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<p>Israeli forces have confirmed the death of Raad Saad, a senior Hamas military figure responsible for overseeing weapons production, in a targeted strike in Gaza on Saturday (December 13). This strike also killed five others in the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood, located southwest of Gaza City. According to Palestinian medical sources and the civil defense agency in Gaza, the airstrike hit a civilian vehicle, causing it to catch fire and killing everyone inside.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, said that the strike was a response to an explosive device detonated by Hamas earlier, injuring Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip's "Yellow Zone." Saad, described by Israeli authorities as one of the masterminds behind the deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, was reportedly in charge of Hamas's weapons development.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🎯STRUCK: A short while ago, the IDF and ISA struck a key Hamas terrorist in the area of Gaza City.<br><br>Recently, the terrorist operated to reestablish Hamas&#39; capabilities &amp; weapons manufacturing. <br>Details to follow.</p>&mdash; Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1999834056825979128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The Israeli army had earlier mentioned that two reserve soldiers were lightly wounded by an explosive device while clearing the Gaza area of Hamas infrastructure. However, it remains unclear whether the airstrike on Tel al-Hawa was linked to the operation targeting Saad.The ceasefire brokered by the United States between Israel and Hamas in early October has been fragile, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Despite the ceasefire, Israel continues to maintain control of a significant portion of Gaza, and the military has warned that tensions could escalate.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, the civil defense agency reported that two teenage boys, aged 17 and 18, were also killed by Israeli gunfire in separate incidents across Gaza. The bodies of the five individuals killed in the vehicle attack were transported to Al-Shifa Hospital, where more than 25 people were also treated for injuries. In the aftermath, residents witnessed the devastation in Tel al-Hawa, where multiple missiles were fired at the civilian vehicle, leaving charred wreckage and scattered body parts on the ground. Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene, with local residents rushing to put out the flames before emergency responders arrived.</p>

Top Hamas commander, Raad Saad, killed in Gaza strike, says Israel

Israeli forces have confirmed the death of Raad Saad, a senior Hamas military figure responsible for overseeing weapons production, in a targeted strike in Gaza on Saturday (December 13). This strike also killed five others in the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood, located southwest of Gaza City. According to Palestinian medical sources and the civil defense agency in Gaza, the airstrike hit a civilian vehicle, causing it to catch fire and killing everyone inside. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, said that the strike was a response to an explosive device detonated by Hamas earlier, injuring Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip's "Yellow Zone." Saad, described by Israeli authorities as one of the masterminds behind the deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, was reportedly in charge of Hamas's weapons development.

<p>Israeli airstrikes in Gaza kill five people, including Hamas weapons chief Raad Saad. The attack follows a ceasefire breach amid ongoing violence in the region</p>

<p>The Taliban have arrested at least four men dressed up as characters of the Netflix crime drama series Peaky Blinders in Afghanistan, describing the act as a violation of Islamic values. The four Afghan youth, all in their early 20s, were arrested by the Taliban police in the western Herat province and lodged in a rehabilitation centre.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The videos and photos of youth dressed as &nbsp;"Shelby Family" portrayed in the British series went viral across social media platforms in Afghanistan, as reported by The Independent. The videos feature four Afghan men in tailored suits, waistcoats, flat caps and overcoats, their expressions composed and unsmiling, as they move through the town on foot and in cars.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>They were also seen smoking cigar-like cigarettes, mimicking the lead character of the series, played by Cillian Murphy. &nbsp;According to the Taliban, the youths were promoting foreign culture and were sent rehabilitation centre to instil Islamic values and correct their behaviour.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-i-take-back-nothing-candace-owens-doubles-down-on-criticism-of-charlie-kirk-show-amid-feud-with-erika-kirk-1765620062043"><strong> 'I take back nothing': Candace Owens doubles down on criticism of Charlie Kirk show amid feud with Erika Kirk</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">In Afghanistan, even fashion has consequences. This week, four young men from Herat were arrested by the Taliban for the unforgivable crime of dressing like Thomas Shelby from Peaky Blinders. No weapons, no gang warfare. Only flat caps and long coats proving far too threatening… <a href="https://t.co/fBT4PK9oOu">pic.twitter.com/fBT4PK9oOu</a></p>&mdash; BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) <a href="https://twitter.com/bsarwary/status/1998570654895943847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>“A programme for their correction has begun. We, praise be to God, are Muslims and Afghans; we have our own religion, culture and values,” said Saif Khyber, a spokesperson for the Taliban’s ministry for the propagation of virtue and prevention of vice.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“We have saved this country from the spread of corrupt cultures through great sacrifices, and now we will defend it as well,” he said, adding that the four men’s behaviour was not in line with “Islamic values and Afghan culture”.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Taliban regime has put strict dress codes and rules for proper public conduct against both men and women. The men are required to compulsorily maintain a long beard and follow a traditional dress code all the time. The dress entails Afghan salwar kameez, with a hat or turban and are instructed to avoid western dressing of T-shirts and pants.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/grap-iv-comes-into-force-as-delhi-s-aqi-crosses-400-here-s-what-s-restricted-rekha-gupta-narendra-modi-air-quality-noida-ghaziabad-faridabad-1765641100605"><strong>GRAP IV comes into force as Delhi’s AQI crosses 400; here’s what’s restricted</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><br>Peaky Blinders is a British period crime drama rooted in Birmingham, England, and set in the aftermath of the First World War. The series centres on the rise of the fictional Peaky Blinders gang as they navigate crime, power and politics in a turbulent era.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Cillian Murphy leads the cast as gang chief Tommy Shelby, alongside Helen McCrory as the formidable Polly Grey, Paul Anderson as Arthur Shelby and Sophie Rundle as Ada Shelby.</p>

The Taliban sent the men to a rehabilitation centre for behavioural correction, saying the move was aimed at bringing them in line with Islamic values and Afghan culture.



The Taliban have arrested at least four men dressed up as characters of the Netflix crime drama series Peaky Blinders in Afghanistan, describing the act as a violation of Islamic values. The four Afghan youth, all in their early 20s, were arrested by the Taliban police in the western Herat province and lodged in a rehabilitation centre. The videos and photos of youth dressed as "Shelby Family" portrayed in the British series went viral across social media platforms in Afghanistan, as reported by The Independent. The videos feature four Afghan men in tailored suits, waistcoats, flat caps and overcoats, their expressions composed and unsmiling, as they move through the town on foot and in cars. They were also seen smoking cigar-like cigarettes, mimicking the lead character of the series, played by Cillian Murphy. According to the Taliban, the youths were promoting foreign culture and were sent rehabilitation centre to instil Islamic values and correct their behaviour. Also Read: 'I take back nothing': Candace Owens doubles down on criticism of Charlie Kirk show amid feud with Erika Kirk

<p>The Taliban sent the men to a rehabilitation centre for behavioural correction, saying the move was aimed at bringing them in line with Islamic values and Afghan culture.</p>

Taliban arrest four men for dressing up as Peaky Blinders characters

<p>The Kolkata event that was meant to celebrate Lionel Messi’s legacy instead became a cautionary tale. What should have been a carefully curated, high-security appearance by one of the world’s most recognisable athletes descended into confusion, overcrowding, and last-minute improvisation. Viral videos on social media platforms of fans breaching barricades, disorderly movement around venues, and organisers struggling to regain control quickly went viral. For a country that prides itself on sporting passion and scale, the Messi event in Kolkata was a failure of planning, coordination, and accountability, not enthusiasm.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This was not an unforeseeable problem. Messi’s global appeal is unmatched; his mere presence guarantees mass turnout. Yet the event appeared to underestimate crowd behaviour, overestimate on-ground preparedness, and blur the lines between public celebration and controlled access. The result was not just embarrassment but a serious safety risk, to fans, staff, and the icon himself. When an event involving a global sports figure spirals into chaos, the implications stretch far beyond one city or one organiser.</p><h2>Kolkata was not an exception, it was a warning</h2><p>To dismiss the Kolkata chaos as a one-off would be convenient, but it would also be dishonest. India’s history of hosting major sporting events is dotted with moments where passion overwhelmed planning. From crowd surges outside stadiums to delayed starts, last-minute venue changes, and inadequate security cordons, similar red flags have surfaced repeatedly across sports and cities.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The underlying issue is structural. Too often, event planning in India treats crowd size as a badge of honour rather than a variable to be managed. Bigger is equated with better, even when infrastructure and security capacity remain unchanged. This mindset leads to predictable outcomes: overwhelmed entry points, poor communication between agencies, and confusion on the ground. In Kolkata, those weaknesses were amplified by Messi’s presence, exposing just how fragile the system becomes under global scrutiny.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Another recurring problem is fragmented responsibility. Events of this scale involve private organisers, state authorities, police, venue managers, and sponsors. When roles are unclear and accountability diluted, failures become inevitable. In Kolkata, the absence of a visible, unified command structure was striking. Decisions appeared reactive rather than planned, with authorities scrambling to control a situation that should never have spiralled in the first place. There is also a cultural hesitation to impose firm limits. Restricting access, enforcing barricades, or cancelling segments for safety reasons is often seen as anti-fan. But global sporting nations understand that fan experience begins with safety. In India, safety measures are still too often treated as negotiable, secondary to optics and hype.</p><h2>The cost of chaos</h2><p>The real damage from the Kolkata episode lies in perception. Global sports icons operate within tightly regulated ecosystems. Their teams, insurers, clubs, and federations assess risk with clinical precision. For them, viral visuals of chaos are not emotional moments; they are data points. Each mismanaged event feeds into a growing question: is India a reliable host for high-profile, non-cricket sporting engagements?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This matters because global sport today is as much about image as infrastructure. Countries compete to host icons, exhibitions, and mega-events not just for ticket sales, but for soft power and global branding. India has invested heavily in projecting itself as a modern, capable host, from upgraded stadiums to international tournaments. But trust is fragile. One poorly handled event can undo years of effort.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>There is also a commercial cost. Sponsors and international partners seek predictability. They want assurance that timelines will be respected, access controlled, and reputational risk minimised. Chaos discourages investment. If India becomes associated with unpredictability outside the IPL’s tightly managed bubble, opportunities will shift elsewhere, to markets that may lack India’s scale but offer consistency.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Crucially, this is not a question of capability. India has successfully hosted complex, high-security events, including cricket World Cups, G20 summits, and major international tours. The issue is uneven standards. While marquee, centrally managed events receive world-class planning, one-off exhibitions and celebrity appearances often fall through regulatory cracks. That inconsistency is what erodes trust.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The lesson from Kolkata is uncomfortable but necessary. Passion alone cannot carry global sport. Admiration for icons like Messi must be matched by respect for the protocols that protect them. Without clear planning, enforceable limits, and single-point accountability, India risks turning celebration into chaos, and chaos into reputation damage.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The question, then, is not whether India deserves to host global sports icons. It is whether India is willing to do the unglamorous work required to earn that trust every single time. Until that answer is an unequivocal yes, Kolkata will not be remembered as an anomaly, but as a warning India chose to ignore.</p>

After the Kolkata chaos, can India be trusted to host global sports icons?

