Latest International News Headlines

In a dramatic escalation of tension between Washington and Tehran, top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and seven others were killed in a US strike on international airport of Baghdad on Friday, said the powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force of Iraq.

US strike killed prominent figures

Deputy chief of Hashed, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, was also killed in the attack along with the head of Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani. On Friday, the Baghdad airport was hit with a volley of missiles just after midnight. The bombardment targeted a Hashed convoy in which eight people including important figures were seated. They all were said to have been killed in the attack.

Hashed

The Hashed is an armed group of mostly Shiite armed units. Many of these units had close ties with Tehran and many of them officially incorporated into the armed forces of Iraq. The Shiite armed groups jointed Iraqi forces to fight the Islamic State group in 2014 but many of them had prior experience of fighting with the US forces during the Iraq war.

Muhandis was the deputy chief of Hashed but in reality, he was the real shot-caller in Hashed. Soleimani was head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force. He also served as Iran’s point man on Iraq. He visited Iraq many times during difficult times. Both the prominent persons had been sanctioned by the US.

They will pay

The US was silent over the development of the attack but it was vocal at the time of the attack on the US embassy by a mob of Hashed. But the US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said that America feared more attacks from Iran-backed groups but strengthened that … Read the rest

International

No Fireworks On New Year’s Eve In Germany

HT News December 31, 2019

Germany has decided to do away with private fireworks on the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Fireworks was a staple in Germany’s New Year celebrations but the government has decided to discourage private fireworks for reasons varying from safety to pollution.

New Year fireworks in Germany

The country celebrates New Year as “Silvester” and fireworks are considered a staple of this celebration but this year, Germans have decided to scale down the level of fireworks to their historic buildings and environment safe. But there will be official firework for Silvester.

Berlin and a dozen of other German cities and communities have put a partial ban on private fireworks. For successful implementation of the ban, three zones in the capital city have been designated fireworks free on New year’s Eve.

But official and private firework displays in most places will continue as normal and it includes the spectacular show at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate. The German sky would fill with light and sound of millions of tiny explosions. But the Germans have a taken a decision regarding New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Reasons for discontinuing fireworks

Berlin’s ban on firework display during New Year celebrations is primarily focused on public safety. Aachen, a town in western Germany, limited the use of high-flying fireworks to prevent potential damage to its historic buildings. But other cities pointed to environmental and health concerns due to fireworks. Fine dust particles produced by explosions are a hazard to environment and public health.

Source: https://nyti.ms/2QbOxyx

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Business International

Billionaires 2019: The Total Worth Of Billionaires Shrank By $400 billion

HT News December 25, 2019

This is the second time in a decade that both the number of billionaires and total wealth shrank. According to latest figures, there are 2,153 billionaires but there were 55 more than a year ago. Also, the 46% (994) of them are poorer than they were in 2018.

Findings of the latest billionaire count

The findings cap the worth of ultra-rich at $8.7 trillion that was $400 billion up in the previous year. Altogether 247 (11%) of the billionaires are dropped out of the ranks since 2009 at the height of global financial crisis.

• Asia-Pacific has 60 fewer 10-figure billionaires

• China has 49 fewer billionaires than 2018

The only nations that witnessed a surge in the number of billionaires are the US and Brazil. In the US, there are 607 new billionaires including 14 of world’s 20 richest people. Jeff Bezos of Amazon is again the Number 1 in the world. He is closely followed by Bill Gates at Number 2.

Newcomers in the list of billionaires

A total of 195 people joined the list of billionaires in 2019. Colin Huang is the richest newcomer. The founder of Chinese discount web retailer Pinduoduo, Colin Huang went public in the US in July. Kylie Jenner, the cosmetics wunderkind, became the youngest billionaire at 21.Other notable newcomers are Spotify’s Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon; Juul Labs’ James Monsees and Adam Bowen, Kind Bar’s Daniel Lubetzky. The trend in the billionaire’s list shows that even the rich and the powerful aren’t immune to economic forces and weak stock markets.

Source: https://bit.ly/2slw7lT

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International News & Politics

China Sees Hong Kong Boiling In Support Of Uighurs

HT News December 23, 2019

Pro-democracy protestors rallied in Hong Kong streets to show solidarity with Uighur minorities in China. They said that their condition was no different than that of Uighurs in mainland China.

But a protestor went ahead and pulled a Chinese flag hoisting over a government building during the rally. This short incident of violence was enough for the riot control police to swing into action to disperse the protestors.

Uighurs in China

China is facing flak from the world community for keeping over 10 lack Uighurs out of whom most are Muslims in captivity in north-west province Xinjiang. Earlier Beijing used to deny having any Uighur camps but it now says that these camps are vocational training centers for fighting against terrorism.

Hong Kong with Uighur

Hong Kong has kept a close watch over the Uighurs camps in Xinjiang and for this reason, people protesting against the illegal detention of Uighurs have become a common sight in Hong Kong. Sunday rally was also dedicated to support the cause of Uighur Muslims.

