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Ahead of Donald Trump's swearing-in ceremony as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, an Ohio artist has unveiled a giant 15-foot-tall, $1 million bronze statute of the Republican leader.
Ohio artist Alan Cottrill's 15-foot bronze monument of Donald Trump, named The Patriot Monument of Donald J. Trump, will travel the country before being installed at a future Trump presidential library.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Crypto investors behind the project</h2>
The six-ton statue, financed by bitcoin investors who see Trump as a crypto ally, shows Trump's defiant fist pump during a 2023 rally in Pennsylvania.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coldest-day-in-40-years-donald-trumps-inauguration-moved-indoors-8631285">'Coldest day in 40 years': Donald Trump's inauguration moved indoors</a>
"We're so proud of the statue we all worked so hard to complete. It turned out exactly as planned and is truly fit to match the man it's dedicated to! Larger Than Life!!!" crypto community Patriot Token wrote while sharing the picture of the bronze statue on X.
The famous moment Trump bravely lifted his fist into the air after barely avoiding an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13 is immortalised in the sculptor's "Don Colossus."
<h2 dir="ltr">Immortalising a defiant moment</h2>
At a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, after escaping a claimed assassination attempt, Trump reportedly pumped his fist in defiance, a gesture that the monument purports to depict. The six-ton monument, according to sculptor Cottrill, aims to capture this historical event.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trump-inauguration-crypto-firms-pump-10-million-to-welcome-new-us-president-8633393">Trump inauguration: Crypto firms pump $10 million to welcome new US president</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Trump to take oath as 47th US President on Jan 20</h2>
Notably, Donald Trump will formally return to the White House after his second inauguration as president of the United States on January 20. He won the US presidential elections with a landslide victory after defeating outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris. He is set to take over from the incumbent President Joe Biden.
Along with Mr Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance will also be sworn into office on Monday. This day, traditionally known as Inauguration Day, is marked by events filled with pomp and celebration. The inauguration day events will include a formal swearing-in ceremony, musical performances, a celebratory parade and several formal balls.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: Unveiling a $million masterpiece: Ohio artist presents a towering bronze tribute to Donald Trump ahead of his inauguration as the next US president.

Ahead of Donald Trump's swearing-in ceremony as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, an Ohio artist has unveiled a giant 15-foot-tall, $1 million bronze statute of the Republican leader. Ohio artist Alan Cottrill's 15-foot bronze monument of Donald Trump, named The Patriot Monument of Donald J. Trump, will travel the country before being installed at a future Trump presidential library. Crypto investors behind the project The six-ton statue, financed by bitcoin investors who see Trump as a crypto ally, shows Trump's defiant fist pump during a 2023 rally in Pennsylvania. Also read | 'Coldest day in 40 years': Donald Trump's inauguration moved indoors "We're so proud of the statue we all worked so hard to complete. It turned out exactly as planned and is truly fit to match the man it's dedicated to! Larger Than Life!!!" crypto community Patriot Token wrote while sharing the picture of the bronze statue on X. The famous moment Trump bravely lifted his fist into the air after barely avoiding an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13 is immortalised in the sculptor's "Don Colossus." Immortalising a defiant moment At a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, after escaping a claimed assassination attempt, Trump reportedly pumped his fist in defiance, a gesture that the monument purports to depict. The six-ton monument, according to sculptor Cottrill, aims to capture this historical event. Also read | Trump inauguration: Crypto firms pump $10 million to welcome new US president Trump to take oath as 47th US President on Jan 20 Notably, Donald Trump will formally return to the White House after his second inauguration as president of the United States on January 20. He won the US presidential elections with a landslide victory after defeating outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris. He is set to take over from the incumbent President Joe Biden. Along with Mr Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance will also be sworn into office on Monday. This day, traditionally known as Inauguration Day, is marked by events filled with pomp and celebration. The inauguration day events will include a formal swearing-in ceremony, musical performances, a celebratory parade and several formal balls. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's iconic fist pump moment captured in giant bronze statue

TikTok, late on Saturday (Jan 18), disabled access to its US users. The move came after no last-minute action was taken to prevent the ban.
The move came after the US government announced plans to ban the short video platform due to concerns over national security and data privacy, particularly regarding its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.&nbsp;
With President-elect Donald Trump unable to intervene until he takes office, the ban is poised to take effect, marking a significant development in the ongoing debate over TikTok's presence in the US.
"A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US," said a message to users attempting to use the app. "Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now."&nbsp;
"We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office," the message added. "Please stay tuned!"
The Supreme Court upheld the law that would ban the application in the United States unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells its stake to non-Chinese buyers by Sunday.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tiktok-threatens-itll-go-dark-in-us-as-supreme-court-upholds-ban-law-8631627">Also read: TikTok warns it'll be 'forced to go dark' in US as Supreme Court upholds ban law</a>
<h2>Trump says will 'most likely' give TikTok 90-day extension</h2>
Trump said on Saturday (Jan 18) that he will "most likely" give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from a potential ban in the US after he takes office on Monday (Jan 20).&nbsp;
Trump, in an interview with NBC News "Meet the Press" moderator Kristen Welker, said that after having a discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping, he plans to activate a 90-day reprieve after he reclaims the Oval Office.
"I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done because it's appropriate," he said, ahead of Monday's inauguration.
"If I decide to do that, I'll probably announce it on Monday."
TikTok, on Friday (Jan 17), had announced plans to "go dark" in America on Sunday (Jan 19) unless the Biden administration "provides a definitive statement" that the law forcing its sale won't be enforced.
"Unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement, unfortunately, TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19," TikTok said.
Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called TikTok&rsquo;s plans to go dark &ldquo;a stunt&rdquo; in a statement issued on Saturday morning.
&ldquo;We have seen the most recent statement from TikTok. It is a stunt, and we see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump Administration takes office on Monday,&rdquo; she said.
&ldquo;We have laid out our position clearly and straightforwardly: actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration. So TikTok and other companies should take up any concerns with them,&rdquo; she said.
(With inputs from agencies)

TikTok disconnected access to its users in the United States late Saturday after no action was taken shortly before a national ban was to take effect.

TikTok, late on Saturday (Jan 18), disabled access to its US users. The move came after no last-minute action was taken to prevent the ban. The move came after the US government announced plans to ban the short video platform due to concerns over national security and data privacy, particularly regarding its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. With President-elect Donald Trump unable to intervene until he takes office, the ban is poised to take effect, marking a significant development in the ongoing debate over TikTok's presence in the US. "A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US," said a message to users attempting to use the app. "Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now." "We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office," the message added. "Please stay tuned!" The Supreme Court upheld the law that would ban the application in the United States unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells its stake to non-Chinese buyers by Sunday. Also read: TikTok warns it'll be 'forced to go dark' in US as Supreme Court upholds ban law Trump says will 'most likely' give TikTok 90-day extension Trump said on Saturday (Jan 18) that he will "most likely" give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from a potential ban in the US after he takes office on Monday (Jan 20). Trump, in an interview with NBC News "Meet the Press" moderator Kristen Welker, said that after having a discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping, he plans to activate a 90-day reprieve after he reclaims the Oval Office. "I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done because it's appropriate," he said, ahead of Monday's inauguration. "If I decide to do that, I'll probably announce it on Monday." TikTok, on Friday (Jan 17), had announced plans to "go dark" in America on Sunday (Jan 19) unless the Biden administration "provides a definitive statement" that the law forcing its sale won't be enforced. "Unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement, unfortunately, TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19," TikTok said. Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called TikTok’s plans to go dark “a stunt” in a statement issued on Saturday morning. “We have seen the most recent statement from TikTok. It is a stunt, and we see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump Administration takes office on Monday,” she said. “We have laid out our position clearly and straightforwardly: actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration. So TikTok and other companies should take up any concerns with them,” she said. (With inputs from agencies)

TikTok shuts down US operations amid Donald Trump's reinstatement push

Outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday (Jan 19) criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for saying one thing in private and something different in public to maintain his coalition government.
<h2>Is Netanyahu putting political survival over the Gaza ceasefire?</h2>
Speaking to the New Yorker, Blinken was asked whether Netanyahu had been truthful in his discussions with the United States. Blinken replied, &ldquo;In the moment of those conversations, yes,&rdquo; followed by laughter. He added, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m laughing because given the incredibly complicated coalition politics that exist in Israel, he proceeds in many ways on the basis of what gets [him] to tomorrow and keeps [his] coalition together.&rdquo; Blinken said, &ldquo;He might say one thing to me, and then depending on the audience he&rsquo;s before next, maybe that takes a little bit of a different turn.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hours-before-gaza-ceasefire-netanyahu-warns-hamas-wont-move-forward-until-israel-receives-hostage-list-8633764" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Hours before Gaza ceasefire, Netanyahu warns Hamas 'won't move forward' until Israel receives&nbsp;hostage&nbsp;list</a>
Netanyahu&rsquo;s handling of recent developments regarding a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas appears to validate Blinken&rsquo;s observation. 
<h2>Coalition pressure on the Gaza ceasefire deal</h2>
Members of Netanyahu&rsquo;s far-right coalition have expressed open opposition to the ceasefire, threatening to leave the government if the deal proceeds. For instance, the Religious Zionism Party said they would only continue supporting Netanyahu if he agreed to resume full military action against Hamas following the first phase of the agreement.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-deal-5-prominent-names-among-737-palestinian-prisoners-to-be-freed-by-israel-zakaria-zubeidi-ahmed-barghouti-8633004" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">From Zakaria Zubeidi to Ahmed Barghouti: 5 Prominent names among 737 Palestinian prisoners to be freed by Israel</a>
Staying true to their warnings, the far-right Otzma Yehudit party announced their intention to resign from the coalition on Saturday (Jan 18) after the Israeli cabinet approved the agreement. In a statement, they declared their disapproval of the agreement, calling it &ldquo;reckless.&rdquo; The group&rsquo;s members, including ministers and committee chairs, said they would leave their posts, citing the government&rsquo;s approval of the ceasefire as the reason. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also condemned the deal, saying, &ldquo;I will not sit in a government that, God forbid, will stop the war and not continue until complete victory over Hamas.&rdquo;
<h2>Netanyahu&rsquo;s political balancing act</h2>
In a pre-recorded statement on Saturday (Jan 18) seemingly to manage his coalition&rsquo;s discontent, Netanyahu described the deal as a &ldquo;temporary ceasefire&rdquo; and assured that Israel could resume fighting if the terms were not met. He added that both US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump had agreed that military action could resume if necessary. He added that they assured him that Israel would receive necessary military support from the United States. Netanyahu said, &ldquo;Israel will not rest until all of its war goals are completed,&rdquo; which includes ensuring the safe return of all hostages.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-deal-stalled-by-israels-netanyahu-hamas-denies-backtracking-claims-8627077" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Netanyahu stalls Gaza ceasefire deal until Hamas drops &lsquo;last-minute concessions&rsquo;; group denies backtracking</a>
However, this is not the first time Netanyahu&rsquo;s approach to the ceasefire has caused confusion. On 16 January, his office stated the cabinet would not approve the deal until Hamas conceded to &ldquo;last-minute conditions,&rdquo; a claim quickly refuted by Hamas. This contradiction came after key mediators, like Qatar and the US, confirmed the deal, and congratulations started pouring in from all over the world, with families of hostages celebrating the news of their return.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m62xq90o-w5p6a81x-tx1b1udu">
הצהרה מיוחדת ממני אליכם &gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/8CU2TOeOYn">pic.twitter.com/8CU2TOeOYn</a>
&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1880679572288725326?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Did global pressure force Netanyahu to finally approve the ceasefire?</h2>
Netanyahu also faced mounting pressure from international leaders, including US President-elect Donald Trump and key mediators like Qatar. Trump has reportedly been firm in his approach to the hostage agreement. During a phone interview with NBC News on Saturday (Jan 18), he said that the agreement &ldquo;better hold.&rdquo; When asked how confident he was about the release of hostages, Trump said, &ldquo;We&rsquo;re going to see very soon, and it better hold.&rdquo; He added that he had urged Netanyahu to do whatever was necessary to end the conflict while ensuring the agreement was upheld. &ldquo;Just keep doing what you have to do. This has to end,&rdquo; Trump said.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-gaza-truce-better-be-done-before-his-inauguration-us-president-elect-joe-biden-israel-hamas-war-8629062" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Donald Trump says Gaza truce 'better be done' before his inauguration</a>
A Wall Street Journal report citing sources revealed that Trump&rsquo;s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, delivered a strong message to Netanyahu, pressing him to finalise the deal. According to sources, Witkoff told Netanyahu, &ldquo;The president has been a great friend of Israel, and now it&rsquo;s time to be a friend back.&rdquo; As per the same report, Trump's &ldquo;all hell to pay&rdquo; message warning of severe consequences if hostages were not freed before his inauguration on 20 January was meant for both Hamas and Israel.
<h2>Cautious optimism </h2>
As the first phase of the ceasefire begins, global attention is focused on how this development might shape the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The war has already claimed the lives of over 46,000 Palestinians, with health officials in Gaza saying that most of the victims were women and children. The Israeli military, meanwhile, reports 405 soldiers killed since the start of its invasion of Gaza.
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Middle East: In a pre-recorded statement on Saturday (Jan 18) seemingly to manage his coalition’s discontent, Netanyahu described the deal as a “temporary ceasefire”

Outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday (Jan 19) criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for saying one thing in private and something different in public to maintain his coalition government. Is Netanyahu putting political survival over the Gaza ceasefire? Speaking to the New Yorker, Blinken was asked whether Netanyahu had been truthful in his discussions with the United States. Blinken replied, “In the moment of those conversations, yes,” followed by laughter. He added, “I’m laughing because given the incredibly complicated coalition politics that exist in Israel, he proceeds in many ways on the basis of what gets [him] to tomorrow and keeps [his] coalition together.” Blinken said, “He might say one thing to me, and then depending on the audience he’s before next, maybe that takes a little bit of a different turn.” Also read: Hours before Gaza ceasefire, Netanyahu warns Hamas 'won't move forward' until Israel receives hostage list Netanyahu’s handling of recent developments regarding a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas appears to validate Blinken’s observation. Coalition pressure on the Gaza ceasefire deal Members of Netanyahu’s far-right coalition have expressed open opposition to the ceasefire, threatening to leave the government if the deal proceeds. For instance, the Religious Zionism Party said they would only continue supporting Netanyahu if he agreed to resume full military action against Hamas following the first phase of the agreement. Also read: From Zakaria Zubeidi to Ahmed Barghouti: 5 Prominent names among 737 Palestinian prisoners to be freed by Israel Staying true to their warnings, the far-right Otzma Yehudit party announced their intention to resign from the coalition on Saturday (Jan 18) after the Israeli cabinet approved the agreement. In a statement, they declared their disapproval of the agreement, calling it “reckless.” The group’s members, including ministers and committee chairs, said they would leave their posts, citing the government’s approval of the ceasefire as the reason. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also condemned the deal, saying, “I will not sit in a government that, God forbid, will stop the war and not continue until complete victory over Hamas.” Netanyahu’s political balancing act In a pre-recorded statement on Saturday (Jan 18) seemingly to manage his coalition’s discontent, Netanyahu described the deal as a “temporary ceasefire” and assured that Israel could resume fighting if the terms were not met. He added that both US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump had agreed that military action could resume if necessary. He added that they assured him that Israel would receive necessary military support from the United States. Netanyahu said, “Israel will not rest until all of its war goals are completed,” which includes ensuring the safe return of all hostages. Also read: Netanyahu stalls Gaza ceasefire deal until Hamas drops ‘last-minute concessions’; group denies backtracking However, this is not the first time Netanyahu’s approach to the ceasefire has caused confusion. On 16 January, his office stated the cabinet would not approve the deal until Hamas conceded to “last-minute conditions,” a claim quickly refuted by Hamas. This contradiction came after key mediators, like Qatar and the US, confirmed the deal, and congratulations started pouring in from all over the world, with families of hostages celebrating the news of their return. הצהרה מיוחדת ממני אליכם >> pic.twitter.com/8CU2TOeOYn — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) January 18, 2025 Did global pressure force Netanyahu to finally approve the ceasefire? Netanyahu also faced mounting pressure from international leaders, including US President-elect Donald Trump and key mediators like Qatar. Trump has reportedly been firm in his approach to the hostage agreement. During a phone interview with NBC News on Saturday (Jan 18), he said that the agreement “better hold.” When asked how confident he was about the release of hostages, Trump said, “We’re going to see very soon, and it better hold.” He added that he had urged Netanyahu to do whatever was necessary to end the conflict while ensuring the agreement was upheld. “Just keep doing what you have to do. This has to end,” Trump said. Also read: Donald Trump says Gaza truce 'better be done' before his inauguration A Wall Street Journal report citing sources revealed that Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, delivered a strong message to Netanyahu, pressing him to finalise the deal. According to sources, Witkoff told Netanyahu, “The president has been a great friend of Israel, and now it’s time to be a friend back.” As per the same report, Trump's “all hell to pay” message warning of severe consequences if hostages were not freed before his inauguration on 20 January was meant for both Hamas and Israel. Cautious optimism As the first phase of the ceasefire begins, global attention is focused on how this development might shape the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The war has already claimed the lives of over 46,000 Palestinians, with health officials in Gaza saying that most of the victims were women and children. The Israeli military, meanwhile, reports 405 soldiers killed since the start of its invasion of Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

