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Moscow, Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Dec 17) claimed that Russian troops have burnt the faces of deceased North Korean soldiers to conceal their identity and hide their presence. 
Zelensky shared a 31-second video, showing a group of people burning what appears to be a corpse on a snow-covered slope. 
"Even after years of war, when we thought the Russians could not get any more cynical, we see something even worse," Zelensky said in a post on X. 
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Even after years of war, when we thought the Russians could not get any more cynical, we see something even worse.
Russia not only sends the North Korean troops to storm Ukrainian positions, but also tries to conceal losses of these people.
They tried to hide the presence of… <a href="https://t.co/KYyGF1rxP8">pic.twitter.com/KYyGF1rxP8</a>
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1868777841917059313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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He further said that Russia not only sends the North Korean troops to storm Ukrainian positions but also "tries to conceal losses of these people".
The Ukrainian president stressed that the Russians attempted to erase any video evidence of their presence. 
"Now, after first combats with our warriors, Russians are trying…to literally burn the faces of North Korean soldiers killed in battle," he said, adding, "This is a demonstration of disrespect, which is currently prevalent in Russia, a disrespect to everything human."
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-claims-killing-or-injuring-30-north-korean-soldiers-in-kursk-region-784464">Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv claims killing or injuring 30 North Korean soldiers in Kursk region</a>
Zelensky said that there is not a single reason for North Koreans to fight and die for Putin. 
"This madness must be stopped—stopped by a reliable and durable peace, as well as Russia’s accountability for this cynical war," he emphasised. 
Earlier on Monday, Zelensky claimed that around 30 North Korean troops were killed or wounded in Russia's Kursk border region. This was the first reported casualties since Kyiv announced that Pyongyang had sent 10,000 troops to Russia to help in its war with Ukraine. 
Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Trump To Talk To Zelensky, Putin To End War
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Prior to that, he said that he had "preliminary evidence that the Russians have begun to use soldiers from North Korea in assaults, a noticeable number of them."
Washington and Seoul have also accused Pyongyang of sending over 10,000 troops to support Moscow following the signing of a significant defence agreement between Russia and North Korea earlier this year.
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky shared a 31-second video, showing a group of people burning what appears to be a corpse on a snow-covered slope. 



Moscow, Russia Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Dec 17) claimed that Russian troops have burnt the faces of deceased North Korean soldiers to conceal their identity and hide their presence. Zelensky shared a 31-second video, showing a group of people burning what appears to be a corpse on a snow-covered slope. "Even after years of war, when we thought the Russians could not get any more cynical, we see something even worse," Zelensky said in a post on X. Even after years of war, when we thought the Russians could not get any more cynical, we see something even worse. Russia not only sends the North Korean troops to storm Ukrainian positions, but also tries to conceal losses of these people. They tried to hide the presence of… pic.twitter.com/KYyGF1rxP8 — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 16, 2024 × He further said that Russia not only sends the North Korean troops to storm Ukrainian positions but also "tries to conceal losses of these people". The Ukrainian president stressed that the Russians attempted to erase any video evidence of their presence. "Now, after first combats with our warriors, Russians are trying…to literally burn the faces of North Korean soldiers killed in battle," he said, adding, "This is a demonstration of disrespect, which is currently prevalent in Russia, a disrespect to everything human." Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv claims killing or injuring 30 North Korean soldiers in Kursk region Zelensky said that there is not a single reason for North Koreans to fight and die for Putin. "This madness must be stopped—stopped by a reliable and durable peace, as well as Russia’s accountability for this cynical war," he emphasised. Earlier on Monday, Zelensky claimed that around 30 North Korean troops were killed or wounded in Russia's Kursk border region. This was the first reported casualties since Kyiv announced that Pyongyang had sent 10,000 troops to Russia to help in its war with Ukraine. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Trump To Talk To Zelensky, Putin To End War × Prior to that, he said that he had "preliminary evidence that the Russians have begun to use soldiers from North Korea in assaults, a noticeable number of them." Washington and Seoul have also accused Pyongyang of sending over 10,000 troops to support Moscow following the signing of a significant defence agreement between Russia and North Korea earlier this year. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

'Madness must be stopped', Zelensky claims Russian troops burning faces of North Korean soldiers killed in war

Paris, France 
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The dismal quality of housing across Mayotte has compounded the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido on the poverty-stricken French Indian Ocean territory where hundreds, or maybe thousands, are feared dead.
Before the storm hit, around a third of the island's population was living in iron-sheeted huts that never stood a chance against the powerful cyclone.
By the time it was gone, all of Mayotte's shantytowns were flattened, burying lives—and livelihoods—beneath them.
"We fear there will be a considerable number of deaths," a French government official told AFP. "Several hundred, or maybe several thousand."
Mayotte is the poorest part of France, of which it is an integral part. 
Recent official data on the state of housing in Mayotte are hard to come by, but 2017 data published by the National Statistics Institute said 40 per cent of the island's homes are built with metal sheets, and around a third have no access to running water.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyclone-chido-devastates-frances-mayotte-death-toll-could-reach-thousands-784261">Cyclone Chido devastates France's Mayotte: Death toll could reach thousands</a>
<h2>Flimsy </h2>
"They're made of wood, corrugated iron, and situated on hills, on beaten earth," said Florent Vallee, who runs the French Red Cross branch's emergency operations. 
"You can easily imagine the wind barreling into them and the rain creating mudslides."
Over the decades, French authorities have tried to improve housing conditions for the island's population which numbers 320,000 according to official data but is much greater because of an influx of undocumented migrants who do not show up in government statistics.
As recently as the late 1970s, modern building materials were virtually unknown in Mayotte, said Megane Aussedat, a sociologist and expert on informal housing on the island.
Despite government programmes to replace precarious shelters with solid housing, the number of available homes is still inadequate compared to the size of the population and the migration influx.
They are also out of reach for many people in Mayotte, where the median monthly income is 260 euros ($273), compared with around 2,600 euros pretax on the French mainland.
Subsidised housing projects have also been slow to materialise, said Aussedat.
However, since 2018, the authorities have been allowed to raze substandard housing, provided they immediately offered inhabitants new homes.
Such clearing operations, involving massive police contingents, are sometimes thought to have the secondary objective of flushing out undocumented migrants, but Aussedat observed that telling illegals from legal can be a challenge.
"There is almost no family in Mayotte," she said, "where everybody's status is either documented or undocumented."
<h2>Comoros influx </h2>
Mayotte's immigration issue is almost entirely due to an influx from the Comoros, an archipelago whose closest shores are just 70 kilometers (44 miles) from Mayotte, and that declared independence in the 1970s while Mayotte opted to remain French.
As poor as Mayotte is by French standards, the Comoros are even poorer, tempting many there into a perilous journey across the water in search of a better life in Mayotte.
They often end up living in makeshift areas consisting mostly of so-called "bangas"—small" houses made of cloth and thatch.
When Chido hit, many refused to leave their homes, taking their chances with the cyclone  rather than face the danger of their homes being looted or being picked up by the authorities.
Vallee said emergency services had rescued "entire families, and also a lot of children who were left alone."
Sanitary conditions, already precarious, have worsened since, mostly because of patchy access to clean water that could prompt another cholera outbreak like the one in the spring of 2024 that killed seven people, said Jean-Francois Coty, president of the Medecins du Monde NGO.
<h2>'Brakes on healthcare access' </h2>
Undocumented migrants' "fear of moving is putting the brakes on healthcare access," he said.
A French government scheme allowing undocumented people access to state healthcare is not available in Mayotte.
Coty said he hoped that French officials would pause forced deportations so immigrants can seek help without fear of expulsion.
"This is a time for humanitarian aid, not for a crackdown," 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.

Recent official data on the state of housing in Mayotte are hard to come by, but 2017 data published by the National Statistics Institute said 40 per cent of the island's homes are built with metal sheets, and around a third have no access to running water.



