<p>The hardliners in Iran have renewed calls for reducing diplomatic ties with United Kingdom for London's "anti-Iranian moves".&nbsp;An Iranian lawmaker said that the Islamic Republic should reduce its ties with UK with respect to the "serious implementation" of a 2011 law that legislatively allows Tehran to reduce diplomatic relations with London.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-to-proscribe-irans-revolutionary-guard-as-a-terror-group-says-report-549031">UK to proscribe Iran's revolutionary guard as a terror group</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-to-proscribe-irans-revolutionary-guard-as-a-terror-group-says-report-549031/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The development comes amid reports of defaced outer walls of the UK embassy in Tehran with anti-Britain slogans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Esmail Kowsari, an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) general and member of the parliament (Majles), demanded the implementation of the 2011 law against the UK and also called on the government to reconsider its ties with Germany and France.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-announces-fresh-sanctions-against-senior-russian-and-iranian-officials-542761">UK government announces fresh sanctions against senior Russian and Iranian officials</a></strong></p>

<p>The issue of downgrading Tehran's ties with London had also been discussed at the Iranian parliament in 2009 and 2010. In 2010, ultraconservative lawmakers demanded breaking ties with London altogether.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The motion, however, did not reach final conclusion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>French, UK embassies in Tehran&nbsp;vandalised </strong></p>

<p>This week, the outer walls of French embassy were defaced after Paris-headquartered Charlie Hebdo magazine published caricatures of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian called the cartoons "rude and unethical" and summoned the French ambassador to the Foreign Ministry to hand him a note of protest mindless of the fact that unlike the Islamic Republic, the French government does not intervene in the affairs of independent press</p>

<p>The UK embassy in Tehran also met with a similar fate this week. The developments occurred after the UK, France and Germany took the lead in determining global sanctions against Tehran for its human rights violations post the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-says-mahsa-amini-died-due-to-brain-tumor-surgery-latest-english-news-wion-523546"> custodial death</a> of 22-year-old Mahsa Al-Amini.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The hardliners in Iran have renewed calls for reducing diplomatic ties with United Kingdom for London's "anti-Iranian moves". An Iranian lawmaker said that the Islamic Republic should reduce its ties with UK with respect to the "serious implementation" of a 2011 law that legislatively allows Tehran to reduce diplomatic relations with London.

The hardliners in Iran have renewed calls for reducing diplomatic ties with United Kingdom for London's "anti-Iranian moves". An Iranian lawmaker said that the Islamic Republic should reduce its ties with UK with respect to the "serious implementation" of a 2011 law that legislatively allows Tehran to reduce diplomatic relations with London. WATCH | UK to proscribe Iran's revolutionary guard as a terror group × The development comes amid reports of defaced outer walls of the UK embassy in Tehran with anti-Britain slogans. Esmail Kowsari, an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) general and member of the parliament (Majles), demanded the implementation of the 2011 law against the UK and also called on the government to reconsider its ties with Germany and France. ALSO READ | UK government announces fresh sanctions against senior Russian and Iranian officials The issue of downgrading Tehran's ties with London had also been discussed at the Iranian parliament in 2009 and 2010. In 2010, ultraconservative lawmakers demanded breaking ties with London altogether. The motion, however, did not reach final conclusion. French, UK embassies in Tehran vandalised This week, the outer walls of French embassy were defaced after Paris-headquartered Charlie Hebdo magazine published caricatures of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei. The Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian called the cartoons "rude and unethical" and summoned the French ambassador to the Foreign Ministry to hand him a note of protest mindless of the fact that unlike the Islamic Republic, the French government does not intervene in the affairs of independent press The UK embassy in Tehran also met with a similar fate this week. The developments occurred after the UK, France and Germany took the lead in determining global sanctions against Tehran for its human rights violations post the custodial death of 22-year-old Mahsa Al-Amini. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iranian lawmaker calls to scale down diplomatic ties with United Kingdom

<p>The deputy head of Ukraine's presidential administration said that the city of Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine, reported fresh Russian strikes on January 6.&nbsp;Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be among 20 world leaders who will participate in the "Voice of the global south summit" (VGSS) summit next week hosted by India virtually. Meanwhile, the Mexican government said on Friday that 29 people — 10 soldiers and 19 criminal suspects — were killed in the operation to arrest Ovidio Guzman, the son of jailed drug lord El Chapo,&nbsp;the former leader of the Sinaloa cartel.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-reports-fresh-strikes-as-putins-unilateral-ceasefire-starts-550022"><strong>Ukraine reports fresh strikes as Putin's unilateral ceasefire starts</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/06/323607-2a65-msta-b-howitzer.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>The deputy head of Ukraine's presidential administration said that the city of Kramatorsk, which is in eastern Ukraine, reported fresh Russian strikes on Friday (January 6). The reported strikes came after the supposed start of a unilateral Russian ceasefire.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-pm-hasina-sri-lanka-prez-ranil-to-participate-in-india-hosted-voice-of-global-south-summit-550095"><strong>Bangladesh PM Hasina, Sri Lanka Prez Ranil to participate in India hosted Voice of global south summit</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/06/323647-sheikh-hasina-and-ranil-wickremesinghe.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be among 20 world leaders who will participate in the "Voice of the global south summit" (VGSS) summit next week hosted by India virtually. The summit will take place on January 12 and January 13 and will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-says-29-killed-in-operation-to-arrest-drug-kingpin-el-chapos-son-550100"><strong>Mexico govt says 29 killed in operation to arrest drug kingpin El Chapo's son</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/06/323651-000336k7ad.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>The Mexican government said on Friday that 29 people — 10 soldiers and 19 criminal suspects — were killed in the operation to arrest Ovidio Guzman, the son of jailed drug lord El Chapo,&nbsp;the former leader of the Sinaloa cartel. Speaking to reporters, Mexico's secretary of defence Luis Cresencio said, "Ten members of the military... unfortunately lost their lives in the line of duty."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-calls-on-travellers-to-reduce-trips-in-bid-to-minimise-covid-risk-549955"><strong>China calls on travellers to reduce trips in bid to minimise Covid risk</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/27/321215-untitled-design-2022-12-27t121007056.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>China's transport ministry on Friday (January 6) called on travellers to reduce trips and gatherings, particularly if they involve small children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with underlying conditions. The government is seeking to minimise the possibility of a major new Covid outbreak during the Lunar New Year travel rush this month, a report by the Associated Press said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eurozone-annual-inflation-rate-falls-for-second-month-in-a-row-550064"><strong>Eurozone inflation rate falls for second month in a row, down to single digits</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/06/323627-untitled-design-9.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>The annual inflation rate of the eurozone fell for the second time in a row to 9.2 per cent in the month of December, dropping into single digits for the first time since September, stated the EU statistics agency on Friday.&nbsp;As a result of the slowdown in the increase in the rate of energy prices, the inflation rate declined from 10.1 per cent to 9.2 per cent in a month.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/joshimath-sinking-why-is-this-uttarakhand-town-falling-apart-550043"><strong>Joshimath sinking: Why is this town in India's Uttarakhand falling apart?</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/06/323619-where-does-your-beer-come-from-3.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Joshimath, a spiritual town&nbsp;in Uttarakhand where Adi Shankaracharya, a religious reformer, acquired enlightenment in the eighth century, has become a matter of countrywide concern.&nbsp;Nearly 66 families have been forced to vacate&nbsp;their homes, the largest ropeway in Asia has been closed to tourists, two hotels have shut their doors for an indefinite period, and locals have taken to the streets. The events in Joshimath come as a second blow to the hill state, the first being the&nbsp;unrest in Haldwani over eviction notices. Many have drawn comparisons between the agitation in Haldwani and the protests in Delhi's Shaheen Bagh over the Citizenship Amendment Act 2020.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/whatsapp-announces-proxy-support-feature-to-circumvent-internet-shutdowns-549875"><strong>WhatsApp announces proxy support feature to circumvent internet shutdowns</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/03/04/185553-whatsapp.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Meta's subsidiary WhatsApp on Thursday announced that users&nbsp;will now be able to use proxy servers to access the services in countries and regions where the messaging app is blocked.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-speaker-contest-enters-11th-ballot-breaks-a-164-year-record-549879"><strong>US House adjourned: McCarthy loses 11th ballot in the longest speaker contest in 164 years</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/04/323137-untitled-design-2023-01-04t163009661.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>The US House of Representatives failed to break the deadlock for a third consecutive day to select the next speaker. The Republicans could not band together as nominee Kevin McCarthy lost the 11th ballot. The House was adjourned till noon after the motion was passed 219-213.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-to-do-a-gautam-gambhir-at-2023-world-cup-predicts-ex-selector-krishnamachari-srikkanth-550097">Virat Kohli to do a Gautam Gambhir at 2023 World Cup, predicts ex-selector</a></strong></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/06/323649-untitled-design-61.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Former team India selector and a World Cup-winner himself, Krishnamachari Srikkanth has predicted that much like Gautam Gambhir of&nbsp;2011, stalwart Virat Kohli will also play an anchor role in the upcoming 2023 World Cup, scheduled for October-November this year. In the team full of stars, Gambhir hogged the limelight with his match-winning 97 in the 2011 final against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. In addition to that, the left-handed batter also&nbsp;played a few handy knocks throughout the tournament batting at number 3, cutting a reputation of a saviour.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-admits-he-googled-wife-meghan-markles-love-scenes-from-suits-550021"><strong>Prince Harry admits he Googled wife Meghan Markle's 'love scenes' from 'Suits'</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/06/323608-your-paragraph-text-27.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Prince Harry's memoir 'Spare' has been creating news even before it hit the stands. Harry's book has given detailed accounts of his troubled relationship with his older brother Prince William. Harry also admitted having regrets over watching his wife Meghan Markle's steamy sex scenes from her show 'Suits'. Markle quit acting after she announced her engagement to Prince Harry in 2018. Markle played one of the leads of legal drama Suits.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The deputy head of Ukraine's presidential administration said that the city of Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine, reported fresh Russian strikes on January 6. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be among 20 world leaders who will participate in the "Voice of the global south summit" (VGSS) summit next week hosted by India virtually.

