In a chilling tale of corporate revenge, a high-ranking executive at a software firm in Vadodara city in Gujarat city located over 1,000 km southwest of New Delhi, reportedly went through three months of torment orchestrated by two former employees.

According to a report in The Times of India, the former employees resorted to honeytrapping on social media.&nbsp;

The victim complained to Cyber Crime police after enduring what he described as a "torturous" ordeal.

<h2>What happened?</h2>

The perpetrators collaborated to avenge what they claimed was prolonged humiliation suffered at the hands of the honcho, who held a prominent position at a software firm. The first person having resigned from her position allegedly cited unbearable workplace conditions as her reason for leaving.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-explained--toxic-workplace-crying-rooms-at-jimmy-fallons-the-tonight-show-how-deep-is-the-rot-633717">Explained | Toxic workplace, 'crying rooms' at Jimmy Fallon's The Tonight Show. How deep is the rot?</a>

The scheme unfolded as the first person in the case conceptualised the idea of teaching her former manager a lesson by purportedly making his life unbearable.&nbsp;

The two former employees created a fake Instagram account posing as a woman and initiated explicit conversations with their former boss who in turn believed he was communicating with an actual person. The former employees escalated their tactics by sending sexually explicit messages.

Also watch |&nbsp;The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon accused of creating toxic work environment

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The manager in the story, in his late thirties, fell prey to the trap and sent his naked pictures to the account operated by his former employees. The duo then escalated their revenge by sending the compromising photos and chat transcripts to Gupta's email, the HR department of the firm, and even mailing a printout of the pictures to Gupta's wife at her workplace.

Faced with relentless threats and abuse, the manager sought help from the Cyber Crime police in November, leading to the tracking down of his former junior colleagues through their IP address.

Hardik Makadia, ACP (cybercrime) in Vadodara, pointed out that it was a case of corporate enmity and stated that necessary legal steps have been taken.&nbsp;

The duo has been issued notices under CrPC 41 (A) for recording their statements. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

In a chilling tale of corporate revenge, a high-ranking executive at a software firm in Vadodara city in Gujarat city located over 1,000 km southwest of New Delhi, reportedly went through three months of torment orchestrated by two former employees.

In a chilling tale of corporate revenge, a high-ranking executive at a software firm in Vadodara city in Gujarat city located over 1,000 km southwest of New Delhi, reportedly went through three months of torment orchestrated by two former employees. According to a report in The Times of India, the former employees resorted to honeytrapping on social media. The victim complained to Cyber Crime police after enduring what he described as a "torturous" ordeal. What happened? The perpetrators collaborated to avenge what they claimed was prolonged humiliation suffered at the hands of the honcho, who held a prominent position at a software firm. The first person having resigned from her position allegedly cited unbearable workplace conditions as her reason for leaving. Also read | Explained | Toxic workplace, 'crying rooms' at Jimmy Fallon's The Tonight Show. How deep is the rot? The scheme unfolded as the first person in the case conceptualised the idea of teaching her former manager a lesson by purportedly making his life unbearable. The two former employees created a fake Instagram account posing as a woman and initiated explicit conversations with their former boss who in turn believed he was communicating with an actual person. The former employees escalated their tactics by sending sexually explicit messages. Also watch | The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon accused of creating toxic work environment × The manager in the story, in his late thirties, fell prey to the trap and sent his naked pictures to the account operated by his former employees. The duo then escalated their revenge by sending the compromising photos and chat transcripts to Gupta's email, the HR department of the firm, and even mailing a printout of the pictures to Gupta's wife at her workplace. Faced with relentless threats and abuse, the manager sought help from the Cyber Crime police in November, leading to the tracking down of his former junior colleagues through their IP address. Hardik Makadia, ACP (cybercrime) in Vadodara, pointed out that it was a case of corporate enmity and stated that necessary legal steps have been taken. The duo has been issued notices under CrPC 41 (A) for recording their statements. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Software firm's 'humiliated' employees honeytrap former boss, circulate nudes

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed a bill on Friday (Dec 29) that upon becoming a law, would have restricted gender-affirming care for minors and transgender girls’ participation in sports. In a rare move for a Republican, Dewine rejected the legislation pushed by his party colleagues in the state and country.

Republican governors have vetoed similar bills before as well, and the frequency of such vetoes shows growing liberal attitudes among the Republicans for the LGBTQ+ community despite the noted disinformation about the community that the members of the Grand Old Party have spread in the past.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-first-openly-transgender-mp-georgina-beyer-dies-in-new-zealand-at-65-569186">World’s first openly transgender MP, Georgina Beyer, dies in New Zealand at 65</a>

In 2021, Arkansas then-Governor Asa Hutchinson vetoed a bill that would have made his state the first to ban gender-affirming treatments or surgeries for transgender minors.&nbsp;

Republican governors in Indiana and Utah last year vetoed bills that would have barred transgender girls from competing in female sports at school.

<h2>Why did DeWine veto the bill?</h2>

DeWine said he decided after meeting with doctors, families, and lawmakers by recognising views from all sides.&nbsp;

Some parents, he said, told him they weren’t sure their children would be alive today without gender-affirming treatment.&nbsp;

"This bill would impact a very small number of Ohio’s children. But for those children who face gender dysphoria and for their families, the consequences of this bill cannot be more profound," DeWine said during a Friday press conference.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;US House passes bill banning transgender students from women's sports

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"Ultimately, I believe this is about protecting human life."

Approving such legislation, DeWine said, would suggest the state holds more authority to determine what is medically best for a child than the parents.&nbsp;

Lawmakers passed the legislation earlier in December largely along party lines before sending it to the governor.&nbsp;

<h2>But this is not the end of the road</h2>

Republicans hold a supermajority in both chambers of the state legislature. Therefore,&nbsp;it is possible for them to override DeWine’s veto.&nbsp;

<h2>What the bill is about?</h2>

Ohio's bill, upon becoming law, would prohibit physicians from prescribing hormone treatments or puberty blockers to minors seeking to transition. It would also restrict them from performing gender-reassignment surgeries on minors.&nbsp;

The legislation, however, would allow minors already receiving treatments such as puberty blockers to continue to do so.

In the recent past, several states in the US have passed bills banning certain gender-based therapies and surgeries for children and teenagers with or without parental consent.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed a bill on Friday (Dec 29) that upon becoming a law, would have restricted gender-affirming care for minors and transgender girls’ participation in sports.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed a bill on Friday (Dec 29) that upon becoming a law, would have restricted gender-affirming care for minors and transgender girls’ participation in sports. In a rare move for a Republican, Dewine rejected the legislation pushed by his party colleagues in the state and country. Republican governors have vetoed similar bills before as well, and the frequency of such vetoes shows growing liberal attitudes among the Republicans for the LGBTQ+ community despite the noted disinformation about the community that the members of the Grand Old Party have spread in the past. Also read | World’s first openly transgender MP, Georgina Beyer, dies in New Zealand at 65 In 2021, Arkansas then-Governor Asa Hutchinson vetoed a bill that would have made his state the first to ban gender-affirming treatments or surgeries for transgender minors. Republican governors in Indiana and Utah last year vetoed bills that would have barred transgender girls from competing in female sports at school. Why did DeWine veto the bill? DeWine said he decided after meeting with doctors, families, and lawmakers by recognising views from all sides. Some parents, he said, told him they weren’t sure their children would be alive today without gender-affirming treatment. "This bill would impact a very small number of Ohio’s children. But for those children who face gender dysphoria and for their families, the consequences of this bill cannot be more profound," DeWine said during a Friday press conference. Also watch | US House passes bill banning transgender students from women's sports × "Ultimately, I believe this is about protecting human life." Approving such legislation, DeWine said, would suggest the state holds more authority to determine what is medically best for a child than the parents. Lawmakers passed the legislation earlier in December largely along party lines before sending it to the governor. But this is not the end of the road Republicans hold a supermajority in both chambers of the state legislature. Therefore, it is possible for them to override DeWine’s veto. What the bill is about? Ohio's bill, upon becoming law, would prohibit physicians from prescribing hormone treatments or puberty blockers to minors seeking to transition. It would also restrict them from performing gender-reassignment surgeries on minors. The legislation, however, would allow minors already receiving treatments such as puberty blockers to continue to do so. In the recent past, several states in the US have passed bills banning certain gender-based therapies and surgeries for children and teenagers with or without parental consent.

Ohio Republican governor vetoes bill banning care for transgender minors in rare move

Sri Lanka has reportedly informed India that it will not allow any Chinese research vessel to dock at its port or operate within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for one year, Hindustan Times reported while citing people aware of the matter.&nbsp;

The declared moratorium was conveyed to India through&nbsp;diplomatic channels last week, the publication further reported.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

Diplomatically, it would mean a major win for India's efforts to stall China's maritime expansion in the Indian Ocean. For the immediate future, it means&nbsp;that Chinese scientific research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3, which was scheduled to conduct "deep water exploration" in the south Indian Ocean from January 5, 2024, to late May, will not be granted a clearance by Sri Lankan authorities.

Also watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka halts docking of foreign research ships amid Chinese spying concerns | WION

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China has also asked the current pro-Beijing Mohammed Muizzu regime in Maldives to let the 4,600-tonne Xiamen-based vessel survey the coast of Male.

<h2>Immediate backdrop</h2>

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his meeting with Sri Lanka's&nbsp;President Ranil Wickremesinghe in July 2023 had called for the respect for India's strategic and security concerns.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-halts-docking-of-foreign-research-ships-amid-chinese-spying-concerns-wion-671340">Sri Lanka halts docking of foreign research ships amid Chinese spying concerns</a>

Colombo's reported move also means a setback for the Chinese effort to woo the current Sri Lankan leadership after the Hambantota debt row. Sri Lanka's President Ranil&nbsp; Wickremesinghe&nbsp;visited Beijing for the 10th anniversary of the Belt Road Initiative (BRI) on October 17-18.&nbsp;

India and the US last week flagged Colombo entertaining Chinese scientific research vessels and ballistic missile trackers in the Indian Ocean and providing them logistical support.

