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A US destroyer and several commercial ships operating in the Red Sea came under drone and ballistic missile attacks and this is according to the US military as it marks the most significant escalation of a weeks long military attack on ships operating in those waters.

Yemen Houthis claim attack on 2 Israeli ships in Red Sea, ships hit by missiles & drones | World DNA

<p>New data from the Climate Trace project shows&nbsp;that electricity generation in China and India, along with oil and gas production in the US, has driven the most significant increases in global greenhouse gas emissions since the signing of the Paris climate agreement in 2015.</p>

<p>The findings shift focus to&nbsp;the challenge of accurately reporting emissions, with many countries and companies failing to fulfil their obligations under the Paris Agreement.</p>

<h2><strong>Rising methane emissions despite pledges</strong></h2>

<p>The data also reveals a rise in methane emissions, a greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide.</p>

<p>Over 100 countries pledged to reduce methane emissions, yet the latest figures indicate an increase.</p>

<p>Coal mines in China notably contributed to the surge in methane emissions between 2021 and 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;COP28 Summit: Could the world agree to ditch fossil fuels at COP28?</strong></p>

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<p>China, however, has recently committed to including methane in its national climate plans and is collaborating with the US to address this issue.</p>

<p>As more than 190 countries convene in Dubai for the COP28 UN climate summit, the focus is on the "global stocktake," assessing progress toward the emissions cuts necessary to stay within the 1.5ºC temperature limit set by the Paris Agreement.</p>

<p>Al Gore, co-founder of Climate Trace, pointed out to&nbsp;The Guardian the importance of accurate emissions information and the project's role in pinpointing emission sources through satellite images and AI software.</p>

<p>“Climate Trace is filling a vacuum that is presently virtually devoid of accurate information. We can break down exactly where emissions are coming from, facility by facility. If the problem is greenhouse gas emissions, it only makes sense to find out where they’re coming from,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scientists stress the urgency of sharp cuts to methane to mitigate the worst impacts of global heating.</p>

<p>Cooperation on methane reduction at the COP28 summit is viewed as a positive step that could potentially help keep the 1.5C target achievable.</p>

<p>Methane reductions, along with cuts to other short-lived pollutants, could contribute significantly to lowering global temperature increases by up to 0.3C.</p>

<p>Over 50 oil and gas companies at COP28 have joined a "decarbonisation accelerator" to reduce the climate impact of their operations.</p>

<p>However, critics argue that the voluntary nature of the pledge makes accountability challenging, and stronger legal agreements are needed for a substantial phase-out of fossil fuels.</p>

<p>Climate Trace data also reveals a rebound in emissions from aviation post-Covid&nbsp;lockdowns. Carbon emissions from international flights surged by 74 per cent&nbsp;between 2021 and 2022, while domestic flight emissions rose by 18 per cent&nbsp;during the same period. Road transport emissions increased by 3.5 per cent&nbsp;potentially linked to the rise in SUV sales.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-cop28-five-passionate-environmentalists-who-are-restoring-indias-biodiversity-tirelessly-665225">Also read |&nbsp;COP28: Five passionate environmentalists who are restoring India's biodiversity tirelessly</a></p>

<h2><strong>Deforestation decline offers a positive note</strong></h2>

<p>Amidst the concerning trends, there is positive news regarding deforestation. Key regions, including the Congo Basin, have witnessed a drop in emissions from forest degradation and destruction. In 2022, emissions in the Congo Basin decreased by up to 19 per cent compared to the previous year.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


New data from the Climate Trace project shows that electricity generation in China and India, along with oil and gas production in the US, has driven the most significant increases in global greenhouse gas emissions since the signing of the Paris climate agreement in 2015.

New data from the Climate Trace project shows that electricity generation in China and India, along with oil and gas production in the US, has driven the most significant increases in global greenhouse gas emissions since the signing of the Paris climate agreement in 2015. The findings shift focus to the challenge of accurately reporting emissions, with many countries and companies failing to fulfil their obligations under the Paris Agreement. Rising methane emissions despite pledges The data also reveals a rise in methane emissions, a greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Over 100 countries pledged to reduce methane emissions, yet the latest figures indicate an increase. Coal mines in China notably contributed to the surge in methane emissions between 2021 and 2022. Also watch | COP28 Summit: Could the world agree to ditch fossil fuels at COP28? China, however, has recently committed to including methane in its national climate plans and is collaborating with the US to address this issue. As more than 190 countries convene in Dubai for the COP28 UN climate summit, the focus is on the "global stocktake," assessing progress toward the emissions cuts necessary to stay within the 1.5ºC temperature limit set by the Paris Agreement. Al Gore, co-founder of Climate Trace, pointed out to The Guardian the importance of accurate emissions information and the project's role in pinpointing emission sources through satellite images and AI software. “Climate Trace is filling a vacuum that is presently virtually devoid of accurate information. We can break down exactly where emissions are coming from, facility by facility. If the problem is greenhouse gas emissions, it only makes sense to find out where they’re coming from,” he said. Scientists stress the urgency of sharp cuts to methane to mitigate the worst impacts of global heating. Cooperation on methane reduction at the COP28 summit is viewed as a positive step that could potentially help keep the 1.5C target achievable. Methane reductions, along with cuts to other short-lived pollutants, could contribute significantly to lowering global temperature increases by up to 0.3C. Over 50 oil and gas companies at COP28 have joined a "decarbonisation accelerator" to reduce the climate impact of their operations. However, critics argue that the voluntary nature of the pledge makes accountability challenging, and stronger legal agreements are needed for a substantial phase-out of fossil fuels. Climate Trace data also reveals a rebound in emissions from aviation post-Covid lockdowns. Carbon emissions from international flights surged by 74 per cent between 2021 and 2022, while domestic flight emissions rose by 18 per cent during the same period. Road transport emissions increased by 3.5 per cent potentially linked to the rise in SUV sales. Also read | COP28: Five passionate environmentalists who are restoring India's biodiversity tirelessly Deforestation decline offers a positive note Amidst the concerning trends, there is positive news regarding deforestation. Key regions, including the Congo Basin, have witnessed a drop in emissions from forest degradation and destruction. In 2022, emissions in the Congo Basin decreased by up to 19 per cent compared to the previous year. (With inputs from agencies)

