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A Chinese celebrity chef has landed in&nbsp;trouble for uploading a video of himself, cooking egg fried rice. The chef, Wang Gang, with millions of followers on Weibo (a Chinese microblogging site), faced the wrath of angry Chinese netizens as they believe that he mocked Mao Zedong’s son by uploading a video of how to cook egg fried rice. Buy, why so?

Mao’s eldest son, Mao Anying died in the Korean War in 1950. One story, though denied frequently, behind his death was that he was trying to cook egg fried rice instead of taking shelter, and the smoke from the fire exposed his position to enemy forces.&nbsp;

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People in China are pretty serious about this and any reference to the dish is seen as an act of disrespect to leader Mao. In 2021, a netizen was detained for 10 days after he posted a comment saying that “the best thing to come out of the Korean War was egg fried rice.”

<h2>Chinese celebrity chef apologises after upsetting netizens with his egg fried rice video</h2>

“As a chef, I will never make fried rice again”, Wang said in his apology on Monday after taking down the video. The video of Wang preparing the dish was uploaded on Weibo on Nov 27, two days after the death anniversary of Mao Anying. He made a video apology on Nov 28 and posted the video on X.&nbsp;

He further said in the video that his video was posted by his team without his knowledge and that his grandfather, a Korean War veteran, later taught him to admit his mistakes and “live honestly".

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王刚发表道歉视频，表示从今以后再也不做蛋炒饭了。 <a href="https://t.co/V3ZGK0DY0y">pic.twitter.com/V3ZGK0DY0y</a>
— 李老师不是你老师 (@whyyoutouzhele) <a href="https://twitter.com/whyyoutouzhele/status/1729178756022190574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Wang made the apology after he faced the fury of upset netizens who took to social media to condemn his egg fried rice recipe video.&nbsp;

“It seems that Wang Gang knows the story of Mao Anying’s death. It’s normal that he didn’t know it the first time. But he didn’t know it the second time? I think he was really mocking Mao Anying,” an X user posted in Chinese.

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What is to be noted is that this is the second time that Wang has faced the music for his egg fried rice recipe. In October 2020, he was accused of mocking Mao’s son by posting the same recipe, for which he later apologised.&nbsp;

In 2019, Wang faced heavy scrutiny for cooking a critically endangered giant salamander in one of his YouTube videos.

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But some netizens came to his defence as well. An X user posted in Chinese, “It’s pitiful that such an excellent chef who only teaches people how to cook can be criticised like this. It’s really sad.”

In 2018, the Chinese government criminalised the act of insulting “heroes and martyrs” who have sacrificed themselves for China or the Communist Party cause.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Chinese celebrity chef has landed in trouble for uploading a video of himself, cooking egg fried rice. The chef, Wang Gang, with millions of followers on Weibo (a Chinese microblogging site), faced the wrath of angry Chinese netizens as they believe that he mocked Mao Zedong’s son by uploading a video of how to cook egg fried rice.

A Chinese celebrity chef has landed in trouble for uploading a video of himself, cooking egg fried rice. The chef, Wang Gang, with millions of followers on Weibo (a Chinese microblogging site), faced the wrath of angry Chinese netizens as they believe that he mocked Mao Zedong’s son by uploading a video of how to cook egg fried rice. Buy, why so? Mao’s eldest son, Mao Anying died in the Korean War in 1950. One story, though denied frequently, behind his death was that he was trying to cook egg fried rice instead of taking shelter, and the smoke from the fire exposed his position to enemy forces. Also Read | Uber aims to mend ties with London's black cabs in new initiative People in China are pretty serious about this and any reference to the dish is seen as an act of disrespect to leader Mao. In 2021, a netizen was detained for 10 days after he posted a comment saying that “the best thing to come out of the Korean War was egg fried rice.” Chinese celebrity chef apologises after upsetting netizens with his egg fried rice video “As a chef, I will never make fried rice again”, Wang said in his apology on Monday after taking down the video. The video of Wang preparing the dish was uploaded on Weibo on Nov 27, two days after the death anniversary of Mao Anying. He made a video apology on Nov 28 and posted the video on X. He further said in the video that his video was posted by his team without his knowledge and that his grandfather, a Korean War veteran, later taught him to admit his mistakes and “live honestly". 王刚发表道歉视频，表示从今以后再也不做蛋炒饭了。 pic.twitter.com/V3ZGK0DY0y — 李老师不是你老师 (@whyyoutouzhele) November 27, 2023 × Wang made the apology after he faced the fury of upset netizens who took to social media to condemn his egg fried rice recipe video. “It seems that Wang Gang knows the story of Mao Anying’s death. It’s normal that he didn’t know it the first time. But he didn’t know it the second time? I think he was really mocking Mao Anying,” an X user posted in Chinese. Also Read | AI-Driven Hearing: A symphony of adaptability in noisy environments What is to be noted is that this is the second time that Wang has faced the music for his egg fried rice recipe. In October 2020, he was accused of mocking Mao’s son by posting the same recipe, for which he later apologised. In 2019, Wang faced heavy scrutiny for cooking a critically endangered giant salamander in one of his YouTube videos. Also Read | An open letter to Donald Trump: Yes, Make America Great Again But some netizens came to his defence as well. An X user posted in Chinese, “It’s pitiful that such an excellent chef who only teaches people how to cook can be criticised like this. It’s really sad.” In 2018, the Chinese government criminalised the act of insulting “heroes and martyrs” who have sacrificed themselves for China or the Communist Party cause. (With inputs from agencies)

How an egg fried rice recipe landed this celebrity Chinese chef in a soup

Israel and Hamas reached a last-minute agreement on Thursday (Nov 30) to extend the ceasefire, granting negotiators additional time to finalise deals involving the exchange of hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners.

A four-day ceasefire was initially agreed upon which was later extended by two days. The extension is crucial for ongoing humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza, which suffered extensive damage due to Israeli attacks that followed&nbsp;a deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.

The Israeli military, in a statement released just before the temporary truce's expiration at 0500 GMT, affirmed the continuation of the operational pause. This extension hinges on mediator efforts to advance the process of releasing hostages, adhering to the agreed-upon framework.

Hamas, having released 16 hostages in exchange for 30 Palestinian prisoners the previous day, confirmed the truce's continuation for a seventh day. The conditions of the ceasefire, encompassing the cessation of hostilities and the entry of humanitarian aid, remain unchanged, as stated by a foreign ministry spokesperson from Qatar—a key mediator alongside Egypt and the United States.

Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: 10-month old Israeli hostage killed

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<h2>List submission and hostage situation</h2>

Israel's prime minister’s office reported receiving a list of women and children in line with the agreement's terms, ensuring the truce's continuation. However, Hamas asserted that Israel declined to accept an additional seven women and children, along with the bodies of three hostages, which strained negotiations for extending the truce.

Before the agreement, both Israel and Hamas had expressed readiness to resume hostilities. A Reuters tally indicates that 97 hostages have been freed since the truce's commencement, with the Israeli military stating that 145 hostages remain in Gaza. Notably, two Russian and four Thai citizens were released outside the agreement's framework, along with 10 Israeli citizens, including five dual nationals.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Tel Aviv underscored diplomatic efforts to discuss the ceasefire extension. President Joe Biden committed to securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas and emphasised this objective following the release of American Liat Beinin.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the "epic humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza, emphasising the need for a ceasefire to replace the temporary truce. China urged the United Nations Security Council to formulate a concrete timetable and roadmap for a two-state solution, aiming for a comprehensive, just, and lasting settlement of the Palestinian issue.

Jordan is set to host a conference attended by major relief agencies to coordinate aid for Gaza. Meanwhile, the US&nbsp;is urging Israel to specify combat zones and safe areas for Palestinian civilians during operations to prevent a recurrence of high civilian casualties.

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.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel and Hamas reached a last-minute agreement on Thursday (Nov 30) to extend the ceasefire, granting negotiators additional time to finalise deals involving the exchange of hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners.

Israel and Hamas reached a last-minute agreement on Thursday (Nov 30) to extend the ceasefire, granting negotiators additional time to finalise deals involving the exchange of hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners. A four-day ceasefire was initially agreed upon which was later extended by two days. The extension is crucial for ongoing humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza, which suffered extensive damage due to Israeli attacks that followed a deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. The Israeli military, in a statement released just before the temporary truce's expiration at 0500 GMT, affirmed the continuation of the operational pause. This extension hinges on mediator efforts to advance the process of releasing hostages, adhering to the agreed-upon framework. Hamas, having released 16 hostages in exchange for 30 Palestinian prisoners the previous day, confirmed the truce's continuation for a seventh day. The conditions of the ceasefire, encompassing the cessation of hostilities and the entry of humanitarian aid, remain unchanged, as stated by a foreign ministry spokesperson from Qatar—a key mediator alongside Egypt and the United States. Also watch | Israel-Hamas War: 10-month old Israeli hostage killed List submission and hostage situation Israel's prime minister’s office reported receiving a list of women and children in line with the agreement's terms, ensuring the truce's continuation. However, Hamas asserted that Israel declined to accept an additional seven women and children, along with the bodies of three hostages, which strained negotiations for extending the truce. Before the agreement, both Israel and Hamas had expressed readiness to resume hostilities. A Reuters tally indicates that 97 hostages have been freed since the truce's commencement, with the Israeli military stating that 145 hostages remain in Gaza. Notably, two Russian and four Thai citizens were released outside the agreement's framework, along with 10 Israeli citizens, including five dual nationals. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Tel Aviv underscored diplomatic efforts to discuss the ceasefire extension. President Joe Biden committed to securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas and emphasised this objective following the release of American Liat Beinin. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the "epic humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza, emphasising the need for a ceasefire to replace the temporary truce. China urged the United Nations Security Council to formulate a concrete timetable and roadmap for a two-state solution, aiming for a comprehensive, just, and lasting settlement of the Palestinian issue. Jordan is set to host a conference attended by major relief agencies to coordinate aid for Gaza. Meanwhile, the US is urging Israel to specify combat zones and safe areas for Palestinian civilians during operations to prevent a recurrence of high civilian casualties. 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas, Israel agree to one-day truce extension as negotiations continue

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The Saudi capital Riyadh on Tuesday won the right to host the 2030 World&nbsp;Expo, easily defeating rival bids from Italy and South Korea as well as overcoming objections from rights activists.

Needing only one round of voting and securing the necessary two-thirds majority of member states at the general assembly of organisers Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris, Riyadh won 119 votes, South Korea's Busan 29 and Italian capital Rome 17, the BIE said.

Hosting the&nbsp;Expo&nbsp;is of immense importance for Saudi Arabia, whose bid was spearheaded by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, as he seeks to secure the world's top events to showcase the kingdom across the globe.

The kingdom is also set to host the 2034 football World Cup after emerging as the only bidder for the event.

The date of 2030 is hugely symbolic for Saudi, coinciding with the key milestone in the Vision 2030 programme of MBS to diversify Saudi Arabia economically and culturally.&nbsp;

The Riyadh&nbsp;Expo&nbsp;is set to take place from October 2030 to March 2031 on the theme "The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow", according to the Saudi bid.

But many rights groups had expressed dismay over Saudi Arabia winning the bid, arguing that MBS's glitzy reform drives hide a reality where dissidents are imprisoned and executions rampant.

Concern over Saudi's rights record under MBS has always been symbolised by the 2018 murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

But Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in his final presentation pledged an "unwavering commitment to collaborate with all nations to deliver an&nbsp;Expo&nbsp;built by the world for the world".

"As we work diligently to grow and transform our economy we believe the kingdom's progress,&nbsp;regional development and the health of the global economy will advance in lockstep," he said.

The Saudi capital Riyadh on Tuesday won the right to host the 2030 World Expo, easily defeating rival bids from Italy and South Korea as well as overcoming objections from rights activists.

The Saudi capital Riyadh on Tuesday won the right to host the 2030 World Expo, easily defeating rival bids from Italy and South Korea as well as overcoming objections from rights activists. Needing only one round of voting and securing the necessary two-thirds majority of member states at the general assembly of organisers Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris, Riyadh won 119 votes, South Korea's Busan 29 and Italian capital Rome 17, the BIE said. Hosting the Expo is of immense importance for Saudi Arabia, whose bid was spearheaded by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, as he seeks to secure the world's top events to showcase the kingdom across the globe. The kingdom is also set to host the 2034 football World Cup after emerging as the only bidder for the event. The date of 2030 is hugely symbolic for Saudi, coinciding with the key milestone in the Vision 2030 programme of MBS to diversify Saudi Arabia economically and culturally. The Riyadh Expo is set to take place from October 2030 to March 2031 on the theme "The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow", according to the Saudi bid. But many rights groups had expressed dismay over Saudi Arabia winning the bid, arguing that MBS's glitzy reform drives hide a reality where dissidents are imprisoned and executions rampant. Concern over Saudi's rights record under MBS has always been symbolised by the 2018 murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. But Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in his final presentation pledged an "unwavering commitment to collaborate with all nations to deliver an Expo built by the world for the world". "As we work diligently to grow and transform our economy we believe the kingdom's progress, regional development and the health of the global economy will advance in lockstep," he said.

