<p>Canada on Monday (Jan 22), in a bid to tackle the housing crisis and target institutional "bad actors", announced a two-year cap on the intake of international students, a move that could affect thousands of Indians.</p>

<p>In the year 2023, Canada had granted over a million study permits, which is roughly three times that of what was a decade ago, as per the government data.</p>

<p>The new proposal will slash the intake by nearly a third in 2024 as it aims to approve 364,000 undergraduate study permits, reducing the number by 35 per cent from last year.</p>

<p>The limit of 2025 will be reassessed at the end of 2024, reported CTV news.</p>

<h2><strong>What did Immigration Minister Marc Miller say?</strong></h2>

<p>While addressing a press conference earlier on Monday, Canada's immigration minister, Marc Miller highlighted that the move by the federal government would help them with an opportunity to tackle the exploitative system of high tuition fees being charged by the institutions.</p>

<p>"These measures are to ensure that as future students arrive in Canada, they receive the quality of education that they signed up for and the hope that they were provided in their home countries. It would be a disservice to welcome international students to Canada knowing that now all of them are getting the resources they need to succeed in Canada. Allowing bad actors to continue their operations would be a disservice to all of the good institutions who pride themselves on providing a top-tier academic experience," Miller said.</p>

<p>“It is unacceptable that some private institutions have taken advantage of international students by operating under-resourced campuses, lacking support for students, and charging high tuition fees – all the while significantly increasing their intake of international students," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-announces-two-year-cap-on-international-students-how-will-it-affect-indians-682574">&nbsp;Canada announces two-year cap on international students</a></p>

<p>He&nbsp;then mentioned that for the current year, the cap will result in the approval of 364,000 study permits, with the country witnessing a reduction of 35 per cent in the approval of visas from what was in 2023.</p>

<p>"For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 364,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023," the immigration minister said.</p>

<p>He then said that the government would allocate the cap space by province based on population, which means that some provinces will witness much more significant reductions in the number of students permitted.</p>

<p>"In the spirit of fairness, we are also allocating the cap space by province based on population…some provinces will see much more significant reductions. Some provinces will actually have room to [grow] if they so choose but the provinces that have been most heavily affected will have to decrease by about 50% or perhaps even a bit more than 50%, when it comes to new incoming [students]," he said.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Is Canada's education sector failing?</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who will be impacted?</strong></h2>

<p>The students who had plans to pursue various courses in Canada would be the worst affected by the new norms announced by the government.</p>

<p>Not only this, many educational institutions that had grown their campuses in the hopes of continuing to attract students may suffer as a result of the move as the Canadian economy receives an estimated yearly contribution of C$22 billion ($16.4 billion) from international students.</p>

<p>As per news agency Reuters reports, restaurants across Canada are struggling with&nbsp;a shortage of labour with approximately 100,000 vacancies as foreign students have so far made up 4.6% of the 1.1 million workers in the food service sector in 2023.</p>

<p>Even Canadian banks have profited from the influx of new students as it is mandatory for each student to have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth more than C$20,000 so that they can pay for their living expenses.</p>

<p>However, the cap will not apply to students in graduate-level programmes, including master's or doctoral studies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also, the ones having study permits at the elementary and secondary school levels will be exempted.</p>

<p>"To be clear, the cap will not apply to applicants within Canada looking to extend their studies as it wouldn't be fair to prevent someone from finishing their programme. Nor will the cap have an effect on study permit holders currently in Canada."</p>

<h2><strong>Work permit situation</strong></h2>

<p>The new measures will also impose certain limitations on post-graduate work permits granted to international students which will most likely push them to go back to their home countries.</p>

<p>Work permits will only be made available to the spouses of foreign students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs. The spouses of international students enrolled in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible, Miller said. The acceptance of new study permit applications in 2025 will be subject to reassessment at the end of the current year, he said.</p>

<p>"In the coming weeks we will be announcing that open work permits will only be allowed and be available to spouses of international students enrolled in master's and doctoral programmes as well as those enrolled in professional programmes, such as medicine and law. Spouses of students enrolled in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programmes, will no longer be eligible [for work permits]," the Canadian immigration minister said.</p>

<p>In the past, the permits were viewed as a simple way to get permanent residency. Individuals who are enrolled in post-doctoral or master's programmes qualify for a three-year work permit.</p>

<h2><strong>How will it affect Indians?</strong></h2>

<p>Canada, in recent years, has received an influx of Indians who form one of the largest groups of international students in the country.</p>

<p>Over 41% - or 225,835 - of all permits were handed over to Indians in the year 2022.</p>

<p>As per Canadian government statistics, in September 2023, Indians comprised nearly 40 per cent of the international students that were permitted inside the country.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Canada on Monday (Jan 22), in a bid to tackle the housing crisis and target institutional "bad actors", announced a two-year cap on the intake of international students, a move that could affect thousands of Indians.

Canada on Monday (Jan 22), in a bid to tackle the housing crisis and target institutional "bad actors", announced a two-year cap on the intake of international students, a move that could affect thousands of Indians. In the year 2023, Canada had granted over a million study permits, which is roughly three times that of what was a decade ago, as per the government data. The new proposal will slash the intake by nearly a third in 2024 as it aims to approve 364,000 undergraduate study permits, reducing the number by 35 per cent from last year. The limit of 2025 will be reassessed at the end of 2024, reported CTV news. What did Immigration Minister Marc Miller say? While addressing a press conference earlier on Monday, Canada's immigration minister, Marc Miller highlighted that the move by the federal government would help them with an opportunity to tackle the exploitative system of high tuition fees being charged by the institutions. "These measures are to ensure that as future students arrive in Canada, they receive the quality of education that they signed up for and the hope that they were provided in their home countries. It would be a disservice to welcome international students to Canada knowing that now all of them are getting the resources they need to succeed in Canada. Allowing bad actors to continue their operations would be a disservice to all of the good institutions who pride themselves on providing a top-tier academic experience," Miller said. “It is unacceptable that some private institutions have taken advantage of international students by operating under-resourced campuses, lacking support for students, and charging high tuition fees – all the while significantly increasing their intake of international students," he added. Also read: Canada announces two-year cap on international students He then mentioned that for the current year, the cap will result in the approval of 364,000 study permits, with the country witnessing a reduction of 35 per cent in the approval of visas from what was in 2023. "For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 364,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023," the immigration minister said. He then said that the government would allocate the cap space by province based on population, which means that some provinces will witness much more significant reductions in the number of students permitted. "In the spirit of fairness, we are also allocating the cap space by province based on population…some provinces will see much more significant reductions. Some provinces will actually have room to [grow] if they so choose but the provinces that have been most heavily affected will have to decrease by about 50% or perhaps even a bit more than 50%, when it comes to new incoming [students]," he said. WATCH | Gravitas: Is Canada's education sector failing? × Who will be impacted? The students who had plans to pursue various courses in Canada would be the worst affected by the new norms announced by the government. Not only this, many educational institutions that had grown their campuses in the hopes of continuing to attract students may suffer as a result of the move as the Canadian economy receives an estimated yearly contribution of C$22 billion ($16.4 billion) from international students. As per news agency Reuters reports, restaurants across Canada are struggling with a shortage of labour with approximately 100,000 vacancies as foreign students have so far made up 4.6% of the 1.1 million workers in the food service sector in 2023. Even Canadian banks have profited from the influx of new students as it is mandatory for each student to have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth more than C$20,000 so that they can pay for their living expenses. However, the cap will not apply to students in graduate-level programmes, including master's or doctoral studies. Also, the ones having study permits at the elementary and secondary school levels will be exempted. "To be clear, the cap will not apply to applicants within Canada looking to extend their studies as it wouldn't be fair to prevent someone from finishing their programme. Nor will the cap have an effect on study permit holders currently in Canada." Work permit situation The new measures will also impose certain limitations on post-graduate work permits granted to international students which will most likely push them to go back to their home countries. Work permits will only be made available to the spouses of foreign students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs. The spouses of international students enrolled in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible, Miller said. The acceptance of new study permit applications in 2025 will be subject to reassessment at the end of the current year, he said. "In the coming weeks we will be announcing that open work permits will only be allowed and be available to spouses of international students enrolled in master's and doctoral programmes as well as those enrolled in professional programmes, such as medicine and law. Spouses of students enrolled in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programmes, will no longer be eligible [for work permits]," the Canadian immigration minister said. In the past, the permits were viewed as a simple way to get permanent residency. Individuals who are enrolled in post-doctoral or master's programmes qualify for a three-year work permit. How will it affect Indians? Canada, in recent years, has received an influx of Indians who form one of the largest groups of international students in the country. Over 41% - or 225,835 - of all permits were handed over to Indians in the year 2022. As per Canadian government statistics, in September 2023, Indians comprised nearly 40 per cent of the international students that were permitted inside the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Canada's new visa norms and their impact on Indian students

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration: Top Quotes by PM Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Jan 22) expressed joy and congratulated devotees in a heartfelt speech at the 'Pran Prathistha' ceremony in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya where he said  that Lord Ram will no longer stay in a
tent now.

