<p>The evacuated residents from the Icelandic town of Grindavík now fear that they may never be able to return to their homes after Sunday's volcanic eruption propelled lava towards the residential area, setting houses on fire and damaging water and electric supply.</p>

<p>The Fagradalsfjall volcano situated on the north of the Icelandic fishing village of Grindavik erupted early on Sunday (Jan 14), just hours after residents were evacuated in the vicinity of the area.</p>

<p>The eruption took place at 8:00 am (0800 GMT), according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO).</p>

<p>"A crack has opened up on both sides of the dykes that have begun to be built north of Grindavik," the Met Office wrote.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volcano-erupts-near-icelandic-fishing-town-forces-evacuation-of-residents-679931">Volcano erupts near Icelandic fishing town, sets houses on fire</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Volcanic eruption threw question mark over people's lives', say residents</strong></h2>

<p>Thirty-one-year-old David Ingi Bustion, an architect whose family has lived in the fishing town of Iceland for over three years, said that the latest lava explosion has left the 3,800 residents of Grindavík in uncertainty over the town's ability to be habitable ever again.</p>

<p>“We don’t know what will happen now. It has thrown a question mark over people’s lives,” The Guardian quoted Bustion as saying. “A few houses have burned but the water pipes and electricity have been damaged so there is no heating and it’s been really cold.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Volcano erupts in Southwest Iceland, flowing lava reaches fishing town</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reportedly the volcano appeared to be less active on Monday (Jan 15), however, the Icelandic meteorological office issued a warning stating that the area was at high risk.</p>

<p>“It is difficult to estimate how long this eruption will last,” it added.</p>

<p>This is the fifth volcanic eruption that has occurred in Iceland in nearly three years. The most recent occurred on December 18 in the same region, southwest of the capital Reykjavik.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Grindavik, most of the city’s 4,000 residents were ordered to evacuate on Nov 11 as a precautionary measure after scientists reported a tunnel of magma moving beneath the city</p>

<p>Small earthquakes, sometimes as many as 100 a day, lead to huge cracks in streets, homes and buildings.</p>

<p>Residents were allowed to return for brief periods after the volcanic eruption on Dec 18.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On December 23, they were allowed to move back in permanently, but only a few of them did so, only to be evacuated again on Saturday night.</p>

<p>“Most of our family had moved back to Grindavík and were there when it happened. At 3 am Sunday morning they were woken up by sirens and had to flee. People have reacted differently, but one of my cousins was very startled. Most people didn’t know if it was going to affect the town and just had to get their stuff and leave,” The Guardian quoted Bustion as saying.</p>

<p>“From what we have been told it doesn’t seem like there will be any more direct destruction inside the town, but the problem is there is no water or heating,” he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The evacuated residents from the Icelandic town of Grindavík now fear that they may never be able to return to their homes after Sunday's volcanic eruption propelled lava towards the residential area, setting houses on fire and damaging water and electric supply.

The evacuated residents from the Icelandic town of Grindavík now fear that they may never be able to return to their homes after Sunday's volcanic eruption propelled lava towards the residential area, setting houses on fire and damaging water and electric supply. The Fagradalsfjall volcano situated on the north of the Icelandic fishing village of Grindavik erupted early on Sunday (Jan 14), just hours after residents were evacuated in the vicinity of the area. The eruption took place at 8:00 am (0800 GMT), according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO). "A crack has opened up on both sides of the dykes that have begun to be built north of Grindavik," the Met Office wrote. Also read: Volcano erupts near Icelandic fishing town, sets houses on fire 'Volcanic eruption threw question mark over people's lives', say residents Thirty-one-year-old David Ingi Bustion, an architect whose family has lived in the fishing town of Iceland for over three years, said that the latest lava explosion has left the 3,800 residents of Grindavík in uncertainty over the town's ability to be habitable ever again. “We don’t know what will happen now. It has thrown a question mark over people’s lives,” The Guardian quoted Bustion as saying. “A few houses have burned but the water pipes and electricity have been damaged so there is no heating and it’s been really cold.” WATCH | Volcano erupts in Southwest Iceland, flowing lava reaches fishing town × Reportedly the volcano appeared to be less active on Monday (Jan 15), however, the Icelandic meteorological office issued a warning stating that the area was at high risk. “It is difficult to estimate how long this eruption will last,” it added. This is the fifth volcanic eruption that has occurred in Iceland in nearly three years. The most recent occurred on December 18 in the same region, southwest of the capital Reykjavik. In Grindavik, most of the city’s 4,000 residents were ordered to evacuate on Nov 11 as a precautionary measure after scientists reported a tunnel of magma moving beneath the city Small earthquakes, sometimes as many as 100 a day, lead to huge cracks in streets, homes and buildings. Residents were allowed to return for brief periods after the volcanic eruption on Dec 18. On December 23, they were allowed to move back in permanently, but only a few of them did so, only to be evacuated again on Saturday night. “Most of our family had moved back to Grindavík and were there when it happened. At 3 am Sunday morning they were woken up by sirens and had to flee. People have reacted differently, but one of my cousins was very startled. Most people didn’t know if it was going to affect the town and just had to get their stuff and leave,” The Guardian quoted Bustion as saying. “From what we have been told it doesn’t seem like there will be any more direct destruction inside the town, but the problem is there is no water or heating,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Volcanic eruption in Iceland's Grindavik leaves residents in limbo

<p>A United States-owned ship was struck by a missile off the coast of Yemen on Monday (Jan 15), a UK security agency and maritime risk company said.</p>

<p>This comes a day after Houthi rebels launched a cruise missile targeting a US destroyer.</p>

<p>The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations security agency on its website reported that a "vessel hit from above by a missile" in the Gulf of Aden without providing further details.</p>

<p>UK maritime risk company Ambrey said that a fire broke out on board the Marshall Islands-flagged, US-owned bulk carrier, further informing that no one was hurt in the incident and that the ship was still seaworthy.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">UKMTO WARNING 009/JAN/2024 - UPDATE 001<br />
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ATTACK<br />
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Warnings - 2024 (<a href="https://t.co/5An1YH0JyE">https://t.co/5An1YH0JyE</a>)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaritimeSecurity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaritimeSecurity</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarSec?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarSec</a> <a href="https://t.co/U3Y3S3qx9V">pic.twitter.com/U3Y3S3qx9V</a></p>
— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) <a href="https://twitter.com/UK_MTO/status/1746895176054845472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company "assessed the attack to have targeted US interests in response to US military strikes on Houthi military positions in Yemen", Ambrey said, adding that the vessel was "assessed to not be Israel-affiliated".</p>

<p>"The impact reportedly caused a fire in a hold. The bulker reportedly remained seaworthy, and no injuries were reported," it said.</p>

<p>The ship was identified by US Central Command as the M/V Gibraltar Eagle.</p>

<p>"On Jan. 15 at approximately 4 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and struck the M/V Gibraltar Eagle, a Marshall Islands-flagged, U.S.-owned and operated container ship. The ship has reported no injuries or significant damage and is continuing its journey," read a post by CENTCOM on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On Jan. 15 at approximately 4 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and struck the M/V Gibraltar Eagle, a Marshall Islands-flagged, U.S.-owned and operated container ship. The ship has… <a href="https://t.co/gixEMaUiVT">pic.twitter.com/gixEMaUiVT</a></p>
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1746913313932685597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-to-develop-islands-in-disputed-south-china-sea-that-it-considers-part-of-territory-680243">Philippines to develop islands in disputed South China Sea for troops</a></p>

<h2><strong>Yemen rebels claim attack on US-owned ship</strong></h2>

<p>Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the missile strike that hit the US-owned ship in the Gulf of Aden on Monday (Jan 15).</p>

