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Germany on Monday committed about EUR 1.3 billion in India, primarily in the form of concessional loans, across the key areas of climate and energy, sustainable urban development, green urban mobility, and sustainable management of natural resources. In addition, bilateral cooperation in the skills development sector, in particular, renewable energy will be strengthened through these loans, as per an official statement. Germany and India successfully concluded the India-Germany Government Negotiations on Development Cooperation 2025, reaffirming their strong and future-oriented partnership under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP). "During the negotiations, Germany announced new commitments amounting to almost EUR 1.3 billion, primarily in the form of concessional loans, across the key areas of climate and energy, sustainable urban development, green urban mobility, and sustainable management of natural resources. In addition, bilateral cooperation in the skills development sector, in particular, renewable energy will be strengthened," the statement read. Christine Toetzke, Director General for Asia, Latin America, Middle East, Eastern/South Eastern Europe at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), said India remains a major strategic partner country, also under the new German government. "I am delighted to continue our trustful development cooperation- under the umbrella of GSDP, guiding our commitment to the bilateral cooperation. With the projects committed today, Germany and India jointly follow the path to sustainable prosperity and overcome global challenges," Christine Toetzke said. Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India, emphasised the unique nature of the GSDP cooperation between the two countries. He said, "Our negotiations under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership are serious in purpose but deeply rewarding, because they take place with partners we know well and value greatly. Germany has no partnership quite like the GSDP with any other country (apart from India); its scale, its ambition, and its spirit of equal collaboration make it truly unique. It is not traditional development cooperation; it is two mature nations working together to find solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time. I am very pleased that we were able to conclude the negotiations efficiently, and I look forward to the important work we will take forward together in the coming year." Ahead of the negotiations, Christine Toetzke travelled to Bengaluru to gain first-hand insights into the 'Indo-German Green Urban Mobility Partnership for All'. Her programme in Bengaluru showcased India's pioneering mobility landscape-from large-scale public transport projects to cutting-edge digital and accessibility innovations. The 'Indo-German Green Urban Mobility Partnership for All' is a flagship initiative under the GSDP, aimed at advancing low-carbon, people-centric, safe, accessible and affordable mobility solutions. A notable example of ongoing Indo-German cooperation is the recently inaugurated Yellow Line Metro segment in Bangalore, supported by a EUR 340 million KfW (Germany's development bank) loan. The project not only strengthens sustainable urban transport and reduces emissions, but has also contributed to the creation of an estimated 25,000 jobs, with German companies such as Siemens, Knorr-Bremse, Hubner and Voith involved in essential deliveries and services. In addition, the Living Lab in Bangalore, powered by a partnership between government, industry, academia, civil society and companies such as Bosch and Nunam, demonstrates how Indo-German cooperation is driving climate-smart innovation. India's first rooftop solar-powered EV charging station with second-life batteries, developed by Nunam, has already been scaled from Bangalore to Surat to support the city's public e-bus fleet. The Indo-German Partnership for Green and Sustainable Development (GSDP), launched in 2022, is a strategic cooperation framework supporting sustainable and climate-aligned development.&nbsp;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.

Germany and India successfully concluded the India-Germany Government Negotiations on Development Cooperation 2025, reaffirming their strong and future-oriented partnership under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP).

Germany on Monday committed about EUR 1.3 billion in India, primarily in the form of concessional loans, across the key areas of climate and energy, sustainable urban development, green urban mobility, and sustainable management of natural resources. In addition, bilateral cooperation in the skills development sector, in particular, renewable energy will be strengthened through these loans, as per an official statement. Germany and India successfully concluded the India-Germany Government Negotiations on Development Cooperation 2025, reaffirming their strong and future-oriented partnership under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP). "During the negotiations, Germany announced new commitments amounting to almost EUR 1.3 billion, primarily in the form of concessional loans, across the key areas of climate and energy, sustainable urban development, green urban mobility, and sustainable management of natural resources. In addition, bilateral cooperation in the skills development sector, in particular, renewable energy will be strengthened," the statement read. Christine Toetzke, Director General for Asia, Latin America, Middle East, Eastern/South Eastern Europe at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), said India remains a major strategic partner country, also under the new German government. "I am delighted to continue our trustful development cooperation- under the umbrella of GSDP, guiding our commitment to the bilateral cooperation. With the projects committed today, Germany and India jointly follow the path to sustainable prosperity and overcome global challenges," Christine Toetzke said. Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India, emphasised the unique nature of the GSDP cooperation between the two countries. He said, "Our negotiations under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership are serious in purpose but deeply rewarding, because they take place with partners we know well and value greatly. Germany has no partnership quite like the GSDP with any other country (apart from India); its scale, its ambition, and its spirit of equal collaboration make it truly unique. It is not traditional development cooperation; it is two mature nations working together to find solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time. I am very pleased that we were able to conclude the negotiations efficiently, and I look forward to the important work we will take forward together in the coming year." Ahead of the negotiations, Christine Toetzke travelled to Bengaluru to gain first-hand insights into the 'Indo-German Green Urban Mobility Partnership for All'. Her programme in Bengaluru showcased India's pioneering mobility landscape-from large-scale public transport projects to cutting-edge digital and accessibility innovations. The 'Indo-German Green Urban Mobility Partnership for All' is a flagship initiative under the GSDP, aimed at advancing low-carbon, people-centric, safe, accessible and affordable mobility solutions. A notable example of ongoing Indo-German cooperation is the recently inaugurated Yellow Line Metro segment in Bangalore, supported by a EUR 340 million KfW (Germany's development bank) loan. The project not only strengthens sustainable urban transport and reduces emissions, but has also contributed to the creation of an estimated 25,000 jobs, with German companies such as Siemens, Knorr-Bremse, Hubner and Voith involved in essential deliveries and services. In addition, the Living Lab in Bangalore, powered by a partnership between government, industry, academia, civil society and companies such as Bosch and Nunam, demonstrates how Indo-German cooperation is driving climate-smart innovation. India's first rooftop solar-powered EV charging station with second-life batteries, developed by Nunam, has already been scaled from Bangalore to Surat to support the city's public e-bus fleet. The Indo-German Partnership for Green and Sustainable Development (GSDP), launched in 2022, is a strategic cooperation framework supporting sustainable and climate-aligned development. 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.

Germany and India successfully concluded the India-Germany Government Negotiations on Development Cooperation 2025, reaffirming their strong and future-oriented partnership under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP).

Germany announces EUR 1.3 bn support for India’s climate, energy, urban projects

Sri Lanka has almost doubled its military deployment to regions struck by a cyclone that has killed 627, sending tens of thousands of troops to help areas hit by a wave of destruction, the army said Monday.More than two million people -- nearly 10 percent of the population -- have been affected by the disaster caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the worst on the island this century.&nbsp;Sri Lanka is expecting further heavy monsoon rains on Monday, topping 50 millimetres in many places, including the worst-affected central region, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said. It has also issued warnings of further landslides.&nbsp;The DMC has confirmed 627 deaths, with another 190 people unaccounted for since November 27, when intense rains brought on by Cyclone Ditwah triggered landslides and floods.&nbsp;The disaster management agency warned residents to "take adequate precautions to minimise damage caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers".&nbsp;Army chief Lasantha Rodrigo said 38,500 security personnel had been deployed to boost recovery and clean-up operations in flood-affected and landslide-hit areas, nearly doubling the inital deployment."Since the disaster, security forces have been able to rescue 31,116 people who were in distress," Rodrigo said in a pre-recorded statement.&nbsp;Army spokesman Waruna Gamage said additional troops were deployed as the rescue efforts turned into a recovery operation.&nbsp;"We have almost doubled the deployment as we are now engaged in rebuilding roads, bridges and also helping with the clean-up of drinking water wells contaminated with floodwaters," Gamage told AFP.The tea-growing central region was the hardest hit, with 471 deaths reported, according to official data.President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who has described the disaster as the most challenging faced by any Sri Lankan government, last week visited affected areas to monitor relief operations. He also unveiled a recovery package offering 10 million rupees ($33,000) for victims to buy land in safer areas and rebuild. The government will also offer livelihood support and cash assistance to replace kitchen utensils, bedding and to buy food.&nbsp;It is not yet clear how much the relief package will cost the government, which is still emerging from its worst economic meltdown in 2022, when it ran out of foreign exchange to finance even the most essential imports.Dissanayake has said the government cannot fund the reconstruction costs alone and has appealed for foreign assistance, including from the International Monetary Fund.&nbsp;More than 75,000 homes have been damaged in the disaster, including nearly 5,000 that were completely destroyed. A senior official earlier estimated recovery and reconstruction costs could reach US$7 billion.&nbsp;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.

Sri Lanka is expecting further heavy monsoon rains on Monday, topping 50 millimetres in many places, including the worst-affected central region

Sri Lanka has almost doubled its military deployment to regions struck by a cyclone that has killed 627, sending tens of thousands of troops to help areas hit by a wave of destruction, the army said Monday. More than two million people -- nearly 10 percent of the population -- have been affected by the disaster caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the worst on the island this century. Sri Lanka is expecting further heavy monsoon rains on Monday, topping 50 millimetres in many places, including the worst-affected central region, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said. It has also issued warnings of further landslides. The DMC has confirmed 627 deaths, with another 190 people unaccounted for since November 27, when intense rains brought on by Cyclone Ditwah triggered landslides and floods. The disaster management agency warned residents to "take adequate precautions to minimise damage caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers". Army chief Lasantha Rodrigo said 38,500 security personnel had been deployed to boost recovery and clean-up operations in flood-affected and landslide-hit areas, nearly doubling the inital deployment. "Since the disaster, security forces have been able to rescue 31,116 people who were in distress," Rodrigo said in a pre-recorded statement. Army spokesman Waruna Gamage said additional troops were deployed as the rescue efforts turned into a recovery operation. "We have almost doubled the deployment as we are now engaged in rebuilding roads, bridges and also helping with the clean-up of drinking water wells contaminated with floodwaters," Gamage told AFP. The tea-growing central region was the hardest hit, with 471 deaths reported, according to official data. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who has described the disaster as the most challenging faced by any Sri Lankan government, last week visited affected areas to monitor relief operations. He also unveiled a recovery package offering 10 million rupees ($33,000) for victims to buy land in safer areas and rebuild. The government will also offer livelihood support and cash assistance to replace kitchen utensils, bedding and to buy food. It is not yet clear how much the relief package will cost the government, which is still emerging from its worst economic meltdown in 2022, when it ran out of foreign exchange to finance even the most essential imports. Dissanayake has said the government cannot fund the reconstruction costs alone and has appealed for foreign assistance, including from the International Monetary Fund. More than 75,000 homes have been damaged in the disaster, including nearly 5,000 that were completely destroyed. A senior official earlier estimated recovery and reconstruction costs could reach US$7 billion. 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.

Sri Lanka is expecting further heavy monsoon rains on Monday, topping 50 millimetres in many places, including the worst-affected central region

627 dead, 190 missing: Sri Lanka doubles military deployment for flood disaster recovery

The World Health Organization said Monday that 114 people, including 63 children, were killed in "senseless" strikes on a hospital and kindergarten in Sudan's South Kordofan state last week. Local official Essam al-Din al-Sayed, head of the Kalogi administrative unit, told AFP that Thursday's paramilitary drone attack on the army-held town hit "first a kindergarten, then a hospital and a third time as people tried to rescue the children".Since April 2023, Sudan's regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been locked in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and displaced nearly 12 million.Following their late-October capture of El-Fasher -- the army's last stronghold in western Sudan -- the RSF have pushed eastward into the oil-rich Kordofan region, divided into three states.&nbsp;The strikes "hit a kindergarten and, at least three times, the nearby Kalogi Rural Hospital, killing 114 people, including 63 children, and injuring 35 people," WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X, citing the UN health agency's Attacks on Health Care monitoring system.&nbsp;Survivors from Thursday's attack were moved to Abu Jebaiha Hospital in South Kordofan for treatment, while urgent calls have gone out for blood donations and other medical support, Tedros said. "Disturbingly, paramedics and responders came under attack as they tried to move the injured from the kindergarten to the hospital," he said.&nbsp;"WHO deplores these senseless attacks on civilians and health facilities, and calls again for an end to the violence, and increased access to humanitarian aid, including health."Sudanese have suffered far too much. Ceasefire now!"&nbsp;&nbsp;While the WHO counts and verifies attacks on health care, it does not attribute blame as it is not an investigation agency. The WHO says health care facilities and patients were hit in the attacks, which took place between 6:00 am and noon.&nbsp;Its record of the incident lists violence with heavy weapons, obstruction to health care delivery and "Psychological violence/threat of violence/intimidation". In total, the WHO has recorded 63 attacks on health care in Sudan this year, resulting in 1,611 deaths and 259 injuries. Of those attacks, 52 impacted personnel, 45 impacted facilities and 32 impacted patients.&nbsp;UN chief Antonio Guterres was "appalled" by reports of Thursday's fatal attack, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in New York. "The secretary-general calls on all states with influence over the parties to take immediate action and use their leverage to compel an immediate halt to the fighting and stop the arms flows that are fuelling the conflict," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.

Survivors from Thursday's attack were moved to Abu Jebaiha Hospital in South Kordofan for treatment, while urgent calls have gone out for blood donations and other medical support, UN chief said. 

The World Health Organization said Monday that 114 people, including 63 children, were killed in "senseless" strikes on a hospital and kindergarten in Sudan's South Kordofan state last week. Local official Essam al-Din al-Sayed, head of the Kalogi administrative unit, told AFP that Thursday's paramilitary drone attack on the army-held town hit "first a kindergarten, then a hospital and a third time as people tried to rescue the children". Since April 2023, Sudan's regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been locked in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and displaced nearly 12 million. Following their late-October capture of El-Fasher -- the army's last stronghold in western Sudan -- the RSF have pushed eastward into the oil-rich Kordofan region, divided into three states. The strikes "hit a kindergarten and, at least three times, the nearby Kalogi Rural Hospital, killing 114 people, including 63 children, and injuring 35 people," WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X, citing the UN health agency's Attacks on Health Care monitoring system. Survivors from Thursday's attack were moved to Abu Jebaiha Hospital in South Kordofan for treatment, while urgent calls have gone out for blood donations and other medical support, Tedros said. "Disturbingly, paramedics and responders came under attack as they tried to move the injured from the kindergarten to the hospital," he said. "WHO deplores these senseless attacks on civilians and health facilities, and calls again for an end to the violence, and increased access to humanitarian aid, including health. "Sudanese have suffered far too much. Ceasefire now!" While the WHO counts and verifies attacks on health care, it does not attribute blame as it is not an investigation agency. The WHO says health care facilities and patients were hit in the attacks, which took place between 6:00 am and noon. Its record of the incident lists violence with heavy weapons, obstruction to health care delivery and "Psychological violence/threat of violence/intimidation". In total, the WHO has recorded 63 attacks on health care in Sudan this year, resulting in 1,611 deaths and 259 injuries. Of those attacks, 52 impacted personnel, 45 impacted facilities and 32 impacted patients. UN chief Antonio Guterres was "appalled" by reports of Thursday's fatal attack, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in New York. "The secretary-general calls on all states with influence over the parties to take immediate action and use their leverage to compel an immediate halt to the fighting and stop the arms flows that are fuelling the conflict," he said. 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.