The Kolkata event that was meant to celebrate Lionel Messi’s legacy instead became a cautionary tale. What should have been a carefully curated, high-security appearance by one of the world’s most recognisable athletes descended into confusion, overcrowding, and last-minute improvisation. Viral videos on social media platforms of fans breaching barricades, disorderly movement around venues, and organisers struggling to regain control quickly went viral. For a country that prides itself on sporting passion and scale, the Messi event in Kolkata was a failure of planning, coordination, and accountability, not enthusiasm. This was not an unforeseeable problem. Messi’s global appeal is unmatched; his mere presence guarantees mass turnout. Yet the event appeared to underestimate crowd behaviour, overestimate on-ground preparedness, and blur the lines between public celebration and controlled access. The result was not just embarrassment but a serious safety risk, to fans, staff, and the icon himself. When an event involving a global sports figure spirals into chaos, the implications stretch far beyond one city or one organiser. Kolkata was not an exception, it was a warning To dismiss the Kolkata chaos as a one-off would be convenient, but it would also be dishonest. India’s history of hosting major sporting events is dotted with moments where passion overwhelmed planning. From crowd surges outside stadiums to delayed starts, last-minute venue changes, and inadequate security cordons, similar red flags have surfaced repeatedly across sports and cities. The underlying issue is structural. Too often, event planning in India treats crowd size as a badge of honour rather than a variable to be managed. Bigger is equated with better, even when infrastructure and security capacity remain unchanged. This mindset leads to predictable outcomes: overwhelmed entry points, poor communication between agencies, and confusion on the ground. In Kolkata, those weaknesses were amplified by Messi’s presence, exposing just how fragile the system becomes under global scrutiny. Another recurring problem is fragmented responsibility. Events of this scale involve private organisers, state authorities, police, venue managers, and sponsors. When roles are unclear and accountability diluted, failures become inevitable. In Kolkata, the absence of a visible, unified command structure was striking. Decisions appeared reactive rather than planned, with authorities scrambling to control a situation that should never have spiralled in the first place. There is also a cultural hesitation to impose firm limits. Restricting access, enforcing barricades, or cancelling segments for safety reasons is often seen as anti-fan. But global sporting nations understand that fan experience begins with safety. In India, safety measures are still too often treated as negotiable, secondary to optics and hype. The cost of chaos The real damage from the Kolkata episode lies in perception. Global sports icons operate within tightly regulated ecosystems. Their teams, insurers, clubs, and federations assess risk with clinical precision. For them, viral visuals of chaos are not emotional moments; they are data points. Each mismanaged event feeds into a growing question: is India a reliable host for high-profile, non-cricket sporting engagements? This matters because global sport today is as much about image as infrastructure. Countries compete to host icons, exhibitions, and mega-events not just for ticket sales, but for soft power and global branding. India has invested heavily in projecting itself as a modern, capable host, from upgraded stadiums to international tournaments. But trust is fragile. One poorly handled event can undo years of effort. There is also a commercial cost. Sponsors and international partners seek predictability. They want assurance that timelines will be respected, access controlled, and reputational risk minimised. Chaos discourages investment. If India becomes associated with unpredictability outside the IPL’s tightly managed bubble, opportunities will shift elsewhere, to markets that may lack India’s scale but offer consistency. Crucially, this is not a question of capability. India has successfully hosted complex, high-security events, including cricket World Cups, G20 summits, and major international tours. The issue is uneven standards. While marquee, centrally managed events receive world-class planning, one-off exhibitions and celebrity appearances often fall through regulatory cracks. That inconsistency is what erodes trust. The lesson from Kolkata is uncomfortable but necessary. Passion alone cannot carry global sport. Admiration for icons like Messi must be matched by respect for the protocols that protect them. Without clear planning, enforceable limits, and single-point accountability, India risks turning celebration into chaos, and chaos into reputation damage. The question, then, is not whether India deserves to host global sports icons. It is whether India is willing to do the unglamorous work required to earn that trust every single time. Until that answer is an unequivocal yes, Kolkata will not be remembered as an anomaly, but as a warning India chose to ignore.

<p>The Kolkata Messi event chaos exposed deep flaws in how India hosts global sports icons. Without transparency, safety, and accountability, hype turns dangerous</p>

<p>The Trump administration is ending family reunification parole programs for immigrants from several countries, citing abuse of the humanitarian parole process, Fox News reported.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The move applies to immigrants from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, and their immediate family members, the Department of Homeland Security said on Friday (local time).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"This administration is ending the abuse of humanitarian parole that allowed poorly vetted aliens to circumvent the traditional parole process," a DHS news release states. "Parole was never intended to be used in this way, and DHS is returning parole to a case-by-case basis as intended by Congress. Ending the FRP programs is a necessary return to common-sense policies and a return to America First."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/grap-iv-comes-into-force-as-delhi-s-aqi-crosses-400-here-s-what-s-restricted-rekha-gupta-narendra-modi-air-quality-noida-ghaziabad-faridabad-1765641100605"><strong>GRAP IV comes into force as Delhi’s AQI crosses 400; here’s what’s restricted</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The agency noted that the desire to reunite families does not supersede the federal government's responsibility to prevent fraud and abuse, as well as to ensure national security and public safety, as per Fox News.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"DHS acknowledges that aliens paroled into the United States under the FRP programs may have been able to reunite with family members in the United States," the Federal Register notice on the Family Reunification Program (FRP) termination states, as per Fox News.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-frees-123-prisoners-including-nobel-peace-prize-laureate-ales-bialiatski-after-us-lifts-potash-sanctions-1765635367648"><strong>Belarus frees 123 prisoners, including Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski, as US lifts sanctions on its potash industry</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"However, upon further review of the scope and impact of the FRP programs in their totality, and in line with Executive Orders issued by President Trump, DHS has determined that national security and fraud concerns, along with the current administration's priorities, outweigh those interests and weigh in favour of terminating the programs," it continued.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In addition to ending the program, the administration is also terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for citizens of Ethiopia.</p><p><br>"After reviewing country conditions and consulting with appropriate US government agencies, the Secretary determined that Ethiopia no longer continues to meet the conditions for the designation of Temporary Protected Status," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a notice posted in the Federal Register, as per Fox News.</p><p>TPS is granted to individuals whose home country has experienced a natural disaster, armed conflict, or other extraordinary event.</p><p><br>Eligible migrants are provided work authorisation and temporary protection from deportation, Fox News reported.&nbsp;</p>

The move applies to immigrants from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, and their immediate family members, the Department of Homeland Security said.

The Trump administration is ending family reunification parole programs for immigrants from several countries, citing abuse of the humanitarian parole process, Fox News reported. The move applies to immigrants from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, and their immediate family members, the Department of Homeland Security said on Friday (local time). "This administration is ending the abuse of humanitarian parole that allowed poorly vetted aliens to circumvent the traditional parole process," a DHS news release states. "Parole was never intended to be used in this way, and DHS is returning parole to a case-by-case basis as intended by Congress. Ending the FRP programs is a necessary return to common-sense policies and a return to America First." Also Read: GRAP IV comes into force as Delhi’s AQI crosses 400; here’s what’s restricted The agency noted that the desire to reunite families does not supersede the federal government's responsibility to prevent fraud and abuse, as well as to ensure national security and public safety, as per Fox News. "DHS acknowledges that aliens paroled into the United States under the FRP programs may have been able to reunite with family members in the United States," the Federal Register notice on the Family Reunification Program (FRP) termination states, as per Fox News. Also Read: Belarus frees 123 prisoners, including Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski, as US lifts sanctions on its potash industry "However, upon further review of the scope and impact of the FRP programs in their totality, and in line with Executive Orders issued by President Trump, DHS has determined that national security and fraud concerns, along with the current administration's priorities, outweigh those interests and weigh in favour of terminating the programs," it continued. In addition to ending the program, the administration is also terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for citizens of Ethiopia. "After reviewing country conditions and consulting with appropriate US government agencies, the Secretary determined that Ethiopia no longer continues to meet the conditions for the designation of Temporary Protected Status," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a notice posted in the Federal Register, as per Fox News. TPS is granted to individuals whose home country has experienced a natural disaster, armed conflict, or other extraordinary event. Eligible migrants are provided work authorisation and temporary protection from deportation, Fox News reported.

<p>The move applies to immigrants from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras, and their immediate family members, the Department of Homeland Security said.</p>

Trump to end family reunification parole programs for immigrants

<p>Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has freed 123 prisoners, including opposition leader Maria Kalesnikava and Nobel Peace Prize-winning rights activist Ales Bialiatski, rights groups and state media reported on Saturday (Dec 13), after a US envoy earlier stated that Washington was lifting sanctions on Belarusian potassium.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"The head of state has decided to pardon 123 citizens of various countries," the Belarusian state news agency Belta said, as reported by AFP.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Novel laureate Bialiatski's Viasna celebrated the release of their leader after 1,613 days "Ales Bialiatski is free!" the Viasna rights group said in a post on social media, adding he was being deported to Lithuania after 1,613 days in prison.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-launches-hypersonic-missile-strikes-parts-of-ukraine-plunge-into-darkness-trump-moscow-steve-witkoff-ukraine-peace-plan-putin-modi-1765632526648"><strong>Russia launches hypersonic missile strikes; parts of Ukraine plunge into darkness</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The release of prisoners comes following a deal reached between Belarus, a key ally of Russian President Putin, and the United States for lifting the sanctions imposed on its potash industry by the Biden Administration, citing the human rights abuses and for letting Moscow use its territory against Ukraine in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Belarus has faced Western sanctions for years, citing the poor human rights record of President Lukashenko, who has ruled the country for more than 30 years.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-says-4-soldiers-killed-vows-to-continue-military-action-against-cambodia-1765620489233"><strong>Thailand says 4 soldiers killed, vows to continue military action against Cambodia</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, the United States signalled a thaw in ties after it lifted sanctions on the Potash industry, and the US envoy to Belarus said that normalising the relationship between Washington and Minsk is a priority.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“We’re lifting sanctions, releasing prisoners. We’re constantly talking to each other,” he said, according to Belta.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The prisoners included Nobel Peace Prize–winning rights activist Ales Bialiatski, who spent 1,613 days in a Belarusian prison.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has freed 123 prisoners, including opposition leader Maria Kalesnikava and Nobel Peace Prize-winning rights activist Ales Bialiatski, rights groups and state media reported on Saturday (Dec 13), after a US envoy earlier stated that Washington was lifting sanctions on Belarusian potassium. "The head of state has decided to pardon 123 citizens of various countries," the Belarusian state news agency Belta said, as reported by AFP. Novel laureate Bialiatski's Viasna celebrated the release of their leader after 1,613 days "Ales Bialiatski is free!" the Viasna rights group said in a post on social media, adding he was being deported to Lithuania after 1,613 days in prison. Also Read: Russia launches hypersonic missile strikes; parts of Ukraine plunge into darkness The release of prisoners comes following a deal reached between Belarus, a key ally of Russian President Putin, and the United States for lifting the sanctions imposed on its potash industry by the Biden Administration, citing the human rights abuses and for letting Moscow use its territory against Ukraine in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war. Belarus has faced Western sanctions for years, citing the poor human rights record of President Lukashenko, who has ruled the country for more than 30 years. Also Read: Thailand says 4 soldiers killed, vows to continue military action against Cambodia However, the United States signalled a thaw in ties after it lifted sanctions on the Potash industry, and the US envoy to Belarus said that normalising the relationship between Washington and Minsk is a priority. “We’re lifting sanctions, releasing prisoners. We’re constantly talking to each other,” he said, according to Belta.

<p>The prisoners included Nobel Peace Prize–winning rights activist Ales Bialiatski, who spent 1,613 days in a Belarusian prison.</p>

Belarus frees 123 prisoners, including Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski, as US lifts sanctions on its potash industry

<p>An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 hit Pakistan on Saturday (December 13). The tremor occurred around 6:44pm. The epicenter was located at 30.14 north and longitude 69.57 east. No injuries reported were reported at the time of writing this report. In November 2025, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck Pakistan early morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology. The tremor, which had a depth of 135 km, was felt across the region.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistan, Afghanistan, and northern India are situated in one of the world’s most seismically active regions, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. As a result, these areas often experience moderate to strong earthquakes, with tremors sometimes crossing national borders due to the closeness of the fault lines.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-rise-of-the-pink-ladies-meet-the-british-women-who-are-rallying-against-migration-and-safety-concerns-1765627591680"><strong>The rise of the 'Pink Ladies': Meet the British women who are rallying against migration and safety concerns</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Given its location along multiple significant fault lines, Pakistan is particularly vulnerable to seismic activity. The provinces of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan sit on the southern edge of the Eurasian plate, while Sindh and Punjab lie near the northwestern boundary of the Indian plate, both of which contribute to the region’s frequent earthquakes. Balochistan, in particular, is positioned near the active boundary between the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it highly susceptible to seismic events.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">EQ of M: 4.3, On: 13/12/2025 18:44:56 IST, Lat: 30.14 N, Long: 69.57 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Pakistan. <br>For more information Download the BhooKamp App <a href="https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0">https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DrJitendraSingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrJitendraSingh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfDrJS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficeOfDrJS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Ravi_MoES?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ravi_MoES</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Dr_Mishra1966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dr_Mishra1966</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ndmaindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ndmaindia</a> <a href="https://t.co/WGFQmotYFW">pic.twitter.com/WGFQmotYFW</a></p>&mdash; National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1999833246440546601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Earthquakes do's and don'ts</h2><ul><li>Repair deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.</li><li>Anchor overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling.</li><li>Follow the BIS codes relevant to your area for building standards</li><li>Fasten shelves securely to walls.</li><li>Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.</li><li>Do not move from where you are. However, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires.</li><li>DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there is no a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.</li><li>Protect yourself by staying under the lintel of an inner door, in the corner of a room, under a table, or even under a bed.</li><li>Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, (such as lighting fixtures or furniture).</li></ul>

Earthquake of magnitude 4.3 jolts Pakistan; no injuries reported

An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 hit Pakistan on Saturday (December 13). The tremor occurred around 6:44pm. The epicenter was located at 30.14 north and longitude 69.57 east. No injuries reported were reported at the time of writing this report. In November 2025, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck Pakistan early morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology. The tremor, which had a depth of 135 km, was felt across the region. Pakistan, Afghanistan, and northern India are situated in one of the world’s most seismically active regions, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. As a result, these areas often experience moderate to strong earthquakes, with tremors sometimes crossing national borders due to the closeness of the fault lines. Also Read: The rise of the 'Pink Ladies': Meet the British women who are rallying against migration and safety concerns Given its location along multiple significant fault lines, Pakistan is particularly vulnerable to seismic activity. The provinces of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan sit on the southern edge of the Eurasian plate, while Sindh and Punjab lie near the northwestern boundary of the Indian plate, both of which contribute to the region’s frequent earthquakes. Balochistan, in particular, is positioned near the active boundary between the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it highly susceptible to seismic events.

