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<p>The passengers on the ill-fated private boat that capsized Wednesday (Dec 18) off the Mumbai coast were not provided life jackets, which led to the tragic death of at least 13 people. Meanwhile, the AQI in Delhi reached&nbsp;a dangerous peak of 423 with the IMD issuing an orange alert warning that dense fog is expected in the city in&nbsp;the next two days. In other news, five terrorists were killed in a major&nbsp;operation by Indian security forces in the Kadder area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-boat-tragedy-no-life-jackets-given-to-passengers-navy-driver-was-performing-stunts-785131"><strong>Mumbai boat tragedy: No life jackets given to passengers; navy driver was ‘performing stunts’</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/19/471973-wion-web-team-bugs-and-banners-2024-12-19t083058653.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Passengers on the ill-fated private boat that capsized Wednesday (Dec 18) off the Mumbai coast were not given life jackets, leading to the tragic demise of at least 13 people. The boat, en route to Elephanta Island, reportedly collided with an Indian Navy speedboat near the Gateway of India.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chokes-as-aqi-soars-to-423-imd-issues-orange-alert-amid-dense-fog-conditions-785156"><strong>Delhi chokes as AQI soars to 423, IMD issues orange alert amid dense fog conditions</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/19/471986-untitled-design-26.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The Indian national capital woke up to chilly waves with 7 degrees Celsius battling with poor air quality&nbsp;as the AQI&nbsp;soared&nbsp;to&nbsp;423 on Thursday (19 Dec). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared an orange alert for&nbsp;Delhi and warned that there will be dense fog in the city for the next two days due to western disturbances.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-dubs-women-as-delicate-flowers-as-calls-grow-to-amend-hijab-bill-785142"><strong>Iran’s Khamenei dubs women as ‘delicate flowers’ as calls grow to amend hijab bill</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/19/471980-wion-web-team-bugs-and-banners-2024-12-19t090434525.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Amid ongoing debate in Iran over strict hijab laws, the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Wednesday (Dec 18) dubbed women as ‘delicate flowers’. In a cryptic post on social media platform X, Khamenei, who is accused of curbing women's rights in the Shi’ite country, said women ‘need to be cared for’.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-forces-gun-down-five-terrorists-in-jammu-kashmir-two-soldiers-injured-785145"><strong>Security forces gun down five terrorists in India's Jammu-Kashmir, two soldiers injured</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/07/18/444325-jammuterror-1.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>In a major successful operation by Indian security forces, five terrorists were killed Thursday morning (Dec 19) in an encounter in the Kadder area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Security forces earlier said that a group of terrorists was trapped after suspicious activity was observed in the area.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine's Zelensky Held Talks With NATO Chief</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-ukraines-zelensky-held-talks-with-nato-chief-785141/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>


The passengers on the ill-fated private boat that capsized Wednesday (Dec 18) off the Mumbai coast were not provided life jackets, which led to the tragic death of at least 13 people.

The passengers on the ill-fated private boat that capsized Wednesday (Dec 18) off the Mumbai coast were not provided life jackets, which led to the tragic death of at least 13 people. Meanwhile, the AQI in Delhi reached a dangerous peak of 423 with the IMD issuing an orange alert warning that dense fog is expected in the city in the next two days. In other news, five terrorists were killed in a major operation by Indian security forces in the Kadder area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Click on the headlines to read more Mumbai boat tragedy: No life jackets given to passengers; navy driver was ‘performing stunts’ Passengers on the ill-fated private boat that capsized Wednesday (Dec 18) off the Mumbai coast were not given life jackets, leading to the tragic demise of at least 13 people. The boat, en route to Elephanta Island, reportedly collided with an Indian Navy speedboat near the Gateway of India. Delhi chokes as AQI soars to 423, IMD issues orange alert amid dense fog conditions The Indian national capital woke up to chilly waves with 7 degrees Celsius battling with poor air quality as the AQI soared to 423 on Thursday (19 Dec). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared an orange alert for Delhi and warned that there will be dense fog in the city for the next two days due to western disturbances. Iran’s Khamenei dubs women as ‘delicate flowers’ as calls grow to amend hijab bill Amid ongoing debate in Iran over strict hijab laws, the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Wednesday (Dec 18) dubbed women as ‘delicate flowers’. In a cryptic post on social media platform X, Khamenei, who is accused of curbing women's rights in the Shi’ite country, said women ‘need to be cared for’. Security forces gun down five terrorists in India's Jammu-Kashmir, two soldiers injured In a major successful operation by Indian security forces, five terrorists were killed Thursday morning (Dec 19) in an encounter in the Kadder area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Security forces earlier said that a group of terrorists was trapped after suspicious activity was observed in the area. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine's Zelensky Held Talks With NATO Chief

Morning news brief: Mumbai boat tragedy update; Delhi AQI soars to 423, and more

<p><span class="region">New Delhi, India </span>
<p>The passengers on the ill-fated private boat that capsized Wednesday (Dec 18) off the Mumbai coast were not provided life jackets, which led to the tragic death of at least 13 people. Meanwhile, the AQI in Delhi reached a dangerous peak of 423 with the IMD issuing an orange alert warning that dense fog is expected in the city in the next two days. In other news, five terrorists were killed in a major operation by Indian security forces in the Kadder area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. </p></p>
<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-boat-tragedy-no-life-jackets-given-to-passengers-navy-driver-was-performing-stunts-785131"><strong>Mumbai boat tragedy: No life jackets given to passengers; navy driver was ‘performing stunts’</strong></a></p>
<p><img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/19/471973-wion-web-team-bugs-and-banners-2024-12-19t083058653.jpg"/></p>
<p>Passengers on the ill-fated private boat that capsized Wednesday (Dec 18) off the Mumbai coast were not given life jackets, leading to the tragic demise of at least 13 people. The boat, en route to Elephanta Island, reportedly collided with an Indian Navy speedboat near the Gateway of India.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chokes-as-aqi-soars-to-423-imd-issues-orange-alert-amid-dense-fog-conditions-785156"><strong>Delhi chokes as AQI soars to 423, IMD issues orange alert amid dense fog conditions</strong></a></p>
<p><img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/19/471986-untitled-design-26.jpg"/></p>
<p>The Indian national capital woke up to chilly waves with 7 degrees Celsius battling with poor air quality as the AQI soared to 423 on Thursday (19 Dec). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared an orange alert for Delhi and warned that there will be dense fog in the city for the next two days due to western disturbances.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-dubs-women-as-delicate-flowers-as-calls-grow-to-amend-hijab-bill-785142"><strong>Iran’s Khamenei dubs women as ‘delicate flowers’ as calls grow to amend hijab bill</strong></a></p>
<p><img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/19/471980-wion-web-team-bugs-and-banners-2024-12-19t090434525.jpg"/></p>
<p>Amid ongoing debate in Iran over strict hijab laws, the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Wednesday (Dec 18) dubbed women as ‘delicate flowers’. In a cryptic post on social media platform X, Khamenei, who is accused of curbing women's rights in the Shi’ite country, said women ‘need to be cared for’.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-forces-gun-down-five-terrorists-in-jammu-kashmir-two-soldiers-injured-785145"><strong>Security forces gun down five terrorists in India's Jammu-Kashmir, two soldiers injured</strong></a></p>
<p><img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/07/18/444325-jammuterror-1.png"/></p>
<p>In a major successful operation by Indian security forces, five terrorists were killed Thursday morning (Dec 19) in an encounter in the Kadder area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Security forces earlier said that a group of terrorists was trapped after suspicious activity was observed in the area.</p>
<p><strong>Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine's Zelensky Held Talks With NATO Chief</strong></p>
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Good morning! Start your day with WION's daily news brief. 



