Name: Pro-China candidate wins Maldives run-off presidential polls
Uploaded: 2023-10-01T13:11:28.000+05:30
Duration: T00M33S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: While Solih is seen as someone who leans towards India, Muizzu, who is from a pro-China party, campaigned with a message of 'India Out'

Woman claiming to be Prabhakaran's daughter posts video, expresses desire to continue LTTE's fight for freedom.

Woman claims to be LTTE chief Prabhakaran's daughter, video viral

Woman claiming to be Prabhakaran's daughter posts video, expresses desire to continue LTTE's fight for freedom.

A woman, clamining to be the daughter of former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Prabhakaran, has posted a video on social media expressing her desire to reveal her identity.&nbsp;
According to an India Today reports, the woman indentified herself as Dwaraka Prabhakaran and said she has managed to post the video after numerous difficulties and betrayals. She also said that she wants to visit Sri Lanka and serve her people.&nbsp;
The video surfaced on "Maveerar Naal", a day of remembrance for Sri Lankan Tamils to honour the sacrifice of LTTE cadres.
Speaking in Sri Lanka Tamil, the woman on spoke about continuing the LTTE's fight for freedom.&nbsp;
India Today reported quoting sources that Sri Lankan govt had received information hinting at use of artificial Intelligence to generate the video.&nbsp;
ALso watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/all-41-workers-successfully-rescued-from-uttarakhand-tunnel-1701185701774">All 41 workers successfully rescued from Uttarakhand tunnel</a>

Ukraine's intelligence agency has said that the wife of its chief has been diagnosed with heavy metals poisoning

Ukraine spy chief's wife ill after suspected metal poisoning: report

Ukraine's intelligence agency has said that the wife of its chief has been diagnosed with heavy metals poisoning

The wife of Ukraine's intelligence chief has been diagnosed with heavy metals poisoning and is undergoing treatment in a hospital, a spokesperson for the agency said on Tuesday.
Marianna Budanova is the wife of Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency known by its local acronym GUR. Her poisoning was confirmed to The Associated Press by Andrii Yusov, the agency's spokesman.
He did not provide more details about the alleged poisoning, nor did he say who might be behind it.
Earlier this year, Yusov told Ukrainian media that Budanov had survived 10 assassination attempts carried out by the FSB, the Russian state security service.
Previously, Budanov had also told local media that his wife lives with him in his office, which could suggest he was the intended target for the poisoning.
There was no immediate comment from Russia on the claim. Russia media and commentators picked up the Ukrainian reports, with some speculating that it could be part of infighting in Ukraine.
Local media, quoting their sources in GUR, say Budanova is currently hospitalized in Kyiv.
The exact nature of the heavy metals that caused the poisoning has not been made public. However, local media said the metals were not used domestically or in military equipment, so the GUR representatives presume the poisoning was carried out intentionally, possibly through food or drink.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/forever-be-a-prisoner-of-gratitude-israeli-mother-s-heartfelt-letter-to-hamas-1701148233220">'Forever be a prisoner of gratitude...:' Israeli mother's heartfelt letter to Hamas</a>
Apart from Budanova, several GUR personnel were also diagnosed with the same poisoning. An official statement with more details is to be released by GUR.&nbsp;

Thailand police said a groom, who appeared to be intoxicated, killed his wife and three others at his own wedding.

Thailand: ‘Intoxicated’ groom kills 4, including wife, at his wedding

Thailand police said a groom, who appeared to be intoxicated, killed his wife and three others at his own wedding.

