children living in poverty, it still means that one in four children continues to live in relative poverty.&nbsp;

There was a greater risk of poverty among children from single-parent families and minority backgrounds. Among the minorities in the US, 30 per cent of African American children and 29 per cent of Native American children live below the national poverty line. In comparison, only 10 per cent or one-in-10 non-Hispanic white children face the hardships that come with being poor.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

On Wednesday (Dec 6), the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) released a disturbing report on the state of poverty among children globally.

On Wednesday (Dec 6), the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) released a disturbing report on the state of poverty among children globally. More than one in five, or around 69 million children, live in poverty, that too just in the world's 40 richest countries. A childhood spent in poverty The high numbers, as per AFP, are despite an around 8 per cent drop in child poverty rates from 2012 to 2014 and 2019 to 2021. The drop was witnessed in the 40 European Union and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries assessed. Despite that, at the end of 2021, more than 69 million were still living in poverty in those countries, as per the report. Also read | AI paints shocking picture of the future of homelessness in Canada As per UNICEF Innocenti, the United Nations agency's research arm, "This is equivalent to around 6 million children out of a total child population of 291 million." "For most children, this means that they may grow up without enough nutritious food, clothes, school supplies or a warm place to call home," said Bo Viktor Nylund of UNICEF Innocenti. Highlighting the impact of such struggles on young people's physical and mental health, the report called for action to ensure children's well-being. Evoking political will, it stressed that children aren't automatically lifted out of poverty by a country's wealth. Main observations The data, as per AFP, is based on relative poverty — around 60 per cent of a country's national median income — which is often used by developed countries to establish their poverty levels. Blasting Britain and France for their particularly bad standings, UNICEF reported that since 2012, the biggest setbacks have been witnessed in the richest countries. While in Britain there were half a million or 19.6 per cent more poor children, in France the numbers increased by 10.4 per cent. Also read | Watch: In this Japanese restaurant, people pay not for food, but to get slapped for just $2 As per the report, in the European Union, children of non-EU nationality parents are 2.4 times more likely to live in poverty. While the United States saw a 6.7 per cent decrease in the number of children living in poverty, it still means that one in four children continues to live in relative poverty. There was a greater risk of poverty among children from single-parent families and minority backgrounds. Among the minorities in the US, 30 per cent of African American children and 29 per cent of Native American children live below the national poverty line. In comparison, only 10 per cent or one-in-10 non-Hispanic white children face the hardships that come with being poor.

69 million children in 'rich' countries living in poverty: UNICEF

China is experiencing a boom in tourism, The daily average tourist numbers spike in China as the nation adjusted its visa policy.

China tourism boom: China Foreign Ministry reforms visa policies for ease of travel | World DNA

The United States on Tuesday announced visa bans for people who were involved in violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, said officials in Washington, after making several appeals to Tel Aviv to prevent violence by Jewish settlers.

A new State Department visa restriction policy targets "individuals believed to have been involved in undermining peace, security, or stability in the West Bank, including through committing acts of violence or taking other actions that unduly restrict civilians’ access to essential services and basic necessities," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

The announcement comes after repeated warnings by US President Joe Biden and other senior officials for Israel to take stern action to prevent violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank.&nbsp;

Recently, an upsurge in violence has been reported from the area as Jewish settlements have expanded.

The attacks there have surged after Hamas launched unprecedented attacks against Israel on October 7.

Blinken made clear to Israeli officials during a visit last week that "they need to do more to stop extremist violence against Palestinians and hold those responsible for it accountable," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters in a press briefing after the announcement.

Palestinian leaders must also do more to curb Palestinian attacks against Israelis in the West Bank, he added.

"We expect ultimately for this action to impact dozens of individuals and potentially their family members," Miller said, adding that any Israeli with an existing US&nbsp;visa who was involved in such acts would be notified that their visa was revoked.

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<h2>US restricts visas for Uganda and Zimbabwe officials</h2>

In a similar move, the US on Monday expanded its visa restriction policy for Ugandan officials involved in undermining democracy and repressing marginalized groups in Uganda.