Here are the key takeaways and top quotes from PM Modi's address.

1.) "Lord Ram has finally arrived (in his abode) following the wait of centuries. After the patience that we showed for centuries and the sacrifices we made, our Lord Ram has finally arrived."


2.) "Ram Lalla will not stay in a tent now. He will stay in the grand temple."


3.) "January 22, 2024, is not just a date, but the beginning of a new era. The construction of Ram Mandir has filled people with a new energy."


4.) "The country has broken free of the shackles of slavery. Even after thousands of years, people will remember this date and moment. It's Ram's supreme blessings that we are witnessing it."


5.) "Today, I apologise to Lord Ram as there was something lacking in our love and penance due to which this work (construction of Ram Temple) was not done for so many years. However, that gap has been bridged today and I am confident that Lord Ram will forgive us."


6.) "Ram's existence was questioned... I would like to express my thanks to the Supreme Court for doing justice and the temple was built in accordance with the law."


7.) "This is a moment of celebration as well as the moment of a reflection of Indian society's maturity. It is an occasion of not merely triumph but humility too. The history of the world is itself proof that many countries get strangled in their own history and such countries faced difficulties when they tried to solve their problems...but the way, our country untied the knots of history, is proof that our future is going to be more beautiful than our past."


Here are the key takeaways and top quotes from PM Modi's address.

<p>A Namibian Cheetah gave birth to three cubs in India's Madhya Pradesh, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Tuesday (Jan 23).</p>

<p>"Kuno's new cubs! A Namibian cheetah named Jwala has given birth to three cubs. This comes just weeks after Namibian cheetah Aasha gave birth to her cubs," Yadav wrote on X.</p>

<p>"Congratulations to all wildlife frontline warriors and wildlife lovers across the country. May Bharat's wildlife thrive," he further said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kuno’s new cubs!<br />
<br />
Namibian Cheetah named Jwala has given birth to three cubs. This comes just weeks after Namibian Cheetah Aasha gave birth to her cubs.<br />
<br />
Congratulations to all wildlife frontline warriors and wildlife lovers across the country.<br />
<br />
May Bharat’s wildlife thrive… <a href="https://t.co/aasusRiXtG">pic.twitter.com/aasusRiXtG</a></p>
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/byadavbjp/status/1749618790542053640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes weeks after three cubs were born to another cub named Aasha at the Kuno National Park, the officials said.</p>

<p>In March 2023, Jwala (Namibian name Siyaya) also gave birth to four cubs but only one of them survived.</p>

<p>Jwala and Aasha, among other cheetahs, were brought to India from Namibia under PM Modi's Project Cheetah aimed at re-introducing the species that was declared extinct in India in the year 1952.</p>

<p>The very first batch of cheetahs, which comprised eight felines, were translocated to India in September 2022. The second batch consisting of 12 cheetahs was transported from South Africa last February.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-prime-minister-narendra-modi-pays-floral-tribute-to-netaji-subhas-chandra-bose-682822">India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays floral tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose</a></p>

<p>The cheetah conservation project, however, has been heavily critiqued over the deaths of seven of the 20 adults imported from Namibia and South Africa.</p>

<p>Recently on Jan 16, a cheetah named Shaurya passed away at the Kuno National Park.</p>

<p>The additional chief conservator of forest and the director of the Lion Project at Kuno said that the feline showed signs of incoordination and a staggering gait after which it was taken for medical examination.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | India: Namibian Cheetah Shaurya dies at Kuno National Park</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After observing these signs, the cheetah was tranquillised and a weakness was determined during a medical examination. Despite reviving the cheetah through medical intervention, it developed some post-revival complications that eventually resulted in its demise. The animal failed to respond to CPR efforts," the APCCF and the director of Lion Project was quoted as saying in the statement.</p>

<p>The officials elucidating on the challenges they faced in the first year of managing the cheetahs, said that the felines developed unprecedented winter furs during the Indian summer and monsoon season (June to September) in anticipation of the African winter, which further caused discomfort in animals</p>

<p>Some of them developed cuts and rashes as the humidity in the weather prompted them to scratch their necks on tree trunks further leading to bacterial infections and septicemia, which claimed the lives of the three cheetahs, said an official.</p>

<p>"The mortalities under Project Cheetah so far have been within the expected limits. As per the Cheetah Action Plan, we anticipated approximately 50 per cent mortality. Right now, 14 imported cheetahs are surviving, besides one cub born on Indian soil," SP Yadav, additional director general of forests in the Union Environment Ministry, had said earlier.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Namibian Cheetah gave birth to three cubs in India's Madhya Pradesh, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Tuesday (Jan 23). "Kuno's new cubs! A Namibian cheetah named Jwala has given birth to three cubs.

A Namibian Cheetah gave birth to three cubs in India's Madhya Pradesh, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Tuesday (Jan 23). "Kuno's new cubs! A Namibian cheetah named Jwala has given birth to three cubs. This comes just weeks after Namibian cheetah Aasha gave birth to her cubs," Yadav wrote on X. "Congratulations to all wildlife frontline warriors and wildlife lovers across the country. May Bharat's wildlife thrive," he further said. Kuno’s new cubs! Namibian Cheetah named Jwala has given birth to three cubs. This comes just weeks after Namibian Cheetah Aasha gave birth to her cubs. Congratulations to all wildlife frontline warriors and wildlife lovers across the country. May Bharat’s wildlife thrive… pic.twitter.com/aasusRiXtG — Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) January 23, 2024 × This comes weeks after three cubs were born to another cub named Aasha at the Kuno National Park, the officials said. In March 2023, Jwala (Namibian name Siyaya) also gave birth to four cubs but only one of them survived. Jwala and Aasha, among other cheetahs, were brought to India from Namibia under PM Modi's Project Cheetah aimed at re-introducing the species that was declared extinct in India in the year 1952. The very first batch of cheetahs, which comprised eight felines, were translocated to India in September 2022. The second batch consisting of 12 cheetahs was transported from South Africa last February. Also read: India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays floral tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose The cheetah conservation project, however, has been heavily critiqued over the deaths of seven of the 20 adults imported from Namibia and South Africa. Recently on Jan 16, a cheetah named Shaurya passed away at the Kuno National Park. The additional chief conservator of forest and the director of the Lion Project at Kuno said that the feline showed signs of incoordination and a staggering gait after which it was taken for medical examination. WATCH | India: Namibian Cheetah Shaurya dies at Kuno National Park × "After observing these signs, the cheetah was tranquillised and a weakness was determined during a medical examination. Despite reviving the cheetah through medical intervention, it developed some post-revival complications that eventually resulted in its demise. The animal failed to respond to CPR efforts," the APCCF and the director of Lion Project was quoted as saying in the statement. The officials elucidating on the challenges they faced in the first year of managing the cheetahs, said that the felines developed unprecedented winter furs during the Indian summer and monsoon season (June to September) in anticipation of the African winter, which further caused discomfort in animals Some of them developed cuts and rashes as the humidity in the weather prompted them to scratch their necks on tree trunks further leading to bacterial infections and septicemia, which claimed the lives of the three cheetahs, said an official. "The mortalities under Project Cheetah so far have been within the expected limits. As per the Cheetah Action Plan, we anticipated approximately 50 per cent mortality. Right now, 14 imported cheetahs are surviving, besides one cub born on Indian soil," SP Yadav, additional director general of forests in the Union Environment Ministry, had said earlier. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Namibian cheetah Jwala gives birth to three cubs at Kuno National Park