New Delhi, India The passengers on the ill-fated private boat that capsized Wednesday (Dec 18) off the Mumbai coast were not provided life jackets, which led to the tragic death of at least 13 people. Meanwhile, the AQI in Delhi reached a dangerous peak of 423 with the IMD issuing an orange alert warning that dense fog is expected in the city in the next two days. In other news, five terrorists were killed in a major operation by Indian security forces in the Kadder area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Click on the headlines to read more Mumbai boat tragedy: No life jackets given to passengers; navy driver was ‘performing stunts’ Passengers on the ill-fated private boat that capsized Wednesday (Dec 18) off the Mumbai coast were not given life jackets, leading to the tragic demise of at least 13 people. The boat, en route to Elephanta Island, reportedly collided with an Indian Navy speedboat near the Gateway of India. Delhi chokes as AQI soars to 423, IMD issues orange alert amid dense fog conditions The Indian national capital woke up to chilly waves with 7 degrees Celsius battling with poor air quality as the AQI soared to 423 on Thursday (19 Dec). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared an orange alert for Delhi and warned that there will be dense fog in the city for the next two days due to western disturbances. Iran’s Khamenei dubs women as ‘delicate flowers’ as calls grow to amend hijab bill Amid ongoing debate in Iran over strict hijab laws, the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Wednesday (Dec 18) dubbed women as ‘delicate flowers’. In a cryptic post on social media platform X, Khamenei, who is accused of curbing women's rights in the Shi’ite country, said women ‘need to be cared for’. Security forces gun down five terrorists in India's Jammu-Kashmir, two soldiers injured In a major successful operation by Indian security forces, five terrorists were killed Thursday morning (Dec 19) in an encounter in the Kadder area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Security forces earlier said that a group of terrorists was trapped after suspicious activity was observed in the area. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine's Zelensky Held Talks With NATO Chief

<p>The outgoing US administration Wednesday (Dec 19) slapped sanctions on four Pakistani entities, including one state-owned, in an action ‘targeting proliferators of weapons of mass destruction.’ Mathew Miller, the State Department spokesperson, said the four agencies were involved in Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme.</p>

<h2><strong>Details of sanctioned entities</strong></h2>

<p>The entities that were targeted by Washington DC Wednesday included Islambad-based National Development Complex (NDC). The agency is believed to have played a central role in developing Pakistan’s ballistic missile capabilities.</p>

<p>NDC is also responsible for developing Shaheen-series ballistic missiles and also for procuring special vehicle chassis and missile testing equipment to support these efforts.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjo2d2forOKAxXfc_UHHaFMKgoQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-agencies-make-dossier-on-pakistans-terror-support-776608" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-agencies-make-dossier-on-pakistans-terror-support-776608&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjo2d2forOKAxXfc_UHHaFMKgoQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Indian agencies make dossier on Pakistan`s terror support</a></strong></p>

<p>Apart from the NDC, US sanctions targeted Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, a company that allegedly supplied a range of equipment to NDC for its missile development activities. Rockside Enterprise, a third firm, was also targeted by the US to prevent “the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and prevent further destabilising developments in the region.”</p>

<h2><strong>Islamabad reacts</strong></h2>

<p>Reacting to the move by US, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said it was an “unfortunate and biased” action. The statement added that the US move could undermine regional stability by “exacerbating military asymmetries.”</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme</strong></h2>

<p>Reuters cited the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists as saying that Pakistan’s Shaheen-series missiles can be used to launch nuclear weapons. The South Asian country first test-exploded a nuclear bomb in 1998 and entered the elite club of nuclear-armed nations. It currently holds at least 170 nuclear warheads.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan: Not Planning To Block Any Virtual Private Network In Future</strong></p>

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<p>It must be noted that the Shaheen programme was launched by Pakistan in response to India’s Agni series missiles. Shaheen-III missile, with a range of 2,750 kilometres, has the ability to reach farthest places in India’s northeast as well as Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. It has been reported in media that the missile can strike even Israel, in just 12 minutes.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


The outgoing US administration Wednesday (Dec 19) slapped sanctions on four Pakistani entities, including one state-owned, in an action ‘targeting proliferators of weapons of mass destruction.

The outgoing US administration Wednesday (Dec 19) slapped sanctions on four Pakistani entities, including one state-owned, in an action ‘targeting proliferators of weapons of mass destruction.’ Mathew Miller, the State Department spokesperson, said the four agencies were involved in Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme. Details of sanctioned entities The entities that were targeted by Washington DC Wednesday included Islambad-based National Development Complex (NDC). The agency is believed to have played a central role in developing Pakistan’s ballistic missile capabilities. NDC is also responsible for developing Shaheen-series ballistic missiles and also for procuring special vehicle chassis and missile testing equipment to support these efforts. Also read: Indian agencies make dossier on Pakistan`s terror support Apart from the NDC, US sanctions targeted Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, a company that allegedly supplied a range of equipment to NDC for its missile development activities. Rockside Enterprise, a third firm, was also targeted by the US to prevent “the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and prevent further destabilising developments in the region.” Islamabad reacts Reacting to the move by US, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said it was an “unfortunate and biased” action. The statement added that the US move could undermine regional stability by “exacerbating military asymmetries.” Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme Reuters cited the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists as saying that Pakistan’s Shaheen-series missiles can be used to launch nuclear weapons. The South Asian country first test-exploded a nuclear bomb in 1998 and entered the elite club of nuclear-armed nations. It currently holds at least 170 nuclear warheads. Watch: Pakistan: Not Planning To Block Any Virtual Private Network In Future × It must be noted that the Shaheen programme was launched by Pakistan in response to India’s Agni series missiles. Shaheen-III missile, with a range of 2,750 kilometres, has the ability to reach farthest places in India’s northeast as well as Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. It has been reported in media that the missile can strike even Israel, in just 12 minutes. (With inputs from agencies)

US targets Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, slaps sanctions on four entities

<p><span class="region">Islamabad</span>
<p>The outgoing US administration Wednesday (Dec 19) slapped sanctions on four Pakistani entities, including one state-owned, in an action ‘targeting proliferators of weapons of mass destruction.’ Mathew Miller, the State Department spokesperson, said the four agencies were involved in Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme.</p></p>
<h2><strong>Details of sanctioned entities</strong></h2>
<p>The entities that were targeted by Washington DC Wednesday included Islambad-based National Development Complex (NDC). The agency is believed to have played a central role in developing Pakistan’s ballistic missile capabilities.</p>
<p>NDC is also responsible for developing Shaheen-series ballistic missiles and also for procuring special vehicle chassis and missile testing equipment to support these efforts.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a data-ved="2ahUKEwjo2d2forOKAxXfc_UHHaFMKgoQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-agencies-make-dossier-on-pakistans-terror-support-776608" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-agencies-make-dossier-on-pakistans-terror-support-776608&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjo2d2forOKAxXfc_UHHaFMKgoQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Indian agencies make dossier on Pakistan`s terror support</a></strong></p>
<p>Apart from the NDC, US sanctions targeted Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, a company that allegedly supplied a range of equipment to NDC for its missile development activities. Rockside Enterprise, a third firm, was also targeted by the US to prevent “the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and prevent further destabilising developments in the region.”</p>
<h2><strong>Islamabad reacts</strong></h2>
<p>Reacting to the move by US, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said it was an “unfortunate and biased” action. The statement added that the US move could undermine regional stability by “exacerbating military asymmetries.”</p>
<h2><strong>Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme</strong></h2>
<p>Reuters cited the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists as saying that Pakistan’s Shaheen-series missiles can be used to launch nuclear weapons. The South Asian country first test-exploded a nuclear bomb in 1998 and entered the elite club of nuclear-armed nations. It currently holds at least 170 nuclear warheads.</p>
<p><strong>Watch: Pakistan: Not Planning To Block Any Virtual Private Network In Future</strong></p>
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<p>It must be noted that the Shaheen programme was launched by Pakistan in response to India’s Agni series missiles. Shaheen-III missile, with a range of 2,750 kilometres, has the ability to reach farthest places in India’s northeast as well as Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. It has been reported in media that the missile can strike even Israel, in just 12 minutes.</p>
<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


Shaheen-III missile, with a range of 2,750 kilometres, has the ability to reach farthest places in India’s northeast as well as Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean.



Islamabad The outgoing US administration Wednesday (Dec 19) slapped sanctions on four Pakistani entities, including one state-owned, in an action ‘targeting proliferators of weapons of mass destruction.’ Mathew Miller, the State Department spokesperson, said the four agencies were involved in Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme. Details of sanctioned entities The entities that were targeted by Washington DC Wednesday included Islambad-based National Development Complex (NDC). The agency is believed to have played a central role in developing Pakistan’s ballistic missile capabilities. NDC is also responsible for developing Shaheen-series ballistic missiles and also for procuring special vehicle chassis and missile testing equipment to support these efforts. Also read: Indian agencies make dossier on Pakistan`s terror support Apart from the NDC, US sanctions targeted Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, a company that allegedly supplied a range of equipment to NDC for its missile development activities. Rockside Enterprise, a third firm, was also targeted by the US to prevent “the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and prevent further destabilising developments in the region.” Islamabad reacts Reacting to the move by US, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said it was an “unfortunate and biased” action. The statement added that the US move could undermine regional stability by “exacerbating military asymmetries.” Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme Reuters cited the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists as saying that Pakistan’s Shaheen-series missiles can be used to launch nuclear weapons. The South Asian country first test-exploded a nuclear bomb in 1998 and entered the elite club of nuclear-armed nations. It currently holds at least 170 nuclear warheads. Watch: Pakistan: Not Planning To Block Any Virtual Private Network In Future × It must be noted that the Shaheen programme was launched by Pakistan in response to India’s Agni series missiles. Shaheen-III missile, with a range of 2,750 kilometres, has the ability to reach farthest places in India’s northeast as well as Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. It has been reported in media that the missile can strike even Israel, in just 12 minutes. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 14 people have been killed and hundreds more injured after a major earthquake struck Vanuatu on Tuesday. Watch this report for more details!

