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The Japanese government has approved a record defence budget this fiscal year amid increasing security threats.
The country&rsquo;s defence ministry said Japan was facing its "most severe and complex" security environment since World War II. Of the total $730 billion budget for the year starting April 2025, over $55 billion have been earmarked for defence spending. The increased budget conforms to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba&rsquo;s assertion that more spending on defence was necessary to deal with fresh challenges in the neighbourhood.
It must be noted that Japan is bound by its pacifist post-war constitution, which severely limits its ability to undertake major defence measures. However, Tokyo had updated its defence policy in 2022, in the backdrop of rising security threats from China. In that year, Japan vowed to double its defence spending to comply with the NATO standard of two per cent of GDP by the year 2027.
The government said Japan will use the increased defence funding to boost its Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and improve ties with allies such as the US. Japan is also mulling developing a system to track satellite data to be better prepared to monitor and tackle missile threats from North Korea.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-airlines-hit-by-cyberattack-flights-may-be-affected-8566978">Japan Airlines hit by cyberattack, flights may be affected</a>
"Strengthening our defence capabilities is something we're actively working on," Ishiba said at an event organised by the Yomiuri newspaper on Thursday.
"Now matter how great our military tanks or vehicles are, it's pointless if we don't have enough people to move them," said the prime minister, who has vowed to fix a shortage of new troops.
<h2>Focus on declining birth rate</h2>
The budget has also focused on resolving the other biggest crisis facing Japan today: The falling birth rate. Japan remains one of the world&rsquo;s oldest societies, with 29.3 per cent of population aged 65 or more. The government will now spend more on social welfare spending and economic planning.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | It must be noted that Japan is bound by its pacifist post-war constitution, which severely limits its ability to undertake major defence measures. However, Tokyo had updated its defence policy in 2022

The Japanese government has approved a record defence budget this fiscal year amid increasing security threats. The country’s defence ministry said Japan was facing its "most severe and complex" security environment since World War II. Of the total $730 billion budget for the year starting April 2025, over $55 billion have been earmarked for defence spending. The increased budget conforms to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s assertion that more spending on defence was necessary to deal with fresh challenges in the neighbourhood. It must be noted that Japan is bound by its pacifist post-war constitution, which severely limits its ability to undertake major defence measures. However, Tokyo had updated its defence policy in 2022, in the backdrop of rising security threats from China. In that year, Japan vowed to double its defence spending to comply with the NATO standard of two per cent of GDP by the year 2027. The government said Japan will use the increased defence funding to boost its Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and improve ties with allies such as the US. Japan is also mulling developing a system to track satellite data to be better prepared to monitor and tackle missile threats from North Korea. Also read: Japan Airlines hit by cyberattack, flights may be affected "Strengthening our defence capabilities is something we're actively working on," Ishiba said at an event organised by the Yomiuri newspaper on Thursday. "Now matter how great our military tanks or vehicles are, it's pointless if we don't have enough people to move them," said the prime minister, who has vowed to fix a shortage of new troops. Focus on declining birth rate The budget has also focused on resolving the other biggest crisis facing Japan today: The falling birth rate. Japan remains one of the world’s oldest societies, with 29.3 per cent of population aged 65 or more. The government will now spend more on social welfare spending and economic planning. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan approves $55bn mammoth defence budget as it gears up to take on China threat