India had raised objections to the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 conducting a joint maritime survey with the Sri Lankan maritime agency in October-November, but Colombo allowed the vessel to dock at its seaport later.

The research vessel reached Colombo on October 25, and crossed the Malacca Straits on December 2.

The Hindustan Times report cites the instances of at least 25 Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) ships entering the Indian Ocean Region.

Since 2019, a total of 48 Chinese scientific research vessels have been deployed in the Indian Ocean Region, the report adds.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Sri Lanka has reportedly informed India that it will not allow any Chinese research vessel to dock at its port or operate within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for one year, Hindustan Times reported while citing people aware of the matter.

Sri Lanka has reportedly informed India that it will not allow any Chinese research vessel to dock at its port or operate within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for one year, Hindustan Times reported while citing people aware of the matter. The declared moratorium was conveyed to India through diplomatic channels last week, the publication further reported. What does it mean? Diplomatically, it would mean a major win for India's efforts to stall China's maritime expansion in the Indian Ocean. For the immediate future, it means that Chinese scientific research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3, which was scheduled to conduct "deep water exploration" in the south Indian Ocean from January 5, 2024, to late May, will not be granted a clearance by Sri Lankan authorities. Also watch | Sri Lanka halts docking of foreign research ships amid Chinese spying concerns | WION × China has also asked the current pro-Beijing Mohammed Muizzu regime in Maldives to let the 4,600-tonne Xiamen-based vessel survey the coast of Male. Immediate backdrop India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his meeting with Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe in July 2023 had called for the respect for India's strategic and security concerns. Also read | Sri Lanka halts docking of foreign research ships amid Chinese spying concerns Colombo's reported move also means a setback for the Chinese effort to woo the current Sri Lankan leadership after the Hambantota debt row. Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited Beijing for the 10th anniversary of the Belt Road Initiative (BRI) on October 17-18. India and the US last week flagged Colombo entertaining Chinese scientific research vessels and ballistic missile trackers in the Indian Ocean and providing them logistical support. India had raised objections to the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 conducting a joint maritime survey with the Sri Lankan maritime agency in October-November, but Colombo allowed the vessel to dock at its seaport later. The research vessel reached Colombo on October 25, and crossed the Malacca Straits on December 2. The Hindustan Times report cites the instances of at least 25 Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) ships entering the Indian Ocean Region. Since 2019, a total of 48 Chinese scientific research vessels have been deployed in the Indian Ocean Region, the report adds. (With inputs from agencies)

Big win for India? Sri Lanka tells China no research vessels for next 12 months: Report

Chinese leader Xi Jinping exchanged congratulations with US President Joe Biden on the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, the Chinese foreign ministry said in an official readout on Monday (Jan 1, 2024).&nbsp;

Xi, in his message, said both countries have "weathered the storms and moved forward in general", which has enhanced the well-being of their people&nbsp;and contributed to world peace, stability, and prosperity, according to the Chinese foreign&nbsp;ministry statement.

Xi called China and the US forming ties "a major event" in the history of bilateral relations and international relations.

<h2>China-US ties in recent past</h2>

China-US ties remain frosty&nbsp;but Biden administration officials have visited Beijing and met with their counterparts to rebuild communications. Starting with former US foreign policy hawk Henry Kissinger's Beijing visit in July amid heightened chip wars, these&nbsp;diplomatic efforts culminated in a meeting between Xi and Biden in San Francisco in November.

Xi said the summit has pointed towards a tie between both the nations, under a future-oriented vision.

"I am willing to work with President Biden to continue to steer and navigate the China-U.S. relationship for the benefit of China and the US and the two peoples, and to promote the cause of world peace and development," Xi said.

The US is scheduled to hold&nbsp;presidential election in November, in which former president and outspoken critic of China Donald Trump is campaigning against Biden to return&nbsp;for a second term.

<h2>Xi dials Kim Jong-Un, Vladimir Putin&nbsp;as well</h2>

Xi also exchanged New Year's messages with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un. The leaders announced 2024 to be a "friendship year" for both countries, launching a series of activities for that, the Chinese foreign ministry said separately.

Also watch |&nbsp;Vladimir Putin hails Russia-China relations during his China visit

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Xi said China is willing to work with North Korea to deepen strategic mutual trust, enhance exchanges and cooperation, promote greater bilateral ties, and make new contributions to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.

On New Year's Eve, the Chinese leader exchanged greetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin as well. This year is the 75th anniversary of China and Russia establishing diplomatic relations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-will-surely-be-reunified-says-president-xi-jinping-in-new-years-speech-675342">Xi Jinping makes most direct threat so far to annex Taiwan in New Year's speech</a>

Xi said China and Russia should "continuously consolidate" and develop ties "featuring permanent good-neighbourly friendship", along with comprehensive strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation that would serve the interest of both the countries.

Xi in his New Year's address on Sunday also said that China's "reunification" with Taiwan is inevitable, threatening its sovereign existence.&nbsp;

Chinese leader Xi Jinping exchanged congratulations with US President Joe Biden on the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, the Chinese foreign ministry said in an official readout on Monday (Jan 1, 2024).

Chinese leader Xi Jinping exchanged congratulations with US President Joe Biden on the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, the Chinese foreign ministry said in an official readout on Monday (Jan 1, 2024). Xi, in his message, said both countries have "weathered the storms and moved forward in general", which has enhanced the well-being of their people and contributed to world peace, stability, and prosperity, according to the Chinese foreign ministry statement. Xi called China and the US forming ties "a major event" in the history of bilateral relations and international relations. China-US ties in recent past China-US ties remain frosty but Biden administration officials have visited Beijing and met with their counterparts to rebuild communications. Starting with former US foreign policy hawk Henry Kissinger's Beijing visit in July amid heightened chip wars, these diplomatic efforts culminated in a meeting between Xi and Biden in San Francisco in November. Xi said the summit has pointed towards a tie between both the nations, under a future-oriented vision. "I am willing to work with President Biden to continue to steer and navigate the China-U.S. relationship for the benefit of China and the US and the two peoples, and to promote the cause of world peace and development," Xi said. The US is scheduled to hold presidential election in November, in which former president and outspoken critic of China Donald Trump is campaigning against Biden to return for a second term. Xi dials Kim Jong-Un, Vladimir Putin as well Xi also exchanged New Year's messages with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un. The leaders announced 2024 to be a "friendship year" for both countries, launching a series of activities for that, the Chinese foreign ministry said separately. Also watch | Vladimir Putin hails Russia-China relations during his China visit × Xi said China is willing to work with North Korea to deepen strategic mutual trust, enhance exchanges and cooperation, promote greater bilateral ties, and make new contributions to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. On New Year's Eve, the Chinese leader exchanged greetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin as well. This year is the 75th anniversary of China and Russia establishing diplomatic relations. Also read | Xi Jinping makes most direct threat so far to annex Taiwan in New Year's speech Xi said China and Russia should "continuously consolidate" and develop ties "featuring permanent good-neighbourly friendship", along with comprehensive strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation that would serve the interest of both the countries. Xi in his New Year's address on Sunday also said that China's "reunification" with Taiwan is inevitable, threatening its sovereign existence.

China's Xi dials Biden, Putin and Kim Jong-Un to extend New Year greetings

Amid the Israel-Hamas war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, Christian communities in the Palestinian territories, southern Lebanon, and Syria marked a subdued Christmas, setting a somber tone for the upcoming festivities, including the New Year 2024.

In a poignant gesture of solidarity with Gaza, Sharjah, the third-largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates, has decided to cancel its customary New Year’s Eve celebrations, including firework displays.&nbsp;

Sharjah Police have warned of legal measures against those participating in unauthorised festivities, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

But this stance is not echoed uniformly across West Asia.&nbsp;

However, other emirates, known for their extravagant New Year’s Eve celebrations, have not announced similar bans.&nbsp;

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is gearing up for the Sheikh Zayed Festival, featuring a record-breaking hour-long firework display. In Dubai, various major displays, including at the iconic Burj Khalifa, are on the agenda, with Global Village confirming no fewer than seven fireworks shows.

<h2>New Year celebrations to continue&nbsp;elsewhere in West Asia</h2>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-caretaker-pm-kakar-announces-ban-on-new-year-celebrations-heres-why-674761">Pakistan caretaker PM Kakar announces ban on New Year celebrations, here's why</a>

Lebanon's capital, Beirut, plans customary street parties and live concerts, while Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is scheduled for multiple firework displays. Lusail City in Qatar is set to host laser shows and fireworks, having previously scaled down National Day celebrations in solidarity with Gaza.

Outside the West Asia, Pakistan has imposed a "strict ban" on any New Year events. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar has called on the nation to stand in solidarity with Palestinians.

Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Gaza &amp; Israel fail to light up for New Year amid fresh skirmishes

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Fighting raged Saturday across Gaza, where displaced Palestinians said they were "exhausted" with no end in sight to the war between the besieged territory's Hamas rulers and Israel, now in its 13th week.

The retaliatory state of war which began with Hamas's bloody October 7 attacks on southern Israel, which left about 1,200 people dead, has so far claimed the lives of 21,672 people, mostly women and children.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the Israel-Hamas war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, Christian communities in the Palestinian territories, southern Lebanon, and Syria marked a subdued Christmas, setting a somber tone for the upcoming festivities, including the New Year 2024.

