As the year grew old, the ages of India's shooting champions got younger and if the medals won and world records owned by the incredibly talented teenagers are anything to go by, better days await the sport.&nbsp;

While the podiums and records are a fair reflection of shooting's unprecedented upswing over the last 12 months, the soaring expectations from its young guns speak volumes about the talent at its disposal.&nbsp;

Manu Bhaker won almost everywhere, the rare blip being her inexplicable meltdown at the Asian Games finals. The 16-year-old girl was favoured to beat women double her age and experience in the showpiece and when the script did not unfold on expected lines, she exited the 25m range teary-eyed.&nbsp;

Heightened expectations from a teenager competing in a top-flight senior event is rare, but the breed that Bhaker belongs to is also rare.&nbsp;

Teen pistol sensation Saurabh Chaudhary, who can now do without an introduction, is a shooter of Bhaker's ilk.&nbsp;

Out of nowhere, Esha Singh, 13, announced her arrival in spectacular fashion, nonchalantly trouncing the established names, Bhaker included, as well as Heena Sidhu on her way to winning three gold medals at the Nationals.&nbsp;

In the same tournament, Mehuli Ghosh's partner in winning the junior mixed team and youth mixed team air rifle events was a 10-year old Abhinav Shaw.&nbsp;

Taking the sport by storm was Chaudhary, who is as young as Jhajjar girl Bhaker and equal in skill and achievements. He not only won medals, he won them in gold, and with records to boost on a couple of occasions.&nbsp;

The teenaged shooters dominated the sport as if they had been pulling the trigger for years.&nbsp;

Anjum Moudgil, Mehuli, Saurabh, Bhaker, Anish and Esha Singh - in descending order of age - are among the string of young talents who made headlines.&nbsp;

The progress has left everyone hopeful of good times ahead, including India's lone individual Olympic gold medallist, Abhinav Bindra.&nbsp;

"In shooting we are pretty developed. There were 27 medals in the World Championship in which we did fantastically well. We just need to keep our heads focused and continue that process," Bindra said recently.&nbsp;

"We seem to be quite fortunate because we have a string of young shooting athletes, coming through day in and day out, and I think that's a very positive sign for the long-term development of shooting," the 36-year-old added.&nbsp;

Saying that the sport enjoyed a phenomenal year, simply riding on the teenagers, would be appropriate.&nbsp;

On her part, Bhaker said, "We saw the youth power this year, it feels really good that teenagers are doing so well and achieving their goals. We have set our goals and are working on that only. It is very surprising that suddenly all of us are doing so well."&nbsp;

Bhaker and Chaudhary became household names, winning five and six international gold medals in the year respectively, including the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Youth Olympic Games, ISSF World Cup (both junior and senior) and Asian Championship Gold medals between them.&nbsp;

The 23-year-old Angad Veer Singh Bajwa did what no other skeet shooter had done before at the Asian Shotgun Championships.&nbsp;

He shot a perfect 60 out of 60 in the final to own the world record, beating the score of 59 achieved multiple times by American two-time Olympic champion, world champion and skeet legend, Vincent Hancock.&nbsp;

Angad had been in and out of the Indian team for more than two years, has come up the junior ranks and has done what no other Indian skeet shooter has ever done - winning an Asian Championship gold and owning the skeet world record.&nbsp;

Given that his teammates Sheeraz Shaikh and Mairaj Khan are also shooting good scores consistently, Angad's achievement bodes well for the future.&nbsp;

Similarly, in rifle, teenagers Mehuli Ghosh and Elavenil Valarivan showed their class by winning a host of medals including gold in the Junior and Senior World Cups and Junior World Championships as well as in the Youth Olympic Games.&nbsp;

The 24-year-old Anjum Moudgil emerged as the country's top woman rifle shooter, winning a World Championship silver and bagging the country's first Tokyo Olympics quota place in the process and then ending with a clean sweep of the air rifle titles at the Shooting Nationals.&nbsp;

Young Akhil Sheoran, 22, also won an ISSF World Cup gold in men's air rifle in the beginning of the year, which means the likes of Deepak Kumar and Ravi Kumar, India team regulars, will be on their toes at all times.&nbsp;

What has also excited shooting enthusiasts is the quality of the bench strength.&nbsp;

India will finish the year with as many as 11 world records, two of them in the senior category.&nbsp;

Away from the range, National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) president Raninder Singh became the first Indian to be elected vice-president of the&nbsp;International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).&nbsp;

The iconic Bindra was conferred the sport's highest honour for his services as the chairman of the apex body's Athletes Committee.&nbsp;

As the year grew old, the ages of India's shooting champions got younger and if the medals won and world records owned by the incredibly talented teenagers are anything to go by, better days await the sport.

As the year grew old, the ages of India's shooting champions got younger and if the medals won and world records owned by the incredibly talented teenagers are anything to go by, better days await the sport. While the podiums and records are a fair reflection of shooting's unprecedented upswing over the last 12 months, the soaring expectations from its young guns speak volumes about the talent at its disposal. Manu Bhaker won almost everywhere, the rare blip being her inexplicable meltdown at the Asian Games finals. The 16-year-old girl was favoured to beat women double her age and experience in the showpiece and when the script did not unfold on expected lines, she exited the 25m range teary-eyed. Heightened expectations from a teenager competing in a top-flight senior event is rare, but the breed that Bhaker belongs to is also rare. Teen pistol sensation Saurabh Chaudhary, who can now do without an introduction, is a shooter of Bhaker's ilk. Out of nowhere, Esha Singh, 13, announced her arrival in spectacular fashion, nonchalantly trouncing the established names, Bhaker included, as well as Heena Sidhu on her way to winning three gold medals at the Nationals. In the same tournament, Mehuli Ghosh's partner in winning the junior mixed team and youth mixed team air rifle events was a 10-year old Abhinav Shaw. Taking the sport by storm was Chaudhary, who is as young as Jhajjar girl Bhaker and equal in skill and achievements. He not only won medals, he won them in gold, and with records to boost on a couple of occasions. The teenaged shooters dominated the sport as if they had been pulling the trigger for years. Anjum Moudgil, Mehuli, Saurabh, Bhaker, Anish and Esha Singh - in descending order of age - are among the string of young talents who made headlines. The progress has left everyone hopeful of good times ahead, including India's lone individual Olympic gold medallist, Abhinav Bindra. "In shooting we are pretty developed. There were 27 medals in the World Championship in which we did fantastically well. We just need to keep our heads focused and continue that process," Bindra said recently. "We seem to be quite fortunate because we have a string of young shooting athletes, coming through day in and day out, and I think that's a very positive sign for the long-term development of shooting," the 36-year-old added. Saying that the sport enjoyed a phenomenal year, simply riding on the teenagers, would be appropriate. On her part, Bhaker said, "We saw the youth power this year, it feels really good that teenagers are doing so well and achieving their goals. We have set our goals and are working on that only. It is very surprising that suddenly all of us are doing so well." Bhaker and Chaudhary became household names, winning five and six international gold medals in the year respectively, including the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Youth Olympic Games, ISSF World Cup (both junior and senior) and Asian Championship Gold medals between them. The 23-year-old Angad Veer Singh Bajwa did what no other skeet shooter had done before at the Asian Shotgun Championships. He shot a perfect 60 out of 60 in the final to own the world record, beating the score of 59 achieved multiple times by American two-time Olympic champion, world champion and skeet legend, Vincent Hancock. Angad had been in and out of the Indian team for more than two years, has come up the junior ranks and has done what no other Indian skeet shooter has ever done - winning an Asian Championship gold and owning the skeet world record. Given that his teammates Sheeraz Shaikh and Mairaj Khan are also shooting good scores consistently, Angad's achievement bodes well for the future. Similarly, in rifle, teenagers Mehuli Ghosh and Elavenil Valarivan showed their class by winning a host of medals including gold in the Junior and Senior World Cups and Junior World Championships as well as in the Youth Olympic Games. The 24-year-old Anjum Moudgil emerged as the country's top woman rifle shooter, winning a World Championship silver and bagging the country's first Tokyo Olympics quota place in the process and then ending with a clean sweep of the air rifle titles at the Shooting Nationals. Young Akhil Sheoran, 22, also won an ISSF World Cup gold in men's air rifle in the beginning of the year, which means the likes of Deepak Kumar and Ravi Kumar, India team regulars, will be on their toes at all times. What has also excited shooting enthusiasts is the quality of the bench strength. India will finish the year with as many as 11 world records, two of them in the senior category. Away from the range, National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) president Raninder Singh became the first Indian to be elected vice-president of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). The iconic Bindra was conferred the sport's highest honour for his services as the chairman of the apex body's Athletes Committee.