Survivors from Thursday's attack were moved to Abu Jebaiha Hospital in South Kordofan for treatment, while urgent calls have gone out for blood donations and other medical support, UN chief said.&nbsp;

WHO says 114 killed in strikes on Sudan kindergarten, hospital

US Vice President JD Vance's comment on 'mass migration' has sparked widespread debate on internet with people targeting him and reminding him that his wife is the daughter of Indian immigrants. JD Vance took to social media platform X on Dec 7 and said that mass migration is a "theft of American Dream." He was commenting on a post that suggested that immigration crackdown has helped Americans. He said that those in favour of the "old system" are the ones getting rick because of it.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-vance-responds-usha-vance-missing-wedding-ring-erika-kirk-hug-rumours-1765004063383">JD Vance breaks silence on viral hug with Erika Kirk after Usha Vance spotted without wedding ring</a>&nbsp;In a sharp criticism, people on internet reminded him of his wife - Usha Vance - who is first Asian American and first Hindu American second lady of the United States. They said that if Vance is against immigration, he should first send his children and wife to India. Others also mentioned Charlie Kirk's widow Erika Kirk, while mocking JD Vance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/https-yournewswebsite-com-trump-hates-jd-vance-slip-gop-fallout-1764738933835">Trump calls Vice President JD Vance 'incompetent' in barely intelligible rant</a>&nbsp;"Wait, isn’t your wife Indian from an immigrant family?" an user said. "Ok, send your wife and kids back to India and we'll believe you mean it. You and the orange turd are married to immigrants, and Barron is literally an anchor baby. You and Ericka gonna get together. Bad look to your racist base that hates brown people, so you'll dump Usha," one user said. “That means you have to send Usha, her Indian family, and your biracial kids back to India. Let us know when buy the plane tickets. You must lead by example,” another said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Recently, several rumours about tensions in JD and Usha's marriage floated after his hug with Erika went viral. The US Vice President opened up about his marriage, “I think that we kind of get a kick out of it…With anything in life, you take the good with the bad. You accept that there are some sacrifices and there are some very good things that come along with it, too. But our marriage is as strong as it’s ever been, and I think Usha’s really taken to it, and it’s been kind of cool to see how she’s developed and evolved in this new role."&nbsp;

US Vice President JD Vance has been trolled on internet for his recent comments on mass migration. Netizens have reminded him of his wife Usha Vance - who is a daughter of immigrants and have also commented on Erika Kirk

US Vice President JD Vance's comment on 'mass migration' has sparked widespread debate on internet with people targeting him and reminding him that his wife is the daughter of Indian immigrants. JD Vance took to social media platform X on Dec 7 and said that mass migration is a "theft of American Dream." He was commenting on a post that suggested that immigration crackdown has helped Americans. He said that those in favour of the "old system" are the ones getting rick because of it. Also Read: JD Vance breaks silence on viral hug with Erika Kirk after Usha Vance spotted without wedding ring In a sharp criticism, people on internet reminded him of his wife - Usha Vance - who is first Asian American and first Hindu American second lady of the United States. They said that if Vance is against immigration, he should first send his children and wife to India. Others also mentioned Charlie Kirk's widow Erika Kirk, while mocking JD Vance. Also Read: Trump calls Vice President JD Vance 'incompetent' in barely intelligible rant "Wait, isn’t your wife Indian from an immigrant family?" an user said. "Ok, send your wife and kids back to India and we'll believe you mean it. You and the orange turd are married to immigrants, and Barron is literally an anchor baby. You and Ericka gonna get together. Bad look to your racist base that hates brown people, so you'll dump Usha," one user said. “That means you have to send Usha, her Indian family, and your biracial kids back to India. Let us know when buy the plane tickets. You must lead by example,” another said. Recently, several rumours about tensions in JD and Usha's marriage floated after his hug with Erika went viral. The US Vice President opened up about his marriage, “I think that we kind of get a kick out of it…With anything in life, you take the good with the bad. You accept that there are some sacrifices and there are some very good things that come along with it, too. But our marriage is as strong as it’s ever been, and I think Usha’s really taken to it, and it’s been kind of cool to see how she’s developed and evolved in this new role."

US Vice President JD Vance has been trolled on internet for his recent comments on mass migration. Netizens have reminded him of his wife Usha Vance - who is a daughter of immigrants and have also commented on Erika Kirk

'You and Erika...': Netizens tell JD Vance to 'send wife, kids back to India' after remark on 'mass migration'

Iran's judiciary said Monday that a dual national arrested during the recent 12-day war with Israel has been referred to trial on charges of spying for the enemy.The judiciary's Mizan Online news agency did not name the defendant, describing him only as a "dual national who lives in a European country" and was arrested in Iran during the June war.It said an Iranian court has begun hearing his case, in which he is accused of "intelligence cooperation and espionage in the interest of the Zionist regime".According to Mizan, the defendant entered Iran one month before the conflict, which erupted after Israel launched an unprecedented attack on Iran, striking military and nuclear sites, as well as residential areas.That attack triggered a 12-day conflict in which Iran responded with drone and missile strikes on Israel, and later saw the United States join Israel in striking Iranian nuclear sites.Mizan said investigations indicated the defendant had been in contact with Israel's Mossad spy agency and had been trained as an agent in "the capitals of several European countries and the occupied territories"."Sophisticated espionage and intelligence equipment were found at the time of his arrest and in the villa where he was staying," it added, without elaborating.During the war, Iranian authorities announced at least three arrests of Europeans, including Lennart Monterlos, a 19-year-old French-German cyclist, who was later released.In October, Iran passed a law that toughened penalties for those convicted of spying on behalf of Israel and the United States.The official IRNA news agency reported at the time that "all deliberate assistance is condemned as corruption on Earth" -- one of the most serious charges in Iran, punishable by death.Since the war, Iran has vowed swift trials for those arrested on suspicion of collaborating with Israel, announcing multiple arrests of people suspected of spying for Israel and the execution of several people convicted on such charges.Iran does not recognise Israel and has long accused it of carrying out sabotage operations against its nuclear facilities, as well as assassinating its scientists.The June war was the first sustained conflict between Iran and Israel after sporadic tit-for-tat strikes in 2024 that stopped short of open warfare.A ceasefire between Iran and Israel took effect on June 24.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.

Since the war, Iran has vowed swift trials for those arrested on suspicion of collaborating with Israel, announcing multiple arrests of people suspected of spying for Israel and the execution of several people convicted on such charges.

Iran's judiciary said Monday that a dual national arrested during the recent 12-day war with Israel has been referred to trial on charges of spying for the enemy. The judiciary's Mizan Online news agency did not name the defendant, describing him only as a "dual national who lives in a European country" and was arrested in Iran during the June war. It said an Iranian court has begun hearing his case, in which he is accused of "intelligence cooperation and espionage in the interest of the Zionist regime". According to Mizan, the defendant entered Iran one month before the conflict, which erupted after Israel launched an unprecedented attack on Iran, striking military and nuclear sites, as well as residential areas. That attack triggered a 12-day conflict in which Iran responded with drone and missile strikes on Israel, and later saw the United States join Israel in striking Iranian nuclear sites. Mizan said investigations indicated the defendant had been in contact with Israel's Mossad spy agency and had been trained as an agent in "the capitals of several European countries and the occupied territories". "Sophisticated espionage and intelligence equipment were found at the time of his arrest and in the villa where he was staying," it added, without elaborating. During the war, Iranian authorities announced at least three arrests of Europeans, including Lennart Monterlos, a 19-year-old French-German cyclist, who was later released. In October, Iran passed a law that toughened penalties for those convicted of spying on behalf of Israel and the United States. The official IRNA news agency reported at the time that "all deliberate assistance is condemned as corruption on Earth" -- one of the most serious charges in Iran, punishable by death. Since the war, Iran has vowed swift trials for those arrested on suspicion of collaborating with Israel, announcing multiple arrests of people suspected of spying for Israel and the execution of several people convicted on such charges. Iran does not recognise Israel and has long accused it of carrying out sabotage operations against its nuclear facilities, as well as assassinating its scientists. The June war was the first sustained conflict between Iran and Israel after sporadic tit-for-tat strikes in 2024 that stopped short of open warfare. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel took effect on June 24. 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.

Since the war, Iran has vowed swift trials for those arrested on suspicion of collaborating with Israel, announcing multiple arrests of people suspected of spying for Israel and the execution of several people convicted on such charges.

Iran tries dual national accused of spying for Israel during recent conflict

Israeli President Isaac Herzog sharply criticized New York City's mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, for comments he described as "outrageous" and harmful to Jewish communities during a speech at Yeshiva University in New York City. Herzog said the mayor-elect's remarks questioning Jews' right to move to Israel and participate in traditional Zionist practices not only delegitimize the Jewish people's ancient homeland but also "legitimize violence and undermine freedom of religion." He labeled such rhetoric both anti-Jewish and anti-American. Herzog, who was presented with an honorary doctorate, described a climate in which Holocaust inversion, conspiracy theories, and new forms of Jew-hatred proliferate online and in public discourse. He noted that while overt slurs have become socially unacceptable, targeting Jews under the guise of anti-Zionism has become increasingly common. "Where Jews were once 'Yids' in America, Zionists are now called 'Zios,'" Herzog said. "Two weeks ago, we saw an aliyah [immigration] event at a prominent Manhattan synagogue being hounded and harassed," Herzog said, referring to a mob of anti-Israel protesters who disrupted the event. "The incoming mayor's response was to suggest that Jews who consider fulfilling [aliyah] are violating international law. In the face of such hatred, we must fight back fiercely and fearlessly." Said Herzog, "Returning to Zion and connecting to Israel have been cornerstones of Jewish faith and tradition for thousands of years. Delegitimizing that right encourages violence and threatens religious freedom." Herzog also addressed Israel's national trauma following the October 7 massacre, noting that all but one of the hostages taken by Hamas have returned home. He called for the immediate release of Police Master Sergeant Ran Gvili and praised the heroism of Israeli civilians and soldiers. Herzog recounted conducting more than 1,500 bereavement visits during the conflict and highlighted the recovery of New York native Captain Omer Neutra's body, honoring his family as "a family of heroes." Turning to international support, Herzog credited the United States and President Donald J. Trump with assisting in hostage returns and outlining a postwar vision for the region. He said Trump's plan aims to deter Hamas and other adversaries while fostering renewed dialogue with Syria, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. Herzog concluded with a call to resilience, urging Jewish communities to stand firm against hatred and uphold solidarity with Israel. "Our people have been to hell and back, and yet we are here, and we shall overcome," he said.

Herzog described a climate in which Holocaust inversion, conspiracy theories, and new forms of Jew-hatred proliferate online and in public discourse.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog sharply criticized New York City's mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, for comments he described as "outrageous" and harmful to Jewish communities during a speech at Yeshiva University in New York City. Herzog said the mayor-elect's remarks questioning Jews' right to move to Israel and participate in traditional Zionist practices not only delegitimize the Jewish people's ancient homeland but also "legitimize violence and undermine freedom of religion." He labeled such rhetoric both anti-Jewish and anti-American. Herzog, who was presented with an honorary doctorate, described a climate in which Holocaust inversion, conspiracy theories, and new forms of Jew-hatred proliferate online and in public discourse. He noted that while overt slurs have become socially unacceptable, targeting Jews under the guise of anti-Zionism has become increasingly common. "Where Jews were once 'Yids' in America, Zionists are now called 'Zios,'" Herzog said. "Two weeks ago, we saw an aliyah [immigration] event at a prominent Manhattan synagogue being hounded and harassed," Herzog said, referring to a mob of anti-Israel protesters who disrupted the event. "The incoming mayor's response was to suggest that Jews who consider fulfilling [aliyah] are violating international law. In the face of such hatred, we must fight back fiercely and fearlessly." Said Herzog, "Returning to Zion and connecting to Israel have been cornerstones of Jewish faith and tradition for thousands of years. Delegitimizing that right encourages violence and threatens religious freedom." Herzog also addressed Israel's national trauma following the October 7 massacre, noting that all but one of the hostages taken by Hamas have returned home. He called for the immediate release of Police Master Sergeant Ran Gvili and praised the heroism of Israeli civilians and soldiers. Herzog recounted conducting more than 1,500 bereavement visits during the conflict and highlighted the recovery of New York native Captain Omer Neutra's body, honoring his family as "a family of heroes." Turning to international support, Herzog credited the United States and President Donald J. Trump with assisting in hostage returns and outlining a postwar vision for the region. He said Trump's plan aims to deter Hamas and other adversaries while fostering renewed dialogue with Syria, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. Herzog concluded with a call to resilience, urging Jewish communities to stand firm against hatred and uphold solidarity with Israel. "Our people have been to hell and back, and yet we are here, and we shall overcome," he said.

Herzog described a climate in which Holocaust inversion, conspiracy theories, and new forms of Jew-hatred proliferate online and in public discourse.