The deputy head of Ukraine's presidential administration said that the city of Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine, reported fresh Russian strikes on January 6. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be among 20 world leaders who will participate in the "Voice of the global south summit" (VGSS) summit next week hosted by India virtually. Meanwhile, the Mexican government said on Friday that 29 people — 10 soldiers and 19 criminal suspects — were killed in the operation to arrest Ovidio Guzman, the son of jailed drug lord El Chapo, the former leader of the Sinaloa cartel. Click on the headlines to read more: Ukraine reports fresh strikes as Putin's unilateral ceasefire starts The deputy head of Ukraine's presidential administration said that the city of Kramatorsk, which is in eastern Ukraine, reported fresh Russian strikes on Friday (January 6). The reported strikes came after the supposed start of a unilateral Russian ceasefire. Bangladesh PM Hasina, Sri Lanka Prez Ranil to participate in India hosted Voice of global south summit Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be among 20 world leaders who will participate in the "Voice of the global south summit" (VGSS) summit next week hosted by India virtually. The summit will take place on January 12 and January 13 and will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mexico govt says 29 killed in operation to arrest drug kingpin El Chapo's son The Mexican government said on Friday that 29 people — 10 soldiers and 19 criminal suspects — were killed in the operation to arrest Ovidio Guzman, the son of jailed drug lord El Chapo, the former leader of the Sinaloa cartel. Speaking to reporters, Mexico's secretary of defence Luis Cresencio said, "Ten members of the military... unfortunately lost their lives in the line of duty." China calls on travellers to reduce trips in bid to minimise Covid risk China's transport ministry on Friday (January 6) called on travellers to reduce trips and gatherings, particularly if they involve small children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with underlying conditions. The government is seeking to minimise the possibility of a major new Covid outbreak during the Lunar New Year travel rush this month, a report by the Associated Press said. Eurozone inflation rate falls for second month in a row, down to single digits The annual inflation rate of the eurozone fell for the second time in a row to 9.2 per cent in the month of December, dropping into single digits for the first time since September, stated the EU statistics agency on Friday. As a result of the slowdown in the increase in the rate of energy prices, the inflation rate declined from 10.1 per cent to 9.2 per cent in a month. Joshimath sinking: Why is this town in India's Uttarakhand falling apart? Joshimath, a spiritual town in Uttarakhand where Adi Shankaracharya, a religious reformer, acquired enlightenment in the eighth century, has become a matter of countrywide concern. Nearly 66 families have been forced to vacate their homes, the largest ropeway in Asia has been closed to tourists, two hotels have shut their doors for an indefinite period, and locals have taken to the streets. The events in Joshimath come as a second blow to the hill state, the first being the unrest in Haldwani over eviction notices. Many have drawn comparisons between the agitation in Haldwani and the protests in Delhi's Shaheen Bagh over the Citizenship Amendment Act 2020. WhatsApp announces proxy support feature to circumvent internet shutdowns Meta's subsidiary WhatsApp on Thursday announced that users will now be able to use proxy servers to access the services in countries and regions where the messaging app is blocked. US House adjourned: McCarthy loses 11th ballot in the longest speaker contest in 164 years The US House of Representatives failed to break the deadlock for a third consecutive day to select the next speaker. The Republicans could not band together as nominee Kevin McCarthy lost the 11th ballot. The House was adjourned till noon after the motion was passed 219-213. Virat Kohli to do a Gautam Gambhir at 2023 World Cup, predicts ex-selector Former team India selector and a World Cup-winner himself, Krishnamachari Srikkanth has predicted that much like Gautam Gambhir of 2011, stalwart Virat Kohli will also play an anchor role in the upcoming 2023 World Cup, scheduled for October-November this year. In the team full of stars, Gambhir hogged the limelight with his match-winning 97 in the 2011 final against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. In addition to that, the left-handed batter also played a few handy knocks throughout the tournament batting at number 3, cutting a reputation of a saviour. Prince Harry admits he Googled wife Meghan Markle's 'love scenes' from 'Suits' Prince Harry's memoir 'Spare' has been creating news even before it hit the stands. Harry's book has given detailed accounts of his troubled relationship with his older brother Prince William. Harry also admitted having regrets over watching his wife Meghan Markle's steamy sex scenes from her show 'Suits'. Markle quit acting after she announced her engagement to Prince Harry in 2018. Markle played one of the leads of legal drama Suits. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Top 10 world news: Russia begins unilateral ceasefire, China's bid to minimise Covid, and more

<p>Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif became the social media star of bizarreness this week with his comment on population growth during a press conference. The video, shared on Twitter by journalist Naila Inayat has left people on the internet scratching their heads.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video, Khawaja Asif can be heard as saying, "Jahan pe 8 baje market bandh ki hai wahan pe bacchon ki tadad kaam hai paida hone ki (The places where markets have closed down by 8 pm, the population growth is less)."&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">New research, babies can’t be made after 8pm. “There’s no population increase in countries where markets close at 8pm,” defence minister. <a href="https://t.co/G5IUAuOYD6">pic.twitter.com/G5IUAuOYD6</a></p>
— Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) <a href="https://twitter.com/nailainayat/status/1610708431505354752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>'Genius contribution to humanity', Twitter throws its sarcasm at Khawaja Asif</strong></p>

