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Seoul, South Korea
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South Korea’s conservative president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has reportedly ignored summons from prosecutors investigating him on charges of insurrection as he faces impeachment after imposing martial law.
According to the Yonhap news agency, Yoon was summoned on Wednesday to appear for questioning at 10:00 AM local time on Sunday (December 15), but did not attend. Prosecutors are now expected to issue another summons and are also seeking arrest warrants for senior military officials, including the head of the army’s special warfare command and the chief of the capital defence command.
Yoon’s presidential powers have been suspended while the constitutional court deliberates on whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. If he is dismissed, a national election to select his successor will need to take place within 60 days. The court will start reviewing the case on Monday and has up to 180 days to deliver its decision.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-opposition-leader-pushes-for-quick-verdict-on-yoons-impeachment-ease-suffering-of-the-people-784139" target="_blank">South Korean opposition leader pushes for quick verdict on Yoon's impeachment: Ease 'suffering of the people'</a>
Opposition parties have accused Yoon of rebellion, arguing that under South Korean law, martial law can only be declared during war or extreme emergencies.
Yoon has denied all allegations and has vowed to “fight to the end”. He defended his decision, claiming the troop deployment to the national assembly was meant to warn the Democratic Party, which he described as an “anti-state force”.
Although Yoon has presidential immunity from most criminal prosecutions, it does not cover accusations of rebellion or treason. He has been barred from leaving South Korea, though his arrest is unlikely, given the risk of clashes with his presidential security service.
Han Duck-soo, Yoon’s appointee and acting president, has instructed the military to strengthen its security measures against North Korea. On Sunday, Han held a phone call with US President Joe Biden to discuss South Korea’s political situation and regional security concerns, including North Korea’s nuclear threat. Biden praised South Korea’s strong democratic resilience and reiterated the “ironclad commitment” of the US to its ally, according to official statements from both nations.
(With inputs from agencies)

Yoon’s presidential powers have been suspended while the constitutional court deliberates on whether to remove him from office or reinstate him.



Seoul, South Korea South Korea’s conservative president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has reportedly ignored summons from prosecutors investigating him on charges of insurrection as he faces impeachment after imposing martial law. According to the Yonhap news agency, Yoon was summoned on Wednesday to appear for questioning at 10:00 AM local time on Sunday (December 15), but did not attend. Prosecutors are now expected to issue another summons and are also seeking arrest warrants for senior military officials, including the head of the army’s special warfare command and the chief of the capital defence command. Yoon’s presidential powers have been suspended while the constitutional court deliberates on whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. If he is dismissed, a national election to select his successor will need to take place within 60 days. The court will start reviewing the case on Monday and has up to 180 days to deliver its decision. Also read: South Korean opposition leader pushes for quick verdict on Yoon's impeachment: Ease 'suffering of the people' Opposition parties have accused Yoon of rebellion, arguing that under South Korean law, martial law can only be declared during war or extreme emergencies. Yoon has denied all allegations and has vowed to “fight to the end”. He defended his decision, claiming the troop deployment to the national assembly was meant to warn the Democratic Party, which he described as an “anti-state force”. Although Yoon has presidential immunity from most criminal prosecutions, it does not cover accusations of rebellion or treason. He has been barred from leaving South Korea, though his arrest is unlikely, given the risk of clashes with his presidential security service. Han Duck-soo, Yoon’s appointee and acting president, has instructed the military to strengthen its security measures against North Korea. On Sunday, Han held a phone call with US President Joe Biden to discuss South Korea’s political situation and regional security concerns, including North Korea’s nuclear threat. Biden praised South Korea’s strong democratic resilience and reiterated the “ironclad commitment” of the US to its ally, according to official statements from both nations. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea’s Yoon defies summons as prosecutors probe martial law declaration, vows to ‘fight to the end’

Maharashtra's cabinet expansion saw key leaders take their oath during a formal ceremony. The new appointments mark a significant political development in the state's governance.



Maharashtra Cabinet Expansion: Key Leaders Sworn In Oath Taking Ceremony

Two Russian tankers have sunk in the Black Sea, releasing 4,300 tonnes of oil into the waters. The environmental impact is significant, with efforts underway to contain the spill.



Two Russian Tankers Sink in Black Sea, Spill 4,300 Tonnes of Oil

Tel aviv, Israel 
<meta charset="utf-8"/>Israel has announced it will close its embassy in Dublin, citing the Irish government's stance on Israel, particularly its support for a petition at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar made the announcement on Sunday, describing Ireland’s actions as “extreme anti-Israel policies.”
<h2 dir="ltr">Ireland’s support for ICJ petition</h2>
The embassy closure follows Ireland's decision to join a petition at the ICJ in The Hague, accusing Israel of genocide related to its actions in the Palestinian territories. Israel has stated that this, along with Ireland’s previous recognition of a Palestinian state, has led to a significant breakdown in relations.
In a statement, Sa'ar said, "The actions and antisemitic rhetoric used by Ireland against Israel are rooted in the de-legitimisation and demonisation of the Jewish state, along with double standards. Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel."
<h2>Statement by the Tánaiste </h2>
The Tánaiste expressed regret over Israel's decision to close its Dublin embassy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels.
"Ireland’s stance on the Middle East conflict is rooted in international law and humanitarian principles. We condemned the Hamas attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 and have equally called out Israel's military operations in Gaza, which constitute collective punishment, violate international law, and cause unacceptable civilian suffering."
He stressed that Ireland is still calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and more humanitarian aid to Gaza. He also confirmed that Ireland will keep its embassy in Israel to continue diplomatic work.
<h2>Ireland rejects the accusations</h2>
Ireland has strongly rejected Israel’s claims. Prime Minister Simon Harris expressed his regret over the Israeli decision to close the embassy. “I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel,” Harris said in a statement, underscoring that Ireland continues to seek a balanced approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Israel has announced the closure of its embassy in Dublin, citing Ireland's support for an International Court of Justice (ICJ) petition accusing Israel of genocide. 



