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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 Balochistan -- split between Pakistan and Iran- had stoked regional tensions which are already enflamed by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.</p>

<p>However, on Friday (Jan 19), Pakistan's Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani spoke with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and both leaders agreed&nbsp;"close coordination on counter-terrorism and other aspects of mutual concern should be strengthened."</p>

<p>A statement from the Pakistani foreign ministry said that Jilani and Amir-Abdollahian also agreed to "de-escalate the situation." Following the conversation Amir-Abdollahian said that the cooperation of Islamabad and Tehran "to neutralise and destroy terrorist camps in Pakistan is essential."</p>

<h2><strong>Pak PM holds emergency security meeting</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier on Friday, Pakistan Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar held an emergency security meeting with military and intelligence chiefs amid fears of the crisis between Pakistan and Iran escalating.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-strikes-iran-targeting-baluch-separatist-group-who-are-the-baluch-what-are-their-issues-681688">Pakistan strikes Iran targeting Baluch separatist group: Who are the Baluch? What are their issues?</a></strong></p>

<p>Prime Minister Kakar had cut short his visit to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos following the airstrikes. In a statement released from his office, "The forum reiterated the unflinching resolve that sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan are absolutely inviolable."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Iran-Pak cross border strikes: Did Pak consult America?</strong></p>

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<p>"Any attempt by anyone to breach it on any pretext will be responded with [the] full might of the state," the statement added. However, Kakar's office also said that Islamabad and Tehran should "address each other's security concerns in the larger interest of regional peace and stability."</p>

<h2><strong>Death toll in airstrikes at 11</strong></h2>

<p>A collective death toll of 11 -- mostly women and children -- was reported from both sides of the border, a report by the news agency AFP said. The crisis erupted when Iran launched attacks on Pakistan on Tuesday, targeting what it described as bases for the militant group Jaish al-Adl in the border town of Panjgur in Balochistan, Iranian media reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-killed-10-of-its-own-citizens-in-strike-on-iranian-territory-reports-681493">Pakistan killed 10 of its own citizens in strike on Iranian territory: Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>The next day, Pakistan struck hideouts used by terrorist groups namely the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF)” in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province.</p>

<p>Pakistan recalled its ambassador from Tehran after the attack&nbsp;and said Iran's envoy -- on a visit home -- was blocked from returning to Islamabad. Amid fears that the crisis might escalate, the United Nations (UN) and the United States appealed for restraint, while China offered to mediate.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</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 Balochistan -- split between Pakistan and Iran- had stoked regional tensions which are already enflamed by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

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 Balochistan -- split between Pakistan and Iran- had stoked regional tensions which are already enflamed by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, on Friday (Jan 19), Pakistan's Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani spoke with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and both leaders agreed "close coordination on counter-terrorism and other aspects of mutual concern should be strengthened." A statement from the Pakistani foreign ministry said that Jilani and Amir-Abdollahian also agreed to "de-escalate the situation." Following the conversation Amir-Abdollahian said that the cooperation of Islamabad and Tehran "to neutralise and destroy terrorist camps in Pakistan is essential." Pak PM holds emergency security meeting Earlier on Friday, Pakistan Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar held an emergency security meeting with military and intelligence chiefs amid fears of the crisis between Pakistan and Iran escalating. Also read | Pakistan strikes Iran targeting Baluch separatist group: Who are the Baluch? What are their issues? Prime Minister Kakar had cut short his visit to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos following the airstrikes. In a statement released from his office, "The forum reiterated the unflinching resolve that sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan are absolutely inviolable." Also watch | Gravitas: Iran-Pak cross border strikes: Did Pak consult America? × "Any attempt by anyone to breach it on any pretext will be responded with [the] full might of the state," the statement added. However, Kakar's office also said that Islamabad and Tehran should "address each other's security concerns in the larger interest of regional peace and stability." Death toll in airstrikes at 11 A collective death toll of 11 -- mostly women and children -- was reported from both sides of the border, a report by the news agency AFP said. The crisis erupted when Iran launched attacks on Pakistan on Tuesday, targeting what it described as bases for the militant group Jaish al-Adl in the border town of Panjgur in Balochistan, Iranian media reported. Also read | Pakistan killed 10 of its own citizens in strike on Iranian territory: Reports The next day, Pakistan struck hideouts used by terrorist groups namely the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF)” in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province. Pakistan recalled its ambassador from Tehran after the attack and said Iran's envoy -- on a visit home -- was blocked from returning to Islamabad. Amid fears that the crisis might escalate, the United Nations (UN) and the United States appealed for restraint, while China offered to mediate. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan, Iran agree to de-escalate tensions after trading deadly airstrikes

<p>India will not have to wait too long for a&nbsp;Boeing&nbsp;aircraft that is designed and manufactured in the subcontinent, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the inauguration of the planemaker's engineering centre in Bengaluru on Friday.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Boeing&nbsp;India Engineering &amp; Technology Center (BIETC) in the capital city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka is the company's largest facility outside of the United States and will focus on research and development.</p>

<p>The company said it had invested $200 million in the campus, which is spread across 43 acres, but did not provide details on the number of people the facility will employ.&nbsp; Boeing&nbsp;currently employs more than 6,000 people in India across its various centres.</p>

<p>At the event, which was also attended by senior&nbsp;Boeing&nbsp;executives including Chief Operating Officer Stephanie Pope, PM Modi stressed the need to build an aircraft manufacturing ecosystem in India.</p>

<p>"Given that there is so much potential in India, we need to rapidly build an aircraft manufacturing ecosystem in the country," Modi said.</p>

<p>Boeing&nbsp;has witnessed a surge in interest for its jets in India, currently the world's fastest-growing aviation market, with travel demand outstripping the supply of planes.</p>

<p>On Thursday, the aircraft manufacturer received orders for 150 737 MAX narrowbody jets from Akasa Air, India's youngest carrier.</p>

<p>In an exclusive interview with Reuters last year, India's civil aviation minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, said it was time for&nbsp;Boeing&nbsp;and rival Airbus to consider setting up jetliner assembly in the country.</p>

<p>Boeing&nbsp;has an alliance with India's Tata Group to produce AH-64 Apache helicopter fuselages and 737 aircraft vertical fin structures.</p>


India will not have to wait too long for a Boeing aircraft that is designed and manufactured in the subcontinent, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the inauguration of the planemaker's engineering centre in Bengaluru on Friday.

