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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Dec 19) voiced his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to potentially deploy Western troops in Ukraine if and when Ukraine-Russia war ends. However, he said that the initiative needed to be fleshed out.

"If we are talking about a contingent, we need to be specific — how many, what they will do if there is aggression from Russia," he said. "The main thing is that this is not some artificial story, we need effective mechanisms."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;at a press conference commented that he should've launched a full scale Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier.

"Knowing what's happening now, back in 2022, I would've thought the decision ought to have been taken earlier. We ought to have started getting ready for those developments and the special military operation before."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/create-more-passionate-content-putin-pitches-for-alternatives-to-porn-785435">‘Create more passionate content,’ Putin pitches for alternatives to porn</a>

This comes as Kyiv's European allies as per reports are seriously considering the deployment of their troops in the event of a deal with Russia to stop Ukraine war happens.

<h2>EU leaders discuss potential deployment</h2>

Originally, when Macron said he can't rule out Western troop deployment, EU leaders had responded with a resounding "no". However, now they are willing to consider it.

As per a Washington Post report, European leaders on Wednesday (Dec 18) discussed the prospect of boots on the ground when NATO Chief Mark Rutte hosted European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-putin-praises-jaishankars-brics-isnt-anti-western-stance-calls-modi-a-warm-ally-785405">Putin praises Jaishankar’s ‘BRICS isn’t anti-Western’ stance; calls Modi a ‘warm ally’</a>

The idea is being floated as world leaders brace for US President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House. Citing officials in the know, the Post reported that Trump is interested in the idea too, but it remains unclear if the incoming US administration will support such an arrangement.

Camille Grand, a former NATO assistant secretary general, in a statement said that "At the moment, it’s really about trying to think out loud what could be more acceptable for the Ukrainians".

According to Grand, a post-war troop deployment deal could also help make clear to Russia that "they shouldn’t restart the conflict, and to the Americans that the Europeans have skin in this game and that we mean it".

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Dec 19) voiced his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to potentially deploy Western troops in Ukraine if and when Ukraine-Russia war ends.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Dec 19) voiced his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to potentially deploy Western troops in Ukraine if and when Ukraine-Russia war ends. However, he said that the initiative needed to be fleshed out. "If we are talking about a contingent, we need to be specific — how many, what they will do if there is aggression from Russia," he said. "The main thing is that this is not some artificial story, we need effective mechanisms." Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin at a press conference commented that he should've launched a full scale Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier. "Knowing what's happening now, back in 2022, I would've thought the decision ought to have been taken earlier. We ought to have started getting ready for those developments and the special military operation before." Also read | ‘Create more passionate content,’ Putin pitches for alternatives to porn This comes as Kyiv's European allies as per reports are seriously considering the deployment of their troops in the event of a deal with Russia to stop Ukraine war happens. EU leaders discuss potential deployment Originally, when Macron said he can't rule out Western troop deployment, EU leaders had responded with a resounding "no". However, now they are willing to consider it. As per a Washington Post report, European leaders on Wednesday (Dec 18) discussed the prospect of boots on the ground when NATO Chief Mark Rutte hosted European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels. Also read | Putin praises Jaishankar’s ‘BRICS isn’t anti-Western’ stance; calls Modi a ‘warm ally’ The idea is being floated as world leaders brace for US President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House. Citing officials in the know, the Post reported that Trump is interested in the idea too, but it remains unclear if the incoming US administration will support such an arrangement. Camille Grand, a former NATO assistant secretary general, in a statement said that "At the moment, it’s really about trying to think out loud what could be more acceptable for the Ukrainians". According to Grand, a post-war troop deployment deal could also help make clear to Russia that "they shouldn’t restart the conflict, and to the Americans that the Europeans have skin in this game and that we mean it". (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky voices support for Western troop deployment in Ukraine, Putin says should've invaded earlier

Brussels, Belgium
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Dec 19) voiced his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to potentially deploy Western troops in Ukraine if and when Ukraine-Russia war ends. However, he said that the initiative needed to be fleshed out.
"If we are talking about a contingent, we need to be specific — how many, what they will do if there is aggression from Russia," he said. "The main thing is that this is not some artificial story, we need effective mechanisms." 
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin at a press conference commented that he should've launched a full scale Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier.
"Knowing what's happening now, back in 2022, I would've thought the decision ought to have been taken earlier. We ought to have started getting ready for those developments and the special military operation before."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/create-more-passionate-content-putin-pitches-for-alternatives-to-porn-785435">‘Create more passionate content,’ Putin pitches for alternatives to porn</a>
This comes as Kyiv's European allies as per reports are seriously considering the deployment of their troops in the event of a deal with Russia to stop Ukraine war happens.
<h2>EU leaders discuss potential deployment</h2>
Originally, when Macron said he can't rule out Western troop deployment, EU leaders had responded with a resounding "no". However, now they are willing to consider it.
As per a Washington Post report, European leaders on Wednesday (Dec 18) discussed the prospect of boots on the ground when NATO Chief Mark Rutte hosted European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-putin-praises-jaishankars-brics-isnt-anti-western-stance-calls-modi-a-warm-ally-785405">Putin praises Jaishankar’s ‘BRICS isn’t anti-Western’ stance; calls Modi a ‘warm ally’</a>
The idea is being floated as world leaders brace for US President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House. Citing officials in the know, the Post reported that Trump is interested in the idea too, but it remains unclear if the incoming US administration will support such an arrangement.
Camille Grand, a former NATO assistant secretary general, in a statement said that "At the moment, it’s really about trying to think out loud what could be more acceptable for the Ukrainians".
According to Grand, a post-war troop deployment deal could also help make clear to Russia that "they shouldn’t restart the conflict, and to the Americans that the Europeans have skin in this game and that we mean it".
(With inputs from agencies)

"If we are talking about a contingent, we need to be specific — how many, what they will do if there is aggression from Russia," he said adding, "The main thing is that this is not some artificial story, we need effective mechanisms"



Brussels, Belgium Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Dec 19) voiced his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to potentially deploy Western troops in Ukraine if and when Ukraine-Russia war ends. However, he said that the initiative needed to be fleshed out. "If we are talking about a contingent, we need to be specific — how many, what they will do if there is aggression from Russia," he said. "The main thing is that this is not some artificial story, we need effective mechanisms." Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin at a press conference commented that he should've launched a full scale Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier. "Knowing what's happening now, back in 2022, I would've thought the decision ought to have been taken earlier. We ought to have started getting ready for those developments and the special military operation before." Also read | ‘Create more passionate content,’ Putin pitches for alternatives to porn This comes as Kyiv's European allies as per reports are seriously considering the deployment of their troops in the event of a deal with Russia to stop Ukraine war happens. EU leaders discuss potential deployment Originally, when Macron said he can't rule out Western troop deployment, EU leaders had responded with a resounding "no". However, now they are willing to consider it. As per a Washington Post report, European leaders on Wednesday (Dec 18) discussed the prospect of boots on the ground when NATO Chief Mark Rutte hosted European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels. Also read | Putin praises Jaishankar’s ‘BRICS isn’t anti-Western’ stance; calls Modi a ‘warm ally’ The idea is being floated as world leaders brace for US President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House. Citing officials in the know, the Post reported that Trump is interested in the idea too, but it remains unclear if the incoming US administration will support such an arrangement. Camille Grand, a former NATO assistant secretary general, in a statement said that "At the moment, it’s really about trying to think out loud what could be more acceptable for the Ukrainians". According to Grand, a post-war troop deployment deal could also help make clear to Russia that "they shouldn’t restart the conflict, and to the Americans that the Europeans have skin in this game and that we mean it". (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin argued Thursday (Dec 19) that ‘interesting and more passionate’ content should be created to encourage people to ditch pornographic content. Putin admitted adult content was popular globally and just imposing bans and restrictions won’t fix the situation. "Porn sites are visited all across the world. It is not just an issue for us, but for everyone," Putin said.

Putin instead emphasised on creating more ‘engaging’ and compelling alternatives to porn.

"There can be bans and prohibitions, but one has to always come up with alternatives — something more engaging and more interesting than a porn website to fill the void that causes greater interest," the Russian president argued at his annual press conference&nbsp;aired by state-backed RT news channel.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwivnbGvsbWKAxUuU_UHHe-EEToQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-putin-praises-jaishankars-brics-isnt-anti-western-stance-calls-modi-a-warm-ally-785405" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-putin-praises-jaishankars-brics-isnt-anti-western-stance-calls-modi-a-warm-ally-785405&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivnbGvsbWKAxUuU_UHHe-EEToQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Putin praises Jaishankar’s ‘BRICS isn’t anti-Western’ stance; calls Modi a ‘warm ally’</a>

Putin earlier sparked global interest by offering an unusual suggestion amidst Russia’s declining birth rate crisis. Putin had advised people to engage in sexual activities during lunch and coffee breaks in a bid to boost the country’s sagging fertility rate. Today, the fertility rate stands at a mere 1.5, way below the required rate of 2.1 for demographic stability.

Last year, Putin had urged Russian parents to have as many as eight children and make large families the "norm".