Tel aviv, Israel Israel has announced it will close its embassy in Dublin, citing the Irish government's stance on Israel, particularly its support for a petition at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar made the announcement on Sunday, describing Ireland’s actions as “extreme anti-Israel policies.” Ireland’s support for ICJ petition The embassy closure follows Ireland's decision to join a petition at the ICJ in The Hague, accusing Israel of genocide related to its actions in the Palestinian territories. Israel has stated that this, along with Ireland’s previous recognition of a Palestinian state, has led to a significant breakdown in relations. In a statement, Sa'ar said, "The actions and antisemitic rhetoric used by Ireland against Israel are rooted in the de-legitimisation and demonisation of the Jewish state, along with double standards. Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel." Statement by the Tánaiste The Tánaiste expressed regret over Israel's decision to close its Dublin embassy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels. "Ireland’s stance on the Middle East conflict is rooted in international law and humanitarian principles. We condemned the Hamas attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 and have equally called out Israel's military operations in Gaza, which constitute collective punishment, violate international law, and cause unacceptable civilian suffering." He stressed that Ireland is still calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and more humanitarian aid to Gaza. He also confirmed that Ireland will keep its embassy in Israel to continue diplomatic work. Ireland rejects the accusations Ireland has strongly rejected Israel’s claims. Prime Minister Simon Harris expressed his regret over the Israeli decision to close the embassy. “I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel,” Harris said in a statement, underscoring that Ireland continues to seek a balanced approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Israel to close embassy in Dublin after Ireland backs ICJ genocide petition

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Germany's underground market offers a magical holiday experience inside an old mine shaft. Visitors can explore festive stalls, unique crafts, and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere beneath the surface.



Germany's Enchanting Underground Market, Holiday Magic Inside An Old Mine Shaft

Syria: Students Celebrate In Damascus A Week After Assad Regime's Fall

London, UK 
British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper admitted that the UK government has a "complex arrangement" with China because of the need for economic cooperation, amid the exclusion of an alleged Chinese spy with links to Prince Andrew. 
The man was banned from Britain by the government on national security grounds and was invited to Andrew's birthday party and visited Buckingham Palace twice. 
The man also met David Cameron and Theresa May and kept pictures of his meetings with the two prime ministers on his office desk. However, both said that they do not recall meeting him. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-andrew-invited-chinese-spy-to-buckingham-palace-report-784042">Also read: Prince Andrew invited 'Chinese spy' to Buckingham Palace: Report</a>
When Cooper was asked about her message to China on BBC One's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, she said, "Well, we will continue to take a very strong approach to our national security; that includes any challenge to our national security, including to our economic security from China and from other countries around the world. That will always be the approach that we will take. Of course, with China, we also need to make sure we have that economic interaction and economic cooperation in place as well. So it’s a complex arrangement.”
Earlier on Friday, the Duke of York said that he had "ceased all contact" with the businessman when concerns were first raised about him. 
Andrew met the individual through "official channels”, with “nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed”, a statement from the prince's office read. 
The businessman, who is known only as H6, brought his case to the special immigration appeals commission (Siac), which upheld a ruling that he should be excluded from the UK.
Watch | Prince Andrew Says He 'Ceased All Contact' With Alleged Chinese Spy
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Meanwhile, shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said that the instances of Chinese interferences that have been proven should be publicly exposed in order to keep the public and government vigilant. 
“This question of Chinese influence is not a new one. It’s been around for years, or even decades,” he told the BBC. 
“They’ve been systematically trying to infiltrate universities, to steal intellectual property businesses for the same reason, and also influence government institutions. We need to be super-vigilant and publicly expose Chinese infiltration where it happens. Everybody in academia, business, and government needs to be alert. If anyone has the slightest concern, they should contact the security services immediately," he added. 
(With inputs from agencies)

The man was banned from Britain by the government on national security grounds and was invited to Andrew's birthday party and visited Buckingham Palace twice. 



London, UK British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper admitted that the UK government has a "complex arrangement" with China because of the need for economic cooperation, amid the exclusion of an alleged Chinese spy with links to Prince Andrew. The man was banned from Britain by the government on national security grounds and was invited to Andrew's birthday party and visited Buckingham Palace twice. The man also met David Cameron and Theresa May and kept pictures of his meetings with the two prime ministers on his office desk. However, both said that they do not recall meeting him. Also read: Prince Andrew invited 'Chinese spy' to Buckingham Palace: Report When Cooper was asked about her message to China on BBC One's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, she said, "Well, we will continue to take a very strong approach to our national security; that includes any challenge to our national security, including to our economic security from China and from other countries around the world. That will always be the approach that we will take. Of course, with China, we also need to make sure we have that economic interaction and economic cooperation in place as well. So it’s a complex arrangement.” Earlier on Friday, the Duke of York said that he had "ceased all contact" with the businessman when concerns were first raised about him. Andrew met the individual through "official channels”, with “nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed”, a statement from the prince's office read. The businessman, who is known only as H6, brought his case to the special immigration appeals commission (Siac), which upheld a ruling that he should be excluded from the UK. Watch | Prince Andrew Says He 'Ceased All Contact' With Alleged Chinese Spy × Meanwhile, shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said that the instances of Chinese interferences that have been proven should be publicly exposed in order to keep the public and government vigilant. “This question of Chinese influence is not a new one. It’s been around for years, or even decades,” he told the BBC. “They’ve been systematically trying to infiltrate universities, to steal intellectual property businesses for the same reason, and also influence government institutions. We need to be super-vigilant and publicly expose Chinese infiltration where it happens. Everybody in academia, business, and government needs to be alert. If anyone has the slightest concern, they should contact the security services immediately," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Complex relations with China,' says UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper amid Prince Andrew spy row