Saudi capital Riyadh to host World Expo 2030

The trial of Monique Olivier, widow of a French&nbsp;serial&nbsp;killer&nbsp;known as the "Ogre of the Ardennes", opened on Tuesday over her role in three murders dating back several decades, including the killing of a British woman whose body was found in a river in 1990.

Olivier's husband, Michel Fourniret, was charged with abduction, rape and murder in the cases but died in 2021, aged 79, before he could be brought to trial.

Olivier arrived in court around 10:00 am (0900 GMT) with short, grey hair and wearing a white sweater, to face a wall of cameras.

"I will do my best," she told the lead judge in a low voice when asked if she would answer questions.

The crimes date back to 1988 in the case of Marie-Angele Domece, who disappeared aged 18 from Auxerre, and 1990 for 20-year-old British woman Joanna Parrish, whose naked body was found in the Yonne river that runs through the department of the same name in central France.&nbsp;

Olivier is charged with aiding and abetting the kidnapping and murder of the girls.

Her third charge is for complicity in the 2003 disappearance of nine-year-old Estelle Mouzin, whose body has never been found two decades on, despite intensive searches.

The body of Domece has also never been found.

"I regret everything that happened," Olivier told the court after lead judge Didier Safar read out the charges.

It was "essential" to hold a trial for Olivier, said Corinne Herrmann, a lawyer representing Domece's family, adding that it was "harrowing" but also "a release for the families".

<h2>'Long battle'</h2>

Many of the witnesses set to be called in the three-week trial are investigators from France and Belgium, where Fourniret was arrested in 2003.

They are also set to include Sabine Kheris, the investigating magistrate who took Fourniret's confession.

She is now in charge of a recently created "cold cases" unit based in the Paris suburb of Nanterre. This case is the first of the unit's to come to trial.

France has for years been simultaneously repelled and fascinated by the crimes of Fourniret, who was dubbed the "Ogre of the Ardennes" by media after the hilly region on the French-Belgium border where he lived and preyed on his victims.

The trial is "the result of a very long battle", said Didier Seban, a lawyer representing Mouzin's father, Eric.

That Fourniret never stood trial for the crimes shows "we didn't manage to run the investigation the way it should have been", Seban said.

Fourniret himself asked in 2008 to be tried in all three cases but "nothing was done", Herrmann recalled ahead of the trial.

The trial of Olivier alone is "somewhat short of the mark" for Eric Mouzin, who threw all his energy into finding out what happened to his daughter.

"It will be difficult to pass judgement with only a single defendant," he said, even though Olivier herself is charged with "significant" crimes.

Neither does he hope for anything from the woman in the dock herself, beyond seeing her "sentenced in line with the seriousness of the crime".

<h2>No 'revelations'</h2>

Olivier's lawyer, Richard Delgenes, said the court should "not expect any revelations" on her part but that her "participation" in the process is what sets her apart from her husband.

"Unlike him, she takes no special pleasure in the pain of his victims or of the families," he added.

The 75-year-old has already been convicted twice of aiding and abetting in some of her husband's crimes.

She fled in the early 1980s from her violent first husband, with whom she had two children, before becoming a penpal of Fourniret while he was serving a jail sentence for rape.

The two sealed a pact that she would find him virgins to rape if he would kill her then-husband -- which he never did.

They lived together after he was released in 1987 -- buying a chateau with stolen gold dug up from a graveyard -- and had a son together.

Olivier received a life sentence in 2008 over her role in four murders and a rape committed by Fourniret, and could face a second in the present trial.

In 2018, Olivier was given a further 20 years' jail for her part in the killing of Farida Hammiche, the wife of one of Fourniret's former cellmates.

In 2019, she overturned her husband's alibi for the day Mouzin disappeared, prompting him to admit responsibility months later. Fourniret had earlier admitted killing Parrish and Domece.

The trial of Monique Olivier, widow of a French serial killer known as the "Ogre of the Ardennes", opened on Tuesday over her role in three murders dating back several decades, including the killing of a British woman whose body was found in a river in 1990.

The trial of Monique Olivier, widow of a French serial killer known as the "Ogre of the Ardennes", opened on Tuesday over her role in three murders dating back several decades, including the killing of a British woman whose body was found in a river in 1990. Olivier's husband, Michel Fourniret, was charged with abduction, rape and murder in the cases but died in 2021, aged 79, before he could be brought to trial. Olivier arrived in court around 10:00 am (0900 GMT) with short, grey hair and wearing a white sweater, to face a wall of cameras. "I will do my best," she told the lead judge in a low voice when asked if she would answer questions. The crimes date back to 1988 in the case of Marie-Angele Domece, who disappeared aged 18 from Auxerre, and 1990 for 20-year-old British woman Joanna Parrish, whose naked body was found in the Yonne river that runs through the department of the same name in central France. Olivier is charged with aiding and abetting the kidnapping and murder of the girls. Her third charge is for complicity in the 2003 disappearance of nine-year-old Estelle Mouzin, whose body has never been found two decades on, despite intensive searches. The body of Domece has also never been found. "I regret everything that happened," Olivier told the court after lead judge Didier Safar read out the charges. It was "essential" to hold a trial for Olivier, said Corinne Herrmann, a lawyer representing Domece's family, adding that it was "harrowing" but also "a release for the families". 'Long battle' Many of the witnesses set to be called in the three-week trial are investigators from France and Belgium, where Fourniret was arrested in 2003. They are also set to include Sabine Kheris, the investigating magistrate who took Fourniret's confession. She is now in charge of a recently created "cold cases" unit based in the Paris suburb of Nanterre. This case is the first of the unit's to come to trial. France has for years been simultaneously repelled and fascinated by the crimes of Fourniret, who was dubbed the "Ogre of the Ardennes" by media after the hilly region on the French-Belgium border where he lived and preyed on his victims. The trial is "the result of a very long battle", said Didier Seban, a lawyer representing Mouzin's father, Eric. That Fourniret never stood trial for the crimes shows "we didn't manage to run the investigation the way it should have been", Seban said. Fourniret himself asked in 2008 to be tried in all three cases but "nothing was done", Herrmann recalled ahead of the trial. The trial of Olivier alone is "somewhat short of the mark" for Eric Mouzin, who threw all his energy into finding out what happened to his daughter. "It will be difficult to pass judgement with only a single defendant," he said, even though Olivier herself is charged with "significant" crimes. Neither does he hope for anything from the woman in the dock herself, beyond seeing her "sentenced in line with the seriousness of the crime". No 'revelations' Olivier's lawyer, Richard Delgenes, said the court should "not expect any revelations" on her part but that her "participation" in the process is what sets her apart from her husband. "Unlike him, she takes no special pleasure in the pain of his victims or of the families," he added. The 75-year-old has already been convicted twice of aiding and abetting in some of her husband's crimes. She fled in the early 1980s from her violent first husband, with whom she had two children, before becoming a penpal of Fourniret while he was serving a jail sentence for rape. The two sealed a pact that she would find him virgins to rape if he would kill her then-husband -- which he never did. They lived together after he was released in 1987 -- buying a chateau with stolen gold dug up from a graveyard -- and had a son together. Olivier received a life sentence in 2008 over her role in four murders and a rape committed by Fourniret, and could face a second in the present trial. In 2018, Olivier was given a further 20 years' jail for her part in the killing of Farida Hammiche, the wife of one of Fourniret's former cellmates. In 2019, she overturned her husband's alibi for the day Mouzin disappeared, prompting him to admit responsibility months later. Fourniret had earlier admitted killing Parrish and Domece.