Vanuatu Earthquake Death Toll Reaches At Least 14

<p>Israel&nbsp;said Thursday it struck ports and energy infrastructure used by Houthi rebels in Yemen after intercepting a missile fired from the country, warning Huthi leaders it "will reach you too."</p>

<p>Houthi media said the strikes hit power stations, oil facilities and a port in Hodaidah, killing nine people and injuring others. The strikes came after the interception of a missile fired by Huthi rebels towards&nbsp;Israel. The group has regularly targeted&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;over its military operation in Gaza.</p>

<p>Israel's military said it "conducted precise strikes on Huthi military targets in Yemen -- including ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, which the Huthis have been using in ways that effectively contributed to their military actions."</p>

<p>"I warn the leaders of the Huthi terrorist organisation:&nbsp;Israel's long arm will reach you too," Israeli Defence Minister&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;Katz said. Al-Masira, a media channel belonging to the Huthis, said a series of "aggressive raids" were launched in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It reported raids that "targeted two central power plants" in and around Yemen's capital Sanaa, while in Hodeidah it said "the enemy launched four aggressive raids targeting the port... and two raids targeting" an oil facility.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-welcomes-ceasefire-agreement-between-israel-and-hezbollah-says-always-called-for-de-escalation-779632">India welcomes ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, says 'always called for de-escalation'</a></p>

<p>It said strikes on the Al-Saleef port had killed seven people, while two more were killed and other injured in the strike on the oil facility. The strikes came after&nbsp;Israel's military intercepted a missile from Yemen for the second time this week.</p>

<p>On Monday, the Houthis claimed a missile launch they said was aimed at "a military target of the Israeli enemy in the occupied area of Yaffa" -- a reference to&nbsp;Israel's Tel Aviv area.&nbsp; Also Monday, an Israeli navy missile boat intercepted a drone in the Mediterranean after it was launched from Yemen, the military said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Huthi rebels have said they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians and pledged Monday to continue operations "until the aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Houthis Claim Hypersonic Missile Strike</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/houthis-claim-hypersonic-missile-strike-778945/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>On December 9, a drone claimed by Huthis exploded on the top floor of a residential building in the central&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;city of Yavne, causing no casualties. In July, a Huthi drone attack in Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.</p>

<p>The Huthis have also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes on Huthi targets by United States and sometimes British forces.</p>

<p>Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said the group had become a "global threat," pointing to Iran's support for the rebels. "We will continue to act against anyone, anyone in the Middle East, that threatens the state of&nbsp;Israel," he said.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>


Israel said Thursday it struck ports and energy infrastructure used by Houthi rebels in Yemen after intercepting a missile fired from the country, warning Huthi leaders it "will reach you too.

Israel said Thursday it struck ports and energy infrastructure used by Houthi rebels in Yemen after intercepting a missile fired from the country, warning Huthi leaders it "will reach you too." Houthi media said the strikes hit power stations, oil facilities and a port in Hodaidah, killing nine people and injuring others. The strikes came after the interception of a missile fired by Huthi rebels towards Israel. The group has regularly targeted Israel over its military operation in Gaza. Israel's military said it "conducted precise strikes on Huthi military targets in Yemen -- including ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, which the Huthis have been using in ways that effectively contributed to their military actions." "I warn the leaders of the Huthi terrorist organisation: Israel's long arm will reach you too," Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said. Al-Masira, a media channel belonging to the Huthis, said a series of "aggressive raids" were launched in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah. It reported raids that "targeted two central power plants" in and around Yemen's capital Sanaa, while in Hodeidah it said "the enemy launched four aggressive raids targeting the port... and two raids targeting" an oil facility. Also Read: India welcomes ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, says 'always called for de-escalation' It said strikes on the Al-Saleef port had killed seven people, while two more were killed and other injured in the strike on the oil facility. The strikes came after Israel's military intercepted a missile from Yemen for the second time this week. On Monday, the Houthis claimed a missile launch they said was aimed at "a military target of the Israeli enemy in the occupied area of Yaffa" -- a reference to Israel's Tel Aviv area. Also Monday, an Israeli navy missile boat intercepted a drone in the Mediterranean after it was launched from Yemen, the military said. The Huthi rebels have said they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians and pledged Monday to continue operations "until the aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted". Watch: Houthis Claim Hypersonic Missile Strike On December 9, a drone claimed by Huthis exploded on the top floor of a residential building in the central Israel city of Yavne, causing no casualties. In July, a Huthi drone attack in Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah. The Huthis have also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes on Huthi targets by United States and sometimes British forces. Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said the group had become a "global threat," pointing to Iran's support for the rebels. "We will continue to act against anyone, anyone in the Middle East, that threatens the state of Israel," he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel strikes Yemen port and energy sites after interception of missile

<p><span class="region">Jerusalem, Undefined</span>
<p>Israel said Thursday it struck ports and energy infrastructure used by Houthi rebels in Yemen after intercepting a missile fired from the country, warning Huthi leaders it "will reach you too."</p></p>
<p>Houthi media said the strikes hit power stations, oil facilities and a port in Hodaidah, killing nine people and injuring others. The strikes came after the interception of a missile fired by Huthi rebels towards Israel. The group has regularly targeted Israel over its military operation in Gaza.</p>
<p>Israel's military said it "conducted precise strikes on Huthi military targets in Yemen -- including ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, which the Huthis have been using in ways that effectively contributed to their military actions."</p>
<p>"I warn the leaders of the Huthi terrorist organisation: Israel's long arm will reach you too," Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said. Al-Masira, a media channel belonging to the Huthis, said a series of "aggressive raids" were launched in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah. </p>
<p>It reported raids that "targeted two central power plants" in and around Yemen's capital Sanaa, while in Hodeidah it said "the enemy launched four aggressive raids targeting the port... and two raids targeting" an oil facility.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-welcomes-ceasefire-agreement-between-israel-and-hezbollah-says-always-called-for-de-escalation-779632">India welcomes ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, says 'always called for de-escalation'</a></p>
<p>It said strikes on the Al-Saleef port had killed seven people, while two more were killed and other injured in the strike on the oil facility. The strikes came after Israel's military intercepted a missile from Yemen for the second time this week.</p>
<p>On Monday, the Houthis claimed a missile launch they said was aimed at "a military target of the Israeli enemy in the occupied area of Yaffa" -- a reference to Israel's Tel Aviv area.  Also Monday, an Israeli navy missile boat intercepted a drone in the Mediterranean after it was launched from Yemen, the military said. </p>
<p>The Huthi rebels have said they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians and pledged Monday to continue operations "until the aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted". </p>
<p><strong>Watch: Houthis Claim Hypersonic Missile Strike</strong></p>
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/11/24/WEBCHUNK_2411_2230_YAMAN-1732471507-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/WEBCHUNK_2411_2230_YAMAN.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=162&tags=israel,Hamas,war" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
<p>On December 9, a drone claimed by Huthis exploded on the top floor of a residential building in the central Israel city of Yavne, causing no casualties. In July, a Huthi drone attack in Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.</p>
<p>The Huthis have also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes on Huthi targets by United States and sometimes British forces.</p>
<p>Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said the group had become a "global threat," pointing to Iran's support for the rebels. "We will continue to act against anyone, anyone in the Middle East, that threatens the state of Israel," he said.</p>
<p><em>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.</em></p>


Houthi media said the strikes hit power stations, oil facilities and a port in Hodaidah, killing nine people and injuring others. The strikes came after the interception of a missile fired by Huthi rebels towards Israel. The group has regularly targeted Israel over its military operation in Gaza



Jerusalem, Undefined Israel said Thursday it struck ports and energy infrastructure used by Houthi rebels in Yemen after intercepting a missile fired from the country, warning Huthi leaders it "will reach you too." Houthi media said the strikes hit power stations, oil facilities and a port in Hodaidah, killing nine people and injuring others. The strikes came after the interception of a missile fired by Huthi rebels towards Israel. The group has regularly targeted Israel over its military operation in Gaza. Israel's military said it "conducted precise strikes on Huthi military targets in Yemen -- including ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, which the Huthis have been using in ways that effectively contributed to their military actions." "I warn the leaders of the Huthi terrorist organisation: Israel's long arm will reach you too," Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said. Al-Masira, a media channel belonging to the Huthis, said a series of "aggressive raids" were launched in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah. It reported raids that "targeted two central power plants" in and around Yemen's capital Sanaa, while in Hodeidah it said "the enemy launched four aggressive raids targeting the port... and two raids targeting" an oil facility. Also Read: India welcomes ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, says 'always called for de-escalation' It said strikes on the Al-Saleef port had killed seven people, while two more were killed and other injured in the strike on the oil facility. The strikes came after Israel's military intercepted a missile from Yemen for the second time this week. On Monday, the Houthis claimed a missile launch they said was aimed at "a military target of the Israeli enemy in the occupied area of Yaffa" -- a reference to Israel's Tel Aviv area. Also Monday, an Israeli navy missile boat intercepted a drone in the Mediterranean after it was launched from Yemen, the military said. The Huthi rebels have said they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians and pledged Monday to continue operations "until the aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted". Watch: Houthis Claim Hypersonic Missile Strike On December 9, a drone claimed by Huthis exploded on the top floor of a residential building in the central Israel city of Yavne, causing no casualties. In July, a Huthi drone attack in Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah. The Huthis have also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes on Huthi targets by United States and sometimes British forces. Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said the group had become a "global threat," pointing to Iran's support for the rebels. "We will continue to act against anyone, anyone in the Middle East, that threatens the state of Israel," he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidLfrQwIs9scGk" /></p>