Washington DC, United States
NASA has warned of two massive asteroids will make their closest approach on Monday (December 16, 2024). These celestial bodies are named 2024 XY5 and 2024 XB6. They are racing towards Earth at incredible speeds. Although NASA has confirmed that neither poses a danger to our planet. These near-Earth objects (NEOs) highlight the importance of vigilant monitoring by space agencies.
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<h2 dir="ltr">Asteroid 2024 XY5</h2>
Asteroid 2024 XY5 measures 71 feet across, about the size of a large aircraft, and is travelling at a speed of 10,805 miles per hour. It will make its closest approach to Earth at 12:26 AM IST on Monday, passing within 2,180,000 miles—about 16 times the average distance between Earth and the Moon. "Although this is a close encounter in cosmic terms, there’s absolutely no cause for concern," say NASA scientists. 
<h2 dir="ltr">Asteroid 2024 XB6</h2>
Shortly after, another asteroid, 2024 XB6, will approach Earth at 7:25 AM IST on the same day. This one is slightly smaller, measuring 56 feet in diameter, akin to the size of a house. It will travel even faster, clocking a speed of 23,787 km/h, and will pass Earth at a safe distance of 6,690,000 kilometres—approximately 17.4 times the Moon’s distance.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-tracks-three-huge-asteroids-racing-towards-earth-will-they-become-an-immediate-threat-767071">NASA tracks three huge asteroids racing towards Earth. Will they become an immediate threat?</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Are these asteroids dangerous?</h2>
Despite their size and speed, neither asteroid is considered a "potentially hazardous asteroid." NASA defines hazardous objects as those larger than 150 metres that approach within 4.6 million kilometres of Earth. “These asteroids serve as reminders of the need to stay alert for potential space hazards,” says a NASA scientist.
Watch: Space Agency NASA Issues Asteroid Warning
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<h2 dir="ltr">Why it matters</h2>
Observing asteroids like 2024 XY5 and XB6 isn’t just about safety. It’s a window into the past, helping scientists understand the very fabric of our solar system while safeguarding Earth against future threats.
(With inputs from agencies)

NASA warns that two massive asteroids, 2024 XY5 and 2024 XB6, will make their closest approach to Earth on Monday, December 16, 2024, travelling at incredible speeds.



Washington DC, United States NASA has warned of two massive asteroids will make their closest approach on Monday (December 16, 2024). These celestial bodies are named 2024 XY5 and 2024 XB6. They are racing towards Earth at incredible speeds. Although NASA has confirmed that neither poses a danger to our planet. These near-Earth objects (NEOs) highlight the importance of vigilant monitoring by space agencies. Asteroid 2024 XY5 Asteroid 2024 XY5 measures 71 feet across, about the size of a large aircraft, and is travelling at a speed of 10,805 miles per hour. It will make its closest approach to Earth at 12:26 AM IST on Monday, passing within 2,180,000 miles—about 16 times the average distance between Earth and the Moon. "Although this is a close encounter in cosmic terms, there’s absolutely no cause for concern," say NASA scientists. Asteroid 2024 XB6 Shortly after, another asteroid, 2024 XB6, will approach Earth at 7:25 AM IST on the same day. This one is slightly smaller, measuring 56 feet in diameter, akin to the size of a house. It will travel even faster, clocking a speed of 23,787 km/h, and will pass Earth at a safe distance of 6,690,000 kilometres—approximately 17.4 times the Moon’s distance. Also Read: NASA tracks three huge asteroids racing towards Earth. Will they become an immediate threat? Are these asteroids dangerous? Despite their size and speed, neither asteroid is considered a "potentially hazardous asteroid." NASA defines hazardous objects as those larger than 150 metres that approach within 4.6 million kilometres of Earth. “These asteroids serve as reminders of the need to stay alert for potential space hazards,” says a NASA scientist. Watch: Space Agency NASA Issues Asteroid Warning Why it matters Observing asteroids like 2024 XY5 and XB6 isn’t just about safety. It’s a window into the past, helping scientists understand the very fabric of our solar system while safeguarding Earth against future threats. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA warns, asteroids 2024 XY5 and 2024 XB6 race toward Earth — but are they really a threat?

San Francisco, United States
Billionaire Elon Musk reacted to a post by an Indian-origin CEO, Aravind Srinivas, on his green card application, creating a stir on social media.
“I think I should get a green card. Wdyt?” the San Francisco-based CEO posted on X, to which Musk gave a one-word reply, “Yes.” Srinivas responded to the SpaceX CEO with a red heart and folded hands emojis.
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Yes
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1867811971631829364?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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A green card, which is officially called a Permanent Resident Card, grants a person the right to live and work in the United States permanently.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-20-trump-taps-loyalist-devin-nunes-for-key-intelligence-role-richard-grenell-named-special-envoy-784057">Trump 2.0: Trump taps loyalist Devin Nunes for key intelligence role; Richard Grenell named special envoy</a>
Srinivas, the CEO of AI-powered search engine Perplexity AI, had been waiting for three years to secure permanent US citizenship. He is one of the co-founders of Perplexity, along with Andy Konwinski, Denis Yarats, and Johnny Ho. They started the company in 2022
An IIT Madras graduate, Srinivas completed his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, and started his career as a research intern at OpenAI. He then worked at renowned organisations including Google and DeepMind, and returned to OpenAI again, before co-founding the AI company.
This recent post is not the only one where the two interacted. Earlier, Musk responded to a comment by Srinivas about the US immigration system, where he expressed his frustration with waiting for his green card.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apples-news-service-faces-backlash-ai-generated-content-falsely-claims-luigi-mangione-shoots-himself-784131">Apple's news service faces backlash after AI-generated content falsely claims 'Luigi Mangione shoots himself'</a>
“I have been waiting for my green card for like the last 3 years. Still haven’t gotten it. People mostly have no idea when they talk about immigration,” Srinivas wrote on X.
To his comment, Musk noted how difficult it is for talented people to enter the US legally while criminals enter the US illegally with ease. He wrote, “We have an upside down system that makes it hard for highly talented people to come to America legally, but trivial for criminals to come here illegally. Why is easier to get in illegally as a murderer than legally as a Nobel Laureate?”
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Yes
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1867811971631829364?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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“@realDonaldTrump &amp; DOGE will fix this,” Musk added, referencing the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have been appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the department.
(With inputs from agencies)

Aravind Srinivas, the CEO of AI-powered search engine Perplexity AI, had been waiting for three years to secure permanent US citizenship. He is one of the co-founders of Perplexity, along with Andy Konwinski, Denis Yarats and Johnny Ho. They started the company in 2022.