Politics of survival: How Netanyahu's desire to stay in power shaped the Gaza ceasefire deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday (Jan 18) that the first stage of the deal is a "temporary ceasefire", adding that US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump back Israel's right to resume fighting if the second stage is "fruitless".&nbsp;
Israel reserves the 'right to resume war if necessary' with US support, Netanyahu said in a national address.&nbsp;
He stressed that Trump will ensure that Israel has all the weapons and ammunition that it needs, as he insists Israel is "reserving the right" to resume fighting if needed.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hours-before-gaza-ceasefire-netanyahu-warns-hamas-wont-move-forward-until-israel-receives-hostage-list-8633764" rel="dofollow">Hours before Gaza ceasefire, Netanyahu warns Hamas 'won't move forward' until Israel receives hostage list</a>
It was the first public address by the Israeli Prime Minister after the Gaza ceasefire deal was approved by Israel and Hamas.&nbsp;
Israel will not rest until &ldquo;all of its war goals are completed,&rdquo; he said, which includes the return of every single hostage being held in Gaza.
He further said the US has promised Israel will have the weaponry it needs to return to fighting if necessary and will do so "in new ways and with very great power.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sirens-sound-blasts-heard-in-israel-as-projectiles-launched-from-yemen-report-8632736" rel="dofollow">Sirens sound, blasts heard in Israel as projectiles launched from Yemen: Report</a>
<h2>'Hostage release'</h2>
Netanyahu said 33 "brothers and sisters will be coming home", most of them still alive, because of "our (Israel's) steadfast stand".&nbsp;
He further thanked Trump and Biden, saying that the ceasefire deal was achieved because of them.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-truce-to-take-effect-sunday-at-0630-gmt-israel-approves-list-of-737-detainees-to-be-released-hamas-israel-hamas-war-gaza-ceasefire-8632394" rel="dofollow">Gaza truce to take effect Sunday at 0630 GMT; Israel approves list of 737 detainees to be released</a>
While closing his remarks, Netanyahu noted the successes of the military campaign over the last 15 months, including the killing of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas.
"We changed the face of the Middle East," Netanyahu said, adding that Hamas is not "completely alone" on that front.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-truce-first-hostages-to-be-released-on-sunday-says-israeli-pms-office-8629985" rel="dofollow">Gaza truce: Israel wants no 'public display of joy' during release of Palestinian prisoners</a>
<h2>Islamic Jihad warns to 'murder hostages'</h2>
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group said that Israeli hostages' families should ask the Israeli military to stop intensified strikes in the final hours before a ceasefire takes effect, as this &ldquo;would be the reason for killing their children", The Times of Israel reported.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World, middle east: It was the first address by Israeli PM after the Gaza ceasefire deal was approved.  "Israel will not rest until “all of its war goals are completed,” he said. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday (Jan 18) that the first stage of the deal is a "temporary ceasefire", adding that US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump back Israel's right to resume fighting if the second stage is "fruitless". Israel reserves the 'right to resume war if necessary' with US support, Netanyahu said in a national address. He stressed that Trump will ensure that Israel has all the weapons and ammunition that it needs, as he insists Israel is "reserving the right" to resume fighting if needed. Also read: Hours before Gaza ceasefire, Netanyahu warns Hamas 'won't move forward' until Israel receives hostage list It was the first public address by the Israeli Prime Minister after the Gaza ceasefire deal was approved by Israel and Hamas. Israel will not rest until “all of its war goals are completed,” he said, which includes the return of every single hostage being held in Gaza. He further said the US has promised Israel will have the weaponry it needs to return to fighting if necessary and will do so "in new ways and with very great power.” Also read: Sirens sound, blasts heard in Israel as projectiles launched from Yemen: Report 'Hostage release' Netanyahu said 33 "brothers and sisters will be coming home", most of them still alive, because of "our (Israel's) steadfast stand". He further thanked Trump and Biden, saying that the ceasefire deal was achieved because of them. Also read: Gaza truce to take effect Sunday at 0630 GMT; Israel approves list of 737 detainees to be released While closing his remarks, Netanyahu noted the successes of the military campaign over the last 15 months, including the killing of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas. "We changed the face of the Middle East," Netanyahu said, adding that Hamas is not "completely alone" on that front. Also read: Gaza truce: Israel wants no 'public display of joy' during release of Palestinian prisoners Islamic Jihad warns to 'murder hostages' The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group said that Israeli hostages' families should ask the Israeli military to stop intensified strikes in the final hours before a ceasefire takes effect, as this “would be the reason for killing their children", The Times of Israel reported. (With inputs from agencies)

First stage of deal 'temporary ceasefire', Netanyahu says Biden, Trump back Israel's right to resume fighting

A fuel tanker exploded after flipping over in central Nigeria on Saturday, killing 70 people who had rushed in to collect the spilling fuel, whose price has skyrocketed during the economic crisis.&nbsp;
"The death toll stands at 70 so far," Kumar Tsukwam, the head of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Niger State, told AFP by telephone. 
Tsukwam said a truck carrying 60,000 litres of gasoline had an accident around 10:00 am (0900 GMT) at the Dikko junction on the road linking the federal capital Abuja to the northern city of Kaduna.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-stage-of-deal-temporary-ceasefire-netanyahu-says-biden-trump-back-israels-right-to-resume-fighting-8633839">First stage of deal 'temporary ceasefire', Netanyahu says Biden, Trump back Israel's right to resume fighting</a>
"Most of the victims were burnt beyond recognition," Tsukwam said. "We are at the scene to clear things up."
An FSRC statement said a "large crowd of people gathered to scoop the fuel" when "suddenly the tanker burst into flames, engulfing another tanker".
"So far, 60 corpses have been recovered from the scene;&nbsp;the victims are mostly scavengers," it said.
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago said in a separate statement that an undisclosed number of people had also experienced various degrees of burns.
Last year, shortly after his election, President Bola Tinubu abolished a fuel subsidy.
That sent prices of essentials and other goods soaring, triggering protests.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-will-most-likely-give-tiktok-90-day-extension-to-avoid-ban-after-he-takes-office-8633823">Trump says will 'most likely' give TikTok 90-day extension to avoid ban after he takes office</a>
The price of gasoline has increased fivefold in 18 months. That has led many to risk their lives to collect fuel during tanker truck accidents, which are common in Africa's most populous country. 
Inflation has been running at over 30 percent for the past year, and a report late last year jointly written by Nigerian authorities, the United Nations, and NGOs said that more than 33 million of Nigeria's roughly 230 million people would go hungry in 2025.
Niger State's Bago said the explosion was "worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate", but he added that people should "always be responsible and give priority to their safety".
In October, more than 170 people died in a similar incident in Jigawa State, in northern Nigeria. 
In 2020, the FRSC listed 1,531 fuel tanker accidents, which claimed over 535 lives.
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&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.

World: "The death toll stands at 70 so far," Kumar Tsukwam, the head of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Niger State, told AFP after the tanker carrying 60,000 litres of gasoline exploded after flipping over.

A fuel tanker exploded after flipping over in central Nigeria on Saturday, killing 70 people who had rushed in to collect the spilling fuel, whose price has skyrocketed during the economic crisis. "The death toll stands at 70 so far," Kumar Tsukwam, the head of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Niger State, told AFP by telephone. Tsukwam said a truck carrying 60,000 litres of gasoline had an accident around 10:00 am (0900 GMT) at the Dikko junction on the road linking the federal capital Abuja to the northern city of Kaduna. Also read: First stage of deal 'temporary ceasefire', Netanyahu says Biden, Trump back Israel's right to resume fighting "Most of the victims were burnt beyond recognition," Tsukwam said. "We are at the scene to clear things up." An FSRC statement said a "large crowd of people gathered to scoop the fuel" when "suddenly the tanker burst into flames, engulfing another tanker". "So far, 60 corpses have been recovered from the scene; the victims are mostly scavengers," it said. Niger State Governor Umaru Bago said in a separate statement that an undisclosed number of people had also experienced various degrees of burns. Last year, shortly after his election, President Bola Tinubu abolished a fuel subsidy. That sent prices of essentials and other goods soaring, triggering protests. Also read: Trump says will 'most likely' give TikTok 90-day extension to avoid ban after he takes office The price of gasoline has increased fivefold in 18 months. That has led many to risk their lives to collect fuel during tanker truck accidents, which are common in Africa's most populous country. Inflation has been running at over 30 percent for the past year, and a report late last year jointly written by Nigerian authorities, the United Nations, and NGOs said that more than 33 million of Nigeria's roughly 230 million people would go hungry in 2025. Niger State's Bago said the explosion was "worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate", but he added that people should "always be responsible and give priority to their safety". In October, more than 170 people died in a similar incident in Jigawa State, in northern Nigeria. In 2020, the FRSC listed 1,531 fuel tanker accidents, which claimed over 535 lives. 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.

Nigeria fuel tanker explosion kills 70 as crowd rushes to scoop fuel amid soaring prices

Two days ahead of Donald Trump inauguration, thousands of people have began arriving in Washington DC for the People's March, which is going to be held on Saturday. People will be protesting&nbsp;against the GOP's policies, which according to them will undermine the women's rights, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and racial and religious minorities.
Meanwhile, Trump is also expected to arrive in Washington today. Ahead of the protests, security has beefed up in Washington. Over the past week, metal barriers have been erected around much of central DC. Further, roads have also been closed as large crowds are expected to participate in the protest.&nbsp;

Crowd started the People's March with a focus on democracy, immigration, anti-militarism and climate change at Farragut Square.&nbsp;
<figure class="image"><img alt="People's March kicks off." src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/512x341/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/18/2B5PgzayVJd4uhWginy5.jpg" style="width: 512px;">
<figcaption>People's March kicks off. Photograph: (AFP)</figcaption>
</figure>
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The protests started with people chanting the slogan, &lsquo;What do we gonna do? Stand up, rise up!&rsquo;

People's March LIVE updates: Protest kicks off in Washington DC, chanting 'Stand up, rise up!’

This blog has been closed now. Further details to come.

<figure class="image"><img alt="Protesters rally during the People&rsquo;s March in Washington, DC, on January 18, 2025, ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump." src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/512x341/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/18/t90V9DvPAOrNNapBBM7c.jpg" style="width: 512px;">
<figcaption>Protesters rally during the People&rsquo;s March in Washington, DC, on January 18, 2025, ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump. Photograph: (AFP)</figcaption>
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<figure class="image"><img alt="Protesters rally during the People&rsquo;s March in Washington, DC, on January 18, 2025, ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump." src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/512x345/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/18/nwydIII7vWBdyp3oPzQV.jpg" style="width: 512px;">
<figcaption>Protesters rally during the People&rsquo;s March in Washington, DC, on January 18, 2025, ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump. Photograph: (AFP)</figcaption>
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<figure class="image"><img alt="Protesters rally during the People&rsquo;s March in Washington, DC, on January 18, 2025, ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump." src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/512x341/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/18/7Yx9kB84Rd69ioNlMRVo.jpg" style="width: 512px;">
<figcaption>Protesters rally during the People&rsquo;s March in Washington, DC, on January 18, 2025, ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump. Photograph: (AFP)</figcaption>
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<figure class="image"><img alt="Protesters rally during the People&rsquo;s March in Washington, DC, on January 18, 2025, ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump." src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/512x341/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/18/9dfY8KFLr3YoyXN1rcz1.jpg" style="width: 512px;">
<figcaption>Protesters rally during the People&rsquo;s March in Washington, DC, on January 18, 2025, ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump. Photograph: (AFP)</figcaption>
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<figure class="image"><img alt="Protesters rally during the People&rsquo;s March in Washington, DC, on January 18, 2025, ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump." src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/512x344/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/18/m9YROAJuPPvU4OOlovA7.jpg" style="width: 512px;">
<figcaption>Protesters rally during the People&rsquo;s March in Washington, DC, on January 18, 2025, ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump. Photograph: (AFP)</figcaption>
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People's March LIVE updates: A glimpse of the protest against Trump 

One of the women gathered in Washington to march against Trump told BBC they have different reasons to brave the cold for the People's March.&nbsp;
"I'm sad that our country's leaned towards a president that's already failed us once and that we did not nominate a female candidate," Brooke told the British news agency.&nbsp;

People's March LIVE updates: 'Not happy' with the way the US voted, says protester

Thousands gathered in Washington DC for the People's March against the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.&nbsp;
Rick Glatz, from New Hampshire's Manchester, joined the protest for his granddaughter and talked about his reason for attending it.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m a grandpa. And that&rsquo;s why I&rsquo;m marching," he told the Associated Press.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The incoming administration is going to do nothing and even make it worse,&rdquo; he further said.&nbsp;

People's March LIVE updates: Thousands gathered in Washington DC to protest Trump's inauguration

As US President-elect Donald Trump is expected to arrive in Washington, he will be attending a reception at his golf course in nearby Sterling, Virginia.
Trump's Vice President JD Vance is expected to appear &nbsp;at a dinner at the National Gallery of Art on Saturday evening.

People's March LIVE updates: What else is going on in Washington today?

<h2>Who organised the march?</h2>
The march is being organised by a coalition of groups, including Women&rsquo;s March and Abortion Access Now, organisations promoting reproductive health, rights, and justice led by Reproductive Freedom for All and Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity, or URGE.&nbsp;
<h2>Key issues to be addressed</h2>
Civil rights, racial justice, and reproductive health organisations joined forces to plan the protest, which was triggered by a range of issues, including abortion rights after the overturning of Roe v. Wade; climate change; economic issues; gun violence prevention; and the securing of expanded rights for immigrants, including a path to citizenship for all.
<h2>Where is it happening?</h2>
People will gather at 10 am at either Farragut Square, McPherson Square, or Franklin Park, with each location focused on specific issues.
The march will end at the Lincoln Memorial by 1 pm, the National Park Service permit said.
<h2>What will be happening?</h2>
The progressive speakers for reproductive rights and racial justice, including Rachel Carmona, the head of the Women's March, will address the crowd during the march.&nbsp;
The protesters are planning to march via 17th Street to the Lincoln Memorial at 11 am, where they will be holding a rally, as per the permit.&nbsp;

People's March LIVE updates: What to know about the rally?

The Women&rsquo;s March is coming back to the national capital just two days before Trump takes office. After being rebranded, the rally is now called the People&rsquo;s March as now it is targeting multiple agendas, including immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and racial and religious minorities.&nbsp;

People's March LIVE updates: Tens of thousands of people expected to gather for march

Donald Trump, who is set to take over the Oval Office on Monday, will return to Washington on Saturday to kick off days of pageantry to herald his second inauguration as president.&nbsp;

People's March LIVE updates: Trump to arrive in Washington for inaugural celebrations

An Austin based woman Jill Parrish, 55, held a sign saying that women should resist the misogyny.
&ldquo;I flew in last night. Honestly, I had bought a ticket to come to DC to attend Kamala Harris&rsquo;s inauguration. And, when that didn&rsquo;t transpire, I decided to go ahead and I change my ticket to come earlier and, come to support this March instead and to leave before the inauguration, because the last thing I want is to be here.&rdquo;

People's March LIVE updates: People protesting for women's rights 

As People's March is expected to begin, hundreds of protesters have gathered at Franklin Square to protest on &nbsp;issues like reproductive and LGBT rights.&nbsp;
People were seen holding signs like Save America and &ldquo;Against abortions? Then don&rsquo;t have one&rdquo; and &ldquo;Hate won&rsquo;t win.&rdquo;

People's March LIVE updates: Hundreds gather in DC's Franklin Square

World: People will be protesting against GOP's policies, which according to them will undermine the women's rights, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and racial minorities.

Two days ahead of Donald Trump inauguration, thousands of people have began arriving in Washington DC for the People's March, which is going to be held on Saturday. People will be protesting against the GOP's policies, which according to them will undermine the women's rights, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and racial and religious minorities. Meanwhile, Trump is also expected to arrive in Washington today. Ahead of the protests, security has beefed up in Washington. Over the past week, metal barriers have been erected around much of central DC. Further, roads have also been closed as large crowds are expected to participate in the protest.

People's March highlights: Protest kicks off in Washington DC, chanting 'Stand up, rise up!’

