As 2019 is coming to end, we bring to you celebrity weddings of 2019. Have a look at it!

A look at the celebrity weddings of 2019

2019 has ended and it's new year now, we bring to you list of celebrity babies born in 2019. Have a look at it!

A look at the births of celebrity babies in 2019

A visibly indignant Pope Francis had to pull himself away from a woman in a crowd in St. Peter's Square on Tuesday (December 31) after she had grabbed his hand and yanked him towards her.

Disgruntled Pope Francis pulls himself free from woman's clutch

Hong Kong was readying for a massive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-mass-rally-called-off-as-pro-democracy-lawmaker-arrested-in-protest-crackdown-246649">pro-democracy rally</a> Wednesday after seeing in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/chinas-taiwan-conundrum-new-year-old-challenges-189496">New Year</a> with an evening of peaceful protests that morphed into tear gas-choked clashes between hardcore demonstrators and police.

The city has been battered by more than six months of unrest with millions marching, as well as confrontations in which police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets, while protesters have responded with petrol bombs.

Thousands gathered before midnight across the financial hub, including along Victoria Harbour and at nightlife hotspot <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-braces-for-mass-rally-over-weekend-after-halloween-clashes-259185">Lan Kwai Fong</a>.

Protesters at the harbourfront counted down chanting "Ten! Nine! Liberate Hong Kong, revolution now!" as they lit up their phones.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-pro-democracy-protesters-rally-for-catalan-independence-258080/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Smaller crowds in the Mong Kok district set fire to barricades before riot police unleashed 2020's first volleys of tear gas in response.

Police had also used water cannon to disperse protesters in the same area, and in nearby Prince, Edward officers arrested several protesters staging a candlelight vigil.

Earlier in the evening, thousands of people linked arms in human chains that stretched for miles along busy shopping streets and through local neighborhoods.

They chanted slogans, sang "Glory to Hong Kong" a protest anthem and held up posters calling for people to fight for democracy in 2020.

"Thanks to 2019, which tore off the ugly masks of the police and the government and let the people see the truth," said protester Kris, a medic who joined the protest.

"The movement is kind of like at its bottleneck now. Hopefully, a huge turnout at tomorrow's march could bring back people's passion," he added. In late November, the city's pro-democracy camp scored a landslide victory in a municipal-level vote seen as a referendum on the Beijing-backed government's handling of political unrest.

The protest movement has since become quieter but sporadic clashes have persisted.

But protesters have vowed to continue their effort to push for greater democratic freedoms and police accountability.

The Civil Human Rights Front, the chief organiser of marches, is hoping for a huge turnout at Wednesday's rally to urge the government to respond to the demands of the pro-democracy movement which includes an independent inquiry into the police, amnesty for arrestees and fully free elections.

Police have arrested nearly 6,500 people since June nearly a third of them aged under 20.

"The youngsters have sacrificed a lot for justice 2019 is a wake-up call," a 63-year-old retiree, who gave his surname as Shiu, told AFP.

"People will be more determined in the new year. People know that the future of Hong Kong depends on whether we can achieve the five demands."

The demonstrations were sparked by a now-abandoned bill to allow extraditions to the authoritarian mainland, but have since evolved into a popular revolt against Beijing's control the biggest crisis since the former British colony's return to Chinese rule in 1997.

Hong Kong was readying for a massive pro-democracy rally Wednesday after seeing in the New Year with an evening of peaceful protests that morphed into tear gas-choked clashes between hardcore demonstrators and police.

Hong Kong was readying for a massive pro-democracy rally Wednesday after seeing in the New Year with an evening of peaceful protests that morphed into tear gas-choked clashes between hardcore demonstrators and police. The city has been battered by more than six months of unrest with millions marching, as well as confrontations in which police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets, while protesters have responded with petrol bombs. Thousands gathered before midnight across the financial hub, including along Victoria Harbour and at nightlife hotspot Lan Kwai Fong. Protesters at the harbourfront counted down chanting "Ten! Nine! Liberate Hong Kong, revolution now!" as they lit up their phones. Smaller crowds in the Mong Kok district set fire to barricades before riot police unleashed 2020's first volleys of tear gas in response. Police had also used water cannon to disperse protesters in the same area, and in nearby Prince, Edward officers arrested several protesters staging a candlelight vigil. Earlier in the evening, thousands of people linked arms in human chains that stretched for miles along busy shopping streets and through local neighborhoods. They chanted slogans, sang "Glory to Hong Kong" a protest anthem and held up posters calling for people to fight for democracy in 2020. "Thanks to 2019, which tore off the ugly masks of the police and the government and let the people see the truth," said protester Kris, a medic who joined the protest. "The movement is kind of like at its bottleneck now. Hopefully, a huge turnout at tomorrow's march could bring back people's passion," he added. In late November, the city's pro-democracy camp scored a landslide victory in a municipal-level vote seen as a referendum on the Beijing-backed government's handling of political unrest. The protest movement has since become quieter but sporadic clashes have persisted. But protesters have vowed to continue their effort to push for greater democratic freedoms and police accountability. The Civil Human Rights Front, the chief organiser of marches, is hoping for a huge turnout at Wednesday's rally to urge the government to respond to the demands of the pro-democracy movement which includes an independent inquiry into the police, amnesty for arrestees and fully free elections. Police have arrested nearly 6,500 people since June nearly a third of them aged under 20. "The youngsters have sacrificed a lot for justice 2019 is a wake-up call," a 63-year-old retiree, who gave his surname as Shiu, told AFP. "People will be more determined in the new year. People know that the future of Hong Kong depends on whether we can achieve the five demands." The demonstrations were sparked by a now-abandoned bill to allow extraditions to the authoritarian mainland, but have since evolved into a popular revolt against Beijing's control the biggest crisis since the former British colony's return to Chinese rule in 1997.

Hong Kong readies for New Year democracy rally

Different stories of 2019 can be strung together in some common threads. This was the "new normal" of the year gone by.&nbsp;

1. UNREST

If there's one headline from 2019 that Xi Jinping would like to undo, what would it be? "Taiwan should follow the Hong Kong model." That's what the Chinese President said on January 1, 2019. Unification is the goal, he said, and Taiwan should take a cue from Hong Kong. He spoke 6 months too soon. In June, Hong Kong began protesting, and by the time the year ended, the people of Hong Kong had mounted the biggest political challenge to Xi Jinping's authority. The government tried every trick in the book, from riot charges to half-concessions, inked water canons to police batons, but couldn't break the spirit of the people. The might and the arrogance of the dragon had been defeated.

The theme played out over and over again this year. France, Russia, Britain, Serbia, Ukraine, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Lebanon, Sudan, Iran, Iraq, India - across the globe people stood up to the powers that be.&nbsp;

In some cases they defeated their governments, in others they burst the bubble of invincibility.

2. HACKED

If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself. Prophetic words of George Orwell. Because as he predicted, the Big Brother is watching you. From your phone to your car to your CCTV, everything can and is being hacked. Your choices are being manipulated. Your opinion is being infected. Your activities are being tracked, your movements are being mapped. You are nothing but a source of data, to be sold with or without your knowledge. 2019 has proved that privacy is a myth in the digital age. Data is the lifeblood and the internet is the tool that governments can weaponise to incapacitate dissent. We talk about a future with smart cities. Cities that can be switched off with the push of a button or the swipe on a screen. Technology is a beast we're learning to both ride and control. Good luck to us.

3. CLIMATE ACTION

Snowstorms, hurricanes, heatwaves, wildfires - thousands of lives and billions of dollars lost. Climate change is no more a distant concept restricted to academic circles. It's a clear and present danger. It's striking as we speak. What is the world doing about it? Disagreeing. Climate action was to 2019 what human rights were to the years before. Everyone makes the right noises, few make the right moves. So one Swedish teenager decided to bunk school and turned it into a global movement. World leaders discredited her, called her names, were condescending. They were met with a cold glare. Tens of thousands of young people across the world demanded that the decision-makers of today secure their tomorrow. It's work in progress. There's a long way to go. But this was the year when a decisive start was made.

4. DEATH OF DIPLOMACY

Diplomacy is the art of letting someone else have your way. Diplomacy is to do and say, the nastiest thing in the nicest way.

