<p>An Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer has shared an image of a new species of butterfly discovered in the Western Ghats. In a post on X, IAS officer Supriya Sahu said on Saturday (Jan 13) that researchers in Tamil Nadu's Sriviliputhur Tiger Reserve in Megamalai discovered a new species of butterfly called "Cigaritis meghamalaiensis." The butterfly is blue.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/homage-to-eye-conic-villain-butterfly-species-named-after-sauron-in-lord-of-the-rings-590147">Homage to 'eye-conic' villain: Butterfly species named after Sauron in Lord of the Rings</a></strong></p>

<p>"Dr Kalesh Sadasivam, Thiru Ramasamy Kamaya and Dr C.P. Rajkumar led the effort from Vanam, an NGO based in Theni," Sahu said. She added that it was 33 years ago that a new species of butterfly had been discovered in the Western Ghats.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There is a new kid on the block and its a Blue Butterfly 🦋 - Reserachers in Tamil Nadu's Sriviliputhur Tiger Reserve in Megamalai have discovered a new species of Silverline butterfly namely 'Cigaritis meghamalaiensis' Dr. Kalesh Sadasivam,Thiru Ramasamy Kamaya and Dr.C.P.… <a href="https://t.co/HuoYdJjTaR">pic.twitter.com/HuoYdJjTaR</a></p>
— Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) <a href="https://twitter.com/supriyasahuias/status/1746106694319456629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"With this discovery, the total number of butterflies in the Western Ghats will rise to 337 species, including 40 Western Ghats endemics," the IAS officer further said.</p>

<p>Sahu's post on X has garnered more than 900 likes and 128 reposts. Several X users also commented on her post.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch: Decline of the iconic monarch butterfly</strong></p>

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<p>"Blue butterflies are rare, and when they appear either in person, in dreams, or in repeated synchronistic images, they point you toward joy. It means good fortune is on the horizon. You've been noble and honourable, and your efforts are to be rewarded kudos Supriya ji," Dr Akkshye Tulsyan, the honorary consul of Nambia, said on Sunday.</p>

<p>"So beautiful! Reminds of the Butterfly Garden, Singapore Changi Airport," a user named Sriram said.</p>


An Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer has shared an image of a new species of butterfly discovered in the Western Ghats. In a post on X, IAS officer Supriya Sahu said on Saturday (Jan 13) that researchers in Tamil Nadu's Sriviliputhur Tiger Reserve in Megamalai discovered a new species of butterfly called "Cigaritis meghamalaiensis.

An Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer has shared an image of a new species of butterfly discovered in the Western Ghats. In a post on X, IAS officer Supriya Sahu said on Saturday (Jan 13) that researchers in Tamil Nadu's Sriviliputhur Tiger Reserve in Megamalai discovered a new species of butterfly called "Cigaritis meghamalaiensis." The butterfly is blue. Also read: Homage to 'eye-conic' villain: Butterfly species named after Sauron in Lord of the Rings "Dr Kalesh Sadasivam, Thiru Ramasamy Kamaya and Dr C.P. Rajkumar led the effort from Vanam, an NGO based in Theni," Sahu said. She added that it was 33 years ago that a new species of butterfly had been discovered in the Western Ghats. There is a new kid on the block and its a Blue Butterfly 🦋 - Reserachers in Tamil Nadu's Sriviliputhur Tiger Reserve in Megamalai have discovered a new species of Silverline butterfly namely 'Cigaritis meghamalaiensis' Dr. Kalesh Sadasivam,Thiru Ramasamy Kamaya and Dr.C.P.… pic.twitter.com/HuoYdJjTaR — Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) January 13, 2024 × "With this discovery, the total number of butterflies in the Western Ghats will rise to 337 species, including 40 Western Ghats endemics," the IAS officer further said. Sahu's post on X has garnered more than 900 likes and 128 reposts. Several X users also commented on her post. Also watch: Decline of the iconic monarch butterfly × "Blue butterflies are rare, and when they appear either in person, in dreams, or in repeated synchronistic images, they point you toward joy. It means good fortune is on the horizon. You've been noble and honourable, and your efforts are to be rewarded kudos Supriya ji," Dr Akkshye Tulsyan, the honorary consul of Nambia, said on Sunday. "So beautiful! Reminds of the Butterfly Garden, Singapore Changi Airport," a user named Sriram said.

India: IAS officer shares image of new species of butterfly discovered in Western Ghats

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<p>Scottish businessman Doug Barrowman, the husband of "Baroness Bra" <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-sues-michelle-mone-linked-ppe-medpro-for-us148-million-544845">Lady Michelle Mone</a></strong> (the founder of lingerie label Ultimo), will take delivery of a $63.6 million (around £50 million) mega-yacht, The Daily Mail reported late Saturday (Jan 13) citing sources on the French Riviera. Barrowman is currently at the centre of a PPE procurement scandal with Mone. In Oct last year, he sold a 187-foot yacht called Turquoise for reportedly $22.28 million.</p>

<p>The report said that a smaller yacht called Lady M, was now up for sale at $8.6 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in an interview, Mone said that she and her husband hoped to retire and sail the world in 2025. A source in Monaco told Daily Mail that Barrowman had long planned to buy and design his dream vessel. The sources said that the yacht,&nbsp;called Vento,&nbsp;was being fitted out in Turkey.</p>

<h2><strong>A look at the mega yacht</strong></h2>

<p>Vento, which is 285-foot, features a swimming pool, a helipad that doubles as a basketball court, an outdoor cinema, and a bar among other facilities. The yacht is being fitted by H2 Designs, a London-based company that has previously worked with the Scottish businessman.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch: Gravitas | Michelle Mone: The baroness who made millions during the pandemic</strong></p>

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<p>Speaking to the publication, yacht broker Glynn Smith did not deny that Vento's owner was Barrowman but said he was bound by strict confidentiality, adding the client wished to remain anonymous.</p>