California&rsquo;s battle with bird flu has been intensified as two new confirmed cases have been found in Stanislaus and Los Angeles counties. The rate at which the flu lathers has led California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency on December 18.&nbsp;
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday (Dec 26) revealed some unusual genetic changes in the virus. These mutations were not found in samples from infected poultry on the patient&rsquo;s property. The CDC explained that the changes occurred in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, which helps the virus attach to host cells.&nbsp;
As reported by Reuters, a change similar to this was detected in severe infection in British Columbia, Canada. No evidence of the virus spreading from the Louisiana patient to others has been identified, the CDC added.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bird-flu-crisis-in-us-drives-egg-prices-to-an-all-time-high-786178" rel="dofollow">Bird flu crisis in US drives egg prices to an all-time high</a>
<h2>Cases recorded&nbsp;</h2>
Previously, the first severe case was confirmed in the US in a Louisiana resident over the age of 65 who was experiencing respiratory issues. Louisiana was infected with the D1.1 strain of the virus, which has been recently found in wild birds and poultry in the US.
This is different from the B3.13 strain seen in dairy cows, some poultry, and human cases in various states.
Avian influenza A (H5N1) cases have been on a surge and have infected 659 of California's 984 dairy operations since August. Previously, November witnessed nearly one-quarter of the total cases, according to California authorities advising to err on the side of caution for the possible impact on poultry industries, food supply chains, and public health.
<h2>'Raw cat food' linked to bird flu</h2>
The Oregon agriculture department issued a notice asking customers to throw away its Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food if the sell-by date is between May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026, after a cat that died of bird flu was linked to the product. The company stated on its website that this batch of cat food, sold across the US, tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Dr Ryan Scholz, a state veterinarian with the ODA, said, &ldquo;We are sure the cat got H5N1 from eating the Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food.&rdquo;
<h2>Symptoms of bird flu&nbsp;</h2>
Some of the main symptoms reported among humans include red, sore eyes (conjunctivitis) or mild respiratory symptoms. Some symptoms cause human flu symptoms like fever, cough, muscle ache, or tiredness. Life-threatening symptoms include pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and diarrhea. Symptoms may appear between 1 and 10 days following exposure.
(With inputs from agencies)

California’s battle with bird flu has been intensified as two new confirmed cases have been found in Stanislaus and Los Angeles counties. The rate at which the flu lathers has led California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency on December 18.

California’s battle with bird flu has been intensified as two new confirmed cases have been found in Stanislaus and Los Angeles counties. The rate at which the flu lathers has led California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency on December 18. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday (Dec 26) revealed some unusual genetic changes in the virus. These mutations were not found in samples from infected poultry on the patient’s property. The CDC explained that the changes occurred in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, which helps the virus attach to host cells. As reported by Reuters, a change similar to this was detected in severe infection in British Columbia, Canada. No evidence of the virus spreading from the Louisiana patient to others has been identified, the CDC added. Also Read: Bird flu crisis in US drives egg prices to an all-time high Cases recorded Previously, the first severe case was confirmed in the US in a Louisiana resident over the age of 65 who was experiencing respiratory issues. Louisiana was infected with the D1.1 strain of the virus, which has been recently found in wild birds and poultry in the US. This is different from the B3.13 strain seen in dairy cows, some poultry, and human cases in various states. Avian influenza A (H5N1) cases have been on a surge and have infected 659 of California's 984 dairy operations since August. Previously, November witnessed nearly one-quarter of the total cases, according to California authorities advising to err on the side of caution for the possible impact on poultry industries, food supply chains, and public health. 'Raw cat food' linked to bird flu The Oregon agriculture department issued a notice asking customers to throw away its Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food if the sell-by date is between May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026, after a cat that died of bird flu was linked to the product. The company stated on its website that this batch of cat food, sold across the US, tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Dr Ryan Scholz, a state veterinarian with the ODA, said, “We are sure the cat got H5N1 from eating the Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food.” Symptoms of bird flu Some of the main symptoms reported among humans include red, sore eyes (conjunctivitis) or mild respiratory symptoms. Some symptoms cause human flu symptoms like fever, cough, muscle ache, or tiredness. Life-threatening symptoms include pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and diarrhea. Symptoms may appear between 1 and 10 days following exposure. (With inputs from agencies)

Bird flu outbreak in California: CDC identifies mutations in first severe human infection in US

The Israeli military  unleashed a significant air assault on parts of Yemen controlled by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia in retaliation for the group’s missile attacks against Israel, striking back at an adversary more than a thousand miles away.

Israel attacks Yemen’s main airport while UN health chief boards flight

The FBI allegedly suppressed evidence from the U.S. Defense Department and researchers supporting the theory that COVID-19 originated from a Chinese lab. According to The Post, this evidence was omitted from an August 2021 report presented to President Joe Biden, which concluded that the virus was "probably not genetically engineered."

