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<p>Japan's space agency - the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) - said on Thursday (Jan 25) that it achieved an unprecedented "pinpoint" Moon landing within 100 metres of the target. "SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) succeeded in a pin-point soft landing... the landing point is confirmed to be 55 metres away from the target point," JAXA said. Last Saturday (Jan 20), Japan became the world's fifth country to put a spacecraft on the Moon, as the SLIM made a soft landing on the lunar surface.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The space agency also said that it received all data about the SLIM's landing in the two&nbsp;hours and 37 minutes after the touchdown and before the probe lost power, a report by the news agency Reuters said. SLIM's solar panels have been unable to generate electricity likely because they were angled wrong, but a change in the sunlight's direction could power it up again, JAXA added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-moon-sniper-switched-off-space-agency-says-data-transmission-completed-682353">Japan's Moon sniper switched off, space agency says data transmission completed</a></strong></p>

<p>JAXA published the first colour images from the mission,&nbsp;showing the SLIM craft sitting intact at a slight angle on the rocky grey surface, lunar slopes rising in the distance, a report by the news agency AFP said. However, these images were not publicly available yet.</p>

<p>Two probes detached successfully from SLIM on Jan 20: one with a transmitter and another designed to trundle around the lunar surface beaming images to Earth.</p>

<h2><strong>Regaining confidence in space technology</strong></h2>

<p>SLIM is one of several new lunar missions launched by government&nbsp;and private firms, 50 years after the first human Moon landing. Japan, which entered the space age in 1970 with the launch of a satellite, is hoping to regain confidence in its space technology after many failures.</p>

<p>Last year, a spacecraft designed by a Japanese company crashed during a lunar landing attempt in April, and a new flagship rocket failed its debut launch in March.</p>

<h2><strong>Celebrations muted despite space feat</strong></h2>

<p>Despite becoming the fifth country (after Russia, the United States, India and China) to reach the Moon,&nbsp;celebrations (in Japan) on Jan 20 were muted due to a problem with the spacecraft's solar batteries, which were not generating power, AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines?</strong></p>

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<p>JAXA decided to switch SLIM off with 12 per cent power remaining, to allow for a possible recovery when the sun's angle changes. Before the power was turned off, the spacecraft was able to download technical and image data from the craft's descent and the lunar surface.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, the space agency said that if sunlight hits the Moon from the West in the future, "we believe there's a possibility of power generation, and we're currently preparing for restoration".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japan's space agency - the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) - said on Thursday (Jan 25) that it achieved an unprecedented "pinpoint" Moon landing within 100 metres of the target.

Japan's space agency - the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) - said on Thursday (Jan 25) that it achieved an unprecedented "pinpoint" Moon landing within 100 metres of the target. "SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) succeeded in a pin-point soft landing... the landing point is confirmed to be 55 metres away from the target point," JAXA said. Last Saturday (Jan 20), Japan became the world's fifth country to put a spacecraft on the Moon, as the SLIM made a soft landing on the lunar surface. The space agency also said that it received all data about the SLIM's landing in the two hours and 37 minutes after the touchdown and before the probe lost power, a report by the news agency Reuters said. SLIM's solar panels have been unable to generate electricity likely because they were angled wrong, but a change in the sunlight's direction could power it up again, JAXA added. Also read | Japan's Moon sniper switched off, space agency says data transmission completed JAXA published the first colour images from the mission, showing the SLIM craft sitting intact at a slight angle on the rocky grey surface, lunar slopes rising in the distance, a report by the news agency AFP said. However, these images were not publicly available yet. Two probes detached successfully from SLIM on Jan 20: one with a transmitter and another designed to trundle around the lunar surface beaming images to Earth. Regaining confidence in space technology SLIM is one of several new lunar missions launched by government and private firms, 50 years after the first human Moon landing. Japan, which entered the space age in 1970 with the launch of a satellite, is hoping to regain confidence in its space technology after many failures. Last year, a spacecraft designed by a Japanese company crashed during a lunar landing attempt in April, and a new flagship rocket failed its debut launch in March. Celebrations muted despite space feat Despite becoming the fifth country (after Russia, the United States, India and China) to reach the Moon, celebrations (in Japan) on Jan 20 were muted due to a problem with the spacecraft's solar batteries, which were not generating power, AFP reported. Also watch | Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines? × JAXA decided to switch SLIM off with 12 per cent power remaining, to allow for a possible recovery when the sun's angle changes. Before the power was turned off, the spacecraft was able to download technical and image data from the craft's descent and the lunar surface. Earlier this week, the space agency said that if sunlight hits the Moon from the West in the future, "we believe there's a possibility of power generation, and we're currently preparing for restoration". (With inputs from agencies)

An 'unprecedented' pinpoint landing: Japan says its Moon landing was within 100 metres of target

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<p>A court in Japan's Kyoto on Thursday (Jan 25) sentenced to death a man who was the <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-man-responsible-for-anime-studio-fire-that-killed-36-given-death-penalty-683408">perpetrator of a 2019 arson attack on an animation studio </a></strong>that killed 36 people. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Shinji Aoba, now aged 45, set the KyoAni studio in Kyoto on fire in July 2019. Aoba himself suffered heavy burns and underwent intensive treatment for nearly a year.</p>

<p>He was arrested near the arson site and faced five charges, including murder and arson. This incident had sent shockwaves not just in Japan, but across the world given the studio's far-reaching fan base.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>Here's a timeline of what happened:</strong></h3>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>On the morning of July 18, 2019, Aoba broke into the building of KyoAni studio, spread gasoline around the ground floor, lit it and shouted "Drop dead," the news agency AFP reported citing the arson's survivors. Thirty-six people were killed and 32 others were injured in the incident. Many of the victims were young people, including a 21-year-old woman. Aoba suffered burns in the fire that covered 90 per cent of his body and he reportedly needed 12 operations.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;The fire&nbsp;quickly spread inside the studio. AFP reported that many victims were found on a spiral stairwell leading to the roof, suggesting they were overcome as they desperately tried to escape. Firefighters called the incident "unprecedented" and said that rescuing people was "extremely difficult."</p>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>The fire was brought under control on July 19. The Kyoto police had said that some victims were difficult to identify as they had been burnt beyond recognition. According to autopsy results that were released on July 22, the majority of the victims died due to burns rather than carbon monoxide poisoning.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Japan's burning plane: What's the real story?</strong></p>