Young Indian shooters in 2018: Manu Bhaker, Saurabh Chaudhary, Mehuli Ghosh promise gold rush in future

UK Prime Minister Theresa May on December 12 survived a confidence vote over Brexit deal by her own MPs, but lost the support of her colleagues. This was the latest controversy to have hit the British government after the country's shock decision to exit the European Union (EU), popularly known as Brexit.

May won the backing of 200 Conservative lawmakers, but 117 voted to oust her.

The referendum to leave the EU was carried out across Britan in 2016, but since then has seen resignations of many British ministers, claimed the job of a prime minister, and that of a second one, almost!

The UK triggered Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon in March last year to formally severe ties with the EU, but the deal prepared by the government of the country has not been able to pass the test of EU leaders. The two-year period of Article 50 for Britain to leave the EU will end on March 2019, but the government is still working, rather frantically, negotiating the terms of the divorce with the bloc of 28 countries.

Being part of the European Union means being a part of a group of countries which trade together, use its own currency, legislate together, and most importantly, avoid going to war with each other.

Britain's exit, or Brexit, means the UK will be devoid of all these things and the restriction of movement of goods will impact its economy adversely. The EU, at several juncture on the road to Brexit, has warned the UK of consequences, but after the June, 2016 vote, the UK is going ahead with the separation.

Early signs are already visible on the British economy since the vote. The overall performance of the UK economy among the G7 nations has tailed off, inflation has increased leading to fall of wage growth and less saving by the households. Many companies are also reluctant to invest in the UK, given the anxious investor sentiment.

Soon after the referendum, David Cameron resigned as prime minister as he wanted Britain to stay with the EU. Later, Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson withdrew at the last minute which made Theresa May the new prime minister of United Kingdom.

Britain and the EU have so far reached an outline agreement on three key areas of the divorce: Britain's financial settlement to the union, citizens' rights and the Irish border. A bill enacting the decision to leave the EU became law on June 26, 2018.

What happens now?

Despite the withdrawal agreement and statement on future relations with the EU, many in Britain are quietly talking of a second referendum. They want the public to be given a final say in whether the UK should operate on its own with the European Union. Theresa May is against the second referendum, and has said that her government will hold a vote in Parliament on January 21 next year on Britain's post-Brexit future.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May on December 12 survived a confidence vote over Brexit deal by her own MPs, but lost the support of her colleagues. This was the latest controversy to have hit the British government after the country's shock decision to exit the European Union (EU), popularly known as Brexit.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May on December 12 survived a confidence vote over Brexit deal by her own MPs, but lost the support of her colleagues. This was the latest controversy to have hit the British government after the country's shock decision to exit the European Union (EU), popularly known as Brexit. May won the backing of 200 Conservative lawmakers, but 117 voted to oust her. The referendum to leave the EU was carried out across Britan in 2016, but since then has seen resignations of many British ministers, claimed the job of a prime minister, and that of a second one, almost! The UK triggered Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon in March last year to formally severe ties with the EU, but the deal prepared by the government of the country has not been able to pass the test of EU leaders. The two-year period of Article 50 for Britain to leave the EU will end on March 2019, but the government is still working, rather frantically, negotiating the terms of the divorce with the bloc of 28 countries. Being part of the European Union means being a part of a group of countries which trade together, use its own currency, legislate together, and most importantly, avoid going to war with each other. Britain's exit, or Brexit, means the UK will be devoid of all these things and the restriction of movement of goods will impact its economy adversely. The EU, at several juncture on the road to Brexit, has warned the UK of consequences, but after the June, 2016 vote, the UK is going ahead with the separation. Early signs are already visible on the British economy since the vote. The overall performance of the UK economy among the G7 nations has tailed off, inflation has increased leading to fall of wage growth and less saving by the households. Many companies are also reluctant to invest in the UK, given the anxious investor sentiment. Soon after the referendum, David Cameron resigned as prime minister as he wanted Britain to stay with the EU. Later, Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson withdrew at the last minute which made Theresa May the new prime minister of United Kingdom. Britain and the EU have so far reached an outline agreement on three key areas of the divorce: Britain's financial settlement to the union, citizens' rights and the Irish border. A bill enacting the decision to leave the EU became law on June 26, 2018. What happens now? Despite the withdrawal agreement and statement on future relations with the EU, many in Britain are quietly talking of a second referendum. They want the public to be given a final say in whether the UK should operate on its own with the European Union. Theresa May is against the second referendum, and has said that her government will hold a vote in Parliament on January 21 next year on Britain's post-Brexit future.

How Brexit saga unfolded in 2018

Luka Modric started the year 2018 with his tremendous performance for Real Madrid and his crucial contributions in the midfield inspired the team to win Champions League after defeating Liverpool in the final.

Croatia's star footballer then looked forward to building on the momentum and continued his preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2018.&nbsp;

In his leadership, Croatia reached the final of football World Cup for the first time in history, however, the team lost to France in the high-octane clash.&nbsp;

Despite the 4-2 defeat by France, more than 500,000 people gave captain Modric and his team a heroic welcome on their return to Croatia's capital city, Zagreb.&nbsp;

The 33-year-old Modric is described as a quick and creative playmaker. He believes in promoting goals and very rare shoots off-mark when he attempts to score.&nbsp;

With great vision, he tries to change the course of the game with a deft pass, or with a solo, long-range effort.

Modric is popular for his ability to pass the ball accurately across long or short distances, his ball control, first touch, positional play, and his ability to retain possession.

Very few would know that Modric is able to play with both feet and with the help of his clever moves, he sets the tempo of the game.

Luka Modric is the first player in history to be awarded the World Cup Golden Ball, UEFA Men's Player, FIFA Best Men's Player and Ballon d'Or in the same year.&nbsp;

In 2002, he was signed by his hometown club's youth team Dinamo Zagreb at age 16.

After three years, in 2005, he made his debut for Dinamo and won three consecutive league titles and domestic cups, being named the Prva HNL Player of the Year in 2007

In 2008, he earned himself a massive opportunity when he was signed by Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur for a club-record transfer fee of £16.5 million.

After the crucial move, Modric led Spurs to their first UEFA Champions League appearance in almost 50 years, reaching the quarter-finals of the 2010–11 tournament.

In the summer of 2012, Modric joined Real Madrid for a £30 million transfer fee and ever since he continued to flourish as a key player for the Spanish giants.

Luka Modric's journey from Croatian war child to the world's best footballer, a national hero in his home country and crowned the best player on the planet, is world appreciating.

In early years Modric was a child refugee. He flew the burned-out shell of a remote Croatian cottage where he spent part of his childhood.

Hidden in the folds of Velebit mountain, with the nearest neighbours several kilometres away, trees now grow inside the roofless ruin and a sign warns of "Mines - Keep out!"

The player's grandfather, also named Luka, lived in the house, lying on a mountain road winding through the Modrici hamlet.

His grandfather was killed by Serb forces, the house was burned and the family fled to the coastal town of Zadar, some 40 kilometres (19 miles) away.

It was there that Modric, born in 1985, began his footballing odyssey, drawing attention for the first time to his budding abilities. &nbsp;

Modric left Zadar, where he remains a legend, for Dinamo Zagreb in 2000 and then joined English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur in 2008. After a bidding war he was snapped up by Real Madrid in 2012.

Luka Modric started the year 2018 with his tremendous performance for Real Madrid and his crucial contributions in the midfield inspired the team to win Champions League after defeating Liverpool in the final.

