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As the clock struck midnight, cities around the world rang in 2025 with dazzling fireworks and mesmerizing drone light shows. From the iconic displays in Sydney and New York to breathtaking performances in Dubai and Tokyo, the world welcomed the new year with unforgettable visual spectacles.

World welcomes New year 2025 with stunning fireworks & drone light shows

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New Delhi, India
The year 2024 was marked by a surprisingly high number of natural disasters that underscored the growing devastating effect of climate change on planet Earth.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
From catastrophic flooding to disastrous storms, these are the five biggest disasters of 2024.
<h2>Afghanistan&ndash;Pakistan floods</h2>
<img alt="Afghan floods" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a172edeb-2f56-44a5-af69-10fe3d1aaeef" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/New wion - 2024-12-24T141351.649.jpg">
(Image courtesy: AFP)
Between March and August 2024, unseasonably heavy rains and subsequent flash flooding in Afghanistan and Pakistan claimed the lives of 1084 people, while over 2000 were injured.
<h2>Typhoon Yagi</h2>
<img alt="Typhoon Yagi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42498da3-8b5b-4ead-9c37-b21d629a9621" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/New wion - 2024-12-24T141656.752.jpg">
(Image courtesy: AFP)
Typhoon Yagi (known as Severe Tropical Storm Enteng in the Philippines), was a tropical storm in September 2024 in Southeast Asia and South China.
Yagi was the first super typhoon&mdash;classified as category 5&mdash;of the annual typhoon season and was the most powerful storm ever to hit Northern Vietnam. It was also the strongest typhoon to batter Hainan during the meteorological autumn, surpassing all others since the devastating Rammasun in 2014.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-tragedy-to-triumph-five-personalities-who-defined-2024-785783">From tragedy to triumph: Five personalities who defined 2024</a>
The toll from Yagi was staggering. As per official records, 844 lives were lost, 2,279 people were injured, and 129 others were reported missing. Additionally, the storm, as per reports, caused damages of over $16.7 billion. This makes Yagi the third-costliest Pacific typhoon on record.&nbsp;
<h2>Enga landslide</h2>
<img alt="Enga landslide" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73023189-c5b7-4778-8ee6-958faa76173f" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/New wion - 2024-12-24T141912.206.jpg">
(Image courtesy: AFP)
On May 24, 2024, a devastating landslide struck Papua New Guinea's Mulitaka. The massive landslide buried thousands under the debris. While the official death toll stands at 640, estimates suggest that there might actually have been over 2,000 fatalities.&nbsp;
The landslide, as per some theories, was caused by a 4.5 magnitude earthquake that occurred on May 18, 2024. However, the Red Cross blamed gold mining or heavy rainfall in the region for the disaster.
<h2>Wayanad landslides</h2>
<img alt="Wayanad landslides" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ded522a6-28af-4a54-a9ed-3c7bcaf0546b" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/New wion - 2024-12-24T142042.407.jpg">
(Image courtesy: AFP)
In India's Kerala, a series of landslides on July 30, 2024, killed 254 people, and injured 397, while 254 went missing.&nbsp;
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/rewind-2024-a-reminder-climate-change-is-impacting-us-more-than-we-think-785892">2024 was a reminder that climate change impacts us more than we think</a>
The landslides were caused by heavy rains that led to the collapse of hillsides. They affected&nbsp;Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Vellarimala villages in Meppadi panchayat, Vythiri taluk in Wayanad district.
It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in Kerala's history.
<h2>Hurricane Helene</h2>
<img alt="Hurricane Helene" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6825e893-3312-427b-a39f-54abadd050c4" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/New wion - 2024-12-24T142204.833.jpg">
(Image courtesy: AFP)
The devastating Hurricane Helene hit the Southeast United States in September 2024. The tropical cyclone was the strongest hurricane on record to strike the Big Bend region of Florida, the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Maria in 2017, and the deadliest to strike the mainland US since Katrina in 2005.
Helene caused 235 deaths and total damage of around $124 billion.
(With inputs from agencies)

A recap of atastrophic events of 2024, including the Afghanistan-Pakistan floods and Typhoon Yagi, emphasising the severe consequences of climate change worldwide.

New Delhi, India The year 2024 was marked by a surprisingly high number of natural disasters that underscored the growing devastating effect of climate change on planet Earth. From catastrophic flooding to disastrous storms, these are the five biggest disasters of 2024. Afghanistan–Pakistan floods (Image courtesy: AFP) Between March and August 2024, unseasonably heavy rains and subsequent flash flooding in Afghanistan and Pakistan claimed the lives of 1084 people, while over 2000 were injured. Typhoon Yagi (Image courtesy: AFP) Typhoon Yagi (known as Severe Tropical Storm Enteng in the Philippines), was a tropical storm in September 2024 in Southeast Asia and South China. Yagi was the first super typhoon—classified as category 5—of the annual typhoon season and was the most powerful storm ever to hit Northern Vietnam. It was also the strongest typhoon to batter Hainan during the meteorological autumn, surpassing all others since the devastating Rammasun in 2014. Also read | From tragedy to triumph: Five personalities who defined 2024 The toll from Yagi was staggering. As per official records, 844 lives were lost, 2,279 people were injured, and 129 others were reported missing. Additionally, the storm, as per reports, caused damages of over $16.7 billion. This makes Yagi the third-costliest Pacific typhoon on record. Enga landslide (Image courtesy: AFP) On May 24, 2024, a devastating landslide struck Papua New Guinea's Mulitaka. The massive landslide buried thousands under the debris. While the official death toll stands at 640, estimates suggest that there might actually have been over 2,000 fatalities. The landslide, as per some theories, was caused by a 4.5 magnitude earthquake that occurred on May 18, 2024. However, the Red Cross blamed gold mining or heavy rainfall in the region for the disaster. Wayanad landslides (Image courtesy: AFP) In India's Kerala, a series of landslides on July 30, 2024, killed 254 people, and injured 397, while 254 went missing. Also read | 2024 was a reminder that climate change impacts us more than we think The landslides were caused by heavy rains that led to the collapse of hillsides. They affected Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Vellarimala villages in Meppadi panchayat, Vythiri taluk in Wayanad district. It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in Kerala's history. Hurricane Helene (Image courtesy: AFP) The devastating Hurricane Helene hit the Southeast United States in September 2024. The tropical cyclone was the strongest hurricane on record to strike the Big Bend region of Florida, the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Maria in 2017, and the deadliest to strike the mainland US since Katrina in 2005. Helene caused 235 deaths and total damage of around $124 billion. (With inputs from agencies)

Year in review: From floods in Afghanistan to Typhoon Yagi, the deadliest natural disasters in 2024

New Delhi, India
The year 2024 has been nothing short of eventful. From wars and disasters&nbsp;to amazing stories of resilience, this year had everything.&nbsp;
Here are five people who left their marks on history in 2024:&nbsp;
<h2>Gis&egrave;le Pelicot: "It's not us who should feel shame, but them"</h2>
<img alt="Gisele Pelicot" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a5c7a193-d968-44b0-9d4e-c3d9ec5acccf" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/New wion - 2024-12-21T135410.812.jpg">
(Image courtesy: AFP)
In 2024, Gis&egrave;le Pelicot became a hero and feminist icon for women everywhere. The 72-year-old French woman was at the centre of a mass rape trial in France. The horrific case had Gisele's ex-husband Dominique Pelicot as the perpetrator.
Waiving off her default right to anonymity, Gisele asked for the trial to be open to the public to raise awareness of sexual violence against women and drug-induced rape.&nbsp;
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-mass-rape-youll-die-alone-like-a-dog-daughter-caroline-tells-convicted-rapist-dominique-pelicot-785505">France mass rape: 'You&rsquo;ll die alone like a dog,' daughter Caroline tells convicted rapist Dominique P&eacute;licot</a>
For almost a decade starting in 2011, Dominique drugged his wife and recruited dozens of men online to have sex with her while unconscious.
On December 19, 2024, Dominique was handed the maximum term of 20 years in jail. Alongside him, 50 other men accused of raping Gisele were also convicted and handed terms of between three and 15 years.
<h2>Donald Trump: "Fight, fight, fight"</h2>
<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6793d99f-a228-4f21-acf7-db509e8b0d38" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/New wion - 2024-12-21T135400.543.jpg">
(Image courtesy: AFP)
2024 was the year Donald Trump made his comeback. The former president, on July 13, survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Escaping the attack relatively unscathed, he became the subject of an iconic image.
The photo from the incident shows Trump with blood streaking across his face as he pumped his fist in the air, appearing to mouth the words "Fight! Fight! Fight!".&nbsp;
Come November, Trump created history by becoming the only convicted felon to be elected president of the United States. He also became the second president in US history to win non-consecutive terms.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/breaking-trump-does-not-have-presidential-immunity-in-hush-money-case-rules-judge-784503">Donald Trump does not have presidential immunity in hush money case, rules judge</a>
<h2>Alexei Navalny</h2>
<img alt="Navalny" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3bce767e-f906-49b7-9b10-4403475e8878" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/New wion - 2024-12-21T140720.698.jpg">
(Image courtesy: AFP)
A vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin, 47-year-old Alexei Navalny died on February 16, 2024 in a desolate penal colony above the Arctic Circle. He had been serving sentences totalling more than 30 years on charges he said were rigged to silence his criticism of the Russian president.
Opposition leader Navalny, known as Putin's most vocal critic "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness," as per Russia's federal penitentiary service.
They added that while medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called, resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results."
However, his wife Yulia Navalnaya insists that Navalny was murdered.
Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/brutal-murder-world-reacts-to-reports-of-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalnys-death-690970" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/brutal-murder-world-reacts-to-reports-of-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalnys-death-690970&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjD24Dhu7iKAxU3SGwGHWXwAnUQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1WB1kNq_RZTnFZVZWGa3Lt&amp;fexp=72801196,72801194,72801195" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brutal-murder-world-reacts-to-reports-of-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalnys-death-690970" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death</a>
<h2>Yulia Navalnaya</h2>
<img alt="Navalnaya" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="043663a7-69b9-4eda-93ae-5edc65222530" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/New wion - 2024-12-21T140729.116.jpg">
(Image courtesy: AFP)
Following her husband Alexei Navalny's death, Yulia Navalnaya emerged as a strong Kremlin critic. Now blacklisted as a "terrorist and extremist" in Russia, 48-year-old Navalnaya, a trained economist, has vowed to continue her late husband's work.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rewind-2024-wion-yearender-a-year-of-shocking-defeats-and-historic-victories-elections-around-the-world-in-2024-8576088">Reigns lost, majorities gained: Major elections that shaped the world in 2024</a>
"My political opponent is Vladimir Putin...I will do everything to make his regime fall as soon as possible," she said in October.&nbsp;
She has vowed to stand for the Russian president once Putin is gone and has even lobbied against him internationally.
<h2>Taylor Swift</h2>
<img alt="Swift" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ec791b8-fda4-4905-ad0c-4c585c72b582" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/sites/default/files/inline-images/New wion - 2024-12-21T140815.982.jpg">
(Image courtesy: AFP)
2024 was Taylor Swift's year. The popular American singer-songwriter made her mark this year with her record-breaking Eras Tour.
The music tour garnered over $2 billion, making it the highest-grossing tour of all time&mdash;this is almost double the gross ticket sales of any other concert tour in history.
Swift also re-released her 1989 album, solidifying herself as a music industry powerhouse.&nbsp;