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<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;After awaiting his recovery from life-threatening injuries for over ten months, Shinji Aoba was arrested on May 27, 2020, on charges of murder and arson. He pleaded guilty to starting the arson at the studio.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;<em>What was the reason for the crime?</em> According to Japanese media, Aoba held a grudge against the studio, known for the series "Violet Evergarden" and other popular works, believing that it had plagiarised his novel. This allegation was denied by KyoAni. The incident prompted condolences from world leaders and business executives.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Founded in 1981 by a husband and wife, KyoAni is a household name for anime fans, responsible for popular TV series including "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" and "K-ON!"</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Following the arson, US animation distributor Sentai Filmworks launched a crowdfunding campaign to help KyoAni get back on its feet. The crowdfunding campaign generated over $2 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Earlier, Aoba's lawyers entered a plea of not guilty, saying he "did not have the capacity to distinguish between good and bad and to stop committing the crime due to a mental disorder."</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;However on Thursday (Jan 25, 2024), the judge of the Kyoto District Court ruled that the 45-year-old man was "neither insane nor suffering diminished mental capacity at the time of the crime," a report by the NHK said. Later, the court handed&nbsp;a sentence of capital punishment.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A court in Japan's Kyoto on Thursday (Jan 25) sentenced to death a man who was the perpetrator of a 2019 arson attack on an animation studio that killed 36 people.

A court in Japan's Kyoto on Thursday (Jan 25) sentenced to death a man who was the perpetrator of a 2019 arson attack on an animation studio that killed 36 people. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Shinji Aoba, now aged 45, set the KyoAni studio in Kyoto on fire in July 2019. Aoba himself suffered heavy burns and underwent intensive treatment for nearly a year. He was arrested near the arson site and faced five charges, including murder and arson. This incident had sent shockwaves not just in Japan, but across the world given the studio's far-reaching fan base. Here's a timeline of what happened: > On the morning of July 18, 2019, Aoba broke into the building of KyoAni studio, spread gasoline around the ground floor, lit it and shouted "Drop dead," the news agency AFP reported citing the arson's survivors. Thirty-six people were killed and 32 others were injured in the incident. Many of the victims were young people, including a 21-year-old woman. Aoba suffered burns in the fire that covered 90 per cent of his body and he reportedly needed 12 operations. > The fire quickly spread inside the studio. AFP reported that many victims were found on a spiral stairwell leading to the roof, suggesting they were overcome as they desperately tried to escape. Firefighters called the incident "unprecedented" and said that rescuing people was "extremely difficult." > The fire was brought under control on July 19. The Kyoto police had said that some victims were difficult to identify as they had been burnt beyond recognition. According to autopsy results that were released on July 22, the majority of the victims died due to burns rather than carbon monoxide poisoning. Also watch | Japan's burning plane: What's the real story? × > After awaiting his recovery from life-threatening injuries for over ten months, Shinji Aoba was arrested on May 27, 2020, on charges of murder and arson. He pleaded guilty to starting the arson at the studio. > What was the reason for the crime? According to Japanese media, Aoba held a grudge against the studio, known for the series "Violet Evergarden" and other popular works, believing that it had plagiarised his novel. This allegation was denied by KyoAni. The incident prompted condolences from world leaders and business executives. > Founded in 1981 by a husband and wife, KyoAni is a household name for anime fans, responsible for popular TV series including "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" and "K-ON!" > Following the arson, US animation distributor Sentai Filmworks launched a crowdfunding campaign to help KyoAni get back on its feet. The crowdfunding campaign generated over $2 million. > Earlier, Aoba's lawyers entered a plea of not guilty, saying he "did not have the capacity to distinguish between good and bad and to stop committing the crime due to a mental disorder." > However on Thursday (Jan 25, 2024), the judge of the Kyoto District Court ruled that the 45-year-old man was "neither insane nor suffering diminished mental capacity at the time of the crime," a report by the NHK said. Later, the court handed a sentence of capital punishment. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan anime arsonist gets death penalty: Timeline of 2019 studio fire that killed 36

<p>The Boeing 737 Max 9 might be back in service in the United States after the country's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Wednesday (Jan 24) announced that it approved an inspection procedure for the grounded aircraft. The FAA warned that the Jan 5 incident involving the aircraft operated by Alaska Airlines must not happen again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>We are tracking all live updates on the Middle East crisis. At the time of writing the morning brief, the latest update is that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it is investigating a strike on a United Nations shelter in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis. The strike reportedly killed nine people and wounded 75 others.</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, Russia said on Wednesday that an IL-76 military transport plane crashed in the western Belgorod region, bordering Ukraine, killing all 74 on board. Moscow has accused Kyiv of deliberately shooting down the aircraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/boeing-737-max-9s-may-return-to-operations-as-us-aviation-watchdog-approves-inspection-procedure-683374"><strong>Boeing 737 Max 9s may return to operations as US aviation watchdog approves inspection procedure</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/25/407817-wion-images-2024-01-25t091610600.png?imwidth=500" /></p>

<p>The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), on Wednesday (Jan 24) announced that it has approved an inspection procedure for grounded Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft which may pave the way for 171 grounded planes to come back into service.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-live-updates-israel-to-probe-attack-on-un-shelter-in-gaza-two-us-flagged-ships-attacked-by-houthis-683351">Middle East crisis LIVE updates: IDF probes deadly attack on UN shelter in Gaza</a></strong></p>

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<p>The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it is&nbsp;investigating a strike on a&nbsp;United Nations shelter in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, which reportedly killed nine people and wounded others.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-military-plane-carrying-65-ukrainian-pows-crashes-683159">Russia blames Ukraine of deliberately shooting down&nbsp;Russian military transport plane which killed 74</a></strong></p>

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<p>Russia on Wednesday accused Ukraine of&nbsp;deliberately shooting down a Russian military transport aircraft that killed all 74 on board.&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;called for full clarification of the circumstances of the incident and did not directly confirm it had shot down the plane.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-india-hailed-as-most-long-standing-ally-by-opposition-amid-muizzus-pro-china-stance-683381"><strong>Maldives: India hailed as 'most long-standing ally' by Opposition amid Muizzu's pro-China stance</strong></a></p>

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<p>India-Maldives ties: In the wake of an escalating diplomatic tussle between India and the Maldives, the latter's two major Opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats, jointly expressed apprehension about President Muizzu's government's 'anti-India stance' during a press conference on Wednesday (Jan 24).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Microsoft hits $3 trillion market value, close to Apple</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Boeing 737 Max 9 might be back in service in the United States after the country's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Wednesday (Jan 24) announced that it approved an inspection procedure for the grounded aircraft.

