<p>India's Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday (Jan 20) announced that the government will fence India's border with Myanmar, just like the Indo-Bangladesh border in order to bar the infiltration attempts made by illegal migrants and insurgents.</p>

<p>While addressing the passing out parade ceremony of Assam Police Commandos, Shah said, "Indo-Myanmar border is to be fenced like the Indo-Bangladesh border. The Centre, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has decided to fence the Indo-Myanmar border to curb the influx of illegal migrants and insurgents."</p>

<p>"We are also thinking of ending the free-movement facility with Myanmar," Shah added.</p>

<p>He also applauded the Assam police for battling issues like infiltration and drug smuggling.</p>

<p>"Assam has always been affected by infiltration issues that have been going on for 10 decades, Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, drug smuggling, etc., but Assam Police has a glorious history of fighting and winning against these issues," he said.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The announcement comes within days of a high number of Myanmar soldiers fleeing across into India to escape ethnic clashes were reported. As per reports, about 600 Myanmar Army soldiers crossed into India in the last three months&nbsp;and took refuge in Mizoram's Lawngtlai district after militants of the&nbsp;ethnic armed group&nbsp;Arakan Army (AA) captured their camps in the western state of Rakhine.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-defence-minister-hints-china-might-weaponise-weather-for-strategic-gains-681866">Indian defence minister hints China might weaponise weather for strategic gains</a></p>

<h2><strong>Free-movement regime</strong></h2>

<p>The free-movement facility enables the people on the both sides of the border to travel 16 km into each other's territory without a visa.</p>

<p>Four Indian states, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, share a 1,643-km-long border with Myanmar.</p>

<p>The officials had earlier said that the government was planning to put up a fence across 300-km stretch of the border.</p>

<p>According to news agency PTI, over 31,000 people from Myanmar took shelter in Mizoram following the military coup in the neighbouring country in the year 2021. Some of them also took refuge in Manipur.</p>

<p>Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had appealed to the government in Sept 2023 to terminate the FMR. The state government claims that insurgents manipulate the regime to promote their activities.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Will this ceasefire usher in peace in the war-ravaged Myanmar? | World At War</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Shah slams Congress over Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Shah also took a dig at the Congress party saying that the people who lost members of their family because of the insurgency that prevailed in the state under the Congress' rule, are opposing the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.</p>

<p>"Rahul Gandhi has launched Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra recently, I asked a few media personnel here today, what happened in Assam. During Congress rule, thousands of youths lost their lives, extremism prevailed in Assam. The family members of those people who lost lives during Congress rule objected to Congress Yatra and demanded justice," Shah said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday (Jan 20) announced that the government will fence India's border with Myanmar, just like the Indo-Bangladesh border in order to bar the infiltration attempts made by illegal migrants and insurgents.

India's Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday (Jan 20) announced that the government will fence India's border with Myanmar, just like the Indo-Bangladesh border in order to bar the infiltration attempts made by illegal migrants and insurgents. While addressing the passing out parade ceremony of Assam Police Commandos, Shah said, "Indo-Myanmar border is to be fenced like the Indo-Bangladesh border. The Centre, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has decided to fence the Indo-Myanmar border to curb the influx of illegal migrants and insurgents." "We are also thinking of ending the free-movement facility with Myanmar," Shah added. He also applauded the Assam police for battling issues like infiltration and drug smuggling. "Assam has always been affected by infiltration issues that have been going on for 10 decades, Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, drug smuggling, etc., but Assam Police has a glorious history of fighting and winning against these issues," he said. The announcement comes within days of a high number of Myanmar soldiers fleeing across into India to escape ethnic clashes were reported. As per reports, about 600 Myanmar Army soldiers crossed into India in the last three months and took refuge in Mizoram's Lawngtlai district after militants of the ethnic armed group Arakan Army (AA) captured their camps in the western state of Rakhine. Also read: Indian defence minister hints China might weaponise weather for strategic gains Free-movement regime The free-movement facility enables the people on the both sides of the border to travel 16 km into each other's territory without a visa. Four Indian states, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, share a 1,643-km-long border with Myanmar. The officials had earlier said that the government was planning to put up a fence across 300-km stretch of the border. According to news agency PTI, over 31,000 people from Myanmar took shelter in Mizoram following the military coup in the neighbouring country in the year 2021. Some of them also took refuge in Manipur. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had appealed to the government in Sept 2023 to terminate the FMR. The state government claims that insurgents manipulate the regime to promote their activities. WATCH | Will this ceasefire usher in peace in the war-ravaged Myanmar? | World At War × Shah slams Congress over Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra Shah also took a dig at the Congress party saying that the people who lost members of their family because of the insurgency that prevailed in the state under the Congress' rule, are opposing the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. "Rahul Gandhi has launched Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra recently, I asked a few media personnel here today, what happened in Assam. During Congress rule, thousands of youths lost their lives, extremism prevailed in Assam. The family members of those people who lost lives during Congress rule objected to Congress Yatra and demanded justice," Shah said. (With inputs from agencies)

Barbed fencing on Indo-Myanmar border soon to curb influx of illegal migrants, says Amit Shah

<p>Two days ahead of the much-awaited 'Pran Pratishtha' i.e., the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple, the Indian government on Saturday (Jan 20) issued an advisory to all the social media platforms and media outlets cautioning them against putting out false content related to the event scheduled on Jan 22 &nbsp;in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya.</p>

<p>The advisory issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said that it was observed that “certain unverified, provocative and fake messages were being spread, especially on social media, which can disturb communal harmony and public order”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Further, as part of their due diligence obligations, social media platforms are advised to make reasonable efforts to not host, display or publish information of the nature mentioned above," it stated.</p>

<p>The advisory also urged newspapers, and private satellite TV channels to refrain from putting out content that is false or manipulated or could disturb communal harmony or public order in the country.</p>

<p>Amid preparations for the grand event, fake messages related to VIP invitations, and donation drives have been doing the rounds on social media.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-mere-artwork-says-pm-modi-as-he-releases-commemorative-postage-stamps-on-ram-temple-681309">'Not mere artwork,' says PM Modi as he releases commemorative postage stamps on Ram Temple</a></p>

<h2><strong>CCPA sends notice to Amazon</strong></h2>

<p>Amazon recently was served with a notice from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) after sweets were being sold on the e-commerce platform under the name of 'Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad'.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ayodhya Ram Temple: Fake Invite Scam | Tech It Out</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The products included 'Ghee Bundi Ladoo', 'Khoya Khobi Ladoo', 'Raghupati Ghee Ladoo', and 'Desi Cow Milk Peda'.</p>

<p>Amazon released a statement saying that the portal had taken those items down and that a probe was underway to investigate the violations.</p>

<p>"We have received a communication from the Central Consumer Protection Authority regarding misleading product claims by certain seller(s) and investigating them for violations. In the interim, we are taking appropriate action against such listings as per our policies," an Amazon spokesperson was quoted as saying.</p>

<p>The inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is set for January 22, 2024, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to lead the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two days ahead of the much-awaited 'Pran Pratishtha' i.e., the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple, the Indian government on Saturday (Jan 20) issued an advisory to all the social media platforms and media outlets cautioning them against putting out false content related to the event scheduled on Jan 22 in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya.