<p>An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 hit Pakistan on Saturday (December 13). No injuries reported were reported at the time of writing this report.</p>

<p>A large fire broke out near the controversial Hangar 84 at the Roswell Air Centre in New Mexico. It reportedly occurred in the evening, and the local firefighter contained it. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains unknown. The site is long linked to the infamous 1947 UFO crash; there had long been arguments, whistleblower reports about alien bodies and debris from the crash were being stashed there.&nbsp;</p><p>“Callers stated seeing flames coming from the Aresale building,” Chaves County News Network reported at the time of the fire. Officials were worried that the combination of hazardous material and an oxygen cannister stored inside the building would cause devastating explosions. As soon as the firefighters arrived, they started “cutting into the side of the metal building” to gain access.</p><h2>Conspiracy theorists connect to the 1947 alien crash</h2><p>Reddit started to buzz about the claims that the fire was started to cover up traces of alien bodies and debris. Notably, this is not the first fire in Hangar 84; there was another fire in April 2024. One user commented, "The timing is suspect to say the least. The release of Age of Disclosure, the firehose of information coming out after David Grush's testimony, led to a historic hearing. There are no coincidences." Another wrote, “Destroying evidence before 3i atlas swings by?” However, there were some counter-narratives too. &nbsp;“Whatever was recovered at Roswell isn’t going to still be there”. Someone claimed to be the resident and debunked the reports, “Hi, I live in Roswell. This is very misleading. The maintenance area of the airport caught fire. That's all.”&nbsp;</p><p>However, some people kept arguing how such a massive fire could break out in a desert.&nbsp;</p><h2>The Roswell Crash</h2><p>Established in 1941, a training base for the US Air Forces during World War II, Roswell Airbase had an alleged crash of a UFO in July 1947. The army at first reported that they had recovered a 'flying disc,' but later retracted the statement, claiming it was a weather balloon. A nurse, Matilda MacElroy, on her deathbed, gave a testimony that was both unsettling and astonishing, and at the centre of all the UFO debates that are still going on today. She claimed to have found lifeless alien bodies, and one small figure very much alive, which communicated telepathically. This embedded UFOs and aliens in the books, movies, and made it a popular cultural phenomenon.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

A fire near Roswell’s infamous Hangar 84 has reignited UFO conspiracy theories linked to the 1947 alien crash. Officials report no injuries.

A large fire broke out near the controversial Hangar 84 at the Roswell Air Centre in New Mexico. It reportedly occurred in the evening, and the local firefighter contained it. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains unknown. The site is long linked to the infamous 1947 UFO crash; there had long been arguments, whistleblower reports about alien bodies and debris from the crash were being stashed there. “Callers stated seeing flames coming from the Aresale building,” Chaves County News Network reported at the time of the fire. Officials were worried that the combination of hazardous material and an oxygen cannister stored inside the building would cause devastating explosions. As soon as the firefighters arrived, they started “cutting into the side of the metal building” to gain access. Conspiracy theorists connect to the 1947 alien crash Reddit started to buzz about the claims that the fire was started to cover up traces of alien bodies and debris. Notably, this is not the first fire in Hangar 84; there was another fire in April 2024. One user commented, "The timing is suspect to say the least. The release of Age of Disclosure, the firehose of information coming out after David Grush's testimony, led to a historic hearing. There are no coincidences." Another wrote, “Destroying evidence before 3i atlas swings by?” However, there were some counter-narratives too. “Whatever was recovered at Roswell isn’t going to still be there”. Someone claimed to be the resident and debunked the reports, “Hi, I live in Roswell. This is very misleading. The maintenance area of the airport caught fire. That's all.” However, some people kept arguing how such a massive fire could break out in a desert. The Roswell Crash Established in 1941, a training base for the US Air Forces during World War II, Roswell Airbase had an alleged crash of a UFO in July 1947. The army at first reported that they had recovered a 'flying disc,' but later retracted the statement, claiming it was a weather balloon. A nurse, Matilda MacElroy, on her deathbed, gave a testimony that was both unsettling and astonishing, and at the centre of all the UFO debates that are still going on today. She claimed to have found lifeless alien bodies, and one small figure very much alive, which communicated telepathically. This embedded UFOs and aliens in the books, movies, and made it a popular cultural phenomenon.

<p>A fire near Roswell’s infamous Hangar 84 has reignited UFO conspiracy theories linked to the 1947 alien crash. Officials report no injuries.</p>

Fire near Roswell’s Hangar 84 sparks fresh UFO conspiracy theories over 1947 alien crash claims

<p>Russia on Saturday (Dec 13) launched hypersonic missile strikes on Ukraine targeting key industrial and energy installations, in what Moscow called in response to a Ukrainian attack on "civilian targets" in Russia. The attacks come at a time when US President Donald Trump's special envoy is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Germany for more talks on ending the war.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Moscow's defence ministry said it carried out a "massive strike" on Ukraine's army and energy facilities using weapons including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles as a "response to Ukraine's terrorist attacks on civilian targets in Russia".</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Confirming the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Russian overnight strike using more than 450 drones and 30 missiles damaged over a dozen civilian facilities across Ukraine, triggering a power outage in seven regions of the country.</p><p>"It is important that everyone now sees what Russia is doing... for this is clearly not about ending the war," Zelensky said on social media, adding, "They still aim to destroy our state and inflict maximum pain on our people."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In Russia, regional governor Roman Busargin said two people were killed in Saratov after a drone strike hit a residential building.</p><p><br><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/days-after-massive-cancellations-indigo-says-operating-over-2-000-flights-on-dec-13-1765623293043"><strong>Days after massive cancellations, IndiGo says operating over 2,000 flights on Dec 13</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy, who has been at the forefront of leading Washington's attempt to achieve a negotiated peace between Russia and Ukraine, will discuss the updated draft of the proposed peace plan in Berlin.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/parliament-attack-anniversary-pm-modi-lop-rahul-gandhi-parliamentarians-pay-tribute-to-fallen-heroes-1765626015813"><strong> Parliament attack anniversary: PM Modi, LoP Rahul Gandhi, parliamentarians pay tribute to fallen heroes</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>US President Donald Trump had put forward a draft plan to end the war, setting off a series of high-level negotiations. Talks began in Geneva between US, European and Ukrainian officials over post-war security guarantees and territorial issues. Follow-up meetings in Florida brought US envoys and Ukrainian representatives together for marathon sessions to refine the proposal.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Ukrainian president is now set to meet US envoys and European leaders in Berlin before the plan is presented to Russia, although major differences remain unresolved.</p>

The Russian defence ministry said it carried out a massive strike on Ukraine’s military and energy facilities in response to what it called Ukraine’s terrorist attacks on civilian targets in Russia.

Russia on Saturday (Dec 13) launched hypersonic missile strikes on Ukraine targeting key industrial and energy installations, in what Moscow called in response to a Ukrainian attack on "civilian targets" in Russia. The attacks come at a time when US President Donald Trump's special envoy is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Germany for more talks on ending the war. Moscow's defence ministry said it carried out a "massive strike" on Ukraine's army and energy facilities using weapons including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles as a "response to Ukraine's terrorist attacks on civilian targets in Russia". Confirming the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Russian overnight strike using more than 450 drones and 30 missiles damaged over a dozen civilian facilities across Ukraine, triggering a power outage in seven regions of the country. "It is important that everyone now sees what Russia is doing... for this is clearly not about ending the war," Zelensky said on social media, adding, "They still aim to destroy our state and inflict maximum pain on our people." In Russia, regional governor Roman Busargin said two people were killed in Saratov after a drone strike hit a residential building. Also Read: Days after massive cancellations, IndiGo says operating over 2,000 flights on Dec 13 Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy, who has been at the forefront of leading Washington's attempt to achieve a negotiated peace between Russia and Ukraine, will discuss the updated draft of the proposed peace plan in Berlin. Also Read: Parliament attack anniversary: PM Modi, LoP Rahul Gandhi, parliamentarians pay tribute to fallen heroes US President Donald Trump had put forward a draft plan to end the war, setting off a series of high-level negotiations. Talks began in Geneva between US, European and Ukrainian officials over post-war security guarantees and territorial issues. Follow-up meetings in Florida brought US envoys and Ukrainian representatives together for marathon sessions to refine the proposal. The Ukrainian president is now set to meet US envoys and European leaders in Berlin before the plan is presented to Russia, although major differences remain unresolved.

<p>The Russian defence ministry said it carried out a massive strike on Ukraine’s military and energy facilities in response to what it called Ukraine’s terrorist attacks on civilian targets in Russia.</p>

Russia launches hypersonic missile strikes; parts of Ukraine plunge into darkness

<p>In the leafy outskirts of London, the small town of Epping became the center of controversy when protests erupted over a hotel housing asylum seekers. The issue escalated after an Ethiopian national was arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl. The violent demonstrations that followed saw several men arrested, with four later pleading guilty to violent disorder. The event drew parallels to the violent anti-immigration riots of 2024, when asylum seeker accommodation was targeted.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Orla Minihane, a mother of three from Epping, described the chaotic protests as a “PR disaster.” In a bid to distance the movement from accusations of racism, she proposed a new approach for the next protest: women should lead, and they should wear pink. This strategy caught on quickly, sparking a nationwide campaign. The “Pink Ladies” movement was born, and its message is clear: women are under threat from illegal migrants.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Despite not formally aligning with the Reform UK party, Minihane, who is the party’s vice-chair for Epping Forest, reveals that most of the Pink Ladies are likely to vote for Reform, a party focused on controlling immigration and advocating for mass deportations. “I wanted to create a platform for women to have a voice,” Minihane was quoted as saying in an interview with CNN.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-i-take-back-nothing-candace-owens-doubles-down-on-criticism-of-charlie-kirk-show-amid-feud-with-erika-kirk-1765620062043"><strong>'I take back nothing': Candace Owens doubles down on criticism of Charlie Kirk show amid feud with Erika Kirk</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Pink Ladies have grown rapidly through grassroots efforts, including social media groups and word-of-mouth campaigns. Minihane insists that the movement’s appeal lies in its portrayal of concerned mothers who are neither racist nor extreme, but simply worried for the safety of their children. Many of the group's members fit the profile of middle-aged, white, Brexit-supporting mothers who are now frustrated with the inability of the major parties to address immigration issues effectively.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In November, around 200 Pink Ladies gathered in Chelmsford, dressed in all things pink, from ponchos to berets, to protest what they view as an escalating threat posed by asylum seekers. "We’re not racist, we’re just worried mothers," one placard read. The group's messages often echo anti-immigrant sentiments, portraying Britain as “under attack” and “invaded.” Yet Minihane rejects any claims that the movement is associated with extremist rhetoric.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Some critics, however, are concerned about the movement’s far-right undertones. According to Andrea Simon, director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, the far-right has long used the issue of violence against women to advance a white supremacist agenda. Although Minihane and her followers insist their focus is on women’s safety, the movement’s ties to populist right-wing politics are clear.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has been gaining support, particularly from female voters, by capitalising on safety concerns and the immigration crisis. In the past year, the party's female voter base has grown, and reform leaders, such as Andrea Jenkyns, have become more prominent in its campaigns. Farage himself, known for his masculine political image, has struggled with female support, but figures like Jenkyns and Pochin are helping to shift the balance. Farage has noted the importance of appealing to women, even adding the phrase “GIRL POWER” to the party’s branding.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Pink Ladies’ protests are fueled by fear, particularly surrounding cases of migrant-related violence, but statistics do not support claims of widespread crime linked to asylum seekers. Crime rates, in fact, have generally been on the decline. Still, the movement continues to spotlight the fear of “invasion,” urging drastic action to stop migrant arrivals. "We need the army," said one protester in Chelmsford, voicing a common demand for military intervention to tackle what they describe as a crisis.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Although Minihane’s rhetoric about “illegal migrant catastrophes” has not been substantiated with clear data, the fears of the Pink Ladies and their supporters remain palpable. In their eyes, the government’s failure to address migration issues is putting women and children at risk. “We won’t be your sacrificial lambs anymore,” Minihane declared during the Chelmsford protest, drawing a line in the sand against what she and her supporters view as government negligence in the face of growing threats.</p>