A groom in Thailand inflicted carnage at his own wedding, shooting at least four people and then killing himself. The victims included his wife, the bride&rsquo;s mother and sister.
While it is unclear why Chaturong Suksuk, the groom, went on a killing spree, law enforcement officials told BBC that he appeared to be &lsquo;quite intoxicated at the time&rsquo; of the incident.
&ldquo;They had an argument on private matters and Chaturong walked to his car and picked up a gun before shooting,&rdquo; a police officer told Bangkok Post.&nbsp;
The groom was a former Thai soldier who lost his right leg in the line of duty. He then took up swimming and reportedly won two silver medals in the 2022 ASEAN Para Games in Indonesia and Cambodia.
Also Watch:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/3-palestinian-origin-students-shot-in-us-in-suspected-hate-crime-1701053819766"> 3 Palestinian origin students shot in US in suspected hate crime</a>

Elon Musk along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited a settlement destroyed by Hamas' attack on October 7

Watch: Elon Musk visits war-affected Israeli area with Benjamin Netanyahu

Elon Musk along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited a settlement destroyed by Hamas' attack on October 7

Tesla boss Elon Musk visited the war-affected Israeli kibbutz or settlement of &nbsp;Kfar Aza with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.&nbsp;
A group of Israeli soldiers accompanied Musk and Netanyahu as they inspected the damaged and destroyed houses of the area.&nbsp;
A video of his visit shows him visiting houses with bullet-riddled ceilings.&nbsp;
He was also seen inspecting a crib lying in the ruins.&nbsp;
Kfar Aza bore the brunt of Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel
Musk, owner of X, formerly known as Twitter, has come under fire over what critics say is a proliferation of hate speech on the social media site since his takeover.
He has also been accused by the White House of "abhorrent promotion" of anti-Semitism after endorsing a conspiracy theory seen as accusing Jews of trying to weaken white majorities.
In September, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Musk to combat anti-Semitism on X, calling on him to find "the ability to stop not only anti-Semitism, or rolling it back as best you can, but any collective hatred".
Musk, the world's richest person, said while his website could not stop all hate speech before it was posted, he was "generally against attacking any group, no matter who it is".
(with AFP inputs)

New Zealand's new prime minister Christopher Luxon has announced that the country will not be implementing anti-smoking laws.

New Zealand to scrap world-leading anti-smoking laws

New Zealand's new prime minister Christopher Luxon has announced that the country will not be implementing anti-smoking laws.

New Zealand's plans for world-leading anti-smoking laws will be revoked, Christopher Luxon confirmed Monday after being sworn in as prime minister, in a move described as a "huge win for the tobacco industry".
Former airline boss Luxon took over six weeks after his conservative National Party won national elections, ending a six-year Labour Party reign ushered in by Jacinda Ardern.
Luxon, 53, was sworn in as head of a new coalition government by New Zealand's governor-general in a ceremony in the capital Wellington.
"It is an honour and an awesome responsibility," Luxon told reporters.
The conservative said he would prioritise taming inflation and bringing down interest rates and also confirmed he would scrap a so-called "generational smoking ban" adopted last year that stops sales of tobacco to anyone born after 2008.
Luxon said the tax revenue from ongoing cigarette sales would generate welcome income for the government but also voiced concern that the ban would create a flourishing -- and untaxed -- black market.
Also watch: NZ PM: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/4-indians-among-12-crew-members-missing-after-ship-sinks-off-greece-coast-1701075205766">4 Indians among 12 crew members missing after ship sinks off Greece coast</a>
- 'Major loss' - &nbsp;
The move was criticised by anti-smoking groups as a step back for the country.
"This is a major loss for public health, and a huge win for the tobacco industry, whose profits will be boosted at the expense of Kiwi lives," the Health Coalition Aotearoa -- the Maori name for New Zealand -- said in a statement.
The anti-smoking legislation, scheduled to start later this year, was designed to almost immediately reduce the number of people using tobacco products.
While the number of adults smoking in New Zealand is relatively low at just eight percent, the previous government had envisioned a future where the country was completely smoke-free.
As well as the steadily increasing age limit, the new law would have slashed the number of retailers able to sell tobacco products to a maximum of just 600 nationwide, a massive drop from the current figure of 6,000.
Originally unveiled by then-PM Ardern and praised by public health experts and anti-smoking advocates, a suite of near-identical measures were recently announced in the United Kingdom.

