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As Syria continues to grapple with the aftermath of a brutal civil war, the question arises whether the newly appointed leaders can pave the way for lasting peace. With decades of conflict, millions displaced, and a fragmented political landscape, Syria’s future remains uncertain. The new leadership faces the immense challenge of rebuilding the country, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and negotiating peace with various factions.

Syria: USA, Regional Diplomats Urge Respect For Minorities In Syria

US President-elect Donald Trump on, Saturday (Dec 14), announced the appointment of another one of his loyalists to a prominent position within his incoming Trump 2.0 administration. He named Devin Nunes, the former Republican congressional representative from California and current CEO of Truth Social, as the White House's Intelligence Advisory Board chairman.&nbsp;

Trump also announced that Richard Grenell, a former US ambassador and acting director of national intelligence, would serve as his presidential envoy for special missions — including to global hotspots like Venezuela and North Korea.

<h2>Who is Devin Nunes?</h2>

Devin Nunes heads Trump's social media platform Truth Social and chaired the House Intelligence Committee during the start of the President-elect's first term.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-biden-government-over-mystery-drone-sightings-says-shoot-them-down-783863">Trump slams Biden government over mystery drone sightings, says 'shoot them down'</a>

A long-time Trump ally, Nunes is known for his accusations against the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of abusing its powers to spy on Trump allies.

In 2018, while serving as the chair of the intelligence committee, he spearheaded the release of a memo accusing the FBI of bias in its surveillance of a Trump campaign official who had extensive Russian contacts.

Watch:&nbsp;Top CEOs Threatened By Donald Trump Donating To His Inauguration Fund

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/top-ceos-threatened-by-donald-trump-donating-to-his-inauguration-fund-784012/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Taking to Truth Social, Trump, while announcing the selection, praised Nunes for his "key role in exposing the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax". He also said that Nunes' experience would ensure that he "provide me&nbsp;(Trump)" with "independent assessments of the effectiveness and propriety of the U.S. Intelligence Community's activities".

The President's Intelligence Advisory Board (PIAB), was established in the mid-20th century and is tasked with evaluating the effectiveness and propriety of US intelligence activities. Trump described the board as comprising "distinguished citizens from outside of the Federal Government," and said Nunes will continue to lead Truth Social while serving in his advisory capacity.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Who is Richard Grenell?</h2>

Richard Grenell is another outspoken Trump loyalist. He has been appointed as a presidential envoy to handle diplomatic challenges in politically sensitive regions. Known for his robust advocacy of Trump's policies, Grenell previously served as US ambassador to Germany and made history as the first openly LGBTQ cabinet member when he was appointed the acting director of national intelligence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pledges-to-scrap-daylight-saving-time-citing-inconvenience-and-costs-783860">Trump pledges to scrap daylight saving time, citing inconvenience and costs</a>

In a post, Trump highlighted Grenell's expertise and said "Ric will work in some of the hottest spots around the World, including Venezuela and North Korea".

Grenell, a staunch defender of Trump, sought to overturn the Republican's 2020 loss to President Joe Biden and was present during Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in September.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US President-elect Donald Trump on, Saturday (Dec 14), announced the appointment of another one of his loyalists to a prominent position within his incoming Trump 2.

US President-elect Donald Trump on, Saturday (Dec 14), announced the appointment of another one of his loyalists to a prominent position within his incoming Trump 2.0 administration. He named Devin Nunes, the former Republican congressional representative from California and current CEO of Truth Social, as the White House's Intelligence Advisory Board chairman. Trump also announced that Richard Grenell, a former US ambassador and acting director of national intelligence, would serve as his presidential envoy for special missions — including to global hotspots like Venezuela and North Korea. Who is Devin Nunes? Devin Nunes heads Trump's social media platform Truth Social and chaired the House Intelligence Committee during the start of the President-elect's first term. Also read | Trump slams Biden government over mystery drone sightings, says 'shoot them down' A long-time Trump ally, Nunes is known for his accusations against the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of abusing its powers to spy on Trump allies. In 2018, while serving as the chair of the intelligence committee, he spearheaded the release of a memo accusing the FBI of bias in its surveillance of a Trump campaign official who had extensive Russian contacts. Watch: Top CEOs Threatened By Donald Trump Donating To His Inauguration Fund Taking to Truth Social, Trump, while announcing the selection, praised Nunes for his "key role in exposing the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax". He also said that Nunes' experience would ensure that he "provide me (Trump)" with "independent assessments of the effectiveness and propriety of the U.S. Intelligence Community's activities". The President's Intelligence Advisory Board (PIAB), was established in the mid-20th century and is tasked with evaluating the effectiveness and propriety of US intelligence activities. Trump described the board as comprising "distinguished citizens from outside of the Federal Government," and said Nunes will continue to lead Truth Social while serving in his advisory capacity. × Who is Richard Grenell? Richard Grenell is another outspoken Trump loyalist. He has been appointed as a presidential envoy to handle diplomatic challenges in politically sensitive regions. Known for his robust advocacy of Trump's policies, Grenell previously served as US ambassador to Germany and made history as the first openly LGBTQ cabinet member when he was appointed the acting director of national intelligence. Also read | Trump pledges to scrap daylight saving time, citing inconvenience and costs In a post, Trump highlighted Grenell's expertise and said "Ric will work in some of the hottest spots around the World, including Venezuela and North Korea". Grenell, a staunch defender of Trump, sought to overturn the Republican's 2020 loss to President Joe Biden and was present during Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in September. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump 2.0: Trump taps loyalist Devin Nunes for key intelligence role; Richard Grenell named special envoy

China has launched a groundbreaking mermaid show in a massive aquarium, showcasing a blend of performance art and underwater spectacle. The show, set in one of the largest aquariums in Asia, features performers dressed as mermaids, swimming and interacting with marine life. This unique display is seen as a step toward establishing a new form of aquatic entertainment, setting the stage for future competitions in Asia. The event has sparked interest in the region, highlighting China's growing influence in innovative entertainment.

China's Mermaid Show Opens in Giant Aquarium, Paving the Way for New Asian Competition

As the Russia-Ukraine war intensifies, questions are rising about Ukraine's ability to withstand the continued Russian offensive. Despite mounting pressure, Ukraine has shown resilience in defending its territories and securing international support. However, the prolonged conflict, heavy casualties, and ongoing destruction have left the country in a fragile position. The outcome of this war depends on military strategies, global alliances, and Ukraine's determination to maintain its sovereignty amid relentless attacks.