The Boeing 737 Max 9 might be back in service in the United States after the country's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Wednesday (Jan 24) announced that it approved an inspection procedure for the grounded aircraft. The FAA warned that the Jan 5 incident involving the aircraft operated by Alaska Airlines must not happen again. We are tracking all live updates on the Middle East crisis. At the time of writing the morning brief, the latest update is that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it is investigating a strike on a United Nations shelter in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis. The strike reportedly killed nine people and wounded 75 others. In other news from around the world, Russia said on Wednesday that an IL-76 military transport plane crashed in the western Belgorod region, bordering Ukraine, killing all 74 on board. Moscow has accused Kyiv of deliberately shooting down the aircraft. Click on the headlines to read more: Boeing 737 Max 9s may return to operations as US aviation watchdog approves inspection procedure The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), on Wednesday (Jan 24) announced that it has approved an inspection procedure for grounded Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft which may pave the way for 171 grounded planes to come back into service. Middle East crisis LIVE updates: IDF probes deadly attack on UN shelter in Gaza The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it is investigating a strike on a United Nations shelter in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, which reportedly killed nine people and wounded others. Russia blames Ukraine of deliberately shooting down Russian military transport plane which killed 74 Russia on Wednesday accused Ukraine of deliberately shooting down a Russian military transport aircraft that killed all 74 on board. Ukraine called for full clarification of the circumstances of the incident and did not directly confirm it had shot down the plane. Maldives: India hailed as 'most long-standing ally' by Opposition amid Muizzu's pro-China stance India-Maldives ties: In the wake of an escalating diplomatic tussle between India and the Maldives, the latter's two major Opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats, jointly expressed apprehension about President Muizzu's government's 'anti-India stance' during a press conference on Wednesday (Jan 24). Watch | Microsoft hits $3 trillion market value, close to Apple ×

Morning brief: Boeing 737 Max 9 may return to service in US; Middle East crisis updates, and more

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<p>The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) started its biggest military exercise in decades on Wednesday (Jan 24). In a statement, NATO said, "Exercise Steadfast Defender 24, NATO’s largest exercise in decades, began on Wednesday, Jan 24, 2024, as the dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) departed Norfolk, Virginia, United States and following a series of operations will commence her transit across the Atlantic."</p>

<p>"The departure of USS Gunston Hall marks the first tactical movement of Steadfast Defender 24. His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Charlottetown, will depart Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada for Europe later this month," the statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 90,000 troops from member states are participating in the exercise that will run through May.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A rapid deployment of forces</strong></h2>

<p>NATO said on Wednesday that Steadfast Defender 24 would highlight the intergovernmental military organisation's ability to deploy forces rapidly from North America and other parts of the alliance to reinforce the defence of Europe.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-signs-11-billion-euro-contract-for-155mm-artillery-ammunition-682969">NATO signs 1.1 billion euro contract for 155mm artillery ammunition</a></strong></p>

<p>Over 50 ships from aircraft carriers to destroyers are taking part in the drills, including over 80 fighter jets, helicopters and drones. At least 1,100 combat vehicles including 133 tanks and 533 infantry fighting vehicles have been deployed.</p>

<p>Steadfast Defender 24 comes amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine which will soon enter its third year. A top document by NATO had identified Russia as the most significant and direct threat to the alliance's security.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Irrevocable return of NATO to Cold War schemes'</strong></h2>

<p>Last Sunday (Jan 21), Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said that Steadfast Defender 24 marked an irrevocable return of the alliance to Cold War schemes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;NATO's biggest military exercise: Know who will participate, major locations</strong></p>

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<p>"These exercises are another element of the hybrid war unleashed by the West against Russia," Deputy Foreign Minister Grushko told the RIA news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"An exercise of this scale ... marks the final and irrevocable return of NATO to the Cold War schemes, when the military planning process, resources and infrastructure are being prepared for confrontation with Russia," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) started its biggest military exercise in decades on Wednesday (Jan 24). In a statement, NATO said, "Exercise Steadfast Defender 24, NATO’s largest exercise in decades, began on Wednesday, Jan 24, 2024, as the dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) departed Norfolk, Virginia, United States and following a series of operations will commence her transit across the Atlantic.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) started its biggest military exercise in decades on Wednesday (Jan 24). In a statement, NATO said, "Exercise Steadfast Defender 24, NATO’s largest exercise in decades, began on Wednesday, Jan 24, 2024, as the dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) departed Norfolk, Virginia, United States and following a series of operations will commence her transit across the Atlantic." "The departure of USS Gunston Hall marks the first tactical movement of Steadfast Defender 24. His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Charlottetown, will depart Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada for Europe later this month," the statement said. Around 90,000 troops from member states are participating in the exercise that will run through May. A rapid deployment of forces NATO said on Wednesday that Steadfast Defender 24 would highlight the intergovernmental military organisation's ability to deploy forces rapidly from North America and other parts of the alliance to reinforce the defence of Europe. Also read | NATO signs 1.1 billion euro contract for 155mm artillery ammunition Over 50 ships from aircraft carriers to destroyers are taking part in the drills, including over 80 fighter jets, helicopters and drones. At least 1,100 combat vehicles including 133 tanks and 533 infantry fighting vehicles have been deployed. Steadfast Defender 24 comes amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine which will soon enter its third year. A top document by NATO had identified Russia as the most significant and direct threat to the alliance's security. 'Irrevocable return of NATO to Cold War schemes' Last Sunday (Jan 21), Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said that Steadfast Defender 24 marked an irrevocable return of the alliance to Cold War schemes. Also watch | NATO's biggest military exercise: Know who will participate, major locations × "These exercises are another element of the hybrid war unleashed by the West against Russia," Deputy Foreign Minister Grushko told the RIA news agency. "An exercise of this scale ... marks the final and irrevocable return of NATO to the Cold War schemes, when the military planning process, resources and infrastructure are being prepared for confrontation with Russia," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Steadfast Defender 24 : NATO begins its biggest military exercise in decades