Luka Modric started the year 2018 with his tremendous performance for Real Madrid and his crucial contributions in the midfield inspired the team to win Champions League after defeating Liverpool in the final. Croatia's star footballer then looked forward to building on the momentum and continued his preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2018. In his leadership, Croatia reached the final of football World Cup for the first time in history, however, the team lost to France in the high-octane clash. Despite the 4-2 defeat by France, more than 500,000 people gave captain Modric and his team a heroic welcome on their return to Croatia's capital city, Zagreb. The 33-year-old Modric is described as a quick and creative playmaker. He believes in promoting goals and very rare shoots off-mark when he attempts to score. With great vision, he tries to change the course of the game with a deft pass, or with a solo, long-range effort. Modric is popular for his ability to pass the ball accurately across long or short distances, his ball control, first touch, positional play, and his ability to retain possession. Very few would know that Modric is able to play with both feet and with the help of his clever moves, he sets the tempo of the game. Luka Modric is the first player in history to be awarded the World Cup Golden Ball, UEFA Men's Player, FIFA Best Men's Player and Ballon d'Or in the same year. In 2002, he was signed by his hometown club's youth team Dinamo Zagreb at age 16. After three years, in 2005, he made his debut for Dinamo and won three consecutive league titles and domestic cups, being named the Prva HNL Player of the Year in 2007 In 2008, he earned himself a massive opportunity when he was signed by Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur for a club-record transfer fee of £16.5 million. After the crucial move, Modric led Spurs to their first UEFA Champions League appearance in almost 50 years, reaching the quarter-finals of the 2010–11 tournament. In the summer of 2012, Modric joined Real Madrid for a £30 million transfer fee and ever since he continued to flourish as a key player for the Spanish giants. Luka Modric's journey from Croatian war child to the world's best footballer, a national hero in his home country and crowned the best player on the planet, is world appreciating. In early years Modric was a child refugee. He flew the burned-out shell of a remote Croatian cottage where he spent part of his childhood. Hidden in the folds of Velebit mountain, with the nearest neighbours several kilometres away, trees now grow inside the roofless ruin and a sign warns of "Mines - Keep out!" The player's grandfather, also named Luka, lived in the house, lying on a mountain road winding through the Modrici hamlet. His grandfather was killed by Serb forces, the house was burned and the family fled to the coastal town of Zadar, some 40 kilometres (19 miles) away. It was there that Modric, born in 1985, began his footballing odyssey, drawing attention for the first time to his budding abilities. Modric left Zadar, where he remains a legend, for Dinamo Zagreb in 2000 and then joined English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur in 2008. After a bidding war he was snapped up by Real Madrid in 2012.

From football World Cup to Ballon d'Or, year 2018 belongs to Luka Modric

Diamantaire made the news this year for all the wrong reasons. Modi fled India after being accused of money laundering, Rs 11,400-crore fraud involving Punjab National Bank and embezzlement.

The alleged kingpin of the largest banking scam in the country's history, Modi left the country along with his family in the first week of January, before the alleged scam became public.

The PNB, the second largest state-run bank, had, on February 14, informed the exchanges about detecting the fraud at its Brady House branch in Mumbai, and named the firms led by Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi's Gitanjali Group, and some other diamond and jewellery merchants as suspects.

Central government agencies - the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate - registered cases on the complaint by the bank and launched nationwide searches on dozens of offices and residences of the alleged fraudsters. The bank named Nirav Modi's brother, his American wife Ami, and uncle Mehul Choksi besides some others in the FIR.

In December this year, the Interpol issued a red corner notice (RCN) against Choksi. The notice is a kind of international warrant through which the Interpol requests its member countries to catch fugutives wanted by the international police organisation. Nirav Modi has already been slapped with the RCN in July.

The CBI is also probing an additional loan default of over Rs 5,000 crore given to Choksi's companies.

At a hearing before a special court in Mumbai, his lawyer had said that the fugitive diamantaire cannot return to India as he is afraid of "getting lynched". His last known location is believed to be in the UK and India has approached the British government for his extradition.

Nirav Modi was a regular feature on the lists of rich and famous for years.

Diamantaire made the news this year for all the wrong reasons. Modi fled India after being accused of money laundering, Rs 11,400-crore fraud involving Punjab National Bank and embezzlement.

Diamantaire made the news this year for all the wrong reasons. Modi fled India after being accused of money laundering, Rs 11,400-crore fraud involving Punjab National Bank and embezzlement. The alleged kingpin of the largest banking scam in the country's history, Modi left the country along with his family in the first week of January, before the alleged scam became public. The PNB, the second largest state-run bank, had, on February 14, informed the exchanges about detecting the fraud at its Brady House branch in Mumbai, and named the firms led by Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi's Gitanjali Group, and some other diamond and jewellery merchants as suspects. Central government agencies - the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate - registered cases on the complaint by the bank and launched nationwide searches on dozens of offices and residences of the alleged fraudsters. The bank named Nirav Modi's brother, his American wife Ami, and uncle Mehul Choksi besides some others in the FIR. In December this year, the Interpol issued a red corner notice (RCN) against Choksi. The notice is a kind of international warrant through which the Interpol requests its member countries to catch fugutives wanted by the international police organisation. Nirav Modi has already been slapped with the RCN in July. The CBI is also probing an additional loan default of over Rs 5,000 crore given to Choksi's companies. At a hearing before a special court in Mumbai, his lawyer had said that the fugitive diamantaire cannot return to India as he is afraid of "getting lynched". His last known location is believed to be in the UK and India has approached the British government for his extradition. Nirav Modi was a regular feature on the lists of rich and famous for years.

Nirav Modi: Fugitive diamantaire and India's most wanted

Google has released its annual year search list for 2018 listing what and who remained the hot topic of the year. The list includes FIFA World Cup, natural disasters, a royal wedding and many more.

Here are the top-trending Google searches of 2018:

1. FIFA World Cup

The 21st edition of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/top-18-moments-of-fifa-world-cup-2018-152369">FIFA World Cup</a>, the biggest sporting event on earth was played from June 14 to July 15 in multiple cities of Russia. It was keenly followed by thousands of fans around the world. France won the World Cup and clinched the most coveted - the hand and ball - trophy after defeating Croatia. FIFA tops the google search list due to its popularity and crazy fan following.

2. Hurricane Florence

Hurricane Florence made <a href="http://wionews.com/world/hurricane-florence-makes-landfall-in-wrightsville-beach-in-north-carolina-165660">landfall in Wrightsville beach</a> in North Carolina on September 14. Heavy rain and wind lashed several areas in Carolinas. Around 1,88,000 people were without power during that period.

3. Royal wedding&nbsp;

Prince Harry and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-royal-couple-prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-attend-their-first-official-event-after-wedding--139077">Meghan Markle got married</a> in front of six hundred people at the St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018. It was likely the most talked-about wedding of the year. In October, Kenningston palace confirmed the pregnancy of Meghan Markle and due to give birth in spring 2019.

4. US Midterm election results

Americans cast their votes in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-midterm-elections-what-do-the-results-mean-for-the-countrys-uncertain-future-176138">midterm election on November 6</a>. For the first time in eight years, Democrats took over control from the Republicans to hold House majority. The results were a bitter outcome for Trump after a divisive campaign marked by fierce clashes over race, immigration and other cultural issues became a referendum on his leadership.

5. Hurricane Michael

Hurricane Michael was the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/monstrous-hurricane-michael-tears-into-florida-kills-one-170766">most powerful storm</a> to hit the state's northern area in more than a century. An estimated 375,000 people in more than 20 counties were ordered or advised to evacuate. Over 17 people lost their lives.

6. Stephen Hawking

British scientist Professor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/family-friends-bid-farewell-to-stephen-hawking-127431">Stephen Hawking died at the age of 76 in March</a>. A genius who dedicated his life to unlocking the secrets of the Universe. Hawking was diagnosed with an early-onset of a slow-progressing form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The disease is known to damage motor system in the body and is alternatively known as motor neurone disease or Lou Gehrig's disease.