Russia-Ukraine War: Can Ukraine Survive Russian Onslaught?

Beirut, Lebanon
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Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said on Saturday that Syria's new rulers, who ousted the Lebanese armed group's ally, Bashar al-Assad, should not establish ties with neighbouring Israel.
"We hope that this new party in power will see Israel as an enemy and not normalise relations with it," Qassem said in a televised speech, his first public remarks since Islamist-led rebels toppled Assad, who had Hezbollah's military support during the civil war that began after a 2011 crackdown on anti-government protests.
The rebel forces launched their offensive on November 27, the same day that a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect. On Sunday, they declared Damascus had fallen, with Assad having fled the country.
Iran-backed Hezbollah has suffered major blows during more than a year of cross-border fighting with Israel, which the Lebanese group had initiated over the Gaza war.
In late September, the clashes rapidly escalated into full-blown war.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-has-refused-to-provide-names-of-hostages-its-holding-bidens-advisor-783995" target="_blank">Hamas refused to provide names of hostages it's holding: Biden's advisor</a>
In his speech on Saturday, Qassem maintained that the ceasefire agreement does not mean Hezbollah is required to lay down its weapons.
The deal stipulates that over 60 days, the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers would deploy in southern Lebanon. At the same time, Israeli military forces as well as Hezbollah militants withdraw from the border area -- Hezbollah to the north, and Israeli troops back to their country.
Hezbollah was the only Lebanese armed group that refused to surrender its weapons after Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war, vowing to keep fighting Israel.
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.

"We hope that this new party in power will see Israel as an enemy and not normalise relations with it," Qassem said in a televised speech, his first public remarks since Islamist-led rebels toppled Assad, who had Hezbollah's military support during the civil war that began after a 2011 crackdown on anti-government protests.



Beirut, Lebanon Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said on Saturday that Syria's new rulers, who ousted the Lebanese armed group's ally, Bashar al-Assad, should not establish ties with neighbouring Israel. "We hope that this new party in power will see Israel as an enemy and not normalise relations with it," Qassem said in a televised speech, his first public remarks since Islamist-led rebels toppled Assad, who had Hezbollah's military support during the civil war that began after a 2011 crackdown on anti-government protests. The rebel forces launched their offensive on November 27, the same day that a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect. On Sunday, they declared Damascus had fallen, with Assad having fled the country. Iran-backed Hezbollah has suffered major blows during more than a year of cross-border fighting with Israel, which the Lebanese group had initiated over the Gaza war. In late September, the clashes rapidly escalated into full-blown war. Also read: Hamas refused to provide names of hostages it's holding: Biden's advisor In his speech on Saturday, Qassem maintained that the ceasefire agreement does not mean Hezbollah is required to lay down its weapons. The deal stipulates that over 60 days, the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers would deploy in southern Lebanon. At the same time, Israeli military forces as well as Hezbollah militants withdraw from the border area -- Hezbollah to the north, and Israeli troops back to their country. Hezbollah was the only Lebanese armed group that refused to surrender its weapons after Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war, vowing to keep fighting Israel. 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.

‘Don’t normalise ties with Israel’: Hezbollah to Syria’s new rulers after Assad’s ouster

Kyiv, Ukraine
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on Saturday (Dec 14) that Russia has started deploying North Korean soldiers to attack Ukraine’s positions in Russia’s Kursk region.
In his evening address, Zelensky said that he had "preliminary evidence that the Russians have begun to use soldiers from North Korea in assaults, a noticeable number of them."
According to the Ukrainian president, these soldiers are being included in Russian units and used in operations in the Kursk region, where Ukraine has been carrying out incursions since August. He also suggested that North Korean troops “may be used in other parts of the front line” and added that “losses among this category are also already noticeable.”
Last month, Zelensky said that 11,000 North Korean troops were stationed in Russia’s Kursk region and had already suffered casualties. 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.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-president-yoon-impeached-what-happens-now-all-you-need-to-know-783957">South Korea President Yoon impeached: What happens now? All you need to know</a>
<h2>Ukraine replaces commander in Donetsk region</h2>
Meanwhile, Ukraine's military leadership has replaced the commander responsible for overseeing defence operations in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russian forces are advancing rapidly.
General Oleksandr Tarnavskiy, 54, has been appointed to lead the operational and tactical group in Donetsk, replacing General Oleksandr Lutsenko. An official from Ukraine’s general staff told news agency Reuters, that Lutsenko faced criticism from Ukrainian military bloggers and some lawmakers for failing to stop Russia’s steady advance towards the key city of Pokrovsk.
In another development, Ukrainian drones conducted several strikes inside Russia overnight into Saturday. A fuel storage site in the central Oryol region was hit, triggering a fire and shattering windows in nearby homes. Oryol’s governor, Andrei Klychkov, described it as a “mass attack” on an infrastructure facility.
The drone strikes came just a day after Russia launched a major aerial assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Zelensky reported that Russia had fired “93 missiles and more than 200 drones” during Friday’s attacks.
(With inputs from agencies)
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.

In his evening address, Zelensky said that he had "preliminary evidence that the Russians have begun to use soldiers from North Korea in assaults, a noticeable number of them."



Kyiv, Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on Saturday (Dec 14) that Russia has started deploying North Korean soldiers to attack Ukraine’s positions in Russia’s Kursk region. In his evening address, Zelensky said that he had "preliminary evidence that the Russians have begun to use soldiers from North Korea in assaults, a noticeable number of them." According to the Ukrainian president, these soldiers are being included in Russian units and used in operations in the Kursk region, where Ukraine has been carrying out incursions since August. He also suggested that North Korean troops “may be used in other parts of the front line” and added that “losses among this category are also already noticeable.” Last month, Zelensky said that 11,000 North Korean troops were stationed in Russia’s Kursk region and had already suffered casualties. 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. Also read: South Korea President Yoon impeached: What happens now? All you need to know Ukraine replaces commander in Donetsk region Meanwhile, Ukraine's military leadership has replaced the commander responsible for overseeing defence operations in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russian forces are advancing rapidly. General Oleksandr Tarnavskiy, 54, has been appointed to lead the operational and tactical group in Donetsk, replacing General Oleksandr Lutsenko. An official from Ukraine’s general staff told news agency Reuters, that Lutsenko faced criticism from Ukrainian military bloggers and some lawmakers for failing to stop Russia’s steady advance towards the key city of Pokrovsk. In another development, Ukrainian drones conducted several strikes inside Russia overnight into Saturday. A fuel storage site in the central Oryol region was hit, triggering a fire and shattering windows in nearby homes. Oryol’s governor, Andrei Klychkov, described it as a “mass attack” on an infrastructure facility. The drone strikes came just a day after Russia launched a major aerial assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Zelensky reported that Russia had fired “93 missiles and more than 200 drones” during Friday’s attacks. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Ukraine's Zelensky says Russia using 'noticeable' number of North Korean soldiers in Kursk assaults