<p>The Houthi's military spokesman Yahya Saree released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack claiming that the Iran-backed group "carried out a military operation targeting an American ship", adding that "a certain number of appropriate naval missiles" were used.</p>

<h2><strong>US says it shot down anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi area of Yemen</strong></h2>

<p>A US fighter aircraft shot down an anti-ship cruise missile fired from Iranian-backed Houthi rebel areas of Yemen towards the USS Laboon, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday (Jan 14).&nbsp;</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>

<p>"On Jan. 14 at approximately 4:45 p.m. (Sanaa time), an anti-ship cruise missile was fired from Iranian-backed Houthi militant areas of Yemen toward USS Laboon (DDG 58), which was operating in the Southern Red Sea," read the statement by CENTCOM posted on X.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On Jan. 14 at approximately 4:45 p.m. (Sanaa time), an anti-ship cruise missile was fired from Iranian-backed Houthi militant areas of Yemen toward USS Laboon (DDG 58), which was operating in the Southern Red Sea. The missile was shot down in vicinity of the coast of Hudaydah by… <a href="https://t.co/jftZHQhA2e">pic.twitter.com/jftZHQhA2e</a></p>
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1746705110401695779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The missile was shot down in the vicinity of the coast of Hudaydah by US fighter aircraft," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US and British forces on Friday (Jan 12) launched strikes on rebel targets across Yemen raising concerns that Israel's war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas could overtake the region.</p>

<h2><strong>Strikes against Houthis successful, says UK PM</strong></h2>

<p>UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday said that as per his government's assessment, all the planned targets were hit in the coalition strikes launched against Iran-backed Yemen's Houthi rebels.</p>

<p>He also said that there were no civilian casualties reported in the strikes, which took place overnight between Thursday and Friday.</p>

<p>"I can tell the House (of Commons) today that our initial assessment is that all 13 planned targets were destroyed," Sunak said during an address to parliament, describing the strikes as "successful".</p>

<p>"We have seen no evidence thus far of civilian causalities, which we took great care to avoid," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>'Security of all shipping harmed after US strikes on Yemen', says Hezbollah</strong></h2>

<p>The Hezbollah group on Sunday said that the United States was mistaken if it assumed that the Houthis would cease confronting Israel in the Red Sea, further stating that the US actions there would jeopardize the safety of all marine navigation.</p>

<p>“If (US President) Biden and those with him think the Yemenis will stop supporting Gaza in the Red Sea, they are wrong and ignorant. They don’t know Yemen, its people its leadership and its history. They don’t know anything,” Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah</p>

<p>Dubbing the coalition strikes by the US and Britain as "an act of stupidity", Nasrallah said the Houthis would continue targeting ships belonging to Israel and going to its ports.</p>

<p>"The more dangerous thing is what the Americans did in the Red Sea will harm the security of all maritime navigation, even the ships that are not going to Palestine, even the ships which are not Israeli, even the ships that have nothing to do with the matter because the sea has become a theatre of fighting, missiles, drones and warships," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A United States-owned ship was struck by a missile off the coast of Yemen on Monday (Jan 15), a UK security agency and maritime risk company said. This comes a day after Houthi rebels launched a cruise missile targeting a US destroyer.

A United States-owned ship was struck by a missile off the coast of Yemen on Monday (Jan 15), a UK security agency and maritime risk company said. This comes a day after Houthi rebels launched a cruise missile targeting a US destroyer. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations security agency on its website reported that a "vessel hit from above by a missile" in the Gulf of Aden without providing further details. UK maritime risk company Ambrey said that a fire broke out on board the Marshall Islands-flagged, US-owned bulk carrier, further informing that no one was hurt in the incident and that the ship was still seaworthy. UKMTO WARNING 009/JAN/2024 - UPDATE 001 ATTACK Warnings - 2024 (https://t.co/5An1YH0JyE)#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/U3Y3S3qx9V — United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) January 15, 2024 × The company "assessed the attack to have targeted US interests in response to US military strikes on Houthi military positions in Yemen", Ambrey said, adding that the vessel was "assessed to not be Israel-affiliated". "The impact reportedly caused a fire in a hold. The bulker reportedly remained seaworthy, and no injuries were reported," it said. The ship was identified by US Central Command as the M/V Gibraltar Eagle. "On Jan. 15 at approximately 4 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and struck the M/V Gibraltar Eagle, a Marshall Islands-flagged, U.S.-owned and operated container ship. The ship has reported no injuries or significant damage and is continuing its journey," read a post by CENTCOM on X. On Jan. 15 at approximately 4 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and struck the M/V Gibraltar Eagle, a Marshall Islands-flagged, U.S.-owned and operated container ship. The ship has… pic.twitter.com/gixEMaUiVT — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 15, 2024 × Also read: Philippines to develop islands in disputed South China Sea for troops Yemen rebels claim attack on US-owned ship Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the missile strike that hit the US-owned ship in the Gulf of Aden on Monday (Jan 15). The Houthi's military spokesman Yahya Saree released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack claiming that the Iran-backed group "carried out a military operation targeting an American ship", adding that "a certain number of appropriate naval missiles" were used. US says it shot down anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi area of Yemen A US fighter aircraft shot down an anti-ship cruise missile fired from Iranian-backed Houthi rebel areas of Yemen towards the USS Laboon, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday (Jan 14). WATCH | US & Britain unleash typhoons, Tomahawks & nuclear submarine on Houthis in Yemen × "On Jan. 14 at approximately 4:45 p.m. (Sanaa time), an anti-ship cruise missile was fired from Iranian-backed Houthi militant areas of Yemen toward USS Laboon (DDG 58), which was operating in the Southern Red Sea," read the statement by CENTCOM posted on X. On Jan. 14 at approximately 4:45 p.m. (Sanaa time), an anti-ship cruise missile was fired from Iranian-backed Houthi militant areas of Yemen toward USS Laboon (DDG 58), which was operating in the Southern Red Sea. The missile was shot down in vicinity of the coast of Hudaydah by… pic.twitter.com/jftZHQhA2e — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 15, 2024 × "The missile was shot down in the vicinity of the coast of Hudaydah by US fighter aircraft," it added. US and British forces on Friday (Jan 12) launched strikes on rebel targets across Yemen raising concerns that Israel's war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas could overtake the region. Strikes against Houthis successful, says UK PM UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday said that as per his government's assessment, all the planned targets were hit in the coalition strikes launched against Iran-backed Yemen's Houthi rebels. He also said that there were no civilian casualties reported in the strikes, which took place overnight between Thursday and Friday. "I can tell the House (of Commons) today that our initial assessment is that all 13 planned targets were destroyed," Sunak said during an address to parliament, describing the strikes as "successful". "We have seen no evidence thus far of civilian causalities, which we took great care to avoid," he added. 'Security of all shipping harmed after US strikes on Yemen', says Hezbollah The Hezbollah group on Sunday said that the United States was mistaken if it assumed that the Houthis would cease confronting Israel in the Red Sea, further stating that the US actions there would jeopardize the safety of all marine navigation. “If (US President) Biden and those with him think the Yemenis will stop supporting Gaza in the Red Sea, they are wrong and ignorant. They don’t know Yemen, its people its leadership and its history. They don’t know anything,” Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah Dubbing the coalition strikes by the US and Britain as "an act of stupidity", Nasrallah said the Houthis would continue targeting ships belonging to Israel and going to its ports. "The more dangerous thing is what the Americans did in the Red Sea will harm the security of all maritime navigation, even the ships that are not going to Palestine, even the ships which are not Israeli, even the ships that have nothing to do with the matter because the sea has become a theatre of fighting, missiles, drones and warships," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