7. Kate Spade

Kate Spade, who with her husband built a fashion empire on the popularity of her colorful handbags, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-fashion-designer-kate-spade-found-dead-committed-suicide--142464">was found dead in her New York City apartment</a> in June, an apparent suicide. She was 55. Andy Spade, husband of Kate said she suffered from depression for years and that the couple had been living separately for 10 months.

8. Stan Lee

Stan Lee, the co-creator of Marvel comics <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/marvel-comic-book-legend-stan-lees-death-certificate-reveals-reason-for-death-179962">passed away in Los Angeles</a> at the age of 95. The world mourned his death and fan paid tributes on Stan Lee's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Lee will be seen in upcoming movies ''Avengers 4'', ''Captain Marvel'' and ''Ralph breaks the Internet'' for the last time.

9. Black Panther

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/african-american-film-critics-association-names-black-panther-as-best-film-of-2018-183444">Black Panther</a>, starring Chadwick Boseman and directed by Ryan Coogler made its way to Google top search list. The movie earned over $400 million. 
The movie made its debut this year in Marvel collections and was loved by many and thus making it a huge success.

10. Avicii

Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-swedish-dj-avicii-found-dead-in-a-hotel-room-in-muscat-oman-131746">passed away at the age of 28</a>, on April 20. The artist, known for songs such as 'Wake Me Up', 'Lonely Together', and 'Levels' had retired from tours in 2016 due to health issues. His family said that famed DJ Avicii could not go any longer and wanted to found peace. 
&nbsp;

Google has released its annual year search list for 2018 listing what and who remained the hot topic of the year. The list includes FIFA World Cup, natural disasters, a royal wedding and many more.

Google has released its annual year search list for 2018 listing what and who remained the hot topic of the year. The list includes FIFA World Cup, natural disasters, a royal wedding and many more. Here are the top-trending Google searches of 2018: 1. FIFA World Cup The 21st edition of FIFA World Cup, the biggest sporting event on earth was played from June 14 to July 15 in multiple cities of Russia. It was keenly followed by thousands of fans around the world. France won the World Cup and clinched the most coveted - the hand and ball - trophy after defeating Croatia. FIFA tops the google search list due to its popularity and crazy fan following. 2. Hurricane Florence Hurricane Florence made landfall in Wrightsville beach in North Carolina on September 14. Heavy rain and wind lashed several areas in Carolinas. Around 1,88,000 people were without power during that period. 3. Royal wedding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married in front of six hundred people at the St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018. It was likely the most talked-about wedding of the year. In October, Kenningston palace confirmed the pregnancy of Meghan Markle and due to give birth in spring 2019. 4. US Midterm election results Americans cast their votes in midterm election on November 6. For the first time in eight years, Democrats took over control from the Republicans to hold House majority. The results were a bitter outcome for Trump after a divisive campaign marked by fierce clashes over race, immigration and other cultural issues became a referendum on his leadership. 5. Hurricane Michael Hurricane Michael was the most powerful storm to hit the state's northern area in more than a century. An estimated 375,000 people in more than 20 counties were ordered or advised to evacuate. Over 17 people lost their lives. 6. Stephen Hawking British scientist Professor Stephen Hawking died at the age of 76 in March. A genius who dedicated his life to unlocking the secrets of the Universe. Hawking was diagnosed with an early-onset of a slow-progressing form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The disease is known to damage motor system in the body and is alternatively known as motor neurone disease or Lou Gehrig's disease. 7. Kate Spade Kate Spade, who with her husband built a fashion empire on the popularity of her colorful handbags, was found dead in her New York City apartment in June, an apparent suicide. She was 55. Andy Spade, husband of Kate said she suffered from depression for years and that the couple had been living separately for 10 months. 8. Stan Lee Stan Lee, the co-creator of Marvel comics passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 95. The world mourned his death and fan paid tributes on Stan Lee's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Lee will be seen in upcoming movies ''Avengers 4'', ''Captain Marvel'' and ''Ralph breaks the Internet'' for the last time. 9. Black Panther Black Panther, starring Chadwick Boseman and directed by Ryan Coogler made its way to Google top search list. The movie earned over $400 million. The movie made its debut this year in Marvel collections and was loved by many and thus making it a huge success. 10. Avicii Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, passed away at the age of 28, on April 20. The artist, known for songs such as 'Wake Me Up', 'Lonely Together', and 'Levels' had retired from tours in 2016 due to health issues. His family said that famed DJ Avicii could not go any longer and wanted to found peace.

Google's most popular search list for 2018: FIFA World Cup, Hurricane Michael and more

She may have had just one release in 2018, but Deepika Padukone is still the top star of Indian cinema. According to a list released by global movie website IMDb, Padukone has claimed the top spot beating Shah Rukh Khan who comes in second.&nbsp;

IMDb on Tuesday unveiled the `2018 Top 10 Stars of Indian Cinema` list. The list was derived using data from IMDbPro STARmeter rankings, which are based on the actual page views of more than 250 million monthly visitors to the platform, read a statement.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan earned the second spot, which was followed by Aamir Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Kubbra Sait, Irrfan Khan, Radhika Apte and Akshay Kumar.

"Deepika Padukone`s strong performance in this year`s `Padmaavat` pushed her into the top spot on the 2018 IMDb Top Stars of Indian Cinema list," said Neha Gureja, Head of International for IMDb.

"Radhika Apte delighted audiences this year, appearing in two of the IMDb Top Indian Movies of 2018 - 'AndhaDhun' (which ranked number 1) and 'Padman' (ranked number 6). Akshay Kumar, the bold protagonist in `Padman` rounds out the Top Stars list at number 10," she added.

She may have had just one release in 2018, but Deepika Padukone is still the top star of Indian cinema. According to a list released by global movie website IMDb, Padukone has claimed the top spot beating Shah Rukh Khan who comes in second.

She may have had just one release in 2018, but Deepika Padukone is still the top star of Indian cinema. According to a list released by global movie website IMDb, Padukone has claimed the top spot beating Shah Rukh Khan who comes in second. IMDb on Tuesday unveiled the `2018 Top 10 Stars of Indian Cinema` list. The list was derived using data from IMDbPro STARmeter rankings, which are based on the actual page views of more than 250 million monthly visitors to the platform, read a statement. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan earned the second spot, which was followed by Aamir Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Kubbra Sait, Irrfan Khan, Radhika Apte and Akshay Kumar. "Deepika Padukone`s strong performance in this year`s `Padmaavat` pushed her into the top spot on the 2018 IMDb Top Stars of Indian Cinema list," said Neha Gureja, Head of International for IMDb. "Radhika Apte delighted audiences this year, appearing in two of the IMDb Top Indian Movies of 2018 - 'AndhaDhun' (which ranked number 1) and 'Padman' (ranked number 6). Akshay Kumar, the bold protagonist in `Padman` rounds out the Top Stars list at number 10," she added.

Deepika Padukone is Indian Cinema's top star in 2018: IMDb

The Philippines' Catriona Gray was named <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/philippines-catriono-elisa-gray-crowned-miss-universe-2018-184662">Miss Universe 2018</a> in a competition concluding Monday in Bangkok, besting contestants from 93 other countries and delighting her home nation.

Gray wore a sparkling red dress she said was inspired by a volcano in the Philippines as she was handed the crown to the delight of a roaring crowd. She succeeds Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa.

24-year-old Gray is a singer and model. Her father is Australian, and she was born and grew up in Cairns, Australia.

She studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston in the United States. She holds a Master Certificate in Music Theory. An adventure junkie, Gray is an HIV/AIDS advocate and volunteers as a Teacher's Assistant to the students at an NGO, according to the official Miss Universe website.

In the final question round, Gray was asked about the most important lesson she has learnt in life and how would she apply it in her time as Miss Universe.

She said, "I work a lot in the slums of Manila and life there is very poor and sad. I have always taught myself to look for the beauty in it, to look for the beauty in the faces of the children, and I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with a silver lining and to asses where I could give something and provide something."