Washington DC, United States
United States President-elect Donald Trump is interested in privatising the US Postal Service, which has lost $100 billion since 2007, the Washington Post reported on Saturday (Dec 14). 
The organisation reported a net loss of $9.5 billion at the end of its fiscal year on September 30. This fiscal year's loss was $3 billion more than the last one. 
The Post further reported that when Trump was told about the organisation's annual losses, he said the government should not subsidise it. The Republican discussed his interest in privatising the organisation with his commerce secretary pick  Howard Lutnick. 
Watch | Will Biden Invoke Pre-Emptive Pardons? Bill Clinton Reacts
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The report further highlighted that people who had chosen to work at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under the leadership of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, also had conversations about major changes in the USPS. 
A USPS spokesperson told news agency Reuters that for more than three years, the organisation has reduced its operation by 45 million work hours. 
The agency is also seeking regulatory approval to modernise its mail processing and transportation network to align with modern practices, which will save between $3.6-$3.7 billion annually, Reuters reported. 
Any attempt at privatising the Postal Service could disrupt the e-commerce industry in the US, Washington Post said, including Amazon, which uses USPS for "last-mile" delivery between Amazon's fulfilment centres and customers.
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This came following reports that Amazon is donating $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund. The company will also air the event on Prime Video, an Amazon spokesperson said on Thursday (Dec 12). The Wall Street Journal reported that Prime Video will be an in-kind donation worth another $1 million. 
Amazon's founder Jeff Bezos is expected to meet the Republican leader next week, Trump said in his interview with CNBC on Thursday (Dec 12). 
Trump has criticised the Washington Post (owned by Bezos) for its coverage during his first term in the White House.
(With inputs from agencies)

The Post further reported that when Trump was told about the organisation's annual losses, he said the government should not subsidise it. The Republican discussed his interest in privatising the organisation with his commerce secretary pick Howard Lutnick. 



Washington DC, United States United States President-elect Donald Trump is interested in privatising the US Postal Service, which has lost $100 billion since 2007, the Washington Post reported on Saturday (Dec 14). The organisation reported a net loss of $9.5 billion at the end of its fiscal year on September 30. This fiscal year's loss was $3 billion more than the last one. The Post further reported that when Trump was told about the organisation's annual losses, he said the government should not subsidise it. The Republican discussed his interest in privatising the organisation with his commerce secretary pick Howard Lutnick. Watch | Will Biden Invoke Pre-Emptive Pardons? Bill Clinton Reacts The report further highlighted that people who had chosen to work at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under the leadership of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, also had conversations about major changes in the USPS. A USPS spokesperson told news agency Reuters that for more than three years, the organisation has reduced its operation by 45 million work hours. The agency is also seeking regulatory approval to modernise its mail processing and transportation network to align with modern practices, which will save between $3.6-$3.7 billion annually, Reuters reported. Any attempt at privatising the Postal Service could disrupt the e-commerce industry in the US, Washington Post said, including Amazon, which uses USPS for "last-mile" delivery between Amazon's fulfilment centres and customers. Also read | Prince Andrew invited 'Chinese spy' to Buckingham Palace: Report This came following reports that Amazon is donating $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund. The company will also air the event on Prime Video, an Amazon spokesperson said on Thursday (Dec 12). The Wall Street Journal reported that Prime Video will be an in-kind donation worth another $1 million. Amazon's founder Jeff Bezos is expected to meet the Republican leader next week, Trump said in his interview with CNBC on Thursday (Dec 12). Trump has criticised the Washington Post (owned by Bezos) for its coverage during his first term in the White House. (With inputs from agencies)

President-elect Donald Trump may privatise US Postal Service: Report

Japanese space firm Space One KAIROS, which was aiming to become the nation's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit, on Saturday (Dec 14) postponed its second attempt just 20 minutes before launch. The company's first attempt ended in a mid-air explosion in March of this year.

<h2>What happened?</h2>

Tokyo-based Space One's Kairos rocket was scheduled to blast off from the company's launch pad, dubbed Spaceport Kii, in the rural western region of Wakayama at 11 am (0200 GMT). However, just 20 minutes before the scheduled launch, it was called off.&nbsp;

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"During the final decision-making process for the launch, we analysed the weather conditions and determined that the wind speeds above an altitude of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) were so strong that it was not suitable for launch," said Space One executive Kozo Abe.&nbsp;

Abe told reporters that the company plans to make another attempt on Sunday at 11 am.&nbsp;

In its second attempt, the Kairos rocket was supposed to carry five satellites into orbit, including one from the Taiwan Space Agency and others designed by Japanese students and corporate ventures.

<h2>Kairos' failed attempt</h2>

In March 2024, the 18-metre (60-foot)&nbsp;solid-fuel rocket Kairos, carrying a small government test satellite, blasted off from the Space One launch pad.&nbsp;

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However, just seconds later, a technical problem was detected and a self-destruct instruction was transmitted to the rocket. Soon after, the rocket erupted in flames as hundreds of spectators gathered&nbsp;nearby and witnessed&nbsp;the dramatic scene.

If it had been successful, the&nbsp;company would have become the first private Japanese firm&nbsp;to&nbsp;put a satellite into orbit. With private firms offering cheaper and more frequent space exploration opportunities than governments,&nbsp;Space One, as per AFP,&nbsp;hopes to emulate Elon Musk's SpaceX and is seeking to&nbsp;establish itself in a competitive international field by launching small rockets, quickly, for businesses.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japanese space firm Space One KAIROS, which was aiming to become the nation's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit, on Saturday (Dec 14) postponed its second attempt just 20 minutes before launch.