Surge in greenhouse gas emissions points to China, US, and India as primary culprits: Data

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial resumed on Monday (Dec 4) amid the nation's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-200-hamas-terror-targets-struck-claims-idf-666026">ongoing war against Hamas</a>, which is a Palestine-based militant group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The trial was suspended two months ago when Israel launched war terming it a retaliatory action to Hamas' October 7 attack, which killed around 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netanyahu is accused of fraud and breach of trust over his relationship with Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and other wealthy personalities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-hostage-yonatan-samerano-abducted-during-music-festival-confirmed-dead-in-hamas-captivity-666047">Israeli hostage Jonatan Samerano abducted during music festival, confirmed dead in Hamas captivity</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The prosecutors have said that Netanyahu allegedly received gifts valued at 700,000 shekels ($195,000) between 2007 and 2016. The gifts included boxes of cigars, bottles of champagne and jewellery, in exchange for financial or personal favours.</p>

<p>The leader of Israel's right-wing Likud party has denied the claims and said that the gifts were only accepted by friends and without him having asked for them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netanyahu is Israel's first sitting prime minister to stand trial and in October 2019, his lawyers said they had received an expert legal opinion that concluded he had a right to accept gifts from close friends.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netanyahu is suspected of promoting a tax project in return that would have brought Milchan millions of dollars. The finance ministry has since vetoed this proposal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-revolutionary-guard-chiefs-open-threat-to-israel-you-will-collapse-in-48-hrs-if-666008">Iran Revolutionary Guard chief's open threat to Israel: 'You will collapse in 48 hours if...'</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Over 700 killed in last 24 hours as Israel expands ground offensive in Gaza&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>October 7 attack&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>During the October 7 attack, Hamas had also taken around 250 as hostages, around 100 of which were released during the recent week-long pause in fighting in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel said that around 130 hostages still remained in Gaza but the country has not provided evidence to support its estimate. Reports have also claimed that some Israeli hostages are unaccounted for.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas and began an air, sea and ground offensive that has killed more than 15,500 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Netanyahu 'will be tried as war criminal'&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Netanyahu would eventually be tried as a war criminal over Israel's ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip. He also slammed the Western countries supporting Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a speech to an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) committee meeting in Istanbul, Erdogan said the Western nations supporting Israel were giving it "unconditional support to kill babies" and were complicit in its crimes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Beyond being a war criminal, Netanyahu, who is the butcher of Gaza right now, will be tried as the butcher of Gaza, just as Milosevic was tried," Erdogan said, in reference to Yugoslav ex-President Slobodan Milosevic who was tried for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes at a tribunal in The Hague.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Those who try to skip over the deaths of all those innocent people by using the excuse of Hamas have nothing left to say to humanity," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>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.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial resumed on Monday (Dec 4) amid the nation's ongoing war against Hamas, which is a Palestine-based militant group.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial resumed on Monday (Dec 4) amid the nation's ongoing war against Hamas, which is a Palestine-based militant group. The trial was suspended two months ago when Israel launched war terming it a retaliatory action to Hamas' October 7 attack, which killed around 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials. Netanyahu is accused of fraud and breach of trust over his relationship with Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and other wealthy personalities. Also read: Israeli hostage Jonatan Samerano abducted during music festival, confirmed dead in Hamas captivity The prosecutors have said that Netanyahu allegedly received gifts valued at 700,000 shekels ($195,000) between 2007 and 2016. The gifts included boxes of cigars, bottles of champagne and jewellery, in exchange for financial or personal favours. The leader of Israel's right-wing Likud party has denied the claims and said that the gifts were only accepted by friends and without him having asked for them. Netanyahu is Israel's first sitting prime minister to stand trial and in October 2019, his lawyers said they had received an expert legal opinion that concluded he had a right to accept gifts from close friends. Netanyahu is suspected of promoting a tax project in return that would have brought Milchan millions of dollars. The finance ministry has since vetoed this proposal. Also read: Iran Revolutionary Guard chief's open threat to Israel: 'You will collapse in 48 hours if...' Watch: Over 700 killed in last 24 hours as Israel expands ground offensive in Gaza × October 7 attack During the October 7 attack, Hamas had also taken around 250 as hostages, around 100 of which were released during the recent week-long pause in fighting in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners. Israel said that around 130 hostages still remained in Gaza but the country has not provided evidence to support its estimate. Reports have also claimed that some Israeli hostages are unaccounted for. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas and began an air, sea and ground offensive that has killed more than 15,500 people, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. Netanyahu 'will be tried as war criminal' Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Netanyahu would eventually be tried as a war criminal over Israel's ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip. He also slammed the Western countries supporting Israel. In a speech to an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) committee meeting in Istanbul, Erdogan said the Western nations supporting Israel were giving it "unconditional support to kill babies" and were complicit in its crimes. "Beyond being a war criminal, Netanyahu, who is the butcher of Gaza right now, will be tried as the butcher of Gaza, just as Milosevic was tried," Erdogan said, in reference to Yugoslav ex-President Slobodan Milosevic who was tried for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes at a tribunal in The Hague. "Those who try to skip over the deaths of all those innocent people by using the excuse of Hamas have nothing left to say to humanity," he added. 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.