Two days ahead of the much-awaited 'Pran Pratishtha' i.e., the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple, the Indian government on Saturday (Jan 20) issued an advisory to all the social media platforms and media outlets cautioning them against putting out false content related to the event scheduled on Jan 22 in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya. The advisory issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said that it was observed that “certain unverified, provocative and fake messages were being spread, especially on social media, which can disturb communal harmony and public order”. "Further, as part of their due diligence obligations, social media platforms are advised to make reasonable efforts to not host, display or publish information of the nature mentioned above," it stated. The advisory also urged newspapers, and private satellite TV channels to refrain from putting out content that is false or manipulated or could disturb communal harmony or public order in the country. Amid preparations for the grand event, fake messages related to VIP invitations, and donation drives have been doing the rounds on social media. Also read: 'Not mere artwork,' says PM Modi as he releases commemorative postage stamps on Ram Temple CCPA sends notice to Amazon Amazon recently was served with a notice from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) after sweets were being sold on the e-commerce platform under the name of 'Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad'. Watch | Ayodhya Ram Temple: Fake Invite Scam | Tech It Out × The products included 'Ghee Bundi Ladoo', 'Khoya Khobi Ladoo', 'Raghupati Ghee Ladoo', and 'Desi Cow Milk Peda'. Amazon released a statement saying that the portal had taken those items down and that a probe was underway to investigate the violations. "We have received a communication from the Central Consumer Protection Authority regarding misleading product claims by certain seller(s) and investigating them for violations. In the interim, we are taking appropriate action against such listings as per our policies," an Amazon spokesperson was quoted as saying. The inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is set for January 22, 2024, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to lead the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony. (With inputs from agencies)

Ram Temple inauguration: Govt issues advisory to media, social media platforms against posting false content

<p>Two high-ranking Iranian military advisers along with three others were killed in a strike launched by Israel on the Syrian capital Damascus on Saturday (Jan 20), according to Iranian media reports.</p>

<p>"Two high-ranking Iranian advisers were martyred in today's attack by the Zionist regime (Israel) in the Mazzeh neighbourhood of Damascus," Iran's Mehr news agency said, quoting an informed but unnamed source.</p>

<p>The attack claimed the life of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' intelligence chief for Syria, his deputy as well as two other Guards members on Saturday, reported Iranian media.</p>

<p>"The Revolutionary Guards' Syria intel chief, his deputy and two other Guards members were martyred in the attack on Syria by Israel," Iran's Mehr news agency said, quoting an informed but unnamed source.</p>

<p>The Revolutionary Guards also released a statement saying that four of its members were left dead in the strike on the Syrian capital further condemning Israel for the attack.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-get-real-slap-in-the-face-if-aggression-expanded-warns-hezbollah-681717">Israel to get 'real slap in the face' if aggression expanded: Hezbollah</a></p>

<p>As per the official Syrian news agency SANA, a residential building was targeted in the strike which was situated in the Mazzeh neighbourhood of Damascus.</p>

<p>However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said that the Israeli strike hit a four-storey building where "Iran-aligned leaders" were holding a meeting.</p>

<p>"An Israeli missile strike targeted a four-storey building, killing five people... and destroying the whole building where Iran-aligned leaders were meeting," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based organisation that relies on a network of sources on the ground.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Pakistan and Iran agree to 'de-escalate' after trading air strikes</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Israeli air strike in Syria kills senior Iranian general</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in the month of December, an Israeli air strike killed a senior Iranian general in Syria, said the military.</p>

<p>Razi Moussavi from the Quds Force was the most senior commander of the Guards' foreign operations arm to be killed outside of Iran after a strike launched by the United States on Bagdad on January 3, 2020, killed the Force's commander, Qasem Soleimani.</p>

<p>During the civil war in Syria, which has now been going on for a decade, Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes on the conflict-torn country majorly targeting Iran-backed forces as well as Syrian army positions.</p>

<p>However, there has been an upsurge in the number of strikes in Syria ever since the war broke out between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two high-ranking Iranian military advisers along with three others were killed in a strike launched by Israel on the Syrian capital Damascus on Saturday (Jan 20), according to Iranian media reports.

Two high-ranking Iranian military advisers along with three others were killed in a strike launched by Israel on the Syrian capital Damascus on Saturday (Jan 20), according to Iranian media reports. "Two high-ranking Iranian advisers were martyred in today's attack by the Zionist regime (Israel) in the Mazzeh neighbourhood of Damascus," Iran's Mehr news agency said, quoting an informed but unnamed source. The attack claimed the life of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' intelligence chief for Syria, his deputy as well as two other Guards members on Saturday, reported Iranian media. "The Revolutionary Guards' Syria intel chief, his deputy and two other Guards members were martyred in the attack on Syria by Israel," Iran's Mehr news agency said, quoting an informed but unnamed source. The Revolutionary Guards also released a statement saying that four of its members were left dead in the strike on the Syrian capital further condemning Israel for the attack. Also read: Israel to get 'real slap in the face' if aggression expanded: Hezbollah As per the official Syrian news agency SANA, a residential building was targeted in the strike which was situated in the Mazzeh neighbourhood of Damascus. However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said that the Israeli strike hit a four-storey building where "Iran-aligned leaders" were holding a meeting. "An Israeli missile strike targeted a four-storey building, killing five people... and destroying the whole building where Iran-aligned leaders were meeting," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based organisation that relies on a network of sources on the ground. WATCH | Pakistan and Iran agree to 'de-escalate' after trading air strikes × Israeli air strike in Syria kills senior Iranian general Earlier in the month of December, an Israeli air strike killed a senior Iranian general in Syria, said the military. Razi Moussavi from the Quds Force was the most senior commander of the Guards' foreign operations arm to be killed outside of Iran after a strike launched by the United States on Bagdad on January 3, 2020, killed the Force's commander, Qasem Soleimani. During the civil war in Syria, which has now been going on for a decade, Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes on the conflict-torn country majorly targeting Iran-backed forces as well as Syrian army positions. However, there has been an upsurge in the number of strikes in Syria ever since the war broke out between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran says Israeli strike on Damascus killed Guards’ Syria spy chief along with 4 others

<p>As the 'Pran Pratishtha', consecration ceremony, of the Ram Temple in the city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh&nbsp;on January 22 approaches,&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi released commemorative postage stamps on Thursday (Jan 18) along with a book of stamps dedicated to Lord Ram by countries across the globe.</p>

<p>The components of the design, according to the officials, include the Ram temple, the 'chaupai' (verse) 'Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari', the sun, Saryu river and sculptures in and around the temple.</p>

<p>The six released commemorative stamps comprise of key figures and symbols associated with Lord Ram's narrative including Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Jatayu, Kevatraj and Ma Shabri.</p>