French serial killer's widow on trial over decades-old murders

Health scare has emerged from UK. Even as the respiratory illness in China raises global alarm,an incident in UK has put authorities on guard.

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High profile case of posioning is making headlines in Ukraine. Ukraine claimed that its military chief's wife was poisoned.

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It has been alleged that Meta allowed kids under the age of 13 to open secret Instagram account and chose to ignore complaints regarding them.

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Fresh estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that nearly one in 10 COVID-19 cases in the US are from the BA.2.86 variant.

As per the CDC's report released on Monday, this is nearly three times the prevalence estimated by the agency just two weeks ago.&nbsp;

<h2>Surging prevalence</h2>

As per a CBS news report, BA.2.86's prevalence is largest in America's Northeast, with the strain blamed for about 13.1 per cent of cases in New York and New Jersey region.

The figures released on Monday mark the first time that the BA.2.86 variant's prevalence has surged enough to be listed as a standalone variant on the CDC's estimates.&nbsp;

"In previous Nowcast updates, BA.2.86 was too uncommon to be shown separately and was grouped with other BA.2 strains," said the CDC.

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However, as per the agency, its estimates carry wide margins of error around the COVID-19 variant's prevalence. It said that as little as 4.8 per cent or as much as 15.2 per cent of circulating SARS-CoV-2 cases could be from BA.2.86.

"It is important to note that early projections tend to be less reliable, since they depend on examining growth trends of a smaller number of sequences, especially as laboratory-based testing volume for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased substantially over time," said the CDC.

In spite of that, this latest estimate of around 8.8 per cent through November 25 is virtually triple that of the estimates from November 11 — when only about three per cent of new cases were estimated to be BA.2.86.

Previously, the vast majority of coronavirus cases were blamed on the XBB variant and its related sub variants — including the HV.1 and EG.5 variants, which as per the report are currently predominant nationwide.

<h2>Variant of interest</h2>

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) also stepped up its classification of BA.2.86 and its descendants to a "variant of interest". This was done after a rise in cases stemming from the strain.

In its November 21 risk evaluation, the WHO said that early data suggested that BA.2.86 variant does not to lead to worse or different symptoms than previous strains. However, it noted a "substantial rise" in recent reports of the variant.

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The CDC as per CBS said that it did not disagree with the WHO's assessment of BA.2.86's likely "low" public health risk, and said that for now the strain "does not appear to be driving increases in infections or hospitalizations in the United States."

Scientists first raised concern about the highly mutated strain's discovery over the summer.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Fresh estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that nearly one in 10 COVID-19 cases in the US are from the BA.2.86 variant. As per the CDC's report released on Monday, this is nearly three times the prevalence estimated by the agency just two weeks ago.

Fresh estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that nearly one in 10 COVID-19 cases in the US are from the BA.2.86 variant. As per the CDC's report released on Monday, this is nearly three times the prevalence estimated by the agency just two weeks ago. Surging prevalence As per a CBS news report, BA.2.86's prevalence is largest in America's Northeast, with the strain blamed for about 13.1 per cent of cases in New York and New Jersey region. The figures released on Monday mark the first time that the BA.2.86 variant's prevalence has surged enough to be listed as a standalone variant on the CDC's estimates. "In previous Nowcast updates, BA.2.86 was too uncommon to be shown separately and was grouped with other BA.2 strains," said the CDC. Also read | 'Serious failings' aided UK mortuary body abuser, necrophiliac David Fuller in his spine-chilling crimes However, as per the agency, its estimates carry wide margins of error around the COVID-19 variant's prevalence. It said that as little as 4.8 per cent or as much as 15.2 per cent of circulating SARS-CoV-2 cases could be from BA.2.86. "It is important to note that early projections tend to be less reliable, since they depend on examining growth trends of a smaller number of sequences, especially as laboratory-based testing volume for SARS-CoV-2 has decreased substantially over time," said the CDC. In spite of that, this latest estimate of around 8.8 per cent through November 25 is virtually triple that of the estimates from November 11 — when only about three per cent of new cases were estimated to be BA.2.86. Previously, the vast majority of coronavirus cases were blamed on the XBB variant and its related sub variants — including the HV.1 and EG.5 variants, which as per the report are currently predominant nationwide. Variant of interest Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) also stepped up its classification of BA.2.86 and its descendants to a "variant of interest". This was done after a rise in cases stemming from the strain. In its November 21 risk evaluation, the WHO said that early data suggested that BA.2.86 variant does not to lead to worse or different symptoms than previous strains. However, it noted a "substantial rise" in recent reports of the variant. Also read | Are ultra-processed foods more appealing than less processed options? Here's what a study found The CDC as per CBS said that it did not disagree with the WHO's assessment of BA.2.86's likely "low" public health risk, and said that for now the strain "does not appear to be driving increases in infections or hospitalizations in the United States." Scientists first raised concern about the highly mutated strain's discovery over the summer. (With inputs from agencies)

CDC reports nearly threefold increase in Covid variant BA.2.86’s prevalence in US

International support for Ukraine continues to make headway. NATO foreign ministers met in Brussels. Ministers pledged to support Ukraine in war.