Israeli President criticizes New York Mayor-Elect Mamdani, warns of rising antisemitism

Japan and China are locked in diplomatic tussle over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remark on Taiwan. While claims and counter claims between the two countries continue, Japan has been accused of increasing the pace of construction of a new military base on Mageshima Island. Chinese media reported that Japan is planning to develop a Self-Defense Forces base in Mageshima. It also claimed that Tokyo plans to relocate the US military carrier-based aircraft's Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP). Even as the base is scheduled to be completed by 2030, China fears that the construction of this military base is laying the groundwork for Japan's future military expansion and buildup.&nbsp;This comes amid the recent escalation of tensions after Tokyo accused Beijing of aiming Chinese fighter jets J-15 radar at Japanese military aircraft in at least two incidents near Japan's Okinawa islands. While China rejected the accusations, Tokyo called radar illuminations a “dangerous act.” Hitting back at Japan, a Chinese navy spokesperson, Colonel Wang Xuemeng, said that Japanese aircraft had repeatedly approached and disrupted the Chinese navy as it was conducting previously announced carrier-based flight training east of the Miyako Strait. Meanwhile, China paused plans to resume Japanese seafood imports amid strained ties.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-accuses-chinese-jets-of-locking-radar-on-its-aircraft-diplomatic-fallout-reignite-what-s-happening-1765164483892">Japan accuses Chinese jets of locking radar on its aircraft; diplomatic fallout reignite - What's happening</a><h2>What triggered China-Japan tensions?</h2>On Nov 14, Takaichi was asked by an opposition lawmaker in parliament about “survival-threatening situations.” In response, Takaichi gave an example that an attempt to bring Taiwan completely under the control of Beijing using battleships and military force could constitute such a situation. The term ‘survival-threatening situation’ used by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi refers to a specific legal term in Japanese law that was made under the 2015 security legislation. It describes a situation where an armed attack on a foreign country closely related to Japan poses a threat to Japan's survival and clearly endangers the fundamental rights of the Japanese people. Beijing reacted sharply to Takaichi's remark, and termed it as direct challenge to its sovereignty over Taiwan.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-and-japan-embroiled-in-major-diplomatic-war-over-taiwan-what-triggered-it-and-what-s-happening-now-1763456353464">China and Japan embroiled in major diplomatic war over Taiwan – What triggered it and what's happening now</a><h2>Another war soon?</h2>The escalation of tension between Japan and China has raised fear of a potential war in the Asia-Pacific region. While China has said that Takaichi will have to take back her remark on Taiwan and will have to apologise for the same, Japan has accused Beijing of 'overreacting' to the situation. Reportedly, Japan has planned to deploy missiles on Yonaguni Island, its westernmost island and close to Taiwan.&nbsp;Following this, China has increased its military activities and ramped up drills around Japan. China has reacted sharply to this matter, and has even taken it up to the UNsending a formal letter to UN Secretary-General &nbsp;António Guterres warning that any Japanese military move in the Taiwan Strait would be considered an act of aggression. China also cancelled planned meetings between culture ministers and issued notification advising Chinese nationals against visiting Japan. &nbsp;It has also increased patrol around the Japan-administered Senkaku Islands.&nbsp;

China–Japan tensions escalated once again after Japanese PM Takaichi’s Taiwan remark, triggering diplomatic clashes, military accusations. Disputes over Japan’s Mageshima base and radar-lock incidents deepened friction

Japan and China are locked in diplomatic tussle over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remark on Taiwan. While claims and counter claims between the two countries continue, Japan has been accused of increasing the pace of construction of a new military base on Mageshima Island. Chinese media reported that Japan is planning to develop a Self-Defense Forces base in Mageshima. It also claimed that Tokyo plans to relocate the US military carrier-based aircraft's Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP). Even as the base is scheduled to be completed by 2030, China fears that the construction of this military base is laying the groundwork for Japan's future military expansion and buildup. This comes amid the recent escalation of tensions after Tokyo accused Beijing of aiming Chinese fighter jets J-15 radar at Japanese military aircraft in at least two incidents near Japan's Okinawa islands. While China rejected the accusations, Tokyo called radar illuminations a “dangerous act.” Hitting back at Japan, a Chinese navy spokesperson, Colonel Wang Xuemeng, said that Japanese aircraft had repeatedly approached and disrupted the Chinese navy as it was conducting previously announced carrier-based flight training east of the Miyako Strait. Meanwhile, China paused plans to resume Japanese seafood imports amid strained ties. Also Read: Japan accuses Chinese jets of locking radar on its aircraft; diplomatic fallout reignite - What's happening What triggered China-Japan tensions? On Nov 14, Takaichi was asked by an opposition lawmaker in parliament about “survival-threatening situations.” In response, Takaichi gave an example that an attempt to bring Taiwan completely under the control of Beijing using battleships and military force could constitute such a situation. The term ‘survival-threatening situation’ used by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi refers to a specific legal term in Japanese law that was made under the 2015 security legislation. It describes a situation where an armed attack on a foreign country closely related to Japan poses a threat to Japan's survival and clearly endangers the fundamental rights of the Japanese people. Beijing reacted sharply to Takaichi's remark, and termed it as direct challenge to its sovereignty over Taiwan. Also Read: China and Japan embroiled in major diplomatic war over Taiwan – What triggered it and what's happening now Another war soon? The escalation of tension between Japan and China has raised fear of a potential war in the Asia-Pacific region. While China has said that Takaichi will have to take back her remark on Taiwan and will have to apologise for the same, Japan has accused Beijing of 'overreacting' to the situation. Reportedly, Japan has planned to deploy missiles on Yonaguni Island, its westernmost island and close to Taiwan. Following this, China has increased its military activities and ramped up drills around Japan. China has reacted sharply to this matter, and has even taken it up to the UNsending a formal letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres warning that any Japanese military move in the Taiwan Strait would be considered an act of aggression. China also cancelled planned meetings between culture ministers and issued notification advising Chinese nationals against visiting Japan. It has also increased patrol around the Japan-administered Senkaku Islands.

China–Japan tensions escalated once again after Japanese PM Takaichi’s Taiwan remark, triggering diplomatic clashes, military accusations. Disputes over Japan’s Mageshima base and radar-lock incidents deepened friction

China, Japan heading toward all-out war? Military base construction, patrolling in contested waters — What's happening

Cambodia on Monday (Dec 8) strongly condemns “the inhumane and brutal acts” following airstrikes by Thailand in renewed clashes between the neighbours. At least four civilians were killed following the Thai attacks, Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said in a statement. It also accused Thailand of violating the ceasefire and the joint declaration between the two countries, forcing widespread evacuations near the border region. Meanwhile, Thailand’s Army said that its forces were attacked, killing one soldier and injuring four others.&nbsp;“The Ministry of National Defense of the Kingdom of Cambodia categorically condemns in the harshest terms the brutal, barbaric, and belligerent acts of war committed by the Kingdom of Thailand against Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said that it did not retaliate at all, maintaining utmost restraint. It added that it remains committed to respecting and implementing the ceasefire agreement, urging the resolution of the conflict peacefully.&nbsp;“During the entire course of these attacks, the Cambodian forces have maintained their utmost restraint and did not retaliate at all. Cambodia remains strictly committed to respecting and implementing the ceasefire agreement, the Joint Declaration between Cambodia and Thailand, and previous agreements between the two countries, based on the principles of resolving the disputes peacefully and in compliance with international law,” it said.&nbsp;Cambodia also accused the Thai side of spreading disinformation to mislead national and international public opinion.&nbsp;The statement added, “It is important to note that the recent attacks by the Thai military forces occurred after numerous provocative actions over the past several days. During this period, Thailand engaged in continuous disinformation campaigns, both through official and unofficial channels, spreading false information and accusations against Cambodia, with the intention of misleading national and international public opinion and using it as a pretext to re-escalate military tensions with Cambodia.”&nbsp;Earlier this year, five days of military conflict erupted between the two neighbours, killing 43 people and displacing around 300,000 people. In October this year, Trump co-signed a joint declaration between Thailand and Cambodia with China and Malaysia at the ASEAN summit. However, the truce was broken last month when several Thai soldiers were wounded following a landmine blast.

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said that it did not retaliate at all, maintaining utmost restraint. It added that it remains committed to respecting and implementing the ceasefire agreement, urging the resolution of the conflict peacefully.

Cambodia on Monday (Dec 8) strongly condemns “the inhumane and brutal acts” following airstrikes by Thailand in renewed clashes between the neighbours. At least four civilians were killed following the Thai attacks, Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said in a statement. It also accused Thailand of violating the ceasefire and the joint declaration between the two countries, forcing widespread evacuations near the border region. Meanwhile, Thailand’s Army said that its forces were attacked, killing one soldier and injuring four others. “The Ministry of National Defense of the Kingdom of Cambodia categorically condemns in the harshest terms the brutal, barbaric, and belligerent acts of war committed by the Kingdom of Thailand against Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the ministry said in a statement. Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said that it did not retaliate at all, maintaining utmost restraint. It added that it remains committed to respecting and implementing the ceasefire agreement, urging the resolution of the conflict peacefully. “During the entire course of these attacks, the Cambodian forces have maintained their utmost restraint and did not retaliate at all. Cambodia remains strictly committed to respecting and implementing the ceasefire agreement, the Joint Declaration between Cambodia and Thailand, and previous agreements between the two countries, based on the principles of resolving the disputes peacefully and in compliance with international law,” it said. Cambodia also accused the Thai side of spreading disinformation to mislead national and international public opinion. The statement added, “It is important to note that the recent attacks by the Thai military forces occurred after numerous provocative actions over the past several days. During this period, Thailand engaged in continuous disinformation campaigns, both through official and unofficial channels, spreading false information and accusations against Cambodia, with the intention of misleading national and international public opinion and using it as a pretext to re-escalate military tensions with Cambodia.” Earlier this year, five days of military conflict erupted between the two neighbours, killing 43 people and displacing around 300,000 people. In October this year, Trump co-signed a joint declaration between Thailand and Cambodia with China and Malaysia at the ASEAN summit. However, the truce was broken last month when several Thai soldiers were wounded following a landmine blast.

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said that it did not retaliate at all, maintaining utmost restraint. It added that it remains committed to respecting and implementing the ceasefire agreement, urging the resolution of the conflict peacefully.

Cambodia slams ‘inhumane, brutal’ strikes by Thailand as four civilians killed in fresh clashes

India and Israel have taken a major step forward in agricultural cooperation with the launch of a new joint venture that will manufacture and commercialise Indian pheromone-based crop protection technologies across global markets, as per the Israeli Embassy's press statement. The announcement was made at the valedictory session of the First International Science &amp; Technology Clusters Conference held in New Delhi, where ATGC Biotech Pvt. Ltd. (India) and Luxembourg Industries Ltd. (Israel) formally exchanged licensing agreements to set up Semiophore Ltd., a 50-50 Indo-Israeli partnership. The venture marks a first for both countries, it is the first time Indian semiochemical technology is being out-licensed and produced in Israel. Senior officials from India and Israel attended the ceremony, including Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood, Israel's Deputy Chief of Mission Fares Saeb and Vishal Choudhary, Office of the PSA to the Government of India, with other delegates. Saeb said the agreement deepens the long-running partnership between the two nations in food security and agricultural technology. "Israel and India share a long-standing partnership in agriculture and technology. Today's licensing exchange is an important milestone that strengthens our collaboration in sustainable, climate-resilient solutions," he said. He added that the launch of Semiophore reflects the "growing global relevance of Indo-Israeli innovation". Israel's Agriculture Attache Uri Rubinstein noted that ATGC Biotech has taken part in several Indo-Israel agricultural training programmes and Centres of Excellence. "Farmer feedback on their technologies has been highly encouraging," he said, adding that the new venture opens more opportunities for joint agricultural innovation. ATGC Biotech's Managing Director, Markandeya Gorantla, said the agreement represents a breakthrough for India's bioeconomy. "For the first time, Indian semiochemical technologies will be manufactured and commercialised in Israel. Through Semiophore, India and Israel are jointly shaping the future of sustainable crop protection," he said. Luxembourg Industries CEO Moshik Fish said the partnership combines the strengths of both countries. "We are delighted to deploy India's next-generation pheromone technologies across Israeli agriculture," he said. Semiophore Ltd. will take 18 Indian-developed technologies, including ultra-low-dose pheromone dispensers, mating disruption platforms, and controlled-release systems, to international markets such as Israel, Brazil and the United States. The technologies aim to reduce insecticide use by more than 80%, offering a greener alternative to chemical pesticides at a time when many countries are shifting to low-toxicity crop protection. The announcement came during a conference that brought together delegates from more than 38 countries to discuss cooperation in agriculture, sustainability, environment and deep-tech sectors.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.

The venture marks a first for both countries, it is the first time Indian semiochemical technology is being out-licensed and produced in Israel.


India and Israel have taken a major step forward in agricultural cooperation with the launch of a new joint venture that will manufacture and commercialise Indian pheromone-based crop protection technologies across global markets, as per the Israeli Embassy's press statement. The announcement was made at the valedictory session of the First International Science & Technology Clusters Conference held in New Delhi, where ATGC Biotech Pvt. Ltd. (India) and Luxembourg Industries Ltd. (Israel) formally exchanged licensing agreements to set up Semiophore Ltd., a 50-50 Indo-Israeli partnership. The venture marks a first for both countries, it is the first time Indian semiochemical technology is being out-licensed and produced in Israel. Senior officials from India and Israel attended the ceremony, including Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood, Israel's Deputy Chief of Mission Fares Saeb and Vishal Choudhary, Office of the PSA to the Government of India, with other delegates. Saeb said the agreement deepens the long-running partnership between the two nations in food security and agricultural technology. "Israel and India share a long-standing partnership in agriculture and technology. Today's licensing exchange is an important milestone that strengthens our collaboration in sustainable, climate-resilient solutions," he said. He added that the launch of Semiophore reflects the "growing global relevance of Indo-Israeli innovation". Israel's Agriculture Attache Uri Rubinstein noted that ATGC Biotech has taken part in several Indo-Israel agricultural training programmes and Centres of Excellence. "Farmer feedback on their technologies has been highly encouraging," he said, adding that the new venture opens more opportunities for joint agricultural innovation. ATGC Biotech's Managing Director, Markandeya Gorantla, said the agreement represents a breakthrough for India's bioeconomy. "For the first time, Indian semiochemical technologies will be manufactured and commercialised in Israel. Through Semiophore, India and Israel are jointly shaping the future of sustainable crop protection," he said. Luxembourg Industries CEO Moshik Fish said the partnership combines the strengths of both countries. "We are delighted to deploy India's next-generation pheromone technologies across Israeli agriculture," he said. Semiophore Ltd. will take 18 Indian-developed technologies, including ultra-low-dose pheromone dispensers, mating disruption platforms, and controlled-release systems, to international markets such as Israel, Brazil and the United States. The technologies aim to reduce insecticide use by more than 80%, offering a greener alternative to chemical pesticides at a time when many countries are shifting to low-toxicity crop protection. The announcement came during a conference that brought together delegates from more than 38 countries to discuss cooperation in agriculture, sustainability, environment and deep-tech sectors. 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.

The venture marks a first for both countries, it is the first time Indian semiochemical technology is being out-licensed and produced in Israel.