Paris, France The dismal quality of housing across Mayotte has compounded the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido on the poverty-stricken French Indian Ocean territory where hundreds, or maybe thousands, are feared dead. Before the storm hit, around a third of the island's population was living in iron-sheeted huts that never stood a chance against the powerful cyclone. By the time it was gone, all of Mayotte's shantytowns were flattened, burying lives—and livelihoods—beneath them. "We fear there will be a considerable number of deaths," a French government official told AFP. "Several hundred, or maybe several thousand." Mayotte is the poorest part of France, of which it is an integral part. Recent official data on the state of housing in Mayotte are hard to come by, but 2017 data published by the National Statistics Institute said 40 per cent of the island's homes are built with metal sheets, and around a third have no access to running water. Also Read: Cyclone Chido devastates France's Mayotte: Death toll could reach thousands Flimsy "They're made of wood, corrugated iron, and situated on hills, on beaten earth," said Florent Vallee, who runs the French Red Cross branch's emergency operations. "You can easily imagine the wind barreling into them and the rain creating mudslides." Over the decades, French authorities have tried to improve housing conditions for the island's population which numbers 320,000 according to official data but is much greater because of an influx of undocumented migrants who do not show up in government statistics. As recently as the late 1970s, modern building materials were virtually unknown in Mayotte, said Megane Aussedat, a sociologist and expert on informal housing on the island. Despite government programmes to replace precarious shelters with solid housing, the number of available homes is still inadequate compared to the size of the population and the migration influx. They are also out of reach for many people in Mayotte, where the median monthly income is 260 euros ($273), compared with around 2,600 euros pretax on the French mainland. Subsidised housing projects have also been slow to materialise, said Aussedat. However, since 2018, the authorities have been allowed to raze substandard housing, provided they immediately offered inhabitants new homes. Such clearing operations, involving massive police contingents, are sometimes thought to have the secondary objective of flushing out undocumented migrants, but Aussedat observed that telling illegals from legal can be a challenge. "There is almost no family in Mayotte," she said, "where everybody's status is either documented or undocumented." Comoros influx Mayotte's immigration issue is almost entirely due to an influx from the Comoros, an archipelago whose closest shores are just 70 kilometers (44 miles) from Mayotte, and that declared independence in the 1970s while Mayotte opted to remain French. As poor as Mayotte is by French standards, the Comoros are even poorer, tempting many there into a perilous journey across the water in search of a better life in Mayotte. They often end up living in makeshift areas consisting mostly of so-called "bangas"—small" houses made of cloth and thatch. When Chido hit, many refused to leave their homes, taking their chances with the cyclone rather than face the danger of their homes being looted or being picked up by the authorities. Vallee said emergency services had rescued "entire families, and also a lot of children who were left alone." Sanitary conditions, already precarious, have worsened since, mostly because of patchy access to clean water that could prompt another cholera outbreak like the one in the spring of 2024 that killed seven people, said Jean-Francois Coty, president of the Medecins du Monde NGO. 'Brakes on healthcare access' Undocumented migrants' "fear of moving is putting the brakes on healthcare access," he said. A French government scheme allowing undocumented people access to state healthcare is not available in Mayotte. Coty said he hoped that French officials would pause forced deportations so immigrants can seek help without fear of expulsion. "This is a time for humanitarian aid, not for a crackdown," 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.

How ramshackle housing left Mayotte exposed to Cyclone Chido's fury

London 
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The British government Tuesday announced £35 million ($44 million) in aid to repair Ukraine's energy grid battered by Russian strikes and help Ukrainians confront freezing winter weather.
Some £20 million will be allocated to try to restore the power network and protect Ukrainian infrastructure, a UK government statement said.
A further £15 million will be made available to "provide lifesaving humanitarian support to the most in need as temperatures in Ukraine plummet".
Russia launched one of its largest missile attacks ever in the early hours of Friday, once again targeting war-torn Ukraine's energy grid.
Watch | Polio Vaccination Team Attacked In Pakistan, At least One Policeman Killed
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The attack "severely damaged" some Ukrainian power plants, the Ukrainian DTEK power provider said and knocked out electricity to thousands of people.
"As Putin's oil revenues continue to fuel the fires of his illegal war, Ukrainian families are enduring cold, dark nights, often without heating, light or electricity, targeted by Russia's relentless missile attacks," said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
"But these systematic attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure will not grind Ukraine down. It will only deepen our resolve and support," he added.
Russia has conducted at least 11 large-scale strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure since the beginning of the year, Kyiv says, with Ukrainians now enduring their third winter at war.
The UK government also sanctioned energy companies 2Rivers DMCC and 2Rivers PTE LTD, which are "key lynchpins in enabling the trading" of Russian oil, the government said.
Starmer further announced additional crackdowns on Moscow's so-called "shadow fleet" of oil tankers which bypass Western sanctions.
The latest round of sanctions targets 20 ships. 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-destruction-contact-with-aliens-heres-what-baba-vanga-predicted-for-2025-784744">Europe's destruction, contact with aliens: Here's what Baba Vanga predicted for 2025</a>
The UK government said it has now sanctioned more than 100 ships for transporting Russian energy, leaving tankers "idling uselessly outside ports" and "costing Putin and his war efforts millions in wasted funds".
EU countries last week agreed to blacklist around 50 more oil tankers in their 15th package of sanctions since Moscow's 2022 full-scale invasion.
The UK has also agreed to work with Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Finland, and Estonia to request proof of insurance from suspected shadow vessels in the Baltic and North Sea.
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.

Russia launched one of its largest missile attacks ever in the early hours of Friday, once again targeting war-torn Ukraine's energy grid.



London The British government Tuesday announced £35 million ($44 million) in aid to repair Ukraine's energy grid battered by Russian strikes and help Ukrainians confront freezing winter weather. Some £20 million will be allocated to try to restore the power network and protect Ukrainian infrastructure, a UK government statement said. A further £15 million will be made available to "provide lifesaving humanitarian support to the most in need as temperatures in Ukraine plummet". Russia launched one of its largest missile attacks ever in the early hours of Friday, once again targeting war-torn Ukraine's energy grid. Watch | Polio Vaccination Team Attacked In Pakistan, At least One Policeman Killed The attack "severely damaged" some Ukrainian power plants, the Ukrainian DTEK power provider said and knocked out electricity to thousands of people. "As Putin's oil revenues continue to fuel the fires of his illegal war, Ukrainian families are enduring cold, dark nights, often without heating, light or electricity, targeted by Russia's relentless missile attacks," said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. "But these systematic attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure will not grind Ukraine down. It will only deepen our resolve and support," he added. Russia has conducted at least 11 large-scale strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure since the beginning of the year, Kyiv says, with Ukrainians now enduring their third winter at war. The UK government also sanctioned energy companies 2Rivers DMCC and 2Rivers PTE LTD, which are "key lynchpins in enabling the trading" of Russian oil, the government said. Starmer further announced additional crackdowns on Moscow's so-called "shadow fleet" of oil tankers which bypass Western sanctions. The latest round of sanctions targets 20 ships. Also read | Europe's destruction, contact with aliens: Here's what Baba Vanga predicted for 2025 The UK government said it has now sanctioned more than 100 ships for transporting Russian energy, leaving tankers "idling uselessly outside ports" and "costing Putin and his war efforts millions in wasted funds". EU countries last week agreed to blacklist around 50 more oil tankers in their 15th package of sanctions since Moscow's 2022 full-scale invasion. The UK has also agreed to work with Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Finland, and Estonia to request proof of insurance from suspected shadow vessels in the Baltic and North Sea. 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.

UK sending £35 million aid to help Ukrainians survive winter

Tehran 
Iran's supreme leader said Tuesday that Israel and the United States were "completely wrong" to imagine the Tehran-backed axis of resistance had collapsed with the ouster of Syria's longtime strongman.
"With the developments in Syria and the crimes the Zionist regime is committing and the crimes that America is committing, and the help that some others are giving to them, they thought that the resistance was over," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech. 
Watch | How Coffee Promotes Good Bacteria?
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"They are completely wrong," he added. 
On December 8, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country as rebel forces entered the capital Damascus after a lightning offensive. 
Fellow Axis members Hamas and Hezbollah have also suffered heavy losses since the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking war in Gaza and later in Lebanon.
Since Assad's fall, Iran has sought to distance itself from the ousted leader, instead emphasising the history of friendship between the two countries. Khamenei has also insisted that Assad's overthrow will not weaken Iran.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-arrests-jerusalem-man-for-spying-on-behalf-of-iran-784740">Israel arrests Jerusalem man for spying on behalf of Iran</a>
"The Zionist regime imagines it can encircle and eradicate the Hezbollah forces through Syria, but the one who will be eradicated is Israel," Khamenei said on Tuesday.
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.