<p>People on the micro-blogging site were left wondering what to make of Pakistan Defence Minister's comment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-faces-grim-economic-forecast-amid-loan-pay-back-deadlines-548297">Pakistan faces grim economic forecast amid loan pay back deadlines</a></strong></p>

<p>"This is a brilliant finding by the Pak government's research. It is a genius contribution to humanity. They should be given the highest award of the scientific research field in the world," wrote a Twitter user. "What's the mythology behind this logic? The medical world is totally shocked and trying to contact him," posted another.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bizarre comment filled with faltered sarcasm came during a press conference in which Pakistani defence minister announced country's bid to conserve energy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-food-and-fuel-inflation-crippling-pakistans-economy-496434"><strong>WION Dispatch: Food and fuel inflation crippling Pakistan's economy</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-food-and-fuel-inflation-crippling-pakistans-economy-496434/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asif briefed the media and said that the timings of wedding halls and markets across the country will be limited to 10 PM&nbsp;and 8:30 PM respectively.</p>

<p>"The plan will change the overall lifestyle and habit pattern of the nation and save us Rs 60 billion," he said.</p>

<p>Pakistan's energy needs are mostly met by crude oil imported from abroad.</p>

<p>The country finds itself in a compulsive position to&nbsp;conserve energy so that it does not have to shell out US dollars on oil imports. The country is in the middle of an economic crisis amid its ongoing struggle&nbsp;to pay back external debts due to low growth, high inflation, and poor foreign reserves.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif became the social media star of bizarreness this week with his comment on population growth during a press conference. The video, shared on Twitter by journalist Naila Inayat has left people on the internet scratching their heads.

Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif became the social media star of bizarreness this week with his comment on population growth during a press conference. The video, shared on Twitter by journalist Naila Inayat has left people on the internet scratching their heads. In the video, Khawaja Asif can be heard as saying, "Jahan pe 8 baje market bandh ki hai wahan pe bacchon ki tadad kaam hai paida hone ki (The places where markets have closed down by 8 pm, the population growth is less)." New research, babies can’t be made after 8pm. “There’s no population increase in countries where markets close at 8pm,” defence minister. pic.twitter.com/G5IUAuOYD6 — Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) January 4, 2023 × 'Genius contribution to humanity', Twitter throws its sarcasm at Khawaja Asif People on the micro-blogging site were left wondering what to make of Pakistan Defence Minister's comment. ALSO READ | Pakistan faces grim economic forecast amid loan pay back deadlines "This is a brilliant finding by the Pak government's research. It is a genius contribution to humanity. They should be given the highest award of the scientific research field in the world," wrote a Twitter user. "What's the mythology behind this logic? The medical world is totally shocked and trying to contact him," posted another. The bizarre comment filled with faltered sarcasm came during a press conference in which Pakistani defence minister announced country's bid to conserve energy. WATCH | WION Dispatch: Food and fuel inflation crippling Pakistan's economy × Asif briefed the media and said that the timings of wedding halls and markets across the country will be limited to 10 PM and 8:30 PM respectively. "The plan will change the overall lifestyle and habit pattern of the nation and save us Rs 60 billion," he said. Pakistan's energy needs are mostly met by crude oil imported from abroad. The country finds itself in a compulsive position to conserve energy so that it does not have to shell out US dollars on oil imports. The country is in the middle of an economic crisis amid its ongoing struggle to pay back external debts due to low growth, high inflation, and poor foreign reserves. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

For population control, Pakistan defence minister suggests early closure of markets

<p>India will begin deploying women peacekeepers as part of its United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in South Sudan, country's foreign minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar announced on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A Platoon of women peacekeepers deployed today as part of the Indian Battalion in UNISFA, Abyei," Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said. "Our cherished tradition of UN Peacekeeping reflects Nari Shakti (women taking charge)," he added, pointing towards India's rich history of contributing in UN peacekeeping missions.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A Platoon of women peacekeepers deployed today as part of the Indian Battalion in UNISFA, Abyei.<br />
<br />
Our cherished tradition of UN Peacekeeping reflects <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NariShakti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NariShakti</a> again.<br />
<br />
Confident that they will discharge their blue helmet responsibilities fully and do the nation proud. <a href="https://t.co/Ys7K2covQx">pic.twitter.com/Ys7K2covQx</a></p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1611271962671861760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The South Asian giant has taken part in 49 United Nations Peacekeeping missions with a total contribution exceeding 200,000 troops. As of July 2022, India has its peacekeeping personnel deployed in 8 out of 13 active UN Peacekeeping Missions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Women in UN peacekeeping missions</strong></p>

<p>In 2007, for the first time in the history of UN peacekeeping, India sent an all-female Formed Police Unit (FPU) to be deployed in war-ravaged Liberia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indian-to-lead-un-peacekeeping-mission-in-south-sudan-495097">Gravitas: Indian to lead UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indian-to-lead-un-peacekeeping-mission-in-south-sudan-495097/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The United Nations has said in past that with more women being a part of peacekeeping missions, the operations have become more effective in recent times.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/proud-of-contribution-to-un-peacekeeping-operations-india-at-unsc-while-highlighting-countrys-role-in-congo-after-volcanic-eruption-387154">Proud of contribution to UN peacekeeping operations: India at UNSC</a></strong></p>

<p>As of 2020, out of approximately 95,000 peacekeepers, women constitute 4.8 per cent of military contingents and 10.9 per cent of formed police units and 34 per cent of justice and corrections government-provided personnel in UN Peacekeeping missions.</p>

<p>The 2028 target for women serving in military contingents is 15 per cent, and 25 per cent for military observers and staff officers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 2028 target for women serving in formed police units is 20 per cent, and 30 per cent for individual police officers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


India will begin deploying women peacekeepers as part of its United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in South Sudan, country's foreign minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar announced on Friday.

India will begin deploying women peacekeepers as part of its United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in South Sudan, country's foreign minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar announced on Friday. "A Platoon of women peacekeepers deployed today as part of the Indian Battalion in UNISFA, Abyei," Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said. "Our cherished tradition of UN Peacekeeping reflects Nari Shakti (women taking charge)," he added, pointing towards India's rich history of contributing in UN peacekeeping missions. A Platoon of women peacekeepers deployed today as part of the Indian Battalion in UNISFA, Abyei. Our cherished tradition of UN Peacekeeping reflects #NariShakti again. Confident that they will discharge their blue helmet responsibilities fully and do the nation proud. pic.twitter.com/Ys7K2covQx — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 6, 2023 × The South Asian giant has taken part in 49 United Nations Peacekeeping missions with a total contribution exceeding 200,000 troops. As of July 2022, India has its peacekeeping personnel deployed in 8 out of 13 active UN Peacekeeping Missions. Women in UN peacekeeping missions In 2007, for the first time in the history of UN peacekeeping, India sent an all-female Formed Police Unit (FPU) to be deployed in war-ravaged Liberia. WATCH | Gravitas: Indian to lead UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan × The United Nations has said in past that with more women being a part of peacekeeping missions, the operations have become more effective in recent times. ALSO READ | Proud of contribution to UN peacekeeping operations: India at UNSC As of 2020, out of approximately 95,000 peacekeepers, women constitute 4.8 per cent of military contingents and 10.9 per cent of formed police units and 34 per cent of justice and corrections government-provided personnel in UN Peacekeeping missions. The 2028 target for women serving in military contingents is 15 per cent, and 25 per cent for military observers and staff officers. The 2028 target for women serving in formed police units is 20 per cent, and 30 per cent for individual police officers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India deploys all-women platoon of peacekeepers to UN mission in Abyei

