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Two people have died and several suffered 'significant' injuries in the Los Angeles fire on Wednesday (Jan 8). LA County fire chief Anthony Marrone held a news conference and said the Eton fire has affected around 2,000 acres of land and is constantly growing with 0 per cent containment.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-pics-massive-wildfire-engulfs-los-angeles-suburb-8602879" aria-label="In pics | Massive wildfire engulfs Los Angeles suburb">In pics | Massive wildfire engulfs Los Angeles suburb</a>
US President Joe Biden received a briefing on the fire overnight as he was travelling to LA and is reported to stop at the LA fire station.&nbsp;
Here are the top updates:&nbsp;
<h2>'Not enough firefighters'</h2>
Morrone said that LA county and all 24 departments are not prepared for such a widespread disaster caused by the fire, known as the Palisades fire, that erupted on Tuesday (Jan 7).&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5o7is0u-5fdbh9sg-systag6v">
The fires engulfing LA are terrifying. My thoughts are with all those who feel vulnerable and whose homes have been razed. I have family and friends who are evacuating to safer zones. Why can&rsquo;t we develop firefighting drones to douse the flames? <a href="https://t.co/JWXx6DfPmg">pic.twitter.com/JWXx6DfPmg</a>
&mdash; Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (@kiranshaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/kiranshaw/status/1877043430385180746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
"There are not enough firefighters in all of LA county to address four separate fires of this magnitude," Morrone said, adding that his department was prepared for one or two brush fires but not for all four.&nbsp;
<h2>37,000 people under evacuation&nbsp;</h2>
As many as 37,000 people living in LA are under the mandatory evacuation order. Around 15,000 structures are at risk of burning.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-defends-musk-says-x-boss-free-to-express-his-views-8602948" aria-label="Blinken defends Musk, says Trump aide 'has right to express his views'">Blinken defends Musk, says Trump aide 'has right to express his views'</a>
The Los Angeles County sheriff, Robert Luna, said that authorities are "prioritising life over everything else".&nbsp;
'Conserve as much water as possible'
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5o7j2gm-4zl8nj3c-hh2xd6tf">
🚨Aerial video of the LA fires. <a href="https://t.co/TcJPk8vxEe">pic.twitter.com/TcJPk8vxEe</a>
&mdash; BruceX 🇺🇸 (@realBruceBallou) <a href="https://twitter.com/realBruceBallou/status/1877050812968370355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
LA Department of Water and Power chief, Janisse Quinones, said that the water system of the area needs to be updated and urged residents of LA to conserve as much water as possible. She added that it's difficult to fight wildfires with an urban water system.&nbsp;
<h2>Tourist attractions closed in LA</h2>
President of the LA City Council, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, said that some of the prominent tourist attractions in LA have been closed.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5o7j8y4-b8aypv6k-fisoc604">
Literally praying for this man &amp; his dog trapped in the LA Fires right now. 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/dsqvaeyrBt">pic.twitter.com/dsqvaeyrBt</a>
&mdash; Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGatesIsaPyscho/status/1876847045903827160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also read |&nbsp;<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thanks-but-no-thanks-eu-nations-strike-cautious-tone-over-trumps-greenland-plan-8602823" aria-label="'Thanks, but no thanks': EU nations strike cautious tone over Trump's Greenland plan">'Thanks, but no thanks': EU nations strike cautious tone over Trump's Greenland plan</a>
He urged people to stay home and to leave the roads for emergency services.&nbsp;
<h2>100 schools closed&nbsp;</h2>
Several schools were reported closed amid the deteriorating air quality in the region due to the fire.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5o7jd6z-cgwp7j7b-1y1j4yhy">
Malibu going up in flames. <a href="https://t.co/Ei70EDbQTT">pic.twitter.com/Ei70EDbQTT</a>
&mdash; Patrick Lovell (@PatrickLovell1) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickLovell1/status/1876829267822096503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
Around 100 schools have been closed in LA, which comprises 10 per cent of the total in the district.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-may-preemptively-pardon-liz-cheney-and-anthony-fauci-after-trumps-threat-to-prosecute-them-8602849" aria-label="Biden may preemptively pardon Liz Cheney and Anthony Fauci after Trump's threat to prosecute them">Biden may preemptively pardon Liz Cheney and Anthony Fauci after Trump's threat to prosecute them</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

President Joe Biden was briefed on the fire situation overnight while en route to Los Angeles, highlighting the severity and urgency of the incident for federal attention.

Two people have died and several suffered 'significant' injuries in the Los Angeles fire on Wednesday (Jan 8). LA County fire chief Anthony Marrone held a news conference and said the Eton fire has affected around 2,000 acres of land and is constantly growing with 0 per cent containment. Also read | In pics | Massive wildfire engulfs Los Angeles suburb US President Joe Biden received a briefing on the fire overnight as he was travelling to LA and is reported to stop at the LA fire station. Here are the top updates: 'Not enough firefighters' Morrone said that LA county and all 24 departments are not prepared for such a widespread disaster caused by the fire, known as the Palisades fire, that erupted on Tuesday (Jan 7). The fires engulfing LA are terrifying. My thoughts are with all those who feel vulnerable and whose homes have been razed. I have family and friends who are evacuating to safer zones. Why can’t we develop firefighting drones to douse the flames? pic.twitter.com/JWXx6DfPmg — Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (@kiranshaw) January 8, 2025 "There are not enough firefighters in all of LA county to address four separate fires of this magnitude," Morrone said, adding that his department was prepared for one or two brush fires but not for all four. 37,000 people under evacuation As many as 37,000 people living in LA are under the mandatory evacuation order. Around 15,000 structures are at risk of burning. Also read | Blinken defends Musk, says Trump aide 'has right to express his views' The Los Angeles County sheriff, Robert Luna, said that authorities are "prioritising life over everything else". 'Conserve as much water as possible' 🚨Aerial video of the LA fires. pic.twitter.com/TcJPk8vxEe — BruceX 🇺🇸 (@realBruceBallou) January 8, 2025 LA Department of Water and Power chief, Janisse Quinones, said that the water system of the area needs to be updated and urged residents of LA to conserve as much water as possible. She added that it's difficult to fight wildfires with an urban water system. Tourist attractions closed in LA President of the LA City Council, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, said that some of the prominent tourist attractions in LA have been closed. Literally praying for this man & his dog trapped in the LA Fires right now. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/dsqvaeyrBt — Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) January 8, 2025 Also read | 'Thanks, but no thanks': EU nations strike cautious tone over Trump's Greenland plan He urged people to stay home and to leave the roads for emergency services. 100 schools closed Several schools were reported closed amid the deteriorating air quality in the region due to the fire. Malibu going up in flames. pic.twitter.com/Ei70EDbQTT — Patrick Lovell (@PatrickLovell1) January 8, 2025 Around 100 schools have been closed in LA, which comprises 10 per cent of the total in the district. Also read | Biden may preemptively pardon Liz Cheney and Anthony Fauci after Trump's threat to prosecute them (With inputs from agencies)

Los Angeles fire: 2 dead, several 'significantly' injured as Palisades fire spreads across 2,000 acres

The Dingri county region near Mount Everest in southern Tibet that was rattled by a massive 7.1 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday, has experienced an overwhelming 646 aftershocks, at least 16 of them of over 3.8 magnitude, according to officials.
Experts said aftershocks were common after a massive earthquake in the seismically active Himalayan region where the Indian tectonic plate collided with the Eurasian plate, creating long fault lines along the Tibetan plateau.
China's official media put the number of aftershocks at 646 with the largest of magnitude 4.4.
The massive earthquake, pegged at a magnitude of 6.8 by the Chinese authorities, struck Dingri county in Xizang on Tuesday, leaving 126 dead and 188 others injured.
India's National Seismological Centre (NCS) said the main earthquake was of the magnitude of 7.1 and at least 16 aftershocks of magnitude 3.8 and above have been recorded in the region since Tuesday.
A preliminary analysis by the NCS suggests that the earthquakes were caused by normal faulting at shallow depths in the North-South direction.
A review of seismic activity over the past decade reveals that minor earthquakes have occurred in the vicinity of the mainshock region.
"This indicates a certain level of pre-existing seismicity in the area, potentially linked to the ongoing tectonic processes in the region," the NCS analysis said on Wednesday.
Regions farther away, such as Bihar, experienced moderate-intensity tremors which highlight the significant energy release near the epicentral zone.
"The earthquake was widely felt across several states in eastern and northeastern India, including Bihar, Sikkim, Assam, and West Bengal, as well as neighbouring regions," the NCS report said.
Within two hours of the event, more than 12 felt reports were submitted by residents from these states through the official website and mobile application, the report said.
"We are not surprised by the number of aftershocks. It will continue for many days, sometimes for months too. It is common, we had also seen it after the Kutch quake," A K Shukla, former head of the NCS said.
Shukla said, as a thumb rule, the magnitude of the aftershocks is always less than the main quake.
"The ground needs to be settled when there is destruction below the surface because of the massive quake. This quake was on a fault line and released a lot of stress and now, after the main, residual stress is being released," Shukla said.
The region near the India and Eurasia plate boundary has a history of large earthquakes.
In the past century, there have been 10 earthquakes of magnitude 6 and greater within 250 km of Tuesday's earthquake, the US Geological Services said.
This includes the 2015 magnitude 7.3 Nepal earthquake, located about 160 km to the southwest and the 1934 magnitude 8.0 earthquake, located about 160 to the south-southwest.
The 2015 magnitude 7.3 Nepal earthquake was an aftershock of the April 25, 2015 magnitude 7.8 Nepal earthquake.
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 massive earthquake, pegged at a magnitude of 6.8 by the Chinese authorities, struck Dingri county in Xizang on Tuesday, leaving 126 dead and 188 others injured.