San Francisco, United States Billionaire Elon Musk reacted to a post by an Indian-origin CEO, Aravind Srinivas, on his green card application, creating a stir on social media. “I think I should get a green card. Wdyt?” the San Francisco-based CEO posted on X, to which Musk gave a one-word reply, “Yes.” Srinivas responded to the SpaceX CEO with a red heart and folded hands emojis. Yes — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 14, 2024 × A green card, which is officially called a Permanent Resident Card, grants a person the right to live and work in the United States permanently. Also read | Trump 2.0: Trump taps loyalist Devin Nunes for key intelligence role; Richard Grenell named special envoy Srinivas, the CEO of AI-powered search engine Perplexity AI, had been waiting for three years to secure permanent US citizenship. He is one of the co-founders of Perplexity, along with Andy Konwinski, Denis Yarats, and Johnny Ho. They started the company in 2022 An IIT Madras graduate, Srinivas completed his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, and started his career as a research intern at OpenAI. He then worked at renowned organisations including Google and DeepMind, and returned to OpenAI again, before co-founding the AI company. This recent post is not the only one where the two interacted. Earlier, Musk responded to a comment by Srinivas about the US immigration system, where he expressed his frustration with waiting for his green card. Also read | Apple's news service faces backlash after AI-generated content falsely claims 'Luigi Mangione shoots himself' “I have been waiting for my green card for like the last 3 years. Still haven’t gotten it. People mostly have no idea when they talk about immigration,” Srinivas wrote on X. To his comment, Musk noted how difficult it is for talented people to enter the US legally while criminals enter the US illegally with ease. He wrote, “We have an upside down system that makes it hard for highly talented people to come to America legally, but trivial for criminals to come here illegally. Why is easier to get in illegally as a murderer than legally as a Nobel Laureate?” Yes — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 14, 2024 × “@realDonaldTrump & DOGE will fix this,” Musk added, referencing the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have been appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the department. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-origin CEO asks if he should get US green card, Musk replies

Moscow, Russia
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A Russian oil tanker carrying thousands of tonnes of oil products split apart during a heavy storm on Sunday, spilling oil into the Kerch Strait, while another tanker was also in distress after sustaining damage, Russian officials said.
At least one person was killed. The 136-metre Volgoneft 212 tanker, with 15 people on board, was split in half with its bow sinking, footage published by state media showed, with waves washing over its deck.
The Russian-flagged vessel, built in 1969, was damaged and had run aground, officials said.
"There was a spill of petroleum products," said Russia's water transport agency, Rosmorrechflot.
A second Russian-flagged ship, the 132-metre Volgoneft 239, was drifting after sustaining damage, the emergency ministry said. It has a crew of 14 people and was built in 1973.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-strikes-syria-overnight-as-rebel-leader-warns-of-unwarranted-escalation-784154" target="_blank">Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation'</a>
Both tankers have a loading capacity of about 4,200 tonnes of oil products.
Official statements did not provide details on the extent of the spill or why one of the tankers sustained such serious damage.
The vessels were in the Kerch Strait between mainland Russia and Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014 when they issued distress signals.
Russia said more than 50 people and equipment, including Mi-8 helicopters and rescue tugboats, had been deployed to the area.
Russia's Kommersant newspaper reported that the Volgoneft 212 tanker was carrying about 4,300 tonnes of fuel oil.
An unverified video posted on Telegram showed some blackened water on stormy seas and a half-submerged tanker.
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.

The 136-metre Volgoneft 212 tanker, with 15 people on board, was split in half with its bow sinking, footage published by state media showed, with waves washing over its deck.



Moscow, Russia A Russian oil tanker carrying thousands of tonnes of oil products split apart during a heavy storm on Sunday, spilling oil into the Kerch Strait, while another tanker was also in distress after sustaining damage, Russian officials said. At least one person was killed. The 136-metre Volgoneft 212 tanker, with 15 people on board, was split in half with its bow sinking, footage published by state media showed, with waves washing over its deck. The Russian-flagged vessel, built in 1969, was damaged and had run aground, officials said. "There was a spill of petroleum products," said Russia's water transport agency, Rosmorrechflot. A second Russian-flagged ship, the 132-metre Volgoneft 239, was drifting after sustaining damage, the emergency ministry said. It has a crew of 14 people and was built in 1973. Also read: Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation' Both tankers have a loading capacity of about 4,200 tonnes of oil products. Official statements did not provide details on the extent of the spill or why one of the tankers sustained such serious damage. The vessels were in the Kerch Strait between mainland Russia and Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014 when they issued distress signals. Russia said more than 50 people and equipment, including Mi-8 helicopters and rescue tugboats, had been deployed to the area. Russia's Kommersant newspaper reported that the Volgoneft 212 tanker was carrying about 4,300 tonnes of fuel oil. An unverified video posted on Telegram showed some blackened water on stormy seas and a half-submerged tanker. 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.

Russian oil tanker splits in half, spilling thousands of tonnes of oil into Kerch Strait

Pope Francis embarks on his first papal visit to Corsica, a region in France known for its deep-rooted expressions of popular piety. The visit highlights the island's unique religious traditions and the Pope's outreach to local communities.



Pope Francis Makes 1st Papal Visit To France's Corsica Awash In Expressions Of Popular Piety