2019 threw these lines out of the window. Diplomacy landed on twitter and was shot dead by angry tweets. Heads of states called each other names. Summits were fixed and junked on social media. Leaders Facetimed and bromanced in public instead of going through the inordinately long handshakes with measured smiles and cameras shuttering. They were caught on camera gossiping. They were caught online reprimanding others in shouty capitals. Conversations that were once bound by convention and peppered were pleasantries were replaced by unbridled bickering. There are no closed doors in the age of social media and tweet-happy diplomats. Log in to see all the dirty linen.

5. MAJORITARIANISM

The rise of the right was last year's story. This year, those who rose insisted they were right, whether you liked them or not. The men (no women in this list) who rule some of the biggest countries in the world - America, India, China, Russia - are all perceived to be bigots. A more politically correct word is majoritarian. The pushers of populist agendas. The upholders of majority interests. The conquerers of liberal forces. Despite the criticism, many of them have emerged victorious in elections and have won bigger mandates. Their politics and its success is a reflection of the countries they lead. Countries where the majority believes it's been shortchanged for way too long. Now the majority is going for its pound of flesh. There's bloodshed, but that's collateral damage. Unsolicited advice - majority rule doesn't have to majoritarian. Let's make room for everyone.

As the year ends, we can only hope for a healing touch, for better sense to prevail, for governments to listen to their people, for leaders to talk to and not at each other, for technology to be tamed before being tested on us, for the young to be optimistic about their future again, for more action and sweeter words. Happy new year! 
&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Different stories of 2019 can be strung together in some common threads. This was the "new normal" of the year gone by. 1. UNREST If there's one headline from 2019 that Xi Jinping would like to undo, what would it be?

Different stories of 2019 can be strung together in some common threads. This was the "new normal" of the year gone by. 1. UNREST If there's one headline from 2019 that Xi Jinping would like to undo, what would it be? "Taiwan should follow the Hong Kong model." That's what the Chinese President said on January 1, 2019. Unification is the goal, he said, and Taiwan should take a cue from Hong Kong. He spoke 6 months too soon. In June, Hong Kong began protesting, and by the time the year ended, the people of Hong Kong had mounted the biggest political challenge to Xi Jinping's authority. The government tried every trick in the book, from riot charges to half-concessions, inked water canons to police batons, but couldn't break the spirit of the people. The might and the arrogance of the dragon had been defeated. The theme played out over and over again this year. France, Russia, Britain, Serbia, Ukraine, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Lebanon, Sudan, Iran, Iraq, India - across the globe people stood up to the powers that be. In some cases they defeated their governments, in others they burst the bubble of invincibility. 2. HACKED If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself. Prophetic words of George Orwell. Because as he predicted, the Big Brother is watching you. From your phone to your car to your CCTV, everything can and is being hacked. Your choices are being manipulated. Your opinion is being infected. Your activities are being tracked, your movements are being mapped. You are nothing but a source of data, to be sold with or without your knowledge. 2019 has proved that privacy is a myth in the digital age. Data is the lifeblood and the internet is the tool that governments can weaponise to incapacitate dissent. We talk about a future with smart cities. Cities that can be switched off with the push of a button or the swipe on a screen. Technology is a beast we're learning to both ride and control. Good luck to us. 3. CLIMATE ACTION Snowstorms, hurricanes, heatwaves, wildfires - thousands of lives and billions of dollars lost. Climate change is no more a distant concept restricted to academic circles. It's a clear and present danger. It's striking as we speak. What is the world doing about it? Disagreeing. Climate action was to 2019 what human rights were to the years before. Everyone makes the right noises, few make the right moves. So one Swedish teenager decided to bunk school and turned it into a global movement. World leaders discredited her, called her names, were condescending. They were met with a cold glare. Tens of thousands of young people across the world demanded that the decision-makers of today secure their tomorrow. It's work in progress. There's a long way to go. But this was the year when a decisive start was made. 4. DEATH OF DIPLOMACY Diplomacy is the art of letting someone else have your way. Diplomacy is to do and say, the nastiest thing in the nicest way. 2019 threw these lines out of the window. Diplomacy landed on twitter and was shot dead by angry tweets. Heads of states called each other names. Summits were fixed and junked on social media. Leaders Facetimed and bromanced in public instead of going through the inordinately long handshakes with measured smiles and cameras shuttering. They were caught on camera gossiping. They were caught online reprimanding others in shouty capitals. Conversations that were once bound by convention and peppered were pleasantries were replaced by unbridled bickering. There are no closed doors in the age of social media and tweet-happy diplomats. Log in to see all the dirty linen. 5. MAJORITARIANISM The rise of the right was last year's story. This year, those who rose insisted they were right, whether you liked them or not. The men (no women in this list) who rule some of the biggest countries in the world - America, India, China, Russia - are all perceived to be bigots. A more politically correct word is majoritarian. The pushers of populist agendas. The upholders of majority interests. The conquerers of liberal forces. Despite the criticism, many of them have emerged victorious in elections and have won bigger mandates. Their politics and its success is a reflection of the countries they lead. Countries where the majority believes it's been shortchanged for way too long. Now the majority is going for its pound of flesh. There's bloodshed, but that's collateral damage. Unsolicited advice - majority rule doesn't have to majoritarian. Let's make room for everyone. As the year ends, we can only hope for a healing touch, for better sense to prevail, for governments to listen to their people, for leaders to talk to and not at each other, for technology to be tamed before being tested on us, for the young to be optimistic about their future again, for more action and sweeter words. Happy new year! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Themes of 2019: Looking back at the year gone by

By Benjamin Houltberg and Arianna Uhalde

People worldwide make New Year’s resolutions every year in an attempt to improve their lives. Common resolutions are to exercise more, eat healthier, save money, lose weight and reduce stress.

Yet, 80 per cent of people agree that most people won’t stick to their resolutions. This pessimism is somewhat justified. Only 4 per cent of people report following through on all of the resolutions they personally set.

We have spent years studying motivation, emotion regulation and behaviour in family relationships, athletic performance and health information processing in the marketplace. Now at USC’s Performance Science Institute, we help people attain and sustain high performance in all aspects of their lives.

Based on our research, we propose a potential solution to the problem of New Year’s resolutions that people can’t keep: encouraging people to reframe their resolutions to emphasize purpose-based performance.

Why the failures?

What leads to so many abandoned New Year’s resolutions?

A large body of research on goal-setting and habits provides insight into the various reasons for failed resolutions.

Many people are not framing their resolutions in ways that will motivate them over time. For example, “exercise more” is a fairly clear directive, but it lacks depth and personal meaning that could help promote follow-through. Overly simplified resolutions, such as “exercise more” and “eat healthier” contribute to the ongoing problem that emerges as early as mid-January each year: unintentional neglect of important self-improvement goals.

Make it purposeful

Purpose has been defined simply as someone’s reason for doing something. However, scientists have recently developed a more comprehensive framework for the purpose.

Purpose is associated with positive outcomes for people of all ages. People with a sense of purpose make more money, cope with life hardships more effectively and are healthier across the lifespan. Organizations that foster or reinforce employees’ sense of purpose are now referred to as “high-performance workplaces”.

In the context of goal-setting for the new year, the concept of purpose-based performance becomes especially relevant. In our research, we have found that purpose-based performance is much healthier and more sustainable than outcome-driven performance.

Purpose-based performance has three critical, interrelated components: goal orientation, personal meaning and focus on something or someone beyond the self. We provide three questions that you can ask yourself when developing New Year’s resolutions to inspire purpose-based performance.

What are my longer-term goals?

The first thing to consider is your long-term goals, and how each resolution fits with those goals. Purpose-based performance includes goal orientation, or an internal compass that directs people toward some long-term aim. This orientation helps people organize and prioritize more immediate actions to make progress toward that aim. People who are goal-oriented and remind themselves of their “end game” live consistently with their beliefs and values and perform better on the immediate goals they set.

When setting New Year’s resolutions, many people end up with a long list of simple resolutions without thinking deeply about their rationale for each resolution, or where each resolution will take them. Linking an immediate goal with a longer-term aim can sustain progress. Thinking about who you want to become can help you decide which resolution(s) to take on.

Why is this personally important?

The next step to consider is why each resolution is personally meaningful for you. When people pursue personally meaningful goals, they are not only more intrinsically motivated but also find more joy in the process of goal pursuit. They are able to reframe challenges as opportunities for personal growth. In one study with elite athletes, we found that personal meaning helped them regulate their emotions when things didn’t go their way and display more patience as they pursued their goals.