The rise of the 'Pink Ladies': Meet the British women who are rallying against migration and safety concerns

In the leafy outskirts of London, the small town of Epping became the center of controversy when protests erupted over a hotel housing asylum seekers. The issue escalated after an Ethiopian national was arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl. The violent demonstrations that followed saw several men arrested, with four later pleading guilty to violent disorder. The event drew parallels to the violent anti-immigration riots of 2024, when asylum seeker accommodation was targeted. Orla Minihane, a mother of three from Epping, described the chaotic protests as a “PR disaster.” In a bid to distance the movement from accusations of racism, she proposed a new approach for the next protest: women should lead, and they should wear pink. This strategy caught on quickly, sparking a nationwide campaign. The “Pink Ladies” movement was born, and its message is clear: women are under threat from illegal migrants. Despite not formally aligning with the Reform UK party, Minihane, who is the party’s vice-chair for Epping Forest, reveals that most of the Pink Ladies are likely to vote for Reform, a party focused on controlling immigration and advocating for mass deportations. “I wanted to create a platform for women to have a voice,” Minihane was quoted as saying in an interview with CNN. Also Read: 'I take back nothing': Candace Owens doubles down on criticism of Charlie Kirk show amid feud with Erika Kirk The Pink Ladies have grown rapidly through grassroots efforts, including social media groups and word-of-mouth campaigns. Minihane insists that the movement’s appeal lies in its portrayal of concerned mothers who are neither racist nor extreme, but simply worried for the safety of their children. Many of the group's members fit the profile of middle-aged, white, Brexit-supporting mothers who are now frustrated with the inability of the major parties to address immigration issues effectively. In November, around 200 Pink Ladies gathered in Chelmsford, dressed in all things pink, from ponchos to berets, to protest what they view as an escalating threat posed by asylum seekers. "We’re not racist, we’re just worried mothers," one placard read. The group's messages often echo anti-immigrant sentiments, portraying Britain as “under attack” and “invaded.” Yet Minihane rejects any claims that the movement is associated with extremist rhetoric. Some critics, however, are concerned about the movement’s far-right undertones. According to Andrea Simon, director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, the far-right has long used the issue of violence against women to advance a white supremacist agenda. Although Minihane and her followers insist their focus is on women’s safety, the movement’s ties to populist right-wing politics are clear. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has been gaining support, particularly from female voters, by capitalising on safety concerns and the immigration crisis. In the past year, the party's female voter base has grown, and reform leaders, such as Andrea Jenkyns, have become more prominent in its campaigns. Farage himself, known for his masculine political image, has struggled with female support, but figures like Jenkyns and Pochin are helping to shift the balance. Farage has noted the importance of appealing to women, even adding the phrase “GIRL POWER” to the party’s branding. The Pink Ladies’ protests are fueled by fear, particularly surrounding cases of migrant-related violence, but statistics do not support claims of widespread crime linked to asylum seekers. Crime rates, in fact, have generally been on the decline. Still, the movement continues to spotlight the fear of “invasion,” urging drastic action to stop migrant arrivals. "We need the army," said one protester in Chelmsford, voicing a common demand for military intervention to tackle what they describe as a crisis. Although Minihane’s rhetoric about “illegal migrant catastrophes” has not been substantiated with clear data, the fears of the Pink Ladies and their supporters remain palpable. In their eyes, the government’s failure to address migration issues is putting women and children at risk. “We won’t be your sacrificial lambs anymore,” Minihane declared during the Chelmsford protest, drawing a line in the sand against what she and her supporters view as government negligence in the face of growing threats.

<p>The Pink Ladies movement, led by Orla Minihane, protests against migration’s impact on women’s safety, drawing support from conservative groups and Reform UK</p>

<p>Iran has seized a foreign-registered oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman and detained 18 crew members in the Gulf of Oman on December 12. Iranian judicial authorities claimed that it was carrying 6 million litres of smuggled Diesel fuel. The information was broadcast by the Iranian state media Tasnim News, citing provincial judiciary officials in southern Hormozgan Province. However, the details of the official name or the public state have not been confirmed yet. According to a report by the AFP, the vessel had crew members from India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.&nbsp;</p><p>"In addition to the organised transportation of smuggled fuel, the tanker ignored the order to stop and attempted to escape," said Mojtaba Ghahremani, head of provincial judiciary in Hormozgan. He also alleged that the tanker lacked proper navigational and cargo documents and its radar was turned off.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨🇮🇷 Iran seizes foreign tanker carrying smuggled fuel in Sea of Oman<br><br>Iranian forces have seized a foreign-flagged oil tanker carrying 6 million liters of smuggled diesel in the Gulf of Oman, IRIB reported.<br><br>State media released no vessel name or nationality. <a href="https://t.co/brfT6nF0Il">pic.twitter.com/brfT6nF0Il</a></p>&mdash; Sputnik (@SputnikInt) <a href="https://twitter.com/SputnikInt/status/1999612916123996619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Iranian officials have alleged that the tanker's cargo was illegaly smuggled out of Iran as it has very low fuel prices owing to its subsidies. Iran has similarly seized tankers carrying 3 million litres in March, 100,000 litres in April, and 2 million litres in July. Last month, the IRGC said that it seized a small tanker named Talara. The oil tanker had reportedly diverted from the</p><p>United Arab Emirates to Iranian waters. The incident comes at a time when the United States has seized an Iran-linked oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela this week. The vessel was sanctioned by the US in 2022 for allegedly assisting in the smuggling of Iranian oil as part of a network led by Ukrainian national Viktor Artemov. While they seem independent occurrences without any legal and operational relations but they highlight a broader pattern of tit-for-tat maritime pressure.&nbsp;</p>

Iranian authorities have seized a foreign-registered oil tanker carrying 6 million litres of smuggled diesel in the Gulf of Oman, detaining 18 crew members.

Iran has seized a foreign-registered oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman and detained 18 crew members in the Gulf of Oman on December 12. Iranian judicial authorities claimed that it was carrying 6 million litres of smuggled Diesel fuel. The information was broadcast by the Iranian state media Tasnim News, citing provincial judiciary officials in southern Hormozgan Province. However, the details of the official name or the public state have not been confirmed yet. According to a report by the AFP, the vessel had crew members from India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. "In addition to the organised transportation of smuggled fuel, the tanker ignored the order to stop and attempted to escape," said Mojtaba Ghahremani, head of provincial judiciary in Hormozgan. He also alleged that the tanker lacked proper navigational and cargo documents and its radar was turned off.

<p>Iranian authorities have seized a foreign-registered oil tanker carrying 6 million litres of smuggled diesel in the Gulf of Oman, detaining 18 crew members.</p>

Iran seizes foreign oil tanker carrying 6 million litres of smuggled Diesel in Gulf of Oman

<p>Spanish police on Saturday (Dec 13) said they had thwarted a criminal gang that flew helicopters to smuggle hashish into the country from Morocco, in a rare operation against aerial drug trafficking.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The helicopters were capable of transporting between 500 and 900 kilograms of drugs, which were stored in rural estates and warehouses in southern Spain before distribution by road to other European countries, the Civil Guard said in a statement.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Police seized one of the helicopters, 657 kilograms (1,448 pounds) of hashish, five firearms, cash and vehicles during raids in the provinces of Malaga, Almeria and Murcia.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Six arrests were made in the operation, which also involved Moroccan, Belgian and Swedish law enforcement.</p><p>Spain's close ties with Latin America and proximity to Morocco make it a key entry point for drugs into Europe, but smuggling typically takes place by sea.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Spanish police have in the past year also uncovered networks that used drones to transport drugs from Morocco.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</i></p>

Police seized one of the helicopters, 657 kilograms (1,448 pounds) of hashish, five firearms, cash and vehicles during raids in the provinces of Malaga, Almeria and Murcia.

Spanish police on Saturday (Dec 13) said they had thwarted a criminal gang that flew helicopters to smuggle hashish into the country from Morocco, in a rare operation against aerial drug trafficking. The helicopters were capable of transporting between 500 and 900 kilograms of drugs, which were stored in rural estates and warehouses in southern Spain before distribution by road to other European countries, the Civil Guard said in a statement. Police seized one of the helicopters, 657 kilograms (1,448 pounds) of hashish, five firearms, cash and vehicles during raids in the provinces of Malaga, Almeria and Murcia. Six arrests were made in the operation, which also involved Moroccan, Belgian and Swedish law enforcement. Spain's close ties with Latin America and proximity to Morocco make it a key entry point for drugs into Europe, but smuggling typically takes place by sea. Spanish police have in the past year also uncovered networks that used drones to transport drugs from Morocco. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

<p>Police seized one of the helicopters, 657 kilograms (1,448 pounds) of hashish, five firearms, cash and vehicles during raids in the provinces of Malaga, Almeria and Murcia.</p>

Spain busts gang flying hashish helicopters from Morocco

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Dec 13) paid homage to the security personnel who laid down their lives in the 2001 Parliament attack. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, and other senior parliamentarians also paid tribute to the security personnel who laid down their lives in the 2001 Parliament terror attack. The tributes saw participation of both NDA and Opposition leaders on the 24th anniversary of the dastardly attack on the Indian Parliament.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-officer-appointed-as-mauritius-national-security-advisor-who-is-ips-rahul-rasgotra-1765622626734"><strong>Indian officer appointed as Mauritius national security advisor; Who is IPS Rahul Rasgotra?</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Paying homage to the fallen heroes, President Droupadi Murmu said, the nation remains indebted to them and their families.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation by protecting the Indian parliament during the heinous terrorist attack."Saluting the brave who laid down their lives on 13 December 2001 to protect the temple of democracy during the terrorist attack on the Parliament House. Their sacrifice for the protection of the nation will always be remembered." Gadkari said.</p><p><br>Remembering the bravehearts, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar vowed to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Pay homage to the martyrs of the dastardly terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament this day in 2001. Their bravery reinforces our determination to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-we-want-made-in-india-aircraft-aviation-minister-tells-lok-sabha-says-govt-can-cap-airfares-only-in-extraordinary-situations-1765550757769"><strong>‘We want Made-in-India aircraft’: Aviation Minister tells Lok Sabha, says govt can cap airfares only in extraordinary situations</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><br>On December 13, 2001, India’s Parliament came under a major terrorist attack when five heavily armed militants linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) stormed the complex in New Delhi. The attackers opened indiscriminate fire, triggering a prolonged gun battle with security forces.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Fourteen people, including security personnel and a civilian, were killed. The attack occurred about 40 minutes after Parliament was adjourned, averting a larger catastrophe.</p>

On December 13, 2001, India’s Parliament came under a major terrorist attack when five heavily armed militants linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) stormed the complex in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Dec 13) paid homage to the security personnel who laid down their lives in the 2001 Parliament attack. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, and other senior parliamentarians also paid tribute to the security personnel who laid down their lives in the 2001 Parliament terror attack. The tributes saw participation of both NDA and Opposition leaders on the 24th anniversary of the dastardly attack on the Indian Parliament. Also Read: Indian officer appointed as Mauritius national security advisor; Who is IPS Rahul Rasgotra? Paying homage to the fallen heroes, President Droupadi Murmu said, the nation remains indebted to them and their families. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation by protecting the Indian parliament during the heinous terrorist attack."Saluting the brave who laid down their lives on 13 December 2001 to protect the temple of democracy during the terrorist attack on the Parliament House. Their sacrifice for the protection of the nation will always be remembered." Gadkari said. Remembering the bravehearts, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar vowed to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Pay homage to the martyrs of the dastardly terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament this day in 2001. Their bravery reinforces our determination to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations." Also Read: ‘We want Made-in-India aircraft’: Aviation Minister tells Lok Sabha, says govt can cap airfares only in extraordinary situations On December 13, 2001, India’s Parliament came under a major terrorist attack when five heavily armed militants linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) stormed the complex in New Delhi. The attackers opened indiscriminate fire, triggering a prolonged gun battle with security forces. Fourteen people, including security personnel and a civilian, were killed. The attack occurred about 40 minutes after Parliament was adjourned, averting a larger catastrophe.