US-owned cargo ship hit by missile off the coast of Yemen in latest attack

<p>The United Kingdom is set to label the Sunni Islamist political organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir as a designated terrorist group. The group had organised several pro-Palestinian rallies in the country in recent months in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.</p>

<p>The government had initiated the process to impose a ban on the group, said UK's Interior Minister James Cleverly on Monday (Jan 15), claiming that it was anti-Semitic and also promoted "terrorism".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The organisation is already banned in Bangladesh, Egypt, Germany, Pakistan and several Central Asian and Arab countries.</p>

<p>"Hizb ut-Tahrir is an anti-Semitic organisation that actively promotes and encourages terrorism, including praising and celebrating the appalling 7 October attacks (on Israel)," Cleverly said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have made the decision to ban Hizb ut-Tahrir in the UK.<br />
<br />
Their promotion and encouragement of the abhorrent attacks perpetrated by Hamas goes against everything our country stands for.<br />
<br />
Belonging to and inviting support for this group will be a criminal offence. <a href="https://t.co/WOanBzzAy8">https://t.co/WOanBzzAy8</a></p>
— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesCleverly/status/1746898750289650017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>If agreed by the parliament, the British government's prohibition of the Sunni Islamist political group will come into effect on Jan 19, placing it on par with al-Qaeda or ISIS.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ship-hit-by-missile-off-yemen-uk-maritime-security-agency-680257">US-owned cargo ship hit by missile off the coast of Yemen in latest attack</a></p>

<p>The proscription would also make it an offence to back the group, endorse it, arrange its meetings or carry its logo in public.</p>

<p>Those violating the rules could face punishment of up to 14 years in jail.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UK to send 20,000 service personnel for NATO’s military exercises</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Hizb ut-Tahrir’s praise of the 7 October attacks and associated incidents, as well as describing Hamas as 'heroes' on their central website constitutes promoting and encouraging terrorism," a government statement said.</p>

<p>"Hizb ut-Tahrir has a history of praising and celebrating attacks against Israel and attacks against Jews more widely. The UK stands strongly against anti-Semitism and will not tolerate the promotion of terrorism in any form," it added.</p>

<p>Cleverly, as per the government's website, is authorised to proscribe an organisation under British law if the group is believed to be "concerned in terrorism, and it is proportionate to do".</p>

<p>Founded in 1953, the group has its headquarters in Lebanon and operates in at least 32 countries including the UK, United States, Canada and Australia, according to UK's Home Office.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United Kingdom is set to label the Sunni Islamist political organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir as a designated terrorist group. The group had organised several pro-Palestinian rallies in the country in recent months in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.

The United Kingdom is set to label the Sunni Islamist political organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir as a designated terrorist group. The group had organised several pro-Palestinian rallies in the country in recent months in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war. The government had initiated the process to impose a ban on the group, said UK's Interior Minister James Cleverly on Monday (Jan 15), claiming that it was anti-Semitic and also promoted "terrorism". The organisation is already banned in Bangladesh, Egypt, Germany, Pakistan and several Central Asian and Arab countries. "Hizb ut-Tahrir is an anti-Semitic organisation that actively promotes and encourages terrorism, including praising and celebrating the appalling 7 October attacks (on Israel)," Cleverly said. I have made the decision to ban Hizb ut-Tahrir in the UK. Their promotion and encouragement of the abhorrent attacks perpetrated by Hamas goes against everything our country stands for. Belonging to and inviting support for this group will be a criminal offence. https://t.co/WOanBzzAy8 — James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) January 15, 2024 × If agreed by the parliament, the British government's prohibition of the Sunni Islamist political group will come into effect on Jan 19, placing it on par with al-Qaeda or ISIS. Also read: US-owned cargo ship hit by missile off the coast of Yemen in latest attack The proscription would also make it an offence to back the group, endorse it, arrange its meetings or carry its logo in public. Those violating the rules could face punishment of up to 14 years in jail. WATCH | UK to send 20,000 service personnel for NATO’s military exercises × "Hizb ut-Tahrir’s praise of the 7 October attacks and associated incidents, as well as describing Hamas as 'heroes' on their central website constitutes promoting and encouraging terrorism," a government statement said. "Hizb ut-Tahrir has a history of praising and celebrating attacks against Israel and attacks against Jews more widely. The UK stands strongly against anti-Semitism and will not tolerate the promotion of terrorism in any form," it added. Cleverly, as per the government's website, is authorised to proscribe an organisation under British law if the group is believed to be "concerned in terrorism, and it is proportionate to do". Founded in 1953, the group has its headquarters in Lebanon and operates in at least 32 countries including the UK, United States, Canada and Australia, according to UK's Home Office. (With inputs from agencies)

UK initiates process to ban pro-Palestinian organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir over promoting terrorism

<p>Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge along with Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi flagged off the outreach programme,&nbsp;Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, on Sunday (Jan 14) from violence-hit Manipur's Thoubal district near Imphal.</p>

<p>The yatra, which is set to cover over 6,700 kilometres over 67 days, traversing through 110 districts, will culminate in Mumbai on March 20 or 21.</p>

<p>Besides Manipur, the yatra will also cover four northeastern states which are Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Assam.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="qme">🇮🇳❤️ <a href="https://t.co/nomGaId9Kr">pic.twitter.com/nomGaId9Kr</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1746497764463374845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will then move on to West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-modi-celebrates-pongal-2024-says-festival-depicts-emotion-of-unity-679879">Prime Minister Modi celebrates Pongal 2024, says festival depicts ‘emotion of unity’</a></p>

<p>The starting point of the yatra was chosen as Manipur against the backdrop of the ongoing violence in the state which has so far killed nearly 180 since the month of May.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatJodoNyayYatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatJodoNyayYatra</a> begins, embarking on a journey to address critical issues &amp; champion justice.<br />
<br />
Join us in this collective effort for positive change! 🇮🇳<br />
<br />
𝐍𝐲𝐚𝐲 𝐊𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐪 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐤 <a href="https://t.co/SPz8QmFP1l">pic.twitter.com/SPz8QmFP1l</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1746494242271404426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'We are going through period of injustice,' says Rahul Gandhi</strong></h2>

<p>While addressing people after kickstarting the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Rahul Gandhi assured that his party would bring peace and harmony to the state after claiming that the people in the country were facing a period of "great injustice".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Congress launches Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur</strong></p>

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<p>"The questions arose- why the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. It is because we are going through a period of great injustice in India. It is of all kinds - social, political and economical," he said after launching his yatra from Manipur's Thoubal.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We understand the pain that the people of Manipur have been through.<br />
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Manipur has lost what it valued the most because of the politics of the BJP-RSS and the hatred they instill.<br />
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We will bring back the harmony, peace and affection that the state has always been known for.<br />
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:… <a href="https://t.co/7ArwVuDkcR">pic.twitter.com/7ArwVuDkcR</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1746494331517833400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress leader also took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not planning a visit to the conflict-torn state.</p>

<p>"I've been in politics since 2004 and for the first time, I visited a place in India where the entire infrastructure of governance has collapsed. After 29th June (his visit to state), Manipur wasn't Manipur anymore, it got divided and hatred was spread everywhere, lakhs of people suffered loss. People lost their loved ones in front of their eyes. And till now, the Indian PM has not come here to wipe your tears and hold your hand. It is a shameful thing," Rahul said.</p>

<p>He then accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of stealing the essence of the state and affirmed that his party would bring back the harmony and peace that Manipur was known for.</p>

<p>"We are here to listen to you, share your pain, and present a new vision of India that is one of harmony and equity. We understand your loss and grief and will bring back the harmony and peace for which Manipur was known," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge along with Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi flagged off the outreach programme, Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, on Sunday (Jan 14) from violence-hit Manipur's Thoubal district near Imphal.

Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge along with Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi flagged off the outreach programme, Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, on Sunday (Jan 14) from violence-hit Manipur's Thoubal district near Imphal. The yatra, which is set to cover over 6,700 kilometres over 67 days, traversing through 110 districts, will culminate in Mumbai on March 20 or 21. Besides Manipur, the yatra will also cover four northeastern states which are Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Assam. 🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/nomGaId9Kr — Congress (@INCIndia) January 14, 2024 × It will then move on to West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Also read: Prime Minister Modi celebrates Pongal 2024, says festival depicts ‘emotion of unity’ The starting point of the yatra was chosen as Manipur against the backdrop of the ongoing violence in the state which has so far killed nearly 180 since the month of May. The #BharatJodoNyayYatra begins, embarking on a journey to address critical issues & champion justice. Join us in this collective effort for positive change! 🇮🇳 𝐍𝐲𝐚𝐲 𝐊𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐪 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐤 pic.twitter.com/SPz8QmFP1l — Congress (@INCIndia) January 14, 2024 × 'We are going through period of injustice,' says Rahul Gandhi While addressing people after kickstarting the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Rahul Gandhi assured that his party would bring peace and harmony to the state after claiming that the people in the country were facing a period of "great injustice". WATCH | Congress launches Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur × "The questions arose- why the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. It is because we are going through a period of great injustice in India. It is of all kinds - social, political and economical," he said after launching his yatra from Manipur's Thoubal. We understand the pain that the people of Manipur have been through. Manipur has lost what it valued the most because of the politics of the BJP-RSS and the hatred they instill. We will bring back the harmony, peace and affection that the state has always been known for. :… pic.twitter.com/7ArwVuDkcR — Congress (@INCIndia) January 14, 2024 × The Congress leader also took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not planning a visit to the conflict-torn state. "I've been in politics since 2004 and for the first time, I visited a place in India where the entire infrastructure of governance has collapsed. After 29th June (his visit to state), Manipur wasn't Manipur anymore, it got divided and hatred was spread everywhere, lakhs of people suffered loss. People lost their loved ones in front of their eyes. And till now, the Indian PM has not come here to wipe your tears and hold your hand. It is a shameful thing," Rahul said. He then accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of stealing the essence of the state and affirmed that his party would bring back the harmony and peace that Manipur was known for. "We are here to listen to you, share your pain, and present a new vision of India that is one of harmony and equity. We understand your loss and grief and will bring back the harmony and peace for which Manipur was known," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Congress kickstarts Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from violence-hit Manipur's Thoubal

<p>Turkish police held 18 people over "praising terrorism", the authorities said on Monday (Jan 15), while in northern Iraq a senior member of the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) was "neutralised."</p>

<p>On Friday (Jan 12), at least nine Turkish soldiers were killed in clashes with the PKK in northern Iraq which further prompted Ankara to conduct air strikes and operations in Iraq as well as northern Syria.</p>

<p>Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya took to his official social media handle and in a posting said that the police had detained 18 people for "praising a terrorist organisation", "spreading terrorism propaganda," and "spreading misleading information" over Turkey's operations in Iraq.</p>

<p>Yerlikaya added that arrest warrants were issued for 19 others in Turkey as well as 133 living abroad.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-claims-it-shot-down-anti-ship-cruise-missile-from-houthi-area-of-yemen-targeting-uss-laboon-679991">US claims it shot down anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi area of Yemen</a></p>

<h2><strong>Turkey launches attacks against Kurdish 'terrorist targets' in Iraq, Syria</strong></h2>

<p>Turkey carried out another series of its air operations in northern Iraq and Syria in retaliation to the deaths of nine Turkish soldiers, the authorities said on Sunday (Jan 14).</p>

<p>"In accordance with our right to self-defence... air operations were carried out against terrorist targets in northern Iraq in the regions of Metina, Hakurk, Gara, Qandil and Asos, and in northern Syria," the Turkish defence ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Turkey launches airstrikes against Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Turkish military claimed to have hit 24 targets, "including caves, shelters, ammunition and equipment depots, housing and gas factories" used by Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) fighters.</p>

<p>Earlier on Sunday (Jan 14), the official Turkish news agency Anadolu reported that a total of 23 targets, comprising bases and arms depots, were destroyed in northern Syria.</p>

<p>Turkey on Saturday announced that it had struck 54 "targets" in Syria and Iraq that were affiliated with the PKK and the People's Protection Units (YPG).</p>

<p>A Turkish security source said that the National Intelligence Agency (MIT) had "neutralised" Hulya Mercen, a high-ranking PKK member who had previously carried out several attacks on Turkish troops in the Metina region in northern Iraq.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Turkish police held 18 people over "praising terrorism", the authorities said on Monday (Jan 15), while in northern Iraq a senior member of the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) was "neutralised.

Turkish police held 18 people over "praising terrorism", the authorities said on Monday (Jan 15), while in northern Iraq a senior member of the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) was "neutralised." On Friday (Jan 12), at least nine Turkish soldiers were killed in clashes with the PKK in northern Iraq which further prompted Ankara to conduct air strikes and operations in Iraq as well as northern Syria. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya took to his official social media handle and in a posting said that the police had detained 18 people for "praising a terrorist organisation", "spreading terrorism propaganda," and "spreading misleading information" over Turkey's operations in Iraq. Yerlikaya added that arrest warrants were issued for 19 others in Turkey as well as 133 living abroad. Also read: US claims it shot down anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi area of Yemen Turkey launches attacks against Kurdish 'terrorist targets' in Iraq, Syria Turkey carried out another series of its air operations in northern Iraq and Syria in retaliation to the deaths of nine Turkish soldiers, the authorities said on Sunday (Jan 14). "In accordance with our right to self-defence... air operations were carried out against terrorist targets in northern Iraq in the regions of Metina, Hakurk, Gara, Qandil and Asos, and in northern Syria," the Turkish defence ministry said in a statement. WATCH | Turkey launches airstrikes against Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria × The Turkish military claimed to have hit 24 targets, "including caves, shelters, ammunition and equipment depots, housing and gas factories" used by Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) fighters. Earlier on Sunday (Jan 14), the official Turkish news agency Anadolu reported that a total of 23 targets, comprising bases and arms depots, were destroyed in northern Syria. Turkey on Saturday announced that it had struck 54 "targets" in Syria and Iraq that were affiliated with the PKK and the People's Protection Units (YPG). A Turkish security source said that the National Intelligence Agency (MIT) had "neutralised" Hulya Mercen, a high-ranking PKK member who had previously carried out several attacks on Turkish troops in the Metina region in northern Iraq. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey detains 18 people for ‘praising terrorist organisation’ after killing of soldiers in Iraq

<p>Russia on Monday (Jan 15) said that it has convicted over 200 Ukrainian prisoners of war to severe prison terms, some of which were life sentences.</p>

<p>The development comes when the Kremlin is about to complete nearly two years of its offensive against Ukraine.</p>

<p>Russia is believed to have held thousands of Ukrainian troops captive during the siege of the port city of Mariupol in 2022. &nbsp;</p>

<p>International rights organisations and Kiev have criticised Moscow's POW trials calling the move illegal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"More than 200 Ukrainian military personnel have been sentenced to long prison sentences for committing murder of civilians and mistreating prisoners (of war)," Alexander Bastrykin, the head of Russia's Investigative Committee, said in an interview to state news outlet RIA Novosti.</p>

<p>He further claimed that Moscow would continue its efforts to prosecute Ukrainian military personnel, including "high-level officials."</p>