India will not have to wait too long for a Boeing aircraft that is designed and manufactured in the subcontinent, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the inauguration of the planemaker's engineering centre in Bengaluru on Friday. The Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC) in the capital city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka is the company's largest facility outside of the United States and will focus on research and development. The company said it had invested $200 million in the campus, which is spread across 43 acres, but did not provide details on the number of people the facility will employ. Boeing currently employs more than 6,000 people in India across its various centres. At the event, which was also attended by senior Boeing executives including Chief Operating Officer Stephanie Pope, PM Modi stressed the need to build an aircraft manufacturing ecosystem in India. "Given that there is so much potential in India, we need to rapidly build an aircraft manufacturing ecosystem in the country," Modi said. Boeing has witnessed a surge in interest for its jets in India, currently the world's fastest-growing aviation market, with travel demand outstripping the supply of planes. On Thursday, the aircraft manufacturer received orders for 150 737 MAX narrowbody jets from Akasa Air, India's youngest carrier. In an exclusive interview with Reuters last year, India's civil aviation minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, said it was time for Boeing and rival Airbus to consider setting up jetliner assembly in the country. Boeing has an alliance with India's Tata Group to produce AH-64 Apache helicopter fuselages and 737 aircraft vertical fin structures.

India PM Modi says won’t be long before Boeing makes aircraft in India

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<p>South Korea's First Lady Kim Keon-hee is facing criticism within the ruling People Power Party (PPP) over accepting a Dior handbag from a pastor in 2022, a report by The Korea Times said on&nbsp;Saturday (Jan 20). PPP interim leader Han Dong-hoon told reporters that First Lady Kim's handbag controversy can be a matter of public concern.</p>

<p>"Basically, the matter was a planned set-up using a spy cam. However, there were several misdeeds in handling the issues," Han said to the media on Thursday&nbsp;(Jan 18).&nbsp;Neither Kim nor her husband and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol have spoken on this controversy so far.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened</strong></h2>

<p>Voice of Seoul, a YouTube-based news channel, said in November last year that Kim had been gifted the Dior handbag from a Korean-American pastor in 2022. The bag was valued at 3 million won ($2,240). A video of the first lady accepting this gift was filmed secretly by the pastor using a camera disguised as a watch. The handbag was provided by the Voice of Seoul, The Korea Times reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-opposition-leader-was-stabbed-to-keep-him-from-presidency-678724">South Korean opposition leader was stabbed to stall his bid for presidency: Police</a></strong></p>

<p>This controversy re-erupted after newcomers to the PPP were critical of the bag issue, the report added. In an interview with JTBC broadcaster on Wednesday, Kim Kyung-yul, a member of the PPP’s interim leadership, said that President Yoon or his wife should state their position about the bag controversy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The French Revolution was an outcome of public uproar over Marie Antoinette’s luxurious life and disorderly privacy. There is no way of defending the first lady from this controversy. The only option is begging for the people’s mercy," said&nbsp;Kim Kyung-yul.</p>

<p>Another PPP leader Lee Soo-jung said that the First Lady Kim should explain the situation, return the gift if she still owns it, and apologise to the people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, the PPP had maintained the bag controversy was a planned setup and the first lady was a victim, hence there was no need to address the issue.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Kim not new to controversies</strong></h2>

<p>Kim Keon-hee was embroiled in multiple controversies before she even became South Korea's first lady. Some of the controversies date back to Kim's college days when her academic writings came under scrutiny for suspected plagiarism. She has been named in cases related to tax evasion and stock market manipulation.</p>

<p>She even had to make a televised apology for overstating her work experience for jobs.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


South Korea's First Lady Kim Keon-hee is facing criticism within the ruling People Power Party (PPP) over accepting a Dior handbag from a pastor in 2022, a report by The Korea Times said on Saturday (Jan 20).

South Korea's First Lady Kim Keon-hee is facing criticism within the ruling People Power Party (PPP) over accepting a Dior handbag from a pastor in 2022, a report by The Korea Times said on Saturday (Jan 20). PPP interim leader Han Dong-hoon told reporters that First Lady Kim's handbag controversy can be a matter of public concern. "Basically, the matter was a planned set-up using a spy cam. However, there were several misdeeds in handling the issues," Han said to the media on Thursday (Jan 18). Neither Kim nor her husband and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol have spoken on this controversy so far. What happened Voice of Seoul, a YouTube-based news channel, said in November last year that Kim had been gifted the Dior handbag from a Korean-American pastor in 2022. The bag was valued at 3 million won ($2,240). A video of the first lady accepting this gift was filmed secretly by the pastor using a camera disguised as a watch. The handbag was provided by the Voice of Seoul, The Korea Times reported. Also Read | South Korean opposition leader was stabbed to stall his bid for presidency: Police This controversy re-erupted after newcomers to the PPP were critical of the bag issue, the report added. In an interview with JTBC broadcaster on Wednesday, Kim Kyung-yul, a member of the PPP’s interim leadership, said that President Yoon or his wife should state their position about the bag controversy. "The French Revolution was an outcome of public uproar over Marie Antoinette’s luxurious life and disorderly privacy. There is no way of defending the first lady from this controversy. The only option is begging for the people’s mercy," said Kim Kyung-yul. Another PPP leader Lee Soo-jung said that the First Lady Kim should explain the situation, return the gift if she still owns it, and apologise to the people. Earlier, the PPP had maintained the bag controversy was a planned setup and the first lady was a victim, hence there was no need to address the issue. Kim not new to controversies Kim Keon-hee was embroiled in multiple controversies before she even became South Korea's first lady. Some of the controversies date back to Kim's college days when her academic writings came under scrutiny for suspected plagiarism. She has been named in cases related to tax evasion and stock market manipulation. She even had to make a televised apology for overstating her work experience for jobs. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea's first lady faces criticism within govt over receiving Dior bag from pastor