India, Israeli sign landmark deal that could slash global pesticide use by 80%. Here’s how

US President Donald Trump may walk away from the war in Ukraine, his oldest son, Donald Trump Jr, suggested in his comments at the Doha Forum in Qatar on Sunday (Dec 8). He also said that Ukraine’s “corrupt” rich had already left the country, leaving “what they believed to be the peasant class” to fight the war with Russia. This comes as the Trump administration is ramping up pressure on Kyiv to give up its territory to Moscow. Meanwhile, Trump later said that he was “a little bit disappointed” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for not engaging with or reading his peace proposal to end the deadly war in Europe.Speaking at the Middle East conference, the US president’s son said that Zelensky was prolonging the war because he knew he would not win an election if the conflict with Russia came to an end. He added that borderline deity on the left but suggested that his country was far more corrupt than Russia, the Guardian reported.When asked if his father, who claimed that he could bring peace to Ukraine in his election campaign, would simply walk away, Trump Jr said maybe he would. He added that Trump was one of the most unpredictable people in politics. He also vowed that the US will no longer be “the idiot with the chequebook”.While Trump Jr is not part of the US administration, he has remained a key figure in the MAGA movement. His remarks suggest antipathy among some Trump administration officials towards the Ukrainian government.Trump Jr also slammed the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, saying that European sanctions have not helped but simply increased the price of Russian oil, which Moscow can use to fund its war in Ukraine. “We are going to wait for Russia to go bankrupt – that is not a plan,” he said of the European plan.The US president’s son further alleged that the risk of Venezuelan drug boats bringing fentanyl into the US was “far more a clear and present danger than anything that is going on in Ukraine or Russia.”<h2>Trump Jr claims rich fled Ukraine</h2>He also claimed that he observed that on a single summer day in Monaco, 50 per cent of the supercars like Bugattis and Ferraris had Ukrainian number plates. “Do you think that was earned in Ukraine?” he asked.“We hear all the rumours about what is going on when we see every licence plate in Monaco is Ukrainian […] the rich fled and they left what they believed to be the peasant class to fight these wars. There was no incentive to stop because long as the money train was coming and they were stealing, no one was auditing anything so there was no reason to come to peace.”Last month, Trump said that the corruption scandal in Kyiv that forced Zelensky to sack his chief of staff and top negotiator was not helping the talks to end the war. “Ukraine’s got some difficult little problems,” he said.Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has come under scrutiny as the nation’s anti-corruption authorities carried out a raid at his apartment on Friday (Nov 28). The investigators said that they had discovered a $100-million kickback scheme in the strategic energy sector earlier this month, sparking widespread public outrage. The revelation came at a time when Russia was blasting the country’s power grid, forcing blackouts across the country as Ukrainians faced heating outages in winter.

Last month, Trump said that the corruption scandal in Kyiv that forced Zelensky to sack his chief of staff and top negotiator was not helping the talks to end the war. 

US President Donald Trump may walk away from the war in Ukraine, his oldest son, Donald Trump Jr, suggested in his comments at the Doha Forum in Qatar on Sunday (Dec 8). He also said that Ukraine’s “corrupt” rich had already left the country, leaving “what they believed to be the peasant class” to fight the war with Russia. This comes as the Trump administration is ramping up pressure on Kyiv to give up its territory to Moscow. Meanwhile, Trump later said that he was “a little bit disappointed” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for not engaging with or reading his peace proposal to end the deadly war in Europe. Speaking at the Middle East conference, the US president’s son said that Zelensky was prolonging the war because he knew he would not win an election if the conflict with Russia came to an end. He added that borderline deity on the left but suggested that his country was far more corrupt than Russia, the Guardian reported. When asked if his father, who claimed that he could bring peace to Ukraine in his election campaign, would simply walk away, Trump Jr said maybe he would. He added that Trump was one of the most unpredictable people in politics. He also vowed that the US will no longer be “the idiot with the chequebook”. While Trump Jr is not part of the US administration, he has remained a key figure in the MAGA movement. His remarks suggest antipathy among some Trump administration officials towards the Ukrainian government. Trump Jr also slammed the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, saying that European sanctions have not helped but simply increased the price of Russian oil, which Moscow can use to fund its war in Ukraine. “We are going to wait for Russia to go bankrupt – that is not a plan,” he said of the European plan. The US president’s son further alleged that the risk of Venezuelan drug boats bringing fentanyl into the US was “far more a clear and present danger than anything that is going on in Ukraine or Russia.” Trump Jr claims rich fled Ukraine He also claimed that he observed that on a single summer day in Monaco, 50 per cent of the supercars like Bugattis and Ferraris had Ukrainian number plates. “Do you think that was earned in Ukraine?” he asked. “We hear all the rumours about what is going on when we see every licence plate in Monaco is Ukrainian […] the rich fled and they left what they believed to be the peasant class to fight these wars. There was no incentive to stop because long as the money train was coming and they were stealing, no one was auditing anything so there was no reason to come to peace.” Last month, Trump said that the corruption scandal in Kyiv that forced Zelensky to sack his chief of staff and top negotiator was not helping the talks to end the war. “Ukraine’s got some difficult little problems,” he said. Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has come under scrutiny as the nation’s anti-corruption authorities carried out a raid at his apartment on Friday (Nov 28). The investigators said that they had discovered a $100-million kickback scheme in the strategic energy sector earlier this month, sparking widespread public outrage. The revelation came at a time when Russia was blasting the country’s power grid, forcing blackouts across the country as Ukrainians faced heating outages in winter.

Last month, Trump said that the corruption scandal in Kyiv that forced Zelensky to sack his chief of staff and top negotiator was not helping the talks to end the war.&nbsp;

‘US not idiot with chequebook’: Trump Jr warns POTUS may abandon Ukraine war

2025 has been full of political shocks, surprises, tragedy and natural calamities that have affected from the individual level to global level. Here's the list of the top 10 most googled global news stories of the year.

What the world Googled in 2025? Top 10 global news of the year – Charlie assassination, LA fires, US govt shutdown & more

The right to disconnect – or ‘do not disturb after work hours’ rules – are in place in some form or the other in at least 25 countries, ranging from absolute bans to restrictions with caveats. In India, a much-watched bill has been introduced by parliamentarian Supriya Sule. But in a nation where ‘overtime’ without payment is the norm, she might not succeed. The private sector, which thrives on overwork and underpayment, is likely to scuttle it.&nbsp;<h2>Nations are waking up to overwork, burnout and intrusion into private time</h2>In the post-pandemic world of remote work, your phone is your workstation, and through direct or group chat messages, phone calls, video conferencing, the work continues into the after-hours. But now, there is an increasing recognition that protecting personal time has become a defining labour issue of the digital age. Changes are slowly coming, from universal rules for all employees, to those specific for teleworkers, remote workers, or digital nomads. Implementation is not perfect, but the intent is there.Als read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/work-life-balance-for-workers-private-members-bill-seeks-legal-right-to-ignore-calls-emails-after-office-hours-1765018139773">Work–life balance for workers: Private members’ Bill seeks legal right to ignore calls, emails after office hours</a><h2>India’s push for the Right to Disconnect</h2>On December 6, Supriya Sule reintroduced the Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian Parliament. The bill allows employees the legal right to ignore work-related calls, messages, and emails after working hours without the fear of retaliation from the employers. It wants organisations to negotiate clear conditions under which such out-of-office working is structured and compensated. It also provides for an Employees’ Welfare Authority to enforce compliance. There would be fines of up to one per cent of employee salary for violations. But will it pass in India? Highly unlikely, as private members’ bills rarely succeed in Indian Parliament.<h2>This is not the first attempt at right to disconnect in India</h2>Sule had proposed a similar measure in 2019, before the COVID pandemic made remote work ubiquitous, enabled and enhanced by digital technologies. But that did not take off. In the post-pandemic world, the hangover from the 24-hour availability continued, and employees are reporting burnout, overwork without remuneration, lack of work-life balance and the erosion of personal boundaries, particularly in the IT and service sectors.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australians-cheer-right-to-disconnect-a-new-era-in-work-life-balance-753657/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/australians-cheer-right-to-disconnect-a-new-era-in-work-life-balance-753657/embed</a><h2>The world is waking up: Traditional labour laws amended to cover digitally mediated workplaces</h2>The ability of employers to contact employees at any hour has resulted in a virtual 24/7 availability expectation. But countries across Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and parts of Africa have introduced binding national laws requiring employers to respect off-hours boundaries. While the rules apply to all employees in some countries, they are specific for teleworkers, remote workers, home-office employees, or digital nomads in others.<h2>Europe: Global leader in right to disconnect</h2>France was the first country to adopt a law in 2017, which made it mandatory for employers to define periods during which workers are not expected to engage in work communications. Belgium followed, asking firms with 20 or more employees to develop written disconnection policies, which was implemented from 2022. Italy made the right to disconnect law for smart-working arrangements in 2017, with all remote-work contracts required to introduce ways to ensure rest and digital disconnection.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/uk-to-allow-workers-to-ignore-calls-texts-from-bosses-after-work-hours-742409">UK to allow employees to ignore calls, texts from bosses after work hours</a>&nbsp;Spain, between 2018 and 2020, asked employers to respect digital disconnection, especially for remote workers. Portugal has one of the strictest national laws since 2021, that prohibits employers from contacting workers outside their scheduled hours, except in emergencies. Greece’s laws in 2021 grant teleworkers the right to disconnect during off-hours and holidays. Luxembourg in 2023 required employers to establish internal or bargained disconnection rules. Slovakia in 2021 amended its labour code to protect teleworkers from after-hours digital contact, while Croatia added right-to-disconnect rules in 2023. Slovenia made the law in 2024 for the right to disconnect during rest, illness, and holidays. Finland and the Netherlands have binding sectoral collective agreements that include disconnection protections for remote workers. Germany enforces binding rules in the public sector and certain industries with legally enforceable disconnection rules.<h2>Latin America's rules mostly apply to teleworkers</h2>In Latin America, the right to disconnect rules largely apply to remote and teleworkers. Argentina’s telework law of 2021 guarantees remote employees the right to disconnect during non-working hours. Chile’s remote-work reforms in 2023 require employers to respect digital disconnection for home-office workers. Mexico’s Federal Labour Law was reformed in 2021 to regulate telework more strictly, preventing employers from demanding after-hours availability without compensation. Telework protections in Brazil were strengthened in 2022, penalising firms that pressure remote employees through after-hours digital messages. Colombia’s telework regulations of 2021 include a formal right to digital disconnection. Peru’s Remote Work Law of 2023 protects teleworkers and digital nomads.<h2>Asia-Pacific region is making progress on right-to-disconnect rules</h2>Australia amended its Fair Work Act in 2024, which included a national right-to-disconnect provision barring all unreasonable employer contact after working hours. The Philippines’ Telecommuting Act of 2018 requires employers to respect agreed working hours for teleworkers. Kazakhstan recognises digital disconnection through flexible-hour provisions that apply to remote workers. In Thailand’s remote-work legislation of 2023, overtime payment has to be given for after-hours duties.<h2>African countries are slowly introducing remote work protections</h2>Kenya’s updated labour code of 2022 requires remote-work contracts to specify working and communication hours. Mozambique implemented a telework decree in 2022, giving teleworkers the right to uninterrupted rest.

In some form or the other, at least 25 countries now have right-to-disconnect rules for workers. But India’s new bill faces scepticism as unpaid overtime and an entrenched overwork culture are the norm. Here is a global comparison

The right to disconnect – or ‘do not disturb after work hours’ rules – are in place in some form or the other in at least 25 countries, ranging from absolute bans to restrictions with caveats. In India, a much-watched bill has been introduced by parliamentarian Supriya Sule. But in a nation where ‘overtime’ without payment is the norm, she might not succeed. The private sector, which thrives on overwork and underpayment, is likely to scuttle it. Nations are waking up to overwork, burnout and intrusion into private time In the post-pandemic world of remote work, your phone is your workstation, and through direct or group chat messages, phone calls, video conferencing, the work continues into the after-hours. But now, there is an increasing recognition that protecting personal time has become a defining labour issue of the digital age. Changes are slowly coming, from universal rules for all employees, to those specific for teleworkers, remote workers, or digital nomads. Implementation is not perfect, but the intent is there. Als read: Work–life balance for workers: Private members’ Bill seeks legal right to ignore calls, emails after office hours India’s push for the Right to Disconnect On December 6, Supriya Sule reintroduced the Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian Parliament. The bill allows employees the legal right to ignore work-related calls, messages, and emails after working hours without the fear of retaliation from the employers. It wants organisations to negotiate clear conditions under which such out-of-office working is structured and compensated. It also provides for an Employees’ Welfare Authority to enforce compliance. There would be fines of up to one per cent of employee salary for violations. But will it pass in India? Highly unlikely, as private members’ bills rarely succeed in Indian Parliament. This is not the first attempt at right to disconnect in India Sule had proposed a similar measure in 2019, before the COVID pandemic made remote work ubiquitous, enabled and enhanced by digital technologies. But that did not take off. In the post-pandemic world, the hangover from the 24-hour availability continued, and employees are reporting burnout, overwork without remuneration, lack of work-life balance and the erosion of personal boundaries, particularly in the IT and service sectors. https://www.wionews.com/videos/australians-cheer-right-to-disconnect-a-new-era-in-work-life-balance-753657/embed The world is waking up: Traditional labour laws amended to cover digitally mediated workplaces The ability of employers to contact employees at any hour has resulted in a virtual 24/7 availability expectation. But countries across Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and parts of Africa have introduced binding national laws requiring employers to respect off-hours boundaries. While the rules apply to all employees in some countries, they are specific for teleworkers, remote workers, home-office employees, or digital nomads in others. Europe: Global leader in right to disconnect France was the first country to adopt a law in 2017, which made it mandatory for employers to define periods during which workers are not expected to engage in work communications. Belgium followed, asking firms with 20 or more employees to develop written disconnection policies, which was implemented from 2022. Italy made the right to disconnect law for smart-working arrangements in 2017, with all remote-work contracts required to introduce ways to ensure rest and digital disconnection. Also read: UK to allow employees to ignore calls, texts from bosses after work hours Spain, between 2018 and 2020, asked employers to respect digital disconnection, especially for remote workers. Portugal has one of the strictest national laws since 2021, that prohibits employers from contacting workers outside their scheduled hours, except in emergencies. Greece’s laws in 2021 grant teleworkers the right to disconnect during off-hours and holidays. Luxembourg in 2023 required employers to establish internal or bargained disconnection rules. Slovakia in 2021 amended its labour code to protect teleworkers from after-hours digital contact, while Croatia added right-to-disconnect rules in 2023. Slovenia made the law in 2024 for the right to disconnect during rest, illness, and holidays. Finland and the Netherlands have binding sectoral collective agreements that include disconnection protections for remote workers. Germany enforces binding rules in the public sector and certain industries with legally enforceable disconnection rules. Latin America's rules mostly apply to teleworkers In Latin America, the right to disconnect rules largely apply to remote and teleworkers. Argentina’s telework law of 2021 guarantees remote employees the right to disconnect during non-working hours. Chile’s remote-work reforms in 2023 require employers to respect digital disconnection for home-office workers. Mexico’s Federal Labour Law was reformed in 2021 to regulate telework more strictly, preventing employers from demanding after-hours availability without compensation. Telework protections in Brazil were strengthened in 2022, penalising firms that pressure remote employees through after-hours digital messages. Colombia’s telework regulations of 2021 include a formal right to digital disconnection. Peru’s Remote Work Law of 2023 protects teleworkers and digital nomads. Asia-Pacific region is making progress on right-to-disconnect rules Australia amended its Fair Work Act in 2024, which included a national right-to-disconnect provision barring all unreasonable employer contact after working hours. The Philippines’ Telecommuting Act of 2018 requires employers to respect agreed working hours for teleworkers. Kazakhstan recognises digital disconnection through flexible-hour provisions that apply to remote workers. In Thailand’s remote-work legislation of 2023, overtime payment has to be given for after-hours duties. African countries are slowly introducing remote work protections Kenya’s updated labour code of 2022 requires remote-work contracts to specify working and communication hours. Mozambique implemented a telework decree in 2022, giving teleworkers the right to uninterrupted rest.