<p>Four individuals who miraculously survived a fatal plane crash in northern Afghanistan were in good health, the Taliban administration said in a statement on Monday (Jan 22).&nbsp;</p>

<p>It further said that the bodies of the two passengers who lost their lives in the incident were being moved to the Afghan capital from the remote crash site.</p>

<p>"Four people from the crashed plane in Badakhshan were transferred to Kabul, the medical and rescue teams of the Ministry of Aviation and the Ministry of Defence have provided them with first aid," Taliban administration spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement.</p>

<p>The charter plane destined for Moscow, with six people aboard, had gone off the radar on Saturday (Jan 20) after which it was reported that it had crashed in the mountains in northern Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The footage released by Mujahid's office showed the four survivors of the crash, with severe injuries, getting out of a chopper with Taliban officials.</p>

<p>In the video, an unnamed Taliban official said that the health condition of the four men who survived the incident was good.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pak-iran-envoys-to-return-to-their-posts-easing-tensions-for-diplomatic-talks-682527">Pak, Iran envoys to return to their posts easing tensions for diplomatic talks</a></p>

<p>"Alhamdulillah (praise be to God) last night we found that place (the crash site), a total of six people were in the plane, four of them are alive and two are dead," he said, adding that the bodies had been transferred to the northern provincial city of Fayzabad and were being brought to Kabul.</p>

<p>The Moscow-bound jet that crashed was carrying out a private medical evacuation from Thailand's Pattaya, Russian state-run TASS news agency reported, citing the Russian embassy in Bangkok.</p>

<p>The French-made Dassault Aviation Falcon 10 jet, manufactured in 1978, experienced fuel issues about 25 minutes before disappearing from radar, news agency Reuters reported citing Russian media outlet SHOT.</p>

<p>The pilot had then warned that he would try to land the plane at an airport in Tajikistan.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Four individuals who miraculously survived a fatal plane crash in northern Afghanistan were in good health, the Taliban administration said in a statement on Monday (Jan 22).

Four individuals who miraculously survived a fatal plane crash in northern Afghanistan were in good health, the Taliban administration said in a statement on Monday (Jan 22). It further said that the bodies of the two passengers who lost their lives in the incident were being moved to the Afghan capital from the remote crash site. "Four people from the crashed plane in Badakhshan were transferred to Kabul, the medical and rescue teams of the Ministry of Aviation and the Ministry of Defence have provided them with first aid," Taliban administration spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement. The charter plane destined for Moscow, with six people aboard, had gone off the radar on Saturday (Jan 20) after which it was reported that it had crashed in the mountains in northern Afghanistan. The footage released by Mujahid's office showed the four survivors of the crash, with severe injuries, getting out of a chopper with Taliban officials. In the video, an unnamed Taliban official said that the health condition of the four men who survived the incident was good. Also read: Pak, Iran envoys to return to their posts easing tensions for diplomatic talks "Alhamdulillah (praise be to God) last night we found that place (the crash site), a total of six people were in the plane, four of them are alive and two are dead," he said, adding that the bodies had been transferred to the northern provincial city of Fayzabad and were being brought to Kabul. The Moscow-bound jet that crashed was carrying out a private medical evacuation from Thailand's Pattaya, Russian state-run TASS news agency reported, citing the Russian embassy in Bangkok. The French-made Dassault Aviation Falcon 10 jet, manufactured in 1978, experienced fuel issues about 25 minutes before disappearing from radar, news agency Reuters reported citing Russian media outlet SHOT. The pilot had then warned that he would try to land the plane at an airport in Tajikistan. (With inputs from agencies)

Four survivors of Moscow-bound charter jet crash in Afghanistan in 'good condition', says Taliban official

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Jan 23) shared a video showcasing the grand consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya and said that the moments witnessed on Jan 22 will be etched in the memories of the devotees for decades to come.</p>

<p>Taking to his official X handle, PM Modi wrote, “What we saw in Ayodhya yesterday, 22nd January, will be etched in our memories for years to come.”</p>

<p>The footage showed heartwarming moments from the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony where people could be seen shedding tears and chanting "Jai Shree Ram".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What we saw in Ayodhya yesterday, 22nd January, will be etched in our memories for years to come. <a href="https://t.co/8SXnFGnyWg">pic.twitter.com/8SXnFGnyWg</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1749645944881287268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video also captured a visually stunning scene of chopper showering flower petals over the temple.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pradhan-mantri-suryoday-yojana-pm-modi-announces-scheme-to-install-rooftop-solar-systems-in-10-million-homes-682568">Pradhan Mantri Suryoday Yojana: PM Modi announces scheme to install rooftop solar systems in 10 million homes</a></p>

<h2><strong>PM calls consecration ceremony a 'moment of celebration'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi performed the consecration of Ram Temple on Monday (Jan 22) and called the ceremony a "moment of celebration".</p>

<p>"This is a moment of celebration as well as the moment of a reflection of Indian society's maturity. It is an occasion of not merely triumph but humility too. The history of the world is itself proof that many countries get strangled in their own history and such countries faced difficulties when they tried to solve their problems...but the way, our country untied the knots of history, is proof that our future is going to be more beautiful than our past," Modi said.</p>

<p>The Indian prime minister called the temple's construction a symbol of harmony, patience, peace, and integration in the country.</p>

<p>"There was also a time when some people used to say 'Ram Mandir bana toh aag lag jaegi' (the construction of the temple will set off a firestorm). Such people could not understand the purity of India's social spirit. The construction of this temple of Ram Lalla is also a symbol of peace, patience, mutual harmony and coordination of the Indian society. We are seeing that this construction is not giving birth to any fire, but to energy," the PM said.</p>

<p>PM Modi unveiled the 51-inch idol of Lord Ram at the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony after priests carried out hour-long rituals. He then performed the symbolic act of opening the eyes of the idol.</p>

<p>This sacred moment marked the completion of the consecration ceremony, which commenced on January 16.</p>

<p>Following the conclusion of the pran pratishtha (consecration ceremony) he reverently performed the 'dandavat pranam' or prostration, bowing down in homage to Lord Ram.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Jan 23) shared a video showcasing the grand consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya and said that the moments witnessed on Jan 22 will be etched in the memories of the devotees for decades to come.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Jan 23) shared a video showcasing the grand consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya and said that the moments witnessed on Jan 22 will be etched in the memories of the devotees for decades to come. Taking to his official X handle, PM Modi wrote, “What we saw in Ayodhya yesterday, 22nd January, will be etched in our memories for years to come.” The footage showed heartwarming moments from the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony where people could be seen shedding tears and chanting "Jai Shree Ram". What we saw in Ayodhya yesterday, 22nd January, will be etched in our memories for years to come. pic.twitter.com/8SXnFGnyWg — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2024 × The video also captured a visually stunning scene of chopper showering flower petals over the temple. Also read: Pradhan Mantri Suryoday Yojana: PM Modi announces scheme to install rooftop solar systems in 10 million homes PM calls consecration ceremony a 'moment of celebration' PM Modi performed the consecration of Ram Temple on Monday (Jan 22) and called the ceremony a "moment of celebration". "This is a moment of celebration as well as the moment of a reflection of Indian society's maturity. It is an occasion of not merely triumph but humility too. The history of the world is itself proof that many countries get strangled in their own history and such countries faced difficulties when they tried to solve their problems...but the way, our country untied the knots of history, is proof that our future is going to be more beautiful than our past," Modi said. The Indian prime minister called the temple's construction a symbol of harmony, patience, peace, and integration in the country. "There was also a time when some people used to say 'Ram Mandir bana toh aag lag jaegi' (the construction of the temple will set off a firestorm). Such people could not understand the purity of India's social spirit. The construction of this temple of Ram Lalla is also a symbol of peace, patience, mutual harmony and coordination of the Indian society. We are seeing that this construction is not giving birth to any fire, but to energy," the PM said. PM Modi unveiled the 51-inch idol of Lord Ram at the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony after priests carried out hour-long rituals. He then performed the symbolic act of opening the eyes of the idol. This sacred moment marked the completion of the consecration ceremony, which commenced on January 16. Following the conclusion of the pran pratishtha (consecration ceremony) he reverently performed the 'dandavat pranam' or prostration, bowing down in homage to Lord Ram. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | PM Modi shares video showcasing grand consecration ceremony of Ram Temple