<p>Over 20 countries including the USA, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, and Cambodia, and even organisations like the United Nations, issued stamps for the 48-page book.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">आज पवित्र अयोध्या धाम की विरासत और भगवान श्री राम को समर्पित स्मारक डाक टिकट जारी करने का सौभाग्य प्राप्त हुआ। इस अवसर पर दुनियाभर में प्रभु श्री राम पर जारी टिकटों से जुड़ी एक पुस्तक का अनावरण भी किया। मुझे विश्वास है कि स्मारक डाक टिकट और यह पुस्तक आने वाली कई पीढ़ियों को श्री… <a href="https://t.co/TfNfIpiIYC">pic.twitter.com/TfNfIpiIYC</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1747930035313652088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-mandir-a-timeline-of-ayodhya-land-dispute-leading-up-to-inauguration-680969">Ram Mandir: A timeline of Ayodhya land dispute leading up to inauguration</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Not just pieces of paper', says PM Modi</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi said that the postal stamps were not just pieces of paper or mere artwork but were mediums that would take the historical event to future generations.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ram Mandir: Grand preparations in Ayodhya for Ram temple consecration</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The postal stamps are mediums to take ideas, history and the historical moment (around the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya) to the future generations. Sending postage stamps is like sending a piece of history. These postal stamps are not just pieces of paper or mere artwork. They are miniature epics and artworks in their own right," he said.</p>

<p>He stated that the book provided the youth with an opportunity to learn more about the Indian culture.</p>

<p>"The youth will learn a lot from the postal stamps issued today. They come with an image of the Ram temple. Ram bhakti is conveyed through artistic expression while the timeless verses from the Ram Charit Manas are meant at bringing good tidings to the country. There is also an image of the sun that sends out a positive message to the country. There is also an image of the Saryu River that implies moving forward with the grace of Lord Ram. I have been told that the philosophy of Panchatantra has been depicted in a miniature form in the album," he added.</p>

<p>"The story of Lord Ram, Mata Sita and the Ramayana is intrinsically tied to mankind irrespective of society, creed, time, religion or caste. Ramayana teaches us about how love triumphs against all odds. It connects the entire humanity. This is why the Ram Temple has drawn global attention," the Indian prime minister said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the 'Pran Pratishtha', consecration ceremony, of the Ram Temple in the city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh on January 22 approaches, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi released commemorative postage stamps on Thursday (Jan 18) along with a book of stamps dedicated to Lord Ram by countries across the globe.

As the 'Pran Pratishtha', consecration ceremony, of the Ram Temple in the city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh on January 22 approaches, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi released commemorative postage stamps on Thursday (Jan 18) along with a book of stamps dedicated to Lord Ram by countries across the globe. The components of the design, according to the officials, include the Ram temple, the 'chaupai' (verse) 'Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari', the sun, Saryu river and sculptures in and around the temple. The six released commemorative stamps comprise of key figures and symbols associated with Lord Ram's narrative including Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Jatayu, Kevatraj and Ma Shabri. Over 20 countries including the USA, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, and Cambodia, and even organisations like the United Nations, issued stamps for the 48-page book. आज पवित्र अयोध्या धाम की विरासत और भगवान श्री राम को समर्पित स्मारक डाक टिकट जारी करने का सौभाग्य प्राप्त हुआ। इस अवसर पर दुनियाभर में प्रभु श्री राम पर जारी टिकटों से जुड़ी एक पुस्तक का अनावरण भी किया। मुझे विश्वास है कि स्मारक डाक टिकट और यह पुस्तक आने वाली कई पीढ़ियों को श्री… pic.twitter.com/TfNfIpiIYC — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 18, 2024 × Also read: Ram Mandir: A timeline of Ayodhya land dispute leading up to inauguration 'Not just pieces of paper', says PM Modi PM Modi said that the postal stamps were not just pieces of paper or mere artwork but were mediums that would take the historical event to future generations. Watch | Ram Mandir: Grand preparations in Ayodhya for Ram temple consecration × "The postal stamps are mediums to take ideas, history and the historical moment (around the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya) to the future generations. Sending postage stamps is like sending a piece of history. These postal stamps are not just pieces of paper or mere artwork. They are miniature epics and artworks in their own right," he said. He stated that the book provided the youth with an opportunity to learn more about the Indian culture. "The youth will learn a lot from the postal stamps issued today. They come with an image of the Ram temple. Ram bhakti is conveyed through artistic expression while the timeless verses from the Ram Charit Manas are meant at bringing good tidings to the country. There is also an image of the sun that sends out a positive message to the country. There is also an image of the Saryu River that implies moving forward with the grace of Lord Ram. I have been told that the philosophy of Panchatantra has been depicted in a miniature form in the album," he added. "The story of Lord Ram, Mata Sita and the Ramayana is intrinsically tied to mankind irrespective of society, creed, time, religion or caste. Ramayana teaches us about how love triumphs against all odds. It connects the entire humanity. This is why the Ram Temple has drawn global attention," the Indian prime minister said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Not mere artwork,' says PM Modi as he releases commemorative postage stamps on Ram Temple

<p>Ukraine on Thursday (Jan 18) launched a drone attack targeting an oil terminal in St Petersburg as a part of its "new stage of work" in the region, news agency Reuters reported citing comments by a Ukrainian military source.</p>

<p>Reuters could not independently verify the statement, however, the Kyiv Independent also reported the latest development.</p>

<p>"There are confirmed hits. This is a new stage of work in this region," the Ukrainian source said.</p>

<p>Earlier, as per Reuters reports, a Russian-appointed official in occupied southeastern Ukraine said that Kyiv had made failed attempts overnight to target a Russian Baltic Sea oil terminal with a drone strike.</p>

<p>Russia had earlier released a statement to have intercepted a Ukraine drone in the Leningrad region.</p>

<p>It had also released a statement claiming to have shot down drones near Moscow and missiles over the Belgorod border region.</p>

<p>"In the town of Podolsk an attack by a drone flying toward Moscow was repulsed by air defences," Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ship-carrying-9-indians-attacked-in-gulf-of-aden-indian-navy-comes-to-rescue-681146">Ship carrying 9 Indians attacked in Gulf of Aden, Indian Navy comes to rescue</a></p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine warns of low ammunition</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Ukraine's defence minister issued a warning stating that the country was facing a "very real and pressing" shortage of ammunition in its battles against Russian invasion.</p>

<p>"A shortage of ammunition is a very real and pressing problem that our armed forces are facing at present," Rustem Umerov posted on X after speaking via a video link to the gathering led by France and the United States.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war | Russia steps up offensive near Bakhmut</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The artillery coalition is aimed at solving this issue," he said.</p>

<p>This was when Western allies held a meeting in Paris to lock in a deal on new artillery supplies.</p>

<p>French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, while hosting the event said that France would cover the cost of 12 new guns out of 78 that it could manufacture this year.</p>

<p>"I spoke with (French President) Emmanuel Macron to thank France for launching the artillery coalition and for its manufacture of guns and ammunition," Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X.</p>

<p>The two leaders also discussed the "need to further strengthen Ukraine's air defence", he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia says it captured village in eastern Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>On the other hand, Russia on Thursday said that it had seized a small village in the eastern part of Ukraine.</p>

<p>"In the Donetsk direction, as a result of successful actions of Southern Group troop units, the settlement of Vesele in the Donetsk People's Republic was liberated," Russia's defence ministry said.</p>

<p>Vesele village lies 20 kilometres (12 miles) northeast of Bakhmut, which was targeted by months of artillery shelling and urban combat earlier in the conflict.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukraine on Thursday (Jan 18) launched a drone attack targeting an oil terminal in St Petersburg as a part of its "new stage of work" in the region, news agency Reuters reported citing comments by a Ukrainian military source.