<p>In what is expected to be a major leap towards legal recognition of same-sex marriages in world's largest democracy, India's top court on Friday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to clear its stance on allowing same-sex marriages in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Supreme Court on Friday clubbed and transferred to itself all the petitions asking for the recognition of same-sex marriages. A number of such petitions were pending before various High courts all over the country that will now be heard by India's Supreme Court in New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>For legal status of same-sex marriages: What is the timeline?</strong></p>

<p>A Supreme Court bench composed of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala has asked the Centre to file a reply to all the petitions asking for legal recognition of same-sex marriages by February 15.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Same-sex marriages in India: When will the Supreme Court hear the petitions?</strong></p>

<p>All the petitions asking for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages will be listed in the form of a single clubbed petition in March 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>On same-sex marriages: Modi government's open-ended approach</strong></p>

<p>India's Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the second-highest law officer in the country, pointed to two options on legal status of same-sex marriages in India. One, the top court could await Delhi High Court's verdict on determining the legal status of same sex marriages in India or could transfer all the petitions to itself. The top court took the latter option.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/progressive-or-regressive-was-2022-a-good-year-for-the-lgbtqia-community-heres-the-year-in-review-546768">Progressive or regressive: Was 2022 a good year for the LGBTQIA+ community?</a></strong></p>

<p>At two different points of time -- in the months of November and December last year -- the Supreme Court had sought a response from the Modi government on the legal status of same-sex marriages in India. The government will now respond to the top court's direction on clearing its stance on determination of legal status of same-sex marriages in India by February 15. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>On same sex marriages: What is India's track record so far?</strong></p>

<p>In September 2018, a Supreme Court bench led by the then Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra had struck down a part of Section 377 of Indian Penal Code that criminalised same-sex relations in India. Following that landmark verdict, there is a growing uproar in the country for legal recognition of same-sex marriages.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-could-same-sex-marriage-go-the-way-of-abortion-492382">WION Fineprint | Could Same-Sex Marriage Go the Way of Abortion?</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-could-same-sex-marriage-go-the-way-of-abortion-492382/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The current intervention could be the first big intervention on LGBTQ rights after the September 2018 Supreme Court verdict.</p>

<p><strong>Same sex marriages: Which countries recognise same-sex couples by law?</strong></p>

<p>Same-sex couples in countries such as the United States, Australia, Ireland, Switzerland, South Africa, Taiwan, Argentina and Canada are legally recognised at par with their heterosexual counterparts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


In what is expected to be a major leap towards legal recognition of same-sex marriages in world's largest democracy, India's top court on Friday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to clear its stance on allowing same-sex marriages in the country.

In what is expected to be a major leap towards legal recognition of same-sex marriages in world's largest democracy, India's top court on Friday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to clear its stance on allowing same-sex marriages in the country. The Supreme Court on Friday clubbed and transferred to itself all the petitions asking for the recognition of same-sex marriages. A number of such petitions were pending before various High courts all over the country that will now be heard by India's Supreme Court in New Delhi. For legal status of same-sex marriages: What is the timeline? A Supreme Court bench composed of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala has asked the Centre to file a reply to all the petitions asking for legal recognition of same-sex marriages by February 15. Same-sex marriages in India: When will the Supreme Court hear the petitions? All the petitions asking for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages will be listed in the form of a single clubbed petition in March 2023. On same-sex marriages: Modi government's open-ended approach India's Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the second-highest law officer in the country, pointed to two options on legal status of same-sex marriages in India. One, the top court could await Delhi High Court's verdict on determining the legal status of same sex marriages in India or could transfer all the petitions to itself. The top court took the latter option. ALSO READ | Progressive or regressive: Was 2022 a good year for the LGBTQIA+ community? At two different points of time -- in the months of November and December last year -- the Supreme Court had sought a response from the Modi government on the legal status of same-sex marriages in India. The government will now respond to the top court's direction on clearing its stance on determination of legal status of same-sex marriages in India by February 15. On same sex marriages: What is India's track record so far? In September 2018, a Supreme Court bench led by the then Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra had struck down a part of Section 377 of Indian Penal Code that criminalised same-sex relations in India. Following that landmark verdict, there is a growing uproar in the country for legal recognition of same-sex marriages. WATCH | WION Fineprint | Could Same-Sex Marriage Go the Way of Abortion? × The current intervention could be the first big intervention on LGBTQ rights after the September 2018 Supreme Court verdict. Same sex marriages: Which countries recognise same-sex couples by law? Same-sex couples in countries such as the United States, Australia, Ireland, Switzerland, South Africa, Taiwan, Argentina and Canada are legally recognised at par with their heterosexual counterparts. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's top court steps closer to decide legal status of same-sex couples

<p>China's ongoing struggle to combat the latest surge in Covid cases was seen in visuals that went viral on social media. In a video posted on Twitter, cited to be of December 28, people can be seen being treated outside a hospital said to be located in Shanghai, China's most populous urban area.&nbsp;A user on social media claimed that some patients were being treated outside the "overflowing emergency department" of the Shanghai hospital. The patients were also treated in the hallway due to lack of space, the user added in another tweet.</p>

<p>The viral videos, however, cannot be independently verified by WION.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dec 28 video, this hospital in Shanghai treated some patients outside the overflowing emergency department. <a href="https://t.co/UHSVjE3m3Y">pic.twitter.com/UHSVjE3m3Y</a></p>
— Manya Koetse (@manyapan) <a href="https://twitter.com/manyapan/status/1609850268086157312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Meanwhile, China on Thursday insisted it had been transparent with the international community about its Covid data, as it hit back against World Health Organisation criticism that its tally of virus deaths was understating the true scale of its outbreak.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-asks-china-to-provide-a-more-realistic-picture-of-covid-19-situation-549382">WHO says data provided by China ‘under-represents’ true impact of Covid outbreak</a></strong></p>

<p>China has only recorded 23 Covid deaths since December, after narrowing the criteria for classifying Covid fatalities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beijing's statistics about the unprecedented wave are now widely seen by other countries as not reflecting reality.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-confirms-no-new-variant-from-chinas-covid-surge-549503">W.H.O. confirms no new variant from China's Covid surge</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-confirms-no-new-variant-from-chinas-covid-surge-549503/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In Geneva on Wednesday, WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan said the global organisation was without "complete data" from China.</p>

<p>"We believe that the current numbers being published from China under-represent the true impact of the disease in terms of hospital admissions, in terms of ICU admissions, and particularly in terms of deaths," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The definition Beijing is using is "very narrow", he added.</p>

<p>Beijing hit back on Thursday, insisting China had "always shared relevant information and data with the international community, with an open and transparent attitude".</p>

<p>"We hope the WHO secretariat will uphold a scientific, objective and just position, and make efforts to play a positive role for the world's response to the pandemic challenge," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in a press briefing.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


China's ongoing struggle to combat the latest surge in Covid cases was seen in visuals that went viral on social media. In a video posted on Twitter, cited to be of December 28, people can be seen being treated outside a hospital said to be located in Shanghai, China's most populous urban area.