Explore the inspiring journeys of five individuals who shaped 2024, from Gisèle Pelicot's fight for justice in France to Taylor Swift's record-breaking music tour success.

New Delhi, India The year 2024 has been nothing short of eventful. From wars and disasters to amazing stories of resilience, this year had everything. Here are five people who left their marks on history in 2024: Gisèle Pelicot: "It's not us who should feel shame, but them" (Image courtesy: AFP) In 2024, Gisèle Pelicot became a hero and feminist icon for women everywhere. The 72-year-old French woman was at the centre of a mass rape trial in France. The horrific case had Gisele's ex-husband Dominique Pelicot as the perpetrator. Waiving off her default right to anonymity, Gisele asked for the trial to be open to the public to raise awareness of sexual violence against women and drug-induced rape. Also read | France mass rape: 'You’ll die alone like a dog,' daughter Caroline tells convicted rapist Dominique Pélicot For almost a decade starting in 2011, Dominique drugged his wife and recruited dozens of men online to have sex with her while unconscious. On December 19, 2024, Dominique was handed the maximum term of 20 years in jail. Alongside him, 50 other men accused of raping Gisele were also convicted and handed terms of between three and 15 years. Donald Trump: "Fight, fight, fight" (Image courtesy: AFP) 2024 was the year Donald Trump made his comeback. The former president, on July 13, survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Escaping the attack relatively unscathed, he became the subject of an iconic image. The photo from the incident shows Trump with blood streaking across his face as he pumped his fist in the air, appearing to mouth the words "Fight! Fight! Fight!". Come November, Trump created history by becoming the only convicted felon to be elected president of the United States. He also became the second president in US history to win non-consecutive terms. Also read | Donald Trump does not have presidential immunity in hush money case, rules judge Alexei Navalny (Image courtesy: AFP) A vociferous critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin, 47-year-old Alexei Navalny died on February 16, 2024 in a desolate penal colony above the Arctic Circle. He had been serving sentences totalling more than 30 years on charges he said were rigged to silence his criticism of the Russian president. Opposition leader Navalny, known as Putin's most vocal critic "felt bad after a walk, almost immediately losing consciousness," as per Russia's federal penitentiary service. They added that while medical staff arrived immediately and an ambulance team was called, resuscitation measures "did not yield positive results." However, his wife Yulia Navalnaya insists that Navalny was murdered. Also read | 'Brutal murder': World reacts to reports of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death Yulia Navalnaya (Image courtesy: AFP) Following her husband Alexei Navalny's death, Yulia Navalnaya emerged as a strong Kremlin critic. Now blacklisted as a "terrorist and extremist" in Russia, 48-year-old Navalnaya, a trained economist, has vowed to continue her late husband's work. Also read | Reigns lost, majorities gained: Major elections that shaped the world in 2024 "My political opponent is Vladimir Putin...I will do everything to make his regime fall as soon as possible," she said in October. She has vowed to stand for the Russian president once Putin is gone and has even lobbied against him internationally. Taylor Swift (Image courtesy: AFP) 2024 was Taylor Swift's year. The popular American singer-songwriter made her mark this year with her record-breaking Eras Tour. The music tour garnered over $2 billion, making it the highest-grossing tour of all time—this is almost double the gross ticket sales of any other concert tour in history. Swift also re-released her 1989 album, solidifying herself as a music industry powerhouse.

From tragedy to triumph: Five newsmaker personalities who defined 2024

This year, we saw a huge number of elections, so many that calling 2024 the 'year of the elections' would not be unmerited. From India's ruling party Bhartiya Janata Party barely managing to hang onto its reign to US President-elect Donald Trump's triumphant return to the White House, these are the most substantial elections the world witnessed in the year 2024.
<h2>India</h2>
In the world's largest democracy, elections are quite literally the festival of democracy.&nbsp;
2024 saw the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) humbled as the citizens of the nation made apparent their misgivings, forcing him to seek help from other parties and form a coalition, that too after two terms (or 10 years) of straight majorities.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/year-in-review-from-floods-in-afghanistan-to-typhoon-yagi-the-deadliest-natural-disasters-in-2024-786420" aria-label="Year in review: From floods in Afghanistan to Typhoon Yagi, the deadliest natural disasters in 2024">Year in review: From floods in Afghanistan to Typhoon Yagi, the deadliest natural disasters in 2024</a>
This year, Narendra Modi managed to hold on to his position as the Indian PM, albeit with some help. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won, but the BJP only contributed 44.20 per cent votes to the coalition, a far call from the absolute majorities it achieved in 2014 and 2019 General Elections.
<h2>United States</h2>
The United States this year saw an epic election race, full of twists and turns. The entertaining event had everything one can ask from an election: no hold-back presidential debates, controversial statements and one of the two main candidates &mdash; Joe Biden stepping down from the race, that too with the end of the race to the White House in sight. It even had straight out of the movies moments, with the hero (or the winner) of this story emerging bloody but victorious (literally! Remember the assassination attempt?).
At the end of it all, Republican Donald Trump (a convicted felon, no less), defeated the final Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris and won by 312 votes (he only needed 270 to win).
<h2>Pakistan</h2>
2024 was the year of turbulence for Pakistan. With the nation's popular leader, former prime minister Imran Khan lodged in jail, and barred from contesting, the nation held the 16th Pakistani General Elections, after almost two years of political unrest.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-tragedy-to-triumph-five-personalities-who-defined-2024-785783" aria-label="From tragedy to triumph: Five personalities who defined 2024">From tragedy to triumph: Five personalities who defined 2024</a>
The election result declaration was nothing short of controversial. Initial predictions by television channels showed Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf in the lead in at least 127 of the 266 national seats. However, when the results were declared, independent candidates backed by PTI got 103 seats. Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (N) or PML-N got 75 seats, which, along with 54 seats won by Pakistan's People's Party, gave it the majority needed to form a government. With the win, Shehbaz Sharif was established as the Pakistani Prime Minister, and Imran Khan stays in prison over 1.5 years since his arrest in May 2023.&nbsp;
<h2>United Kingdom</h2>
In the United Kingdom this year, after almost two decades in opposition, the Labour Party returned to power, and what a comeback it was. Defeating the Conservative Party (with its 14-years in power record), Keir Starmer in a landslide victory left Rishi Sunak in the dust. Starmer's party won a whopping 411 of 650 seats in the House of Commons.
To a certain extent, the Labour Party had conservatives to thank for this decisive win. From the Boris Johnson administration's record in (mis)handling the coronavirus pandemic to Liz Truss's embarrassingly short 49-day stint as the UK PM and finally Rishi Sunak's dipping popularity, all helped Starmer gain the resounding lead.&nbsp;

Discover how the elections reshaped global politics with pivotal shifts in India, the United States, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom, marking a year of change.

This year, we saw a huge number of elections, so many that calling 2024 the 'year of the elections' would not be unmerited. From India's ruling party Bhartiya Janata Party barely managing to hang onto its reign to US President-elect Donald Trump's triumphant return to the White House, these are the most substantial elections the world witnessed in the year 2024. India In the world's largest democracy, elections are quite literally the festival of democracy. 2024 saw the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) humbled as the citizens of the nation made apparent their misgivings, forcing him to seek help from other parties and form a coalition, that too after two terms (or 10 years) of straight majorities. Also read | Year in review: From floods in Afghanistan to Typhoon Yagi, the deadliest natural disasters in 2024 This year, Narendra Modi managed to hold on to his position as the Indian PM, albeit with some help. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won, but the BJP only contributed 44.20 per cent votes to the coalition, a far call from the absolute majorities it achieved in 2014 and 2019 General Elections. United States The United States this year saw an epic election race, full of twists and turns. The entertaining event had everything one can ask from an election: no hold-back presidential debates, controversial statements and one of the two main candidates — Joe Biden stepping down from the race, that too with the end of the race to the White House in sight. It even had straight out of the movies moments, with the hero (or the winner) of this story emerging bloody but victorious (literally! Remember the assassination attempt?). At the end of it all, Republican Donald Trump (a convicted felon, no less), defeated the final Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris and won by 312 votes (he only needed 270 to win). Pakistan 2024 was the year of turbulence for Pakistan. With the nation's popular leader, former prime minister Imran Khan lodged in jail, and barred from contesting, the nation held the 16th Pakistani General Elections, after almost two years of political unrest. Also read | From tragedy to triumph: Five personalities who defined 2024 The election result declaration was nothing short of controversial. Initial predictions by television channels showed Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf in the lead in at least 127 of the 266 national seats. However, when the results were declared, independent candidates backed by PTI got 103 seats. Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (N) or PML-N got 75 seats, which, along with 54 seats won by Pakistan's People's Party, gave it the majority needed to form a government. With the win, Shehbaz Sharif was established as the Pakistani Prime Minister, and Imran Khan stays in prison over 1.5 years since his arrest in May 2023. United Kingdom In the United Kingdom this year, after almost two decades in opposition, the Labour Party returned to power, and what a comeback it was. Defeating the Conservative Party (with its 14-years in power record), Keir Starmer in a landslide victory left Rishi Sunak in the dust. Starmer's party won a whopping 411 of 650 seats in the House of Commons. To a certain extent, the Labour Party had conservatives to thank for this decisive win. From the Boris Johnson administration's record in (mis)handling the coronavirus pandemic to Liz Truss's embarrassingly short 49-day stint as the UK PM and finally Rishi Sunak's dipping popularity, all helped Starmer gain the resounding lead.