<p>A court in the United Kingdom (UK) ruled on Wednesday (Dec 18) that police could seize more than $2.5 million (over 2 million pounds)&nbsp;to cover years of unpaid taxes from professional kickboxer turned influencers Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by the news agency Associated Press said that the Devon and Cornwall Police force went to Westminster's Magistrates' Court to claim the money, held in frozen bank accounts, from the Tate brothers and a woman only identified as J.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the court, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ruled that financial transactions by Andrew and Tristan&nbsp;were a "straightforward cheat" of the tax authorities.</p>

<p>One of these financial transactions included a transfer of almost $12 million into an account in the name of J.</p>

<h2><strong>'Tate brothers are serial tax evaders'</strong></h2>

<p>In the court, a lawyer for the Devon and Cornwall Police force said that the Tate brothers were serial tax evaders who failed to pay any tax on $26.68 million in revenue from their online businesses which include the popular Hustlers' University, War Room, and OnlyFans, between 2014 and 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/romanian-court-eases-travel-restrictions-on-andrew-tate-738452">Romanian court eases travel restrictions on Andrew Tate</a></strong></p>

<p>The Associated Press report said that during a court hearing in July, lawyer Sarah Clarke quoted from a video posted online by Andrew where he said, "When I lived in England I refused to pay tax."</p>

<p>Clarke said that J was not involved with the business of the Tate brothers.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'They did nothing illegal'</strong></h2>

<p>On Wednesday, a lawyer for the Tate brothers said that the bank transfers were "entirely orthodox" for people who run online businesses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lawyer said his clients&nbsp;spent money on a number of “exotic motor cars,” but did nothing illegal. The proceedings in this case are civil.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | Andrew Tate's cars seized</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/romanian-authorities-took-away-luxury-cars-from-andrew-tates-residence-753025/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Chief Magistrate Goldspring said in his ruling that the Tate brothers had been liable&nbsp;to register with the tax authorities and declare and pay tax on revenue in Britain and/or Romania, where they have lived since 2017.</p>

<p>Goldspring found that Andrew and Tristan's "entire financial arrangements are consistent with concerted tax evasion and money laundering."</p>

<h2><strong>Andrew responds to court ruling</strong></h2>

<p>Andrew Tate has reacted to the court ruling. In a post on X, Tate said, "First they said I was a human trafficker, but couldn't find a single girl to testify. So instead they stole all the money they could find from banks."</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When they fail to control your influence, they audit your influence.<br />
<br />
When they fail to match your power, they nitpick your paperwork.<br />
<br />
They want the world to believe that a man of mastery can be reduced to a headline in a lying newspaper.<br />
<br />
The Matrix does not tolerate defiance,… <a href="https://t.co/b4XQnpq2AL">https://t.co/b4XQnpq2AL</a></p>
— Andrew Tate (@Cobratate) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cobratate/status/1869349683253891312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>"If you speak against power they will do anything to destroy you," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A court in the United Kingdom (UK) ruled on Wednesday (Dec 18) that police could seize more than $2.5 million (over 2 million pounds) to cover years of unpaid taxes from professional kickboxer turned influencers Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate.

A court in the United Kingdom (UK) ruled on Wednesday (Dec 18) that police could seize more than $2.5 million (over 2 million pounds) to cover years of unpaid taxes from professional kickboxer turned influencers Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate. A report by the news agency Associated Press said that the Devon and Cornwall Police force went to Westminster's Magistrates' Court to claim the money, held in frozen bank accounts, from the Tate brothers and a woman only identified as J. At the court, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ruled that financial transactions by Andrew and Tristan were a "straightforward cheat" of the tax authorities. One of these financial transactions included a transfer of almost $12 million into an account in the name of J. 'Tate brothers are serial tax evaders' In the court, a lawyer for the Devon and Cornwall Police force said that the Tate brothers were serial tax evaders who failed to pay any tax on $26.68 million in revenue from their online businesses which include the popular Hustlers' University, War Room, and OnlyFans, between 2014 and 2022. Also read | Romanian court eases travel restrictions on Andrew Tate The Associated Press report said that during a court hearing in July, lawyer Sarah Clarke quoted from a video posted online by Andrew where he said, "When I lived in England I refused to pay tax." Clarke said that J was not involved with the business of the Tate brothers. 'They did nothing illegal' On Wednesday, a lawyer for the Tate brothers said that the bank transfers were "entirely orthodox" for people who run online businesses. The lawyer said his clients spent money on a number of “exotic motor cars,” but did nothing illegal. The proceedings in this case are civil. Also watch | Andrew Tate's cars seized Chief Magistrate Goldspring said in his ruling that the Tate brothers had been liable to register with the tax authorities and declare and pay tax on revenue in Britain and/or Romania, where they have lived since 2017. Goldspring found that Andrew and Tristan's "entire financial arrangements are consistent with concerted tax evasion and money laundering." Andrew responds to court ruling Andrew Tate has reacted to the court ruling. In a post on X, Tate said, "First they said I was a human trafficker, but couldn't find a single girl to testify. So instead they stole all the money they could find from banks." When they fail to control your influence, they audit your influence. When they fail to match your power, they nitpick your paperwork. They want the world to believe that a man of mastery can be reduced to a headline in a lying newspaper. The Matrix does not tolerate defiance,… https://t.co/b4XQnpq2AL — Andrew Tate (@Cobratate) December 18, 2024 × "If you speak against power they will do anything to destroy you," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

UK court rules cops can seize over $2.5 million from Andrew Tate and brother Tristan to cover unpaid taxes

After Russia's chief of nuclear, biological, and chemical protection troops, Lieutenant General Igor Kirilov, was killed in an electric scooter blast in Moscow, investigators have said that Russia has detained suspects related to the killing. A source in Ukraine's security service claimed that the killing of the top commander, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, and former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, has stated that Ukraine must face imminent revenge for the killing. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Tensions Escalate; Russia Vows Revenge After Ukraine Kills Top General In Moscow

<p>Amid ongoing debate in Iran over strict hijab laws, the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Wednesday (Dec 18) dubbed women as ‘delicate flowers’. In a cryptic post on social media platform X, Khamenei, who is accused of curbing women's rights in the Shi’ite country, said women ‘need to be cared for’.</p>

<p>"A woman is a delicate flower and not a housemaid. A woman should be treated like a flower in the home. A flower needs to be cared for. Its freshness and sweet scent should be benefitted from and used to perfume the air," the post read.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Iran Pauses Crackdown On Strict Hijab Laws Amid Ongoing Protests</strong></p>

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<p>The post came amidst ongoing protests in Iran by women over stringent hijab laws, triggered after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in 2022. The Iranian regime has attracted condemnations by human rights organisations and countries, like the US, who have called on Tehran to rein in its suppressive actions against ‘delicate flowers’.</p>

<h2><strong>Debate over hijab law</strong></h2>

<p>Iranian women are up in arms over a hijab law approved by the parliament in September 2023. The law aims to tighten restrictions on women's public attire and threaten action against businesses that fail to enforce the dress code. The bill was later okayed by the Guardian Council, a body empowered to vet legislation, but it has yet to be sent to the government for final approval.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjpn4PI87KKAxWCn68BHTvfMdgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-delays-hijab-law-president-calls-it-ambiguous-and-in-need-of-reform-784612" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-delays-hijab-law-president-calls-it-ambiguous-and-in-need-of-reform-784612&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjpn4PI87KKAxWCn68BHTvfMdgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Iran delays hijab law, president calls it `ambiguous and in need of reform`</a></strong></p>

<p>Now, some lawmakers in Iran are urging the government to tone down the bill to give relief to protesting women. Shahram Dabiri, Iran's vice president for parliamentary affairs, earlier appealed to hold the bill and make necessary changes.</p>

<p>Since Amini died in 2022, Iran has doubled down on efforts to suppress the growing dissent of women. Khamenei also issued a directive to Iran’s so-called morality police to launch a campaign called 'Noor' or light, aimed at enforcing the compulsory hijab with fresh vigour.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amid ongoing debate in Iran over strict hijab laws, the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Wednesday (Dec 18) dubbed women as ‘delicate flowers’. In a cryptic post on social media platform X, Khamenei, who is accused of curbing women's rights in the Shi’ite country, said women ‘need to be cared for’.