Someone who pursues a goal for external rewards that are contingent on a particular end result – for example, validation that comes from winning – is likely to experience shame when they fall short of their goal. Even when they win, they may feel disappointed because the end result does not bring meaning to their life. This is exemplified by the “post-Olympic blues,” when Olympians experience depression after such a significant accomplishment.

Spend time thinking about your motivation for each resolution. Ask yourself, are you focused on a particular outcome because it will give you self-esteem, status or something else? It can be helpful to think about the potential meaning found in the process of pursuing a goal, regardless of whether you attain the desired outcome.

Who will be positively affected by this?

The final step is to consider who or what, beyond yourself, will be positively affected by your resolution(s). Desire to be a part of something greater than the self, or transcendent motivation, is beneficial for performance for several reasons.

Linking a resolution to transcendent motivation can be a powerful source of inspiration. Someone may link exercise goals to a charitable cause they care about, or they may think about how improving their health will make them a better partner, friend or parent. Research shows transcendent motivation improves self-regulation when things get dull or repetitive during goal pursuit, and it strengthens character virtues like patience and generosity. When someone’s transcendent motivation is prosocial in nature, they are willing to accept feedback about performance and receive increased social support in the workplace.

Think about the bigger picture. Consider whom you are helping with each goal. Potential impact beyond yourself is added fuel for your goal pursuit.

Reframing your resolutions 
 
What might New Year’s resolutions that incorporate purpose-based performance look like? Using the three questions above, we have reworked three common resolutions to reflect purpose-based performance:

“Exercise more” becomes “I commit to working out two times per week so I can be more present and energized with my children, so they feel more loved and inspired by me.”

“Save money” becomes “I commit to saving $100 per paycheck so I feel more secure in my role as a husband and father, which will ultimately benefit my family.”

“Lose weight” becomes “I commit to losing ten pounds so I feel more confident at work, and my coworkers will experience a more positive version of me.”

Cheers to a new, purpose-filled year! 
&nbsp;

(Benjamin Houltberg is Research Director, Performance Science Institute, University of Southern California; Arianna Uhalde is Assistant Professor of Clinical Marketing, University of Southern California)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-putting-purpose-into-your-new-years-resolutions-can-bring-meaning-and-results-129182">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

By Benjamin Houltberg and Arianna Uhalde People worldwide make New Year’s resolutions every year in an attempt to improve their lives. Common resolutions are to exercise more, eat healthier, save money, lose weight and reduce stress.

By Benjamin Houltberg and Arianna Uhalde People worldwide make New Year’s resolutions every year in an attempt to improve their lives. Common resolutions are to exercise more, eat healthier, save money, lose weight and reduce stress. Yet, 80 per cent of people agree that most people won’t stick to their resolutions. This pessimism is somewhat justified. Only 4 per cent of people report following through on all of the resolutions they personally set. We have spent years studying motivation, emotion regulation and behaviour in family relationships, athletic performance and health information processing in the marketplace. Now at USC’s Performance Science Institute, we help people attain and sustain high performance in all aspects of their lives. Based on our research, we propose a potential solution to the problem of New Year’s resolutions that people can’t keep: encouraging people to reframe their resolutions to emphasize purpose-based performance. Why the failures? What leads to so many abandoned New Year’s resolutions? A large body of research on goal-setting and habits provides insight into the various reasons for failed resolutions. Many people are not framing their resolutions in ways that will motivate them over time. For example, “exercise more” is a fairly clear directive, but it lacks depth and personal meaning that could help promote follow-through. Overly simplified resolutions, such as “exercise more” and “eat healthier” contribute to the ongoing problem that emerges as early as mid-January each year: unintentional neglect of important self-improvement goals. Make it purposeful Purpose has been defined simply as someone’s reason for doing something. However, scientists have recently developed a more comprehensive framework for the purpose. Purpose is associated with positive outcomes for people of all ages. People with a sense of purpose make more money, cope with life hardships more effectively and are healthier across the lifespan. Organizations that foster or reinforce employees’ sense of purpose are now referred to as “high-performance workplaces”. In the context of goal-setting for the new year, the concept of purpose-based performance becomes especially relevant. In our research, we have found that purpose-based performance is much healthier and more sustainable than outcome-driven performance. Purpose-based performance has three critical, interrelated components: goal orientation, personal meaning and focus on something or someone beyond the self. We provide three questions that you can ask yourself when developing New Year’s resolutions to inspire purpose-based performance. What are my longer-term goals? The first thing to consider is your long-term goals, and how each resolution fits with those goals. Purpose-based performance includes goal orientation, or an internal compass that directs people toward some long-term aim. This orientation helps people organize and prioritize more immediate actions to make progress toward that aim. People who are goal-oriented and remind themselves of their “end game” live consistently with their beliefs and values and perform better on the immediate goals they set. When setting New Year’s resolutions, many people end up with a long list of simple resolutions without thinking deeply about their rationale for each resolution, or where each resolution will take them. Linking an immediate goal with a longer-term aim can sustain progress. Thinking about who you want to become can help you decide which resolution(s) to take on. Why is this personally important? The next step to consider is why each resolution is personally meaningful for you. When people pursue personally meaningful goals, they are not only more intrinsically motivated but also find more joy in the process of goal pursuit. They are able to reframe challenges as opportunities for personal growth. In one study with elite athletes, we found that personal meaning helped them regulate their emotions when things didn’t go their way and display more patience as they pursued their goals. Someone who pursues a goal for external rewards that are contingent on a particular end result – for example, validation that comes from winning – is likely to experience shame when they fall short of their goal. Even when they win, they may feel disappointed because the end result does not bring meaning to their life. This is exemplified by the “post-Olympic blues,” when Olympians experience depression after such a significant accomplishment. Spend time thinking about your motivation for each resolution. Ask yourself, are you focused on a particular outcome because it will give you self-esteem, status or something else? It can be helpful to think about the potential meaning found in the process of pursuing a goal, regardless of whether you attain the desired outcome. Who will be positively affected by this? The final step is to consider who or what, beyond yourself, will be positively affected by your resolution(s). Desire to be a part of something greater than the self, or transcendent motivation, is beneficial for performance for several reasons. Linking a resolution to transcendent motivation can be a powerful source of inspiration. Someone may link exercise goals to a charitable cause they care about, or they may think about how improving their health will make them a better partner, friend or parent. Research shows transcendent motivation improves self-regulation when things get dull or repetitive during goal pursuit, and it strengthens character virtues like patience and generosity. When someone’s transcendent motivation is prosocial in nature, they are willing to accept feedback about performance and receive increased social support in the workplace. Think about the bigger picture. Consider whom you are helping with each goal. Potential impact beyond yourself is added fuel for your goal pursuit. Reframing your resolutions What might New Year’s resolutions that incorporate purpose-based performance look like? Using the three questions above, we have reworked three common resolutions to reflect purpose-based performance: “Exercise more” becomes “I commit to working out two times per week so I can be more present and energized with my children, so they feel more loved and inspired by me.” “Save money” becomes “I commit to saving $100 per paycheck so I feel more secure in my role as a husband and father, which will ultimately benefit my family.” “Lose weight” becomes “I commit to losing ten pounds so I feel more confident at work, and my coworkers will experience a more positive version of me.” Cheers to a new, purpose-filled year! (Benjamin Houltberg is Research Director, Performance Science Institute, University of Southern California; Arianna Uhalde is Assistant Professor of Clinical Marketing, University of Southern California) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How putting purpose into your New Year’s resolutions can bring meaning and results

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-new-year-celebrations-kick-off-around-the-world-as-new-zealand-outpaces-others-to-enter-2020-271262">New Year celebrations</a> kicked off in New Zealand before the festivities reach the other countries. Always among the first to witness the arrival of a new year, New Zealanders celebrated in their signature style with firework displays erupting from Auckland's 328-metre tall Sky Tower on Wednesday.

The exhilarating view was visible from the waterfront from where the locals and tourists witnessed brightly coloured fireworks and laser lighting hazing the skies over the harbour.&nbsp;

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Watch | First <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewYear?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewYear</a> celebration visuals 
 
Spectacular fireworks were observed in New Zealand. Thousands gather to witness the sparkling extravaganza <a href="https://t.co/V5Nmdb5x64">pic.twitter.com/V5Nmdb5x64</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1211990895991541760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A local broadcaster TVNZ reported that the Sky Tower was adorned with 3,500 effects. Additionally, it required two tonnes of equipment and 14 kilometres of cabling.