Amid the Israel-Hamas war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, Christian communities in the Palestinian territories, southern Lebanon, and Syria marked a subdued Christmas, setting a somber tone for the upcoming festivities, including the New Year 2024. In a poignant gesture of solidarity with Gaza, Sharjah, the third-largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates, has decided to cancel its customary New Year’s Eve celebrations, including firework displays. Sharjah Police have warned of legal measures against those participating in unauthorised festivities, underscoring the gravity of the situation. But this stance is not echoed uniformly across West Asia. However, other emirates, known for their extravagant New Year’s Eve celebrations, have not announced similar bans. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is gearing up for the Sheikh Zayed Festival, featuring a record-breaking hour-long firework display. In Dubai, various major displays, including at the iconic Burj Khalifa, are on the agenda, with Global Village confirming no fewer than seven fireworks shows. New Year celebrations to continue elsewhere in West Asia Also read | Pakistan caretaker PM Kakar announces ban on New Year celebrations, here's why Lebanon's capital, Beirut, plans customary street parties and live concerts, while Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is scheduled for multiple firework displays. Lusail City in Qatar is set to host laser shows and fireworks, having previously scaled down National Day celebrations in solidarity with Gaza. Outside the West Asia, Pakistan has imposed a "strict ban" on any New Year events. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar has called on the nation to stand in solidarity with Palestinians. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza & Israel fail to light up for New Year amid fresh skirmishes × Fighting raged Saturday across Gaza, where displaced Palestinians said they were "exhausted" with no end in sight to the war between the besieged territory's Hamas rulers and Israel, now in its 13th week. The retaliatory state of war which began with Hamas's bloody October 7 attacks on southern Israel, which left about 1,200 people dead, has so far claimed the lives of 21,672 people, mostly women and children. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war expected to mute New Year celebrations in West Asia but not in Dubai

In a year when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-moscow-dodges-mutiny-bullet-global-south-cements-its-rise-in-washington-and-paris-608606">Moscow&nbsp;dodged</a> an unprecedented mutiny bullet, Washington and Beijing wrangled with a consequential geo-economic confrontation over the development of semiconductors, the Israel-Palestine conflict entered its worst phase in decades&nbsp;—&nbsp;New Delhi's rising economic clout coincided with its presidency of the grouping of world's wealthiest economies: the G20.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-delhi-delivers-as-the-voice-of-global-south-634649">The Capitals: Delhi delivers as the voice of Global South</a>&nbsp;

Besides, during a Senate hearing in Washington, the most relevant warning of our times was issued.

"If this technology goes wrong, it can go quite wrong," Sam Altman,&nbsp;the Chief Executive of the world's most successful Artificial Intelligence startup OpenAI said at a Senate hearing in Washington DC.

<img alt="Sam Altman" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-05-21T212338.370.png" />

Samuel Altman, the CEO of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI | AP

In Kyiv, South&nbsp;Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa on June 19 presented a 10-point peace plan of the African Peace Mission to end the war in Ukraine. Two days before, President Vladimir Putin <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-ukraine-signed-peace-treaty-with-russia-in-spring-of-2022-then-threw-it-into-garbage-of-history-605673">told</a> African leaders that&nbsp;Ukraine signed a peace treaty with Russia in the spring of 2022, then threw it into the 'garbage of history'. The war seems to be edging towards Russia by the end of the year, months after a Ukrainian counteroffensive to regain lost territories failed and the attention of the world was diverted towards the Israel-Hamas war.&nbsp;

In between, Bogota succeeded with a rescue operation of four indigenous children who had been missing for more than a month in the Colombian Amazon rainforest. Turkish capital Ankara witnessed the beginning of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's third decade in power. All that while, West Asia witnessed a semblance of stability after the unprecedented <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-saudi-arabia-restore-ties-as-china-brokered-deal-outfoxes-west-570766">restoration</a> of ties between Riyadh and Tehran in March—which was shaken by the last quarter of 2023 when Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7.&nbsp;

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/11/337976-untitled-design-6.jpg?imwidth=3840" />Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi (Centre), Ali Shamkhani (R), the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Minister of State and national security adviser of Saudi Arabia Musaad bin Mohammed Al Aiban (L) in Beijing, China March 10, 2023 | AFP

But throughout 2023, New Delhi continued its emergence as a capital of significance.&nbsp;

In July, Tehran entered the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a Beijing-dominated and Moscow-fostered&nbsp;club of Central Asian 'stan' nations&nbsp;— at a summit hosted by New Delhi that turned virtual for no specified reason. The SCO summit came&nbsp;less than four weeks after Modi received Washington's diplomatic niceties during a state visit that was described with 'unprecedented' adjectives.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-new-delhi-turns-real-sco-virtual-ghost-militia-of-damascus-and-more-613682">The Capitals: New Delhi turns real SCO virtual, 'ghost' militia of Damascus, and more</a>

In the same month, India's PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron watched French and Indian soldiers march down the tree-lined Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, while French-made Rafale fighter jets India bought in 2015 took part in a fly-past over the Arc de Triomphe.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/14/366868-untitled-design-2023-07-14t170630744.png?imwidth=1920" />

French President Emmanuel Macron meets India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Paris during Bastille Day Celebrations on July 14, 2023 | @EmmanuelMacron/Twitter

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-delhis-defence-march-with-paris-kyiv-fails-its-nato-admission-for-now-and-more-616294">The Capitals: Delhi's 'defence' march with Paris, Kyiv fails its NATO admission for now, and more</a>

New Delhi's pitch for 'reformed multilateralism' over concerns such as an unreformed UN Security Council, remained a recurring theme in the geopolitical discourse.&nbsp;

In an address ahead of the BRICS summit in August, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africas-president-ramaphosa-calls-for-unsc-reform-sets-pitch-for-brics-expansion-ahead-of-summit-627366">said</a> in Johannesburg: "The United Nations Security Council must be transformed into a more inclusive, more effective body that is able to ensure peace and security."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-pretoria-new-delhi-lead-africas-ascent-in-global-diplomacy-605796">The Capitals: Pretoria, New Delhi lead Africa's ascent in global diplomacy</a>

On September 3rd, just a week before hosting the New Delhi G20 leaders summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi&nbsp;reiterated India's position on reformed multilateralism and the question of Security Council reforms.

"A mid-20th century approach cannot serve the world in the 21st century," Modi said.&nbsp;

A week later, the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration called for the need for "a more inclusive and reinvigorated multilateralism and reform aimed at implementing the 2030 agenda".

Besides, the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-message-through-its-downgraded-role-at-g20-summit-in-delhi-633842">Chinese leader Xi Jinping</a>&nbsp;from New Delhi's G20 summit was widely described as a sign of impending floundering of India's stewardship of one of the world's most important geo-economic forums. But New Delhi proved the sceptics wrong, emerging as a capital of significance in accordance with its status as the world's fifth-largest economy.&nbsp;

In a year when Moscow dodged an unprecedented mutiny bullet, Washington and Beijing wrangled with a consequential geo-economic confrontation over the development of semiconductors, the Israel-Palestine conflict entered its worst phase in decades — New Delhi's rising economic clout coincided with its presidency of the grouping of world's wealthiest economies: the G20.

In a year when Moscow dodged an unprecedented mutiny bullet, Washington and Beijing wrangled with a consequential geo-economic confrontation over the development of semiconductors, the Israel-Palestine conflict entered its worst phase in decades — New Delhi's rising economic clout coincided with its presidency of the grouping of world's wealthiest economies: the G20. Also read | The Capitals: Delhi delivers as the voice of Global South Besides, during a Senate hearing in Washington, the most relevant warning of our times was issued. "If this technology goes wrong, it can go quite wrong," Sam Altman, the Chief Executive of the world's most successful Artificial Intelligence startup OpenAI said at a Senate hearing in Washington DC. Samuel Altman, the CEO of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI | AP In Kyiv, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa on June 19 presented a 10-point peace plan of the African Peace Mission to end the war in Ukraine. Two days before, President Vladimir Putin told African leaders that Ukraine signed a peace treaty with Russia in the spring of 2022, then threw it into the 'garbage of history'. The war seems to be edging towards Russia by the end of the year, months after a Ukrainian counteroffensive to regain lost territories failed and the attention of the world was diverted towards the Israel-Hamas war. In between, Bogota succeeded with a rescue operation of four indigenous children who had been missing for more than a month in the Colombian Amazon rainforest. Turkish capital Ankara witnessed the beginning of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's third decade in power. All that while, West Asia witnessed a semblance of stability after the unprecedented restoration of ties between Riyadh and Tehran in March—which was shaken by the last quarter of 2023 when Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7. Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi (Centre), Ali Shamkhani (R), the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Minister of State and national security adviser of Saudi Arabia Musaad bin Mohammed Al Aiban (L) in Beijing, China March 10, 2023 | AFP But throughout 2023, New Delhi continued its emergence as a capital of significance. In July, Tehran entered the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a Beijing-dominated and Moscow-fostered club of Central Asian 'stan' nations — at a summit hosted by New Delhi that turned virtual for no specified reason. The SCO summit came less than four weeks after Modi received Washington's diplomatic niceties during a state visit that was described with 'unprecedented' adjectives. Also read | The Capitals: New Delhi turns real SCO virtual, 'ghost' militia of Damascus, and more In the same month, India's PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron watched French and Indian soldiers march down the tree-lined Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, while French-made Rafale fighter jets India bought in 2015 took part in a fly-past over the Arc de Triomphe. French President Emmanuel Macron meets India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Paris during Bastille Day Celebrations on July 14, 2023 | @EmmanuelMacron/Twitter Also read | The Capitals: Delhi's 'defence' march with Paris, Kyiv fails its NATO admission for now, and more New Delhi's pitch for 'reformed multilateralism' over concerns such as an unreformed UN Security Council, remained a recurring theme in the geopolitical discourse. In an address ahead of the BRICS summit in August, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa said in Johannesburg: "The United Nations Security Council must be transformed into a more inclusive, more effective body that is able to ensure peace and security." Also read | The Capitals: Pretoria, New Delhi lead Africa's ascent in global diplomacy On September 3rd, just a week before hosting the New Delhi G20 leaders summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi reiterated India's position on reformed multilateralism and the question of Security Council reforms. "A mid-20th century approach cannot serve the world in the 21st century," Modi said. A week later, the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration called for the need for "a more inclusive and reinvigorated multilateralism and reform aimed at implementing the 2030 agenda". Besides, the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping from New Delhi's G20 summit was widely described as a sign of impending floundering of India's stewardship of one of the world's most important geo-economic forums. But New Delhi proved the sceptics wrong, emerging as a capital of significance in accordance with its status as the world's fifth-largest economy.