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Putin Dares West With Invincible Mach-10 Oreshnik Missile

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"Many of our ethnic groups have preserved the tradition of having strong multigenerational families with four, five, or even more children. Let us remember that in Russian families, many of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers had seven, eight, or even more children," Putin had said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwivnbGvsbWKAxUuU_UHHe-EEToQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-vows-to-kick-ukraine-out-of-kursk-region-but-admits-cant-say-when-785249" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-vows-to-kick-ukraine-out-of-kursk-region-but-admits-cant-say-when-785249&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivnbGvsbWKAxUuU_UHHe-EEToQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Russian President Putin says he `will have a conversation` with ousted Syrian President Assad soon</a>

Russia’s population has been on the decline since the 1990s, a trend that has reportedly accelerated over the last three years due to the Ukraine war. An independent Russian policy group Re:Russia claimed that around 1 million people may have already fled the country to avoid military enlisting.

There are also concerns that Russia may face a severe workforce shortage and an increasing economic slowdown due to sanctions imposed by the West.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin argued Thursday (Dec 19) that ‘interesting and more passionate’ content should be created to encourage people to ditch pornographic content.

Russian President Vladimir Putin argued Thursday (Dec 19) that ‘interesting and more passionate’ content should be created to encourage people to ditch pornographic content. Putin admitted adult content was popular globally and just imposing bans and restrictions won’t fix the situation. "Porn sites are visited all across the world. It is not just an issue for us, but for everyone," Putin said. Putin instead emphasised on creating more ‘engaging’ and compelling alternatives to porn. "There can be bans and prohibitions, but one has to always come up with alternatives — something more engaging and more interesting than a porn website to fill the void that causes greater interest," the Russian president argued at his annual press conference aired by state-backed RT news channel. Also read: Putin praises Jaishankar’s ‘BRICS isn’t anti-Western’ stance; calls Modi a ‘warm ally’ Putin earlier sparked global interest by offering an unusual suggestion amidst Russia’s declining birth rate crisis. Putin had advised people to engage in sexual activities during lunch and coffee breaks in a bid to boost the country’s sagging fertility rate. Today, the fertility rate stands at a mere 1.5, way below the required rate of 2.1 for demographic stability. Last year, Putin had urged Russian parents to have as many as eight children and make large families the "norm". Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Putin Dares West With Invincible Mach-10 Oreshnik Missile × "Many of our ethnic groups have preserved the tradition of having strong multigenerational families with four, five, or even more children. Let us remember that in Russian families, many of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers had seven, eight, or even more children," Putin had said. Also read: Russian President Putin says he `will have a conversation` with ousted Syrian President Assad soon Russia’s population has been on the decline since the 1990s, a trend that has reportedly accelerated over the last three years due to the Ukraine war. An independent Russian policy group Re:Russia claimed that around 1 million people may have already fled the country to avoid military enlisting. There are also concerns that Russia may face a severe workforce shortage and an increasing economic slowdown due to sanctions imposed by the West. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Create more passionate content,’ Putin pitches for alternatives to porn

Moscow
Russian President Vladimir Putin argued Thursday (Dec 19) that ‘interesting and more passionate’ content should be created to encourage people to ditch pornographic content. Putin admitted adult content was popular globally and just imposing bans and restrictions won’t fix the situation. "Porn sites are visited all across the world. It is not just an issue for us, but for everyone," Putin said.
Putin instead emphasised on creating more ‘engaging’ and compelling alternatives to porn.
"There can be bans and prohibitions, but one has to always come up with alternatives — something more engaging and more interesting than a porn website to fill the void that causes greater interest," the Russian president argued at his annual press conference aired by state-backed RT news channel.
Also read: <a data-ved="2ahUKEwivnbGvsbWKAxUuU_UHHe-EEToQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-putin-praises-jaishankars-brics-isnt-anti-western-stance-calls-modi-a-warm-ally-785405" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-putin-praises-jaishankars-brics-isnt-anti-western-stance-calls-modi-a-warm-ally-785405&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivnbGvsbWKAxUuU_UHHe-EEToQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Putin praises Jaishankar’s ‘BRICS isn’t anti-Western’ stance; calls Modi a ‘warm ally’</a>
Putin earlier sparked global interest by offering an unusual suggestion amidst Russia’s declining birth rate crisis. Putin had advised people to engage in sexual activities during lunch and coffee breaks in a bid to boost the country’s sagging fertility rate. Today, the fertility rate stands at a mere 1.5, way below the required rate of 2.1 for demographic stability.
Last year, Putin had urged Russian parents to have as many as eight children and make large families the "norm".
Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Putin Dares West With Invincible Mach-10 Oreshnik Missile
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"Many of our ethnic groups have preserved the tradition of having strong multigenerational families with four, five, or even more children. Let us remember that in Russian families, many of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers had seven, eight, or even more children," Putin had said.
Also read: <a data-ved="2ahUKEwivnbGvsbWKAxUuU_UHHe-EEToQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-vows-to-kick-ukraine-out-of-kursk-region-but-admits-cant-say-when-785249" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-vows-to-kick-ukraine-out-of-kursk-region-but-admits-cant-say-when-785249&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivnbGvsbWKAxUuU_UHHe-EEToQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Russian President Putin says he `will have a conversation` with ousted Syrian President Assad soon</a>
Russia’s population has been on the decline since the 1990s, a trend that has reportedly accelerated over the last three years due to the Ukraine war. An independent Russian policy group Re:Russia claimed that around 1 million people may have already fled the country to avoid military enlisting.
There are also concerns that Russia may face a severe workforce shortage and an increasing economic slowdown due to sanctions imposed by the West.
(With inputs from agencies)

Russia’s population has been on the decline since the 1990s, a trend that has reportedly accelerated over the last three years due to the Ukraine war.



Moscow Russian President Vladimir Putin argued Thursday (Dec 19) that ‘interesting and more passionate’ content should be created to encourage people to ditch pornographic content. Putin admitted adult content was popular globally and just imposing bans and restrictions won’t fix the situation. "Porn sites are visited all across the world. It is not just an issue for us, but for everyone," Putin said. Putin instead emphasised on creating more ‘engaging’ and compelling alternatives to porn. "There can be bans and prohibitions, but one has to always come up with alternatives — something more engaging and more interesting than a porn website to fill the void that causes greater interest," the Russian president argued at his annual press conference aired by state-backed RT news channel. Also read: Putin praises Jaishankar’s ‘BRICS isn’t anti-Western’ stance; calls Modi a ‘warm ally’ Putin earlier sparked global interest by offering an unusual suggestion amidst Russia’s declining birth rate crisis. Putin had advised people to engage in sexual activities during lunch and coffee breaks in a bid to boost the country’s sagging fertility rate. Today, the fertility rate stands at a mere 1.5, way below the required rate of 2.1 for demographic stability. Last year, Putin had urged Russian parents to have as many as eight children and make large families the "norm". Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Putin Dares West With Invincible Mach-10 Oreshnik Missile × "Many of our ethnic groups have preserved the tradition of having strong multigenerational families with four, five, or even more children. Let us remember that in Russian families, many of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers had seven, eight, or even more children," Putin had said. Also read: Russian President Putin says he `will have a conversation` with ousted Syrian President Assad soon Russia’s population has been on the decline since the 1990s, a trend that has reportedly accelerated over the last three years due to the Ukraine war. An independent Russian policy group Re:Russia claimed that around 1 million people may have already fled the country to avoid military enlisting. There are also concerns that Russia may face a severe workforce shortage and an increasing economic slowdown due to sanctions imposed by the West. (With inputs from agencies)

A Georgia appeals court ruled on Thursday that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis must be disqualified from prosecuting President-elect Donald Trump and several of his allies for attempting to interfere in the 2020 election in the U.

A Georgia appeals court ruled on Thursday that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis must be disqualified from prosecuting President-elect Donald Trump and several of his allies for attempting to interfere in the 2020 election in the U.S. state. The ruling throws into doubt the future of the case, which includes Trump and 14 allies. The appeals court in Atlanta, in a 2-1 ruling, found that a romantic relationship between Willis and a former top deputy, Nathan Wade, created "a significant appearance of impropriety." "While we recognize that an appearance of impropriety generally is not enough to support disqualification, this is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings," the court wrote in its opinion. Willis' office said in a court filing that it intends to appeal the ruling to the Georgia Supreme Court. A spokesperson for the office did not respond to a request for comment. The case was one of four criminal prosecutions that Trump faced in the years since his 2020 presidential re-election loss. Just one — a New York case over a hush money payment to a porn star during his 2016 campaign — went to trial. He was found guilty in that case but has not yet been sentenced. Also read: US President-elect Donald Trump says Congress should get rid of debt ceiling Trump criticised all four cases as politically motivated attempts to keep him from returning to power. The Georgia court did not require that the case be tossed out, but its decision will require a new state prosecutor to take over in order for it to continue. Steve Sadow, Trump's lead lawyer in the case, called it "a well-reasoned and just decision." The case was already expected to be at least paused against Trump when he returns to the White House on Jan. 20. He has said it should be dismissed in its entirety. "The American People have demanded an immediate end to the political weaponisation of our justice system," a Trump spokesperson said in a statement reacting to the ruling. Trump has publicly discussed using the federal government, including the Justice Department, to investigate his political rivals when he returns to power. "We are very pleased the court of appeals agreed with Mr. Roman and the other defendants that Ms. Willis should not have been allowed to prosecute this case," said Ashleigh Merchant, a lawyer for Trump co-defendant Michael Roman, who initially sought Willis' removal from the case. SPRAWLING CASE Trump and 18 of his allies were initially charged in 2023 in what prosecutors alleged was a sprawling conspiracy to undo Trump's narrow defeat in the battleground state in the 2020 election. The defendants include former Trump lawyers Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman and former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. Four people initially charged pleaded guilty to lesser offences. Trump and 14 others pleaded not guilty. Trump and eight co-defendants moved to disqualify Willis from prosecuting the case early this year, alleging that Willis received a financial benefit from her relationship with Wade and had an improper motive to prolong the case. Willis hired Wade, an Atlanta lawyer, to help run the investigation and prosecution of Trump and his allies. Willis admitted to the relationship with Wade, but denied allegations of wrongdoing. She said she reimbursed Wade in cash for vacations the two took together. After a multiday court hearing, Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee ruled in March that Willis could remain on the case as long as Wade stepped down, which he agreed to do. But the appeals court found that McAfee's ruling did not address the appearance of wrongdoing that occurred earlier on, "when DA Willis was exercising her broad pretrial discretion about who to prosecute and what charges to bring." 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.