<p>While some Ukrainian prisoners of war were transferred to Russia, many of them were detained in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: 83 countries hold Ukraine peace talks without Russia</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the interview, Bastrykin did not clarify if the troops were sentenced in Russia or occupied Ukraine.</p>

<p>However, as per news agency AFP reports, state-run outlet RT quoted an Investigative Committee source as saying that 242 soldiers were handed sentences in occupied Ukraine.</p>

<p>Russia and Ukraine, on January 3, released a statement saying that they had swapped hundreds of captive soldiers in their very first exchange in months. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-tsai-meets-us-delegation-after-key-election-calls-visit-show-of-close-and-staunch-partnership-680001">Taiwan's Tsai meets US delegation after key election, calls visit show of 'close and staunch partnership'</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Pro-Ukrainian sabotage'</strong></h2>

<p>Bastrykin also shared details about Russia's battle against pro-Ukrainian sabotage.</p>

<p>He revealed that the authorities had not only uncovered railway sabotage in regions close to the Ukrainian border like Bryansk, but also in the Siberian regions of Tyumen, Tomsk, Novosibirsk and the northern Komi region.</p>

<p>"In the conditions of the special military operation, we can see Ukrainian special services are trying to wage their subversive activities, using terrorist methods, despite possible accidental victims," Bastrykin said.</p>

<p>He further warned that Russians were being "misled... promised rewards and pushed to commit illegal acts."</p>

<p>Recently, Russia and Belarus have been affected by a series of mysterious train derailments that reportedly were aimed at obstructing army supply routes to Ukraine.</p>

<p>Bastrykin said that the number of cases of extremism rose by 62 per cent in the year 2023 as compared to 2022, indicating that Moscow was intensifying its clampdown on opponents while troops were fighting in Ukraine.</p>

<p>He stated that Moscow had filed 273 cases for spreading fakes&nbsp;on the Russian army and 81 cases over "discrediting" Moscow's forces.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine and Russia swap prisoners of war in first deal in months</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Earlier on Jan 3, Russia and Ukraine had exchanged hundreds of prisoners of war in the first such deal in nearly five months which was mediated by the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moscow said that it was a complex negotiation, and the UAE was involved in it. Without providing details, Ukraine's POW coordination centre also briefly acknowledged the UAE's role in the exchange.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia said Ukraine had handed over 248 military personnel, while Kyiv welcomed back 230 people - 224 soldiers and six civilians.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia on Monday (Jan 15) said that it has convicted over 200 Ukrainian prisoners of war to severe prison terms, some of which were life sentences. The development comes when the Kremlin is about to complete nearly two years of its offensive against Ukraine.

Russia on Monday (Jan 15) said that it has convicted over 200 Ukrainian prisoners of war to severe prison terms, some of which were life sentences. The development comes when the Kremlin is about to complete nearly two years of its offensive against Ukraine. Russia is believed to have held thousands of Ukrainian troops captive during the siege of the port city of Mariupol in 2022. International rights organisations and Kiev have criticised Moscow's POW trials calling the move illegal. "More than 200 Ukrainian military personnel have been sentenced to long prison sentences for committing murder of civilians and mistreating prisoners (of war)," Alexander Bastrykin, the head of Russia's Investigative Committee, said in an interview to state news outlet RIA Novosti. He further claimed that Moscow would continue its efforts to prosecute Ukrainian military personnel, including "high-level officials." While some Ukrainian prisoners of war were transferred to Russia, many of them were detained in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: 83 countries hold Ukraine peace talks without Russia × In the interview, Bastrykin did not clarify if the troops were sentenced in Russia or occupied Ukraine. However, as per news agency AFP reports, state-run outlet RT quoted an Investigative Committee source as saying that 242 soldiers were handed sentences in occupied Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine, on January 3, released a statement saying that they had swapped hundreds of captive soldiers in their very first exchange in months. Also read: Taiwan's Tsai meets US delegation after key election, calls visit show of 'close and staunch partnership' 'Pro-Ukrainian sabotage' Bastrykin also shared details about Russia's battle against pro-Ukrainian sabotage. He revealed that the authorities had not only uncovered railway sabotage in regions close to the Ukrainian border like Bryansk, but also in the Siberian regions of Tyumen, Tomsk, Novosibirsk and the northern Komi region. "In the conditions of the special military operation, we can see Ukrainian special services are trying to wage their subversive activities, using terrorist methods, despite possible accidental victims," Bastrykin said. He further warned that Russians were being "misled... promised rewards and pushed to commit illegal acts." Recently, Russia and Belarus have been affected by a series of mysterious train derailments that reportedly were aimed at obstructing army supply routes to Ukraine. Bastrykin said that the number of cases of extremism rose by 62 per cent in the year 2023 as compared to 2022, indicating that Moscow was intensifying its clampdown on opponents while troops were fighting in Ukraine. He stated that Moscow had filed 273 cases for spreading fakes on the Russian army and 81 cases over "discrediting" Moscow's forces. Ukraine and Russia swap prisoners of war in first deal in months Earlier on Jan 3, Russia and Ukraine had exchanged hundreds of prisoners of war in the first such deal in nearly five months which was mediated by the United Arab Emirates. Moscow said that it was a complex negotiation, and the UAE was involved in it. Without providing details, Ukraine's POW coordination centre also briefly acknowledged the UAE's role in the exchange. Russia said Ukraine had handed over 248 military personnel, while Kyiv welcomed back 230 people - 224 soldiers and six civilians. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia sentences over 200 Ukrainian prisoners of war to lengthy sentences

<p>Yemen's Houthi rebels on Sunday (Jan 14) reported fresh strikes that hit the port city of Hodeida, condemning the United States and Britain for targeted attacks.</p>

<p>However, the United States denied the reports saying no coalition strike was conducted by Washington and London today.</p>

<p>A US defence official speaking on condition of anonymity said, "No US or coalition strike occurred today."</p>

<p>The Iran-backed rebel group's website had earlier said that “air strikes from the American-British aggression hit Hodeida.”</p>

<p>The website, citing a security source, said that the strikes hit the Jabal Jada area in the Al-Luhaya district of Hodeida governorate, which is situated on Yemen's Red Sea coast.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Biden says US sent private message to Iran about Houthi attacks</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United States and British forces on Friday (Jan 12) launched strikes in retaliation to the attacks by Houthi rebels on Red Sea shipping vessels which are linked to Israel.</p>

<p>The rebels claim that their attacks are aimed at showing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing war between Israel and the militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthis-say-strikes-will-not-go-unpunished-or-unanswered-679470">Yemen's Houthis say strikes will not go 'unpunished or unanswered'</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Security of all shipping harmed after US strikes on Yemen', says Hezbollah</strong></h2>

<p>The Hezbollah group on Sunday said that the United States was mistaken if it assumed that the Houthis would cease confronting Israel in the Red Sea, further stating that the US actions there would jeopardize the safety of all marine navigation.</p>

<p>“If (US President) Biden and those with him think the Yemenis will stop supporting Gaza in the Red Sea, they are wrong and ignorant. They don’t know Yemen, its people and its leadership and its history. They don’t know anything,” Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah</p>

<p>Dubbing the coalition strikes by the US and Britain as "an act of stupidity", Nasrallah said the Houthis would continue targeting ships belonging to Israel and going to its ports.</p>

<p>"The more dangerous thing is what the Americans did in the Red Sea will harm the security of all maritime navigation, even the ships that are not going to Palestine, even the ships which are not Israeli, even the ships that have nothing to do with the matter because the sea has become a theatre of fighting, missiles, drones and warships," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Yemen's Houthi rebels on Sunday (Jan 14) reported fresh strikes that hit the port city of Hodeida, condemning the United States and Britain for targeted attacks.