Israel-Hamas war: PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s graft trial resumes in Israel

It is the third day since the truce collapsed bombing continues in Gaza both Israel and Hamas have ruled out negotiations as bodies line up in the Palestinian Enclave. Israel says it has pulled back mediators from Qatar while Hamas says that another exchange of prisoners and hostages will take place only after a permanent ceasefire.

Israel military says it's expanding operation in Gaza strip, 'Forces fighting strongly in Gaza'

The Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are on orange alert for cyclone Michaung. Rains lashed parts of Southern India as a tropical Cyclone began its approach towards the region. Both states are bracing themselves for the Cyclone to make landfall on December 5th.

Cyclone Michaung: Heavy rain warning issued for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

Madhya Pradesh's state Assembly elections saw the Bharatiya Janata Party pull off a historic victory, retaining power in the state. The BJP secured 163 seats in the 230-member Assembly, while the Congress could only muster 66 seats. Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan said that despite the BJP's historic victory in the state, there was no anti-incumbency sentiment in Madhya Pradesh.

Assembly elections: BJP to hold power independently in 12 states, in coalition in 4 others

As delegations of around 200 nations have gathered to discuss the issues surrounding climate. A lot of climate activists across nations are staging demonstrations against climate inaction - around 25,000 people gathered in Belgian capital, Brussels.

COP28: Thousands protest in Belgium, demand action against climate inaction; 'There is no planet B'

<p>In a disconcerting incident in Philadelphia, a pro-Palestine mob targeted a Jewish-owned falafel restaurant.&nbsp;On Sunday, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of the West Philadelphia neighbourhood known as University City, home to the Ivy-league school, the University of Pennsylvania.</p>

<p>The crowds were seen igniting smoke bombs the colour of the Palestinian flag and calling for an "Intifada revolution" — a violent uprising against Israel.</p>

<h2><strong>Pennsylvania Governor condemns mob</strong></h2>

<p>Targeting the restaurant, crowds chanted "Goldie, Goldie, you can't hide, we charge you with genocide."</p>

<p>The restaurant, called Goldie's, is part of the acclaimed Philadelphia chain owned by Israeli-born chef Mike Solomonov.</p>

<p>Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has condemned the act, calling it a "blatant act of antisemitism - not a peaceful protest."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tonight in Philly, we saw a blatant act of antisemitism — not a peaceful protest.<br />
<br />
A restaurant was targeted and mobbed because its owner is Jewish and Israeli. This hate and bigotry is reminiscent of a dark time in history. <a href="https://t.co/WS2guahnsQ">https://t.co/WS2guahnsQ</a></p>
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovernorShapiro/status/1731520930097033273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Shapiro, who as per Daily Mail is the state's third-ever Jewish governor, wrote,&nbsp;"A restaurant was targeted and mobbed because its owner is Jewish and Israeli. This hate and bigotry is reminiscent of a dark time in history."</p>

<h2><strong>Tensions rise at UPenn</strong></h2>

<p>The calls for an "intifada" by students at the University of Pennsylvania have further highlighted rising tensions. The protests as per Daily Mail were led by the Philly Palestine Coalition.</p>

<p>UPenn, the prestigious Ivy League institution, has been grappling with escalating incidents of antisemitism, including threats projected onto its buildings. This has led to it being accused of being a "magnet for antisemites" and the prompting of a civil rights complaint.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">University of Pennsylvania right now. Jewish students are terrified.<br />
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Where is law enforcement????<br />
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/JordynTilchen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JordynTilchen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HenMazzig?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HenMazzig</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/yashar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@yashar</a> <a href="https://t.co/hO5lTVddZU">pic.twitter.com/hO5lTVddZU</a></p>
— Jen X 🇮🇱 🦋 (@bellewriter) <a href="https://twitter.com/bellewriter/status/1731470764971356318?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>As such incidents increase in frequency, the university has responded by increasing security measures and collaborating with the FBI to address the discrimination against Jewish students.</p>