In some form or the other, at least 25 countries now have right-to-disconnect rules for workers. But India’s new bill faces scepticism as unpaid overtime and an entrenched overwork culture are the norm. Here is a global comparison

'Don't call, message or email me for work after office hours': People of 25 countries can say this, but not Indians. Right to Disconnect across world

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Dec 8) once again claimed that he settled as many as eight wars in his ten months in office. In a post on his Truth Social handle, he claimed that his tariff strategy is necessary for a “strong and decisive national security result.” He also claimed that countries across the world believes in United States' power to settle wars and that is why he has been able to solve theses crises. Earlier, speaking to reporters on the red carpet at the Kennedy Center Honours in Washington, DC, Trump said that tariffs play a central role in shaping his foreign policy. He argued that that trade tools have replaced military force as a means of resolving global disputes.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;I have settled 8 wars in 10 months...,&quot; says US President <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DonaldTrump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DonaldTrump</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tariffs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tariffs</a> Source: Truth Social <a href="https://t.co/2cEWA0r6fo">pic.twitter.com/2cEWA0r6fo</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1997852635265962305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"We have tremendous flexibility with the current system. It’s unbelievable for national security," Trump said, reiterating a claim he has made repeatedly in recent months. "I’ve ended eight wars, largely because of trade and because of tariffs." He also wrote on Truth Social, “I have settled 8 Wars in 10 months because of the rights clearly given to the President of the United States. If countries didn’t think these rights existed, they would have said so, LOUD AND CLEAR!”<h2>What 8 wars is Trump referring to?</h2>&nbsp;<ul><li>Armenia and Azerbaijan&nbsp;</li><li>Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda</li><li>Iran and Israel</li><li>India and Pakistan&nbsp;</li><li>Cambodia and Thailand</li><li>Israel and Hamas</li><li>Ethiopia and Egypt</li><li>Serbia and Kosovo</li></ul>

Trump defended his tariff strategy, saying it strengthened the US economy and enhanced national security. Speaking at the Kennedy Center Honours, he claimed tariffs have helped resolve international conflicts by replacing military force with economic pressure.

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Dec 8) once again claimed that he settled as many as eight wars in his ten months in office. In a post on his Truth Social handle, he claimed that his tariff strategy is necessary for a “strong and decisive national security result.” He also claimed that countries across the world believes in United States' power to settle wars and that is why he has been able to solve theses crises. Earlier, speaking to reporters on the red carpet at the Kennedy Center Honours in Washington, DC, Trump said that tariffs play a central role in shaping his foreign policy. He argued that that trade tools have replaced military force as a means of resolving global disputes.

Trump defended his tariff strategy, saying it strengthened the US economy and enhanced national security. Speaking at the Kennedy Center Honours, he claimed tariffs have helped resolve international conflicts by replacing military force with economic pressure.

Trump reiterates solving '8 wars in 10 months', makes big claim about success of his tariff regime

US President Donald Trump on Sunday cautioned that Netflix’s planned $83 billion takeover of Warner Brothers Discovery could run into regulatory obstacles, saying the size of the merged entity “could be a problem”. While speaking at an event in Washington, DC, Trump remarked that Netflix already holds a big market share and that its influence would expand significantly if the acquisition goes through.&nbsp;“Very big market share,” he said, adding that it would “go up by a lot” if the acquisition proceeds. He added that he expects to play a direct role in assessing whether the deal should be approved, according to a report in The Telegraph.&nbsp;On Friday, the companies announced that they had reached an agreement that would place Warner Brothers’ major film and television franchises under the umbrella of Netflix. The deal must still be reviewed by the US competition regulators, with the Justice Department’s antitrust division likely to scrutinise whether the combined business would wield enough power in the streaming sector to violate federal law.<h3>Donald Trump calls Netflix’s co-CEO &nbsp;a “great person”</h3>Trump also said Netflix’s co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, had recently visited the Oval Office, calling him a “great person” who has “done one of the greatest jobs in the history of movies”. Meanwhile, Sarandos acknowledged that the agreement might have attracted some of the investors off guard but considered it a long-term strategic decision to position Netflix for the “decades to come”.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the deal is also facing a row from Hollywood insiders. The Writers Guild of America’s East and West branches requested regulators to stop the takeover and argued that “the largest streaming giant of the world swallowing one of its biggest competitors is what antitrust laws were designed to prevent”.&nbsp;Following the development, the unions cautioned that the deal would push down wages, eliminate jobs, and worsen conditions for all the workers in the entertainment sector. He also said that it will increase the prices for consumers and reduce the volume and diversity of content for all viewers.&nbsp;

On Friday, the companies announced that they had reached an agreement that would place Warner Brothers’ major film and television franchises under the umbrella of Netflix.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday cautioned that Netflix’s planned $83 billion takeover of Warner Brothers Discovery could run into regulatory obstacles, saying the size of the merged entity “could be a problem”. While speaking at an event in Washington, DC, Trump remarked that Netflix already holds a big market share and that its influence would expand significantly if the acquisition goes through. “Very big market share,” he said, adding that it would “go up by a lot” if the acquisition proceeds. He added that he expects to play a direct role in assessing whether the deal should be approved, according to a report in The Telegraph. On Friday, the companies announced that they had reached an agreement that would place Warner Brothers’ major film and television franchises under the umbrella of Netflix. The deal must still be reviewed by the US competition regulators, with the Justice Department’s antitrust division likely to scrutinise whether the combined business would wield enough power in the streaming sector to violate federal law. Donald Trump calls Netflix’s co-CEO a “great person” Trump also said Netflix’s co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, had recently visited the Oval Office, calling him a “great person” who has “done one of the greatest jobs in the history of movies”. Meanwhile, Sarandos acknowledged that the agreement might have attracted some of the investors off guard but considered it a long-term strategic decision to position Netflix for the “decades to come”. Meanwhile, the deal is also facing a row from Hollywood insiders. The Writers Guild of America’s East and West branches requested regulators to stop the takeover and argued that “the largest streaming giant of the world swallowing one of its biggest competitors is what antitrust laws were designed to prevent”. Following the development, the unions cautioned that the deal would push down wages, eliminate jobs, and worsen conditions for all the workers in the entertainment sector. He also said that it will increase the prices for consumers and reduce the volume and diversity of content for all viewers.

On Friday, the companies announced that they had reached an agreement that would place Warner Brothers’ major film and television franchises under the umbrella of Netflix.

‘Could be a problem’: Trump warns Netflix–Warner Bros $83 bn deal may face regulatory roadblocks

The tensions between Japan and China after Japanese PM's comment on Taiwan last month has escalated once again with Tokyo now accusing Beijing of aiming the Chinese fighter jets radar at Japanese military aircraft in two "dangerous" incidents near Japan's Okinawa islands. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that J-15 jets from China's Liaoning aircraft carrier twice locked radar on Japanese aircraft. Takaichi lodged a protest with China over "extremely regrettable" incident and summoned Beijing's ambassador. Takaichi also called radar illuminations a “dangerous act”, adding that these act that went beyond what is necessary for the safe flight of aircraft.&nbsp;<h2>China's response</h2>China has rejected Japan's claims and continuing with counter claims, a Chinese navy spokesperson, Colonel Wang Xuemeng, said that Japanese aircraft had repeatedly approached and disrupted the Chinese navy as it was conducting previously announced carrier-based flight training east of the Miyako Strait. It rejected the claims made by Japanese PM Takaichi, accusing Japan of threatening its aircraft and calling the allegations "slandering and smearing." China also issued travel warnings to its citizens and paused plans to resume Japanese seafood imports amid strained ties.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-and-japan-embroiled-in-major-diplomatic-war-over-taiwan-what-triggered-it-and-what-s-happening-now-1763456353464">China and Japan embroiled in major diplomatic war over Taiwan – What triggered it and what's happening now</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Taiwan observed Chinese maritime exercises near the median line but noted conditions remained “normal.” China described the drills as search-and-rescue operations, while Taiwan accused Beijing of psychological warfare and misleading language.

<h2>International response and support</h2>Even as US ambassador showed support for Japan on social media, US President Trump and senior officials have remained silent on the issue despite Trump claiming to be the global “peacemaker.” Several reports suggested that Trump privately urged Japan to avoid escalation following a conversation with China’s Xi Jinping. Australia expressed support for Japan, condemning China’s actions and vowing to uphold a rules-based order. Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi met Australian counterpart Richard Marles in Tokyo and said that Japan would respond "resolutely and calmly" to China's conduct in order to maintain regional peace and stability.<h2>What triggered China-Japan tensions?</h2>On Nov 14, Takaichi was asked by an opposition lawmaker in parliament about “survival-threatening situations.” In response, Takaichi gave an example that an attempt to bring Taiwan completely under the control of Beijing using battleships and military force could constitute such a situation. The term ‘survival-threatening situation’ used by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi refers to a specific legal term in Japanese law that was made under the 2015 security legislation. It describes a situation where an armed attack on a foreign country closely related to Japan poses a threat to Japan's survival and clearly endangers the fundamental rights of the Japanese people. Beijing reacted sharply to Takaichi's remark, and termed it as direct challenge to its sovereignty over Taiwan.

Tensions between Japan and China escalated after Japan accused Chinese fighter jets of aiming radar at its aircraft near Okinawa. China denied the claim, saying Japanese jets provoked their navy. The incident comes amid strained ties over Taiwan and rising regional military activity.

The tensions between Japan and China after Japanese PM's comment on Taiwan last month has escalated once again with Tokyo now accusing Beijing of aiming the Chinese fighter jets radar at Japanese military aircraft in two "dangerous" incidents near Japan's Okinawa islands. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that J-15 jets from China's Liaoning aircraft carrier twice locked radar on Japanese aircraft. Takaichi lodged a protest with China over "extremely regrettable" incident and summoned Beijing's ambassador. Takaichi also called radar illuminations a “dangerous act”, adding that these act that went beyond what is necessary for the safe flight of aircraft. China's response China has rejected Japan's claims and continuing with counter claims, a Chinese navy spokesperson, Colonel Wang Xuemeng, said that Japanese aircraft had repeatedly approached and disrupted the Chinese navy as it was conducting previously announced carrier-based flight training east of the Miyako Strait. It rejected the claims made by Japanese PM Takaichi, accusing Japan of threatening its aircraft and calling the allegations "slandering and smearing." China also issued travel warnings to its citizens and paused plans to resume Japanese seafood imports amid strained ties. Also Read: China and Japan embroiled in major diplomatic war over Taiwan – What triggered it and what's happening now Meanwhile, Taiwan observed Chinese maritime exercises near the median line but noted conditions remained “normal.” China described the drills as search-and-rescue operations, while Taiwan accused Beijing of psychological warfare and misleading language.

Tensions between Japan and China escalated after Japan accused Chinese fighter jets of aiming radar at its aircraft near Okinawa. China denied the claim, saying Japanese jets provoked their navy. The incident comes amid strained ties over Taiwan and rising regional military activity.

Japan accuses Chinese jets of locking radar on its aircraft; diplomatic fallout reignite - What's happening

The Indian mission in the US has said that two Indian students have died after suffering severe injuries in a house fire in Albany, New York. One student has been identified as Sahaja Reddy Udumala, who was&nbsp;pursuing a Master’s degree in Albany, New York. Another Indian student has been identified as Anvesh Sarapelli, who had been receiving critical care, passed away. Both victims had suffered extensive burn injuries after being rescued from the home earlier this week, according to news agency PTI. They were among the four people found inside the residence.&nbsp;The Consulate General of India in New York said in a post on X that it is "deeply saddened by the untimely demise" of Udumala. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time,” the Consulate said, adding that it is in touch with Udumala and Sarepalli’s family and is extending all possible assistance. The Consulate is in touch with his family and is providing all possible assistance."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Mr. Anvesh Sarepalli, an Indian national, who lost his life in a house-fire incident in Albany. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family in this difficult time. The Consulate is in touch with his family and is…&mdash; India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainNewYork/status/1997432186086027274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Ms. Sahaja Reddy Udumala, an Indian national, who lost her life in a house fire incident in Albany. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time. The Consulate is in touch with late Ms. Sahaja’s…&mdash; India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainNewYork/status/1997145778247094766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to reports, the fire began in a neighbouring building and quickly spread to Sahaja’s home. She was reportedly asleep when the fire broke out and could not escape. “Tragically, the adult female victim succumbed to her injuries she sustained in the fire,” the police department said.It did not release the victim’s name pending notification of kin but the deceased has been identified as Udumala by her family.<h2>Family's appeal</h2>Udumala’s cousin Rathna Gopu launched a fundraiser to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, repatriation and transportation arrangements, immediate family support and additional expenses resulting from the tragic accident. "…our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy…Sahaja was just 24 years old, a bright and hardworking student pursuing her Master’s degree in Albany, NY, with a future full of dreams, hope, and promise," Gopu said on the fundraiser. "She struggled immensely, fighting with all the strength she had. Despite all medical efforts, her condition continued to worsen, and she ultimately experienced complete organ failure, leading to her passing this morning," Gopu said, adding that Udumala was known for her kindness, determination, and the warmth she shared with everyone around her. &nbsp;

24-year-old Indian student Sahaja Reddy Udumala and another student Anvesh Sarapelli died after severe burn injuries in an Albany, New York house fire. The Indian Consulate offered condolences, and a fundraiser has been launched to support funeral, repatriation, and family expenses.

The Indian mission in the US has said that two Indian students have died after suffering severe injuries in a house fire in Albany, New York. One student has been identified as Sahaja Reddy Udumala, who was pursuing a Master’s degree in Albany, New York. Another Indian student has been identified as Anvesh Sarapelli, who had been receiving critical care, passed away. Both victims had suffered extensive burn injuries after being rescued from the home earlier this week, according to news agency PTI. They were among the four people found inside the residence. The Consulate General of India in New York said in a post on X that it is "deeply saddened by the untimely demise" of Udumala. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time,” the Consulate said, adding that it is in touch with Udumala and Sarepalli’s family and is extending all possible assistance. The Consulate is in touch with his family and is providing all possible assistance."

24-year-old Indian student Sahaja Reddy Udumala and another student Anvesh Sarapelli died after severe burn injuries in an Albany, New York house fire. The Indian Consulate offered condolences, and a fundraiser has been launched to support funeral, repatriation, and family expenses.