Covid lab leak evidence: Was FBI barred from briefing Biden?

Shaken by the events of October 7 and wary of further attacks, Israel relaxed safeguards for noncombatants, permitting strikes that could risk the lives of up to 20 people per attack. The result was one of the most devastating bombardments of the 21st century.

Israel eased its restrictions on striking Hamas, leading to higher civilian casualties

Captain Harpreet Chandi, a former British Army officer from Derby, is taking on one of the toughest expeditions in history—a solo, unsupported trek to the North Pole. At 36, she aims to be the first woman to complete this nearly impossible journey, covering 500 miles of shifting sea ice in temperatures of minus 50°C. Watch in for more details!

Ex-British army officer Harpreet Chandi aims to be first woman to reach North Pole solo

Former Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92, in the national capital on Thursday (Dec 26), Delhi's All India Medical Institute (AIIMS) confirmed in a press release. Watch in for more details!

Manmohan Singh passes away: 7-day national mourning for former PM

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has denied claims by US president-elect Donald Trump that there are Chinese soldiers stationed at the Panama Canal.

Panama's Prez denies trump's claim of Chinese military presence in canal

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved the parliament on Friday (Dec 27), confirming the date for early general election: February 23, 2025.&nbsp;
In his speech, Steinmeier said, "I have decided to dissolve the 20th German Bundestag to fix the date for an early election for February 23rd."&nbsp;
This came after the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz&rsquo;s governing coalition.&nbsp;
Also read |&nbsp;<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-lawmakers-pass-impeachment-motion-against-acting-president-han-duck-soo-8570107" aria-label="South Korean lawmakers impeach acting President Han Duck-soo; finance minister to take charge">South Korean lawmakers impeach acting President Han Duck-soo; finance minister to take charge</a>
He further added that "political stability in Germany is a precious asset.&nbsp;
On December 16, Scholz lost a confidence vote after his coalition collapsed on November 6 when he dismissed his finance minister over dispute how to boost the stagnant economy of the country.
The leaders of major parties have mutually agreed that a parliamentary election should take place on February 23, seven months before it was originally planned.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-detains-russian-oil-tanker-linked-to-baltic-sea-cable-damage-nato-offers-support-8569619" aria-label="Finland detains Russian oil tanker linked to Baltic sea cable damage; NATO offers 'support'">Finland detains Russian oil tanker linked to Baltic sea cable damage; NATO offers 'support'</a>
Since post-World War II, Germany's constitution does not allow the Bundestag (German parliament) to dissolve itself. It was completely Steinmeier's decision to dissolve it and call the election. The president had 21 days to make the decision. As per the rules, once the parliament is dissolved, the election must be held within 60 days.&nbsp;
The key issues of the election include immigration, improving the sluggish economy, and aid to Ukraine in the war with Russia.&nbsp;
The anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfP) has named Alice Weidel as its candidate for chancellor. But his luck in winning the polls does not seem good as other parties have refused to work with him.&nbsp;
Germany&rsquo;s electoral system is capable of producing coalitions on its own and polls show no party nowhere near an absolute majority on its own.
This is the fourth time the parliament has been dissolved since post-World War II. Lat it happened in 2005. &nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

In a speech, Steinmeier said, "I have decided to dissolve the 20th German Bundestag to fix the date for an early election for February 23rd." 