<h2><strong>The scandal</strong></h2>

<p>Barrowman's purchase of Vento comes at a time when he and his wife are being investigated by the United Kingdom's (UK) National Crime Agency (NCA). The NCA is probing PPE Medpro - a consortium that Barrowman led. According to Daily Mail, PPE Medpro was awarded over $254 million by the British&nbsp;government to supply medical equipment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company is now being sued by the government for $155 million for a breach of contract and unjust enrichment over claims that its surgical gowns were unfit for use.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-indicates-britain-will-likely-go-to-polls-in-last-six-months-of-2024-676621">Britain likely go to polls in last six months of 2024, Rishi Sunak indicates</a></strong></p>

<p>Mone had lobbied British Minister Michael Gove and Lord Agnew for the PPE contracts but initially denied she had connections to the firm. She has now admitted that it was a lie, the report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that&nbsp;Barrowman made more than $76 million profit on the deal, much of which was transferred to an offshore trust of which Mone and her children were the beneficiaries.</p>

<p>In a statement published on Mone's profile on X on Jan 1, Barrowman said, "Michelle and I are being hung out to dry to distract attention from Government incompetence in how it handled PPE procurement."</p>

<p>"I understand why the British public feel angry but their anger should not be directed at Michelle or I," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scottish businessman Doug Barrowman, the husband of "Baroness Bra" Lady Michelle Mone (the founder of lingerie label Ultimo), will take delivery of a $63.6 million (around £50 million) mega-yacht, The Daily Mail reported late Saturday (Jan 13) citing sources on the French Riviera.

Scottish businessman Doug Barrowman, the husband of "Baroness Bra" Lady Michelle Mone (the founder of lingerie label Ultimo), will take delivery of a $63.6 million (around £50 million) mega-yacht, The Daily Mail reported late Saturday (Jan 13) citing sources on the French Riviera. Barrowman is currently at the centre of a PPE procurement scandal with Mone. In Oct last year, he sold a 187-foot yacht called Turquoise for reportedly $22.28 million. The report said that a smaller yacht called Lady M, was now up for sale at $8.6 million. Earlier in an interview, Mone said that she and her husband hoped to retire and sail the world in 2025. A source in Monaco told Daily Mail that Barrowman had long planned to buy and design his dream vessel. The sources said that the yacht, called Vento, was being fitted out in Turkey. A look at the mega yacht Vento, which is 285-foot, features a swimming pool, a helipad that doubles as a basketball court, an outdoor cinema, and a bar among other facilities. The yacht is being fitted by H2 Designs, a London-based company that has previously worked with the Scottish businessman. Also watch: Gravitas | Michelle Mone: The baroness who made millions during the pandemic × Speaking to the publication, yacht broker Glynn Smith did not deny that Vento's owner was Barrowman but said he was bound by strict confidentiality, adding the client wished to remain anonymous. The scandal Barrowman's purchase of Vento comes at a time when he and his wife are being investigated by the United Kingdom's (UK) National Crime Agency (NCA). The NCA is probing PPE Medpro - a consortium that Barrowman led. According to Daily Mail, PPE Medpro was awarded over $254 million by the British government to supply medical equipment. The company is now being sued by the government for $155 million for a breach of contract and unjust enrichment over claims that its surgical gowns were unfit for use. Also read: Britain likely go to polls in last six months of 2024, Rishi Sunak indicates Mone had lobbied British Minister Michael Gove and Lord Agnew for the PPE contracts but initially denied she had connections to the firm. She has now admitted that it was a lie, the report said. It added that Barrowman made more than $76 million profit on the deal, much of which was transferred to an offshore trust of which Mone and her children were the beneficiaries. In a statement published on Mone's profile on X on Jan 1, Barrowman said, "Michelle and I are being hung out to dry to distract attention from Government incompetence in how it handled PPE procurement." "I understand why the British public feel angry but their anger should not be directed at Michelle or I," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Scandal-hit husband of ‘Baroness Bra’ set to take delivery of mega-yacht. What is the controversy?

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<p>India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has spoken for the first time on the ongoing diplomatic row between India and the Maldives.&nbsp;Addressing an event in Maharashtra's Nagpur on Saturday (Jan 13), Foreign Minister Jaishankar asserted that "politics is politics" and it could not be guaranteed that every nation would support or agree with India every time, reported news agency ANI.</p>

<p>"Politics is politics. I cannot guarantee that in every country, every day, everybody will support us or agree with us," Jaishankar said,&nbsp;adding that in the last decade, New Delhi has been trying to build a very strong connection with the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-lakshadweep-saw-lowest-aircraft-movement-last-year-report-679887">India's Lakshadweep saw lowest aircraft movement last year, says report</a></strong></p>

<p>"But, seriously, as a solution, what we have been trying to do in the last 10 years, with a lot of success, is to build a very strong connect, so that, though the politics may go up and down, the people of the country, the society, generally have good feelings towards India and understand the importance of having good relations with India," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>'Sometimes, things don't go in a good way'</strong></h2>

<p>During the event in Nagpur, Jaishankar also said that India had been engaged in infrastructure development in other nations.</p>

<p>"We are involved today in building roads, electricity, transmission, supplying fuel, providing trade access, making investments, and having people holiday in other countries. All these are parts of how you develop these relationships," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cannot-bully-us-maldives-president-muizzu-takes-swipe-at-india-after-china-visit-679750">'Cannot bully us': Maldives President Muizzu takes swipe at India after China visit</a></strong></p>

<p>"Sometimes, things do not go in a good way, and then you have to reason with people to bring back things to where they should be," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>The India-Maldives row</strong></h2>

<p>The row between India and Maldives erupted after three deputy ministers in Maldives mocked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media in response to a video of him visiting Lakshadweep to promote local tourism.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch:&nbsp;Indian diplomats in Maldives for talks; Muizzu's party looses key local poll</strong></p>

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<p>The Maldivian government later suspended the ministers - Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid. The matter was strongly raised by New Delhi, with&nbsp;Malé and the top opposition leaders of the island nation slamming the ruling establishment over the row.</p>

<p>Following the incident, the Maldives faced a boycott from Indian tourists. On social media, #BoycottMaldives became a top trend with prominent Indian celebrities coming out in support of the call to promote beach tourism in Lakshadweep.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has spoken for the first time on the ongoing diplomatic row between India and the Maldives. Addressing an event in Maharashtra's Nagpur on Saturday (Jan 13), Foreign Minister Jaishankar asserted that "politics is politics" and it could not be guaranteed that every nation would support or agree with India every time, reported news agency ANI.

