As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel following an airstrike on an Iranian consulate in Syria, fears grow over a possible Iranian attack. Many countries have issued warnings advising citizens not to travel to the region, as Iranian leaders continue to criticize Israel for its military operations in Gaza. In the midst of this heightened tension, footage of a Hamas-led attack in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of civilians, including babies, has been released by Israel. While Iran has praised the attack as a victory against the "anti-Zionist resistance," human rights groups are calling for an investigation into potential war crimes. This latest incident is just the most recent in a series of attacks targeting Iranian targets.
The Supreme Court has announced that emergency measures under Stage 4 of the GRAP for air pollution in Delhi will continue until Monday, with exception to modifications related to schools. An explosion was reported near a PVR theatre in Prashant Vihar, followed by an attack on an ED team investigating a money laundering case. The national capital recorded an AQI of 310, placing it in the 'very poor' category, with Mundka reaching an alarming level of 373. The situation is now under control, but concerns for air quality and safety remain high in Delhi.
Uttarakhand, a land renowned for its spirituality and wellness, will host the World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo 2024, setting the stage for an International Assembly to discuss strategies for the worldwide promotion and integration of Ayurveda. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to bolster the global advocacy for Ayurveda have paved the way for this historic event, which will bring together delegates from countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Argentina, Sri Lanka, Germany, and Canada. With Uttarakhand making history as the first Himalayan state to host the Congress, this event marks a significant milestone in the state's growing recognition as a hub for Ayurvedic research and practice.
A growing trend of misinformation spreading on Chinese social media platforms has led to false claims of abuse towards pandas at US zoos, sparking an outcry from Chinese citizens and further damaging the already tense relationship between the US and China. Despite fact-checking efforts, influencer posts have continued to circulate, causing concern for the future of Chinese "panda diplomacy," where the bears are often gifted to other countries as a symbol of friendship. The false claims are seen as a reflection of the growing competition and animosity between the two global powers.
Schools in Chennai, Kanchipuram, and Tiruvallur in Southern India have been closed due to heavy rainfall in the region, which caused moderate to heavy rains in the past 24 hours. The India Meteorological Department has issued a warning for moderate to heavy rainfall in several districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry until 10 am on Thursday. In addition, 14 districts in Southern India have declared school closures due to the severe rainfall, and some colleges in the region will also remain shut.
As we commemorate International Mountain Day 2024, let's delve into this year's theme of 'Mountain solutions for a sustainable future - innovation, adaptation, and youth'. With mountains hosting half of the world's biodiversity hotspots and providing crucial resources like food and water, it is important to find innovative and adaptable solutions to preserve them amidst climate change and overexploitation. This year's theme emphasizes on the need for innovation and adaptation, while also highlighting the role of youth in ensuring a sustainable future for mountains.
As we commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, the theme for this year, "Equality for All: Reducing Inequality and Advancing Human Rights", serves as a reminder for collective efforts towards justice, equality, and dignity for all individuals. Let's come together to uphold the rights of humanity and wish for a future where every person is treated with dignity and respect.
The end of the Assad regime in Syria has revealed shocking details about the financial empire built by President Bashar al-Assad and his family. Reports suggest that the family's wealth includes 200 tons of gold, 16 billion dollars, and 5 billion euros, which are largely inaccessible to the Syrian people. While exact figures are difficult to determine, it is clear that the Assad family's fortune includes a network of hidden assets and offshore accounts used to fund their grip on power.
A day after a deadly explosion in a Hague apartment building, Dutch authorities are still searching for survivors as the recovery mission continues. Five people have been confirmed dead and five others are injured with slim chances of survival for anyone else trapped in the rubble. 40 homes have been evacuated as police investigate and appeal for witnesses in hopes of determining the cause of the blast.
In a significant development in the Syrian conflict, rebels have captured towns just miles from Damascus, the capital of the country. With the regime's military sending reinforcements to defend the key city of Homs, the insurgents are said to be moving towards Damascus from southern Syria. Assad's allies, including Russia and Iran, have been preoccupied with other conflicts, leaving the Syrian leader increasingly isolated. This development raises concerns about the future of Assad's regime and the ongoing crisis in Syria.
Amid reports of rebel forces advancing towards Damascus, the Syrian state news agency maintains that President Bashar Assad is still in the capital and fulfilling his duties. The rebel alliance leading the offensive claims to have reached the suburbs of Damascus, with rebel commander signing the "final phase" of encircling the capital. Despite this, the Syrian defense ministry denies any withdrawal of government forces and US President-elect Donald Trump states that the US should stay out of the ongoing conflict as Russia, a key ally of Assad, seems preoccupied with its war in Ukraine.