Reigns lost, majorities gained: Major elections that shaped the world in 2024

Paris prosecutors opened an investigation after the internet sites of several major French cities were inaccessible on Tuesday following attacks by hackers claiming they were protesting against French support for Ukraine.
At 1600 GMT, the sites of the cities of Marseille and Tarbes were down, as was the site of the department of Haute-Garonne.&nbsp;
The attacks were claimed on X by a hackers group calling themselves NoName, a collective already known for other attacks and for defending Russian points of view.
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On their X account, the hackers claimed to have also attacked the sites of cities such as Nantes, Bordeaux, Poitiers, Pau, Nimes, Nice, Angers, Le Havre, and Montpellier, as well as the Department of Les Landes, French Polynesia, and New Caledonia. Nonetheless, all the sites were operational on Tuesday.
The Paris prosecutor's office said a total of 23 sites were targeted.
The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, confirmed on X that his city's website was one of those.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-new-pm-faces-criticism-for-chairing-town-hall-meeting-amid-mayotte-cyclone-tragedy-784800" rel="dofollow">France's new PM faces criticism for chairing town hall meeting amid Mayotte cyclone tragedy</a>
Marseille's town hall told AFP that the servers that host the city's websites had been subject to attacks that required them to enact "protection mechanisms that had the consequence of making them inaccessible".
The cities of Pau and Angers, as well as the Landes department, said they had not noticed any incidents.&nbsp;
DDoS attacks, or "distributed denial of service", are frequently used by NoName in a technique that involves saturating sites with a huge number of automatic requests that render them inoperable.&nbsp;
The attacks generally do not involve stealing data.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-killed-in-shooting-in-northern-france-police-probe-suspect-784200" rel="dofollow">Five killed in shooting in northern France, police probe suspect</a>
Benoit Grunemwald, a cybersecurity expert at ESET, said that the goal appears to be propaganda by "creating an impression of a climate of digital insecurity".
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 attacks were claimed on X by a hackers group calling themselves NoName, a collective already known for other attacks and for defending Russian points of view.

Paris prosecutors opened an investigation after the internet sites of several major French cities were inaccessible on Tuesday following attacks by hackers claiming they were protesting against French support for Ukraine. At 1600 GMT, the sites of the cities of Marseille and Tarbes were down, as was the site of the department of Haute-Garonne. The attacks were claimed on X by a hackers group calling themselves NoName, a collective already known for other attacks and for defending Russian points of view. Also read: Foxconn Executive in France for potential Nissan stake acquisition talks with Renault On their X account, the hackers claimed to have also attacked the sites of cities such as Nantes, Bordeaux, Poitiers, Pau, Nimes, Nice, Angers, Le Havre, and Montpellier, as well as the Department of Les Landes, French Polynesia, and New Caledonia. Nonetheless, all the sites were operational on Tuesday. The Paris prosecutor's office said a total of 23 sites were targeted. The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, confirmed on X that his city's website was one of those. Also read: France's new PM faces criticism for chairing town hall meeting amid Mayotte cyclone tragedy Marseille's town hall told AFP that the servers that host the city's websites had been subject to attacks that required them to enact "protection mechanisms that had the consequence of making them inaccessible". The cities of Pau and Angers, as well as the Landes department, said they had not noticed any incidents. DDoS attacks, or "distributed denial of service", are frequently used by NoName in a technique that involves saturating sites with a huge number of automatic requests that render them inoperable. The attacks generally do not involve stealing data. Also read: Five killed in shooting in northern France, police probe suspect Benoit Grunemwald, a cybersecurity expert at ESET, said that the goal appears to be propaganda by "creating an impression of a climate of digital insecurity". 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.

Internet sites of several French cities targeted by cyber attacks

Authorities in the United States (US) have identified the victim who died after she was heinously burnt alive at a subway in New York City.
According to American media reports late Tuesday (Dec 31), the victim was identified as 61-year-old Debrina Kawam, a resident of New Jersey.
Kawam was lit on fire and burnt to death on a subway train at the&nbsp;Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station in Brooklyn.
<h2>Victim's body was unidentifiable for days</h2>
According to a report by Fox News, Kawam's body was unidentifiable for days after the attack as she was so severely burned. Citing a homeless non-profit coalition, the report said that the woman might have been homeless at the time of her death.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nyc-subway-murder-suspect-indicted-on-murder-and-arson-charges-8572324" rel="dofollow">NYC subway immolation: Suspect indicted on murder and arson charges</a>
The police were unable to confirm that she was indeed homeless.
<h2>Sebastian Zapeta, the accused who faces murder charges</h2>
The accused behind the horrific crime was identified as 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, a Guatemalan citizen who illegally entered the US after he was deported in 2018.
Zapeta was arrested about six hours after police say he used a lighter to ignite the clothes of the 61-year-old woman who appeared to be dozing on a stationary train at the subway station in Brooklyn.
H⁠⁠e's been indicted on one count of murder in the first degree, three counts of murder in the second degree, and one count of arson.
Earlier this week, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said that the man faced life without the possibility of parole on the murder in the first-degree charge, while second-degree murder carries 25 years to life.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending: The horrific incident occurred on December 22, when illegal immigrant Sebastien Zapeta set the woman on fire using a lighter. He now faces murder charges. 

Authorities in the United States (US) have identified the victim who died after she was heinously burnt alive at a subway in New York City. According to American media reports late Tuesday (Dec 31), the victim was identified as 61-year-old Debrina Kawam, a resident of New Jersey. Kawam was lit on fire and burnt to death on a subway train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station in Brooklyn. Victim's body was unidentifiable for days According to a report by Fox News, Kawam's body was unidentifiable for days after the attack as she was so severely burned. Citing a homeless non-profit coalition, the report said that the woman might have been homeless at the time of her death. Also read | NYC subway immolation: Suspect indicted on murder and arson charges The police were unable to confirm that she was indeed homeless. Sebastian Zapeta, the accused who faces murder charges The accused behind the horrific crime was identified as 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, a Guatemalan citizen who illegally entered the US after he was deported in 2018. Zapeta was arrested about six hours after police say he used a lighter to ignite the clothes of the 61-year-old woman who appeared to be dozing on a stationary train at the subway station in Brooklyn. H⁠⁠e's been indicted on one count of murder in the first degree, three counts of murder in the second degree, and one count of arson. Earlier this week, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said that the man faced life without the possibility of parole on the murder in the first-degree charge, while second-degree murder carries 25 years to life. (With inputs from agencies)

New York City subway burning: Authorities identify victim as 61-year-old woman

Israel's raid on a major Gaza hospital and the arrest of its director over alleged links to Hamas has drawn global attention to the war-ravaged territory's crumbling healthcare system.
For weeks, as fighting escalated around the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza's Beit Lahia area, its head Hossam Abu Safiyeh made desperate appeals to the international community to intervene and stop the violence "before it is too late".
In the early hours of Friday, the Israeli military launched a major raid on the hospital, describing it as "one of the largest operations" it had conducted since the war in Gaza broke out in October last year.
The raid ended a day later, with the military announcing that it killed more than 20 militants and arrested over 240, including Abu Safiyeh, on suspicion of "being a Hamas operative".
Since then, the whereabouts of the 51-year-old paediatrician have been unknown.
The World Health Organisation has said Kamal Adwan hospital has been out of service ever since, a massive blow to the healthcare system in northern Gaza, where tens of thousands live under ongoing Israeli bombardment.
His family believes he is being detained at the Sde Teiman military base in the Negev desert, near Gaza.
<h2>Deadly attacks</h2>
"This detention centre is notorious for the mistreatment of prisoners," his son, Idris Abu Safiyeh, said in a video message on Monday evening.
"We have received testimonies from released detainees who reported that he was subjected to humiliation and abuse," he said. "He was reportedly forced to strip."
Despite repeated attempts by AFP, the Israeli military has declined to specify Abu Safiyeh's location. It has also not responded to allegations of his abuse.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-iran-russian-groups-over-election-interference-8581772">US imposes sanctions on Iran, Russian groups over election interference</a>
Several other medical staff of Kamal Adwan Hospital were detained in the raid as well.
"There is no justification for these arrests other than a desire to destroy the healthcare system," Mahmud Bassal, spokesman for Gaza's civil defence agency, told AFP. He described the situation as "catastrophic and tragic."
On Tuesday, a United Nations report revealed that Israeli strikes on and near hospitals in Gaza have led to the near total collapse of the healthcare system in the Palestinian territory of 2.4 million people.
"Israel's pattern of deadly attacks on and near hospitals in Gaza, and associated combat, pushed the healthcare system to the brink of total collapse, with catastrophic effect on Palestinians' access to health and medical care," the UN human rights office said in a statement.
<h2>WHO calls for immediate release of Safiyeh</h2>
Israeli officials have repeatedly accused Hamas of using the territory's hospitals as command and control centres for launching attacks against Israeli forces.
Abu Safiyeh's family has urged the international community to pressure Israel for his prompt release, and their message has resonated.
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The World Health Organisation led by its chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has called for the "immediate release" of the hospital director.
Rights group Amnesty International has echoed the call, saying Abu Safiyeh had been the "voice of Gaza's decimated health sector".
Healthcare professionals across the world have also urged for his release, rallying on social media under the hashtag #FreeDrHussamAbuSafiya.
He was praised as a "hero in a white robe" in several social media posts for continuing his work amid an intense Israeli military campaign in northern Gaza.
Since October 6, Israeli forces have intensified their land and sea assault on northern Gaza, saying it was aimed at preventing Hamas from regrouping there.
According to the US-based NGO MedGlobal, which employs him, Abu Safiyeh lost a teenage son in an Israeli air strike in late October, while he himself was injured in the leg days later.
From a hospital bed, he, however, declared in a video that the injury would not deter him from fulfilling his mission, "whatever the cost".
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: As fighting escalated around the Kamal Adwan Hospital, its head, Hossam Abu Safiyeh, made desperate appeals to the international community to intervene before it was too late.