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Jan 23) commemorated the birth anniversary of legendary freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, which is also observed as Parakram Diwas (Day of Valour).</p>

<p>PM Modi along with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh and others paid floral tributes to Netaji at Samvidhan Sadan (Old Parliament Building).</p>

<p>The Indian prime minister then highlighted Netaji's contribution to India's freedom.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: On the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other leaders paid floral tributes to Netaji at Samvidhan Sadan. <a href="https://t.co/62klyEI0sb">pic.twitter.com/62klyEI0sb</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1749669365426147589?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Greetings to the people of India on Parakram Diwas. Today on his Jayanti, we honour the life and courage of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. His unwavering dedication to our nation's freedom continues to inspire," wrote PM Modi on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Greetings to the people of India on Parakram Diwas. Today on his Jayanti, we honour the life and courage of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. His unwavering dedication to our nation's freedom continues to inspire. <a href="https://t.co/OZP6cJBgeC">pic.twitter.com/OZP6cJBgeC</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1749632292111413706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>India's President Droupadi Murmu also paid her respects to the freedom fighter underlining his extraordinary commitment to the cause of India's independence.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-sarma-directs-police-to-register-case-against-rahul-gandhi-as-his-supporters-break-barricades-in-guwahati-682797">CM Sarma directs police to register case against Rahul Gandhi</a></p>

<p>"I pay my tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary, observed as Parakram Diwas! Netaji demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the cause of India's freedom. His unparalleled courage and charisma inspired Indians to fight fearlessly against colonial rule. His powerful personality had a profound impact on our freedom struggle. The nation will always remember Netaji with utmost gratitude." President Droupadi Murmu posted on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">President Droupadi Murmu paid floral tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Rashtrapati Bhavan on his birth anniversary observed as Parakram Diwas. <a href="https://t.co/NPXXy264Ty">pic.twitter.com/NPXXy264Ty</a></p>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1749707993229488358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also remembered Netaji on his birth anniversary and in a post on X wrote, "Remembering the fearless leader, #Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, on his birth anniversary, celebrated as Parakram Diwas. His indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to India's independence continue to inspire us all."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Remembering the fearless leader, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Netaji?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Netaji</a> Subhas Chandra Bose, on his birth anniversary, celebrated as Parakram Diwas.<br />
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His indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to India's independence continue to inspire us all. Netaji’s clarion call for freedom, encapsulated in the…</p>
— Vice President of India (@VPIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1749634406388818246?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Further quoting Netaji's iconic words, "Give me blood and I shall give you freedom," Dhankhar laid stress on how these words reverberate through history as a rallying cry for liberty.</p>

<p>He concluded his tweet by stating, "May this day serve as a reminder to keep Bharat first, and to work tirelessly towards a united, prosperous, and free India."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Jan 23) commemorated the birth anniversary of legendary freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, which is also observed as Parakram Diwas (Day of Valour).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Jan 23) commemorated the birth anniversary of legendary freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, which is also observed as Parakram Diwas (Day of Valour). PM Modi along with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh and others paid floral tributes to Netaji at Samvidhan Sadan (Old Parliament Building). The Indian prime minister then highlighted Netaji's contribution to India's freedom. #WATCH | Delhi: On the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other leaders paid floral tributes to Netaji at Samvidhan Sadan. pic.twitter.com/62klyEI0sb — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2024 × "Greetings to the people of India on Parakram Diwas. Today on his Jayanti, we honour the life and courage of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. His unwavering dedication to our nation's freedom continues to inspire," wrote PM Modi on X. Greetings to the people of India on Parakram Diwas. Today on his Jayanti, we honour the life and courage of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. His unwavering dedication to our nation's freedom continues to inspire. pic.twitter.com/OZP6cJBgeC — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2024 × India's President Droupadi Murmu also paid her respects to the freedom fighter underlining his extraordinary commitment to the cause of India's independence. Also read: CM Sarma directs police to register case against Rahul Gandhi "I pay my tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary, observed as Parakram Diwas! Netaji demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the cause of India's freedom. His unparalleled courage and charisma inspired Indians to fight fearlessly against colonial rule. His powerful personality had a profound impact on our freedom struggle. The nation will always remember Netaji with utmost gratitude." President Droupadi Murmu posted on X. President Droupadi Murmu paid floral tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Rashtrapati Bhavan on his birth anniversary observed as Parakram Diwas. pic.twitter.com/NPXXy264Ty — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 23, 2024 × Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also remembered Netaji on his birth anniversary and in a post on X wrote, "Remembering the fearless leader, #Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, on his birth anniversary, celebrated as Parakram Diwas. His indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to India's independence continue to inspire us all." Remembering the fearless leader, #Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, on his birth anniversary, celebrated as Parakram Diwas. His indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to India's independence continue to inspire us all. Netaji’s clarion call for freedom, encapsulated in the… — Vice President of India (@VPIndia) January 23, 2024 × Further quoting Netaji's iconic words, "Give me blood and I shall give you freedom," Dhankhar laid stress on how these words reverberate through history as a rallying cry for liberty. He concluded his tweet by stating, "May this day serve as a reminder to keep Bharat first, and to work tirelessly towards a united, prosperous, and free India." (With inputs from agencies)

India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays floral tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

<p>Congress party's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (United India justice march) was barred from entering the northeast Indian city of Guwahati on Tuesday (Jan 23), which led to clashes between the party workers and police officers.</p>

<p>The Congress supporters, who broke the barricades and raised slogans, were force-stopped by police.</p>

<p>In order to avoid traffic disruptions, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Sarma had earlier said that the Yatra would not be allowed inside of the city.</p>

<p>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was welcomed with slogans and drum beats as crowds thronged the Guwahati Chowk in Khanapara.</p>

<p>"We have won as we have broken the barricades," AICC in-charge for Assam Jitendra Singh said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-ram-temples-grand-consecration-ayodhya-witnesses-massive-rush-of-devotees-682701">A sea of devotees throngs Ram Mandir following grand consecration</a></p>

<h2><strong>'We have broken barricades, but will not break the law', says Rahul Gandhi</strong></h2>

<p>Gandhi, while addressing the party supporters on the outskirts of the city said, "We have broken barricades, but will not break the law".</p>

<p>"You should not think we are weak. We have broken the barricades," he told his workers and supporters, calling them "babbar sher" (lion).</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Congress launches Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur</strong></p>

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<p>He then went on to slam the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), stating that it blocked his programme at the university.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | A clash broke out between Police and Congress workers in Assam's Guwahati, during Congress' Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.<br />
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More details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/WxitGxup3m">pic.twitter.com/WxitGxup3m</a></p>
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<p>"They have cancelled my programme at the university. My programme was cancelled, but the students heard me outside," he said.</p>

<p>"Congress workers do not fear anyone," he said, adding that "we will defeat the BJP in Assam and form the Congress government soon."</p>

<p>He further lauded the police officers for doing their job well and launched a scathing attack against CM Sarma, calling him "corrupt".</p>

<p>"We know that police officers have done a good job and followed orders, with one person coming and lying down before the (yatra) bus. We are not against you. We are against the chief minister who is most corrupt. Our fight is with him," Gandhi said.</p>

<h2><strong>CM Sarma instructs DGP GP Singh to register a case against Gandhi for provoking crowd&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Sarma took to his official X account and said that he has instructed DGP GP Singh to register a case against Rahul Gandhi for provoking the crowd to break barricades.</p>

<p>"I have instructed @DGPAssamPolice to register a case against your leader @RahulGandhi for provoking the crowd," the chief minister posted on 'X' in response to a post of Youth Congress president Srinivas BV.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">These are not part of Assamese culture. We are a peaceful state. Such “naxalite tactics” are completely alien to our culture.<br />
I have instructed <a href="https://twitter.com/DGPAssamPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DGPAssamPolice</a> to register a case against your leader <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> for provoking the crowd &amp; use the footage you have posted on your… <a href="https://t.co/G84Qhjpd8h">https://t.co/G84Qhjpd8h</a></p>
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) <a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa/status/1749697344818626706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that the video footage shared by Srinivas on his handles will be used as evidence.</p>

<p>"These are not part of Assamese culture. We are a peaceful state. Such 'naxalite tactics' are completely alien to our culture," the chief minister said.</p>

<p>"Your unruly behaviour and violation of agreed guidelines have resulted in a massive traffic jam in Guwahati now', he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Congress party's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (United India justice march) was barred from entering the northeast Indian city of Guwahati on Tuesday (Jan 23), which led to clashes between the party workers and police officers.