Ukraine on Thursday (Jan 18) launched a drone attack targeting an oil terminal in St Petersburg as a part of its "new stage of work" in the region, news agency Reuters reported citing comments by a Ukrainian military source. Reuters could not independently verify the statement, however, the Kyiv Independent also reported the latest development. "There are confirmed hits. This is a new stage of work in this region," the Ukrainian source said. Earlier, as per Reuters reports, a Russian-appointed official in occupied southeastern Ukraine said that Kyiv had made failed attempts overnight to target a Russian Baltic Sea oil terminal with a drone strike. Russia had earlier released a statement to have intercepted a Ukraine drone in the Leningrad region. It had also released a statement claiming to have shot down drones near Moscow and missiles over the Belgorod border region. "In the town of Podolsk an attack by a drone flying toward Moscow was repulsed by air defences," Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said. Also read: Ship carrying 9 Indians attacked in Gulf of Aden, Indian Navy comes to rescue Ukraine warns of low ammunition Meanwhile, Ukraine's defence minister issued a warning stating that the country was facing a "very real and pressing" shortage of ammunition in its battles against Russian invasion. "A shortage of ammunition is a very real and pressing problem that our armed forces are facing at present," Rustem Umerov posted on X after speaking via a video link to the gathering led by France and the United States. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war | Russia steps up offensive near Bakhmut × "The artillery coalition is aimed at solving this issue," he said. This was when Western allies held a meeting in Paris to lock in a deal on new artillery supplies. French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, while hosting the event said that France would cover the cost of 12 new guns out of 78 that it could manufacture this year. "I spoke with (French President) Emmanuel Macron to thank France for launching the artillery coalition and for its manufacture of guns and ammunition," Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X. The two leaders also discussed the "need to further strengthen Ukraine's air defence", he added. Russia says it captured village in eastern Ukraine On the other hand, Russia on Thursday said that it had seized a small village in the eastern part of Ukraine. "In the Donetsk direction, as a result of successful actions of Southern Group troop units, the settlement of Vesele in the Donetsk People's Republic was liberated," Russia's defence ministry said. Vesele village lies 20 kilometres (12 miles) northeast of Bakhmut, which was targeted by months of artillery shelling and urban combat earlier in the conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine says it hit targets in Russia during attack on oil terminal in St Petersburg

<p>The United States on Thursday (Jan 18) launched fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis.</p>

<p>Washington said that the attacks were targeted at the anti-ship missiles, which as per the White House, were prepared by the Iran-backed rebel group for its planned assault in the Red Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We did it again this morning, striking at... a couple of anti-ship missiles that we had reason to believe were being prepared for imminent fire into the southern Red Sea," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.</p>

<h2><strong>'Strikes against Houthis to continue,' says Biden</strong></h2>

<p>The fresh strikes came following United States President Joe Biden's remark who 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&nbsp;the same day. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-sea-tensions-why-yemens-houthis-could-become-americas-terrorists-once-again-680920">Explained: How Yemen's Houthi rebels became America's 'terrorists' once again</a></p>

<h2><strong>Biden on Iran-Pakistan situation</strong></h2>

<p>Biden said that the clashes between Pakistan and Iran were clearly depicting that Tehran was not "well-liked" in the region.</p>

<p>"As you can see, Iran is not particularly well-liked in the region," Biden told reporters at the White House, adding that "we're working on" understanding how the situation will develop.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Houthi rebels target US vessel, Indian Navy warship moves to assist attacked vessel</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further said the United States was trying to understand where the Iran-Pakistan situation would go, adding, "Where that goes we're working on now -- I don't know where that goes."</p>

<p>The White House further urged Iran and Pakistan, after both countries launched air strikes on each other's territory, to avoid escalation.</p>

<p>"We're monitoring this very, very closely. We don't want to see an escalation, clearly in South and Central Asia, and we're in touch with our Pakistani counterparts as you'd expect," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday, Pakistan's foreign ministry claimed that two children were killed and three others injured in an "illegal" airstrike by Iran. Pakistan subsequently responded by expelling the Iranian ambassador in Islamabad and recalled its envoy from Tehran. Later, Islamabad retaliated with strikes at multiple locations inside Iran.</p>

<p>"Pakistan struck on Baloch terrorists in Iran through its airforce in the Saravan and Jalq areas deep inside Iran," a Pakistani military source claimed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States on Thursday (Jan 18) launched fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis. Washington said that the attacks were targeted at the anti-ship missiles, which as per the White House, were prepared by the Iran-backed rebel group for its planned assault in the Red Sea.

The United States on Thursday (Jan 18) launched fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis. Washington said that the attacks were targeted at the anti-ship missiles, which as per the White House, were prepared by the Iran-backed rebel group for its planned assault in the Red Sea. "We did it again this morning, striking at... a couple of anti-ship missiles that we had reason to believe were being prepared for imminent fire into the southern Red Sea," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. 'Strikes against Houthis to continue,' says Biden The fresh strikes came following United States President Joe Biden's remark who 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. Also read: Explained: How Yemen's Houthi rebels became America's 'terrorists' once again Biden on Iran-Pakistan situation Biden said that the clashes between Pakistan and Iran were clearly depicting that Tehran was not "well-liked" in the region. "As you can see, Iran is not particularly well-liked in the region," Biden told reporters at the White House, adding that "we're working on" understanding how the situation will develop. Watch | Houthi rebels target US vessel, Indian Navy warship moves to assist attacked vessel × He further said the United States was trying to understand where the Iran-Pakistan situation would go, adding, "Where that goes we're working on now -- I don't know where that goes." The White House further urged Iran and Pakistan, after both countries launched air strikes on each other's territory, to avoid escalation. "We're monitoring this very, very closely. We don't want to see an escalation, clearly in South and Central Asia, and we're in touch with our Pakistani counterparts as you'd expect," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. On Wednesday, Pakistan's foreign ministry claimed that two children were killed and three others injured in an "illegal" airstrike by Iran. Pakistan subsequently responded by expelling the Iranian ambassador in Islamabad and recalled its envoy from Tehran. Later, Islamabad retaliated with strikes at multiple locations inside Iran. "Pakistan struck on Baloch terrorists in Iran through its airforce in the Saravan and Jalq areas deep inside Iran," a Pakistani military source claimed. (With inputs from agencies)

US launches fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis as Biden says attacks to continue