The Capitals in 2023: The year when New Delhi proved sceptics wrong

Chinese leader Xi Jinping was seen doing away with his pursed lips and feigned smile twice this year. First in July, when a 100-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/dubious-strategist-ruthless-diplomat-south-asian-loser-kissingers-bull-run-was-stopped-by-indian-defiance-664604">Henry Kissinger</a>, the controversial US foreign policy wizard and architect of US-China ties visited Beijing. Secondly, in October during a summit in Beijing to celebrate 10 years of the Belt and Road Initiative, China's ambitious transcontinental trade project mired in accusations of exploitative practices.

Xi frequently broke into an uncharacteristic chuckle and threw expressions of diplomatic affection with Kissinger, who is credited with bringing China out of isolation in the 1970s.&nbsp;<img alt="China's President Xi Jinping (R) speaks with former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2728c580-b473-483f-90a5-855ee278e27a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-29T213550.658.png" />

China's President Xi Jinping with former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger during a meeting in Beijing on July 20, 2023 | AFP

But while a smiling Xi was "very glad to see" Kissinger in July 2023, the visit came in the backdrop of the 21st-century contest between Washington and Beijing for semiconductors,&nbsp;dubbed the 'Chip Wars'.&nbsp;

Weeks before Kissinger's Beijing visit, in June, the United States along with the Netherlands gave China's chipmaking capabilities a setback by imposing more restrictions on the sales of chipmaking equipment to the Chinese market. The measures were part of a broader strategy to prevent China from leveraging foreign technology to enhance its military capabilities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chip-war-intensifies-us-and-netherlands-impose-stricter-controls-on-chipmaking-equipment-sales-to-china-610417">Chip War Intensifies: U.S. and Netherlands impose stricter controls on chipmaking equipment sales to China</a>

Then in July, just two days after Kissinger's Beijing visit, the Biden administration gave another blow to China's chipmaking ambitions as a consensus emerged on the need for '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-chip-war-intensify-amid-calls-for-small-yard-high-fence-approach-to-contain-china-618392">small yard, high fence</a>' restrictions on chip exports.

Beijing's chipmaking ambitions are intricately linked with a wish to enmesh the world in Chinese-built infrastructure that includes not just roads and bridges but network equipment as well.

"We must march out, deepen international internet exchange and collaboration, and vigorously participate in the construction of 'One Belt, One Road'," Xi had declared in April 2016, three years after the Belt and Road Initiative was first launched.&nbsp;

The project originally devised to link East Asia and Europe through physical infrastructure, &nbsp;has since expanded to Africa, Oceania, and Latin America. But across continents, skepticism has replaced initial euphoria as there remains minimal accrual of benefits that Beijing initially promised.&nbsp;<img alt="Chinese leader Xi Jinping" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5860f0b-c8b3-4628-a3b7-2b28179f9609" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-29T214253.154.png" />

Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of a summit in Beijing to celebrate the Belt and Road Initiative on October 18, 2023 | Reuters

"The opaque nature of contracts did not allow for public scrutiny," Commodore R.S. Vasan (Retd.), Director General of Chennai Centre of China Studies told WION.

And this &nbsp;December, Italy under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni notified Beijing that it was ceasing its participation in the BRI ahead of a deadline at the year's end.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Losing Momentum: China’s belt &amp; road initiative

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Italy was the only major Western nation to sign up for the BRI in 2019, a move heavily criticised by the West at the time.

Washington calls BRI an example of Beijing's "debt-trap diplomacy", as it involves unsustainably large projects that countries are unable to finance, giving Beijing leverage for its aims. India has denounced the project as it passes through parts of Jammu and Kashmir currently under illegal occupation by Pakistan and China.&nbsp;

Besides, only a fraction of the over&nbsp;$22 billion worth of investment in Italy promised by Xi in 2019 has materialised, according to an official readout from Italy's government.

Italian exports to China were worth $18.13bn last year, compared to $14.37bn in 2019. By contrast, Chinese exports to Italy rose to $63.57bn from $35bn over the same period, which European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen cited as an example of "clear imbalances and differences" that must be addressed.&nbsp;

"From all counts it is a reality check for China as well as the countries who are part of the BRI," Commodore Vasan added.&nbsp;

"The realisation that the funding benefited only the Chinese companies and hardly contributed to job generation in the destination countries is out there as the year closes," he said.

Italy under Meloni was wise to see the pitfalls of BRI and pulled out this year. But several countries are already indebted to China, possibly at a point of no return.

Did 2023 mark&nbsp;the beginning of the end of Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative? The world will know soon enough.&nbsp;

Chinese leader Xi Jinping was seen doing away with his pursed lips and feigned smile twice this year. First in July, when a 100-year-old Henry Kissinger, the controversial US foreign policy wizard and architect of US-China ties visited Beijing.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping was seen doing away with his pursed lips and feigned smile twice this year. First in July, when a 100-year-old Henry Kissinger, the controversial US foreign policy wizard and architect of US-China ties visited Beijing. Secondly, in October during a summit in Beijing to celebrate 10 years of the Belt and Road Initiative, China's ambitious transcontinental trade project mired in accusations of exploitative practices. Xi frequently broke into an uncharacteristic chuckle and threw expressions of diplomatic affection with Kissinger, who is credited with bringing China out of isolation in the 1970s. China's President Xi Jinping with former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger during a meeting in Beijing on July 20, 2023 | AFP But while a smiling Xi was "very glad to see" Kissinger in July 2023, the visit came in the backdrop of the 21st-century contest between Washington and Beijing for semiconductors, dubbed the 'Chip Wars'. Weeks before Kissinger's Beijing visit, in June, the United States along with the Netherlands gave China's chipmaking capabilities a setback by imposing more restrictions on the sales of chipmaking equipment to the Chinese market. The measures were part of a broader strategy to prevent China from leveraging foreign technology to enhance its military capabilities. Also read | Chip War Intensifies: U.S. and Netherlands impose stricter controls on chipmaking equipment sales to China Then in July, just two days after Kissinger's Beijing visit, the Biden administration gave another blow to China's chipmaking ambitions as a consensus emerged on the need for 'small yard, high fence' restrictions on chip exports. Beijing's chipmaking ambitions are intricately linked with a wish to enmesh the world in Chinese-built infrastructure that includes not just roads and bridges but network equipment as well. "We must march out, deepen international internet exchange and collaboration, and vigorously participate in the construction of 'One Belt, One Road'," Xi had declared in April 2016, three years after the Belt and Road Initiative was first launched. The project originally devised to link East Asia and Europe through physical infrastructure, has since expanded to Africa, Oceania, and Latin America. But across continents, skepticism has replaced initial euphoria as there remains minimal accrual of benefits that Beijing initially promised. Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of a summit in Beijing to celebrate the Belt and Road Initiative on October 18, 2023 | Reuters "The opaque nature of contracts did not allow for public scrutiny," Commodore R.S. Vasan (Retd.), Director General of Chennai Centre of China Studies told WION. And this December, Italy under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni notified Beijing that it was ceasing its participation in the BRI ahead of a deadline at the year's end. Also watch | Losing Momentum: China’s belt & road initiative × Italy was the only major Western nation to sign up for the BRI in 2019, a move heavily criticised by the West at the time. Washington calls BRI an example of Beijing's "debt-trap diplomacy", as it involves unsustainably large projects that countries are unable to finance, giving Beijing leverage for its aims. India has denounced the project as it passes through parts of Jammu and Kashmir currently under illegal occupation by Pakistan and China. Besides, only a fraction of the over $22 billion worth of investment in Italy promised by Xi in 2019 has materialised, according to an official readout from Italy's government. Italian exports to China were worth $18.13bn last year, compared to $14.37bn in 2019. By contrast, Chinese exports to Italy rose to $63.57bn from $35bn over the same period, which European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen cited as an example of "clear imbalances and differences" that must be addressed. "From all counts it is a reality check for China as well as the countries who are part of the BRI," Commodore Vasan added. "The realisation that the funding benefited only the Chinese companies and hardly contributed to job generation in the destination countries is out there as the year closes," he said. Italy under Meloni was wise to see the pitfalls of BRI and pulled out this year. But several countries are already indebted to China, possibly at a point of no return. Did 2023 mark the beginning of the end of Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative? The world will know soon enough.

Xi Jinping's 2023: When China's BRI dream faced an Italian 'reality check'

A Gujarat resident identified as Mohit Sharma reportedly executed his threat to steal a police vehicle earlier this week. The incident unfolded in Dwarka, where Sharma, drove off with the SUV&nbsp;nearly 200 km to Jamnagar where he was apprehended by police.&nbsp;

Sharma is also currently embroiled in a dafamation case in Kutch district, The Times of India reported.&nbsp;

Sharma clicked selfies with the stolen police vehicle and shared the images on his social media accounts throughout the purported escapade.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="India: Software firm's 'humiliated' employees honeytrap former boss, circulate nudes">India: Software firm's 'humiliated' employees honeytrap former boss, circulate nudes</a>

The theft reportedly occurred around 8:15 am on Thursday, with authorities managing to intercept him near Ambar Chokdi in Jamnagar at approximately 2:30 pm, reported&nbsp;The Times of India.