US President-elect Donald Trump said on Saturday (Jan 18) that he will "most likely" give <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/tiktok-ban" rel="dofollow">TikTok </a>a 90-day reprieve from a potential ban in the US after he takes office on Monday (Jan 20).&nbsp;
Trump, in an interview with NBC News "Meet the Press" moderator Kristen Welker, said that he hadn't made a final decision but was considering a 90-day extension of the deadline given to the China-based social media company.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I think that would be certainly an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done because it&rsquo;s appropriate. You know, it&rsquo;s appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. It&rsquo;s a very big situation,&rdquo; Trump said in a phone interview.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tiktok-threatens-itll-go-dark-in-us-as-supreme-court-upholds-ban-law-8631627" rel="dofollow">TikTok warns it'll be 'forced to go dark' in US as Supreme Court upholds ban law</a>
<h2>'To be announced on Monday'</h2>
&ldquo;If I decide to do that, I&rsquo;ll probably announce it on Monday,&rdquo; he said.
However, an extension may not be enough to prevent the app from going dark for at least a day because the current deadline for compliance is Sunday.
TikTok on Friday announced plans to "go dark" in America on Sunday (Jan 19) unless the Biden administration "provides a definitive statement" that the law forcing its sale won't be enforced.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-upholds-law-banning-tiktok-fate-hangs-in-trumps-hands-8631136" rel="dofollow">US Supreme Court upholds law banning TikTok, fate hangs in Trump's hands</a>
"Unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement, unfortunately, TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19," TikTok said.
Earlier on Friday, the US Supreme Court upheld a law requiring TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to divest its US operations or face a complete ban in the country.&nbsp;
The top court, in its ruling, found that the law banning TikTok was not in violation of free speech rights.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-ban-in-us-india-instagram-youtube-shorts-rednote-donald-trump-joe-biden-8630695" rel="dofollow">What's life post TikTok ban? Here's what US should learn from India</a>
Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called TikTok&rsquo;s plans to go dark &ldquo;a stunt&rdquo; in a statement issued on Saturday morning.
&ldquo;We have seen the most recent statement from TikTok. It is a stunt, and we see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump Administration takes office on Monday,&rdquo; she said.
&ldquo;We have laid out our position clearly and straightforwardly: actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration. So TikTok and other companies should take up any concerns with them,&rdquo; she said.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: Trump said that he hadn't made a final decision, but was considering a 90-day extension of the deadline given to the China-based social media company. 

US President-elect Donald Trump said on Saturday (Jan 18) that he will "most likely" give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from a potential ban in the US after he takes office on Monday (Jan 20). Trump, in an interview with NBC News "Meet the Press" moderator Kristen Welker, said that he hadn't made a final decision but was considering a 90-day extension of the deadline given to the China-based social media company. “I think that would be certainly an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done because it’s appropriate. You know, it’s appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. It’s a very big situation,” Trump said in a phone interview. Also read: TikTok warns it'll be 'forced to go dark' in US as Supreme Court upholds ban law 'To be announced on Monday' “If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday,” he said. However, an extension may not be enough to prevent the app from going dark for at least a day because the current deadline for compliance is Sunday. TikTok on Friday announced plans to "go dark" in America on Sunday (Jan 19) unless the Biden administration "provides a definitive statement" that the law forcing its sale won't be enforced. Also read: US Supreme Court upholds law banning TikTok, fate hangs in Trump's hands "Unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement to satisfy the most critical service providers assuring non-enforcement, unfortunately, TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19," TikTok said. Earlier on Friday, the US Supreme Court upheld a law requiring TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to divest its US operations or face a complete ban in the country. The top court, in its ruling, found that the law banning TikTok was not in violation of free speech rights. Also read: What's life post TikTok ban? Here's what US should learn from India Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called TikTok’s plans to go dark “a stunt” in a statement issued on Saturday morning. “We have seen the most recent statement from TikTok. It is a stunt, and we see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump Administration takes office on Monday,” she said. “We have laid out our position clearly and straightforwardly: actions to implement this law will fall to the next administration. So TikTok and other companies should take up any concerns with them,” she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says will 'most likely' give TikTok 90-day extension to avoid ban after he takes office

Thirty people were injured Saturday, four of them seriously, when a chairlift broke down at a Spanish ski resort near the French border, regional officials said.&nbsp;
The accident at the Astun ski resort in the Pyrenees occurred around midday.&nbsp;
Also read |&nbsp;<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hours-before-gaza-ceasefire-netanyahu-warns-hamas-wont-move-forward-until-israel-receives-hostage-list-8633764" aria-label="Hours before Gaza ceasefire, Netanyahu warns Hamas 'won't move forward' until Israel receives&nbsp;hostage&nbsp;list">Hours before Gaza ceasefire, Netanyahu warns Hamas 'won't move forward' until Israel receives hostage list</a>
Officials said 10 people had been hospitalised while another 20 were treated at the ski station by emergency services.
"There was a failure in the return pulley of one of the chairlifts and this caused the cable to lose tension, causing some chairs to fall and others to remain hanging," said Miguel Angel Clavero, emergencies director for the Aragon region, where Astun is located.
Aragon's top official, Jorge Azcon, said one woman had been airlifted to the hospital with serious injuries. Three others were also seriously injured.
Also read |&nbsp;<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-man-stabbed-in-tel-aviv-in-terrorist-attack-8633795" aria-label="Israeli man stabbed in Tel Aviv in 'terrorist attack'">Israeli man stabbed in Tel Aviv in 'terrorist attack'</a>
The chairlift malfunction left some skiers dangling in mid-air, while several others fell to the ground.
"Suddenly we heard a sound, and we fell straight to the ground, inside the chair," Maria Moreno told public television TVE.&nbsp; "We bounced up and down about five times, and our backs were quite sore or we were hurt, but there were people who fell out of the chairs."
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-when-russians-hide-north-koreans-shoot-how-pyongyangs-troops-are-reshaping-8633581" aria-label="'When Russians hide, North Koreans&nbsp;shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war">'When Russians hide, North Koreans&nbsp;shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war</a>
"The truth is that we were very scared," said Moreno, adding that there must be people with serious injuries because "the chair hit them directly" when it collapsed.&nbsp;
"It's like a cable came loose and suddenly all the chairs started to bounce and people went flying," a young man told TVE. Azcon said on X everything was being done to attend to those affected.&nbsp;
Five helicopters and a dozen ambulances were sent to the resort, where a makeshift hospital had been set up.&nbsp; Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on X he had spoken to Azcon and offered government support.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stabbed-her-dont-remember-how-many-times-british-man-killed-partner-after-she-alleged-him-of-cheating-8633466" aria-label="'Stabbed her, don't remember how many times': British man killed partner after she accused him of cheating">'Stabbed her, don't remember how many times': British man killed partner after she accused him of cheating</a>
<div class="post-content">
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.
</div>

World | Emergency services quickly arrived at the ski station, ensuring timely medical intervention, which was crucial to managing the critical nature of the incident efficiently.

Thirty people were injured Saturday, four of them seriously, when a chairlift broke down at a Spanish ski resort near the French border, regional officials said. The accident at the Astun ski resort in the Pyrenees occurred around midday. Also read | Hours before Gaza ceasefire, Netanyahu warns Hamas 'won't move forward' until Israel receives hostage list Officials said 10 people had been hospitalised while another 20 were treated at the ski station by emergency services. "There was a failure in the return pulley of one of the chairlifts and this caused the cable to lose tension, causing some chairs to fall and others to remain hanging," said Miguel Angel Clavero, emergencies director for the Aragon region, where Astun is located. Aragon's top official, Jorge Azcon, said one woman had been airlifted to the hospital with serious injuries. Three others were also seriously injured. Also read | Israeli man stabbed in Tel Aviv in 'terrorist attack' The chairlift malfunction left some skiers dangling in mid-air, while several others fell to the ground. "Suddenly we heard a sound, and we fell straight to the ground, inside the chair," Maria Moreno told public television TVE. "We bounced up and down about five times, and our backs were quite sore or we were hurt, but there were people who fell out of the chairs." Also read | 'When Russians hide, North Koreans shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war "The truth is that we were very scared," said Moreno, adding that there must be people with serious injuries because "the chair hit them directly" when it collapsed. "It's like a cable came loose and suddenly all the chairs started to bounce and people went flying," a young man told TVE. Azcon said on X everything was being done to attend to those affected. Five helicopters and a dozen ambulances were sent to the resort, where a makeshift hospital had been set up. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on X he had spoken to Azcon and offered government support. Also read | 'Stabbed her, don't remember how many times': British man killed partner after she accused him of cheating 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.

Thirty injured as lift collapses at Spanish ski resort, four in serious condition

Hours before a ceasefire deal is set to take effect, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel has not yet received a list of hostages that Hamas plans to release, potentially delaying the agreement.
&ldquo;We will not move forward with the outline until we receive a list of the hostages to be freed, as agreed,&rdquo; Netanyahu said in a statement issued by his office.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-when-russians-hide-north-koreans-shoot-how-pyongyangs-troops-are-reshaping-8633581">'When Russians hide, North Koreans&nbsp;shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war</a>
He also warned, &ldquo;Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. The sole responsibility lies with Hamas.&rdquo;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m62i0q3v-ghdi1k9d-c8xd955r">
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "We will be unable to move forward with the framework until we receive the list of the hostages who will be released, as was agreed. Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. Hamas is solely responsible."
&mdash; Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/1880663771255099703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
According to the agreement, Hamas is required to provide the names of the hostages at least 24 hours prior to their release. The release was initially scheduled for 4:00 PM local time.
The ceasefire in Gaza is expected to begin at 8:30 AM Gaza time (6:30 AM GMT) on Sunday, 19 January, as confirmed by a spokesperson for Qatar&rsquo;s foreign ministry. The agreement outlines a three-phase truce, starting with a six-week period during which hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for prisoners detained in Israel.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-deal-5-prominent-names-among-737-palestinian-prisoners-to-be-freed-by-israel-zakaria-zubeidi-ahmed-barghouti-8633004">From Zakaria Zubeidi to Ahmed Barghouti: 5 Prominent names among 737 Palestinian prisoners to be freed by Israel</a>
<h2>How many Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners will be freed in the first phase?</h2>
During the initial phase, 33 out of the 98 remaining <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-42-day-first-phase">Israeli hostages</a> are set to be released. These include women, children, men over the age of 50, and individuals who are ill or injured, according to Reuters.
The Jerusalem Post, citing Army Radio, reported on Saturday that 25 of the 33 hostages expected to be freed in this phase are believed to still be alive.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-truce-to-take-effect-sunday-at-0630-gmt-israel-approves-list-of-737-detainees-to-be-released-hamas-israel-hamas-war-gaza-ceasefire-8632394">Gaza truce to take effect Sunday at 0630 GMT; Israel approves list of 737 detainees to be released</a>
In exchange, Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Among those to be freed are 737 men, women, and teenagers, some of whom are affiliated with Palestinian militant groups and were convicted of attacks resulting in the deaths of numerous Israelis. The list also includes Palestinians from Gaza detained since the war began.
Details of the prisoners were published by the Israeli justice ministry on Saturday, alongside the ceasefire agreement. The deal specifies that 30 Palestinian prisoners will be released for every Israeli female hostage freed on Sunday.
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Middle East: “We will not move forward with the outline until we receive a list of the hostages to be freed, as agreed,” Netanyahu said in a statement issued by his office.

Hours before a ceasefire deal is set to take effect, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel has not yet received a list of hostages that Hamas plans to release, potentially delaying the agreement. “We will not move forward with the outline until we receive a list of the hostages to be freed, as agreed,” Netanyahu said in a statement issued by his office. Also read: 'When Russians hide, North Koreans shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war He also warned, “Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. The sole responsibility lies with Hamas.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "We will be unable to move forward with the framework until we receive the list of the hostages who will be released, as was agreed. Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. Hamas is solely responsible." — Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 18, 2025 According to the agreement, Hamas is required to provide the names of the hostages at least 24 hours prior to their release. The release was initially scheduled for 4:00 PM local time. The ceasefire in Gaza is expected to begin at 8:30 AM Gaza time (6:30 AM GMT) on Sunday, 19 January, as confirmed by a spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry. The agreement outlines a three-phase truce, starting with a six-week period during which hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for prisoners detained in Israel. Also read: From Zakaria Zubeidi to Ahmed Barghouti: 5 Prominent names among 737 Palestinian prisoners to be freed by Israel How many Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners will be freed in the first phase? During the initial phase, 33 out of the 98 remaining Israeli hostages are set to be released. These include women, children, men over the age of 50, and individuals who are ill or injured, according to Reuters. The Jerusalem Post, citing Army Radio, reported on Saturday that 25 of the 33 hostages expected to be freed in this phase are believed to still be alive. Also read: Gaza truce to take effect Sunday at 0630 GMT; Israel approves list of 737 detainees to be released In exchange, Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Among those to be freed are 737 men, women, and teenagers, some of whom are affiliated with Palestinian militant groups and were convicted of attacks resulting in the deaths of numerous Israelis. The list also includes Palestinians from Gaza detained since the war began. Details of the prisoners were published by the Israeli justice ministry on Saturday, alongside the ceasefire agreement. The deal specifies that 30 Palestinian prisoners will be released for every Israeli female hostage freed on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Hours before Gaza ceasefire, Netanyahu warns Hamas 'won't move forward' until Israel receives hostage list

An Israeli man was stabbed in Tel Aviv in what Israeli media described as a "terrorist attack" on Saturday (Jan 18). The accused was allegedly a Palestinian who was shot and killed by an Israeli armed civilian.&nbsp;
The incident occurred on Levontin Street in Tel Aviv when the victim in his 30s was "attacked" and was taken to Ichilov Hospital in serious condition.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hours-before-gaza-ceasefire-netanyahu-warns-hamas-wont-move-forward-until-israel-receives-hostage-list-8633764" aria-label="Hours before Gaza ceasefire, Netanyahu warns Hamas 'won't move forward' until Israel receives&nbsp;hostage&nbsp;list">Hours before Gaza ceasefire, Netanyahu warns Hamas 'won't move forward' until Israel receives&nbsp;hostage&nbsp;list</a>
The alleged Palestinian man, 19, named Salah Yahye, was reported to be hailing from the West Bank of the city of Tulkarem.
The Times of Israel reported that Israeli defence sources said the man was staying in Israel illegally.&nbsp;
Initially, the suspected attack was described as &ldquo;a shooting incident," as authorities assumed it was the result of a civilian's shooting.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peoples-march-live-updates-protesters-arrive-in-washington-dc-ahead-of-donald-trumps-inauguration-8633570" aria-label="People's March LIVE updates: Protest kicks off in Washington DC, chanting 'Stand up, rise up!&rsquo;">People's March LIVE updates: Protest kicks off in Washington DC, chanting 'Stand up, rise up!&rsquo;</a>
The Times of Israel shared a video claiming the Palestinian man attacked a group of people standing on the sidewalk outside an eatery in the coastal city. The man was seen fleeing from the scene after the attack when he was shot dead.&nbsp;
Israeli police said a broader investigation is undergoing into the incident, and a large number of officers have been deployed at the site.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-when-russians-hide-north-koreans-shoot-how-pyongyangs-troops-are-reshaping-8633581" aria-label="'When Russians hide, North Koreans&nbsp;shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war">'When Russians hide, North Koreans&nbsp;shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war</a>
The attack came just a day before the Gaza ceasefire is scheduled to come into effect.&nbsp;
Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel has not yet received a list of hostages that Hamas plans to release, potentially delaying the agreement.
&ldquo;We will not move forward with the outline until we receive a list of the hostages to be freed, as agreed,&rdquo; Netanyahu said in a statement issued by his office.
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stabbed-her-dont-remember-how-many-times-british-man-killed-partner-after-she-alleged-him-of-cheating-8633466" aria-label="'Stabbed her, don't remember how many times': British man killed partner after she accused him of cheating">'Stabbed her, don't remember how many times': British man killed partner after she accused him of cheating</a>
He also warned, &ldquo;Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. The sole responsibility lies with Hamas.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

World | Israeli defence sources have indicated that the individual in question was residing in Israel without legal authorisation, raising security and immigration concerns.

