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Paula Abdul accuses former "American Idol" producer Nigel Lythgoe of sexually assaulting her during her time on the show and on his other competition show. Lythgoe denies the allegations and expresses shock and sadness. The lawsuit states that Abdul remained silent for years due to fear of retaliation. She alleges that Lythgoe groped her and forced himself on her during separate incidents. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/2IUYeFP

Israeli strikes in central Gaza killed at least 35 people Sunday, as the military targeted multiple areas in the territory. The war, resisting international calls for a ceasefire, is expected to continue for many more months. Israel's offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 21,600 Palestinians. The Israeli military is also engaged in battling militants and suspects Hamas leaders are hiding in Khan Younis. The destruction and length of the war raise questions about Israel's goal to quash Hamas and its plans for post-war Gaza. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/ioySW24

President Xi Jinping declares that China's reunification with Taiwan is inevitable ahead of the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. The elections are taking place amid tense relations between Beijing and Taipei. Xi emphasizes that the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation requires unity and cooperation between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The official English translation of Xi's remarks simplifies his statement, stating that China will surely be reunified. China criticizes vice-president Lai Ching-te, the ruling party's presidential candidate, labeling him as a dangerous separatist. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/NO8dxZy

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows becomes the target of a swatting attempt after removing former President Donald Trump from the state's presidential primary ballot. A conservative activist posted her home address on social media, sparking the incident. Bellows, who has received threatening communications and faced dehumanization online, remains undeterred in upholding the Constitution and the rule of law. The Maine Department of Public Safety is investigating the incident, and police conducted a sweep of Bellows' home, finding nothing suspicious. Other high-profile politicians, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, have also been targeted by swatting. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/h64IM5Y

The chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Joe Gow, and his wife, Carmen Wilson, were fired after posting pornographic videos online under the username Sexy Happy Couple. They believe they were wrongfully terminated and argue that their free speech rights were violated. The University of Wisconsin Board unanimously decided to dismiss Gow and also removed Wilson from her position as associate to the chancellor. The university's president cited significant reputational harm and plans for Gow to return to his faculty role after an investigation. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/RZIGydj

from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/EX5sPUF

Russia launched 122 missiles and 36 drones, killing at least 31 civilians in Ukraine. Ukrainian military shot down 114 out of 158 missiles and drones. Air Force commander called it the biggest aerial attack since Russia's invasion. The assault hit six cities, including Kyiv, and damaged buildings like a maternity hospital and schools. Western officials warned that Russia is stockpiling for massive strikes in the winter. Ukrainian officials seek more air defenses and international support. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/cBLIRhb

The secretive X-37B robot spaceplane, operated by the US Space Force, was launched atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. This marks its seventh mission and the first time it has been launched on the Falcon Heavy. The launch from Florida's Kennedy Space Center was delayed but finally went ahead after a smooth countdown. The Falcon Heavy, the most powerful operational rocket, lifted off in a dazzling display of fire and smoke. The collaboration between the US military and private space industry showcases advancements in rocket technology. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/vYHj8aE

Maine's secretary of state Shenna Bellows disqualifies Trump from Republican primary ballot due to his alleged involvement in the Capitol assault; decision faces legal challenges. Bellows invokes 14th Amendment's insurrection clause, citing Trump's incitement of supporters to storm the Capitol. Maine's move challenges Trump's eligibility for office and sets a precedent for other states. Rulings based on the 14th Amendment bring election integrity and candidate eligibility to the forefront. Trump campaign opposes ruling, accusing Democrats of an "attempted theft of an election." from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/KSB02M6

Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, likening him to Adolf Hitler and accusing Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza. Erdogan also criticizes Western countries for supporting Israel. Netanyahu responds by accusing Erdogan of committing genocide against the Kurds and imprisoning journalists. Despite its criticism, Turkey maintains commercial ties with Israel, although trade has fallen since the conflict with Hamas. Turkey does not consider Hamas a terrorist organization, unlike its Western allies and some Arab nations. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/jZ7EwWD

from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/m4j7aln

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un urges the party to accelerate war preparations, including a nuclear program, at a year-end key party meeting. Kim emphasizes the military situation on the Korean peninsula becoming extreme due to unprecedented anti-North confrontations with Washington. Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington increased defense cooperation in response to record-breaking weapons tests by Pyongyang. US deploys strategic weapons, such as B-52 bombers, in joint drills on Korean peninsula, which North Korea considers intentional nuclear war provocative moves. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/nJiuR7l

US government supports Ukrainian battle against Russian invasion with final tranche of aid worth $250 million. Republican support needed from Cong to renew flow of US weapons & financial assistance. Right-wing Republicans seek tough measures against illegal migration over US southern border as condition. US-led coalition involving more than 50 countries aids Ukraine's defence. Ukrainian presidential aide expresses gratitude. White House urges Cong to act swiftly on this. Cong reconvenes on January 8. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/TtjkUbV

China's Taiwan Affairs Office on Wednesday expressed its "heartfelt thanks" to the organisations, enterprises and business people of Taiwan for their aid after the recent earthquake in China. The Taiwanese donations to the quake relief work mean both sides are "families" across the Taiwan Strait, said Chen Binhua, a spokesperson at the Taiwan Affairs Office, at a regular news conference. Earlier this month, northwest China was struck by a magnitude-6.2 earthquake that destroyed over 200,000 homes and killed more than 100 people. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/oAKYkhE

Eight people were killed and one is missing in Australia after severe thunderstorms battered the country's east over the Christmas holidays. The storms brought large hailstones, torrential rains, and strong winds that blew off roofs and brought down trees. A yacht capsized near Green Island in Moreton Bay, resulting in the deaths of three men. In Queensland, a nine-year-old girl and a woman were swept away in flooded stormwater drains and found dead. Two people died from falling trees. Fast-rising rivers and streams posed a risk of bursting banks and inundating campgrounds. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/qa1pU8X

South Korea imposed sanctions on eight North Koreans linked to nuclear and missile development through arms trade, cyberattacks and other illicit activities, Seoul's foreign ministry said on Wednesday. The sanctions came days after North Korea fired a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which South Korea and the United States strongly condemned as a grave violation of UN Security Council resolutions. South Korea has blacklisted 83 individuals and 53 entities related to North Korea's weapons programmes since October 2022. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/Hx5LoVE

Ukraine's Ukrainian Orthodox Church switched from the Julian church calendar to celebrate Christmas on December 25, aligning with most of Europe and distancing itself from Russia's tradition. The shift brought joy to families, who celebrated the holiday earlier and exchanged presents. The change is seen as a step toward Europe and away from Russia's influence. Most parishes in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church followed the recommendation to change the date, with only a few still adhering to the Julian calendar. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/ExyYnru

A total of 147 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh were deployed across the country on Sunday to maintain law and order ahead of the January 7 elections as a 12-hour road, rail and waterways blockade called by the opposition BNP and its allies demanding the resignation of Sheikh Hasina-led government was underway. This was the 12th blockade called by the opposition since October 31, and the first since the announcement of BNP's non-cooperation movement against the government on December 20 during which it urged people not to pay taxes and utility bills as part of the campaign. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/YM7ifu2

A Nicaragua-bound flight carrying 303 passengers, mostly Indians, was allowed to resume its journey on Monday three days after they were detained by the French authorities at an airport near Paris over suspected "human trafficking", according to local media reports on Sunday. After authorising the A340 aircraft, operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines, to leave, the French judges chose to cancel the hearings of the passengers due to irregularities in procedure, BFM TV, a French network said. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/qfa7l3Q

from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/2SlhpB6

A Japanese-owned chemical tanker was targeted by a drone strike off the coast of India, according to the Pentagon. This incident marks an expansion of risks to commercial shipping beyond the Red Sea. The tanker, named MV Chem Pluto, was operated by a Dutch entity and owned by a Japanese company. The drone strike occurred 200 nautical miles off the coast of India and no US Navy vessels were nearby. This is the first time that the Pentagon has openly accused Iran of directly targeting ships since the start of Israel's war on Hamas. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/e96i7EV