Congress party's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (United India justice march) was barred from entering the northeast Indian city of Guwahati on Tuesday (Jan 23), which led to clashes between the party workers and police officers. The Congress supporters, who broke the barricades and raised slogans, were force-stopped by police. In order to avoid traffic disruptions, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Sarma had earlier said that the Yatra would not be allowed inside of the city. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was welcomed with slogans and drum beats as crowds thronged the Guwahati Chowk in Khanapara. "We have won as we have broken the barricades," AICC in-charge for Assam Jitendra Singh said. Also read: A sea of devotees throngs Ram Mandir following grand consecration 'We have broken barricades, but will not break the law', says Rahul Gandhi Gandhi, while addressing the party supporters on the outskirts of the city said, "We have broken barricades, but will not break the law". "You should not think we are weak. We have broken the barricades," he told his workers and supporters, calling them "babbar sher" (lion). WATCH | Congress launches Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur × He then went on to slam the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), stating that it blocked his programme at the university. #WATCH | A clash broke out between Police and Congress workers in Assam's Guwahati, during Congress' Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/WxitGxup3m — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2024 × "They have cancelled my programme at the university. My programme was cancelled, but the students heard me outside," he said. "Congress workers do not fear anyone," he said, adding that "we will defeat the BJP in Assam and form the Congress government soon." He further lauded the police officers for doing their job well and launched a scathing attack against CM Sarma, calling him "corrupt". "We know that police officers have done a good job and followed orders, with one person coming and lying down before the (yatra) bus. We are not against you. We are against the chief minister who is most corrupt. Our fight is with him," Gandhi said. CM Sarma instructs DGP GP Singh to register a case against Gandhi for provoking crowd Sarma took to his official X account and said that he has instructed DGP GP Singh to register a case against Rahul Gandhi for provoking the crowd to break barricades. "I have instructed @DGPAssamPolice to register a case against your leader @RahulGandhi for provoking the crowd," the chief minister posted on 'X' in response to a post of Youth Congress president Srinivas BV. These are not part of Assamese culture. We are a peaceful state. Such “naxalite tactics” are completely alien to our culture. I have instructed @DGPAssamPolice to register a case against your leader @RahulGandhi for provoking the crowd & use the footage you have posted on your… https://t.co/G84Qhjpd8h — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 23, 2024 × He said that the video footage shared by Srinivas on his handles will be used as evidence. "These are not part of Assamese culture. We are a peaceful state. Such 'naxalite tactics' are completely alien to our culture," the chief minister said. "Your unruly behaviour and violation of agreed guidelines have resulted in a massive traffic jam in Guwahati now', he added. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Assam CM asks police to file case against Rahul Gandhi after his supporters break barricades

<p>Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebel group on Monday (Jan 22) claimed it carried out an attack against a US military cargo ship off the coast of Yemen.</p>

<p>"The Yemeni armed forces continue to retaliate to any American or British aggression against our country by targeting all sources of threat in the Red and Arab Sea," the Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said.</p>

<p>He further said that the rebel group "led a military operation targeting the American military cargo ship Ocean Jazz in the Gulf of Aden".</p>

<p>However, the United States rebuffed claims of the attack.</p>

<p>"We're not seeing that at all on our end and believe that statement to be untrue," news agency AFP quoted a US official as saying.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-dean-phillips-the-democrat-threatening-bidens-2024-bid-and-dividing-party-682531">Who is Dean Phillips? The Democrat threatening Biden’s 2024 bid and ‘dividing’ party</a></p>

<h2><strong>UK to spend millions for upgradation of missile system used in Red Sea</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the UK's Ministry of Defence on Sunday (Jan 21) announced that it would spend a total of $514 million (405 million pounds) to upgrade a projectile system that is currently being used by the Royal Navy to shoot down drones over the Red Sea.</p>

<p>The MoD said the Sea Viper Air Defence system would be upgraded with missiles featuring a new warhead and software that will allow it to counter ballistic missile threats.</p>

<p>The contracts were awarded to the British division of MBDA, a missiles joint venture owned by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, the statement further added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | US &amp; Britain unleash typhoons, Tomahawks &amp; nuclear submarine on Houthis in Yemen</strong></p>

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<p>"As the situation in the Middle East worsens, it is vital that we adapt to keep the UK, our allies and partners safe," Defence Minister Grant Shapps said in the statement.</p>

<p>"Sea Viper has been at the forefront of this, being the Navy's weapon of choice in the first shooting down of an aerial threat in more than 30 years."</p>

<p>The announcement comes amid tensions in the Red Sea region after the United States and Britain launched retaliatory coalition strikes and shot down drones by Houthis as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to rage on.</p>

<p>Earlier on Saturday (Jan 20), the United States had launched fresh strikes on Houthi rebels targeting an anti-ship ballistic missile, which as per the US army, was aimed into the Gulf of Aden and was preparing to launch.</p>

<p>"US forces determined the missile presented a threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region and subsequently struck and destroyed the missile in self-defence," the US Central Command said in a statement on X.</p>

<h2><strong>Strikes against Houthis to continue,&nbsp;says Biden</strong></h2>

<p>US President Joe Biden on Thursday (Jan 18) said that the military strikes against the Houthis would continue as he said that the rebel group was still attacking vessels in the Red Sea.</p>

<p>"When you say 'working, are they stopping the Houthi?' No. Are they going to continue? Yes," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if the strikes were working.</p>

<p>Washington on Wednesday (Jan 17) re-designated the Houthis as a "terrorist group" and hit 14 Houthi missiles later the same day. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebel group on Monday (Jan 22) claimed it carried out an attack against a US military cargo ship off the coast of Yemen. "The Yemeni armed forces continue to retaliate to any American or British aggression against our country by targeting all sources of threat in the Red and Arab Sea," the Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebel group on Monday (Jan 22) claimed it carried out an attack against a US military cargo ship off the coast of Yemen. "The Yemeni armed forces continue to retaliate to any American or British aggression against our country by targeting all sources of threat in the Red and Arab Sea," the Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said. He further said that the rebel group "led a military operation targeting the American military cargo ship Ocean Jazz in the Gulf of Aden". However, the United States rebuffed claims of the attack. "We're not seeing that at all on our end and believe that statement to be untrue," news agency AFP quoted a US official as saying. Also read: Who is Dean Phillips? The Democrat threatening Biden’s 2024 bid and ‘dividing’ party UK to spend millions for upgradation of missile system used in Red Sea Meanwhile, the UK's Ministry of Defence on Sunday (Jan 21) announced that it would spend a total of $514 million (405 million pounds) to upgrade a projectile system that is currently being used by the Royal Navy to shoot down drones over the Red Sea. The MoD said the Sea Viper Air Defence system would be upgraded with missiles featuring a new warhead and software that will allow it to counter ballistic missile threats. The contracts were awarded to the British division of MBDA, a missiles joint venture owned by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, the statement further added. Watch | US & Britain unleash typhoons, Tomahawks & nuclear submarine on Houthis in Yemen × "As the situation in the Middle East worsens, it is vital that we adapt to keep the UK, our allies and partners safe," Defence Minister Grant Shapps said in the statement. "Sea Viper has been at the forefront of this, being the Navy's weapon of choice in the first shooting down of an aerial threat in more than 30 years." The announcement comes amid tensions in the Red Sea region after the United States and Britain launched retaliatory coalition strikes and shot down drones by Houthis as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to rage on. Earlier on Saturday (Jan 20), the United States had launched fresh strikes on Houthi rebels targeting an anti-ship ballistic missile, which as per the US army, was aimed into the Gulf of Aden and was preparing to launch. "US forces determined the missile presented a threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region and subsequently struck and destroyed the missile in self-defence," the US Central Command said in a statement on X. Strikes against Houthis to continue, says Biden US President Joe Biden on Thursday (Jan 18) said that the military strikes against the Houthis would continue as he said that the rebel group was still attacking vessels in the Red Sea. "When you say 'working, are they stopping the Houthi?' No. Are they going to continue? Yes," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if the strikes were working. Washington on Wednesday (Jan 17) re-designated the Houthis as a "terrorist group" and hit 14 Houthi missiles later the same day. (With inputs from agencies)

