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4 Dead in Northern India as Mosque Survey Sparks Religious Violence

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Authorities shut down schools and suspended internet services in the northern Indian city of Sambhal Monday, following violent clashes that left four people dead during a court-ordered survey of a 16th-century mosque that Hindu activists claim was built over an ancient temple.

The violence erupted Sunday when nearly 1,000 Muslim protesters gathered outside the Shahi Jama Masjid to oppose the survey, which was initiated after a Hindu lawyer petitioned courts claiming the mosque was constructed on a destroyed temple site. Police said they deployed tear gas after protesters began throwing stones, with social media videos showing burning vehicles and officers using firearms to control the crowd.

“Some miscreants in the crowd resorted to violence, forcing us to use minor force and tear gas to restore order,” said local police officer Krishna Kumar Vishnoi. The survey proceeded despite the unrest.

Local administrator Aunjaneya Kumar Singh announced sweeping restrictions, including school closures and a ban on public gatherings. The government has also prohibited outsiders, social organizations, and public representatives from entering the city without permission through November 30.

The incident highlights escalating religious tensions in India, where Hindu nationalist groups, often linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party, have increasingly challenged the status of historic Muslim sites. The petitioners cite historical texts claiming Mughal emperor Babur destroyed a Hindu temple to build the mosque in 1529.

The controversy echoes similar disputes across India, gaining momentum after Modi inaugurated a Hindu temple built on the ruins of a medieval mosque in Ayodhya earlier this year. Critics see these campaigns as part of a broader effort to transform India from a secular democracy into a Hindu state.

The survey’s supporters argue it seeks to uncover historical truths, while opponents say it violates the Places of Worship Act of 1991, which preserves religious sites’ status as they existed at India’s independence in 1947.

“These confrontations reflect deeper tensions over India’s religious heritage and national identity,” said Rajesh Kumar, a political analyst in New Delhi. “The government’s handling of such disputes will have lasting implications for religious harmony.”

DHL Cargo Plane Crashes Near Lithuanian Airport, Killing Spanish Crew Member

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A DHL cargo plane crashed and skidded into a house near Lithuania’s capital Monday morning, killing one Spanish crew member and injuring three others, as investigators begin examining multiple potential causes including technical failure and human error.

The 31-year-old Boeing 737 freighter, operated by Madrid-based contractor Swiftair, crashed at 5:30 a.m. while approaching Vilnius airport from Leipzig, Germany. Surveillance video showed the aircraft descending normally before exploding in a fireball, though the moment of impact wasn’t visible.

“Thankfully, despite the crash occurring in a residential area, no lives have been lost among the local population,” Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė said after meeting with rescue officials. She urged against speculation about the cause, emphasizing that investigators need time to conduct their work properly.

The crash left three crew members injured – Spanish, German, and Lithuanian citizens – according to police spokesman Ramūnas Matonis. Fire Chief Renatas Požėla reported that while the house sustained slight damage and surrounding infrastructure caught fire, residents were safely evacuated.

Flight tracking data analyzed by The Associated Press showed the aircraft made a turn north of the airport to line up for landing before crashing approximately 1.5 kilometers short of the runway. Weather conditions at the time included freezing temperatures, pre-dawn clouds, and winds around 30 kilometers per hour.

“I saw a fireball,” said a witness who identified herself only as Svaja. “My first thought is that a world war has begun and it’s time to grab the documents and run somewhere to a shelter, to a basement.”

Police Commissioner Arūnas Paulauskas said investigators are considering multiple scenarios, including technical failure and human error, and haven’t ruled out terrorism. Neither DHL nor Swiftair offered immediate comment on the incident.

The aircraft’s age, while considered older, is not unusual for cargo operations. Debris from the yellow-liveried plane was scattered across the crash site, which authorities have sealed off for investigation.

AP

Russia Claims Capture of British Fighter as Forces Advance in Ukraine’s East

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Russian forces have reportedly captured a British national fighting for Ukraine in occupied parts of Russia’s Kursk region, state media said Monday, as Moscow’s military accelerated territorial gains and launched unprecedented daylight drone attacks across Ukraine.

James Scott Rhys Anderson, identified by Russian state news agency Tass as a former British army signalman who joined Ukraine’s International Legion, was reportedly serving as an instructor for Ukrainian forces when captured. According to Russian media, Anderson claimed he was deployed to the Kursk region against his will, though these statements couldn’t be independently verified.

“I’m hoping he’ll be used as a bargaining chip, but my son told me they torture their prisoners and I’m so frightened he’ll be tortured,” Scott Anderson told Britain’s Daily Mail after receiving confirmation of his son’s capture from Ukrainian commanders. The elder Anderson said he had tried to discourage his son, a four-year military veteran and former police custody officer, from joining Ukrainian forces.