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution calling for increased aid to civilians in Gaza. The resolution, put forward by the UAE, calls for unhindered humanitarian access and the creation of conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities. The US and Russia abstained from the vote. The US had previously vetoed two resolutions for a ceasefire. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN, expressed disappointment that the resolution did not condemn Hamas's terrorist attack on Israel. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/LPbjeWp

French President Emmanuel Macron will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade next month, replacing US President Joe Biden who declined the invite. This will be the sixth time a French leader will attend the event. Macron's invitation comes after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the chief guest at the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris earlier this year. France is India's key strategic partner in Europe and the Indian Ocean, with growing ties in defense, security, space, and energy. India and France share a high degree of convergence on regional and global issues. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/E1OAMSN

Israeli military secures control of Palestine Square, where Hamas government and military leaders were operating; uncovers large network of tunnels and weapons. Complex located near commercial stores, government buildings, civilian residences, and a designated school for deaf children. Offices of Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar connected by underground tunnel shaft. Israeli officials believe Sinwar coordinated Oct. 7 Hamas attack. Fighting escalates in Gaza with intense Israeli bombardment; Hamas rockets target Tel Aviv. UN Security Council to vote on resolution for scaled-up, safe delivery of aid in Gaza. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/X39dkTN

Switzerland's capital, Bern, is considering a pilot scheme to allow the sale of cocaine for recreational use, a move that has not been tried elsewhere. The idea has received support from the parliament in Bern, but still faces opposition from the city government and will require a change in national law. Switzerland is re-evaluating its approach to drugs after criticism of complete bans. The country has one of the highest levels of cocaine use in Europe. The proposal for a pilot scheme would involve scientifically supervised trials and could lead to potential legalisation in the future. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/iuHPQEB

Harvard's president, Claudine Gay, plans to correct citation errors in her 1997 dissertation after a plagiarism investigation. The investigation found inadequate citation but no research misconduct. Gay has already submitted corrections for two articles reviewed by Harvard Corporation. She will now submit three citation corrections to Harvard's Office of the Provost. Gay has faced pressure from donors and the Jewish community following her congressional testimony about antisemitism on campus. The University of Pennsylvania's president, Liz Magill, resigned on Dec 9. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/VkJPLps

Bangladesh's main opposition party urged voters Wednesday to boycott what it called a "one-sided dummy election" due in January, as PM Sheikh Hasina kicked off her campaign for a fourth consecutive term. With its leaders either jailed or in exile, opposition BNP has been calling for Hasina to resign and for a neutral authority to oversee the polls, which BNP is not contesting. ​​"Boycott the dummy election on January 7. Don't participate in the monkey game," BNP's senior joint secretary general said. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/vNjFTsc

US State Secretary Antony Blinken stated that the US has deepened its partnership with India and elevated cooperation through the Quad with India, Japan, and Australia. The US has strengthened its partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region and is working on various initiatives such as producing nuclear-powered submarines with the United Kingdom and Australia. Additionally, the US has launched new strategic partnerships with Vietnam and Indonesia, a Defense Cooperation Agreement with the Philippines, and trilateral initiatives with the Philippines and Japan. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/P8s4kjU

Wisconsin's bipartisan elections commission unanimously rejects complaint against fake presidential electors who attempted to cast state's ballots for Trump in 2020; commission's decision to reject complaint remains unexplained; Republicans claim they were trying to preserve Trump's legal standing; fake electors settle lawsuit filed by Democrats seeking damages; calls for removal of Republican member of elections commission who served as a fake elector. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/Ic7dKhR