France
At least 14 people were killed in Mayotte when a fierce cyclone battered the French Indian Ocean territory, authorities said Sunday, with officials warning it will take days to know the full toll.
Rescue workers and supplies are being rushed in by air and sea, but their efforts are likely to be hindered by damage to airports and electricity distribution in a territory where even clean drinking water was already subject to chronic shortages.
The toll of 14 was counted in a provisional list compiled by authorities, a security source told AFP.
Nine people were gravely wounded and fighting for their lives in hospital, said Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, mayor of Mayotte's capital Mamoudzou, while 246 more were seriously injured.
"The hospital is hit, the schools are hit. Houses are totally devastated," he said, adding that the hurricane "spared nothing".
Mayotte's 320,000 residents were ordered into lockdown as cyclone Chido bore down on the islands around 500 kilometres (310 miles) east of Mozambique.
Watch | Cyclone Chido: France Fears Heavy Toll As Cyclone Batters Mayotte
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Its gusts of at least 226 kilometres per hour had "completely destroyed" the territory's many shantytowns, acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said following a crisis meeting in Paris late Saturday.
Electricity poles were hurled to the ground, trees uprooted, and sheet-metal roofs and walls torn off improvised structures inhabited by at least one-third of the population.
"It will take several days" to establish the full death toll, but "we fear that it is heavy", Retailleau said, adding that the Muslim custom of burial within a day of death could complicate the count.
Information from the locked-down population, in shock and largely cut off from water and electricity supplies, is slow to filter out, a source familiar with the recovery effort told AFP.
One local resident, Ibrahim, told AFP of "apocalyptic scenes" as he made his way through the main island, having to clear blocked roads for himself.
"Even the largest companies have suffered damage," he added.
<h2>Scramble for supplies </h2>
Retailleau will travel to Mayotte on Monday, his office said, alongside 160 soldiers and firefighters to reinforce the 110 already deployed to the islands from mainland France ahead of the storm.
Medical personnel and equipment were being delivered from Sunday by air and sea, said the prefecture in La Reunion, another French Indian Ocean territory some 1,400 kilometres away on the other side of Madagascar.
Pope Francis, visiting French Mediterranean island Corsica on Sunday, urged people to pray for Mayotte residents.
"Everything has been swept away, everything is razed," said Mounira, a woman whose house was destroyed in the Kaweni district in Mamoudzou's east -- France's largest shantytown.
More than 15,000 homes are without electricity, according to Environment Minister Agnes-Pannier Runacher, while telephone access is severely limited even for emergency calls.
Acting Transport Minister Francois Durovray wrote on X that the Pamandzi airport on Petite-Terre, the smaller of Mayotte's two major islands, had "suffered major damage".
Storm hits Mozambique
Just northwest of Mayotte, the Comoros islands, some of which had been on red alert since Friday, were also hit but suffered only minor damage.
Cyclone Chido later slammed into Mozambique early Sunday, bringing gale-force winds and heavy rain when it made landfall around 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of the northern city of Pemba, weather services said.
"The cyclone is already affecting Pemba with a very strong intensity. We were monitoring the situation, but there is no communication with Pemba since 7:00 am (0500 GMT)," National Institute of Meteorology director Aderito Aramuge told AFP.
UNICEF said it was on the ground to help the people impacted by the storm, which had already caused some damage.
"Many homes, schools, and health facilities have been partially or completely destroyed and we are working closely with the government to ensure continuity of essential basic services," it said in a statement.
Cyclone Chido is the latest in a string of storms worldwide to be fuelled by climate change, according to experts.
The "exceptional" cyclone was super-charged by particularly warm Indian Ocean waters, meteorologist Francois Gourand of France's Meteo France weather service told AFP.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Friday it was similar in strength to cyclones Gombe in 2022 and Freddy in 2023, which killed more than 60 people and at least 86 in Mozambique respectively.
It warned that some 1.7 million people were in danger, and said the remnants of the cyclone could also dump "significant rainfall" on neighbouring Malawi through Monday, potentially triggering flash floods.
Zimbabwe and Zambia were also expected to see heavy rains, it added.
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.

Rescue workers and supplies are being rushed in by air and sea, but their efforts are likely to be hindered by damage to airports and electricity distribution in a territory where even clean drinking water was already subject to chronic shortages.



 



France At least 14 people were killed in Mayotte when a fierce cyclone battered the French Indian Ocean territory, authorities said Sunday, with officials warning it will take days to know the full toll. Rescue workers and supplies are being rushed in by air and sea, but their efforts are likely to be hindered by damage to airports and electricity distribution in a territory where even clean drinking water was already subject to chronic shortages. The toll of 14 was counted in a provisional list compiled by authorities, a security source told AFP. Nine people were gravely wounded and fighting for their lives in hospital, said Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, mayor of Mayotte's capital Mamoudzou, while 246 more were seriously injured. "The hospital is hit, the schools are hit. Houses are totally devastated," he said, adding that the hurricane "spared nothing". Mayotte's 320,000 residents were ordered into lockdown as cyclone Chido bore down on the islands around 500 kilometres (310 miles) east of Mozambique. Watch | Cyclone Chido: France Fears Heavy Toll As Cyclone Batters Mayotte × Its gusts of at least 226 kilometres per hour had "completely destroyed" the territory's many shantytowns, acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said following a crisis meeting in Paris late Saturday. Electricity poles were hurled to the ground, trees uprooted, and sheet-metal roofs and walls torn off improvised structures inhabited by at least one-third of the population. "It will take several days" to establish the full death toll, but "we fear that it is heavy", Retailleau said, adding that the Muslim custom of burial within a day of death could complicate the count. Information from the locked-down population, in shock and largely cut off from water and electricity supplies, is slow to filter out, a source familiar with the recovery effort told AFP. One local resident, Ibrahim, told AFP of "apocalyptic scenes" as he made his way through the main island, having to clear blocked roads for himself. "Even the largest companies have suffered damage," he added. Scramble for supplies Retailleau will travel to Mayotte on Monday, his office said, alongside 160 soldiers and firefighters to reinforce the 110 already deployed to the islands from mainland France ahead of the storm. Medical personnel and equipment were being delivered from Sunday by air and sea, said the prefecture in La Reunion, another French Indian Ocean territory some 1,400 kilometres away on the other side of Madagascar. Pope Francis, visiting French Mediterranean island Corsica on Sunday, urged people to pray for Mayotte residents. "Everything has been swept away, everything is razed," said Mounira, a woman whose house was destroyed in the Kaweni district in Mamoudzou's east -- France's largest shantytown. More than 15,000 homes are without electricity, according to Environment Minister Agnes-Pannier Runacher, while telephone access is severely limited even for emergency calls. Acting Transport Minister Francois Durovray wrote on X that the Pamandzi airport on Petite-Terre, the smaller of Mayotte's two major islands, had "suffered major damage". Storm hits Mozambique Just northwest of Mayotte, the Comoros islands, some of which had been on red alert since Friday, were also hit but suffered only minor damage. Cyclone Chido later slammed into Mozambique early Sunday, bringing gale-force winds and heavy rain when it made landfall around 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of the northern city of Pemba, weather services said. "The cyclone is already affecting Pemba with a very strong intensity. We were monitoring the situation, but there is no communication with Pemba since 7:00 am (0500 GMT)," National Institute of Meteorology director Aderito Aramuge told AFP. UNICEF said it was on the ground to help the people impacted by the storm, which had already caused some damage. "Many homes, schools, and health facilities have been partially or completely destroyed and we are working closely with the government to ensure continuity of essential basic services," it said in a statement. Cyclone Chido is the latest in a string of storms worldwide to be fuelled by climate change, according to experts. The "exceptional" cyclone was super-charged by particularly warm Indian Ocean waters, meteorologist Francois Gourand of France's Meteo France weather service told AFP. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Friday it was similar in strength to cyclones Gombe in 2022 and Freddy in 2023, which killed more than 60 people and at least 86 in Mozambique respectively. It warned that some 1.7 million people were in danger, and said the remnants of the cyclone could also dump "significant rainfall" on neighbouring Malawi through Monday, potentially triggering flash floods. Zimbabwe and Zambia were also expected to see heavy rains, it added. 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.