China's ongoing struggle to combat the latest surge in Covid cases was seen in visuals that went viral on social media. In a video posted on Twitter, cited to be of December 28, people can be seen being treated outside a hospital said to be located in Shanghai, China's most populous urban area. A user on social media claimed that some patients were being treated outside the "overflowing emergency department" of the Shanghai hospital. The patients were also treated in the hallway due to lack of space, the user added in another tweet. The viral videos, however, cannot be independently verified by WION. Dec 28 video, this hospital in Shanghai treated some patients outside the overflowing emergency department. pic.twitter.com/UHSVjE3m3Y — Manya Koetse (@manyapan) January 2, 2023 × Meanwhile, China on Thursday insisted it had been transparent with the international community about its Covid data, as it hit back against World Health Organisation criticism that its tally of virus deaths was understating the true scale of its outbreak. ALSO READ | WHO says data provided by China ‘under-represents’ true impact of Covid outbreak China has only recorded 23 Covid deaths since December, after narrowing the criteria for classifying Covid fatalities. Beijing's statistics about the unprecedented wave are now widely seen by other countries as not reflecting reality. WATCH | W.H.O. confirms no new variant from China's Covid surge × In Geneva on Wednesday, WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan said the global organisation was without "complete data" from China. "We believe that the current numbers being published from China under-represent the true impact of the disease in terms of hospital admissions, in terms of ICU admissions, and particularly in terms of deaths," he said. The definition Beijing is using is "very narrow", he added. Beijing hit back on Thursday, insisting China had "always shared relevant information and data with the international community, with an open and transparent attitude". "We hope the WHO secretariat will uphold a scientific, objective and just position, and make efforts to play a positive role for the world's response to the pandemic challenge," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in a press briefing. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH | China's Covid surge forces Shanghai hospital to treat patients outside

<p>The bizarre incidents of people urinating on board Air India flights are declining to stay off the news cycle. The latest incident came out in public on Wednesday and entailed a revelation that a drunk man urinated on the blanket of a co-passenger while the Air India flight was on its way from Paris to New Delhi. The incident reportedly took place on December 6, 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is eleven days after an incident from November 26 came to the fore that said that a man allegedly urinated on an elderly woman during an Air India flight between New York and New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pathetic-drunk-man-urinates-on-woman-in-new-york-delhi-air-india-flight-woman-reports-to-tata-group-chairman-549261">Drunk man urinates on woman in New York-Delhi Air India flight; banned for a month</a></strong></p>

<p>The shocking incidents took place within a gap of eleven&nbsp;days.</p>

<p>Sources cited by news agency ANI said that the incident of December 6 was not reported in writing to Delhi Police or Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).</p>

<p>"No written report has been filed with CISF and Delhi police regarding the incident on Dec 6," a source told ANI.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-air-india-slapped-with-1215-mn-fine-for-delay-in-refunds-534628">World Business Watch: Air India slapped with $121.5 mn fine for delay in refunds | WION</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-air-india-slapped-with-1215-mn-fine-for-delay-in-refunds-534628/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>A DGCA official reportedly also said no report has been filed with them regarding December 6 incident.</p>

<p>"No report has been filed with DGCA regarding December 6 incident," the official told ANI.</p>

<p>It is reported that the male passenger involved in the incident on Air India AI-142 flight was detained&nbsp;by the CISF at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport after the flight landed. However,&nbsp;he was allowed to go after he apologised in writing to the co-passenger and no police case was filed.</p>

<p>DGCA issues show-cause notices for dereliction of duty to the concerned people in such cases.<br />
<br />
About November 26 incident, Delhi Police registered an FIR and Air India on Wednesday imposed a 30-day flying ban on the man who had allegedly urinated on an elderly co-passenger during a New York-Delhi flight.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The bizarre incidents of people urinating on board Air India flights are declining to stay off the news cycle. The latest incident came out in public on Wednesday and entailed a revelation that a drunk man urinated on the blanket of a co-passenger while the Air India flight was on its way from Paris to New Delhi.

The bizarre incidents of people urinating on board Air India flights are declining to stay off the news cycle. The latest incident came out in public on Wednesday and entailed a revelation that a drunk man urinated on the blanket of a co-passenger while the Air India flight was on its way from Paris to New Delhi. The incident reportedly took place on December 6, 2022. This is eleven days after an incident from November 26 came to the fore that said that a man allegedly urinated on an elderly woman during an Air India flight between New York and New Delhi. ALSO READ | Drunk man urinates on woman in New York-Delhi Air India flight; banned for a month The shocking incidents took place within a gap of eleven days. Sources cited by news agency ANI said that the incident of December 6 was not reported in writing to Delhi Police or Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). "No written report has been filed with CISF and Delhi police regarding the incident on Dec 6," a source told ANI. WATCH | World Business Watch: Air India slapped with $121.5 mn fine for delay in refunds | WION × A DGCA official reportedly also said no report has been filed with them regarding December 6 incident. "No report has been filed with DGCA regarding December 6 incident," the official told ANI. It is reported that the male passenger involved in the incident on Air India AI-142 flight was detained by the CISF at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport after the flight landed. However, he was allowed to go after he apologised in writing to the co-passenger and no police case was filed. DGCA issues show-cause notices for dereliction of duty to the concerned people in such cases. About November 26 incident, Delhi Police registered an FIR and Air India on Wednesday imposed a 30-day flying ban on the man who had allegedly urinated on an elderly co-passenger during a New York-Delhi flight. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Drunk man allegedly urinates inside Air India flight in second such incident

<p>In the United Kingdom, the average annual temperature crossed 10 degree Celsius for the first time in 2022, the UK Met Office revealed. This&nbsp;is the first time that the average temperature has reached double figures in the UK.&nbsp;Britain's mean temperature in 2022 was 10.03 degree Celsius, more than 9.88 degree Celsius, the previous high recorded in 2014.</p>

<p>All four nations in the United Kingdom; England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland recorded new all-time highs, with mean temperatures rising to 10.94 degree Celsius in England, 10.23 degree Celsius in Wales, 9.85 degree Celsius in Northern Ireland and 8.5 degree Celsius in Scotland.</p>

<p>Dr Mark McCarthy, the head of Met Office’s national climate information centre, said that "human-induced global warming" was to blame.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-faces-climate-change-heat-with-warm-winters-549184">Europe faces climate change heat with warm winters as temperatures break records</a></strong></p>

<p>"Although an arbitrary number, the UK surpassing an annual average temperature of 10 degree Celsius&nbsp;is a notable moment in our climatological history," McCarthy was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.</p>

<p>"This moment comes as no surprise, since 1884 all the 10 years recording the highest annual temperature have occurred from 2003. It is clear from the observational record that human-induced global warming is already impacting the UK's climate," he added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-the-alps-not-that-white-this-new-year-549438">WION Climate Tracker: The Alps not that white this new year</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-the-alps-not-that-white-this-new-year-549438/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Of Britain’s 20 warmest years on record, 15 have occurred in the 21st century and the top 10 have been within the last two decades.</p>

<p>Experts cited in the UK media said that warm conditions that would be expected once every 500 years without global warming caused by human activity, are now likely every three to four years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Met Office experts said the warm conditions would be expected once every 500 years without global warming caused by human activity, but are now likely every three to four years.</p>

<p>Dr Nikos Christidis, a climate attribution scientist at the weather service, told The Telegraph: "We used climate models to compare the likelihood of a UK mean temperature of 10 degree Celsius&nbsp;in both the current climate and with historical human climate influences removed."</p>

<p>"The results showed that recording 10 degree Celsius&nbsp;in a natural climate would occur around once every 500 years, whereas in our current climate it could be as frequently as once every three to four years."</p>

<p>By the end of the century, under a medium (future) emissions scenario, a UK average temperature of 10 degree Celsius could occur almost every year, experts said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


In the United Kingdom, the average annual temperature crossed 10 degree Celsius for the first time in 2022, the UK Met Office revealed. This is the first time that the average temperature has reached double figures in the UK.