Fellow Axis members Hamas and Hezbollah have also suffered heavy losses since the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking war in Gaza and later in Lebanon.



Tehran Iran's supreme leader said Tuesday that Israel and the United States were "completely wrong" to imagine the Tehran-backed axis of resistance had collapsed with the ouster of Syria's longtime strongman. "With the developments in Syria and the crimes the Zionist regime is committing and the crimes that America is committing, and the help that some others are giving to them, they thought that the resistance was over," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech. Watch | How Coffee Promotes Good Bacteria? "They are completely wrong," he added. On December 8, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country as rebel forces entered the capital Damascus after a lightning offensive. Fellow Axis members Hamas and Hezbollah have also suffered heavy losses since the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking war in Gaza and later in Lebanon. Since Assad's fall, Iran has sought to distance itself from the ousted leader, instead emphasising the history of friendship between the two countries. Khamenei has also insisted that Assad's overthrow will not weaken Iran. Also read | Israel arrests Jerusalem man for spying on behalf of Iran "The Zionist regime imagines it can encircle and eradicate the Hezbollah forces through Syria, but the one who will be eradicated is Israel," Khamenei said on Tuesday. 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.

Iran's Khamenei says 'resistance' not over after Assad ouster

New Delhi, India
Bulgarian blind mystic Baba Vanga, also known as Vangelia Pandeva Gushterova, who died at the age of 85 in 1996, made some terrific prophecies for 2025. 
Known as the 'Nostradamus of the Balkans,' Baba Vanga is believed to have developed the gift of prophecy after losing her eyesight at the age of 12. 
One of the most prominent predictions of Baba Vanga that turned out to be true was the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers in New York.
<h2>Here's what Baba Vanga predicted for 2025</h2>
A lot of chilling predictions were made by Baba Vanga for 2025, many of which included destruction and death. Here are a few of her chilling prophecies: 
<h3>Europe's destruction</h3>
As reported by the Daily Star, Baba Vanga had predicted the West's absolute destruction and war. 
"As soon as Syria falls, expect a great war between the West and the East. In the spring, a war in the East will begin, and there will be a Third World War. A war in the East that will destroy the West," she said.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/merriam-websters-2024-word-of-the-year-is-polarisation-783010">Merriam-Webster’s 2024 word of the year is 'polarisation'</a>
"Syria will fall at the feet of the winner, but the winner will not be the one," Baba Vanga said in another prediction. 
<h3>Establishing contact with aliens</h3>
According to the report published in the Daily Star, Vanga had warned: "Humanity will make contact with extraterrestrial life, possibly leading to a global crisis or apocalypse."
<h3>Humanity to develop telepathy </h3>
Baba Vanga said that telepathy would be developed by humanity by 2025, which will allow direct mind-to-mind communication and will revolutionise human interaction.
<h3>Scientific breakthroughs in 2025</h3>
If one goes by the predictions of Baba Vanga, 2025 will be the year of major scientific and medical breakthroughs, which will include advancements in nanotechnology. 
However, she warned against the misuse of technologies for destructive purposes. 
<h3>Beginning of apocalypse</h3>
Baba Vanga had issued a warning that a series of catastrophic events will take place in 2025, which will mark the “beginning of the apocalypse.” 
(With inputs from agencies)

The predictions made by Baba Vanga for 2025 include the establishment of contact with aliens and catastrophic war between the East and West

 



New Delhi, India Bulgarian blind mystic Baba Vanga, also known as Vangelia Pandeva Gushterova, who died at the age of 85 in 1996, made some terrific prophecies for 2025. Known as the 'Nostradamus of the Balkans,' Baba Vanga is believed to have developed the gift of prophecy after losing her eyesight at the age of 12. One of the most prominent predictions of Baba Vanga that turned out to be true was the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers in New York. Here's what Baba Vanga predicted for 2025 A lot of chilling predictions were made by Baba Vanga for 2025, many of which included destruction and death. Here are a few of her chilling prophecies: Europe's destruction As reported by the Daily Star, Baba Vanga had predicted the West's absolute destruction and war. "As soon as Syria falls, expect a great war between the West and the East. In the spring, a war in the East will begin, and there will be a Third World War. A war in the East that will destroy the West," she said. Also Read: Merriam-Webster’s 2024 word of the year is 'polarisation' "Syria will fall at the feet of the winner, but the winner will not be the one," Baba Vanga said in another prediction. Establishing contact with aliens According to the report published in the Daily Star, Vanga had warned: "Humanity will make contact with extraterrestrial life, possibly leading to a global crisis or apocalypse." Humanity to develop telepathy Baba Vanga said that telepathy would be developed by humanity by 2025, which will allow direct mind-to-mind communication and will revolutionise human interaction. Scientific breakthroughs in 2025 If one goes by the predictions of Baba Vanga, 2025 will be the year of major scientific and medical breakthroughs, which will include advancements in nanotechnology. However, she warned against the misuse of technologies for destructive purposes. Beginning of apocalypse Baba Vanga had issued a warning that a series of catastrophic events will take place in 2025, which will mark the “beginning of the apocalypse.” (With inputs from agencies)

Europe's destruction, contact with aliens: Here's what Baba Vanga predicted for 2025

Jerusalem 
In a series of plots that involved Iran recruiting Israeli civilians, an Israeli man from Jerusalem was nabbed for carrying out missions for the Islamic nation. 
The 23-year-old suspect named Arlder Israel Amoyal was detained in November over the suspicions that he was “committing security offences related to contact with intelligence officials of the Iranian regime and carrying out security missions in Israel under their direction, for financial gain,” the Shin Bet security agency said. 
Amoyal had connected with Iranian intelligence elements since October via social media. The officials said he was in contact with a profile under the name "Arianna" which later changed the name to "John". 
Watch | Polio Vaccination Team Attacked In Pakistan, At least One Policeman Killed
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The investigation revealed that Amoyal was unaware of the fact that "John" was an Iranian operative, but he agreed to carry out surveillance for him. His missions included photographing various addresses and spraying graffiti.
The suspect took photos of a paper with the words "Making Peace" written on it. He further graffitied the word "Sinwar" in Tel Aviv and also took photos of several houses in Netanya and Jerusalem. 
He even purchased a GoPro camera to film his actions and used it to send the footage to his handler "John". 
Amnoyal further worked to recruit others to carry out missions for Iran. He specifically chose people with prior criminal records. 
Shin Bet said Amoyal suggested to "John" to set fire to a police cruiser. He also suggested shutting down power to the Jerusalem light rail.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sara-sharif-murder-sadist-father-and-stepmother-imprisoned-for-life-for-brutally-killing-her-784733">Sara Sharif murder: 'Sadist' father and stepmother imprisoned for life for brutally killing her</a>
He was rewarded for his actions via cryptocurrency. 
An indictment is expected to be filed shortly against him. 
(With inputs from agencies)

Amoyal had connected with Iranian intelligence elements since October via social media. The officials said he was in contact with a profile under the name "Arianna," which later changed the name to "John". 



Jerusalem In a series of plots that involved Iran recruiting Israeli civilians, an Israeli man from Jerusalem was nabbed for carrying out missions for the Islamic nation. The 23-year-old suspect named Arlder Israel Amoyal was detained in November over the suspicions that he was “committing security offences related to contact with intelligence officials of the Iranian regime and carrying out security missions in Israel under their direction, for financial gain,” the Shin Bet security agency said. Amoyal had connected with Iranian intelligence elements since October via social media. The officials said he was in contact with a profile under the name "Arianna" which later changed the name to "John". Watch | Polio Vaccination Team Attacked In Pakistan, At least One Policeman Killed The investigation revealed that Amoyal was unaware of the fact that "John" was an Iranian operative, but he agreed to carry out surveillance for him. His missions included photographing various addresses and spraying graffiti. The suspect took photos of a paper with the words "Making Peace" written on it. He further graffitied the word "Sinwar" in Tel Aviv and also took photos of several houses in Netanya and Jerusalem. He even purchased a GoPro camera to film his actions and used it to send the footage to his handler "John". Amnoyal further worked to recruit others to carry out missions for Iran. He specifically chose people with prior criminal records. Shin Bet said Amoyal suggested to "John" to set fire to a police cruiser. He also suggested shutting down power to the Jerusalem light rail. Also read | Sara Sharif murder: 'Sadist' father and stepmother imprisoned for life for brutally killing her He was rewarded for his actions via cryptocurrency. An indictment is expected to be filed shortly against him. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel arrests Jerusalem man for spying on behalf of Iran