Amid ongoing debate in Iran over strict hijab laws, the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Wednesday (Dec 18) dubbed women as ‘delicate flowers’. In a cryptic post on social media platform X, Khamenei, who is accused of curbing women's rights in the Shi’ite country, said women ‘need to be cared for’. "A woman is a delicate flower and not a housemaid. A woman should be treated like a flower in the home. A flower needs to be cared for. Its freshness and sweet scent should be benefitted from and used to perfume the air," the post read. Watch: Iran Pauses Crackdown On Strict Hijab Laws Amid Ongoing Protests × The post came amidst ongoing protests in Iran by women over stringent hijab laws, triggered after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in 2022. The Iranian regime has attracted condemnations by human rights organisations and countries, like the US, who have called on Tehran to rein in its suppressive actions against ‘delicate flowers’. Debate over hijab law Iranian women are up in arms over a hijab law approved by the parliament in September 2023. The law aims to tighten restrictions on women's public attire and threaten action against businesses that fail to enforce the dress code. The bill was later okayed by the Guardian Council, a body empowered to vet legislation, but it has yet to be sent to the government for final approval. Also read: Iran delays hijab law, president calls it `ambiguous and in need of reform` Now, some lawmakers in Iran are urging the government to tone down the bill to give relief to protesting women. Shahram Dabiri, Iran's vice president for parliamentary affairs, earlier appealed to hold the bill and make necessary changes. Since Amini died in 2022, Iran has doubled down on efforts to suppress the growing dissent of women. Khamenei also issued a directive to Iran’s so-called morality police to launch a campaign called 'Noor' or light, aimed at enforcing the compulsory hijab with fresh vigour. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran’s Khamenei dubs women as ‘delicate flowers’ amid growing calls to amend hijab bill

<p><span class="region">Tehran, Iran</span>
<p>Amid ongoing debate in Iran over strict hijab laws, the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Wednesday (Dec 18) dubbed women as ‘delicate flowers’. In a cryptic post on social media platform X, Khamenei, who is accused of curbing women's rights in the Shi’ite country, said women ‘need to be cared for’.</p></p>
<p>"A woman is a delicate flower and not a housemaid. A woman should be treated like a flower in the home. A flower needs to be cared for. Its freshness and sweet scent should be benefitted from and used to perfume the air," the post read.</p>
<p><strong>Watch: Iran Pauses Crackdown On Strict Hijab Laws Amid Ongoing Protests</strong></p>
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<p>The post came amidst ongoing protests in Iran by women over stringent hijab laws, triggered after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in 2022. The Iranian regime has attracted condemnations by human rights organisations and countries, like the US, who have called on Tehran to rein in its suppressive actions against ‘delicate flowers’.</p>
<h2><strong>Debate over hijab law</strong></h2>
<p>Iranian women are up in arms over a hijab law approved by the parliament in September 2023. The law aims to tighten restrictions on women's public attire and threaten action against businesses that fail to enforce the dress code. The bill was later okayed by the Guardian Council, a body empowered to vet legislation, but it has yet to be sent to the government for final approval.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a data-ved="2ahUKEwjpn4PI87KKAxWCn68BHTvfMdgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-delays-hijab-law-president-calls-it-ambiguous-and-in-need-of-reform-784612" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-delays-hijab-law-president-calls-it-ambiguous-and-in-need-of-reform-784612&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjpn4PI87KKAxWCn68BHTvfMdgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Iran delays hijab law, president calls it `ambiguous and in need of reform`</a></strong></p>
<p>Now, some lawmakers in Iran are urging the government to tone down the bill to give relief to protesting women. Shahram Dabiri, Iran's vice president for parliamentary affairs, earlier appealed to hold the bill and make necessary changes.</p>
<p>Since Amini died in 2022, Iran has doubled down on efforts to suppress the growing dissent of women. Khamenei also issued a directive to Iran’s so-called morality police to launch a campaign called 'Noor' or light, aimed at enforcing the compulsory hijab with fresh vigour.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Iranian regime has attracted condemnations by human rights organisations and countries, like the US, who have called on Tehran to rein in its suppressive actions against ‘delicate flowers’.



Tehran, Iran Amid ongoing debate in Iran over strict hijab laws, the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Wednesday (Dec 18) dubbed women as ‘delicate flowers’. In a cryptic post on social media platform X, Khamenei, who is accused of curbing women's rights in the Shi’ite country, said women ‘need to be cared for’. "A woman is a delicate flower and not a housemaid. A woman should be treated like a flower in the home. A flower needs to be cared for. Its freshness and sweet scent should be benefitted from and used to perfume the air," the post read. Watch: Iran Pauses Crackdown On Strict Hijab Laws Amid Ongoing Protests × The post came amidst ongoing protests in Iran by women over stringent hijab laws, triggered after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in 2022. The Iranian regime has attracted condemnations by human rights organisations and countries, like the US, who have called on Tehran to rein in its suppressive actions against ‘delicate flowers’. Debate over hijab law Iranian women are up in arms over a hijab law approved by the parliament in September 2023. The law aims to tighten restrictions on women's public attire and threaten action against businesses that fail to enforce the dress code. The bill was later okayed by the Guardian Council, a body empowered to vet legislation, but it has yet to be sent to the government for final approval. Also read: Iran delays hijab law, president calls it `ambiguous and in need of reform` Now, some lawmakers in Iran are urging the government to tone down the bill to give relief to protesting women. Shahram Dabiri, Iran's vice president for parliamentary affairs, earlier appealed to hold the bill and make necessary changes. Since Amini died in 2022, Iran has doubled down on efforts to suppress the growing dissent of women. Khamenei also issued a directive to Iran’s so-called morality police to launch a campaign called 'Noor' or light, aimed at enforcing the compulsory hijab with fresh vigour. (With inputs from agencies)

<p>Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and&nbsp;Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives of India and China in Beijing.&nbsp;The talks were held for the first time in five years after tensions soared between the two nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both leaders met according to the decision taken during the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan for them to meet at an early date to oversee the management of peace and&nbsp; tranquillity in border areas and to explore a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question.</p>

<p>Doval and Wang Yi stressed the importance of maintaining a political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship and seeking a fair and mutually acceptable framework for the settlement of the boundary question.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-ready-to-work-with-india-says-chinese-envoy-as-nsa-doval-meets-wang-yi-in-beijing-784988"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;'China ready to work with India,' says Chinese envoy as NSA Doval meets Wang Yi in Beijing</strong></a></p>

<p>The representatives "positively affirmed the implementation of the latest disengagement agreement of October 2024, resulting in patrolling and grazing in relevant areas," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They further underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas to promote the overall development of the relationship between the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They emphasised the need to ensure peaceful conditions on the ground so that issues on the border do not hold back the normal development of bilateral relations," the statement read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, based on the events of 2020, both representatives also discussed various measures to maintain peace on the border and advance effective management.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India-China to Hold Special Representatives Dialogue</strong></p>

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<p>They decided to use, coordinate, and guide the relevant diplomatic and military mechanisms towards this purpose.</p>

<p>Further, both the representatives provided a green signal for cross-border cooperation and exchanges, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers, and border trade.</p>

<p>The border standoff between India and China began in eastern Ladakh along the LAC in 2020 and was sparked by Chinese military actions. It led to prolonged tensions between the two nations, significantly straining their relations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives of India and China in Beijing.

Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives of India and China in Beijing. The talks were held for the first time in five years after tensions soared between the two nations. Both leaders met according to the decision taken during the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan for them to meet at an early date to oversee the management of peace and tranquillity in border areas and to explore a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question. Doval and Wang Yi stressed the importance of maintaining a political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship and seeking a fair and mutually acceptable framework for the settlement of the boundary question. Also read: 'China ready to work with India,' says Chinese envoy as NSA Doval meets Wang Yi in Beijing The representatives "positively affirmed the implementation of the latest disengagement agreement of October 2024, resulting in patrolling and grazing in relevant areas," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. They further underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas to promote the overall development of the relationship between the two countries. "They emphasised the need to ensure peaceful conditions on the ground so that issues on the border do not hold back the normal development of bilateral relations," the statement read. Moreover, based on the events of 2020, both representatives also discussed various measures to maintain peace on the border and advance effective management. Watch | India-China to Hold Special Representatives Dialogue × They decided to use, coordinate, and guide the relevant diplomatic and military mechanisms towards this purpose. Further, both the representatives provided a green signal for cross-border cooperation and exchanges, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers, and border trade. The border standoff between India and China began in eastern Ladakh along the LAC in 2020 and was sparked by Chinese military actions. It led to prolonged tensions between the two nations, significantly straining their relations. (With inputs from agencies)

India, China seek peace and tranquility on border, agree to resume Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

<p><span class="region">Beijing, China</span>
<p>Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives of India and China in Beijing. The talks were held for the first time in five years after tensions soared between the two nations. </p></p>
<p>Both leaders met according to the decision taken during the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan for them to meet at an early date to oversee the management of peace and  tranquillity in border areas and to explore a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question.</p>
<p>Doval and Wang Yi stressed the importance of maintaining a political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship and seeking a fair and mutually acceptable framework for the settlement of the boundary question. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-ready-to-work-with-india-says-chinese-envoy-as-nsa-doval-meets-wang-yi-in-beijing-784988"><strong>Also read: 'China ready to work with India,' says Chinese envoy as NSA Doval meets Wang Yi in Beijing</strong></a></p>
<p>The representatives "positively affirmed the implementation of the latest disengagement agreement of October 2024, resulting in patrolling and grazing in relevant areas," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. </p>
<p>They further underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas to promote the overall development of the relationship between the two countries. </p>
<p>"They emphasised the need to ensure peaceful conditions on the ground so that issues on the border do not hold back the normal development of bilateral relations," the statement read. </p>
<p>Moreover, based on the events of 2020, both representatives also discussed various measures to maintain peace on the border and advance effective management. </p>
<p><strong>Watch | India-China to Hold Special Representatives Dialogue</strong></p>
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<p>They decided to use, coordinate, and guide the relevant diplomatic and military mechanisms towards this purpose.</p>
<p>Further, both the representatives provided a green signal for cross-border cooperation and exchanges, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers, and border trade.</p>
<p>The border standoff between India and China began in eastern Ladakh along the LAC in 2020 and was sparked by Chinese military actions. It led to prolonged tensions between the two nations, significantly straining their relations.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Doval and Wang Yi stressed the importance of maintaining a political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship and seeking a fair and mutually acceptable framework for the settlement of the boundary question. 