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Jan 25) kicked off his Lok Sabha election campaign in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr. In Bulandshahar, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated multiple development projects worth over $2.29 billion (around Rs 19,100 crore). Earlier, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that these projects are related to several important sectors like rail, road, oil and gas and urban development and housing," the statement said.</p>

<p>Modi dedicated to the nation the 173 Km-long double-electrified section between New Khurja - and New Rewari on the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) by flagging off goods trains from the two stations through video conferencing. The PMO said that the new DFC section is important as it establishes crucial connectivity between Western and Eastern DFCs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"...No government has done as much work for the farmers as our government. In the last 10 years, our small farmers have got the direct benefit of every public welfare scheme," Modi said during the rally.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/macron-in-india-french-president-modi-to-hold-talks-tour-jaipur-city-on-thursday-683324">Macron in India: French president, Modi to hold talks, tour Jaipur city on Thursday</a></strong></p>

<p>"I saw that some media channels were saying that Modi is set to sound the poll bugle (for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections) today. Modi sounds bugle of development...Modi doesn't need to sound the poll bugle, the public does this for Modi," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | PM Modi addressing a public rally in UP's Bulandshahr, "...In the last 10 years of our government, 25 crore people have been alleviated from poverty...Aapka sapna hi mera sankalp hai." <a href="https://t.co/wKgOG4BSOQ">pic.twitter.com/wKgOG4BSOQ</a></p>
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<p>Modi also dedicated multiple road development projects to the nation and will inaugurate Indian Oil's Tundla-Gawaria Pipeline. The pipeline has been built for $84.18 million, and this 255-kilometre pipeline project has been completed well ahead of the scheduled time.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Deepfake threat in Lok Sabha polls</strong></p>

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<p>Further, Modi inaugurated the Integrated Industrial Township at Greater Noida&nbsp;(IITGN), and the renovated Mathura sewerage scheme, including the construction of the sewage treatment plant (STP).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Leaders and workers of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been actively involved in preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha election, anticipating a significant turnout in Bulandshahr, a report by the news agency IANS said. The BJP holds eight out of 14 seats in western Uttar Pradesh, with defeats in six constituencies in 2019.</p>

<p>The report added that PM Modi is set to connect with voters and supporters in previously contested areas, sharing the secret for victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Jan 25) kicked off his Lok Sabha election campaign in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr. In Bulandshahar, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated multiple development projects worth over $2.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Jan 25) kicked off his Lok Sabha election campaign in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr. In Bulandshahar, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated multiple development projects worth over $2.29 billion (around Rs 19,100 crore). Earlier, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that these projects are related to several important sectors like rail, road, oil and gas and urban development and housing," the statement said. Modi dedicated to the nation the 173 Km-long double-electrified section between New Khurja - and New Rewari on the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) by flagging off goods trains from the two stations through video conferencing. The PMO said that the new DFC section is important as it establishes crucial connectivity between Western and Eastern DFCs. "...No government has done as much work for the farmers as our government. In the last 10 years, our small farmers have got the direct benefit of every public welfare scheme," Modi said during the rally. Also read | Macron in India: French president, Modi to hold talks, tour Jaipur city on Thursday "I saw that some media channels were saying that Modi is set to sound the poll bugle (for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections) today. Modi sounds bugle of development...Modi doesn't need to sound the poll bugle, the public does this for Modi," he added. #WATCH | PM Modi addressing a public rally in UP's Bulandshahr, "...In the last 10 years of our government, 25 crore people have been alleviated from poverty...Aapka sapna hi mera sankalp hai." pic.twitter.com/wKgOG4BSOQ — ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2024 × Modi also dedicated multiple road development projects to the nation and will inaugurate Indian Oil's Tundla-Gawaria Pipeline. The pipeline has been built for $84.18 million, and this 255-kilometre pipeline project has been completed well ahead of the scheduled time. Also watch | Deepfake threat in Lok Sabha polls × Further, Modi inaugurated the Integrated Industrial Township at Greater Noida (IITGN), and the renovated Mathura sewerage scheme, including the construction of the sewage treatment plant (STP). Leaders and workers of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been actively involved in preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha election, anticipating a significant turnout in Bulandshahr, a report by the news agency IANS said. The BJP holds eight out of 14 seats in western Uttar Pradesh, with defeats in six constituencies in 2019. The report added that PM Modi is set to connect with voters and supporters in previously contested areas, sharing the secret for victory. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha election 2024: Indian PM Modi launches poll campaign with rally in UP's Bulandshahr

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<p>Sanjay Shah, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vistex, died in a freak accident during a company event that was being held at the Ramoji Film City in&nbsp;Hyderabad in Indian state of Telangana, according to media reports on Friday (Jan 19). Vistex is based in Illinois and was holding a two-day celebration for its silver jubilee at the Ramoji Film City, a report by the Times of India (TOI) said.</p>

<p>On Thursday, Shah and his colleague, Vistex's President Vishwanath Raju Datla were being lowered from an iron cage with the help of ropes and pulleys onto the dais to kickstart the celebrations,&nbsp;told a company official to&nbsp;TOI.</p>

<h2><strong>Shah is dead, and Datla battling for life</strong></h2>

<p>The official said that suddenly, one of the wires attached to the cage snapped, and both the men plunged over 15 feet and landed on the concrete dais. They were rushed to a local hospital and later to a corporate hospital where their condition deteriorated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shah, 56, died of his injuries,&nbsp;while Datla was battling for his life, the report added. Speaking to the publication, a police official said a rolling machine was pulling the cage when the strings broke, adding the compartment collapsed at great speed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report also said that a case was registered under sections 304A and 336 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Those booked included the management of Ramoji Film City, its senior event manager, and the chief manager of security.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who was Sanjay Shah?</strong></h2>

<p>Sanjay Shah was the founder, CEO, and chief architect of Vistex which specialises in revenue management solutions.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>According to his LinkedIn profile, Shah completed his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in 1989 from Lehigh University's College of Business.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vistex was founded in 1999 and currently has 20 offices across the world and more than 2,000 employees. Some of the company's clients include Heinz, Nvidia, Whirlpool, and Sony.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Sanjay Shah, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vistex, died in a freak accident during a company event that was being held at the Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad in Indian state of Telangana, according to media reports on Friday (Jan 19).