Beirut, Lebanon
Fourteen months after stepping into the Israel-Hamas war which began with the horrific October 7 attack, Hezbollah lost several fighters and saw its backbone breaking by the brunt it bore of Israel's offensive. 
The number of fighters Hezbollah has lost in these 14 months is several thousand but what has shaken it to its core is the killing of its leaders and attack on its systems. Here's how 2024 looked for Hezbollah.
<h2>Strike on headquarters of Hezbollah and killing of Nasrallah</h2>
On September 27, 2024, Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah was killed after Israel launched an airstrike on their headquarters in Beirut. 
The strike happened when Hezbollah leaders were holding a meeting in their headquarters, which was in the underground below the residential buildings in the south of Beirut.
The Israeli Air Force used F-15I fighters and dropped more than 80 bombs, which included US-made 2,000-pound (910 kg) bunker buster bombs with which the underground headquarters along with the nearby buildings were destroyed.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-to-syrias-new-rulers-dont-normalise-ties-with-israel-after-assads-ouster-784055"> ‘Don’t normalise ties with Israel’: Hezbollah to Syria’s new rulers after Assad’s ouster</a>
The IDF announced Nasrallah's death on September 28, and after two days, his body was recovered from the rubble.
<h2>Hezbollah's trembling throne </h2>
This was not the first time any Hezbollah leader was killed. Israel had neutralised Hezbollah's senior military leader, Fuad Shukr, in July. 
Hezbollah's commander of Southern Front, Ali Karaki, was also killed. However, Nasrallah's death left Hezbollah without any leader as the militant outfit struggled to fill the vacuum.
They named Naim Qassem as their interim leader, however, many reports suggested that Hashem Safieddine will be the next Secretary-General. 
Safieddine survived a lot of attacks, but was finally killed in an Israeli airstrike on October 3. On October 29, Hezbollah elected Qassem as the secretary-general and Nasrallah's successor. 
<h2>Israel breaks Hezbollah's communication backbone</h2>
In a never-thought kind of attack, thousands of handheld pagers and walkie-talkies of Hezbollah members exploded on September 17 and 18 in what was Israel's well co-ordinated series of attacks.
In the explosions, at least 42 people were killed and 3,500 others were injured, which included many civilians. 
The blast showed the world how the compromise of low-tech wireless communication devices can turn deadly. The attack was a brutal strike on the militant group's "Achilles' heel".
Watch: Israel-Hezbollah Exchange Fire Despite Truce 
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The wireless pagers suddenly exploded at 3:30 pm (local time) in Lebanon just after a message was delivered on the device, which appeared to have been sent by the leadership of Hezbollah. 
As per the officials, the delivery of the messages activated the explosives as the device beeped for many seconds before it exploded. 
The explosions underscored how vulnerable Hezbollah’s communication network is and how it was compromised, which led to the deadly blasts.
(With inputs from agencies)

Israel killed Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah on September 27 and soon after launched a shocking pager attack on them which broke their "Achilles' heel"



Beirut, Lebanon Fourteen months after stepping into the Israel-Hamas war which began with the horrific October 7 attack, Hezbollah lost several fighters and saw its backbone breaking by the brunt it bore of Israel's offensive. The number of fighters Hezbollah has lost in these 14 months is several thousand but what has shaken it to its core is the killing of its leaders and attack on its systems. Here's how 2024 looked for Hezbollah. Strike on headquarters of Hezbollah and killing of Nasrallah On September 27, 2024, Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah was killed after Israel launched an airstrike on their headquarters in Beirut. The strike happened when Hezbollah leaders were holding a meeting in their headquarters, which was in the underground below the residential buildings in the south of Beirut. The Israeli Air Force used F-15I fighters and dropped more than 80 bombs, which included US-made 2,000-pound (910 kg) bunker buster bombs with which the underground headquarters along with the nearby buildings were destroyed. Also Read: ‘Don’t normalise ties with Israel’: Hezbollah to Syria’s new rulers after Assad’s ouster The IDF announced Nasrallah's death on September 28, and after two days, his body was recovered from the rubble. Hezbollah's trembling throne This was not the first time any Hezbollah leader was killed. Israel had neutralised Hezbollah's senior military leader, Fuad Shukr, in July. Hezbollah's commander of Southern Front, Ali Karaki, was also killed. However, Nasrallah's death left Hezbollah without any leader as the militant outfit struggled to fill the vacuum. They named Naim Qassem as their interim leader, however, many reports suggested that Hashem Safieddine will be the next Secretary-General. Safieddine survived a lot of attacks, but was finally killed in an Israeli airstrike on October 3. On October 29, Hezbollah elected Qassem as the secretary-general and Nasrallah's successor. Israel breaks Hezbollah's communication backbone In a never-thought kind of attack, thousands of handheld pagers and walkie-talkies of Hezbollah members exploded on September 17 and 18 in what was Israel's well co-ordinated series of attacks. In the explosions, at least 42 people were killed and 3,500 others were injured, which included many civilians. The blast showed the world how the compromise of low-tech wireless communication devices can turn deadly. The attack was a brutal strike on the militant group's "Achilles' heel". Watch: Israel-Hezbollah Exchange Fire Despite Truce The wireless pagers suddenly exploded at 3:30 pm (local time) in Lebanon just after a message was delivered on the device, which appeared to have been sent by the leadership of Hezbollah. As per the officials, the delivery of the messages activated the explosives as the device beeped for many seconds before it exploded. The explosions underscored how vulnerable Hezbollah’s communication network is and how it was compromised, which led to the deadly blasts. (With inputs from agencies)

A flashback into all that Hezbollah lost in war between Israel and Hamas in 2024

London, United Kingdom
British-Pakistani girl Sara Sharif's father Urfan Sharif, and stepmother Beinash Batool have been jailed for life for murdering their 10-year-old daughter.   
Sara was hooded, burned, and beaten during a "campaign of torture" for two years by her father, stepmother and uncle. Her body was found at the family home in Woking, Surrey, in 2023.
Justice Cavanagh on Tuesday (Dec 17) described the treatment of Sara as "torture" and condemned the defendants for not showing a "shred of remorse".
Sara's father has been sentenced to a minimum of 40 years in prison for murder, her stepmother Beinash Batool, 30, received a minimum of 33 years, and her uncle Faisal Malik received 16 years of prison sentence for causing or allowing her death.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sara-sharif-case-father-stepmother-and-uncle-charged-with-10-year-olds-murder-in-uk-636114">Also read: Sara Sharif case: Father, stepmother and uncle charged with 10-year-old’s murder in UK</a>
Sara's mother, Olga Domin, in a statement read out in court, called the murderers "sadists", adding, "Although even this word is not enough for you. I would say you are executioners."
Further paying tribute to her daughter, she said, "She is now an angel who looks down on us from heaven. She is no longer experiencing violence. I hoped that when she grew up we would meet, but now that won't happen."
Prosecutor William Emlyn Jones KC said that the 10-year-old girl was subjected to serious violence from at least the age of six with a variety of weapons, including a cricket bat, an improvised metal truncheon made from the broken leg of a high chair, and a domestic iron.
Watch | Gravitas: 10-year-old Sara Sharif's father, stepmother &amp; uncle charged with murder
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“This is a case involving a gross breach of trust because the deceased was the defendant’s own little child. In their care, she suffered this violence in her own home, where she ought to have been entitled to feel safe, loved, and cared for," she said. 
Meanwhile, Sara's uncle was found not guilty of murder but was convicted of causing or allowing her death. 
As the judge continued to speak in the court, his voice shook while describing some of the injuries suffered by Sara, calling the abuse as "nothing short of gruesome". 
Sara was found dead in her family home in Surrey on August 10 last year. Her father and stepmother killed her two days earlier and fled to Pakistan. 
Further, the prison term will take into account time served on remand, with a minimum term of 38 years and 272 days for Sharif and 31 years and 272 days for Batool. 
(With inputs from agencies)

Justice Cavanagh on Tuesday (Dec 17) described the treatment of Sara as "torture" and condemned the defendants for not showing a "shred of remorse".