The Dingri county region near Mount Everest in southern Tibet that was rattled by a massive 7.1 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday, has experienced an overwhelming 646 aftershocks, at least 16 of them of over 3.8 magnitude, according to officials. Experts said aftershocks were common after a massive earthquake in the seismically active Himalayan region where the Indian tectonic plate collided with the Eurasian plate, creating long fault lines along the Tibetan plateau. China's official media put the number of aftershocks at 646 with the largest of magnitude 4.4. The massive earthquake, pegged at a magnitude of 6.8 by the Chinese authorities, struck Dingri county in Xizang on Tuesday, leaving 126 dead and 188 others injured. India's National Seismological Centre (NCS) said the main earthquake was of the magnitude of 7.1 and at least 16 aftershocks of magnitude 3.8 and above have been recorded in the region since Tuesday. A preliminary analysis by the NCS suggests that the earthquakes were caused by normal faulting at shallow depths in the North-South direction. A review of seismic activity over the past decade reveals that minor earthquakes have occurred in the vicinity of the mainshock region. "This indicates a certain level of pre-existing seismicity in the area, potentially linked to the ongoing tectonic processes in the region," the NCS analysis said on Wednesday. Regions farther away, such as Bihar, experienced moderate-intensity tremors which highlight the significant energy release near the epicentral zone. "The earthquake was widely felt across several states in eastern and northeastern India, including Bihar, Sikkim, Assam, and West Bengal, as well as neighbouring regions," the NCS report said. Within two hours of the event, more than 12 felt reports were submitted by residents from these states through the official website and mobile application, the report said. "We are not surprised by the number of aftershocks. It will continue for many days, sometimes for months too. It is common, we had also seen it after the Kutch quake," A K Shukla, former head of the NCS said. Shukla said, as a thumb rule, the magnitude of the aftershocks is always less than the main quake. "The ground needs to be settled when there is destruction below the surface because of the massive quake. This quake was on a fault line and released a lot of stress and now, after the main, residual stress is being released," Shukla said. The region near the India and Eurasia plate boundary has a history of large earthquakes. In the past century, there have been 10 earthquakes of magnitude 6 and greater within 250 km of Tuesday's earthquake, the US Geological Services said. This includes the 2015 magnitude 7.3 Nepal earthquake, located about 160 km to the southwest and the 1934 magnitude 8.0 earthquake, located about 160 to the south-southwest. The 2015 magnitude 7.3 Nepal earthquake was an aftershock of the April 25, 2015 magnitude 7.8 Nepal earthquake. 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.

Tibet earthquake: Aftershocks continue to rattle region

President Joe Biden believes he could have defeated former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-donald-trump-interested-in-acquiring-ownership-of-greenland-8602066">Donald Trump</a> had he stayed in the presidential race instead of stepping aside and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.
In an interview with USA Today, published on Wednesday (Jan 8), Biden said, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s presumptuous to say that, but I think yes,&rdquo; explaining that his opinion was based on polling data he had reviewed. However, when asked whether he had the energy to serve another four years as president, he was less certain. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know,&rdquo; he said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-defends-musk-says-x-boss-free-to-express-his-views-8602948">Blinken defends Musk, says Trump aide 'has right to express his views'</a>
Before withdrawing from the race, polls had shown Biden losing ground to Trump. His performance during a June debate also raised doubts about his readiness for the job, leading to criticism and a dip in support. Biden decided to drop out in July after reviewing concerning polling numbers and concluding that he no longer had a viable path to the presidency.
After announcing his decision, Biden immediately endorsed Kamala Harris, clearing the way for her to secure the Democratic nomination without a primary challenge.
This is the first time Biden has publicly said that he could have beaten Trump. However, he and some of his aides reportedly expressed this belief privately after the election and Harris&rsquo;s loss, with some suggesting that he should have remained in the race.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thanks-but-no-thanks-eu-nations-strike-cautious-tone-over-trumps-greenland-plan-8602823">'Thanks, but no thanks': EU nations strike cautious tone over Trump's Greenland plan</a>
Biden said that his age was a factor in his decision-making. He said, &ldquo;I had no intention of running after Beau died&minus;for real, not a joke.&rdquo; His son Beau passed away in 2015 from brain cancer, a loss that Biden has described as deeply affecting his political career.&nbsp;
In discussing the 2020 election, Biden said, &ldquo;When Trump was running again for reelection, I really thought I had the best chance of beating him. But I also wasn't looking to be president when I was 85 years old, 86 years old. And so I did talk about passing the baton&rdquo; to younger Democratic leaders&mdash;a comment many interpreted as signalling his reluctance to seek a second term.
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When asked again about his capacity to take on the demands of the presidency for another term, Biden replied, &ldquo;Who the hell knows?&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: In an interview Biden said, “It’s presumptuous to say that, but I think yes,” he would have won. However, when asked whether he had the energy to serve another four years as president, he was less certain. “I don’t know,” he said.

President Joe Biden believes he could have defeated former president Donald Trump had he stayed in the presidential race instead of stepping aside and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris. In an interview with USA Today, published on Wednesday (Jan 8), Biden said, “It’s presumptuous to say that, but I think yes,” explaining that his opinion was based on polling data he had reviewed. However, when asked whether he had the energy to serve another four years as president, he was less certain. “I don’t know,” he said. Also read: Blinken defends Musk, says Trump aide 'has right to express his views' Before withdrawing from the race, polls had shown Biden losing ground to Trump. His performance during a June debate also raised doubts about his readiness for the job, leading to criticism and a dip in support. Biden decided to drop out in July after reviewing concerning polling numbers and concluding that he no longer had a viable path to the presidency. After announcing his decision, Biden immediately endorsed Kamala Harris, clearing the way for her to secure the Democratic nomination without a primary challenge. This is the first time Biden has publicly said that he could have beaten Trump. However, he and some of his aides reportedly expressed this belief privately after the election and Harris’s loss, with some suggesting that he should have remained in the race. Also read: 'Thanks, but no thanks': EU nations strike cautious tone over Trump's Greenland plan Biden said that his age was a factor in his decision-making. He said, “I had no intention of running after Beau died−for real, not a joke.” His son Beau passed away in 2015 from brain cancer, a loss that Biden has described as deeply affecting his political career. In discussing the 2020 election, Biden said, “When Trump was running again for reelection, I really thought I had the best chance of beating him. But I also wasn't looking to be president when I was 85 years old, 86 years old. And so I did talk about passing the baton” to younger Democratic leaders—a comment many interpreted as signalling his reluctance to seek a second term. Also read: How about we buy Alaska...?: Canadian lawmaker counters Trump's 51st state offer When asked again about his capacity to take on the demands of the presidency for another term, Biden replied, “Who the hell knows?” (With inputs from agencies)

‘I think yes but...,’ Biden says he could have beaten Trump

A recent study reveals that drinking coffee in the morning may reduce the risk of dying from heart disease by 31%. This exciting finding highlights the potential heart-healthy benefits of coffee, offering a new perspective on the popular beverage.

Morning Coffee: 31% lower risk of dying from heart disease

The Israeli military said on Wednesday that its troops had recovered the body of a hostage in Gaza and brought it back to Israel following a "complex and difficult operation".
In a statement, the military said: "The troops located and recovered the body of hostage Youssef al-Zayadna from an underground tunnel in the Rafah area of the Gaza Strip and returned his body to Israel."
Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz had announced that the remains of Zayadna's son, Hamza, had also been brought to Israel.
The military clarified that the son's body had not been recovered, although "findings were located related to Hamza... which raise serious concerns for his life".
Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said in an online briefing that troops carried out what he described as a "complex and difficult special operation" to retrieve the body.
The father's body was "brought to Israel for an identification process, after which we confirmed his identity and notified his family. We are currently investigating the circumstances of his death," Shoshani said.
The Arab Bedouin father and son were seized by Palestinian militants from Kibbutz Holit near the Gaza border during the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023.
Kidnapped with them were Hamza's sister and brother, who were released during a week-long truce in November 2023.&nbsp;
During their attack, the Hamas terrorists took 251 people hostage. Of those, 95 remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.
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The 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,208 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to Israeli official figures.
Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed 45,936 people in Gaza, the majority of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, which the United Nations considers reliable.
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 | Middle East: Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz had announced that the remains of Zayadna's son, Hamza, had also been brought to Israel.

The Israeli military said on Wednesday that its troops had recovered the body of a hostage in Gaza and brought it back to Israel following a "complex and difficult operation". In a statement, the military said: "The troops located and recovered the body of hostage Youssef al-Zayadna from an underground tunnel in the Rafah area of the Gaza Strip and returned his body to Israel." Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz had announced that the remains of Zayadna's son, Hamza, had also been brought to Israel. The military clarified that the son's body had not been recovered, although "findings were located related to Hamza... which raise serious concerns for his life". Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said in an online briefing that troops carried out what he described as a "complex and difficult special operation" to retrieve the body. The father's body was "brought to Israel for an identification process, after which we confirmed his identity and notified his family. We are currently investigating the circumstances of his death," Shoshani said. The Arab Bedouin father and son were seized by Palestinian militants from Kibbutz Holit near the Gaza border during the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023. Kidnapped with them were Hamza's sister and brother, who were released during a week-long truce in November 2023. During their attack, the Hamas terrorists took 251 people hostage. Of those, 95 remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead. Also read: Trump slams Biden in first remarks after Congress certifies election win. Know what he said The 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,208 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed 45,936 people in Gaza, the majority of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, which the United Nations considers reliable. 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.

IDF says body of one hostage retrieved from Gaza

A tragic stampede-like situation at Vishnu Nivasam in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, has resulted in the deaths of 4 people and left several others injured. The incident highlights the dangers of crowd management during large public gatherings, prompting concerns over safety protocols at religious and public events.