Israel's raid on a major Gaza hospital and the arrest of its director over alleged links to Hamas has drawn global attention to the war-ravaged territory's crumbling healthcare system. For weeks, as fighting escalated around the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza's Beit Lahia area, its head Hossam Abu Safiyeh made desperate appeals to the international community to intervene and stop the violence "before it is too late". In the early hours of Friday, the Israeli military launched a major raid on the hospital, describing it as "one of the largest operations" it had conducted since the war in Gaza broke out in October last year. The raid ended a day later, with the military announcing that it killed more than 20 militants and arrested over 240, including Abu Safiyeh, on suspicion of "being a Hamas operative". Since then, the whereabouts of the 51-year-old paediatrician have been unknown. The World Health Organisation has said Kamal Adwan hospital has been out of service ever since, a massive blow to the healthcare system in northern Gaza, where tens of thousands live under ongoing Israeli bombardment. His family believes he is being detained at the Sde Teiman military base in the Negev desert, near Gaza. Deadly attacks "This detention centre is notorious for the mistreatment of prisoners," his son, Idris Abu Safiyeh, said in a video message on Monday evening. "We have received testimonies from released detainees who reported that he was subjected to humiliation and abuse," he said. "He was reportedly forced to strip." Despite repeated attempts by AFP, the Israeli military has declined to specify Abu Safiyeh's location. It has also not responded to allegations of his abuse. Also Read | US imposes sanctions on Iran, Russian groups over election interference Several other medical staff of Kamal Adwan Hospital were detained in the raid as well. "There is no justification for these arrests other than a desire to destroy the healthcare system," Mahmud Bassal, spokesman for Gaza's civil defence agency, told AFP. He described the situation as "catastrophic and tragic." On Tuesday, a United Nations report revealed that Israeli strikes on and near hospitals in Gaza have led to the near total collapse of the healthcare system in the Palestinian territory of 2.4 million people. "Israel's pattern of deadly attacks on and near hospitals in Gaza, and associated combat, pushed the healthcare system to the brink of total collapse, with catastrophic effect on Palestinians' access to health and medical care," the UN human rights office said in a statement. WHO calls for immediate release of Safiyeh Israeli officials have repeatedly accused Hamas of using the territory's hospitals as command and control centres for launching attacks against Israeli forces. Abu Safiyeh's family has urged the international community to pressure Israel for his prompt release, and their message has resonated. Also Read | China declares two new counties, one of them includes large parts of India's Aksai Chin The World Health Organisation led by its chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has called for the "immediate release" of the hospital director. Rights group Amnesty International has echoed the call, saying Abu Safiyeh had been the "voice of Gaza's decimated health sector". Healthcare professionals across the world have also urged for his release, rallying on social media under the hashtag #FreeDrHussamAbuSafiya. He was praised as a "hero in a white robe" in several social media posts for continuing his work amid an intense Israeli military campaign in northern Gaza. Since October 6, Israeli forces have intensified their land and sea assault on northern Gaza, saying it was aimed at preventing Hamas from regrouping there. According to the US-based NGO MedGlobal, which employs him, Abu Safiyeh lost a teenage son in an Israeli air strike in late October, while he himself was injured in the leg days later. From a hospital bed, he, however, declared in a video that the injury would not deter him from fulfilling his mission, "whatever the cost". 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.

Gaza hospital chief arrested by Israel becomes symbol of collapsing healthcare system

The United States unveiled sanctions Tuesday against Iranian and Russian organizations, alleging they had sought to interfere in the US election.
The groups targeted were the Cognitive Design Production Center, a subordinate organization of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise.
"The Governments of Iran and Russia have targeted our election processes and institutions and sought to divide the American people through targeted disinformation campaigns," said Bradley Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-no-strikes-on-iran-today-but-targeting-irans-oil-facilities-in-future-remains-an-option-764270" rel="dofollow">Biden: No strikes on Iran &lsquo;today,&rsquo; but targeting its oil facilities remains an option</a>
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller added in a separate statement that the United States closely monitors "efforts by malicious actors to influence or interfere in the integrity of our elections."
"We remain committed to promoting accountability for state-sponsored actors who attempt to undermine public trust in our democratic institutions," Miller said.
The groups, which are affiliates of the IRGC and the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) respectively, "aimed to stoke socio-political tensions and influence the US electorate," said the US Treasury Department.
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It added that the Cognitive Design Production Center had planned influence operations since at least 2023, to "incite socio-political tensions among the US electorate in the lead up to the 2024 US elections, on behalf of the IRGC."
The Center for Geopolitical Expertise, meanwhile, was said to direct and subsidize the production of deepfakes -- &nbsp;manipulations of genuine audio, photos or video of people to create false likenesses -- while circulating disinformation about candidates in the 2024 US election, the Treasury added.&nbsp;
Besides the center, its director Valery Mikhaylovich Korovin was also hit by sanctions.
The sanctions add to earlier ones imposed on the IRGC, GRU, and other proxy groups.
Earlier this year, the US government charged that Iranian authorities sought to undermine confidence in US democratic institutions.
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They allegedly used "social engineering and other efforts to gain access to individuals with direct access to the presidential campaigns of both parties," the Treasury said.
In a separate notice, the Treasury Department also announced sanctions Tuesday on Russian judge Olesya Mendeleeva over the detention of former Moscow city councilor Alexei Gorinov.
Gorinov had been convicted for speaking out against Moscow's war in Ukraine.
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"Russia's manipulation of its legal system silences dissent and suffocates the truth about Russia's indefensible war against Ukraine," Smith of the Treasury added.
On Monday, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Russia called for the immediate and unconditional release of Gorinov.
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 groups targeted were the Cognitive Design Production Center, a subordinate organization of Iran's IRGC and the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise.

The United States unveiled sanctions Tuesday against Iranian and Russian organizations, alleging they had sought to interfere in the US election. The groups targeted were the Cognitive Design Production Center, a subordinate organization of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and the Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise. "The Governments of Iran and Russia have targeted our election processes and institutions and sought to divide the American people through targeted disinformation campaigns," said Bradley Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. Also read: Biden: No strikes on Iran ‘today,’ but targeting its oil facilities remains an option State Department spokesman Matthew Miller added in a separate statement that the United States closely monitors "efforts by malicious actors to influence or interfere in the integrity of our elections." "We remain committed to promoting accountability for state-sponsored actors who attempt to undermine public trust in our democratic institutions," Miller said. The groups, which are affiliates of the IRGC and the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) respectively, "aimed to stoke socio-political tensions and influence the US electorate," said the US Treasury Department. Also read: US can 'deploy forces on short notice' to prevent Iran from 'expanding the conflict': Pentagon It added that the Cognitive Design Production Center had planned influence operations since at least 2023, to "incite socio-political tensions among the US electorate in the lead up to the 2024 US elections, on behalf of the IRGC." The Center for Geopolitical Expertise, meanwhile, was said to direct and subsidize the production of deepfakes -- manipulations of genuine audio, photos or video of people to create false likenesses -- while circulating disinformation about candidates in the 2024 US election, the Treasury added. Besides the center, its director Valery Mikhaylovich Korovin was also hit by sanctions. The sanctions add to earlier ones imposed on the IRGC, GRU, and other proxy groups. Earlier this year, the US government charged that Iranian authorities sought to undermine confidence in US democratic institutions. Also read: Palestinian leader predicts Trump will 'destroy' Iran: Report They allegedly used "social engineering and other efforts to gain access to individuals with direct access to the presidential campaigns of both parties," the Treasury said. In a separate notice, the Treasury Department also announced sanctions Tuesday on Russian judge Olesya Mendeleeva over the detention of former Moscow city councilor Alexei Gorinov. Gorinov had been convicted for speaking out against Moscow's war in Ukraine. Also read: Iran slams Israel for 'brazen admission' of killing Hamas leader Haniyeh, calls it 'heinous crime' "Russia's manipulation of its legal system silences dissent and suffocates the truth about Russia's indefensible war against Ukraine," Smith of the Treasury added. On Monday, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Russia called for the immediate and unconditional release of Gorinov. 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.

US imposes sanctions on Iran, Russian groups over election interference

Pakistan witnessed a rise in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=terror+attacks" rel="dofollow">terror attacks</a>, with at least 685 members of security forces losing their lives in 2024, making it the deadliest year for the civil and military security forces of the country in a decade.&nbsp;
There have been a total of 444 terror attacks in 2024.&nbsp;
Moreover, there were 1,612 fatalities reported this year, accounting for over 63 per cent of the total recorded.
The security forces conducted a total of 59,775 operations this year, during which "925 terrorists" were killed and 383 "brave officers and soldiers lost their lives, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).&nbsp;
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The data was revealed by ISPR Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry during a press conference last week.&nbsp;
Further, the overall fatalities this year broke a nine-year record and were over 66 per cent more than last year.&nbsp;
On average, nearly seven lives were lost daily, with November being the deadliest month compared to all others of 2024.
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Notably, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the violence was at its highest, with 1616 fatalities reported, followed by Balochistan with 782 fatalities.
According to a think tank's report, the country saw 2,546 violence-linked fatalities and 2,267 injuries among civilians, security personnel, and outlaws.&nbsp;
As compared to 2023, this year witnessed an over 66 per cent surge in violence, over 55 per cent more injuries, and around 49 per cent more incidents.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-launches-airstrike-in-afghanistan-civilians-suffer-no-official-confirmation-from-islamabad-786628" rel="dofollow">Pakistan launches overnight airstrike on Afghanistan, targets Taliban hideouts</a>
<h2>Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's scenario</h2>
According to a report, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan accounted for 94 per cent of all fatalities and 89 per cent of all incidents across Pakistan.
&ldquo;Moreover, the data collected over the last 10 years shows a sharp downward trend from 2015 to 2020, with fatalities declining each year by around 33 per cent on average. This 6-year-long decline, and in fact, an encouraging trend in Pakistan&rsquo;s security landscape,&nbsp; was followed by a resurgence in 2021. This is evident from the fact that violence in the country constantly surged by 38% spike in 2021, 15% in 2022, 56% in 2023 and 66% in 2024 (almost 44% yearly surge in violence on average since 2021),&rdquo; the report stated.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: The security forces conducted a total of 59,775 operations this year, during which "925 terrorists" were killed and 383 "brave officers and soldiers lost their lives. 