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<p>Turkey's first astronaut Alper Gezeravci and three other astronauts representing Europe were launched on a flight to the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday (Jan 18). According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Friday, a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying the Axiom quartet lifted off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.</p>

<p>Crew Dragon was expected to reach the International Space Station (ISS) early on Saturday morning and dock with the outpost orbiting some 400 kilometres above Earth and currently occupied by seven regular crew members.</p>

<p>Responding to congratulations from mission control, flight commander Michael López-Alegría radioed back from the Crew Dragon, "As I was saying, it's a team sport. Thank you, guys."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astrobotic-loses-contact-with-peregrine-lunar-lander-681453">Astrobotic's Peregrine lander burns up after failing Moon mission</a></strong></p>

<p>This mission, called&nbsp;Ax-3,&nbsp;was arranged by Texas-based startup Axiom Space. It was the third such flight organised by Axiom over the past two years as the company builds on its business of putting astronauts sponsored by foreign governments and private enterprises into Earth's orbit.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Alper Gezeravci?</strong></h2>

<p>Gezeravci, 44, is a Turkish Air Force veteran and holds the rank of a colonel. Turkey was poised to enter the exclusive but expanding club of ISS-guest countries by sending Gezeravci on his nation's debut human spaceflight as an Ax-3 mission specialist.</p>

<p>His three other colleagues aboard the flight are Italian Air Force Colonel Walter Villadei, 49, Ax-3's designated pilot; Swedish aviator Marcus Wandt, 43, another mission specialist; and López-Alegría, 65, a retired NASA astronaut and dual citizen of Spain and the United States.</p>

<p><img alt="File photo." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="38e14646-53f2-4b3c-88b5-b7d47e7304b6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_29.png" /></p>

<p><em><strong>Photo:&nbsp;Walter Villadei of Italy, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravci of Turkey, and ESA (European&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Agency) project astronaut Marcus Wandt of Sweden in Cape Canaveral</strong></em></p>

<p>The crew will conduct&nbsp;over 30 scientific experiments, many of them focused on the effects of spaceflight on human health and disease, Reuters reported.</p>

<p>If all goes smoothly, the four astronauts will be welcomed aboard ISS on Saturday by the seven members of the station's current regular crew - two Americans from NASA, one astronaut each from Japan and Denmark, and three Russian cosmonauts.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Turkey's first astronaut Alper Gezeravci and three other astronauts representing Europe were launched on a flight to the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday (Jan 18).

Turkey's first astronaut Alper Gezeravci and three other astronauts representing Europe were launched on a flight to the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday (Jan 18). According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Friday, a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying the Axiom quartet lifted off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Crew Dragon was expected to reach the International Space Station (ISS) early on Saturday morning and dock with the outpost orbiting some 400 kilometres above Earth and currently occupied by seven regular crew members. Responding to congratulations from mission control, flight commander Michael López-Alegría radioed back from the Crew Dragon, "As I was saying, it's a team sport. Thank you, guys." Also read: Astrobotic's Peregrine lander burns up after failing Moon mission This mission, called Ax-3, was arranged by Texas-based startup Axiom Space. It was the third such flight organised by Axiom over the past two years as the company builds on its business of putting astronauts sponsored by foreign governments and private enterprises into Earth's orbit. Who is Alper Gezeravci? Gezeravci, 44, is a Turkish Air Force veteran and holds the rank of a colonel. Turkey was poised to enter the exclusive but expanding club of ISS-guest countries by sending Gezeravci on his nation's debut human spaceflight as an Ax-3 mission specialist. His three other colleagues aboard the flight are Italian Air Force Colonel Walter Villadei, 49, Ax-3's designated pilot; Swedish aviator Marcus Wandt, 43, another mission specialist; and López-Alegría, 65, a retired NASA astronaut and dual citizen of Spain and the United States. Photo: Walter Villadei of Italy, Mission Specialist Alper Gezeravci of Turkey, and ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Marcus Wandt of Sweden in Cape Canaveral The crew will conduct over 30 scientific experiments, many of them focused on the effects of spaceflight on human health and disease, Reuters reported. If all goes smoothly, the four astronauts will be welcomed aboard ISS on Saturday by the seven members of the station's current regular crew - two Americans from NASA, one astronaut each from Japan and Denmark, and three Russian cosmonauts. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey’s first astronaut launched on flight to International Space Station

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<p>Former United States president Donald Trump, eyeing a return to the presidency in the upcoming election later this year, on Friday (Jan 19) mocked presidential frontrunner Nikki Haley's first name. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump repeatedly referred to Haley as "Nimbra." Nikki Haley was born in the US to Indian immigrants. Her name is Nimarata Nikki Randhawa but she has always gone by her middle name "Nikki."</p>

<p>She took the surname “Haley” upon getting married in 1996.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-would-love-it-trump-courts-controversy-in-e-jean-carroll-trial-responds-to-judges-threat-with-defiance-681028">Trump courts controversy in Jean Carroll trial, responds to judge's threat to throw him out</a></strong></p>

<p>Trump, himself the son, grandson, and twice the husband of immigrants, called Haley “Nimbra” three times in the post and said she “doesn’t have what it takes.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Trump is not new to making racist remarks</strong></h2>

<p>This post by Trump on Truth Social&nbsp;is the latest example of the 77-year-old Republican targeting his political rivals based on their race and ethnicity.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-nikki-haley-outrun-donald-trump-in-new-hampshire-heres-what-poll-says-681173">Can Nikki Haley outrun Donald Trump in New Hampshire? Here's what a poll says</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2016, Trump said that then-president Barack Obama was&nbsp;born in Kenya and was not a “natural born” US citizen as required by the Constitution. This remark was part of Trump's rise among Republicans’ most culturally conservative base ahead of his 2016 election</p>

<p>His verbal attack (on Nikki Haley) comes just days before the New Hampshire primary, in which Haley, the former South Carolina governor, is trying to establish herself as the only viable Trump alternative in the Republican nominating contest.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Trump also said Haley was ineligible for the presidency because her parents were not American citizens when she was born in 1972.</p>