The 4-day truce between Gaza and Hamas has been extended by two days

Israel-Hamas truce in Gaza extended by 2 days

Israel-Hamas truce in Gaza extended by 2 days
The initial 4-day ceasefire was to end on Monday
Israeli hostage and Palestinian prisoners released

The 4-day truce between Gaza and Hamas has been extended by two days

A humanitarian pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas will extend by two days, mediator Qatar said Monday as an initial four-day truce in Gaza was set to expire.
"The State of Qatar announces that, as part of the ongoing mediation, an agreement has been reached to extend the humanitarian truce for an additional two days in the Gaza Strip," Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said on X, formerly Twitter.
Over the course of the humanitarian pause and in weeks prior, Qatar, with the support of the United States and Egypt, has been engaged in intense negotiations to establish and prolong the truce in Gaza, which mediators had said was designed to be broadened and expanded.
Over the course of the initial truce a total of 50 civilian hostages, women and children, were expected to be freed by Hamas.
In exchange, 150 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel were to be released and humanitarian aid was allowed into Gaza.
During its first three days, 39 Israeli hostages were freed by the militant group in exchange for 117 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails as part of the deal between the two sides.
As a result of parallel negotiations led by the Gulf state, 17 Thais, one Filipino and one dual Russian-Israeli national have also been released by the Palestinian militants.
The figure set for release is by far the largest since Hamas gunmen stormed across Gaza's militarised border on October 7 and staged the deadliest attack in Israel's history.
Israel says the attack killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and around 240 more were taken hostage, among them elderly people and children.
In response, Israel launched a relentless bombing campaign and ground offensive in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which the Hamas government says has killed 15,000 people, thousands of them children.

Danielle Aloni along with her 5-year-old daughter Emilia were released as part of a temporary ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, she penned a letter before leaving Gaza and it is going viral on the internet

 'Forever be a prisoner of gratitude...:' Israeli mother's heartfelt letter to Hamas

Danielle Aloni along with her 5-year-old daughter Emilia were released as part of a temporary ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, she penned a letter before leaving Gaza and it is going viral on the internet

A heartfelt letter by an Israeli mother to Hamas is doing rounds on the internet. The letter was shared by Danielle Aloni, who along with her 5-year-old daughter Emilia, were held hostage by Hamas for 49 days in Gaza.&nbsp;
On November 24, the Israeli mother and daughter were released as part of a temporary ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. As Danielle Aloni was about to leave with her daughter Emilia, she penned a heartfelt letter for Hamas, in which she wrote that she thanked the generals who accompanied her in recent weeks.&nbsp;
In her letter, she also wrote, "You were like parents to her, inviting her into your rooms whenever she desired. She acknowledges feeling like all of you are her friends, not just friends, but truly beloved and good."
Her letter further read, "Children should not be in captivity, but thanks to you and other kind people we met along the way, my daughter felt like a queen in Gaza..."
She concluded her letter by saying, "I will forever be a prisoner of gratitude because she did not leave here with a lifelong psychological trauma. I will remember your kind behaviour, granted here despite the difficult situation you were dealing with yourselves and the severe losses you suffered here in Gaza. I wish in this world we could truly be good friends. "
Also watch:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/israel-hamas-truce-in-gaza-extended-by-2-days-1701102455909"> Israel-Hamas truce in Gaza extended by 2 days</a>

Depreciating 20% this year, the Pakistan Rupee is Asia's worst performing currency. As economic challenges persist, analysts expect 2024 to be another turbulent year for the currency. 
 


Pakistan's rupee braces for tough year after 20% fall in 2023

<h2>Depreciating 20% this year, the Pakistan Rupee is Asia's worst-performing currency. As economic challenges persist, analysts expect 2024 to be another turbulent year for the currency.&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>&nbsp; </h2>