Sunday rally in Hong Kong

More than 1000 people gathered at a square in Hong Kong to listen to the pro-democracy protestors. They said that China would do Xinjiang in Hong Kong. Some protestors were seen holding flags of eastern Turkey in the gathering.

The protestors alleged that they could see Chinese government in Hong Kong. One protestor said that China was suppressing Uighurs in Xinjiang because it had the power. It would the same in Hong Kong once it became powerful.

Source: https://bit.ly/2ZhTpoK

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Top Celebrities Fashion & Lifestyle International

Miss America 2020 Camille Schrier Is A Woman Of Science

HT News December 21, 2019

24-year old Camille Schrier was crowned with the title of Miss America 2020. She’s the 99th Miss America but she’s more in news due to her on-stage science experiment.

Miss America Camille Schrier

When Schrier appeared on the stage, the audience were stunned to see a beauty pageant donning a lab coat and carrying out an experiment. She performed catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide for the world audience before receiving the prestigious title.

A Pennsylvania native, Schrier wanted to break stereotypes be continuing to be a woman of science instead of following the usual trend. She gave the audiences a new perspective to see Miss America 2020.

Graduated from VirginiaTech with dual bachelor of science degrees in biochemistry and systems biology, Schrier is studying to obtain a doctor of pharmacy degree.

Stage performance of Schrier

Schrier’s stage performance was of a person battling an eating disorder. She said that she decided to participate in the competition after ditching its former swimsuit competition portion. She said that she knew that she would never go in swimsuit because she didn’t have a performing talent.

The good thing is that President and CEO of the Miss America Organization Regina Hopper was also supportive of her decision and act. He said that it was the second year when candidates weren’t judged in swimsuits but according to a series of interviews and talent demonstrations.

Schrier became the first woman to perform a science experiment in a pageant. She succeeds 2019 Miss America Nia Franklin, an opera singer from New York.Miss Georgia’s Victoria Hill was the first runner-up.

Source: https://fxn.ws/38VAPHH

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International News & Politics

Imran Khan Speaks On Citizenship Amendment Bill And Receives A Fitting Reply Fitting Reply

HT News December 19, 2019

India categorically rejects Imran Khan’s opinion on the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and said that his thoughts were inspired by anti-India mindset. India also advised Imran Khan to work for his country.

Pakistan President Imran Khan in Geneva

Imran Khan said that India’s CAB was creating a major refugee problem in South Asia. But India replied that his thinking shows prejudice and hatred towards India. Also, that Imran Khan should be more worried about his country.

India’s Permanent Representative to UN, Rajiv K Chander further said that India strictly condemn the baseless comment of Imran Khan. Pakistan presented itself as a self-proclaimed champion of human right but little did it know that the minority population had shrunk from 23% in 1947 to 3% today maintained Rajiv K Chander. The draconian blasphemy laws and blatant use of forced conversions reduced the size of minorities in Pakistan.

Imran Khan should take care of his country

Rajiv K Chander: Pakistan is a self-proclaimed champion of human rights that has shrunk the size of its own minority community, 23% in 1947 to 3% today, by subjecting them to draconian blasphemy laws, systemic persecution, blatant abuse and forced conversions. https://t.co/CS02mJi5Yu
— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2019

Rajiv K Chander continued attacking Imran Khan by saying that Indians didn’t want anyone to speak for them. At least the people that had developed an industry of terrorism utter a single word in the favor of Indians. Imran Khan was advised to focus on the welfare of his people.

Imran Khan spoke against CAB

He said that CAB was made to persecute Muslims by denying them citizenship. This law had deprived Muslims of … Read the rest

International News & Politics

US President Donald Trump’s Impeachment Would Make No Difference To Him

HT News December 19, 2019

According to former secretary of state, George W Bush called Donald Trump’s inaugural address “some weird shit”. It is apparent that all isn’t well with Trump.

Donald Trump faces accusations

The Democrats have been accusing Trump for using and abusing the United States like his personal punchbag. And they finally decide to return the punch to Trump. The Democrats started impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump. Impeaching President Trump this time is like seeing a bully gets a bloody nose. It will certainly satisfy the critics of Donald Trump.

Impeachment proceedings

Democrats accuse Trump of stress-testing the American democracy since his election as president. He was accused of mad-kind conduct but the Democrats had to bear his conduct until they got majority in the House. And that moment came in the mid-term elections of 2018 when the Democrats got the majority. They said that Trump left them with no option other than to pull the trigger after he pressured Ukraine for political favors.

Republicans shielding Donald Trump

Republicans in the House of Representatives and Senate have made a human shield to protect Trump from the impeachment proceedings and they are likely to walk him out of the constitutional crisis but this impeachment proceeding will certainly have a big impact on 2020 presidential election.