Andhra Pradesh: 4 Killed In Stampede-like Situation At Vishnu Nivasam In Tirupati

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Wednesday (Jan 8) rubbished President-elect Donald Trump&rsquo;s idea to take over Greenland, terming it &ldquo;not a good one&rdquo;. At a press conference in Paris held alongside French Foreign Minister Jean-No&euml;l Barrot, Blinken argued that the US should refrain from propagating narratives that may &ldquo;alienate&rdquo; American allies.
&ldquo;I think one of the basic propositions we brought to our work over the last four years is that we&rsquo;re stronger, we&rsquo;re more effective. We get better results when we&rsquo;re working closely with our allies, not saying or doing things that may alienate them,&rdquo; the top US diplomat said.
He added that the annexation of Greenland is &ldquo;obviously&rdquo; not going to happen.
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&ldquo;Having said that, the idea expressed about Greenland is obviously not a good one, but maybe more important, it&rsquo;s obviously one that&rsquo;s not going to happen. So we probably shouldn&rsquo;t waste a lot of time talking about it,&rdquo; said Blinken.
<h2>House Democrats also reject Trump's Greenland push</h2>
Blinken&rsquo;s statement came after Democratic House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries declared that his party would not back Trump&rsquo;s expansionist agenda because Republican lawmakers were not elected to pursue such policies.
&ldquo;House Democrats believe that they are not sent to Washington to invade Greenland, rename the Gulf of Mexico or seize the Panama Canal by force. We were sent to Washington to lower the high cost of living in the United States of America,&rdquo; the Democratic leader said at a press conference.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-donald-trump-interested-in-acquiring-ownership-of-greenland-8602066" rel="dofollow">Also read: Why is Donald Trump interested in acquiring ownership of Greenland?</a>
Greenland is currently administered by Denmark. The Danish foreign minister, Lars L&oslash;kke Rasmussen, has already made clear his intention to discuss security issues with Trump, but he ruled out relinquishing control over the territory.
&ldquo;We are open to a dialogue with the Americans on how we can possibly cooperate even more closely than we do to ensure that the American ambitions are fulfilled,&rdquo; said Rasmussen.
&ldquo;I have my own issues with Donald Trump and I also know that you shouldn&rsquo;t say everything you think out loud,&rdquo; he added.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Blinken’s statement came after Democratic House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries declared that his party would not back Trump’s expansionist agenda.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Wednesday (Jan 8) rubbished President-elect Donald Trump’s idea to take over Greenland, terming it “not a good one”. At a press conference in Paris held alongside French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Blinken argued that the US should refrain from propagating narratives that may “alienate” American allies. “I think one of the basic propositions we brought to our work over the last four years is that we’re stronger, we’re more effective. We get better results when we’re working closely with our allies, not saying or doing things that may alienate them,” the top US diplomat said. He added that the annexation of Greenland is “obviously” not going to happen. Also read: Trump hush money case: US president-elect asks SC to pause case ahead of sentencing “Having said that, the idea expressed about Greenland is obviously not a good one, but maybe more important, it’s obviously one that’s not going to happen. So we probably shouldn’t waste a lot of time talking about it,” said Blinken. House Democrats also reject Trump's Greenland push Blinken’s statement came after Democratic House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries declared that his party would not back Trump’s expansionist agenda because Republican lawmakers were not elected to pursue such policies. “House Democrats believe that they are not sent to Washington to invade Greenland, rename the Gulf of Mexico or seize the Panama Canal by force. We were sent to Washington to lower the high cost of living in the United States of America,” the Democratic leader said at a press conference. Also read: Why is Donald Trump interested in acquiring ownership of Greenland? Greenland is currently administered by Denmark. The Danish foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, has already made clear his intention to discuss security issues with Trump, but he ruled out relinquishing control over the territory. “We are open to a dialogue with the Americans on how we can possibly cooperate even more closely than we do to ensure that the American ambitions are fulfilled,” said Rasmussen. “I have my own issues with Donald Trump and I also know that you shouldn’t say everything you think out loud,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Not a good idea,’ Blinken rubbishes Trump’s Greenland bid

The World Economic Forum (WEF) released its Future of Jobs Report 2025 on Tuesday (Jan 7), forecasting a significant shift in the global job market. According to the report, by 2030, 170 million new jobs will be created worldwide, while 92 million jobs will be displaced, resulting in a net increase of 78 million jobs.
The report, based on data from over 1,000 companies, identifies the skill gap as the primary challenge to business transformation. Companies are struggling to find the right talent to match evolving technological demands.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-crisis-impeached-prez-yoons-legal-team-says-willing-to-comply-with-warrant-only-if-8602752">South Korea: Impeached Prez Yoon&rsquo;s legal team says willing to comply with warrant &lsquo;only if...&rsquo;</a>
<h2>Top 10 fastest-growing skills by 2030</h2>
The WEF report outlines the fastest-growing skills over the next five years, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data leading the charge. These skills are expected to see the highest demand by 2030, followed closely by networks and cybersecurity, which are also critical for navigating the future job market.
Other important skills identified include technological literacy (ranked third), creativity (fourth), resilience, flexibility, and agility (fifth). curiosity and lifelong learning (sixth), leadership and social influence (seventh), talent management (eighth), analytical thinking (ninth), and environmental stewardship (tenth) round out the top 10 fastest-growing skills.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-inauguration-which-world-leaders-will-attend-is-pm-modi-invited-8601972">Donald Trump&rsquo;s inauguration: Which world leaders will attend? Is PM Modi invited?</a>
<h2>AI and Big Data lead skill growth AI and big data are predicted to see the most dramatic rise, with an expected increase of 87 per cent, followed closely by networks and cybersecurity, which are set to grow by 70 per cent. Creative thinking, along with resilience, flexibility, and agility, will see a 66 per cent increase in demand.</h2>
While many skills are projected to grow, some traditional abilities are expected to see a decline. 'Dependability and attention to detail' will increase by just 12 per cent, while skills like 'reading, writing, and mathematics' are expected to drop by 4 per cent. The decline in 'manual dexterity, endurance and precision' is forecasted at a significant -24 per cent.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | The report, based on data from over 1,000 companies, identifies the skill gap as the primary challenge to business transformation. Companies are struggling to find the right talent to match evolving technological demands.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) released its Future of Jobs Report 2025 on Tuesday (Jan 7), forecasting a significant shift in the global job market. According to the report, by 2030, 170 million new jobs will be created worldwide, while 92 million jobs will be displaced, resulting in a net increase of 78 million jobs. The report, based on data from over 1,000 companies, identifies the skill gap as the primary challenge to business transformation. Companies are struggling to find the right talent to match evolving technological demands. Also Read | South Korea: Impeached Prez Yoon’s legal team says willing to comply with warrant ‘only if...’ Top 10 fastest-growing skills by 2030 The WEF report outlines the fastest-growing skills over the next five years, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data leading the charge. These skills are expected to see the highest demand by 2030, followed closely by networks and cybersecurity, which are also critical for navigating the future job market. Other important skills identified include technological literacy (ranked third), creativity (fourth), resilience, flexibility, and agility (fifth). curiosity and lifelong learning (sixth), leadership and social influence (seventh), talent management (eighth), analytical thinking (ninth), and environmental stewardship (tenth) round out the top 10 fastest-growing skills. Also Read | Donald Trump’s inauguration: Which world leaders will attend? Is PM Modi invited? AI and Big Data lead skill growth AI and big data are predicted to see the most dramatic rise, with an expected increase of 87 per cent, followed closely by networks and cybersecurity, which are set to grow by 70 per cent. Creative thinking, along with resilience, flexibility, and agility, will see a 66 per cent increase in demand. While many skills are projected to grow, some traditional abilities are expected to see a decline. 'Dependability and attention to detail' will increase by just 12 per cent, while skills like 'reading, writing, and mathematics' are expected to drop by 4 per cent. The decline in 'manual dexterity, endurance and precision' is forecasted at a significant -24 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

WEF report: 78mn new jobs to be added by 2030, led by AI, big data and cybersecurity

A 29-year-old Italian journalist, Cecilia Sala, was freed on Wednesday (Jan 8) three weeks after she was detained in Iran. She was aboard a plane that landed at Rome&rsquo;s Ciampino airport, where Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was waiting for her along with her family. One of Sala's companions, Daniele Raineri, posted a photo on social media showing Sala smiling and greeting Meloni.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-defends-musk-says-x-boss-free-to-express-his-views-8602948" aria-label="Blinken defends Musk, says Trump aide 'free to express his views'">Blinken defends Musk, says Trump aide 'free to express his views'</a>
Sala's release was marked as a major victory by Meloni. Her international stature enhanced after she visited US President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago at the time when Sala's release was being negotiated by her country.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5o4efc7-h88c08jj-f91gzkf0">
&Egrave; in volo l'aereo che riporta a casa Cecilia Sala da Teheran. Grazie a un intenso lavoro sui canali diplomatici e di intelligence, la nostra connazionale &egrave; stata rilasciata dalle autorit&agrave; iraniane e sta rientrando in Italia. Ho informato personalmente i genitori della giornalista&hellip;
&mdash; Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) <a href="https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni/status/1876942087930658878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
Meloni's office announced Sala's release and the news that she was flying home. It further added that Meloni personally informed her family about it and credited the release to the government&rsquo;s &ldquo;intensive work on diplomatic and intelligence channels.&rdquo;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thanks-but-no-thanks-eu-nations-strike-cautious-tone-over-trumps-greenland-plan-8602823" aria-label="'Thanks, but no thanks': EU nations strike cautious tone over Trump's Greenland plan">'Thanks, but no thanks': EU nations strike cautious tone over Trump's Greenland plan</a>
Sala is a reporter working at the Il Foglio daily and was detained in Tehran on December 19, just three days after arriving there on a journalist visa. She was arrested on the accusation of violating the laws of the Islamic Republic, as per the Iranian media.&nbsp;
Italian diplomats speculated that Iran detained Sala to bargain the release of Mohammad Abedini in Italy, who was detained in December. Although, as per the media reports, Iran denied the claim.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-may-preemptively-pardon-liz-cheney-and-anthony-fauci-after-trumps-threat-to-prosecute-them-8602849" aria-label="Biden may preemptively pardon Liz Cheney, and Anthony Fauci after Trump's threat to prosecute them">Biden may preemptively pardon Liz Cheney, and Anthony Fauci after Trump's threat to prosecute them</a>
The US has accused Abedini as one of the Iranian nationals who supplied drone technology to Iran that was used in the January 2024 attack on the US outpost in Jordan. The attack killed three American troops.&nbsp;
After her arrival, Meloni posted on the social media platform X and thanked everyone "who helped make Cecilia&rsquo;s return possible, allowing her to re-embrace her family and colleagues.&rdquo;
Also read |&nbsp;<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hush-money-case-us-president-elect-asks-sc-to-pause-case-ahead-of-sentencing-8602778" aria-label="Trump hush money case: US president-elect asks SC to pause case ahead of sentencing">Trump hush money case: US president-elect asks SC to pause case ahead of sentencing</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

Sala's release was marked as a major victory for Meloni whose international stature enhanced after she visited US President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence at the time when Sala's release was being negotiated by her country. 