To accompany the fireworks display, a light show was organised on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.&nbsp;

Users on social media shared clips of the firework display fervently.&nbsp;

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Our little Pacific paradise, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewZealand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewZealand</a>, is the first major nation to usher in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewYear?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewYear</a>. Great firework display in Auckland! May 2020 be a great year for our great country and may all 5 million Kiwis have good health and happiness. 
 
🇳🇿🎉🎊💕 <a href="https://t.co/AcfKRdffPZ">pic.twitter.com/AcfKRdffPZ</a>
— Virgil Arvaniti (@varvanitas) <a href="https://twitter.com/varvanitas/status/1211970303674347522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

New Year celebrations kicked off in New Zealand before the festivities reach the other countries. Always among the first to witness the arrival of a new year, New Zealanders celebrated in their signature style with firework displays erupting from Auckland's 328-metre tall Sky Tower on Wednesday.

New Year celebrations kicked off in New Zealand before the festivities reach the other countries. Always among the first to witness the arrival of a new year, New Zealanders celebrated in their signature style with firework displays erupting from Auckland's 328-metre tall Sky Tower on Wednesday. The exhilarating view was visible from the waterfront from where the locals and tourists witnessed brightly coloured fireworks and laser lighting hazing the skies over the harbour. Watch | First #NewYear celebration visuals Spectacular fireworks were observed in New Zealand. Thousands gather to witness the sparkling extravaganza pic.twitter.com/V5Nmdb5x64 — WION (@WIONews) December 31, 2019 × A local broadcaster TVNZ reported that the Sky Tower was adorned with 3,500 effects. Additionally, it required two tonnes of equipment and 14 kilometres of cabling. To accompany the fireworks display, a light show was organised on the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Users on social media shared clips of the firework display fervently. Our little Pacific paradise, #NewZealand, is the first major nation to usher in the #NewYear. Great firework display in Auckland! May 2020 be a great year for our great country and may all 5 million Kiwis have good health and happiness. 🇳🇿🎉🎊💕 pic.twitter.com/AcfKRdffPZ — Virgil Arvaniti (@varvanitas) December 31, 2019 × (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand leads the New Year celebrations with harbour festivities

The super-large Pingtang Bridge over the Caodu Canyon in southwest China's Guizhou Province was completed on Monday and will be open to traffic on the first day of 2020.

World-class super large bridge opens to traffic in Guizhou

The French government has confirmed it will deploy 100,000 police officers to secure public spaces for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, amid ongoing strikes across the country and a persistent terror threat. #France #SecurityLockdownFrance #NewYear

France in security lockdown for New Year's Eve celebrations

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lifeline-of-delhi-ncr-delhi-metro-completes-17-years-of-operations-270188">Delhi Metro Rail Corporation</a> (DMRC) on Monday said that the exit gates of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-metro-stations-resume-services-in-delhi-269436">Rajiv Chowk</a> metro station will be closed after 9 pm on New Year's Eve (December 31), in a bid to avoid overcrowding at the station. 
 
The DMRC, in its official release, however, said that the entry at the station will be allowed till the timing of the last train.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
New Year Eve Update 
 
To ease overcrowding on New Year's Eve (31 December 2019), exit from Rajiv Chowk metro station will not be allowed after 9 PM onwards. Entry of passengers will be allowed till the departure of last train. 
 
Please plan your journey accordingly.
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDMRC/status/1211605878740156417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"To ease overcrowding on New Year's Eve (December 31, 2019), exit from Rajiv Chowk Metro station will not be allowed after 9 PM onwards. However, the entry of passengers will be allowed until the departure of the last train. Commuters are requested to plan their journey accordingly," DMRC's press release read. 
 
The decision has been taken in mind considering a large number of people who arrive at Connaught Place for parties organised to welcome the new year. 
 
Rajiv Chowk is one of the busiest stations of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-a-smart-city-and-what-does-it-mean-for-urban-india-270444">Delhi Metro</a> as it serves as an interchange of the Blue and Yellow lines.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Monday said that the exit gates of Rajiv Chowk metro station will be closed after 9 pm on New Year's Eve (December 31), in a bid to avoid overcrowding at the station.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Monday said that the exit gates of Rajiv Chowk metro station will be closed after 9 pm on New Year's Eve (December 31), in a bid to avoid overcrowding at the station. The DMRC, in its official release, however, said that the entry at the station will be allowed till the timing of the last train. New Year Eve Update To ease overcrowding on New Year's Eve (31 December 2019), exit from Rajiv Chowk metro station will not be allowed after 9 PM onwards. Entry of passengers will be allowed till the departure of last train. Please plan your journey accordingly. — Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) December 30, 2019 × "To ease overcrowding on New Year's Eve (December 31, 2019), exit from Rajiv Chowk Metro station will not be allowed after 9 PM onwards. However, the entry of passengers will be allowed until the departure of the last train. Commuters are requested to plan their journey accordingly," DMRC's press release read. The decision has been taken in mind considering a large number of people who arrive at Connaught Place for parties organised to welcome the new year. Rajiv Chowk is one of the busiest stations of the Delhi Metro as it serves as an interchange of the Blue and Yellow lines.

DMRC announces restrictions for Rajiv Chowk metro station on December 31

People in Moscow seemed to be making the most of the unusually warm weather in the Russian capital on Tuesday (December 24).

Snow joke! Muscovites get to grips with snowless December

United States President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-space-force-donald-trump-creates-new-warfare-service-branch-of-pentagon-269433">Donald Trump</a> has extended an invitation to the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to visit him in the White House during the new year, Britain's Sunday Times newspaper reported.

According to the report, Trump invited Johnson after the latter recently swept the British elections.

"Some potential dates have been floated in mid-January but nothing has yet been formally agreed. But it is clear that both sides want to make it happen sometime in early 2020," the report quoted a source as saying.

Watch: Gravitas -&nbsp;President Trump impeached in the house

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-gravitas-president-trump-impeached-in-the-house-269253/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Friday, Johnson won approval for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnsons-brexit-deal-wins-first-vote-in-new-parliament-269404">Brexit deal</a> in the British parliament. His election pledge revolved around Britain's departure from the European Union by January 31

The parliamentary approval followed Johnson's landslide election victory earlier this month.

Amid Brexit plans, Johnson and Trump agreed in a phone call on Monday to pursue an "ambitious" UK-US free trade agreement.

Trump expressed elation after Johnson's win and said that his victory had the cleared the way for a 'massive' trade deal after Brexit.

"This deal has the potential to be far bigger and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trump-enthusiastic-about-boris-johnsons-victory-but-it-wont-be-smooth-sailing-for-them-269348">more lucrative</a> than any deal that could be made with the EU", Trump had said in a tweet earlier this month.

No formal discussions regarding this visit have taken place yet.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to visit him in the White House during the new year, Britain's Sunday Times newspaper reported.

United States President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to visit him in the White House during the new year, Britain's Sunday Times newspaper reported. According to the report, Trump invited Johnson after the latter recently swept the British elections. "Some potential dates have been floated in mid-January but nothing has yet been formally agreed. But it is clear that both sides want to make it happen sometime in early 2020," the report quoted a source as saying. Watch: Gravitas - President Trump impeached in the house On Friday, Johnson won approval for the Brexit deal in the British parliament. His election pledge revolved around Britain's departure from the European Union by January 31 The parliamentary approval followed Johnson's landslide election victory earlier this month. Amid Brexit plans, Johnson and Trump agreed in a phone call on Monday to pursue an "ambitious" UK-US free trade agreement. Trump expressed elation after Johnson's win and said that his victory had the cleared the way for a 'massive' trade deal after Brexit. "This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the EU", Trump had said in a tweet earlier this month. No formal discussions regarding this visit have taken place yet. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Trump invites Britain's Johnson to White House for new year: Sources

On the first day of the traditional New Year in Myanmar, the country on Wednesday released over 9,000 prisoners from jails.

The release of the prisoners came in the wake of the President&nbsp;Win Myint's&nbsp;announcement of amnesty on day 1 of the New Year.

President Win Myint said 9,353 prisoners, including 16 foreigners, had been pardoned "as a gesture of marking the Myanmar New Year, for the peace and pleasure of the people, and taking into consideration humanitarian concerns”.

In a statement on a Facebook page, the president also added that the authorities were further scrutinising on the decision to release other prisoners.

Such releases from prisons across the country are regularly ordered to mark the holiday.