The British Embassy in Moscow confirmed it was “supporting the family of a British man following reports of his detention” but provided no additional details. If verified, this could mark one of the first known captures of a Western fighter on Russian soil.

The reported capture coincides with significant Russian military advances in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank, noted Russian forces are gaining ground at “a significantly quicker rate” than in all of 2023, exploiting detected weaknesses in Ukrainian defenses.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force reported Russia has adapted its drone warfare tactics, launching 145 Shahed drones in daylight hours rather than the typical nighttime attacks. While Ukrainian forces claimed to intercept most drones, a morning missile strike on downtown Kharkiv, using a modified S-400 surface-to-air missile, injured at least 23 people in a residential area, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

The escalation comes as the conflict passes 1,000 days, with Ukraine’s foreign fighter contingent playing an increasingly visible role. The International Legion for Defense of Ukraine, created at President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s request in February 2022, has drawn volunteers from 52 countries, though current numbers remain classified. Early reports indicated over 20,000 foreign volunteers joined various Ukrainian military units.

“The presence of foreign fighters has become a significant factor in the conflict,” said military analyst Elena Petrova. “Their capture presents both diplomatic and humanitarian challenges, particularly given concerns about treatment of prisoners on both sides.”

Ukrainian Missile Strike Reportedly Kills Russian General, 500 North Korean Troops

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A Ukrainian strike using British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles reportedly killed a Russian general and approximately 500 North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region Wednesday, marking the first use of UK-supplied weapons for deep strikes into Russian territory, according to multiple reports awaiting independent verification.

Russian General Valery Solodchuk has reportedly been killed by British Storm Shadow missiles in a deadly strike

Lt-Gen Valery Solodchuk was among those reportedly killed in the precision strike that targeted an underground command post, while 18 other Russian officers died and 18 more were wounded, according to US-based Global Defense Corp. Reports also suggest one of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s generals was injured in the attack, though neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has confirmed any casualties.

The significant casualties may explain Russia’s Thursday response launching a hypersonic missile against Ukraine’s Dnipro region. The escalation follows Ukraine’s deployment of up to 12 Storm Shadow missiles from aircraft earlier in the week.

Britain’s Storm Shadow missiles are a nightmare for enemies as they are capable of dodging air defencesCredit: Alamy

“This represents a significant escalation in Ukraine’s deep-strike capabilities,” said military analyst Viktor Petrov. “The £800,000 Storm Shadow missiles are particularly effective due to their GPS guidance and ability to evade air defenses at speeds of up to 600mph.”

Storm Shadow missiles savage the Kursk regionCredit: East2West

Video footage shared on social media captured the sound of multiple missiles approaching the Kursk region, where the governor had previously claimed two missiles were intercepted without specifying their type. Ukrainian news site Defense Express reported the missiles targeted an underground Russian command center likely housing North Korean troops, though these claims remain unverified.

The £800,000 weapons use GPS to precisely hit targets and can travel at 600mph

The presence of North Korean forces in Ukraine has become an increasingly significant factor in the conflict, with both Western intelligence and Ukrainian officials reporting growing numbers of North Korean troops supporting Russian operations.

Source: the-sun.com

France Star Paul Pogba’s Brother, 3 Childhood Friends Among 6 Facing Trial Over Alleged Armed Extortion on Pogba

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Six men, including three childhood friends and the brother of French football star Paul Pogba, go on trial Tuesday in Paris on charges of attempted extortion, kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy after allegedly demanding €13 million ($13.5 million) from the Juventus midfielder at gunpoint.

The case, which has rocked French football, reaches court as Pogba faces his own professional crisis, with Juventus recently canceling his contract following a doping suspension through March 2025. The trial exposes the dangerous intersection of wealth, fame, and childhood relationships in professional sports.

The scandal first emerged publicly when Mathias Pogba, the footballer’s brother, posted videos in August 2022 promising “explosive” revelations about Paul, including allegations that the World Cup winner had cast an evil spell on teammate Kylian Mbappe. Paul Pogba’s lawyers responded by revealing ongoing criminal investigations in France and Italy into what they called “threats and attempts at extortion as part of a criminal gang.”

According to police documents reviewed by AFP, Paul Pogba told investigators he was “tricked by childhood friends” from his hometown of Roissy-en-Brie in March 2022. The footballer described being held at gunpoint by two hooded men demanding €13 million for “services rendered,” claiming he had abandoned them financially after achieving professional success. Pogba acknowledged paying them €100,000 and covering a €57,000 shopping spree at a Paris Adidas store.