An Israeli man was stabbed in Tel Aviv in what Israeli media described as a "terrorist attack" on Saturday (Jan 18). The accused was allegedly a Palestinian who was shot and killed by an Israeli armed civilian. The incident occurred on Levontin Street in Tel Aviv when the victim in his 30s was "attacked" and was taken to Ichilov Hospital in serious condition. Also read | Hours before Gaza ceasefire, Netanyahu warns Hamas 'won't move forward' until Israel receives hostage list The alleged Palestinian man, 19, named Salah Yahye, was reported to be hailing from the West Bank of the city of Tulkarem. The Times of Israel reported that Israeli defence sources said the man was staying in Israel illegally. Initially, the suspected attack was described as “a shooting incident," as authorities assumed it was the result of a civilian's shooting. Also read | People's March LIVE updates: Protest kicks off in Washington DC, chanting 'Stand up, rise up!’ The Times of Israel shared a video claiming the Palestinian man attacked a group of people standing on the sidewalk outside an eatery in the coastal city. The man was seen fleeing from the scene after the attack when he was shot dead. Israeli police said a broader investigation is undergoing into the incident, and a large number of officers have been deployed at the site. Also read | 'When Russians hide, North Koreans shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war The attack came just a day before the Gaza ceasefire is scheduled to come into effect. Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel has not yet received a list of hostages that Hamas plans to release, potentially delaying the agreement. “We will not move forward with the outline until we receive a list of the hostages to be freed, as agreed,” Netanyahu said in a statement issued by his office. Also read | 'Stabbed her, don't remember how many times': British man killed partner after she accused him of cheating He also warned, “Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. The sole responsibility lies with Hamas.” (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli man stabbed in Tel Aviv in 'terrorist attack'

Two days ahead of Donald Trump inauguration, thousands of people have began arriving in Washington DC for the People's March, which is going to be held on Saturday. People will be protesting against the GOP's policies, which according to them will undermine women's rights, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and racial and religious minorities.
In other news, nearly five months after a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was brutally raped and murdered, a local court on Saturday (Jan 18) convicted former civic volunteer and the prime accused, Sanjay Roy.&nbsp;
Click on the headlines to read more&nbsp;
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Two days ahead of the Donald Trump inauguration, thousands of people have begun arriving in Washington, DC, for the People's March, which is going to be held on Saturday. People will be protesting&nbsp;against the GOP's policies, which according to them will undermine the women's rights, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and racial and religious minorities.
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Nearly five months after a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was brutally raped and murdered, a local court on Saturday (Jan 18) convicted former civic volunteer and the prime accused, Sanjay Roy.&nbsp;
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The capture of two North Korean soldiers by Ukrainian forces marks a significant moment in&nbsp;Russia&rsquo;s&nbsp;war against Ukraine. Their testimonies have been crucial in confirming details about these troops and Pyongyang that were previously only assumptions.
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The year was 1998, a 31-year-old man from the Indian state of Bihar, Chanderkant Jha was arrested for killing a man in Delhi. He was in jail till 2002 and was later released due to lack of evidence. Soon after the release, he started a chilling series of murders in Delhi.&nbsp;
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As Donald Trump's inauguration nears, Washington DC residents are fleeing the city, trying to stay away from the event, saying that they do not want to be around that "sort of hostile negative energy".
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Israel&rsquo;s justice ministry has confirmed that 737 Palestinian prisoners and detainees&nbsp;are set&nbsp;to&nbsp;be released&nbsp;as part of the initial phase of a truce deal. None of the prisoners will be freed&nbsp;before 4:00 pm local time on Sunday (Jan 18).
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Delhi airport operator DIAL said on Saturday there will be no flight arrivals and departures between 10.20 am and 12.45 pm for the next eight days till January 26&nbsp;in view of&nbsp;the Republic Day week.
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At least four people have been killed and three injured in a Russian drone and missile attack in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Saturday (Jan 18).
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In a shocking turn of events, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was allegedly stabbed during a burglary attempt at his home in the upscale neighbourhood of Bandra in Mumbai city.&nbsp;
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The BCCI has picked Jasprit Bumrah in India&rsquo;s 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced during a presser in Mumbai. His fellow seamer Mohammed Shami returned to the ODI team for the first time since the 2023 ODI World Cup Final, while the selectors have also named Rishabh Pant in the star-studded squad.
&nbsp;

World | Here are today's top 10 news across the world.

Two days ahead of Donald Trump inauguration, thousands of people have began arriving in Washington DC for the People's March, which is going to be held on Saturday. People will be protesting against the GOP's policies, which according to them will undermine women's rights, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and racial and religious minorities. In other news, nearly five months after a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was brutally raped and murdered, a local court on Saturday (Jan 18) convicted former civic volunteer and the prime accused, Sanjay Roy. Click on the headlines to read more People's March LIVE updates: Thousands gathered in Washington DC to protest Trump's inauguration Two days ahead of the Donald Trump inauguration, thousands of people have begun arriving in Washington, DC, for the People's March, which is going to be held on Saturday. People will be protesting against the GOP's policies, which according to them will undermine the women's rights, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and racial and religious minorities. Rape-murder, protests and arrest: Here's how RG Kar Medical College victim finally got justice Nearly five months after a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was brutally raped and murdered, a local court on Saturday (Jan 18) convicted former civic volunteer and the prime accused, Sanjay Roy. 'When Russians hide, North Koreans shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war The capture of two North Korean soldiers by Ukrainian forces marks a significant moment in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Their testimonies have been crucial in confirming details about these troops and Pyongyang that were previously only assumptions. Butcher of Delhi: Who is Chanderkant Jha, serial killer from Bihar who murdered 18 people The year was 1998, a 31-year-old man from the Indian state of Bihar, Chanderkant Jha was arrested for killing a man in Delhi. He was in jail till 2002 and was later released due to lack of evidence. Soon after the release, he started a chilling series of murders in Delhi. 'Can’t be here': Washington DC residents flee ahead of Trump inauguration to escape 'ugly side of America' As Donald Trump's inauguration nears, Washington DC residents are fleeing the city, trying to stay away from the event, saying that they do not want to be around that "sort of hostile negative energy". From Zakaria Zubeidi to Ahmed Barghouti: 5 Prominent names among 737 Palestinian prisoners to be freed by Israel Israel’s justice ministry has confirmed that 737 Palestinian prisoners and detainees are set to be released as part of the initial phase of a truce deal. None of the prisoners will be freed before 4:00 pm local time on Sunday (Jan 18). Flight disruptions at Delhi Airport from Jan 19-26: Check timings and updates Delhi airport operator DIAL said on Saturday there will be no flight arrivals and departures between 10.20 am and 12.45 pm for the next eight days till January 26 in view of the Republic Day week. Video: Russia attacks Kyiv with ballistic missiles and drones, kills four At least four people have been killed and three injured in a Russian drone and missile attack in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Saturday (Jan 18). Saif Ali Khan stabbing case LIVE updates: Police release photo of detained suspect In a shocking turn of events, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was allegedly stabbed during a burglary attempt at his home in the upscale neighbourhood of Bandra in Mumbai city. India squad for Champions Trophy 2025 announced; Bumrah, Shami return The BCCI has picked Jasprit Bumrah in India’s 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced during a presser in Mumbai. His fellow seamer Mohammed Shami returned to the ODI team for the first time since the 2023 ODI World Cup Final, while the selectors have also named Rishabh Pant in the star-studded squad.

Top 10 world news: US People's March updates; RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case verdict, and more

The capture of two North Korean soldiers by Ukrainian forces marks a significant moment in Russia&rsquo;s war against Ukraine. Their testimonies have been crucial in confirming details about these troops and Pyongyang that were previously only assumptions.
<h2>Russia's effort to hide North Korean soldiers</h2>
Russia has gone to great lengths to disguise the presence of 12,000 North Korean troops sent by North Korea to support its war on Ukraine. To maintain secrecy, the North Koreans were given Russian uniforms, weapons, and falsified military documents.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peoples-march-live-updates-protesters-arrive-in-washington-dc-ahead-of-donald-trumps-inauguration-8633570">People's March LIVE updates: Protesters arrive in Washington DC</a>
They were even assigned Russian names, and most of them were 'born' in the Siberian republic of Tuva, where the population has Asian features. These troops were integrated into Russian marine and assault corps units and sent to the frontlines.
<h2>Pretence falls apart</h2>
This deception unravelled last week when Ukrainian forces captured two North Korean soldiers on the battlefield. Both were injured and later transported to Kyiv, where Ukraine&rsquo;s intelligence agency, the SBU, interrogated them with assistance from South Korea&rsquo;s national intelligence service.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rg-kar-medical-college-rape-murder-protests-and-arrest-heres-how-victim-finally-got-justice-8633439">Rape-murder, protests and arrest: Here's how victim of RG Kar Medical College finally got justice</a>
One of the captured soldiers, identified as 25-year-old Sergeant Lee Jong Nam from Pyongyang, joined the North Korean army in 2016. He served in a sniper reconnaissance platoon within the fifth battalion of the Democratic People&rsquo;s Republic of Korea (DPRK). His first combat assignment in Ukraine took place on 8 January, during which he sustained a jaw injury. 
Footage of the second soldier, whose identity remains unknown, was shared by President Volodymyr Zelensky. From his hospital bed, the soldier said that he was lying in the open for several days after being wounded in the leg. He said that the name on his Russian military ID was fabricated, saying, &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t remember it. It wasn&rsquo;t mine.&rdquo; He also thought he was participating in a training exercise.
<h2>Raised 'in an information vacuum'</h2>
Zelensky criticised Moscow for exploiting these soldiers, describing them as being raised in &ldquo;an information vacuum&rdquo; and used by Russia solely to prolong and escalate its war against Ukraine. The timing of their capture is significant, as Kyiv faces growing challenges, including Russia&rsquo;s advances in the east and uncertainty over potential changes in US foreign policy.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-deal-5-prominent-names-among-737-palestinian-prisoners-to-be-freed-by-israel-zakaria-zubeidi-ahmed-barghouti-8633004" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">From Zakaria Zubeidi to Ahmed Barghouti: 5 Prominent names among 737 Palestinian prisoners to be freed by Israel</a>
Ukraine&rsquo;s military intelligence agency, HUR, alleges that the Kremlin is supplying Kim Jong Un&rsquo;s regime with torpedoes and drone technology. North Korea is also receiving Russian military intelligence, including satellite data and air-to-air missile systems.
Ukraine's military thinks the conflict serves as a training ground for North Korean soldiers. According to Major General Vadym Skybytskyi, HUR&rsquo;s deputy chief, told The Guardian&nbsp;that the North Korean troops are gaining valuable experience in modern warfare. He said they are learning from earlier mistakes by trial and error.&nbsp;
Mistakes as advancing in large groups across open fields are being corrected, and newer tactics are being adopted. Those who survive are expected to return to North Korea and share their combat knowledge as trainers. 
"To begin with, they advanced in large groups across snowy fields. The next lot won&rsquo;t do that. They are learning new tactics and how to fight in a drone environment," he said.
<h2>Motivated and determined</h2>
Speaking to The Guardian, Skybytskyi described the North Koreans as ideologically motivated and determined. Despite significant casualties, their morale remains high. Some soldiers have even resorted to dying by suicide to avoid capture. A recovered iPad belonging to a deceased North Korean soldier contained a huge amount of propaganda. &ldquo;My colleague reviewed it. After two hours, he said, &lsquo;North Korea is the best country in the world,&rsquo;&rdquo; Skybytskyi said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-sean-curran-trumps-pick-for-secret-service-chief-who-helped-shield-him-during-rally-attack-8633061" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Meet Sean Curran, Trump's pick for Secret Service chief who shielded him in rally attack?</a>
While some Ukrainian soldiers dismiss the North Koreans as ineffective fighters sent on suicide missions, others acknowledge their skills. One Ukrainian fighter, Ovcharenko, told The Guardian that North Koreans are often well-organised and competent shooters. &ldquo;The Russians hide when they see drones. The North Koreans try to shoot them down. They understand combined warfare with infantry, planes, and tanks,&rdquo; he said.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Russia has gone to great lengths to disguise the presence of 12,000 North Korean troops sent by Pyongyang to support its war on Ukraine and given them Russian uniforms, weapons, and falsified military documents.

The capture of two North Korean soldiers by Ukrainian forces marks a significant moment in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Their testimonies have been crucial in confirming details about these troops and Pyongyang that were previously only assumptions. Russia's effort to hide North Korean soldiers Russia has gone to great lengths to disguise the presence of 12,000 North Korean troops sent by North Korea to support its war on Ukraine. To maintain secrecy, the North Koreans were given Russian uniforms, weapons, and falsified military documents. Also read: People's March LIVE updates: Protesters arrive in Washington DC They were even assigned Russian names, and most of them were 'born' in the Siberian republic of Tuva, where the population has Asian features. These troops were integrated into Russian marine and assault corps units and sent to the frontlines. Pretence falls apart This deception unravelled last week when Ukrainian forces captured two North Korean soldiers on the battlefield. Both were injured and later transported to Kyiv, where Ukraine’s intelligence agency, the SBU, interrogated them with assistance from South Korea’s national intelligence service. Also read: Rape-murder, protests and arrest: Here's how victim of RG Kar Medical College finally got justice One of the captured soldiers, identified as 25-year-old Sergeant Lee Jong Nam from Pyongyang, joined the North Korean army in 2016. He served in a sniper reconnaissance platoon within the fifth battalion of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). His first combat assignment in Ukraine took place on 8 January, during which he sustained a jaw injury. Footage of the second soldier, whose identity remains unknown, was shared by President Volodymyr Zelensky. From his hospital bed, the soldier said that he was lying in the open for several days after being wounded in the leg. He said that the name on his Russian military ID was fabricated, saying, “I don’t remember it. It wasn’t mine.” He also thought he was participating in a training exercise. Raised 'in an information vacuum' Zelensky criticised Moscow for exploiting these soldiers, describing them as being raised in “an information vacuum” and used by Russia solely to prolong and escalate its war against Ukraine. The timing of their capture is significant, as Kyiv faces growing challenges, including Russia’s advances in the east and uncertainty over potential changes in US foreign policy. Also read: From Zakaria Zubeidi to Ahmed Barghouti: 5 Prominent names among 737 Palestinian prisoners to be freed by Israel Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, HUR, alleges that the Kremlin is supplying Kim Jong Un’s regime with torpedoes and drone technology. North Korea is also receiving Russian military intelligence, including satellite data and air-to-air missile systems. Ukraine's military thinks the conflict serves as a training ground for North Korean soldiers. According to Major General Vadym Skybytskyi, HUR’s deputy chief, told The Guardian that the North Korean troops are gaining valuable experience in modern warfare. He said they are learning from earlier mistakes by trial and error. Mistakes as advancing in large groups across open fields are being corrected, and newer tactics are being adopted. Those who survive are expected to return to North Korea and share their combat knowledge as trainers. "To begin with, they advanced in large groups across snowy fields. The next lot won’t do that. They are learning new tactics and how to fight in a drone environment," he said. Motivated and determined Speaking to The Guardian, Skybytskyi described the North Koreans as ideologically motivated and determined. Despite significant casualties, their morale remains high. Some soldiers have even resorted to dying by suicide to avoid capture. A recovered iPad belonging to a deceased North Korean soldier contained a huge amount of propaganda. “My colleague reviewed it. After two hours, he said, ‘North Korea is the best country in the world,’” Skybytskyi said. Also read: Meet Sean Curran, Trump's pick for Secret Service chief who shielded him in rally attack? While some Ukrainian soldiers dismiss the North Koreans as ineffective fighters sent on suicide missions, others acknowledge their skills. One Ukrainian fighter, Ovcharenko, told The Guardian that North Koreans are often well-organised and competent shooters. “The Russians hide when they see drones. The North Koreans try to shoot them down. They understand combined warfare with infantry, planes, and tanks,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

'When Russians hide, North Koreans shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war

A British man, who was living in Italy, admitted that he stabbed his partner to death after she accused him of cheating on her. The 75-year-old man named Michael Whitbread said he could not remember how many times he stabbed his 66-year-old partner, Briton Michele Faiers, in October 2023.&nbsp;
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Whitbread fled back to the UK after murdering Faiers, but his daughter informed the authorities when the woman's body was found. He has been extradited to Italy for the murder trial.&nbsp;
Whitbread was a former diving instructor and alleged that Faiers accused him multiple times of having an affair after she saw him patting a woman's bottom at a party in 2022. His statement came Friday (Jan 17).&nbsp;
He claimed in the courtroom that he did not cheat on her and still used to have violent arguments with her.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cant-be-here-washington-dc-residents-flee-ahead-of-trump-inauguration-to-escape-ugly-side-of-america-8633192" aria-label="'Can&rsquo;t be here': Washington DC residents flee ahead of Trump inauguration to escape 'ugly side of America'">'Can&rsquo;t be here': Washington DC residents flee ahead of Trump inauguration to escape 'ugly side of America'</a>
&ldquo;It was an odd clip round the head, then it got worse," The Guardian reported him saying.&nbsp;
Whitbread claimed that on a random evening of October 28 2023, Faiers woke him up and started hitting him, saying, "I wish you were dead.&rdquo; He went to the kitchen, handed over her a knife, and told her to kill him as he had had enough.&nbsp;
&ldquo;It was after 10 months of being accused of something I did not do," he said.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-sean-curran-trumps-pick-for-secret-service-chief-who-helped-shield-him-during-rally-attack-8633061" aria-label="Meet Sean Curran, Trump's pick for Secret Service chief who shielded him in rally attack?">Meet Sean Curran, Trump's pick for Secret Service chief who shielded him in rally attack?</a>
&ldquo;She kicked me in the intimate parts and was trying to push me down the stairs. I thought: she&rsquo;s going to cut me. That is when I grabbed the knife in panic," he further added.&nbsp;
The Italian police found Faiers lying on a bed with seven stabs on her body.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I stabbed her, I don&rsquo;t remember how many times,&rdquo; Whitbread said in the courtroom.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-deal-5-prominent-names-among-737-palestinian-prisoners-to-be-freed-by-israel-zakaria-zubeidi-ahmed-barghouti-8633004" aria-label="From Zakaria Zubeidi to Ahmed Barghouti: 5 Prominent names among 737 Palestinian prisoners to be freed by Israel">From Zakaria Zubeidi to Ahmed Barghouti: 5 Prominent names among 737 Palestinian prisoners to be freed by Israel</a>
The court was informed that Whitbread was married three times earlier and all the marriages ended due to extramarital affairs.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Whitbread was a former diving instructor and alleged that Faiers accused him multiple times of having an affair after she saw him patting a woman's bottom at a party in 2022. 