Blinken released a statement saying that the US would refuse visas to current or former officials along with their family members in case they are found to be involved in "repressing members of marginalized or vulnerable populations" like the LGBT community.

"Today, I am announcing the expansion of the visa restriction policy to include current or former Ugandan officials or others who are believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Uganda or for policies or actions aimed at repressing members of marginalized or vulnerable populations," Blinken said on Monday.

"These groups include, but are not limited to, environmental activists, human rights defenders, journalists, LGBTQI+ persons, and civil society organizers," he said.

He then also introduced a new visa restriction policy for the ones responsible for undermining democracy in Zimbabwe.

"Anyone who undermines the democratic process in Zimbabwe - including in the lead-up to, during, and following Zimbabwe's August 2023 elections - may be found ineligible for US visas under this policy," Blinken said.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The United States on Tuesday announced visa bans for people who were involved in violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, said officials in Washington, after making several appeals to Tel Aviv to prevent violence by Jewish settlers.

The United States on Tuesday announced visa bans for people who were involved in violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, said officials in Washington, after making several appeals to Tel Aviv to prevent violence by Jewish settlers. A new State Department visa restriction policy targets "individuals believed to have been involved in undermining peace, security, or stability in the West Bank, including through committing acts of violence or taking other actions that unduly restrict civilians’ access to essential services and basic necessities," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. The announcement comes after repeated warnings by US President Joe Biden and other senior officials for Israel to take stern action to prevent violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. Recently, an upsurge in violence has been reported from the area as Jewish settlements have expanded. The attacks there have surged after Hamas launched unprecedented attacks against Israel on October 7. Blinken made clear to Israeli officials during a visit last week that "they need to do more to stop extremist violence against Palestinians and hold those responsible for it accountable," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters in a press briefing after the announcement. Palestinian leaders must also do more to curb Palestinian attacks against Israelis in the West Bank, he added. "We expect ultimately for this action to impact dozens of individuals and potentially their family members," Miller said, adding that any Israeli with an existing US visa who was involved in such acts would be notified that their visa was revoked. Also read: Biden says 'not sure' if he'd be seeking reelection next year if not for Trump US restricts visas for Uganda and Zimbabwe officials In a similar move, the US on Monday expanded its visa restriction policy for Ugandan officials involved in undermining democracy and repressing marginalized groups in Uganda. Blinken released a statement saying that the US would refuse visas to current or former officials along with their family members in case they are found to be involved in "repressing members of marginalized or vulnerable populations" like the LGBT community. "Today, I am announcing the expansion of the visa restriction policy to include current or former Ugandan officials or others who are believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Uganda or for policies or actions aimed at repressing members of marginalized or vulnerable populations," Blinken said on Monday. "These groups include, but are not limited to, environmental activists, human rights defenders, journalists, LGBTQI+ persons, and civil society organizers," he said. He then also introduced a new visa restriction policy for the ones responsible for undermining democracy in Zimbabwe. "Anyone who undermines the democratic process in Zimbabwe - including in the lead-up to, during, and following Zimbabwe's August 2023 elections - may be found ineligible for US visas under this policy," Blinken said. (With inputs from agencies)

US imposes visa bans after warning Israel over West Bank violence

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Gaza for the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7. Reports state that Israeli soldiers were informed by Prime Minister Netanyahu during the visit that Israel would not give up until it prevails.

Israel-Hamas war | Israel must allow aid into Gaza: US | Residents running out of safe places to go

At least 12 people lost their lives and two dozen others sustained injuries after a bus in Honduras skidded off a highway on Tuesday (Dec 5) and fell into a ravine, said the authorities.

The bus with 60 people aboard, crashed into a bridge before tipping into a stream at the bottom of the ravine about 41 kilometres (25 miles) from the capital city of Tegucigalpa, said the police officials.&nbsp;

"There are now 12 dead - 10 died at the scene and another two at the hospital in Tegucigalpa," said fire brigade Lieutenant Cristian Sevilla.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-kamala-harris-breaks-record-for-most-tie-breaking-senate-votes-666636">US Vice President Kamala Harris breaks record for most tie-breaking Senate votes</a>

The ones who were seriously wounded in the crash were rushed immediately to the hospital by ambulance and helicopter, said the officials.