“Despite everything that’s happened, they’ll always have a place in my heart… they were like my family,” Pogba said during a September 2023 joint questioning with the defendants, highlighting the complex emotional dynamics underlying the case.

The defendants, who face charges including extortion, kidnapping, and forming a criminal gang, deny the allegations. They claim to be victims themselves of the unidentified hooded gunmen. Mathias Pogba, who was not present during the alleged armed confrontation, is specifically charged with attempting to pressure his brother and family to ensure payment.

“I hope our bond will be strengthened again,” Mathias said in recent months, describing himself as merely a “puppet” in the affair and appealing for reconciliation with his brother.

The trial is expected to examine not only the specific criminal charges but also broader issues facing professional athletes maintaining relationships with those who knew them before fame. Paul Pogba reported being pressured at multiple locations, including France’s national team training center, his Manchester home, and Juventus’ training ground.

Engine Fire Forces Emergency Evacuation of Russian Plane in Turkey

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A Russian passenger plane was evacuated at Turkey’s Antalya airport Sunday after its left engine caught fire during landing, with all 91 people aboard escaping safely, Turkish officials reported.

The Azimuth Airlines flight from the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi experienced the engine fire while touching down at the Mediterranean coastal airport, according to airport official Suat Seyitoglu. Emergency crews quickly extinguished the blaze.

“All 87 passengers and four crew members were safely evacuated,” Seyitoglu told Turkey’s Anadolou state news agency. No injuries were reported in the incident.

The emergency response highlighted the growing importance of Antalya airport as a hub for Russian travelers amid ongoing international flight restrictions affecting Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Salah Double Rallies Liverpool Past Southampton, Extends Premier League Lead

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Mohamed Salah scored twice in the second half to rescue Liverpool in a thrilling 3-2 victory at Southampton Sunday, extending the Premier League leaders’ advantage to eight points following Manchester City’s Saturday defeat to Tottenham.

The Egyptian’s decisive performance, including a coolly converted 80th-minute penalty, helped overcome a spirited Southampton side that had taken a surprising lead through Mateus Fernandes’ counter-attacking goal after the break. The result deepens the hosts’ relegation concerns while strengthening Liverpool’s grip on the title race.

Liverpool opened the scoring through Dominik Szoboszlai’s left-footed finish after Southampton’s defensive error, but the hosts equalized when Adam Armstrong converted a rebound from his own saved penalty, awarded after Andy Robertson fouled Tyler Dibling following Virgil van Dijk’s misplaced back heel.

“We showed character to come back, but we made it harder for ourselves than necessary,” Liverpool manager Arne Slot said. The Reds displayed signs of rust following the international break before finding their rhythm in the second half.

Salah’s equalizer came after Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy misjudged Ryan Gravenberch’s lofted pass, before the forward secured victory from the penalty spot following Yukinari Sugawara’s handball. The win takes on added significance after City’s setback at the Etihad.

“Every point matters at this stage,” Salah said after his match-winning performance. “We knew after City’s result we had a chance to extend our lead, but Southampton made us fight for it.”

The defeat leaves Russell Martin’s Southampton mired in the relegation battle despite showing flashes of quality, particularly in their pressing game and counter-attacking moves that troubled the league leaders throughout the afternoon.

Lukaku Strike Keeps Napoli Atop Serie A in Narrow Victory Over Roma

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Napoli's Belgian forward #11 Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates during the Italian Serie A football match between Napoli and Roma at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples on November 24, 2024. (Photo by Carlo Hermann / AFP)

Romelu Lukaku’s second-half strike proved decisive as Napoli maintained their narrow Serie A lead with a 1-0 victory over Roma Sunday, spoiling Claudio Ranieri’s return to management with his boyhood club.

Napoli’s Belgian forward #11 Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Italian Serie A football match between Napoli and Roma at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples on November 24, 2024. (Photo by Carlo Hermann / AFP)

The Belgian striker netted his fifth goal for Napoli seven minutes after halftime, helping the leaders maintain their one-point advantage over a tightly packed chasing group that includes Atalanta, Inter Milan, and Fiorentina, all with 28 points. Lazio could join that trio with a win over Bologna in Sunday’s late fixture, while Juventus lurks four points off the pace in sixth.

Napoli dominated proceedings at the Stadio Maradona, nearly taking the lead in the second minute when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia inexplicably sent a free header wide from point-blank range. The Georgian winger remained influential, providing a precise cross for Lukaku four minutes after the break, though the striker’s glancing header missed the target.