She further said she would like to expand her work in the slums of Manila with an organisation that promotes education on HIV and AIDS.

Gray is the fourth Filipina to win Miss Universe and the second in three years.

The office of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was quick to congratulate the winner.

The Philippines previously won Miss Universe titles in 2015, 1973 and 1969.

The Philippines' Catriona Gray was named Miss Universe 2018 in a competition concluding Monday in Bangkok, besting contestants from 93 other countries and delighting her home nation.

The Philippines' Catriona Gray was named Miss Universe 2018 in a competition concluding Monday in Bangkok, besting contestants from 93 other countries and delighting her home nation. Gray wore a sparkling red dress she said was inspired by a volcano in the Philippines as she was handed the crown to the delight of a roaring crowd. She succeeds Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa. 24-year-old Gray is a singer and model. Her father is Australian, and she was born and grew up in Cairns, Australia. She studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston in the United States. She holds a Master Certificate in Music Theory. An adventure junkie, Gray is an HIV/AIDS advocate and volunteers as a Teacher's Assistant to the students at an NGO, according to the official Miss Universe website. In the final question round, Gray was asked about the most important lesson she has learnt in life and how would she apply it in her time as Miss Universe. She said, "I work a lot in the slums of Manila and life there is very poor and sad. I have always taught myself to look for the beauty in it, to look for the beauty in the faces of the children, and I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with a silver lining and to asses where I could give something and provide something." She further said she would like to expand her work in the slums of Manila with an organisation that promotes education on HIV and AIDS. Gray is the fourth Filipina to win Miss Universe and the second in three years. The office of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was quick to congratulate the winner. The Philippines previously won Miss Universe titles in 2015, 1973 and 1969.

Miss Universe 2018: Know all about Philippines' Catriona Gray

The global economy suffered a jolt in 2018 as world's two biggest economies - US and China - got involved in a trade war. Both the countries accuse each other of putting unfair tariffs on goods produced in respective countries.

The first step was taken by US President Donald Trump who announced increased tariffs on more than 1,300 Chinese industrial and other products, nine per cent of its total imports from China last year. There was no need to convince Trump who has long criticised China's trade practices. It was, in fact, a recurrent theme in his 2016 election campaign.

In response to Trump administration tariffs on Chinese goods, Beijing imposed levies on $50 billion worth of American imports, 36.7 per cent of its total imports from US in 2017. Among them was a 25 per cent tariff on soybeans, the single most valuable US farm export. US growers sold $12 billion worth to China last year alone.

Trump further escalated the trade dispute, threatening to identify Chinese imports worth $100 billion for a tariff increase. Trump's negotiating style, honed in his years as a real estate developer, is to take extreme positions to force concessions from his opponents. So far that approach has had mixed results at home and abroad.

A temporary truce came when Trump met with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires on December 1 and agreed to stop escalating tit-for-tat tariffs that have disrupted the flow of hundreds of billions of dollars of goods between the world's two biggest economies.

Trump and Xi agreed to launch new talks while the United States delayed a planned January 1 tariff increase until March 2.

Since then, Beijing has resumed buying US soybeans, cut tariffs on imports of cars from the United States, and told its state refiners to buy more US oil. China also issued guidance to local governments dropping references to its "Made in China 2025" high-tech industrial development goals amid reports it was looking to replace the program aimed at rivaling US dominance in industries such as aerospace, robotics, semiconductors, new energy vehicles and artificial intelligence.

Trump took those as signs that "China wants to make a big and very comprehensive deal".

While Beijing claims that Washington is the aggressor and is spurring global protectionism, China's trading partners have complained for years that it abuses World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules and propagates unfair policies at home that lock foreign firms out of some sectors as domestic champions are being nurtured.

It is China's huge trade surplus with the United States that has attracted most of the Trump administration's ire. China ran a record $375.2 billion trade surplus with the United States in 2017 as the overall US trade deficit surged 12 per cent to $566 billion.

The global economy suffered a jolt in 2018 as world's two biggest economies - US and China - got involved in a trade war. Both the countries accuse each other of putting unfair tariffs on goods produced in respective countries.

The global economy suffered a jolt in 2018 as world's two biggest economies - US and China - got involved in a trade war. Both the countries accuse each other of putting unfair tariffs on goods produced in respective countries. The first step was taken by US President Donald Trump who announced increased tariffs on more than 1,300 Chinese industrial and other products, nine per cent of its total imports from China last year. There was no need to convince Trump who has long criticised China's trade practices. It was, in fact, a recurrent theme in his 2016 election campaign. In response to Trump administration tariffs on Chinese goods, Beijing imposed levies on $50 billion worth of American imports, 36.7 per cent of its total imports from US in 2017. Among them was a 25 per cent tariff on soybeans, the single most valuable US farm export. US growers sold $12 billion worth to China last year alone. Trump further escalated the trade dispute, threatening to identify Chinese imports worth $100 billion for a tariff increase. Trump's negotiating style, honed in his years as a real estate developer, is to take extreme positions to force concessions from his opponents. So far that approach has had mixed results at home and abroad. A temporary truce came when Trump met with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires on December 1 and agreed to stop escalating tit-for-tat tariffs that have disrupted the flow of hundreds of billions of dollars of goods between the world's two biggest economies. Trump and Xi agreed to launch new talks while the United States delayed a planned January 1 tariff increase until March 2. Since then, Beijing has resumed buying US soybeans, cut tariffs on imports of cars from the United States, and told its state refiners to buy more US oil. China also issued guidance to local governments dropping references to its "Made in China 2025" high-tech industrial development goals amid reports it was looking to replace the program aimed at rivaling US dominance in industries such as aerospace, robotics, semiconductors, new energy vehicles and artificial intelligence. Trump took those as signs that "China wants to make a big and very comprehensive deal". While Beijing claims that Washington is the aggressor and is spurring global protectionism, China's trading partners have complained for years that it abuses World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules and propagates unfair policies at home that lock foreign firms out of some sectors as domestic champions are being nurtured. It is China's huge trade surplus with the United States that has attracted most of the Trump administration's ire. China ran a record $375.2 billion trade surplus with the United States in 2017 as the overall US trade deficit surged 12 per cent to $566 billion.

Explaining the US-China trade war which grabbed spotlight in 2018

Yearender 2018: The year of incredible superhero films

Bangladesh's politics has been more of a tussle between two women who have ruled over the country, taking turns, for nearly three decades now. Incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her arch-rival Khaleda Zia belong to families that had men fight for the cause of Bangladesh's liberation but with time the two women led separate camps to contest the general polls.

Begum Khaleda Zia was Bangladesh's First Lady when her husband Ziaur Rahman served as the President.

Born in northwestern Bangladesh in 1945, Khaleda married General Ziaur Rahman, one of the country’s liberation war heroes, in 1960. Her husband became president in 1977, and founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), but was assassinated in an attempted coup in 1981.

Described as a shy housewife, Zia was devoted to raising her two sons and didn't bat an eye before taking over the reins of BNP when she was elected as the chairperson in August 1984, two years after army chief Hossain Mohammad Ershad seized power in 1982.

Zia joined other anti-Ershad groups in a seven-party alliance and was detained several times during his autocratic nine-year rule. In December 1990, Ershad was forced to resign after a popular uprising and Khaleda won the 1991 elections. Zia became country's first female leader, second in Muslim majority nations after Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto.

She was ousted from power by her rival Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party in 1996, only to return to office in 2001. In October 2006 her five-year term ended and she handed over power to a caretaker administration ahead of elections that were subsequently delayed.

The general elections of 2014 were boycotted by the BNP, Sheikh Hasina emerged victorious and assumed office as the Prime Minister.

Zia’s political journey has been marred by controversies and allegations of corruption.

Khaleda suffered a big blow after an army-backed interim government took power in January 2007 amidst political instability and street violence, cancelling a planned election. She struggled to keep the BNP united.

Khaleda’s rival and incumbent Prime Minister Hasina accused Khaleda’s BNP and its Islamic allies of having links to outlawed Islamist groups.