<p>The university said that several of its staff have received "vile, disturbing antisemitic emails" threatening violence against Jews on campus, particularly in Penn Hillel, an on-campus Jewish organisation, and Lauder College House.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happening now at <a href="https://twitter.com/Penn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Penn</a>. Hundreds of students marching chanting for “Intifada revolution.”<br />
<br />
Imagine being a Jewish student there… <a href="https://t.co/8d0uEl6sQf">pic.twitter.com/8d0uEl6sQf</a></p>
— Chaya Raichik (@ChayaRaichik10) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChayaRaichik10/status/1731495839359713607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>As per University president Liz Magill, "These messages also included hateful language, targeting the personal identities of the recipients. Penn's Division of Public Safety was immediately notified and responded. Penn Police also notified the FBI of this potential hate crime and a joint investigation is underway."</p>

<p>This incident occurred against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in the Middle East. On October 7, the militant group Hamas launched a brutal attack on Israel killing 1,200 Israelis. Tel Aviv has vowed annihilation of the group, its retaliatory strikes have left more than 15,000 dead in the Gaza Strip.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a disconcerting incident in Philadelphia, a pro-Palestine mob targeted a Jewish-owned falafel restaurant. On Sunday, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of the West Philadelphia neighbourhood known as University City, home to the Ivy-league school, the University of Pennsylvania.

In a disconcerting incident in Philadelphia, a pro-Palestine mob targeted a Jewish-owned falafel restaurant. On Sunday, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of the West Philadelphia neighbourhood known as University City, home to the Ivy-league school, the University of Pennsylvania. The crowds were seen igniting smoke bombs the colour of the Palestinian flag and calling for an "Intifada revolution" — a violent uprising against Israel. Pennsylvania Governor condemns mob Targeting the restaurant, crowds chanted "Goldie, Goldie, you can't hide, we charge you with genocide." The restaurant, called Goldie's, is part of the acclaimed Philadelphia chain owned by Israeli-born chef Mike Solomonov. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has condemned the act, calling it a "blatant act of antisemitism - not a peaceful protest." Tonight in Philly, we saw a blatant act of antisemitism — not a peaceful protest. A restaurant was targeted and mobbed because its owner is Jewish and Israeli. This hate and bigotry is reminiscent of a dark time in history. https://t.co/WS2guahnsQ — Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) December 4, 2023 × Shapiro, who as per Daily Mail is the state's third-ever Jewish governor, wrote, "A restaurant was targeted and mobbed because its owner is Jewish and Israeli. This hate and bigotry is reminiscent of a dark time in history." Tensions rise at UPenn The calls for an "intifada" by students at the University of Pennsylvania have further highlighted rising tensions. The protests as per Daily Mail were led by the Philly Palestine Coalition. UPenn, the prestigious Ivy League institution, has been grappling with escalating incidents of antisemitism, including threats projected onto its buildings. This has led to it being accused of being a "magnet for antisemites" and the prompting of a civil rights complaint. University of Pennsylvania right now. Jewish students are terrified. Where is law enforcement???? @JordynTilchen @HenMazzig @yashar pic.twitter.com/hO5lTVddZU — Jen X 🇮🇱 🦋 (@bellewriter) December 4, 2023 × As such incidents increase in frequency, the university has responded by increasing security measures and collaborating with the FBI to address the discrimination against Jewish students. The university said that several of its staff have received "vile, disturbing antisemitic emails" threatening violence against Jews on campus, particularly in Penn Hillel, an on-campus Jewish organisation, and Lauder College House. Happening now at @Penn. Hundreds of students marching chanting for “Intifada revolution.” Imagine being a Jewish student there… pic.twitter.com/8d0uEl6sQf — Chaya Raichik (@ChayaRaichik10) December 4, 2023 × As per University president Liz Magill, "These messages also included hateful language, targeting the personal identities of the recipients. Penn's Division of Public Safety was immediately notified and responded. Penn Police also notified the FBI of this potential hate crime and a joint investigation is underway." This incident occurred against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in the Middle East. On October 7, the militant group Hamas launched a brutal attack on Israel killing 1,200 Israelis. Tel Aviv has vowed annihilation of the group, its retaliatory strikes have left more than 15,000 dead in the Gaza Strip. (With inputs from agencies)

Pro-Palestine protest at University of Pennsylvania calls for 'Intifada' revolution, targets Jewish restaurant

In line with a global initiative to reduce emissions that fuel climate change, the Biden administration unveiled final regulations on Saturday that aim to severely restrict methane emissions from the US oil and gas industry. US officials unveiled the regulations, which had been in the works for two years, during the COP28 climate change conference held in Dubai.

COP28 UAE: US unveils strategy at COP 28 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from gas and oil

World leaders are attempting to resume negotiations in Gaza. Israeli defence forces are continuing their airstrikes on Gaza against Hamas militants. Over 700 people are killed in 24 hours in Gaza strip.