London, United Kingdom British-Pakistani girl Sara Sharif's father Urfan Sharif, and stepmother Beinash Batool have been jailed for life for murdering their 10-year-old daughter. Sara was hooded, burned, and beaten during a "campaign of torture" for two years by her father, stepmother and uncle. Her body was found at the family home in Woking, Surrey, in 2023. Justice Cavanagh on Tuesday (Dec 17) described the treatment of Sara as "torture" and condemned the defendants for not showing a "shred of remorse". Sara's father has been sentenced to a minimum of 40 years in prison for murder, her stepmother Beinash Batool, 30, received a minimum of 33 years, and her uncle Faisal Malik received 16 years of prison sentence for causing or allowing her death. Also read: Sara Sharif case: Father, stepmother and uncle charged with 10-year-old’s murder in UK Sara's mother, Olga Domin, in a statement read out in court, called the murderers "sadists", adding, "Although even this word is not enough for you. I would say you are executioners." Further paying tribute to her daughter, she said, "She is now an angel who looks down on us from heaven. She is no longer experiencing violence. I hoped that when she grew up we would meet, but now that won't happen." Prosecutor William Emlyn Jones KC said that the 10-year-old girl was subjected to serious violence from at least the age of six with a variety of weapons, including a cricket bat, an improvised metal truncheon made from the broken leg of a high chair, and a domestic iron. Watch | Gravitas: 10-year-old Sara Sharif's father, stepmother & uncle charged with murder × “This is a case involving a gross breach of trust because the deceased was the defendant’s own little child. In their care, she suffered this violence in her own home, where she ought to have been entitled to feel safe, loved, and cared for," she said. Meanwhile, Sara's uncle was found not guilty of murder but was convicted of causing or allowing her death. As the judge continued to speak in the court, his voice shook while describing some of the injuries suffered by Sara, calling the abuse as "nothing short of gruesome". Sara was found dead in her family home in Surrey on August 10 last year. Her father and stepmother killed her two days earlier and fled to Pakistan. Further, the prison term will take into account time served on remand, with a minimum term of 38 years and 272 days for Sharif and 31 years and 272 days for Batool. (With inputs from agencies)

Sara Sharif murder: 'Sadist' father and stepmother imprisoned for life for brutally killing her

Thailand's five-year-old swimming sensation, Vanya Maisuenpon, who has been making waves on social media, got the opportunity to witness the world's best swimmers at the 2024 World Aquatics Swimming Championships. Vanya stole the show with her incredible abilities after being granted special permission to swim in the competition pool in Budapest during a break in the schedule.

Vanya Maisuenpon: Thailand's Five-year-old Swimming Sensation

A senior Russian general has been killed by a bomb hidden in a scooter outside his apartment building in Moscow...

The attack comes a day after Ukraine’s security service leveled criminal charges against him. Watch in for more details!

What's Next For Russia-Ukraine War?

California 
Hannah Kobayashi, the missing Hawaii woman found recently, said she was "unaware of everything" that happened in the media and her family. After returning from Mexico to the United States, Hannah said in a statement handed on Tuesday (Dec 17) by her aunt that she is "still processing it all" and urged people to respect her family during “this challenging time". 
“I was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away and I am still processing it all. I kindly ask for respect for myself, my family and my loved ones as I navigate through this challenging time. Thank you for your understanding," her statement added. 
Hannah's sister, Sydi Kobayashi, revealed that Hannah has been found safe but  “does not wish to return to her family’. TMZ reported that after her landing in the US, she was greeted by her attorney in California but not her family. 
Watch | Mystery Drone Sightings In USA: White House Releases Statement, Says 'No Reason For Alarm Found'
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<h2>'Voluntary Missing'</h2>
On December 2, Los Angeles police declared Kobayashi a voluntary missing person. 
At the time, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said in a news conference, "As the family is aware, late yesterday after travelling to the US-Mexico border, we reviewed video surveillance from US Customs and Border Protection, which clearly shows Kobayashi crossing the United States border on foot into Mexico."
“She was alone, with her luggage, and appeared unharmed," he further added. 
From November 8 to 11, various surveillance footage showed her at multiple locations across LA. On November 11, Hannah was seen retrieving her luggage from the airport, and that was the last time she was seen. 
Just after that, she stopped communicating with her family. Furthermore, her family members started receiving strange and unusual text messages from her number. 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/walmart-and-target-recall-40000-christmas-tree-light-controllers-over-fire-hazards-784703">Walmart and Target recall 40,000 Christmas tree light controllers over fire hazards</a>
In messages, she reportedly said that she had been "tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds" to "someone I thought I loved". Then her phone went dead. 
In mid-November, authorities announced she was seen crossing the US-Mexico border on foot. This development sparked a more intense investigation into her case. 
(With inputs from agencies)

Hannah's sister, Sydi Kobayashi, revealed that Hannah has been found safe but “does not wish to return to her family”. TMZ reported that after her landing in the US, she was greeted by her attorney in California but not her family. 



California Hannah Kobayashi, the missing Hawaii woman found recently, said she was "unaware of everything" that happened in the media and her family. After returning from Mexico to the United States, Hannah said in a statement handed on Tuesday (Dec 17) by her aunt that she is "still processing it all" and urged people to respect her family during “this challenging time". “I was unaware of everything that was happening in the media while I was away and I am still processing it all. I kindly ask for respect for myself, my family and my loved ones as I navigate through this challenging time. Thank you for your understanding," her statement added. Hannah's sister, Sydi Kobayashi, revealed that Hannah has been found safe but “does not wish to return to her family’. TMZ reported that after her landing in the US, she was greeted by her attorney in California but not her family. Watch | Mystery Drone Sightings In USA: White House Releases Statement, Says 'No Reason For Alarm Found' 'Voluntary Missing' On December 2, Los Angeles police declared Kobayashi a voluntary missing person. At the time, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said in a news conference, "As the family is aware, late yesterday after travelling to the US-Mexico border, we reviewed video surveillance from US Customs and Border Protection, which clearly shows Kobayashi crossing the United States border on foot into Mexico." “She was alone, with her luggage, and appeared unharmed," he further added. From November 8 to 11, various surveillance footage showed her at multiple locations across LA. On November 11, Hannah was seen retrieving her luggage from the airport, and that was the last time she was seen. Just after that, she stopped communicating with her family. Furthermore, her family members started receiving strange and unusual text messages from her number. Also read | Walmart and Target recall 40,000 Christmas tree light controllers over fire hazards In messages, she reportedly said that she had been "tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds" to "someone I thought I loved". Then her phone went dead. In mid-November, authorities announced she was seen crossing the US-Mexico border on foot. This development sparked a more intense investigation into her case. (With inputs from agencies)

Missing Hawaii woman case: Was unaware of media frenzy, says Hannah Kobayashi after her return

Chelsea's Mikhailo Mudryk has been provisionally after failing a drugs test. Mudryk claims that he has never knowingly consumed a banned substance. Wion's Esha Hanspal gets you the details.

Chelsea's Mudryk Suspended After Positive Drug Test

A new study underscores that drinking coffee may alter the composition of your gut microbiome, the environment of microorganisms like bacteria inhabiting your intestinal tract. Watch for more details!



How Coffee Promote Good Bacteria?

A powerful earthquake has hit the pacific nation of Vanuatu. It has brought down buildings in the capital Port Vila, including one used by foreign embassies. Authorities say at least one person has lost his life, while many are feared dead...Watch in for more details!



7.3 Magnitude Quake Leaves Vanuatu In Ruins |

Gaza 
The Times of Israel reported on Tuesday (Dec 17) that the Palestinian military group Hamas is concerned that US President-elect Donald Trump would allow Israel to resume the war in Gaza after the completion of the first phase of the proposed ceasefire deal.
Although, Trump repeated his statement this week that he would end the Gaza war, but an Israeli official told The Times of Israel that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes to possesses more flexibility in Trump's administration than he has in Biden's. 
Hamas also has the same beliefs, hence it is seeking assurance that Netanyahu would not restart the war, the agency reported. 
<h2>'Trying to help...'</h2>
On Monday (Dec 16), Trump said he is working to secure the release of hostages in Gaza. 
“We are trying to help very strongly in getting the hostages back,” the Republican said in a press conference. 
Watch | US News: Donald Trump Warns Hamas To Release Hostages Soon
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<h2>Tunnel destroyed </h2>
The IDF further claimed on December 17 that it had destroyed a tunnel in Gaza's Jabalia that was used by Hamas to kill three IDF soldiers in an attack in October. 
The Israeli military said it discovered the tunnel, which was connected to a 500-metre-long underground passage. 
This came after the IDF announced that its two soldiers were killed on Monday (Dec 16) in southern Gaza. 
The military said the two soldiers were killed while two others were injured after a building they were in collapsed in the Rafah area. The building was already damaged, which led to its collapse. 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-unaware-of-everything-happening-says-hannah-kobayashi-after-her-return-784712">'Was unaware of everything happening', says Hannah Kobayashi after her return</a>
<h2>'If we finish the war now...'</h2>
Israel had earlier said that it was seeking a temporary pause in the war. It wants the hostages to be released, and then it would resume the war to "dismantle" Hamas. 
“If we finish the war now, Hamas will return, recover and rebuild itself and attack us again… we don’t want to return to this [situation],” Netanyahu said.
(With inputs from agencies)

The military said the two soldiers were killed while two others were injured after a building they were in collapsed in the Rafah area. The building was already damaged which led to its collapse. 