Beijing, China Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives of India and China in Beijing. The talks were held for the first time in five years after tensions soared between the two nations. Both leaders met according to the decision taken during the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan for them to meet at an early date to oversee the management of peace and tranquillity in border areas and to explore a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question. Doval and Wang Yi stressed the importance of maintaining a political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship and seeking a fair and mutually acceptable framework for the settlement of the boundary question. Also read: 'China ready to work with India,' says Chinese envoy as NSA Doval meets Wang Yi in Beijing The representatives "positively affirmed the implementation of the latest disengagement agreement of October 2024, resulting in patrolling and grazing in relevant areas," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. They further underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas to promote the overall development of the relationship between the two countries. "They emphasised the need to ensure peaceful conditions on the ground so that issues on the border do not hold back the normal development of bilateral relations," the statement read. Moreover, based on the events of 2020, both representatives also discussed various measures to maintain peace on the border and advance effective management. Watch | India-China to Hold Special Representatives Dialogue × They decided to use, coordinate, and guide the relevant diplomatic and military mechanisms towards this purpose. Further, both the representatives provided a green signal for cross-border cooperation and exchanges, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, data sharing on trans-border rivers, and border trade. The border standoff between India and China began in eastern Ladakh along the LAC in 2020 and was sparked by Chinese military actions. It led to prolonged tensions between the two nations, significantly straining their relations. (With inputs from agencies)

India continues to experience a severe cold wave, with temperatures remaining low across several regions. An orange alert has been issued for dense fog, further impacting visibility and daily life.

India: Cold Wave Persists, Orange Alert Issued for Fog as Temperatures Remain Low

India continues to experience a severe cold wave, with temperatures remaining low across several regions. An orange alert has been issued for dense fog, further impacting visibility and daily life.



<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidOih4Mm538M3W" /></p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin held his annual press conference on Thursday (December 19), where he addressed both national and international media. For the second consecutive year, the event was combined with the "Direct Line" programme, allowing ordinary Russians to send in over 1.5 million questions.</p>

<p>During the conference, Putin agreed with India's perspective on BRICS, describing it as a "non-Western" group. He said that BRICS does not work against any country but instead focuses on the interests of its member nations.</p>

<p>Citing Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s statement that "BRICS isn’t anti-Western. It’s just not Western," Putin called the statement "the best" and added that the group has no negative agenda.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-elect-donald-trump-says-congress-should-get-rid-of-debt-ceiling-785376" target="_blank">US President-elect Donald Trump says Congress should get rid of debt ceiling</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin mentioned that he enjoys warm relations with the leader, reflecting the strong ties between Russia and India.</p>

<p>Jaishankar’s statement, which Putin referred to, was made during a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference on 17 February 2024. The panel included US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.</p>

<p>When asked about India’s ability to maintain relationships with diverse partners such as the US, Europe, and Russia, Jaishankar rejected the notion that BRICS, dominated by Beijing and Moscow, was “anti-Western”.</p>

<p>"I think it's important today to make a distinction between being 'non-West' and 'anti-West'," Jaishankar said. He added, "I’d not only characterise India as a country that is non-West but one which has extremely strong relations with Western countries, getting better by the day." He also added that this characterisation might not apply equally to other BRICS members.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Putin Dares West With Invincible Mach-10 Oreshnik Missile</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-putin-dares-west-with-invincible-mach-10-oreshnik-missile-785387/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Jaishankar also addressed how India balances its relationship with Washington while continuing trade with Moscow. He said that India’s foreign policy is not purely transactional, saying, "We get along with people, we believe in things, we share things...but there are times when you are located in different places, different levels of development, different experiences, all of that gets."</p>

<p>Jaishankar concluded by saying that good partners offer choices, and smart partners take advantage of those choices.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin held his annual press conference on Thursday (December 19), where he addressed both national and international media. For the second consecutive year, the event was combined with the "Direct Line" programme, allowing ordinary Russians to send in over 1.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held his annual press conference on Thursday (December 19), where he addressed both national and international media. For the second consecutive year, the event was combined with the "Direct Line" programme, allowing ordinary Russians to send in over 1.5 million questions. During the conference, Putin agreed with India's perspective on BRICS, describing it as a "non-Western" group. He said that BRICS does not work against any country but instead focuses on the interests of its member nations. Citing Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s statement that "BRICS isn’t anti-Western. It’s just not Western," Putin called the statement "the best" and added that the group has no negative agenda. Also read: US President-elect Donald Trump says Congress should get rid of debt ceiling Speaking about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin mentioned that he enjoys warm relations with the leader, reflecting the strong ties between Russia and India. Jaishankar’s statement, which Putin referred to, was made during a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference on 17 February 2024. The panel included US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. When asked about India’s ability to maintain relationships with diverse partners such as the US, Europe, and Russia, Jaishankar rejected the notion that BRICS, dominated by Beijing and Moscow, was “anti-Western”. "I think it's important today to make a distinction between being 'non-West' and 'anti-West'," Jaishankar said. He added, "I’d not only characterise India as a country that is non-West but one which has extremely strong relations with Western countries, getting better by the day." He also added that this characterisation might not apply equally to other BRICS members. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Putin Dares West With Invincible Mach-10 Oreshnik Missile Jaishankar also addressed how India balances its relationship with Washington while continuing trade with Moscow. He said that India’s foreign policy is not purely transactional, saying, "We get along with people, we believe in things, we share things...but there are times when you are located in different places, different levels of development, different experiences, all of that gets." Jaishankar concluded by saying that good partners offer choices, and smart partners take advantage of those choices. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin praises Jaishankar’s ‘BRICS isn’t anti-Western’ stance; calls Modi a ‘warm ally’

<p>North Korea on Thursday lashed out at "reckless provocation" by the United States and its allies for criticising Pyongyang's support for Russia's war in Ukraine, including the deployment of troops.</p>

<p>In a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency, a foreign ministry spokesman said the 10 nations and the European Union (EU) were "distorting and slandering" Pyongyang's "normal cooperative" ties with Moscow.</p>

<p>Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to reinforce Russia's war effort, including to the Kursk border region, where Ukrainian forces seized territory earlier this year.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/madness-must-be-stopped-zelensky-claims-russian-troops-burning-faces-of-north-korean-soldiers-killed-in-war-784772">'Madness must be stopped', Zelensky claims Russian troops burning faces of North Korean soldiers killed in war</a></strong></p>

<p>On Monday, those nations and the EU said North Korea's growing involvement in the war in Ukraine in support of Russia constituted a "dangerous expansion of the conflict, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific security".</p>

<p>The foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and the high representative of the European Union signed the statement, released by Washington.</p>

<p>"We urge the DPRK to cease immediately all assistance for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, including by withdrawing its troops", the statement said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-claims-killing-or-injuring-30-north-korean-soldiers-in-kursk-region-784464">Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv claims killing or injuring 30 North Korean soldiers in Kursk region</a></strong></p>

<p>But Pyongyang's foreign ministry fired back, with the spokesman offering its "serious concern and protest, denouncing and rejecting in the strongest terms the reckless provocation of the US and its vassal forces".</p>

<p>North Korea said the "madness" of the response by "hostile forces" indicated that the increased cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow was effectively "deterring the US and the West's ill-intended extension of influence".</p>

<p>It did not specifically mention its troop deployment alongside Russian forces, only saying the war in Ukraine "has been prolonged" by what it called the "adventuristic military policy and policy of exclusive alliance" of Washington and its allies.</p>

<p>North Korea "will firmly safeguard its legitimate right as a sovereign state, put no restrictions on exercising it and continue to make crucial efforts to preserve regional and global peace and security", the statement carried by KCNA said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Says North Korean Troops Are Fighting In Kursk</strong></p>

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<p>North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military ties since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. A landmark defence pact between Pyongyang and Moscow signed in June came into force earlier this month.</p>

<p>A senior US military official said Tuesday that North Korea had suffered "several hundred casualties in the Kursk region, ranging from "light wounds up to being KIA (killed in action)".</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


North Korea on Thursday lashed out at "reckless provocation" by the United States and its allies for criticising Pyongyang's support for Russia's war in Ukraine, including the deployment of troops.