A 29-year-old Italian journalist, Cecilia Sala, was freed on Wednesday (Jan 8) three weeks after she was detained in Iran. She was aboard a plane that landed at Rome’s Ciampino airport, where Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was waiting for her along with her family. One of Sala's companions, Daniele Raineri, posted a photo on social media showing Sala smiling and greeting Meloni. Also read | Blinken defends Musk, says Trump aide 'free to express his views' Sala's release was marked as a major victory by Meloni. Her international stature enhanced after she visited US President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago at the time when Sala's release was being negotiated by her country. È in volo l'aereo che riporta a casa Cecilia Sala da Teheran. Grazie a un intenso lavoro sui canali diplomatici e di intelligence, la nostra connazionale è stata rilasciata dalle autorità iraniane e sta rientrando in Italia. Ho informato personalmente i genitori della giornalista… — Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) January 8, 2025 Meloni's office announced Sala's release and the news that she was flying home. It further added that Meloni personally informed her family about it and credited the release to the government’s “intensive work on diplomatic and intelligence channels.” Also read | 'Thanks, but no thanks': EU nations strike cautious tone over Trump's Greenland plan Sala is a reporter working at the Il Foglio daily and was detained in Tehran on December 19, just three days after arriving there on a journalist visa. She was arrested on the accusation of violating the laws of the Islamic Republic, as per the Iranian media. Italian diplomats speculated that Iran detained Sala to bargain the release of Mohammad Abedini in Italy, who was detained in December. Although, as per the media reports, Iran denied the claim. Also read | Biden may preemptively pardon Liz Cheney, and Anthony Fauci after Trump's threat to prosecute them The US has accused Abedini as one of the Iranian nationals who supplied drone technology to Iran that was used in the January 2024 attack on the US outpost in Jordan. The attack killed three American troops. After her arrival, Meloni posted on the social media platform X and thanked everyone "who helped make Cecilia’s return possible, allowing her to re-embrace her family and colleagues.” Also read | Trump hush money case: US president-elect asks SC to pause case ahead of sentencing (With inputs from agencies)

Iran releases Italian journalist 3 weeks after detaining her for 'violating laws'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday (Jan 8) said that billionaire Elon Musk was speaking as a private citizen and he has 'right to express his views'.
"Private citizens in our country can say what they want," Blinken, who is set to step down once Joe Biden leaves office on 20 January, told reporters in Paris.
"He, like any American, has the right to express his views," US top diplomat added.
Blinken&rsquo;s comments come amid growing criticism of Musk, particularly from European leaders, who allege that the owner of social media platform X is meddling in their political affairs. On Wednesday, France called on the European Commission to take a firm stance against what it sees as interference from Musk.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thanks-but-no-thanks-eu-nations-strike-cautious-tone-over-trumps-greenland-plan-8602823">'Thanks, but no thanks': EU nations strike cautious tone over Trump's Greenland plan</a>
French Foreign Minister Jean-No&euml;l Barrot said, "Either the European Commission applies with the greatest firmness the laws that we have given ourselves to protect our public space, or it does not do so and then it will have to agree to give back the capacity to do so to the EU member states."
<h2>Accusations of election interference</h2>
French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this week, accused Musk of directly influencing elections, including Germany&rsquo;s upcoming snap polls in February. "Ten years ago, who could have imagined it if we had been told that the owner of one of the largest social networks in the world would support a new international reactionary movement and intervene directly in elections, including in Germany," Macron said in a speech to French ambassadors.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-calls-for-european-commission-to-take-tough-stance-against-elon-musks-interfernece-8601900">France urges European Commission to take tough stance against Elon Musk&rsquo;s interference, Spanish PM says Musk 'stirs up hatred'</a>
Other European leaders have voiced similar concerns. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr St&oslash;re said, "I find it worrying that a man with considerable access to social networks and significant economic resources is so directly involved in the internal affairs of other countries." 
<h2>'Don&rsquo;t feed the troll'</h2>
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Musk&rsquo;s statements, including insults directed at him, calling Musk a &ldquo;troll.&rdquo; Speaking on Sunday (5 January), Scholz said he had no interest in engaging with Musk. "I don&rsquo;t believe in courting Mr Musk&rsquo;s favour. I&rsquo;m happy to leave that to others. The rule is: don&rsquo;t feed the troll." He also urged voters not to let social media owners influence Germany&rsquo;s February elections.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-macron-accuses-elon-musk-of-election-interference-in-germany-8596459">After Germany, France accuses Elon Musk of 'direct intervention' in elections; Norway PM terms it 'worrying'</a>
<h2>Musk's support for right-wing opposition</h2>
Musk has been vocal in supporting right-wing opposition parties in nations like the UK and Germany.&nbsp; Musk has openly endorsed Germany&rsquo;s far-right Alternative f&uuml;r Deutschland (AfD) party ahead of the elections. He penned an opinion piece in a German newspaper supporting AfD and plans to host a live discussion with Alice Weidel, the party&rsquo;s chancellor candidate, on X.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeaus-half-brother-says-canadian-pm-wasnt-one-calling-plays-while-in-power-8601963">He was handed script to read...: Trudeau's half brother says Canadian PM wasn't 'one calling plays' while in power</a>
In the UK, Musk has also stirred controversy by backing calls for a general election, despite the last one being held only six months ago. He shared a post on X urging King Charles to dissolve the government, which read, "The King must step in. We can&rsquo;t have Keir heading the country, while he was the one heading the Crown Prosecution Service [CPS] while all this was happening." 
(With inputs from agencies)

World: This comes as Elon Musk is facing constant criticism from European nations who claim that X boss' posts are interfering in their political debates.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday (Jan 8) said that billionaire Elon Musk was speaking as a private citizen and he has 'right to express his views'. "Private citizens in our country can say what they want," Blinken, who is set to step down once Joe Biden leaves office on 20 January, told reporters in Paris. "He, like any American, has the right to express his views," US top diplomat added. Blinken’s comments come amid growing criticism of Musk, particularly from European leaders, who allege that the owner of social media platform X is meddling in their political affairs. On Wednesday, France called on the European Commission to take a firm stance against what it sees as interference from Musk. Also read: 'Thanks, but no thanks': EU nations strike cautious tone over Trump's Greenland plan French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said, "Either the European Commission applies with the greatest firmness the laws that we have given ourselves to protect our public space, or it does not do so and then it will have to agree to give back the capacity to do so to the EU member states." Accusations of election interference French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this week, accused Musk of directly influencing elections, including Germany’s upcoming snap polls in February. "Ten years ago, who could have imagined it if we had been told that the owner of one of the largest social networks in the world would support a new international reactionary movement and intervene directly in elections, including in Germany," Macron said in a speech to French ambassadors. Also read: France urges European Commission to take tough stance against Elon Musk’s interference, Spanish PM says Musk 'stirs up hatred' Other European leaders have voiced similar concerns. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said, "I find it worrying that a man with considerable access to social networks and significant economic resources is so directly involved in the internal affairs of other countries." 'Don’t feed the troll' German Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Musk’s statements, including insults directed at him, calling Musk a “troll.” Speaking on Sunday (5 January), Scholz said he had no interest in engaging with Musk. "I don’t believe in courting Mr Musk’s favour. I’m happy to leave that to others. The rule is: don’t feed the troll." He also urged voters not to let social media owners influence Germany’s February elections. Also read: After Germany, France accuses Elon Musk of 'direct intervention' in elections; Norway PM terms it 'worrying' Musk's support for right-wing opposition Musk has been vocal in supporting right-wing opposition parties in nations like the UK and Germany. Musk has openly endorsed Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party ahead of the elections. He penned an opinion piece in a German newspaper supporting AfD and plans to host a live discussion with Alice Weidel, the party’s chancellor candidate, on X. Also read: He was handed script to read...: Trudeau's half brother says Canadian PM wasn't 'one calling plays' while in power In the UK, Musk has also stirred controversy by backing calls for a general election, despite the last one being held only six months ago. He shared a post on X urging King Charles to dissolve the government, which read, "The King must step in. We can’t have Keir heading the country, while he was the one heading the Crown Prosecution Service [CPS] while all this was happening." (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken defends Musk, says Trump aide 'has right to express his views'