NATO Foreign ministers attend meeting on Ukraine in Brussels

Campaigning has come to an end in Indian state of Telangana. Over 2,000 candidates are going to contest for various assembly constituencies.

India's Telangana gears up for third legislative assembly polls

Forty-one construction workers in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, who were trapped inside a tunnel since Nov 12, were finally rescued on Tuesday (Nov 28). The workers were taken out through 57 metres (187 feet) of steel pipe on stretchers specially fitted with wheels.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his joy soon after the rescue operation was over and said that the 'courage and patience' of workers who were trapped for all these days was inspirational.

As the Israel-Hamas war rages on, Hamas gave away a family of four to another Palestine-based terror organisation in Gaza instead of freeing them, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) claimed.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/seven-of-41-workers-pulled-out-of-collapsed-uttarakhand-tunnel-all-to-be-evacuated-in-2-hours-663915">Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation: After 17-day ordeal, all 41 workers evacuated safely</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/11/28/396040-tunnel-12.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

The 17-day rescue operation came to fruition on Tuesday (Nov 26) as all of the 41 workers trapped inside the under-construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand were evacuated safely amidst hopes and prayers from millions of Indians.

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<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/11/28/396008-osre.png?imwidth=3840" />

The Hamas terror group gave away a family of four, including a 10-month-old baby, to another Palestine-based terror organisation in Gaza instead of freeing them, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) claimed, stoking tensions amongst relatives.

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<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/11/28/396039-dhami.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his joy soon after all workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in India's northern state of Uttarakhand were rescued. PM Modi posted on X saying that the success of the rescue operation made everyone 'emotional'.&nbsp;

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Sikhs for Justice chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who has been designated as a terrorist in India, placing the onus for his protection on the administration of Joe Biden, alleged that the Indian government wants to kill him because he is running the global Khalistan referendum voting campaign.

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Authentic is the "word of the year" 2023, as per America's oldest dictionary, Merriam-Webster.&nbsp;Driven by high traffic of stories and conversations around Artificial Intelligence, celebrity culture, identity and social media, the word 'authentic' topped the charts.

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The local police in the Kollam district of India’s state of Kerala were able to find the six-year-old girl, 21 hours after she was abducted by a gang of four members in a white Sedan. The girl was taken away by the group from near her home in Oyoor in Kollam.&nbsp;

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Authorities in France on Tuesday (November 28) arrest leader of a controversial yoga guru and 40 others, reported AFP. The sect led by Romanian guru Gregorian Bivolaru has been accused of numerous abuses. Bivolaru is already in the crosshairs of judicial authorities in Romania, Sweden and France.

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Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo on Monday announced that she was quitting Elon Musk's social media platform X, (formerly known as Twitter). Describing X as a "gigantic global sewer" and a tool to disrupt democracy, she said she has made the decision to leave the popular social media platform.

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Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO&nbsp;Kasi Viswanathan has said MS Dhoni will fulfil his promise to play in the 2024 season after the five-time champions retained him during the retention window that expired on Sunday (Nov 26).&nbsp;

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In a recent conversation with Kylie Jenner,&nbsp;Hunger Games&nbsp;star Jennifer Lawrence has denied all plastic surgery rumours, attributing her timeless appearance to makeup artistry and the natural ageing process. The actress strongly denies undergoing facial procedures, setting the record straight amidst swirling speculations.

Forty-one construction workers in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, who were trapped inside a tunnel since Nov 12, were finally rescued on Tuesday (Nov 28). The workers were taken out through 57 metres (187 feet) of steel pipe on stretchers specially fitted with wheels.

Forty-one construction workers in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, who were trapped inside a tunnel since Nov 12, were finally rescued on Tuesday (Nov 28). The workers were taken out through 57 metres (187 feet) of steel pipe on stretchers specially fitted with wheels. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his joy soon after the rescue operation was over and said that the 'courage and patience' of workers who were trapped for all these days was inspirational. As the Israel-Hamas war rages on, Hamas gave away a family of four to another Palestine-based terror organisation in Gaza instead of freeing them, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) claimed. Click on the headlines to read more: Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation: After 17-day ordeal, all 41 workers evacuated safely The 17-day rescue operation came to fruition on Tuesday (Nov 26) as all of the 41 workers trapped inside the under-construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand were evacuated safely amidst hopes and prayers from millions of Indians. Relatives anxious as Hamas transfers family of 4, including 10-month-old baby, to another terror group The Hamas terror group gave away a family of four, including a 10-month-old baby, to another Palestine-based terror organisation in Gaza instead of freeing them, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) claimed, stoking tensions amongst relatives. Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: PM Modi expresses joy after successful operation Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his joy soon after all workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in India's northern state of Uttarakhand were rescued. PM Modi posted on X saying that the success of the rescue operation made everyone 'emotional'. SFJ's Pannun takes a u-turn, says never claimed to ‘bomb’ Air India, only ‘boycott’ Sikhs for Justice chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who has been designated as a terrorist in India, placing the onus for his protection on the administration of Joe Biden, alleged that the Indian government wants to kill him because he is running the global Khalistan referendum voting campaign. Merriam-Webster selects 'authentic' as word of the year 2023 Authentic is the "word of the year" 2023, as per America's oldest dictionary, Merriam-Webster. Driven by high traffic of stories and conversations around Artificial Intelligence, celebrity culture, identity and social media, the word 'authentic' topped the charts. Police find minor girl in Kerala 21 hours after abduction by four-member gang The local police in the Kollam district of India’s state of Kerala were able to find the six-year-old girl, 21 hours after she was abducted by a gang of four members in a white Sedan. The girl was taken away by the group from near her home in Oyoor in Kollam. French authorities arrest Romanian guru of controversial yoga sect Authorities in France on Tuesday (November 28) arrest leader of a controversial yoga guru and 40 others, reported AFP. The sect led by Romanian guru Gregorian Bivolaru has been accused of numerous abuses. Bivolaru is already in the crosshairs of judicial authorities in Romania, Sweden and France. 'Gigantic global sewer': Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo quits X, says 'I refuse to endorse this evil scheme' Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo on Monday announced that she was quitting Elon Musk's social media platform X, (formerly known as Twitter). Describing X as a "gigantic global sewer" and a tool to disrupt democracy, she said she has made the decision to leave the popular social media platform. 'He already told...': CSK CEO on MS Dhoni turning up for 2024 season Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan has said MS Dhoni will fulfil his promise to play in the 2024 season after the five-time champions retained him during the retention window that expired on Sunday (Nov 26). Jennifer Lawrence addresses plastic surgery rumours in interview with Kylie Jenner In a recent conversation with Kylie Jenner, Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence has denied all plastic surgery rumours, attributing her timeless appearance to makeup artistry and the natural ageing process. The actress strongly denies undergoing facial procedures, setting the record straight amidst swirling speculations.