Japanese space firm Space One KAIROS, which was aiming to become the nation's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit, on Saturday (Dec 14) postponed its second attempt just 20 minutes before launch. The company's first attempt ended in a mid-air explosion in March of this year. What happened? Tokyo-based Space One's Kairos rocket was scheduled to blast off from the company's launch pad, dubbed Spaceport Kii, in the rural western region of Wakayama at 11 am (0200 GMT). However, just 20 minutes before the scheduled launch, it was called off. Also read | Trump slams Biden government over mystery drone sightings, says 'shoot them down' "During the final decision-making process for the launch, we analysed the weather conditions and determined that the wind speeds above an altitude of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) were so strong that it was not suitable for launch," said Space One executive Kozo Abe. Abe told reporters that the company plans to make another attempt on Sunday at 11 am. In its second attempt, the Kairos rocket was supposed to carry five satellites into orbit, including one from the Taiwan Space Agency and others designed by Japanese students and corporate ventures. Kairos' failed attempt In March 2024, the 18-metre (60-foot) solid-fuel rocket Kairos, carrying a small government test satellite, blasted off from the Space One launch pad. Also read | TikTok ban in America: US Federal Court rejects appeal to temporarily block ban However, just seconds later, a technical problem was detected and a self-destruct instruction was transmitted to the rocket. Soon after, the rocket erupted in flames as hundreds of spectators gathered nearby and witnessed the dramatic scene. If it had been successful, the company would have become the first private Japanese firm to put a satellite into orbit. With private firms offering cheaper and more frequent space exploration opportunities than governments, Space One, as per AFP, hopes to emulate Elon Musk's SpaceX and is seeking to establish itself in a competitive international field by launching small rockets, quickly, for businesses. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese private rocket firm Space One halts second launch attempt minutes before liftoff

Former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi suffered an injury on a trip to Luxembourg and has been admitted to a hospital for evaluation, her office said in a statement on Friday (Dec 13).

Former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi suffered an injury on a trip to Luxembourg and has been admitted to a hospital for evaluation, her office said in a statement on Friday (Dec 13). Pelosi, 84, is the first woman to serve as speaker of the House and had also been a longtime leader of the House Democratic Caucus. "While traveling with a bipartisan Congressional delegation in Luxembourg to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi sustained an injury during an official engagement and was admitted to the hospital for evaluation," Pelosi spokesperson Ian Krager said in a statement. "Speaker Emerita Pelosi is currently receiving excellent treatment from doctors and medical professionals. She continues to work." Also read: ‘Delay, deny, depose’: US woman charged with terrorism threat after quoting UnitedHealthcare CEO killer The San Francisco congresswoman stepped down from her role as speaker a powerful position second in line to the presidency after the vice president in 2023 but she has continued to serve in the House. She was reelected in November to another two-year term beginning on January 3. Pelosi played a key role in passing Democratic President Joe Biden's sweeping $1 trillion infrastructure bill in 2022 and famously feuded with Republican Donald Trump during his first four years in office, culminating with the moment when she tore up his State of the Union speech on national television in 2020. Pelosi has been a prominent figure in the US capital over a tenure spanning seven presidential administrations. She first served as House speaker from 2007 to 2011, then regained the job in 2019 after her party took back control of the chamber in the 2018 midterm elections. 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.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 84, hospitalised after injury in Luxembourg

Israeli troops have been ordered to prepare to remain in the buffer zone throughout the winter amid the ongoing Syria conflict. The move reflects heightened tensions in the region and Israel’s strategic response to the evolving situation along its northern border.

Syria War: Israeli Troops Asked To 'Prepare To Remain' In Buffer Zone All Winter

A woman in the US state of Florida has been charged after allegedly threatening an American health insurance company using language similar to that linked to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

A woman in the US state of Florida has been charged after allegedly threatening an American health insurance company using language similar to that linked to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Briana Boston, 42, reportedly said, “Delay, deny, depose, you people are next” during a recorded call with a representative from Blue Cross Blue Shield about a denied medical claim. Her words resemble the phrase written on bullets allegedly used in the New York City murder of Thompson, a case that has drawn attention to frustrations with the US healthcare system. Boston faces charges of making threats to commit a mass shooting or act of terrorism. A judge set her bail at $100,000 following her arrest. The Lakeland Police Department in Florida stated that detectives apprehended her at her home after the call on Tuesday. Local media reported that Boston told police she believed healthcare companies “deserved karma from the world because they are evil.” She also accepted referencing the alleged killer's language because “it’s what is in the news right now.” The murder of Thompson has stirred public debate about the US for-profit healthcare system, with some expressing sympathy for the alleged killer – 26-year-old Luigi Mangione. Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania on gun charges following a multi-state manhunt. The case has also raised concerns about potential copycat threats, with reports of a “hit list” targeting healthcare executives circulating online. Also read: France’s new PM Francois Bayrou vows to tackle 'Himalayan' budget deficit Authorities have accused Boston of exploiting the CEO’s murder to issue threats against Blue Cross Blue Shield. “She’s been in this world long enough to know better,” Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor said, as quoted by local media. “You can’t make threats like that in today’s environment and think we won’t follow up and take action,” he added. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: NATO Chief Warns West Must Switch To A Wartime Mindset Boston’s lawyer, Jim Headley, argued in court for her release, describing her as a married mother of three with no prior criminal record. However, the judge upheld the $100,000 bail, citing the current climate in the country as a reason for the decision. Neither the Lakeland Police Department nor Boston’s legal representative has commented further on the case. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Delay, deny, depose’: US woman charged with terrorism threat after quoting UnitedHealthcare CEO killer

A former Indian-American employee of OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, was recently found dead at his apartment in San Francisco after accusing the AI giant of violating copyright law. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) identified the deceased as 26-year-old Suchir Balaji. “The manner of death has been determined as suicide. The OCME has notified the next-of-kin and has no further comments or reports for publication at this time,” the OCME said in a statement to the media.

OpenAI responded to Balaji’s death by saying it was ‘devastated’. “We are devastated to learn of this incredibly sad news today and our hearts go out to Suchir's loved ones during this difficult time,” a spokesperson of the company was quoted as saying by TechCrunch.