In the United Kingdom, the average annual temperature crossed 10 degree Celsius for the first time in 2022, the UK Met Office revealed. This is the first time that the average temperature has reached double figures in the UK. Britain's mean temperature in 2022 was 10.03 degree Celsius, more than 9.88 degree Celsius, the previous high recorded in 2014. All four nations in the United Kingdom; England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland recorded new all-time highs, with mean temperatures rising to 10.94 degree Celsius in England, 10.23 degree Celsius in Wales, 9.85 degree Celsius in Northern Ireland and 8.5 degree Celsius in Scotland. Dr Mark McCarthy, the head of Met Office’s national climate information centre, said that "human-induced global warming" was to blame. ALSO READ | Europe faces climate change heat with warm winters as temperatures break records "Although an arbitrary number, the UK surpassing an annual average temperature of 10 degree Celsius is a notable moment in our climatological history," McCarthy was quoted as saying by The Telegraph. "This moment comes as no surprise, since 1884 all the 10 years recording the highest annual temperature have occurred from 2003. It is clear from the observational record that human-induced global warming is already impacting the UK's climate," he added. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: The Alps not that white this new year × Of Britain’s 20 warmest years on record, 15 have occurred in the 21st century and the top 10 have been within the last two decades. Experts cited in the UK media said that warm conditions that would be expected once every 500 years without global warming caused by human activity, are now likely every three to four years. Met Office experts said the warm conditions would be expected once every 500 years without global warming caused by human activity, but are now likely every three to four years. Dr Nikos Christidis, a climate attribution scientist at the weather service, told The Telegraph: "We used climate models to compare the likelihood of a UK mean temperature of 10 degree Celsius in both the current climate and with historical human climate influences removed." "The results showed that recording 10 degree Celsius in a natural climate would occur around once every 500 years, whereas in our current climate it could be as frequently as once every three to four years." By the end of the century, under a medium (future) emissions scenario, a UK average temperature of 10 degree Celsius could occur almost every year, experts said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK records highest-ever average annual temperature amid climate crisis

<p>The pilot of a helicopter that crashed mid-air in Australia this week was warned by a survivor, a new video appears to show.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The findings from the footage, reported by Australia's 7 News, point to the moments before the rotor blade of another helicopter smashed through the windscreen.</p>

<p>The footage shows a passenger in the backseat of the aircraft tapping the pilot's shoulder. The pilot, Michael James, is seen turning his head in response and the passenger then takes a grip over his seat.</p>

<p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-helicopters-collide-mid-air-on-australias-gold-coast-leaving-four-dead-548659">Two helicopters collide mid-air in Australia's Gold Coast, leaving four dead</a></b></p>

<p>The helicopter had a collision with another one just seconds later, killing four people on-board, including a British couple.</p>

<p>All the passengers and the pilot seen in the video clip reportedly survived the crash.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-donated-heart-survives-helicopter-crash-342282">Gravitas: Donated heart survives helicopter crash</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-donated-heart-survives-helicopter-crash-342282/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Ron and Diane Hughes, both 65 and 57, were among the four people killed in the incident, Australia's 7 News reported.</p>

<p>Pilot Ashley Jenkinson was also killed in the crash along with a 36-year-old Australian woman.</p>

<p>Five of the six people on board the helicopter that pilot Ashley Jenkinson was operating,&nbsp;suffered minor injuries.</p>

<p>The crash occurred in front of hundreds of beach-goers who had been enjoying a public holiday.</p>

<p>Australian Transport Safety Bureau Angus Mitchell said it was "remarkable" that there were not more fatalities.</p>

<p>Both helicopters were operating tourist flights for Sea World, a popular theme park in Australia's Gold Coast.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The pilot of a helicopter that crashed mid-air in Australia this week was warned by a survivor, a new video appears to show. The findings from the footage, reported by Australia's 7 News, point to the moments before the rotor blade of another helicopter smashed through the windscreen.

The pilot of a helicopter that crashed mid-air in Australia this week was warned by a survivor, a new video appears to show. The findings from the footage, reported by Australia's 7 News, point to the moments before the rotor blade of another helicopter smashed through the windscreen. The footage shows a passenger in the backseat of the aircraft tapping the pilot's shoulder. The pilot, Michael James, is seen turning his head in response and the passenger then takes a grip over his seat. ALSO READ | Two helicopters collide mid-air in Australia's Gold Coast, leaving four dead The helicopter had a collision with another one just seconds later, killing four people on-board, including a British couple. All the passengers and the pilot seen in the video clip reportedly survived the crash. WATCH | Gravitas: Donated heart survives helicopter crash × Ron and Diane Hughes, both 65 and 57, were among the four people killed in the incident, Australia's 7 News reported. Pilot Ashley Jenkinson was also killed in the crash along with a 36-year-old Australian woman. Five of the six people on board the helicopter that pilot Ashley Jenkinson was operating, suffered minor injuries. The crash occurred in front of hundreds of beach-goers who had been enjoying a public holiday. Australian Transport Safety Bureau Angus Mitchell said it was "remarkable" that there were not more fatalities. Both helicopters were operating tourist flights for Sea World, a popular theme park in Australia's Gold Coast. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pilot was warned moments before mid-air helicopter crash in Australia's Gold Coast

<p>About 270 miles south of the Spaniard capital Madrid, the quiet village of La Peza became an unexpected neighbour to a massive rave party on New Year. With 5,000 people in attendance, an unannounced week-long affair shocked La Peza's residents and authorities alike.&nbsp;The attendants reportedly arrived in trucks and caravans, setting up tents, food stands and several music stages about a mile from the village centre, The Guardian reported. The week-long affair consisted of selling T-shirts, soap, juices and beers with individuals in dreadlocks reported to be dancing out to mark the dawn of 2023.</p>

<p>According to Spanish newspaper El País, the party attendants had no permits for the week-long event. The newspaper reported that entry was free,&nbsp;and youngsters from all over Spain and Western Europe, including from Belgium, Denmark and Italy were in attendance.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spain-announces-10-billion-relief-package-to-ease-economic-woes-547217">Spain announces $10 billion relief package to ease economic woes</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spain-announces-10-billion-relief-package-to-ease-economic-woes-547217/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"We are 1,200 people here. Imagine, we woke up Friday morning and we were 5,200 people. By Saturday we were 6,000," said Fernando Álvarez, the mayor of La Peza municipality, according to The Guardian. "Truthfully, it was a bit chaotic."</p>

<p>The party music was heard across La Peza, and ran nonstop. "It was 24 hours a day of chin chin boom," Álvarez told The Guardian.</p>

<p>The municipality filed a complaint with national police.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tobacco-companies-asked-to-foot-the-bill-for-cleaning-up-cigarette-butts-in-spain-549410">Tobacco companies asked to foot the bill for cleaning up cigarette butts in Spain</a></strong></p>

<p>The police, however, decided to keep watch over the festival instead of evicting the attendants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We prefer that the party dissolve by itself. An eviction would generate more problems," a representative for Spain's law enforcement, the Civil Guard, told El País newspaper.</p>

<p>A total of 22 music groups reportedly promoted the event. But no central organiser of the party has come forward so far.</p>

<p>When an El País journalist asked a Belgian attendant how she located the event, she told the paper, "Magic."</p>

<p>Even the village mayor Álvarez was impressed. He told The Guardian that if he had figured out who planned the illegal party, he would have hired them to plan the village carnival.</p>

<p>"Frankly it was magnificently organised," Álvarez told the outlet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It was like a small town. They had a bakery, pizzeria, clothing shops, people who would braid your hair – they had absolutely everything. I'm amazed that they managed to set that all up in the span of a few hours."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


About 270 miles south of the Spaniard capital Madrid, the quiet village of La Peza became an unexpected neighbour to a massive rave party on New Year. With 5,000 people in attendance, an unannounced week-long affair shocked La Peza's residents and authorities alike.