Yemen's Houthi rebel group claims it attacked US military ship in Gulf of Aden, Washington denies

<p>UK's Ministry of Defence on Sunday (Jan 21) announced its expenditure to upgrade a projectile system, that currently is being used by the Royal Navy, to shoot down drones over the Red Sea.</p>

<p>Britain's Ministry of Defence said that it would spend a total of $514 million (405 million pounds) on the Sea Viper Air Defence system.</p>

<p>The MoD released a statement saying that Sea Viper would be upgraded with missiles featuring a new warhead and software that will allow it to counter ballistic missile threats.</p>

<p>The contracts were awarded to the British division of MBDA, a missiles joint venture owned by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, the statement further added.</p>

<p>"As the situation in the Middle East worsens, it is vital that we adapt to keep the UK, our allies and partners safe," Defence Minister Grant Shapps said in the statement.</p>

<p>"Sea Viper has been at the forefront of this, being the Navy's weapon of choice in the first shooting down of an aerial threat in more than 30 years."</p>

<p>The announcement comes amid tensions in the Red Sea region after the United States and Britain launched retaliatory coalition strikes and shot down drones by Yemen's Houthi rebel group as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to heighten.</p>

<p>Earlier, on Saturday (Jan 20), the United States had launched fresh strikes on Yemen's Houthi rebels targeting an anti-ship ballistic missile, which as per the US army, was aimed into the Gulf of Aden and was prepared to launch.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-25-killed-20-injured-after-ukraine-shells-russian-controlled-city-of-donetsk-682073">At least 25 killed in Ukraine shelling on Russian-controlled city of Donetsk</a></p>

<p>"US forces determined the missile presented a threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region and subsequently struck and destroyed the missile in self-defence," the U.S. Central Command said in a statement on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">U.S. CENTCOM Destroys Houthi Terrorists' Anti-Ship Missile<br />
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As part of ongoing efforts to protect freedom of navigation and prevent attacks on maritime vessels, on Jan. 20 at approximately 4 a.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command forces conducted airstrikes against a Houthi… <a href="https://t.co/NYWPHyf7qN">pic.twitter.com/NYWPHyf7qN</a></p>
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1748726814334214404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday (Jan 19), US Central Command forces conducted strikes against three Houthi anti-ship missiles that they said were aimed into the Southern Red Sea.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US &amp; Britain unleash typhoons, Tomahawks &amp; nuclear submarine on Houthis in Yemen</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Strikes against Houthis to continue,’ says Biden</strong></h2>

<p>United States President Joe Biden on Thursday (Jan 18) said that the military strikes against the Houthis would continue as he said that the rebel group was still attacking vessels in the Red Sea.</p>

<p>"When you say 'working, are they stopping the Houthi?' No. Are they going to continue? Yes," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if the strikes were working.</p>

<p>Washington on Wednesday (Jan 17) re-designated the Houthis as a "terrorist group" and hit 14 Houthi missiles later the same day. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


UK's Ministry of Defence on Sunday (Jan 21) announced its expenditure to upgrade a projectile system, that currently is being used by the Royal Navy, to shoot down drones over the Red Sea.

UK's Ministry of Defence on Sunday (Jan 21) announced its expenditure to upgrade a projectile system, that currently is being used by the Royal Navy, to shoot down drones over the Red Sea. Britain's Ministry of Defence said that it would spend a total of $514 million (405 million pounds) on the Sea Viper Air Defence system. The MoD released a statement saying that Sea Viper would be upgraded with missiles featuring a new warhead and software that will allow it to counter ballistic missile threats. The contracts were awarded to the British division of MBDA, a missiles joint venture owned by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, the statement further added. "As the situation in the Middle East worsens, it is vital that we adapt to keep the UK, our allies and partners safe," Defence Minister Grant Shapps said in the statement. "Sea Viper has been at the forefront of this, being the Navy's weapon of choice in the first shooting down of an aerial threat in more than 30 years." The announcement comes amid tensions in the Red Sea region after the United States and Britain launched retaliatory coalition strikes and shot down drones by Yemen's Houthi rebel group as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to heighten. Earlier, on Saturday (Jan 20), the United States had launched fresh strikes on Yemen's Houthi rebels targeting an anti-ship ballistic missile, which as per the US army, was aimed into the Gulf of Aden and was prepared to launch. Also read: At least 25 killed in Ukraine shelling on Russian-controlled city of Donetsk "US forces determined the missile presented a threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region and subsequently struck and destroyed the missile in self-defence," the U.S. Central Command said in a statement on X. U.S. CENTCOM Destroys Houthi Terrorists' Anti-Ship Missile As part of ongoing efforts to protect freedom of navigation and prevent attacks on maritime vessels, on Jan. 20 at approximately 4 a.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command forces conducted airstrikes against a Houthi… pic.twitter.com/NYWPHyf7qN — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 20, 2024 × On Friday (Jan 19), US Central Command forces conducted strikes against three Houthi anti-ship missiles that they said were aimed into the Southern Red Sea. Watch | US & Britain unleash typhoons, Tomahawks & nuclear submarine on Houthis in Yemen × ‘Strikes against Houthis to continue,’ says Biden United States President Joe Biden on Thursday (Jan 18) said that the military strikes against the Houthis would continue as he said that the rebel group was still attacking vessels in the Red Sea. "When you say 'working, are they stopping the Houthi?' No. Are they going to continue? Yes," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if the strikes were working. Washington on Wednesday (Jan 17) re-designated the Houthis as a "terrorist group" and hit 14 Houthi missiles later the same day. (With inputs from agencies)

UK to spend millions for upgradation of missile system used in Red Sea amid rising tensions

<p>Multiple buildings collapsed in Puducherry's Attupatti on Monday (Jan 22) due to the digging of a ditch as a part of drainage work in the area.</p>

<p>The bystanders who were present in the vicinity of the area where the incident took place, immediately ran in the opposite direction and escaped unhurt.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Houses in the Attupatti area of Puducherry collapsed due to the digging of ditch as a part of drainage work <a href="https://t.co/9nIn4AjU3w">pic.twitter.com/9nIn4AjU3w</a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a similar incident in Chennai, a grinder that was being erected at a Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) construction site in Chennai, slipped and fell on the ground.</p>

<p>This mishap occurred during the construction of an additional MRTS line between St Thomas Mount and Velachery near Adambakkam. No one was hurt in the incident.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/florida-man-plays-guitar-during-brain-tumour-surgery-didnt-seem-real-682580">Florida man plays guitar during brain tumour surgery: ‘Didn’t seem real’ - see pic</a></p>

<h2><strong>Four-storied building collapses in Shimla</strong></h2>

<p>On Saturday (Jan 20), a four-storied building along with its attic collapsed in Shimla's Dhami area.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Japan Earthquake: Home collapses on car as Earthquake jolts Japan</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident took place at around 12 pm which further led to traffic disruptions.</p>

<p>However, the residents were evacuated in advance and no injuries were reported.</p>

<p>The building collapse partially damaged the road leading to the Government Degree College at Dhami, which affected the traffic movement in the area.</p>

<p>Sub Divisional Magistrate (Rural) Nishant said that the incident took place due to excavation work in the hilly area above this house.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Multiple buildings collapsed in Puducherry's Attupatti on Monday (Jan 22) due to the digging of a ditch as a part of drainage work in the area. The bystanders who were present in the vicinity of the area where the incident took place, immediately ran in the opposite direction and escaped unhurt.