Sanjay Shah, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vistex, died in a freak accident during a company event that was being held at the Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad in Indian state of Telangana, according to media reports on Friday (Jan 19). Vistex is based in Illinois and was holding a two-day celebration for its silver jubilee at the Ramoji Film City, a report by the Times of India (TOI) said. On Thursday, Shah and his colleague, Vistex's President Vishwanath Raju Datla were being lowered from an iron cage with the help of ropes and pulleys onto the dais to kickstart the celebrations, told a company official to TOI. Shah is dead, and Datla battling for life The official said that suddenly, one of the wires attached to the cage snapped, and both the men plunged over 15 feet and landed on the concrete dais. They were rushed to a local hospital and later to a corporate hospital where their condition deteriorated. Shah, 56, died of his injuries, while Datla was battling for his life, the report added. Speaking to the publication, a police official said a rolling machine was pulling the cage when the strings broke, adding the compartment collapsed at great speed. The report also said that a case was registered under sections 304A and 336 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Those booked included the management of Ramoji Film City, its senior event manager, and the chief manager of security. Who was Sanjay Shah? Sanjay Shah was the founder, CEO, and chief architect of Vistex which specialises in revenue management solutions. According to his LinkedIn profile, Shah completed his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in 1989 from Lehigh University's College of Business. Vistex was founded in 1999 and currently has 20 offices across the world and more than 2,000 employees. Some of the company's clients include Heinz, Nvidia, Whirlpool, and Sony. (With inputs from agencies)

How an iron cage for his company's silver jubilee event killed a US-based Indian CEO

<p>We are tracking live updates on the grand Ram Temple consecration ceremony which will take place in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Monday (Jan 22). Ahead of the event, security has been bolstered in UP as well as India's national capital New Delhi. The 51-inch-tall Ram Lalla idol by sculptor Arun Yogiraj has been placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in Ayodhya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan and Iran have agreed to de-escalate tensions after both countries traded deadly airstrikes on militant targets in each other's territory this week. The military actions in the porous border region of Baluchistan killed 11 people.</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah warned Israel that there will be a response in case of continued escalation of its offensive in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-ram-temple-live-updates-with-2-days-to-go-before-inauguration-security-bolstered-in-up-delhi-681710"><strong>Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: With 2 days to go before consecration, security bolstered in UP, Delhi</strong></a></p>

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<p>With the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya just two days away, all&nbsp;central government hospitals in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and nearby states have been asked to be on alert on Jan 22, media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-iran-agree-to-de-escalate-tensions-after-trading-deadly-airstrikes-681721"><strong>Pakistan, Iran agree to de-escalate tensions after trading deadly airstrikes</strong></a></p>

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<p>Pakistan and Iran have agreed to de-escalate tensions after both countries traded deadly airstrikes on militant targets in each other's territory this week. The military actions in the porous border region of Baluchistan -- split between Pakistan and Iran- had stoked regional tensions which are already enflamed by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-get-real-slap-in-the-face-if-aggression-expanded-warns-hezbollah-681717"><strong>Israel to get 'real slap in the face' if aggression expanded, warns Hezbollah</strong></a></p>

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<p>With Israel continuing to pound southern Lebanon, a top Hezbollah official on Friday (Jan 19) gave a stern warning to the "enemy" Jewish country that there will be a response in case of continued escalation.&nbsp;It is noteworthy that the Lebanon-Israel border has witnessed frequent cross-border attacks since the commencement of the conflict in Gaza.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musks-starlink-has-knocked-on-indias-door-positive-response-likely-by-jan-24-681720"><strong>Elon Musk's Starlink has knocked on India's door. Positive response likely by Jan 24</strong></a></p>

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<p>Elon Musk's Starlink is reportedly on the brink of securing regulatory approval to roll out its space-based broadband services in India. According to initial reports, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has sought clarification from Starlink about its shareholding pattern.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;World Tourism Organisation's optimistic forecast</strong></p>

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We are tracking live updates on the grand Ram Temple consecration ceremony which will take place in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Monday (Jan 22). Ahead of the event, security has been bolstered in UP as well as India's national capital New Delhi.

We are tracking live updates on the grand Ram Temple consecration ceremony which will take place in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Monday (Jan 22). Ahead of the event, security has been bolstered in UP as well as India's national capital New Delhi. The 51-inch-tall Ram Lalla idol by sculptor Arun Yogiraj has been placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in Ayodhya. Pakistan and Iran have agreed to de-escalate tensions after both countries traded deadly airstrikes on militant targets in each other's territory this week. The military actions in the porous border region of Baluchistan killed 11 people. In other news from around the world, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah warned Israel that there will be a response in case of continued escalation of its offensive in the Gaza Strip. Click on the headlines to read more: Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: With 2 days to go before consecration, security bolstered in UP, Delhi With the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya just two days away, all central government hospitals in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and nearby states have been asked to be on alert on Jan 22, media reports said. Pakistan, Iran agree to de-escalate tensions after trading deadly airstrikes Pakistan and Iran have agreed to de-escalate tensions after both countries traded deadly airstrikes on militant targets in each other's territory this week. The military actions in the porous border region of Baluchistan -- split between Pakistan and Iran- had stoked regional tensions which are already enflamed by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israel to get 'real slap in the face' if aggression expanded, warns Hezbollah With Israel continuing to pound southern Lebanon, a top Hezbollah official on Friday (Jan 19) gave a stern warning to the "enemy" Jewish country that there will be a response in case of continued escalation. It is noteworthy that the Lebanon-Israel border has witnessed frequent cross-border attacks since the commencement of the conflict in Gaza. Elon Musk's Starlink has knocked on India's door. Positive response likely by Jan 24 Elon Musk's Starlink is reportedly on the brink of securing regulatory approval to roll out its space-based broadband services in India. According to initial reports, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has sought clarification from Starlink about its shareholding pattern. Also watch | World Tourism Organisation's optimistic forecast ×

Morning brief: Security beefed up ahead of Ram Temple event; Pak-Iran tensions, and more

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<p>The US state of New Mexico has said that children using Instagram and Facebook have been frequent targets of sexual harassment. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Wednesday (Jan 17), an internal Meta Platforms presentation in 2021 estimated that 100,000 minors each day received photos of adult genitalia or other sexually abusive content.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This finding is among newly unredacted material about the company’s child-safety policies in a lawsuit filed by New Mexico last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lawsuit alleged that Meta recommended sexual content to underage users and promoted underage accounts to predatory adult users. In a 2021 internal document, Meta employees noted that "People You May Know" (PYMK)- one of the recommended algorithms of the platform, was known among employees to connect child users with potential predators.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dark-side-of-social-media-do-x-facebook-instagram-care-about-your-mental-health-wion-investigates-679040">Dark side of social media: Do X, Facebook, Instagram care about your mental health? WION&nbsp;investigates</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the lawsuit, the above finding had been flagged to the executive several years earlier. The report said that the executives rejected a staff recommendation that Meta adjust the design of PYMK to stop it from recommending minors to adults.</p>