Two Indian students killed in house fire in New York, family seeks Indian govt's help to bring body home

Thailand launched fresh air strikes against Cambodia on Monday (Dec 8), the Thai army said, as both sides blamed each other for border clashes in which a Thai soldier was killed. This comes after US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim brokered a peace agreement between the two neighbours in October.&nbsp;Earlier the same day, Thai Army spokesman Winthai Suvaree said in a statement that Cambodian troops fired on Thai forces in Ubon Ratchathani province, following which “the Army received reports that Thai soldiers were attacked with supporting fire weapons, resulting in one soldier killed and four wounded.” He added that Thailand had begun “using aircraft to strike military targets in several areas” to suppress attacks by Cambodian forces.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cambodia’s defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata confirmed that attacks targeting their forces launched by Thai forces in the border provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey early Monday morning. She also accused Thailand of “firing multiple shots with tanks at Tamone Thom temple” and other areas near Preah Vihear temple. She added that Cambodia did not retaliate.&nbsp;Cambodian spokesman for the Oddar Meanchey provincial administration, Met Measpheakdey, said that gunfire was reported in the areas of the centuries-old temples of Tamone Thom and Ta Krabei, adding that a “number of villagers who live near the border are fleeing to safety.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Second Army Region of Thailand stated that about 35,000 people were evacuated from areas along the border since fresh clashes broke out. On Sunday (Dec 8), both sides reported brief fighting after which Thailand’s military said two soldiers were injured. The Thai army also accused Cambodia of firing BM-21 rockets towards civilian areas in Buri Ram province, although no casualties were reported.&nbsp;Earlier this year, five days of military conflict erupted between the two neighbours, killing 43 people and displacing around 300,000 people. In October this year, Trump co-signed a joint declaration between Thailand and Cambodia with China and Malaysia at the ASEAN summit. However, the truce was broken last month when several Thai soldiers were wounded following a landmine blast.

This comes after US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim brokered a peace agreement between the two neighbours in October.

Thailand launched fresh air strikes against Cambodia on Monday (Dec 8), the Thai army said, as both sides blamed each other for border clashes in which a Thai soldier was killed. This comes after US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim brokered a peace agreement between the two neighbours in October. Earlier the same day, Thai Army spokesman Winthai Suvaree said in a statement that Cambodian troops fired on Thai forces in Ubon Ratchathani province, following which “the Army received reports that Thai soldiers were attacked with supporting fire weapons, resulting in one soldier killed and four wounded.” He added that Thailand had begun “using aircraft to strike military targets in several areas” to suppress attacks by Cambodian forces. Cambodia’s defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata confirmed that attacks targeting their forces launched by Thai forces in the border provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey early Monday morning. She also accused Thailand of “firing multiple shots with tanks at Tamone Thom temple” and other areas near Preah Vihear temple. She added that Cambodia did not retaliate. Cambodian spokesman for the Oddar Meanchey provincial administration, Met Measpheakdey, said that gunfire was reported in the areas of the centuries-old temples of Tamone Thom and Ta Krabei, adding that a “number of villagers who live near the border are fleeing to safety.” Meanwhile, the Second Army Region of Thailand stated that about 35,000 people were evacuated from areas along the border since fresh clashes broke out. On Sunday (Dec 8), both sides reported brief fighting after which Thailand’s military said two soldiers were injured. The Thai army also accused Cambodia of firing BM-21 rockets towards civilian areas in Buri Ram province, although no casualties were reported. Earlier this year, five days of military conflict erupted between the two neighbours, killing 43 people and displacing around 300,000 people. In October this year, Trump co-signed a joint declaration between Thailand and Cambodia with China and Malaysia at the ASEAN summit. However, the truce was broken last month when several Thai soldiers were wounded following a landmine blast.

This comes after US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim brokered a peace agreement between the two neighbours in October.

Thailand launches fresh air strikes against Cambodia despite ‘peacemaker’ Trump’s mediation

US President Donald Trump said Sunday (Dec 7) that he was "a little bit disappointed" with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for not engaging with or reading his proposal aimed at ending the war with Russia. Speaking to reporters on the red carpet at the Kennedy Centre Honours, Trump said he had been in touch with both Vladimir Putin and senior Ukrainian officials while expressing his disappointment with Zelensky.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-donald-j-trump-institute-of-peace-trump-puts-his-name-on-usip-after-trying-to-shut-it-down-1764820161123">'Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace': Trump puts his name on USIP after trying to shut it down</a><h2>What did Trump say?</h2>Talking to the press, the POTUS said, "So we've been speaking to President Putin and we've been speaking to Ukrainian leaders -- including Zelensky, President Zelensky -- and I have to say that I'm a little bit disappointed that President Zelensky hasn't yet read the proposal, that was as of a few hours ago."The comment came after several days of talks between US and Ukrainian officials wrapped up on Saturday (Dec 6) without any major breakthrough. Zelensky, however, did agree to continue discussions in the hope of moving closer to what he called "real peace." This effort follows a meeting in Moscow earlier in the week, where US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held talks with Putin. Russia has pushed back against parts of Washington's proposal, which has gone through multiple revisions since it first surfaced last month. Critics have argued some versions were too accommodating to Moscow, whose invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.<h2>Russia rejects Trump's peace plan</h2>High-stakes talks between the United States and Russia on ending the war in Ukraine wrapped up on Tuesday (Dec 2) with no breakthrough, as the Kremlin said "no compromise" has been found on the key issue on the table: territory seized by Moscow. Putin held a five-hour meeting in the Kremlin with Kushner and Witkoff, whom the POTUS sent to present a revised American peace proposal.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-hour-kremlin-meeting-ends-with-putin-rejecting-trump-s-ukraine-peace-plan-no-compromise-on-territory-1764724500149">Five-hour Kremlin meeting ends with Putin rejecting Trump's Ukraine peace plan: 'No compromise' on territory</a>After the meeting, Putin’s top foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said the talks were "useful" but far from conclusive. Ushakov noted that on occupied Ukrainian territories, "so far we haven't found a compromise, but some American solutions can be discussed." He said that while some elements of the US plan were acceptable, others "do not fit us, and work will continue". &nbsp;

Trump said he's disappointed that Zelensky still hasn't read his latest peace plan for ending the Ukraine war. The remark comes after days of stalled talks and Moscow's rejection of key parts of the US proposal. Scroll down for more.

US President Donald Trump said Sunday (Dec 7) that he was "a little bit disappointed" with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for not engaging with or reading his proposal aimed at ending the war with Russia. Speaking to reporters on the red carpet at the Kennedy Centre Honours, Trump said he had been in touch with both Vladimir Putin and senior Ukrainian officials while expressing his disappointment with Zelensky. Also read | 'Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace': Trump puts his name on USIP after trying to shut it down What did Trump say? Talking to the press, the POTUS said, "So we've been speaking to President Putin and we've been speaking to Ukrainian leaders -- including Zelensky, President Zelensky -- and I have to say that I'm a little bit disappointed that President Zelensky hasn't yet read the proposal, that was as of a few hours ago." The comment came after several days of talks between US and Ukrainian officials wrapped up on Saturday (Dec 6) without any major breakthrough. Zelensky, however, did agree to continue discussions in the hope of moving closer to what he called "real peace." This effort follows a meeting in Moscow earlier in the week, where US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held talks with Putin. Russia has pushed back against parts of Washington's proposal, which has gone through multiple revisions since it first surfaced last month. Critics have argued some versions were too accommodating to Moscow, whose invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Russia rejects Trump's peace plan High-stakes talks between the United States and Russia on ending the war in Ukraine wrapped up on Tuesday (Dec 2) with no breakthrough, as the Kremlin said "no compromise" has been found on the key issue on the table: territory seized by Moscow. Putin held a five-hour meeting in the Kremlin with Kushner and Witkoff, whom the POTUS sent to present a revised American peace proposal. Also read | Five-hour Kremlin meeting ends with Putin rejecting Trump's Ukraine peace plan: 'No compromise' on territory After the meeting, Putin’s top foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said the talks were "useful" but far from conclusive. Ushakov noted that on occupied Ukrainian territories, "so far we haven't found a compromise, but some American solutions can be discussed." He said that while some elements of the US plan were acceptable, others "do not fit us, and work will continue".

Trump said he's disappointed that Zelensky still hasn't read his latest peace plan for ending the Ukraine war. The remark comes after days of stalled talks and Moscow's rejection of key parts of the US proposal. Scroll down for more.

Trump hits out at Zelensky, says he's 'disappointed' with the Ukrainian president. Here's why

The United States, Israel and Qatar held a quiet trilateral meeting in New York on Sunday (Dec 7), according to reports. This marks the most senior contact between the three sides since the Gaza war was brought to a halt months ago under a deal Qatar helped broker. According to two sources quoted by Axios, the talks came months after an Israeli airstrike in Doha that attempted, and failed, to target senior Hamas figures. It was "the highest level meeting between the countries since the deal to end the war in Gaza, for which Qatar served as a key mediator," the report suggests.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-gaza-peace-plan-first-phase-nearly-complete-hamas-must-disarm-in-next-says-netanyahu-1765129323491">Gaza peace plan first phase nearly over, Hamas must disarm next, says Netanyahu</a><h2>Steve Witcoff plays host</h2>While the White House is yet to confirm the meeting, Axios said it was hosted by US envoy Steve Witkoff, with Mossad chief David Barnea representing Israel and an unidentified senior Qatari official also present. Qatar, working alongside Egypt and the United States, helped negotiate the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. That truce has held unevenly, with both sides accusing each other of violating its terms.<h2>What was on the agenda?</h2>According to the report, Sunday's meeting in New York focused mainly on how to implement the Gaza peace arrangement in the face of those tensions.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-s-humanitarian-city-a-relief-zone-for-gazans-or-a-concentration-camp-for-ethnic-cleansing-explained-1752655313058">Israel's proposed 'humanitarian city': A relief zone for Gazans or a concentration camp for ethnic cleansing? Explained</a>The strike in Doha on September 9, which attempted to hit top Hamas negotiator Khalil al Hayra and others, instead killed six people and drew sharp criticism, including from US President Donald Trump. After the backlash, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu phoned Al Thani "at Trump's urging, to apologise for the strike."<h2>Qatar urges full withdrawal of Israeli forces</h2>On Saturday (Dec 6), Qatar and Egypt publicly pushed for a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the deployment of an international stabilisation force to enforce the agreement. Speaking at a forum in Doha, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said there could be no real ceasefire "unless there is full withdrawal of the Israeli forces (and) there is stability back in Gaza."&nbsp;

The US, Israel and Qatar held their highest-level talks since the Gaza ceasefire, meeting quietly in New York to salvage the fragile truce, according to reports. Here's all we know about the trilateral meet.

The United States, Israel and Qatar held a quiet trilateral meeting in New York on Sunday (Dec 7), according to reports. This marks the most senior contact between the three sides since the Gaza war was brought to a halt months ago under a deal Qatar helped broker. According to two sources quoted by Axios, the talks came months after an Israeli airstrike in Doha that attempted, and failed, to target senior Hamas figures. It was "the highest level meeting between the countries since the deal to end the war in Gaza, for which Qatar served as a key mediator," the report suggests. Also read | Gaza peace plan first phase nearly over, Hamas must disarm next, says Netanyahu Steve Witcoff plays host While the White House is yet to confirm the meeting, Axios said it was hosted by US envoy Steve Witkoff, with Mossad chief David Barnea representing Israel and an unidentified senior Qatari official also present. Qatar, working alongside Egypt and the United States, helped negotiate the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. That truce has held unevenly, with both sides accusing each other of violating its terms. What was on the agenda? According to the report, Sunday's meeting in New York focused mainly on how to implement the Gaza peace arrangement in the face of those tensions. Also read | Israel's proposed 'humanitarian city': A relief zone for Gazans or a concentration camp for ethnic cleansing? Explained The strike in Doha on September 9, which attempted to hit top Hamas negotiator Khalil al Hayra and others, instead killed six people and drew sharp criticism, including from US President Donald Trump. After the backlash, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu phoned Al Thani "at Trump's urging, to apologise for the strike." Qatar urges full withdrawal of Israeli forces On Saturday (Dec 6), Qatar and Egypt publicly pushed for a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the deployment of an international stabilisation force to enforce the agreement. Speaking at a forum in Doha, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said there could be no real ceasefire "unless there is full withdrawal of the Israeli forces (and) there is stability back in Gaza."

The US, Israel and Qatar held their highest-level talks since the Gaza ceasefire, meeting quietly in New York to salvage the fragile truce, according to reports. Here's all we know about the trilateral meet.

Did US, Israel and Qatar hold a secret meeting on Gaza peace deal? Report suggests 'highest level meeting' happened in New York

Just weeks after a brazen jewel heist raised security concerns, the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday revealed that several hundred works in its Egyptian department were damaged by a water leak in late November, raising questions on its infrastructure now. “Between 300 and 400 works” were affected by the water leak discovered on 26 November, the museum’s deputy administrator, Francis Steinbock, said, describing them as “Egyptology journals” and “scientific documentation” used by researchers.The damaged items dated from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and were “extremely useful” but “by no means unique”, Steinbock added.“No heritage artefacts have been affected by this damage. At this stage, we have no irreparable and definitive losses in these collections,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-gaza-peace-plan-first-phase-nearly-complete-hamas-must-disarm-in-next-says-netanyahu-1765129323491">‘Gaza peace plan first phase nearly complete, Hamas must disarm in next,’ says Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;The damage comes after a jewel theft in October in which a gang raided the world’s most-visited art museum in broad daylight and stole jewellery worth $102 million in just seven minutes, leading to a fierce debate over the museum’s ageing infrastructure. Then in November, part of a gallery displaying Greek vases had to be shut after structural weaknesses were detected.&nbsp;The Louvre said there would be an internal investigation into the November leak, which was caused by the accidental opening of a valve in the heating and ventilation system that led to water seeping through the ceiling of the Mollien wing, where the books were stored.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-hostile-powers-sending-spies-to-west-s-universities-canada-s-former-intel-chief-1765112296395">‘Hostile’ powers sending spies to West’s universities: Canada’s former intel chief</a>&nbsp;The “completely obsolete” system had been shut down for months and was due to be replaced from September 2026, the museum administrator added.&nbsp;The works will “be dried, sent to a bookbinder to be restored, and then returned to the shelves”, Steinbock said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coup-attempt-foiled-by-loyalist-troops-says-benin-interior-minister-a-dozen-rebels-arrested-1765119795057">Coup attempt foiled by loyalist troops, says Benin interior minister; a dozen rebels arrested</a>&nbsp;Late last month, the Louvre said it would raise ticket prices for most non-EU visitors, meaning US, British and Chinese tourists, among others, will have to pay €32 to get in.The museum said the 45% price hike was aimed at boosting annual revenues by up to $23 million to fund structural improvements.

The Louvre said there would be an internal investigation into the November leak, which was caused by the accidental opening of a valve in the heating and ventilation system that led to water seeping through the ceiling of the Mollien wing, where the books were stored.