<p>On December 13, 2001, India’s Parliament came under a major terrorist attack when five heavily armed militants linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) stormed the complex in New Delhi.</p>

Parliament attack anniversary: PM Modi, LoP Rahul Gandhi, parliamentarians pay tribute to fallen heroes

<p>Despite US President Donald Trump's ceasefire claims, Thailand said that four of its soldiers were killed on Saturday (Dec13) in renewed clashes at the border with Cambodia. Defence ministry spokesman Surasant Kongsiri at a press conference said that four more soldiers died from the clash in Chong An Ma area, adding that 14 soldiers have died since fighting erupted on Monday. Cambodia, in retaliation, suspended all of its border crossings with Thailand.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier, US President Trump said that the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Cambodia are ready for peace and agreed to halt fighting. Trump announced the truce on his social media platform Truth Social, after speaking with both leaders over the phone. "I had a very good conversation this morning with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, and the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, concerning the very unfortunate reawakening of their long-running War. They have agreed to CEASE all shooting effective this evening, and go back to the original Peace Accord made with me, and them, with the help of the Great Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Trump also called the triggering point of the fresh clashes an “accident.” The fresh clashes were triggered after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine, allegedly placed near disputed border area by Cambodia, in November. Cambodia denied the claims, but the Thai soldier died later prompting Thailand to launch an air strike. Trump said, “The roadside bomb that originally killed and wounded numerous Thai Soldiers was an accident, but Thailand nevertheless retaliated very strongly.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Southeast Asian nations - Thailand and Cambodia - dispute the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometre (500-mile) border. Both countries also claim the land surrounding the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple as their own. In the fresh clashes, at least 15 people, including Thai soldiers and Cambodian civilians, have been killed so far. More than half a million people have fled border areas.</p>

Thailand said four soldiers were killed in renewed clashes with Cambodia despite US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire claim. Fighting over a disputed colonial-era border has killed at least 15 people and displaced over 500,000, even as leaders reportedly agreed to halt hostilities.

Despite US President Donald Trump's ceasefire claims, Thailand said that four of its soldiers were killed on Saturday (Dec13) in renewed clashes at the border with Cambodia. Defence ministry spokesman Surasant Kongsiri at a press conference said that four more soldiers died from the clash in Chong An Ma area, adding that 14 soldiers have died since fighting erupted on Monday. Cambodia, in retaliation, suspended all of its border crossings with Thailand. Earlier, US President Trump said that the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Cambodia are ready for peace and agreed to halt fighting. Trump announced the truce on his social media platform Truth Social, after speaking with both leaders over the phone. "I had a very good conversation this morning with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, and the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, concerning the very unfortunate reawakening of their long-running War. They have agreed to CEASE all shooting effective this evening, and go back to the original Peace Accord made with me, and them, with the help of the Great Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Trump also called the triggering point of the fresh clashes an “accident.” The fresh clashes were triggered after a Thai soldier was injured by a landmine, allegedly placed near disputed border area by Cambodia, in November. Cambodia denied the claims, but the Thai soldier died later prompting Thailand to launch an air strike. Trump said, “The roadside bomb that originally killed and wounded numerous Thai Soldiers was an accident, but Thailand nevertheless retaliated very strongly.” The Southeast Asian nations - Thailand and Cambodia - dispute the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometre (500-mile) border. Both countries also claim the land surrounding the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple as their own. In the fresh clashes, at least 15 people, including Thai soldiers and Cambodian civilians, have been killed so far. More than half a million people have fled border areas.

<p>Thailand said four soldiers were killed in renewed clashes with Cambodia despite US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire claim. Fighting over a disputed colonial-era border has killed at least 15 people and displaced over 500,000, even as leaders reportedly agreed to halt hostilities.</p>

Thailand says 4 soldiers killed, vows to continue military action against Cambodia

<p>In a rare celestial event, the skywatcher will observe the longest Solar eclipse of the last century in August, 2027. The solar eclipse will last for 6 minutes and 23 seconds, and at its peak, the moon will completely cover the sun, daylight will fade, temperatures will drop, stars or planets will become visible as if in twilight, and the whole world will plunge into darkness. This eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence for this generation. It is rarer because the distance between the Earth will be closest to the moon, making it possible for the moon to cover the sun for the longest time.&nbsp;</p><h2>When and where will it be visible?</h2><p>During the solar eclipse, the moon will cast a dark shadow on the Earth, which is called the umbra. This Umbra is a narrow strip of land that rapidly moves across the Earth's surface as it rotates. The path along which the umbra moves is called the path of totality. It is usually 100-200 km long. Within the area of the path of totality, day becomes completely dark, and planets and stars can be seen. For this solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, the path of totality will pass through parts of Southern Europe, such as Spain, Portugal, parts of North Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Libya and parts of the Middle East like Saudi Arabia, before reaching Sanaa, Yemen. After crossing the Gulf of Aden, totality passes Somalia and then the northern reefs of the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. To the rest of the world, it will be partially visible.&nbsp;</p><h2>Will it be visible in India?</h2><p>No, the path of totality will not move through India, hence the Solar eclipse will not be completely visible. It will be visible partially across the Western region, such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, between 15:34 IST and 17:53 IST.</p><h2>Viewing tips</h2><p>Viewers should use proper safety equipment, like UV glasses, because the rare phenomenon might be dangerous for the naked eye and might cause irreversible damage.&nbsp;</p>

The longest solar eclipse in a century will occur in 2027, lasting over 6 minutes. Know the date, where it will be visible and whether India can see it.

In a rare celestial event, the skywatcher will observe the longest Solar eclipse of the last century in August, 2027. The solar eclipse will last for 6 minutes and 23 seconds, and at its peak, the moon will completely cover the sun, daylight will fade, temperatures will drop, stars or planets will become visible as if in twilight, and the whole world will plunge into darkness. This eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence for this generation. It is rarer because the distance between the Earth will be closest to the moon, making it possible for the moon to cover the sun for the longest time. When and where will it be visible? During the solar eclipse, the moon will cast a dark shadow on the Earth, which is called the umbra. This Umbra is a narrow strip of land that rapidly moves across the Earth's surface as it rotates. The path along which the umbra moves is called the path of totality. It is usually 100-200 km long. Within the area of the path of totality, day becomes completely dark, and planets and stars can be seen. For this solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, the path of totality will pass through parts of Southern Europe, such as Spain, Portugal, parts of North Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Libya and parts of the Middle East like Saudi Arabia, before reaching Sanaa, Yemen. After crossing the Gulf of Aden, totality passes Somalia and then the northern reefs of the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. To the rest of the world, it will be partially visible. Will it be visible in India? No, the path of totality will not move through India, hence the Solar eclipse will not be completely visible. It will be visible partially across the Western region, such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, between 15:34 IST and 17:53 IST. Viewing tips Viewers should use proper safety equipment, like UV glasses, because the rare phenomenon might be dangerous for the naked eye and might cause irreversible damage.

<p>The longest solar eclipse in a century will occur in 2027, lasting over 6 minutes. Know the date, where it will be visible and whether India can see it.</p>

Rare 2027 solar eclipse to last over 6 minutes, longest in a century: Will India see it?

Devastating floods and landslides in Indonesia’s Sumatra have killed over 1,000 people, with more than 200 still missing as rescue and relief operations continue. Authorities say the situation is improving, but massive destruction and rebuilding costs of up to $3.1 billion.

Indonesia floods: Death toll crosses 1,000 as rescue, relief operations continue

<p>Conservative commentator Candace Owens has once again criticised ‘The Charlie Kirk show’, doubling down on her statement about its declining ratings and its shift in political direction following the assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025. Owens, in a recent statement, said that her podcast had grown significantly in contrast to the show's falling reach. Her comments, which reference her controversial theories around Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University, have attracted criticism from various quarters. She has pointed to potential involvement from the US military and Israel, though she has not provided any concrete evidence to support these claims.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Despite the backlash, Owens remains steadfast. In her latest remarks, she said, “I take back nothing. Charlie’s ambition was to become the ‘next Rush Limbaugh.’” Owens criticised Kirk for his approach to political narratives, contrasting it with Limbaugh's bold stance on questioning issues like the JFK assassination. She argued that Kirk's current show lacks the fighting spirit that once drew millions to his platform.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-acknowledges-north-korean-troops-clearing-landmines-for-russia-1765619444667"><strong>Kim Jong-un acknowledges North Korean troops clearing landmines for Russia</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Further rejecting accusations made by TPUSA CEO Erika Kirk, Owens continued, “The current ‘Charlie Kirk Show’ doesn’t even remotely reflect his original energy or political engagement. There aren't enough Bari Weiss’ in the world to sway me or the common-sense public into believing otherwise.” Owens was referencing Erika Kirk’s CBS News interview with Bari Weiss, where Erika addressed Owens directly, urging her to stop spreading unproven conspiracy theories.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Owens' remarks were especially pointed given her previous comparison of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) to the Black Lives Matter movement, and her increasing attacks on the organisation as Erika Kirk continues to address the rumours surrounding her husband's death. In a separate comment, Owens provocatively wrote, “Everything is fake and gay era,” which further fuels the ongoing drama and tension between her and TPUSA’s leadership.</p>

Candace Owens stands firm in her criticism of The Charlie Kirk Show, citing declining ratings and political direction after Charlie Kirk's assassination

Conservative commentator Candace Owens has once again criticised ‘The Charlie Kirk show’, doubling down on her statement about its declining ratings and its shift in political direction following the assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025. Owens, in a recent statement, said that her podcast had grown significantly in contrast to the show's falling reach. Her comments, which reference her controversial theories around Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University, have attracted criticism from various quarters. She has pointed to potential involvement from the US military and Israel, though she has not provided any concrete evidence to support these claims. Despite the backlash, Owens remains steadfast. In her latest remarks, she said, “I take back nothing. Charlie’s ambition was to become the ‘next Rush Limbaugh.’” Owens criticised Kirk for his approach to political narratives, contrasting it with Limbaugh's bold stance on questioning issues like the JFK assassination. She argued that Kirk's current show lacks the fighting spirit that once drew millions to his platform. Also Read: Kim Jong-un acknowledges North Korean troops clearing landmines for Russia Further rejecting accusations made by TPUSA CEO Erika Kirk, Owens continued, “The current ‘Charlie Kirk Show’ doesn’t even remotely reflect his original energy or political engagement. There aren't enough Bari Weiss’ in the world to sway me or the common-sense public into believing otherwise.” Owens was referencing Erika Kirk’s CBS News interview with Bari Weiss, where Erika addressed Owens directly, urging her to stop spreading unproven conspiracy theories. Owens' remarks were especially pointed given her previous comparison of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) to the Black Lives Matter movement, and her increasing attacks on the organisation as Erika Kirk continues to address the rumours surrounding her husband's death. In a separate comment, Owens provocatively wrote, “Everything is fake and gay era,” which further fuels the ongoing drama and tension between her and TPUSA’s leadership.