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved the parliament on Friday (Dec 27), confirming the date for early general election: February 23, 2025. In his speech, Steinmeier said, "I have decided to dissolve the 20th German Bundestag to fix the date for an early election for February 23rd." This came after the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s governing coalition. Also read | South Korean lawmakers impeach acting President Han Duck-soo; finance minister to take charge He further added that "political stability in Germany is a precious asset. On December 16, Scholz lost a confidence vote after his coalition collapsed on November 6 when he dismissed his finance minister over dispute how to boost the stagnant economy of the country. The leaders of major parties have mutually agreed that a parliamentary election should take place on February 23, seven months before it was originally planned. Also read | Finland detains Russian oil tanker linked to Baltic sea cable damage; NATO offers 'support' Since post-World War II, Germany's constitution does not allow the Bundestag (German parliament) to dissolve itself. It was completely Steinmeier's decision to dissolve it and call the election. The president had 21 days to make the decision. As per the rules, once the parliament is dissolved, the election must be held within 60 days. The key issues of the election include immigration, improving the sluggish economy, and aid to Ukraine in the war with Russia. The anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfP) has named Alice Weidel as its candidate for chancellor. But his luck in winning the polls does not seem good as other parties have refused to work with him. Germany’s electoral system is capable of producing coalitions on its own and polls show no party nowhere near an absolute majority on its own. This is the fourth time the parliament has been dissolved since post-World War II. Lat it happened in 2005. (With inputs from agencies)

German president dissolves parliament, election to be held on Feb 23

Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is "striving" to end the conflict in Ukraine. The Russian President mentioned that the government is ready to deploy intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missiles or other more powerful intermediate-range weapons if necessary.

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin says Russia striving to complete Ukraine conflict

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Hypersonic missiles are weapons that travel at extremely high speeds, making them fast and hard to intercept. Their advanced technology is driving interest from many countries for defense and strategic purposes.

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Jan. 1 marks the dawn of a new era for Popeye and Tintin. It's the day the nonagenarian cartoon characters officially enter the U.S. public domain along with a treasure trove of other iconic works.

Popeye, Tintin will enter the public domain in the new year

Mossad agents revealed a decade-long operation against Hezbollah, involving explosive pagers and walkie-talkies. Watch this video to know more.

Israel-Hezbollah war:  Ex Mossad agents' revelations on Lebanon pager attack

In Uttar Pradesh, India, preparations are underway for the Maha Kumbh Mela, scheduled to take place in January 2025. The event is expected to draw over 400 million attendees, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. To ensure the safety of both pilgrims and tourists, significant improvements have been made to fire safety measures. Our special correspondent, Johan, has more on this development in the following report. Watch in for more details!

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Prayagraj gears up with latest technology

India: 7-day national mourning for Manmohan Singh

Israel’s ultranationalist security minister ascended to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem on Thursday for what he said was a “prayer” for hostages in Gaza, freshly challenging rules over one of the most sensitive sites in the Middle East.

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South Korean lawmakers impeached acting President Han Duck-soo on Friday (Dec 27), leaving Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok to serve as the country's acting president.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik announced the result, saying, "I announce that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's impeachment motion has passed. Out of the 192 lawmakers who voted, 192 voted to impeach."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-suspended-president-yoon-suk-yeol-faces-impeachment-hearing-over-martial-law-crisis-8569233">South Korea's suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol faces impeachment hearing over martial law crisis</a>
Han had assumed the role of acting president earlier this month after President Yoon was impeached by parliament on 3 December due to his unsuccessful attempt to declare martial law.
The impeachment motion against Han was brought forth by the main opposition Democratic Party on Thursday.
The move came after Han declined to appoint replacements for three vacant positions in the Constitutional Court, which is responsible for presiding over President Yoon&rsquo;s impeachment trial.
Han's impeachment means he will lose his presidential powers and responsibilities until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove or reinstate him.&nbsp;The court is currently reviewing his predecessor Yoon&rsquo;s earlier impeachment as well.
In response to the decision, Han said he would comply with the outcome. "In order to avoid further chaos and uncertainty, I will suspend my duties in accordance with relevant laws," he said.
He also mentioned that he would wait for the Constitutional Court&rsquo;s decision regarding the impeachment.
Prior to the parliamentary vote, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, which holds the majority in parliament, accused Han of "inciting insurrection."
There was uncertainty about the number of votes needed to impeach Han right up until the voting began.
In a separate development, the Constitutional Court held its first hearing on Friday to determine whether to reinstate Yoon or permanently remove him from office. The court has up to 180 days to reach a conclusion.
South Korean prosecutors are looking into allegations that Yoon committed rebellion and abused his power through his declaration of martial law.&nbsp;
Several high-ranking officials, including his defence minister, police chief, and senior military commanders, have already been arrested for their involvement in deploying troops and police to the National Assembly.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea, World News | National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik announced the result, said, "I announce that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's impeachment motion has passed."