Mayotte hit by ‘apocalyptic’ Cyclone Chido: 14 killed, thousands left without power and water

In a festive display of holiday cheer, London marked the 10th edition of its annual 'Santa Cruise,' with hundreds of Santas parading down Pall Mall. The event brought together participants dressed in Santa Claus outfits to spread joy and raise funds for charity. The lively procession was a highlight of the city's Christmas celebrations, attracting both locals and tourists alike. The Santa Cruise is now a beloved tradition, contributing to London's vibrant holiday atmosphere.



Skating Santas Gather In London Amid Holiday Season

London: 10th Annual 'Santa Cruise' with Army of Santas Marching Down Pall Mall

Damascus, Syria
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Israel launched a series of airstrikes on multiple sites in Syria overnight, despite the Syrian rebel leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, saying that his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has no interest in engaging in conflict with Israel.
The strikes came shortly after Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced that Israeli forces would remain stationed on Mount Hermon throughout the winter. The troops took control of the Golan Heights buffer zone last week. “Due to what is happening in Syria, there is enormous security importance to our holding on to the peak,” Katz’s office said.
<h2>'Israelis have clearly crossed the lines of engagement in Syria'</h2>
Earlier, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani of HTS told Syrian state media, “There are no excuses for any foreign intervention in Syria now after the Iranians have left. We are not in the process of engaging in a conflict with Israel.” Jolani accused Israel of using false pretexts to justify its recent attacks but emphasised that his focus remains on Syria’s rebuilding process after years of war.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-makes-direct-contact-with-syrias-rebels-turkey-reopens-embassy-in-damascus-after-12-years-784032" target="_blank">US makes 'direct contact' with Syria's rebels; Turkey reopens embassy in Damascus after 12 years</a>
“The Israelis have clearly crossed the lines of engagement in Syria, which poses a threat of unwarranted escalation in the region,” Jolani said. He added that Syria, exhausted from years of conflict, must prioritise stability and reconstruction rather than risk further destruction through new confrontations. “The priority at this stage is reconstruction and stability, not being drawn into disputes that could lead to further destruction,” he added.
<h2>'Not intervening in what is happening in Syria,' says IDF Chief of Staff</h2>
Responding to Jolani’s comments, Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said, “We aren’t intervening in what is happening in Syria. We have no intention of administering Syria.” Halevi said that the country’s actions are focused solely on ensuring the security of its citizens.
“There was an enemy country here. Its army collapsed. There is a threat that terror elements will come here, and we advanced so … extreme terror elements won’t settle close to the border with us,” Halevi said. “We are unequivocally intervening only in what determines Israeli citizens’ security. The deployment along the entire border, from Mt Hermon to the meeting of the Israeli-Syrian-Jordanian border, is proper,” he added.
The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Israel launched 61 missiles at Syrian military sites in less than five hours on Saturday evening.
The United Nations has urged Israel to withdraw from the buffer zone between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that he was “deeply concerned by the recent and extensive violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” France, Germany, and Spain also called on Israel to pull back from the demilitarised zone.
The UN has accused Israel of violating a 1974 disengagement agreement, which established the buffer zone following the Yom Kippur War. Israel, however, argued that the agreement “collapsed” with the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government.
(With inputs from agencies)
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Reacting to the development, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani of HTS told Syrian state media, “There are no excuses for any foreign intervention in Syria now after the Iranians have left. We are not in the process of engaging in a conflict with Israel.”



Damascus, Syria Israel launched a series of airstrikes on multiple sites in Syria overnight, despite the Syrian rebel leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, saying that his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has no interest in engaging in conflict with Israel. The strikes came shortly after Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced that Israeli forces would remain stationed on Mount Hermon throughout the winter. The troops took control of the Golan Heights buffer zone last week. “Due to what is happening in Syria, there is enormous security importance to our holding on to the peak,” Katz’s office said. 'Israelis have clearly crossed the lines of engagement in Syria' Earlier, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani of HTS told Syrian state media, “There are no excuses for any foreign intervention in Syria now after the Iranians have left. We are not in the process of engaging in a conflict with Israel.” Jolani accused Israel of using false pretexts to justify its recent attacks but emphasised that his focus remains on Syria’s rebuilding process after years of war. Also read: US makes 'direct contact' with Syria's rebels; Turkey reopens embassy in Damascus after 12 years “The Israelis have clearly crossed the lines of engagement in Syria, which poses a threat of unwarranted escalation in the region,” Jolani said. He added that Syria, exhausted from years of conflict, must prioritise stability and reconstruction rather than risk further destruction through new confrontations. “The priority at this stage is reconstruction and stability, not being drawn into disputes that could lead to further destruction,” he added. 'Not intervening in what is happening in Syria,' says IDF Chief of Staff Responding to Jolani’s comments, Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said, “We aren’t intervening in what is happening in Syria. We have no intention of administering Syria.” Halevi said that the country’s actions are focused solely on ensuring the security of its citizens. “There was an enemy country here. Its army collapsed. There is a threat that terror elements will come here, and we advanced so … extreme terror elements won’t settle close to the border with us,” Halevi said. “We are unequivocally intervening only in what determines Israeli citizens’ security. The deployment along the entire border, from Mt Hermon to the meeting of the Israeli-Syrian-Jordanian border, is proper,” he added. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Israel launched 61 missiles at Syrian military sites in less than five hours on Saturday evening. The United Nations has urged Israel to withdraw from the buffer zone between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that he was “deeply concerned by the recent and extensive violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” France, Germany, and Spain also called on Israel to pull back from the demilitarised zone. The UN has accused Israel of violating a 1974 disengagement agreement, which established the buffer zone following the Yom Kippur War. Israel, however, argued that the agreement “collapsed” with the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

West Asia crisis: Israel strikes Syria overnight, rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation'