<p>There have been enough instances where dogs have proved that they are indeed a man's best friend. In another such heartwarming episode, a husky in Philadelphia is being hailed as a hero on social media after the canine saved the life of its neighbourhood from a potentially explosive gas leak.</p>

<p>Kobe's owner, Chanell Bell, took to her Instagram account and shared a video, where the dog can be seen digging a hole in the concrete of Bell's front yard.</p>

<p>Surprised at the canine's rare act, Bell thought to herself, “This is not like him".</p>

<p>However, she decided to probe further and took the help of a gas-level reader after watching Kobe's unusual reaction.</p>

<p>"I had a reader already in the house to make sure there were no leaks coming from my old heater," the pet parent explained. "When I saw the hole, I realized it was odd behaviour for my dog. My intuition told me to check it."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/indias-masala-chai-has-lost-its-not-worlds-best-non-alcoholic-beverage-681228">India's Masala Chai among world's best non-alcoholic beverages, second only to this drink</a></p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1QMgbQrDzd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Chanell Bell (@thenames_babe)</a></p>
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<p>Bell checked inside her house but nothing unusual was detected, but she found the presence of gas where Kobe was digging a hole.</p>

<p>After this, crews repaired the leak and said that had Kobe not spotted it, even turning on a light switch could have put Bell’s house and her life at risk.</p>

<p>“[It] was really, really mind-blowing,” she said.</p>

<p>“I’m so thankful – thankful for God, thankful for my baby boy [Kobe]. Yes – Merry Christmas everybody,” Bell added.</p>

<p>After the incident, Bell said that she was informed how such an incident could have caused serious health issues like respiratory problems, brain damage and even death.</p>

<p>"If it wasn't detected and the gas continued to leak into our homes," SWNS quoted Bell as saying. "We were told it could've caused serious health effects like respiratory issues, brain damage, and even death. They told me that something as simple as a light switch turning on could've caused an explosion, too!"&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


There have been enough instances where dogs have proved that they are indeed a man's best friend. In another such heartwarming episode, a husky in Philadelphia is being hailed as a hero on social media after the canine saved the life of its neighbourhood from a potentially explosive gas leak.

There have been enough instances where dogs have proved that they are indeed a man's best friend. In another such heartwarming episode, a husky in Philadelphia is being hailed as a hero on social media after the canine saved the life of its neighbourhood from a potentially explosive gas leak. Kobe's owner, Chanell Bell, took to her Instagram account and shared a video, where the dog can be seen digging a hole in the concrete of Bell's front yard. Surprised at the canine's rare act, Bell thought to herself, “This is not like him". However, she decided to probe further and took the help of a gas-level reader after watching Kobe's unusual reaction. "I had a reader already in the house to make sure there were no leaks coming from my old heater," the pet parent explained. "When I saw the hole, I realized it was odd behaviour for my dog. My intuition told me to check it." Also read: India's Masala Chai among world's best non-alcoholic beverages, second only to this drink View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chanell Bell (@thenames_babe) × Bell checked inside her house but nothing unusual was detected, but she found the presence of gas where Kobe was digging a hole. After this, crews repaired the leak and said that had Kobe not spotted it, even turning on a light switch could have put Bell’s house and her life at risk. “[It] was really, really mind-blowing,” she said. “I’m so thankful – thankful for God, thankful for my baby boy [Kobe]. Yes – Merry Christmas everybody,” Bell added. After the incident, Bell said that she was informed how such an incident could have caused serious health issues like respiratory problems, brain damage and even death. "If it wasn't detected and the gas continued to leak into our homes," SWNS quoted Bell as saying. "We were told it could've caused serious health effects like respiratory issues, brain damage, and even death. They told me that something as simple as a light switch turning on could've caused an explosion, too!" (With inputs from agencies)

Watch| Dog saves neighbourhood from potentially explosive gas leak, hailed as internet's hero

<p>Ahead of the much anticipated 'Pran Pratishtha', consecration ceremony, of the Ram Temple in India's Uttar Pradesh, over 500 statues representing the life of lord Ram are being prepared in Ayodhya's Ramsevakpuram.</p>

<p>These statues, according to news agency ANI, will grace the corridor leading to the Ram Temple.</p>

<p>Notably, the new idol of Lord Ram was placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple on Thursday afternoon (Jan 18), a priest associated with the consecration ceremony confirmed it to news agency PTI.</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> | Uttar Pradesh: More than 500 statues are being prepared in Ayodhya's Ramsevakpuram, representing the life of lord Ram. These statues will grace the corridor leading to the Ram Temple. <a href="https://t.co/jGa4USKQCp">pic.twitter.com/jGa4USKQCp</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1748003814723166529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust said that this was executed amid the chanting of prayers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 51-inch idol, designed and developed by Arun Yogiraj, was brought to the temple on Wednesday night.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-mere-artwork-says-pm-modi-as-he-releases-commemorative-postage-stamps-on-ram-temple-681309">PM Modi releases commemorative postage stamps on Ram Temple</a></p>

<h2><strong>Half-day for banks, central government offices on Jan 22</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the Indian government on Thursday declared a half-day for all the central government offices on Jan 22 for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple.</p>

<p>"The Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya will be celebrated on January 22, 2024 across India. To enable employees to participate in the celebrations, it has been decided that all central government offices, central institutions and central industrial establishments throughout India will be closed for half-day till 14:30 hours on January 22," according to a memo by the Department of Personnel and Training.</p>

<p>The banks across the country will also be closed for half-day for the 'Pran Pratishtha' in line with central government offices.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ram Mandir: Grand preparations in Ayodhya for Ram temple consecration</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>PM Modi releases commemorative postage stamps on Ram Temple</strong></h2>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi released commemorative postage stamps along with a book of stamps dedicated to Lord Ram by countries across the globe on Thursday (Jan 18).</p>

<p>The components of the design, according to the officials, include the Ram temple, the 'chaupai' (verse) 'Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari', the sun, Saryu river and sculptures in and around the temple.</p>

<p>The six released commemorative stamps comprise key figures and symbols associated with Lord Ram's narrative including Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Jatayu, Kevatraj and Ma Shabri.</p>

<p>Over 20 countries including the USA, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, and Cambodia, and even organisations like the United Nations, issued stamps for the 48-page book.</p>

<p>PM Modi said that the postal stamps were not just pieces of paper or mere artwork but were mediums that would take the historical event to future generations.</p>

<p>"The postal stamps are mediums to take ideas, history and the historical moment (around the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya) to the future generations. Sending postage stamps is like sending a piece of history. These postal stamps are not just pieces of paper or mere artwork. They are miniature epics and artworks in their own right," he said.</p>

<p>The Indian prime minister will attend the ceremony scheduled on Monday (Jan 22) at the temple in Ayodhya, which is expected to open for the public the very next day.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ahead of the much anticipated 'Pran Pratishtha', consecration ceremony, of the Ram Temple in India's Uttar Pradesh, over 500 statues representing the life of lord Ram are being prepared in Ayodhya's Ramsevakpuram.