President Xiomara Castro took to his official social media account and announced that his government had declared three days of national mourning.

"This is a tragedy that affects us all," Castro wrote, adding that the government would cover the victims' funeral costs.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 12 people lost their lives and two dozen others sustained injuries after a bus in Honduras skidded off a highway on Tuesday (Dec 5) and fell into a ravine, said the authorities.

At least 12 people lost their lives and two dozen others sustained injuries after a bus in Honduras skidded off a highway on Tuesday (Dec 5) and fell into a ravine, said the authorities. The bus with 60 people aboard, crashed into a bridge before tipping into a stream at the bottom of the ravine about 41 kilometres (25 miles) from the capital city of Tegucigalpa, said the police officials. "There are now 12 dead - 10 died at the scene and another two at the hospital in Tegucigalpa," said fire brigade Lieutenant Cristian Sevilla. Also read: US Vice President Kamala Harris breaks record for most tie-breaking Senate votes The ones who were seriously wounded in the crash were rushed immediately to the hospital by ambulance and helicopter, said the officials. President Xiomara Castro took to his official social media account and announced that his government had declared three days of national mourning. "This is a tragedy that affects us all," Castro wrote, adding that the government would cover the victims' funeral costs. (With inputs from agencies)

Honduras bus crash claims lives of 12, President Xiomara Castro declares national mourning

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 hostage swap: Israel alleges Hamas drugged hostages before release

US President Joe Biden has raised speculation about his re-election bid and speaking at a fundraising event for his 2024 campaign outside Boston. Biden said that he may have skipped a re-election bid if former President Donald Trump had not decided to run.

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Lawmakers on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on Tuesday grilled the leaders of Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology about their responses to protests that erupted after the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin meets UAE president in Abu Dhabi

As reports of cyberattacks on the Sellafield nuclear site in the UK, dubbed Europe’s most hazardous, continue&nbsp;to roil the Rishi Sunak government, another explosive report has emerged suggesting that radioactive waste from the facility has been leaking and could potentially pose a risk to the public.

According to the Guardian newspaper, cracks have emerged in a reservoir of toxic sludge known as B30, and is likely to continue till&nbsp;2050.

If left unnoticed, it could have “potentially significant consequences”, risking contaminating groundwater, the newspaper quoted an official document.

The report claims that cracks have also developed in the concrete and asphalt skin covering the huge pond containing decades of nuclear sludge, part of a catalogue of safety problems at the site.

Sellafield is controlled by the government’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and is located in northwest England and has 11,000 employees.

The nuclear site stores and treats nuclear waste from weapons programmes and nuclear power generation, and is the largest such facility in Europe.

<h2>No action taken&nbsp;</h2>

The Guardian, citing the document, reported that the sites’ safety degradation was first raised with the board members in November 2022, highlighting the “cumulative risk” from failings ranging from nuclear safety to asbestos and fire standards.

But no action was taken.

The report also warned that such events that could trigger an atmospheric release of radioactive waste at the plant, including explosions and air crashes.

The report said events that could trigger an atmospheric release of radioactive waste at the plant included explosions and air crashes.

<h2>Causes diplomatic tensions with US, Ireland&nbsp;</h2>

The lofty safety standards of the nuclear site have also raised alarm in the US, which had warned of its creaking infrastructure in diplomatic cables seen by the Guardian.

Among their concerns are leaks from cracks in concrete at toxic ponds and a lack of transparency from the UK authorities about issues at the site. The UK and the US have a decades-long relationship on nuclear technology.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-uks-sellafield-nuclear-plant-hacked-rishi-sunak-govt-tries-to-paper-over-explosive-report-666363">Was UK’s Sellafield nuclear plant hacked? Rishi Sunak govt tries to paper over explosive report</a>

Concerns about how Sellafield is run have also led to tensions with the Irish and Norwegian governments.