A British man, who was living in Italy, admitted that he stabbed his partner to death after she accused him of cheating on her. The 75-year-old man named Michael Whitbread said he could not remember how many times he stabbed his 66-year-old partner, Briton Michele Faiers, in October 2023. Also read | Are you charging 'Woman Tax' from your husband? This British woman does. Know what it is Whitbread fled back to the UK after murdering Faiers, but his daughter informed the authorities when the woman's body was found. He has been extradited to Italy for the murder trial. Whitbread was a former diving instructor and alleged that Faiers accused him multiple times of having an affair after she saw him patting a woman's bottom at a party in 2022. His statement came Friday (Jan 17). He claimed in the courtroom that he did not cheat on her and still used to have violent arguments with her. Also read | 'Can’t be here': Washington DC residents flee ahead of Trump inauguration to escape 'ugly side of America' “It was an odd clip round the head, then it got worse," The Guardian reported him saying. Whitbread claimed that on a random evening of October 28 2023, Faiers woke him up and started hitting him, saying, "I wish you were dead.” He went to the kitchen, handed over her a knife, and told her to kill him as he had had enough. “It was after 10 months of being accused of something I did not do," he said. Also read | Meet Sean Curran, Trump's pick for Secret Service chief who shielded him in rally attack? “She kicked me in the intimate parts and was trying to push me down the stairs. I thought: she’s going to cut me. That is when I grabbed the knife in panic," he further added. The Italian police found Faiers lying on a bed with seven stabs on her body. “I stabbed her, I don’t remember how many times,” Whitbread said in the courtroom. Also read | From Zakaria Zubeidi to Ahmed Barghouti: 5 Prominent names among 737 Palestinian prisoners to be freed by Israel The court was informed that Whitbread was married three times earlier and all the marriages ended due to extramarital affairs. (With inputs from agencies)

'Stabbed her, don't remember how many times': British man killed partner after she accused him of cheating

Major cryptocurrency companies have donated over $10 million for Donald Trump's inauguration as he gets ready to start his second term as US president. According to a report by Politico, the donations were made by companies such as Ripple, Coinbase, Kraken, Robinhood, and Circle. Ripple donated $5 million in digital tokens. Top executives Brad Garlinghouse and Stuart Alderoty are also planning to attend the inauguration.
Coinbase, Kraken, and Circle each contributed $1 million, while Robinhood has given $2 million. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has met with Trump twice, including once after Election Day. Kara Calvert, Coinbase&rsquo;s vice president for US policy, emphasised the importance of industry collaboration with the administration, calling Trump &ldquo;the most pro-crypto president&rdquo; to date. The industry is looking to capitalise on Trump&rsquo;s pledge to establish a regulatory framework tailored to digital assets and a GOP-controlled congress. Anchorage Digital, Exodus, and Coinbase-backed advocacy group 'Stand with Crypto' will also sponsor an unofficial ball.&nbsp; The event will be hosted by David Bailey and feature a performance by rapper Snoop Dogg. Crypto executives are also eyeing positions on a proposed digital assets advisory council, which Trump has announced will be led by David Sacks and Bo Hines.&nbsp;
The council aims to shape policy on digital assets and artificial intelligence. With Trump&rsquo;s regulatory overhaul plans, the cryptocurrency sector is anticipating significant growth under the new administration. These contributions have also drawn criticism. Some influential figures have alleged that the donations are an attempt to secure influence over the Trump administration's future policies in the crypto space. &ldquo;Billionaires think they bought this government,&rdquo; said Senator Elizabeth Warren, a vocal critic of the crypto sector. 
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Business & Economy: Crypto companies have collectively invested substantial millions of dollars to mark the inauguration of President Trump, highlighting the industry's growing political influence.

Major cryptocurrency companies have donated over $10 million for Donald Trump's inauguration as he gets ready to start his second term as US president. According to a report by Politico, the donations were made by companies such as Ripple, Coinbase, Kraken, Robinhood, and Circle. Ripple donated $5 million in digital tokens. Top executives Brad Garlinghouse and Stuart Alderoty are also planning to attend the inauguration. Coinbase, Kraken, and Circle each contributed $1 million, while Robinhood has given $2 million. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has met with Trump twice, including once after Election Day. Kara Calvert, Coinbase’s vice president for US policy, emphasised the importance of industry collaboration with the administration, calling Trump “the most pro-crypto president” to date. The industry is looking to capitalise on Trump’s pledge to establish a regulatory framework tailored to digital assets and a GOP-controlled congress. Anchorage Digital, Exodus, and Coinbase-backed advocacy group 'Stand with Crypto' will also sponsor an unofficial ball. The event will be hosted by David Bailey and feature a performance by rapper Snoop Dogg. Crypto executives are also eyeing positions on a proposed digital assets advisory council, which Trump has announced will be led by David Sacks and Bo Hines. The council aims to shape policy on digital assets and artificial intelligence. With Trump’s regulatory overhaul plans, the cryptocurrency sector is anticipating significant growth under the new administration. These contributions have also drawn criticism. Some influential figures have alleged that the donations are an attempt to secure influence over the Trump administration's future policies in the crypto space. “Billionaires think they bought this government,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren, a vocal critic of the crypto sector. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump inauguration: Crypto firms pump $10 million to welcome new US president

Lebanon's newly-elected President Joseph Aoun said on Saturday that Israel must withdraw from his country's south by the January 26 deadline set&nbsp;to fully implement an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire agreed last year.
His remarks follow a speech by Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, who accused Israel of hundreds of ceasefire violations, warning it against testing "our patience" and calling on the Lebanese state to be "firm" in its response.
Also read |&nbsp;<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/are-you-charging-woman-tax-from-your-husband-this-british-woman-does-know-what-it-is-8633237" aria-label="Are you charging 'Woman Tax' from your husband? This British woman does. Know what it is">Are you charging 'Woman Tax' from your husband? This British woman does. Know what it is</a>
Aoun told visiting United Nations chief Antonio Guterres that it was necessary for "Israeli forces to withdraw from occupied territories in the south within the deadline set by the agreement reached on November 27".
"Israel's continued violations on land and in the air... blowing up homes and destroying border villages, completely contradicts what was stated in the ceasefire agreement," a statement from Aoun's office added.
Under the November 27 ceasefire deal, which ended two months of all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese army has 60 days to deploy alongside peacekeepers from the UNIFIL mission in south&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;as the Israeli army withdraws.
Also read |&nbsp;<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cant-be-here-washington-dc-residents-flee-ahead-of-trump-inauguration-to-escape-ugly-side-of-america-8633192" aria-label="'Can&rsquo;t be here': Washington DC residents flee ahead of Trump inauguration to escape 'ugly side of America'">'Can&rsquo;t be here': Washington DC residents flee ahead of Trump inauguration to escape 'ugly side of America'</a>
At the same time, Hezbollah&nbsp;is required to pull its forces north of the Litani river, around 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border, and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure it has in the south.
<h2>'Violations, now more than hundreds'&nbsp;</h2>
Earlier on Saturday, Qassem had called "on the Lebanese state to be firm in confronting violations, now numbering more than hundreds. This cannot continue".
"We have been patient with the violations to give a chance to the Lebanese state responsible for this agreement, along with the international sponsors, but I call on you not to test our patience," he said in a televised speech.
Qassem's speech came as Guterres met top Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam and Aoun, the former army chief who has vowed that the state would have "a monopoly" on bearing weapons.
Analysts say Hezbollah's weakening in the war with Israel allowed&nbsp;Lebanon's deeply divided political class to elect Aoun and to back him in naming Salam, who was presiding judge at the International Criminal Court, as prime minister.
Also read |&nbsp;<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-sean-curran-trumps-pick-for-secret-service-chief-who-helped-shield-him-during-rally-attack-8633061" aria-label="Who is Sean Curran, Trump's pick for Secret Service chief who helped shield him during rally attack?">Who is Sean Curran, Trump's pick for Secret Service chief who helped shield him during rally attack?</a>
But Qassem insisted Hezbollah and ally Amal's backing "is what led to the&nbsp;election of the president by consensus", after around two years of deadlock.
"No one can exploit the results of the aggression in domestic politics," he warned. "No one can exclude us from effective and influential political participation in the country."
After he met with Aoun on Saturday, Guterres expressed hope that&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;could open "a new chapter of peace".&nbsp;
On Friday, Guterres had called for Israel to end its military operations and "occupation" in the south.
He also said UN peacekeepers had found more than 100 weapons caches belonging "to Hezbollah or other armed groups".
Also read |&nbsp;<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-deal-5-prominent-names-among-737-palestinian-prisoners-to-be-freed-by-israel-zakaria-zubeidi-ahmed-barghouti-8633004" aria-label="From Zakaria Zubeidi to Ahmed Barghouti: 5 Prominent names among 737 Palestinian prisoners to be freed by Israel">From Zakaria Zubeidi to Ahmed Barghouti: 5 Prominent names among 737 Palestinian prisoners to be freed by Israel</a>
French President Emmanuel Macron was also in Lebanon on Friday and said there must be "accelerated" implementation of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire.

World | Lebanon's new president said on Saturday that Israel must withdraw from his country's south by the January 26 deadline set to fully implement an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire agreed last year.

Lebanon's newly-elected President Joseph Aoun said on Saturday that Israel must withdraw from his country's south by the January 26 deadline set to fully implement an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire agreed last year. His remarks follow a speech by Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, who accused Israel of hundreds of ceasefire violations, warning it against testing "our patience" and calling on the Lebanese state to be "firm" in its response. Also read | Are you charging 'Woman Tax' from your husband? This British woman does. Know what it is Aoun told visiting United Nations chief Antonio Guterres that it was necessary for "Israeli forces to withdraw from occupied territories in the south within the deadline set by the agreement reached on November 27". "Israel's continued violations on land and in the air... blowing up homes and destroying border villages, completely contradicts what was stated in the ceasefire agreement," a statement from Aoun's office added. Under the November 27 ceasefire deal, which ended two months of all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese army has 60 days to deploy alongside peacekeepers from the UNIFIL mission in south Lebanon as the Israeli army withdraws. Also read | 'Can’t be here': Washington DC residents flee ahead of Trump inauguration to escape 'ugly side of America' At the same time, Hezbollah is required to pull its forces north of the Litani river, around 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border, and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure it has in the south. 'Violations, now more than hundreds' Earlier on Saturday, Qassem had called "on the Lebanese state to be firm in confronting violations, now numbering more than hundreds. This cannot continue". "We have been patient with the violations to give a chance to the Lebanese state responsible for this agreement, along with the international sponsors, but I call on you not to test our patience," he said in a televised speech. Qassem's speech came as Guterres met top Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam and Aoun, the former army chief who has vowed that the state would have "a monopoly" on bearing weapons. Analysts say Hezbollah's weakening in the war with Israel allowed Lebanon's deeply divided political class to elect Aoun and to back him in naming Salam, who was presiding judge at the International Criminal Court, as prime minister. Also read | Who is Sean Curran, Trump's pick for Secret Service chief who helped shield him during rally attack? But Qassem insisted Hezbollah and ally Amal's backing "is what led to the election of the president by consensus", after around two years of deadlock. "No one can exploit the results of the aggression in domestic politics," he warned. "No one can exclude us from effective and influential political participation in the country." After he met with Aoun on Saturday, Guterres expressed hope that Lebanon could open "a new chapter of peace". On Friday, Guterres had called for Israel to end its military operations and "occupation" in the south. He also said UN peacekeepers had found more than 100 weapons caches belonging "to Hezbollah or other armed groups". Also read | From Zakaria Zubeidi to Ahmed Barghouti: 5 Prominent names among 737 Palestinian prisoners to be freed by Israel French President Emmanuel Macron was also in Lebanon on Friday and said there must be "accelerated" implementation of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire.

Israel must withdraw from Lebanon's south by Jan 26: New president

As Donald Trump's inauguration nears, Washington DC residents are&nbsp; fleeing the city, trying to stay away from the event, saying that they do not want to be around that "sort of hostile negative energy".
US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration is scheduled to be held on Monday (Jan 20) as he takes over the Oval Office.
Alejandra Whitney-Smith, a resident of DC, whose birthday weekend is coinciding with Trump's inauguration, said that she is planning to spend a week in a cabin without technology, the Guardian reported.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-planning-massive-immigration-raids-in-chicago-on-day-two-of-his-administration-report-8631633" rel="dofollow">Trump planning massive immigration raids in Chicago on day two of his administration: Report</a>
"It (inauguration weekend) coincides with my birthday weekend, which I usually do spend in DC, but when the election happened, I told myself, &lsquo;Oh, no, I can&rsquo;t be here,&rsquo;&rdquo; said Whitney-Smith.
<h2>'Ugly side of America'</h2>
While commenting on Trump's re-election, she said, "It represents the ugly side of America that people don&rsquo;t want to acknowledge.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Smith's mother was working at the Library of Congress during the January 6 attack on the US Capitol in 2021. While recalling the incident, Smith said, "I just remember that feeling of fear for her and then also just concern for me being in the city. I just knew for me &ndash; I didn&rsquo;t want to be around that sort of hostile negative energy.&rdquo;
She further said that she would hunker down in a cabin with four friends during the inauguration weekend and do some vision boarding, reflection, and reconnection.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-inauguration-protest-what-to-know-about-peoples-march-in-dc-8630915" rel="dofollow">Trump inauguration protest: What to know about People's March in DC?</a>
&ldquo;I guess I maybe mistakenly had a lot of faith that people saw what happened during the first administration, and I figured we as a country wouldn&rsquo;t regress,&rdquo; said Whitney-Smith, who works as an attorney.&nbsp;
<h2>'Cult-like following'</h2>
Noting that she wanted Democratic candidate Kamala Harris to win the elections, Smith said, "But I also know the reality of living in this country as a Black woman. As much as I wanted Harris to win, there was something in me that still told me that America was not ready for their first Black woman president. Not only that, she was running against Donald Trump who has an almost cult-like following that is so powerful.&rdquo;
Another resident of Washington, DC, Tia Butler, emailed her relatives the day after the election, asking them who was interested in "going on a cruise or some other adventure, January 19-25".&nbsp;
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The memories of the January 6 riots make her not want to be in the city during Trump's inauguration.&nbsp;
Earlier, Butler was expecting some guests in January as she was hoping for a different outcome, however, now she will spend the Dr Martin Luther King Jr holiday weekend in California.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I have a fundamental set of beliefs and values that differ greatly from the supporters of the president-elect, so it is best that I just remove myself,&rdquo; said Butler, a human resources executive who had worked for the federal government for nearly two decades before leaving to work at a non-profit.&nbsp;
&ldquo;It says to me that we&rsquo;d rather have a criminal leading our country than a person of colour, or a criminal rather than a woman," she added.&nbsp;
During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump has branded Washington as a "filthy and crime-ridden embarrassment to our nation".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coldest-day-in-40-years-donald-trumps-inauguration-moved-indoors-8631285" rel="dofollow">'Coldest day in 40 years': Donald Trump's inauguration moved indoors</a>
He further vowed to radically overhaul the capital, recruiting billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk to slash the federal workforce.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Alejandra Whitney-Smith, resident of DC, whose birthday weekend is coinciding with Trump's inauguration, said she is planning to spend a week in a cabin without technology.