US billionaire Elon Musk went after Canada PM Justin Trudeau after the latter dismissed US President-elect Donald Trump's plan to annex Canada. Reacting to Trudeau's post on X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk wrote, "Girl, you&rsquo;re not the governor of Canada anymore, so it doesn&rsquo;t matter what you say."
Meanwhile, South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol&rsquo;s lawyers on Wednesday challenged the legitimacy of a new detention warrant, saying the anti-corruption agency CIO lacks legal authority to investigate rebellion charges or order police to detain suspects.
India Wednesday extended visa for ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, according to media reports. The Bangladeshi leader has been staying in India since August last year following the collapse of her government in the face of massive student protests.
Click on the headlines to read more.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/girl-youre-no-longer-governor-musk-slams-trudeau-for-rejecting-canada-us-merger-pitch-by-trump-8601912" rel="dofollow">'Girl, you&rsquo;re no longer governor...': Musk slams Trudeau for rejecting Trump's Canada-US 'merger' pitch</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/08/IO377xR6Z3VtCSYZbxn6.png" alt=" File image of Justin Trudeau, Elon Musk Photograph: (Reuters) ">
Billionaire Elon Musk, on Wednesday (January 8), took a dig at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his comments rejecting the Canada-US merger pitched by US President-elect Donald Trump.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-crisis-impeached-prez-yoons-legal-team-says-willing-to-comply-with-warrant-only-if-8602752" rel="dofollow">South Korea crisis: Impeached Prez Yoon&rsquo;s legal team says willing to comply with warrant &lsquo;only if...&rsquo;</a> 
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/07/469985-stories-2024-12-07t092406751.png" alt=" Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol ">
The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) officials have vowed to make another &lsquo;forceful&rsquo; effort to detain the impeached leader following last week&rsquo;s failed attempt.
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<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/23/472683-untitled-1.png" alt=" Deposed Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina ">
Amid growing calls for the extradition of deposed Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, New Delhi has reportedly extended her visa.
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<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2024/12/30/zrwQgafnX3PWwUddDNJs.png" alt=" ISRO SpaDex mission. Photograph: (ISRO, X/Sidharth.M.P) ">
The Indian space agency ISRO has postponed the 9th January, Thursday morning's planned docking of its twin SPADEX satellites, owing to a drift or growing distance between the two satellites that are meant to gradually get closer to each other and mechanically attach themselves, all fully autonomously.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thanks-but-no-thanks-eu-nations-strike-cautious-tone-over-trumps-greenland-plan-8602823" rel="dofollow">'Thanks, but no thanks': EU nations strike cautious tone over Trump's Greenland plan</a> 
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/08/tUceTMWAMjO4PBesi3hG.png" alt=" File images of Donald Trump (Left) and French President Emmanuel Macron (Right) Photograph: (Reuters) ">
France, Germany and the EU have issued a cautious warning to Donald Trump, urging the US president-elect to refrain from actions that threaten the &ldquo;sovereign borders&rdquo; of the European Union.
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<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/08/yxSRCTPx2Ey4mWQogJ2P.jpg" alt=" Elon Musk Photograph: (AFP) ">
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday (Jan 8) that the billionaire owner of social media platform X, Elon Musk "openly attacks our institutions" and "stirs up hatred".
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-absolutely-refute-eu-rejects-meta-chief-zuckerbergs-censorship-claim-8602201" rel="dofollow">'We absolutely refute...': EU rejects Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg's censorship claim</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/08/q3x2jrxDfXRJcp6clOAP.png" alt=" File photos of EU flags (left) and Meta Chief Mark Zuckerberg (right). Photograph: (Reuters) ">
The European Union (EU) said on Wednesday (Jan 8) that it rejected Meta Chief Mark Zuckerberg's charge that the bloc engaged in censorship with its tech regulations.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-pledges-support-for-afghan-refugees-after-talibans-request-8602657" rel="dofollow">India pledges support for Afghan refugees after Taliban&rsquo;s request</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/08/YMGEBJVy8yfUvdUj173J.jpg" alt=" Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Acting Afghan Foreign minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaq meet in Dubai Photograph: (Twitter handle: @VikramMisri @MoFA_Afg) ">
The Indian government and Taliban have upped the engagement after a key meeting between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/pcb-relocates-odi-tri-series-vs-nz-south-africa-to-lahore-karachi-ahead-of-champions-trophy-2025-8602688" rel="dofollow">PCB relocates SA, NZ ODI tri-series to Lahore, Karachi before Champions Trophy 2025</a> 
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/08/dL088yEPBuqPDNKKO52K.png" alt=" PCB relocates NZ, SA ODI tri-series to Karachi, Lahore Photograph: (AFP) ">
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shifted the upcoming tri-nation ODI series involving South Africa and New Zealand from Multan to Karachi and Lahore&mdash;venues of the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/heres-how-priyanka-gandhi-reacted-to-kangana-ranauts-invitation-to-watch-emergency-8602082" rel="dofollow">Here's how Priyanka Gandhi reacted to Kangana Ranaut's invitation to watch Emergency</a> 
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/08/cVd1wruCvUy8g8P0daAz.png" alt=" File image of Priyanka Gandhi and Kangana Ranaut in Emergency Photograph: (AFP/X) ">
Kangana Ranaut is gearing up to release her directorial feature&nbsp;Emergency.&nbsp;The actress, who is busy promoting the film ahead of its January 10 release, recently revealed that she has extended an invitation to politician Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to watch the film.&nbsp;
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World | Here are the top 10 stories from across the world.

US billionaire Elon Musk went after Canada PM Justin Trudeau after the latter dismissed US President-elect Donald Trump's plan to annex Canada. Reacting to Trudeau's post on X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk wrote, "Girl, you’re not the governor of Canada anymore, so it doesn’t matter what you say." Meanwhile, South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol’s lawyers on Wednesday challenged the legitimacy of a new detention warrant, saying the anti-corruption agency CIO lacks legal authority to investigate rebellion charges or order police to detain suspects. India Wednesday extended visa for ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, according to media reports. The Bangladeshi leader has been staying in India since August last year following the collapse of her government in the face of massive student protests. Click on the headlines to read more. 'Girl, you’re no longer governor...': Musk slams Trudeau for rejecting Trump's Canada-US 'merger' pitch Billionaire Elon Musk, on Wednesday (January 8), took a dig at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his comments rejecting the Canada-US merger pitched by US President-elect Donald Trump. South Korea crisis: Impeached Prez Yoon’s legal team says willing to comply with warrant ‘only if...’ The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) officials have vowed to make another ‘forceful’ effort to detain the impeached leader following last week’s failed attempt. India extends ousted Bangladesh PM Hasina’s visa as Dhaka presses for extradition Amid growing calls for the extradition of deposed Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, New Delhi has reportedly extended her visa. ISRO's SPADEX docking mission postponed for second time; satellites safe The Indian space agency ISRO has postponed the 9th January, Thursday morning's planned docking of its twin SPADEX satellites, owing to a drift or growing distance between the two satellites that are meant to gradually get closer to each other and mechanically attach themselves, all fully autonomously. 'Thanks, but no thanks': EU nations strike cautious tone over Trump's Greenland plan France, Germany and the EU have issued a cautious warning to Donald Trump, urging the US president-elect to refrain from actions that threaten the “sovereign borders” of the European Union. France urges European Commission to take tough stance against Elon Musk’s interference, Spanish PM says Musk 'stirs up hatred' Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday (Jan 8) that the billionaire owner of social media platform X, Elon Musk "openly attacks our institutions" and "stirs up hatred". 'We absolutely refute...': EU rejects Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg's censorship claim The European Union (EU) said on Wednesday (Jan 8) that it rejected Meta Chief Mark Zuckerberg's charge that the bloc engaged in censorship with its tech regulations. India pledges support for Afghan refugees after Taliban’s request The Indian government and Taliban have upped the engagement after a key meeting between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai. PCB relocates SA, NZ ODI tri-series to Lahore, Karachi before Champions Trophy 2025 The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shifted the upcoming tri-nation ODI series involving South Africa and New Zealand from Multan to Karachi and Lahore—venues of the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy. Here's how Priyanka Gandhi reacted to Kangana Ranaut's invitation to watch Emergency Kangana Ranaut is gearing up to release her directorial feature Emergency. The actress, who is busy promoting the film ahead of its January 10 release, recently revealed that she has extended an invitation to politician Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to watch the film.

Top 10 world news: Musk, Trudeau clash over Trump's Canada plan; South Korea political crisis, and more

World | Photos | A massive wildfire engulfed a Los Angeles suburb on Tuesday (Jan 7). Around 30,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as the inferno has already engulfed over 2,900 acres of land.

In pics | Massive wildfire engulfs Los Angeles suburb

France, Germany and the EU have issued a cautious warning to Donald Trump, urging the US president-elect to refrain from actions that threaten the &ldquo;sovereign borders&rdquo; of the European Union. This comes after Trump refused to rule out using military force to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory under Denmark, a member state of the EU.
&ldquo;There is no question of the EU letting other nations in the world, whoever they may be... attack its sovereign borders,&rdquo; French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said during an interview with France Inter radio.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-about-we-buy-alaska-canadian-lawmaker-counters-trumps-51st-state-offer-8602615">How about we buy Alaska...?: Canadian lawmaker counters Trump's 51st state offer</a>
Barrot added, &ldquo;We are a strong continent. We need to strengthen ourselves more.&rdquo; When asked directly whether the United States might invade Greenland, he responded, &ldquo;If you ask me: 'Is the United States going to invade Greenland?' the answer is no.&rdquo;
<h2>'Should we be overcome with worry? Evidently, no'</h2>
He added, &ldquo;We have entered an era that is seeing the return of the law of the strongest. Should we be intimidated? Should we be overcome with worry? Evidently, no. We need to wake up and reinforce ourselves, militarily, in competition, in a world where the law of the strongest prevails.&rdquo;
Barrot also said that he believes that the US is &ldquo;inherently not imperialistic&rdquo; and he doubts that this fundamental nature is changing. However, French government spokeswoman Sophie Primas said, &ldquo;Today we are seeing the rise in blocs, we can see this as a form of imperialism, which materialises itself in the statements that we saw from Mr Trump on the annexation of an entire territory.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/girl-youre-no-longer-governor-musk-slams-trudeau-for-rejecting-canada-us-merger-pitch-by-trump-8601912">'Girl, you&rsquo;re no longer governor...': Musk slams Trudeau for rejecting Trump's Canada-US 'merger' pitch</a>
"More than ever, we and our European partners need to be conscious, to get away from a form of naivety, to protect ourselves, to rearm," she added.
<h2>'Wild hypothetical stuff'</h2>
The European Commission also dismissed Trump&rsquo;s comments about Greenland as &ldquo;wild hypothetical stuff,&rdquo; but added that EU member states are obligated to defend Greenland if it came under attack. A commission spokesman said, &ldquo;We are talking about fairly wild hypothetical stuff about an administration that hasn&rsquo;t come in yet.&rdquo;
When asked if Greenland is protected under the EU&rsquo;s mutual defence clause, Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho confirmed it is, adding, &ldquo;But we are indeed speaking of something extremely theoretical on which we will not want to elaborate.&rdquo;
<h2>'Borders must not be moved by force'</h2>
In Germany, government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said, &ldquo;As always, the firm principle applies... that borders must not be moved by force.&rdquo;&nbsp;
However, he refrained from commenting further on whether Berlin takes Trump&rsquo;s statements about NATO allies Denmark and Canada seriously, saying only that the German government had &ldquo;taken note&rdquo; of his comments.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-donald-trump-interested-in-acquiring-ownership-of-greenland-8602066">Why is Donald Trump interested in acquiring ownership of Greenland?</a>
Trump&rsquo;s remarks came after a press conference on Tuesday during which he called the US-Canada border an &ldquo;artificially drawn line&rdquo; and suggested that the Gulf of Mexico be renamed the &ldquo;Gulf of America.&rdquo; He also refused to rule out the use of military force to take control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, while hinting at plans to use &ldquo;economic force&rdquo; to make Canada part of the US.
&ldquo;We need Greenland for national security purposes,&rdquo; Trump said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-crisis-impeached-prez-yoons-legal-team-says-willing-to-comply-with-warrant-only-if-8602752">South Korea crisis: Impeached Prez Yoon&rsquo;s legal team says willing to comply with warrant &lsquo;only if...&rsquo;</a>
Greenland, which was granted home rule in 1979 as part of the Kingdom of Denmark, has made it clear that it is not for sale. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said, &ldquo;There is a lot of support among the people of Greenland that Greenland is not for sale and will not be in the future either. Greenland belongs to the Greelanders.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: “There is no question of the EU letting other nations in the world, whoever they may be... attack its sovereign borders,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said during an interview with France Inter radio.