India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has spoken for the first time on the ongoing diplomatic row between India and the Maldives. Addressing an event in Maharashtra's Nagpur on Saturday (Jan 13), Foreign Minister Jaishankar asserted that "politics is politics" and it could not be guaranteed that every nation would support or agree with India every time, reported news agency ANI. "Politics is politics. I cannot guarantee that in every country, every day, everybody will support us or agree with us," Jaishankar said, adding that in the last decade, New Delhi has been trying to build a very strong connection with the world. Also read: India's Lakshadweep saw lowest aircraft movement last year, says report "But, seriously, as a solution, what we have been trying to do in the last 10 years, with a lot of success, is to build a very strong connect, so that, though the politics may go up and down, the people of the country, the society, generally have good feelings towards India and understand the importance of having good relations with India," he added. 'Sometimes, things don't go in a good way' During the event in Nagpur, Jaishankar also said that India had been engaged in infrastructure development in other nations. "We are involved today in building roads, electricity, transmission, supplying fuel, providing trade access, making investments, and having people holiday in other countries. All these are parts of how you develop these relationships," he said. Also read: 'Cannot bully us': Maldives President Muizzu takes swipe at India after China visit "Sometimes, things do not go in a good way, and then you have to reason with people to bring back things to where they should be," he added. The India-Maldives row The row between India and Maldives erupted after three deputy ministers in Maldives mocked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media in response to a video of him visiting Lakshadweep to promote local tourism. Also watch: Indian diplomats in Maldives for talks; Muizzu's party looses key local poll × The Maldivian government later suspended the ministers - Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid. The matter was strongly raised by New Delhi, with Malé and the top opposition leaders of the island nation slamming the ruling establishment over the row. Following the incident, the Maldives faced a boycott from Indian tourists. On social media, #BoycottMaldives became a top trend with prominent Indian celebrities coming out in support of the call to promote beach tourism in Lakshadweep. (With inputs from agencies)

India-Maldives row: 'Can't guarantee every nation will support India', says Foreign Minister S Jaishankar

<p>Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) Lai Ching-te won the general election in Taiwan on Saturday (Jan 13). In his victory speech, Lai said the DPP will stand side by side with democracy around the world. "We don't want to become enemies with China. We can become friends," Lai added.</p>

<p>As the war in Ukraine rages on, Ukraine faced a substantial missile attack from Russia in the early hours of Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, former US president Donald Trump on Friday was ordered to pay about USD 400,000 in legal costs to The New York Times following the dismissal of a lawsuit he filed against them.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lai-ching-te-secures-victory-in-taiwans-presidential-race-amid-rising-tensions-with-china-679661"><strong>Ruling party’s Lai Ching-te secures victory in Taiwan’s presidential race amid rising tensions with China</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/13/405540-the-battle-for-kyiv-2024-01-13t182033361.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>Lai Ching-te, the presidential candidate representing Taiwan's ruling party, secured victory in an election that China had characterised as a pivotal choice between 'war and peace'. The main opposition candidate, Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT), conceded defeat, marking a critical moment for Taiwan's political landscape.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-unleashes-40-missiles-in-overnight-assault-ukraines-military-production-complex-hit-679628"><strong>Russia unleashes 40 missiles in overnight assault; Ukraine’s military production complex hit</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/13/405520-the-battle-for-kyiv-2024-01-13t163343392.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>In a significant escalation of hostilities, Ukraine faced a substantial missile attack from Russia in the early hours of Saturday (Jan 13). The efficiency of Ukraine's air defences proved lower than usual, with only eight out of 37 missiles and three drones successfully intercepted, according to a statement from Ukraine's air force on social media.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-orders-former-us-president-trump-to-pay-usd-400000-to-new-york-times-679708"><strong>Judge orders former US president Trump to pay USD 400,000 to New York Times</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/04/403679-untitled-design-2024-01-04t220114223.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>Former US president Donald Trump on Friday (January 12) was ordered to pay about USD 400,000 in legal costs to The New York Times following the dismissal of a lawsuit he filed against them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-boeing-737-plane-returns-to-airport-after-crack-in-cockpit-window-679671"><strong>Japan: Boeing 737 plane returns to airport after crack in cockpit window</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/09/27/299160-00032au8vn.jpg?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>In what can become another bad PR day for Boeing after the recent Alaska Airlines incident, one of its 737 planes had to return to an airport in Japan after a crack was found in the cockpit window. The Boeing 737-800 plane, being operated by All Nippon Airways, was to travel from Sapporo to Toyama.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-refuses-extradition-of-priest-sought-by-argentina-in-crime-cases-679688"><strong>Italy refuses extradition of priest sought by Argentina in crime cases</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/13/405552-pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-6077326.jpg?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>Italy on Friday (Jan 12) ruled against the extradition of a priest sought in Argentina on charges of murder and torture during the South American nation's last military dictatorship, the news agency Associated Press reported citing human rights advocates.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-congress-president-mallikarjun-kharge-appointed-as-india-bloc-chairperson-679590">Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge appointed INDIA bloc chairperson, Nitish rejects convener’s post</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/11/42488-mallikarjun-kharge-20180301052304.jpg?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>As India gears up for its national elections scheduled between April and May 2024, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has been designated as the chairperson of the Opposition's INDIA alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-election-2024-trump-not-to-be-removed-from-oregon-ballot-for-now-says-states-supreme-court-679685">US presidential election 2024: Trump not to be removed from Oregon ballot, for now, says state's supreme court</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/13/405550-wion-images-2024-01-13t200526767.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>The Supreme Court of the US state of Oregon, on Friday (Jan 12) decided to keep former United States President and Republican frontrunner Donald Trump on the state’s primary ballot after it declined to hear the bid filed against him&nbsp;over his role in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol by his supporters. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-new-zealand-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-marries-long-time-partner-clarke-gayford-679625">Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern marries long-time partner Clarke Gayford</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/13/405519-wion-images-2024-01-13t161833938.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern married her long-time partner Clarke Gayford in a private ceremony on Saturday (Jan 13) after delays due to stringent COVID-19 rules in the country imposed by her government. The couple tied the knot after an almost five-year engagement and around a decade of being together.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/badminton-satwiksairaj-rankireddy-chirag-shetty-script-history-after-reaching-maiden-malaysia-open-final-679663">Badminton: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty script history after reaching maiden Malaysia Open final</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/13/405537-1-2024-01-13t181303835.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>Indian badminton pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty scripted history on Saturday (Jan 13) after they booked their place in the final of the ongoing Malaysia Open.&nbsp;They beat World No.3 South Korean pair of Kang Min Hyuk and Seo Seung Jae in straight games 21-18, 22-20 to reach Sunday’s final.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ira-khan-nupur-shikhare-wedding-reception-anil-kapoor-naga-chaitanya-and-other-guest-arrive-679706"><strong>Ira Khan-Nupur Shikhare wedding reception: Anil Kapoor, Naga Chaitanya and other guests arrive</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/13/405564-happy-30th-birthday-2024-01-13t212854497.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta's daughter, Ira Khan, married her long-time boyfriend, Nupur Shikhare, in a dreamy wedding ceremony on January 10 in Udaipur, Rajasthan. After three days of celebration in the picturesque city, the Khan family hosted a grand wedding reception in Mumbai on Saturday, January 13.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) Lai Ching-te won the general election in Taiwan on Saturday (Jan 13). In his victory speech, Lai said the DPP will stand side by side with democracy around the world.

Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) Lai Ching-te won the general election in Taiwan on Saturday (Jan 13). In his victory speech, Lai said the DPP will stand side by side with democracy around the world. "We don't want to become enemies with China. We can become friends," Lai added. As the war in Ukraine rages on, Ukraine faced a substantial missile attack from Russia in the early hours of Saturday. In other news from around the world, former US president Donald Trump on Friday was ordered to pay about USD 400,000 in legal costs to The New York Times following the dismissal of a lawsuit he filed against them. Click on the headlines to read more: Ruling party’s Lai Ching-te secures victory in Taiwan’s presidential race amid rising tensions with China Lai Ching-te, the presidential candidate representing Taiwan's ruling party, secured victory in an election that China had characterised as a pivotal choice between 'war and peace'. The main opposition candidate, Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT), conceded defeat, marking a critical moment for Taiwan's political landscape. Russia unleashes 40 missiles in overnight assault; Ukraine’s military production complex hit In a significant escalation of hostilities, Ukraine faced a substantial missile attack from Russia in the early hours of Saturday (Jan 13). The efficiency of Ukraine's air defences proved lower than usual, with only eight out of 37 missiles and three drones successfully intercepted, according to a statement from Ukraine's air force on social media. Judge orders former US president Trump to pay USD 400,000 to New York Times Former US president Donald Trump on Friday (January 12) was ordered to pay about USD 400,000 in legal costs to The New York Times following the dismissal of a lawsuit he filed against them. Japan: Boeing 737 plane returns to airport after crack in cockpit window In what can become another bad PR day for Boeing after the recent Alaska Airlines incident, one of its 737 planes had to return to an airport in Japan after a crack was found in the cockpit window. The Boeing 737-800 plane, being operated by All Nippon Airways, was to travel from Sapporo to Toyama. Italy refuses extradition of priest sought by Argentina in crime cases Italy on Friday (Jan 12) ruled against the extradition of a priest sought in Argentina on charges of murder and torture during the South American nation's last military dictatorship, the news agency Associated Press reported citing human rights advocates. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge appointed INDIA bloc chairperson, Nitish rejects convener’s post As India gears up for its national elections scheduled between April and May 2024, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has been designated as the chairperson of the Opposition's INDIA alliance. US presidential election 2024: Trump not to be removed from Oregon ballot, for now, says state's supreme court The Supreme Court of the US state of Oregon, on Friday (Jan 12) decided to keep former United States President and Republican frontrunner Donald Trump on the state’s primary ballot after it declined to hear the bid filed against him over his role in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol by his supporters. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern marries long-time partner Clarke Gayford Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern married her long-time partner Clarke Gayford in a private ceremony on Saturday (Jan 13) after delays due to stringent COVID-19 rules in the country imposed by her government. The couple tied the knot after an almost five-year engagement and around a decade of being together. Badminton: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty script history after reaching maiden Malaysia Open final Indian badminton pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty scripted history on Saturday (Jan 13) after they booked their place in the final of the ongoing Malaysia Open. They beat World No.3 South Korean pair of Kang Min Hyuk and Seo Seung Jae in straight games 21-18, 22-20 to reach Sunday’s final. Ira Khan-Nupur Shikhare wedding reception: Anil Kapoor, Naga Chaitanya and other guests arrive Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta's daughter, Ira Khan, married her long-time boyfriend, Nupur Shikhare, in a dreamy wedding ceremony on January 10 in Udaipur, Rajasthan. After three days of celebration in the picturesque city, the Khan family hosted a grand wedding reception in Mumbai on Saturday, January 13.