Pakistan witnessed a rise in terror attacks, with at least 685 members of security forces losing their lives in 2024, making it the deadliest year for the civil and military security forces of the country in a decade. There have been a total of 444 terror attacks in 2024. Moreover, there were 1,612 fatalities reported this year, accounting for over 63 per cent of the total recorded. The security forces conducted a total of 59,775 operations this year, during which "925 terrorists" were killed and 383 "brave officers and soldiers lost their lives, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Also read: One Pakistani, Three Taliban soldiers dead amid clashes along border The data was revealed by ISPR Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry during a press conference last week. Further, the overall fatalities this year broke a nine-year record and were over 66 per cent more than last year. On average, nearly seven lives were lost daily, with November being the deadliest month compared to all others of 2024. Also read: Afghanistan Taliban forces launch strike at Pakistan; Islamabad retaliates: Sources Notably, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the violence was at its highest, with 1616 fatalities reported, followed by Balochistan with 782 fatalities. According to a think tank's report, the country saw 2,546 violence-linked fatalities and 2,267 injuries among civilians, security personnel, and outlaws. As compared to 2023, this year witnessed an over 66 per cent surge in violence, over 55 per cent more injuries, and around 49 per cent more incidents. Also read: Pakistan launches overnight airstrike on Afghanistan, targets Taliban hideouts Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's scenario According to a report, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan accounted for 94 per cent of all fatalities and 89 per cent of all incidents across Pakistan. “Moreover, the data collected over the last 10 years shows a sharp downward trend from 2015 to 2020, with fatalities declining each year by around 33 per cent on average. This 6-year-long decline, and in fact, an encouraging trend in Pakistan’s security landscape, was followed by a resurgence in 2021. This is evident from the fact that violence in the country constantly surged by 38% spike in 2021, 15% in 2022, 56% in 2023 and 66% in 2024 (almost 44% yearly surge in violence on average since 2021),” the report stated. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan witnesses 'deadliest year' for security forces amid violence surge

Russian President Vladimir Putin marked 25 years in power on Tuesday (Dec 31) which is also New Year's Eve. In his New Year's speech to citizens, President Putin said that Russians should be proud of what their country had done during his time in power.
Meanwhile,&nbsp;the New Year's Eve celebrations have begun all across the world as people have enthusiastically started the countdown for the New Year. The transition to 2025 will unfurl in a striking wave of celebrations as each region marks the occasion at different times due to the Earth&rsquo;s rotation and diverse time zones.&nbsp;
In other news, Yemen has passed a death sentence for the Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who has been in jail since 2017 for allegedly murdering a Yemeni national. As per media reports, the death sentence will be executed within a month.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Click on the headlines to read the full stories.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-marks-25-years-in-power-praises-russias-achievements-in-new-years-eve-speech-8581597">Russia's Putin marks 25 years in power, praises nation's achievements in New Year's Eve speech</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2024/12/31/q6TSHajeThJIRplIkN2v.png" alt=" Putin marks 25 years of power in Russia. Photograph: (Reuters) " style="width: 1280px;">
Russian President Vladimir Putin marked 25 years in power on Tuesday (Dec 31), which is also New Year's Eve. In his New Year's speech to citizens, President Putin said that Russians should be proud of what their country had done during his time in power.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/happy-new-year-2025-celebrations-live-updates-new-zealand-ushers-to-welcome-the-new-year-with-fireworks-8580939">New Year 2025 Celebrations Live Updates: Japan welcomes the New Year with ringing bells, S Korea cancels celebration after plane crash</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2024/12/31/ynHKoVaro0eZEdhDKUiP.jpg" alt=" New Year celebrations in New Zealand begins on Tuesday Photograph: (X) " style="width: 1280px;">
The New Year's Eve celebrations have begun all across the world as people have enthusiastically started the countdown. The transition to 2025 will unfurl in a striking wave of celebrations as each region marks the occasion at different times due to the Earth&rsquo;s rotation and diverse time zones. The celebration notes the global unity, as from small islands in the Pacific to energetic and busy cities like New York,&nbsp;all welcome with some passion and thrill.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/yemen-sanctions-death-sentence-to-indian-nurse-nimisha-priya-india-responds-8581112">Yemen sanctions death sentence to Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, India responds</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2024/12/31/EXsJNSdcSGEHAOewpejH.png" alt=" Nimisha Priya was found guilty of killing a Yemeni man Talal Abdo Mahdi in 2017. Photograph: (PTI ) ">
Yemen has passed a death sentence for the Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who has been in jail since 2017 for allegedly murdering a Yemeni national. As per media reports, the death sentence will be executed within a month.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-farmers-leader-dallewal-to-take-medical-aid-if-centre-agrees-to-talk-punjab-tells-supreme-court-8581124">India: Farmers leader Dallewal to take medical aid if Centre agrees to talk, Punjab tells SC</a>
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<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2024/12/28/5EGxShArQeWr2F1nEOII.jpg" alt=" File photo: Farmers protest Photograph: (PTI) ">
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The Punjab government on Tuesday (Dec 31) informed the Supreme Court of India that farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on fast-unto-death for more than a month now, would accept medical treatment if the Centre agreed to speak to the protesting farmers.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/major-cities-in-india-announce-traffic-restrictions-on-new-years-eve-check-details-8580893">Major cities in India announce traffic restrictions on New Year's Eve. Check details</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2024/12/31/7yhCU5iZmUeuGayYXGqN.png" alt=" Major Indian cities observe traffic restrictions on New Year's Eve. Photograph: (iStock) ">
It's the time for celebrations in India on&nbsp;the occasion of&nbsp;New Year's Eve. To ensure the celebrations go smoothly, police in major cities, including New&nbsp;Delhi and&nbsp;Mumbai,&nbsp;have imposed certain restrictions on&nbsp;the movement of traffic.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-declares-two-new-counties-one-of-them-created-with-large-parts-of-indias-aksai-chin-8581294">China declares two new counties, one of them created out of large parts of India's Aksai Chin</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2024/12/31/nGEv9cS6cOGQvbDfuj9Y.jpg" alt=" India, China flags Photograph: (Reuters) ">
China has created new counties in Xinjiang, out of which one is made up mainly of Indian territory that it illegally occupied in Aksai Chin.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-cm-apologises-for-ethnic-clashes-says-forgive-and-forget-8581436">Manipur CM apologises for ethnic clashes, says 'forgive and forget'</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2024/12/31/VPTQT5IxK4CE3q1UqH68.png" alt=" CM N Biren Singh appealed to all the communities of the state to forgive and forget the past mistakes and start a new life. Photograph: (PTI ) " style="width: 1280px;">
Chief Minister of the Indian State of Manipur, N Biren Singh, apologised on Tuesday (Dec 31) for the ethnic clashes and unfortunate developments in the northeastern state that started in 2023.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/im-not-particularly-afraid-japans-ishiba-moves-into-haunted-pm-house-8580909">&lsquo;I&rsquo;m not particularly afraid&rsquo;: Japan&rsquo;s Ishiba moves into 'haunted' PM house</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2024/12/31/QcEwF8Cd4Y56g9dw7hCo.jpg" alt=" Japan's PM Shigeru Ishiba Photograph: (Reuters) " style="width: 1280px;">
Shigeru Ishiba began moving into the Japanese prime minister's official residence in central Tokyo on Saturday despite the paranormal tales about the building that witnessed military rebellions, according to Reuters. Ishiba dismissed the concerns that the residence is haunted by spirits that had tried to depose previous leaders.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/border-gavaskar-trophy-nobody-can-read-a-crystal-ball-gavaskar-shares-his-take-on-rohit-and-kohlis-test-future-8579914" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT: 'Nobody can....', Sunil Gavaskar shares his take on Rohit and Kohli's Test future</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2024/12/31/HrNwkswjkmGg3mJ6NIV4.jpg" alt=" Virat Kohli (L) and Rohit Sharma during the BGT 2024-25 edition Photograph: (AFP) " style="width: 1280px;">
Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar shared his take on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Test future after India's MCG Test defeat versus Australia, on Monday (Dec 30), in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). India lost the fourth and penultimate Test by 184 runs, in pursuit of 340 on Day 5, as Rohit and Kohli's poor run continued.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kate-beckinsale-speaks-out-in-support-of-blake-lively-reveals-she-has-been-felt-up-on-film-sets-8581400">Kate Beckinsale speaks out in support of Blake Lively, reveals she has been 'felt up' on film sets</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2024/12/31/6n9pOX2JzWrESu4Nb0q9.png" alt=" File image of Kate Beckinsale Photograph: (X) ">
Kate Beckinsale has extended her support to Blake Lively amid her legal battle against&nbsp;It Ends With Us&nbsp;director and actor Justin Baldoni. Beckinsale shared a video on social media and said she too had been "assaulted&rdquo; and &ldquo;felt up&rdquo; on film sets and was insulted and called &ldquo;a cunt&rdquo; and &ldquo;a bitch&rdquo; when she complained.
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World: Here is a compilation of the top 10 stories from across the world in the day. Click on the headlines to read the full stories and stay updated with important developments. 