Georgia court disqualifies Fani Willis from Trump election case over alleged relationship scandal

The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill that was backed by incoming president Donald Trump. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting this weekend.&nbsp;

The contentious proposal aimed to suspend the country's borrowing limit for the first two years of President-elect Trump's administration. However, it faced strong opposition from fiscal conservatives within Trump's Republican party.

X CEO Elon Musk took to his platform to blame Democrats and in particular Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for the failure of the bill and said, "A super fair &amp; simple bill was put to a vote and only 2 Democrats in Congress were in favor."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-elect-donald-trump-says-congress-should-get-rid-of-debt-ceiling-785376">US President-elect Donald Trump says Congress should get rid of debt ceiling</a>

<h2>Trump's push&nbsp;for the stopgap bill</h2>

The rejection comes despite President-elect Trump urging Congress to support the revised funding bill — the "American Relief Act of 2024," in a bid to avert the government shutdown.&nbsp;

Before the vote, Trump had praised the deal negotiated by Speaker Mike Johnson, highlighting provisions such as a debt ceiling extension to January 2027, disaster relief, and agricultural funding.&nbsp;

Declaring the bill as "VITAL to the America First Agenda," Trump called for bipartisan support in a Truth Social post.

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Trump's endorsement of the new package followed his objections to a prior bipartisan agreement that derailed negotiations earlier in the week.

His criticism, coupled with resistance from major donor Musk, who also opposed the earlier package, has fuelled internal GOP discord.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-preparing-to-tackle-trumps-likely-tariff-on-export-goods-report-785392">India preparing to tackle Trump's likely tariff on export goods: Report</a>

Musk,&nbsp;Trump's so-called "efficiency czar," had also taken to social media to express support for the revised bill.

<h2>Democratic resistance &nbsp;</h2>

House Democrats, however, swiftly dismissed the new proposal, with Minority Leader Jeffries calling it "laughable" and accusing "extreme MAGA Republicans" of steering the country toward a shutdown.&nbsp;

The White House described it as a "giveaway for billionaires."

(With inputs from agencies)

The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill that was backed by incoming president Donald Trump. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting this weekend.

The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill that was backed by incoming president Donald Trump. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting this weekend. The contentious proposal aimed to suspend the country's borrowing limit for the first two years of President-elect Trump's administration. However, it faced strong opposition from fiscal conservatives within Trump's Republican party. X CEO Elon Musk took to his platform to blame Democrats and in particular Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for the failure of the bill and said, "A super fair & simple bill was put to a vote and only 2 Democrats in Congress were in favor." Also read | US President-elect Donald Trump says Congress should get rid of debt ceiling Trump's push for the stopgap bill The rejection comes despite President-elect Trump urging Congress to support the revised funding bill — the "American Relief Act of 2024," in a bid to avert the government shutdown. Before the vote, Trump had praised the deal negotiated by Speaker Mike Johnson, highlighting provisions such as a debt ceiling extension to January 2027, disaster relief, and agricultural funding. Declaring the bill as "VITAL to the America First Agenda," Trump called for bipartisan support in a Truth Social post. × Trump's endorsement of the new package followed his objections to a prior bipartisan agreement that derailed negotiations earlier in the week. His criticism, coupled with resistance from major donor Musk, who also opposed the earlier package, has fuelled internal GOP discord. Also read | India preparing to tackle Trump's likely tariff on export goods: Report Musk, Trump's so-called "efficiency czar," had also taken to social media to express support for the revised bill. Democratic resistance House Democrats, however, swiftly dismissed the new proposal, with Minority Leader Jeffries calling it "laughable" and accusing "extreme MAGA Republicans" of steering the country toward a shutdown. The White House described it as a "giveaway for billionaires." (With inputs from agencies)

US House rejects Trump-backed Republican funding bill, government shutdown looms

Washington DC
The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill that was backed by incoming president Donald Trump. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting this weekend. 
The contentious proposal aimed to suspend the country's borrowing limit for the first two years of President-elect Trump's administration. However, it faced strong opposition from fiscal conservatives within Trump's Republican party.
X CEO Elon Musk took to his platform to blame Democrats and in particular Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for the failure of the bill and said, "A super fair &amp; simple bill was put to a vote and only 2 Democrats in Congress were in favor."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-elect-donald-trump-says-congress-should-get-rid-of-debt-ceiling-785376">US President-elect Donald Trump says Congress should get rid of debt ceiling</a>
<h2>Trump's push for the stopgap bill</h2>
The rejection comes despite President-elect Trump urging Congress to support the revised funding bill — the "American Relief Act of 2024," in a bid to avert the government shutdown. 
Before the vote, Trump had praised the deal negotiated by Speaker Mike Johnson, highlighting provisions such as a debt ceiling extension to January 2027, disaster relief, and agricultural funding. 
Declaring the bill as "VITAL to the America First Agenda," Trump called for bipartisan support in a Truth Social post.
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Trump's endorsement of the new package followed his objections to a prior bipartisan agreement that derailed negotiations earlier in the week.
His criticism, coupled with resistance from major donor Musk, who also opposed the earlier package, has fuelled internal GOP discord. 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-preparing-to-tackle-trumps-likely-tariff-on-export-goods-report-785392">India preparing to tackle Trump's likely tariff on export goods: Report</a>
Musk, Trump's so-called "efficiency czar," had also taken to social media to express support for the revised bill.
<h2>Democratic resistance  </h2>
House Democrats, however, swiftly dismissed the new proposal, with Minority Leader Jeffries calling it "laughable" and accusing "extreme MAGA Republicans" of steering the country toward a shutdown. 
The White House described it as a "giveaway for billionaires."
(With inputs from agencies)

The contentious proposal aimed to suspend the country's borrowing limit for the first two years of President-elect Donald Trump's administration



Washington DC The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill that was backed by incoming president Donald Trump. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting this weekend. The contentious proposal aimed to suspend the country's borrowing limit for the first two years of President-elect Trump's administration. However, it faced strong opposition from fiscal conservatives within Trump's Republican party. X CEO Elon Musk took to his platform to blame Democrats and in particular Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for the failure of the bill and said, "A super fair & simple bill was put to a vote and only 2 Democrats in Congress were in favor." Also read | US President-elect Donald Trump says Congress should get rid of debt ceiling Trump's push for the stopgap bill The rejection comes despite President-elect Trump urging Congress to support the revised funding bill — the "American Relief Act of 2024," in a bid to avert the government shutdown. Before the vote, Trump had praised the deal negotiated by Speaker Mike Johnson, highlighting provisions such as a debt ceiling extension to January 2027, disaster relief, and agricultural funding. Declaring the bill as "VITAL to the America First Agenda," Trump called for bipartisan support in a Truth Social post. × Trump's endorsement of the new package followed his objections to a prior bipartisan agreement that derailed negotiations earlier in the week. His criticism, coupled with resistance from major donor Musk, who also opposed the earlier package, has fuelled internal GOP discord. Also read | India preparing to tackle Trump's likely tariff on export goods: Report Musk, Trump's so-called "efficiency czar," had also taken to social media to express support for the revised bill. Democratic resistance House Democrats, however, swiftly dismissed the new proposal, with Minority Leader Jeffries calling it "laughable" and accusing "extreme MAGA Republicans" of steering the country toward a shutdown. The White House described it as a "giveaway for billionaires." (With inputs from agencies)

Russia has carried out a significant attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Daily blackouts and freezing temperatures are pushing millions into chaos. Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Devastated Ukraine's Energy Infra

A lawmaker in Abkhazia, a breakaway Georgian region supported by Russia, was shot dead at the parliament building, the press service of the region's presidency said.

A lawmaker in Abkhazia, a breakaway Georgian region supported by Russia, was shot dead at the parliament building, the press service of the region's presidency said. Lawmaker Vakhtang Golandzia died of wounds sustained in the shooting at the parliament building, the press office of the acting president, Badra Gunba, said in a post on Telegram. Another lawmaker was wounded in the arm. Abkhazian state news agency Apsnypress said the interior ministry had identified another lawmaker, Adgur Kharazia, as the suspect in the shooting, and that he had fled the scene. Its report did not give any indication as to a motive. Also read: US President-elect Donald Trump says Congress should get rid of debt ceiling A lush subtropical territory on the Black Sea coast, Abkhazia broke from Georgia's control in a war after the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, during which hundreds of thousands of ethnic Georgians fled. Russia has long supported Abkhazia and another breakaway Georgian region, South Ossetia, and recognised them as independent after winning a five-day war against Georgia in 2008. Abkhazia was plunged into crisis last month when protesters stormed the parliament in opposition to an investment agreement with Russia, forcing the region's president, Aslan Bzhania, to resign. His vice president, Gunba, became the interim leader. Watch: US: China Has More Than 600 Operational Nuclear Warheads Deputies voted against ratifying the agreement with Russia earlier this month. Opposition leaders in Abkhazia had opposed the agreement over fears it would clear the way for wealthy Russians to buy up property, pricing out locals. Moscow, which heavily finances Abkhazia's budget, wants Russian investors to be able to acquire property rights and to have the right to develop the region. 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.