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Responding the report, the regulator Britain’s Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) said, “ONR and the Environment Agency have been holding Sellafield Ltd to account to ensure they are doing everything that is feasible to minimise the consequences of this leak.”

“Safely removing the historic waste from this facility (MSSS) and placing it into modern storage facilities, which began in the summer of 2022, is both a national and an ONR priority,” ONR spokesperson told Guardian.

(With inputs from agencies)

As reports of cyberattacks on the Sellafield nuclear site in the UK, dubbed Europe’s most hazardous, continue to roil the Rishi Sunak government, another explosive report has emerged suggesting that radioactive waste from the facility has been leaking and could potentially pose a risk to the public.

As reports of cyberattacks on the Sellafield nuclear site in the UK, dubbed Europe’s most hazardous, continue to roil the Rishi Sunak government, another explosive report has emerged suggesting that radioactive waste from the facility has been leaking and could potentially pose a risk to the public. According to the Guardian newspaper, cracks have emerged in a reservoir of toxic sludge known as B30, and is likely to continue till 2050. If left unnoticed, it could have “potentially significant consequences”, risking contaminating groundwater, the newspaper quoted an official document. The report claims that cracks have also developed in the concrete and asphalt skin covering the huge pond containing decades of nuclear sludge, part of a catalogue of safety problems at the site. Sellafield is controlled by the government’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and is located in northwest England and has 11,000 employees. The nuclear site stores and treats nuclear waste from weapons programmes and nuclear power generation, and is the largest such facility in Europe. No action taken The Guardian, citing the document, reported that the sites’ safety degradation was first raised with the board members in November 2022, highlighting the “cumulative risk” from failings ranging from nuclear safety to asbestos and fire standards. But no action was taken. The report also warned that such events that could trigger an atmospheric release of radioactive waste at the plant, including explosions and air crashes. The report said events that could trigger an atmospheric release of radioactive waste at the plant included explosions and air crashes. Causes diplomatic tensions with US, Ireland The lofty safety standards of the nuclear site have also raised alarm in the US, which had warned of its creaking infrastructure in diplomatic cables seen by the Guardian. Among their concerns are leaks from cracks in concrete at toxic ponds and a lack of transparency from the UK authorities about issues at the site. The UK and the US have a decades-long relationship on nuclear technology. Also read | Was UK’s Sellafield nuclear plant hacked? Rishi Sunak govt tries to paper over explosive report Concerns about how Sellafield is run have also led to tensions with the Irish and Norwegian governments. Also read | Earth on verge of crossing major ‘tipping points’, might trigger climate catastrophe in 10 years: Report Responding the report, the regulator Britain’s Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) said, “ONR and the Environment Agency have been holding Sellafield Ltd to account to ensure they are doing everything that is feasible to minimise the consequences of this leak.” “Safely removing the historic waste from this facility (MSSS) and placing it into modern storage facilities, which began in the summer of 2022, is both a national and an ONR priority,” ONR spokesperson told Guardian. (With inputs from agencies)

After cyberattacks, explosive report now highlights radioactive leak from UK’s Sellafield nuclear site

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Former British prime minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday (Dec 6) apologised to families of Covid victims, as he started giving evidence at a UK public inquiry into his government's handling of the pandemic.&nbsp;

The hearing was briefly disrupted by a protester, who was asked to leave by the inquiry's chairwoman.

Johnson, who resigned in the aftermath of a probe into the Partygate scandal as it was found that he misled parliament, faced massive criticism from former aides for alleged indecisiveness and a lack of scientific understanding during the pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-boris-johnson-really-ask-to-plan-raid-on-dutch-covid-vaccine-factory-666600">Did Boris Johnson really ask to plan raid on Dutch Covid vaccine factory?</a>&nbsp;

Johnson is facing two days in the witness box. At the start of the hearing, the former PM said how glad he was to give evidence and how sorry he was for the suffering of victims and their families.&nbsp;