Asia&rsquo;s weakest currency, the Pakistani rupee, faces another challenging year ahead after it is set to close this year with significant losses. It's down around 20% against the US dollar in 2023, and analysts anticipate further declines into 2024. Predictions range from BMI's estimate of a drop to 350 Pakistani rupees by the year's end to Topline Securities Ltd.'s projection of 324 rupees; it closed at 285.64 rupees on Monday.
High inflation and a substantial trade deficit are among the key factors pressuring the rupee, according to John Ashbourne, a global economist at BMI. Pakistan's struggle with high debt payments and an external funding gap also weighs heavily on its currency. The country narrowly avoided default this year, but concerns linger about its economic challenges, potentially necessitating more foreign aid in 2024. Also read/watch - <a title="Maruti Suzuki, M&amp;M, and Audi India to hike prices for Jan 2024" href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/markets/maruti-suzuki-m-m-and-audi-india-to-hike-prices-for-jan-2024-1701153101036">Maruti Suzuki, M&amp;M, and Audi India to hike prices for Jan 2024</a>
An IMF payout of $700 million helped stave off immediate default risks, but the nation's reliance on foreign aid persists due to subdued remittances and dwindling investments. A potential dollar shortage might lead to the resurgence of parallel currency markets that emerged last year. These markets gained traction as the government tightened access to foreign currency, aiming to preserve reserves.
Despite efforts to stabilize the rupee, such as crackdowns on illegal currency exchanges, sustained control seems challenging. Goldman Sachs highlights the market's demand for a rupee premium due to escalating interest costs and temporary external balance support arrangements.
As Pakistan gears up for national polls in February, analysts anticipate a new government to ink a long-term program with the IMF, potentially offering relief to the currency. Yet, Topline Securities emphasizes that the nation's external vulnerabilities necessitate a substantial IMF program for effective resolution.

'Moye Moye' music is trending on the internet. It is worth noting that this is a Serbian tune and is being widely shared on various social media platforms, know more about it

'Moye Moye' reels are everywhere, know all about this trend

'Moye Moye' music is trending on the internet. It is worth noting that this is a Serbian tune and is being widely shared on various social media platforms, know more about it

If you are on Instagram then there is a high chance of you coming across a reel with 'Moye Moye' music. &nbsp;This Serbian tune is trending on the internet with several people sharing their own videos featuring snippets of the melody.&nbsp;
This trend first began on TikTok and then immediately went viral on other social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, among others.&nbsp;
It is worth noting that the actual pronunciation of Moye Moye is "Moye More." The song's name is Dzanum and it is sung by Serbian singer-songwriter Teya Dora. She collaborated with Serbian rapper Slobodan Velkovic Coby on the lyrics, and Loka Jovanovic created the viral 'Moye Moye' melody.&nbsp;
The meaning of "Moye Moye" is a nightmare. The song is about the anguish of unfulfilled aspirations and a drive to build a brighter future despite despair.&nbsp;
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/mahua-moitra-cash-for-query-row-who-is-henry-and-why-freehenry-is-trending-1697794998126">Mahua Moitra cash-for-query row: who is Henry and why #FreeHenry is trending?</a>

Mysterious pneumonia: China says surge in respiratory illnesses caused by flu & other known pathogens

China has asked people to wear masks and called on local authorities to focus on preventing the spread of illnesses in crowded places such as schools and nursing homes.

A surge in respiratory illnesses across China that has drawn the attention of the World Health Organisation is caused by the flu and other known pathogens and not by a novel virus, the country's health ministry said Sunday.
Recent clusters of respiratory infections are caused by an overlap of common viruses such as the influenza virus, rhinoviruses, the respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, the adenovirus as well as bacteria such as mycoplasma pneumoniae, which is a common culprit for respiratory tract infections, a National Health Commission spokesperson said.
The ministry called on local authorities to open more fever clinics and promote vaccinations among children and the elderly as the country grapples with a wave of respiratory illnesses in its first full winter since the removal of COVID-19 restrictions.
&ldquo;Efforts should be made to increase the opening of relevant clinics and treatment areas, extend service hours and increase the supply of medicines,&rdquo; said ministry spokesman Mi Feng.
He advised people to wear masks and called on local authorities to focus on preventing the spread of illnesses in crowded places such as schools and nursing homes.
The WHO earlier this week formally requested that China provide information about a potentially worrying spike in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia in children, as mentioned by several media reports and a global infectious disease monitoring service.
The emergence of new flu strains or other viruses capable of triggering pandemics typically starts with undiagnosed clusters of respiratory illness. Both SARS and COVID-19 were first reported as unusual types of pneumonia.
Chinese authorities earlier this month blamed the increase in respiratory diseases on the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Other countries also saw a jump in respiratory diseases such as RSV when pandemic restrictions ended.
The WHO said Chinese health officials on Thursday provided the data it requested during a teleconference. Those showed an increase in hospital admissions of children due to diseases including bacterial infection, RSV, influenza and common cold viruses since October.
Chinese officials maintained the spike in patients had not overloaded the country's hospitals, according to the WHO.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/who-seeks-info-after-china-reports-spike-in-respiratory-illnesses-pneumonia-in-kids-1700794363692">WHO seeks info after China reports spike in respiratory illnesses, pneumonia in kids</a>
It is rare for the UN health agency to publicly ask for more detailed information from countries, as such requests are typically made internally. WHO said it requested further data from China via an international legal mechanism.
According to internal accounts in China, the outbreaks have swamped some hospitals in northern China, including in Beijing, and health authorities have asked the public to take children with less severe symptoms to clinics and other facilities.
WHO said that there was too little information at the moment to properly assess the risk of these reported cases of respiratory illness in children.
Both Chinese authorities and WHO have been accused of a lack of transparency in their initial reports on the COVID-19 pandemic, which started in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019.