North Korea on Thursday lashed out at "reckless provocation" by the United States and its allies for criticising Pyongyang's support for Russia's war in Ukraine, including the deployment of troops. In a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency, a foreign ministry spokesman said the 10 nations and the European Union (EU) were "distorting and slandering" Pyongyang's "normal cooperative" ties with Moscow. Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to reinforce Russia's war effort, including to the Kursk border region, where Ukrainian forces seized territory earlier this year. Also read | 'Madness must be stopped', Zelensky claims Russian troops burning faces of North Korean soldiers killed in war On Monday, those nations and the EU said North Korea's growing involvement in the war in Ukraine in support of Russia constituted a "dangerous expansion of the conflict, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific security". The foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and the high representative of the European Union signed the statement, released by Washington. "We urge the DPRK to cease immediately all assistance for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, including by withdrawing its troops", the statement said. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv claims killing or injuring 30 North Korean soldiers in Kursk region But Pyongyang's foreign ministry fired back, with the spokesman offering its "serious concern and protest, denouncing and rejecting in the strongest terms the reckless provocation of the US and its vassal forces". North Korea said the "madness" of the response by "hostile forces" indicated that the increased cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow was effectively "deterring the US and the West's ill-intended extension of influence". It did not specifically mention its troop deployment alongside Russian forces, only saying the war in Ukraine "has been prolonged" by what it called the "adventuristic military policy and policy of exclusive alliance" of Washington and its allies. North Korea "will firmly safeguard its legitimate right as a sovereign state, put no restrictions on exercising it and continue to make crucial efforts to preserve regional and global peace and security", the statement carried by KCNA said. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Says North Korean Troops Are Fighting In Kursk × North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military ties since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. A landmark defence pact between Pyongyang and Moscow signed in June came into force earlier this month. A senior US military official said Tuesday that North Korea had suffered "several hundred casualties in the Kursk region, ranging from "light wounds up to being KIA (killed in action)". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

North Korea slams US-led criticism over alleged support for Russia, says 'reckless provocation'

<p><span class="region">Pyongyang, North Korea</span>
<p>North Korea on Thursday lashed out at "reckless provocation" by the United States and its allies for criticising Pyongyang's support for Russia's war in Ukraine, including the deployment of troops.</p></p>
<p>In a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency, a foreign ministry spokesman said the 10 nations and the European Union (EU) were "distorting and slandering" Pyongyang's "normal cooperative" ties with Moscow.</p>
<p>Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to reinforce Russia's war effort, including to the Kursk border region, where Ukrainian forces seized territory earlier this year.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/madness-must-be-stopped-zelensky-claims-russian-troops-burning-faces-of-north-korean-soldiers-killed-in-war-784772">'Madness must be stopped', Zelensky claims Russian troops burning faces of North Korean soldiers killed in war</a></strong></p>
<p>On Monday, those nations and the EU said North Korea's growing involvement in the war in Ukraine in support of Russia constituted a "dangerous expansion of the conflict, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific security".</p>
<p>The foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and the high representative of the European Union signed the statement, released by Washington.</p>
<p>"We urge the DPRK to cease immediately all assistance for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, including by withdrawing its troops", the statement said.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-claims-killing-or-injuring-30-north-korean-soldiers-in-kursk-region-784464">Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv claims killing or injuring 30 North Korean soldiers in Kursk region</a></strong></p>
<p>But Pyongyang's foreign ministry fired back, with the spokesman offering its "serious concern and protest, denouncing and rejecting in the strongest terms the reckless provocation of the US and its vassal forces".</p>
<p>North Korea said the "madness" of the response by "hostile forces" indicated that the increased cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow was effectively "deterring the US and the West's ill-intended extension of influence".</p>
<p>It did not specifically mention its troop deployment alongside Russian forces, only saying the war in Ukraine "has been prolonged" by what it called the "adventuristic military policy and policy of exclusive alliance" of Washington and its allies.</p>
<p>North Korea "will firmly safeguard its legitimate right as a sovereign state, put no restrictions on exercising it and continue to make crucial efforts to preserve regional and global peace and security", the statement carried by KCNA said.</p>
<p><strong>Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Says North Korean Troops Are Fighting In Kursk</strong></p>
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<p>North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military ties since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. A landmark defence pact between Pyongyang and Moscow signed in June came into force earlier this month.</p>
<p>A senior US military official said Tuesday that North Korea had suffered "several hundred casualties in the Kursk region, ranging from "light wounds up to being KIA (killed in action)".</p>
<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to reinforce Russia's war effort, including to the Kursk border region, where Ukrainian forces seized territory earlier this year



Pyongyang, North Korea North Korea on Thursday lashed out at "reckless provocation" by the United States and its allies for criticising Pyongyang's support for Russia's war in Ukraine, including the deployment of troops. In a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency, a foreign ministry spokesman said the 10 nations and the European Union (EU) were "distorting and slandering" Pyongyang's "normal cooperative" ties with Moscow. Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to reinforce Russia's war effort, including to the Kursk border region, where Ukrainian forces seized territory earlier this year. Also read | 'Madness must be stopped', Zelensky claims Russian troops burning faces of North Korean soldiers killed in war On Monday, those nations and the EU said North Korea's growing involvement in the war in Ukraine in support of Russia constituted a "dangerous expansion of the conflict, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific security". The foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and the high representative of the European Union signed the statement, released by Washington. "We urge the DPRK to cease immediately all assistance for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, including by withdrawing its troops", the statement said. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv claims killing or injuring 30 North Korean soldiers in Kursk region But Pyongyang's foreign ministry fired back, with the spokesman offering its "serious concern and protest, denouncing and rejecting in the strongest terms the reckless provocation of the US and its vassal forces". North Korea said the "madness" of the response by "hostile forces" indicated that the increased cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow was effectively "deterring the US and the West's ill-intended extension of influence". It did not specifically mention its troop deployment alongside Russian forces, only saying the war in Ukraine "has been prolonged" by what it called the "adventuristic military policy and policy of exclusive alliance" of Washington and its allies. North Korea "will firmly safeguard its legitimate right as a sovereign state, put no restrictions on exercising it and continue to make crucial efforts to preserve regional and global peace and security", the statement carried by KCNA said. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Says North Korean Troops Are Fighting In Kursk × North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military ties since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. A landmark defence pact between Pyongyang and Moscow signed in June came into force earlier this month. A senior US military official said Tuesday that North Korea had suffered "several hundred casualties in the Kursk region, ranging from "light wounds up to being KIA (killed in action)". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

<p>NASA on Wednesday (Dec 18) announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stuck in space for more than 180 days now, will now stay on the International Space Station (ISS) at least till March 2025.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their return has been delayed many times now. Previously, they were scheduled to fly back in February 2025.</p>

<p>However, the agency now said that Williams and Willmore would now return to Earth along with astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov after the four-member Crew-10 mission reaches the space station.</p>

<p>"The agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission with NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will return to Earth following the arrival of Crew-10 to the orbital laboratory," NASA said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 now is targeting no earlier than late March 2025 to launch four crew members to the International Space Station," the agency stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They further added, "Known as a handover period, it allows Crew-9 to share any lessons learned with the newly arrived crew and support a better transition for ongoing science and maintenance at the complex."</p>

<h2><strong>Sunita Williams and her condition in space</strong></h2>

<p>William, 58, and Wilmore, 61, have been stuck in space for more than six months now. They got to the ISS on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/another-day-another-sleigh-sunita-williams-and-fellow-iss-crew-prepare-to-celebrate-christmas-in-space-784705"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;‘Another day, another sleigh’: Sunita Williams and fellow ISS crew prepare to celebrate Christmas in space</strong></a></p>

<p>Initially, the craft was meant to depart for home on June 26. However, it faced several glitches, including leaks in the propulsion system and some of its thrusters shutting down, before reaching the ISS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite making several attempts, NASA and Boeing could not trust it to bring the astronauts back safely to Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why was it delayed?</strong></h2>

<p>The agency said the launch was delayed to give teams time to complete processing on a new Dragon spacecraft for the mission. "The new spacecraft is set to arrive at the company’s processing facility in Florida in early January."</p>

<p>Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Programme, said, "Fabrication, assembly, testing, and final integration of a new spacecraft is a painstaking endeavour that requires great attention to detail. We appreciate the hard work by the SpaceX team to expand the Dragon fleet in support of our missions and the flexibility of the station program and expedition crews as we work together to complete the new capsule’s readiness for flight.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Sunita Williams' Return Delayed: NASA Announces Extended ISS Stay for Stranded Astronauts</strong></p>

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<p>After careful consideration, the team has reached a decision that launching Crew-10 in late March would be the best option for meeting NASA's requirements and achieving space station objectives for 2025.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA on Wednesday (Dec 18) announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stuck in space for more than 180 days now, will now stay on the International Space Station (ISS) at least till March 2025.