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli army expands operation in Gaza, over 700 killed in 24 hrs

<p>China on Monday (Dec 4) accused the United States of escalating tensions in the South China Sea after it claimed that an American combat ship "illegally" entered waters near the Second Thomas Shoal, which is a disputed atoll.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beijing also described the US as "the biggest threat to peace and stability" in the region. Notably, China refers to Second Thomas Shoal as Renai Reef and it is about 200 kilometres from the western Philippine island of Palawan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The disputed South China Sea atoll is more than 1,000 kilometres from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan Island.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, a spokesperson for China's Southern Theatre Command said: "The United States has deliberately disrupted the South China Sea, seriously violated China's sovereignty and security, severely undermined regional peace and stability, and seriously violated international law and basic norms governing international relations."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-defence-contractors-register-stellar-profit-for-fourth-consecutive-year-in-a-row-sipri-666019">China defence contractors register stellar profit for fourth consecutive year in a row: SIPRI</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Southern Theatre Command spokesman Tian Junli said: "On December 4, littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords illegally entered the waters adjacent to Ren'ai Reef in the Nansha region of China without the approval of the Chinese government."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tian further said that China's military on Monday "followed the entire operation" and also added that the "deliberate stirring up of the South China Sea by the United States is a serious infringement of China's sovereignty and security".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Troops in the theatre of command maintain a high state of alert at all times, resolutely defending national sovereignty and security," Tian added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As translated by the news agency Reuters, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said: "The Whitsun Reef is part of China's Nansha Islands, and the relevant waters in the South China Sea, including the Whitsun Reef and its neighbouring waters, have always been an important operating area and shelter for Chinese fishing vessels."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is reasonable and lawful for Chinese fishing vessels to operate in and take shelter from the wind in those waters, the Philippines should not make irresponsible remarks about it," Wang added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prominent-jailed-hong-kong-activist-agnes-chow-moves-to-canada-breaks-silence-after-more-than-2-years-665978">Prominent jailed Hong Kong activist Agnes Chow moves to Canada, breaks silence after more than 2 years</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US Navy destroyer shoots down three drones in Red Sea that hit commercial ships by missiles &amp; drones&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>South China Sea conflict</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Territorial disputes in the South China Sea grab the attention of the world. It involves conflicting island and maritime claims in the region by several sovereign states, namely Brunei, China Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beijing has ignored a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that its claims to almost the entire sea have no legal basis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent years, China has ramped up patrols of the waters and reefs in the South China Sea and built artificial islands that it has militarised to reinforce its assertion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


China on Monday (Dec 4) accused the United States of escalating tensions in the South China Sea after it claimed that an American combat ship "illegally" entered waters near the Second Thomas Shoal, which is a disputed atoll.

China on Monday (Dec 4) accused the United States of escalating tensions in the South China Sea after it claimed that an American combat ship "illegally" entered waters near the Second Thomas Shoal, which is a disputed atoll. Beijing also described the US as "the biggest threat to peace and stability" in the region. Notably, China refers to Second Thomas Shoal as Renai Reef and it is about 200 kilometres from the western Philippine island of Palawan. The disputed South China Sea atoll is more than 1,000 kilometres from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan Island. In a statement, a spokesperson for China's Southern Theatre Command said: "The United States has deliberately disrupted the South China Sea, seriously violated China's sovereignty and security, severely undermined regional peace and stability, and seriously violated international law and basic norms governing international relations." Also read: China defence contractors register stellar profit for fourth consecutive year in a row: SIPRI Southern Theatre Command spokesman Tian Junli said: "On December 4, littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords illegally entered the waters adjacent to Ren'ai Reef in the Nansha region of China without the approval of the Chinese government." Tian further said that China's military on Monday "followed the entire operation" and also added that the "deliberate stirring up of the South China Sea by the United States is a serious infringement of China's sovereignty and security". "Troops in the theatre of command maintain a high state of alert at all times, resolutely defending national sovereignty and security," Tian added. As translated by the news agency Reuters, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said: "The Whitsun Reef is part of China's Nansha Islands, and the relevant waters in the South China Sea, including the Whitsun Reef and its neighbouring waters, have always been an important operating area and shelter for Chinese fishing vessels." "It is reasonable and lawful for Chinese fishing vessels to operate in and take shelter from the wind in those waters, the Philippines should not make irresponsible remarks about it," Wang added. Also read: Prominent jailed Hong Kong activist Agnes Chow moves to Canada, breaks silence after more than 2 years Watch: US Navy destroyer shoots down three drones in Red Sea that hit commercial ships by missiles & drones × South China Sea conflict Territorial disputes in the South China Sea grab the attention of the world. It involves conflicting island and maritime claims in the region by several sovereign states, namely Brunei, China Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam. Beijing has ignored a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that its claims to almost the entire sea have no legal basis. In recent years, China has ramped up patrols of the waters and reefs in the South China Sea and built artificial islands that it has militarised to reinforce its assertion. (With inputs from agencies)

China slams US for 'illegally' entering waters near disputed Second Thomas Shoal

India is gearing up for the winter session of the parliament this is going to be the last full-fledged session before the next Lok Sabha elections. The session is starting on Monday, a day after the results of the assembly elections to four states will be out.

Indian Parliament Winter Session: PM Modi seeks cooperation from opposition

At the invitation of the President, Droupadi Murmu, the President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto will pay a State visit to India from 4-6 December, 2023. He will be accompanied by a high-level official delegation. It will be President William Ruto’s first visit to India in his present capacity. During his stay in New Delhi, President Ruto will meet with the President.