France, Germany and the EU have issued a cautious warning to Donald Trump, urging the US president-elect to refrain from actions that threaten the “sovereign borders” of the European Union. This comes after Trump refused to rule out using military force to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory under Denmark, a member state of the EU. “There is no question of the EU letting other nations in the world, whoever they may be... attack its sovereign borders,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said during an interview with France Inter radio. Also read: How about we buy Alaska...?: Canadian lawmaker counters Trump's 51st state offer Barrot added, “We are a strong continent. We need to strengthen ourselves more.” When asked directly whether the United States might invade Greenland, he responded, “If you ask me: 'Is the United States going to invade Greenland?' the answer is no.” 'Should we be overcome with worry? Evidently, no' He added, “We have entered an era that is seeing the return of the law of the strongest. Should we be intimidated? Should we be overcome with worry? Evidently, no. We need to wake up and reinforce ourselves, militarily, in competition, in a world where the law of the strongest prevails.” Barrot also said that he believes that the US is “inherently not imperialistic” and he doubts that this fundamental nature is changing. However, French government spokeswoman Sophie Primas said, “Today we are seeing the rise in blocs, we can see this as a form of imperialism, which materialises itself in the statements that we saw from Mr Trump on the annexation of an entire territory.” Also read: 'Girl, you’re no longer governor...': Musk slams Trudeau for rejecting Trump's Canada-US 'merger' pitch "More than ever, we and our European partners need to be conscious, to get away from a form of naivety, to protect ourselves, to rearm," she added. 'Wild hypothetical stuff' The European Commission also dismissed Trump’s comments about Greenland as “wild hypothetical stuff,” but added that EU member states are obligated to defend Greenland if it came under attack. A commission spokesman said, “We are talking about fairly wild hypothetical stuff about an administration that hasn’t come in yet.” When asked if Greenland is protected under the EU’s mutual defence clause, Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho confirmed it is, adding, “But we are indeed speaking of something extremely theoretical on which we will not want to elaborate.” 'Borders must not be moved by force' In Germany, government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said, “As always, the firm principle applies... that borders must not be moved by force.” However, he refrained from commenting further on whether Berlin takes Trump’s statements about NATO allies Denmark and Canada seriously, saying only that the German government had “taken note” of his comments. Also read: Why is Donald Trump interested in acquiring ownership of Greenland? Trump’s remarks came after a press conference on Tuesday during which he called the US-Canada border an “artificially drawn line” and suggested that the Gulf of Mexico be renamed the “Gulf of America.” He also refused to rule out the use of military force to take control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, while hinting at plans to use “economic force” to make Canada part of the US. “We need Greenland for national security purposes,” Trump said. Also read: South Korea crisis: Impeached Prez Yoon’s legal team says willing to comply with warrant ‘only if...’ Greenland, which was granted home rule in 1979 as part of the Kingdom of Denmark, has made it clear that it is not for sale. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said, “There is a lot of support among the people of Greenland that Greenland is not for sale and will not be in the future either. Greenland belongs to the Greelanders.” (With inputs from agencies)

'Thanks, but no thanks': EU nations strike cautious tone over Trump's Greenland plan

The outgoing president of the United States, Joe Biden, said he seeking to preemptively pardon former congressman Liz Cheney along with other political enemies of the incoming president Donald Trump. In a rare sit-down interview during his last days in the White House, Biden told USA Today that he may pardon Liz Cheney which would mark as one more important decision before leaving the office. He is also considering the name of Anthony Fauci in the pardon list.&nbsp;
Both Cheney and Fauci have been constantly threatened by Trump with an investigation and prosecution against them. Cheney allegedly helped lead efforts to impeach Trump in his first term in the White House&nbsp;and Fauci spearheaded a fight against Covid-19 when the Republican was in the White House.&nbsp;
Biden said that after he met Trump post-election in November, he told him not to go forward with threats to target those who have criticised him.&nbsp;
"I tried to make clear that there was no need, and it was counterintuitive for his interest to go back and try to settle scores," Biden told USA Today. He added that Trump did not ssay,"No, I'm going to do it". "He didn't reinforce it. He just basically listened," Biden added.&nbsp;
<h2>The power of&nbsp;preemptive pardon </h2>
As per the US Constitution, the president possesses the power to &ldquo;grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment&rdquo;. But the power only applies to federal crimes and not state ones. 
Also read |&nbsp;How about we buy Alaska...?: Canadian lawmaker counters Trump's 51st state offer
<h2>Trump's rare praise of Biden</h2>
Biden claimed that after his first meeting with the president-elect after the election, Trump praised his economic policies. However, in his election campaigns, Trump constantly criticised Biden's administration. 
Also read | South Korea crisis: Impeached Prez Yoon&rsquo;s legal team says willing to comply with warrant &lsquo;only if...&rsquo;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

World: Trump has openly criticised Cheney, reflecting ongoing political tensions and the deep divides within the Republican Party as he continues to challenge her positions.

The outgoing president of the United States, Joe Biden, said he seeking to preemptively pardon former congressman Liz Cheney along with other political enemies of the incoming president Donald Trump. In a rare sit-down interview during his last days in the White House, Biden told USA Today that he may pardon Liz Cheney which would mark as one more important decision before leaving the office. He is also considering the name of Anthony Fauci in the pardon list. Both Cheney and Fauci have been constantly threatened by Trump with an investigation and prosecution against them. Cheney allegedly helped lead efforts to impeach Trump in his first term in the White House and Fauci spearheaded a fight against Covid-19 when the Republican was in the White House. Biden said that after he met Trump post-election in November, he told him not to go forward with threats to target those who have criticised him. "I tried to make clear that there was no need, and it was counterintuitive for his interest to go back and try to settle scores," Biden told USA Today. He added that Trump did not ssay,"No, I'm going to do it". "He didn't reinforce it. He just basically listened," Biden added. The power of preemptive pardon As per the US Constitution, the president possesses the power to “grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment”. But the power only applies to federal crimes and not state ones. Also read | How about we buy Alaska...?: Canadian lawmaker counters Trump's 51st state offer Trump's rare praise of Biden Biden claimed that after his first meeting with the president-elect after the election, Trump praised his economic policies. However, in his election campaigns, Trump constantly criticised Biden's administration. Also read | South Korea crisis: Impeached Prez Yoon’s legal team says willing to comply with warrant ‘only if...’ (With inputs from agencies)

Biden may preemptively pardon Liz Cheney and Anthony Fauci after Trump's threat to prosecute them

Balochistan Liberation Army launches coordinated attacks. BLA vandalise, and take over check posts in Khuzdar district. Watch this report for more details!

Balochistan Liberation Army captures civilian installations, gunfight with para forces underway

President-elect Donald Trump has asked the US Supreme Court to pause criminal proceedings in his hush money case, after a New York appeals court denied his bid to halt sentencing scheduled for Friday.
In a filing released on Wednesday, Trump's lawyers asked the nation's top court to immediately order a stay in the case as he seeks an appeal to resolve questions of presidential immunity following an earlier Supreme Court ruling.
That appeal effort could reach the Supreme Court as well, his lawyers noted. They also urged the court to issue a temporary "administrative stay" while it considers the request for a broader pause, the filing said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-donald-trump-interested-in-acquiring-ownership-of-greenland-8602066" rel="dofollow">Why is Donald Trump interested in acquiring ownership of Greenland?</a>
Trump, who won another term in the White House and is set to take office January 20, was convicted by a New York jury on criminal charges stemming from hush money paid to a porn star ahead of the 2016 election. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.
The hush money case made Trump the first US president, sitting or former, to be charged with a crime and also the first to be convicted.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hush-money-case-judge-rejects-trumps-plea-to-delay-sentencing-8597798" rel="dofollow">Hush money case: Judge rejects Trump&rsquo;s plea to delay sentencing</a>
Since the verdict, his lawyers have made two unsuccessful attempts to have the case tossed.
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: In a filing released on Wednesday, Donald Trump's lawyers asked the United States (US) Supreme Court to immediately order a stay in the case. 