Khaleda and her son Tarique Rahman were accused of orchestrating a grenade attack on Hasina’s political rally in 2004, although Hasina was unharmed in the attack, as many as 24 people were killed with around 500 injured.

Zia’s son Rahman was jailed for life in the 2004 blast case this October. The special court in Dhaka also gave the death penalty to several other members of the BNP, including former junior home minister Lutfuzzaman Babar for the attack on a public rally in 2004, news agency Reuters reported. Rahman is now living in London ostensibly to evade the law after a court sentenced him to life imprisonment for masterminding a grenade attack in 2004.

In February 2018, Khaleda was jailed for five years on corruption charges that she alleged were part of a plot to hamper her political career. On October 30, her jail term was doubled to 10 years over an appeal by Bangladesh’s Anti Corruption Commission. Last month, Bangladesh’s top law officer said that said that Zia cannot run for office in December’s general polls.

Her ability to contest the polls has been in doubt since her incarceration but colleagues in her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have said they were hoping she would be released ahead of the elections on December 30.

Attorney General Mahbubey Alam said that according to the law, even if Khaleda was released from jail, she would not be allowed to contest the polls, news agency Reuters reported.

Zia challenged the decision as a result of which, the Bangladesh High Court on December 11 delivered a split verdict over Zia’s candidacy in the upcoming general election.

One of the judges of the two-member High Court bench favoured Zia's candidacy while the other ruled that she was disqualified from the polls for being a convicted prisoner serving a 10-year jail term in two graft cases, news agency PTI reported.

The BNP forged an alliance with three smaller parties last month, seeking to unseat Hasina from her decade-long reign, however, with the absence of two of its top leaders, the party has fallen into a state of disarray.

Analysts say political and legal considerations have forced the BNP to take part in the upcoming polls as it could lose its registration with the Election Commission as a political party if it boycotted polls for the second consecutive time.

If Khaleda is barred from running, it would be the first time the BNP will go to polls without her at the helm.

Bangladesh's politics has been more of a tussle between two women who have ruled over the country, taking turns, for nearly three decades now. Incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her arch-rival Khaleda Zia belong to families that had men fight for the cause of Bangladesh's liberation but with time the two women led separate camps to contest the general polls.

Bangladesh's politics has been more of a tussle between two women who have ruled over the country, taking turns, for nearly three decades now. Incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her arch-rival Khaleda Zia belong to families that had men fight for the cause of Bangladesh's liberation but with time the two women led separate camps to contest the general polls. Begum Khaleda Zia was Bangladesh's First Lady when her husband Ziaur Rahman served as the President. Born in northwestern Bangladesh in 1945, Khaleda married General Ziaur Rahman, one of the country’s liberation war heroes, in 1960. Her husband became president in 1977, and founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), but was assassinated in an attempted coup in 1981. Described as a shy housewife, Zia was devoted to raising her two sons and didn't bat an eye before taking over the reins of BNP when she was elected as the chairperson in August 1984, two years after army chief Hossain Mohammad Ershad seized power in 1982. Zia joined other anti-Ershad groups in a seven-party alliance and was detained several times during his autocratic nine-year rule. In December 1990, Ershad was forced to resign after a popular uprising and Khaleda won the 1991 elections. Zia became country's first female leader, second in Muslim majority nations after Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto. She was ousted from power by her rival Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party in 1996, only to return to office in 2001. In October 2006 her five-year term ended and she handed over power to a caretaker administration ahead of elections that were subsequently delayed. The general elections of 2014 were boycotted by the BNP, Sheikh Hasina emerged victorious and assumed office as the Prime Minister. Zia’s political journey has been marred by controversies and allegations of corruption. Khaleda suffered a big blow after an army-backed interim government took power in January 2007 amidst political instability and street violence, cancelling a planned election. She struggled to keep the BNP united. Khaleda’s rival and incumbent Prime Minister Hasina accused Khaleda’s BNP and its Islamic allies of having links to outlawed Islamist groups. Khaleda and her son Tarique Rahman were accused of orchestrating a grenade attack on Hasina’s political rally in 2004, although Hasina was unharmed in the attack, as many as 24 people were killed with around 500 injured. Zia’s son Rahman was jailed for life in the 2004 blast case this October. The special court in Dhaka also gave the death penalty to several other members of the BNP, including former junior home minister Lutfuzzaman Babar for the attack on a public rally in 2004, news agency Reuters reported. Rahman is now living in London ostensibly to evade the law after a court sentenced him to life imprisonment for masterminding a grenade attack in 2004. In February 2018, Khaleda was jailed for five years on corruption charges that she alleged were part of a plot to hamper her political career. On October 30, her jail term was doubled to 10 years over an appeal by Bangladesh’s Anti Corruption Commission. Last month, Bangladesh’s top law officer said that said that Zia cannot run for office in December’s general polls. Her ability to contest the polls has been in doubt since her incarceration but colleagues in her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have said they were hoping she would be released ahead of the elections on December 30. Attorney General Mahbubey Alam said that according to the law, even if Khaleda was released from jail, she would not be allowed to contest the polls, news agency Reuters reported. Zia challenged the decision as a result of which, the Bangladesh High Court on December 11 delivered a split verdict over Zia’s candidacy in the upcoming general election. One of the judges of the two-member High Court bench favoured Zia's candidacy while the other ruled that she was disqualified from the polls for being a convicted prisoner serving a 10-year jail term in two graft cases, news agency PTI reported. The BNP forged an alliance with three smaller parties last month, seeking to unseat Hasina from her decade-long reign, however, with the absence of two of its top leaders, the party has fallen into a state of disarray. Analysts say political and legal considerations have forced the BNP to take part in the upcoming polls as it could lose its registration with the Election Commission as a political party if it boycotted polls for the second consecutive time. If Khaleda is barred from running, it would be the first time the BNP will go to polls without her at the helm.

Khaleda Zia: Bangladesh's fighter Begum and former premier marred by controversies

From Australia's ball-tampering scandal to Serena's cheating row, here are top sports controversies of 2018

Lookback to 2018: Major ups and downs in sporting world

Veteran Maldives lawmaker Ibrahim Mohamed Solih overcame the detention and exile of key opposition figures to win this year's presidential poll and unseat incumbent Abdulla Yameen, but now faces the task of holding together a disparate coalition.

The Maldives, a string of palm-fringed islands and atolls 325 miles (523 kilometres) southwest of the southern tip of India, is best known as a luxury holiday destination.

But the Muslim nation of fewer than half a million has suffered a turbulent transition to democracy since the end of three decades of authoritarian rule in 2008.

The victory of Solih, who is known as a reformer, dislodged Yameen, a hardliner who had cultivated ties with both Beijing and Saudi Arabia, and cracked down on threats to his rule, even jailing his own half-brother, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

But Solih must now keep together a coalition that includes two fierce rivals, Gayoom and Mohamed Nasheed, both former presidents.

Born in 1964 in Hinnavaru, Lhaviyani Atoll, Solih is popularly known as "Ibu".&nbsp;

Solih has been in the opposition since he first entered parliament, known as the People's Majlis, in 1994, except for a two-year spell under Nasheed, before the latter was ousted amid a police mutiny.

A close confidant of the former president and married to one of his cousins, Solih played a leading role in forming the Maldives Political Reform Movement from 2003 until 2008, which culminated in the adoption of a new constitution.

He was also part of the special parliament set up under Gayoom, who ruled the tropical islands for three decades until 2008, to write a new modern constitution for a multi-party democracy. He has led the opposition in parliament since 2011.

He led the MDP during protests in March 2015 after Nasheed's arrest for alleged terror offences, charges the opposition called politically motivated.

Friends say Solih has a calm temperament and is likely to champion democracy and freedom of expression.

He has already said he will seek to free all political prisoners, including Gayoom. He also wants to rework or scrap deals not made in the best interests of the Maldives, as well as restore ties with India, which could, in turn, strain relations with Beijing.

Soon after he took over last month, Solih said state coffers had been looted over the past few years and warned that the country was in financial difficulty after racking up debt with Chinese lenders.