Ahead of the much anticipated 'Pran Pratishtha', consecration ceremony, of the Ram Temple in India's Uttar Pradesh, over 500 statues representing the life of lord Ram are being prepared in Ayodhya's Ramsevakpuram. These statues, according to news agency ANI, will grace the corridor leading to the Ram Temple. Notably, the new idol of Lord Ram was placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple on Thursday afternoon (Jan 18), a priest associated with the consecration ceremony confirmed it to news agency PTI. #WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: More than 500 statues are being prepared in Ayodhya's Ramsevakpuram, representing the life of lord Ram. These statues will grace the corridor leading to the Ram Temple. pic.twitter.com/jGa4USKQCp — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2024 × The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust said that this was executed amid the chanting of prayers. The 51-inch idol, designed and developed by Arun Yogiraj, was brought to the temple on Wednesday night. Also read: PM Modi releases commemorative postage stamps on Ram Temple Half-day for banks, central government offices on Jan 22 Meanwhile, the Indian government on Thursday declared a half-day for all the central government offices on Jan 22 for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple. "The Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya will be celebrated on January 22, 2024 across India. To enable employees to participate in the celebrations, it has been decided that all central government offices, central institutions and central industrial establishments throughout India will be closed for half-day till 14:30 hours on January 22," according to a memo by the Department of Personnel and Training. The banks across the country will also be closed for half-day for the 'Pran Pratishtha' in line with central government offices. Watch | Ram Mandir: Grand preparations in Ayodhya for Ram temple consecration × PM Modi releases commemorative postage stamps on Ram Temple Prime Minister Narendra Modi released commemorative postage stamps along with a book of stamps dedicated to Lord Ram by countries across the globe on Thursday (Jan 18). The components of the design, according to the officials, include the Ram temple, the 'chaupai' (verse) 'Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari', the sun, Saryu river and sculptures in and around the temple. The six released commemorative stamps comprise key figures and symbols associated with Lord Ram's narrative including Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Jatayu, Kevatraj and Ma Shabri. Over 20 countries including the USA, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, and Cambodia, and even organisations like the United Nations, issued stamps for the 48-page book. PM Modi said that the postal stamps were not just pieces of paper or mere artwork but were mediums that would take the historical event to future generations. "The postal stamps are mediums to take ideas, history and the historical moment (around the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya) to the future generations. Sending postage stamps is like sending a piece of history. These postal stamps are not just pieces of paper or mere artwork. They are miniature epics and artworks in their own right," he said. The Indian prime minister will attend the ceremony scheduled on Monday (Jan 22) at the temple in Ayodhya, which is expected to open for the public the very next day. (With inputs from agencies)

Ram Temple consecration ceremony: More than 500 statues representing life of Lord Ram to grace temple corridor

<p>In a shocking incident, a two-year-old boy died due to starvation almost two weeks after his father succumbed to a heart attack.</p>

<p>His family revealed that Bronson Battersby was found dead curled up alongside his 60-year-old father, Kenneth, at their residence in the United Kingdom's Lincolnshire on Jan 9.</p>

<p>This was 14 days after they were last seen.</p>

<p>The Lincolnshire County Council launched a rapid review into the death of Bronson who was indexed as vulnerable and was also subject to checks at least once a month by the social services.</p>

<p>The tragic incident came to light following social services' visit to the deceased's rented house on Jan 2 after speaking to Kenneth on Dec 27 where they&nbsp;did not receive any response.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A social worker again went to their residence unannounced and contacted the police as there was still no answer.</p>

<p>The bodies were discovered after the worker barged into the house using a key from the landlord days later, according to the Sun.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baby-dragons-to-rescue-china-here-is-why-beijing-is-counting-on-2024-to-fix-its-population-woes-681243">Baby dragons to rescue China? Here is why Beijing is counting on 2024 to fix its population woes</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Bronson starved to death because his dad died', says toddler's mother</strong></h2>

<p>The toddler's mother, Sarah Piesse, said that she last saw her son before Christmas after a row with her ex Kenneth.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UK: PM Rishi Sunak's Rwanda Bill passes third reading in commons</strong></p>

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<p>Piesse while talking to the Sun said that the postmortem examination showed that Bronson died of starvation and dehydration.</p>

<p>“Bronson starved to death because his dad died,” she said. “They think Kenneth died no earlier than 29 December.”</p>

<p>“I couldn’t pick him up because his body was too fragile,” she told the Sun. "I could only touch him. He had been left there too long," she added.</p>

<p>The 2-year-old's&nbsp;sister Melanie Battersby took to her Facebook account and paid a heartfelt tribute to Bronson.</p>

<p>“Beautiful little boy deserved so much better than this life. We love you, Bronson, forever a part of us, and forever my baby brother,” she wrote.</p>

<p>“A lot of anger inside at minute when I just want to remember his little smile and soft nature instead. He were perfect,” she added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a shocking incident, a two-year-old boy died due to starvation almost two weeks after his father succumbed to a heart attack. His family revealed that Bronson Battersby was found dead curled up alongside his 60-year-old father, Kenneth, at their residence in the United Kingdom's Lincolnshire on Jan 9.

In a shocking incident, a two-year-old boy died due to starvation almost two weeks after his father succumbed to a heart attack. His family revealed that Bronson Battersby was found dead curled up alongside his 60-year-old father, Kenneth, at their residence in the United Kingdom's Lincolnshire on Jan 9. This was 14 days after they were last seen. The Lincolnshire County Council launched a rapid review into the death of Bronson who was indexed as vulnerable and was also subject to checks at least once a month by the social services. The tragic incident came to light following social services' visit to the deceased's rented house on Jan 2 after speaking to Kenneth on Dec 27 where they did not receive any response. A social worker again went to their residence unannounced and contacted the police as there was still no answer. The bodies were discovered after the worker barged into the house using a key from the landlord days later, according to the Sun. Also read: Baby dragons to rescue China? Here is why Beijing is counting on 2024 to fix its population woes 'Bronson starved to death because his dad died', says toddler's mother The toddler's mother, Sarah Piesse, said that she last saw her son before Christmas after a row with her ex Kenneth. WATCH | UK: PM Rishi Sunak's Rwanda Bill passes third reading in commons × Piesse while talking to the Sun said that the postmortem examination showed that Bronson died of starvation and dehydration. “Bronson starved to death because his dad died,” she said. “They think Kenneth died no earlier than 29 December.” “I couldn’t pick him up because his body was too fragile,” she told the Sun. "I could only touch him. He had been left there too long," she added. The 2-year-old's sister Melanie Battersby took to her Facebook account and paid a heartfelt tribute to Bronson. “Beautiful little boy deserved so much better than this life. We love you, Bronson, forever a part of us, and forever my baby brother,” she wrote. “A lot of anger inside at minute when I just want to remember his little smile and soft nature instead. He were perfect,” she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Toddler dies of starvation in UK, body found curled up next to dead father

<p>India could ease its heightened scrutiny of Chinese investments if the two countries' border remains peaceful, a senior Indian official said in the first signal that the four-year-old curbs could be lifted.</p>