Top 10 world news: All 41 workers rescued from Uttarkashi tunnel, Israel-Hamas war updates, & more

In a resounding show of support for Palestine, Arab ambassadors and other diplomats convened in Delhi on Tuesday, ahead of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed annually on November 29.

The meeting, led by Palestinian Ambassador to India, Adnan Abu Al-Haija, and Arab League's Ambassador to Delhi, Yusuf Mohamed Jameel, underscored the enduring commitment of Arab nations to the Palestinian cause.

Speaking to WION, Ambassador Al-Haija said, "It's nothing new from the Arab countries, to be at the Palestine embassy in solidarity... Their support started 75 years ago for the Palestine cause; they all have been supporting the Palestinian cause." Ambassador Jameel echoed the sentiment, underlining the responsibility to address the challenging circumstances faced by the Palestinian people, stating, "we join to express our solidarity with the Palestinian people, when they are facing a war for their existence, and a challenging time...it's our duty to reflect on this tragedy, to end the suffering of Palestinian people.”

Present at the Palestine embassy's Arafat-Indira Cultural Centre were envoys of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, Jordan, Yemen, Oman, Sudan, Djibouti, Algeria, Syria, and Tunisia, along with diplomats from Qatar and Kuwait among others.

The historic significance of November 29 harks back to 1977 when the General Assembly designated it as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, coinciding with the adoption of the resolution on the partition of Palestine in 1947.

Asked about India's support, the Palestine envoy said, "For us India is a very important friend, a very important and historic friend. We are expecting them to call for a ceasefire as soon as possible, before this humanitarian truce ends and to work with other international communities, to peacefully solve the Palestinian cause leading to the establishment of the state of Palestine on the land of 1967, with east Jerusalem its capital.”

Regarding India's humanitarian aid to Gaza, the envoy lamented the challenges, stating, "We have lots of humanitarian aid in Egypt, we have thousands of tons, and I am sure we need, but the problem is that Israelis are not allowing the international community to supply Gaza, what it's needed. We need at least 300 trucks for at least two months to get the minimum need&nbsp;of Palestinian people in Gaza Strip." &nbsp;

India has sent humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, in 2 tranches in the last several weeks.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, Arab-Islamic countries' foreign ministers are travelling to a number of global capitals to sensitise them about the situation as per the outcome of the Riyadh summit. The plan is to visit India as well, with a proposal being sent to New Delhi.

In response to a question on the proposed visit, Saudi Arabia's ambassador Saleh Eid H. Al-Husseini said, "This delegation has a mission to reach all important capitals, to explain the need for peace, and the need to have a ceasefire, because if you don't a support a ceasefire, it means more killing, big need for ceasefire..."adding, "tour is still undergoing. India is an important country, and also expecting from India to play a major role for supporting peace and stability in the global system, India is now have the presidency of G20, it has a history of supporting peace and stability for the global system, and this is expected to continue.”

The Arab-Islamic countries' foreign ministers delegation has already travelled to China, Russia, UK, France and Spain.

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On the sidelines of the solidarity meet, Egypt's ambassador Wael Mohamed Awad Hamed told WION, "We are supports of the right of Palestinians, there right to determine own future, and we have been forefront of Arab and Islamic countries calling for this...need to have sovereign state for the Palestinian people".

On potential spill-over from Gaza into Egypt, he rejected the idea, asserting, "The idea of displacing the Palestinians is completely refused, we saw that in 48, 67 and the idea of displacing the Palestinians into Egypt is not something that is acceptable, not acceptable to Egypt, Arab and also to Palestinians, because they know the ramifications of this."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-worlds-1st-transatlantic-flight-using-100-green-fuels-takes-off-from-london-all-you-need-to-know-663945">Explained: World’s 1st transatlantic flight using 100% green fuels takes off from London. All you need to know</a>

Egypt has played a key role amid the ongoing situation, first by hosting a key summit in Cairo, and then by sending international humanitarian aid to Gaza via the Rafah border.

Djibouti's envoy, Isse Abdillahi Assoweh, stressed the importance of seeking a solution for two states to ensure peace. On India's stance, he highlighted, "India is a big country whose voice can be heard all over the world; we are hoping that India will take the step and ask for a ceasefire."

In a resounding show of support for Palestine, Arab ambassadors and other diplomats convened in Delhi on Tuesday, ahead of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed annually on November 29.