Beijing, China
A Chinese finance firm has gone viral on Chinese social media for its toxic workplace rituals after a video showed its employees lying flat on the floor of the office to welcome the boss of the company, reported South China Morning Post.
In the video, around 20 employees at an institute, located in the southern city of Guangzhou, were seen lying on the floor of the corridor with their faces downwards and chanting slogans to welcome their boss in an inspection.
The employees looked up and shouted, “Qiming branch welcomes Boss Huang! Qiming branch, whether in life or death, we will not fail our work mission.”
The legal representative of the company, Liu, on December 2, refuted the incident and emphasised that Huang never took part in a welcoming ceremony.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-man-fired-for-napping-in-office-awarded-rs-40-lakh-in-compensation-778328"> China: Man fired for napping in office awarded Rs 4 million in compensation</a>
“This video has caused lasting negative effects on the company. The content may have been edited or fabricated,” he said.
Liu further said that the institution's founding team ceased operations by the end of 2020 and is now making preparations for dissolving the company.
The local government has been investigating the authenticity of the video and the policies of the company.
<h2>Here's how netizens reacted</h2>
The incident quickly garnered attention on Chinese social media platform Weibo and received more than eight million views.
“Such company policies trample on the dignity of employees,” wrote a user.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-police-detains-bored-man-for-creating-his-fake-arrest-notice-with-4000-reward-781161">Chinese police detain 'bored' man for creating his fake arrest notice with $4,000 reward</a>
“The incident is still under investigation, so we shouldn’t jump to conclusions. However, it does highlight some toxic workplace cultures, such as kneeling to welcome leaders or being coerced into drinking with them," commented another user.
<h2>Bizarre company regulations in China</h2>
Bizarre company regulations have been emerging in China. An anonymous employee had reported last year how her company had asked employees to walk 180,000 steps per month or else pay a fine.
Another case was reported in July 2020, when a financial company punished its seven employees for their poor performance by making them consume two bags of “death chilli sticks". Two employees suffered stomach pain and fainted and were then hospitalised.
(With inputs from agencies)

The staff is punished for poor performance by making them eat "death chilli sticks" which resulted in two employees getting admitted to the hospital for stomach pain



Beijing, China A Chinese finance firm has gone viral on Chinese social media for its toxic workplace rituals after a video showed its employees lying flat on the floor of the office to welcome the boss of the company, reported South China Morning Post. In the video, around 20 employees at an institute, located in the southern city of Guangzhou, were seen lying on the floor of the corridor with their faces downwards and chanting slogans to welcome their boss in an inspection. The employees looked up and shouted, “Qiming branch welcomes Boss Huang! Qiming branch, whether in life or death, we will not fail our work mission.” The legal representative of the company, Liu, on December 2, refuted the incident and emphasised that Huang never took part in a welcoming ceremony. Also Read: China: Man fired for napping in office awarded Rs 4 million in compensation “This video has caused lasting negative effects on the company. The content may have been edited or fabricated,” he said. Liu further said that the institution's founding team ceased operations by the end of 2020 and is now making preparations for dissolving the company. The local government has been investigating the authenticity of the video and the policies of the company. Here's how netizens reacted The incident quickly garnered attention on Chinese social media platform Weibo and received more than eight million views. “Such company policies trample on the dignity of employees,” wrote a user. Also Read: Chinese police detain 'bored' man for creating his fake arrest notice with $4,000 reward “The incident is still under investigation, so we shouldn’t jump to conclusions. However, it does highlight some toxic workplace cultures, such as kneeling to welcome leaders or being coerced into drinking with them," commented another user. Bizarre company regulations in China Bizarre company regulations have been emerging in China. An anonymous employee had reported last year how her company had asked employees to walk 180,000 steps per month or else pay a fine. Another case was reported in July 2020, when a financial company punished its seven employees for their poor performance by making them consume two bags of “death chilli sticks". Two employees suffered stomach pain and fainted and were then hospitalised. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese company making employees eat 'death chillies' on failure, welcome boss with ‘floor greetings’

Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake is set to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today for crucial bilateral talks. The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening the ties between the two neighboring nations, with discussions likely covering trade, security, and regional cooperation. This diplomatic visit comes at a time of evolving political and economic dynamics in South Asia, with both leaders aiming to enhance their strategic partnership for mutual benefit.



Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake In India Ro Meet PM Modi

In a significant legal victory for former President Donald Trump, ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million in a defamation case filed by Trump. The lawsuit stemmed from reports that allegedly harmed his reputation, leading to this substantial payout. The settlement highlights the ongoing legal battles Trump faces, as well as the importance of media accuracy in reporting on public figures. This case marks a key moment in Trump's efforts to defend his image and hold media outlets accountable for their coverage.



ABC News Settles Defamation Lawsuit with Trump for $15 Million

A thin layer of fog has engulfed New Delhi, reducing visibility and causing a noticeable drop in temperatures. Meteorologists predict that the capital's temperature could dip as low as 2°C in the coming days, signaling the arrival of a cold wave. The fog has affected daily life, causing traffic disruptions and making it harder for residents to go about their routines. Authorities are advising people to take necessary precautions against the cold and reduce outdoor activities during the foggy conditions.



Thin Layer of Fog Engulfs New Delhi, Temperature Set to Dip to 2°C Soon

Seoul, South Korea
South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-Myung on Sunday (Dec 15) urged the country's Constitutional Court to swiftly formalise the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his controversial martial law decree. The move, which lawmakers described as an "insurrectionary" act, has thrown the nation into one of its worst political crises in recent years.  
<h2>Ease the 'suffering of the people' </h2>
Yoon was suspended on Saturday after lawmakers impeached him with 204 votes. Now, the Constitutional Court is evaluating the charges and will decide in 180 days whether to uphold the impeachment or not. In the meantime, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed interim leadership.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-calls-south-koreas-acting-president-stresses-alliance-as-linchpin-for-peace-784120">Biden calls South Korea's acting president, stresses alliance as 'linchpin for peace'</a>
While the court has up to 180 days to reach a verdict, Lee pressed for urgency, and said, "This is the only way to minimise national turmoil and alleviate the suffering of the people".
Lee also called for accountability, underscoring the need to investigate the circumstances behind Yoon's martial law declaration.  
"To hold those responsible for this absurd situation accountable and to prevent its recurrence, it is essential to uncover the truth and demand accountability," he said.
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<h2>Probe into Yoon's martial law</h2>
Authorities continue to look into the martial law order, which led to dramatic scenes in South Korea's parliament. Prosecutors on Sunday also said they are seeking an arrest warrant for Kwak Jong-keun, head of the Army Special Warfare Command, who allegedly deployed special forces troops to parliament during the crisis.  
Meanwhile, Yeo In-hyung, the Defence Counterintelligence Command's chief, was arrested on insurrection charges.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-president-yoon-impeached-what-happens-now-all-you-need-to-know-783957" target="_blank">South Korea President Yoon impeached: What happens now? All you need to know</a>
Acting President Han has meanwhile worked to project calm, engaging with international allies. In a call with US President Joe Biden on Sunday, Han reaffirmed the strength of the US-South Korea alliance. Biden praised South Korea’s democratic resilience, underscoring his "confidence that the Alliance will remain the linchpin for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region".
Domestically, Han has directed the military to "enhance vigilance" against North Korea, with which Seoul technically remains at war. Pyongyang is yet to comment on the developments. 
(With inputs from agencies)