South Korean lawmakers impeached acting President Han Duck-soo on Friday (Dec 27), leaving Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok to serve as the country's acting president. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik announced the result, saying, "I announce that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's impeachment motion has passed. Out of the 192 lawmakers who voted, 192 voted to impeach." Also read: South Korea's suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol faces impeachment hearing over martial law crisis Han had assumed the role of acting president earlier this month after President Yoon was impeached by parliament on 3 December due to his unsuccessful attempt to declare martial law. The impeachment motion against Han was brought forth by the main opposition Democratic Party on Thursday. The move came after Han declined to appoint replacements for three vacant positions in the Constitutional Court, which is responsible for presiding over President Yoon’s impeachment trial. Han's impeachment means he will lose his presidential powers and responsibilities until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove or reinstate him. The court is currently reviewing his predecessor Yoon’s earlier impeachment as well. In response to the decision, Han said he would comply with the outcome. "In order to avoid further chaos and uncertainty, I will suspend my duties in accordance with relevant laws," he said. He also mentioned that he would wait for the Constitutional Court’s decision regarding the impeachment. Prior to the parliamentary vote, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, which holds the majority in parliament, accused Han of "inciting insurrection." There was uncertainty about the number of votes needed to impeach Han right up until the voting began. In a separate development, the Constitutional Court held its first hearing on Friday to determine whether to reinstate Yoon or permanently remove him from office. The court has up to 180 days to reach a conclusion. South Korean prosecutors are looking into allegations that Yoon committed rebellion and abused his power through his declaration of martial law. Several high-ranking officials, including his defence minister, police chief, and senior military commanders, have already been arrested for their involvement in deploying troops and police to the National Assembly. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korean lawmakers impeach acting President Han Duck-soo; finance minister to take charge

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is visiting Moscow to sign a cooperation agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Watch to know more.

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India’s Former PM Manmohan Singh Dies Aged 92; Congress Leaders Pay Tributes

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Tributes pour as former Indian PM Manmohan Singh passes away at 92

Finland on Thursday (Dec 27) detained a tanker carrying Russian oil as part of an investigation into damage to an undersea cable in the Baltic Sea. The cable, known as Estlink-2, supplies electricity between Finland and Estonia.
According to Finnish customs and the European Commission, the tanker could belong to Russia&rsquo;s so-called &ldquo;shadow fleet&rdquo; of oil tankers, Associated Press news agency reported.
The detained vessel, Eagle S, is registered in the Cook Islands. The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said in a statement that the ship&rsquo;s anchor may have caused the cable damage.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-probes-russia-linked-tanker-over-sabotage-of-undersea-power-cable-8568797">Finland probes Russia-linked tanker over 'sabotage' of undersea cable</a>
Robin Lardot, director of the NBI, said, &ldquo;From our side, we are investigating grave sabotage. According to our understanding, an anchor of the vessel that is under investigation has caused the damage.&rdquo;
The ship was reportedly travelling between St. Petersburg, Russia, and Port Said, Egypt, and was flying under the flag of the Cook Islands, according to MarineTraffic, a global ship tracking service.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-accuses-china-of-blocking-probe-of-ship-linked-to-cut-baltic-sea-cables-786274">Sweden accuses China of blocking probe of ship linked to Baltic Sea cables damage</a>
The damage to the Estlink-2 cable was first reported on Wednesday, which led Finnish authorities to launch a full-scale investigation. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo posted about the incident on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the broader threat posed by shadow fleets used by Russia. 
"Our main task is to find effective means to stop the shadow fleet," he said, according to The New York Times. 
"The shadow fleet pumps money into Russia's war fund so that Russia can continue to wage its war in Ukraine against the people of Ukraine, and it has to be stopped," he added.
A spokesperson for the US National Security Council called for stronger international cooperation to protect critical undersea infrastructure, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts.
<h2>'Ready to provide further support': NATO</h2>
NATO Chief Mark Rutte also condemned the attack, saying, &ldquo;NATO stands in solidarity with Allies and condemns any attacks on critical infrastructure. We are following investigations by Estonia and Finland, and we stand ready to provide further support.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-ukraines-nato-membership-is-achievable-but-diplomats-need-to-fight-for-it-786058">Zelensky says Ukraine&rsquo;s NATO membership is &lsquo;achievable&rsquo; but diplomats need to fight for it</a>
The use of shadow fleets by Russia to evade Western sanctions has been a growing concern. Many of these vessels, often old and difficult to trace, are used to transport oil and other goods. 
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, a Finnish think tank, reported that over half of the 369 tankers exporting Russian crude oil and petroleum products in November belonged to these shadow fleets.
(With inputs from agencies)