Deputy Superintendent of Police, Samir Sarda, told the newspaper that Sharma had initially arrived in Dwarka on a motorcycle, ostensibly claiming to be on his way to offer prayers at a Hindu shrine dedicated to the god Krishna.&nbsp;

Subsequently, he strategically parked the bike near the police station before making off with the stolen SUV.

Also watch |&nbsp;Experts warn against 'Get to Know Me' trend over 'Privacy concerns'

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Sarda noted, "There is a continuous flow of tourists in Dwarka, and many times the staff members take cars in emergencies. So, the police station officer (PSO) may not have noticed anything unusual in the car being taken without informing him. He saw the car was being driven out but he did not see the driver’s face."

The police were alerted after the driver of the police vehicle realised it was missing.&nbsp;

<h2>SUV escapade came after threat to steal police vehicle</h2>

Sharma, already under investigation for defamation by the Gandhidham police, had previously issued a threat to steal a police vehicle. The Deputy Superintendent of Police suspects Sharma's motive may have been to sell the stolen car for scrap, The Times of India reported.&nbsp;

A Gujarat resident identified as Mohit Sharma reportedly executed his threat to steal a police vehicle earlier this week. The incident unfolded in Dwarka, where Sharma, drove off with the SUV nearly 200 km to Jamnagar where he was apprehended by police.

A Gujarat resident identified as Mohit Sharma reportedly executed his threat to steal a police vehicle earlier this week. The incident unfolded in Dwarka, where Sharma, drove off with the SUV nearly 200 km to Jamnagar where he was apprehended by police. Sharma is also currently embroiled in a dafamation case in Kutch district, The Times of India reported. Sharma clicked selfies with the stolen police vehicle and shared the images on his social media accounts throughout the purported escapade. Also read | India: Software firm's 'humiliated' employees honeytrap former boss, circulate nudes The theft reportedly occurred around 8:15 am on Thursday, with authorities managing to intercept him near Ambar Chokdi in Jamnagar at approximately 2:30 pm, reported The Times of India. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Samir Sarda, told the newspaper that Sharma had initially arrived in Dwarka on a motorcycle, ostensibly claiming to be on his way to offer prayers at a Hindu shrine dedicated to the god Krishna. Subsequently, he strategically parked the bike near the police station before making off with the stolen SUV. Also watch | Experts warn against 'Get to Know Me' trend over 'Privacy concerns' × Sarda noted, "There is a continuous flow of tourists in Dwarka, and many times the staff members take cars in emergencies. So, the police station officer (PSO) may not have noticed anything unusual in the car being taken without informing him. He saw the car was being driven out but he did not see the driver’s face." The police were alerted after the driver of the police vehicle realised it was missing. SUV escapade came after threat to steal police vehicle Sharma, already under investigation for defamation by the Gandhidham police, had previously issued a threat to steal a police vehicle. The Deputy Superintendent of Police suspects Sharma's motive may have been to sell the stolen car for scrap, The Times of India reported.

Gujarat man runs away with police SUV, arrested after six-hour chase

The Yeti Airlines crash in Nepal that claimed 72 lives nearly a year ago was caused due to a combination of human error and a critical lack of awareness among the flight crew, the official report from a government-appointed investigation panel said on Friday (Dec 29).&nbsp;The Yeti Airlines service was flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara when it crashed.

The report, presented by a five-member Investigation Commission, highlighted that the pilots inadvertently moved both condition levers to the feathered position during flight, a critical error that led to the feathering of both propellers and subsequent loss of thrust.

This sequence of events resulted in an aerodynamic stall and led to the collision with the terrain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/world/east-asia/nepal-deadly-aircraft-crashes--1689077087843">Top Deadly Aircraft Crashes in Nepal</a>

Dipak Prasad Bastola, an aeronautical engineer and a member of the investigative panel, clarified said the pilots mistakenly placed the condition levers, responsible for controlling power, in the feathering position instead of selecting the flap lever.&nbsp;

Due to this, the engine ran idle and could not produce thrust to stay up in the air.&nbsp;

The aircraft crashed on the ground 49 seconds later.

Also watch |&nbsp;Nepal plane crash: Deadliest plane crash in 30 years, probe points to lack of technical training

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Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane, another member of the investigation commission, said that the probe's conclusion pointed to a critical "wrong lever" being pulled in the cockpit.&nbsp;

"Technically, the plane was fine but it seems wrong human input caused it to stall and crash," he explained.

The aircraft involved, operated by privately owned Yeti Airlines, was an ATR 72 with engines manufactured in Canada by Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada.&nbsp;

Since 2013, the European Union has prohibited Nepali airlines from its airspace, citing safety concerns.

The report submitted to the Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, after eight months and three days of investigation called the need for stringent safety measures.

The incident involving Yeti Airlines in Pokhara marked the 104th crash in Nepali skies and ranked as the third biggest in terms of casualties.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Yeti Airlines crash in Nepal that claimed 72 lives nearly a year ago was caused due to a combination of human error and a critical lack of awareness among the flight crew, the official report from a government-appointed investigation panel said on Friday (Dec 29).

The Yeti Airlines crash in Nepal that claimed 72 lives nearly a year ago was caused due to a combination of human error and a critical lack of awareness among the flight crew, the official report from a government-appointed investigation panel said on Friday (Dec 29). The Yeti Airlines service was flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara when it crashed. The report, presented by a five-member Investigation Commission, highlighted that the pilots inadvertently moved both condition levers to the feathered position during flight, a critical error that led to the feathering of both propellers and subsequent loss of thrust. This sequence of events resulted in an aerodynamic stall and led to the collision with the terrain. Also read | Top Deadly Aircraft Crashes in Nepal Dipak Prasad Bastola, an aeronautical engineer and a member of the investigative panel, clarified said the pilots mistakenly placed the condition levers, responsible for controlling power, in the feathering position instead of selecting the flap lever. Due to this, the engine ran idle and could not produce thrust to stay up in the air. The aircraft crashed on the ground 49 seconds later. Also watch | Nepal plane crash: Deadliest plane crash in 30 years, probe points to lack of technical training × Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane, another member of the investigation commission, said that the probe's conclusion pointed to a critical "wrong lever" being pulled in the cockpit. "Technically, the plane was fine but it seems wrong human input caused it to stall and crash," he explained. The aircraft involved, operated by privately owned Yeti Airlines, was an ATR 72 with engines manufactured in Canada by Pratt & Whitney Canada. Since 2013, the European Union has prohibited Nepali airlines from its airspace, citing safety concerns. The report submitted to the Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, after eight months and three days of investigation called the need for stringent safety measures. The incident involving Yeti Airlines in Pokhara marked the 104th crash in Nepali skies and ranked as the third biggest in terms of casualties. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal: Yeti airlines plane crashed because pilot pulled 'wrong lever'

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the temple town of Ayodhya in northern India and inaugurated an airport and a revamped railway station. Russia claimed a major strike by Ukraine that stoked Moscow to call for a UN Security Council meeting. Besides, today was Rudyard Kipling's 158th birth anniversary.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited&nbsp;the holy town of Ayodhya on&nbsp;Saturday (Dec 30) to open fresh transport links in a 'historic'&nbsp;massive revamp of Hinduism's major pilgrimage centre.&nbsp;

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A deadly missile strike by Ukraine on the Russian city of Belgorod claimed the lives of at least 14 people and wounded 108 others, Russia's emergencies ministry said Saturday (Dec 30).

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Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's nomination was rejected from the two National Assembly constituencies in Mianwali and Lahore. The elections in Pakistan are scheduled to be held in February.&nbsp;

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India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar is set to represent India at the upcoming Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Uganda's capital Kampala next month. Scheduled from January 17th to 20th, 2024, the 19th edition of the NAM summit will be preceded by a crucial foreign ministerial meeting from 15th January.

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In his annual&nbsp;New Year address to the Indian leadership, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised New Delhi's chairmanship of the G20, and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summits this year. India led both groupings and organised the in-person G20 summit in Delhi in September and the virtual SCO summit in July. 
 
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On the first flight which was bound for Ayodhya's newly-inaugurated Maharishi Valmiki International Airport from India's capital New Delhi, a special announcement was made by the captain for the passengers. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flooded-tunnel-near-london-disrupts-eurostar-train-services-675095">Flooded tunnels near London disrupt Eurostar train services, thousands of passengers stranded</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/30/402672-succession-2023-12-30t200225178.jpg?imwidth=3840" /> 
 
Flooding in a railway tunnel near London forced the cancellation of more than a dozen trains linking Britain with the European mainland early on Saturday, international rail operator Eurostar said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-all-rounder-shardul-thakur-injures-shoulder-during-net-session-675082">India all-rounder Shardul Thakur</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-all-rounder-shardul-thakur-injures-shoulder-during-net-session-675082"> injures shoulder during net session</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/30/402666-untitled-design-2023-12-30t192040658.png?imwidth=3840" />