Just weeks after a brazen jewel heist raised security concerns, the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday revealed that several hundred works in its Egyptian department were damaged by a water leak in late November, raising questions on its infrastructure now. “Between 300 and 400 works” were affected by the water leak discovered on 26 November, the museum’s deputy administrator, Francis Steinbock, said, describing them as “Egyptology journals” and “scientific documentation” used by researchers. The damaged items dated from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and were “extremely useful” but “by no means unique”, Steinbock added. “No heritage artefacts have been affected by this damage. At this stage, we have no irreparable and definitive losses in these collections,” he said. Also Read: ‘Gaza peace plan first phase nearly complete, Hamas must disarm in next,’ says Netanyahu The damage comes after a jewel theft in October in which a gang raided the world’s most-visited art museum in broad daylight and stole jewellery worth $102 million in just seven minutes, leading to a fierce debate over the museum’s ageing infrastructure. Then in November, part of a gallery displaying Greek vases had to be shut after structural weaknesses were detected. The Louvre said there would be an internal investigation into the November leak, which was caused by the accidental opening of a valve in the heating and ventilation system that led to water seeping through the ceiling of the Mollien wing, where the books were stored. Also Read: ‘Hostile’ powers sending spies to West’s universities: Canada’s former intel chief The “completely obsolete” system had been shut down for months and was due to be replaced from September 2026, the museum administrator added. The works will “be dried, sent to a bookbinder to be restored, and then returned to the shelves”, Steinbock said. Also Read: Coup attempt foiled by loyalist troops, says Benin interior minister; a dozen rebels arrested Late last month, the Louvre said it would raise ticket prices for most non-EU visitors, meaning US, British and Chinese tourists, among others, will have to pay €32 to get in. The museum said the 45% price hike was aimed at boosting annual revenues by up to $23 million to fund structural improvements.

The Louvre said there would be an internal investigation into the November leak, which was caused by the accidental opening of a valve in the heating and ventilation system that led to water seeping through the ceiling of the Mollien wing, where the books were stored.

After jewel heist, water leak damages hundreds of rare works at Louvre Museum in Paris

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that the first phase of the UN-endorsed Gaza ceasefire plan is close to completion and that the second phase must involve the disarmament of Hamas. The Israeli PM said he would discuss the next steps with US President Donald Trump in Washington later this month. Trump’s Gaza proposals were codified in a UN Security Council resolution on 17 November. “We’re about to finish the first stage,” Netanyahu said. “But we have to make sure that we achieve the same results in the second stage, and that’s something I look forward to discussing with President Trump.”&nbsp;Netanyahu was speaking at a joint press conference with the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said, “Phase two must come now, and then phase three must also be considered.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-hostile-powers-sending-spies-to-west-s-universities-canada-s-former-intel-chief-1765112296395">‘Hostile’ powers sending spies to West’s universities: Canada’s former intel chief</a>&nbsp;Merz is the first leader of a major European state to meet Netanyahu in Israel since the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for the Israeli prime minister and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant, in November 2024 for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.&nbsp;After winning federal elections in February, Merz had said he would invite Netanyahu to Germany despite the ICC warrants, but said on Sunday a visit was not currently under consideration. Netanyahu dismisses the warrants as “trumped-up charges” from a “corrupt prosecutor”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coup-attempt-foiled-by-loyalist-troops-says-benin-interior-minister-a-dozen-rebels-arrested-1765119795057">Coup attempt foiled by loyalist troops, says Benin interior minister; a dozen rebels arrested</a>&nbsp;During the first phase of the current ceasefire agreement, Hamas released the last 20 living Israeli hostages in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinian detainees held by Israel, and it has handed over all but one of 28 bodies of hostages killed during the war.&nbsp;The Israeli forces have, meanwhile, withdrawn to a ceasefire line, leaving them in control of 58% of the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;Hamas is supposed to disarm, Israeli troops are meant to withdraw farther, and an international stabilisation force (ISF) is to be set up under the control of a “board of peace” of world leaders chaired by Trump, overseeing a technocratic Palestinian committee to run the day-to-day governance of Gaza.&nbsp;Emphasising on Hamas disarmament, Netanyahu said, “I think it’s important to make sure that Hamas complies not only with the ceasefire, but also with their commitment which they undertook to disarm and have Gaza demilitarise.”

Emphasising on Hamas disarmament, Netanyahu said, “I think it’s important to make sure that Hamas complies not only with the ceasefire, but also with their commitment which they undertook to disarm and have Gaza demilitarise.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that the first phase of the UN-endorsed Gaza ceasefire plan is close to completion and that the second phase must involve the disarmament of Hamas. The Israeli PM said he would discuss the next steps with US President Donald Trump in Washington later this month. Trump’s Gaza proposals were codified in a UN Security Council resolution on 17 November. “We’re about to finish the first stage,” Netanyahu said. “But we have to make sure that we achieve the same results in the second stage, and that’s something I look forward to discussing with President Trump.” Netanyahu was speaking at a joint press conference with the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said, “Phase two must come now, and then phase three must also be considered.” Also Read: ‘Hostile’ powers sending spies to West’s universities: Canada’s former intel chief Merz is the first leader of a major European state to meet Netanyahu in Israel since the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for the Israeli prime minister and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant, in November 2024 for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. After winning federal elections in February, Merz had said he would invite Netanyahu to Germany despite the ICC warrants, but said on Sunday a visit was not currently under consideration. Netanyahu dismisses the warrants as “trumped-up charges” from a “corrupt prosecutor”. Also Read: Coup attempt foiled by loyalist troops, says Benin interior minister; a dozen rebels arrested During the first phase of the current ceasefire agreement, Hamas released the last 20 living Israeli hostages in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinian detainees held by Israel, and it has handed over all but one of 28 bodies of hostages killed during the war. The Israeli forces have, meanwhile, withdrawn to a ceasefire line, leaving them in control of 58% of the Gaza Strip. Hamas is supposed to disarm, Israeli troops are meant to withdraw farther, and an international stabilisation force (ISF) is to be set up under the control of a “board of peace” of world leaders chaired by Trump, overseeing a technocratic Palestinian committee to run the day-to-day governance of Gaza. Emphasising on Hamas disarmament, Netanyahu said, “I think it’s important to make sure that Hamas complies not only with the ceasefire, but also with their commitment which they undertook to disarm and have Gaza demilitarise.”

Emphasising on Hamas disarmament, Netanyahu said, “I think it’s important to make sure that Hamas complies not only with the ceasefire, but also with their commitment which they undertook to disarm and have Gaza demilitarise.”

‘Gaza peace plan first phase nearly complete, Hamas must disarm in next,’ says Netanyahu

President Donald Trump on Sunday (Dec 07) lashed out at the US House member Henry Cuellar for seeking re-election as a Democratic Party candidate. Accusing him of betrayal, Trump said the Texas voter will not like the move. The US president issued a pardon to Congressman Cuellar and his wife on Wednesday as they were facing bribery charges stemming from accusations that they had accepted thousands of dollars from Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank in return for furthering their agenda.&nbsp;“I never spoke to the Congressman, his wife, or his daughters, but felt very good about fighting for a family that was tormented by very sick and deranged people – They were treated sooo BADLY!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. “Such a lack of LOYALTY, something that Texas Voters, and Henry’s daughters, will not like. Oh’ well, next time, no more Mr. Nice guy!”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-operation-sindoor-is-not-over-yet-navy-chief-cautions-will-hit-back-hard-if-provoked-1765124224412">'Operation Sindoor is not over yet': Navy Chief cautions, will hit back hard if provoked</a>&nbsp;Cuellar filed for re-election as a Democrat hours after receiving the pardon and stated that he has no intention of changing his political affiliations.&nbsp;“It came as a surprise,” Cuellar said. “I want to thank President Trump for this. Now we clear the air. Nothing has changed, and we’re going to be ready to win re-election again.”US President's announcement of pardons on Wednesday morning fueled speculation that the 11-term veteran might switch to the Republican Party or withdraw from contesting the upcoming mid-term elections.&nbsp;Earlier, Trump, while granting pardons, said that Cuellar was unfairly targeted by Democrats for being critical of the party's position on immigration.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-starts-exhumation-of-mass-grave-linked-to-2024-uprising-1765114405111">Bangladesh starts exhumation of mass grave linked to 2024 unrest</a>&nbsp;“Henry, I don’t know you, but you can sleep well tonight — Your nightmare is finally over!” Trump posted.&nbsp;Cuellar, often seen as a conservative-leaning Democrat in the US House, represents a South Texas district that Republicans reconfigured in August to boost their own electoral advantage. &nbsp;

Henry Cuellar launched his House re-election campaign as a Democrat days after receiving a pardon from Donald Trump in a bribery case.

President Donald Trump on Sunday (Dec 07) lashed out at the US House member Henry Cuellar for seeking re-election as a Democratic Party candidate. Accusing him of betrayal, Trump said the Texas voter will not like the move. The US president issued a pardon to Congressman Cuellar and his wife on Wednesday as they were facing bribery charges stemming from accusations that they had accepted thousands of dollars from Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank in return for furthering their agenda. “I never spoke to the Congressman, his wife, or his daughters, but felt very good about fighting for a family that was tormented by very sick and deranged people – They were treated sooo BADLY!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. “Such a lack of LOYALTY, something that Texas Voters, and Henry’s daughters, will not like. Oh’ well, next time, no more Mr. Nice guy!” Also Read: 'Operation Sindoor is not over yet': Navy Chief cautions, will hit back hard if provoked Cuellar filed for re-election as a Democrat hours after receiving the pardon and stated that he has no intention of changing his political affiliations. “It came as a surprise,” Cuellar said. “I want to thank President Trump for this. Now we clear the air. Nothing has changed, and we’re going to be ready to win re-election again.” US President's announcement of pardons on Wednesday morning fueled speculation that the 11-term veteran might switch to the Republican Party or withdraw from contesting the upcoming mid-term elections. Earlier, Trump, while granting pardons, said that Cuellar was unfairly targeted by Democrats for being critical of the party's position on immigration. Also Read: Bangladesh starts exhumation of mass grave linked to 2024 unrest “Henry, I don’t know you, but you can sleep well tonight — Your nightmare is finally over!” Trump posted. Cuellar, often seen as a conservative-leaning Democrat in the US House, represents a South Texas district that Republicans reconfigured in August to boost their own electoral advantage.

Henry Cuellar launched his House re-election campaign as a Democrat hours after receiving a pardon from Donald Trump in a bribery case.

'Such a lack of loyalty': Trump blasts Cuellar over Democratic re-election bid despite his pardon

Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, India's chief of Naval staff, on Sunday (Dec 07) said that Operation Sindoor is still underway and the Indian armed forces only temporarily halted the anti-terror campaign launched in May 2025. Lauding the Indian government's actions, Tripathi cautioned that if anyone attempts to attack the country, the armed forces will respond firmly.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/op-sagar-bandhu-indian-army-s-field-hospital-treats-over-1-250-people-in-sri-lanka-as-death-toll-rises-to-627-cyclone-ditwah-indian-army-1765107167335">Op Sagar Bandhu: Indian Army’s field hospital treats over 1,250 people in Sri Lanka as death toll rises to 627</a>&nbsp;"Although Operation Sindoor has been halted, it is not over yet. You are also aware of the actions taken by the Indian government at that time. I realise that the citizens of this country are proud of the Armed Forces. If anyone tries to cast an evil eye on us, we will give them a befitting reply - we proved this during Operation Sindoor, and we will prove it in the future too...," said the Navy Chief while attending the Armed Forces Flag Day function 2025.&nbsp;On Thursday, Delhi observed Navy Day with solemn ceremonies, as top military leaders paid tribute to India’s maritime heroes. At the National War Memorial, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and other senior officers laid a wreath to honour the sailors who defeated Pakistan during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war.&nbsp;Earlier, the Navy chief stated that operations in the Western Arabian Sea have been ongoing continuously for the past 7-8 months, resulting in reduced movement of merchant ships heading towards Pakistan. This, in turn, led to an increase in insurance premiums and put pressure on the neighbouring country's already fragile economy.&nbsp;Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in response to a terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. Under the operation, Indian forces conducted coordinated strikes targeted at terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), leading to a four-day standoff with the neighbouring country and finally concluding with a ceasefire on May 10.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-successfully-tests-long-range-brahmos-supersonic-cruise-missile-1764602528993">Indian Army successfully tests long-range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile</a>New Delhi also put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably” ends cross‑border terrorism. The move marked a sharp shift in India’s strategic posture toward its neighbour.&nbsp;

The Navy chief on Tuesday stated that operations in the western Arabian Sea have been ongoing continuously for the past 7–8 months.

Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, India's chief of Naval staff, on Sunday (Dec 07) said that Operation Sindoor is still underway and the Indian armed forces only temporarily halted the anti-terror campaign launched in May 2025. Lauding the Indian government's actions, Tripathi cautioned that if anyone attempts to attack the country, the armed forces will respond firmly. Also Read: Op Sagar Bandhu: Indian Army’s field hospital treats over 1,250 people in Sri Lanka as death toll rises to 627 "Although Operation Sindoor has been halted, it is not over yet. You are also aware of the actions taken by the Indian government at that time. I realise that the citizens of this country are proud of the Armed Forces. If anyone tries to cast an evil eye on us, we will give them a befitting reply - we proved this during Operation Sindoor, and we will prove it in the future too...," said the Navy Chief while attending the Armed Forces Flag Day function 2025. On Thursday, Delhi observed Navy Day with solemn ceremonies, as top military leaders paid tribute to India’s maritime heroes. At the National War Memorial, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and other senior officers laid a wreath to honour the sailors who defeated Pakistan during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. Earlier, the Navy chief stated that operations in the Western Arabian Sea have been ongoing continuously for the past 7-8 months, resulting in reduced movement of merchant ships heading towards Pakistan. This, in turn, led to an increase in insurance premiums and put pressure on the neighbouring country's already fragile economy. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in response to a terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. Under the operation, Indian forces conducted coordinated strikes targeted at terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), leading to a four-day standoff with the neighbouring country and finally concluding with a ceasefire on May 10. Also Read: Indian Army successfully tests long-range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile New Delhi also put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably” ends cross‑border terrorism. The move marked a sharp shift in India’s strategic posture toward its neighbour.

The Navy chief on Tuesday stated that operations in the western Arabian Sea have been ongoing continuously for the past 7–8 months.