Johnson accepted that "mistakes" had "unquestionably" been made and further, stated, "I understand the feeling of the victims and their families and I'm deeply sorry for the pain and the loss and the suffering to those victims and their families."&nbsp;

"Inevitably we got some things wrong," Johnson said, before adding "we did our level best" and that he took personal responsibility for decisions made.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wales-29-year-old-stabbed-in-village-of-aberfan-manhunt-underway-666581">29-year-old stabbed in village of Aberfan, manhunt underway</a>&nbsp;

The former PM had arrived around three hours early for the proceedings, with some suggesting he was eager to avoid relatives of the Covid bereaved who gathered outside later in the morning.&nbsp;

In the UK, nearly 130,000 people died from Covid by mid-July 2021, one of the worst official per capita tolls among Western nations.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Former British prime minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday (Dec 6) apologised to families of Covid victims, as he started giving evidence at a UK public inquiry into his government's handling of the pandemic.

Former British prime minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday (Dec 6) apologised to families of Covid victims, as he started giving evidence at a UK public inquiry into his government's handling of the pandemic. The hearing was briefly disrupted by a protester, who was asked to leave by the inquiry's chairwoman. Johnson, who resigned in the aftermath of a probe into the Partygate scandal as it was found that he misled parliament, faced massive criticism from former aides for alleged indecisiveness and a lack of scientific understanding during the pandemic. Also read: Did Boris Johnson really ask to plan raid on Dutch Covid vaccine factory? Johnson is facing two days in the witness box. At the start of the hearing, the former PM said how glad he was to give evidence and how sorry he was for the suffering of victims and their families. Johnson accepted that "mistakes" had "unquestionably" been made and further, stated, "I understand the feeling of the victims and their families and I'm deeply sorry for the pain and the loss and the suffering to those victims and their families." "Inevitably we got some things wrong," Johnson said, before adding "we did our level best" and that he took personal responsibility for decisions made. Also read: 29-year-old stabbed in village of Aberfan, manhunt underway The former PM had arrived around three hours early for the proceedings, with some suggesting he was eager to avoid relatives of the Covid bereaved who gathered outside later in the morning. In the UK, nearly 130,000 people died from Covid by mid-July 2021, one of the worst official per capita tolls among Western nations. (With inputs from agencies)

Boris Johnson says 'deeply sorry' to families of Covid victims at inquiry into Britain's handling of pandemic

The Nepal police have detained 12 people accused of illegally sending young recruits to the Russian army. This comes days after authorities confirmed the death of six Nepali fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war. Nepal has prohibited its citizens from joining foreign armies except countries like India and the UK with whom they have agreements.

Nepal's government was alarmed by citizens recruited in Russian Army

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgi Meloni and India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman featured among world's most powerful women of 2023. While Meloni was listed as world's fourth most powerful woman by the Forbes, Sitharaman was ranked at 32nd spot.

Forbes said that its 2023 Power List was determined by four main metrics, "money, media, impact and spheres of influence".

"For political leaders, we weighed gross domestic products and populations; for corporate chiefs, revenues, valuations and employee counts were critical," it said.

"Media mentions and social reach were analysed for all. The result: 100 women who are shaping the policies, products and political fights that define our world," Forbes wrote.&nbsp;

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen topped the Forbes List of the world's most powerful women leaders followed by European Central Bank's president Christine Lagarde and the US Vice President Kamala Harris.

Popstar Taylor Swift was listed as the world's fifth most powerful woman in 2023.&nbsp;

Philanthropist Melinda Gates was listed as the tenth most powerful woman in 2023.&nbsp;

<h2>Giorgia Meloni fourth most powerful woman leader: Why is it so?</h2>

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took office in October 2022 and became the first woman in the modern history to hold that role. The president of Italy's right-wing Brothers of Italy party since March 2014, Meloni's role has been consequential in ensuring Italy's exit from the Chinese expansionist project Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).&nbsp;

She has been unapologetic about saying "yes to natural families and no to the LGBT lobby", deeming the parenting of children by same-sex couples as unnatural, in a row that snowballed into an unprecedented controversy in Europe's liberal landscape.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-very-real-fears-for-lgbt-community-after-melonis-win-as-the-new-prime-minister-520379">Italy: 'Very real fears' for LGBT community after Meloni's win as the new prime minister</a>