India all-rounder Shardul Thakur was injured on Saturday, December 30 while batting during a net session. Thakur was hit on shoulder when he was taking throwdowns and the extent of seriousness of the injury is yet to be determined. The all-rounder will undergo scans if required. The developments were first reported by the news agency PTI.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-rudyard-kipling-a-literary-colossus-built-on-colonial-sand-674974">Rudyard Kipling, a literary colossus built on colonial sand</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/30/402594-rudyard-kipling.png?imwidth=3840" /> 
Today marks the 158th&nbsp;anniversary of Rudyard Kipling's birth. The occasion prompts a comprehensive reflection on his complex legacy, particularly for those who, like me, grew up enchanted by his stories and discovered the disturbing undercurrents of his beliefs much later. Born on December 30, 1865, in Bombay, British India, Kipling's literary contributions are undeniably significant, yet the shadows of his colonial-era prejudices cast a disquieting pall over his work.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the temple town of Ayodhya in northern India and inaugurated an airport and a revamped railway station. Russia claimed a major strike by Ukraine that stoked Moscow to call for a UN Security Council meeting.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the temple town of Ayodhya in northern India and inaugurated an airport and a revamped railway station. Russia claimed a major strike by Ukraine that stoked Moscow to call for a UN Security Council meeting. Besides, today was Rudyard Kipling's 158th birth anniversary. Click here to read more: Modi in Ayodhya pitches India’s rich cultural heritage as foundation for economic prosperity Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the holy town of Ayodhya on Saturday (Dec 30) to open fresh transport links in a 'historic' massive revamp of Hinduism's major pilgrimage centre. Ukrainian strike kills at least 14 in city of Belgorod, says Russia A deadly missile strike by Ukraine on the Russian city of Belgorod claimed the lives of at least 14 people and wounded 108 others, Russia's emergencies ministry said Saturday (Dec 30). Pakistan: Imran Khan’s election nomination rejected from two constituencies Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's nomination was rejected from the two National Assembly constituencies in Mianwali and Lahore. The elections in Pakistan are scheduled to be held in February. Exclusive: EAM Jaishankar to represent India at Uganda NAM Summit in January 2024 India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar is set to represent India at the upcoming Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Uganda's capital Kampala next month. Scheduled from January 17th to 20th, 2024, the 19th edition of the NAM summit will be preceded by a crucial foreign ministerial meeting from 15th January. In New Year greetings to President Droupadi Murmu, PM Modi, Putin lauds India’s G20, SCO presidency In his annual New Year address to the Indian leadership, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised New Delhi's chairmanship of the G20, and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summits this year. India led both groupings and organised the in-person G20 summit in Delhi in September and the virtual SCO summit in July. On first flight to India’s temple city of Ayodhya, IndiGo captain greets passengers with ‘Jai Shree Ram’ On the first flight which was bound for Ayodhya's newly-inaugurated Maharishi Valmiki International Airport from India's capital New Delhi, a special announcement was made by the captain for the passengers. Flooded tunnels near London disrupt Eurostar train services, thousands of passengers stranded Flooding in a railway tunnel near London forced the cancellation of more than a dozen trains linking Britain with the European mainland early on Saturday, international rail operator Eurostar said. India all-rounder Shardul Thakur injures shoulder during net session India all-rounder Shardul Thakur was injured on Saturday, December 30 while batting during a net session. Thakur was hit on shoulder when he was taking throwdowns and the extent of seriousness of the injury is yet to be determined. The all-rounder will undergo scans if required. The developments were first reported by the news agency PTI. Rudyard Kipling, a literary colossus built on colonial sand Today marks the 158th anniversary of Rudyard Kipling's birth. The occasion prompts a comprehensive reflection on his complex legacy, particularly for those who, like me, grew up enchanted by his stories and discovered the disturbing undercurrents of his beliefs much later. Born on December 30, 1865, in Bombay, British India, Kipling's literary contributions are undeniably significant, yet the shadows of his colonial-era prejudices cast a disquieting pall over his work.

Top 10 world news: Modi in Ayodhya ahead of temple consecration, Russia shaken by Belogrod strike, and more

Between our top <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/features/top-7-political-genre-books-of-2023-1700652509270">politics</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/features/ai-in-2023-top-7-technology-reads-of-the-year-1700786538795">technology</a> reads of 2023, we have had enough to write&nbsp;about the books that defined and sometimes even dominated the news cycle this year. At the end of 2023, we reached out to individuals across our newsroom to find out what books&nbsp;— old and new&nbsp;— they loved reading the most this year.&nbsp;

Here are the books that hooked WION newsroom in 2023.&nbsp;

Aprameya Rao, Business Journalist, WION Business Desk<img alt="Vajpayee by Abhishek Choudhary" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="946c8be5-39a0-4898-89d5-3197d84b44ef" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-30T121238.423.png" />

VAJPAYEE: The Ascent of the Hindu Right, 1924–1977 by Abhishek Choudhary | Pan Macmillan 
 
Indian biographies often end up being too passionate and biased which defeats the purpose of critical evaluation. But former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's latest biography by Abhishek Choudhary 
defies the trend — quite comprehensively. Choudhary's book intertwines Vajpayee's&nbsp;early life with the rise of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) as a political party. Along the way, we also see how Vajpayee tried to mould the BJS into an acceptable political force. The book ends in 1977 when Vajpayee becomes the Foreign Minister in Prime Minister Morarji Desai's cabinet. I am looking forward to reading the second part, expected to be released in 2024.

Eric Njoka, News Presenter, WION<img alt="Who ate my cheese" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="53c91e8b-73b0-4c6a-a0ba-f35a28c7c6c4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-30T130913.892.png" />

Who Moved My Cheese by Dr Spencer Johnson | Vermilion London

When we have good times in life (enough supply of cheese), we tend to forget that situations may not be the same in the future. During food times, we tend to feel safe and&nbsp;secure, cosy in comfort zone, proud, and at times arrogant of our success. But when we face the challenges in our lives (when the cheese is moved away from us), the complex human brain tends to over analyse the situation. We start ranting and raving at the injustice. We feel depressed, frustrated, angry and even paralysed by our own fears of the unknown. This book has helped me balance my life

Prisha, Senior Sub-editor, WION Web Desk

<img alt="The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="27c8bcc1-e07a-4bf4-8869-87e2152b7216" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-30T121514.528.png" />

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy | EBURY Press 
 
This is an account of the most heartfelt conversation between a boy and his companion who are on a journey called 'life'. With every page, you are likely to find an answer to a question that has remained deep inside your heart. The book is a combination of multiple emotions including the feeling of warmth and love. It's a story to be told again and again, a lesson to be learned and revised till eternity.

Veer Vikram Mukherjee, Assistant Producer,&nbsp;WION Assignment Desk

<img alt="Lover Boy of Bahawalpur" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bcfe872a-c240-4e1f-a341-0d3ffa381916" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-30T122224.425.png" />

The Lover Boy of Bahawalpur: How the Pulwama Case was Cracked by Rahul Pandita | Juggernaut

For all that it's worth, the Balakot airstrikes after the Pulwama terrorist attack in 2019 were a watershed in India's policy to combat Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The Lover Boy of Bahawalpur, in that context, is the product of a remarkable journalistic observation. The book presents the world of anti-India jihad in an unputdownable format.

Mukul Sharma, Journalist, WION Web Desk<img alt="Putin life and times" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6098944-eabe-43e6-8ad5-c8341ff7d375" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-30T122413.439.png" />

Putin: His Life and Times by Philip Short | Bodley Head

Longtime foreign correspondent Philip Short meticulously describes Russian President Vladimir Putin as a consequentially ruthless leader with scheming pragmatism. I began reading this one in June 2023,&nbsp;the time when the Kremlin was shaken by an unprecedented insurrection by Yevgeny Prigozhin's Wagner mercenary group fostered by Putin himself. In less than 36 hours, the armed uprising ended as dramatically as it had begun. By the time I finished reading this over 900-page book, Prigozhin was killed in a mysterious plane crash — a remarkable coincidence between the events Short mentioned in the book with the real-time news cycle.&nbsp;

Tapasya Iyer,&nbsp;Trainee Journalist, WION Production Desk

<img alt="Aanchal Malhotra book" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1175186-f508-4c9f-9ec6-8d16d763b2c0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-30T122544.331.png" />

Remnants of Partition: 21 Objects from a Continent Divided by Aanchal Malhota | C Hurst &amp; Co Publishers Ltd 
 
Having heard a lot about this book by Aanchal Malhotra, I picked it up with a desire to know more about the history of partition. Little did I know I would get an emotional rollercoaster ride. The stories and memories from different families made me understand how any political decision has a deep impact on the personal lives of ordinary&nbsp;people. The essence of the book is in its unique storytelling style which takes you in&nbsp;the past.

Moohita Kaur Garg, Journalist, WION Web Desk<img alt="Lies Our Mothers Told Us" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4637c5e-aa85-4752-a3de-4300b27d462a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-30T122656.155.png" />

LIES OUR MOTHERS TOLD US: The Indian Woman's Burden by Nilanjana Bhowmick |&nbsp;Aleph Book Company

We have all heard the phrases glass ceiling and gender inequality, but for many of us, it is a hard pill to swallow. Are Indian women toiling away under a burden? I, an Indian woman, didn't think so. After all, I'm an opinionated, well-educated person, pursuing a career I love. Above all, I'm the daughter of a strong woman who lived her life by her own rules. However, this book, 'Lies Our Mothers Told Us', opened my eyes to the invisible burden my mother carried and passed on to me. Everyone, irrespective of gender you identify as, must read this to gain insight into the gender dynamics women in India face every day.

Shomini Sen, Associate Editor, WION Entertainment Desk<img alt="How I taught my grandmother to read" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8ef3b63-7cc9-4a0b-904a-5023ec27791c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-30T123029.898.png" />

How I Taught My Grandmother to Read: And Other Stories by Sudha Murty | Penguin Books Limited

Although the book is aimed for young adults, the author takes readers back to her childhood and her native village in Maharashtra and narrates some heartwarming stories of hope and learning. Truly for all ages.

Parul Rajwanshi, Assistant Producer,&nbsp;WION Programming Desk<img alt="City of Djinns" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e6920d7f-d5fb-4bfd-ad53-17dd0f2e08a8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-30T135817.957.png" />

City of Djinns: A Year in Delhi by William Dalrymple | Bloomsbury India

“Delhi stands on seven cities and all of us, like the seven cities, are at once several and singular," Dalrymple writes.

This gripping travelogue is the outcome of Dalrymple’s six-year-long stay in the city. It tells you about how New Delhi came to be, who all ruled over its ever-expanding contours and built it from within too, and all races of people who’ve set foot and settled in this mighty, mighty metropolis.&nbsp;

New Delhi’s history is never in its past, and if this timeless city had to write its own memoir, it would’ve written it exactly so.