About 270 miles south of the Spaniard capital Madrid, the quiet village of La Peza became an unexpected neighbour to a massive rave party on New Year. With 5,000 people in attendance, an unannounced week-long affair shocked La Peza's residents and authorities alike. The attendants reportedly arrived in trucks and caravans, setting up tents, food stands and several music stages about a mile from the village centre, The Guardian reported. The week-long affair consisted of selling T-shirts, soap, juices and beers with individuals in dreadlocks reported to be dancing out to mark the dawn of 2023. According to Spanish newspaper El País, the party attendants had no permits for the week-long event. The newspaper reported that entry was free, and youngsters from all over Spain and Western Europe, including from Belgium, Denmark and Italy were in attendance. WATCH | Spain announces $10 billion relief package to ease economic woes × "We are 1,200 people here. Imagine, we woke up Friday morning and we were 5,200 people. By Saturday we were 6,000," said Fernando Álvarez, the mayor of La Peza municipality, according to The Guardian. "Truthfully, it was a bit chaotic." The party music was heard across La Peza, and ran nonstop. "It was 24 hours a day of chin chin boom," Álvarez told The Guardian. The municipality filed a complaint with national police. ALSO READ | Tobacco companies asked to foot the bill for cleaning up cigarette butts in Spain The police, however, decided to keep watch over the festival instead of evicting the attendants. "We prefer that the party dissolve by itself. An eviction would generate more problems," a representative for Spain's law enforcement, the Civil Guard, told El País newspaper. A total of 22 music groups reportedly promoted the event. But no central organiser of the party has come forward so far. When an El País journalist asked a Belgian attendant how she located the event, she told the paper, "Magic." Even the village mayor Álvarez was impressed. He told The Guardian that if he had figured out who planned the illegal party, he would have hired them to plan the village carnival. "Frankly it was magnificently organised," Álvarez told the outlet. "It was like a small town. They had a bakery, pizzeria, clothing shops, people who would braid your hair – they had absolutely everything. I'm amazed that they managed to set that all up in the span of a few hours." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Spanish village hosts 5,000 in an illegal but 'magnificently organised' rave party under cops' watch

<p>The Joe Biden administration in the United States has proposed a massive hike in the immigration fees, including for H-1B visas. The H1-B visas remain a popular choice of non-immigrant visa among high-skilled tech professionals, especially the ones from India.</p>

<p><strong>H1-B visa fee hike: What does the proposal entail?</strong></p>

<p>Under the new Biden administration's proposal published Wednesday, the application for the H1-B visa may increase from $460 now to $780. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Every year, technology companies, especially the ones headquartered in the Silicon Valley, hire tens of thousands of employees from countries like India and China.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-united-states-h-1b-visa-stamping-outside-the-us-soon-523416">WION Fineprint | United States: H-1B Visa stamping outside the US soon?</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-united-states-h-1b-visa-stamping-outside-the-us-soon-523416/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Under the proposed rule, the fee for the H2-B petitions (for seasonal, non-agricultural workers) is proposed to increase from USD 460 to USD 1,080.</p>

<p>Whereas the fee&nbsp;for L-1 visa application may increase from $460 to $1385, a 332 per cent hike. An L-1 visa is issued to the individuals employed by a US-headquartered company outside the US but need to relocate to the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brain-drain-indian-talent-moving-to-canada-due-to-outdated-h1b-visa-policy-us-lawmakers-told-398121">Brain drain: Indian talent moving to Canada due to outdated H1B visa policy, US lawmakers told</a></strong></p>

<p>The application fee for O-1 visas may increase from $460 to $1,055, a 229&nbsp;per cent hike, as per the latest proposal published by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). &nbsp;An O-1 visa is issued to individuals with extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim, or a record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and television industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>H1-B visa fee hike: When will the proposal become a rule?</strong></p>

<p>The proposed rule went on a 60-day public opposition period starting January 4, 2023. Till March 7, 2023, the individuals from the general public will be able to add suggestions to the proposed rule considering fee hike for various immigration and naturalisation-related requests.</p>

<p><strong>H1-B visa fee hike: Why the hike at all?</strong></p>

<p>The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in its federal notification, has reasoned that &nbsp;the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is primarily funded by fees charged to applicants and petitioners for immigration and naturalisation benefit requests.</p>

<p>The agency receives approximately 96 per cent of its funding from filing fees, not from congressional appropriations, it argued.</p>

<p>The agency further argued that its current fees, which have remained unchanged since 2016, fall far short of recovering the full cost of agency operations.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The Joe Biden administration in the United States has proposed a massive hike in the immigration fees, including for H-1B visas. The H1-B visas remain a popular choice of non-immigrant visa among high-skilled tech professionals, especially the ones from India.

The Joe Biden administration in the United States has proposed a massive hike in the immigration fees, including for H-1B visas. The H1-B visas remain a popular choice of non-immigrant visa among high-skilled tech professionals, especially the ones from India. H1-B visa fee hike: What does the proposal entail? Under the new Biden administration's proposal published Wednesday, the application for the H1-B visa may increase from $460 now to $780. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Every year, technology companies, especially the ones headquartered in the Silicon Valley, hire tens of thousands of employees from countries like India and China. WATCH | WION Fineprint | United States: H-1B Visa stamping outside the US soon? × Under the proposed rule, the fee for the H2-B petitions (for seasonal, non-agricultural workers) is proposed to increase from USD 460 to USD 1,080. Whereas the fee for L-1 visa application may increase from $460 to $1385, a 332 per cent hike. An L-1 visa is issued to the individuals employed by a US-headquartered company outside the US but need to relocate to the United States. ALSO READ | Brain drain: Indian talent moving to Canada due to outdated H1B visa policy, US lawmakers told The application fee for O-1 visas may increase from $460 to $1,055, a 229 per cent hike, as per the latest proposal published by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). An O-1 visa is issued to individuals with extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim, or a record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and television industry. H1-B visa fee hike: When will the proposal become a rule? The proposed rule went on a 60-day public opposition period starting January 4, 2023. Till March 7, 2023, the individuals from the general public will be able to add suggestions to the proposed rule considering fee hike for various immigration and naturalisation-related requests. H1-B visa fee hike: Why the hike at all? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in its federal notification, has reasoned that the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is primarily funded by fees charged to applicants and petitioners for immigration and naturalisation benefit requests. The agency receives approximately 96 per cent of its funding from filing fees, not from congressional appropriations, it argued. The agency further argued that its current fees, which have remained unchanged since 2016, fall far short of recovering the full cost of agency operations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US proposes up to 332 per cent hike for H1-B, other visa fees