<p>Border tensions, the biggest irritant to relations between the nuclear-armed Asian giants, have eased, which could lead to improved investment ties, top industrial policy bureaucrat Rajesh Kumar Singh told Reuters on Wednesday at the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.</p>

<p>In 2020, India tightened scrutiny on investments from companies based in countries it borders, adding a layer of vetting and security clearances.</p>

<p>The move was widely seen as retaliation for a clash between Chinese and Indian troops on their disputed, 3,800-km (2,400-mile) Himalayan frontier that killed at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers, their worst military conflict in decades.</p>

<p>The curbs have disrupted billions of dollars of investments between the world's two most populous countries, halting planned projects including from Chinese automakers BYD and Great Wall Motor.</p>

<p>The investment rules "could change once our relationship there stabilises because I think the border issues that we've had - the border has stabilised", Singh, secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, said in an interview.</p>

<p>"On the investment side also, if things go well, I'm sure we can resume normal business."</p>

<p>He did not give a timeframe for a possible easing.</p>

<p>Asked if India's message was that Chinese investments depend on a peaceful border, Singh said, "You can't have somebody nibbling at your border while at the same time having red-carpet treatment for investments from there."</p>

<p>The investment curbs, he said, were a slight "step back" from India's broader opening to foreign investment in recent years. India has significantly reduced hurdles for inbound investment, lowering or scrapping foreign ownership caps in many sectors and granting automatic approvals.</p>

<p>Despite the border problems, China is India's largest source of imports, with bilateral trade rising 32% since tensions flared to nearly $114 billion in the fiscal year that ended in March.</p>

<p>Indian and Chinese troops clashed twice in 2022 even as peace talks were ongoing. New Delhi and Beijing, which fought a brief border war in 1962, have held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the conflict.</p>

<p>The two neighbours must find a way to step back from potential confrontation in the western Himalayas, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in June.</p>

<p>But, Singh said, "In the last year or so, there haven't been any incidents. So I'm expressing the general hope from the business community that things will, you know, stabilise and improve."</p>

<p>A mechanism to review foreign investments from all countries, resembling those in the United States and Australia, is an option India could eventually consider, Singh said, adding no decision has been taken as India would want to maintain a "welcoming environment" for investments.</p>


India could ease its heightened scrutiny of Chinese investments if the two countries' border remains peaceful, a senior Indian official said in the first signal that the four-year-old curbs could be lifted.

India could ease its heightened scrutiny of Chinese investments if the two countries' border remains peaceful, a senior Indian official said in the first signal that the four-year-old curbs could be lifted. Border tensions, the biggest irritant to relations between the nuclear-armed Asian giants, have eased, which could lead to improved investment ties, top industrial policy bureaucrat Rajesh Kumar Singh told Reuters on Wednesday at the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland. In 2020, India tightened scrutiny on investments from companies based in countries it borders, adding a layer of vetting and security clearances. The move was widely seen as retaliation for a clash between Chinese and Indian troops on their disputed, 3,800-km (2,400-mile) Himalayan frontier that killed at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers, their worst military conflict in decades. The curbs have disrupted billions of dollars of investments between the world's two most populous countries, halting planned projects including from Chinese automakers BYD and Great Wall Motor. The investment rules "could change once our relationship there stabilises because I think the border issues that we've had - the border has stabilised", Singh, secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, said in an interview. "On the investment side also, if things go well, I'm sure we can resume normal business." He did not give a timeframe for a possible easing. Asked if India's message was that Chinese investments depend on a peaceful border, Singh said, "You can't have somebody nibbling at your border while at the same time having red-carpet treatment for investments from there." The investment curbs, he said, were a slight "step back" from India's broader opening to foreign investment in recent years. India has significantly reduced hurdles for inbound investment, lowering or scrapping foreign ownership caps in many sectors and granting automatic approvals. Despite the border problems, China is India's largest source of imports, with bilateral trade rising 32% since tensions flared to nearly $114 billion in the fiscal year that ended in March. Indian and Chinese troops clashed twice in 2022 even as peace talks were ongoing. New Delhi and Beijing, which fought a brief border war in 1962, have held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the conflict. The two neighbours must find a way to step back from potential confrontation in the western Himalayas, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in June. But, Singh said, "In the last year or so, there haven't been any incidents. So I'm expressing the general hope from the business community that things will, you know, stabilise and improve." A mechanism to review foreign investments from all countries, resembling those in the United States and Australia, is an option India could eventually consider, Singh said, adding no decision has been taken as India would want to maintain a "welcoming environment" for investments.

India could ease China investment curbs if border stays calm: Report

<p>In a significant development, India and Iran on Monday (Jan 15) reached an agreement on further development of Chabahar port. The move came following visiting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's meeting with Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash where the two held discussions over establishing a "long-term cooperation framework" for the port, a strategic maritime facility situated on the southeastern coast of Iran.</p>

<p>Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Iran as part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides, took to his official X account and shared that both the ministers also exchanged views on the International North-South Transport Corridor.</p>

<p>"Began my engagements in Tehran by meeting Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash. Detailed and productive discussion on establishing a long-term cooperation framework with respect to Chabahar port. Also exchanged views on the International North-South Transport Corridor," he wrote.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Began my engagements in Tehran by meeting Minister of Roads and Urban Development <a href="https://twitter.com/mehrdadbazrpash?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mehrdadbazrpash</a>.<br />
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Detailed and productive discussion on establishing a long-term cooperation framework with respect to Chabahar port. Also exchanged views on the International North-South… <a href="https://t.co/mDBxfHV690">pic.twitter.com/mDBxfHV690</a></p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1746831889225449584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bazrpash additionally proposed setting up a joint transport committee for the expansion of bilateral cooperation, stating that the formation of the committee would boost&nbsp;the transit capabilities&nbsp;and usage of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), as per Iran's Tasnim News Agency.</p>

<p>In August 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation and leveraging Chabahar Port to its full potential as a centre for connectivity.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-phone-call-with-putin-to-discuss-regional-and-global-issues-including-brics-680262">PM Modi holds phone call with Putin to discuss regional and global issues</a></p>

<p>"The two leaders reiterated their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation including to realize the full potential of Chabahar Port as a connectivity hub," Prime Minister's Office said in a press release.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India: EAM S Jaishankar's two-day visit to Iran amid rising tensions in West Asia</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Chabahar Port and India's connectivity initiatives</strong></h2>

<p>The Iranian port of Chabahar plays a significant role in India's connectivity initiatives as it provides a more economical and stable route for trade between India, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>INSTC is a multi-modal transportation route that connects the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean to the Caspian Sea via Iran and then travels via St. Petersburg, Russia, to northern Europe.</p>

<p>According to MEA, India has utilised the Chabahar port to ship 75,000 MTs of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan in the year 2020. In 2021, India supplied 40,000 litres of environment-friendly pesticides to Iran to fight the locust menace. The port has also been utilised by the Central Asian Countries to access the global market and has increased trade and economic opportunities for the traders of the region.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a significant development, India and Iran on Monday (Jan 15) reached an agreement on further development of Chabahar port. The move came following visiting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's meeting with Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash where the two held discussions over establishing a "long-term cooperation framework" for the port, a strategic maritime facility situated on the southeastern coast of Iran.