Shashwat Swaroop Garg, Trainee Journalist,&nbsp;WION Production Desk

<img alt="The Bells of Old Tokyo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8f8d57e-bcc9-4dbd-ae4e-94858b2679bf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-30T145119.569.png" />

The Bells of Old Tokyo: Travels in Japanese Time | Picador

It was the one book this year that blew me away. Not because of my love for Tokyo or Japanese culture, but because of how personal and grounded in realism the book felt. Sherman did an amazing job at capturing the feeling of being in Tokyo which in itself is a melting pot of culture, heritage, art, and everything in between. It truly made me feel like I've always been a part of Tokyo and its rich and wonderful history and culture.

Hanshika Ujlayan, Assistant Producer, WION Business Desk

<img alt="Murakami" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9141e5dc-77e9-4960-a870-58ff45b6cbc0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-30T123307.129.png" />

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami | Vintage

This year, I was drawn to 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' by Haruki Murakami, a thoughtful memoir that weaves the author's enthusiasm for long-distance running with his life as a writer. Murakami humanises the road, making it a partner on his trip. The Japanese literary genius describes the symbiotic relationship that exists between running and creativity. The book's introspective narrative reveals the discipline and attention needed in both endeavuors. Murakami's expressions of self-discovery make this book a captivating investigation of the intersections of physical and creative endurance, connecting with individuals who value isolation and tenacity.

Riya Teotia, Journalist, WION Web Desk<img alt="Jhumpa Lahiri" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ae7fa1f-afb1-47b7-b67e-a0f8658ae808" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-30T123709.411.png" />

Whereabouts: A Novel by Jhumpa Lahiri |&nbsp;Penguin Hamish Hamilton

Jhumpa Lahiri's 'Whereabouts'&nbsp;was the best book that I read in a long time. It is a captivating book that delves deep into the complexities of human emotions and the nuances of solitude. Its episodic way of writing makes the novel easy to relate to and makes one feel more close to the narrator. In today's world of hustle-bustle, the book stands out as a place of comfort. It almost feels like a deep study of human observations, experiences, and perspectives when they are lonely in life.

Ishita Mittra, Trainee Journalist, WION Output Desk<img alt="Morrie" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f0175630-55c3-4918-9ab6-abaf5e87fc79" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-30T130756.357.png" /> 
Tuesdays With Morrie: An old man, a young man, and life's greatest lesson by Mitch Albom | Sphere

If yellow crayon could speak, it would say what the book Tuesdays with Morrie speaks. A book richly peppered with all emotions on the spectrum leaves you longing. Longing to live more, longing to be loyal to the moment, and longing to experience more. In short, it tells you it's okay to be sad, but you have to meet your sad self, and once you do that, it's just another emotion. I would recommend this book to everyone. Once you begin reading it, you'll find yourself running through the pages with a constant smile on your face. 
 
Manas Joshi, Journalist,&nbsp;WION Web Desk<img alt="Gentleman Bastards" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="69582254-46dc-45bc-b380-267db77985ae" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-30T131413.485.png" />

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch | Del Ray

The book, first in a trilogy named the 'Gentleman Bastards' is perfect for a fantasy fan who is tired of the usual 'good versus bad' and is in a mood to explore the path of an anti-hero. This book with 'Ocean's Eleven'-esque vibes has some great world-building that any fantasy series requires in the first place. As you read about the heists that ultimately come together in a grand story unfolding (and continuing) in the background, you'd wish you were living in Camorr, the fictional city built by a mysterious alien race but now infested with con men, rich people, and power brokers, all of whom have vices very very human.

<h2>This book remained a constant across WION newsroom in 2023</h2>

All through 2023 starting in February, Declan Walsh's 'Nine Lives of Pakistan: Dispatches from a Divided Nation'&nbsp;went to places across multiple&nbsp;departments in the WION newsroom.<img alt="Nine Lives of Pakistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c745d6ac-bcec-4013-b71b-aca52ec49b95" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-30T135626.800.png" /> 
The Nine Lives of Pakistan: Dispatches from a Divided Nation by Declan Walsh | Bloomsbury Publishing 
 
As Pakistan loomed large in the news cycle of South Asia, Walsh's work served as a reference to&nbsp;the country's&nbsp;chequered&nbsp;history in a way&nbsp;that only one of the nine subjects is still alive by the end of the book. Walsh's description of Pakistan's intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-arrest-how-isi-angels-rule-pakistan-590710">farishtey</a>&nbsp;(or angels) caused spirited discussions on the functioning of Islamabad's corridors of power — especially after former Prime Minister Imran Khan's first arrest in May and subsequently an unprecedented <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/to-coup-or-not-coup-pakistan-armys-options-after-imran-khans-mini-intifada-592986">attack by Khan's supporters</a> at army headquarters in Rawalpindi.

The book closes with the description of a 2013 attack by Baloch separatists over juniper-covered hills in Quetta in the country's restive Balochistan province. The separatists had attacked the&nbsp;residence of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan’s conflicted and complicated founding father where he had spent his final months in 1948.&nbsp;

Walsh finally describes a video showing the attack on Jinnah's Quetta house.&nbsp;

"The militants gather the paintings into a bonfire, douse it with petrol and set it alight. Moving outside, they tear down a Pakistani flag and run a revel standard up the flagpole. Behind them, the wooden structure crackles as flames lick its walls. A window shatters. Dogs bark. The masked men vanish into the night as the house of Jinnah burns silently."

Between our top politics and technology reads of 2023, we have had enough to write about the books that defined and sometimes even dominated the news cycle this year.