Several prisons had begun releasing inmates by early afternoon, with two political prisoners among them, said Aung Myo Kyaw from the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a non-profit human rights group.

A total of 364 political prisoners are behind bars or facing trial, according to AAPP, including people accused of criticising the army and ethnic minority activists jailed after protesting against war between government forces and minority insurgents.

Two Reuters reporters jailed for breaking the Official Secrets Act were not among those being pardoned, a senior official at Insein prison, the colonial-era jail on the outskirts of the commercial capital of Yangon where they are being held, told Reuters.

(With inputs from Reuters)

On the first day of the traditional New Year in Myanmar, the country on Wednesday released over 9,000 prisoners from jails. The release of the prisoners came in the wake of the President Win Myint's announcement of amnesty on day 1 of the New Year.

On the first day of the traditional New Year in Myanmar, the country on Wednesday released over 9,000 prisoners from jails. The release of the prisoners came in the wake of the President Win Myint's announcement of amnesty on day 1 of the New Year. President Win Myint said 9,353 prisoners, including 16 foreigners, had been pardoned "as a gesture of marking the Myanmar New Year, for the peace and pleasure of the people, and taking into consideration humanitarian concerns”. In a statement on a Facebook page, the president also added that the authorities were further scrutinising on the decision to release other prisoners. Such releases from prisons across the country are regularly ordered to mark the holiday. Several prisons had begun releasing inmates by early afternoon, with two political prisoners among them, said Aung Myo Kyaw from the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a non-profit human rights group. A total of 364 political prisoners are behind bars or facing trial, according to AAPP, including people accused of criticising the army and ethnic minority activists jailed after protesting against war between government forces and minority insurgents. Two Reuters reporters jailed for breaking the Official Secrets Act were not among those being pardoned, a senior official at Insein prison, the colonial-era jail on the outskirts of the commercial capital of Yangon where they are being held, told Reuters. (With inputs from Reuters)

Myanmar releases over 9,000 prisoners in New Year amnesty

Bangladeshis took to the streets on Sunday (April 14) to celebrate the first day of the Bengali New Year.

A procession of colourful floats organized by university students, moved amongst the crowds of revellers and security in Dhaka, as people in colourful clothes beat drums and danced.

The festival date is set according to the Bengali calendar and is on the first day of the first month of the year.

Across the border in various parts of India, the day is marked in some areas as a harvest festival.

Bangladeshis took to the streets on Sunday (April 14) to celebrate the first day of the Bengali New Year. A procession of colourful floats organized by university students, moved amongst the crowds of revellers and security in Dhaka, as people in colourful clothes beat drums and danced.

Bangladeshis took to the streets on Sunday (April 14) to celebrate the first day of the Bengali New Year. A procession of colourful floats organized by university students, moved amongst the crowds of revellers and security in Dhaka, as people in colourful clothes beat drums and danced. The festival date is set according to the Bengali calendar and is on the first day of the first month of the year. Across the border in various parts of India, the day is marked in some areas as a harvest festival.

Bangladesh marks the start of Bengali New Year

Roasted as a subversive symbol and chopped from a video streaming website in China, it seemed Peppa Pig, the loveable but imperious British cartoon character, faced a bleak future in the Communist-led country.

But her popularity has risen unabated, and now just months after state media slammed her as an emblem of the counterculture, she is playing a starring role as the country ushers in the Year of the Pig on Tuesday.

A new film titled "Peppa Pig Celebrates <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/all-quiet-in-beijing-on-eve-of-chinese-new-year-194850">Chinese New Year</a>" is being released on the first day of the holiday.

The movie shows Peppa celebrating Lunar New Year with two new friends — "Jiaozi" (dumpling) and "Tang yuan" (glutinous rice ball) -- named after popular local delicacies.

The animation, which follows the daily adventures of a bright pink piglet, her brother George and her parents, is hugely popular with Chinese children.

Last year, five-year-old twins Mi Ai and Mi Ni made a video asking to meet Queen Elizabeth II after seeing their porcine heroine visit the monarch in an episode.

The clip garnered more than nine million views and made such an impact that the pair were invited for tea by the British ambassador to Beijing and promised a tour of Buckingham Palace.

"It is really fun and the language is easy to understand", their mother, Bella Zhang, said of the girls' obsession with the show.

She added that the series was popular with Chinese parents because it teaches "the importance of love and cooperation".

The cartoon's focus on family values has resonated with Chinese parents who strictly monitor their children's TV time, agreed Li Xin as she bought a Peppa toy for her four-year-old at a Beijing store.

Billions of views

Peppa Pig first broadcast in China in 2015 but last May some 30,000 clips of the cartoon were removed from a popular video streaming site, following criticism from state media.

Papers affiliated to the Communist Party wrote harsh columns about Peppa Pig being hijacked by gangsters and subversives to create videos that reject mainstream values.

Memes featuring the beloved children's character had also started to take on dark undertones at the time, occasionally veering into violent or pornographic territory.

"No matter how gangster Peppa Pig becomes, it cannot be allowed to destroy children's youth [or] break rules," The People's Daily said in an editorial last April.

The shows have been watched around 60 billion times on the country's largest video streaming sites, including Tencent Video and iQiyi, since it first launched in China, said Jamie MacEwan from British TV analysts Enders.

"This figure is up from 24.5 billion by May 2017, showing how China's appetite for Peppa has only increased," MacEwan told AFP.

Who is Peppa?

Now Entertainment One — the Canadian media company that currently produces the series — is banking on her popularity translating to the big screen.&nbsp;

A trailer for the movie, directed by Chinese film-maker Zhang Dapeng, has gone viral with the hashtag "Who is Peppa" being viewed more than 1.6 billion times on China's Twitter-like Weibo, a spokeswoman for Alibaba Pictures Group told AFP.&nbsp;

The promotional clip shows a rural villager's quest to find out what his city-dwelling grandson wants when he asks for "Pei Qi" — Mandarin for Peppa Pig — in a bid to create the perfect Chinese New Year gift in time for the boy's annual visit.

The trailer struck a chord with Chinese audiences because it "showcases the same values highlighted in the movie — family, reunion, harmony and love", Zhang wrote on Weibo.

The film has already earned 12 million yuan ($1.8 million) in presale tickets.

In a country where the pig is a symbol of wealth, Peppa merchandise is in high demand. There are even themed attractions — Peppa Pig World of Play opened in Shanghai in 2018 with another set to open in Beijing this year.

But the success of the Peppa brand has also brought headaches for the cartoon's creators. Copycat merchandise — from cookies to pencil cases — can be easily found in corner stores in Chinese cities.&nbsp;

A spokesman for Entertainment One told AFP that in the last year more than half a million fake Peppa Pig items were seized and tens of thousands of online sale posts taken down.

He added, "In China, Entertainment One has a dedicated team working on this ongoing issue and have already successfully dealt with many infringements."

Roasted as a subversive symbol and chopped from a video streaming website in China, it seemed Peppa Pig, the loveable but imperious British cartoon character, faced a bleak future in the Communist-led country.