<p>Candace Owens stands firm in her criticism of The Charlie Kirk Show, citing declining ratings and political direction after Charlie Kirk's assassination</p>

'I take back nothing': Candace Owens doubles down on criticism of Charlie Kirk show amid feud with Erika Kirk

<p>North Korea sent troops to clear mines in Russia's Kursk region earlier this year, leader Kim Jong Un said in a speech carried on Saturday by state media, a rare acknowledgement by Pyongyang of the deadly tasks assigned to its deployed soldiers.</p><p>North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine, according to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies.</p><p>Analysts say Russia is giving North Korea financial aid, military technology, food and energy supplies in return, allowing the diplomatically isolated nation to sidestep tough international sanctions on its nuclear and missile programmes.</p><p>Hailing the return of an engineering regiment, Kim noted that they wrote "letters to their hometowns and villages at breaks of the mine-clearing hours", according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).</p><p>Nine members of the regiment died during the 120-day deployment that started in August, Kim said in his speech at a welcome ceremony on Friday, KCNA reported.</p><p>He awarded the deceased state honours to "add eternal lustre" to their bravery.</p><p>"All of you, both officers and soldiers, displayed mass heroism overcoming unimaginable mental and physical burdens almost every day," Kim said.</p><p>The troops had been able to "work a miracle of turning a vast area of danger zone into a safe and secure one in a matter of less than three months".</p><p>Images released by KCNA showed a smiling Kim embracing returned soldiers, some of whom appeared injured and in wheelchairs, at the ceremony in Pyongyang on Friday.</p><p>One of them looked visibly emotional as Kim held his head and hand while he sat in a wheelchair in a military uniform.</p><p>Other images showed Kim consoling families of the deceased and kneeling before a portrait of a fallen soldier to pay his respects, placing what appeared to be medals and flowers beside images of the dead.</p><p>The North Korean leader also mentioned the "pain of waiting for one hundred and twenty days in which he had never forgotten the beloved sons even for a moment."</p><h2><strong>Killed in combat</strong></h2><p>In September, Kim appeared alongside China's Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at an elaborate military parade in Beijing.</p><p>Kim did not respond to an offer from Donald Trump to meet during the US President's Asia trip in October.</p><p>North Korea only confirmed in April that it had deployed troops to support Russia and that its soldiers had been killed in combat.</p><p>At a previous ceremony in August, images released by KCNA showed an emotional Kim embracing a returned soldier who appeared overwhelmed, burying his face in the leader's chest.</p><p>In early July, state media showed a visibly emotional Kim honouring flag-draped coffins, apparently of the deceased soldiers returning home.</p><p><i>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</i></p>

In September, Kim appeared alongside China's Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at an elaborate military parade in Beijing.

North Korea sent troops to clear mines in Russia's Kursk region earlier this year, leader Kim Jong Un said in a speech carried on Saturday by state media, a rare acknowledgement by Pyongyang of the deadly tasks assigned to its deployed soldiers. North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine, according to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies. Analysts say Russia is giving North Korea financial aid, military technology, food and energy supplies in return, allowing the diplomatically isolated nation to sidestep tough international sanctions on its nuclear and missile programmes. Hailing the return of an engineering regiment, Kim noted that they wrote "letters to their hometowns and villages at breaks of the mine-clearing hours", according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Nine members of the regiment died during the 120-day deployment that started in August, Kim said in his speech at a welcome ceremony on Friday, KCNA reported. He awarded the deceased state honours to "add eternal lustre" to their bravery. "All of you, both officers and soldiers, displayed mass heroism overcoming unimaginable mental and physical burdens almost every day," Kim said. The troops had been able to "work a miracle of turning a vast area of danger zone into a safe and secure one in a matter of less than three months". Images released by KCNA showed a smiling Kim embracing returned soldiers, some of whom appeared injured and in wheelchairs, at the ceremony in Pyongyang on Friday. One of them looked visibly emotional as Kim held his head and hand while he sat in a wheelchair in a military uniform. Other images showed Kim consoling families of the deceased and kneeling before a portrait of a fallen soldier to pay his respects, placing what appeared to be medals and flowers beside images of the dead. The North Korean leader also mentioned the "pain of waiting for one hundred and twenty days in which he had never forgotten the beloved sons even for a moment." Killed in combat In September, Kim appeared alongside China's Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at an elaborate military parade in Beijing. Kim did not respond to an offer from Donald Trump to meet during the US President's Asia trip in October. North Korea only confirmed in April that it had deployed troops to support Russia and that its soldiers had been killed in combat. At a previous ceremony in August, images released by KCNA showed an emotional Kim embracing a returned soldier who appeared overwhelmed, burying his face in the leader's chest. In early July, state media showed a visibly emotional Kim honouring flag-draped coffins, apparently of the deceased soldiers returning home. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

<p>In September, Kim appeared alongside China's Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at an elaborate military parade in Beijing.</p>

Kim Jong-un acknowledges North Korean troops clearing landmines for Russia

<p>An Italian photographer, Valter Binotto, captured two extremely rare upper-atmosphere electrical phenomena simultaneously, at the town of Possagno, near Venice, Italy. These atmospheric phenomena are called Red Sprites and ELVE. A couple of weeks ago, an exceptionally powerful lightning strike over the Adriatic Sea between the Italian and Balkan Peninsula, the electric field formed spread over the atmosphere for hundreds of kilometres.&nbsp;</p>

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSXZhsRNqO9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Valter Binotto (@valterbinotto)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<h2>What are Red Sprite and ELVE</h2><p>Red Sprite is a transient luminous event that occurs above thunderstorms. These are triggered following a powerful lightning strike and appear like a red flash with tendrils stretching downward, often appearing like a floating jellyfish in the sky. Similarly, the ELVE (Emission of Light and Very Low-Frequency Perturbations due to Electromagnetic Pulse Sources) is also triggered by electromagnetic energy from an intense lightning strike. These appear like thin glowing disks which appear in the higher ionosphere. The colour of both of these is red because of the excitation of nitrogen particles.</p><p>These are extremely rare, the latter more than the former. Capturing them is a daunting task; it requires cameras with a telephoto lens up to 300 mm, an aperture of 1.3, a high frame rate and a tripod. The photographer requires extreme patience and dedication. Valter Binotto captured both of them together.&nbsp;</p><p>“Since I started more than 10 years ago, I have photographed hundreds of sprites. ELVEs, on the other hand, only three — including this one, which is a double event of sprites and ELVEs. ELVEs are very rare and therefore more difficult to photograph,” said Valter Binotto. Valter Binotto is an award-winning wildlife photographer, but he is fond of capturing atmospheric phenomena.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_k8bSxstHH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_k8bSxstHH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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A spectacular photograph captures two rare atmospheric phenomena red sprites and an ELVE, occurring simultaneously after a powerful lightning strike.

An Italian photographer, Valter Binotto, captured two extremely rare upper-atmosphere electrical phenomena simultaneously, at the town of Possagno, near Venice, Italy. These atmospheric phenomena are called Red Sprites and ELVE. A couple of weeks ago, an exceptionally powerful lightning strike over the Adriatic Sea between the Italian and Balkan Peninsula, the electric field formed spread over the atmosphere for hundreds of kilometres.

<p>A spectacular photograph captures two rare atmospheric phenomena, red sprites and an ELVE, occurring simultaneously after a powerful lightning strike.</p>

Rare lighting event captured on camera shows two atmospheric phenomena at once

<p>Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado was helped by a US special forces in her riskiest escape from the country. US special forces veteran, whose team helped her, has urged her not to return, following a dangerous rescue mission that lasted nearly 16 hours and was carried out mostly at night through rough waters. Grey Bull Rescue Foundation founder Bryan Stern said that the mission was the most complex his team has ever undertaken. Machado, who escaped to Oslo in Norway, has ensured that she will return to her country, despite knowing the risk of it.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Overwhelmingly, this is the hardest, most high profile, most delicate operation we’ve conducted,” Stern told CNN. According to him, Machado boarded a boat from the Venezuelan coast that sailed to a rendezvous point at sea, where she met Stern on another vessel. She transferred to the second boat by Tuesday night and was taken to a different location. He also said that Venezuelan, Cuban and Russian intelligence services had been searching for Machado for months. “Because of her face, because of her signature… it made this operation significantly more high risk than we’ve ever done before,” he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Machado made her first public appearance in almost a year and waved to supporters from the balcony of her Oslo hotel on Thursday. The Nobel laureate was last seen in public on January 9 when she protested Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's inauguration for his third term.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Maria Corina Machado, also known as “Iron Lady of Venezuela”, was awarded 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her “tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.” She has fought in Venezuela against the government of both Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro. She won the opposition's primary election in 2023 but was barred by the Venezuelan government from running for president in the 2024 election. However, she also faces widespread criticism for allegedly supporting the Trump administration's military buildup in the Caribbean against alleged Venezuelan drug-boats and Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu's Gaza war.</p>

US special forces veteran Bryan Stern detailed a 16-hour covert sea rescue that helped Nobel laureate and Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado flee Venezuela. Despite warnings, Machado plans to return after receiving the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her democracy campaign.

Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado was helped by a US special forces in her riskiest escape from the country. US special forces veteran, whose team helped her, has urged her not to return, following a dangerous rescue mission that lasted nearly 16 hours and was carried out mostly at night through rough waters. Grey Bull Rescue Foundation founder Bryan Stern said that the mission was the most complex his team has ever undertaken. Machado, who escaped to Oslo in Norway, has ensured that she will return to her country, despite knowing the risk of it. “Overwhelmingly, this is the hardest, most high profile, most delicate operation we’ve conducted,” Stern told CNN. According to him, Machado boarded a boat from the Venezuelan coast that sailed to a rendezvous point at sea, where she met Stern on another vessel. She transferred to the second boat by Tuesday night and was taken to a different location. He also said that Venezuelan, Cuban and Russian intelligence services had been searching for Machado for months. “Because of her face, because of her signature… it made this operation significantly more high risk than we’ve ever done before,” he said. Machado made her first public appearance in almost a year and waved to supporters from the balcony of her Oslo hotel on Thursday. The Nobel laureate was last seen in public on January 9 when she protested Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's inauguration for his third term. Maria Corina Machado, also known as “Iron Lady of Venezuela”, was awarded 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her “tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.” She has fought in Venezuela against the government of both Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro. She won the opposition's primary election in 2023 but was barred by the Venezuelan government from running for president in the 2024 election. However, she also faces widespread criticism for allegedly supporting the Trump administration's military buildup in the Caribbean against alleged Venezuelan drug-boats and Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu's Gaza war.

<p>US special forces veteran Bryan Stern detailed a 16-hour covert sea rescue that helped Nobel laureate and Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado flee Venezuela. Despite warnings, Machado plans to return after receiving the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her democracy campaign.</p>

'Most delicate operation': Venezuelan leader Machado received US help in escaping to Oslo? What we know

<p>Myanmar's military junta denied on Saturday killing civilians in a hospital air strike that left more than 30 people dead. A military jet bombed late Wednesday the general hospital of Mrauk-U in western Rakhine state, bordering Bangladesh, two aid workers said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Those killed or injured were not civilians, but terrorists and their supporters," said an article in the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar (GNLM).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The ruling junta has increased air strikes year-on-year since the start of the country's civil war, conflict monitors say, after seizing power in a 2021 coup ending a decade-long experiment with democracy. The United Nations on Thursday demanded an investigation, saying the attack could constitute a war crime. Health workers and patients were killed, and "hospital infrastructure was severely damaged, with operating rooms and the main inpatient ward completely destroyed," said World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on X.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rakhine state is controlled almost in its entirety by the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic minority separatist force active long before the military toppled the civilian government of democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The separatist force&nbsp;said in a statement that 33 people were killed and 76 wounded in the strike. People's Defence Forces (PDF) have also risen up to oppose the military coup four years ago.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The junta "carried out necessary security measures and launched a Counter-Terrorism Operation on 10 December against the buildings being used as a base by AA and PDF terrorists," GNLM said.</p>

Myanmar's military junta denied on Saturday killing civilians in a hospital air strike that left more than 30 people dead. 

Myanmar's military junta denied on Saturday killing civilians in a hospital air strike that left more than 30 people dead. A military jet bombed late Wednesday the general hospital of Mrauk-U in western Rakhine state, bordering Bangladesh, two aid workers said. "Those killed or injured were not civilians, but terrorists and their supporters," said an article in the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar (GNLM). The ruling junta has increased air strikes year-on-year since the start of the country's civil war, conflict monitors say, after seizing power in a 2021 coup ending a decade-long experiment with democracy. The United Nations on Thursday demanded an investigation, saying the attack could constitute a war crime. Health workers and patients were killed, and "hospital infrastructure was severely damaged, with operating rooms and the main inpatient ward completely destroyed," said World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on X. Rakhine state is controlled almost in its entirety by the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic minority separatist force active long before the military toppled the civilian government of democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The separatist force said in a statement that 33 people were killed and 76 wounded in the strike. People's Defence Forces (PDF) have also risen up to oppose the military coup four years ago. The junta "carried out necessary security measures and launched a Counter-Terrorism Operation on 10 December against the buildings being used as a base by AA and PDF terrorists," GNLM said.