Lawmaker shot dead in parliament shooting in Georgia's breakaway Abkhazia

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was to return to Brasilia on Thursday and resume his regular duties after getting the go-ahead from his doctors following emergency head surgery, officials said.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was to return to Brasilia on Thursday and resume his regular duties after getting the go-ahead from his doctors following emergency head surgery, officials said. Lula "will return to the capital on Thursday after having received medical authorisation to take plane trips," the government said in an online statement on X. The 79-year-old president had been convalescing in Sao Paulo, where he had his surgery last week to stop intracranial bleeding that was putting pressure on his brain. He was seen leaving the Hospital Sirio-Libanes in Sao Paulo wearing a brimmed hat and giving a thumbs-up, but making no comment to the media. A final medical check-up on Thursday "was extremely satisfactory -- he is well," Lula's doctor, Roberto Kalil, told journalists. "Quite simply, the hematoma no longer exists," he said. The doctor added that Lula had been instructed to avoid physical exercise but "obviously he will be able to do normal activities -- his cognition is perfect; he can work." Another of Lula's doctors, Ana Helena Germoglio, said that Lula was going directly from the hospital to Brasilia, where he would spend Christmas. Watch | UK Becoming The Western Capital For Sharia Courts Lula had his emergency surgery, which involved drilling through his skull, on December 10, after coming down with a headache a day earlier that a scan determined was bleeding in intracranial membranes. The haemorrhage was linked to a bad fall he suffered on October 19, when he slipped in the bathroom in his presidential residence in Brasilia. After a follow-up procedure in the hospital on December 12 to prevent blood flow to the area, Lula posted an online video showing him walking through a corridor with Kalil. On Sunday, Lula was discharged to continue his convalescence in his private Sao Paulo home, pending Thursday's final approval to travel. Health issues Even with the all-clear, Lula's health has been the subject of concern over the years. He had successful treatment in 2011 for throat cancer, and a hip replacement operation last year. In the weeks following his October fall, which required stitches to his head, the president skipped planned overseas trips. But from mid-November he resumed his active schedule, hosting leaders of the G20 grouping in Rio and attending a regional summit in Uruguay. The succession of problems has cast a shadow over the possibility of Lula running for re-election in Brazil's next presidential polls in 2026. Once back in Brasilia, Lula was to participate in a ministerial meeting on Friday. The president's health scare and recovery come as his government seeks congressional approval of budget changes that have created unease in the market. Also read | Russia's Putin praises Jaishankar’s ‘BRICS isn’t anti-Western’ stance; calls Modi a ‘warm ally’ The Brazilian currency, the real, has weakened considerably this year, losing more than a quarter of its value. Since late November it has been sharply losing ground against the US dollar, which on Thursday was fetching around 6.15 reais. The depreciation was expected to continue despite Brazil's central bank last week raising its key rate to 12.25 per cent -- its third consecutive hike. Those rate increases, which the bank signalled were likely to continue, are to counter persistently high inflation, which is running at an annualized rate of 4.87 per cent, according to the latest data in November. That is well above the bank's target of three per cent, and even above its upper tolerance threshold of 4.5 per cent. But other indicators are doing well in the Brazilian economy -- Latin America's largest -- with growth expected to exceed three per cent this year and unemployment at a 12-year low of 6.2 per cent. Nevertheless, investors are worried about the government's ability to impose fiscal discipline, especially in the face of creeping public expenditure. At the end of November, Brasilia unveiled budget adjustments designed to cut around $11 billion in spending, but they also came with tax breaks for the country's middle class. Lula's government is betting the lower tax take for that segment will be offset by the higher imposition on high earners -- but investors appear unconvinced. 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.

Brazil's Lula returns to regular duties after brain surgery

Canada's embattled Prime Minister Justin&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;will announce a major&nbsp;cabinet&nbsp;shuffle on Friday, government sources told AFP, days after the surprise resignation of his longtime number two shocked the nation. 
It will be a "significant shakeup," one source said. Chrystia Freeland, after nearly a decade at&nbsp;Trudeau's side, announced on Monday she was quitting her dual roles as deputy prime minister and finance minister after disagreeing with her boss over US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threats.

 
The move marked the first open dissent against&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;from within his&nbsp;cabinet&nbsp;and has emboldened critics. 
As many as a dozen new ministers could be appointed to replace those in the current 35-member&nbsp;cabinet&nbsp;who have signaled they will not seek re-election in 2025 and to relieve others of their double or triple duties in government. 
Freeland said she would seek re-election next year.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-pm-justin-trudeau-tries-to-downplay-freelands-resignation-challenge-to-leadership-as-family-spat-784898">Canada PM Justin Trudeau tries to downplay Freeland's resignation, challenge to leadership as 'family' spat</a>

 
Dominic LeBlanc, the public safety minister, has already been sworn in as the new finance minister and took over the reins from Freeland on negotiating with the incoming Trump administration. 
He is expected to give up the public safety portfolio in Friday's shuffle. 
Anita Anand, who is both the Treasury Board president and transport minister, and Ginette Petitpas Taylor, who has been juggling three jobs, are likely to also see their loads lightened. 
On Monday, the housing minister announced he was quitting politics after six others said in recent months they would not be seeking reelection.

Watch |&nbsp;Canada News: Trudeau Faces Calls To Resign

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-news-trudeau-faces-calls-to-resign-784728/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
Asked at a news conference Thursday if&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;still has the confidence of his team amid a growing revolt by backbenchers, LeBlanc said, "Yes." 
As much as one-third of&nbsp;Trudeau's caucus has been urging him to resign and make way for a fresh face to lead the Liberals into the next election, which is scheduled for October 2025 but expected sooner. 
In public opinion polls, Trudeau trails by 20 points his main rival, Conservative Pierre Poilievre, who has tried three times since September to topple the government.

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.

Canada's embattled Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will announce a major cabinet shuffle on Friday, government sources told AFP, days after the surprise resignation of his longtime number two shocked the nation.

Canada's embattled Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will announce a major cabinet shuffle on Friday, government sources told AFP, days after the surprise resignation of his longtime number two shocked the nation. It will be a "significant shakeup," one source said. Chrystia Freeland, after nearly a decade at Trudeau's side, announced on Monday she was quitting her dual roles as deputy prime minister and finance minister after disagreeing with her boss over US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threats. The move marked the first open dissent against Trudeau from within his cabinet and has emboldened critics. As many as a dozen new ministers could be appointed to replace those in the current 35-member cabinet who have signaled they will not seek re-election in 2025 and to relieve others of their double or triple duties in government. Freeland said she would seek re-election next year. Also Read: Canada PM Justin Trudeau tries to downplay Freeland's resignation, challenge to leadership as 'family' spat Dominic LeBlanc, the public safety minister, has already been sworn in as the new finance minister and took over the reins from Freeland on negotiating with the incoming Trump administration. He is expected to give up the public safety portfolio in Friday's shuffle. Anita Anand, who is both the Treasury Board president and transport minister, and Ginette Petitpas Taylor, who has been juggling three jobs, are likely to also see their loads lightened. On Monday, the housing minister announced he was quitting politics after six others said in recent months they would not be seeking reelection. Watch | Canada News: Trudeau Faces Calls To Resign Asked at a news conference Thursday if Trudeau still has the confidence of his team amid a growing revolt by backbenchers, LeBlanc said, "Yes." As much as one-third of Trudeau's caucus has been urging him to resign and make way for a fresh face to lead the Liberals into the next election, which is scheduled for October 2025 but expected sooner. In public opinion polls, Trudeau trails by 20 points his main rival, Conservative Pierre Poilievre, who has tried three times since September to topple the government. 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.

Canada's Trudeau to reshuffle cabinet amid political turmoil

Ottawa, Canada
Canada's embattled Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will announce a major cabinet shuffle on Friday, government sources told AFP, days after the surprise resignation of his longtime number two shocked the nation.
It will be a "significant shakeup," one source said. Chrystia Freeland, after nearly a decade at Trudeau's side, announced on Monday she was quitting her dual roles as deputy prime minister and finance minister after disagreeing with her boss over US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threats.

The move marked the first open dissent against Trudeau from within his cabinet and has emboldened critics.
As many as a dozen new ministers could be appointed to replace those in the current 35-member cabinet who have signaled they will not seek re-election in 2025 and to relieve others of their double or triple duties in government.
Freeland said she would seek re-election next year.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-pm-justin-trudeau-tries-to-downplay-freelands-resignation-challenge-to-leadership-as-family-spat-784898">Canada PM Justin Trudeau tries to downplay Freeland's resignation, challenge to leadership as 'family' spat</a>

Dominic LeBlanc, the public safety minister, has already been sworn in as the new finance minister and took over the reins from Freeland on negotiating with the incoming Trump administration.
He is expected to give up the public safety portfolio in Friday's shuffle.
Anita Anand, who is both the Treasury Board president and transport minister, and Ginette Petitpas Taylor, who has been juggling three jobs, are likely to also see their loads lightened.
On Monday, the housing minister announced he was quitting politics after six others said in recent months they would not be seeking reelection.
Watch | Canada News: Trudeau Faces Calls To Resign
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Asked at a news conference Thursday if Trudeau still has the confidence of his team amid a growing revolt by backbenchers, LeBlanc said, "Yes."
As much as one-third of Trudeau's caucus has been urging him to resign and make way for a fresh face to lead the Liberals into the next election, which is scheduled for October 2025 but expected sooner.
In public opinion polls, Trudeau trails by 20 points his main rival, Conservative Pierre Poilievre, who has tried three times since September to topple the government.
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.