President-elect Donald Trump has asked the US Supreme Court to pause criminal proceedings in his hush money case, after a New York appeals court denied his bid to halt sentencing scheduled for Friday. In a filing released on Wednesday, Trump's lawyers asked the nation's top court to immediately order a stay in the case as he seeks an appeal to resolve questions of presidential immunity following an earlier Supreme Court ruling. That appeal effort could reach the Supreme Court as well, his lawyers noted. They also urged the court to issue a temporary "administrative stay" while it considers the request for a broader pause, the filing said. Also read | Why is Donald Trump interested in acquiring ownership of Greenland? Trump, who won another term in the White House and is set to take office January 20, was convicted by a New York jury on criminal charges stemming from hush money paid to a porn star ahead of the 2016 election. Trump has denied any wrongdoing. The hush money case made Trump the first US president, sitting or former, to be charged with a crime and also the first to be convicted. Also read | Hush money case: Judge rejects Trump’s plea to delay sentencing Since the verdict, his lawyers have made two unsuccessful attempts to have the case tossed. 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.

Trump hush money case: US president-elect asks SC to pause case ahead of sentencing

United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump has been floating the idea of making Canada the 51st state of America following his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in November, but a Canadian lawmaker has now made a cheeky counteroffer to Trump.&nbsp;
Following Trudeau's decision to step down as PM, Trump renewed the offer. On Tuesday (Jan 7) Trudeau denied this would happen.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/girl-youre-no-longer-governor-musk-slams-trudeau-for-rejecting-canada-us-merger-pitch-by-trump-8601912" rel="dofollow">'Girl, you&rsquo;re no longer governor...': Musk slams Trudeau for rejecting Trump's Canada-US 'merger' pitch</a>
Echoing his remarks, a Canadian lawmaker made a cheeky counteroffer to Trump, a report by the New York Post said.&nbsp;
<h2>'How about if we buy...'</h2>
During a press conference on Monday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford was asked about Trump's offer to make Canada a part of the US.
Ford replied, "To the president (Donald Trump), I&rsquo;ll make him a counteroffer. How about if we buy Alaska? And we&rsquo;ll throw in Minnesota and Minneapolis at the same time?&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-a-snowballs-chance-in-hell-trudeau-responds-to-trumps-remarks-of-making-canada-51st-state-of-us-8600358" rel="dofollow">'Not a snowball's chance in hell': Trudeau responds to Trump's remarks of making Canada 51st US state</a>
&ldquo;You know, it&rsquo;s not realistic,&rdquo; he added. Ford also told reporters that Trump might be joking about his offer (to make Canada part of the US), "but under my watch, that will never, ever happen."
<h2>A previous tit-for-tat with Trump&nbsp;</h2>
This is not the first time that Doug Ford has responded bluntly to Donald Trump's remarks about Canada.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeaus-half-brother-says-canadian-pm-wasnt-one-calling-plays-while-in-power-8601963" rel="dofollow">He was handed script to read...: Trudeau's half brother says Canadian PM wasn't 'one calling plays' while in power</a>
In December, the Ontario premier threatened to cut power to over a million Americans and ban American-made beer over Trump's tariff proposal for Canada.
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World | Trending: Ontario Premier Doug Ford made a cheeky counteroffer to Donald Trump, saying how about if Canada buys two American states—Alaska and Minnesota.

United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump has been floating the idea of making Canada the 51st state of America following his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in November, but a Canadian lawmaker has now made a cheeky counteroffer to Trump. Following Trudeau's decision to step down as PM, Trump renewed the offer. On Tuesday (Jan 7) Trudeau denied this would happen. Also read | 'Girl, you’re no longer governor...': Musk slams Trudeau for rejecting Trump's Canada-US 'merger' pitch Echoing his remarks, a Canadian lawmaker made a cheeky counteroffer to Trump, a report by the New York Post said. 'How about if we buy...' During a press conference on Monday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford was asked about Trump's offer to make Canada a part of the US. Ford replied, "To the president (Donald Trump), I’ll make him a counteroffer. How about if we buy Alaska? And we’ll throw in Minnesota and Minneapolis at the same time?” Also read | 'Not a snowball's chance in hell': Trudeau responds to Trump's remarks of making Canada 51st US state “You know, it’s not realistic,” he added. Ford also told reporters that Trump might be joking about his offer (to make Canada part of the US), "but under my watch, that will never, ever happen." A previous tit-for-tat with Trump This is not the first time that Doug Ford has responded bluntly to Donald Trump's remarks about Canada. Also read | He was handed script to read...: Trudeau's half brother says Canadian PM wasn't 'one calling plays' while in power In December, the Ontario premier threatened to cut power to over a million Americans and ban American-made beer over Trump's tariff proposal for Canada. (With inputs from agencies)

How about we buy Alaska...?: Canadian lawmaker counters Trump's 51st state offer

The stage is set for another mega clash between the Presidential Security Service of impeached South Korea leader Yoon Suk Yeol and the law enforcement agents. The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) officials have vowed to make another &lsquo;forceful&rsquo; effort to detain the impeached leader following the last week&rsquo;s failed attempt. The agency also warned that it could even detain members of the security service for obstructing the execution of a new detention warrant.
Police said they were open to considering &ldquo;all available options&rdquo; to bring Yoon into custody and haven&rsquo;t publicly dismissed the possibility of deploying SWAT teams.
Notably, the Seoul Western District Court issued a fresh detention warrant against Yoon Tuesday (Jan 7).
Yoon&rsquo;s lawyers on Wednesday challenged the legitimacy of the warrant, saying the anti-corruption agency CIO lacks legal authority to investigate rebellion charges or order police to detain suspects.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-fresh-jibe-to-starmer-elon-musk-says-his-british-grandmother-might-have-been-abducted-in-present-uk-government-8600084">In fresh jibe at Starmer, Musk says his British grandmother might have been abducted in present UK</a>
Yoon Kap-keun, a lawyer from Yoon&rsquo;s legal team, also urged the CIO to either indict the president or seek a formal arrest warrant. This process will require a court hearing, and the lawyer didn&rsquo;t give a clear answer whether the president would appear in the courts. "Regarding the execution of a warrant to detain and the investigation, we urge the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) to either indict or seek an arrest warrant," the lawyer said.
<h2>Preparation by Presidential Security Service</h2>
As the CIO geared up for making another attempt to detain the president, officials from the president&rsquo;s security service fortified Yoon's compound with barbed wire and rows of tightly placed vehicles blocking the path to his residence.
Opposition Democratic Party has criticised Yoon&rsquo;s lawyers for attempting to stall Yoon&rsquo;s arrest.
Yoon was stripped of his presidential powers on December 14 after an opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him. Now, the matter is pending with the Constitutional Court for further deliberations.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-court-re-issues-arrest-warrant-for-impeached-president-yoon-8599945">South Korean court re-issues arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon</a>
National Assembly rejects special probe bills targeting Yoon, first lady
South Korean National Assembly Wednesday rejected two special counsel bills targeting the impeached president and the first lady.
The first bill sought the designation of special prosecutors to look into insurrection charges linked to Yoon&rsquo;s failed martial law bid. The other bill concerned constituting a special counsel probe into two key allegations involving the first lady over her alleged involvement in a stock manipulation scheme and interference in election nominations through a power broker.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) officials have vowed to make another ‘forceful’ effort to detain the impeached leader following last week’s failed attempt.

The stage is set for another mega clash between the Presidential Security Service of impeached South Korea leader Yoon Suk Yeol and the law enforcement agents. The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) officials have vowed to make another ‘forceful’ effort to detain the impeached leader following the last week’s failed attempt. The agency also warned that it could even detain members of the security service for obstructing the execution of a new detention warrant. Police said they were open to considering “all available options” to bring Yoon into custody and haven’t publicly dismissed the possibility of deploying SWAT teams. Notably, the Seoul Western District Court issued a fresh detention warrant against Yoon Tuesday (Jan 7). Yoon’s lawyers on Wednesday challenged the legitimacy of the warrant, saying the anti-corruption agency CIO lacks legal authority to investigate rebellion charges or order police to detain suspects. Also read: In fresh jibe at Starmer, Musk says his British grandmother might have been abducted in present UK Yoon Kap-keun, a lawyer from Yoon’s legal team, also urged the CIO to either indict the president or seek a formal arrest warrant. This process will require a court hearing, and the lawyer didn’t give a clear answer whether the president would appear in the courts. "Regarding the execution of a warrant to detain and the investigation, we urge the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) to either indict or seek an arrest warrant," the lawyer said. Preparation by Presidential Security Service As the CIO geared up for making another attempt to detain the president, officials from the president’s security service fortified Yoon's compound with barbed wire and rows of tightly placed vehicles blocking the path to his residence. Opposition Democratic Party has criticised Yoon’s lawyers for attempting to stall Yoon’s arrest. Yoon was stripped of his presidential powers on December 14 after an opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him. Now, the matter is pending with the Constitutional Court for further deliberations. Also read: South Korean court re-issues arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon National Assembly rejects special probe bills targeting Yoon, first lady South Korean National Assembly Wednesday rejected two special counsel bills targeting the impeached president and the first lady. The first bill sought the designation of special prosecutors to look into insurrection charges linked to Yoon’s failed martial law bid. The other bill concerned constituting a special counsel probe into two key allegations involving the first lady over her alleged involvement in a stock manipulation scheme and interference in election nominations through a power broker. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea: Impeached Prez Yoon’s legal team says willing to comply with warrant ‘only if...’

A rapidly spreading wildfire in Los Angeles has prompted evacuations of thousands, including several Hollywood celebrities. The fire, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, has destroyed numerous homes in the Pacific Palisades area.

California burning: Blaze devastates homes of celebrity-A-listers

Tesla CEO Elon Musk takes a jab at Canada's outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, drawing attention to his comments on social media. The remarks add to the ongoing political discourse between the two figures.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk pokes fun at Canada's outgoing PM Justin Trudeau

US President-elect Donald Trump has refused to rule out the use of military force to seize control of the Panama Canal and Greenland. He declared that US control over both territories would be crucial to American national security.

Donald Trump ramps up threats to gain control of Greenland & Panama canal

Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have reestablished communication lines, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic relations between the two global powers amid ongoing global challenges.