Yemen's Houthi rebels on Sunday (Jan 14) reported fresh strikes that hit the port city of Hodeida, condemning the United States and Britain for targeted attacks. However, the United States denied the reports saying no coalition strike was conducted by Washington and London today. A US defence official speaking on condition of anonymity said, "No US or coalition strike occurred today." The Iran-backed rebel group's website had earlier said that “air strikes from the American-British aggression hit Hodeida.” The website, citing a security source, said that the strikes hit the Jabal Jada area in the Al-Luhaya district of Hodeida governorate, which is situated on Yemen's Red Sea coast. WATCH | Biden says US sent private message to Iran about Houthi attacks × The United States and British forces on Friday (Jan 12) launched strikes in retaliation to the attacks by Houthi rebels on Red Sea shipping vessels which are linked to Israel. The rebels claim that their attacks are aimed at showing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing war between Israel and the militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Also read: Yemen's Houthis say strikes will not go 'unpunished or unanswered' 'Security of all shipping harmed after US strikes on Yemen', says Hezbollah The Hezbollah group on Sunday said that the United States was mistaken if it assumed that the Houthis would cease confronting Israel in the Red Sea, further stating that the US actions there would jeopardize the safety of all marine navigation. “If (US President) Biden and those with him think the Yemenis will stop supporting Gaza in the Red Sea, they are wrong and ignorant. They don’t know Yemen, its people and its leadership and its history. They don’t know anything,” Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah Dubbing the coalition strikes by the US and Britain as "an act of stupidity", Nasrallah said the Houthis would continue targeting ships belonging to Israel and going to its ports. "The more dangerous thing is what the Americans did in the Red Sea will harm the security of all maritime navigation, even the ships that are not going to Palestine, even the ships which are not Israeli, even the ships that have nothing to do with the matter because the sea has become a theatre of fighting, missiles, drones and warships," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Houthis claim fresh strikes hit port city of Yemen; US denies new attacks

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Jan 12) inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu. The bridge built at a cost of Rs 17,840 crore ($2.15 billion)&nbsp;is the longest in the country and will connect south Mumbai with Nhava-Sheva in Navi Mumbai.</p>

<p>Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Governor Ramesh Bais, and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present during the event.</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> | PM Modi inaugurates Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari - Nhava Sheva Atal Setu in Maharashtra<br />
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Atal Setu is the longest bridge in India and also the longest sea bridge in the country. It will provide faster connectivity to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai… <a href="https://t.co/2GT2OUkVnC">pic.twitter.com/2GT2OUkVnC</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1745755162231361905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Named after the late leader of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the bridge is 21.8 km long and will also&nbsp;provide faster connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Pune.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will also improve connectivity between the Mumbai Port and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Navi Mumbai.</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> | The 21.8km long Mumbai Transharbour link (MTHL), now named ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri - Nhava Sheva Atal Setu’, built at a total cost of more than Rs 17,840 crore was inaugurated by PM Modi, today<br />
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Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais, CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM… <a href="https://t.co/3iM75feiqr">pic.twitter.com/3iM75feiqr</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1745756597077574076?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The foundation stone of the bridge was laid by PM Modi in the year 2016.</p>

<p>On Friday, the Indian prime minister also laid the foundation stone of an underground road tunnel that will connect the Eastern Freeway in eastern Mumbai to Marine Drive in south Mumbai.</p>

<p>The 9.2 km tunnel will be built at a cost of more than Rs 8700 crore ($1.05 billion).</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-all-set-to-inaugurate-atal-setu-today-here-are-five-key-facts-to-know-679273">Indian PM all set to inaugurate Atal Setu today; here are five key facts to know</a></p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi inaugurates 27th National Youth Festival</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated the 27th National Youth Festival at Tapovan Ground in Maharashtra's Nashik where he encouraged the youth of the country to indulge in activities that would be remembered by&nbsp;future generations.</p>

<p><strong>Watch </strong>|&nbsp;<strong>PM Modi inaugurates India's longest sea bridge 'Atal Setu' in Mumbai</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"From the sages, and saints of our country to the common man, everyone has always kept youth power paramount. Sri Aurobindo believed that if India wants to achieve her goals, the youth of India will have to move forward with independent thinking. Swami Vivekananda used to say that India's hopes rest on the<br />
character and commitment of her youth," said the PM.</p>

<p>"The youth have the calibre to create history, do such work that the generation of that time in the next century will remember you," PM Modi further said.</p>

<p>He also&nbsp;expressed his confidence in the&nbsp;ability of the youth to elevate the country and highlighted India's achievements, positioning it as the world's fifth largest economy. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am confident that your strength and your spirit of service will take the country and society to new heights. Your efforts and your hard work will hoist the flag of the power of young India all over the world. I request you to start using products that are locally manufactured, start promoting them and stand for made-in-India products. Together, we can build our country to be the manufacturing hub of the world," PM Modi&nbsp;said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Jan 12) inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu. The bridge built at a cost of Rs 17,840 crore ($2.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Jan 12) inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu. The bridge built at a cost of Rs 17,840 crore ($2.15 billion) is the longest in the country and will connect south Mumbai with Nhava-Sheva in Navi Mumbai. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Governor Ramesh Bais, and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present during the event. #WATCH | PM Modi inaugurates Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari - Nhava Sheva Atal Setu in Maharashtra Atal Setu is the longest bridge in India and also the longest sea bridge in the country. It will provide faster connectivity to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai… pic.twitter.com/2GT2OUkVnC — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2024 × Named after the late leader of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the bridge is 21.8 km long and will also provide faster connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Pune. It will also improve connectivity between the Mumbai Port and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Navi Mumbai. #WATCH | The 21.8km long Mumbai Transharbour link (MTHL), now named ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri - Nhava Sheva Atal Setu’, built at a total cost of more than Rs 17,840 crore was inaugurated by PM Modi, today Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais, CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM… pic.twitter.com/3iM75feiqr — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2024 × The foundation stone of the bridge was laid by PM Modi in the year 2016. On Friday, the Indian prime minister also laid the foundation stone of an underground road tunnel that will connect the Eastern Freeway in eastern Mumbai to Marine Drive in south Mumbai. The 9.2 km tunnel will be built at a cost of more than Rs 8700 crore ($1.05 billion). Also read: Indian PM all set to inaugurate Atal Setu today; here are five key facts to know PM Modi inaugurates 27th National Youth Festival Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated the 27th National Youth Festival at Tapovan Ground in Maharashtra's Nashik where he encouraged the youth of the country to indulge in activities that would be remembered by future generations. Watch | PM Modi inaugurates India's longest sea bridge 'Atal Setu' in Mumbai × "From the sages, and saints of our country to the common man, everyone has always kept youth power paramount. Sri Aurobindo believed that if India wants to achieve her goals, the youth of India will have to move forward with independent thinking. Swami Vivekananda used to say that India's hopes rest on the character and commitment of her youth," said the PM. "The youth have the calibre to create history, do such work that the generation of that time in the next century will remember you," PM Modi further said. He also expressed his confidence in the ability of the youth to elevate the country and highlighted India's achievements, positioning it as the world's fifth largest economy. "I am confident that your strength and your spirit of service will take the country and society to new heights. Your efforts and your hard work will hoist the flag of the power of young India all over the world. I request you to start using products that are locally manufactured, start promoting them and stand for made-in-India products. Together, we can build our country to be the manufacturing hub of the world," PM Modi said. (With inputs from agencies)

Atal Setu: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates country's longest sea bridge in Mumbai