<h2><strong>'Meta failed to address widespread predation'</strong></h2>

<p>New Mexico alleged that Meta has failed to address widespread predation on its platform or limit design features that recommended children to adults with malicious intentions. The state's lawsuit further said that instead of publicly acknowledging internal findings, the company falsely assured people that its platforms were safe.</p>

<p>The report said that much of the internal discussion in the unredacted material focused on Instagram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an internal email in 2020, employees reported that the prevalence of “sex talk” to minors was 38 times greater on Instagram than on Facebook Messenger in the US. The employees urged Meta to enact more safeguards on the platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Meta's Instagram under fire for showing sexual videos of young users</strong></p>

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<p>In that year, a presentation called “Child Safety: State of Play” said that Instagram employed “minimal child safety protections” and described policies regarding “minor sexualisation” as “immature.”</p>

<p>Meta officials did not take action to prevent adults from sexually soliciting children until late 2022, the lawsuit further alleged.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The WSJ report also said that rather than broadly stopping recommendations of&nbsp;the accounts of children to adults,&nbsp;Instagram and Facebook&nbsp;sought to block such suggestions to adults who already demonstrated suspicious behaviour towards children.</p>

<p>Apart from New Mexico, over 40 other states in the US sued Meta in October last year alleging the company misled people about the dangers that its platforms posed to young people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US state of New Mexico has said that children using Instagram and Facebook have been frequent targets of sexual harassment. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Wednesday (Jan 17), an internal Meta Platforms presentation in 2021 estimated that 100,000 minors each day received photos of adult genitalia or other sexually abusive content.

The US state of New Mexico has said that children using Instagram and Facebook have been frequent targets of sexual harassment. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Wednesday (Jan 17), an internal Meta Platforms presentation in 2021 estimated that 100,000 minors each day received photos of adult genitalia or other sexually abusive content. This finding is among newly unredacted material about the company’s child-safety policies in a lawsuit filed by New Mexico last month. The lawsuit alleged that Meta recommended sexual content to underage users and promoted underage accounts to predatory adult users. In a 2021 internal document, Meta employees noted that "People You May Know" (PYMK)- one of the recommended algorithms of the platform, was known among employees to connect child users with potential predators. Also read | Dark side of social media: Do X, Facebook, Instagram care about your mental health? WION investigates According to the lawsuit, the above finding had been flagged to the executive several years earlier. The report said that the executives rejected a staff recommendation that Meta adjust the design of PYMK to stop it from recommending minors to adults. 'Meta failed to address widespread predation' New Mexico alleged that Meta has failed to address widespread predation on its platform or limit design features that recommended children to adults with malicious intentions. The state's lawsuit further said that instead of publicly acknowledging internal findings, the company falsely assured people that its platforms were safe. The report said that much of the internal discussion in the unredacted material focused on Instagram. In an internal email in 2020, employees reported that the prevalence of “sex talk” to minors was 38 times greater on Instagram than on Facebook Messenger in the US. The employees urged Meta to enact more safeguards on the platform. Also watch | Meta's Instagram under fire for showing sexual videos of young users × In that year, a presentation called “Child Safety: State of Play” said that Instagram employed “minimal child safety protections” and described policies regarding “minor sexualisation” as “immature.” Meta officials did not take action to prevent adults from sexually soliciting children until late 2022, the lawsuit further alleged. The WSJ report also said that rather than broadly stopping recommendations of the accounts of children to adults, Instagram and Facebook sought to block such suggestions to adults who already demonstrated suspicious behaviour towards children. Apart from New Mexico, over 40 other states in the US sued Meta in October last year alleging the company misled people about the dangers that its platforms posed to young people. (With inputs from agencies)

US state says children on Instagram, Facebook are often targets of sexual harassment: Report

Adesanya Responds to new UFC Middleweight Champ Du Plessis’ Call-Out

UFC 297: Du Plessis Defeats Strickland to Clinch Title 

Dricus Du Plessis (South Africa) outpointed Sean Strickland (United States) to claim the UFC Middleweight title in a split-decision win at UFC 297 at the Scotiabank Arena, Toronto on Jan 20. Du Plessis became South Africa’s first world champion in the promotion. 

In his post-fight interview, Du Plessis called out former UFC Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya (New Zealand). “There was another guy who tried to take my shine. He lost his shine, now I have your shine. He didn’t get into the cage tonight, but Israel Adesanya, get your a** back in the cage so we can settle the score,” he said. 

‘Never Stole Shine. Never...’: Adesanya responds 

In an Instagram story, Adesanya responded to the new champion’s call out by saying, “Never stole shine. Never lost mine!!” In another post, Adesanya said, “This arc in my story was written long ago. Our paths are destined to cross again. Stay tuned for the next episode, thanks for watching. We Write History.” 

Adesanya has taken a break from fighting after he lost the Middleweight belt to Strickland at UFC 293 in Sept last year. Du Plessis and Adesanya were supposed to face each other at UFC 293 but the South African suffered an injury and Strickland stepped in for the title shot. Du Plessis said he is ready for UFC 300 in April but it is not yet known if Adesanya would be eager to fight at that time. 