NASA on Wednesday (Dec 18) announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stuck in space for more than 180 days now, will now stay on the International Space Station (ISS) at least till March 2025. Their return has been delayed many times now. Previously, they were scheduled to fly back in February 2025. However, the agency now said that Williams and Willmore would now return to Earth along with astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov after the four-member Crew-10 mission reaches the space station. "The agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission with NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will return to Earth following the arrival of Crew-10 to the orbital laboratory," NASA said in a statement. "NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 now is targeting no earlier than late March 2025 to launch four crew members to the International Space Station," the agency stated. They further added, "Known as a handover period, it allows Crew-9 to share any lessons learned with the newly arrived crew and support a better transition for ongoing science and maintenance at the complex." Sunita Williams and her condition in space William, 58, and Wilmore, 61, have been stuck in space for more than six months now. They got to the ISS on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Also read: ‘Another day, another sleigh’: Sunita Williams and fellow ISS crew prepare to celebrate Christmas in space Initially, the craft was meant to depart for home on June 26. However, it faced several glitches, including leaks in the propulsion system and some of its thrusters shutting down, before reaching the ISS. Despite making several attempts, NASA and Boeing could not trust it to bring the astronauts back safely to Earth. Why was it delayed? The agency said the launch was delayed to give teams time to complete processing on a new Dragon spacecraft for the mission. "The new spacecraft is set to arrive at the company’s processing facility in Florida in early January." Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Programme, said, "Fabrication, assembly, testing, and final integration of a new spacecraft is a painstaking endeavour that requires great attention to detail. We appreciate the hard work by the SpaceX team to expand the Dragon fleet in support of our missions and the flexibility of the station program and expedition crews as we work together to complete the new capsule’s readiness for flight.” Watch | Sunita Williams' Return Delayed: NASA Announces Extended ISS Stay for Stranded Astronauts × After careful consideration, the team has reached a decision that launching Crew-10 in late March would be the best option for meeting NASA's requirements and achieving space station objectives for 2025. (With inputs from agencies)

Sunita Williams's return further delayed until March 2025. Here's why

<p><span class="region">Washington, United States</span>
<p>NASA on Wednesday (Dec 18) announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stuck in space for more than 180 days now, will now stay on the International Space Station (ISS) at least till March 2025. </p></p>
<p>Their return has been delayed many times now. Previously, they were scheduled to fly back in February 2025.</p>
<p>However, the agency now said that Williams and Willmore would now return to Earth along with astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov after the four-member Crew-10 mission reaches the space station.</p>
<p>"The agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission with NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will return to Earth following the arrival of Crew-10 to the orbital laboratory," NASA said in a statement. </p>
<p>"NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 now is targeting no earlier than late March 2025 to launch four crew members to the International Space Station," the agency stated. </p>
<p>They further added, "Known as a handover period, it allows Crew-9 to share any lessons learned with the newly arrived crew and support a better transition for ongoing science and maintenance at the complex."</p>
<h2><strong>Sunita Williams and her condition in space</strong></h2>
<p>William, 58, and Wilmore, 61, have been stuck in space for more than six months now. They got to the ISS on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/another-day-another-sleigh-sunita-williams-and-fellow-iss-crew-prepare-to-celebrate-christmas-in-space-784705"><strong>Also read: ‘Another day, another sleigh’: Sunita Williams and fellow ISS crew prepare to celebrate Christmas in space</strong></a></p>
<p>Initially, the craft was meant to depart for home on June 26. However, it faced several glitches, including leaks in the propulsion system and some of its thrusters shutting down, before reaching the ISS. </p>
<p>Despite making several attempts, NASA and Boeing could not trust it to bring the astronauts back safely to Earth. </p>
<h2><strong>Why was it delayed?</strong></h2>
<p>The agency said the launch was delayed to give teams time to complete processing on a new Dragon spacecraft for the mission. "The new spacecraft is set to arrive at the company’s processing facility in Florida in early January."</p>
<p>Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Programme, said, "Fabrication, assembly, testing, and final integration of a new spacecraft is a painstaking endeavour that requires great attention to detail. We appreciate the hard work by the SpaceX team to expand the Dragon fleet in support of our missions and the flexibility of the station program and expedition crews as we work together to complete the new capsule’s readiness for flight.”</p>
<p><strong>Watch | Sunita Williams' Return Delayed: NASA Announces Extended ISS Stay for Stranded Astronauts</strong></p>
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<p>After careful consideration, the team has reached a decision that launching Crew-10 in late March would be the best option for meeting NASA's requirements and achieving space station objectives for 2025. </p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Their return has been delayed many times now. Previously, they were scheduled to fly back in February 2025. 



Washington, United States NASA on Wednesday (Dec 18) announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stuck in space for more than 180 days now, will now stay on the International Space Station (ISS) at least till March 2025. Their return has been delayed many times now. Previously, they were scheduled to fly back in February 2025. However, the agency now said that Williams and Willmore would now return to Earth along with astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov after the four-member Crew-10 mission reaches the space station. "The agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission with NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will return to Earth following the arrival of Crew-10 to the orbital laboratory," NASA said in a statement. "NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 now is targeting no earlier than late March 2025 to launch four crew members to the International Space Station," the agency stated. They further added, "Known as a handover period, it allows Crew-9 to share any lessons learned with the newly arrived crew and support a better transition for ongoing science and maintenance at the complex." Sunita Williams and her condition in space William, 58, and Wilmore, 61, have been stuck in space for more than six months now. They got to the ISS on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Also read: ‘Another day, another sleigh’: Sunita Williams and fellow ISS crew prepare to celebrate Christmas in space Initially, the craft was meant to depart for home on June 26. However, it faced several glitches, including leaks in the propulsion system and some of its thrusters shutting down, before reaching the ISS. Despite making several attempts, NASA and Boeing could not trust it to bring the astronauts back safely to Earth. Why was it delayed? The agency said the launch was delayed to give teams time to complete processing on a new Dragon spacecraft for the mission. "The new spacecraft is set to arrive at the company’s processing facility in Florida in early January." Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Programme, said, "Fabrication, assembly, testing, and final integration of a new spacecraft is a painstaking endeavour that requires great attention to detail. We appreciate the hard work by the SpaceX team to expand the Dragon fleet in support of our missions and the flexibility of the station program and expedition crews as we work together to complete the new capsule’s readiness for flight.” Watch | Sunita Williams' Return Delayed: NASA Announces Extended ISS Stay for Stranded Astronauts × After careful consideration, the team has reached a decision that launching Crew-10 in late March would be the best option for meeting NASA's requirements and achieving space station objectives for 2025. (With inputs from agencies)

<p>Eleven people died in a fire at a cafe in&nbsp;Hanoi&nbsp;and police have arrested a man suspected of starting the blaze, Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security said on Thursday (December 19).</p>

<p>Police said in a statement that the man had confessed to using gasoline to light a fire on the ground floor of the three-storey cafe on Wednesday (December 18) after an argument with staff.</p>

<p>Footage from the online newspaper VnExpress showed firemen working to put out the fire and the bodies of victims being removed.</p>

<p>“When I was opening my gate, I noticed a column of smoke from afar. I was so frightened that I had to urge my grandchild to go downstairs," one witness told VnExpress.</p>

<p>"The flame was so fierce. We saw the fire engulfing, but there was nothing else we could do.”</p>

<p>The state-run Tien Phong newspaper reported the suspect is aged in his early 50s. The police said the fire was first reported to them just after 11 pm&nbsp;(1600 GMT) on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Seven people were rescued from the fire, with two of them hospitalised, the police statement said.</p>

<p><em>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.</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Eleven people died in a fire at a cafe in Hanoi and police have arrested a man suspected of starting the blaze, Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security said on Thursday (December 19).

Eleven people died in a fire at a cafe in Hanoi and police have arrested a man suspected of starting the blaze, Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security said on Thursday (December 19). Police said in a statement that the man had confessed to using gasoline to light a fire on the ground floor of the three-storey cafe on Wednesday (December 18) after an argument with staff. Footage from the online newspaper VnExpress showed firemen working to put out the fire and the bodies of victims being removed. “When I was opening my gate, I noticed a column of smoke from afar. I was so frightened that I had to urge my grandchild to go downstairs," one witness told VnExpress. "The flame was so fierce. We saw the fire engulfing, but there was nothing else we could do.” The state-run Tien Phong newspaper reported the suspect is aged in his early 50s. The police said the fire was first reported to them just after 11 pm (1600 GMT) on Wednesday. Seven people were rescued from the fire, with two of them hospitalised, the police statement said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

11 dead in fire at cafe in Vietnam's Hanoi, cops arrest suspect

The United States government has announced additional sanctions on four entities contributing to Pakistan’s Ballistic Missile Program. Watch this report for more details!

Pakistan's Ballistic Missile Programme Hit With New US Sanctions

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