Top 10 world news: Lai Ching-te wins Taiwan prez race, Ukraine war updates, and more

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<p>With just a week left for the grand Ram temple consecration ceremony in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Jan 22, Bihar's Environment Minister Tej Pratap Yadav claimed that Lord Ram told him in his dreams that he would not attend the event. In a post on X, user&nbsp;<em>Megh Updates</em>&nbsp;shared a video on Sunday (Jan 14) in which Environment Minister Yadav made this remark.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing an event, Yadav said that Lord Ram is forgotten once the elections are over. "Is it necessary that he will come (to Ayodhya) on Jan 22? Lord Ram won't come...I had a dream," Yadav said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-consecration-ceremony-100-dignitaries-from-55-nations-to-be-present-on-jan-22-679901">Ram temple consecration ceremony: 100 dignitaries from 55 nations to be present in Ayodhya on Jan 22</a></strong></p>

<p>In a veiled jibe at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India, he said, "Ram came in the dreams of four Shankaracharyas (pontiffs of the four mutts) as well as mine. Lord Ram told me that they (the BJP) were being deceptive."</p>

<h3><strong>Here's a look at the video. WION cannot verify its authenticity</strong></h3>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ram ji has come in my and 4 Shankracharyas dream that he will not come on 22nd January- Tejpratap Yadav <a href="https://t.co/N36HRqaAB3">pic.twitter.com/N36HRqaAB3</a></p>
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) <a href="https://twitter.com/MeghUpdates/status/1746571896001622315?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Tej Pratap's brother and Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav has not commented on the above remarks yet.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-mandir-inauguration-state-declares-jan-22-as-dry-day-schools-and-colleges-to-remain-closed-678586">No alcohol on Jan 22 in UP, schools and colleges to be shut, says&nbsp;CM Yogi</a></strong></p>

<p>Many opposition leaders in India including those of the Congress, the CPI (M) and others have decided not to attend the Ram temple's consecration next week. The leaders have called the ceremony an election gimmick.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Will visit temple after event is over': Akhilesh Yadav</strong></h2>

<p>On Saturday, Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadav confirmed that he received an invitation to attend the ceremony, but asserted that he would visit the temple with his family after the event.</p>

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<p>In a post on X, Yadav, the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, thanked the temple trust for inviting him. "...heartfelt wishes for the successful completion of the ceremony. We will surely visit with family as devotees after the Pran Pratishtha ceremony," Yadav said on Saturday.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch:&nbsp;Mauritius Minister Ramdhany likens Ram Temple consecration to 'Diwali' celebration</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, preparations are underway in full swing for the Jan 22 ceremony in&nbsp;Ayodhya. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has decided to enthrone Ram Lalla at the sanctorum of the temple on that day, the news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vedic rituals for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla will begin on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


With just a week left for the grand Ram temple consecration ceremony in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Jan 22, Bihar's Environment Minister Tej Pratap Yadav claimed that Lord Ram told him in his dreams that he would not attend the event.

With just a week left for the grand Ram temple consecration ceremony in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Jan 22, Bihar's Environment Minister Tej Pratap Yadav claimed that Lord Ram told him in his dreams that he would not attend the event. In a post on X, user Megh Updates shared a video on Sunday (Jan 14) in which Environment Minister Yadav made this remark. Addressing an event, Yadav said that Lord Ram is forgotten once the elections are over. "Is it necessary that he will come (to Ayodhya) on Jan 22? Lord Ram won't come...I had a dream," Yadav said. Also read | Ram temple consecration ceremony: 100 dignitaries from 55 nations to be present in Ayodhya on Jan 22 In a veiled jibe at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India, he said, "Ram came in the dreams of four Shankaracharyas (pontiffs of the four mutts) as well as mine. Lord Ram told me that they (the BJP) were being deceptive." Here's a look at the video. WION cannot verify its authenticity Ram ji has come in my and 4 Shankracharyas dream that he will not come on 22nd January- Tejpratap Yadav pic.twitter.com/N36HRqaAB3 — Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) January 14, 2024 × Tej Pratap's brother and Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav has not commented on the above remarks yet. Also read: No alcohol on Jan 22 in UP, schools and colleges to be shut, says CM Yogi Many opposition leaders in India including those of the Congress, the CPI (M) and others have decided not to attend the Ram temple's consecration next week. The leaders have called the ceremony an election gimmick. 'Will visit temple after event is over': Akhilesh Yadav On Saturday, Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadav confirmed that he received an invitation to attend the ceremony, but asserted that he would visit the temple with his family after the event. pic.twitter.com/YtnjHVxTSJ — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) January 13, 2024 × In a post on X, Yadav, the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, thanked the temple trust for inviting him. "...heartfelt wishes for the successful completion of the ceremony. We will surely visit with family as devotees after the Pran Pratishtha ceremony," Yadav said on Saturday. Also watch: Mauritius Minister Ramdhany likens Ram Temple consecration to 'Diwali' celebration × Meanwhile, preparations are underway in full swing for the Jan 22 ceremony in Ayodhya. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has decided to enthrone Ram Lalla at the sanctorum of the temple on that day, the news agency ANI reported. Vedic rituals for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla will begin on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Ram temple ceremony | 'Lord Ram came in my dream and said...': Indian minister on not going

Five Rare Astronomical Events Before 2100

Asteroid Apophis will fly past Earth in 2029. According to NASA, Apophis quickly gained notoriety as an asteroid that could pose a serious threat to Earth when astronomers predicted that it would come uncomfortably close five years later. However, additional observations showed that there was no risk of an impact.

On Sept 8, 2040, Mars, Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Jupiter will align in the sky. Some planets like Jupiter and Venus will be clearly visible.

Brightest Supermoon of the 21st Century: Year 2052

The brightest supermoon of the 21st century will occur on Dec 6, 2052. The Moon will be as much as 17,000 miles closer to us than usual.