Roasted as a subversive symbol and chopped from a video streaming website in China, it seemed Peppa Pig, the loveable but imperious British cartoon character, faced a bleak future in the Communist-led country. But her popularity has risen unabated, and now just months after state media slammed her as an emblem of the counterculture, she is playing a starring role as the country ushers in the Year of the Pig on Tuesday. A new film titled "Peppa Pig Celebrates Chinese New Year" is being released on the first day of the holiday. The movie shows Peppa celebrating Lunar New Year with two new friends — "Jiaozi" (dumpling) and "Tang yuan" (glutinous rice ball) -- named after popular local delicacies. The animation, which follows the daily adventures of a bright pink piglet, her brother George and her parents, is hugely popular with Chinese children. Last year, five-year-old twins Mi Ai and Mi Ni made a video asking to meet Queen Elizabeth II after seeing their porcine heroine visit the monarch in an episode. The clip garnered more than nine million views and made such an impact that the pair were invited for tea by the British ambassador to Beijing and promised a tour of Buckingham Palace. "It is really fun and the language is easy to understand", their mother, Bella Zhang, said of the girls' obsession with the show. She added that the series was popular with Chinese parents because it teaches "the importance of love and cooperation". The cartoon's focus on family values has resonated with Chinese parents who strictly monitor their children's TV time, agreed Li Xin as she bought a Peppa toy for her four-year-old at a Beijing store. Billions of views Peppa Pig first broadcast in China in 2015 but last May some 30,000 clips of the cartoon were removed from a popular video streaming site, following criticism from state media. Papers affiliated to the Communist Party wrote harsh columns about Peppa Pig being hijacked by gangsters and subversives to create videos that reject mainstream values. Memes featuring the beloved children's character had also started to take on dark undertones at the time, occasionally veering into violent or pornographic territory. "No matter how gangster Peppa Pig becomes, it cannot be allowed to destroy children's youth [or] break rules," The People's Daily said in an editorial last April. The shows have been watched around 60 billion times on the country's largest video streaming sites, including Tencent Video and iQiyi, since it first launched in China, said Jamie MacEwan from British TV analysts Enders. "This figure is up from 24.5 billion by May 2017, showing how China's appetite for Peppa has only increased," MacEwan told AFP. Who is Peppa? Now Entertainment One — the Canadian media company that currently produces the series — is banking on her popularity translating to the big screen. A trailer for the movie, directed by Chinese film-maker Zhang Dapeng, has gone viral with the hashtag "Who is Peppa" being viewed more than 1.6 billion times on China's Twitter-like Weibo, a spokeswoman for Alibaba Pictures Group told AFP. The promotional clip shows a rural villager's quest to find out what his city-dwelling grandson wants when he asks for "Pei Qi" — Mandarin for Peppa Pig — in a bid to create the perfect Chinese New Year gift in time for the boy's annual visit. The trailer struck a chord with Chinese audiences because it "showcases the same values highlighted in the movie — family, reunion, harmony and love", Zhang wrote on Weibo. The film has already earned 12 million yuan ($1.8 million) in presale tickets. In a country where the pig is a symbol of wealth, Peppa merchandise is in high demand. There are even themed attractions — Peppa Pig World of Play opened in Shanghai in 2018 with another set to open in Beijing this year. But the success of the Peppa brand has also brought headaches for the cartoon's creators. Copycat merchandise — from cookies to pencil cases — can be easily found in corner stores in Chinese cities. A spokesman for Entertainment One told AFP that in the last year more than half a million fake Peppa Pig items were seized and tens of thousands of online sale posts taken down. He added, "In China, Entertainment One has a dedicated team working on this ongoing issue and have already successfully dealt with many infringements."

Face of Chinese new year is a British cartoon character

In pics: Chinese communities around the world welcome Year of the Pig

Between the hustle and bustle of the railway station and the quiet, narrow Hutong streets, all was quiet in Beijing on Sunday in the last few hours of the Lunar calendar before the start of the Year of the Pig.&nbsp; 
 
A time for family gatherings and reunions, this period witnesses a massive upturn in the number of trips across the country. Authorities expect 2.99 billion trips between January 21 to March 1, 0.6 per cent more than last year. 
 
During the Lunar New Year holiday, the big Chinese cities, which have been a magnet for internal migration for decades, empty out, and millions of people travel to their hometowns to catch up with their loved ones. 
 
But not everyone is that lucky and the frenzied pace of the capital forces several of its inhabitants to postpone their holidays.&nbsp; 
 
Meng Xiangtian, a 21-year-old waiter, is one of the souls who will not be able to return to her native province over the festival period. She told EFE there is no rest as people keep coming in to eat. The restaurant's employees will meet and dine together on the night of the New Year. 
 
Her restaurant, which is located near the iconic Lama Temple, shares the sidewalk with dozens of small shops, which take advantage of the Spring Festival, as the Lunar New Year is also known, to down their shutters and enjoy one of the most symbolic celebrations for the Chinese, besides their national day on October 1. 
 
There are those who dedicate the festive period to resting without leaving Beijing, like in the case of Leng Mei, who will close her clothing store for eight days after visiting her relatives in Shenyang, the capital of the northeastern province of Liaoning. 
 
Leng's husband has to work during the New Year week so she will stay back to dine with him on February 4, on the eve of Chinese New Year. 
 
The Hutong streets dotting the surroundings of the temple are adorned with bright lanterns and red-colored signs at the entrances of houses, decorated with good luck messages. 
 
The silence in these alleys is a contrast to the crowds thronging the suburban commuter trains heading for one of the railway stations of the capital. 
 
Trains continue to be the preferred mode of transport during Lunar New Year. Some 10.47 million train trips are expected on Sunday alone, 16.9 per cent more than in 2018. 
 
Couple Nian Jiali and Yi Wan, both 20, would take the train to visit some friends in Tianjin (150 kilometers east of Beijing). Both would meet their families on February 4 to eat Chinese dumplings and watch the traditional program on television. 
 
Yi told EFE that on New Year's eve she will watch a program called "Bai Nian Ji" (Memories of the Chinese New Year), which is designed for young people to interact and write to each other online. 
 
But modern trends like this have caused some to rue that the essence of New Year has been lost. One such person is Liu Guoying, a grandmother in Beijing, for whom the festival is no longer what it used to be. 
 
Liu said relationships between family, friends and neighbours are not as close-knit as they used to be and as the standard of living has improved and people can buy and eat everything, people do not look forward to the New Year's eve dinner as much. 
 
Liu said her generation was the last to enjoy the real flavour of the New Year.

Between the hustle and bustle of the railway station and the quiet, narrow Hutong streets, all was quiet in Beijing on Sunday in the last few hours of the Lunar calendar before the start of the Year of the Pig.

Between the hustle and bustle of the railway station and the quiet, narrow Hutong streets, all was quiet in Beijing on Sunday in the last few hours of the Lunar calendar before the start of the Year of the Pig. A time for family gatherings and reunions, this period witnesses a massive upturn in the number of trips across the country. Authorities expect 2.99 billion trips between January 21 to March 1, 0.6 per cent more than last year. During the Lunar New Year holiday, the big Chinese cities, which have been a magnet for internal migration for decades, empty out, and millions of people travel to their hometowns to catch up with their loved ones. But not everyone is that lucky and the frenzied pace of the capital forces several of its inhabitants to postpone their holidays. Meng Xiangtian, a 21-year-old waiter, is one of the souls who will not be able to return to her native province over the festival period. She told EFE there is no rest as people keep coming in to eat. The restaurant's employees will meet and dine together on the night of the New Year. Her restaurant, which is located near the iconic Lama Temple, shares the sidewalk with dozens of small shops, which take advantage of the Spring Festival, as the Lunar New Year is also known, to down their shutters and enjoy one of the most symbolic celebrations for the Chinese, besides their national day on October 1. There are those who dedicate the festive period to resting without leaving Beijing, like in the case of Leng Mei, who will close her clothing store for eight days after visiting her relatives in Shenyang, the capital of the northeastern province of Liaoning. Leng's husband has to work during the New Year week so she will stay back to dine with him on February 4, on the eve of Chinese New Year. The Hutong streets dotting the surroundings of the temple are adorned with bright lanterns and red-colored signs at the entrances of houses, decorated with good luck messages. The silence in these alleys is a contrast to the crowds thronging the suburban commuter trains heading for one of the railway stations of the capital. Trains continue to be the preferred mode of transport during Lunar New Year. Some 10.47 million train trips are expected on Sunday alone, 16.9 per cent more than in 2018. Couple Nian Jiali and Yi Wan, both 20, would take the train to visit some friends in Tianjin (150 kilometers east of Beijing). Both would meet their families on February 4 to eat Chinese dumplings and watch the traditional program on television. Yi told EFE that on New Year's eve she will watch a program called "Bai Nian Ji" (Memories of the Chinese New Year), which is designed for young people to interact and write to each other online. But modern trends like this have caused some to rue that the essence of New Year has been lost. One such person is Liu Guoying, a grandmother in Beijing, for whom the festival is no longer what it used to be. Liu said relationships between family, friends and neighbours are not as close-knit as they used to be and as the standard of living has improved and people can buy and eat everything, people do not look forward to the New Year's eve dinner as much. Liu said her generation was the last to enjoy the real flavour of the New Year.

All quiet in Beijing on eve of Chinese New Year

The spectacular fireworks show on Sydney's harbour that rang in 2019 and dazzled spectators around the world was picture perfect, except for one element -- it got the year wrong.

More than 1.5 million people packed the harbour front of Australia's largest city to watch the extravaganza, and noticed a signage beamed onto one of the Sydney Harbour Bridge's pylons had the words "Happy New Year 2018!"

Photos of the typo were shared on social media sites.