After nearly a decade at Trudeau's side, announced on Monday she was quitting her dual roles as deputy prime minister and finance minister after disagreeing with her boss over US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threats.



Ottawa, Canada Canada's embattled Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will announce a major cabinet shuffle on Friday, government sources told AFP, days after the surprise resignation of his longtime number two shocked the nation. It will be a "significant shakeup," one source said. Chrystia Freeland, after nearly a decade at Trudeau's side, announced on Monday she was quitting her dual roles as deputy prime minister and finance minister after disagreeing with her boss over US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threats. The move marked the first open dissent against Trudeau from within his cabinet and has emboldened critics. As many as a dozen new ministers could be appointed to replace those in the current 35-member cabinet who have signaled they will not seek re-election in 2025 and to relieve others of their double or triple duties in government. Freeland said she would seek re-election next year. Also Read: Canada PM Justin Trudeau tries to downplay Freeland's resignation, challenge to leadership as 'family' spat Dominic LeBlanc, the public safety minister, has already been sworn in as the new finance minister and took over the reins from Freeland on negotiating with the incoming Trump administration. He is expected to give up the public safety portfolio in Friday's shuffle. Anita Anand, who is both the Treasury Board president and transport minister, and Ginette Petitpas Taylor, who has been juggling three jobs, are likely to also see their loads lightened. On Monday, the housing minister announced he was quitting politics after six others said in recent months they would not be seeking reelection. Watch | Canada News: Trudeau Faces Calls To Resign Asked at a news conference Thursday if Trudeau still has the confidence of his team amid a growing revolt by backbenchers, LeBlanc said, "Yes." As much as one-third of Trudeau's caucus has been urging him to resign and make way for a fresh face to lead the Liberals into the next election, which is scheduled for October 2025 but expected sooner. In public opinion polls, Trudeau trails by 20 points his main rival, Conservative Pierre Poilievre, who has tried three times since September to topple the government. 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.

A major accident happened on India's Jaipur-Ajmer highway on Friday (Dec 20) when a goods truck and an LPG tanker collided, killing at least five people.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea of possibly sending Western troops to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a Manhattan federal court facing charges that include murder and stalking.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines for more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-five-dead-dozens-injured-in-jaipur-after-collision-between-truck-lng-tanker-785454">Video: Five dead, dozens injured in Jaipur after collision between truck, LNG tanker</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/20/472198-wion-web-team-bugs-and-banners-2024-12-20t093346797.jpg?imwidth=400" />

At least five people were killed and dozens injured in Jaipur city of the northern Indian state of Rajasthan on Friday (Dec 20) following a collision between a goods truck and an LPG tanker. The incident happened on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway, causing a major fire incident at a fuel pump in the Bhankrota area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com//world/zelensky-voices-support-for-western-troop-deployment-in-ukraine-says-we-need-effective-mechanisms-785458">Zelensky voices support for western troop deployment in Ukraine, says we need 'effective mechanisms'</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/20/472203-new-wion-2024-12-20t094635373.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Dec 19) voiced his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to potentially deploy Western troops in Ukraine. However, he said that the initiative needed to be fleshed out.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/luigi-mangione-appears-in-new-york-court-faces-federal-murder-charges-in-unitedhealthcare-ceo-shooting-785426">Luigi Mangione appears in New York court, faces federal murder charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/20/472181-new-wion-2024-12-20t071205993.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the December 4 shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a Manhattan federal court Thursday (Dec 20), facing charges that include murder, stalking, and firearms offences.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-rejects-republican-funding-bill-government-shutdown-looms-785424">US house rejects Trump-backed Republican funding bill, government shutdown looms</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/20/472178-new-wion-2024-12-20t054934913.jpg?imwidth=400" />

The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill with overwhelming numbers. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting the weekend.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Israel War: 9 Civilians Killed in IDF Strike, Says Yemen's Houthi

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-9-civilians-killed-in-idf-strike-says-yemens-houthi-785455/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A major accident happened on India's Jaipur-Ajmer highway on Friday (Dec 20) when a goods truck and an LPG tanker collided, killing at least five people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea of possibly sending Western troops to Ukraine.

A major accident happened on India's Jaipur-Ajmer highway on Friday (Dec 20) when a goods truck and an LPG tanker collided, killing at least five people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea of possibly sending Western troops to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a Manhattan federal court facing charges that include murder and stalking. Click on the headlines for more Video: Five dead, dozens injured in Jaipur after collision between truck, LNG tanker At least five people were killed and dozens injured in Jaipur city of the northern Indian state of Rajasthan on Friday (Dec 20) following a collision between a goods truck and an LPG tanker. The incident happened on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway, causing a major fire incident at a fuel pump in the Bhankrota area. Zelensky voices support for western troop deployment in Ukraine, says we need 'effective mechanisms' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Dec 19) voiced his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to potentially deploy Western troops in Ukraine. However, he said that the initiative needed to be fleshed out. Luigi Mangione appears in New York court, faces federal murder charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the December 4 shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a Manhattan federal court Thursday (Dec 20), facing charges that include murder, stalking, and firearms offences. US house rejects Trump-backed Republican funding bill, government shutdown looms The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill with overwhelming numbers. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting the weekend. Watch | Israel War: 9 Civilians Killed in IDF Strike, Says Yemen's Houthi

Morning news brief: Jaipur truck collision kills five; Zelensky backs EU troop deployment idea, and more

New Delhi, India
A major accident happened on India's Jaipur-Ajmer highway on Friday (Dec 20) when a goods truck and an LPG tanker collided, killing at least five people.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea of possibly sending Western troops to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a Manhattan federal court facing charges that include murder and stalking. 
Click on the headlines for more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-five-dead-dozens-injured-in-jaipur-after-collision-between-truck-lng-tanker-785454">Video: Five dead, dozens injured in Jaipur after collision between truck, LNG tanker</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/20/472198-wion-web-team-bugs-and-banners-2024-12-20t093346797.jpg"/>
At least five people were killed and dozens injured in Jaipur city of the northern Indian state of Rajasthan on Friday (Dec 20) following a collision between a goods truck and an LPG tanker. The incident happened on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway, causing a major fire incident at a fuel pump in the Bhankrota area.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com//world/zelensky-voices-support-for-western-troop-deployment-in-ukraine-says-we-need-effective-mechanisms-785458">Zelensky voices support for western troop deployment in Ukraine, says we need 'effective mechanisms'</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/20/472203-new-wion-2024-12-20t094635373.jpg"/>
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Dec 19) voiced his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to potentially deploy Western troops in Ukraine. However, he said that the initiative needed to be fleshed out.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/luigi-mangione-appears-in-new-york-court-faces-federal-murder-charges-in-unitedhealthcare-ceo-shooting-785426">Luigi Mangione appears in New York court, faces federal murder charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting</a>
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Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the December 4 shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a Manhattan federal court Thursday (Dec 20), facing charges that include murder, stalking, and firearms offences. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-rejects-republican-funding-bill-government-shutdown-looms-785424">US house rejects Trump-backed Republican funding bill, government shutdown looms</a>
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The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill with overwhelming numbers. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting the weekend. 
Watch | Israel War: 9 Civilians Killed in IDF Strike, Says Yemen's Houthi
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Good morning! Start your day with WION's morning news brief.



New Delhi, India A major accident happened on India's Jaipur-Ajmer highway on Friday (Dec 20) when a goods truck and an LPG tanker collided, killing at least five people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea of possibly sending Western troops to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a Manhattan federal court facing charges that include murder and stalking. Click on the headlines for more Video: Five dead, dozens injured in Jaipur after collision between truck, LNG tanker At least five people were killed and dozens injured in Jaipur city of the northern Indian state of Rajasthan on Friday (Dec 20) following a collision between a goods truck and an LPG tanker. The incident happened on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway, causing a major fire incident at a fuel pump in the Bhankrota area. Zelensky voices support for western troop deployment in Ukraine, says we need 'effective mechanisms' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Dec 19) voiced his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to potentially deploy Western troops in Ukraine. However, he said that the initiative needed to be fleshed out. Luigi Mangione appears in New York court, faces federal murder charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the December 4 shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a Manhattan federal court Thursday (Dec 20), facing charges that include murder, stalking, and firearms offences. US house rejects Trump-backed Republican funding bill, government shutdown looms The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill with overwhelming numbers. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting the weekend. Watch | Israel War: 9 Civilians Killed in IDF Strike, Says Yemen's Houthi

A former student of a primary school in Croatia's capital city of Zagreb went on a stabbing spree on Friday, killing a seven-year-old child and injuring four others.