Local authorities, including the police department and medics, found no evidence of foul play and are treating the case as suicide.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiMn5zoqaaKAxW-xjgGHfFWI7sQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/openai-releases-an-ai-video-generation-tool-its-called-sora-782957" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/technology/openai-releases-an-ai-video-generation-tool-its-called-sora-782957&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMn5zoqaaKAxW-xjgGHfFWI7sQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">OpenAI releases its AI video-generation tool Sora to everyone in US</a>

Who was&nbsp;Suchir Balaji?

Balaji studied computer science at the University of California, Berkeley, and then went on to working for OpenAI.&nbsp;

While in college, Balaji is understood to have interned at OpenAI and Scale AI.

During his early days at OpenAI, Balaji worked on WebGPT, and later went on to work on the pretraining team for GPT-4, reasoning team with o1, and post-training for ChatGPT, his LinkedIn states.

Notably, Balaji left OpenAI in August this year, ending his four-year stint at the AI giant. In October, he said in an interview that he won’t work for technologies that bring more harm than benefit to society. “I no longer wanted to contribute to technologies that I believe would bring society more harm than benefit,” Balaji told the New York Times. “If you believe what I believe, you have to just leave the company,” Balaji added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiMn5zoqaaKAxW-xjgGHfFWI7sQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jeff-bezos-openai-back-robot-startup-physical-intelligence-at-24-billion-valuation-773356" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jeff-bezos-openai-back-robot-startup-physical-intelligence-at-24-billion-valuation-773356&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMn5zoqaaKAxW-xjgGHfFWI7sQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE">Jeff Bezos, OpenAI back robot startup physical intelligence at $2.4 billion valuation</a>

Balaji was also reportedly named in a court filing submitted against OpenAI over alleged copyright violation. Several firms, including Microsoft, its biggest investor, and newspapers have sued OpenAI over breaking copyright laws.

US billionaire Elon Musk has also reacted to Balaji’s death on X.

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Hmm <a href="https://t.co/HsElym3uLV">https://t.co/HsElym3uLV</a>
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OpenAI faced several lawsuits from writers, programmers and journalists in 2022 who accused OpenAI of unlawfully using their content to train its AI model. Balaji also said in his interview that ChatGPT would negatively impact businesses and entrepreneurs whose information was utilised to train ChatGPT.

(With inputs from agencies)

A former Indian-American employee of OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, was recently found dead at his apartment in San Francisco after accusing the AI giant of violating copyright law.

A former Indian-American employee of OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, was recently found dead at his apartment in San Francisco after accusing the AI giant of violating copyright law. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) identified the deceased as 26-year-old Suchir Balaji. “The manner of death has been determined as suicide. The OCME has notified the next-of-kin and has no further comments or reports for publication at this time,” the OCME said in a statement to the media. OpenAI responded to Balaji’s death by saying it was ‘devastated’. “We are devastated to learn of this incredibly sad news today and our hearts go out to Suchir's loved ones during this difficult time,” a spokesperson of the company was quoted as saying by TechCrunch. Local authorities, including the police department and medics, found no evidence of foul play and are treating the case as suicide. Also read: OpenAI releases its AI video-generation tool Sora to everyone in US Who was Suchir Balaji? Balaji studied computer science at the University of California, Berkeley, and then went on to working for OpenAI. While in college, Balaji is understood to have interned at OpenAI and Scale AI. During his early days at OpenAI, Balaji worked on WebGPT, and later went on to work on the pretraining team for GPT-4, reasoning team with o1, and post-training for ChatGPT, his LinkedIn states. Notably, Balaji left OpenAI in August this year, ending his four-year stint at the AI giant. In October, he said in an interview that he won’t work for technologies that bring more harm than benefit to society. “I no longer wanted to contribute to technologies that I believe would bring society more harm than benefit,” Balaji told the New York Times. “If you believe what I believe, you have to just leave the company,” Balaji added. Also read: Jeff Bezos, OpenAI back robot startup physical intelligence at $2.4 billion valuation Balaji was also reportedly named in a court filing submitted against OpenAI over alleged copyright violation. Several firms, including Microsoft, its biggest investor, and newspapers have sued OpenAI over breaking copyright laws. US billionaire Elon Musk has also reacted to Balaji’s death on X. Hmm https://t.co/HsElym3uLV — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 14, 2024 × OpenAI faced several lawsuits from writers, programmers and journalists in 2022 who accused OpenAI of unlawfully using their content to train its AI model. Balaji also said in his interview that ChatGPT would negatively impact businesses and entrepreneurs whose information was utilised to train ChatGPT. (With inputs from agencies)

Who was Suchir Balaji, whistleblower found dead after accusing OpenAI of copyright violation?

Miami is sparkling with holiday cheer as the city unveils its dazzling light displays and festive decorations. The annual tradition attracts locals and tourists alike, celebrating the joy and warmth of the season.

Miami Gleams With Holiday Spirit As The City Sparkles For The Festive Season

An important step in apple's ongoing effort to broaden its business beyond china will be the beginning of production of its air pods wireless headphones in India early next year.

Apple To Begin Producing Air pods In India For The First Time

The Israeli Air Force is continuing its readiness and preparations for potential strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities, following the weakening of Tehran’s proxy groups in the Middle East and the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. Watch this report for more details!

Netanyahu Warns Syrian Rebels Against Helping Iran

With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office next month, the United States is moving toward enforcing stricter immigration policies. Recent data from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) indicates that 18,000 undocumented Indians are among the 1.45 million individuals at risk of deportation. &nbsp;

<h2>India among the top countries for undocumented immigration &nbsp;</h2>

India ranks third in the US for its undocumented immigrant population, with approximately 725,000 individuals residing illegally, according to the Pew Research Center. Mexico and El Salvador take the top two spots, reflecting the scale of unauthorised immigration. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pledges-to-scrap-daylight-saving-time-citing-inconvenience-and-costs-783860">Trump pledges to scrap daylight saving time, citing inconvenience and costs&nbsp;</a>

<h2>Deportations already underway &nbsp;</h2>

On October 22, the US in collaboration with the Indian government, deported a group of undocumented Indians using a chartered flight. The operation marks a concerted effort to manage the growing population of illegal immigrants. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-biden-government-over-mystery-drone-sightings-says-shoot-them-down-783863">Trump slams Biden government over mystery drone sightings, says 'shoot them down'</a>

<h2>Challenges in legalisation &nbsp;</h2>

Many undocumented Indians are seeking to legalise their status, though the path remains fraught with challenges. Over the past three financial years, an average of 90,000 Indians were caught attempting to cross into the US illegally, highlighting the ongoing desperation among migrants. &nbsp;

<h2>India labelled "Uncooperative"</h2>

ICE has categorised India as "uncooperative" due to delays in confirming the citizenship of individuals facing deportation. The US expects timely action from foreign governments, including interviews, document issuance and acceptance of deportees via commercial or chartered flights. &nbsp;

In a statement, ICE said, "Currently, ICE considers 15 countries to be uncooperative -- India, Bhutan, Burma, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Iran, Laos, Pakistan, People’s Republic of China, Russia, Somalia and Venezuela."&nbsp;

Honduras leads the list of undocumented immigrants in the US, with 261,651 individuals, followed by Guatemala, Mexico and El Salvador. India’s significant presence underscores its role in the broader challenge of illegal immigration in the US. &nbsp;

With Trump’s administration prioritising border security and deportation, undocumented Indians face growing uncertainty, as policies become increasingly stringent.