As Donald Trump's inauguration nears, Washington DC residents are fleeing the city, trying to stay away from the event, saying that they do not want to be around that "sort of hostile negative energy". US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration is scheduled to be held on Monday (Jan 20) as he takes over the Oval Office. Alejandra Whitney-Smith, a resident of DC, whose birthday weekend is coinciding with Trump's inauguration, said that she is planning to spend a week in a cabin without technology, the Guardian reported. Also read: Trump planning massive immigration raids in Chicago on day two of his administration: Report "It (inauguration weekend) coincides with my birthday weekend, which I usually do spend in DC, but when the election happened, I told myself, ‘Oh, no, I can’t be here,’” said Whitney-Smith. 'Ugly side of America' While commenting on Trump's re-election, she said, "It represents the ugly side of America that people don’t want to acknowledge.” Smith's mother was working at the Library of Congress during the January 6 attack on the US Capitol in 2021. While recalling the incident, Smith said, "I just remember that feeling of fear for her and then also just concern for me being in the city. I just knew for me – I didn’t want to be around that sort of hostile negative energy.” She further said that she would hunker down in a cabin with four friends during the inauguration weekend and do some vision boarding, reflection, and reconnection. Also read: Trump inauguration protest: What to know about People's March in DC? “I guess I maybe mistakenly had a lot of faith that people saw what happened during the first administration, and I figured we as a country wouldn’t regress,” said Whitney-Smith, who works as an attorney. 'Cult-like following' Noting that she wanted Democratic candidate Kamala Harris to win the elections, Smith said, "But I also know the reality of living in this country as a Black woman. As much as I wanted Harris to win, there was something in me that still told me that America was not ready for their first Black woman president. Not only that, she was running against Donald Trump who has an almost cult-like following that is so powerful.” Another resident of Washington, DC, Tia Butler, emailed her relatives the day after the election, asking them who was interested in "going on a cruise or some other adventure, January 19-25". Also read: Trump holds phone talks with 'chairman Xi' over TikTok as potential ban looms The memories of the January 6 riots make her not want to be in the city during Trump's inauguration. Earlier, Butler was expecting some guests in January as she was hoping for a different outcome, however, now she will spend the Dr Martin Luther King Jr holiday weekend in California. “I have a fundamental set of beliefs and values that differ greatly from the supporters of the president-elect, so it is best that I just remove myself,” said Butler, a human resources executive who had worked for the federal government for nearly two decades before leaving to work at a non-profit. “It says to me that we’d rather have a criminal leading our country than a person of colour, or a criminal rather than a woman," she added. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump has branded Washington as a "filthy and crime-ridden embarrassment to our nation". Also read: 'Coldest day in 40 years': Donald Trump's inauguration moved indoors He further vowed to radically overhaul the capital, recruiting billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk to slash the federal workforce. (With inputs from agencies)

'Can’t be here': Washington DC residents flee ahead of Trump inauguration to escape 'ugly side of America'

US President-elect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump-0" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump</a> appointed Sean Curran to lead the US Secret Service. Curran was the one who helped cover Trump when a gunman opened fire at him during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.&nbsp;
Donald Trump Jr said his father would be naming Curran, who was earlier leading Trump's detail as special agent in charge for the past two and a half years, to be the agency's new director.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Sean is a great patriot and will stop all the insanity once and for all. There&rsquo;s not a better person to be in this position!&rdquo; Trump Jr posted on X on Friday.
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After Trump's assassination attempt in July last year, the US Secret Service has been facing intense scrutiny.&nbsp;
As the gunman fired at the US President-elect, Trump was shielded by Curran and other Secret Service agents who rushed to the stage to protect Trump.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-threatens-us-with-trump-tariffs-tax-says-ready-for-trade-war-over-proposed-25-tariffs-8631530" rel="dofollow">Canada threatens US with 'Trump tariffs tax,' says ready for 'trade war' over proposed 25% tariffs</a>
<h2>Who is Sean Curran?</h2>
Curran, who is presently leading around 85 employees, shares a close relationship with Trump. He has been appearing next to Trump in many pictures. However, he has been maintaining a low profile.&nbsp;
However, concerns have been raised that Curran lacks the managerial experience to head a complex organisation like the Secret Service.&nbsp;
He has never managed the kind of budget or operations of the Secret Service.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coldest-day-in-40-years-donald-trumps-inauguration-moved-indoors-8631285" rel="dofollow">'Coldest day in 40 years': Donald Trump's inauguration moved indoors</a>
After taking the role, Curran would replace acting Director Ronald Rowe, who has been serving as Secret Service director since July.
Rowe took the role following the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle due to severe condemnation of the agency's inability to foil the murder attempt on Trump.
According to the sources, Curran never held a position at the agency's headquarters and is not a member of the Senior Executive Service.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Trump Jr said his father would be naming Curran, who was leading Trump's detail as special agent in charge for the past two and a half years, to be the agency's new director. 

US President-elect Donald Trump appointed Sean Curran to lead the US Secret Service. Curran was the one who helped cover Trump when a gunman opened fire at him during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Donald Trump Jr said his father would be naming Curran, who was earlier leading Trump's detail as special agent in charge for the past two and a half years, to be the agency's new director. “Sean is a great patriot and will stop all the insanity once and for all. There’s not a better person to be in this position!” Trump Jr posted on X on Friday. Also read: Trump planning massive immigration raids in Chicago on day two of his administration: Report After Trump's assassination attempt in July last year, the US Secret Service has been facing intense scrutiny. As the gunman fired at the US President-elect, Trump was shielded by Curran and other Secret Service agents who rushed to the stage to protect Trump. Also read: Canada threatens US with 'Trump tariffs tax,' says ready for 'trade war' over proposed 25% tariffs Who is Sean Curran? Curran, who is presently leading around 85 employees, shares a close relationship with Trump. He has been appearing next to Trump in many pictures. However, he has been maintaining a low profile. However, concerns have been raised that Curran lacks the managerial experience to head a complex organisation like the Secret Service. He has never managed the kind of budget or operations of the Secret Service. Also read: 'Coldest day in 40 years': Donald Trump's inauguration moved indoors After taking the role, Curran would replace acting Director Ronald Rowe, who has been serving as Secret Service director since July. Rowe took the role following the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle due to severe condemnation of the agency's inability to foil the murder attempt on Trump. According to the sources, Curran never held a position at the agency's headquarters and is not a member of the Senior Executive Service. (With inputs from agencies)

Meet Sean Curran, Trump's pick for Secret Service chief who shielded him in rally attack?

Israel&rsquo;s justice ministry has confirmed that 737 Palestinian prisoners and detainees are set to be released as part of the initial phase of a truce deal. None of the prisoners will be freed before 4:00 pm local time on Sunday (Jan 18).
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&ldquo;The government has approved the hostage return plan,&rdquo; announced the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday following a cabinet vote. 
<h2>Prominent names on the list:</h2>
<h2>Zakaria Zubeidi</h2>
Zakaria Zubeidi, a former commander of Fatah&rsquo;s Al-Aqsa Martyrs&rsquo; Brigades in Jenin, is among those to be released. Zubeidi was part of the 2021 Gilboa Prison escape, during which six prisoners broke out of a high-security facility.
<h2>Mahmoud Atallah</h2>
Another detainee set for release is Mahmoud Atallah, who is serving a life sentence plus 15 years for murdering a Palestinian woman accused of collaborating with Israel. Atallah was also charged in September with the rape of a female prison guard in the &ldquo;prison pimping&rdquo; case.
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<h2>Ahmed Barghouti</h2>
Ahmed Barghouti, a close associate of Marwan Barghouti, will also be released. Marwan Barghouti is serving 13 life sentences, and Ahmed was arrested alongside him in 2002. As the operational commander of Fatah&rsquo;s Al-Aqsa Martyrs&rsquo; Brigades, Ahmed supplied weapons and was involved in orchestrating multiple fatal attacks. These include the 2002 bombing at Tel Aviv&rsquo;s &ldquo;Seafood Market&rdquo; restaurant, which left three Israelis dead and 30 injured, a February 2002 attack in Jerusalem&rsquo;s Neve Yaakov neighbourhood that killed a policewoman and injured nine, and a bombing on Jaffa Street in Jerusalem that claimed the lives of two women.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-truce-to-take-effect-sunday-at-0630-gmt-israel-approves-list-of-737-detainees-to-be-released-hamas-israel-hamas-war-gaza-ceasefire-8632394">Gaza truce to take effect Sunday at 0630 GMT; Israel approves list of 737 detainees to be released</a>
<h2>Wael Qassem and Wisam Abbasi</h2>
Also included in the release are Wael Qassem and Wisam Abbasi, members of the Hamas &ldquo;Silwan Cell.&rdquo; Both men were linked to bombings in the early 2000s that resulted in dozens of casualties. Their attacks included incidents at Caf&eacute; Moment in Jerusalem, the Sheffield Club in Rishon Lezion, and the Frank Sinatra Cafeteria at Hebrew University.
The Israel Prison Service said on Friday that it is taking measures to block public displays of celebration during the prisoners&rsquo; release. &ldquo;The commissioner of the Israel Prison Service, Kobi Yakobi, instructed that&hellip; to prevent public displays of joy in Ashkelon and other areas of Israel, the escort from &lsquo;Shikma&rsquo; Prison will not be handled by civilian buses of the [International Committee of the] Red Cross,&rdquo; the statement said.
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According to Majed Al Ansari, a spokesperson for Qatar&rsquo;s foreign ministry, the ceasefire is set to begin at 8:30 am local time on Sunday. This will mark the second ceasefire since the war started on 7 October 2023. 
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Middle East: The Gaza ceasefire is set to begin at 8:30 am local time on Sunday. This will mark the second ceasefire since the war started on 7 October 2023. 

Israel’s justice ministry has confirmed that 737 Palestinian prisoners and detainees are set to be released as part of the initial phase of a truce deal. None of the prisoners will be freed before 4:00 pm local time on Sunday (Jan 18). Also read: Video: Russia attacks Kyiv with ballistic missiles, drone, kills four “The government has approved the hostage return plan,” announced the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday following a cabinet vote. Prominent names on the list: Zakaria Zubeidi Zakaria Zubeidi, a former commander of Fatah’s Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades in Jenin, is among those to be released. Zubeidi was part of the 2021 Gilboa Prison escape, during which six prisoners broke out of a high-security facility. Mahmoud Atallah Another detainee set for release is Mahmoud Atallah, who is serving a life sentence plus 15 years for murdering a Palestinian woman accused of collaborating with Israel. Atallah was also charged in September with the rape of a female prison guard in the “prison pimping” case. Also read: Sirens sound, blasts heard in Israel as projectiles launched from Yemen: Report Ahmed Barghouti Ahmed Barghouti, a close associate of Marwan Barghouti, will also be released. Marwan Barghouti is serving 13 life sentences, and Ahmed was arrested alongside him in 2002. As the operational commander of Fatah’s Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, Ahmed supplied weapons and was involved in orchestrating multiple fatal attacks. These include the 2002 bombing at Tel Aviv’s “Seafood Market” restaurant, which left three Israelis dead and 30 injured, a February 2002 attack in Jerusalem’s Neve Yaakov neighbourhood that killed a policewoman and injured nine, and a bombing on Jaffa Street in Jerusalem that claimed the lives of two women. Also read: Gaza truce to take effect Sunday at 0630 GMT; Israel approves list of 737 detainees to be released Wael Qassem and Wisam Abbasi Also included in the release are Wael Qassem and Wisam Abbasi, members of the Hamas “Silwan Cell.” Both men were linked to bombings in the early 2000s that resulted in dozens of casualties. Their attacks included incidents at Café Moment in Jerusalem, the Sheffield Club in Rishon Lezion, and the Frank Sinatra Cafeteria at Hebrew University. The Israel Prison Service said on Friday that it is taking measures to block public displays of celebration during the prisoners’ release. “The commissioner of the Israel Prison Service, Kobi Yakobi, instructed that… to prevent public displays of joy in Ashkelon and other areas of Israel, the escort from ‘Shikma’ Prison will not be handled by civilian buses of the [International Committee of the] Red Cross,” the statement said. Also read: UN announces new plan to counter the surge in antisemitism According to Majed Al Ansari, a spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry, the ceasefire is set to begin at 8:30 am local time on Sunday. This will mark the second ceasefire since the war started on 7 October 2023. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

From Zakaria Zubeidi to Ahmed Barghouti: 5 Prominent names among 737 Palestinian prisoners to be freed by Israel

At least four people have been killed and three injured in a Russian drone and missile attack in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Saturday (Jan 18).
The attack that happened at dawn on Saturday took place in the city&rsquo;s centrally located Shevchenkivskyi district, Timur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv&rsquo;s military administration, said.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We already have four dead in Shevchenkivsky district,&rdquo; Tkachenko said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-to-carry-out-most-massive-strike-on-russia-moscow-vows-retaliation-8622222" rel="dofollow">Ukraine claims to carry out 'most massive strike' on Russia, Moscow vows retaliation</a>
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko in a post on Telegram advised people to "stay in shelters". He further warned of a &ldquo;ballistic missile threat&rdquo; against the capital hours earlier.&nbsp;
As the missile hit Kyiv city, windows were shattered in Shevchenkivskyi district, including those at the entrance of the Lukianivska metro station, which was closed down, the mayor said.&nbsp;
Earlier on Saturday, Russian forces "attacked the centre" of Zaporizhzhia, injuring two people, local governor Ivan Fedorov said.
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/any-placement-of-british-military-assets-in-ukraine-under-100-year-partnership-concern-for-moscow-russia-8631280" rel="dofollow"> Any placement of British military assets in Ukraine under 100-year partnership concern for Moscow: Russia</a>
<h2>Zelensky shares video</h2>
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to X, saying, "The enemy launched a ballistic strike on the center of Kyiv."&nbsp;
"Residential buildings, a metro station, shops, cafes, and other civilian infrastructure have been damaged. All services are continuing their efforts to mitigate the aftermath of the shelling," he added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-police-launch-massive-raids-amid-probe-into-exodus-of-military-aged-men-8629630" rel="dofollow">Ukraine police launch massive raids amid probe into exodus of military-aged men</a>
The Ukrainian president also shared a video showing the damage caused by the attack and how Ukrainian forces are managing the situation.&nbsp;
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In the early hours of the morning, the enemy launched a ballistic strike on the center of Kyiv. The area was affected by falling debris. Three people are confirmed dead, and three others were wounded. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Residential buildings, a metro&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/pCw8boyj4V">pic.twitter.com/pCw8boyj4V</a>
&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1880550016638484837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a>
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Zelensky further stressed that in the Zaporizhzhia attack, 10 people had been reportedly injured and some others may still be "trapped under the rubble".
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Під ранок ворог здійснив удар балістикою по центру Києва. Є падіння уламків. Відомо про трьох загиблих і трьох поранених. Мої співчуття рідним та близьким. Пошкоджені житлові будинки, станція метро, магазини, кав&rsquo;ярні та цивільна інфраструктура. Всі служби продовжують&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/nWL0SGiN3y">pic.twitter.com/nWL0SGiN3y</a>
&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1880550145130901730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a></blockquote>

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<h2>Russia claims responsibility</h2>
Russia's army on Saturday said that it hit a Ukrainian rocket manufacturer in Kyiv in retaliation for missile strikes.&nbsp;
"The Russian armed forces carried out a group strike with precision-guided weapons against Ukrainian military-industrial facilities," including a site that designs and manufactures long-range rockets in Kyiv, the Russian defence ministry said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-play-leading-role-in-defending-ukraine-as-starmer-zelensky-ink-100-year-agreement-8627912" rel="dofollow">UK to play 'leading role' in defending Ukraine as Starmer, Zelensky ink 100-year agreement</a>
This comes as Ukraine has intensified its aerial attacks on Russian energy and military facilities in recent months.&nbsp;
Ukraine carried out its largest aerial attack on Russian territory of the nearly three-year war overnight on Tuesday, hitting factories and energy hubs hundreds of miles from the frontline.
The Russian military accused Kyiv of using US- and British-supplied missiles for one of the strikes and promised it would "not go unanswered".
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The attack that happened at dawn on Saturday took place in the city’s centrally located Shevchenkivskyi district, Timur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, said. 