Kenyan President Ruto arrives in New Delhi for a state visit to India

COP28 President is facing backlash from climate activist over his comments on fossil fuels. Al Jaber says that there is no science behind phase out of fossil fuels.

COP28 President's fossil fuel claim causes outcry

Israel-Hamas war: Over 700 killed in last 24 hours as Israel expands ground offensive in Gaza

China's pneumonia surge is spreading beyond borders. Thsi brings back the memories of dreaded COVID-19. Asian countries are also putting themselves on guard.

China's pneumonia outbreak: Children around the world falling sick, cases rise globally

<p>China’s top-tier defence contractors outpaced their US counterparts in armed sales for the fourth straight year in 2022, Swedish think tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said in its report on Monday (Dec 4).</p>

<p>However, despite selling more than the US, China was still at the second spot in combined arms sales, the annual report released by SIPRI stated.</p>

<p>Chinese companies combined arms sales accounted for 18 per cent share, while the US maintained its top spot with a staggering 51 per cent of the market share.</p>

<p>The report cited supply chain issues and labour shortages stemming from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic among major causes preventing US contractors from significantly ramping up production capacity, despite a surge in orders as Kyiv fights back against the Russian invasion.</p>

<p>The SIPRI&nbsp;report, titled ‘Top100 Arms Producing and Military Services Companies, 2022’&nbsp;listed the top eight Chinese arms producers which registered a stellar growth last year.</p>

<h2><strong>Eight Chinese companies listed in report&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>According to the report, six of those listees registered an increase in revenue last year, while three made it to the top 10.</p>

<p>The combined revenue for these eight Chinese companies grew by 2.7 per cent to $108 billion, a fourth consecutive annual increase.</p>

<p>China’s largest defence contractor and land systems specialist Norinco ranked seventh on the list, with revenue rising by 4.4 per cent to $22.1 billion last year, the report noted.</p>

<p>The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the country's No 2 weapons company and leading military aircraft maker, was ranked eighth with a 4.7 per cent revenue hike, to $20.6 billion, and China South Industries Group took the 21st spot on the list.</p>

<h2><strong>Chinese firms looking to expand export market&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Among all the Chinese companies, China South Industries Group witnessed the most rapid growth in 2022 of 12 per cent to $6.5 billion, the report said.</p>

<p>“This is supported by its rising military spending, which has been on [an] uninterrupted increase since 1995,” Xiao Liang, a researcher with the SIPRI military expenditure and arms production programme, told SCMP news outlet.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/11-climbers-die-in-volcanic-eruption-in-indonesia-search-ops-halted-due-to-lava-discharge-665881">11 climbers die in volcanic eruption in Indonesia, search ops halted due to lava discharge</a></p>

<p>“AVIC, China’s main aircraft producer, saw revenue rise for the second consecutive year, reflecting increased production of its fourth-generation combat aircraft and the fielding of fifth-generation combat aircraft, that is the J-20.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prominent-jailed-hong-kong-activist-agnes-chow-moves-to-canada-breaks-silence-after-over-2-years-665978">Prominent jailed Hong Kong activist Agnes Chow moves to Canada, breaks silence after more than 2 years</a></p>

<p>The study noted that efforts undertaken by these Chinese companies to expand their export market which traditionally relied on domestic sales.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


China’s top-tier defence contractors outpaced their US counterparts in armed sales for the fourth straight year in 2022, Swedish think tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said in its report on Monday (Dec 4).

China’s top-tier defence contractors outpaced their US counterparts in armed sales for the fourth straight year in 2022, Swedish think tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said in its report on Monday (Dec 4). However, despite selling more than the US, China was still at the second spot in combined arms sales, the annual report released by SIPRI stated. Chinese companies combined arms sales accounted for 18 per cent share, while the US maintained its top spot with a staggering 51 per cent of the market share. The report cited supply chain issues and labour shortages stemming from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic among major causes preventing US contractors from significantly ramping up production capacity, despite a surge in orders as Kyiv fights back against the Russian invasion. The SIPRI report, titled ‘Top100 Arms Producing and Military Services Companies, 2022’ listed the top eight Chinese arms producers which registered a stellar growth last year. Eight Chinese companies listed in report According to the report, six of those listees registered an increase in revenue last year, while three made it to the top 10. The combined revenue for these eight Chinese companies grew by 2.7 per cent to $108 billion, a fourth consecutive annual increase. China’s largest defence contractor and land systems specialist Norinco ranked seventh on the list, with revenue rising by 4.4 per cent to $22.1 billion last year, the report noted. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the country's No 2 weapons company and leading military aircraft maker, was ranked eighth with a 4.7 per cent revenue hike, to $20.6 billion, and China South Industries Group took the 21st spot on the list. Chinese firms looking to expand export market Among all the Chinese companies, China South Industries Group witnessed the most rapid growth in 2022 of 12 per cent to $6.5 billion, the report said. “This is supported by its rising military spending, which has been on [an] uninterrupted increase since 1995,” Xiao Liang, a researcher with the SIPRI military expenditure and arms production programme, told SCMP news outlet. Also read | 11 climbers die in volcanic eruption in Indonesia, search ops halted due to lava discharge “AVIC, China’s main aircraft producer, saw revenue rise for the second consecutive year, reflecting increased production of its fourth-generation combat aircraft and the fielding of fifth-generation combat aircraft, that is the J-20.” Also read | Prominent jailed Hong Kong activist Agnes Chow moves to Canada, breaks silence after more than 2 years The study noted that efforts undertaken by these Chinese companies to expand their export market which traditionally relied on domestic sales. (With inputs from agencies)

China defence contractors register stellar profit for fourth consecutive year in a row: SIPRI

Bodies of 11 climbers were recovered in Indonesia on Monday - a day after a volcanic eruption on the island of Sumatra. 12 other climbers are still missing and officials have temporarily halted the search operation due to safety concerns.