(With inputs from agencies)

With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office next month, the United States is moving toward enforcing stricter immigration policies. Recent data from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) indicates that 18,000 undocumented Indians are among the 1.

With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office next month, the United States is moving toward enforcing stricter immigration policies. Recent data from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) indicates that 18,000 undocumented Indians are among the 1.45 million individuals at risk of deportation. India among the top countries for undocumented immigration India ranks third in the US for its undocumented immigrant population, with approximately 725,000 individuals residing illegally, according to the Pew Research Center. Mexico and El Salvador take the top two spots, reflecting the scale of unauthorised immigration. Also read | Trump pledges to scrap daylight saving time, citing inconvenience and costs Deportations already underway On October 22, the US in collaboration with the Indian government, deported a group of undocumented Indians using a chartered flight. The operation marks a concerted effort to manage the growing population of illegal immigrants. Also read | Trump slams Biden government over mystery drone sightings, says 'shoot them down' Challenges in legalisation Many undocumented Indians are seeking to legalise their status, though the path remains fraught with challenges. Over the past three financial years, an average of 90,000 Indians were caught attempting to cross into the US illegally, highlighting the ongoing desperation among migrants. India labelled "Uncooperative" ICE has categorised India as "uncooperative" due to delays in confirming the citizenship of individuals facing deportation. The US expects timely action from foreign governments, including interviews, document issuance and acceptance of deportees via commercial or chartered flights. In a statement, ICE said, "Currently, ICE considers 15 countries to be uncooperative -- India, Bhutan, Burma, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Iran, Laos, Pakistan, People’s Republic of China, Russia, Somalia and Venezuela." Honduras leads the list of undocumented immigrants in the US, with 261,651 individuals, followed by Guatemala, Mexico and El Salvador. India’s significant presence underscores its role in the broader challenge of illegal immigration in the US. With Trump’s administration prioritising border security and deportation, undocumented Indians face growing uncertainty, as policies become increasingly stringent. (With inputs from agencies)

18,000 Indians at risk of deportation under Trump administration

A top New York City lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, has been hired to represent Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

A top New York City lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, has been hired to represent Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Agnifilo, who will defend Mangione in New York, specialises in the city’s criminal justice system. She previously served as the chief assistant district attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for seven years before entering private practice in 2021. The firm, Agnifilo Intrater LLC, confirmed Friedman Agnifilo will represent him but declined to comment further. "She will not be making any statements at this time," the firm said in a statement. Mangione, who is also facing charges in Pennsylvania, is currently resisting extradition to New York, according to CNN. Also read: From Bezos to Zuckerberg, top US CEOs line up to embrace Trump who once they ditched Initially, police believed Mangione travelled to Pennsylvania by bus, where he was arrested on Monday. Authorities said they thought the suspect stopped at several locations throughout the state. However, investigators now believe Mangione took the subway from the George Washington Bridge bus station to Penn Station, where he purchased a train ticket to Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, Mangione has gained huge support, with donors contributing thousands of dollars for his legal defence. An anonymous group, calling themselves “The December 4th Legal Committee,” launched a crowdfunding campaign on GiveSendGo, and raised over $90,000 by Saturday (Dec 14). The group’s name refers to the date of the shooting when the 26-year-old suspect allegedly shot Thompson in Midtown Manhattan. Watch: Will Biden Invoke Pre-Emptive Pardons? Bill Clinton Reacts Some fundraising campaigns for Mangione have been removed by platforms such as GoFundMe, ABC News reported, amid growing concerns that the accused is being glorified. The incident has intensified criticism of health insurance policies in the United States. The death of Brian Thompson has triggered a decline in stock values for major insurance companies. The UnitedHealthcare CEO was killed earlier this month in what authorities believe was a targeted attack. The shooter, suspected to be Mangione, allegedly attacked Thompson due to frustrations with the US health insurance system. (With inputs from agencies)

CEO shooting suspect Luigi Mangione hires top NYC attorney as donors raise over $90,000 for his 'defence fund'

Mass protests erupted in Tbilisi, Georgia, as thousands of citizens rallied against the nomination of a far-right presidential candidate. The protests reflect growing concerns over the country's political direction, with demonstrators expressing their opposition to the nominee's controversial views.

Georgia: Mass Protest Grips Tbilisi Over Far-Right Presidential Nominee

A Chinese businessman known as H6 and accused of spying was invited to Buckingham Palace along with other royal residences by the Duke of York Prince Andrew, according to a report by the British newspaper, The Times.&nbsp;

H6, banned from the United Kingdom on national security grounds, visited Buckingham Palace twice and also reportedly visited St James’s Palace and Windsor Castle after the invitation from Prince Andrew.&nbsp;

On Friday (Dec 13), the prince said he had “ceased all contact” with the businessman after his name was raised in the case. A statement was released by his office said he met the alleged spy via “official channels” with “nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed”.

Watch |&nbsp;South Korea's First Lady Caught on Camera Praising Man's Sexual 'Power' After Palm Reading

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<h2>'Close confidant'</h2>

H6, a "close confidant" of Prince Andrew, has been banned from entering the United Kingdom. This comes after he lost an appeal against the decision on national security grounds. The man brought the case after he was banned from the UK in March 2023.

The businessman had built a close relationship with Prince Andrew and was even invited to his birthday party in 2020. The man was further told that he could act on behalf of Prince Andrew while dealing with potential investors in China.