But her most notable moment of political prominence has been a constitutional reform that she backed in November 2023. The said proposal&nbsp;would allow for the direct election of the prime minister in a nearly presidential manner.&nbsp;

<h2>Nirmala Sitharaman among world's most powerful women leaders: What does it mean?</h2>

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman figuratively helms over the world's fifth largest economy. After former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj's death in 2019 and&nbsp;toning down of Union minister Smriti Irani's cabinet portfolios, Sitharaman is the&nbsp;most senior female figure in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet. Finance Minister since 2019, Sitharaman is a member of Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indian parliament.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Nirmala Sitharaman top ranked Indian woman in Forbes list of Powerful Women 2023

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Besides, Roshni Malhotra Nadar (60), Soma Mandal (70)&nbsp;and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (76), also feature in the Forbes' list of the world's most powerful women.&nbsp;

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgi Meloni and India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman featured among world's most powerful women of 2023. While Meloni was listed as world's fourth most powerful woman by the Forbes, Sitharaman was ranked at 32nd spot.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgi Meloni and India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman featured among world's most powerful women of 2023. While Meloni was listed as world's fourth most powerful woman by the Forbes, Sitharaman was ranked at 32nd spot. Forbes said that its 2023 Power List was determined by four main metrics, "money, media, impact and spheres of influence". "For political leaders, we weighed gross domestic products and populations; for corporate chiefs, revenues, valuations and employee counts were critical," it said. "Media mentions and social reach were analysed for all. The result: 100 women who are shaping the policies, products and political fights that define our world," Forbes wrote. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen topped the Forbes List of the world's most powerful women leaders followed by European Central Bank's president Christine Lagarde and the US Vice President Kamala Harris. Popstar Taylor Swift was listed as the world's fifth most powerful woman in 2023. Philanthropist Melinda Gates was listed as the tenth most powerful woman in 2023. Giorgia Meloni fourth most powerful woman leader: Why is it so? Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took office in October 2022 and became the first woman in the modern history to hold that role. The president of Italy's right-wing Brothers of Italy party since March 2014, Meloni's role has been consequential in ensuring Italy's exit from the Chinese expansionist project Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). She has been unapologetic about saying "yes to natural families and no to the LGBT lobby", deeming the parenting of children by same-sex couples as unnatural, in a row that snowballed into an unprecedented controversy in Europe's liberal landscape. Also read | Italy: 'Very real fears' for LGBT community after Meloni's win as the new prime minister But her most notable moment of political prominence has been a constitutional reform that she backed in November 2023. The said proposal would allow for the direct election of the prime minister in a nearly presidential manner. Nirmala Sitharaman among world's most powerful women leaders: What does it mean? India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman figuratively helms over the world's fifth largest economy. After former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj's death in 2019 and toning down of Union minister Smriti Irani's cabinet portfolios, Sitharaman is the most senior female figure in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet. Finance Minister since 2019, Sitharaman is a member of Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indian parliament. Also watch | Nirmala Sitharaman top ranked Indian woman in Forbes list of Powerful Women 2023 × Besides, Roshni Malhotra Nadar (60), Soma Mandal (70) and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (76), also feature in the Forbes' list of the world's most powerful women.

Italy's Giorgia Meloni, India's Nirmala Sitharaman listed among world's most powerful women

In Yemen a 34-year-old Indian woman is on death row after the country's top judicial body convicted her of murdering a local man. Nimisha Priya is lodged in the war torn country's Central Jail while in India her family members are making all our efforts to get her freed.

Kerala nurse on death row for killing a local man in Yemen

Europe's most hazardous nuclear site Sellafield is facing a double trouble. On one hand a major leak of radioactive waste has made it a huge public risk and on the other the Guardian has confirmed that foreign cyber groups have compromised its online systems.

Europe's most dangerous nuclear site faces twin challenge: A leak and a cyberattack

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