A former student of a primary school in Croatia's capital city of Zagreb went on a stabbing spree on Friday, killing a seven-year-old child and injuring four others. Citing a statement from the interior ministry, a report by the news agency Reuters said that the 19-year-old attacker entered the school at 9.50 am local time and used a sharp object to wound a teacher and several children. The attacker was detained by the police. Health Minister Irena Hrstic said the attacker stabbed five people, wounding four and killing one. The suspect later injured himself and was detained. 'We are horrified' Reacting to the tragic incident, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said that the government was horrified. “We are starting a bit late with the government meeting because, just like the entire Croatian public, we’re horrified by this enormous tragedy that happened this morning at the elementary school Precko in Zagreb," Prime Minister Plenkovic said at the start of the government meeting. "Minister Bozinovic (Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic) and Minister Fuchs (Education Minister Radovan Fuchs) are at the scene currently and they, just like the police and all the other emergency services are trying to determine what exactly happened in this huge incident,” he added. The news of the attacker being a former student was announced by Interior Minister Bozinovic. Worried relatives wait at school Relatives of children attending the primary school in Zagreb waited for information following the stabbings. "My child attends this school, where an assault occurred involving the teacher and reportedly the pupils. We're just now hearing reports that multiple children are hospitalised, but no other information is available. It is disastrous that when I rushed into the school, I had no information regarding my child's whereabouts; no one was willing to provide any details, I really don’t know what to say...," the father of a student told Reuters. "I'm waiting here now to... Honestly, I don't know what I'm waiting for... I don't know what I'm waiting for, because what's happening in this country is not normal," he added. Croatian authorities said they planned to hold a national day of mourning on Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

One child killed in Croatia school as former student goes on stabbing spree

Canadian Prime Minister Justin&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;on Friday shook up his cabinet, changing one-third of his team as political turmoil threatens his leadership and tensions erupt with incoming US president Donald Trump.

The reshuffle came at the end of a chaotic week in Ottawa spurred by the surprise resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland following disagreement with her boss over Trump's threats to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports.

Her exit, after nearly a decade at&nbsp;Trudeau's side, marked the first open dissent against the prime minister from within his cabinet and has emboldened critics.

Since then,&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;has hunkered down with advisors as he reportedly contemplates his own political future amid calls for him to step down ahead of elections scheduled for October 2025 but expected much sooner.

In Friday's reset, eight new ministers were appointed to replace those in the 35-member cabinet who have signaled they will not seek reelection, and to relieve others of their double or triple duties in government.

Four current ministers were also given new responsibilities.

Freeland, who also quit her role as finance minister, has said she would seek reelection next year.

<h2>Behind in the polls</h2>

Trudeau's childhood friend and ally Dominic LeBlanc was already sworn in as the new finance minister hours after Freeland quit.

He also took over the reins from her on negotiating with the incoming Trump administration.

Several cabinet recruits, as they headed into the swearing-in ceremony Friday, declared their confidence in&nbsp;Trudeau.

But part of his caucus has urged him to resign, worried that voter fatigue with his leadership will hamstring the Liberals in the next election.

Trudeau&nbsp;swept to power in 2015 and led the Liberals to two more ballot box victories in 2019 and 2021.&nbsp;

But he now trails by 20 points his main rival, Conservative Pierre Poilievre, in public opinion polls. And his Liberals lost four by-elections this year.

Compounding those woes,&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;faces the possibility that Trump in January will slap 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, accusing both of allowing the United States to be flooded with illicit drugs, namely fentanyl, and undocumented migrants.

More than 75 percent of Canadian exports go to the United States and nearly two million Canadian jobs depend on trade.

In her resignation letter, Freeland warned this could lead to a "tariff war" with the United States and urged Ottawa to keep its "fiscal powder dry" while rebuking&nbsp;Trudeau's spendthrift policies.

Trudeau&nbsp;last month traveled to Florida to meet with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in a bid to head off a trade war.

Trump called the talks over dinner "very productive."

But since then the president-elect has also landed humiliating blows against&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;on social media, repeatedly calling him "governor" of Canada and declaring that the United States' northern neighbor becoming the 51st US state is a "great idea."

Political analysts and officials have said the taunts appeared aimed at putting&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;on the back foot in bilateral negotiations.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday shook up his cabinet, changing one-third of his team as political turmoil threatens his leadership and tensions erupt with incoming US president Donald Trump.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday shook up his cabinet, changing one-third of his team as political turmoil threatens his leadership and tensions erupt with incoming US president Donald Trump. The reshuffle came at the end of a chaotic week in Ottawa spurred by the surprise resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland following disagreement with her boss over Trump's threats to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports. Her exit, after nearly a decade at Trudeau's side, marked the first open dissent against the prime minister from within his cabinet and has emboldened critics. Since then, Trudeau has hunkered down with advisors as he reportedly contemplates his own political future amid calls for him to step down ahead of elections scheduled for October 2025 but expected much sooner. In Friday's reset, eight new ministers were appointed to replace those in the 35-member cabinet who have signaled they will not seek reelection, and to relieve others of their double or triple duties in government. Four current ministers were also given new responsibilities. Freeland, who also quit her role as finance minister, has said she would seek reelection next year. Behind in the polls Trudeau's childhood friend and ally Dominic LeBlanc was already sworn in as the new finance minister hours after Freeland quit. He also took over the reins from her on negotiating with the incoming Trump administration. Several cabinet recruits, as they headed into the swearing-in ceremony Friday, declared their confidence in Trudeau. But part of his caucus has urged him to resign, worried that voter fatigue with his leadership will hamstring the Liberals in the next election. Trudeau swept to power in 2015 and led the Liberals to two more ballot box victories in 2019 and 2021. But he now trails by 20 points his main rival, Conservative Pierre Poilievre, in public opinion polls. And his Liberals lost four by-elections this year. Compounding those woes, Trudeau faces the possibility that Trump in January will slap 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, accusing both of allowing the United States to be flooded with illicit drugs, namely fentanyl, and undocumented migrants. More than 75 percent of Canadian exports go to the United States and nearly two million Canadian jobs depend on trade. In her resignation letter, Freeland warned this could lead to a "tariff war" with the United States and urged Ottawa to keep its "fiscal powder dry" while rebuking Trudeau's spendthrift policies. Trudeau last month traveled to Florida to meet with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in a bid to head off a trade war. Trump called the talks over dinner "very productive." But since then the president-elect has also landed humiliating blows against Trudeau on social media, repeatedly calling him "governor" of Canada and declaring that the United States' northern neighbor becoming the 51st US state is a "great idea." Political analysts and officials have said the taunts appeared aimed at putting Trudeau on the back foot in bilateral negotiations. 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.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau changes one-third of his team

A new waxwork of Elton John performing a keyboard handstand has been unveiled at London’s Madame Tussauds. The figure captures the iconic moment from his legendary performances in stunning detail.

Elton John Keyboard Handstand Waxwork Unveiled At London’s Madame Tussauds

A new waxwork of Elton John performing a keyboard handstand has been unveiled at London’s Madame Tussauds. The figure captures the iconic moment from his legendary performances in stunning detail.



Donald Trump has made his intentions clear regarding a possible government shutdown, saying that he wants it to happen under President Joe Biden’s administration.

Donald Trump has made his intentions clear regarding a possible government shutdown, saying that he wants it to happen under President Joe Biden’s administration. “If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now, under the Biden Administration, not after January 20th, under ‘TRUMP.’ This is a Biden problem to solve, but if Republicans can help solve it, they will!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday (December 20). House Republicans to make another attempt to pass bill to prevent government shutdown Meanwhile, House Republicans are preparing to make another attempt to pass a bill to prevent a government shutdown past midnight, according to Politico. Republican congressman Ralph Norman, a member of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus, told the publication that the party plans to push the bill through the rules committee, which would require only a simple majority in the House for approval. Also read: US lawmakers scramble to avert govt shutdown. Here's what's at stake Elon Musk’s influence within the Republican Party targeted by Democrats At the same time, questions are being raised about Elon Musk’s influence within the Republican Party. Musk’s criticism of a bipartisan spending bill led by House Speaker Mike Johnson appears to have had severe repercussions. On Wednesday, Musk criticised the proposal calling it “the steal of your tax dollars.” Shortly after, Trump and Senator JD Vance echoed Musk’s criticisms, urging Republicans to reject the bill. They argued that the national debt is unsustainable and accused the proposal of being a concession to Democrats. Watch | USA News: House Rejects Trump-backed Plan On U.S. Government Shutdown The Trump-backed "streamlined" spending plan, introduced as an alternative, was rejected by the House on Thursday evening. Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s incoming White House press secretary, addressed these claims, telling Business Insider, “As soon as President Trump released his official stance on the CR (continuing resolution), Republicans on Capitol Hill echoed his point of view. President Trump is the leader of the Republican Party. Full stop.” Senator Bernie Sanders wrote on X, “Democrats and Republicans spent months negotiating a bipartisan agreement to fund our government. The richest man on Earth, President Elon Musk, doesn’t like it.” Former Obama adviser David Axelrod added, “So will President-elect Musk join the budget negotiations now?” (With inputs from agencies)

'This is his problem,' Trump says let the US govt shutdown happen under Biden admin

A delegation of US diplomats, who arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20), had a "positive" meeting with the country's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani.