Comet 15P/Finlay to fly past Earth in 2060

Comet 15P/Finlay will fly past Earth on Oct 27, 2060. 15P/Finlay orbits the sun every 2,380 days (6.52 years).

In Nov 2084, Earth and the Moon will pass by the Sun, looking like bright silhouettes. The last time such an event happened was in 1984.

The Most Terrifying Things in the Universe 

All images: NASA, Shutterstock (For representative images)

Space exploration began in the late 1950s. From there till now, we have explored only five per cent of the universe and the rest 95 per cent remains a mystery with unknown celestial objects and forces. The universe known to us has many terrifying things. Here’s a look at some of them: 

According to NASA, a black hole is an astronomical object with a gravitational pull so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape it. The universe has around 40 quintillion black holes. The biggest of them is Phoenix A - which is located 5.8 billion light years away from Earth. This black hole is about a staggering 100 billion times more massive than the Sun. 

Boomerang Nebula: The Coldest Place in the Universe 

The Boomerang Nebula is a young planetary nebula and the coldest object discovered in the universe so far. With a temperature of -272 degrees Celsius, it is only 1 degree warmer than absolute zero (the lowest limit for all temperatures). 

Himiko Cloud is the largest object in the known universe. Himiko is half the size of our galaxy - the Milky Way. It is 12 billion light years away from Earth. 

<p>Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu said on Saturday that China, largest external creditor to the country, has agreed to consider restructuring the repayment of loans taken by his country and the governments will initiate negotiations soon.</p>

<p>He told the media in Male after his return from a five-day high-profile state visit to China that he has directly appealed to Chinese President Xi Jinping to restructure the loans provided to the Maldives. He said that the loans were direct loans and that a technical team from China's Finance Ministry will travel to Maldives soon "to research and decide the way to offer a grace period in loan repayments over next five years, Maldives news portal Sun online reported."</p>

<p>"This will allow us great easements in loan repayment," he said. China is currently the Indian Ocean island nation's largest external creditor, comprising about 20 per cent of its total public debt, according to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Data shows that Maldives owes China about USD 1.3 billion or more. The island country's risk of external debt distress has been classified as "high" by the IMF, considering its total GDP is around USD 4.9 billion, according to recent data.</p>

<p>There were widespread concerns about Chinese loans as Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the biggest recipients of Chinese investments and loans, faced the worst economic crisis. India bailed out Sri Lanka with about USD four billion in assistance after the island nation went bankrupt and different its external loan repayments in 2022.</p>


Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu said on Saturday that China, largest external creditor to the country, has agreed to consider restructuring the repayment of loans taken by his country and the governments will initiate negotiations soon.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu said on Saturday that China, largest external creditor to the country, has agreed to consider restructuring the repayment of loans taken by his country and the governments will initiate negotiations soon. He told the media in Male after his return from a five-day high-profile state visit to China that he has directly appealed to Chinese President Xi Jinping to restructure the loans provided to the Maldives. He said that the loans were direct loans and that a technical team from China's Finance Ministry will travel to Maldives soon "to research and decide the way to offer a grace period in loan repayments over next five years, Maldives news portal Sun online reported." "This will allow us great easements in loan repayment," he said. China is currently the Indian Ocean island nation's largest external creditor, comprising about 20 per cent of its total public debt, according to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Data shows that Maldives owes China about USD 1.3 billion or more. The island country's risk of external debt distress has been classified as "high" by the IMF, considering its total GDP is around USD 4.9 billion, according to recent data. There were widespread concerns about Chinese loans as Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the biggest recipients of Chinese investments and loans, faced the worst economic crisis. India bailed out Sri Lanka with about USD four billion in assistance after the island nation went bankrupt and different its external loan repayments in 2022.

China agrees to consider restructuring of loans to Maldives: President Muizzu

<p>A massive fire broke out at a highrise in Dombivili city in the Indian state of Maharashtra on Saturday (Jan 13). According to a report by the news agency ANI, four fire tenders were rushed to the spot. No deaths and injuries have been reported yet and all residents were evacuated safely.</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> | Maharashtra: A massive fire broke out in a building at Khoni Palava near Dombivli. Four fire tenders are present at the spot. No casualty reported yet.<br />
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— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1746109298302980114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The residential building has 18 floors in total. Speaking to the news agency PTI, an official from the Thane Municipal Corporation said that the fire started at around 1.30 pm and was doused an hour later.</p>

<p>"The fire started in the duct and spread from the ground floor to the top floor. Plastic fitments were gutted. No one was injured in the incident. The cause of the fire is being probed," the official said.</p>


A massive fire broke out at a highrise in Dombivili city in the Indian state of Maharashtra on Saturday (Jan 13). According to a report by the news agency ANI, four fire tenders were rushed to the spot.

A massive fire broke out at a highrise in Dombivili city in the Indian state of Maharashtra on Saturday (Jan 13). According to a report by the news agency ANI, four fire tenders were rushed to the spot. No deaths and injuries have been reported yet and all residents were evacuated safely. #WATCH | Maharashtra: A massive fire broke out in a building at Khoni Palava near Dombivli. Four fire tenders are present at the spot. No casualty reported yet. (Video Source: Thane Municipal Corporation) pic.twitter.com/jxUmZbeUp3 — ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2024 × The residential building has 18 floors in total. Speaking to the news agency PTI, an official from the Thane Municipal Corporation said that the fire started at around 1.30 pm and was doused an hour later. "The fire started in the duct and spread from the ground floor to the top floor. Plastic fitments were gutted. No one was injured in the incident. The cause of the fire is being probed," the official said.