Solih, on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-president-solih-pm-modi-pledge-to-renew-ties-in-joint-statement-184786">his recent trip to India</a>, said the Maldives and India had signed agreements to cooperate on trade, health and defence. India would help improve Maldives' security through joint patrols as well as aerial surveillance, officials said.

Veteran Maldives lawmaker Ibrahim Mohamed Solih overcame the detention and exile of key opposition figures to win this year's presidential poll and unseat incumbent Abdulla Yameen, but now faces the task of holding together a disparate coalition.

Veteran Maldives lawmaker Ibrahim Mohamed Solih overcame the detention and exile of key opposition figures to win this year's presidential poll and unseat incumbent Abdulla Yameen, but now faces the task of holding together a disparate coalition. The Maldives, a string of palm-fringed islands and atolls 325 miles (523 kilometres) southwest of the southern tip of India, is best known as a luxury holiday destination. But the Muslim nation of fewer than half a million has suffered a turbulent transition to democracy since the end of three decades of authoritarian rule in 2008. The victory of Solih, who is known as a reformer, dislodged Yameen, a hardliner who had cultivated ties with both Beijing and Saudi Arabia, and cracked down on threats to his rule, even jailing his own half-brother, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. But Solih must now keep together a coalition that includes two fierce rivals, Gayoom and Mohamed Nasheed, both former presidents. Born in 1964 in Hinnavaru, Lhaviyani Atoll, Solih is popularly known as "Ibu". Solih has been in the opposition since he first entered parliament, known as the People's Majlis, in 1994, except for a two-year spell under Nasheed, before the latter was ousted amid a police mutiny. A close confidant of the former president and married to one of his cousins, Solih played a leading role in forming the Maldives Political Reform Movement from 2003 until 2008, which culminated in the adoption of a new constitution. He was also part of the special parliament set up under Gayoom, who ruled the tropical islands for three decades until 2008, to write a new modern constitution for a multi-party democracy. He has led the opposition in parliament since 2011. He led the MDP during protests in March 2015 after Nasheed's arrest for alleged terror offences, charges the opposition called politically motivated. Friends say Solih has a calm temperament and is likely to champion democracy and freedom of expression. He has already said he will seek to free all political prisoners, including Gayoom. He also wants to rework or scrap deals not made in the best interests of the Maldives, as well as restore ties with India, which could, in turn, strain relations with Beijing. Soon after he took over last month, Solih said state coffers had been looted over the past few years and warned that the country was in financial difficulty after racking up debt with Chinese lenders. Solih, on his recent trip to India, said the Maldives and India had signed agreements to cooperate on trade, health and defence. India would help improve Maldives' security through joint patrols as well as aerial surveillance, officials said.

Maldives President Ibrahim Solih: Reformer who must hold together a diverse coalition

Former Maldivian President, also the first to be elected democratically, Mohamed Nasheed's returned to the country last month after the Maldivian top court overturned a terrorism conviction against him. Nasheed returned to the island nation after being in exile for nearly two years.&nbsp;

Nasheed can aptly be called quite significant to the political fabric of the Maldives. The 2003 Maldives civil unrest was a product of the public rage that erupted after an investigation, that Nasheed has pressed for, revealed that a 19-year-old prisoner was tortured to death in Maafushi jail.&nbsp;

Nasheed's political journey has been a tough one, marred by many controversies that had him spend a considerable amount of his life in prison. Nasheed's critical views on former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's regime landed him in jail multiple times, reports suggest he was jailed over twenty times under Gayoom's rule.&nbsp;

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I have been charged and imprisoned over 14 times, mostly for writing dissenting journalism. Congratulations to President Gayoom for receiving the honour marking the Diamond Jubilee of Maldives Journalism.
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedNasheed/status/1072808625528164353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Born on 17 May 1967 in Malé, Maldives, Nasheed earned his education in the Maldives and in Sri Lanka before leaving for the United Kingdom where he studied maritime studies.

He was elected to the Maldivian parliament in the year 2000. Nasheed went into an exile to the United Kingdom in 2003 and formed the Maldivian Democratic Party. The British government recognised him as a political refugee. He returned to the country after over a year but was arrested again while holding a demonstration with MDP supporters in 2005.

Former Amnesty prisoner of conscience, Nasheed has been identified as a pro-democracy leader who feels deeply for environmental concerns. In 2008, he managed to overthrow the nearly three-decade-long rule of former president Gayoom in nation's first democratic polls.&nbsp;

During his presidency, Nasheed vowed to turn the Maldives carbon-neutral in the coming decade and held the world's first-ever underwater cabinet meeting. The United Nations awarded him its most prestigious &nbsp;environmental award, 'Champion of the Earth.'

But Nasheed's effort of achieving democratic stability at home was shortlived as Opposition-led protests began taking shape. His own cabinet resigned in 2010, Nasheed claimed that the Opposition was making it impossible to govern.&nbsp;

In 2012, anti-government protests gripped the island nation after Nasheed ordered the arrest of Criminal Court Judge Abdulla Mohamed. After ongoing protests and constitutional crisis, Nasheed, in a nationwide broadcast, announced his resignation.&nbsp;

In March 2015, Nasheed was convicted on a terrorism charge and sentenced to 13 years at Maafushi jail over Abdulla Mohamed's arrest. Amnesty International called the conviction as "politically motivated." Nasheed took political asylum in the United Kingdom in 2016.&nbsp;

In 2017, Nasheed vowed to return to the Maldives and contest presidential polls against President Abdulla Yameen whose refusal to comply with the court’s order to release political prisoners drew international criticism.

Nasheed was barred from contesting the September 23 poll. The elections were won by his party's nominee Ibrahim Mohamed Solih who crushed Yameen's five-year rule.

In November, the Maldives top court overturned the terrorism conviction against Nasheed stating that the former president was wrongfully charged and should not have been convicted in the 2015 trial.

"President Nasheed's entire trial was a politically-motivated sham," his lawyer, Hisaan Hussein, said after his conviction was quashed.

"It is appalling that an innocent man was unjustly forced to spend a year in jail, 35 months in exile, and was prevented from standing for political office."

Nasheed's appeal against his 13-year jail sentence had languished before the courts for years and came through only recently when the case reopened after Yameen's defeat. &nbsp;

Shortly after returning to his motherland, Nasheed seemed to have resumed his effort as an environmental campaigner. &nbsp;

The newly-elected Maldivian president, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, invited Nasheed to head the country's negotiating delegation at the Katowice talks in Poland. The talks are aimed at agreeing on rules for implementing the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.

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We must cease the dinosaur language of climate change, begging the greatest polluters to cut carbon emissions on ethical grounds. We must demand robust investment in clean &amp; renewable energy to end investment in and consumption of fossil fuels. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COP24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COP24</a>
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedNasheed/status/1073114556845547521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-tells-un-climate-talks-we-are-not-prepared-to-die-183833">In Poland, Nasheed stated</a> that everything in power will be done to combat the climate crisis. He also said that not much progress has been made "almost 10 years since" he was last at these climate negotiations.&nbsp;

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I welcome outcome of COP24. The world has agreed that all nations must commit to new emissions targets by 2020. Maldives will play its part and submit its new target next year, in line with 1.5 degrees and GoM’s intention to rapidly shift to solar power. <a href="https://t.co/ttafMDDJq4">https://t.co/ttafMDDJq4</a>
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedNasheed/status/1074253474014027776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"But almost 10 years since I was last at these climate negotiations, I must say, nothing much seems to have changed. We are still using the same old, dinosaur language," he said.

Former Maldivian President, also the first to be elected democratically, Mohamed Nasheed's returned to the country last month after the Maldivian top court overturned a terrorism conviction against him.