<p>Myanmar's military junta denied on Saturday killing civilians in a hospital air strike that left more than 30 people dead.&nbsp;</p>

Myanmar junta denies killing civilians in hospital strike in Rakhine

<p>The United States and Mexico reached an agreement on sharing water on Friday (Dec 13). This comes after US President Donald Trump earlier this week threatened his neighbouring nation with additional tariffs, accusing it of violating its “comprehensive water treaty”. In a statement, the US Department of Agriculture said that the US and Mexico reached an understanding regarding the water issue as part of the 1944 Water Treaty.</p><p>“The United States and Mexico reached an understanding to meet the current water obligations of American farmers and ranchers and for Mexico to repay the water deficit in Texas as part of the 1944 Water Treaty. This agreement extends to the current cycle and the previous cycle’s water deficit,” the department said in a statement.</p><p>“President Trump continues to put American farmers first and is finally holding our international partners accountable to their obligations and commitments. Once again, America is being treated fairly,” US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said in a statement. “Farmers across South Texas have been reeling from the uncertainty caused by the lack of water. Now they can expect the resources promised to them, thanks to President Trump’s leadership. I thank Mexico for their willingness to abide by the treaty and return to good standing with their past obligations.”</p><p>She further added, “Mexico has delivered more water in the last year than in the previous four years combined. Although this is a step in the right direction, President Trump has been very clear: if Mexico continues to violate its commitments, the United States reserves the right and will impose 5% tariffs on Mexican products.”</p><p>Trump alleged that the violation was “hurting our beautiful Texas crops and livestock”. Giving a deadline of December 31, Trump warned his neighbouring nation of imposing additional tariffs if 200,000 acre-feet of water is not released by them. He added that Mexico has an “obligation” to fix the issue.</p><p>Under the ‘Treaty on the utilization of waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande’, which was signed in 1944 betwee the two neighbours, Mexico is required to send 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the US from the Rio Grande through a network of interconnected dams and reservoirs every five years, which is used to support agricultural activities in Texas and other US bordering states.</p><p>“With today’s understanding, Mexico has agreed to release 202,000-acre feet of water to the United States with deliveries expected to begin the week of December 15, 2025. Timely repayment of the outstanding deficit from the previous water cycle is understood by Mexico. The United States and Mexico are in negotiations to finalize a plan by the end of January 2026,” the Department of Agriculture stated.</p>

Trump alleged that the violation was “hurting our beautiful Texas crops and livestock”. Giving a deadline of December 31, Trump warned his neighbouring nation of imposing additional tariffs if 200,000 acre-feet of water is not released by them.

The United States and Mexico reached an agreement on sharing water on Friday (Dec 13). This comes after US President Donald Trump earlier this week threatened his neighbouring nation with additional tariffs, accusing it of violating its “comprehensive water treaty”. In a statement, the US Department of Agriculture said that the US and Mexico reached an understanding regarding the water issue as part of the 1944 Water Treaty. “The United States and Mexico reached an understanding to meet the current water obligations of American farmers and ranchers and for Mexico to repay the water deficit in Texas as part of the 1944 Water Treaty. This agreement extends to the current cycle and the previous cycle’s water deficit,” the department said in a statement. “President Trump continues to put American farmers first and is finally holding our international partners accountable to their obligations and commitments. Once again, America is being treated fairly,” US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said in a statement. “Farmers across South Texas have been reeling from the uncertainty caused by the lack of water. Now they can expect the resources promised to them, thanks to President Trump’s leadership. I thank Mexico for their willingness to abide by the treaty and return to good standing with their past obligations.” She further added, “Mexico has delivered more water in the last year than in the previous four years combined. Although this is a step in the right direction, President Trump has been very clear: if Mexico continues to violate its commitments, the United States reserves the right and will impose 5% tariffs on Mexican products.” Trump alleged that the violation was “hurting our beautiful Texas crops and livestock”. Giving a deadline of December 31, Trump warned his neighbouring nation of imposing additional tariffs if 200,000 acre-feet of water is not released by them. He added that Mexico has an “obligation” to fix the issue. Under the ‘Treaty on the utilization of waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande’, which was signed in 1944 betwee the two neighbours, Mexico is required to send 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the US from the Rio Grande through a network of interconnected dams and reservoirs every five years, which is used to support agricultural activities in Texas and other US bordering states. “With today’s understanding, Mexico has agreed to release 202,000-acre feet of water to the United States with deliveries expected to begin the week of December 15, 2025. Timely repayment of the outstanding deficit from the previous water cycle is understood by Mexico. The United States and Mexico are in negotiations to finalize a plan by the end of January 2026,” the Department of Agriculture stated.

<p>Trump alleged that the violation was “hurting our beautiful Texas crops and livestock”. Giving a deadline of December 31, Trump warned his neighbouring nation of imposing additional tariffs if 200,000 acre-feet of water is not released by them.</p>

‘American farmers first’: US says Mexico agrees to repay the water deficit after Trump tariff threat

<p>Hospitals across Pakistan have been reporting rise in influenza cases, driven by the H3N2 strain, following an earlier outbreak of H1N1. Children, elderly, and pregnant women are among the worst affected, with patients complaining of fever, cough, cold, body aches, and fatigue. Karachi is among one of the most affected cities by the flu.</p><p>This year, more cases have been reported that the previous years. The cases have largely been attributed to seasonal changes and about 40-50 new flu patients are reporting to hospitals in the Karachi city alone. In some cases the situation is aggravating to pneumonia, reported The Express Tribune.</p><h2>Flu in the UK</h2><p>Meanwhile, the NHS (National Health Service) - publicly funded healthcare systems in the UK- has reported its "worst-case scenario with flu cases jumping by 55% in a week. NHS England chief executive Jim Mackey said the situation could lead to 8,000 cases by the weekend, reported BBC.</p><p>However, the situation is "well within the boundaries" of what the NHS could cope with, according to Chris Streather, the medical director for the NHS in London.</p><h2>Flu in the US</h2><p>The new mutated flu strain version of the H3N2 virus has also spread in the US. Last week there was an 8% increase in people testing positive for the flu virus. &nbsp;An estimated 2.9 million people have fallen sick so far this season and about 1,200 people have died due to the virus, according to CDC, reported The Hill.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Colorado, New Jersey, New York, and Louisiana are amongst the worst affected due to the “high” transmission of the virus, according to the national data.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>New variant of influenza called subclade K is behind most of the cases being reported this season. The subclade is a type of H3N2 influenza, which has in the past resulted in more hospitalisations and deaths.</p><h2>Common signs of the flu</h2><p>The common symptomps are, high fever that starts suddenly, intense body aches feeling extremely tired, dry cough, headache and sore throat. There could also be a loss of appetite and witness upset tummy</p><h2>Steps to avoid the flu</h2><p>Allow fresh air by keeping your windows in the room open, wash hands often and clean high-touch areas. Be mindful of covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Do wear a mask while stepping out.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The NHS (National Health Service) -publicly funded healthcare systems in the UK- has reported its worst-case scenario with flu cases.

Hospitals across Pakistan have been reporting rise in influenza cases, driven by the H3N2 strain, following an earlier outbreak of H1N1. Children, elderly, and pregnant women are among the worst affected, with patients complaining of fever, cough, cold, body aches, and fatigue. Karachi is among one of the most affected cities by the flu. This year, more cases have been reported that the previous years. The cases have largely been attributed to seasonal changes and about 40-50 new flu patients are reporting to hospitals in the Karachi city alone. In some cases the situation is aggravating to pneumonia, reported The Express Tribune. Flu in the UK Meanwhile, the NHS (National Health Service) - publicly funded healthcare systems in the UK- has reported its "worst-case scenario with flu cases jumping by 55% in a week. NHS England chief executive Jim Mackey said the situation could lead to 8,000 cases by the weekend, reported BBC. However, the situation is "well within the boundaries" of what the NHS could cope with, according to Chris Streather, the medical director for the NHS in London. Flu in the US The new mutated flu strain version of the H3N2 virus has also spread in the US. Last week there was an 8% increase in people testing positive for the flu virus. An estimated 2.9 million people have fallen sick so far this season and about 1,200 people have died due to the virus, according to CDC, reported The Hill. Colorado, New Jersey, New York, and Louisiana are amongst the worst affected due to the “high” transmission of the virus, according to the national data. New variant of influenza called subclade K is behind most of the cases being reported this season. The subclade is a type of H3N2 influenza, which has in the past resulted in more hospitalisations and deaths. Common signs of the flu The common symptomps are, high fever that starts suddenly, intense body aches feeling extremely tired, dry cough, headache and sore throat. There could also be a loss of appetite and witness upset tummy Steps to avoid the flu Allow fresh air by keeping your windows in the room open, wash hands often and clean high-touch areas. Be mindful of covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Do wear a mask while stepping out.

<p>The NHS (National Health Service) - publicly funded healthcare systems in the UK- has reported its “worst-case” scenario with flu cases.</p>

Superflu grips countries like US and UK. Here's everything to know about the mutated flu strain

<p>The Philippine coast guard said on Saturday (Dec 13) accused Chinese coast guard ships of firing aat their boats and injuring at least three Filipino fishermen. It also said that two fishing vessels suffered “significant damage.” It said that the Chinese cut their anchor lines in a disputed area of the South China Sea. Beijing, in its statement, said that it had taken "necessary control measures" involving about 20 Philippine fishing boats near Sabina Shoal. This is yet another escalation of Chinese and Philippine ships&nbsp;in the contested waterway, which Beijing claims nearly in its entirety despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>What happened?</h2><p>Sabina Shoal is contested waterway which is fish-rich area about 150 kilometres (93 miles) from the island of Palawan. A Philippine coast guard spokesman said that the fishermen were “were targeted with water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers.""Three fishermen sustained physical injuries, including bruises and open wounds. Two (Filipino fishing boats) also suffered significant damage from high-pressure water cannon blasts," Commodore Jay Tarriela said. Social media video released by the Philippine side showed water cannon blasts crashing over the small fishing boats.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, in a statement, the China Coast Guard said it had taken “necessary control measures against the Philippine vessels … including issuing warnings via loudspeaker and conducting external maneuvering to drive them away.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier in October, the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;accused a Chinese ship of deliberately ramming one of its government vessels in the Spratly Islands, where Beijing has sought to assert its sovereignty claims for years. Beijing blamed Manila for the incident. A month earlier, one person was injured when a water cannon attack by a China Coast Guard vessel shattered a window on the bridge of another fisheries bureau vessel near the Beijing-controlled Scarborough Shoal.</p>

The Philippine coast guard said that Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannon at Filipino fishing boats near Sabina Shoal, injuring three fishermen and damaging vessels. China said it took “control measures,” as tensions between Beijing and Manila escalate in the disputed South China Sea.

The Philippine coast guard said on Saturday (Dec 13) accused Chinese coast guard ships of firing aat their boats and injuring at least three Filipino fishermen. It also said that two fishing vessels suffered “significant damage.” It said that the Chinese cut their anchor lines in a disputed area of the South China Sea. Beijing, in its statement, said that it had taken "necessary control measures" involving about 20 Philippine fishing boats near Sabina Shoal. This is yet another escalation of Chinese and Philippine ships in the contested waterway, which Beijing claims nearly in its entirety despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. What happened? Sabina Shoal is contested waterway which is fish-rich area about 150 kilometres (93 miles) from the island of Palawan. A Philippine coast guard spokesman said that the fishermen were “were targeted with water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers.""Three fishermen sustained physical injuries, including bruises and open wounds. Two (Filipino fishing boats) also suffered significant damage from high-pressure water cannon blasts," Commodore Jay Tarriela said. Social media video released by the Philippine side showed water cannon blasts crashing over the small fishing boats. However, in a statement, the China Coast Guard said it had taken “necessary control measures against the Philippine vessels … including issuing warnings via loudspeaker and conducting external maneuvering to drive them away.” Earlier in October, the Philippines accused a Chinese ship of deliberately ramming one of its government vessels in the Spratly Islands, where Beijing has sought to assert its sovereignty claims for years. Beijing blamed Manila for the incident. A month earlier, one person was injured when a water cannon attack by a China Coast Guard vessel shattered a window on the bridge of another fisheries bureau vessel near the Beijing-controlled Scarborough Shoal.