<h2><strong>'He's clearly insecure...': Haley responds</strong></h2>

<p>On being asked at a press conference on Friday about Trump's remarks, Haley told reporters, "I’ll let people decide what he means by his attacks."&nbsp;</p>

<p>“What we know is, look, he’s clearly insecure if he goes and does these temper tantrums if he’s spending millions of dollars on TV. He’s insecure, he knows that something’s wrong,” she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump mocks Nikki Haley’s first name</strong></p>

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<p>Since Monday's Iowa caucuses in which Trump emerged as the winner and Haley stood third, the former South Carolina governor has aimed to portray the rest of the GOP primary battle as a two-way race between Trump and herself.</p>

<p>Haley’s campaign is aiming for a stronger showing in New Hampshire, hoping for a springboard into her home state South Carolina- which will hold the presidential primary next month.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former United States president Donald Trump, eyeing a return to the presidency in the upcoming election later this year, on Friday (Jan 19) mocked presidential frontrunner Nikki Haley's first name.

Former United States president Donald Trump, eyeing a return to the presidency in the upcoming election later this year, on Friday (Jan 19) mocked presidential frontrunner Nikki Haley's first name. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump repeatedly referred to Haley as "Nimbra." Nikki Haley was born in the US to Indian immigrants. Her name is Nimarata Nikki Randhawa but she has always gone by her middle name "Nikki." She took the surname “Haley” upon getting married in 1996. Also read: Trump courts controversy in Jean Carroll trial, responds to judge's threat to throw him out Trump, himself the son, grandson, and twice the husband of immigrants, called Haley “Nimbra” three times in the post and said she “doesn’t have what it takes.” Trump is not new to making racist remarks This post by Trump on Truth Social is the latest example of the 77-year-old Republican targeting his political rivals based on their race and ethnicity. Also read: Can Nikki Haley outrun Donald Trump in New Hampshire? Here's what a poll says In 2016, Trump said that then-president Barack Obama was born in Kenya and was not a “natural born” US citizen as required by the Constitution. This remark was part of Trump's rise among Republicans’ most culturally conservative base ahead of his 2016 election His verbal attack (on Nikki Haley) comes just days before the New Hampshire primary, in which Haley, the former South Carolina governor, is trying to establish herself as the only viable Trump alternative in the Republican nominating contest. Earlier this month, Trump also said Haley was ineligible for the presidency because her parents were not American citizens when she was born in 1972. 'He's clearly insecure...': Haley responds On being asked at a press conference on Friday about Trump's remarks, Haley told reporters, "I’ll let people decide what he means by his attacks." “What we know is, look, he’s clearly insecure if he goes and does these temper tantrums if he’s spending millions of dollars on TV. He’s insecure, he knows that something’s wrong,” she added. Also watch: Donald Trump mocks Nikki Haley’s first name × Since Monday's Iowa caucuses in which Trump emerged as the winner and Haley stood third, the former South Carolina governor has aimed to portray the rest of the GOP primary battle as a two-way race between Trump and herself. Haley’s campaign is aiming for a stronger showing in New Hampshire, hoping for a springboard into her home state South Carolina- which will hold the presidential primary next month. (With inputs from agencies)

'Nimbra': Donald Trump mocks Nikki Haley’s first name; she responds

Researchers Discover Oldest Black Hole Ever Observed

All images: JWST/NASA, Representative images.

An international group of researchers has discovered the oldest black hole ever observed, dating from the dawn of the Universe. The group, led by the University of Cambridge, used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to detect the black hole.

Black Hole Eating its Host Galaxy to Death

The black hole, which dates from 400 million years after the Big Bang, is eating its host galaxy GN-z11. The researchers said that GN-z11 is about 100 times smaller than the Milky Way, and the black hole is likely harming its development.

The black hole is massive - a few million times the mass of the Sun. According to astronomers, supermassive black holes found at the centre of galaxies grew to their current size over billions of years. However, the size of this black hole suggested that a black hole can be born big or can eat matter at a higher rate.

'With JWST's Help, Older Black Holes May be Found Soon'

Professor Roberto Maiolino from Cambridge said that the sensitivity of JWST meant that even older black holes might be found in the coming months and years.

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<p>A man in Thailand has been jailed for a record 50 years for criticising the monarchy, the news agency AFP reported on Thursday (Jan 18) citing a legal rights group. According to the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), an appeal court in the northern city of Chiang Rai sentenced Mongkol Thirakot to 50 years over posts on his Facebook account. Thirakot, 30, is a former pro-democracy activist and owns an online clothing store.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thirakot was initially sentenced to 28 years in prison by a lower criminal court. But he was found guilty on 11 more counts during his appeal, which led to a longer sentence.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Previous record prison sentence was 43 yrs</h2>

<p>"The appeal court sentenced Mongkol Thirakot to 22 years for 112 over his 27 Facebook posts, in addition to the 28-year sentence already passed by the preliminary court. His total jail sentence is 50 years," the TLHR said on Thursday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-traces-of-new-deadly-bat-virus-which-can-infect-humans-found-inside-cave-says-report-679874">Thailand: Traces of new deadly bat virus which can infect humans found inside cave, says report</a></strong></p>

<p>Often referred to as 112, the lese-majeste law shields King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his close family from criticism. The legal rights group said this was the longest prison sentence given for royal defamation, beating the previous record of 43 years imposed on a woman in 2021.</p>

<h2><strong>Thirakot was first arrested in 2021</strong></h2>

<p>According to the AFP report,<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Thirakot was first arrested in 2021 during a protest demanding the release of political prisoners. The TLHR said that the 30-year-old would apply for an appeal against the sentence at the Supreme Court.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Thailand threatens Facebook with legal action over alleged scams</strong></p>

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<p>Over 250 activists have been charged under the lese-majeste laws since the 2020 protests against the government of then prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the legal rights group further said. The protests, which went on till 2021, expanded to include the unprecedented demands for reform of the monarchy.</p>

<p>Thirakot's arrest comes after lawyer Arnon Nampa, one of the main protest leaders, had his four-year lese-majeste sentence increased by another four years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A man in Thailand has been jailed for a record 50 years for criticising the monarchy, the news agency AFP reported on Thursday (Jan 18) citing a legal rights group.