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<p>A former journalist from Britain, who was the prime suspect in one of the most notorious murders in Ireland, died on Sunday (Jan 21) at the age of 66, British media reported. According to a report by The Guardian, journalist Ian Bailey suffered a heart attack. Bailey lived in the public eye for almost 30 years as the main suspect in the 1996 murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier.</p>

<p>Sophie, a French filmmaker was killed near her holiday home in West Cork, Ireland. Speaking to The Guardian, Frank Buttimer, a solicitor who represented Bailey, said the 66-year-old journalist had been unwell with a heart condition and had a heart attack on a street in Bantry on Sunday. "Time caught up with him in the end," Buttimer said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-woman-sentenced-to-26-years-in-prison-for-role-in-mothers-suitcase-murder-681157">US woman sentenced to 26 years in prison for role in mother’s ‘suitcase murder’ in Bali</a></strong></p>

<p>“I imagine his death was sad and somewhat lonely. He died a prisoner in Ireland,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The murder case</strong></h2>

<p>Sophie was attacked outside her holiday home in West Cork on Dec 23, 1996. She was 39 years old. Bailey lived nearby the area, and filed scoops about the case to newspapers, only to become the story himself when he was arrested, The Guardian reported.</p>

<p>According to detectives, the journalist had the opportunity, the scratch marks, and a record of domestic violence. However, there was no evidence, and a witness who said she saw him that night, retracted her testimony.</p>

<p>The report said that Bailey sued newspapers for libel and the Irish state for wrongful arrest. He denied any involvement in the murder. A report by the BBC said that the 66-year-old was convicted in France for the crime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In May 2019, a court in Paris convicted Bailey in absentia for Sophie's murder and he was sentenced to 25 years in prison. He was not present in the court for the French proceedings and hence could not appeal the verdict.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a high court in Ireland blocked his extradition to France, the report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A former journalist from Britain, who was the prime suspect in one of the most notorious murders in Ireland, died on Sunday (Jan 21) at the age of 66, British media reported.

A former journalist from Britain, who was the prime suspect in one of the most notorious murders in Ireland, died on Sunday (Jan 21) at the age of 66, British media reported. According to a report by The Guardian, journalist Ian Bailey suffered a heart attack. Bailey lived in the public eye for almost 30 years as the main suspect in the 1996 murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier. Sophie, a French filmmaker was killed near her holiday home in West Cork, Ireland. Speaking to The Guardian, Frank Buttimer, a solicitor who represented Bailey, said the 66-year-old journalist had been unwell with a heart condition and had a heart attack on a street in Bantry on Sunday. "Time caught up with him in the end," Buttimer said. Also read: US woman sentenced to 26 years in prison for role in mother’s ‘suitcase murder’ in Bali “I imagine his death was sad and somewhat lonely. He died a prisoner in Ireland,” he added. The murder case Sophie was attacked outside her holiday home in West Cork on Dec 23, 1996. She was 39 years old. Bailey lived nearby the area, and filed scoops about the case to newspapers, only to become the story himself when he was arrested, The Guardian reported. According to detectives, the journalist had the opportunity, the scratch marks, and a record of domestic violence. However, there was no evidence, and a witness who said she saw him that night, retracted her testimony. The report said that Bailey sued newspapers for libel and the Irish state for wrongful arrest. He denied any involvement in the murder. A report by the BBC said that the 66-year-old was convicted in France for the crime. In May 2019, a court in Paris convicted Bailey in absentia for Sophie's murder and he was sentenced to 25 years in prison. He was not present in the court for the French proceedings and hence could not appeal the verdict. Meanwhile, a high court in Ireland blocked his extradition to France, the report said. (With inputs from agencies)

Sophie Toscan murder: Journalist, one of the case's prime suspects, dies

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<p>Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Sunday (Jan 21) withdrew from the upcoming United States presidential race and endorsed his fellow Republican Donald Trump. DeSantis, 45, had been widely seen as a top contender for the Republican nomination and a natural heir to Trump due to his combative style and deeply conservative views. However, he dropped out of the race, nearly a week after Vivek Ramaswamy ended his presidential bid.</p>

<p>According to a report by&nbsp;news agency Reuters, DeSantis' support had been declining in recent months due to flawed campaign strategy, his seeming lack of ease with voters on the campaign trail, and Trump's so far unshakeable hold on much of the party's base.</p>

<p>"We've had disagreements with Donald Trump, such as on the coronavirus pandemic and his elevation of Anthony Fauci. Trump is superior to the current incumbent, Joe Biden. That is clear. I signed a pledge to support the Republican nominee, and I will honour that pledge," DeSantis said on Sunday as he announced his suspension from the presidential campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ron-desantis-drops-out-of-us-presidential-race-extends-support-to-trump-682197">Ron DeSantis drops out of US presidential race, extends support to Trump</a></strong></p>

<p>"He (Trump) has my endorsement because we can't go back to the old Republican Guard of yesteryear, a repackage formed of warmed-over corporatism that Nikki Haley represents," the Florida governor added.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Ron DeSantis?</strong></h2>

<p>DeSantis was born in Jacksonville, Florida on Sept 14, 1978. After completing his schooling, DeSantis studied for his bachelor's in history at Yale University, graduating in 2001, and then went on to study at Harvard Law School, graduating in 2005.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vivek-ramaswamy-quits-2024-us-presidential-race-who-is-the-republican-680422">Who is Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican who exited 2024 US presidential race?</a></strong></p>

<p>While at Harvard Law School, he was commissioned as an officer in the US Navy and, upon graduation, joined the service's Judge Advocate General Corps as an attorney.</p>

<p>In that role, DeSantis was assigned to the military prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where he oversaw the treatment of detainees. Later, he was deployed to Iraq to advise a team of Navy SEALs.</p>

<p>After active-duty service, Ron served as a federal prosecutor. Following his time in the navy, DeSantis along with his two friends from law school, founded a Law School Admission Test (LSAT) preparation company called LSAT Freedom.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Entry in politics</strong></h2>

<p>DeSantis worked briefly as an assistant US attorney in Florida before a successful bid for a US&nbsp;congressional seat in 2012. He served in Congress before running for governor in 2018.</p>

<p>He became Florida's governor in 2019. Reuters reported that DeSantis was largely&nbsp;unknown in Florida when he sought the governor's office and was not favoured to win the Republican nomination. However, an endorsement from Trump, who was then the US president, helped DeSantis ultimately win the election in Nov 2018.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US Elections 2024: Now Nikki Haley to take on Donald Trump</strong></p>

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<p>DeSantis was reelected as governor four years later. Trump has taken credit for DeSantis' win since he endorsed him and accused the Florida governor of being disloyal for considering challenging him for the presidential nomination.</p>

<h2><strong>Views on policies</strong></h2>

<p>DeSantis has opposed many of the policies advocated by the US government to prevent the spread of Covid such as wearing masks and vaccine mandates. Last year, he announced a proposal to ban Covid mandates in Florida. His proposal included permanently banning masks throughout the state, prohibiting mask and vaccine requirements in schools, and prohibiting employers from hiring or firing based on Covid vaccines.</p>