Third US President to be impeached

Donald Trump will be the third President of the US to face impeachment proceedings but these proceedings would be different from his predecessors – Richard Nixon (1972) and Bill Clinton (1998).

Source: https://bit.ly/2Z5zKZ7

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International Sports

Top 5 Fixtures To Watch In UEFA Champions League Matches

HT News December 17, 2019

In the first time of Champions League history, all the 16 participating teams belong to top-five leagues of Europe. It is a knock out round with no minnows taking part in the tournament.

This season, every match of the 16 will have double-doze of excitement but some fixtures stand above the rest and enthusiasts won’t want to miss those games. Here’re the top-five must watch fixtures of 2019-20 Champions League.

Atlético Madrid vs. Liverpool

Liverpool would start the knockout round from where it was last season and it could bring light in the eyes of its supporters. The squad is also suffering from poor performance in English Premier League but still better than last year. On the other hand, Atletico is in the midst of a rebuild. Its manager Diego Simeone is capable of making any tie tough on an opponent.

Borussia Dortmund vs. Paris Saint-Germain

After winning six-consecutive Ligue 1 titles and getting seven-point lead in the table this season, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is excited about the knockout round. Also, they have the advantage of having a manager that was earlier with Dortmund.But Borussia Dortmund shouldn’t be underestimated especially after its survival in the Group of Death over Inter Milan.

Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich

Chelsea surprised everyone by winning the 2012 title of Champions League with the help of interim manager Roberto Di Matteo. It was a glorious win over Bayern Munich in Munich. But Bayern is also doing well under its interim manager Hansi Flick and they’re likely to find his replacement by February. Also, the squad has the firepower to break Chelsea’s defense.

Napoli vs. Barcelona

Barcelona is still on top of … Read the rest

International Sports

La Liga 2019: Real Madrid vs Valencia: Team Info, Match Timing, Where To Watch

HT News December 16, 2019

The upcoming La Liga fixture on Monday 16th December is going to be very interesting because of involvement of Real Madrid and Valencia. Buoyed with the recent winnings, the Real Madrid looks more confidant but Valencia is also preparing to give a tough fight.

Real Madrid

The squad is on a winning spree with eight wins in the last 10 matches in all competitions. If they can, the La Liga would be their fifth consecutive win across competitions. The Real coach Zinedine Zidane also doesn’t want to take chances with his winning squad and for this reason, he isn’t certain whether or not to rest midfield general Casemiro.

Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Nacho; Kroos, Modric, Valverde; Bale, Benzema, Rodrygo will feature in the Sunday fixture.

Valencia

Their victory over Ajax Amsterdam was the only one out of the last 16 matches of the Champions League managed them secure a birth and now they are aiming high by repeating their success in their home game. But Valencia has a disadvantage that is most of its players are injured.

Jasper Cillessen has picked a calf injury last weekend. Cristiano Piccini, Goncalo Guedes, Denis Cheryshev, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Maxi Gomez won’t feature against Real Madrid.

Domenech; Wass, Garay, Gabriel, Gaya; Soler, Coquelin, Parejo; Vallejo, Rodrigo, Torres are likely to feature in the crucial match.

Real vs Valencia details

The match will commence at 1:30 AM on Monday, December 16 at the Mestalla Stadium. Live streaming of the match would be available on the Facebook app and Facebook India website.

Source: https://bit.ly/2YQb1Ik

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Fashion & Lifestyle International

Miss World 2019 Crown Goes To Miss Jamaica Toni-Ann Singh

HT News December 15, 2019

Jamaica’s Toni-Ann Singh was crowned Miss World at the ExCel London in London, United Kingdom, on Saturday 14th December. This is the fourth time that Jamaica won the title of Miss World since 1959. It won Miss World titles in 1963, 1976 and 1993.

Miss World 2018, Vanessa Ponce de Leon of Mexico, crowned Toni-Ann Singh the Miss World 2019 title. The two runners-up for the title were Miss France and Miss India.

Toni-Ann Singh biography

Born in Morant, St. Thomas, Jamaica, Singh is graduated in psychology and women studies from the Florida State University. She remained on a year’s leave from school before attending medical school prior to the winning the pageant.

During the pageant, she received an ovation from the audience for singing Whitney Houston’s hit “I Have Nothing”. She also answered questions from British journalist Piers Morgan.

Toni-Ann Singh’s first tweet as Miss World

Believe in yourself tweeted Singh. She called the girls to know they are worthy and capable of achieving their dreams. She further said that the crown wasn’t her but theirs. She also said that she represented something special, a generation of women that were pushing to change the world.

Black women won maximum crowns this year

All top beauty pageants – Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss America, Miss Universe and Miss World – are won by black women. South Africa’s ZozibiniTunzi was crowned Miss Universe last week after winning rounds of swimsuits and evening gowns and giving impartial opinion on social issues.

Source: https://cnn.it/2LWne97

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