A delegation of US diplomats, who arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20), had a "positive" meeting with the country's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a Syrian official who chose to remain anonymous said, "The meeting took place, and it was positive. And the results will be positive, God willing." Al-Sharra leads the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that swept Bashar al-Assad from power earlier this month, ending the family's 50-year-long iron-fisted rule. Though the ouster of Asad ended decades of abuses and years of civil war, the formation of Syria's new rulers has raised concerns over minorities and women's rights. Here's a look at the updates from Syria: > This was the first formal visit by US officials to Syria since the early days of the civil war that erupted after Assad cracked down on anti-government protests in 2011. Also read | HTS leader says Syrian rebel fighters to be placed under ‘defence ministry’, calls on West to lift sanctions > According to the US State Department, the delegation would also meet with activists, minority groups and civil society representatives in Syria. > The delegation includes Barbara Leaf, the top State Department official for West Asia, as well as the US point man on hostages, who has been seeking clues on missing Americans including Austin Tice, a journalist who was kidnapped in Syria in August 2012. > Recently at talks in Jordan- Western, Arab, and Turkish powers jointly called for an "inclusive, non-sectarian and representative government" that respects the rights of all of Syria's diverse communities. > On Friday, Syrians gathered in Damascus to celebrate the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Visuals from the news agency Reuters showed a mass celebration in Umayyad Square which was called by the HTS. Also watch | The West Asia Post: Who will shape Syria's future? > A day earlier, the Pentagon said that it had 2,000 US troops in Syria, far higher than the previously public number of 900, saying that the additional troops considered temporary forces that had been sent to support the counter-Islamic State's (ISIS) mission. > The US military said on Friday that it killed an ISIS leader and another of the terrorist organisation's members in a strike in Syria. > The strike took place Thursday in Deir Ezzor province in eastern Syria, killing IS leader "Abu Yusif" and another operative, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on social media, without providing further details on the two ISIS members. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: US diplomats have 'positive meeting' with new Syrian leader

A delegation of diplomats from the United States (US) said they had a "positive" meeting with Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani. The delegation arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20).&nbsp;

The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives.

Latest in the Gaza war, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced that they have destroyed three tunnel routes in the northern Gaza city.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-us-diplomats-have-positive-meeting-with-new-syrian-leader-785652">West Asia crisis: US diplomats have 'positive meeting' with new Syrian leader</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/20/472327-untitled-7.png?imwidth=400" />

A delegation of US diplomats, who arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20), had a "positive" meeting with the country's new leader&nbsp;Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka&nbsp;Abu Mohammad al-Julani.&nbsp;Speaking to the news agency AFP, a Syrian official who chose to remain anonymous&nbsp;said, "The meeting took place, and it was positive. And the results will be positive, God willing."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-us-lawmakers-scramble-to-avert-govt-shutdown-heres-whats-at-stake-785644">US lawmakers scramble to avert govt shutdown. Here's what's&nbsp;at&nbsp;stake</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/20/472324-us-govt-shutdown.png?imwidth=400" />

The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives. With the deadline for a new spending bill fast approaching, lawmakers are scrambling to reach a compromise to avoid another shutdown.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-destroys-75-km-of-hamas-tunnels-denies-reports-of-civilian-killings-in-gazas-netzarim-corridor-785636">IDF razes 7.5 km of Hamas tunnels, denies reports of civilian killings in Gaza</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/17/471695-wion-news-latest-3.png?imwidth=400" />

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Friday (December 19), that they had destroyed three tunnel routes in the northern Gaza city of Beit Lahia. According to the military, these tunnels spanned a combined length of 7.5 kilometres.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kuwait-among-indias-top-trading-partners-says-indian-foreign-ministry-ahead-of-pm-modis-historic-visit-785570">Kuwait among India's 'top trading partners' says MEA ahead of PM Modi's visit</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/10/18/460966-untitled-design-1.png?imwidth=400" />

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kuwait on 21 and 22 December, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in over four decades.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russia-launches-barrage-of-missiles-on-kyiv-killing-1-and-cutting-heating-to-numerous-buildings-785532">Russia launches barrage of missiles on Kyiv, damaging six diplomatic missions</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/20/472252-untitled-1.png?imwidth=400" />

Russia on Friday (Dec 20) launched a barrage of missiles on Ukraine's capital Kyiv, killing at least one person, and cutting heating to hundreds of buildings in cold temperatures, as the war between the two countries nears its three-year mark.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-approves-new-70-million-search-for-missing-flight-mh370-10-years-after-it-went-missing-785624">Malaysia approves new $70 million search for missing flight&nbsp;MH370, 10 years after it went missing</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/20/472306-mh370.png?imwidth=400" />

Malaysia has agreed to resume the search for the wreckage of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, its transport minister said on Friday, more than 10 years after it disappeared in one of the world's greatest aviation mysteries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-rejects-republican-funding-bill-government-shutdown-looms-785424">US House rejects Trump-backed Republican funding bill, government shutdown looms</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/20/472178-new-wion-2024-12-20t054934913.jpg?imwidth=400" />

The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill that was backed by incoming president Donald Trump. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting this weekend.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-school-fair-stampede-kills-35-children-785614">Nigeria school fair stampede kills 35 children, 8 arrested for involvement</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/20/472301-wion-news-latest-14.png?imwidth=400" />

A stampede at a school&nbsp;funfair&nbsp;in the southwestern Nigerian city of Ibadan has killed&nbsp;35&nbsp;children&nbsp;and seriously injured six others, police said on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/we-have-sent-a-clear-message-javed-miandad-lauds-pcb-over-champions-trophy-2025-venue-stance-785603">‘We have sent a clear message,’ Miandad lauds PCB over CT 2025 venue stance</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/20/472292-we-have-sent-a-clear-message-miandad-lauds-pcb-over-ct-2025-venue-stance.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad is happy with PCB for not bending its stance over the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 venue debate. With the apex body announcing the hybrid model for the eight-team tournament scheduled originally in Pakistan during the February-March window next year, Miandad said the Pakistan board has gained more with this decision than its counterpart BCCI.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pushpa-2-box-office-allu-arjuns-movie-is-unstoppable-earns-rs-1508-crores-globally-785509">Pushpa 2 box office: Allu Arjun's movie is unstoppable, earns $177mn globally</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/08/470152-happy-30th-birthday-32.png?imwidth=400" />

Allu Arjun's&nbsp;Pushpa 2: The Rule&nbsp;continues to dominate the box office world. Since its release on Dec 5, the movie has been raking money in double digits, becoming the biggest hit of the year 2024.&nbsp;

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A delegation of diplomats from the United States (US) said they had a "positive" meeting with Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani. The delegation arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20).

A delegation of diplomats from the United States (US) said they had a "positive" meeting with Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani. The delegation arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20). The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives. Latest in the Gaza war, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced that they have destroyed three tunnel routes in the northern Gaza city. Click on the headlines to read more West Asia crisis: US diplomats have 'positive meeting' with new Syrian leader A delegation of US diplomats, who arrived in Syria on Friday (Dec 20), had a "positive" meeting with the country's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, aka Abu Mohammad al-Julani. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a Syrian official who chose to remain anonymous said, "The meeting took place, and it was positive. And the results will be positive, God willing." US lawmakers scramble to avert govt shutdown. Here's what's at stake The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives. With the deadline for a new spending bill fast approaching, lawmakers are scrambling to reach a compromise to avoid another shutdown. IDF razes 7.5 km of Hamas tunnels, denies reports of civilian killings in Gaza The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Friday (December 19), that they had destroyed three tunnel routes in the northern Gaza city of Beit Lahia. According to the military, these tunnels spanned a combined length of 7.5 kilometres. Kuwait among India's 'top trading partners' says MEA ahead of PM Modi's visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kuwait on 21 and 22 December, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in over four decades. Russia launches barrage of missiles on Kyiv, damaging six diplomatic missions Russia on Friday (Dec 20) launched a barrage of missiles on Ukraine's capital Kyiv, killing at least one person, and cutting heating to hundreds of buildings in cold temperatures, as the war between the two countries nears its three-year mark. Malaysia approves new $70 million search for missing flight MH370, 10 years after it went missing Malaysia has agreed to resume the search for the wreckage of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, its transport minister said on Friday, more than 10 years after it disappeared in one of the world's greatest aviation mysteries. US House rejects Trump-backed Republican funding bill, government shutdown looms The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill that was backed by incoming president Donald Trump. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting this weekend. Nigeria school fair stampede kills 35 children, 8 arrested for involvement A stampede at a school funfair in the southwestern Nigerian city of Ibadan has killed 35 children and seriously injured six others, police said on Thursday. ‘We have sent a clear message,’ Miandad lauds PCB over CT 2025 venue stance Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad is happy with PCB for not bending its stance over the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 venue debate. With the apex body announcing the hybrid model for the eight-team tournament scheduled originally in Pakistan during the February-March window next year, Miandad said the Pakistan board has gained more with this decision than its counterpart BCCI. Pushpa 2 box office: Allu Arjun's movie is unstoppable, earns $177mn globally Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2: The Rule continues to dominate the box office world. Since its release on Dec 5, the movie has been raking money in double digits, becoming the biggest hit of the year 2024.

Top 10 world news: West Asia crisis updates; US on brink of another govt shutdown, and more

France's President Emmanuel Macron faced accusations of racism Friday over an alleged comment on problems in hospitals, which his office strongly denied he made, adding to the controversy over an angry remark during a visit to an Indian Ocean territory ravaged by a cyclone.