Between our top politics and technology reads of 2023, we have had enough to write about the books that defined and sometimes even dominated the news cycle this year. At the end of 2023, we reached out to individuals across our newsroom to find out what books — old and new — they loved reading the most this year. Here are the books that hooked WION newsroom in 2023. Aprameya Rao, Business Journalist, WION Business Desk VAJPAYEE: The Ascent of the Hindu Right, 1924–1977 by Abhishek Choudhary | Pan Macmillan Indian biographies often end up being too passionate and biased which defeats the purpose of critical evaluation. But former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's latest biography by Abhishek Choudhary defies the trend — quite comprehensively. Choudhary's book intertwines Vajpayee's early life with the rise of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) as a political party. Along the way, we also see how Vajpayee tried to mould the BJS into an acceptable political force. The book ends in 1977 when Vajpayee becomes the Foreign Minister in Prime Minister Morarji Desai's cabinet. I am looking forward to reading the second part, expected to be released in 2024. Eric Njoka, News Presenter, WION Who Moved My Cheese by Dr Spencer Johnson | Vermilion London When we have good times in life (enough supply of cheese), we tend to forget that situations may not be the same in the future. During food times, we tend to feel safe and secure, cosy in comfort zone, proud, and at times arrogant of our success. But when we face the challenges in our lives (when the cheese is moved away from us), the complex human brain tends to over analyse the situation. We start ranting and raving at the injustice. We feel depressed, frustrated, angry and even paralysed by our own fears of the unknown. This book has helped me balance my life Prisha, Senior Sub-editor, WION Web Desk The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy | EBURY Press This is an account of the most heartfelt conversation between a boy and his companion who are on a journey called 'life'. With every page, you are likely to find an answer to a question that has remained deep inside your heart. The book is a combination of multiple emotions including the feeling of warmth and love. It's a story to be told again and again, a lesson to be learned and revised till eternity. Veer Vikram Mukherjee, Assistant Producer, WION Assignment Desk The Lover Boy of Bahawalpur: How the Pulwama Case was Cracked by Rahul Pandita | Juggernaut For all that it's worth, the Balakot airstrikes after the Pulwama terrorist attack in 2019 were a watershed in India's policy to combat Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The Lover Boy of Bahawalpur, in that context, is the product of a remarkable journalistic observation. The book presents the world of anti-India jihad in an unputdownable format. Mukul Sharma, Journalist, WION Web Desk Putin: His Life and Times by Philip Short | Bodley Head Longtime foreign correspondent Philip Short meticulously describes Russian President Vladimir Putin as a consequentially ruthless leader with scheming pragmatism. I began reading this one in June 2023, the time when the Kremlin was shaken by an unprecedented insurrection by Yevgeny Prigozhin's Wagner mercenary group fostered by Putin himself. In less than 36 hours, the armed uprising ended as dramatically as it had begun. By the time I finished reading this over 900-page book, Prigozhin was killed in a mysterious plane crash — a remarkable coincidence between the events Short mentioned in the book with the real-time news cycle. Tapasya Iyer, Trainee Journalist, WION Production Desk Remnants of Partition: 21 Objects from a Continent Divided by Aanchal Malhota | C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd Having heard a lot about this book by Aanchal Malhotra, I picked it up with a desire to know more about the history of partition. Little did I know I would get an emotional rollercoaster ride. The stories and memories from different families made me understand how any political decision has a deep impact on the personal lives of ordinary people. The essence of the book is in its unique storytelling style which takes you in the past. Moohita Kaur Garg, Journalist, WION Web Desk LIES OUR MOTHERS TOLD US: The Indian Woman's Burden by Nilanjana Bhowmick | Aleph Book Company We have all heard the phrases glass ceiling and gender inequality, but for many of us, it is a hard pill to swallow. Are Indian women toiling away under a burden? I, an Indian woman, didn't think so. After all, I'm an opinionated, well-educated person, pursuing a career I love. Above all, I'm the daughter of a strong woman who lived her life by her own rules. However, this book, 'Lies Our Mothers Told Us', opened my eyes to the invisible burden my mother carried and passed on to me. Everyone, irrespective of gender you identify as, must read this to gain insight into the gender dynamics women in India face every day. Shomini Sen, Associate Editor, WION Entertainment Desk How I Taught My Grandmother to Read: And Other Stories by Sudha Murty | Penguin Books Limited Although the book is aimed for young adults, the author takes readers back to her childhood and her native village in Maharashtra and narrates some heartwarming stories of hope and learning. Truly for all ages. Parul Rajwanshi, Assistant Producer, WION Programming Desk City of Djinns: A Year in Delhi by William Dalrymple | Bloomsbury India “Delhi stands on seven cities and all of us, like the seven cities, are at once several and singular," Dalrymple writes. This gripping travelogue is the outcome of Dalrymple’s six-year-long stay in the city. It tells you about how New Delhi came to be, who all ruled over its ever-expanding contours and built it from within too, and all races of people who’ve set foot and settled in this mighty, mighty metropolis. New Delhi’s history is never in its past, and if this timeless city had to write its own memoir, it would’ve written it exactly so. Shashwat Swaroop Garg, Trainee Journalist, WION Production Desk The Bells of Old Tokyo: Travels in Japanese Time | Picador It was the one book this year that blew me away. Not because of my love for Tokyo or Japanese culture, but because of how personal and grounded in realism the book felt. Sherman did an amazing job at capturing the feeling of being in Tokyo which in itself is a melting pot of culture, heritage, art, and everything in between. It truly made me feel like I've always been a part of Tokyo and its rich and wonderful history and culture. Hanshika Ujlayan, Assistant Producer, WION Business Desk What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami | Vintage This year, I was drawn to 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' by Haruki Murakami, a thoughtful memoir that weaves the author's enthusiasm for long-distance running with his life as a writer. Murakami humanises the road, making it a partner on his trip. The Japanese literary genius describes the symbiotic relationship that exists between running and creativity. The book's introspective narrative reveals the discipline and attention needed in both endeavuors. Murakami's expressions of self-discovery make this book a captivating investigation of the intersections of physical and creative endurance, connecting with individuals who value isolation and tenacity. Riya Teotia, Journalist, WION Web Desk Whereabouts: A Novel by Jhumpa Lahiri | Penguin Hamish Hamilton Jhumpa Lahiri's 'Whereabouts' was the best book that I read in a long time. It is a captivating book that delves deep into the complexities of human emotions and the nuances of solitude. Its episodic way of writing makes the novel easy to relate to and makes one feel more close to the narrator. In today's world of hustle-bustle, the book stands out as a place of comfort. It almost feels like a deep study of human observations, experiences, and perspectives when they are lonely in life. Ishita Mittra, Trainee Journalist, WION Output Desk Tuesdays With Morrie: An old man, a young man, and life's greatest lesson by Mitch Albom | Sphere If yellow crayon could speak, it would say what the book Tuesdays with Morrie speaks. A book richly peppered with all emotions on the spectrum leaves you longing. Longing to live more, longing to be loyal to the moment, and longing to experience more. In short, it tells you it's okay to be sad, but you have to meet your sad self, and once you do that, it's just another emotion. I would recommend this book to everyone. Once you begin reading it, you'll find yourself running through the pages with a constant smile on your face. Manas Joshi, Journalist, WION Web Desk The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch | Del Ray The book, first in a trilogy named the 'Gentleman Bastards' is perfect for a fantasy fan who is tired of the usual 'good versus bad' and is in a mood to explore the path of an anti-hero. This book with 'Ocean's Eleven'-esque vibes has some great world-building that any fantasy series requires in the first place. As you read about the heists that ultimately come together in a grand story unfolding (and continuing) in the background, you'd wish you were living in Camorr, the fictional city built by a mysterious alien race but now infested with con men, rich people, and power brokers, all of whom have vices very very human. This book remained a constant across WION newsroom in 2023 All through 2023 starting in February, Declan Walsh's 'Nine Lives of Pakistan: Dispatches from a Divided Nation' went to places across multiple departments in the WION newsroom. The Nine Lives of Pakistan: Dispatches from a Divided Nation by Declan Walsh | Bloomsbury Publishing As Pakistan loomed large in the news cycle of South Asia, Walsh's work served as a reference to the country's chequered history in a way that only one of the nine subjects is still alive by the end of the book. Walsh's description of Pakistan's intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) as farishtey (or angels) caused spirited discussions on the functioning of Islamabad's corridors of power — especially after former Prime Minister Imran Khan's first arrest in May and subsequently an unprecedented attack by Khan's supporters at army headquarters in Rawalpindi. The book closes with the description of a 2013 attack by Baloch separatists over juniper-covered hills in Quetta in the country's restive Balochistan province. The separatists had attacked the residence of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan’s conflicted and complicated founding father where he had spent his final months in 1948. Walsh finally describes a video showing the attack on Jinnah's Quetta house. "The militants gather the paintings into a bonfire, douse it with petrol and set it alight. Moving outside, they tear down a Pakistani flag and run a revel standard up the flagpole. Behind them, the wooden structure crackles as flames lick its walls. A window shatters. Dogs bark. The masked men vanish into the night as the house of Jinnah burns silently."

WION newsroom on books it loved in 2023—this one emerged as clear winner

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited&nbsp;the holy town of Ayodhya on&nbsp;Saturday (Dec 30) to open fresh transport links in a 'historic'&nbsp;massive revamp of Hinduism's major pilgrimage centre.&nbsp;

The grand Ram temple is set to be consecrated on January 22 at the spot where one of Hinduism's principal deities&nbsp;Lord Ram was born.

Millions are expected to visit the temple each year and its construction was a longstanding pledge of PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party.

"Today, if any country in the world wants to reach great heights, it has to take care of its legacy," Modi told an audience of thousands at a city rally.

"This is the new India that will both preserve its culture and focus on economic growth."

<h2>Modi requests people to stay home on day of&nbsp;temple consecration</h2>

Huge crowds turned out to witness Modi's procession through Ayodhya, formally opening a new airport as well as&nbsp;upgraded road and rail services, including the country's premium Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains.

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अत्याधुनिक सुविधाओं से सुसज्जित पुनर्विकसित अयोध्या धाम जंक्शन का लोकार्पण गर्व से भर देने वाला है। आज जिन नई अमृत भारत और वंदे भारत ट्रेनों की शुरुआत हुई है, उनसे बड़ी संख्या में मेरे परिवारजनों की यात्रा ज्यादा सुगम और सुरक्षित होगी। अमृत भारत ट्रेन में युवाओं के साथ बातचीत ने… <a href="https://t.co/ZJ5I5dWl8A">pic.twitter.com/ZJ5I5dWl8A</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1741079809059684478?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The Ayodhya temple, standing 50 metres (164 feet) in height and built at an estimated cost of $240 million, has helped buttress his image as a custodian of India's majority faith ahead of the vote.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It won't be possible for everyone to get here, and for this place to handle the numbers on the day," he told the crowd.&nbsp;

"I appeal to everyone to celebrate it at your home and come to Ayodhya later."

Hindus believe that Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya around 7,000 years ago and that a mosque named babri Masjid — which later came to be known as a 'disputed structure' — was built on top of his birthplace during the rule of Mughals in the 16th century.&nbsp;

The 'disputed structure'&nbsp;was torn down by a violent mob in 1992.

Also watch |&nbsp;PM Modi in Ayodhya: PM inaugurates Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya

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In September 2019, the Supreme Court in a unanimous verdict cleared the way for the construction of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and directed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration to allot a 5-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a mosque.&nbsp;

But for many Hindus, the project is a means of restoring the city to the glory of its depiction in ancient Hindu texts.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the holy town of Ayodhya on Saturday (Dec 30) to open fresh transport links in a 'historic' massive revamp of Hinduism's major pilgrimage centre.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the holy town of Ayodhya on Saturday (Dec 30) to open fresh transport links in a 'historic' massive revamp of Hinduism's major pilgrimage centre. The grand Ram temple is set to be consecrated on January 22 at the spot where one of Hinduism's principal deities Lord Ram was born. Millions are expected to visit the temple each year and its construction was a longstanding pledge of PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party. "Today, if any country in the world wants to reach great heights, it has to take care of its legacy," Modi told an audience of thousands at a city rally. "This is the new India that will both preserve its culture and focus on economic growth." Modi requests people to stay home on day of temple consecration Huge crowds turned out to witness Modi's procession through Ayodhya, formally opening a new airport as well as upgraded road and rail services, including the country's premium Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains. अत्याधुनिक सुविधाओं से सुसज्जित पुनर्विकसित अयोध्या धाम जंक्शन का लोकार्पण गर्व से भर देने वाला है। आज जिन नई अमृत भारत और वंदे भारत ट्रेनों की शुरुआत हुई है, उनसे बड़ी संख्या में मेरे परिवारजनों की यात्रा ज्यादा सुगम और सुरक्षित होगी। अमृत भारत ट्रेन में युवाओं के साथ बातचीत ने… pic.twitter.com/ZJ5I5dWl8A — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 30, 2023 × The Ayodhya temple, standing 50 metres (164 feet) in height and built at an estimated cost of $240 million, has helped buttress his image as a custodian of India's majority faith ahead of the vote. "It won't be possible for everyone to get here, and for this place to handle the numbers on the day," he told the crowd. "I appeal to everyone to celebrate it at your home and come to Ayodhya later." Hindus believe that Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya around 7,000 years ago and that a mosque named babri Masjid — which later came to be known as a 'disputed structure' — was built on top of his birthplace during the rule of Mughals in the 16th century. The 'disputed structure' was torn down by a violent mob in 1992. Also watch | PM Modi in Ayodhya: PM inaugurates Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya × In September 2019, the Supreme Court in a unanimous verdict cleared the way for the construction of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and directed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration to allot a 5-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a mosque. But for many Hindus, the project is a means of restoring the city to the glory of its depiction in ancient Hindu texts. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi in Ayodhya pitches India’s rich cultural heritage as foundation for economic prosperity

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Mukul Sharma

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