At least four people have been killed and three injured in a Russian drone and missile attack in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Saturday (Jan 18). The attack that happened at dawn on Saturday took place in the city’s centrally located Shevchenkivskyi district, Timur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, said. “We already have four dead in Shevchenkivsky district,” Tkachenko said. Also read: Ukraine claims to carry out 'most massive strike' on Russia, Moscow vows retaliation Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko in a post on Telegram advised people to "stay in shelters". He further warned of a “ballistic missile threat” against the capital hours earlier. As the missile hit Kyiv city, windows were shattered in Shevchenkivskyi district, including those at the entrance of the Lukianivska metro station, which was closed down, the mayor said. Earlier on Saturday, Russian forces "attacked the centre" of Zaporizhzhia, injuring two people, local governor Ivan Fedorov said. Also read: Any placement of British military assets in Ukraine under 100-year partnership concern for Moscow: Russia Zelensky shares video Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to X, saying, "The enemy launched a ballistic strike on the center of Kyiv." "Residential buildings, a metro station, shops, cafes, and other civilian infrastructure have been damaged. All services are continuing their efforts to mitigate the aftermath of the shelling," he added. Also read: Ukraine police launch massive raids amid probe into exodus of military-aged men The Ukrainian president also shared a video showing the damage caused by the attack and how Ukrainian forces are managing the situation. In the early hours of the morning, the enemy launched a ballistic strike on the center of Kyiv. The area was affected by falling debris. Three people are confirmed dead, and three others were wounded. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Residential buildings, a metro… pic.twitter.com/pCw8boyj4V — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 18, 2025 Zelensky further stressed that in the Zaporizhzhia attack, 10 people had been reportedly injured and some others may still be "trapped under the rubble". Під ранок ворог здійснив удар балістикою по центру Києва. Є падіння уламків. Відомо про трьох загиблих і трьох поранених. Мої співчуття рідним та близьким. Пошкоджені житлові будинки, станція метро, магазини, кав’ярні та цивільна інфраструктура. Всі служби продовжують… pic.twitter.com/nWL0SGiN3y — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 18, 2025 Russia claims responsibility Russia's army on Saturday said that it hit a Ukrainian rocket manufacturer in Kyiv in retaliation for missile strikes. "The Russian armed forces carried out a group strike with precision-guided weapons against Ukrainian military-industrial facilities," including a site that designs and manufactures long-range rockets in Kyiv, the Russian defence ministry said. Also read: UK to play 'leading role' in defending Ukraine as Starmer, Zelensky ink 100-year agreement This comes as Ukraine has intensified its aerial attacks on Russian energy and military facilities in recent months. Ukraine carried out its largest aerial attack on Russian territory of the nearly three-year war overnight on Tuesday, hitting factories and energy hubs hundreds of miles from the frontline. The Russian military accused Kyiv of using US- and British-supplied missiles for one of the strikes and promised it would "not go unanswered". Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: Russia attacks Kyiv with ballistic missiles and drones, kills four

Explosions were heard over Jerusalem after sirens blared across the city and central Israel on Saturday morning, AFP journalists reported, while the Israeli military said a projectile had been launched from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=Yemen" rel="dofollow">Yemen</a>.
The explosions and sirens came after Qatar, a key mediator between Israel and Hamas, said that the ceasefire in the war in Gaza would take effect from 0630 GMT on Sunday.
Sirens and explosions were heard over Jerusalem at around 10:20 am (08:20 GMT) on Saturday, shortly after sirens sounded across central Israel in response to the projectile launched from Yemen, the military said in a statement.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-truce-to-take-effect-sunday-at-0630-gmt-israel-approves-list-of-737-detainees-to-be-released-hamas-israel-hamas-war-gaza-ceasefire-8632394" rel="dofollow">Gaza truce to take effect Sunday at 0630 GMT; Israel approves list of 737 detainees to be released</a>
Minutes later, the military said it had intercepted the projectile launched from Yemen.
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have repeatedly launched missile and drone attacks on Israel since the war broke out in Gaza in October 2023.
On Friday, the Houthis warned that they would keep up their attacks if Israel did not respect the terms of its ceasefire with Hamas.
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-approves-ceasefire-deal-with-hamas-hostage-release-set-to-begin-sunday-8631467" rel="dofollow"> Israel approves ceasefire deal with Hamas, hostage release set to begin Sunday</a>
The Houthi rebels, part of Iran's "axis of resistance", have also been attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea throughout the war in Gaza, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians.
In December, 16 people were wounded in Tel Aviv in one of their attacks on Israel.
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-truce-first-hostages-to-be-released-on-sunday-says-israeli-pms-office-8629985" rel="dofollow"> Gaza truce: Israel wants no 'public display of joy' during release of Palestinian prisoners</a>
In response to their attacks, Israel has struck Houthi targets in several air raids, including in the rebel-held Yemeni capital Sanaa.
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.

World: The explosions and sirens came after Qatar, a key mediator between Israel and Hamas, said that the ceasefire in the war in Gaza would take effect from 0630 GMT on Sunday.

Explosions were heard over Jerusalem after sirens blared across the city and central Israel on Saturday morning, AFP journalists reported, while the Israeli military said a projectile had been launched from Yemen. The explosions and sirens came after Qatar, a key mediator between Israel and Hamas, said that the ceasefire in the war in Gaza would take effect from 0630 GMT on Sunday. Sirens and explosions were heard over Jerusalem at around 10:20 am (08:20 GMT) on Saturday, shortly after sirens sounded across central Israel in response to the projectile launched from Yemen, the military said in a statement. Also read: Gaza truce to take effect Sunday at 0630 GMT; Israel approves list of 737 detainees to be released Minutes later, the military said it had intercepted the projectile launched from Yemen. Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have repeatedly launched missile and drone attacks on Israel since the war broke out in Gaza in October 2023. On Friday, the Houthis warned that they would keep up their attacks if Israel did not respect the terms of its ceasefire with Hamas. Also read: Israel approves ceasefire deal with Hamas, hostage release set to begin Sunday The Houthi rebels, part of Iran's "axis of resistance", have also been attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea throughout the war in Gaza, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians. In December, 16 people were wounded in Tel Aviv in one of their attacks on Israel. Also read: Gaza truce: Israel wants no 'public display of joy' during release of Palestinian prisoners In response to their attacks, Israel has struck Houthi targets in several air raids, including in the rebel-held Yemeni capital Sanaa. 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.

Sirens sound, blasts heard in Israel as projectiles launched from Yemen: Report

Two senior judges of the Iranian Supreme Court were killed in Tehran while the third was injured in a "terrorist" attack by an armed attacker on Saturday (Jan 18). Iranian media reported that the attacker shot himself after attacking the judges. The assassinated judges were Mohammad Moghiseh and Hojatoleslam Ali Razini, while the third judge is currently under treatment. As per the news reports in Iran, the attacker was a "staff member" of Iran's fearsome judiciary headquarters.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musk-mocked-for-fake-gaming-skills-after-livestream-disaster-8632246" aria-label="Elon Musk mocked for 'fake' gaming skills after livestream disaster">Elon Musk mocked for 'fake' gaming skills after livestream disaster</a>
Mizan Online's court website said in a statement, "Three judges of the Supreme Court were targeted. Two of them were martyred and one was injured."&nbsp;
As per the IRGC-affiliated Fars News, the attacker used a handgun to shoot at the judges. Although the news agency reported that the attacker was responsible for refreshments for other staff members at the court, the Judiciary Media Centre released a different stance on the matter as it called the attacker an "intruder".
"This morning, an armed infiltrator at the Supreme Court carried out a premeditated assassination targeting two brave and experienced judges renowned for their fight against crimes against national security, espionage, and terrorism," the government body's statement said, IRNA reported.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-announces-new-plan-to-counter-the-surge-in-antisemitism-miguel-moratinos-donald-trump-8632284" aria-label="UN announces new plan to counter the surge in antisemitism">UN announces new plan to counter the surge in antisemitism</a>
Both the killed judges were reportedly known for their strict judgments, like the death penalty for anti-system elements.
A paramilitary investigation reported that the attacker neither had a case at the Supreme Court nor was a visitor to any of its branches.&nbsp;
Just after the attack, authorities quickly apprehended the attacker, but he swiftly shot himself fatally.
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/openai-reacts-to-whistleblower-suchir-balajis-death-amid-murder-claims-8632021" aria-label="&lsquo;Heartbroken,&rsquo; OpenAI reacts to whistleblower Suchir Balaji&rsquo;s death amid murder claims">&lsquo;Heartbroken,&rsquo; OpenAI reacts to whistleblower Suchir Balaji&rsquo;s death amid murder claims</a>
Iran's judiciary spokesperson, Asghar Jahangir, said in a televised statement that "a person armed with a handgun entered the room" of the judges and shot them, AFP reported.&nbsp;
Judge Moghiseh was sanctioned in 2019 by the United States for allegedly having overseen countless unfair trials.&nbsp;
In 1998, Razini had survived an assassination attempt when assailants had allegedly planted a magnetic bomb in his vehicle, AFP reported, citing Mizan.
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/faa-grounds-spacex-over-debris-fall-after-explosion-us-elon-musk-trump-8632110" aria-label="FAA grounds SpaceX over debris fall after explosion">FAA grounds SpaceX over debris fall after explosion</a>
(With inputs from agencies)
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World | Two senior judges in Tehran were killed while the third was injured in an "unusually serious" attack by an armed attacker on Saturday (Jan 18). 

Two senior judges of the Iranian Supreme Court were killed in Tehran while the third was injured in a "terrorist" attack by an armed attacker on Saturday (Jan 18). Iranian media reported that the attacker shot himself after attacking the judges. The assassinated judges were Mohammad Moghiseh and Hojatoleslam Ali Razini, while the third judge is currently under treatment. As per the news reports in Iran, the attacker was a "staff member" of Iran's fearsome judiciary headquarters. Also read | Elon Musk mocked for 'fake' gaming skills after livestream disaster Mizan Online's court website said in a statement, "Three judges of the Supreme Court were targeted. Two of them were martyred and one was injured." As per the IRGC-affiliated Fars News, the attacker used a handgun to shoot at the judges. Although the news agency reported that the attacker was responsible for refreshments for other staff members at the court, the Judiciary Media Centre released a different stance on the matter as it called the attacker an "intruder". "This morning, an armed infiltrator at the Supreme Court carried out a premeditated assassination targeting two brave and experienced judges renowned for their fight against crimes against national security, espionage, and terrorism," the government body's statement said, IRNA reported. Also read | UN announces new plan to counter the surge in antisemitism Both the killed judges were reportedly known for their strict judgments, like the death penalty for anti-system elements. A paramilitary investigation reported that the attacker neither had a case at the Supreme Court nor was a visitor to any of its branches. Just after the attack, authorities quickly apprehended the attacker, but he swiftly shot himself fatally. Also read | ‘Heartbroken,’ OpenAI reacts to whistleblower Suchir Balaji’s death amid murder claims Iran's judiciary spokesperson, Asghar Jahangir, said in a televised statement that "a person armed with a handgun entered the room" of the judges and shot them, AFP reported. Judge Moghiseh was sanctioned in 2019 by the United States for allegedly having overseen countless unfair trials. In 1998, Razini had survived an assassination attempt when assailants had allegedly planted a magnetic bomb in his vehicle, AFP reported, citing Mizan. Also read | FAA grounds SpaceX over debris fall after explosion (With inputs from agencies)

Two Supreme Court judges of Iran killed in 'terrorist attack'

A Russian strike killed four people in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, city officials said on Saturday, in what the country's foreign minister called a "heinous" attack with ballistic missiles.
At least three more were wounded, while a separate overnight strike on the southern city of Zaporizhzhia wounded 10, the regional governor said.
Kyiv is frequently targeted by Russian drones and missiles but deaths are rare in the capital, which is heavily protected by air defence systems and better able to fend off attacks than elsewhere in the country
"We already have four dead in Shevchenkivsky district," Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration, said in a Telegram post, referring to a central area of the capital.
"Yet another proof that Putin wants war, not peace," Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said in a post on social media.
"He must be forced to accept a just peace through strength -- maximum economic and military pressure," he added.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-and-iran-presidents-sign-partnership-treaty-in-moscow-whats-in-it-trump-putin-8631931">Russia and Iran presidents sign partnership treaty in Moscow; What&rsquo;s in it</a>
The air force said it had downed two Iskander ballistic missiles as well as 24 Russian attack drones overnight.
But it said the downed missiles "fell" on Kyiv's central Shevchenkivsky district, damaging an industrial building, a subway to the metro and residential buildings, and temporarily knocking out local water supplies.
An AFP reporter in Kyiv saw flooding on the street at the site of the attack and the charred remains of a bombed-out McDonald's outlet.
Air defences had been in operation in the capital throughout the night, the city's mayor said in updates posted to social media.
The attack came at a time when Kyiv has upped its aerial attacks on Russian energy and military facilities in recent months.
Kyiv's army has conducted strikes on several Russian oil depots recently, including two major attacks on a facility near a military airfield in Russia's Saratov region that triggered days-long blazes.
In Ukraine, Russian forces also targeted Zaporizhzhia overnight, the latest in a wave of strikes against the southern city.
Regional governor Ivan Fedorov said Russia had "cynically" targeted the centre of the city "while everyone was sleeping".
Ten people were wounded out of whom one was in a serious condition, he said.
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&nbsp;audience.

World: In a serious escalation, a Russian missile strike in Kyiv resulted in four deaths. The attack has been criticised by Ukraine's foreign minister, who termed it a heinous act, worsening tensions.

A Russian strike killed four people in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, city officials said on Saturday, in what the country's foreign minister called a "heinous" attack with ballistic missiles. At least three more were wounded, while a separate overnight strike on the southern city of Zaporizhzhia wounded 10, the regional governor said. Kyiv is frequently targeted by Russian drones and missiles but deaths are rare in the capital, which is heavily protected by air defence systems and better able to fend off attacks than elsewhere in the country "We already have four dead in Shevchenkivsky district," Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration, said in a Telegram post, referring to a central area of the capital. "Yet another proof that Putin wants war, not peace," Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said in a post on social media. "He must be forced to accept a just peace through strength -- maximum economic and military pressure," he added. Also read | Russia and Iran presidents sign partnership treaty in Moscow; What’s in it The air force said it had downed two Iskander ballistic missiles as well as 24 Russian attack drones overnight. But it said the downed missiles "fell" on Kyiv's central Shevchenkivsky district, damaging an industrial building, a subway to the metro and residential buildings, and temporarily knocking out local water supplies. An AFP reporter in Kyiv saw flooding on the street at the site of the attack and the charred remains of a bombed-out McDonald's outlet. Air defences had been in operation in the capital throughout the night, the city's mayor said in updates posted to social media. The attack came at a time when Kyiv has upped its aerial attacks on Russian energy and military facilities in recent months. Kyiv's army has conducted strikes on several Russian oil depots recently, including two major attacks on a facility near a military airfield in Russia's Saratov region that triggered days-long blazes. In Ukraine, Russian forces also targeted Zaporizhzhia overnight, the latest in a wave of strikes against the southern city. Regional governor Ivan Fedorov said Russia had "cynically" targeted the centre of the city "while everyone was sleeping". Ten people were wounded out of whom one was in a serious condition, he said. 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.

Four killed in Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine’s Kyiv

Gaza truce deal will take effect at 0630 GMT (0430 local time Gaza) on Sunday morning said Qatar, one of the key mediators of the vital deal.
"As coordinated by the parties to the agreement and the mediators, the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will begin at 8:30 am on Sunday, January 19, local time in Gaza," said Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari on X.
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بناءاً على التوافق بين أطراف الاتفاق والوسطاء سيبدأ وقف إطلاق النار في قطاع غزة في تمام الساعة ٨:٣٠ من صباح يوم الأحد ١٩ يناير بالتوقيت المحلي في غزة. ونوصي الأشقاء بأخذ الحيطة وممارسة أقصى درجات الحذر وانتظار التوجيهات من المصادر الرسمية.
&mdash; د. ماجد محمد الأنصاري Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) <a href="https://twitter.com/majedalansari/status/1880514597763022904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a></blockquote>

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Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-approves-ceasefire-deal-with-hamas-hostage-release-set-to-begin-sunday-8631467">Israel approves ceasefire deal with Hamas, hostage release set to begin Sunday</a>
This comes as Israel's justice ministry in a statement said that the country will be releasing 737 PoWs (Prisoners of War) in the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, after deal was approved on Saturday.
<h2>Release of 737 detainees 'approved'</h2>
The Israeli Justice Ministry in a statement said that the "government approves" the "release (of) 737 prisoners and detainees" currently in the custody of the prison service.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-truce-first-hostages-to-be-released-on-sunday-says-israeli-pms-office-8629985">Gaza truce: Israel wants no 'public display of joy' during release of Palestinian prisoners</a>
Among those named by the ministry are men, women, and children who it said will be released after 4:00 pm local time (1400 GMT) on Sunday. Previously, the Israeli ministry had shared a list of 75 Palestinian prisoners to be freed in exchange of Israeli hostages held captive by Hamas in Gaza.
AFP reports that Zakaria Zubeidi, a chief of the armed wing of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's Fatah party; and Khalida Jarar, a prominent member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a group designated a "terrorist organisation" by Israel, the United States and the European Union are also among the detainees to be freed.
Meanwhile, citing two sources close to Hamas, AFP reported that among the first group of hostages to be released by the Palestinian militants are three Israeli women soldiers.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news | Learn about Israel's approval to release detainees, including prominent figures, as part of the initial phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Gaza truce deal will take effect at 0630 GMT (0430 local time Gaza) on Sunday morning said Qatar, one of the key mediators of the vital deal. "As coordinated by the parties to the agreement and the mediators, the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will begin at 8:30 am on Sunday, January 19, local time in Gaza," said Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari on X. بناءاً على التوافق بين أطراف الاتفاق والوسطاء سيبدأ وقف إطلاق النار في قطاع غزة في تمام الساعة ٨:٣٠ من صباح يوم الأحد ١٩ يناير بالتوقيت المحلي في غزة. ونوصي الأشقاء بأخذ الحيطة وممارسة أقصى درجات الحذر وانتظار التوجيهات من المصادر الرسمية. — د. ماجد محمد الأنصاري Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) January 18, 2025 Also read | Israel approves ceasefire deal with Hamas, hostage release set to begin Sunday This comes as Israel's justice ministry in a statement said that the country will be releasing 737 PoWs (Prisoners of War) in the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, after deal was approved on Saturday. Release of 737 detainees 'approved' The Israeli Justice Ministry in a statement said that the "government approves" the "release (of) 737 prisoners and detainees" currently in the custody of the prison service. Also read | Gaza truce: Israel wants no 'public display of joy' during release of Palestinian prisoners Among those named by the ministry are men, women, and children who it said will be released after 4:00 pm local time (1400 GMT) on Sunday. Previously, the Israeli ministry had shared a list of 75 Palestinian prisoners to be freed in exchange of Israeli hostages held captive by Hamas in Gaza. AFP reports that Zakaria Zubeidi, a chief of the armed wing of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's Fatah party; and Khalida Jarar, a prominent member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a group designated a "terrorist organisation" by Israel, the United States and the European Union are also among the detainees to be freed. Meanwhile, citing two sources close to Hamas, AFP reported that among the first group of hostages to be released by the Palestinian militants are three Israeli women soldiers. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza truce to take effect Sunday at 0630 GMT; Israel approves list of 737 detainees to be released