Gaza The Times of Israel reported on Tuesday (Dec 17) that the Palestinian military group Hamas is concerned that US President-elect Donald Trump would allow Israel to resume the war in Gaza after the completion of the first phase of the proposed ceasefire deal. Although, Trump repeated his statement this week that he would end the Gaza war, but an Israeli official told The Times of Israel that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes to possesses more flexibility in Trump's administration than he has in Biden's. Hamas also has the same beliefs, hence it is seeking assurance that Netanyahu would not restart the war, the agency reported. 'Trying to help...' On Monday (Dec 16), Trump said he is working to secure the release of hostages in Gaza. “We are trying to help very strongly in getting the hostages back,” the Republican said in a press conference. Watch | US News: Donald Trump Warns Hamas To Release Hostages Soon Tunnel destroyed The IDF further claimed on December 17 that it had destroyed a tunnel in Gaza's Jabalia that was used by Hamas to kill three IDF soldiers in an attack in October. The Israeli military said it discovered the tunnel, which was connected to a 500-metre-long underground passage. This came after the IDF announced that its two soldiers were killed on Monday (Dec 16) in southern Gaza. The military said the two soldiers were killed while two others were injured after a building they were in collapsed in the Rafah area. The building was already damaged, which led to its collapse. Also read | 'Was unaware of everything happening', says Hannah Kobayashi after her return 'If we finish the war now...' Israel had earlier said that it was seeking a temporary pause in the war. It wants the hostages to be released, and then it would resume the war to "dismantle" Hamas. “If we finish the war now, Hamas will return, recover and rebuild itself and attack us again… we don’t want to return to this [situation],” Netanyahu said. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas concerned Trump would allow Israel to resume Gaza war after first phase of ceasefire: Report

London/Dubai
<meta content="uuidwSuslMwR6h3t" name="uuid"/>
Popular instant messaging service Telegram is under scrutiny. Citing a study, a report by BBC on Monday (Dec 16) said that Telegram has been using an algorithm that promotes extremist content. 
The study was conducted by the US civil rights organisation the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). It found that the "similar channels" feature (on Telegram) recommended extremist channels even to users browsing subjects such as celebrities or technology.
This feature was introduced last year.
<h2>Users browsing mundane topics were recommended extreme content</h2>
Researchers at SPLC looked at 28,000 (similar) channels for the study. The agency found that users browsing mundane topics would be recommended extreme content.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/telegram-boss-durov-offering-free-ivf-treatment-to-women-willing-to-use-his-sperm-775642">Telegram boss Durov offering free IVF treatment to women willing to use his sperm</a>
On the other hand, users looking at one form of extreme content, such as anti-government conspiracies, would be pushed towards other extremist ideologies, such as antisemitism or white nationalism.
<h2>A look at the extreme content</h2>
Speaking to BBC, lead researcher of the study, Megan Squire, demonstrated how the algorithm works by searching for "Donald Trump" in a newly set up Telegram account.
Immediately in the "similar channels" recommendations were multiple examples of channels promoting the QAnon conspiracy. 
A search for the August riots in the United Kingdom (UK) showed a meme about Adolf Hitler as the first result, followed by suggestions for a series of channels run by violent far-right groups.
Also watch | Gravitas- Telegram: A hub for southeast Asian crime gangs?
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In the hours after the knife attack in Southport, which sparked off the riots, Telegram users posted some of the first calls for protest, along with false claims that the suspected attacker was an asylum seeker.
"You're not just on Telegram getting memes, you're getting shuffled into actual events. They're having events on the ground with people showing up," Squire told BBC.
(With inputs from agencies)

The "similar channels" feature (on Telegram) recommended extremist channels even to users browsing subjects such as celebrities or technology, according to a study by the US civil rights organisation the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). 



London/Dubai Popular instant messaging service Telegram is under scrutiny. Citing a study, a report by BBC on Monday (Dec 16) said that Telegram has been using an algorithm that promotes extremist content. The study was conducted by the US civil rights organisation the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). It found that the "similar channels" feature (on Telegram) recommended extremist channels even to users browsing subjects such as celebrities or technology. This feature was introduced last year. Users browsing mundane topics were recommended extreme content Researchers at SPLC looked at 28,000 (similar) channels for the study. The agency found that users browsing mundane topics would be recommended extreme content. Also read | Telegram boss Durov offering free IVF treatment to women willing to use his sperm On the other hand, users looking at one form of extreme content, such as anti-government conspiracies, would be pushed towards other extremist ideologies, such as antisemitism or white nationalism. A look at the extreme content Speaking to BBC, lead researcher of the study, Megan Squire, demonstrated how the algorithm works by searching for "Donald Trump" in a newly set up Telegram account. Immediately in the "similar channels" recommendations were multiple examples of channels promoting the QAnon conspiracy. A search for the August riots in the United Kingdom (UK) showed a meme about Adolf Hitler as the first result, followed by suggestions for a series of channels run by violent far-right groups. Also watch | Gravitas- Telegram: A hub for southeast Asian crime gangs? In the hours after the knife attack in Southport, which sparked off the riots, Telegram users posted some of the first calls for protest, along with false claims that the suspected attacker was an asylum seeker. "You're not just on Telegram getting memes, you're getting shuffled into actual events. They're having events on the ground with people showing up," Squire told BBC. (With inputs from agencies)

Study says Telegram app using algorithm that promotes extremist content

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government faces its most severe crisis yet as Deputy Prime Minister and finance minister Chrystia Freeland abruptly resigns in open defiance.....

Our story explains the dynamics of the turmoil in Canadian politics which are linked to Donald Trump's threats of imposing tariffs on its neighbour.

Canada Teeters On The Brink Of Chaos

Unexplained drone sightings over the US are fuelling public panic...Donald Trump is accusing the Biden administration of concealing vital information..The white house insists the drones are flying legally...

So what is the truth?

Drone Mystery Grips America

Port Vila, Vanuatu
<meta charset="utf-8"/>A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit the coast of Vanuatu on Tuesday (Dec 17), causing widespread destruction and severe damage to buildings, including a complex housing several Western embassies, including the United States Embassy, British High Commission, French Embassy, and New Zealand High Commission.
The United States Embassy confirmed "considerable damage" and announced the building would remain closed until further notice, though all staff had safely evacuated.
The quake caused widespread destruction in Port Vila, triggered tsunami warnings, and left one person dead. Aftershocks ranging between 4.7 and 5.5 magnitudes continue to rattle the region.
<h2 dir="ltr">Embassies sustain major damage</h2>
The US Embassy in Papua New Guinea reassured in a statement on social media: “While the US Embassy building sustained significant damage, all personnel were able to safely evacuate the building.” 
Michael Thompson, a Vanuatu resident, described the devastation: “The bottom floor of the embassy block no longer exists. It is completely flat. The top three floors are still holding but have dropped.”
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bodies-found-amid-rubble-in-vanuatu-capital-after-powerful-73-magnitude-quake-784587">Bodies found amid rubble in Vanuatu capital after powerful 7.3 magnitude quake</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Neighbouring countries offer support</h2>
Authorities in Australia and New Zealand confirmed there is no tsunami threat for their nations and pledged support for Vanuatu. “Vanuatu is family, and we will always be there in times of need,” said Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Similarly, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed, “Our thoughts are with the people and authorities of Vanuatu,” while monitoring the situation closely.
<h2 dir="ltr">Aftershocks and ongoing damage</h2>
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported at least four aftershocks following the main quake, with magnitudes ranging from 4.7 to 5.5. Photos shared by AFP depict the collapsed ground floor of the embassy complex, emphasising the scale of destruction.
Authorities continue assessing the damage while aftershocks persist, further adding to the challenges faced by residents.
(With inputs from agencies)

The United States Embassy confirmed "considerable damage" and stated that the building would stay closed until further notice, but all staff had safely evacuated.