'Operation Sindoor is not over yet': Navy Chief cautions, will hit back hard if provoked

The government of Benin said on Sunday that loyalist troops foiled a coup attempt by members of the armed forces, which had announced a takeover a couple of hours before in the French-speaking West African nation. “The Beninese armed forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic,” Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said in a televised address.Earlier in the day, a group of soldiers made a broadcast saying they had ousted President Patrice Talon after eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots and some journalists working for the state broadcaster being held hostage.&nbsp;The president is safe at the French embassy, a presidential adviser said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-hostile-powers-sending-spies-to-west-s-universities-canada-s-former-intel-chief-1765112296395">‘Hostile’ powers sending spies to West’s universities: Canada’s former intel chief</a>&nbsp;“Early on Sunday morning, 7 December 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny aimed at destabilising the state and its institutions, but loyalist soldiers were able to retain control of the situation and foil the attempt,” Seidou said in his address.Helicopters were seen flying over the city of Cotonou, which is the seat of government, and roads were blocked with heavy military presence on several streets.&nbsp;Benin, a former French colony, regarded as one of Africa’s more stable democracies, is one of the continent’s largest cotton producers but ranks among the world’s poorest countries.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-trump-deserves-nobel-for-bringing-india-and-russia-together-says-ex-pentagon-official-1765029078111">‘Trump deserves Nobel for bringing India and Russia together,’ says ex-Pentagon official</a>&nbsp;The French and Russian embassies urged their citizens to stay indoors. The US embassy advised its citizens to stay away from Cotonou, especially the area around the presidential compound.&nbsp;The rebel soldiers, led by Lt-Col Pascal Tigri, justified their actions by criticising President Talon’s management of the country and handling of the “continuing deterioration of the security situation in northern Benin”.Benin’s army has suffered losses in the north as jihadist militants linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda in insurgency-hit Niger and Burkina Faso spread southwards.The rebels also slammed health care cuts, tax rises, and curbs on political activities.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aviation-regulator-dgca-issues-show-cause-notice-to-indigo-ceo-over-crisis-1765040272497">‘You failed in your duty’: Aviation regulator DGCA issues show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO</a>&nbsp;Talon, 67, is regarded as a close ally of the West and is due to step down next year after completing his second term in office, with elections scheduled for April. He promised not to seek a third term and has endorsed Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as his successor. Talon is praised by supporters for overseeing economic development, but his government has been targeted for suppressing dissent.In October, the electoral commission barred the main opposition candidate from standing on the grounds that he did not have enough sponsors. Last month, MPs passed constitutional amendments, including the creation of a second parliamentary chamber, the Senate. Terms for elected officials were extended from five to seven years, but the presidential two-term limit remained in place.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cong-s-manish-tewari-moves-bill-to-free-mps-from-fear-of-whip-for-good-law-making-1765106892951">Cong’s Manish Tewari moves bill to free MPs from fear of ‘whip’, for good law-making</a>&nbsp;The coup attempt in Benin comes over a week after Umaro Sissoco Embaló was overthrown as president in nearby Guinea-Bissau.There have been several coups in West Africa, including in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger.

Helicopters were seen flying over the city of Cotonou, which is the seat of government, and roads were blocked with heavy military presence on several streets. Earlier, eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots and some journalists working for the state broadcaster being held hostage.

The government of Benin said on Sunday that loyalist troops foiled a coup attempt by members of the armed forces, which had announced a takeover a couple of hours before in the French-speaking West African nation. “The Beninese armed forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic,” Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said in a televised address. Earlier in the day, a group of soldiers made a broadcast saying they had ousted President Patrice Talon after eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots and some journalists working for the state broadcaster being held hostage. The president is safe at the French embassy, a presidential adviser said. Also Read: ‘Hostile’ powers sending spies to West’s universities: Canada’s former intel chief “Early on Sunday morning, 7 December 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny aimed at destabilising the state and its institutions, but loyalist soldiers were able to retain control of the situation and foil the attempt,” Seidou said in his address. Helicopters were seen flying over the city of Cotonou, which is the seat of government, and roads were blocked with heavy military presence on several streets. Benin, a former French colony, regarded as one of Africa’s more stable democracies, is one of the continent’s largest cotton producers but ranks among the world’s poorest countries. Also Read: ‘Trump deserves Nobel for bringing India and Russia together,’ says ex-Pentagon official The French and Russian embassies urged their citizens to stay indoors. The US embassy advised its citizens to stay away from Cotonou, especially the area around the presidential compound. The rebel soldiers, led by Lt-Col Pascal Tigri, justified their actions by criticising President Talon’s management of the country and handling of the “continuing deterioration of the security situation in northern Benin”. Benin’s army has suffered losses in the north as jihadist militants linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda in insurgency-hit Niger and Burkina Faso spread southwards. The rebels also slammed health care cuts, tax rises, and curbs on political activities. Also Read: ‘You failed in your duty’: Aviation regulator DGCA issues show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO Talon, 67, is regarded as a close ally of the West and is due to step down next year after completing his second term in office, with elections scheduled for April. He promised not to seek a third term and has endorsed Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as his successor. Talon is praised by supporters for overseeing economic development, but his government has been targeted for suppressing dissent. In October, the electoral commission barred the main opposition candidate from standing on the grounds that he did not have enough sponsors. Last month, MPs passed constitutional amendments, including the creation of a second parliamentary chamber, the Senate. Terms for elected officials were extended from five to seven years, but the presidential two-term limit remained in place. Also Read: Cong’s Manish Tewari moves bill to free MPs from fear of ‘whip’, for good law-making The coup attempt in Benin comes over a week after Umaro Sissoco Embaló was overthrown as president in nearby Guinea-Bissau. There have been several coups in West Africa, including in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger.

Helicopters were seen flying over the city of Cotonou, which is the seat of government, and roads were blocked with heavy military presence on several streets. Earlier, eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots and some journalists working for the state broadcaster being held hostage.

Coup attempt foiled by loyalist troops, says Benin interior minister; a dozen rebels arrested

Bangladeshi police began exhuming on Sunday a mass grave believed to contain around 114 unidentified victims of a mass uprising that toppled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina last year.&nbsp;The UN-supported effort is being advised by Argentine forensic anthropologist Luis Fondebrider, who has led recovery and identification missions at mass graves worldwide for decades.&nbsp;The bodies were buried at the Rayerbazar Graveyard in Dhaka by the volunteer group Anjuman Mufidul Islam, which said it handled 80 unclaimed bodies in July and another 34 in August 2024 -- all people reported to have been killed during weeks of deadly protests.The United Nations says up to 1,400 people were killed in crackdowns as Hasina attempted to cling to power -- deaths that formed part of her conviction last month for crimes against humanity.&nbsp;Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief Md Sibgat Ullah said investigators believed the mass grave held roughly 114 bodies, but the exact number would only be known once exhumations were complete.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-nightclub-fire-fir-against-owners-and-organisers-panchayat-sarpanch-detained-1765112838957">Goa nightclub fire: FIR against owners and organisers; panchayat sarpanch detained</a>&nbsp;"We can only confirm once we dig the graves and exhume the bodies," Ullah told reporters.<h2>'Searched for him'&nbsp;</h2>Among those hoping for answers is Mohammed Nabil, who is searching for the remains of his brother Sohel Rana, 28, who vanished in July 2024.&nbsp;"We searched for him everywhere," Nabil told AFP.&nbsp;He said his family first suspected Rana's death after seeing a Facebook video, then recognised his clothing -- a blue T-shirt and black trousers -- in a photograph taken by burial volunteers.&nbsp;Exhumed bodies will be given post-mortem examinations and DNA testing.&nbsp;The process is expected to take several weeks to complete.&nbsp;"It's been more than a year, so it won't be possible to extract DNA from the soft tissues," senior police officer Abu Taleb told AFP.&nbsp;"Working with bones would be more time-consuming."&nbsp;Forensic experts from four Dhaka medical colleges are part of the team, with Fondebrider brought in to offer support as part of an agreement with the UN rights body the OHCHR."The process is complex and unique," Fondebrider told reporters. "We will guarantee that international standards will be followed."&nbsp;Fondebrider previously headed the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team, founded in 1984 to investigate the tens of thousands who disappeared during Argentina's former military dictatorship.&nbsp;Authorities say the exhumed bodies will be reburied in accordance with religious rites and their families' wishes.&nbsp;Hasina, convicted in absentia last month and sentenced to death, remains in self-imposed exile in India.

Exhumed bodies will be given post-mortem examinations and DNA testing. The process is expected to take several weeks to complete.



Bangladeshi police began exhuming on Sunday a mass grave believed to contain around 114 unidentified victims of a mass uprising that toppled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina last year. The UN-supported effort is being advised by Argentine forensic anthropologist Luis Fondebrider, who has led recovery and identification missions at mass graves worldwide for decades. The bodies were buried at the Rayerbazar Graveyard in Dhaka by the volunteer group Anjuman Mufidul Islam, which said it handled 80 unclaimed bodies in July and another 34 in August 2024 -- all people reported to have been killed during weeks of deadly protests. The United Nations says up to 1,400 people were killed in crackdowns as Hasina attempted to cling to power -- deaths that formed part of her conviction last month for crimes against humanity. Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief Md Sibgat Ullah said investigators believed the mass grave held roughly 114 bodies, but the exact number would only be known once exhumations were complete. Also Read: Goa nightclub fire: FIR against owners and organisers; panchayat sarpanch detained "We can only confirm once we dig the graves and exhume the bodies," Ullah told reporters. 'Searched for him' Among those hoping for answers is Mohammed Nabil, who is searching for the remains of his brother Sohel Rana, 28, who vanished in July 2024. "We searched for him everywhere," Nabil told AFP. He said his family first suspected Rana's death after seeing a Facebook video, then recognised his clothing -- a blue T-shirt and black trousers -- in a photograph taken by burial volunteers. Exhumed bodies will be given post-mortem examinations and DNA testing. The process is expected to take several weeks to complete. "It's been more than a year, so it won't be possible to extract DNA from the soft tissues," senior police officer Abu Taleb told AFP. "Working with bones would be more time-consuming." Forensic experts from four Dhaka medical colleges are part of the team, with Fondebrider brought in to offer support as part of an agreement with the UN rights body the OHCHR. "The process is complex and unique," Fondebrider told reporters. "We will guarantee that international standards will be followed." Fondebrider previously headed the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team, founded in 1984 to investigate the tens of thousands who disappeared during Argentina's former military dictatorship. Authorities say the exhumed bodies will be reburied in accordance with religious rites and their families' wishes. Hasina, convicted in absentia last month and sentenced to death, remains in self-imposed exile in India.

Exhumed bodies will be given post-mortem examinations and DNA testing.&nbsp;The process is expected to take several weeks to complete.

Bangladesh starts exhumation of mass grave linked to 2024 unrest

Spy agencies from ‘hostile’ nations are now focusing on infiltrating universities and companies in the West, David Vigneault, the former head of Canada’s intelligence service, has revealed. Vigneault also stressed the need for increased vigilance from academics after a recent “industrial-scale” attempt by China to steal new technologies was detected. “The frontline has moved, from being focused on government information to private sector innovation, research innovation, and universities,” he said in an interview with the Guardian, his first since leaving the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), which is part of the “Five Eyes” intelligence sharing alliance including the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cong-s-manish-tewari-moves-bill-to-free-mps-from-fear-of-whip-for-good-law-making-1765106892951">Cong’s Manish Tewari moves bill to free MPs from fear of ‘whip’, for good law-making</a>&nbsp;Vigneault accused Beijing of being the main culprit and said it was using a combination of cyberattacks, infiltrated agents, and recruitment among university staff to acquire sensitive technologies.&nbsp;“The system is built to … in a very systematic way strip out the military applications of these new innovations to then put them into production for the People’s Liberation Army,” he said in the interview on the sidelines of an intelligence conference in The Hague.Vigneault said China’s leadership was stunned by how swiftly the US Army took over Iraq in 2003 and initiated a long programme of military regeneration.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-trump-deserves-nobel-for-bringing-india-and-russia-together-says-ex-pentagon-official-1765029078111">‘Trump deserves Nobel for bringing India and Russia together,’ says ex-Pentagon official</a>&nbsp;Beijing decided to invest in “asymmetric capabilities” and steal as much technical knowledge as possible from the West, he added. “Being an organisation that doesn’t have to worry about the election cycle every four years, they had the ability to look at it from a very long perspective,” he said.&nbsp;The CSIS also found that China meddled in two Canadian elections, in 2019 and 2021. But when it comes to stealing research, Vigneault said all of society, not just politicians, needed to come together to fight the threat.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aviation-regulator-dgca-issues-show-cause-notice-to-indigo-ceo-over-crisis-1765040272497">‘You failed in your duty’: Aviation regulator DGCA issues show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO</a>&nbsp;Vigneault, who now works for the US company Strider, which advises organisations on potential espionage threats, said university staff were recruited by foreign powers based on either naivety, ideology, or greed.He also admitted that focusing on China could lead to a problematic sense of racial profiling among students and faculty in institutions.“What I’ve tried to do is always make the distinction that the problem is not China or the Chinese people, the problem is the Chinese Communist party,” he said, adding that some espionage cases linked to China involved people with no Chinese heritage.&nbsp;

Vigneault said China’s leadership was stunned by how swiftly the US Army took over Iraq in 2003 and initiated a long programme of military regeneration. Beijing decided to invest in “asymmetric capabilities” and steal as much technical knowledge as possible from the West, he added.

Spy agencies from ‘hostile’ nations are now focusing on infiltrating universities and companies in the West, David Vigneault, the former head of Canada’s intelligence service, has revealed. Vigneault also stressed the need for increased vigilance from academics after a recent “industrial-scale” attempt by China to steal new technologies was detected. “The frontline has moved, from being focused on government information to private sector innovation, research innovation, and universities,” he said in an interview with the Guardian, his first since leaving the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), which is part of the “Five Eyes” intelligence sharing alliance including the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Also Read: Cong’s Manish Tewari moves bill to free MPs from fear of ‘whip’, for good law-making Vigneault accused Beijing of being the main culprit and said it was using a combination of cyberattacks, infiltrated agents, and recruitment among university staff to acquire sensitive technologies. “The system is built to … in a very systematic way strip out the military applications of these new innovations to then put them into production for the People’s Liberation Army,” he said in the interview on the sidelines of an intelligence conference in The Hague. Vigneault said China’s leadership was stunned by how swiftly the US Army took over Iraq in 2003 and initiated a long programme of military regeneration. Also Read: ‘Trump deserves Nobel for bringing India and Russia together,’ says ex-Pentagon official Beijing decided to invest in “asymmetric capabilities” and steal as much technical knowledge as possible from the West, he added. “Being an organisation that doesn’t have to worry about the election cycle every four years, they had the ability to look at it from a very long perspective,” he said. The CSIS also found that China meddled in two Canadian elections, in 2019 and 2021. But when it comes to stealing research, Vigneault said all of society, not just politicians, needed to come together to fight the threat. Also Read: ‘You failed in your duty’: Aviation regulator DGCA issues show-cause notice to IndiGo CEO Vigneault, who now works for the US company Strider, which advises organisations on potential espionage threats, said university staff were recruited by foreign powers based on either naivety, ideology, or greed. He also admitted that focusing on China could lead to a problematic sense of racial profiling among students and faculty in institutions. “What I’ve tried to do is always make the distinction that the problem is not China or the Chinese people, the problem is the Chinese Communist party,” he said, adding that some espionage cases linked to China involved people with no Chinese heritage.

Vigneault said China’s leadership was stunned by how swiftly the US Army took over Iraq in 2003 and initiated a long programme of military regeneration. Beijing decided to invest in “asymmetric capabilities” and steal as much technical knowledge as possible from the West, he added.

‘Hostile’ powers sending spies to West’s universities: Canada’s former intel chief

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‘Hostile’ powers sending spies to West’s varsities: Canada’s former intel chief