According to Finnish customs and the European Union's executive commission, the tanker could belong to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers.

Finland on Thursday (Dec 27) detained a tanker carrying Russian oil as part of an investigation into damage to an undersea cable in the Baltic Sea. The cable, known as Estlink-2, supplies electricity between Finland and Estonia. According to Finnish customs and the European Commission, the tanker could belong to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, Associated Press news agency reported. The detained vessel, Eagle S, is registered in the Cook Islands. The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said in a statement that the ship’s anchor may have caused the cable damage. Also read: Finland probes Russia-linked tanker over 'sabotage' of undersea cable Robin Lardot, director of the NBI, said, “From our side, we are investigating grave sabotage. According to our understanding, an anchor of the vessel that is under investigation has caused the damage.” The ship was reportedly travelling between St. Petersburg, Russia, and Port Said, Egypt, and was flying under the flag of the Cook Islands, according to MarineTraffic, a global ship tracking service. Also read: Sweden accuses China of blocking probe of ship linked to Baltic Sea cables damage The damage to the Estlink-2 cable was first reported on Wednesday, which led Finnish authorities to launch a full-scale investigation. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo posted about the incident on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the broader threat posed by shadow fleets used by Russia. "Our main task is to find effective means to stop the shadow fleet," he said, according to The New York Times. "The shadow fleet pumps money into Russia's war fund so that Russia can continue to wage its war in Ukraine against the people of Ukraine, and it has to be stopped," he added. A spokesperson for the US National Security Council called for stronger international cooperation to protect critical undersea infrastructure, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts. 'Ready to provide further support': NATO NATO Chief Mark Rutte also condemned the attack, saying, “NATO stands in solidarity with Allies and condemns any attacks on critical infrastructure. We are following investigations by Estonia and Finland, and we stand ready to provide further support.” Also read: Zelensky says Ukraine’s NATO membership is ‘achievable’ but diplomats need to fight for it The use of shadow fleets by Russia to evade Western sanctions has been a growing concern. Many of these vessels, often old and difficult to trace, are used to transport oil and other goods. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, a Finnish think tank, reported that over half of the 369 tankers exporting Russian crude oil and petroleum products in November belonged to these shadow fleets. (With inputs from agencies)

Finland detains Russian oil tanker linked to Baltic sea cable damage; NATO offers 'support'

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Japan approves $55bn mammoth defence budget as it gears up to take on China threat

Bird flu outbreak in California: CDC identifies mutations in first severe human infection in US

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Covid lab leak evidence: Was FBI barred from briefing Biden?

Israel eased its restrictions on striking Hamas, leading to higher civilian casualties

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Manmohan Singh passes away: 7-day national mourning for former PM

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South Korean lawmakers impeach acting President Han Duck-soo; finance minister to take charge

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India’s Former PM Manmohan Singh Dies Aged 92; Congress Leaders Pay Tributes

Manmohan Singh Passes Away: President Murmu Says We Lost One Of The Greatest Sons Of Bharat

Tributes pour as former Indian PM Manmohan Singh passes away at 92

Tributes pour as former Indian PM Manmohan Singh passes away at 92

Finland detains Russian oil tanker linked to Baltic sea cable damage; NATO offers 'support'