The hearing of the case was held in the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. The court considers appeals against decisions to ban a person from a country on national security grounds.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-georgias-new-president-mikheil-kavelashvili-784005">Who is Georgia's new far-right President Mikheil Kavelashvili?</a>

In the published ruling, the court said that the then-home secretary, Suella Braverman, was "entitled to conclude that [H6] represented a risk to the national security of the United Kingdom and that she was entitled to conclude that his exclusion was justified and proportionate".

The court further found that H6 surrendered several electronic devices like his mobile phone when he was stopped by UK border security in November 2021. A letter was found in one of his devices in which the adviser of Prince Andrew wrote, "Outside of [the prince's] closest internal confidants, you sit at the very top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A Chinese businessman known as H6 and accused of spying was invited to Buckingham Palace along with other royal residences by the Duke of York Prince Andrew, according to a report by the British newspaper, The Times.

A Chinese businessman known as H6 and accused of spying was invited to Buckingham Palace along with other royal residences by the Duke of York Prince Andrew, according to a report by the British newspaper, The Times. H6, banned from the United Kingdom on national security grounds, visited Buckingham Palace twice and also reportedly visited St James’s Palace and Windsor Castle after the invitation from Prince Andrew. On Friday (Dec 13), the prince said he had “ceased all contact” with the businessman after his name was raised in the case. A statement was released by his office said he met the alleged spy via “official channels” with “nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed”. Watch | South Korea's First Lady Caught on Camera Praising Man's Sexual 'Power' After Palm Reading 'Close confidant' H6, a "close confidant" of Prince Andrew, has been banned from entering the United Kingdom. This comes after he lost an appeal against the decision on national security grounds. The man brought the case after he was banned from the UK in March 2023. The businessman had built a close relationship with Prince Andrew and was even invited to his birthday party in 2020. The man was further told that he could act on behalf of Prince Andrew while dealing with potential investors in China. The hearing of the case was held in the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. The court considers appeals against decisions to ban a person from a country on national security grounds. Also read | Who is Georgia's new far-right President Mikheil Kavelashvili? In the published ruling, the court said that the then-home secretary, Suella Braverman, was "entitled to conclude that [H6] represented a risk to the national security of the United Kingdom and that she was entitled to conclude that his exclusion was justified and proportionate". The court further found that H6 surrendered several electronic devices like his mobile phone when he was stopped by UK border security in November 2021. A letter was found in one of his devices in which the adviser of Prince Andrew wrote, "Outside of [the prince's] closest internal confidants, you sit at the very top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on." (With inputs from agencies)

Prince Andrew invited 'Chinese spy' to Buckingham Palace: Report

The two leaders questioned each other’s commitment to the Constitution while presenting contrasting ideological visions for India.

PM Narendra Modi Vs Rahul Gandhi: Lok Sabha Witnesses Fiery Debate On Constitution

Five migrants died early Saturday when a migrant boat sank off Crete, Greece's coastguard said, leaving 40 people reportedly missing while 39 survivors were rescued, all men.

Five migrants died early Saturday when a migrant boat sank off Crete, Greece's coastguard said, leaving 40 people reportedly missing while 39 survivors were rescued, all men. The boat sank 12 nautical miles southwest of the island, according to ERTNEWS, which reported the 40 missing. A huge rescue operation involving vessels and aircraft was underway in the sea near the island of Gavdos, south of Crete, after the boat capsized shortly after midnight, the coastguard said. Watch | Ex-Soccer Player Mikheil Kavelashvili Elected As Georgia's New President The first dead was found Saturday morning. According to the Athens News Agency, a migrant is being treated in the intensive care unit of the Chania hospital in the ICU in serious condition while three people are also hospitalised with cardiac problems and hypothermia. Saturday afternoon, the coastguard told AFP that the number of migrants found dead had risen to five. In two separate incidents off Gavdos also on Saturday, 88 migrants were located and rescued by a tanker flying the flag of Great Britain, and 47 people by a cargo ship flying the Maltese flag, some 28 nautical miles south and 40 nautical miles south of the island, respectively. Greece has seen a 25-percent increase this year in the number of migrants arriving, with a 30-percent increase to Rhodes and the southeast Aegean, according to the migration ministry. Also read | Top Bolsonaro ally arrested: Brazil's ex-Defence Minister Braga Netto accused of coup attempt Several similar accidents have occurred in recent weeks. In late November, eight migrants, six of them minors, died north of the island of Samos, on a route frequently used by people smugglers. 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.

Five dead, dozens missing in Greece as migrant boat sinks

At least 18 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday, medics said, while the Israeli military said it targeted gunmen operating from shelters and aid storages.

At least 18 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday, medics said, while the Israeli military said it targeted gunmen operating from shelters and aid storages. At least 10 people were killed in an airstrike near the municipality building in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip where people gathered to receive aid, medics said. Casualties were being carried by foot, on rickshaws and private cars from the site of the attack to the hospital, medics said. The strike killed the head of the Hamas-run administrative committee in central Gaza, a Hamas source said. The Israeli military was looking into the report, a spokesperson said. Earlier, Israeli aircraft struck militants and weapon caches near an aid warehouse, the military said, after gunmen had fired rockets into Israel from there. Watch | Iranian Singer Faces Prison For Her Performance A separate strike in Gaza City on a former shelter housing displaced people targeted Hamas fighters, the military said. At least seven people were killed in that attack, Palestinian medics said, including a woman and her baby. It was unclear whether any of the other people killed were fighters. The military said it had taken precautions to reduce the risk of harm to civilians. A separate strike in Gaza City killed a local journalist, medics said. The military was looking into the report, a spokesperson said. The war in Gaza began when the Palestinian militant group Hamas stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200, mostly civilians, people and taking more than 250 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli authorities. Israel then launched an air, sea and land offensive that has killed at least 44,000 people, mostly civilians, according to authorities in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, displaced nearly the entire population and left much of the enclave in ruins. A fresh bid by Egypt, Qatar and the United States to reach a truce has gained momentum in recent weeks. Also read | Five dead, dozens missing in Greece as migrant boat sinks Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday discussed with visiting US officials efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and a hostages-for-prisoners deal in the Palestinian enclave, Sisi's office 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.

At least 18 killed in Israeli Gaza strikes: Palestinian medics

The stunning fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad in Syria thrust several rebel groups and foreign powers into the spotlight as they vie for control and influence. Watch for more details!