<p>DeSantis is a persistent critic of federal immigration policies. He has pushed the state legislature to pass prohibitions against the teaching of "Critical Race Theory."</p>

<p>The governor has also been embroiled in a public fight with Disney, which had been critical of his efforts to limit school instruction on gender identity.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Sunday (Jan 21) withdrew from the upcoming United States presidential race and endorsed his fellow Republican Donald Trump. DeSantis, 45, had been widely seen as a top contender for the Republican nomination and a natural heir to Trump due to his combative style and deeply conservative views.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Sunday (Jan 21) withdrew from the upcoming United States presidential race and endorsed his fellow Republican Donald Trump. DeSantis, 45, had been widely seen as a top contender for the Republican nomination and a natural heir to Trump due to his combative style and deeply conservative views. However, he dropped out of the race, nearly a week after Vivek Ramaswamy ended his presidential bid. According to a report by news agency Reuters, DeSantis' support had been declining in recent months due to flawed campaign strategy, his seeming lack of ease with voters on the campaign trail, and Trump's so far unshakeable hold on much of the party's base. "We've had disagreements with Donald Trump, such as on the coronavirus pandemic and his elevation of Anthony Fauci. Trump is superior to the current incumbent, Joe Biden. That is clear. I signed a pledge to support the Republican nominee, and I will honour that pledge," DeSantis said on Sunday as he announced his suspension from the presidential campaign. Also read | Ron DeSantis drops out of US presidential race, extends support to Trump "He (Trump) has my endorsement because we can't go back to the old Republican Guard of yesteryear, a repackage formed of warmed-over corporatism that Nikki Haley represents," the Florida governor added. Who is Ron DeSantis? DeSantis was born in Jacksonville, Florida on Sept 14, 1978. After completing his schooling, DeSantis studied for his bachelor's in history at Yale University, graduating in 2001, and then went on to study at Harvard Law School, graduating in 2005. Also read | Who is Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican who exited 2024 US presidential race? While at Harvard Law School, he was commissioned as an officer in the US Navy and, upon graduation, joined the service's Judge Advocate General Corps as an attorney. In that role, DeSantis was assigned to the military prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where he oversaw the treatment of detainees. Later, he was deployed to Iraq to advise a team of Navy SEALs. After active-duty service, Ron served as a federal prosecutor. Following his time in the navy, DeSantis along with his two friends from law school, founded a Law School Admission Test (LSAT) preparation company called LSAT Freedom. Entry in politics DeSantis worked briefly as an assistant US attorney in Florida before a successful bid for a US congressional seat in 2012. He served in Congress before running for governor in 2018. He became Florida's governor in 2019. Reuters reported that DeSantis was largely unknown in Florida when he sought the governor's office and was not favoured to win the Republican nomination. However, an endorsement from Trump, who was then the US president, helped DeSantis ultimately win the election in Nov 2018. Also watch | US Elections 2024: Now Nikki Haley to take on Donald Trump × DeSantis was reelected as governor four years later. Trump has taken credit for DeSantis' win since he endorsed him and accused the Florida governor of being disloyal for considering challenging him for the presidential nomination. Views on policies DeSantis has opposed many of the policies advocated by the US government to prevent the spread of Covid such as wearing masks and vaccine mandates. Last year, he announced a proposal to ban Covid mandates in Florida. His proposal included permanently banning masks throughout the state, prohibiting mask and vaccine requirements in schools, and prohibiting employers from hiring or firing based on Covid vaccines. DeSantis is a persistent critic of federal immigration policies. He has pushed the state legislature to pass prohibitions against the teaching of "Critical Race Theory." The governor has also been embroiled in a public fight with Disney, which had been critical of his efforts to limit school instruction on gender identity. (With inputs from agencies)

Ron DeSantis withdraws from 2024 US presidential race. Who is he?

<p>A landslide in China's Yunnan province early Monday (Jan 22) killed eight&nbsp;people and forced the evacuation of 200 others. The tragedy occurred at around 6 am local time in the village of Liangshui, under Tangfang in Zhenxiong County, AP news agency reported.</p>

<p>At least 47 people from 18 households were missing. Eight of the missing people were found dead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rescue efforts were underway to find victims buried in 18 separate houses, said the county publicity department. The report said the cause of the landslide was not immediately known.</p>

<p>However, photos from the scene appeared to show snow on the ground. A report by Al Jazeera, meanwhile, said that 500 people had been evacuated.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-to-63-as-tanzania-reels-from-flooding-landslides-666312">Death toll rises to 63 as Tanzania reels from flooding, landslides</a></strong></p>

<p>China has experienced a string of natural disasters in recent months. This landslide in Yunnan came just a month after China experienced its most powerful earthquake in years in a remote region between Gansu and Qinghai provinces.</p>

<p>The earthquake, which was of 6.2 magnitude, killed at least 149 people on Dec 18, reducing homes to rubble and triggering heavy mudslides that inundated two villages in Qinghai.</p>

<p>Nearly 1,000 were injured and more than 14,000 homes were destroyed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


A landslide in China's Yunnan province early Monday (Jan 22) killed eight people and forced the evacuation of 200 others. The tragedy occurred at around 6 am local time in the village of Liangshui, under Tangfang in Zhenxiong County, AP news agency reported.

A landslide in China's Yunnan province early Monday (Jan 22) killed eight people and forced the evacuation of 200 others. The tragedy occurred at around 6 am local time in the village of Liangshui, under Tangfang in Zhenxiong County, AP news agency reported. At least 47 people from 18 households were missing. Eight of the missing people were found dead. Rescue efforts were underway to find victims buried in 18 separate houses, said the county publicity department. The report said the cause of the landslide was not immediately known. However, photos from the scene appeared to show snow on the ground. A report by Al Jazeera, meanwhile, said that 500 people had been evacuated. Also read: Death toll rises to 63 as Tanzania reels from flooding, landslides China has experienced a string of natural disasters in recent months. This landslide in Yunnan came just a month after China experienced its most powerful earthquake in years in a remote region between Gansu and Qinghai provinces. The earthquake, which was of 6.2 magnitude, killed at least 149 people on Dec 18, reducing homes to rubble and triggering heavy mudslides that inundated two villages in Qinghai. Nearly 1,000 were injured and more than 14,000 homes were destroyed. (With inputs from agencies)

China: Landslide in Yunnan province kills 8 people, hundreds evacuated

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