Russian President Vladimir Putin marked 25 years in power on Tuesday (Dec 31) which is also New Year's Eve. In his New Year's speech to citizens, President Putin said that Russians should be proud of what their country had done during his time in power. Meanwhile, the New Year's Eve celebrations have begun all across the world as people have enthusiastically started the countdown for the New Year. The transition to 2025 will unfurl in a striking wave of celebrations as each region marks the occasion at different times due to the Earth’s rotation and diverse time zones. In other news, Yemen has passed a death sentence for the Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who has been in jail since 2017 for allegedly murdering a Yemeni national. As per media reports, the death sentence will be executed within a month. Click on the headlines to read the full stories. Russia's Putin marks 25 years in power, praises nation's achievements in New Year's Eve speech Russian President Vladimir Putin marked 25 years in power on Tuesday (Dec 31), which is also New Year's Eve. In his New Year's speech to citizens, President Putin said that Russians should be proud of what their country had done during his time in power. New Year 2025 Celebrations Live Updates: Japan welcomes the New Year with ringing bells, S Korea cancels celebration after plane crash The New Year's Eve celebrations have begun all across the world as people have enthusiastically started the countdown. The transition to 2025 will unfurl in a striking wave of celebrations as each region marks the occasion at different times due to the Earth’s rotation and diverse time zones. The celebration notes the global unity, as from small islands in the Pacific to energetic and busy cities like New York, all welcome with some passion and thrill. Yemen sanctions death sentence to Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, India responds Yemen has passed a death sentence for the Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who has been in jail since 2017 for allegedly murdering a Yemeni national. As per media reports, the death sentence will be executed within a month. India: Farmers leader Dallewal to take medical aid if Centre agrees to talk, Punjab tells SC The Punjab government on Tuesday (Dec 31) informed the Supreme Court of India that farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on fast-unto-death for more than a month now, would accept medical treatment if the Centre agreed to speak to the protesting farmers. Major cities in India announce traffic restrictions on New Year's Eve. Check details It's the time for celebrations in India on the occasion of New Year's Eve. To ensure the celebrations go smoothly, police in major cities, including New Delhi and Mumbai, have imposed certain restrictions on the movement of traffic. China declares two new counties, one of them created out of large parts of India's Aksai Chin China has created new counties in Xinjiang, out of which one is made up mainly of Indian territory that it illegally occupied in Aksai Chin. Manipur CM apologises for ethnic clashes, says 'forgive and forget' Chief Minister of the Indian State of Manipur, N Biren Singh, apologised on Tuesday (Dec 31) for the ethnic clashes and unfortunate developments in the northeastern state that started in 2023. ‘I’m not particularly afraid’: Japan’s Ishiba moves into 'haunted' PM house Shigeru Ishiba began moving into the Japanese prime minister's official residence in central Tokyo on Saturday despite the paranormal tales about the building that witnessed military rebellions, according to Reuters. Ishiba dismissed the concerns that the residence is haunted by spirits that had tried to depose previous leaders. BGT: 'Nobody can....', Sunil Gavaskar shares his take on Rohit and Kohli's Test future Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar shared his take on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Test future after India's MCG Test defeat versus Australia, on Monday (Dec 30), in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). India lost the fourth and penultimate Test by 184 runs, in pursuit of 340 on Day 5, as Rohit and Kohli's poor run continued. Kate Beckinsale speaks out in support of Blake Lively, reveals she has been 'felt up' on film sets Kate Beckinsale has extended her support to Blake Lively amid her legal battle against It Ends With Us director and actor Justin Baldoni. Beckinsale shared a video on social media and said she too had been "assaulted” and “felt up” on film sets and was insulted and called “a cunt” and “a bitch” when she complained.

Top 10 world news: Russia's Putin marks 25 years in power; world celebrates to welcome 2025, and more

China has created new counties in Xinjiang, out of which one is made up mainly of Indian territory that it illegally occupied in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=Aksai+Chin" rel="dofollow">Aksai Chin</a>.&nbsp;
The people's government of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Friday announced the establishment of the two counties, naming them He'an County and Hekang County.
The establishment of both these counties has been administered by Hotan Prefecture and has been approved by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-approves-worlds-largest-dam-on-brahmaputra-river-raises-concern-for-india-8567906" rel="dofollow">China approves world's largest dam on Brahmaputra river</a>
This comes just 10 days after the Special Representatives of both nations restarted the boundary negotiation, which had not happened for almost five years.&nbsp;
Hongliu and Xeyidula townships have been declared as the &ldquo;county seats&rdquo; (administrative headquarters) of He'an and Hekang respectively.
Moreover, He'an County encompasses a large part of 38,000 sq km of area India accuses China of illegally occupying in Aksai Chin.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-china-seek-fair-and-mutually-acceptable-framework-for-settlement-of-border-dispute-785103" rel="dofollow">India, China seek peace and tranquility on border, agree to resume Kailash Mansarovar Yatra</a>
However, India has not reacted to this yet.&nbsp;
Earlier this month, India&rsquo;s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing for the 23rd round of boundary negotiations.&nbsp;
Following the meet, the two nations began the process that was stalled for five years after the Chinese People&rsquo;s Liberation Army&rsquo;s aggressive moves along the Line of Actual Control and the Indian Army&rsquo;s counter-deployment in April-May 2020 led to a military standoff in eastern Ladakh.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-nsa-ajit-doval-china-fm-wang-yi-hold-vital-talks-on-peace-along-lac-784914" rel="dofollow">India NSA Ajit Doval, China FM Wang Yi hold vital talks on peace along LAC </a>
It led to prolonged tensions between the two nations, significantly straining the relations.&nbsp;
Moreover, this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India remains "committed to engaging with China through bilateral discussions to arrive at a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for a boundary settlement."
(With inputs from agencies)

World | India News: The people's government of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region announced the establishment of two counties, He'an County and Hekang.

China has created new counties in Xinjiang, out of which one is made up mainly of Indian territory that it illegally occupied in Aksai Chin. The people's government of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Friday announced the establishment of the two counties, naming them He'an County and Hekang County. The establishment of both these counties has been administered by Hotan Prefecture and has been approved by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council. Also read: China approves world's largest dam on Brahmaputra river This comes just 10 days after the Special Representatives of both nations restarted the boundary negotiation, which had not happened for almost five years. Hongliu and Xeyidula townships have been declared as the “county seats” (administrative headquarters) of He'an and Hekang respectively. Moreover, He'an County encompasses a large part of 38,000 sq km of area India accuses China of illegally occupying in Aksai Chin. Also read: India, China seek peace and tranquility on border, agree to resume Kailash Mansarovar Yatra However, India has not reacted to this yet. Earlier this month, India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing for the 23rd round of boundary negotiations. Following the meet, the two nations began the process that was stalled for five years after the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s aggressive moves along the Line of Actual Control and the Indian Army’s counter-deployment in April-May 2020 led to a military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Also read: India NSA Ajit Doval, China FM Wang Yi hold vital talks on peace along LAC It led to prolonged tensions between the two nations, significantly straining the relations. Moreover, this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India remains "committed to engaging with China through bilateral discussions to arrive at a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for a boundary settlement." (With inputs from agencies)

China declares two new counties, one of them includes large parts of India's Aksai Chin

Russian President Vladimir Putin marked 25 years in power on Tuesday (Dec 31) which is also New Year's Eve. In his New Year's speech to citizens, President Putin said that Russians should be proud of what their country had done during his time in power.
"Dear friends, in just a few minutes 2025 will be ushered in, completing the first quarter of the 21st century," Putin said in the televised remarks.
"Yes, we still have a lot to decide, but we can be rightfully proud of what has already been done," he added, saying the 25 years had paved the way for "further development."
<h2>Putin praises Russia's soldiers</h2>
During his address, Vladimir Putin praised Russia's soldiers, a theme that was echoed in his previous New Year's Eve addresses since Moscow launched a full-scale offensive against Ukraine in late February 2022.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-sends-new-year-greetings-to-dearest-friend-8580254" rel="dofollow">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sends New Year greetings to 'dearest friend' Putin</a>
"On this New Year's Eve, the thoughts and hopes of relatives and friends, millions of people across Russia are together with our fighters and commanders," the Russian president said.
"Now, on the threshold of a new year, we are thinking about the future. We are sure that everything will be all right. We will only go forward," he added.
<h2>Will the Russia-Ukraine war continue?</h2>
Putin's remarks came as the war between Russia and Ukraine would soon enter its third year.&nbsp;
Russia has launched overnight aerial attacks on Ukraine almost every day since its forces invaded in February 2022, targeting military and civilian infrastructure, including the power grid.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-moscow-kyiv-exchange-300-prisoners-in-uae-brokered-deal-8579024" rel="dofollow">Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow, Kyiv exchange 300 prisoners in UAE-brokered deal</a>
Moscow launched a barrage of drones and missiles across Ukraine overnight and early Tuesday, with officials conceding there were successful strikes in the east of the country and near Kyiv.
A recent analysis of the data from the Institute for the Study of War done by the news agency AFP showed that Russia advanced by almost 4,000 square kilometres in Ukraine in 2024, seven times more than in 2023.
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World: In his New Year's speech, President Vladimir Putin said that Russians should be proud of what their country had done during his time in power.