Roma, now sitting just four points above the relegation zone in 12th place, showed signs of life under returning manager Ranieri. Artem Dovbyk came closest to equalizing in the 66th minute, his powerful header striking the crossbar.

In other Serie A action, Moise Kean continued his remarkable resurgence at Fiorentina, scoring in a 2-0 victory at Como that marked their seventh consecutive league win. The 24-year-old striker has found new life in Florence after a goalless season at Juventus, notching seven goals in his last four Serie A appearances.

“Obviously people look at the goal, but the whole team has worked very hard with him… he’s developing and starting to reap the rewards,” Fiorentina coach Raffaele Palladino said of Kean’s transformation.

Former Arsenal manager Patrick Vieira’s return to Italian football as Genoa boss ended in disappointment, with Roberto Piccoli’s late penalty securing a 2-2 draw for struggling Cagliari. The result leaves both teams hovering precariously above the relegation zone, level on points and just two clear of danger.

Mbappe Ends Goal Drought as Real Madrid Cruise Past Leganes 3-0

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Real Madrid's French forward #09 Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring the opening goal with Real Madrid's Brazilian forward #07 Vinicius Junior during the Spanish league football match between Club Deportivo Leganes SAD and Real Madrid CF at the Estadio Municipal Butarque in Leganes on November 24, 2024. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP)

Kylian Mbappe ended his five-game scoring drought as Real Madrid dispatched Leganes 3-0 Sunday, moving within four points of La Liga leaders Barcelona with a game in hand ahead of Wednesday’s crucial Champions League visit to Liverpool.

The French forward, deployed in his preferred left-wing position in a tactical shift by manager Carlo Ancelotti, broke the deadlock before halftime after being set up by Vinicius Junior. Fede Valverde, captaining Madrid for the first time while playing as an makeshift right-back, doubled the lead with a powerful free-kick in the 66th minute before Jude Bellingham headed home his second goal of the season.

“We changed the position of the forwards, with Mbappe outside and he did well, like Vinicius inside,” Ancelotti said, explaining his tactical adjustment that paid dividends against 14th-placed Leganes. The goal marked a welcome return to form for Mbappe, who had been left out of France’s squad during the recent international break and scored just once in his previous eight appearances since joining from Paris Saint-Germain.

Real capitalized on Barcelona’s Saturday stumble at Celta Vigo to close the gap at the top, while building momentum before their midweek trip to Anfield. Madrid need a positive result against Liverpool after losing two of their first four European matches this season.

The victory also marked an impressive debut for 21-year-old academy graduate Raul Asencio at center-back, earning praise from Ancelotti: “It surprised me in that he’s a player with maturity, always well positioned… it means the youth academy has done a good job with him.”

Leganes defender Sergio Gonzalez lamented his team’s mistakes proving costly against clinical opposition. “We were very comfortable in the first half, playing the game we wanted to, but to concede after a mistake… hurts more. With the smallest opportunities, they punished us.”

Connecticut Couple Charged in $1 Million Multi-State Lululemon Theft Scheme

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A Connecticut couple faces felony charges for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated $1 million theft operation targeting Lululemon stores across five states, authorities announced following their arrest in Minnesota.

Jadion Richards and Akwele Lawes-Richards were apprehended in Woodbury, Minnesota, and charged with organized retail theft after allegedly stealing $5,000 worth of merchandise from a Roseville store on November 13. A subsequent search of their Bloomington hotel room revealed approximately $50,000 in Lululemon products stored in suitcases, according to court documents.

Investigators say the couple employed elaborate tactics across stores in Connecticut, New York, Colorado, Utah, and Minnesota since September. Their method allegedly included coordinated distraction techniques, with Jadion Richards making small legitimate purchases before disabling security sensors while his wife and an unidentified female accomplice conducted the actual thefts.

“The suspects used specific organized retail crime tactics such as blocking and distraction of associates to commit large thefts,” court documents state, describing how they would shield their activities with large jackets and exploit security alarm responses to facilitate escapes.

The operation allegedly extended beyond simple theft to include a sophisticated exchange scheme, with the group conducting “unverified exchanges at various stores” to convert stolen merchandise into new items across state lines.

“This outcome continues to underscore our ongoing collaboration with law enforcement and our investments in advanced technology, team training and investigative capabilities to combat retail crime and hold offenders accountable,” said Tristen Shields, Lululemon’s vice president of asset protection, in a statement.

Both suspects have been released on bail – Jadion Richards on $100,000 and Akwele Lawes-Richards on $30,000 – and are scheduled to appear in Ramsey County Court on December 16. Court records do not indicate whether they have secured legal representation.

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