France's President Emmanuel Macron faced accusations of racism Friday over an alleged comment on problems in hospitals, which his office strongly denied he made, adding to the controversy over an angry remark during a visit to an Indian Ocean territory ravaged by a cyclone. With Le Monde daily printing a sequence of articles about the behind-the-scenes atmosphere at the Elysee, Macron was also accused of sexist remarks about women opposition leaders and a homophobic quip about a former prime minister he appointed himself. Macron said that the "problem with emergency care in this country is that it's filled with people called Mamadou", during a discussion last year in front of his then-health minister Aurelien Rousseau, according to an article in Le Monde on Wednesday. Mamadou is a name popular among men originating from Muslim ethnic groups in West Africa. "The Elysee strongly denies these reported remarks, which were not subjected to any verification by the presidency before publication," an official in the presidency said. Also read | One child killed in Croatia school as former student goes on stabbing spree One of the senior Le Monde reporters behind the story, Ivanne Trippenbach, wrote on X: "Le Monde stands by all of its information." Before the denial was issued, several left-wing politicians had strongly condemned the reported comments. "These racist remarks by the president... are an insult to the Republic. It is an absolute disgrace," said Manuel Bompard, coordinator of the France Unbowed party (LFI) on X, echoing the indignation of many in his hard-left movement. "I can't wait for him (Macron) to go." The alleged remarks "are damning", added the Communist senator for Paris, Ian Brossat. Also read | Explained: US lawmakers scramble to avert govt shutdown. Here's what's at stake Le Monde also alleged, in a subsequent piece on Thursday, that Macron had dubbed the prime minister's office under former premier Gabriel Attal -- who is openly gay -- "La cage aux folles", a reference to a popular French farce featuring two gay men. It also claimed he called Greens leader Marine Tondelier and Lucie Castets, who the left wanted to nominate as premier, "cocotte", a derogatory term for women. "Yesterday we learned of extremely shocking homophobic remarks made by the president about Gabriel Attal," Tondelier said on X. "Today, they are sexist remarks. We are impatiently waiting for tomorrow." 'Damaging his image' Macron was also facing controversy over a comment he made Thursday while on a visit to the French Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte, which was devastated by Cyclone Chido last weekend. "If this was not (part of) France you would be 10,000 times deeper in the shit," he told a crowd of people, many of whom had heckled him over France's response to the disaster. Greens MP Sandrine Rousseau accused Macron of going to Mayotte with "an arrogant attitude and giving lessons". "A president cannot say that. In which other French territory would the president lecture our fellow citizens by asking them to 'please stop complaining about their tragedy since they are already lucky enough to be French'?," said Socialist leader Olivier Faure on X. Macron at the start of his presidency was notorious for his outspoken quips, once telling a young jobseeker he could find a job "just by crossing the street". For Philippe Moreau Chevrolet, professor of communication at Sciences Po, Macron still relishes employing "the little phrase that dominates an exchange, even if it means further damaging his already authoritarian image". But concerning Mayotte, "it was disastrous" because "it blurred the message of empathy and reconstruction" that was the theme of the rest of the visit, he told AFP. The controversies come at a sensitive time for Macron, with France in political crisis following Macron's gamble to call snap legislative elections this summer. Macron has just appointed Francois Bayrou as his fourth prime minister of 2024. "Everything goes there (at the Elysee) -- racism, homophobia, sexism. All locked away inside a gilded palace, far from the gaze of the French, who he lectures all day long," added left-wing MP Francois Ruffin. 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.

Macron slammed over 'racist' remarks which his office denies

Sri Lanka's navy said Friday it had rescued 102 Rohingya refugees from war-torn Myanmar adrift in a fishing trawler off the Indian Ocean island nation, bringing them safely to port.

Sri Lanka's navy said Friday it had rescued 102 Rohingya refugees from war-torn Myanmar adrift in a fishing trawler off the Indian Ocean island nation, bringing them safely to port. The group, including 25 children, were taken to Sri Lanka's eastern port of Trincomalee, a navy spokesman said, adding that food and water had been provided. "Medical checks have to be done before they are allowed to disembark," the spokesman said. The mostly Muslim ethnic Rohingya are heavily persecuted in Myanmar and thousands risk their lives each year on long sea journeys, the majority heading southeast to Malaysia or Indonesia. Also read | One child killed in Croatia school as former student goes on stabbing spree But fisherman spotted the drifting trawler off Sri Lanka's northern coast at Mullivaikkal at dawn on Thursday. While unusual, it is not the first boat to head to Sri Lanka -- about 1,750 kilometres (1,100 miles) across open seas southwest of Myanmar. The Sri Lankan navy rescued more than 100 Rohingya refugees in distress on a boat off their shores in December 2022. The navy spokesman said Friday that language difficulties had made it hard to understand where the refugees had been intending to reach, suggesting that "recent cyclonic weather" may have pushed them off course. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled Myanmar for neighbouring Bangladesh in 2017 during a crackdown by the military that is now the subject of a United Nations genocide court case. Also read | Explained: US lawmakers scramble to avert govt shutdown. Here's what's at stake Myanmar's military seized power in a 2021 coup and a grinding war since then has forced millions to flee. Last month, the UN warned Myanmar's Rakhine state -- the historic homeland of many Rohingya -- was heading towards famine, as brutal clashes squeeze commerce and agricultural production. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sri Lanka Navy rescues boat of 100 Rohingya refugees

The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives. With the deadline for a new spending bill fast approaching, lawmakers are scrambling to reach a compromise to avoid another shutdown.

<h2>A look at recent history</h2>

The US has experienced several government shutdowns in recent years. In 2018-2019, the longest shutdown in US history lasted 35 days, sparked by disputes over border security and President Trump's demand for a border wall. In 2013, a 16-day shutdown occurred during the Obama administration, caused by disagreements over the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, two consecutive shutdowns in 1995-1996, totaling 26 days, took place during the Clinton administration, stemming from conflicts over budget cuts.

<h2>What's at stake?</h2>

A government shutdown would have far-reaching consequences, including:

- Federal services: National parks, museums, and monuments would close, affecting tourism and local economies.

- Government payments: Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments could be delayed.

- Military and defense: Troops would continue to work, but without pay.

- Economy: A shutdown could cost billions, affecting businesses and financial markets.

- Healthcare: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) would be impacted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-rejects-republican-funding-bill-government-shutdown-looms-785424">US House rejects Trump-backed funding bill, government shutdown looms</a>

<h2>What's next?</h2>

Lawmakers have several options:

- Short-term continuing resolution: A temporary extension of current funding levels.&nbsp;

- Omnibus spending bill: A comprehensive bill funding all federal agencies.&nbsp;

- Minibus spending bill: A smaller bill funding select agencies.

- Executive actions: President Biden could use executive powers to mitigate the shutdown's impact.

- Emergency funding: Congress could pass emergency funding bills.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-wants-to-work-gaza-truce-before-trump-inauguration-785637">Biden Wants To Work Gaza Truce Before Trump Inauguration</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-wants-to-work-gaza-truce-before-trump-inauguration-785637/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>The road ahead&nbsp;</h2>

The recent rejection of a Trump-backed funding proposal underscores the deep divisions within Congress. Some factions insist on strict spending cuts, while others refuse to compromise on essential domestic programs.&nbsp;

As negotiations continue, the next few hours and days are critical. Will Congress find a way to keep the lights on, or will the nation once again witness the fallout of political dysfunction? For millions of Americans, the answer will have immediate and lasting consequences.

The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives.

The United States is on the brink of another government shutdown, sparking concerns about the impact on federal services, the economy, and Americans' daily lives. With the deadline for a new spending bill fast approaching, lawmakers are scrambling to reach a compromise to avoid another shutdown. A look at recent history The US has experienced several government shutdowns in recent years. In 2018-2019, the longest shutdown in US history lasted 35 days, sparked by disputes over border security and President Trump's demand for a border wall. In 2013, a 16-day shutdown occurred during the Obama administration, caused by disagreements over the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, two consecutive shutdowns in 1995-1996, totaling 26 days, took place during the Clinton administration, stemming from conflicts over budget cuts. What's at stake? A government shutdown would have far-reaching consequences, including: - Federal services: National parks, museums, and monuments would close, affecting tourism and local economies. - Government payments: Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments could be delayed. - Military and defense: Troops would continue to work, but without pay. - Economy: A shutdown could cost billions, affecting businesses and financial markets. - Healthcare: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) would be impacted. Also read: US House rejects Trump-backed funding bill, government shutdown looms What's next? Lawmakers have several options: - Short-term continuing resolution: A temporary extension of current funding levels. - Omnibus spending bill: A comprehensive bill funding all federal agencies. - Minibus spending bill: A smaller bill funding select agencies. - Executive actions: President Biden could use executive powers to mitigate the shutdown's impact. - Emergency funding: Congress could pass emergency funding bills. Watch | Biden Wants To Work Gaza Truce Before Trump Inauguration The road ahead The recent rejection of a Trump-backed funding proposal underscores the deep divisions within Congress. Some factions insist on strict spending cuts, while others refuse to compromise on essential domestic programs. As negotiations continue, the next few hours and days are critical. Will Congress find a way to keep the lights on, or will the nation once again witness the fallout of political dysfunction? For millions of Americans, the answer will have immediate and lasting consequences.

Explained: US lawmakers scramble to avert govt shutdown. Here's what's at stake

Traders are wondering what the new head of India's central bank will do next as the rupee breaks beyond 85 to the dollar for the first time ever. The Indian currency is projected to continue its decline after hitting a new record low on Thursday. This is broadly driven by the dollar getting a boost from fewer federal reserve rate cuts next year.

Rupee's Record Low Has Traders Watching For RBI's Line In Sand

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