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#Israel-HamasWar

#UttarakhandTunnelRescue

While Solih is seen as someone who leans towards India, Muizzu, who is from a pro-China party, campaigned with a message of 'India Out'

Pro-China candidate wins Maldives run-off presidential polls

While Solih is seen as someone who leans towards India, Muizzu, who is from a pro-China party, campaigned with a message of 'India Out'

In a closely watched development for India, opposition candidate Mohamed Muiz has won the Maldives presidential runoff, securing over 53 percent of the vote.
Local media reports confirm Muiz's victory by more than 18,000 votes, with incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih receiving 46 percent of the vote.
This election has effectively become a virtual referendum on which regional power India or China will have the biggest influence in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation.
&nbsp;

India backs resolution at  UNGA that expressed concern over Israeli occupation of Syrian Golan.

At UNGA, India backs resolution against Israel's occupation of Syrian Golan

India backs resolution at&nbsp; UNGA that expressed concern over Israeli occupation of Syrian Golan.

India has voted in favour of a draft resolution in the UN General Assembly that expressed deep concern over Israel not withdrawing from the Syrian Golan.
The Syrian Golan is a region in southwest Syria that was occupied by Israeli forces on June 5, 1967.
The 193-member UN General Assembly voted on the draft resolution &lsquo;The Syrian Golan&rsquo; under agenda item &lsquo;The situation in the Middle East&rsquo; on Tuesday. The resolution, introduced by Egypt, was adopted by a recorded vote with 91 in favour, eight against and 62 abstentions.
Apart from India, those voting in favour of the resolution included Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates. Australia, Canada, Israel, the UK and the US voted against it. The resolution said it is deeply concerned that Israel has not withdrawn from the Syrian Golan, which has been under occupation since 1967, contrary to the relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.
The resolution declared that Israel failed to comply with Security Council resolution 497 (1981), which decided that &ldquo;the Israeli decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights is null and void and without international legal effect.&rdquo; Tuesday's resolution also declared the Israeli decision of December 14, 1981, null and void and said it had no validity whatsoever. It called upon Israel to rescind its decision.
The resolution also stressed the illegality of the Israeli settlement construction and other activities in the occupied Syrian Golan since 1967.
It demanded Israel's withdrawal from all the occupied Syrian Golan to the line of June 4, 1967, in implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, and determined &ldquo;that the continued occupation of the Syrian Golan and its de facto annexation constitute a stumbling block in the way of achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region.&rdquo; The resolution expressed grave concern over the halt in the peace process on the Syrian track and expressed hope that peace talks will soon resume from the point they had reached.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/20-yr-old-woman-agniveer-dies-by-suicide-at-navy-hostel-in-mumbai-1701157608673">20-yr-old woman Agniveer dies by 'suicide' at Navy hostel in Mumbai</a>

Tunnelling expert Arnold Dix lauded by Indian authorities for successful Uttarkashi rescue; Dix highlights Australians' diverse skills beyond cricket