Ukraine's military wants to mobilise up to 500,000 more troops to fight Russia's invasion, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday that he has asked them to spell out their plans in detail on what is "a sensitive matter" before deciding whether he grants their wish as the war approaches the two-year mark. Such a major mobilisation would cost Ukraine around 500 billion hryvnias ($13.4 billion), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/9NwXLFt

The US and a host of other nations are creating a new force to protect ships transiting the Red Sea that have come under attack by drones and ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, defence secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Tuesday in Bahrain. The seriousness of the attacks, several of which have damaged vessels, has led multiple shipping companies to order their ships to hold in place and not enter the Bab el-Mandeb Strait until the security situation can be addressed. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/CsIWH2z

Convex, a Russian telecommunications company, found a solution to obtain American equipment despite trade limits imposed on Russia. They easily obtained Cisco gear through a Russian e-commerce site called Nag, which bypassed restrictions by purchasing the equipment from suppliers in China. Convex engineers installed the gear at Russia's Federal Security Service offices. Russian authorities and companies have exploited cracks in the global response by using intermediaries in China, shell companies, and ports in Morocco and Turkiye for transshipment. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/8IY5EM1

Unidentified persons set on fire a passenger train here in the Bangladesh capital on Tuesday killing at least four people, including a woman and her minor son, amidst the political unrest over the January 7 elections. The attack coincided with the nationwide stoppage called by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Tuesday as part of its ongoing campaign to boycott the polls and launch a formal protest against the Election Commission's polls schedule. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/9D5Eufr

Kim’s statement suggests he is confident in his growing missile arsenal and will likely continue weapons testing activities ahead of next year's presidential election in the United States. But many observers say North Korea still needs to perform more significant tests to prove it has functioning missiles targeting the US mainland. After watching Monday’s launch of the Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile, Kim said the test showed how North Korea could respond if the United States were to make 'a wrong decision against it'. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/ua5ItjZ

Fourteen people were killed and 178 others injured after a powerful explosion and fire at the main fuel depot in Guinea rocked the centre of the capital Conakry early on Monday, causing substantial damage and bringing the city to a standstill. Schools were closed and workers told to stay at home as thick black smoke filled the sky. Residents fled the area where the blast occurred, images on social networks showed. The incident happened around midnight in the Kaloum. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/MaAOPgr

A volcanic eruption began in Iceland south of Reykjavik following an earthquake swarm, according to Iceland's Meteorological Office. The eruption, which started north of Grindavik on the Reykjanes peninsula, was visible on webcams. A Coast Guard helicopter will soon confirm the eruption's exact location and size. The Reykjanes peninsula, which had not experienced an eruption for eight centuries until 2021, has now seen three eruptions in remote areas. Iceland, known for its volcanic activity, has 33 active volcano systems, the highest number in Europe. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/hGsbtdc

from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/dP3bL9Z

from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/s24lPk7

Israeli army uncovers biggest Hamas tunnel in Gaza Strip near Erez border crossing. Tunnel part of wider network, stretches over 4 km, costs millions, took years to construct. Tunnel lead by Mohamed Yahya, brother of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar. Tunnel features drainage systems, electricity, ventilation, sewage, communication network, and rails. Large number of weapons found in tunnel. Hamas used huge resources for tunnel to attack Israel near Erez crossing used for entry of Palestinian workers and medical travelers. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/y3ruQ0G

from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/IaXVYLg

Israeli military acknowledges killing hostages; hostages were shirtless, unarmed, and had a makeshift white flag; killings violated rules of engagement; calls for a pause in the fighting to release more hostages; Palestinian death toll rises; questions raised about Israel's prosecution of the war; families urge government to prioritize captive's freedom; head of Mossad meets with Qatari officials; preliminary inquiry reveals details of the incident; all three hostages killed were kidnapped in October; international criticism of Israeli military's actions in Gaza. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/6YQSker