In a resounding show of support for Palestine, Arab ambassadors and other diplomats convened in Delhi on Tuesday, ahead of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed annually on November 29. The meeting, led by Palestinian Ambassador to India, Adnan Abu Al-Haija, and Arab League's Ambassador to Delhi, Yusuf Mohamed Jameel, underscored the enduring commitment of Arab nations to the Palestinian cause. Speaking to WION, Ambassador Al-Haija said, "It's nothing new from the Arab countries, to be at the Palestine embassy in solidarity... Their support started 75 years ago for the Palestine cause; they all have been supporting the Palestinian cause." Ambassador Jameel echoed the sentiment, underlining the responsibility to address the challenging circumstances faced by the Palestinian people, stating, "we join to express our solidarity with the Palestinian people, when they are facing a war for their existence, and a challenging time...it's our duty to reflect on this tragedy, to end the suffering of Palestinian people.” Present at the Palestine embassy's Arafat-Indira Cultural Centre were envoys of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, Jordan, Yemen, Oman, Sudan, Djibouti, Algeria, Syria, and Tunisia, along with diplomats from Qatar and Kuwait among others. The historic significance of November 29 harks back to 1977 when the General Assembly designated it as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, coinciding with the adoption of the resolution on the partition of Palestine in 1947. Asked about India's support, the Palestine envoy said, "For us India is a very important friend, a very important and historic friend. We are expecting them to call for a ceasefire as soon as possible, before this humanitarian truce ends and to work with other international communities, to peacefully solve the Palestinian cause leading to the establishment of the state of Palestine on the land of 1967, with east Jerusalem its capital.” Regarding India's humanitarian aid to Gaza, the envoy lamented the challenges, stating, "We have lots of humanitarian aid in Egypt, we have thousands of tons, and I am sure we need, but the problem is that Israelis are not allowing the international community to supply Gaza, what it's needed. We need at least 300 trucks for at least two months to get the minimum need of Palestinian people in Gaza Strip." India has sent humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, in 2 tranches in the last several weeks. Meanwhile, amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, Arab-Islamic countries' foreign ministers are travelling to a number of global capitals to sensitise them about the situation as per the outcome of the Riyadh summit. The plan is to visit India as well, with a proposal being sent to New Delhi. In response to a question on the proposed visit, Saudi Arabia's ambassador Saleh Eid H. Al-Husseini said, "This delegation has a mission to reach all important capitals, to explain the need for peace, and the need to have a ceasefire, because if you don't a support a ceasefire, it means more killing, big need for ceasefire..."adding, "tour is still undergoing. India is an important country, and also expecting from India to play a major role for supporting peace and stability in the global system, India is now have the presidency of G20, it has a history of supporting peace and stability for the global system, and this is expected to continue.” The Arab-Islamic countries' foreign ministers delegation has already travelled to China, Russia, UK, France and Spain. Also read | Ukraine spy chief’s wife poisoned with ‘heavy metals’ in suspected assassination attempt On the sidelines of the solidarity meet, Egypt's ambassador Wael Mohamed Awad Hamed told WION, "We are supports of the right of Palestinians, there right to determine own future, and we have been forefront of Arab and Islamic countries calling for this...need to have sovereign state for the Palestinian people". On potential spill-over from Gaza into Egypt, he rejected the idea, asserting, "The idea of displacing the Palestinians is completely refused, we saw that in 48, 67 and the idea of displacing the Palestinians into Egypt is not something that is acceptable, not acceptable to Egypt, Arab and also to Palestinians, because they know the ramifications of this." Also read | Explained: World’s 1st transatlantic flight using 100% green fuels takes off from London. All you need to know Egypt has played a key role amid the ongoing situation, first by hosting a key summit in Cairo, and then by sending international humanitarian aid to Gaza via the Rafah border. Djibouti's envoy, Isse Abdillahi Assoweh, stressed the importance of seeking a solution for two states to ensure peace. On India's stance, he highlighted, "India is a big country whose voice can be heard all over the world; we are hoping that India will take the step and ask for a ceasefire."

Arab envoys gather in Delhi to express solidarity with Palestinians

The Hamas-run Health Ministry on Tuesday warned of the possible outbreak of a major epidemic wave in the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing Israeli airstrikes and siege on the Palestinian enclave.

W.H.O warns Gaza over rising diseases, says disease could kill more people than bombs

Australia decided to ban import of all disposable vapes. The latest measure aimed at curbing nicotine addiction in children.

Australia bans import of all disposable vapes from January 2024

The wife of Ukraine’s spy chief was poisoned in a suspected assassination attempt on Tuesday (Nov 28), and is being treated at a hospital.

Marianna Budanova (30), the wife of Lt Gen Kyrylo Budanov (37), who heads Ukrainian military intelligence agency GUR, was poisoned with ‘heavy metals’, Kyiv officials confirmed.

“Marianna Budanova was indeed poisoned by heavy metals. She is now undergoing a course of treatment, which is already coming to an end,” Yusov told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Ukrainian Service in an interview.

It is unclear how she was poisoned or who was responsible for it.

There are reports that apart from Budanova, several GUR personnel were also diagnosed with the same poisoning. An official statement with more details is yet to be released by GUR.

<h2>Officials launch probe&nbsp;</h2>

Ukraine's Babel news site, quoting unnamed intelligence sources, reported that Kyiv had opened an investigation and is considering it as an "attempted murder."

According to Babel, the substances found in her body "are not used in normal life or military affairs."

"Their presence may indicate a deliberate poisoning attempt," it said.

Commenting on the nature of the heavy metals, local media speculated that the metals were not used domestically or in military equipment, so the GUR representatives believe&nbsp;that the poisoning was carried out intentionally, possibly through food or drink.

<h2>Ukraine's spy chief survived 10 attempts on life</h2>

Let Gen Budanov has often been the subject of targeted attacks as he is considered to be the key man behind planning and sometimes executing major military operations against Russian forces, following Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

He is said to have survived 10 assassination attempts so far, with the local media pointing towards the role of the FSB, the Russian security agency.

Marianna Budanova, born in 1993 in Kyiv, has a master's degree in psychology. She later became involved in politics, working as an adviser to the mayor of Kyiv, according to BBC.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/relatives-anxious-as-hamas-terror-group-transfers-family-of-4-including-10-month-old-baby-to-another-group-663870">Relatives anxious as Hamas transfers family of 4, including 10-month-old baby, to another terror group</a>

In 2022, she told Elle magazine that she had also worked as a volunteer in Kyiv's military hospital in 2015-17.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-authorities-arrest-romanian-guru-of-controversial-yoga-sect-663910">French authorities arrest Romanian guru of controversial yoga sect</a>

In September, Lt Gen Budanov, 37, told the War Zone website that he and his wife had been staying in his office "since the February invasion" in 2022 for safety reasons.

"She's [Marianna] actually a professor at our national police academy. She's teaching legal psychology. It's not a problem for her as it might have been for someone else."

&nbsp;

The wife of Ukraine’s spy chief was poisoned in a suspected assassination attempt on Tuesday (Nov 28), and is being treated at a hospital. Marianna Budanova (30), the wife of Lt Gen Kyrylo Budanov (37), who heads Ukrainian military intelligence agency GUR, was poisoned with ‘heavy metals’, Kyiv officials confirmed.