‘Not just fantastic at cricket…’: tunnelling expert Arnold Dix after successful rescue

Tunnelling expert Arnold Dix lauded by Indian authorities for successful Uttarkashi rescue; Dix highlights Australians' diverse skills beyond cricket

Australian PM Anthony Albanese hailed Indian authorities and Australian tunnelling expert Arnold Dix after the success of the Uttarkashi tunnel rescue mission. After this, Arnold Dix while speaking with a reporter thanked the Australian PM and said that Australians are not just fantastic at cricket.&nbsp;
Australian Dix said if the Australian PM is listening to this then he just wants to say that, &ldquo;we are not just fantastic at cricket.. I love cricket but we do other fantastic things as well including tunnel rescue.&rdquo;
Moreover, Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green also commended Arnold Dix&rsquo;s work and said, &ldquo;This is an immense achievement. Well done to the authorities for successfully evacuating all 41 workers trapped in the tunnel in #Uttarkhand. Special commendation to Australia's Professor Arnold Dix who provided important technical support on the ground.&rdquo;
Several social media users even hailed Arnold Dix on X and said that he is the only Australian who gave good news to Indians this November.&nbsp;
It is also worth noting that after all the 41 workers were safely rescued, Arnold Dix offered prayers before the local deity Baba Bokhnaag at the nearby temple. The video of the same has been surfacing online.&nbsp;

The United States issued more than 1.4 lakh visas to Indian students last year. India has become the the largest source country for foreign students in the US.

US issued record 1.4 lakh visas to Indian students last year: Official

The United States issued more than 1.4 lakh visas to Indian students last year. India has become the the largest source country for foreign students in the US.

As part of the Biden administration's endeavour to promote people-to-people ties with India, the US issued more than 1,40,000 visas to Indian students last year and is taking several steps to reduce visa appointment wait period.
In an interview to PTI, Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services, said US missions in India worked six, seven days a week to make sure that students could be interviewed before their classes started.
This year, the US made a huge effort to concentrate on the demand coming out of India, she said.
"We are really proud of what we have done in India this year. I think for the first time in history, we set a goal to issue one million visas in India and not only did we accomplish that, but it was done several months in advance. So, the number will go way beyond that.
"There are record-setting numbers this year for workers, crew members and students applying in India to come to the United States," she added.
Stufft further said, "We specifically made sure that we saw the students who were applying coming out of India. India is now the largest source country for foreign students in the United States, as well as many other visa categories. That's a very important one for us. We have also had a lot of cases where the interview was waived, so no interview for Indian travellers who have previously travelled and are now going back to the US." Last year, the US issued a record over 1,40,000 visas to Indian students, she said.
"For students who are applying in India, I would say the biggest thing is that the missions there have worked six, seven days a week to interview students to make sure that everyone can be interviewed before their classes start. The amount of effort and importance that we place on Indian students coming to the US is born out in the visa process. We want to make sure everyone has that chance," she said.
The US, Stufft said, is working on taking several steps to reduce the visa appointment wait time in India, which is still a bit high.
"I hope it will be (coming down) this year, meaning this fiscal year for us. But we are sending huge numbers of officers to India to manage the wait time and move them around the country as needed. I mean, it has gotten much better but it still needs to come down quite a bit," she said.
"We had a state visit recently. Everyone from the president of course, to Ambassador (Eric) Garcetti and the secretary of state is so committed to making sure that the people-to-people ties between our two countries expand. We are carrying that out in the visa process. So, we really expect more innovations and a much quicker process in the future," Stufft told PTI.
The State Department official said anyone who is interested in travelling to the US for any reason should apply as soon as possible.
"If you are travelling for work-related reasons, there's another special avenue to use. There is a special channel to use so that business-related visas are also prioritised. Bear with us, I would say as we get through this.
"India is unique because it represents the highest number of visas in several categories. Not just visitors, not just students, not just maritime crew members but highly skilled work. I mean, it is a tremendous demand across the board for us. So our priority is to get all of those wait times down," she said.
During a media round table with a group of foreign journalists organised by the Foreign Press Centre, Stufft said the US has issued more than 10.5 million visas in 2023 so far, which is 2 million more than what it had anticipated and is almost hitting the highest-ever level at its overseas missions.
"Half of our overseas missions set their own record for that country for adjudications of visas in that country. We set records for visa adjudication, for work visas and for student visas as well in some (other) categories," she said.
For 2024, the US is still working very hard on reducing wait times, Stufft said.
"In some overseas locations, we still have very high wait times, some exceeding a year still for one category of visa, which is a first-time visitor, someone who needs an interview for their visa.
"All other categories have low wait times globally, but we are very focused on the first-time visitor interview wait times and what's very interesting to us is that many of the places where we have set records for visa production this year are the same places where we still have really high wait times. This just indicates a very high level of demand and we are going to use this year to really get control of that in these five or six places with very high wait times," she said.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/human-labour-triumphed-over-machinery-how-world-media-covered-uttarakhand-tunnel-rescue-1701221296062">'Human labour triumphed over machinery': how world media covered Uttarakhand tunnel rescue</a>