The United Nations will encourage governments to enforce laws against hate crimes and discrimination as part of new actions to counter the surge in anti-semitism.
The UN, created in the aftermath of the World War II Holocaust in which six million Jews were killed, has worked to counter anti-Semitism.
But the 193-member global organisation has been accused of being anti-Semitic, including by US President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for UN ambassador, New York representative Elise Stefanik.
<h2 dir="ltr">UN intensifies fight against antisemitism with new action plan</h2>
The UN Action Plan aims to intensify efforts against antisemitism by enhancing coordination and response across the United Nations, while also providing guidance and recommendations for governments and external organisations to take action.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/faa-grounds-spacex-over-debris-fall-after-explosion-us-elon-musk-trump-8632110">FAA grounds SpaceX over debris fall after explosion</a>
Miguel Moratinos, the head of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, which developed the plan, said he was alarmed at the surge in anti-Semitic incidents online and offline, citing attacks on synagogues and religious sites - including after October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas and other militants in southern Israel, which resulted in the worst killing of Jews since the Holocaust and set off the war in Gaza.
"Unfortunately, our efforts, like those of national governments, have not been sufficient to curb the drivers of anti-Semitism," he said.
Moratinos said new actors involved in social transformations in technology, science and the economy must be mobilised "to address online and offline hate speech while upholding human rights".
The UN plan proposes setting up a specialised working group to track and assess the effectiveness of policies and measures aimed at combating anti-Semitism within the United Nations.
The plan includes comprehensive training for all UN personnel to recognize and combat anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial. This training is crucial in enabling personnel to effectively address these issues.
<h2 dir="ltr">Action plan encourages "zero tolerance policies" for anti-Semitism</h2>
The plan encourages governments and organisations to denounce anti-Semitism swiftly and enhance education about the Holocaust and anti-Semitism.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-and-iran-presidents-sign-partnership-treaty-in-moscow-whats-in-it-trump-putin-8631931">Russia and Iran presidents sign partnership treaty in Moscow; What&rsquo;s in it</a>
It also encourages "zero tolerance policies" for anti-Semitism.
"The challenge now lies in putting the plan into practice," Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, the US special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism, and US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said in a joint statement.
"The UN must demonstrate its full commitment to its human rights mandate and take concrete steps that will lead to tangible progress," the outgoing ambassadors said.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: Addressing rising anti-semitism, the UN is pushing for global enforcement of laws to deter hate crimes and discrimination, aiming to foster a safer, inclusive society.

The United Nations will encourage governments to enforce laws against hate crimes and discrimination as part of new actions to counter the surge in anti-semitism. The UN, created in the aftermath of the World War II Holocaust in which six million Jews were killed, has worked to counter anti-Semitism. But the 193-member global organisation has been accused of being anti-Semitic, including by US President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for UN ambassador, New York representative Elise Stefanik. UN intensifies fight against antisemitism with new action plan The UN Action Plan aims to intensify efforts against antisemitism by enhancing coordination and response across the United Nations, while also providing guidance and recommendations for governments and external organisations to take action. Also read | FAA grounds SpaceX over debris fall after explosion Miguel Moratinos, the head of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, which developed the plan, said he was alarmed at the surge in anti-Semitic incidents online and offline, citing attacks on synagogues and religious sites - including after October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas and other militants in southern Israel, which resulted in the worst killing of Jews since the Holocaust and set off the war in Gaza. "Unfortunately, our efforts, like those of national governments, have not been sufficient to curb the drivers of anti-Semitism," he said. Moratinos said new actors involved in social transformations in technology, science and the economy must be mobilised "to address online and offline hate speech while upholding human rights". The UN plan proposes setting up a specialised working group to track and assess the effectiveness of policies and measures aimed at combating anti-Semitism within the United Nations. The plan includes comprehensive training for all UN personnel to recognize and combat anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial. This training is crucial in enabling personnel to effectively address these issues. Action plan encourages "zero tolerance policies" for anti-Semitism The plan encourages governments and organisations to denounce anti-Semitism swiftly and enhance education about the Holocaust and anti-Semitism. Also read | Russia and Iran presidents sign partnership treaty in Moscow; What’s in it It also encourages "zero tolerance policies" for anti-Semitism. "The challenge now lies in putting the plan into practice," Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, the US special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism, and US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said in a joint statement. "The UN must demonstrate its full commitment to its human rights mandate and take concrete steps that will lead to tangible progress," the outgoing ambassadors said. (With inputs from agencies)

UN announces new plan to counter the surge in antisemitism

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded SpaceX's Starship and ordered an investigation into the spacecraft's disintegration during its latest test mission on Thursday. The incident occurred over the Caribbean, causing a fiery cascade of debris.
The rocket's upper stage dramatically broke up and disintegrated over the Caribbean after launching from Texas on Thursday, forcing airline flights to alter course to avoid falling debris.
<h2 dir="ltr">What did the FAA say?&nbsp;</h2>
Authorities in the Turks and Caicos Islands diverted all flights from their airspace and warned residents not to touch fallen debris due to potential hazards.
Read more | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/spacexs-starship-rocket-launch-upper-stage-lost-during-seventh-orbital-test-confirms-elon-musks-company-8628497">SpaceX's Starship explodes mid-flight, upper stage lost, says company</a>
The federal agency in a statement said, "The FAA is requiring SpaceX to perform a mishap investigation into the loss of the Starship vehicle during launch operations on Jan. 16."
SpaceX will need to identify any corrective actions, which the FAA will review before determining if the launch vehicle can return to flight. Alternatively, the company may seek an early return to flight by demonstrating sufficient safety measures and confirming the mishap posed no public risk.
The government of the Turks and Caicos Islands met with UK Space Agency experts and reiterated warnings to residents to avoid fallen debris. They advised residents to take photographs of the objects without touching them, emphasising that "Space debris remains the property of the spacecraft owner."
The FAA confirmed it had activated a "debris response area" to briefly slow aircraft outside the area where debris was falling, or stop aircraft from leaving their departure locations.
It added that several aircraft asked to divert due to low fuel levels while being held outside the affected area.
<h2 dir="ltr">Musk expresses confidence despite concerns over safety</h2>
The incident raises new questions about both the safety of the rapidly increasing number of commercial space launches or at least the air traffic disruption being caused by them.
Read more | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-and-iran-presidents-sign-partnership-treaty-in-moscow-whats-in-it-trump-putin-8631931">Russia and Iran presidents sign partnership treaty in Moscow; What&rsquo;s in it</a>
It also is the latest incident highlighting the conflicts that Elon Musk's new role in the Trump administration will bring. He will have the remit to recommend changes, and potentially budget cuts, to government agencies including the FAA. That tension could hamper investigations like the one announced Friday.
Musk, who is preparing to travel to Washington to participate in Trump's inauguration, expressed confidence even as of Thursday night that SpaceX would resolve questions about the explosion quickly and restart test flights.
"Nothing so far suggests pushing the next launch past next month," Musk wrote on his social media site, X.
Musk also made fun of the spectacle the explosion created, as the debris fell toward Turks and Caicos Islands. "Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!" atop a video of the fiery debris falling toward Earth.
<h2 dir="ltr">What is Starship?</h2>
Starship is the biggest, most powerful rocket ever built, and is key to Musk's ambitions of colonising Mars.
Thursday's uncrewed launch was Starship's seventh test mission, and the first involving a taller, upgraded version of the rocket.
The Starship upper stage, two metres (6.56 ft) taller than previous versions, was a "new generation ship with significant upgrades", SpaceX said before the test.
It was due to make a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean roughly an hour after its launch from Boca Chica, Texas.
The Starship test launch on Thursday came hours after the first flight of the Blue Origin New Glenn rocket system, backed by Amazon boss Jeff Bezos.
It was a huge step forward for Bezos and his company which has spent years getting to the point of sending a rocket into orbit.
Bezos and Musk both want to dominate the space vehicle market.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: SpaceX's Starship grounded by FAA following a dramatic disintegration during its test flight, sparking a comprehensive probe into the Caribbean mishap.

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded SpaceX's Starship and ordered an investigation into the spacecraft's disintegration during its latest test mission on Thursday. The incident occurred over the Caribbean, causing a fiery cascade of debris. The rocket's upper stage dramatically broke up and disintegrated over the Caribbean after launching from Texas on Thursday, forcing airline flights to alter course to avoid falling debris. What did the FAA say? Authorities in the Turks and Caicos Islands diverted all flights from their airspace and warned residents not to touch fallen debris due to potential hazards. Read more | SpaceX's Starship explodes mid-flight, upper stage lost, says company The federal agency in a statement said, "The FAA is requiring SpaceX to perform a mishap investigation into the loss of the Starship vehicle during launch operations on Jan. 16." SpaceX will need to identify any corrective actions, which the FAA will review before determining if the launch vehicle can return to flight. Alternatively, the company may seek an early return to flight by demonstrating sufficient safety measures and confirming the mishap posed no public risk. The government of the Turks and Caicos Islands met with UK Space Agency experts and reiterated warnings to residents to avoid fallen debris. They advised residents to take photographs of the objects without touching them, emphasising that "Space debris remains the property of the spacecraft owner." The FAA confirmed it had activated a "debris response area" to briefly slow aircraft outside the area where debris was falling, or stop aircraft from leaving their departure locations. It added that several aircraft asked to divert due to low fuel levels while being held outside the affected area. Musk expresses confidence despite concerns over safety The incident raises new questions about both the safety of the rapidly increasing number of commercial space launches or at least the air traffic disruption being caused by them. Read more | Russia and Iran presidents sign partnership treaty in Moscow; What’s in it It also is the latest incident highlighting the conflicts that Elon Musk's new role in the Trump administration will bring. He will have the remit to recommend changes, and potentially budget cuts, to government agencies including the FAA. That tension could hamper investigations like the one announced Friday. Musk, who is preparing to travel to Washington to participate in Trump's inauguration, expressed confidence even as of Thursday night that SpaceX would resolve questions about the explosion quickly and restart test flights. "Nothing so far suggests pushing the next launch past next month," Musk wrote on his social media site, X. Musk also made fun of the spectacle the explosion created, as the debris fell toward Turks and Caicos Islands. "Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!" atop a video of the fiery debris falling toward Earth. What is Starship? Starship is the biggest, most powerful rocket ever built, and is key to Musk's ambitions of colonising Mars. Thursday's uncrewed launch was Starship's seventh test mission, and the first involving a taller, upgraded version of the rocket. The Starship upper stage, two metres (6.56 ft) taller than previous versions, was a "new generation ship with significant upgrades", SpaceX said before the test. It was due to make a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean roughly an hour after its launch from Boca Chica, Texas. The Starship test launch on Thursday came hours after the first flight of the Blue Origin New Glenn rocket system, backed by Amazon boss Jeff Bezos. It was a huge step forward for Bezos and his company which has spent years getting to the point of sending a rocket into orbit. Bezos and Musk both want to dominate the space vehicle market. (With inputs from agencies)

FAA grounds SpaceX over debris fall after explosion

US AI giant OpenAI on Friday (Jan 17) reacted to the death of whistleblower Suchir Balaji amid claims by his mother that the Indian-American techie may have been murdered. The 26-year-old was found dead in his San Francisco apartment in November, and local investigators closed the case saying it was an act of suicide.
Suchir&rsquo;s mother, Poornima Rao, recently appeared for an interview with American commentator Tucker Carlson, where she blamed the ChatGPT maker for her son&rsquo;s death and demanded a probe by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Reacting to Poornima&rsquo;s comments, OpenAI said it was willing to cooperate with San Francisco Police Department if needed.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-responds-to-the-mother-of-an-openai-whistleblowers-interview-8611370">Elon Musk responds to interview of OpenAI whistleblower&rsquo;s mother</a>
"Suchir was a valued member of our team and we are still heartbroken by his passing. We continue to feel his loss deeply. &nbsp;We have reached out to the San Francisco Police Department and have offered our assistance if it's needed. Law enforcement are the right authorities in this situation, and we trust them to continue sharing updates as needed," OpenAI said in a statement.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m61so82y-f7dzlki4-d428um0v">
<a href="https://t.co/LBThrROv3W">pic.twitter.com/LBThrROv3W</a>
&mdash; OpenAI Newsroom (@OpenAINewsroom) <a href="https://twitter.com/OpenAINewsroom/status/1880015843297489213?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a></blockquote>
The statement added the company won&rsquo;t comment on the issue further "out of respect".
<h2>Suchir Balaji&rsquo;s relationship with OpenAI</h2>
While in college, Balaji is understood to have interned at OpenAI and Scale AI. Notably, Balaji left OpenAI in August last year, ending his four-year stint at the AI giant.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/openai-whistleblower-death-indian-origin-victims-mother-alleges-foul-play-says-report-8581754" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OpenAI whistleblower death: Indian-origin victim's mother alleges foul play over 'blood'</a>
In October, he said in an interview that he won&rsquo;t work for technologies that bring more harm than benefit to society. &ldquo;I no longer wanted to contribute to technologies that I believe would bring society more harm than benefit,&rdquo; Balaji told the New York Times. &ldquo;If you believe what I believe, you have to just leave the company,&rdquo; Balaji added.
Balaji was also reportedly named in a court filing submitted against OpenAI over alleged copyright violation. Several firms, including Microsoft, its biggest investor, and newspapers have sued OpenAI over breaking copyright laws.
<h2>Mother Poornima Rao's claims</h2>
While talking to Tucker Carlson, Suchir's mother Poornima accused OpenAI of killing her son.&nbsp;
"Everybody is suppressed, nobody is ready to come up and tell the truth. Even the attorneys have been made to say that it is a suicide," she said.
Billionaire Elon Musk also reacted to Balaji's mother's interview, calling the allegations "extremely concerning".
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m61ssgwz-9i2zgsop-ttq2poww">
Extremely concerning <a href="https://t.co/ze1mmlIMdD">pic.twitter.com/ze1mmlIMdD</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1879795436623630825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2025</a></blockquote>

World | Suchir’s mother, Poornima Rao, recently appeared for an interview with American commentator Tucker Carlson, where she blamed the ChatGPT maker for her son’s death 

US AI giant OpenAI on Friday (Jan 17) reacted to the death of whistleblower Suchir Balaji amid claims by his mother that the Indian-American techie may have been murdered. The 26-year-old was found dead in his San Francisco apartment in November, and local investigators closed the case saying it was an act of suicide. Suchir’s mother, Poornima Rao, recently appeared for an interview with American commentator Tucker Carlson, where she blamed the ChatGPT maker for her son’s death and demanded a probe by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Reacting to Poornima’s comments, OpenAI said it was willing to cooperate with San Francisco Police Department if needed. Also read: Elon Musk responds to interview of OpenAI whistleblower’s mother "Suchir was a valued member of our team and we are still heartbroken by his passing. We continue to feel his loss deeply. We have reached out to the San Francisco Police Department and have offered our assistance if it's needed. Law enforcement are the right authorities in this situation, and we trust them to continue sharing updates as needed," OpenAI said in a statement. pic.twitter.com/LBThrROv3W — OpenAI Newsroom (@OpenAINewsroom) January 16, 2025 The statement added the company won’t comment on the issue further "out of respect". Suchir Balaji’s relationship with OpenAI While in college, Balaji is understood to have interned at OpenAI and Scale AI. Notably, Balaji left OpenAI in August last year, ending his four-year stint at the AI giant. Also read: OpenAI whistleblower death: Indian-origin victim's mother alleges foul play over 'blood' In October, he said in an interview that he won’t work for technologies that bring more harm than benefit to society. “I no longer wanted to contribute to technologies that I believe would bring society more harm than benefit,” Balaji told the New York Times. “If you believe what I believe, you have to just leave the company,” Balaji added. Balaji was also reportedly named in a court filing submitted against OpenAI over alleged copyright violation. Several firms, including Microsoft, its biggest investor, and newspapers have sued OpenAI over breaking copyright laws. Mother Poornima Rao's claims While talking to Tucker Carlson, Suchir's mother Poornima accused OpenAI of killing her son. "Everybody is suppressed, nobody is ready to come up and tell the truth. Even the attorneys have been made to say that it is a suicide," she said. Billionaire Elon Musk also reacted to Balaji's mother's interview, calling the allegations "extremely concerning". Extremely concerning pic.twitter.com/ze1mmlIMdD — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 16, 2025

‘Heartbroken,’ OpenAI reacts to whistleblower Suchir Balaji’s death amid murder claims

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