Port Vila, Vanuatu A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit the coast of Vanuatu on Tuesday (Dec 17), causing widespread destruction and severe damage to buildings, including a complex housing several Western embassies, including the United States Embassy, British High Commission, French Embassy, and New Zealand High Commission. The United States Embassy confirmed "considerable damage" and announced the building would remain closed until further notice, though all staff had safely evacuated. The quake caused widespread destruction in Port Vila, triggered tsunami warnings, and left one person dead. Aftershocks ranging between 4.7 and 5.5 magnitudes continue to rattle the region. Embassies sustain major damage The US Embassy in Papua New Guinea reassured in a statement on social media: “While the US Embassy building sustained significant damage, all personnel were able to safely evacuate the building.” Michael Thompson, a Vanuatu resident, described the devastation: “The bottom floor of the embassy block no longer exists. It is completely flat. The top three floors are still holding but have dropped.” Also Read: Bodies found amid rubble in Vanuatu capital after powerful 7.3 magnitude quake Neighbouring countries offer support Authorities in Australia and New Zealand confirmed there is no tsunami threat for their nations and pledged support for Vanuatu. “Vanuatu is family, and we will always be there in times of need,” said Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Similarly, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed, “Our thoughts are with the people and authorities of Vanuatu,” while monitoring the situation closely. Aftershocks and ongoing damage The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported at least four aftershocks following the main quake, with magnitudes ranging from 4.7 to 5.5. Photos shared by AFP depict the collapsed ground floor of the embassy complex, emphasising the scale of destruction. Authorities continue assessing the damage while aftershocks persist, further adding to the challenges faced by residents. (With inputs from agencies)

Vanuatu earthquake: Embassies of US, UK among damaged buildings

Canada News: Trudeau Faces Calls To Resign

Moscow, Russia
Russian diplomat Igor Kirillov, who was killed in an electric scooter explosion in Moscow, was the head of Russia's Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection troops. 
Lieutenant General Kirillov was assassinated by Ukraine's SBU intelligence service on Tuesday (Dec 17), according to a report by Reuters. 
Kirillov was killed outside an apartment building along with his assistant when a bomb hidden in an electric scooter went off, said Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes serious crimes. According to the report, a bomb was hidden inside an e-scooter which was parked near the apartment building.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/igor-kirillov-the-russian-general-in-charge-of-nuclear-protection-forces-killed-in-explosion-in-moscow-784646">Also read: 'Ukraine kills' Russian General Igor Kirillov who was in charge of nation's nuclear protection forces</a>
Later, Ukraine claimed responsibility for his killing and said that a Ukrainian intelligence agency had been behind the hit.
<h2>Who was Igor Kirillov?</h2>
In Russia, Kirillov was seen as a tireless patriot, fighting for the truth and exposing Western "crimes". He was also accused by the West of overseeing the use of chemical weapons in their war with Ukraine. 
He got popular for his offbeat briefings at the Russian defence ministry, which also provoked the UK Foreign Office to label him as a "significant mouthpiece for Kremlin disinformation". 
He was much more than a mouthpiece, as he was heading Russia's Timoshenko Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Academy, before going on to lead the Russian army's Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops in 2017.
WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Head Of Russia’s Nuclear Defence Forces Killed In Moscow Blast
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The troops were responsible for identifying hazards and protecting units from contamination but also "causing loss to the enemy by using flame-incendiary means". 
The UK Foreign Office said that the force Kirillov commanded had deployed "barbaric chemical weapons in Ukraine", stressing that it highlighted what according to them was the widespread use of riot control agents and "multiple reports of the use of the toxic choking agent chloropicrin".
Kirillov got his notoriety since the beginning of Russia's war with Ukraine as he put forward certain claims directed towards both Ukraine and the West. However, these claims were not based on any facts. 
One of his outrageous claims was that the US had been building biological weapons laboratories in Ukraine.
Last month, he also claimed that "one of the priority aims" of Ukraine's counter-offensive into Russia's Kursk border region was to seize the Kursk nuclear power plant. 
(With inputs from agencies)

In Russia, Kirillov was seen as a tireless patriot, fighting for the truth and exposing Western "crimes". He was also accused by the West of overseeing the use of chemical weapons in their war with Ukraine. 



Moscow, Russia Russian diplomat Igor Kirillov, who was killed in an electric scooter explosion in Moscow, was the head of Russia's Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection troops. Lieutenant General Kirillov was assassinated by Ukraine's SBU intelligence service on Tuesday (Dec 17), according to a report by Reuters. Kirillov was killed outside an apartment building along with his assistant when a bomb hidden in an electric scooter went off, said Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes serious crimes. According to the report, a bomb was hidden inside an e-scooter which was parked near the apartment building. Also read: 'Ukraine kills' Russian General Igor Kirillov who was in charge of nation's nuclear protection forces Later, Ukraine claimed responsibility for his killing and said that a Ukrainian intelligence agency had been behind the hit. Who was Igor Kirillov? In Russia, Kirillov was seen as a tireless patriot, fighting for the truth and exposing Western "crimes". He was also accused by the West of overseeing the use of chemical weapons in their war with Ukraine. He got popular for his offbeat briefings at the Russian defence ministry, which also provoked the UK Foreign Office to label him as a "significant mouthpiece for Kremlin disinformation". He was much more than a mouthpiece, as he was heading Russia's Timoshenko Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Academy, before going on to lead the Russian army's Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops in 2017. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Head Of Russia’s Nuclear Defence Forces Killed In Moscow Blast × The troops were responsible for identifying hazards and protecting units from contamination but also "causing loss to the enemy by using flame-incendiary means". The UK Foreign Office said that the force Kirillov commanded had deployed "barbaric chemical weapons in Ukraine", stressing that it highlighted what according to them was the widespread use of riot control agents and "multiple reports of the use of the toxic choking agent chloropicrin". Kirillov got his notoriety since the beginning of Russia's war with Ukraine as he put forward certain claims directed towards both Ukraine and the West. However, these claims were not based on any facts. One of his outrageous claims was that the US had been building biological weapons laboratories in Ukraine. Last month, he also claimed that "one of the priority aims" of Ukraine's counter-offensive into Russia's Kursk border region was to seize the Kursk nuclear power plant. (With inputs from agencies)

Who was Igor Kirillov? Russia's chemical weapons chief and a mouthpiece for exposing Western 'crimes'

Tennessee, United States
More than 40,000 Christmas tree light controllers, which help in operating the tree lights wirelessly, have been recalled by companies because of a fire risk.
Mr Christmas LLC and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have been warning customers regarding these gadgets which have been produced by Mr. Christmas LLC, who is from Memphis, Tennessee, because they contain wireless receivers which carry the chances of overheating after getting connected to any outlet. 
The company received an alert regarding 10 instances of overheating, one of which also caused a fire. No one suffered injuries in the incident and the recall was voluntarily initiated by Mr. Christmas. 
The company has appealed to the customers to stop using the product immediately and give it back to the shop where they purchased it, which will give them a full refund.
The recall will impact around 44,600 units sold at Walmart, Target and Cracker Barrel stores as well as online. The shops had sold the affected batch between July and November. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-develop-actual-face-of-santa-claus-for-first-time-in-1700-years-781713">Santa's face finally 'revealed' after 1700 years. Here's how he looked</a>
The products recalled were manufactured in China and were priced between $25 and $40. 
<h2>Here's what the companies said </h2>
"If you are experiencing issues with a recall remedy or believe a company is being non-responsive to your remedy request, please use this form and explain the situation to CPSC," advised Mr. Christmas over the recall.
A recall notice was issued by the Consumer Affairs Department on its website for the tree light controller.
"This recall involves a decorative tree light controller that operates wirelessly to turn on holiday lights on a tree. The decorative controller contains two parts: a lever or a switch that can be pulled to turn the holiday lights on or off, and a separate white receiver that plugs into an outlet and into which the tree's holiday lights are plugged. The controller sold at Walmart and Cracker Barrel is shaped like a green, red and white peppermint candy with a candy cane on/off lever, and displays the words 'Christmas Light Controller'," read the statement. 
"The controller sold at Target is sold under the Wondershop™ brand and is shaped like a square on/off switch box with green, red and white balls, and displays the words 'Tree Lighting Switch.' The white wireless receptacle that is plugged into an outlet contains the words "Mr. Christmas" and one of these three model numbers printed on the white receptacle: 39611, 39612 or 39630," it added. 
Watch: History on Ice: Pula's Spectacular Christmas Celebration
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The words "Christmas Light Controller" were printed on the recalled controllers sold at Cracker Barrel and Walmart which appeared like green, red and white peppermint candies. 
Mr. Christmas President Leslie Hermanson, in a statement to ABC News, said, "As a 91-year-old family business, nothing is more important to Mr. Christmas than the safety of the families who celebrate with our products. As such, out of an abundance of caution we voluntarily engaged with the CPSC to recall these 2024 Light Controllers immediately upon receiving reports of a small number of incidents with them." 
"We want all consumers who have purchased one of these products this season to stop using them and visit our or the CPSC website for information on how to return your Light Controller for a refund. We note that Light Controllers sold prior to 2024 are not impacted by this recall," he added. 
(With inputs from agencies)