On the fifth day of truce, Hamas released 12 hostages in exchange for 30 Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas releases 12 more hostages in exchange for 30 Palestinian prisoners

On the fifth day of truce, Hamas released 12 hostages in exchange for 30 Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas released 12 hostages and Israel released 30 Palestinian prisoners on Tuesday, the fifth day of a fragile cease-fire that has enabled humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and that mediators hope to extend even as Israel pledges to resume the war.
Israel said 10 of its citizens and two Thai nationals freed by Hamas returned to Israel. Soon after, Israel released the Palestinian prisoners. The truce is due to end after one more exchange Wednesday night.
CIA director William Burns and David Barnea, who heads Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, were in Qatar, a key mediator with Hamas, to discuss extending the cease-fire and releasing more hostages, a diplomat said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks. A US official confirmed Burns was in Qatar, speaking anonymously because the director's travel plans are not publicised for security reasons.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit the region this week, also with an eye to extending the truce.
Israel has vowed to resume the war with "full force" to destroy Hamas once it's clear that no more hostages will be freed under the deal.
The Biden administration has told Israel it must avoid "significant further displacement" and mass casualties among Palestinian civilians if it resumes the offensive, and that it must operate with more precision in southern Gaza than it has in the north, according to US officials. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House.
Hamas and other militants are still holding about 160 hostages out of the 240 seized in their October 7 assault into southern Israel that ignited the war. Israel has said it is willing to extend the cease-fire by one day for every 10 additional hostages that Hamas releases, according to the deal brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the US. But Hamas is expected to make much higher demands for the release of captive soldiers.
Israel has vowed to end Hamas' 16-year rule in Gaza and crush its military capabilities. That would almost certainly require expanding the ground offensive from northern Gaza to the south, where most of Gaza's population of 2.3 million is now crowded. It's unclear where they would go if Israel expands its ground operation, as Egypt has refused to accept refugees and Israel has sealed its border.
The latest group of Israeli hostages freed from Gaza &mdash; nine women and a 17-year-old &mdash; was flown to hospitals in Israel, the Israeli military said.
Tuesday's hostage release brought to 60 the number of Israelis freed under the terms of the truce between Israel and Hamas. An additional 21 hostages &mdash; 19 Thais, one Filipino and one Russian-Israeli &mdash; have been released in separate negotiations since the truce began.
Earlier in the war, Hamas released four Israeli hostages, and the Israeli army rescued one during its offensive in Gaza. Two other hostages were found dead in Gaza.
The latest swap brought to 180 the number of Palestinian women and teenagers freed from Israeli prisons. Most have been teenagers accused of throwing stones and firebombs during confrontations with Israeli forces. Several released women were convicted by Israeli military courts of attempting to carry out deadly attacks. The prisoners are widely seen by Palestinians as heroes resisting occupation.
The freed hostages have mostly stayed out of the public eye, but details of their captivity have started to emerge.
In one of the first interviews with a freed hostage, 78-year-old Ruti Munder told Israel's Channel 13 television that she was initially fed well in captivity but that conditions worsened as shortages took hold. She said she was kept in a "suffocating" room and slept on plastic chairs with a sheet for nearly 50 days.
Israel imposed a siege on Gaza at the start of the war and only allowed a trickle of food, water, medicine and fuel to enter prior to the cease-fire, leading to widespread shortages and a territory-wide power blackout.
Tuesday saw the first major exchange of fire between Israeli troops and Hamas fighters in northern Gaza since the cease-fire began Friday. Each side blamed the other for the outbreak, but no further violence followed and the swap went ahead. Still, it underscored the fragility of the truce, with the warring sides holding their positions in close proximity to each other.
The cease-fire has allowed residents who remained in Gaza City and other parts of the north to venture out to survey the destruction and try to locate and bury relatives.
In northern Gaza's Jabaliya refugee camp, which Israel bombarded heavily for weeks and which troops surrounded in heavy fighting with militants, "you come across whole city blocks that have been demolished, just a pancake of concrete layered as buildings have collapsed", said Thomas White, the Gaza director for the UN agency caring for Palestinian refugees.
More than 13,300 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, roughly two-thirds of them women and minors, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. More than 1,200 people have been killed on the Israeli side, mostly civilians killed in the initial attack.
At least 77 soldiers have been killed in Israel's ground offensive. Israel says it has killed thousands of militants, without providing evidence.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/hamas-releases-third-group-of-hostages-4-yr-old-us-girl-among-17-freed-1701054711750">Hamas releases third group of hostages, 4-yr-old US girl among 17 freed</a>