Syria: Foreign Powers and Rebels Contend To Shape Syria's Future

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on Saturday (Dec 14) said the United States has made "direct contact" with Syria's victorious Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels despite designating the group as terrorists.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on Saturday (Dec 14) said the United States has made "direct contact" with Syria's victorious Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels despite designating the group as terrorists. "We've been in contact with HTS and with other parties," Blinken told reporters. The statement came as the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and top officials from the European Union and United Nations met in Jordan to address the situation in Syria. Turkey reopens its embassy in Damascus after 12 years In another development, Turkey reopened its embassy in Damascus on Saturday after being closed for 12 years, following the recent ouster of longtime Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. The Turkish flag was raised during the ceremony in the Rawda district of the capital, attended by Burhan Koroglu, the new chargé d'affaires, alongside members of the rebels’ transitional government, as per media reports. Also read: South Korea President Yoon impeached: What happens now? All you need to know The closure of the Turkish embassy on March 26, 2012, came amid Syria's escalating civil war and Turkey's calls for Assad to resign. However, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced on Friday that Koroglu and his staff would arrive in Damascus, with the embassy becoming "operational" the next day. This development follows an Islamist-led rebel alliance's offensive, which began on November 27, captured vast areas of Syrian territory and took over Damascus last Sunday. Turkey has been a long-standing supporter of rebel forces in Syria. Arab diplomats discuss Syria’s future in Jordan Meanwhile, top diplomats from eight Arab nations gathered in Jordan's Aqaba on Saturday to discuss Syria’s future. Foreign ministers from Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, along with Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit, released a joint statement calling for a peaceful transition in Syria. They called for all political and social groups to be included in the process, with support from the United Nations and Arab League, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The Arab ministers also backed a transitional rule that aligns with the aspirations of all Syrians. They warned against any form of “ethnic, sectarian or religious discrimination” and called for “justice and equality for all citizens.” The ministers also criticised Israel's recent actions, including incursions into the buffer zone with Syria and airstrikes targeting military sites. They demanded the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Syrian territory. 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.

US makes 'direct contact' with Syria's rebels; Turkey reopens embassy in Damascus after 12 years

Vishnu Prasanna, the former coach of chess prodigy Gukesh, speaks to WION about his pupil's remarkable rise and the future ahead. He emphasizes that Gukesh’s success is just the beginning of an exciting journey in the world of chess, highlighting the young talent's potential to achieve even more.

Gukesh's Former Coach Vishnu Prasanna Speaks To WION: "This Is Just The Beginning"

A US federal court has refused to block a looming ban on the popular China-owned application. The DC Circuit Court of Appeals—which upheld the law last week—declined TikTok’s request to pause the ruling in a brief, unsigned order on Friday, deeming such a block "unwarranted." Three more Delhi schools received fresh bomb warnings Saturday,&nbsp;prompting&nbsp;authorities to launch searches on the premises. So far, dozens of schools in the Indian capital have received similar threat emails over the last week. A former employee of ChatGPT maker OpenAI was found dead last month after accusing the firm of copyright violation.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-ban-in-america-us-federal-court-rejects-relief-request-783857">TikTok ban in America: US Federal Court rejects appeal to temporarily block ban</a> 
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TikTok's future in the United States remains uncertain, as a federal appeals court on Friday (Dec 13) refused to block a looming ban on the popular China-owned application.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-new-delhi-schools-receive-bomb-threats-third-time-in-week-783893">Three New Delhi schools receive bomb threats, third time in week</a> 
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At least three schools in New Delhi received bomb threat emails Saturday morning (Dec 14), third time in a week. The emails prompted authorities to launch searches on the premises.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-american-openai-whistleblower-found-dead-had-accused-firm-of-copyright-violation-783884">Indian-American OpenAI whistleblower found dead, had accused firm of copyright violation</a>

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A former Indian-American employee of OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, was recently found dead at his apartment in San Francisco after accusing the AI giant of violating copyright law.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-biden-government-over-mystery-drone-sightings-says-shoot-them-down-783863">Trump slams Biden government over mystery drone sightings, says 'shoot them down'</a>

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US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday (Dec 13) called on authorities to "shoot down" the mysterious drones appearing across the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-biden-government-over-mystery-drone-sightings-says-shoot-them-down-783863">Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Takes 60% of Donetsk, Fastest Advance Since Ukraine Invasion</a>

Russia has launched attacks on Ukraine's power facilities, causing widespread blackouts and disruptions. The strikes are part of ongoing efforts to weaken Ukraine's infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict.

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A US federal court has refused to block a looming ban on the popular China-owned application. The DC Circuit Court of Appeals—which upheld the law last week—declined TikTok’s request to pause the ruling in a brief, unsigned order on Friday, deeming such a block "unwarranted.

A US federal court has refused to block a looming ban on the popular China-owned application. The DC Circuit Court of Appeals—which upheld the law last week—declined TikTok’s request to pause the ruling in a brief, unsigned order on Friday, deeming such a block "unwarranted." Three more Delhi schools received fresh bomb warnings Saturday, prompting authorities to launch searches on the premises. So far, dozens of schools in the Indian capital have received similar threat emails over the last week. A former employee of ChatGPT maker OpenAI was found dead last month after accusing the firm of copyright violation. Click on the headlines to read more. TikTok ban in America: US Federal Court rejects appeal to temporarily block ban TikTok's future in the United States remains uncertain, as a federal appeals court on Friday (Dec 13) refused to block a looming ban on the popular China-owned application. Three New Delhi schools receive bomb threats, third time in week At least three schools in New Delhi received bomb threat emails Saturday morning (Dec 14), third time in a week. The emails prompted authorities to launch searches on the premises. Indian-American OpenAI whistleblower found dead, had accused firm of copyright violation A former Indian-American employee of OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, was recently found dead at his apartment in San Francisco after accusing the AI giant of violating copyright law. Trump slams Biden government over mystery drone sightings, says 'shoot them down' US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday (Dec 13) called on authorities to "shoot down" the mysterious drones appearing across the country. Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Takes 60% of Donetsk, Fastest Advance Since Ukraine Invasion Russia has launched attacks on Ukraine's power facilities, causing widespread blackouts and disruptions. The strikes are part of ongoing efforts to weaken Ukraine's infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict. ×

Morning news brief: US court refuses to block TikTok ban; three Delhi schools receive bomb threats, and more

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