Russian President Vladimir Putin marked 25 years in power on Tuesday (Dec 31) which is also New Year's Eve. In his New Year's speech to citizens, President Putin said that Russians should be proud of what their country had done during his time in power. "Dear friends, in just a few minutes 2025 will be ushered in, completing the first quarter of the 21st century," Putin said in the televised remarks. "Yes, we still have a lot to decide, but we can be rightfully proud of what has already been done," he added, saying the 25 years had paved the way for "further development." Putin praises Russia's soldiers During his address, Vladimir Putin praised Russia's soldiers, a theme that was echoed in his previous New Year's Eve addresses since Moscow launched a full-scale offensive against Ukraine in late February 2022. Also read | North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sends New Year greetings to 'dearest friend' Putin "On this New Year's Eve, the thoughts and hopes of relatives and friends, millions of people across Russia are together with our fighters and commanders," the Russian president said. "Now, on the threshold of a new year, we are thinking about the future. We are sure that everything will be all right. We will only go forward," he added. Will the Russia-Ukraine war continue? Putin's remarks came as the war between Russia and Ukraine would soon enter its third year. Russia has launched overnight aerial attacks on Ukraine almost every day since its forces invaded in February 2022, targeting military and civilian infrastructure, including the power grid. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow, Kyiv exchange 300 prisoners in UAE-brokered deal Moscow launched a barrage of drones and missiles across Ukraine overnight and early Tuesday, with officials conceding there were successful strikes in the east of the country and near Kyiv. A recent analysis of the data from the Institute for the Study of War done by the news agency AFP showed that Russia advanced by almost 4,000 square kilometres in Ukraine in 2024, seven times more than in 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin marks 25 years in power, praises Russia’s achievements in New Year’s Eve speech

2024 was a transformative year for India, marked by pivotal events that reshaped the country's politics, economy and sports landscape.

WION Rewind 2024: Moments That Defined India

Germany, a part of Europe's 29-nation Schengen region, will be rolling out Digital Schengen Visas for Indians by the second quarter of 2025, said the Chennai-based German Consul General Michaela K&uuml;chler. This move comes at a juncture when the inflow of Indian visitors to Germany is at an all-time high.&nbsp;
In 2023, German diplomatic missions in India issued more than 1.8 lakh (180,000) Schengen Visas to Indians, and this year the number of Schengen Visas issued to Indians is expected to surpass the 2 lakh (200,000) mark. She added that the total time for obtaining a Schengen Visa (including appointment wait time and processing time) from a German mission takes less than four weeks for applicants from Southern India.
Schengen region refers to Europe's passport-free zone covering most European countries. The largest free travel area in the world, it spans 29 countries that have abolished their internal borders to allow the unrestricted movement of people. Schengen visas allow the holder to travel freely in the Schengen region for a maximum of 90 days in any 180 days. The visas are not purpose-bound, but they do not grant the right to work.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-military-bombs-isis-positions-in-syria-the-first-since-fall-of-assad-govt-8581341" aria-label="French military bombs ISIS positions in Syria, the first since fall of Assad govt">French military bombs ISIS positions in Syria, the first since fall of Assad govt</a>
The 29 Schengen countries are Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Among travellers from India, Schengen visas are regarded as hard to obtain, owing to the types of proofs, documents, and personal and banking details that are to be submitted.&nbsp;
Given that these visa rules are decided by all the Schengen states, there are rigorous requirements.&nbsp;
Germany is India&rsquo;s prime trading partner in the European Union, with domains such as defence, automobiles, heavy engineering, manufacturing, electrical equipment, metallurgy, textiles, and chemicals as major drivers of trade ties.
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-declares-two-new-counties-one-of-them-created-with-large-parts-of-indias-aksai-chin-8581294" aria-label="China declares two new counties, one of them created with large parts of India's Aksai Chin">China declares two new counties, one of them created with large parts of India's Aksai Chin</a>
Ranjit Pratap, Chairman of the Southern Region Council, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, highlighted Germany's ageing population and the need for a young labour force, which offers opportunities for Indians and Indian businesses. According to the German Government, the country needs 400,000 skilled workers annually to support its economy and society, and Germany sees India as a key partner in meeting this need.
"Going forward, we see immense potential in Indo-German ties because Germany has launched a strategy to diversify economic engagement, and India plays a major role in that strategy. Germany's interest in looking towards India has increased a lot," Consul General Michaela K&uuml;chler added.

World | India News: Schengen region refers to Europe's passport-free zone covering most European countries, and is the largest free travel area in the world. 

Germany, a part of Europe's 29-nation Schengen region, will be rolling out Digital Schengen Visas for Indians by the second quarter of 2025, said the Chennai-based German Consul General Michaela Küchler. This move comes at a juncture when the inflow of Indian visitors to Germany is at an all-time high. In 2023, German diplomatic missions in India issued more than 1.8 lakh (180,000) Schengen Visas to Indians, and this year the number of Schengen Visas issued to Indians is expected to surpass the 2 lakh (200,000) mark. She added that the total time for obtaining a Schengen Visa (including appointment wait time and processing time) from a German mission takes less than four weeks for applicants from Southern India. Schengen region refers to Europe's passport-free zone covering most European countries. The largest free travel area in the world, it spans 29 countries that have abolished their internal borders to allow the unrestricted movement of people. Schengen visas allow the holder to travel freely in the Schengen region for a maximum of 90 days in any 180 days. The visas are not purpose-bound, but they do not grant the right to work. Also read | French military bombs ISIS positions in Syria, the first since fall of Assad govt The 29 Schengen countries are Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Among travellers from India, Schengen visas are regarded as hard to obtain, owing to the types of proofs, documents, and personal and banking details that are to be submitted. Given that these visa rules are decided by all the Schengen states, there are rigorous requirements. Germany is India’s prime trading partner in the European Union, with domains such as defence, automobiles, heavy engineering, manufacturing, electrical equipment, metallurgy, textiles, and chemicals as major drivers of trade ties. Also read | China declares two new counties, one of them created with large parts of India's Aksai Chin Ranjit Pratap, Chairman of the Southern Region Council, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, highlighted Germany's ageing population and the need for a young labour force, which offers opportunities for Indians and Indian businesses. According to the German Government, the country needs 400,000 skilled workers annually to support its economy and society, and Germany sees India as a key partner in meeting this need. "Going forward, we see immense potential in Indo-German ties because Germany has launched a strategy to diversify economic engagement, and India plays a major role in that strategy. Germany's interest in looking towards India has increased a lot," Consul General Michaela Küchler added.

Germany to introduce Digital Schengen Visa for Indians from 2025

President-elect Donald Trump has backed tech billionaire Elon Musk on the special visa program, which would enable highly skilled workers to enter the country. Talking to the New York Post, Trump expressed support for the initiative. Watch in for more details!

Elon Musk Vows To ‘go To War’ To Defend H-1B Visa Programme

Donald Trump's appeal has been rejected in the ongoing sexual abuse and defamation case filed by E. Jean Carroll. The court's decision upholds the previous ruling, continuing the legal battle over the allegations against the former president. This marks a significant development in the case, which has drawn widespread attention and controversy.

Donald Trump’s Appeal Rejected in E. Jean Carroll Sexual Abuse and Defamation Case

Recent discoveries on Uranus' moons reveal potential conditions for life, suggesting these distant moons might hold environments where alien life could exist. Watch this video for more details!

Unveiling Cosmic Mysteries: From Oceans on Uranus' Moons to Mysterious Radio Signals

Donald Trump achieved the truly incredible feat of becoming the second person in history to win non-consecutive terms as US president by defeating all odds. Let’s take a look at the biggest political comebacks of 2024. Watch in for more details!

From Brink To Top: Donald Trump's Historic Comeback

The French military bombed positions of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria on Tuesday (Dec 31), the first such strike in the West Asian country since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government.
In a post on X, Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said, "Our armed forces remain engaged in battling terrorism in the Levant." "On Sunday, French air assets carried out targeted strikes against Daesh (the Arabic name for ISIS) on Syrian soil," he added.
<h2>A total of seven bombs dropped in central Syria</h2>
Speaking to the news agency AFP, the French defence ministry said that Rafale fighter jets and US-made Reaper drones dropped "a total of seven bombs on two military targets belonging to Daesh in central Syria."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Nos arm&eacute;es restent engag&eacute;es dans la lutte contre le terrorisme au Levant. Elles contribuent &agrave; la coalition internationale "Operation Inherent Resolve" (OIR), depuis 2014 en Irak et 2015 en Syrie. Dimanche, des moyens a&eacute;riens fran&ccedil;ais ont proc&eacute;d&eacute; &agrave; des frappes cibl&eacute;es contre des&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/uwzOmcJDce">pic.twitter.com/uwzOmcJDce</a>
&mdash; S&eacute;bastien Lecornu (@SebLecornu) <a href="https://twitter.com/SebLecornu/status/1873988975930548616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2024</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

France has been part of the Inherent Resolve international coalition against ISIS since 2014 for Iraq and 2015 for Syria.
<h2>The Syrian rebel group's battle with the ISIS</h2>
The rebel offensive in Syria, which led to Bashar al-Assad's ouster, was led by the&nbsp;Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-new-leader-ahmed-al-sharaa-says-need-to-rewrite-constitution-before-elections-happen-urges-us-to-lift-sanctions-8576403" rel="dofollow">Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa urges US to lift sanctions, blames Assad regime for them</a>
AFP reported that in its Idlib stronghold, the HTS has long battled jihadists from the Islamic State group, which was territorially defeated in Syria in 2019.
Recently, Syria's de-factor leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has tapped dozens of former rebels for high-ranking army positions, several of whom are foreign fighters.&nbsp;
A decree published late Sunday on the Telegram account of Sharaa's General Command listed 49 people to be made commanders, in the first such announcement since the fall of the Assad government on December 8.
(With inputs from agencies)

World News, Middle East: France has been part of the Inherent Resolve international coalition against ISIS. A total of seven bombs were dropped on two positions in Syria. 