As 41 trapped workers were pulled out of the collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand on November 28 after 17 days,  the global media hailed India's rescue operation.

'Human labour triumphed over machinery': how world media covered Uttarakhand tunnel rescue

As 41 trapped workers were pulled out of the collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand on November 28 after 17 days, &nbsp;the global media hailed India's rescue operation.

As rescuers in India on Tuesday successfully pulled out all 41 construction workers trapped in a collapsed mountain tunnel in Uttarakhand after 17 days, the global media hailed the rescue operation and provided live coverage of the dramatic development.
"Outside the tunnel, there have been celebrations at the news of the first man coming out of the tunnel," the BBC reported while providing regular updates on the rescue operation.
It uploaded on its website a photograph that showed Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami and Union Minister VK Singh meeting the first worker rescued from the tunnel.
"Video footage from the scene showed Pushkar Singh Dhami, chief minister of Uttarakhand state meeting the workers, who appeared to be in good health, as they were removed from the tunnel amid jubilant scenes," CNN reported.
The first workers were removed following a series of agonizing setbacks, during which rescue efforts were halted when the heavy machinery used to drill through the debris broke down, forcing workers to partially dig by hand and adopt other riskier methods to bring them to safety, it said.
The evacuation of the men to safety began more than six hours after rescuers broke through to end an ordeal that began on November 12 when the tunnel caved in, Qatar-based news channel Al-Jazeera reported.
It said the ambulances with their lights flashing lined up at the mouth of the tunnel to transport the workers to a hospital about 30km away.
"The labourers are being pulled out through a passageway made of welded pipes that rescuers had previously pushed through dirt and rocks," it said.
British daily 'The Guardian' reported that the dramatic scenes of the first men emerging on stretchers from the entrance of the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel came after over 400 hours, during which the major rescue operation hit multiple obstacles, delays and false promises of imminent rescue.
"Human labour triumphed over machinery as the specialists managed to manually drill through the final 12 metres of rubble to reach the men. An 'escape passage' pipe was inserted, enabling the rescuers &ndash; carrying wheeled stretchers and oxygen cylinders &ndash; to enter and finally reach those inside," the paper said in its detailed report.
Military engineers and miners drill 'rat hole' through debris to complete a painstaking extraction mission, said London-based daily 'The Telegraph' in its lead story.
A portion of the tunnel collapsed on November 12, blocking the exit for the workers who were inside.
Food, medicines and other essentials were sent to them through a six-inch pipe pushed through the rubble of the collapsed portion.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/uttarakhand-tunnel-rescue-successful-top-5-points-1701191793238">Uttarakhand tunnel rescue successful: top 5 points</a>

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