<p>In the foreign policy establishment of China, the dawn of 2023 has accompanied the rise of two individuals: Wang Yi and Qin Gang. Wang Yi, the outgoing foreign minister of China took over as the director of Chinese Communist Party’s Central Foreign Affairs Commission (CFAC). Whereas Qin Gang, the current Chinese envoy in the United States, is set to take over as country's next foreign minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Central Foreign Affairs Commission (CFAC) is an institution within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The foreign minister reports to the director of CFAC, who in turn reports to Xi Jinping.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This means that in his new role, Qin Gang will report to Wang Yi, who in turn will be answerable to the supreme leader Xi Jinping.</p>

<p>Qin was appointed as China's foreign minister at the 38th meeting of the National People's Congress last year.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-impressed-chinas-new-foreign-minister-heaps-praises-on-americans-549162">'Deeply impressed': China's new foreign minister heaps praises on Americans</a></strong></p>

<p>The choice of a serving Chinese ambassador as the next foreign minister was widely reported to be Chinese Communist Party's conciliatory tone to the US amid intense geopolitical competition between Beijing and Washington D.C.</p>

<p>The reflection of a conciliatory tone in the Chinese foreign policy was prominently visible as 2023 began.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his new year message for a Communist Party journal, Wang Yi, the director of CCP's Central Foreign Affairs Commission sought course correction in ties with the United States.</p>

<p>"(We will) implement agreements reached by the top leaders of the US and China, seek to establish guiding principles of Sino-US relations and correct course (in bilateral ties)," Wang Yi wrote in Qiushi, a CCP-run journal, reflecting the "constructive" outcomes of bilateral talks between US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of G-20 summit in Indonesia's Bali last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/agreeing-to-disagree-another-blow-to-us-china-ties-541373">Agreeing to disagree: Another blow to U.S.- China ties?</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/agreeing-to-disagree-another-blow-to-us-china-ties-541373/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Wang's pitch to "correct course" was followed by his assertion to "fight back" against "all forms of hegemony" by rebuffing attempts by "external forces", in what Beijing says, are attempts of interference into China's domestic affairs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Wang Yi's course correction pitch and 'stabilising' US-China ties</strong></p>

<p>According to Manoj Joshi, Distinguished Fellow at Observer Research Foundation think-tank, by course correction pitch, "He (Wang Yi) means that the US needs to correct its course", as China believes that it has been doing the "right thing" all along, Joshi added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The ties are stabilising but there is no going back to the past. The two countries understand the importance of keeping their relationship within guardrails to prevent an inadvertent conflict," Joshi told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts add that there is little course correction in the US-China relations. "The real issues like Taiwan and South China Sea dispute are non-negotiable for the People's Republic of China. The relations would continue to be rocky in the security realm," Suyash Desai, Taiwan-based research scholar on China's military and foreign policy, told WION.</p>

<p><strong>US-China ties: Managing competition and cooperation</strong></p>

<p>The US statement after bilateral talks between US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Bali had underscored the need for cooperation between the two sides on transnational challenges such as climate change, global macroeconomic stability including debt relief, health security, and global food security. "Because that is what the international community expects," the White House had said on November 14, 2022.</p>

<p>The US, while acknowledging the bilateral competition between Beijing and Washington, said that the competition "should not veer into conflict". &nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts say that the US and China understand the need for cooperation on key transnational issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They understand, too, that as global &nbsp;powers they need to cooperate on issues like climate change, trade policy, non-proliferation and so on. &nbsp;But they also know that they are now in a phase of intense political, military and economic competition," Manoj Joshi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US-China ties had hit a low after US House speaker Nancy Pelosi's August-2022 visit to self-governing island nation of Taiwan, that China claims as its own.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The effect of Pelosi's visit was pacified by Biden-Jinping bilateral talks later in November on the sidelines of G-20 summit in Indonesia's Bali.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The engagement is expected&nbsp;be furthered by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's scheduled visit to China in 2023.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


In the foreign policy establishment of China, the dawn of 2023 has accompanied the rise of two individuals: Wang Yi and Qin Gang. Wang Yi, the outgoing foreign minister of China took over as the director of Chinese Communist Party’s Central Foreign Affairs Commission (CFAC).

In the foreign policy establishment of China, the dawn of 2023 has accompanied the rise of two individuals: Wang Yi and Qin Gang. Wang Yi, the outgoing foreign minister of China took over as the director of Chinese Communist Party’s Central Foreign Affairs Commission (CFAC). Whereas Qin Gang, the current Chinese envoy in the United States, is set to take over as country's next foreign minister. The Central Foreign Affairs Commission (CFAC) is an institution within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The foreign minister reports to the director of CFAC, who in turn reports to Xi Jinping. This means that in his new role, Qin Gang will report to Wang Yi, who in turn will be answerable to the supreme leader Xi Jinping. Qin was appointed as China's foreign minister at the 38th meeting of the National People's Congress last year. ALSO READ | 'Deeply impressed': China's new foreign minister heaps praises on Americans The choice of a serving Chinese ambassador as the next foreign minister was widely reported to be Chinese Communist Party's conciliatory tone to the US amid intense geopolitical competition between Beijing and Washington D.C. The reflection of a conciliatory tone in the Chinese foreign policy was prominently visible as 2023 began. In his new year message for a Communist Party journal, Wang Yi, the director of CCP's Central Foreign Affairs Commission sought course correction in ties with the United States. "(We will) implement agreements reached by the top leaders of the US and China, seek to establish guiding principles of Sino-US relations and correct course (in bilateral ties)," Wang Yi wrote in Qiushi, a CCP-run journal, reflecting the "constructive" outcomes of bilateral talks between US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of G-20 summit in Indonesia's Bali last year. WATCH | Agreeing to disagree: Another blow to U.S.- China ties? × Wang's pitch to "correct course" was followed by his assertion to "fight back" against "all forms of hegemony" by rebuffing attempts by "external forces", in what Beijing says, are attempts of interference into China's domestic affairs. Wang Yi's course correction pitch and 'stabilising' US-China ties According to Manoj Joshi, Distinguished Fellow at Observer Research Foundation think-tank, by course correction pitch, "He (Wang Yi) means that the US needs to correct its course", as China believes that it has been doing the "right thing" all along, Joshi added. "The ties are stabilising but there is no going back to the past. The two countries understand the importance of keeping their relationship within guardrails to prevent an inadvertent conflict," Joshi told WION. Experts add that there is little course correction in the US-China relations. "The real issues like Taiwan and South China Sea dispute are non-negotiable for the People's Republic of China. The relations would continue to be rocky in the security realm," Suyash Desai, Taiwan-based research scholar on China's military and foreign policy, told WION. US-China ties: Managing competition and cooperation The US statement after bilateral talks between US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Bali had underscored the need for cooperation between the two sides on transnational challenges such as climate change, global macroeconomic stability including debt relief, health security, and global food security. "Because that is what the international community expects," the White House had said on November 14, 2022. The US, while acknowledging the bilateral competition between Beijing and Washington, said that the competition "should not veer into conflict". Experts say that the US and China understand the need for cooperation on key transnational issues. "They understand, too, that as global powers they need to cooperate on issues like climate change, trade policy, non-proliferation and so on. But they also know that they are now in a phase of intense political, military and economic competition," Manoj Joshi said. The US-China ties had hit a low after US House speaker Nancy Pelosi's August-2022 visit to self-governing island nation of Taiwan, that China claims as its own. The effect of Pelosi's visit was pacified by Biden-Jinping bilateral talks later in November on the sidelines of G-20 summit in Indonesia's Bali. The engagement is expected be furthered by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's scheduled visit to China in 2023. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In 2023, China seeks to 'correct course' with United States

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Mukul Sharma

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.