Multiple buildings collapsed in Puducherry's Attupatti on Monday (Jan 22) due to the digging of a ditch as a part of drainage work in the area. The bystanders who were present in the vicinity of the area where the incident took place, immediately ran in the opposite direction and escaped unhurt. #WATCH | Houses in the Attupatti area of Puducherry collapsed due to the digging of ditch as a part of drainage work pic.twitter.com/9nIn4AjU3w — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2024 × In a similar incident in Chennai, a grinder that was being erected at a Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) construction site in Chennai, slipped and fell on the ground. This mishap occurred during the construction of an additional MRTS line between St Thomas Mount and Velachery near Adambakkam. No one was hurt in the incident. Also read: Florida man plays guitar during brain tumour surgery: ‘Didn’t seem real’ - see pic Four-storied building collapses in Shimla On Saturday (Jan 20), a four-storied building along with its attic collapsed in Shimla's Dhami area. WATCH | Japan Earthquake: Home collapses on car as Earthquake jolts Japan × The incident took place at around 12 pm which further led to traffic disruptions. However, the residents were evacuated in advance and no injuries were reported. The building collapse partially damaged the road leading to the Government Degree College at Dhami, which affected the traffic movement in the area. Sub Divisional Magistrate (Rural) Nishant said that the incident took place due to excavation work in the hilly area above this house. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Multiple buildings collapse in Puducherry's Attupatti due to drainage work

<p>Canada is set to slash the number of international student permits by 35 per cent in 2025 as a part of its two-year limit on international student admissions, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced on Monday morning (Jan 22).</p>

<p>While addressing a press conference earlier today, Miller claimed that the move would provide the government with an opportunity to manage the exploitative system of high tuition fees being charged by the institutions.</p>

<p>"These measures are to ensure that as future students arrive in Canada, they receive the quality of education that they signed up for and the hope that they were provided in their home countries. It would be a disservice to welcome international students to Canada knowing that now all of them are getting the resources they need to succeed in Canada. Allowing bad actors to continue their operations would be a disservice to all of the good institutions who pride themselves on providing a top-tier academic experience," Miller said.</p>

<p>“It is unacceptable that some private institutions have taken advantage of international students by operating under-resourced campuses, lacking support for students, and charging high tuition fees – all the while significantly increasing their intake of international students," he added.</p>

<p>The cap will slash the number of approved study permits this year to 364,000. The limit of 2025 will reassessed at the end of 2024, reported CTV news.</p>

<p>"For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 364,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023," the immigration minister said.</p>

<p>However, the students applying for master's and PhD programmes will be exempted from the cap.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-terminates-golden-visa-in-immigration-overhaul-over-delivering-poor-economic-outcomes-682536">Australia terminates ‘golden ticket’ visa scheme in immigration overhaul</a></p>

<p>“Those are the bright people we need to retain,” he added.</p>

<p>He then said that the government would allocate the cap space by province based on population, which means that some provinces will witness much more significant reductions in the number of students permitted.</p>

<p>"In the spirit of fairness, we are also allocating the cap space by province based on population…some provinces will see much more significant reductions. Some provinces will actually have room to [grow] if they so choose but the provinces that have been most heavily affected will have to decrease by about 50% or perhaps even a bit more than 50%, when it comes to new incoming [students]," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>How the cap would affect Indians?</strong></h2>

<p>Canada in recent years, has received an influx of Indians who form one of the largest groups of international students in the country.</p>

<p>Over 41% - or 225,835 - of all permits were handed over to Indians in the year 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Canada: No funding for research linked to foreign institutes</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per Canadian government statistics, in September 2023, Indians comprised nearly 40 per cent of the international students that were permitted inside the country.</p>

<p>Miller's announcement also comes amid Canada's ongoing housing crisis.</p>

<p>"Right now we have a challenge with the sheer volume" of students coming in, Reuters quoted Miller as saying. "It's just gotten out of control and needs to be reduced - I would say - significantly over a short period of time."</p>

<p>It is pertinent to note that the cap will not apply to the applicants within Canada looking to extend their studies nor to the ones having study permits.</p>

<p>It would only apply to the ones applying for study visas for bachelor programmes or diplomas and students applying for master's and PhD programs will be exempted.</p>

<p>"To be clear, the cap will not apply to applicants within Canada looking to extend their studies as it wouldn't be fair to prevent someone from finishing their programme. Nor will the cap have an effect on study permit holders currently in Canada," Miller said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Canada is set to slash the number of international student permits by 35 per cent in 2025 as a part of its two-year limit on international student admissions, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced on Monday morning (Jan 22).

Canada is set to slash the number of international student permits by 35 per cent in 2025 as a part of its two-year limit on international student admissions, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced on Monday morning (Jan 22). While addressing a press conference earlier today, Miller claimed that the move would provide the government with an opportunity to manage the exploitative system of high tuition fees being charged by the institutions. "These measures are to ensure that as future students arrive in Canada, they receive the quality of education that they signed up for and the hope that they were provided in their home countries. It would be a disservice to welcome international students to Canada knowing that now all of them are getting the resources they need to succeed in Canada. Allowing bad actors to continue their operations would be a disservice to all of the good institutions who pride themselves on providing a top-tier academic experience," Miller said. “It is unacceptable that some private institutions have taken advantage of international students by operating under-resourced campuses, lacking support for students, and charging high tuition fees – all the while significantly increasing their intake of international students," he added. The cap will slash the number of approved study permits this year to 364,000. The limit of 2025 will reassessed at the end of 2024, reported CTV news. "For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 364,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023," the immigration minister said. However, the students applying for master's and PhD programmes will be exempted from the cap. Also read: Australia terminates ‘golden ticket’ visa scheme in immigration overhaul “Those are the bright people we need to retain,” he added. He then said that the government would allocate the cap space by province based on population, which means that some provinces will witness much more significant reductions in the number of students permitted. "In the spirit of fairness, we are also allocating the cap space by province based on population…some provinces will see much more significant reductions. Some provinces will actually have room to [grow] if they so choose but the provinces that have been most heavily affected will have to decrease by about 50% or perhaps even a bit more than 50%, when it comes to new incoming [students]," he said. How the cap would affect Indians? Canada in recent years, has received an influx of Indians who form one of the largest groups of international students in the country. Over 41% - or 225,835 - of all permits were handed over to Indians in the year 2022. Watch | Canada: No funding for research linked to foreign institutes × As per Canadian government statistics, in September 2023, Indians comprised nearly 40 per cent of the international students that were permitted inside the country. Miller's announcement also comes amid Canada's ongoing housing crisis. "Right now we have a challenge with the sheer volume" of students coming in, Reuters quoted Miller as saying. "It's just gotten out of control and needs to be reduced - I would say - significantly over a short period of time." It is pertinent to note that the cap will not apply to the applicants within Canada looking to extend their studies nor to the ones having study permits. It would only apply to the ones applying for study visas for bachelor programmes or diplomas and students applying for master's and PhD programs will be exempted. "To be clear, the cap will not apply to applicants within Canada looking to extend their studies as it wouldn't be fair to prevent someone from finishing their programme. Nor will the cap have an effect on study permit holders currently in Canada," Miller said. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada announces two-year cap on international students. How will it affect Indians?