Donald Trump-Xi Jinping communication lines are open

Donald Trump escalates threats against Greenland, Panama canal

Republican lawmaker Lance Gooden has criticised the outgoing Biden administration's investigation against Indian billionaire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/adani-ditches-553mn-us-loan-for-its-colombo-port-project-783225">Gautam Adani</a>, warning that such actions could damage vital international partnerships.
In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland dated 7 January, Gooden questioned the necessity of the investigation and urged the Justice Department (DOJ) to prioritise addressing domestic issues instead. He asked, "What will the US do if India refuses an extradition request? Is the DOJ or the Biden administration willing to escalate this case into an international incident between the United States and an ally like India?"
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/x-restored-account-of-andrew-tates-political-party-elon-musk-said-this-in-reply-8602095">X restores account of Andrew Tate's political party, Elon Musk said THIS in reply</a>
"The Department of Justice&rsquo;s selective actions risk damaging critical alliances with key partners like India, one of America&rsquo;s strongest allies in the Asia-Pacific region," Gooden wrote.
He criticised the department for pursuing cases with "tenuous jurisdiction" and limited relevance to US interests, saying, "The DOJ should focus on punishing bad actors at home, rather than chasing rumours abroad."
Underlining the economic contributions of foreign investors like Adani, Gooden argued that targeting such entities could harm the US economy. "When we forego real threats from violent crime, economic espionage, and CCP influence and go after those who contribute to our economic growth, it discourages valuable new investors who are hopeful of investing in our country," he said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/girl-youre-no-longer-governor-musk-slams-trudeau-for-rejecting-canada-us-merger-pitch-by-trump-8601912">'Girl, you&rsquo;re no longer governor...': Musk slams Trudeau for rejecting Trump's Canada-US 'merger' pitch</a>
He added, "Given the timing of these decisions coincides with the end of the Biden administration, concerns arise that the only true goal here is disruption for President Trump."
The lawmaker argued that taxpayer money should not be wasted on investigations in other countries with limited relevance to US interests. He added that the allegations in the Adani case, even if proven, would not warrant US jurisdiction. "These &lsquo;bribes&rsquo; were allegedly paid to Indian state government officials, in India, by Indian executives of an Indian company, with no concrete involvement of or injury to any American party," Gooden wrote.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeaus-half-brother-says-canadian-pm-wasnt-one-calling-plays-while-in-power-8601963">He was handed script to read...: Trudeau's half brother says Canadian PM wasn't 'one calling plays' while in power</a>
He also questioned the DOJ&rsquo;s strategy, asking why no Americans had been charged in the case. "Were there no Americans involved in this alleged scheme? Why has the DOJ pursued this case against Gautam Adani when the alleged criminal act, and the parties allegedly involved, are in India? Do you seek to enforce justice in India?,"&nbsp;he asked.
US prosecutors allege that Gautam Adani was involved in a scheme to bribe Indian officials with $265 million (approximately ₹2,200 crore) in exchange for favourable solar power contracts. The Adani Group, however, has dismissed the accusations as "baseless" and maintained that it complies with all laws.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | India News: In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland dated 7 January, Gooden questioned the necessity of the investigation. He asked, "What will the US do if India refuses an extradition request?"

Republican lawmaker Lance Gooden has criticised the outgoing Biden administration's investigation against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, warning that such actions could damage vital international partnerships. In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland dated 7 January, Gooden questioned the necessity of the investigation and urged the Justice Department (DOJ) to prioritise addressing domestic issues instead. He asked, "What will the US do if India refuses an extradition request? Is the DOJ or the Biden administration willing to escalate this case into an international incident between the United States and an ally like India?" Also read: X restores account of Andrew Tate's political party, Elon Musk said THIS in reply "The Department of Justice’s selective actions risk damaging critical alliances with key partners like India, one of America’s strongest allies in the Asia-Pacific region," Gooden wrote. He criticised the department for pursuing cases with "tenuous jurisdiction" and limited relevance to US interests, saying, "The DOJ should focus on punishing bad actors at home, rather than chasing rumours abroad." Underlining the economic contributions of foreign investors like Adani, Gooden argued that targeting such entities could harm the US economy. "When we forego real threats from violent crime, economic espionage, and CCP influence and go after those who contribute to our economic growth, it discourages valuable new investors who are hopeful of investing in our country," he said. Also read: 'Girl, you’re no longer governor...': Musk slams Trudeau for rejecting Trump's Canada-US 'merger' pitch He added, "Given the timing of these decisions coincides with the end of the Biden administration, concerns arise that the only true goal here is disruption for President Trump." The lawmaker argued that taxpayer money should not be wasted on investigations in other countries with limited relevance to US interests. He added that the allegations in the Adani case, even if proven, would not warrant US jurisdiction. "These ‘bribes’ were allegedly paid to Indian state government officials, in India, by Indian executives of an Indian company, with no concrete involvement of or injury to any American party," Gooden wrote. Also read: He was handed script to read...: Trudeau's half brother says Canadian PM wasn't 'one calling plays' while in power He also questioned the DOJ’s strategy, asking why no Americans had been charged in the case. "Were there no Americans involved in this alleged scheme? Why has the DOJ pursued this case against Gautam Adani when the alleged criminal act, and the parties allegedly involved, are in India? Do you seek to enforce justice in India?," he asked. US prosecutors allege that Gautam Adani was involved in a scheme to bribe Indian officials with $265 million (approximately ₹2,200 crore) in exchange for favourable solar power contracts. The Adani Group, however, has dismissed the accusations as "baseless" and maintained that it complies with all laws. (With inputs from agencies)

GOP lawmaker slams Biden administration, DOJ over Gautam Adani probe: ‘What if India refuses extradition…’

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and Threads, has rolled out significant changes to its content moderation rules, sparking outrage, particularly from LGBTQ+ people.
The revised hate speech guidelines released on Tuesday (Jan 7), now permit users to make allegations that connect mental illness or &ldquo;abnormality&rdquo; to someone's gender or sexual orientation. &nbsp;
The updated guidelines state: &ldquo;We do allow allegations of mental illness or abnormality when based on gender or sexual orientation, given political and religious discourse about transgenderism and homosexuality and common non-serious usage of words like &lsquo;weird.&rsquo;&rdquo;
This decision has been widely criticised for legitimising negative stereotypes and opening the door to harmful rhetoric.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/girl-youre-no-longer-governor-musk-slams-trudeau-for-rejecting-canada-us-merger-pitch-by-trump-8601912">'Girl, you&rsquo;re no longer governor...': Musk slams Trudeau for rejecting Trump's Canada-US 'merger' pitch</a>
<h2>Removal of discrimination protections</h2>
Another significant change is the removal of policies that protected users from insults and hate speech based on characteristics like race, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and religion. Meta also eliminated rules that previously banned dehumanising language, such as referring to transgender and nonbinary individuals as "it."
<h2>Shift in content moderation and fact-checking</h2>
Along with changes to hate speech policies, Meta also revealed a shift in its approach to content moderation. CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta will replace its traditional fact-checking programme, which involved external partners, with a new community-driven system.&nbsp;
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-inauguration-which-world-leaders-will-attend-is-pm-modi-invited-8601972">Donald Trump&rsquo;s inauguration: Which world leaders will attend? Is PM Modi invited?</a>
<h2>Concerns about Meta&rsquo;s political ties</h2>
The timing of these changes has also raised questions about Meta&rsquo;s political and business interests. Recently, Meta, along with companies like Amazon and Apple, donated $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump&rsquo;s second inaugural fund.&nbsp;
GLAAD, a leading LGBTQ advocacy group, has condemned Meta&rsquo;s new policies. Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD's President and CEO, criticised the company, saying, &ldquo;With these changes, Meta is continuing to normalise anti-LGBTQ hatred for profit&mdash;at the expense of its users and true freedom of expression. Fact-checking and hate speech policies protect free speech.&rdquo;
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(With inputs from agencies)
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World | The revised hate speech guidelines released on Tuesday (Jan 7) now permit users to make allegations that connect mental illness or “abnormality” to someone's gender or sexual orientation. 

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and Threads, has rolled out significant changes to its content moderation rules, sparking outrage, particularly from LGBTQ+ people. The revised hate speech guidelines released on Tuesday (Jan 7), now permit users to make allegations that connect mental illness or “abnormality” to someone's gender or sexual orientation. The updated guidelines state: “We do allow allegations of mental illness or abnormality when based on gender or sexual orientation, given political and religious discourse about transgenderism and homosexuality and common non-serious usage of words like ‘weird.’” This decision has been widely criticised for legitimising negative stereotypes and opening the door to harmful rhetoric. Also Read | 'Girl, you’re no longer governor...': Musk slams Trudeau for rejecting Trump's Canada-US 'merger' pitch Removal of discrimination protections Another significant change is the removal of policies that protected users from insults and hate speech based on characteristics like race, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and religion. Meta also eliminated rules that previously banned dehumanising language, such as referring to transgender and nonbinary individuals as "it." Shift in content moderation and fact-checking Along with changes to hate speech policies, Meta also revealed a shift in its approach to content moderation. CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta will replace its traditional fact-checking programme, which involved external partners, with a new community-driven system. Also Read | Donald Trump’s inauguration: Which world leaders will attend? Is PM Modi invited? Concerns about Meta’s political ties The timing of these changes has also raised questions about Meta’s political and business interests. Recently, Meta, along with companies like Amazon and Apple, donated $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump’s second inaugural fund. GLAAD, a leading LGBTQ advocacy group, has condemned Meta’s new policies. Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD's President and CEO, criticised the company, saying, “With these changes, Meta is continuing to normalise anti-LGBTQ hatred for profit—at the expense of its users and true freedom of expression. Fact-checking and hate speech policies protect free speech.” (With inputs from agencies)

Meta revises policies to permit 'mentally ill' labels for LGBTQ people

President-elect Donald Trump announced a $20 billion investment for data centers in the United States by an Emirati company led by billionaire Hussain Sajwani. Watch this report for more details!

US: Donald Trump partners with Hussain Sajwani for tech push

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