"According to Sydney, it's still 2018, so I'm going back to bed," one Twitter user quipped.

Another wrote: "Oh will this horrible year never end."

Organisers the City of Sydney, who invested huge resources and time into planning one of the world's first New Year's parties, saw the funny side of the mistake.

"We just laughed about it, you know these things happen as we said, it takes 15 months to organise an event of this size and scale," the fireworks' executive producer Anna McInerney told reporters in Sydney Tuesday.

"Obviously we weren't pleased, but look you move on, you just get back to doing the show."

The spectacular fireworks show on Sydney's harbour that rang in 2019 and dazzled spectators around the world was picture perfect, except for one element -- it got the year wrong.

The spectacular fireworks show on Sydney's harbour that rang in 2019 and dazzled spectators around the world was picture perfect, except for one element -- it got the year wrong. More than 1.5 million people packed the harbour front of Australia's largest city to watch the extravaganza, and noticed a signage beamed onto one of the Sydney Harbour Bridge's pylons had the words "Happy New Year 2018!" Photos of the typo were shared on social media sites. "According to Sydney, it's still 2018, so I'm going back to bed," one Twitter user quipped. Another wrote: "Oh will this horrible year never end." Organisers the City of Sydney, who invested huge resources and time into planning one of the world's first New Year's parties, saw the funny side of the mistake. "We just laughed about it, you know these things happen as we said, it takes 15 months to organise an event of this size and scale," the fireworks' executive producer Anna McInerney told reporters in Sydney Tuesday. "Obviously we weren't pleased, but look you move on, you just get back to doing the show."

Sydney puts on dazzling 2019 fireworks, but gets the year wrong

Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh celebrated the new year together with a border personnel meeting taking place with a focus on improving relations at function level at the border. At the invitation of China's People's Liberation Army, a Ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) to celebrate the “New Year” took place at Chinese meeting hut at Chushul - Moldo and Daulat Beg Oldi &nbsp;- 2 Meeting Points in Eastern Ladakh. &nbsp;The Indian delegation was led by Maj Gen Sanjiv Rai and Col SS Lamba and the Chinese Delegation by Sr Col Liu Hou Jie and Col Song Zhang Li respectively.

The ceremonial BPM commenced with saluting the national flags, followed by a ceremonial address. According to Indian Army release, "the address reflected the mutual desire of maintaining and improving relations at a functional level at the border." The release added, "Both sides sought to build on the mutual feeling to maintain peace and tranquillity along the border."

A cultural programme showcasing Chinese culture and traditions were also organised by the Chinese side.

The Ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting was held in the backdrop of successful conduct of Exercise Hand-in-Hand at Chengdu in China in December where troops of both the countries participated in joint exercises and shared ground experiences. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
2018 is considered the year when India and China "reset" the ties after the Doklam incident in Bhutan in 2017. Doklam incident was an over 2 months long standoff between the Indian and Chinese forces when the Chinese army tired to build a road on Bhutanese territory.&nbsp;

April 2018 saw the famous informal Wuhan summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both the leaders met 4 times in 2018--starting with Wuhan summit in April, followed by bilateral meets on the sidelines of SCO summit in China, BRICS summit in South Africa and G20 Summit in Argentina.&nbsp;

The year ended with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visiting New Delhi to meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for the first meeting of the newly constituted India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges. During the meet, EAM Sushma said," PM Modi and President XI have established a personal connection and laid our strategic guidance. "

Chinese President Xi will be visiting India this year for the 2nd informal summit.

Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh celebrated the new year together with a border personnel meeting taking place with a focus on improving relations at function level at the border.

Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh celebrated the new year together with a border personnel meeting taking place with a focus on improving relations at function level at the border. At the invitation of China's People's Liberation Army, a Ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) to celebrate the “New Year” took place at Chinese meeting hut at Chushul - Moldo and Daulat Beg Oldi - 2 Meeting Points in Eastern Ladakh. The Indian delegation was led by Maj Gen Sanjiv Rai and Col SS Lamba and the Chinese Delegation by Sr Col Liu Hou Jie and Col Song Zhang Li respectively. The ceremonial BPM commenced with saluting the national flags, followed by a ceremonial address. According to Indian Army release, "the address reflected the mutual desire of maintaining and improving relations at a functional level at the border." The release added, "Both sides sought to build on the mutual feeling to maintain peace and tranquillity along the border." A cultural programme showcasing Chinese culture and traditions were also organised by the Chinese side. The Ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting was held in the backdrop of successful conduct of Exercise Hand-in-Hand at Chengdu in China in December where troops of both the countries participated in joint exercises and shared ground experiences. 2018 is considered the year when India and China "reset" the ties after the Doklam incident in Bhutan in 2017. Doklam incident was an over 2 months long standoff between the Indian and Chinese forces when the Chinese army tired to build a road on Bhutanese territory. April 2018 saw the famous informal Wuhan summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both the leaders met 4 times in 2018--starting with Wuhan summit in April, followed by bilateral meets on the sidelines of SCO summit in China, BRICS summit in South Africa and G20 Summit in Argentina. The year ended with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visiting New Delhi to meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for the first meeting of the newly constituted India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges. During the meet, EAM Sushma said," PM Modi and President XI have established a personal connection and laid our strategic guidance. " Chinese President Xi will be visiting India this year for the 2nd informal summit.

Bonhomie at the border as India, Chinese forces ring in new year together 

In pics: Thousands brave rain in New York's Times Square to welcome 2019

In pics: This is how the New year celebration across the world looked like

Our Bollywood stars surely know how to celebrate in style. As the world gets ready to ring in the New Year, most have either flown outside the country with their families or are throwing a special party for close friends and family.

Our Bollywood stars surely know how to celebrate in style. As the world gets ready to ring in the New Year, most have either flown outside the country with their families or are throwing a special party for close friends and family. Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Among the first ones from the fraternity were Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan and their baby Taimur who left the country for Switzerland. They are currently celebrating the New Year as they ski their way. The couple has been posting some jaw-dropping photos from their vacation which looks nothing short of royal, much like most of the things that they do. See pictures: View this post on Instagram Sledding with the little ones! Our winter wonderland ❤️❤️❤️ A post shared by Natasha Poonawalla (@natasha.poonawalla) on Dec 28, 2018 at 8:29am PST × View this post on Instagram #mamalife A post shared by Natasha Poonawalla (@natasha.poonawalla) on Dec 30, 2018 at 6:20am PST × Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas Next up on the list is newlyweds Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas who were first seen with families celebrating Christmas in London and have now moved to Switzerland to celebrate New Year with each other. You can call it their honeymoon too. See pictures: View this post on Instagram Ski life 🎿 💕😜 A post shared by Priyanka Chopra Jonas (@priyankachopra) on Dec 30, 2018 at 6:08am PST × View this post on Instagram Happiness in the mountains ⛰ ❤️💕 A post shared by Priyanka Chopra Jonas (@priyankachopra) on Dec 29, 2018 at 7:54am PST × Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh Another pair who recently tied the knot, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh were seen leaving Mumbai earlier yesterday for their quiet honeymoon. They smiled for the paps as the two were seen dressed in black coordinated clothing. See pictures: View this post on Instagram LOVE their color-coordination 🖤🖤🖤 @deepikapadukone & her husband on the way to their vacation, spotted at Mumbai airport last night. A post shared by Deepika Padukone’s Fanpage (@deepika.padukone.fanpage) on Dec 30, 2018 at 3:11am PST × Ajay Devgn and Kajol Ajay and Kajol also followed their ritual of vacationing outside India as the duo were seen with their two kids, Yug and Nysa and family friends in Thailand. Pictures of them having fun on a cruise surfaced recently. See pictures: View this post on Instagram No filter needed. A post shared by Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) on Dec 29, 2018 at 5:01am PST × View this post on Instagram 30.12.18....15....infinite love ❤️credits @daanishgandhi A post shared by Kajol Devgan (@kajol) on Dec 29, 2018 at 7:06pm PST × View this post on Instagram Fun in the sun With my sun .. A post shared by Kajol Devgan (@kajol) on Dec 31, 2018 at 4:57am PST × Jacqueline Fernandez The ‘Race 3’ actress left for Dubai earlier this month as she was caught posing for the camera, sharing with us some lovely photos from her trip. See pictures: View this post on Instagram Dubai here I come!! ❤️❤️ A post shared by Jacqueline Fernandez (@jacquelinef143) on Dec 28, 2018 at 9:25pm PST × View this post on Instagram @dsfsocial you sure know how to spoil us!! Love from my famfam!!! #mydubai ❤️❤️❤️ @harveynicholsdubai @malloftheemirates #dubaishoppingfestival #famfam @therollingprodigy @abhishek4reel A post shared by Jacqueline Fernandez (@jacquelinef143) on Dec 30, 2018 at 11:40pm PST × Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma The dashing duo has reached Sydney to spend some valuable time together as they bring in New Year. Virat shared a photo of them enroute as he captioned it: “Off to Sydney. Looking forward to the new years eve with my one and only ❤️❤️✈️😎” See pictures: View this post on Instagram Off to sydney. Looking forward to the new years eve with my one and only ❤️❤️✈️😎. @anushkasharma A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli) on Dec 30, 2018 at 6:17pm PST × View this post on Instagram Happy New Year to everyone back home and all over the world, all the way from Australia. Have a wonderful year ahead God bless everyone. 🙏😇❤❤❤ A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli) on Dec 31, 2018 at 5:27am PST ×

Here's where the Bollywood stars are celebrating New Year: Kareena, Priyanka, Deepika, Anushka

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin exchanged New Year greetings on Monday.