A man in Thailand has been jailed for a record 50 years for criticising the monarchy, the news agency AFP reported on Thursday (Jan 18) citing a legal rights group. According to the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), an appeal court in the northern city of Chiang Rai sentenced Mongkol Thirakot to 50 years over posts on his Facebook account. Thirakot, 30, is a former pro-democracy activist and owns an online clothing store. Thirakot was initially sentenced to 28 years in prison by a lower criminal court. But he was found guilty on 11 more counts during his appeal, which led to a longer sentence. Previous record prison sentence was 43 yrs "The appeal court sentenced Mongkol Thirakot to 22 years for 112 over his 27 Facebook posts, in addition to the 28-year sentence already passed by the preliminary court. His total jail sentence is 50 years," the TLHR said on Thursday. Also read | Thailand: Traces of new deadly bat virus which can infect humans found inside cave, says report Often referred to as 112, the lese-majeste law shields King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his close family from criticism. The legal rights group said this was the longest prison sentence given for royal defamation, beating the previous record of 43 years imposed on a woman in 2021. Thirakot was first arrested in 2021 According to the AFP report, Thirakot was first arrested in 2021 during a protest demanding the release of political prisoners. The TLHR said that the 30-year-old would apply for an appeal against the sentence at the Supreme Court. Also watch | Thailand threatens Facebook with legal action over alleged scams × Over 250 activists have been charged under the lese-majeste laws since the 2020 protests against the government of then prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the legal rights group further said. The protests, which went on till 2021, expanded to include the unprecedented demands for reform of the monarchy. Thirakot's arrest comes after lawyer Arnon Nampa, one of the main protest leaders, had his four-year lese-majeste sentence increased by another four years. (With inputs from agencies)

Thailand: Man jailed for record 50 years for criticising the monarchy

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<p>The United States is bracing for more brutal winter weather after at least 55 people across 10 states died since last week after the coldest air of this season, reported CNN on Friday (Jan 19). According to the report&nbsp;Oregon has been particularly hit hard with 10 people losing their lives in&nbsp;Portland&nbsp;from storms and cold.</p>

<p>Three people died on Wednesday after a tree branch took down a live power line that fell onto their vehicle. Over 45,000 homes and businesses in Washington and Oregon faced power cuts on Thursday due to the previous storms, the report said.</p>

<h2><strong>Another round of snow to overspread later today</strong></h2>

<p>Another round of snow will overspread portions of the Midwest and East later on Friday. Around one to three inches of snow are likely from the Midwest to the East, the outlet reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-winter-storm-millions-face-below-zero-temperatures-amid-dangerous-arctic-freeze-680179">US winter storm: Millions face below-zero temperatures amid dangerous Arctic freeze</a></strong></p>

<p>Philadelphia could receive between four&nbsp;and six inches of snow Friday.</p>

<h2><strong>Frigid conditions&nbsp;to persist</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, the National Weather Service issued a stark warning, with over 95 million people under wind chill advisories and some states expecting wind chills to plummet to a bone-chilling -56.67 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>The frigid conditions are forecasted&nbsp;to persist. The extreme temperatures have affected political campaigns, sports events, and travel across the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States is bracing for more brutal winter weather after at least 55 people across 10 states died since last week after the coldest air of this season, reported CNN on Friday (Jan 19).

The United States is bracing for more brutal winter weather after at least 55 people across 10 states died since last week after the coldest air of this season, reported CNN on Friday (Jan 19). According to the report Oregon has been particularly hit hard with 10 people losing their lives in Portland from storms and cold. Three people died on Wednesday after a tree branch took down a live power line that fell onto their vehicle. Over 45,000 homes and businesses in Washington and Oregon faced power cuts on Thursday due to the previous storms, the report said. Another round of snow to overspread later today Another round of snow will overspread portions of the Midwest and East later on Friday. Around one to three inches of snow are likely from the Midwest to the East, the outlet reported. Also read | US winter storm: Millions face below-zero temperatures amid dangerous Arctic freeze Philadelphia could receive between four and six inches of snow Friday. Frigid conditions to persist Earlier, the National Weather Service issued a stark warning, with over 95 million people under wind chill advisories and some states expecting wind chills to plummet to a bone-chilling -56.67 degrees Celsius. The frigid conditions are forecasted to persist. The extreme temperatures have affected political campaigns, sports events, and travel across the US. (With inputs from agencies)

US braces for more brutal weather; 55 dead after coldest air of this winter

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid35KmO9RRZh3C" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Two-year-old Bronson Battersby was found dead alongside one of his dolls at his residence in Lincolnshire in the United Kingdom, reported The Times on Thursday (Jan 18) citing the landlady. Battersby died of starvation almost two weeks after his father Kenneth succumbed to a heart attack on Jan 9.</p>

<p>As per the&nbsp;report, Battersby was classed as vulnerable and was subjected to checks at least once a month by the children's services. Social workers had visited the toddler's house on Jan 2 and again two days later, getting no answer.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/toddler-dies-of-starvation-in-uk-body-found-curled-up-next-to-dead-father-681254">Toddler dies of starvation in UK, body found curled up next to dead father</a></strong></p>

<p>The social workers contacted the police on both occasions but the bodies of the father and the son were not found until Jan 9 when the landlady Maria Clifton-Plaice provided a key.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Search for the kid, and the discovery of his body</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to The Times, Clifton-Plaice said that she and two social workers found Kenneth on the living room floor, partially blocking the door. They then searched for the two-year-old by shouting his name and checking the bedrooms.</p>

<p>Upon looking in the kitchen, they found the pet dog emaciated, but alive. Still unaware that the toddler was inside the house, Clifton-Plaice and the social workers called an ambulance and waited outside.</p>

<p>“[The paramedic] arrived alone and we held open the door for him, showing him where Kenny’s body was,” Clifton-Plaice told the publication. The landlady added that the paramedic climbed over Kenneth and found a toy doll on the floor, and discovered Battersby's body lying behind his father.</p>

<h2><strong>The post-mortem</strong></h2>

<p>According to a post-mortem report, Kenneth might have died as early as Dec 29, which meant that his son would have been without food or water for 11 days. On Thursday, Battersby's mother Sarah Piesse said that her son was two inches short of reaching a refrigerator full of leftovers that would have saved him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Piesse had said that she last saw her son before Christmas after a row with Kenneth, who is her former husband.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two-year-old Bronson Battersby was found dead alongside one of his dolls at his residence in Lincolnshire in the United Kingdom, reported The Times on Thursday (Jan 18) citing the landlady.