In a significant development, India and Iran on Monday (Jan 15) reached an agreement on further development of Chabahar port. The move came following visiting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's meeting with Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash where the two held discussions over establishing a "long-term cooperation framework" for the port, a strategic maritime facility situated on the southeastern coast of Iran. Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Iran as part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides, took to his official X account and shared that both the ministers also exchanged views on the International North-South Transport Corridor. "Began my engagements in Tehran by meeting Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash. Detailed and productive discussion on establishing a long-term cooperation framework with respect to Chabahar port. Also exchanged views on the International North-South Transport Corridor," he wrote. Began my engagements in Tehran by meeting Minister of Roads and Urban Development @mehrdadbazrpash. Detailed and productive discussion on establishing a long-term cooperation framework with respect to Chabahar port. Also exchanged views on the International North-South… pic.twitter.com/mDBxfHV690 — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 15, 2024 × Bazrpash additionally proposed setting up a joint transport committee for the expansion of bilateral cooperation, stating that the formation of the committee would boost the transit capabilities and usage of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), as per Iran's Tasnim News Agency. In August 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation and leveraging Chabahar Port to its full potential as a centre for connectivity. Also read: PM Modi holds phone call with Putin to discuss regional and global issues "The two leaders reiterated their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation including to realize the full potential of Chabahar Port as a connectivity hub," Prime Minister's Office said in a press release. WATCH | India: EAM S Jaishankar's two-day visit to Iran amid rising tensions in West Asia × Chabahar Port and India's connectivity initiatives The Iranian port of Chabahar plays a significant role in India's connectivity initiatives as it provides a more economical and stable route for trade between India, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. INSTC is a multi-modal transportation route that connects the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean to the Caspian Sea via Iran and then travels via St. Petersburg, Russia, to northern Europe. According to MEA, India has utilised the Chabahar port to ship 75,000 MTs of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan in the year 2020. In 2021, India supplied 40,000 litres of environment-friendly pesticides to Iran to fight the locust menace. The port has also been utilised by the Central Asian Countries to access the global market and has increased trade and economic opportunities for the traders of the region. (With inputs from agencies)

India, Iran reach pact to further develop Chabahar port as minister Jaishankar visits

<p>In a significant discovery, wildlife officials in India documented the first-ever evidence of a rare Tibetan Brown Bear (scientific name: Ursus arctos pruinosus), that was spotted in the northeastern region of the country.</p>

<p>Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Parveen Kaswan, taking to his official X handle, said that the animal was spotted in the high altitudes of Northern Sikkim.</p>

<p>He further added that the latest discovery would add to the nation's diverse bear population.</p>

<p>"You are seeing the first ever picture of a rare Tibetan brown bear from #India. With this one more sub-species added to the Indian #biodiversity. This rare animal is documented in higher reaches of Sikkim with the joint effort of #Sikkim FD and WWF. So much India yet to be explored," Kaswan wrote.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You are seeing first ever picture of rare Tibetan Brown Bear from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>. With this one more sub-species added to the Indian <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/biodiversity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#biodiversity</a>. This rare animal is documented in higher reaches of Sikkim with the joint effort of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sikkim?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sikkim</a> FD and WWF. So much India yet to be explored. <a href="https://t.co/NvMohtXxjT">pic.twitter.com/NvMohtXxjT</a></p>
— Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParveenKaswan/status/1746735039751266702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>WATCH | Israel-Hamas war: Israeli army bears full responsibility</strong></p>

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<p>Camera traps captured the bear in December 2023 with its characteristic yellowish scarf-like collar that broadens from the shoulders to the chest in the Mangan district.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-and-iran-reach-agreement-on-further-development-of-chabahar-port-680269">India and Iran reach agreement on further development of Chabahar port</a></p>

<p>“The discovery of a rare Tibetan brown bear marks a significant moment for biodiversity in the region and underscores the importance of preserving and protecting the state’s precious wildlife,” an official said.</p>

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<p>It is an omnivore with a diet that generally consists of marmots and alpine vegetation. This rare bear is very diverse from the more commonly found Himalayan Black Bear in terms of its appearance, habitat, and behaviour. It inhabits high-altitude alpine forests, meadows, and steppe above 4000 metres.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Tibetan brown bear, also known as the Tibetan blue bear, is one of the rarest subspecies of bears in the world and is seldom sighted in the wild. It is uniquely adapted to the extreme conditions of the Tibetan Plateau. Until now, there were only a few confirmed records from Nepal, Bhutan, and the Tibetan plateau. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a significant discovery, wildlife officials in India documented the first-ever evidence of a rare Tibetan Brown Bear (scientific name: Ursus arctos pruinosus), that was spotted in the northeastern region of the country.

In a significant discovery, wildlife officials in India documented the first-ever evidence of a rare Tibetan Brown Bear (scientific name: Ursus arctos pruinosus), that was spotted in the northeastern region of the country. Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Parveen Kaswan, taking to his official X handle, said that the animal was spotted in the high altitudes of Northern Sikkim. He further added that the latest discovery would add to the nation's diverse bear population. "You are seeing the first ever picture of a rare Tibetan brown bear from #India. With this one more sub-species added to the Indian #biodiversity. This rare animal is documented in higher reaches of Sikkim with the joint effort of #Sikkim FD and WWF. So much India yet to be explored," Kaswan wrote. You are seeing first ever picture of rare Tibetan Brown Bear from #India. With this one more sub-species added to the Indian #biodiversity. This rare animal is documented in higher reaches of Sikkim with the joint effort of #Sikkim FD and WWF. So much India yet to be explored. pic.twitter.com/NvMohtXxjT — Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) January 15, 2024 × WATCH | Israel-Hamas war: Israeli army bears full responsibility × Camera traps captured the bear in December 2023 with its characteristic yellowish scarf-like collar that broadens from the shoulders to the chest in the Mangan district. Also read: India and Iran reach agreement on further development of Chabahar port “The discovery of a rare Tibetan brown bear marks a significant moment for biodiversity in the region and underscores the importance of preserving and protecting the state’s precious wildlife,” an official said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) × It is an omnivore with a diet that generally consists of marmots and alpine vegetation. This rare bear is very diverse from the more commonly found Himalayan Black Bear in terms of its appearance, habitat, and behaviour. It inhabits high-altitude alpine forests, meadows, and steppe above 4000 metres. The Tibetan brown bear, also known as the Tibetan blue bear, is one of the rarest subspecies of bears in the world and is seldom sighted in the wild. It is uniquely adapted to the extreme conditions of the Tibetan Plateau. Until now, there were only a few confirmed records from Nepal, Bhutan, and the Tibetan plateau. (With inputs from agencies)

India documents first-ever evidence of rare Tibetan Brown Bear

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Navya Beri

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