In his congratulatory message to Putin, Xi, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, extended sincere greetings and good wishes to President Putin and the Russian people.

He said that the year 2018 has a special significance to China-Russia relations, and both countries have smoothly completed their respective important domestic political agendas and opened a new era for China-Russia ties.

During the year, China and Russia witnessed more frequent high-level exchanges, deepened mutual political trust and a series of achievements from bilateral pragmatic cooperation in various fields, Xi said.

The Year of China-Russia Local Cooperation and Exchange program proceeded smoothly in 2018, and the popular support for friendship from generation to generation between the two peoples has been further consolidated, the Chinese president said.

The two countries collaborated actively in international and regional affairs and played important constructive roles in safeguarding international equity and justice as well as world peace and stability, he said.

The year 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, Xi said, noting that he is willing to work with Putin to prompt bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields to make new progress and bring more benefits to the two countries and peoples.

In his congratulatory message, Putin extended warm New Year greetings to Xi, and wished the Chinese people happiness and good health.

In 2018, the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination reached an unprecedented level with substantiated political dialogues and rapidly expanding two-way trade, Putin said.

The Year of China-Russia Local Cooperation and Exchange got off to a good start, and the two countries conducted fruitful cooperation in solving major global and regional issues, he said.

Russia and China will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2019, the Russian president said, voicing his belief that both sides will take the opportunity to continue effective cooperation in bilateral and multilateral affairs.

Also on Monday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev exchanged New Year greetings.

In his congratulatory message, Li said China would like to promote cooperation with Russia in trade, energy, finance, technology, agriculture, humanities and other areas to facilitate common development of both nations.

For his part, Medvedev said that Russia highly values the achievements of the 23rd regular meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government, and is willing to work actively with China to promote bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Xi Jinping said that the year 2018 has a special significance to China-Russia relations, and both countries have smoothly completed their respective important domestic political agendas.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin exchanged New Year greetings on Monday. In his congratulatory message to Putin, Xi, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, extended sincere greetings and good wishes to President Putin and the Russian people. He said that the year 2018 has a special significance to China-Russia relations, and both countries have smoothly completed their respective important domestic political agendas and opened a new era for China-Russia ties. During the year, China and Russia witnessed more frequent high-level exchanges, deepened mutual political trust and a series of achievements from bilateral pragmatic cooperation in various fields, Xi said. The Year of China-Russia Local Cooperation and Exchange program proceeded smoothly in 2018, and the popular support for friendship from generation to generation between the two peoples has been further consolidated, the Chinese president said. The two countries collaborated actively in international and regional affairs and played important constructive roles in safeguarding international equity and justice as well as world peace and stability, he said. The year 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, Xi said, noting that he is willing to work with Putin to prompt bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields to make new progress and bring more benefits to the two countries and peoples. In his congratulatory message, Putin extended warm New Year greetings to Xi, and wished the Chinese people happiness and good health. In 2018, the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination reached an unprecedented level with substantiated political dialogues and rapidly expanding two-way trade, Putin said. The Year of China-Russia Local Cooperation and Exchange got off to a good start, and the two countries conducted fruitful cooperation in solving major global and regional issues, he said. Russia and China will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2019, the Russian president said, voicing his belief that both sides will take the opportunity to continue effective cooperation in bilateral and multilateral affairs. Also on Monday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev exchanged New Year greetings. In his congratulatory message, Li said China would like to promote cooperation with Russia in trade, energy, finance, technology, agriculture, humanities and other areas to facilitate common development of both nations. For his part, Medvedev said that Russia highly values the achievements of the 23rd regular meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government, and is willing to work actively with China to promote bilateral cooperation in various fields.

2018 opened a new era for China-Russia ties, says Xi Jinping to Putin in New year greetings

China will continue market reforms and open its doors to the world in the face of a challenging geopolitical landscape, President Xi Jinping pledged Monday in a New Year speech.

Xi said that in 2018 -- 40 years since the transformation led by Deng Xiaoping -- the country had enacted "systematic, holistic and reconstructive reforms of the party and state institutions".

"The pace of our reform will not stagnate, and the open door will only grow bigger and bigger," he said in a speech broadcast by the state-run CCTV.

China recently marked the anniversary of the momentous policy shift agreed at a Communist Party gathering on December 18, 1978 under late paramount leader Deng, who is considered the architect of the country's opening up to the world.

Xi said on Monday that China had welcomed many "new and old friends" to the country, hosting several international forums this year.

"My colleagues and I visited five continents... had extensive exchanges with leaders of various countries, consolidated friendship, enhanced trust, and expanded our circle of friends," he said.

Touching on geopolitics, Xi said the world is in an unprecedented situation under the toughest conditions in a century.

"No matter how the international situation changes, China's confidence and determination to safeguard national sovereignty and security will not change," he said.

"China's sincerity and goodwill to maintain world peace and promote common development will not change."

China has been locked in a bruising trade war with the United States and is also facing a slowing domestic economy.

Washington and Beijing have imposed tit-for-tat tariffs on more than $300 billion worth of goods, and the trade conflict has spooked markets worldwide.

But both countries on December 1 agreed to a 90-day truce after Xi met with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina.

2019 will also see China celebrating 70 years since its founding as a nation.

"Seventy years of challenges, 70 years of wind and rain," Xi said.

"Along the way, the Chinese people have become self-reliant and hard-working, creating a Chinese miracle that has attracted worldwide attention."

China will continue market reforms and open its doors to the world in the face of a challenging geopolitical landscape, President Xi Jinping pledged Monday in a New Year speech.

China will continue market reforms and open its doors to the world in the face of a challenging geopolitical landscape, President Xi Jinping pledged Monday in a New Year speech. Xi said that in 2018 -- 40 years since the transformation led by Deng Xiaoping -- the country had enacted "systematic, holistic and reconstructive reforms of the party and state institutions". "The pace of our reform will not stagnate, and the open door will only grow bigger and bigger," he said in a speech broadcast by the state-run CCTV. China recently marked the anniversary of the momentous policy shift agreed at a Communist Party gathering on December 18, 1978 under late paramount leader Deng, who is considered the architect of the country's opening up to the world. Xi said on Monday that China had welcomed many "new and old friends" to the country, hosting several international forums this year. "My colleagues and I visited five continents... had extensive exchanges with leaders of various countries, consolidated friendship, enhanced trust, and expanded our circle of friends," he said. Touching on geopolitics, Xi said the world is in an unprecedented situation under the toughest conditions in a century. "No matter how the international situation changes, China's confidence and determination to safeguard national sovereignty and security will not change," he said. "China's sincerity and goodwill to maintain world peace and promote common development will not change." China has been locked in a bruising trade war with the United States and is also facing a slowing domestic economy. Washington and Beijing have imposed tit-for-tat tariffs on more than $300 billion worth of goods, and the trade conflict has spooked markets worldwide. But both countries on December 1 agreed to a 90-day truce after Xi met with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. 2019 will also see China celebrating 70 years since its founding as a nation. "Seventy years of challenges, 70 years of wind and rain," Xi said. "Along the way, the Chinese people have become self-reliant and hard-working, creating a Chinese miracle that has attracted worldwide attention."

China President Xi jinping pledges to continue reforms, open markets in New Year address

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