India: Massive fire breaks out at highrise in Maharashtra’s Dombivli

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<p>China on Saturday (Jan 13) fumed over Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lai-ching-te-secures-victory-in-taiwans-presidential-race-amid-rising-tensions-with-china-679661">Lai Ching-te as he won the elections </a></strong>in Taiwan and is set to become the island's president in May. According to a report by the news agency Xinhua, China vowed that it would not tolerate "separatist activities in Taiwan" that it claims as its own.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency Xinhua, Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua said, "We will adhere to the 1992 Consensus that embodies the one-China principle and firmly oppose the separatist activities aimed at 'Taiwan independence' as well as foreign interference."</p>

<p>Binhua also said that Saturday's vote "will not impede the inevitable trend of China's reunification." He added, "The Democratic Progressive Party cannot represent the mainstream public opinion on the island."</p>

<h2><strong>US reacts to polls result</strong></h2>

<p>This year's Taiwan election was closely watched by China as well as the United States. The US on Saturday congratulated Lai Ching-te but maintained that Washington does not support independence for the self-ruled island claimed by Beijing.</p>

<p>"We do not support independence," US President Joe Biden told a press conference after he was asked about his government's position on Taiwan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-elections-2024-lai-ching-te-to-be-next-president-who-is-he-679675">Taiwan elections 2024: Lai Ching-te to be next president. Who is he?</a></strong></p>

<p>In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Lai on his victory in the pivotal vote and hailed the "robust democratic system and electoral process" of the self-ruled island.</p>

<p>The Biden administration had announced earlier that it planned to send an unofficial delegation to Taiwan after the vote and warned China against any military provocation.</p>

<h2><strong>Lai vows to defend Taiwan from China's threats</strong></h2>

<p>In his victory speech, president-elect Lai vowed to protect Taiwan from "intimidation" by China. Lai said he would maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, but pledged to defend the island from Chinese belligerence.</p>

<p>"We are determined to safeguard Taiwan from continuing threats and intimidation from China," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Taiwan voters rebuff China, give ruling party third Presidential term</strong></p>

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<p>He further thanked the Taiwanese people for "writing a new chapter in our democracy" by defying one-party-state China's threats and warnings.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


China on Saturday (Jan 13) fumed over Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Lai Ching-te as he won the elections in Taiwan and is set to become the island's president in May.

China on Saturday (Jan 13) fumed over Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Lai Ching-te as he won the elections in Taiwan and is set to become the island's president in May. According to a report by the news agency Xinhua, China vowed that it would not tolerate "separatist activities in Taiwan" that it claims as its own. According to a report by the news agency Xinhua, Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua said, "We will adhere to the 1992 Consensus that embodies the one-China principle and firmly oppose the separatist activities aimed at 'Taiwan independence' as well as foreign interference." Binhua also said that Saturday's vote "will not impede the inevitable trend of China's reunification." He added, "The Democratic Progressive Party cannot represent the mainstream public opinion on the island." US reacts to polls result This year's Taiwan election was closely watched by China as well as the United States. The US on Saturday congratulated Lai Ching-te but maintained that Washington does not support independence for the self-ruled island claimed by Beijing. "We do not support independence," US President Joe Biden told a press conference after he was asked about his government's position on Taiwan. Also read | Taiwan elections 2024: Lai Ching-te to be next president. Who is he? In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Lai on his victory in the pivotal vote and hailed the "robust democratic system and electoral process" of the self-ruled island. The Biden administration had announced earlier that it planned to send an unofficial delegation to Taiwan after the vote and warned China against any military provocation. Lai vows to defend Taiwan from China's threats In his victory speech, president-elect Lai vowed to protect Taiwan from "intimidation" by China. Lai said he would maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, but pledged to defend the island from Chinese belligerence. "We are determined to safeguard Taiwan from continuing threats and intimidation from China," he added. Also watch | Taiwan voters rebuff China, give ruling party third Presidential term × He further thanked the Taiwanese people for "writing a new chapter in our democracy" by defying one-party-state China's threats and warnings. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Will not tolerate separatist activities’: China fumes over Taiwan elections result

<p>A rebel alliance in northern&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;has agreed to a ceasefire with the ruling military during China-mediated talks, according to some of the parties involved, after a months-long coordinated offensive that threatened to weaken the junta's grip on power.</p>

<p>The military, which overthrew an elected government in 2021, has been battling an alliance of ethnic minority armies fighting to end its control of their regions since late October. In particular, there has been intense violence along the northern border with China.</p>

<p>The joint offensive, backed by a parallel pro-democracy, civilian-led government, has posed the biggest battlefield challenge to the junta since the coup and caused concern in China about the potential for disruptions to border trade and a refugee influx.</p>

<p>A leader of one of the rebel groups, TNLA, told Reuters on Friday that the "Three Brotherhood Alliance" and the military agreed to a "ceasefire without advancing further". He declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-negotiates-immediate-ceasefire-between-myanmar-army-armed-alliance-679309">China negotiates 'immediate ceasefire' between Myanmar army, armed alliance</a></strong></p>

<p>"From the (alliance) side, the agreement is to refrain from offensive attacks on enemy camps or towns. From the military side, the agreement is not to engage in attacks through airstrikes, bombardment, or heavy weapons," he said.</p>

<p>China's foreign ministry said on Friday peace talks were held in the Chinese city of Kunming on Jan 10-11, where "the two sides agreed to immediately cease fire and stop the war."</p>

<p>Both parties also pledged not to harm residents at the Chinese border, said foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.</p>

<p>"China hopes that all parties concerned in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;will earnestly implement the ceasefire agreement already reached and exercise maximum restraint," she said.</p>

<p>Beijing had also said last month the parties had agreed on a temporary ceasefire and to maintain dialogue.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | Myanmar: 17 killed and 20 injured as fighter jet drops 3 bombs on Kanan village</strong></p>

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<p>But fighting continued in northern Shan State and other regions in the country, with the rebels taking control of a key commercial town, Laukkai, on the Chinese border last week.</p>

<p>More than 300,000 people have been displaced due to the recent violence, and more than 2 million overall since the coup, according to the United Nations.</p>

<p>The conflict has also seen&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;police and military personnel surrender to rebel groups or flee across borders into India.</p>

<p>A spokesperson for&nbsp;Myanmar's junta did not respond to a request for comment.</p>

<p>The two other groups in the rebel alliance, the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Arakan Army (AA), did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the talks.</p>


A rebel alliance in northern Myanmar has agreed to a ceasefire with the ruling military during China-mediated talks, according to some of the parties involved, after a months-long coordinated offensive that threatened to weaken the junta's grip on power.