South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-Myung pressed for urgency and said: "This is the only way to minimise national turmoil and alleviate the suffering of the people"



Seoul, South Korea South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-Myung on Sunday (Dec 15) urged the country's Constitutional Court to swiftly formalise the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his controversial martial law decree. The move, which lawmakers described as an "insurrectionary" act, has thrown the nation into one of its worst political crises in recent years. Ease the 'suffering of the people' Yoon was suspended on Saturday after lawmakers impeached him with 204 votes. Now, the Constitutional Court is evaluating the charges and will decide in 180 days whether to uphold the impeachment or not. In the meantime, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has assumed interim leadership. Also read | Biden calls South Korea's acting president, stresses alliance as 'linchpin for peace' While the court has up to 180 days to reach a verdict, Lee pressed for urgency, and said, "This is the only way to minimise national turmoil and alleviate the suffering of the people". Lee also called for accountability, underscoring the need to investigate the circumstances behind Yoon's martial law declaration. "To hold those responsible for this absurd situation accountable and to prevent its recurrence, it is essential to uncover the truth and demand accountability," he said. Probe into Yoon's martial law Authorities continue to look into the martial law order, which led to dramatic scenes in South Korea's parliament. Prosecutors on Sunday also said they are seeking an arrest warrant for Kwak Jong-keun, head of the Army Special Warfare Command, who allegedly deployed special forces troops to parliament during the crisis. Meanwhile, Yeo In-hyung, the Defence Counterintelligence Command's chief, was arrested on insurrection charges. Also read | South Korea President Yoon impeached: What happens now? All you need to know Acting President Han has meanwhile worked to project calm, engaging with international allies. In a call with US President Joe Biden on Sunday, Han reaffirmed the strength of the US-South Korea alliance. Biden praised South Korea’s democratic resilience, underscoring his "confidence that the Alliance will remain the linchpin for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region". Domestically, Han has directed the military to "enhance vigilance" against North Korea, with which Seoul technically remains at war. Pyongyang is yet to comment on the developments. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korean opposition leader pushes for quick verdict on Yoon's impeachment: Ease 'suffering of the people'

New Delhi, India
Apple is under intense scrutiny after its AI-powered notification service mistakenly generated a false news alert attributed to the BBC, claiming that Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO, had shot himself. The error, broadcast on iPhones, prompted the BBC to file a formal complaint with Apple, emphasising the potential damage to its reputation as a trusted news source. 
<h2>What happened?</h2>
The controversy arose from Apple's recently launched Apple Intelligence service, which aggregates news alerts using artificial intelligence. This feature is only available on select iPhones running on iOS 18.1 or later (iPhone 16 series, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max). It is also available on some iPads and Macs.
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Among its notifications was a fabricated alert suggesting that the BBC had reported Luigi Mangione's suicide. Mangione, 26, is currently in custody in Pennsylvania and is awaiting extradition to New York following his arrest for the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. 
The misleading notification, sent to BBC subscribers, read, "Luigi Mangione shoots himself." 
<h2>BBC responds  </h2>
The BBC responded swiftly, and the publication's spokesperson said, "BBC News is the most trusted news media in the world" adding that "it is essential to us that our audiences can trust any information or journalism published in our name and that includes notifications".
The broadcaster confirmed it had lodged a complaint with Apple over the incident, demanding stricter safeguards to prevent future errors.
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<h2>Apple's AI struggles  </h2>
According to reports, this is not the first instance of Apple Intelligence misrepresenting news. 
On November 21, the service inaccurately compiled content from the New York Times, sending a notification that in part read "Netanyahu arrested," falsely claiming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been arrested. The error arose from a report regarding an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court rather than the actual news of Netanyahu's arrest.
(With inputs from agencies)

Among Apple Intelligence service's notifications was a fabricated alert suggesting that the BBC had reported Luigi Mangione's suicide



New Delhi, India Apple is under intense scrutiny after its AI-powered notification service mistakenly generated a false news alert attributed to the BBC, claiming that Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO, had shot himself. The error, broadcast on iPhones, prompted the BBC to file a formal complaint with Apple, emphasising the potential damage to its reputation as a trusted news source. What happened? The controversy arose from Apple's recently launched Apple Intelligence service, which aggregates news alerts using artificial intelligence. This feature is only available on select iPhones running on iOS 18.1 or later (iPhone 16 series, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max). It is also available on some iPads and Macs. Also read | CEO shooting suspect Luigi Mangione hires top NYC attorney as donors raise over $90,000 for his 'defence fund' Among its notifications was a fabricated alert suggesting that the BBC had reported Luigi Mangione's suicide. Mangione, 26, is currently in custody in Pennsylvania and is awaiting extradition to New York following his arrest for the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The misleading notification, sent to BBC subscribers, read, "Luigi Mangione shoots himself." BBC responds The BBC responded swiftly, and the publication's spokesperson said, "BBC News is the most trusted news media in the world" adding that "it is essential to us that our audiences can trust any information or journalism published in our name and that includes notifications". The broadcaster confirmed it had lodged a complaint with Apple over the incident, demanding stricter safeguards to prevent future errors. Also read | Biden calls South Korea's acting president, stresses alliance as 'linchpin for peace' Apple's AI struggles According to reports, this is not the first instance of Apple Intelligence misrepresenting news. On November 21, the service inaccurately compiled content from the New York Times, sending a notification that in part read "Netanyahu arrested," falsely claiming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been arrested. The error arose from a report regarding an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court rather than the actual news of Netanyahu's arrest. (With inputs from agencies)

Apple's news service faces backlash after AI-generated content falsely claims 'Luigi Mangione shoots himself'

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