The wife of Ukraine’s spy chief was poisoned in a suspected assassination attempt on Tuesday (Nov 28), and is being treated at a hospital. Marianna Budanova (30), the wife of Lt Gen Kyrylo Budanov (37), who heads Ukrainian military intelligence agency GUR, was poisoned with ‘heavy metals’, Kyiv officials confirmed. “Marianna Budanova was indeed poisoned by heavy metals. She is now undergoing a course of treatment, which is already coming to an end,” Yusov told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Ukrainian Service in an interview. It is unclear how she was poisoned or who was responsible for it. There are reports that apart from Budanova, several GUR personnel were also diagnosed with the same poisoning. An official statement with more details is yet to be released by GUR. Officials launch probe Ukraine's Babel news site, quoting unnamed intelligence sources, reported that Kyiv had opened an investigation and is considering it as an "attempted murder." According to Babel, the substances found in her body "are not used in normal life or military affairs." "Their presence may indicate a deliberate poisoning attempt," it said. Commenting on the nature of the heavy metals, local media speculated that the metals were not used domestically or in military equipment, so the GUR representatives believe that the poisoning was carried out intentionally, possibly through food or drink. Ukraine's spy chief survived 10 attempts on life Let Gen Budanov has often been the subject of targeted attacks as he is considered to be the key man behind planning and sometimes executing major military operations against Russian forces, following Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022. He is said to have survived 10 assassination attempts so far, with the local media pointing towards the role of the FSB, the Russian security agency. Marianna Budanova, born in 1993 in Kyiv, has a master's degree in psychology. She later became involved in politics, working as an adviser to the mayor of Kyiv, according to BBC. Also read | Relatives anxious as Hamas transfers family of 4, including 10-month-old baby, to another terror group In 2022, she told Elle magazine that she had also worked as a volunteer in Kyiv's military hospital in 2015-17. Also read | French authorities arrest Romanian guru of controversial yoga sect In September, Lt Gen Budanov, 37, told the War Zone website that he and his wife had been staying in his office "since the February invasion" in 2022 for safety reasons. "She's [Marianna] actually a professor at our national police academy. She's teaching legal psychology. It's not a problem for her as it might have been for someone else."

Ukraine spy chief’s wife poisoned with ‘heavy metals’ in suspected assassination attempt

Microsoft finds itself in the crosshairs of European antitrust regulators. This move followed an investigation by the European Commission into the bundling of offices and teams, triggered by a 2020 complaint from Slack, a rival workspace messaging app. Antitrust regulators are now taking a closer look, utilizing a questionnaire to gather insights from Microsoft's competitors. The questionnaire seeks feedback on various aspects, including how competitors' services could operate alongside Microsoft's, pricing comparisons with and without teams and eligibility criteria.

Microsoft faces EU grilling over office & teams integration

Paul Whelan, the former active duty US Marine, who has been jailed in Russia on espionage charges, was reportedly assaulted on Tuesday (Nov 28) by a fellow inmate, his family said.&nbsp;

The United States claims that Whelan was wrongfully detained by Russia. He is currently at the labour camp where he has been serving a 16-year sentence since 2018.&nbsp;

As quoted in media, his brother David Whelan said on Tuesday that Whelan was "hit in the face" by a new prisoner, who broke his glasses.&nbsp;

He further informed that the incident occurred in a clothing workshop in the Mordovia penal colony in central Russia. He said that guards do not enter that part of the prison, and other inmates eventually came to Whelan's aid.&nbsp;

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David said in an email that Paul detailed the incident in a phone call to his parents. He&nbsp;further added&nbsp;Paul as saying that a fellow prisoner blocked part of a production line as he was working at a sewing table.&nbsp;

When Paul asked the other prisoner to move, "the prisoner hit Paul in the face, breaking Paul's glasses in the process, and attempted to hit him a second time," his brother wrote.&nbsp;

David added in the mail: "Paul stood up to block the second hit and other prisoners intervened to prevent the prisoner from continuing to attack Paul".&nbsp;

David also stated that his brother described the attack as "relatively minor".&nbsp;

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He added that "Paul is a target because he is an American, and anti-American sentiment is not uncommon among the other prisoners".&nbsp;

He admitted in the mail that "Paul says he believes the prison administration is taking the attack seriously".&nbsp;

CBS News said that a State Department spokesperson told the outlet that the US Embassy in Moscow has taken stock of the matter. They have been in contact with Paul over the phone and he is receiving medical treatment.&nbsp;

"We call on Russia to ensure Paul Whelan and all US&nbsp;citizen detainees are safe. We urge the Russian government to ensure fair treatment and appropriate medical care for all US&nbsp;citizens detained in Russia. Russia should immediately release Paul Whelan," the spokesperson said in a statement.&nbsp;

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<h2>Paul Whelan's arrest&nbsp;</h2>

Whelan was working in security for a US vehicle parts firm and has always claimed that the evidence against him was manufactured when he was arrested in Moscow in 2018. In&nbsp;2020, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Paul Whelan, the former active duty US Marine, who has been jailed in Russia on espionage charges, was reportedly assaulted on Tuesday (Nov 28) by a fellow inmate, his family said.

Paul Whelan, the former active duty US Marine, who has been jailed in Russia on espionage charges, was reportedly assaulted on Tuesday (Nov 28) by a fellow inmate, his family said. The United States claims that Whelan was wrongfully detained by Russia. He is currently at the labour camp where he has been serving a 16-year sentence since 2018. As quoted in media, his brother David Whelan said on Tuesday that Whelan was "hit in the face" by a new prisoner, who broke his glasses. He further informed that the incident occurred in a clothing workshop in the Mordovia penal colony in central Russia. He said that guards do not enter that part of the prison, and other inmates eventually came to Whelan's aid. Also read: Alex Murdaugh sentenced to additional 27 years in state prison for financial crimes David said in an email that Paul detailed the incident in a phone call to his parents. He further added Paul as saying that a fellow prisoner blocked part of a production line as he was working at a sewing table. When Paul asked the other prisoner to move, "the prisoner hit Paul in the face, breaking Paul's glasses in the process, and attempted to hit him a second time," his brother wrote. David added in the mail: "Paul stood up to block the second hit and other prisoners intervened to prevent the prisoner from continuing to attack Paul". David also stated that his brother described the attack as "relatively minor". Also read: Politically powerful Koch network puts weight behind Haley in GOP prez race He added that "Paul is a target because he is an American, and anti-American sentiment is not uncommon among the other prisoners". He admitted in the mail that "Paul says he believes the prison administration is taking the attack seriously". CBS News said that a State Department spokesperson told the outlet that the US Embassy in Moscow has taken stock of the matter. They have been in contact with Paul over the phone and he is receiving medical treatment. "We call on Russia to ensure Paul Whelan and all US citizen detainees are safe. We urge the Russian government to ensure fair treatment and appropriate medical care for all US citizens detained in Russia. Russia should immediately release Paul Whelan," the spokesperson said in a statement. Also read: French serial killer's widow on trial over decades-old murders Paul Whelan's arrest Whelan was working in security for a US vehicle parts firm and has always claimed that the evidence against him was manufactured when he was arrested in Moscow in 2018. In 2020, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-US Marine Paul Whelan, imprisoned in Russia, assaulted by fellow inmate

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