Two-year-old Bronson Battersby was found dead alongside one of his dolls at his residence in Lincolnshire in the United Kingdom, reported The Times on Thursday (Jan 18) citing the landlady. Battersby died of starvation almost two weeks after his father Kenneth succumbed to a heart attack on Jan 9. As per the report, Battersby was classed as vulnerable and was subjected to checks at least once a month by the children's services. Social workers had visited the toddler's house on Jan 2 and again two days later, getting no answer. Also read: Toddler dies of starvation in UK, body found curled up next to dead father The social workers contacted the police on both occasions but the bodies of the father and the son were not found until Jan 9 when the landlady Maria Clifton-Plaice provided a key. Search for the kid, and the discovery of his body Speaking to The Times, Clifton-Plaice said that she and two social workers found Kenneth on the living room floor, partially blocking the door. They then searched for the two-year-old by shouting his name and checking the bedrooms. Upon looking in the kitchen, they found the pet dog emaciated, but alive. Still unaware that the toddler was inside the house, Clifton-Plaice and the social workers called an ambulance and waited outside. “[The paramedic] arrived alone and we held open the door for him, showing him where Kenny’s body was,” Clifton-Plaice told the publication. The landlady added that the paramedic climbed over Kenneth and found a toy doll on the floor, and discovered Battersby's body lying behind his father. The post-mortem According to a post-mortem report, Kenneth might have died as early as Dec 29, which meant that his son would have been without food or water for 11 days. On Thursday, Battersby's mother Sarah Piesse said that her son was two inches short of reaching a refrigerator full of leftovers that would have saved him. Earlier, Piesse had said that she last saw her son before Christmas after a row with Kenneth, who is her former husband. (With inputs from agencies)

British toddler Bronson Battersby found dead alongside one of his dolls: Report

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<p>Pittsburgh-based&nbsp;Astrobotic Technology's lunar lander&nbsp;Peregrine burnt up as it re-entered Earth. Peregrine was expected to conclude its journey at around 4 pm ET on Thursday as it smashed into Earth's atmosphere over a remote area of the South Pacific Ocean, CNN reported on Friday (Jan 19)</p>

<p>Astrobotic Technology announced early in the day that it lost contact with the Peregrine lunar lander on Thursday afternoon. In a post on X, Astrobotic said, "As expected, Astrobotic lost telemetry with the Peregrine lander at around 3.50 pm EST. While this indicates the vehicle completed its controlled re-entry over open water in the South Pacific at 4.04 pm EST, we await independent confirmation from government entities."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company further said that it would address a press conference later on Friday where it will provide a post-flight update. In a subsequent post on X, Astrobotic shared a video of the Peregrine filming a video of Earth after its successful separation from the ULA's Vulcan rocket.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/peregrine-landers-journey-to-end-in-collision-with-earth-681312">Peregrine lander's journey to end in collision with Earth</a></strong></p>

<p>"Counterclockwise from top left centre is the DHL MoonBox, Astroscale's Pocari Sweat Lunar Dream Time Capsule, &amp; Peregrine landing leg. Background: our big blue marble, Earth!" it said.</p>

<h2><strong>Peregrine would fail to make soft landing on Moon</strong></h2>

<p>The Peregrine lander was launched successfully on Jan 8 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, but suffered a propulsion system issue en route to the Moon.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">(2/2)Peregrine captured this video moments after successful separation from <a href="https://twitter.com/ulalaunch?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ulalaunch</a> Vulcan rocket. Counterclockwise from top left center is the DHL MoonBox, Astroscale's Pocari Sweat Lunar Dream Time Capsule, &amp; Peregrine landing leg. Background: our big blue marble, Earth! <a href="https://t.co/1y4OsosNDp">pic.twitter.com/1y4OsosNDp</a></p>
— Astrobotic (@astrobotic) <a href="https://twitter.com/astrobotic/status/1748149981263892664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>A day after the launch, Astrobotic announced that Peregrine would fail to make a soft landing on the Moon after springing a propellant leak in the first few hours of its journey in space.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch:&nbsp;Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines?</strong></p>

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<p>On Friday, the lander was recorded firing its thrusters on its way to re-entry above Australia. It carried seven NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) instruments that were meant to inspect the lunar surface.</p>

<h2><strong>A space race to Moon</strong></h2>

<p>As part of its Artemis mission, the United States has been planning to put astronauts back on the Moon in late 2026, while China has been planning to do the same by 2030. Before humans arrive (on the Moon), both the space powers are planning to first send several smaller robotic missions to examine the moon's surface, a report by the news agency Reuters said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, NASA Chief Bill Nelson said that China had a very aggressive plan (over the Moon mission). "I think they would like to land before us because that might give them some PR coup. But the fact is, I don't think they will," Nelson said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic Technology's lunar lander Peregrine burnt up as it re-entered Earth. Peregrine was expected to conclude its journey at around 4 pm ET on Thursday as it smashed into Earth's atmosphere over a remote area of the South Pacific Ocean, CNN reported on Friday (Jan 19) Astrobotic Technology announced early in the day that it lost contact with the Peregrine lunar lander on Thursday afternoon.

Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic Technology's lunar lander Peregrine burnt up as it re-entered Earth. Peregrine was expected to conclude its journey at around 4 pm ET on Thursday as it smashed into Earth's atmosphere over a remote area of the South Pacific Ocean, CNN reported on Friday (Jan 19) Astrobotic Technology announced early in the day that it lost contact with the Peregrine lunar lander on Thursday afternoon. In a post on X, Astrobotic said, "As expected, Astrobotic lost telemetry with the Peregrine lander at around 3.50 pm EST. While this indicates the vehicle completed its controlled re-entry over open water in the South Pacific at 4.04 pm EST, we await independent confirmation from government entities." The company further said that it would address a press conference later on Friday where it will provide a post-flight update. In a subsequent post on X, Astrobotic shared a video of the Peregrine filming a video of Earth after its successful separation from the ULA's Vulcan rocket. Also read: Peregrine lander's journey to end in collision with Earth "Counterclockwise from top left centre is the DHL MoonBox, Astroscale's Pocari Sweat Lunar Dream Time Capsule, & Peregrine landing leg. Background: our big blue marble, Earth!" it said. Peregrine would fail to make soft landing on Moon The Peregrine lander was launched successfully on Jan 8 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, but suffered a propulsion system issue en route to the Moon. (2/2)Peregrine captured this video moments after successful separation from @ulalaunch Vulcan rocket. Counterclockwise from top left center is the DHL MoonBox, Astroscale's Pocari Sweat Lunar Dream Time Capsule, & Peregrine landing leg. Background: our big blue marble, Earth! pic.twitter.com/1y4OsosNDp — Astrobotic (@astrobotic) January 19, 2024 × A day after the launch, Astrobotic announced that Peregrine would fail to make a soft landing on the Moon after springing a propellant leak in the first few hours of its journey in space. Also watch: Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines? × On Friday, the lander was recorded firing its thrusters on its way to re-entry above Australia. It carried seven NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) instruments that were meant to inspect the lunar surface. A space race to Moon As part of its Artemis mission, the United States has been planning to put astronauts back on the Moon in late 2026, while China has been planning to do the same by 2030. Before humans arrive (on the Moon), both the space powers are planning to first send several smaller robotic missions to examine the moon's surface, a report by the news agency Reuters said. Last week, NASA Chief Bill Nelson said that China had a very aggressive plan (over the Moon mission). "I think they would like to land before us because that might give them some PR coup. But the fact is, I don't think they will," Nelson said. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Astrobotic's Peregrine lander burns up after failing Moon mission

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid35KmO9RRZh3C" /><meta charset="utf-8" />A judge in the US state of Georgia has ordered Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to respond to claims that she had an improper relationship with a special prosecutor in former president Donald Trump's 2020 election interference case, The Guardian reported on Thursday (Jan 18). Fulton County Superior Judge Scott McAfee is overseeing the case charging Trump and his allies with attempting to overturn the presidential election results in Georgia.</p>

<p>In an order, Judge McAfee set an evidentiary hearing for Feb 15 to address allegations raised by Trump's co-defendant Michael Roman. On Jan 8, Roman sought Willis' disqualification over her "improper, clandestine personal relationship" with the case's special prosecutor Nathan Wade.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-poll-case-co-defendant-seeks-das-disqualification-over-her-romantic-relationship-with-prosecutor-678147">Trump poll case co-defendant wants DA Fani Willis disqualified over relationship with prosecutor</a></strong></p>

<p>McAfee also ordered Willis to file a response to the allegations by Feb 2, The Guardian reported.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Willis could face disqualification</strong></h2>

<p>Citing sources, the publication reported that Willis' office privately told at least two lawyers involved in the case that they intended to submit their response by Feb 2. The case is unlikely to be dismissed outright even if the allegations are proven true. But that could result in Willis' disqualification, the report added.</p>

<h2><strong>Roman's filing that caused a storm</strong></h2>

<p>Michael Roman is seeking to<strong>&nbsp;</strong>have his indictment dismissed in the election interference case. In a 127-page filing, Roman alleged a romantic relationship between Willis and Wade and said that the Fulton DA contracted Wade without the required approval by Washington.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-would-love-it-trump-courts-controversy-in-e-jean-carroll-trial-responds-to-judges-threat-with-defiance-681028">Trump courts controversy in Jean Carroll trial, responds to judge's threat to throw him out</a></strong></p>

<p>"Sources close to both the special prosecutor and the district attorney have confirmed Willis and Wade had an ongoing, personal, and romantic relationship during the pendency of Wade's divorce proceedings," the filing said. Wade had started divorce proceedings a day after he was hired as a special prosecutor in the election case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The filing alleged that the pair (Willis and Wade) profited "significantly from this prosecution at the expense of the taxpayers," adding that Wade has been paid $653,881 as of December last year.</p>

<p>"Accordingly, the district attorney and the special prosecutor have violated laws regulating the use of public monies, suffer from irreparable conflicts of interest, and have violated their oaths of office under the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct and should be disqualified from prosecuting this matter," the document further said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Days in court, evenings in rallies: Trump's routine for election year</strong></p>

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<p>Citing court records, The Guardian report further said that Wade's divorce case was controversial. Wade's wife Jocelyn said that her husband failed to disclose his finances, including from his Fulton County work.</p>

<p>The prosecutor, however, said in court filings that he had complied with the discovery obligations and accused his wife of being “stubbornly litigious."</p>

<h2><strong>Trump urges SC to allow him to remain on Colorado ballot</strong></h2>

<p>In other news, Trump has urged the Colorado Supreme Court to allow him to remain on the Republican primary ballot in the state as he is seeking to overturn a state ruling that found him ineligible due to his alleged role in the Capitol Hill riots.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report by NBC News on Friday, Trump's lawyers filed a brief laying out his position ahead of arguments that are scheduled to happen on Feb 8.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A judge in the US state of Georgia has ordered Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to respond to claims that she had an improper relationship with a special prosecutor in former president Donald Trump's 2020 election interference case, The Guardian reported on Thursday (Jan 18).