<p>Chinese military on Friday (Jan 12) released a statement saying it would "crush" any efforts made in a bid to endorse Taiwan's independence. The statement comes&nbsp;a day before the scheduled polls in&nbsp;the self-ruled island, which Beijing claims is part of its territory.</p>

<p>"The Chinese People's Liberation Army maintains high vigilance at all times and will take all necessary measures to firmly crush 'Taiwan independence' attempts of all forms," Defence Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said in a statement.</p>

<p>Zhang further condemned Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party for propelling the island "toward the dangerous conditions of war" after it bought arms from China's arch-foe the United States.</p>

<p>Taiwan's&nbsp;democracy of 23 million people is disbanded by a narrow 180-kilometre (110-mile) channel from communist-ruled China, which has pledged to retake the island one day.</p>

<p>The presidential election&nbsp;scheduled for Saturday is being closely monitored around the globe as the winner will lead the strategically significant island, a prominent producer of crucial semiconductors, as it manages ties with China.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |</strong> <strong>Taiwan Presidential Election: China calls Taiwanese Presidential candidate as a 'severe danger'</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent years, Beijing has maintained a recurrent military presence around Taiwan and has sent in warplanes and ships to its surroundings in the so-called "grey zone".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-negotiates-immediate-ceasefire-between-myanmar-army-armed-alliance-679309">China negotiates 'immediate ceasefire' between Myanmar army, armed alliance</a></p>

<h2><strong>Chinese ‘spy’ balloons spotted over Taiwan</strong></h2>

<p>According to the&nbsp;Taiwanese Defence Ministry, Chinese balloons have been spotted flying over Taiwan a number of times in recent months. On occasions, they have&nbsp;crossed&nbsp;the narrow Taiwan Strait which separates the island from mainland China.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday (Jan 9), Taiwan’s defence ministry said that it spotted four Chinese balloons over the Taiwan Strait a day prior, two of which crossed the Taiwan Strait.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was after Taiwanese officials said they detected three Chinese balloons flying over the Taiwan Strait on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the Taiwanese defence ministry has not directly said that the balloons are being used for spying. Officials have also said that so far they have not recovered any remains of the balloons and were not considering shooting them down, at least for now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid rise in such&nbsp;incidents, Taiwan accuses China of threatening aviation safety and waging psychological warfare on the island’s people ahead of its presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday (Jan 13).&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chinese military on Friday (Jan 12) released a statement saying it would "crush" any efforts made in a bid to endorse Taiwan's independence. The statement comes a day before the scheduled polls in the self-ruled island, which Beijing claims is part of its territory.

Chinese military on Friday (Jan 12) released a statement saying it would "crush" any efforts made in a bid to endorse Taiwan's independence. The statement comes a day before the scheduled polls in the self-ruled island, which Beijing claims is part of its territory. "The Chinese People's Liberation Army maintains high vigilance at all times and will take all necessary measures to firmly crush 'Taiwan independence' attempts of all forms," Defence Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said in a statement. Zhang further condemned Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party for propelling the island "toward the dangerous conditions of war" after it bought arms from China's arch-foe the United States. Taiwan's democracy of 23 million people is disbanded by a narrow 180-kilometre (110-mile) channel from communist-ruled China, which has pledged to retake the island one day. The presidential election scheduled for Saturday is being closely monitored around the globe as the winner will lead the strategically significant island, a prominent producer of crucial semiconductors, as it manages ties with China. Watch | Taiwan Presidential Election: China calls Taiwanese Presidential candidate as a 'severe danger' × In recent years, Beijing has maintained a recurrent military presence around Taiwan and has sent in warplanes and ships to its surroundings in the so-called "grey zone". Also read: China negotiates 'immediate ceasefire' between Myanmar army, armed alliance Chinese ‘spy’ balloons spotted over Taiwan According to the Taiwanese Defence Ministry, Chinese balloons have been spotted flying over Taiwan a number of times in recent months. On occasions, they have crossed the narrow Taiwan Strait which separates the island from mainland China. On Tuesday (Jan 9), Taiwan’s defence ministry said that it spotted four Chinese balloons over the Taiwan Strait a day prior, two of which crossed the Taiwan Strait. This was after Taiwanese officials said they detected three Chinese balloons flying over the Taiwan Strait on Sunday. However, the Taiwanese defence ministry has not directly said that the balloons are being used for spying. Officials have also said that so far they have not recovered any remains of the balloons and were not considering shooting them down, at least for now. Amid rise in such incidents, Taiwan accuses China of threatening aviation safety and waging psychological warfare on the island’s people ahead of its presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday (Jan 13). (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan presidential election: Will firmly crush 'independence attempts', says China ahead of polls

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<p>Just days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, which is considered to be the longest in the country, several posts surfaced on the internet showing people flouting rules and regulations.</p>

<p>In the videos, people could be seen halting their cars for selfies on the stretch that has a speed limit of 100 kmph. Other social media posts that went viral featured several parked cars with commuters taking pictures.</p>

<p>While some posts also showed trash strewn on the newly inaugurated bridge's side.</p>

<p>As per the numbers released by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, nearly 9,000 vehicles on Saturday (Jan 13) took the sea link in just 12 hours.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-prime-minister-narendra-modi-inaugurates-countrys-longest-sea-bridge-in-mumbai-679329">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates country's longest sea bridge in Mumbai</a></p>

<p>An account on X named Mumbai Matters shared the pictures and wrote in a posting, "When it's Said No Stopping On #MTHL, This has to Happen. Then Zoom and See the circled area," encircling and highlighting the irresponsible behaviour of commuters.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When it's Said<br />
<br />
No Stopping<br />
<br />
On <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MTHL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MTHL</a><br />
<br />
This has to Happen..<br />
<br />
Then Zoom and See the circled area..<br />
<br />
Pic by <a href="https://twitter.com/sunilcredible?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sunilcredible</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZtvsF13ALQ">pic.twitter.com/ZtvsF13ALQ</a></p>
— मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mumbaimatterz/status/1746169857161511253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pictures and videos immediately grabbed the attention of the users with some calling the authorities to take immediate action against the ones breaking rules.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">More visuals of Idiocracy &amp; Madness at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MTHL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MTHL</a>...<br />
<br />
Seems like the latest Picnic Spot....<br />
<br />
Have a looked at the parked car &amp; also the <a href="https://twitter.com/MTPHereToHelp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MTPHereToHelp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Navimumpolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Navimumpolice</a> Police Van watching the Selfie takers &amp; doing nothing.<br />
<br />
Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/GadgetFreak4U?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GadgetFreak4U</a> for the video.. <a href="https://t.co/vvwMFo0u1Y">https://t.co/vvwMFo0u1Y</a> <a href="https://t.co/O4VlZ2xqRH">pic.twitter.com/O4VlZ2xqRH</a></p>
— मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mumbaimatterz/status/1746196148661157895?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BreakingNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BreakingNews</a><br />
<br />
Spotted the First few Pan Gutkha Stains on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MTHL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MTHL</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalSetu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalSetu</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoloZubanKesari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoloZubanKesari</a> <a href="https://t.co/M0jdBKzUUa">pic.twitter.com/M0jdBKzUUa</a></p>
— मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mumbaimatterz/status/1746264060478558432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>One social media user said, ''Sad. Need to respect all our public infrastructure. Considering the whole stretch is covered by CCTV, the culprits need to be exposed.''</p>

<p>Another user commented, ''The government can only build new infrastructure Maintenance is the duty of the citizens Which unfortunately is not in the genes of Indians.''</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;PM Modi inaugurates India's longest sea bridge 'Atal Setu' in Mumbai</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>While a third said, "Should penalise all these people who are stopping halting cars on MTHL.''&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi on Friday (Jan 12) inaugurated the Atal Setu which is built at a cost of Rs 17,840 crore ($2.15 billion).</p>

<p>The bridge, which is 21.8 km long, is set to provide faster connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Pune.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will also improve connectivity between the Mumbai Port and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Navi Mumbai.</p>

<p>The foundation stone of the bridge was laid by PM Modi in the year 2016.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Just days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, which is considered to be the longest in the country, several posts surfaced on the internet showing people flouting rules and regulations.