The French military bombed positions of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria on Tuesday (Dec 31), the first such strike in the West Asian country since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government. In a post on X, Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said, "Our armed forces remain engaged in battling terrorism in the Levant." "On Sunday, French air assets carried out targeted strikes against Daesh (the Arabic name for ISIS) on Syrian soil," he added. A total of seven bombs dropped in central Syria Speaking to the news agency AFP, the French defence ministry said that Rafale fighter jets and US-made Reaper drones dropped "a total of seven bombs on two military targets belonging to Daesh in central Syria." Nos armées restent engagées dans la lutte contre le terrorisme au Levant. Elles contribuent à la coalition internationale "Operation Inherent Resolve" (OIR), depuis 2014 en Irak et 2015 en Syrie. Dimanche, des moyens aériens français ont procédé à des frappes ciblées contre des… pic.twitter.com/uwzOmcJDce — Sébastien Lecornu (@SebLecornu) December 31, 2024 France has been part of the Inherent Resolve international coalition against ISIS since 2014 for Iraq and 2015 for Syria. The Syrian rebel group's battle with the ISIS The rebel offensive in Syria, which led to Bashar al-Assad's ouster, was led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Also read | Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa urges US to lift sanctions, blames Assad regime for them AFP reported that in its Idlib stronghold, the HTS has long battled jihadists from the Islamic State group, which was territorially defeated in Syria in 2019. Recently, Syria's de-factor leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has tapped dozens of former rebels for high-ranking army positions, several of whom are foreign fighters. A decree published late Sunday on the Telegram account of Sharaa's General Command listed 49 people to be made commanders, in the first such announcement since the fall of the Assad government on December 8. (With inputs from agencies)

French military bombs ISIS positions in Syria, the first since fall of Assad govt

After wrapping up 2024 with the launch of India's space docking experiment, ISRO is now heading to a busier 2025... ISRO is looking at more than 10 launches in the New Year... This also includes the maiden test flight of India's astronaut-carrying Gaganyaan rocket... For insights into what ISRO has lined up for 2025, WION's Sidharth. M.P speaks to ISRO Chief Dr. S. Somanath

ISRO Planning Over 10 Launches In 2025

In a dramatic escalation, Yemen's Houthi rebels have launched strikes on Israel's Ben Gurion Airport and US military assets, intensifying regional tensions. This bold move raises concerns about the broader implications for Middle East stability and international security.

Yemen’s Houthis Target Israel's Ben Gurion Airport and US Military Assets Amid Growing Tensions

Following the tragic plane crash in South Korea, over 60,000 people have canceled their flight reservations. The disaster has raised concerns over air safety and caused a significant decline in traveler confidence, impacting the airline industry.

South Korea Tragedy: Role Of Concrete Wall Near Runway Questioned

Syria's new de facto ruler has promised to bring together all Syrians, offering a vision of national unity amidst the ongoing conflict and political fragmentation. This statement marks a significant moment in Syria's complex political landscape, raising questions about future governance and peace efforts.

Syria New De Facto Ruler Promises To Unite All Syrians

The tragic crash of the Jeju Air flight 7C2216 on December 29 is one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korea in decades. The crash killed 179 people out of the total 181 on board.
The direct cause of the crash was the malfunction of the landing gear, but the specific reason for this failure remains under further investigation. Other potential reasons, including a bird strike and runway safety concerns, are also being examined.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-plane-crash-had-two-survivors-what-saved-them-8579763" rel="dofollow">South Korea plane crash had two survivors. What saved them?</a>
Following the tragedy, empty desks and a calendar marking days off after Christmas sit in an office in Muan where five employees were among the victims of the crash.
<h2>Colleagues wear black ribbons to condole deaths</h2>
According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Tuesday (Dec 31), the five female colleagues at a public education office had gone on a trip together to Bangkok to celebrate their promotions and were flying home on the flight that crashed at the Muan International Airport.
Colleagues of the victims wearing black ribbons cried at their desks watching over a victim's empty desk where white chrysanthemums had been placed in mourning.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/s-korean-plane-crash-over-60k-cancel-jeju-air-flight-reservations-after-tragedy-8578487" rel="dofollow">South Korean plane crash: Over 60,000 people cancel Jeju Air flight reservations after tragedy, says report</a>
Packed boxes with books and stationeries awaited another victim who was supposed to move to another desk in the new year, Reuters reported.
At the office, officials wore black ribbons and set up an altar where colleagues and neighbours came to pay condolences.
<h2>Authorities accelerate identification of crash victims</h2>
In the latest news from the aftermath of the tragedy, investigators were expediting efforts to identify the victims.&nbsp;
Reuters further reported that the Muan International Airport would remain closed until January 7 as authorities continued to probe the cause of the tragedy.
In response to the tragedy, South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered an emergency inspection of all airlines, starting with the 101 Boeing 737-800 aircraft currently operated by South Korean carriers.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Colleagues of the five office employees wearing black ribbons cried at their desks watching over a victim's empty desk where white chrysanthemums had been placed in mourning.

The tragic crash of the Jeju Air flight 7C2216 on December 29 is one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korea in decades. The crash killed 179 people out of the total 181 on board. The direct cause of the crash was the malfunction of the landing gear, but the specific reason for this failure remains under further investigation. Other potential reasons, including a bird strike and runway safety concerns, are also being examined. Also read | South Korea plane crash had two survivors. What saved them? Following the tragedy, empty desks and a calendar marking days off after Christmas sit in an office in Muan where five employees were among the victims of the crash. Colleagues wear black ribbons to condole deaths According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Tuesday (Dec 31), the five female colleagues at a public education office had gone on a trip together to Bangkok to celebrate their promotions and were flying home on the flight that crashed at the Muan International Airport. Colleagues of the victims wearing black ribbons cried at their desks watching over a victim's empty desk where white chrysanthemums had been placed in mourning. Also read | South Korean plane crash: Over 60,000 people cancel Jeju Air flight reservations after tragedy, says report Packed boxes with books and stationeries awaited another victim who was supposed to move to another desk in the new year, Reuters reported. At the office, officials wore black ribbons and set up an altar where colleagues and neighbours came to pay condolences. Authorities accelerate identification of crash victims In the latest news from the aftermath of the tragedy, investigators were expediting efforts to identify the victims. Reuters further reported that the Muan International Airport would remain closed until January 7 as authorities continued to probe the cause of the tragedy. In response to the tragedy, South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered an emergency inspection of all airlines, starting with the 101 Boeing 737-800 aircraft currently operated by South Korean carriers. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea plane crash | Tears, empty desks: Office mourns death of five colleagues in Jeju Air accident

As the West Asia crisis escalates, a top Palestinian leader has stressed that the US President-elect Donald Trump would "destroy Iran", leading to the destruction of Hamas' influence.
Israel and Hamas have been in a constant war for more than a year now. The conflict began with the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October last year.&nbsp;
The Hamas group has been rising against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=Palestinian+Authority" rel="dofollow">Palestinian Authority</a> - supported by the Western governments including the US - which is run by the rival Fatah party.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-claims-director-of-gazas-kamal-adwan-hospital-a-hamas-terrorist-detains-him-days-after-he-accused-tel-aviv-of-targeting-medical-facility-8574358" rel="dofollow">Israel detains director of Gaza's 'last hospital,' accuses him of being a 'Hamas terrorist'</a>
&ldquo;We are confronting Hamas&rsquo; ideology,&rdquo; Mohammad Hamdan, Secretary General of the PA&rsquo;s ruling Fatah party, told The New York Post.
&ldquo;Our problem is with Hamas&rsquo; link to regimes outside Palestine,&rdquo; Hamdan said, referring to Iran in particular.&nbsp;
Hamdan said he expects Trump's return to the US administration to lead to Hamas and Iran's&nbsp; defeats.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We see that Trump and the ruling government in Israel are planning to destroy Iran, so Hamas [followers] will have no other choice than to become Palestinian,&rdquo; the leader said.&nbsp;
Notably, the Palestinian Authority has killed at least three extremist militants in Jenin since the December 6 incident.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-week-old-baby-girl-freezes-to-death-in-gaza-while-israel-and-hamas-trade-blames-of-ceasefire-delay-8568285" rel="dofollow">Three-week old baby girl freezes to death in Gaza while Israel and Hamas trade blame for ceasefire delay</a>
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=hamas" rel="dofollow">Hamas </a>took control of the Gaza Strip after defeating Fatah in the 2006 election. The group had a rule, which included an Islamist crackdown in the Palestinian territory and repeated incursions into Israel.&nbsp;
However, it came to an end with the October 7 attack on Israel.&nbsp;
Further, Hamdan said, &ldquo;Hamas rejects international legitimacy, meaning UN resolutions," adding, &ldquo;The world cannot accept a situation where a party does not accept international resolutions.&rdquo;
Hamdan also said PA President Mahmoud Abbas &ldquo;still supports realistic relations with the Americans in order to achieve the aspirations of the Palestinians.&rdquo;
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The Hamas group has been rising up against the Palestinian Authority, which is run by the rival Fatah party, The New York Post reported. 

As the West Asia crisis escalates, a top Palestinian leader has stressed that the US President-elect Donald Trump would "destroy Iran", leading to the destruction of Hamas' influence. Israel and Hamas have been in a constant war for more than a year now. The conflict began with the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October last year. The Hamas group has been rising against the Palestinian Authority - supported by the Western governments including the US - which is run by the rival Fatah party. Also read: Israel detains director of Gaza's 'last hospital,' accuses him of being a 'Hamas terrorist' “We are confronting Hamas’ ideology,” Mohammad Hamdan, Secretary General of the PA’s ruling Fatah party, told The New York Post. “Our problem is with Hamas’ link to regimes outside Palestine,” Hamdan said, referring to Iran in particular. Hamdan said he expects Trump's return to the US administration to lead to Hamas and Iran's defeats. “We see that Trump and the ruling government in Israel are planning to destroy Iran, so Hamas [followers] will have no other choice than to become Palestinian,” the leader said. Notably, the Palestinian Authority has killed at least three extremist militants in Jenin since the December 6 incident. Also read: Three-week old baby girl freezes to death in Gaza while Israel and Hamas trade blame for ceasefire delay Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip after defeating Fatah in the 2006 election. The group had a rule, which included an Islamist crackdown in the Palestinian territory and repeated incursions into Israel. However, it came to an end with the October 7 attack on Israel. Further, Hamdan said, “Hamas rejects international legitimacy, meaning UN resolutions," adding, “The world cannot accept a situation where a party does not accept international resolutions.” Hamdan also said PA President Mahmoud Abbas “still supports realistic relations with the Americans in order to achieve the aspirations of the Palestinians.” Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian leader predicts Trump will 'destroy' Iran

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