A judge in the US state of Georgia has ordered Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to respond to claims that she had an improper relationship with a special prosecutor in former president Donald Trump's 2020 election interference case, The Guardian reported on Thursday (Jan 18). Fulton County Superior Judge Scott McAfee is overseeing the case charging Trump and his allies with attempting to overturn the presidential election results in Georgia. In an order, Judge McAfee set an evidentiary hearing for Feb 15 to address allegations raised by Trump's co-defendant Michael Roman. On Jan 8, Roman sought Willis' disqualification over her "improper, clandestine personal relationship" with the case's special prosecutor Nathan Wade. Also read: Trump poll case co-defendant wants DA Fani Willis disqualified over relationship with prosecutor McAfee also ordered Willis to file a response to the allegations by Feb 2, The Guardian reported. Willis could face disqualification Citing sources, the publication reported that Willis' office privately told at least two lawyers involved in the case that they intended to submit their response by Feb 2. The case is unlikely to be dismissed outright even if the allegations are proven true. But that could result in Willis' disqualification, the report added. Roman's filing that caused a storm Michael Roman is seeking to have his indictment dismissed in the election interference case. In a 127-page filing, Roman alleged a romantic relationship between Willis and Wade and said that the Fulton DA contracted Wade without the required approval by Washington. Also read: Trump courts controversy in Jean Carroll trial, responds to judge's threat to throw him out "Sources close to both the special prosecutor and the district attorney have confirmed Willis and Wade had an ongoing, personal, and romantic relationship during the pendency of Wade's divorce proceedings," the filing said. Wade had started divorce proceedings a day after he was hired as a special prosecutor in the election case. The filing alleged that the pair (Willis and Wade) profited "significantly from this prosecution at the expense of the taxpayers," adding that Wade has been paid $653,881 as of December last year. "Accordingly, the district attorney and the special prosecutor have violated laws regulating the use of public monies, suffer from irreparable conflicts of interest, and have violated their oaths of office under the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct and should be disqualified from prosecuting this matter," the document further said. Also watch | Days in court, evenings in rallies: Trump's routine for election year × Citing court records, The Guardian report further said that Wade's divorce case was controversial. Wade's wife Jocelyn said that her husband failed to disclose his finances, including from his Fulton County work. The prosecutor, however, said in court filings that he had complied with the discovery obligations and accused his wife of being “stubbornly litigious." Trump urges SC to allow him to remain on Colorado ballot In other news, Trump has urged the Colorado Supreme Court to allow him to remain on the Republican primary ballot in the state as he is seeking to overturn a state ruling that found him ineligible due to his alleged role in the Capitol Hill riots. According to a report by NBC News on Friday, Trump's lawyers filed a brief laying out his position ahead of arguments that are scheduled to happen on Feb 8. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump poll case: DA Willis ordered to respond to claims about her relationship with special prosecutor

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<p>The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will launch its biggest military exercises in decades from next week, top officials said in a press conference on Thursday (Jan 18). According to NATO, the exercises - dubbed Steadfast Defender 24 - will show that the inter-governmental military alliance can conduct and sustain complex multi-domain operations over several months, across thousands of kilometres, from the High North to Central and Eastern Europe.</p>

<p>Troops will be moving to and through Europe until the end of May. Speaking to reporters, US General Christopher Cavoli said, “The alliance will demonstrate its ability to reinforce the Euro-Atlantic area via transatlantic movement of forces from North America.” Cavoli added that the alliance would also demonstrate our unity, our strength, and our determination to protect each other."</p>

<h2><strong>90,000 personnel to take part in war games</strong></h2>

<p>According to NATO officials, around 90,000 military personnel (of the alliance's member states) will take part in the months-long exercises. The wargames are aimed at showing that NATO can defend all of its territory up to its border with Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-claims-russian-missile-briefly-entered-its-airspace-674789">NATO member Poland claims Russian missile briefly entered its airspace</a></strong></p>

<p>NATO is not directly involved in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, except by supplying Kyiv with non-lethal support. However, many member states of the alliance, including the United States, have been sending weapons and ammunition, and providing military training.</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, NATO had beefed up security on its eastern flank with Russia and Ukraine&nbsp;before the war started in Feb 2022. Steadfast Defender 24 is meant to deter Russia from targeting a NATO member.&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>In Thursday's press conference, the chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Rob Bauer said, "It's a record number of troops that we can bring to bear and have an exercise within that size, across the alliance, across the ocean from the US to Europe."</p>

<p>Sweden, which is expected to join the alliance this year, will also take part.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will launch its biggest military exercises in decades from next week, top officials said in a press conference on Thursday (Jan 18).

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will launch its biggest military exercises in decades from next week, top officials said in a press conference on Thursday (Jan 18). According to NATO, the exercises - dubbed Steadfast Defender 24 - will show that the inter-governmental military alliance can conduct and sustain complex multi-domain operations over several months, across thousands of kilometres, from the High North to Central and Eastern Europe. Troops will be moving to and through Europe until the end of May. Speaking to reporters, US General Christopher Cavoli said, “The alliance will demonstrate its ability to reinforce the Euro-Atlantic area via transatlantic movement of forces from North America.” Cavoli added that the alliance would also demonstrate our unity, our strength, and our determination to protect each other." 90,000 personnel to take part in war games According to NATO officials, around 90,000 military personnel (of the alliance's member states) will take part in the months-long exercises. The wargames are aimed at showing that NATO can defend all of its territory up to its border with Russia. Also read: NATO member Poland claims Russian missile briefly entered its airspace NATO is not directly involved in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, except by supplying Kyiv with non-lethal support. However, many member states of the alliance, including the United States, have been sending weapons and ammunition, and providing military training. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, NATO had beefed up security on its eastern flank with Russia and Ukraine before the war started in Feb 2022. Steadfast Defender 24 is meant to deter Russia from targeting a NATO member. Also watch | NATO's biggest military exercise: Know who will participate, major locations × In Thursday's press conference, the chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Rob Bauer said, "It's a record number of troops that we can bring to bear and have an exercise within that size, across the alliance, across the ocean from the US to Europe." Sweden, which is expected to join the alliance this year, will also take part. (With inputs from agencies)

NAṬO to launch its biggest military exercises in decades

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