<p>The Indian Navy released a statement saying that it is keeping a close watch as the Chinese ocean research vessel XIANG YANG HONG 03 is reportedly heading towards Male, the capital city of the Maldives. In other news, the much-awaited consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple took place in India's holy city of Ayodhya. The temple is set to open for devotees across the world on Jan 23 giving a major boost to tourism in the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click to read more.</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-keeps-watch-as-chinese-vessel-heads-towards-maldives-682564">Indian Navy keeps watch as Chinese vessel heads towards Maldives</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/22/407308-indian-navy.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>In a developing maritime situation, the Indian Navy is closely monitoring the movement of the Chinese ocean research vessel XIANG YANG HONG 03, which is reported to be heading towards Male, the capital of the Maldives. Defence sources have confirmed to WION that the Indian Navy is well aware of the presence of the vessel and has been monitoring its movement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-ram-mandir-will-boost-ayodhyas-economy-five-key-points-to-know-682461">How Ram Mandir will boost Ayodhya’s economy: Five key points to know</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/22/407249-sarayurivernightviewayodhya001.jpg?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>As the consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir concludes, the Indian holy city of Ayodhya is already abuzz with lots of economic activity. According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the ceremony alone generated business worth more than INR 100,000 crore across India. And now that the temple will be open for devotees from January 23, Ayodhya is set to witness a drastic rise in religious tourism.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-announces-two-year-cap-on-international-students-how-will-it-affect-indians-682574">Canada announces cap on international students. How will it affect Indians?</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/22/407316-succession-2024-01-22t220427722.jpg?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>Canada is set to slash the number of international student permits by 35 per cent in 2025 as a part of its two-year limit on international student admissions, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced on Monday morning (Jan 22).&nbsp;While addressing a press conference earlier today, Miller claimed that the move would provide the government with an opportunity to manage the exploitative system of high tuition fees being charged by the institutions.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-terminates-golden-visa-in-immigration-overhaul-over-delivering-poor-economic-outcomes-682536">Australia terminates ‘golden ticket’ visa scheme in immigration overhaul</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/22/407290-succession-2024-01-22t185254614.jpg?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>Australia announced its decision to end a major visa programme that was targeted at attracting wealthy investors.&nbsp;Affluent overseas investors were granted the right to live in the country under the plan dubbed as "golden visa" scheme.&nbsp;The Australian government decided to terminate it in an immigration overhaul after it was found that the visa programme was not delivering the desired economic outcomes.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-dean-phillips-the-democrat-threatening-bidens-2024-bid-and-dividing-party-682531">Who is Dean Phillips? The Democrat threatening Biden’s 2024 bid and ‘dividing’ party</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/22/407287-dean-phillips-gty-jef-2310261698337941117hpmain16x91600.jpg?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>While most polls show incumbent US President Joe Biden as an underdog in his anticipated contest against Republican ex-US President Donald Trump, another Democrat, Dean Phillips, from Minnesota is vowing to change the equation of the 2024 elections with his own presidential bid. In a recent interview, the Minnesota Congressman said “Joe Biden is one of the least well-positioned Democrats to take on this mission.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pradhan-mantri-suryoday-yojana-pm-modi-announces-scheme-to-install-rooftop-solar-systems-in-10-million-homes-682568">Pradhan Mantri Suryoday Yojana: PM Modi announces scheme to install rooftop solar systems in 10 million homes</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/22/407304-pm-narendra-modi.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Jan 22) announced a scheme to install rooftop solar systems in 10 million homes nationwide.&nbsp;"Today, on the auspicious occasion of consecration in Ayodhya, my resolution got further strengthened that the people of India should have their own solar rooftop system on the roof of their houses," Modi said on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/icc-t20i-of-year-2023-four-indians-make-cut-with-suryakumar-as-skipper-no-players-from-australia-pakistan-682557">ICC T20I Team of Year 2023: Four Indians in squad with Suryakumar as skipper</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/11/20/394323-1-2023-11-20t194808148.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the 2023 T20I Team of the Year and four Indians have managed to make the cut. Among the four Indians are: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh. Surya has been named the captain of the side as well. There is not a single player who managed to make it to the team from Australia, Pakistan, South Africa or Bangladesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-these-two-indian-films-are-still-in-contention-at-the-oscars-2024-682542">These two Indian films are still in contention at Oscars 2024</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/01/396589-horizons-2023-12-01t122109127.jpg?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>Last year this time, SS Rajamouli's&nbsp;<em>RRR</em>&nbsp;was making waves and collecting awards at various international film awards.&nbsp;<em>RRR</em>'s hit song&nbsp;<em>Naatu Naatu&nbsp;</em>eventually created history at the Oscars 2023 as it earned the Best Original Song award,&nbsp;making it the first song of an Indian film to earn such an accolade.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-in-comic-strip-warns-of-overseas-threats-to-its-rare-earths-682529">China, in comic strip, warns of ‘overseas’ threats to its rare earths</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/22/407286-the-battle-for-kyiv-2024-01-22t181933318.jpg?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>China's chief intelligence agency posted on social media a comic strip featuring foreign-looking characters secretly extracting rare earths, in a story portraying the country's strategic metals under threat from covetous "overseas organisations".&nbsp;The comic strip, published on Sunday on the State Security Ministry's official WeChat account, showed security officers uncovering "suspicious" exploration and mapping activities by a group of people supposedly doing survey work for real estate development.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-ram-mandir-inauguration-key-takeaways-from-pm-modis-address-682479">Ram Mandir consecration: Key takeaways from Indian PM Modi's address</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/22/407257-succession-2024-01-22t161647294.jpg?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Jan 22) expressed joy and congratulated devotees in a heartfelt speech at the 'Pran Prathistha' or consecration ceremony in Ram Mandir Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya where he said &nbsp;that Lord Ram will no longer stay in a tent but in a grand temple.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Indian Navy released a statement saying that it is keeping a close watch as the Chinese ocean research vessel XIANG YANG HONG 03 is reportedly heading towards Male, the capital city of the Maldives.

The Indian Navy released a statement saying that it is keeping a close watch as the Chinese ocean research vessel XIANG YANG HONG 03 is reportedly heading towards Male, the capital city of the Maldives. In other news, the much-awaited consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple took place in India's holy city of Ayodhya. The temple is set to open for devotees across the world on Jan 23 giving a major boost to tourism in the city. Click to read more. Indian Navy keeps watch as Chinese vessel heads towards Maldives In a developing maritime situation, the Indian Navy is closely monitoring the movement of the Chinese ocean research vessel XIANG YANG HONG 03, which is reported to be heading towards Male, the capital of the Maldives. Defence sources have confirmed to WION that the Indian Navy is well aware of the presence of the vessel and has been monitoring its movement. How Ram Mandir will boost Ayodhya’s economy: Five key points to know As the consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir concludes, the Indian holy city of Ayodhya is already abuzz with lots of economic activity. According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the ceremony alone generated business worth more than INR 100,000 crore across India. And now that the temple will be open for devotees from January 23, Ayodhya is set to witness a drastic rise in religious tourism. Canada announces cap on international students. How will it affect Indians? Canada is set to slash the number of international student permits by 35 per cent in 2025 as a part of its two-year limit on international student admissions, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced on Monday morning (Jan 22). While addressing a press conference earlier today, Miller claimed that the move would provide the government with an opportunity to manage the exploitative system of high tuition fees being charged by the institutions. Australia terminates ‘golden ticket’ visa scheme in immigration overhaul Australia announced its decision to end a major visa programme that was targeted at attracting wealthy investors. Affluent overseas investors were granted the right to live in the country under the plan dubbed as "golden visa" scheme. The Australian government decided to terminate it in an immigration overhaul after it was found that the visa programme was not delivering the desired economic outcomes. Who is Dean Phillips? The Democrat threatening Biden’s 2024 bid and ‘dividing’ party While most polls show incumbent US President Joe Biden as an underdog in his anticipated contest against Republican ex-US President Donald Trump, another Democrat, Dean Phillips, from Minnesota is vowing to change the equation of the 2024 elections with his own presidential bid. In a recent interview, the Minnesota Congressman said “Joe Biden is one of the least well-positioned Democrats to take on this mission.” Pradhan Mantri Suryoday Yojana: PM Modi announces scheme to install rooftop solar systems in 10 million homes Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Jan 22) announced a scheme to install rooftop solar systems in 10 million homes nationwide. "Today, on the auspicious occasion of consecration in Ayodhya, my resolution got further strengthened that the people of India should have their own solar rooftop system on the roof of their houses," Modi said on X. ICC T20I Team of Year 2023: Four Indians in squad with Suryakumar as skipper The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the 2023 T20I Team of the Year and four Indians have managed to make the cut. Among the four Indians are: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh. Surya has been named the captain of the side as well. There is not a single player who managed to make it to the team from Australia, Pakistan, South Africa or Bangladesh. These two Indian films are still in contention at Oscars 2024 Last year this time, SS Rajamouli's RRR was making waves and collecting awards at various international film awards. RRR's hit song Naatu Naatu eventually created history at the Oscars 2023 as it earned the Best Original Song award, making it the first song of an Indian film to earn such an accolade. China, in comic strip, warns of ‘overseas’ threats to its rare earths China's chief intelligence agency posted on social media a comic strip featuring foreign-looking characters secretly extracting rare earths, in a story portraying the country's strategic metals under threat from covetous "overseas organisations". The comic strip, published on Sunday on the State Security Ministry's official WeChat account, showed security officers uncovering "suspicious" exploration and mapping activities by a group of people supposedly doing survey work for real estate development. Ram Mandir consecration: Key takeaways from Indian PM Modi's address Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Jan 22) expressed joy and congratulated devotees in a heartfelt speech at the 'Pran Prathistha' or consecration ceremony in Ram Mandir Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya where he said that Lord Ram will no longer stay in a tent but in a grand temple.

Top 10 world news: Chinese vessel heads towards Maldives, Ram Temple consecration ceremony, and more

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