<p>The Philippine coast guard said that Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannon at Filipino fishing boats near Sabina Shoal, injuring three fishermen and damaging vessels. China said it took “control measures,” as tensions between Beijing and Manila escalate in the disputed South China Sea.</p>

China–Philippines tensions escalate as Filipino fishermen injured in Chinese water cannon attack - What's happening

<p>Russia's "Doomsday Radio" sent 15 cryptic messages this week. Three signals on Monday, eight more on Wednesday and a prolonged broadcast of faint music alongside extended bursts of Morse code. This is unusual because the "Doomsday Radio", aka “The Buzzer” broadcast, occurs once or twice a month, typically during a global crisis. Last time when the "Doomsday Radio" broadcast several times a week, it was during Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.</p><h2>What was the message of the transmission?</h2><p>The Buzzer or UVB-76 broadcasted for more than three hours on Wednesday, starting at 1.07 am ET and finishing around 4.26 am, a series of cryptic phrases including PEPPER SHAKER, TRANSFER, PABODOLL, SPINOBAZ, FRIGORIA, OPALNY, SNOPOVY and MYUONOSVOD. These cryptic messages have no widely recognised meaning, which makes them even eerier.</p><p>Notably, on November 14, Russia's state media Izvestia, reported that the mysterious UVB-76 transmission went silent after reports of drone strikes in the nearby power stations in the area. Following the report, the station churned out messages which struck fear into the European nations. The November 17 message has reportedly carried the word LATVIA in it. There were six messages, one of which was NZHTI NZHTI 15854 LATVIA 5894 4167.</p><h2>Why is Europe predicting a war?</h2><p>If Russia attacks Latvia, which is a NATO country, then the UK, France, Germany and even the US will be obligated to join under Article 5 of NATO. It establishes the premise of collective defence in the case of an attack, which will lead to an all-out war. This could easily spill over to a nuclear war. The only end of a nuclear war is total annihilation.</p><p>The most prominent idea is that "the Buzzer/ UVB-76/ Doomsday Radio" is part of the Soviet-era "Perimeter" or “Dead Hand” system. It is a nuclear fail-safe mechanism, which posits that if Russia were ever destroyed due to nuclear attack, the buzzing signal will trigger a retaliatory nuclear attack.</p><p>The recent cryptic message comes at a time when Minister Al Carns issued a stark warning that the "shadow of war is knocking on Europe's door." NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also echoed similar concern, "Russia has brought war back to Europe, and we must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents and great grandparents endured."</p>

Russia’s mysterious UVB-76 “Doomsday Radio” sent 15 cryptic messages this week, the last time it sent several messages a week, Russia invaded Ukraine.

Russia's "Doomsday Radio" sent 15 cryptic messages this week. Three signals on Monday, eight more on Wednesday and a prolonged broadcast of faint music alongside extended bursts of Morse code. This is unusual because the "Doomsday Radio", aka “The Buzzer” broadcast, occurs once or twice a month, typically during a global crisis. Last time when the "Doomsday Radio" broadcast several times a week, it was during Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. What was the message of the transmission? The Buzzer or UVB-76 broadcasted for more than three hours on Wednesday, starting at 1.07 am ET and finishing around 4.26 am, a series of cryptic phrases including PEPPER SHAKER, TRANSFER, PABODOLL, SPINOBAZ, FRIGORIA, OPALNY, SNOPOVY and MYUONOSVOD. These cryptic messages have no widely recognised meaning, which makes them even eerier. Notably, on November 14, Russia's state media Izvestia, reported that the mysterious UVB-76 transmission went silent after reports of drone strikes in the nearby power stations in the area. Following the report, the station churned out messages which struck fear into the European nations. The November 17 message has reportedly carried the word LATVIA in it. There were six messages, one of which was NZHTI NZHTI 15854 LATVIA 5894 4167. Why is Europe predicting a war? If Russia attacks Latvia, which is a NATO country, then the UK, France, Germany and even the US will be obligated to join under Article 5 of NATO. It establishes the premise of collective defence in the case of an attack, which will lead to an all-out war. This could easily spill over to a nuclear war. The only end of a nuclear war is total annihilation. The most prominent idea is that "the Buzzer/ UVB-76/ Doomsday Radio" is part of the Soviet-era "Perimeter" or “Dead Hand” system. It is a nuclear fail-safe mechanism, which posits that if Russia were ever destroyed due to nuclear attack, the buzzing signal will trigger a retaliatory nuclear attack. The recent cryptic message comes at a time when Minister Al Carns issued a stark warning that the "shadow of war is knocking on Europe's door." NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also echoed similar concern, "Russia has brought war back to Europe, and we must be prepared for the scale of war our grandparents and great grandparents endured."

<p>Russia’s mysterious UVB-76 “Doomsday Radio” sent 15 cryptic messages this week, the last time it sent several messages a week, Russia invaded Ukraine.</p>

Russia's 'Doomsday Radio' is transmitting unusually, sparking fear of impending World War

<p>White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson slammed House Democrats for “selectively releasing cherry-picked photos” related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This comes after the House Oversight Committee released dozens of images amid the 95,000 files, with many featuring Epstein with several prominent figures, including the US President. The release of new documents and photos comes after Trump signed a bill last month ordering the public release of files regarding the Epstein case.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Once again, House Democrats are selectively releasing cherry-picked photos with random redactions to try and create a false narrative,” she said. “Here’s the reality: Democrats like Stacey Plaskett and Hakeem Jeffries were soliciting money and meetings from Epstein after he was a convicted sex offender.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“The Democrat hoax against President Trump has been repeatedly debunked and the Trump Administration has done more for Epstein’s victims than Democrats ever have by repeatedly calling for transparency, releasing thousands of pages of documents, and calling for further investigations into Epstein’s Democrat friends.” Jackson added.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She further said, “It’s time for the media to stop regurgitating Democrat talking points and start asking Democrats why they wanted to hang around Epstein after he was convicted.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Posting the images on X, Oversight Democrats wrote, “Oversight Dems received 95,000 new photos from Jeffrey Epstein's estate. These disturbing images raise even more questions about Epstein and his relationships with some of the most powerful men in the world. Time to end this White House cover-up. Release the files!”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Trump can be seen in three of the undated images released by the Democrats. In two of the photos, he is seen with women with redacted identities. The third picture shows the US president with Epstein. In another image, Trump’s face can be seen on a bunch condom with the caption, “I’m HUUUUGE,” and a sign reading “Trump condom $4.50.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The images also showed former president Bill Clinton, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, movie producer Woody Allen, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, royal family member Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, professor Alan Dershowitz, VirginGroup founder Richard Branson, Steve Bannon, and others.</p>

Trump can be seen in three of the undated images released by the Democrats. In two of the photos, he is seen with women with redacted identities.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson slammed House Democrats for “selectively releasing cherry-picked photos” related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This comes after the House Oversight Committee released dozens of images amid the 95,000 files, with many featuring Epstein with several prominent figures, including the US President. The release of new documents and photos comes after Trump signed a bill last month ordering the public release of files regarding the Epstein case. “Once again, House Democrats are selectively releasing cherry-picked photos with random redactions to try and create a false narrative,” she said. “Here’s the reality: Democrats like Stacey Plaskett and Hakeem Jeffries were soliciting money and meetings from Epstein after he was a convicted sex offender.” “The Democrat hoax against President Trump has been repeatedly debunked and the Trump Administration has done more for Epstein’s victims than Democrats ever have by repeatedly calling for transparency, releasing thousands of pages of documents, and calling for further investigations into Epstein’s Democrat friends.” Jackson added. She further said, “It’s time for the media to stop regurgitating Democrat talking points and start asking Democrats why they wanted to hang around Epstein after he was convicted.” Posting the images on X, Oversight Democrats wrote, “Oversight Dems received 95,000 new photos from Jeffrey Epstein's estate. These disturbing images raise even more questions about Epstein and his relationships with some of the most powerful men in the world. Time to end this White House cover-up. Release the files!” Trump can be seen in three of the undated images released by the Democrats. In two of the photos, he is seen with women with redacted identities. The third picture shows the US president with Epstein. In another image, Trump’s face can be seen on a bunch condom with the caption, “I’m HUUUUGE,” and a sign reading “Trump condom $4.50.” The images also showed former president Bill Clinton, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, movie producer Woody Allen, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, royal family member Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, professor Alan Dershowitz, VirginGroup founder Richard Branson, Steve Bannon, and others.

<p>Trump can be seen in three of the undated images released by the Democrats. In two of the photos, he is seen with women with redacted identities.</p>

‘False narrative’: White House slams House Dems over ‘cherry-picked’ Epstein photos released

<p>Three US lawmakers have introduced a resolution in the house of representatives to terminate President Donald Trump's tariffs of up to 50 per cent on imports from India. Representatives Deborah Ross, Marc Veasey, and Raja Krishnamoorthi tabled the measure on Friday, describing the duties as "illegal" and harmful to American workers, consumers, and supply chains. All of them are democratic lawmakers. The resolution follows a similar bipartisan Senate effort earlier this year to end comparable tariffs on Brazil, highlighting growing congressional unease over Trump's use of emergency powers for trade policy.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The tariffs, invoked under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), stem from an initial 25% levy in August, followed by additional "secondary" duties that pushed rates to 50% on many Indian goods. “North Carolina’s economy is deeply connected to India through trade, investment, and a vibrant Indian American community,” said Congresswoman Ross. “Indian companies have invested over a billion dollars and created thousands of good-paying jobs in our state – especially in the Research Triangle’s life sciences and technology sectors.”<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Congressman Veasey echoed concerns about consumer impact. “India is an important cultural, economic, and strategic partner and these illegal tariffs are a tax on everyday North Texans who are already struggling with affordability at every level,” he said.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Indian-American Congressman Krishnamoorthi called the policy counterproductive. “President Trump’s irresponsible tariff strategy toward India is a counterproductive approach that weakens a critical partnership,” he said. “Instead of advancing American interests or security, these duties disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and drive up costs for consumers. Ending these damaging tariffs will allow the United States to engage with India to advance our shared economic and security needs.”<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The move comes against a backdrop of intensifying diplomatic engagement. This week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump held talks, reviewing bilateral progress. US Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker visited New Delhi for foreign office consultations, while Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer held talks on trade issues. In a congressional hearing, US lawmakers have also voiced support for stronger ties in India. This week also saw major tech firms like Intel, Microsoft pledging billions in investments in India.</p>

Three Democratic US lawmakers have introduced a House resolution to end President Trump’s up to 50% tariffs on Indian imports, calling them illegal and harmful to US workers, consumers, and supply chains, as Congress grows uneasy over the use of emergency powers for trade policy.

Three US lawmakers have introduced a resolution in the house of representatives to terminate President Donald Trump's tariffs of up to 50 per cent on imports from India. Representatives Deborah Ross, Marc Veasey, and Raja Krishnamoorthi tabled the measure on Friday, describing the duties as "illegal" and harmful to American workers, consumers, and supply chains. All of them are democratic lawmakers. The resolution follows a similar bipartisan Senate effort earlier this year to end comparable tariffs on Brazil, highlighting growing congressional unease over Trump's use of emergency powers for trade policy. The tariffs, invoked under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), stem from an initial 25% levy in August, followed by additional "secondary" duties that pushed rates to 50% on many Indian goods. “North Carolina’s economy is deeply connected to India through trade, investment, and a vibrant Indian American community,” said Congresswoman Ross. “Indian companies have invested over a billion dollars and created thousands of good-paying jobs in our state – especially in the Research Triangle’s life sciences and technology sectors.” Congressman Veasey echoed concerns about consumer impact. “India is an important cultural, economic, and strategic partner and these illegal tariffs are a tax on everyday North Texans who are already struggling with affordability at every level,” he said. Indian-American Congressman Krishnamoorthi called the policy counterproductive. “President Trump’s irresponsible tariff strategy toward India is a counterproductive approach that weakens a critical partnership,” he said. “Instead of advancing American interests or security, these duties disrupt supply chains, harm American workers, and drive up costs for consumers. Ending these damaging tariffs will allow the United States to engage with India to advance our shared economic and security needs.” The move comes against a backdrop of intensifying diplomatic engagement. This week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump held talks, reviewing bilateral progress. US Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker visited New Delhi for foreign office consultations, while Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer held talks on trade issues. In a congressional hearing, US lawmakers have also voiced support for stronger ties in India. This week also saw major tech firms like Intel, Microsoft pledging billions in investments in India.

<p>The tariffs, invoked under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), stem from an initial 25% levy in August, followed by additional "secondary" duties that pushed rates to 50 percent on many Indian goods</p>

US lawmakers introduce resolution to end Trump's tariffs on India

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US lawmakers introduce resolution to end Trump's tariffs on India