Indonesia: 12 climbers missing, 3 survivors rescued after volcanic eruption at Mount Marapi

Major cyber thrash is impacting US water infrastructure. Iran linked hacking group is actively targeting multiple US facilities.

Iranian hackers target Israeli tech used by several US water facilities

With all eyes on India's Winter session of Parliament, the spotlight was on three criminal justice bills in focus. They were the IPC, CrPc and the Evidence Act.

Indian Parliament Winter Session 2023 : Spotlight on three criminal justice bill

Indian Parliament Winter Session 2023: 21 bills likely to be discussed

Israel-Hamas war: Gal Gadot lashes out, slams silence over report of sexual violence. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trial on corruption charges, which was suspended along with all other non-urgent cases after October 7, resumes today in the Jerusalem District Court. An emergency order that Justice Minister Yariv Levin put in place for the courts when the war with Hamas began expired last week, and most courts have been ordered to resume normal operations.

Israel-Hamas war: Gal Gadot lashes out, slams silence over report of sexual violence

President-elect of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu has said that his country has started negotiations with India to remove its military presence. Removing Indian troops was a key campaign pledge by Muizzu, who ousted President Ibrahim Solih.

Indian troops in Maldives to leave: President Muizzu

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military says it's expanding operations in Gaza strip

A 26-year-old French suspect recorded a video pledging allegiance to the Islamic State before his knife and hammer attack. The French anti-terror prosecutor said that the suspect told the police that he was angry about the situation in Gaza.

Man arrested for killing German tourist in Paris, attacker assaulted two others

<p>The man who stabbed a tourist to death near the Eiffel Tower in Paris swore allegiance to the Islamic State group in a video posted on social media, French anti-terrorist prosecutors said Sunday.</p>

<p>Known to the authorities as a radicalised Islamist who had social media connections to perpetrators of other recent attacks in France, the attacker Armand Rajabpour-Miyandoab had also been subject to close psychological surveillance for mental health issues, senior prosecutor Jean-Francois Ricard told reporters.</p>

<p>He added that the man's mother had reported concerns about him as recently as October, but there was insufficient proof at the time to take legal action.</p>

<p>The attack late Saturday came as France is at its highest alert level against the background of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and following a series of apparent lone-wolf attacks in the country.</p>

<p>Identified as Armand Rajabpour-Miyandoab, the knife attacker is a French national, born in 1997 to Iranian parents.</p>

<p>He killed a 23-year-old man, identified as a German-Filipino citizen, with two blows from a hammer and four from a knife at around 9:30 pm (2030 GMT).</p>

<p>Shouting "Allahu Akbar" ("God is greatest"), Rajabpour-Miyandoab fled over the Bir Hakeim bridge across the river Seine after a taxi driver intervened.</p>

<p>Meeting a police patrol on the other side, he claimed to be wearing an explosive belt before running again, striking two passers-by -- a 66-year-old British citizen and a 60-year-old French person -- with the hammer.</p>

<p>He was finally stopped with two shots from a taser and taken into custody.</p>

<p>Ministers led by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne gathered for a security meeting on Sunday, with the head of government writing on X, formerly Twitter, "We will not give in to terrorism."</p>

<h2><strong>Contact with other attackers&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>"In late October 2023, the mother of the attacker reported concerns about her son's behaviour, as he had turned in on himself. But there was nothing allowing for a new prosecution," Ricard said.</p>

<p>An X account opened by Rajabpour-Miyandoab in early October showed "many posts about Hamas, Gaza or Palestine more generally", he added.</p>

<p>It was there that the attacker posted a video in Arabic presenting himself as an Islamic State fighter based in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>"In this video, he swore allegiance to the Islamic State and expressed his support to jihadists... in Africa, Iraq, Syria, the Sinai... Yemen or Pakistan," Ricard said.</p>

<p>Rajabpour-Miyandoab, whose family is not religious, converted to Islam at 18 and began consuming vast amounts of IS propaganda, according to prosecutors.</p>

<p>He had plans to join the Islamic State group in Iraq or Syria in 2016 and was friends on Facebook with a man who went on to kill two police officers in their home in Magnanville, outside Paris -- although the two did not exchange messages.</p>

<p>Later that year, he was arrested for planning an attack, eventually serving four years in prison and under close watch following his release.</p>

<p>That surveillance was reinforced based on his social media contacts, including with the future killer of teacher Samuel Paty, beheaded outside his school in 2020 by an Islamist attacker.</p>

<p>Rajabpour-Miyandoab was also under compulsory psychiatric treatment for mental health troubles until April this year, Ricard said.</p>