Cracker Barrel, Target and Walmart stores had to recall around 44,600 Christmas light controllers which were sold online between July and November

 



Tennessee, United States More than 40,000 Christmas tree light controllers, which help in operating the tree lights wirelessly, have been recalled by companies because of a fire risk. Mr Christmas LLC and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have been warning customers regarding these gadgets which have been produced by Mr. Christmas LLC, who is from Memphis, Tennessee, because they contain wireless receivers which carry the chances of overheating after getting connected to any outlet. The company received an alert regarding 10 instances of overheating, one of which also caused a fire. No one suffered injuries in the incident and the recall was voluntarily initiated by Mr. Christmas. The company has appealed to the customers to stop using the product immediately and give it back to the shop where they purchased it, which will give them a full refund. The recall will impact around 44,600 units sold at Walmart, Target and Cracker Barrel stores as well as online. The shops had sold the affected batch between July and November. Also Read: Santa's face finally 'revealed' after 1700 years. Here's how he looked The products recalled were manufactured in China and were priced between $25 and $40. Here's what the companies said "If you are experiencing issues with a recall remedy or believe a company is being non-responsive to your remedy request, please use this form and explain the situation to CPSC," advised Mr. Christmas over the recall. A recall notice was issued by the Consumer Affairs Department on its website for the tree light controller. "This recall involves a decorative tree light controller that operates wirelessly to turn on holiday lights on a tree. The decorative controller contains two parts: a lever or a switch that can be pulled to turn the holiday lights on or off, and a separate white receiver that plugs into an outlet and into which the tree's holiday lights are plugged. The controller sold at Walmart and Cracker Barrel is shaped like a green, red and white peppermint candy with a candy cane on/off lever, and displays the words 'Christmas Light Controller'," read the statement. "The controller sold at Target is sold under the Wondershop™ brand and is shaped like a square on/off switch box with green, red and white balls, and displays the words 'Tree Lighting Switch.' The white wireless receptacle that is plugged into an outlet contains the words "Mr. Christmas" and one of these three model numbers printed on the white receptacle: 39611, 39612 or 39630," it added. Watch: History on Ice: Pula's Spectacular Christmas Celebration The words "Christmas Light Controller" were printed on the recalled controllers sold at Cracker Barrel and Walmart which appeared like green, red and white peppermint candies. Mr. Christmas President Leslie Hermanson, in a statement to ABC News, said, "As a 91-year-old family business, nothing is more important to Mr. Christmas than the safety of the families who celebrate with our products. As such, out of an abundance of caution we voluntarily engaged with the CPSC to recall these 2024 Light Controllers immediately upon receiving reports of a small number of incidents with them." "We want all consumers who have purchased one of these products this season to stop using them and visit our or the CPSC website for information on how to return your Light Controller for a refund. We note that Light Controllers sold prior to 2024 are not impacted by this recall," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Walmart and Target recall 40,000 Christmas tree light controllers over fire hazards

The Rijksmuseum Museum in Amsterdam is hosting a major exhibition showcasing over 75 Asian bronze masterpieces spanning 4,000 years of history. The exhibition, which runs until January 12th next year, features works from six museums in Asian countries, including many that have never been seen in Europe before, including statues of Lord Buddha, Shiva, and Vishnu. Watch this report for more!



Rijksmuseum Showcases 75 Bronze Masterpieces; Rare Statues Of Lord Buddha, Shiva & Vishnu Displayed

Beijing
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China on Tuesday (Dec 17) executed a former official who was convicted in the country's largest-ever corruption case. According to a report by the state-run Xinhua news agency, the death sentence was awarded to Li Jianping, a former official in the north Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
Xinhua reported that Li was convicted in China's largest-ever corruption case which totalled up to $421 million. Li, 64, had been the former secretary of the Communist Party's Working Committee of the Hohhot Economic and Technological Development Zone.
<h2>Death sentence was initially issued in September 2022</h2>
Xinhua reported that the death sentence to Li was initially issued in September 2022. At that time, he was charged with taking bribes, misusing public funds and colluding with a criminal syndicate.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinpings-warns-communist-party-must-turn-the-knife-inward-to-root-out-corruption-in-party-and-military-784413">China's Xi Jinping says Communist Party must ‘turn the knife inward’ to root out corruption</a>
He lost an appeal in August and his sentence was then approved by the Supreme People’s Court. Tuesday's execution followed the approval of the Supreme People’s Court and was carried out by a court in Inner Mongolia. 
<h2>Li was allowed time with family before execution</h2>
A report by Bloomberg on Tuesday said that Li was allowed time with family members before his execution. 
This death sentence is uncommon as it is rare for Chinese officials to receive death penalty for corruption charges. More frequently they get a two-year reprieve from execution, with their sentence commuted to life imprisonment for good behaviour.
Also watch | Unpacking China's alarming naval build up
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Since coming to power in 2012, President Xi Jinping has made anti-corruption a key part of his governance.
Bloomberg reported in October that President Xi's anti-corruption campaign implicated a record number of senior officials for two straight years (2023 and 2024).
(With inputs from agencies)

According to a report by the state-run Xinhua news agency, the death sentence was awarded to Li Jianping, a former official in the north Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.



Beijing China on Tuesday (Dec 17) executed a former official who was convicted in the country's largest-ever corruption case. According to a report by the state-run Xinhua news agency, the death sentence was awarded to Li Jianping, a former official in the north Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Xinhua reported that Li was convicted in China's largest-ever corruption case which totalled up to $421 million. Li, 64, had been the former secretary of the Communist Party's Working Committee of the Hohhot Economic and Technological Development Zone. Death sentence was initially issued in September 2022 Xinhua reported that the death sentence to Li was initially issued in September 2022. At that time, he was charged with taking bribes, misusing public funds and colluding with a criminal syndicate. Also read | China's Xi Jinping says Communist Party must ‘turn the knife inward’ to root out corruption He lost an appeal in August and his sentence was then approved by the Supreme People’s Court. Tuesday's execution followed the approval of the Supreme People’s Court and was carried out by a court in Inner Mongolia. Li was allowed time with family before execution A report by Bloomberg on Tuesday said that Li was allowed time with family members before his execution. This death sentence is uncommon as it is rare for Chinese officials to receive death penalty for corruption charges. More frequently they get a two-year reprieve from execution, with their sentence commuted to life imprisonment for good behaviour. Also watch | Unpacking China's alarming naval build up × Since coming to power in 2012, President Xi Jinping has made anti-corruption a key part of his governance. Bloomberg reported in October that President Xi's anti-corruption campaign implicated a record number of senior officials for two straight years (2023 and 2024). (With inputs from agencies)

China executes ex-official convicted in nation's largest-ever corruption case

GRAP-4 restrictions have been enforced in Delhi and Noida as air pollution levels reach 'severe' categories. The move aims to control the harmful effects of the hazardous air quality in the region. Watch in for more details!

India: GRAP-4 Restrictions Back In Delhi As Air Quality Dips

Black sea: Impact of catastrophic oil spill on marine life. Watch in for more details!

Black Sea: Impact Of Catastrophic Oil Spill On Marine Life

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