Donald Trump, the Republican presidential frontrunner, said on Saturday that undocumented immigrants were "poisoning the blood of our country," repeating language that has previously drawn criticism as xenophobic and echoing of Nazi rhetoric. Trump made the comments during a campaign event in New Hampshire where he railed against the record number of migrants attempting to cross the US border illegally. Trump has promised to crack down on illegal immigration and restrict legal immigration if elected to a second four-year term in office. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/I9fsLUw

Four California men have been charged with running a drug ring that sent hundreds of pounds of cocaine and methamphetamine to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea disguised as shipments of car parts, instant noodles, and other commercial products. Hoang Xuan Le, Tri Cao Buinguyen, Trung Buinguyen, and Narongsak Champy are facing charges of conspiracy to export and distribute controlled substances. The men shipped drugs through various methods, including air, sea, and the US Mail. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/vNdEJwh

The US religious freedom watchdog has urged the Biden administration to designate India as a "country of particular concern" due to its alleged targeting of religious minorities. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) highlighted India's efforts to silence activists, journalists, and lawyers abroad, which it sees as a serious threat to religious freedom. USCIRF also expressed concern over the alleged involvement of the Indian government in the killings of Sikh activists in Canada and the United States. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/cQgi81l

The US State Department has approved a USD 300 million sale of equipment to help maintain Taiwan's tactical information systems. The sale will provide follow-on life cycle support to maintain Taiwan's Command, Control, Communications, and Computers capabilities, enhancing operational readiness and maintaining secure flow of tactical information. Taiwan's defense ministry expects the sale to "take effect" in one month and expresses gratitude to the United States. The sale comes as Taiwan complains of repeated Chinese military activity near the island, and as Taiwan prepares for upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/Nl1tIEG

South Korean official warns of possible intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test-launch by North Korea this month. The focus of Washington's 'extended deterrence' strategy is North Korea's ballistic missiles. South Korea has stepped up efforts to strengthen its defenses against North Korea, including the use of US strategic military assets. Proposed real-time data sharing program on North Korean missiles among South Korea, Japan, and the United States is nearing completion. North Korea previously tested a long-range ballistic missile and launched a military reconnaissance satellite using banned ballistic missile technology. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/lNiSE9G

Russian president Vladimir Putin is in dialogue with the United States regarding the release of jailed Americans Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich. The Kremlin hopes to find a solution, despite the challenges. The US State Department has made multiple offers, including one recently, but Russia has rejected them all. Both Whelan and Gershkovich are wrongfully detained, with Whelan serving a 16-year sentence and Gershkovich facing espionage charges. The Lefortovo District Court in Moscow extended Gershkovich's detention until January, and his appeal was rejected by the Moscow City Court. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/syt1ZBf

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan emphasizes the need for a connected governance of the West Bank and Gaza Strip under a revamped and revitalized Palestinian Authority. Sullivan discusses his constructive conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Israel's transition from high-intensity military operations in Gaza to a more precise and targeted phase. He emphasizes the importance of intensive consultations with the Palestinians and the Israeli government, as well as the involvement of other regional countries in providing financial resources and support. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/3UYcBty

The comprehensive report titled 'The Blood Gold Report' released in December 2023 sheds light on the lucrative operations of the Wagner Group in Africa, revealing how these activities fund Russia's war in Ukraine. The report highlights that Wagner, a Kremlin-financed private military company, has evolved into a complex network of contractors and front companies. Wagner's operations also involve securing lucrative contracts for gold extraction. The report estimates that Wagner and Russia have earned over $2.5 billion from the trade of 'blood gold' since the invasion of Ukraine. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/eDZhQWr

Elon Musk, who moved to Texas during the pandemic, is planning to start a university in Austin. The university, seeded with a $100 million gift from Musk, will begin with a STEM-focused primary and secondary school. It aims to expand and become a university dedicated to education at the highest levels. The institution will have experienced faculty and a traditional curriculum, as well as hands-on learning experiences. Musk's new STEM school is expecting an initial class of 50 students and is looking to hire staff. from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India https://ift.tt/wEth3q2