Just days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, which is considered to be the longest in the country, several posts surfaced on the internet showing people flouting rules and regulations. In the videos, people could be seen halting their cars for selfies on the stretch that has a speed limit of 100 kmph. Other social media posts that went viral featured several parked cars with commuters taking pictures. While some posts also showed trash strewn on the newly inaugurated bridge's side. As per the numbers released by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, nearly 9,000 vehicles on Saturday (Jan 13) took the sea link in just 12 hours. Also read: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates country's longest sea bridge in Mumbai An account on X named Mumbai Matters shared the pictures and wrote in a posting, "When it's Said No Stopping On #MTHL, This has to Happen. Then Zoom and See the circled area," encircling and highlighting the irresponsible behaviour of commuters. When it's Said No Stopping On #MTHL This has to Happen.. Then Zoom and See the circled area.. Pic by @sunilcredible pic.twitter.com/ZtvsF13ALQ — मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) January 13, 2024 × The pictures and videos immediately grabbed the attention of the users with some calling the authorities to take immediate action against the ones breaking rules. More visuals of Idiocracy & Madness at #MTHL... Seems like the latest Picnic Spot.... Have a looked at the parked car & also the @MTPHereToHelp @Navimumpolice Police Van watching the Selfie takers & doing nothing. Thanks @GadgetFreak4U for the video.. https://t.co/vvwMFo0u1Y pic.twitter.com/O4VlZ2xqRH — मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) January 13, 2024 × #BreakingNews Spotted the First few Pan Gutkha Stains on #MTHL#AtalSetu#BoloZubanKesari pic.twitter.com/M0jdBKzUUa — मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) January 13, 2024 × One social media user said, ''Sad. Need to respect all our public infrastructure. Considering the whole stretch is covered by CCTV, the culprits need to be exposed.'' Another user commented, ''The government can only build new infrastructure Maintenance is the duty of the citizens Which unfortunately is not in the genes of Indians.'' WATCH | PM Modi inaugurates India's longest sea bridge 'Atal Setu' in Mumbai × While a third said, "Should penalise all these people who are stopping halting cars on MTHL.'' PM Modi on Friday (Jan 12) inaugurated the Atal Setu which is built at a cost of Rs 17,840 crore ($2.15 billion). The bridge, which is 21.8 km long, is set to provide faster connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Pune. It will also improve connectivity between the Mumbai Port and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Navi Mumbai. The foundation stone of the bridge was laid by PM Modi in the year 2016. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: Sight of people flouting rules on India’s longest sea bridge takes internet by storm

<p>Taiwan advised China to "face reality" after Beijing issued a fresh warning to the self-ruled island stating that any efforts made towards independence would be "harshly punished".</p>

<p>This came a day after Lai Ching-te, the presidential candidate representing Taiwan's ruling party, secured victory in an election that China had characterised as a pivotal choice between "war and peace".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taipei's foreign ministry on Sunday (Jan 14) told Beijing to respect the election result and give up suppressing Taiwan.</p>

<p>"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the Beijing authorities to respect the election results, face reality and give up suppressing Taiwan in order for positive cross-strait interactions to return to the right track," it said in a statement.</p>

<p>Beijing which considers Taiwan as its territory and has never stopped using force to impose its will on the island, argued that the election did not alter the fact that Taiwan still&nbsp;remained a part of China.</p>

<p>China's foreign minister Wang Yi warned that steps towards the self-ruled island's independence would lead to harsh punishment.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Taiwan Election 2024: Taipei asks Beijing to respect results of election, give up suppressing Taiwan</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If anyone on the island of Taiwan thinks of going for independence, they will be... trying to split China, and will certainly be harshly punished by both history and the law," Wang Yi said in a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry in Cairo, adding: "This is a dead end."</p>

<p>"Taiwan has never been a country. It wasn't in the past, and it certainly won't be in the future," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-army-vows-to-crush-taiwan-independence-efforts-679372">Taiwan presidential election: 'Will firmly crush 'independence' attempts' says China ahead of polls</a></p>

<h2><strong>Lai Ching-te secures victory in Taiwan’s presidential race&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Lai Ching-te on Saturday (Jan 13) secured victory in Taiwan's elections.</p>

<p>Facing two opponents in the presidential race, Lai contended with Hou from the KMT and Ko Wen-je, former Taipei Mayor representing the Taiwan People's Party, founded in 2019.</p>

<p>The election unfolded against the backdrop of China denouncing Lai as a 'separatist', rejecting calls for talks. Lai, in contrast, has emphasised his commitment to maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait while bolstering the island's defences.</p>

<p>Ahead of the election, China consistently labelled Lai as a dangerous separatist. Taiwan's defence ministry reported the spotting of Chinese balloons crossing the sensitive Taiwan Strait on the election day, further escalating tensions. The ministry classified the balloon activities as psychological warfare and a threat to aviation safety.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Taiwan advised China to "face reality" after Beijing issued a fresh warning to the self-ruled island stating that any efforts made towards independence would be "harshly punished".

Taiwan advised China to "face reality" after Beijing issued a fresh warning to the self-ruled island stating that any efforts made towards independence would be "harshly punished". This came a day after Lai Ching-te, the presidential candidate representing Taiwan's ruling party, secured victory in an election that China had characterised as a pivotal choice between "war and peace". Taipei's foreign ministry on Sunday (Jan 14) told Beijing to respect the election result and give up suppressing Taiwan. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the Beijing authorities to respect the election results, face reality and give up suppressing Taiwan in order for positive cross-strait interactions to return to the right track," it said in a statement. Beijing which considers Taiwan as its territory and has never stopped using force to impose its will on the island, argued that the election did not alter the fact that Taiwan still remained a part of China. China's foreign minister Wang Yi warned that steps towards the self-ruled island's independence would lead to harsh punishment. WATCH | Taiwan Election 2024: Taipei asks Beijing to respect results of election, give up suppressing Taiwan × "If anyone on the island of Taiwan thinks of going for independence, they will be... trying to split China, and will certainly be harshly punished by both history and the law," Wang Yi said in a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry in Cairo, adding: "This is a dead end." "Taiwan has never been a country. It wasn't in the past, and it certainly won't be in the future," he added. Also read: Taiwan presidential election: 'Will firmly crush 'independence' attempts' says China ahead of polls Lai Ching-te secures victory in Taiwan’s presidential race Lai Ching-te on Saturday (Jan 13) secured victory in Taiwan's elections. Facing two opponents in the presidential race, Lai contended with Hou from the KMT and Ko Wen-je, former Taipei Mayor representing the Taiwan People's Party, founded in 2019. The election unfolded against the backdrop of China denouncing Lai as a 'separatist', rejecting calls for talks. Lai, in contrast, has emphasised his commitment to maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait while bolstering the island's defences. Ahead of the election, China consistently labelled Lai as a dangerous separatist. Taiwan's defence ministry reported the spotting of Chinese balloons crossing the sensitive Taiwan Strait on the election day, further escalating tensions. The ministry classified the balloon activities as psychological warfare and a threat to aviation safety. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan calls on China to ‘face reality’, respect election results after Beijing issues fresh warning

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