A rebel alliance in northern Myanmar has agreed to a ceasefire with the ruling military during China-mediated talks, according to some of the parties involved, after a months-long coordinated offensive that threatened to weaken the junta's grip on power. The military, which overthrew an elected government in 2021, has been battling an alliance of ethnic minority armies fighting to end its control of their regions since late October. In particular, there has been intense violence along the northern border with China. The joint offensive, backed by a parallel pro-democracy, civilian-led government, has posed the biggest battlefield challenge to the junta since the coup and caused concern in China about the potential for disruptions to border trade and a refugee influx. A leader of one of the rebel groups, TNLA, told Reuters on Friday that the "Three Brotherhood Alliance" and the military agreed to a "ceasefire without advancing further". He declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. Also read: China negotiates 'immediate ceasefire' between Myanmar army, armed alliance "From the (alliance) side, the agreement is to refrain from offensive attacks on enemy camps or towns. From the military side, the agreement is not to engage in attacks through airstrikes, bombardment, or heavy weapons," he said. China's foreign ministry said on Friday peace talks were held in the Chinese city of Kunming on Jan 10-11, where "the two sides agreed to immediately cease fire and stop the war." Both parties also pledged not to harm residents at the Chinese border, said foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning. "China hopes that all parties concerned in Myanmar will earnestly implement the ceasefire agreement already reached and exercise maximum restraint," she said. Beijing had also said last month the parties had agreed on a temporary ceasefire and to maintain dialogue. Also watch | Myanmar: 17 killed and 20 injured as fighter jet drops 3 bombs on Kanan village × But fighting continued in northern Shan State and other regions in the country, with the rebels taking control of a key commercial town, Laukkai, on the Chinese border last week. More than 300,000 people have been displaced due to the recent violence, and more than 2 million overall since the coup, according to the United Nations. The conflict has also seen Myanmar police and military personnel surrender to rebel groups or flee across borders into India. A spokesperson for Myanmar's junta did not respond to a request for comment. The two other groups in the rebel alliance, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Arakan Army (AA), did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the talks.

Myanmar rebel alliance agrees to ceasefire with ruling military

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<p>The Taliban administration in Afghanistan said on Saturday (Jan 13) that Pakistan had effectively closed a key northwestern border crossing with Afghanistan to truck drivers. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, Noor Mohammad Hanif, director of the information and culture department in Nangarhar province, said that officials at the Torkham crossing began asking Afghan truck drivers for passports and visas.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-detain-and-lash-young-girls-for-violating-hijab-rules-678674">Taliban detain and lash young girls for violating hijab rules</a></strong></p>

<p>Hanif said that in response, Kabul was now asking Pakistani drivers for passports and visas. In a separate statement, the Nangarhar governor’s office said that officials from both sides were in talks to solve the problem and a decision would be made soon.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Torkham crossing closed many times recently</strong></h2>

<p>The Torkham border crossing had been closed many times in recent months, including in Sept 2023 when it was shut for nine days due to clashes between border forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report said that on Saturday, dozens of trucks carrying perishable items, including vegetables and fruits, waited on each side of the border for the reopening of the crossing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan are continuing over multiple issues.</p>

<p>Islamabad has expressed concerns about the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan. The TTP has carried out several attacks on Pakistani soil. Islamabad has said many leaders and fighters of the terrorist group have found sanctuary in Afghanistan and have been emboldened to carry out more attacks on security forces in Pakistan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-violence-linked-deaths-in-2023-at-a-six-year-high-shows-data-675496">Pakistan: Violence-related deaths in 2023 at a six-year high, shows data</a></strong></p>

<p>The Afghan Taliban government insists it does not allow the TTP to use its soil to launch attacks in Pakistan.</p>

<p>Tensions also exist between the two countries around Pakistan’s ongoing expulsion of Afghans. In recent months, Pakistan has deported over a half million Afghans without valid papers.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Taliban administration in Afghanistan said on Saturday (Jan 13) that Pakistan had effectively closed a key northwestern border crossing with Afghanistan to truck drivers.

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan said on Saturday (Jan 13) that Pakistan had effectively closed a key northwestern border crossing with Afghanistan to truck drivers. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, Noor Mohammad Hanif, director of the information and culture department in Nangarhar province, said that officials at the Torkham crossing began asking Afghan truck drivers for passports and visas. Also read: Taliban detain and lash young girls for violating hijab rules Hanif said that in response, Kabul was now asking Pakistani drivers for passports and visas. In a separate statement, the Nangarhar governor’s office said that officials from both sides were in talks to solve the problem and a decision would be made soon. Torkham crossing closed many times recently The Torkham border crossing had been closed many times in recent months, including in Sept 2023 when it was shut for nine days due to clashes between border forces. The report said that on Saturday, dozens of trucks carrying perishable items, including vegetables and fruits, waited on each side of the border for the reopening of the crossing. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan are continuing over multiple issues. Islamabad has expressed concerns about the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan. The TTP has carried out several attacks on Pakistani soil. Islamabad has said many leaders and fighters of the terrorist group have found sanctuary in Afghanistan and have been emboldened to carry out more attacks on security forces in Pakistan. Also read: Pakistan: Violence-related deaths in 2023 at a six-year high, shows data The Afghan Taliban government insists it does not allow the TTP to use its soil to launch attacks in Pakistan. Tensions also exist between the two countries around Pakistan’s ongoing expulsion of Afghans. In recent months, Pakistan has deported over a half million Afghans without valid papers. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan closes key crossing into Afghanistan to truck drivers. They will have to show documents

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