<p>Health Minister Aurelien Rousseau had earlier said Rajabpour-Miyandoab was "being monitored in a way that did not mean he was hospitalised" for his mental health issues.</p>

<p>"As often in these cases, there's a mixture of an ideology, an easily influenced person and, unfortunately, psychiatry," he added.</p>

<p>As well as Rajabpour-Miyandoab himself, three people were being held in custody on Sunday afternoon, Ricard said, "belonging to the family or the social circle of the perpetrator".</p>

<h2><strong>High tensions&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Following Sunday's security meeting, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin urged that authorities "should be able to request (or) demand compulsory treatment" for people with mental health issues who are believed to be radicalised.</p>

<p>France remains "under the threat of radical Islamism for the long term", Darmanin added, calling for "a very strong penal response".</p>

<p>France has suffered several attacks by Islamist extremists, including the November 2015 suicide and gun attacks in Paris claimed by the Islamic State group in which 130 people were killed.</p>

<p>There had been a relative lull in recent years, even as officials have warned that the threat remains.</p>

<p>But tensions have risen in France, home to large Jewish and Muslim populations, following Hamas'&nbsp;unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7 and Israel's subsequent bombardment of the Gaza Strip.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The man who stabbed a tourist to death near the Eiffel Tower in Paris swore allegiance to the Islamic State group in a video posted on social media, French anti-terrorist prosecutors said Sunday.

The man who stabbed a tourist to death near the Eiffel Tower in Paris swore allegiance to the Islamic State group in a video posted on social media, French anti-terrorist prosecutors said Sunday. Known to the authorities as a radicalised Islamist who had social media connections to perpetrators of other recent attacks in France, the attacker Armand Rajabpour-Miyandoab had also been subject to close psychological surveillance for mental health issues, senior prosecutor Jean-Francois Ricard told reporters. He added that the man's mother had reported concerns about him as recently as October, but there was insufficient proof at the time to take legal action. The attack late Saturday came as France is at its highest alert level against the background of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and following a series of apparent lone-wolf attacks in the country. Identified as Armand Rajabpour-Miyandoab, the knife attacker is a French national, born in 1997 to Iranian parents. He killed a 23-year-old man, identified as a German-Filipino citizen, with two blows from a hammer and four from a knife at around 9:30 pm (2030 GMT). Shouting "Allahu Akbar" ("God is greatest"), Rajabpour-Miyandoab fled over the Bir Hakeim bridge across the river Seine after a taxi driver intervened. Meeting a police patrol on the other side, he claimed to be wearing an explosive belt before running again, striking two passers-by -- a 66-year-old British citizen and a 60-year-old French person -- with the hammer. He was finally stopped with two shots from a taser and taken into custody. Ministers led by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne gathered for a security meeting on Sunday, with the head of government writing on X, formerly Twitter, "We will not give in to terrorism." Contact with other attackers "In late October 2023, the mother of the attacker reported concerns about her son's behaviour, as he had turned in on himself. But there was nothing allowing for a new prosecution," Ricard said. An X account opened by Rajabpour-Miyandoab in early October showed "many posts about Hamas, Gaza or Palestine more generally", he added. It was there that the attacker posted a video in Arabic presenting himself as an Islamic State fighter based in Afghanistan. "In this video, he swore allegiance to the Islamic State and expressed his support to jihadists... in Africa, Iraq, Syria, the Sinai... Yemen or Pakistan," Ricard said. Rajabpour-Miyandoab, whose family is not religious, converted to Islam at 18 and began consuming vast amounts of IS propaganda, according to prosecutors. He had plans to join the Islamic State group in Iraq or Syria in 2016 and was friends on Facebook with a man who went on to kill two police officers in their home in Magnanville, outside Paris -- although the two did not exchange messages. Later that year, he was arrested for planning an attack, eventually serving four years in prison and under close watch following his release. That surveillance was reinforced based on his social media contacts, including with the future killer of teacher Samuel Paty, beheaded outside his school in 2020 by an Islamist attacker. Rajabpour-Miyandoab was also under compulsory psychiatric treatment for mental health troubles until April this year, Ricard said. Health Minister Aurelien Rousseau had earlier said Rajabpour-Miyandoab was "being monitored in a way that did not mean he was hospitalised" for his mental health issues. "As often in these cases, there's a mixture of an ideology, an easily influenced person and, unfortunately, psychiatry," he added. As well as Rajabpour-Miyandoab himself, three people were being held in custody on Sunday afternoon, Ricard said, "belonging to the family or the social circle of the perpetrator". High tensions Following Sunday's security meeting, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin urged that authorities "should be able to request (or) demand compulsory treatment" for people with mental health issues who are believed to be radicalised. France remains "under the threat of radical Islamism for the long term", Darmanin added, calling for "a very strong penal response". France has suffered several attacks by Islamist extremists, including the November 2015 suicide and gun attacks in Paris claimed by the Islamic State group in which 130 people were killed. There had been a relative lull in recent years, even as officials have warned that the threat remains. But tensions have risen in France, home to large Jewish and Muslim populations, following Hamas' unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7 and Israel's subsequent bombardment of the Gaza Strip. (With inputs from agencies)

Paris knife attacker 'swore allegiance to Islamic State'

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