Former Maldivian President, also the first to be elected democratically, Mohamed Nasheed's returned to the country last month after the Maldivian top court overturned a terrorism conviction against him. Nasheed returned to the island nation after being in exile for nearly two years. Nasheed can aptly be called quite significant to the political fabric of the Maldives. The 2003 Maldives civil unrest was a product of the public rage that erupted after an investigation, that Nasheed has pressed for, revealed that a 19-year-old prisoner was tortured to death in Maafushi jail. Nasheed's political journey has been a tough one, marred by many controversies that had him spend a considerable amount of his life in prison. Nasheed's critical views on former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's regime landed him in jail multiple times, reports suggest he was jailed over twenty times under Gayoom's rule. I have been charged and imprisoned over 14 times, mostly for writing dissenting journalism. Congratulations to President Gayoom for receiving the honour marking the Diamond Jubilee of Maldives Journalism. — Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) December 12, 2018 × Born on 17 May 1967 in Malé, Maldives, Nasheed earned his education in the Maldives and in Sri Lanka before leaving for the United Kingdom where he studied maritime studies. He was elected to the Maldivian parliament in the year 2000. Nasheed went into an exile to the United Kingdom in 2003 and formed the Maldivian Democratic Party. The British government recognised him as a political refugee. He returned to the country after over a year but was arrested again while holding a demonstration with MDP supporters in 2005. Former Amnesty prisoner of conscience, Nasheed has been identified as a pro-democracy leader who feels deeply for environmental concerns. In 2008, he managed to overthrow the nearly three-decade-long rule of former president Gayoom in nation's first democratic polls. During his presidency, Nasheed vowed to turn the Maldives carbon-neutral in the coming decade and held the world's first-ever underwater cabinet meeting. The United Nations awarded him its most prestigious environmental award, 'Champion of the Earth.' But Nasheed's effort of achieving democratic stability at home was shortlived as Opposition-led protests began taking shape. His own cabinet resigned in 2010, Nasheed claimed that the Opposition was making it impossible to govern. In 2012, anti-government protests gripped the island nation after Nasheed ordered the arrest of Criminal Court Judge Abdulla Mohamed. After ongoing protests and constitutional crisis, Nasheed, in a nationwide broadcast, announced his resignation. In March 2015, Nasheed was convicted on a terrorism charge and sentenced to 13 years at Maafushi jail over Abdulla Mohamed's arrest. Amnesty International called the conviction as "politically motivated." Nasheed took political asylum in the United Kingdom in 2016. In 2017, Nasheed vowed to return to the Maldives and contest presidential polls against President Abdulla Yameen whose refusal to comply with the court’s order to release political prisoners drew international criticism. Nasheed was barred from contesting the September 23 poll. The elections were won by his party's nominee Ibrahim Mohamed Solih who crushed Yameen's five-year rule. In November, the Maldives top court overturned the terrorism conviction against Nasheed stating that the former president was wrongfully charged and should not have been convicted in the 2015 trial. "President Nasheed's entire trial was a politically-motivated sham," his lawyer, Hisaan Hussein, said after his conviction was quashed. "It is appalling that an innocent man was unjustly forced to spend a year in jail, 35 months in exile, and was prevented from standing for political office." Nasheed's appeal against his 13-year jail sentence had languished before the courts for years and came through only recently when the case reopened after Yameen's defeat. Shortly after returning to his motherland, Nasheed seemed to have resumed his effort as an environmental campaigner. The newly-elected Maldivian president, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, invited Nasheed to head the country's negotiating delegation at the Katowice talks in Poland. The talks are aimed at agreeing on rules for implementing the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. We must cease the dinosaur language of climate change, begging the greatest polluters to cut carbon emissions on ethical grounds. We must demand robust investment in clean & renewable energy to end investment in and consumption of fossil fuels. #COP24 — Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) December 13, 2018 × In Poland, Nasheed stated that everything in power will be done to combat the climate crisis. He also said that not much progress has been made "almost 10 years since" he was last at these climate negotiations. I welcome outcome of COP24. The world has agreed that all nations must commit to new emissions targets by 2020. Maldives will play its part and submit its new target next year, in line with 1.5 degrees and GoM’s intention to rapidly shift to solar power. https://t.co/ttafMDDJq4 — Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) December 16, 2018 × "But almost 10 years since I was last at these climate negotiations, I must say, nothing much seems to have changed. We are still using the same old, dinosaur language," he said.

Mohamed Nasheed: Maldives' fighter-politician and 'Champion of Earth'

By far the biggest movie of the year at the box office was 'Black Panther', the new black Marvel superhero movie, which also won rave reviews from critics who praised both its adventure and its portrayal of a majestic Africa.

The film tells the story of T'Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), the new king of the futuristic, wealth-laden African nation Wakanda, who is challenged by factions within his own country.

According to Box Office Mojo, the film has grossed 700 million dollars in the United States. Its worldwide box office takings reportedly stand at 1.1 billion US dollars.

The second best performing movie at the U.S. domestic box office was 'Avengers: Infinity War', which grossed 678 million dollars, according to Box Office Mojo.

Coming in third place was the animated film 'Incredibles 2', which has taken 608 million dollars in the U.S.

'Incredibles 2' picks up directly following the events of the original film with the Parr family members attempting to balance having a normal life with their superpowers. Holly Hunter, Craig T. Nelson, Sarah Vowell, and Samuel L. Jackson reprise their voice roles, while Bob Odenkirk, Catherine Keener, and Sophia Bush voice new characters. Brad Bird returned to write and direct the sequel.

The fourth best-performing movie at the box office was 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom', grossing 416 million dollars, followed by 'Deadpool 2', grossing 318 million dollars.

As ever the Academy Awards provided its share of memorable moments -- Frances McDormand won best leading actress for 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri'.

In her acceptance speech, she talked about her support for inclusion riders, which she later explained was an additional clause in a contract that asks for '50 per cent diversity not only in casting but also the crew'.

McDormand's award went missing briefly at the lavish Governors Ball party in Hollywood, where Academy Award winners have their statuettes engraved after the awards ceremony. She said at the time: "I've lost my Oscar!"

The Oscar was retrieved and later returned to McDormand.

The man accused of stealing her Oscar, Terry Bryant, has pleaded not guilty, but the case will reportedly go to trial.

Guillermo del Toro edged out established names and fresh talent to win his first Oscar for "The Shape of Water". His movie also took the Best Picture award.

Gary Oldman won best actor in a leading role for his transformation into Winston Churchill in 'Darkest Hour'.

Outside of the Oscars, Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda won the Palme d'Or at Cannes for 'Shoplifters', a movie that wowed audiences for its delicate portrayal of family life and surprising plot twists.

The win, by a director who has won prizes at the festival in previous years, defied speculation that the Palme would go to a woman director, with three strong contenders in a year when the Hollywood sexual harassment scandal was the talk of the town.

'Touch Me No', a film about intimacy and sex that shocked some viewers with explicit scenes, won the Golden Bear prize for best film at the 68th Berlin International Film Festival on Saturday (February 24).

Romanian director Adina Pintilie said she had not expected to win the award for her film, which blurs reality and fiction as it follows several characters who seek intimacy yet also fear it.

Director Alfonso Cuaron picked up the coveted Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival.

Cuaron's "Roma", named after the neighbourhood in Mexico City where writer-director-cinematographer Cuaron grew up, is a Spanish-language drama that critics almost unanimously described as "shimmering" due to its luscious black-and-white cinematography.

At the opposite end of cinematic achievement, 'The Emoji Movie' stunk up the annual Razzie awards in March, besting all contenders for worst achievements in film.

2018 was a year when music featured heavily in successful films -- from 'A Star is Born' with Lady Gaga, to the Freddie Mercury biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody", and another slice of Abba in "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again".

It was also a year when there was a large number of female-led Hollywood films such as 'Ocean's 8', which stars Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter and Rihanna.

'Ocean's 8' sees Bullock play Debbie Ocean, the estranged sister of Danny Ocean, played by George Clooney in the trio of Ocean's movies.

In 'Peppermint' Jennifer Garner plays a woman out for revenge against not only the gang members who murdered her husband and daughter but also those who allowed the killers to walk free.

'Ant-Man and the Wasp' was the first Marvel feature film to spotlight a female character in the title.

Another big-budget movie with female leads was 'The Spy Who Dumped Me', a comedy spy thriller about two best friends who have to stick together when they get embroiled in an international conspiracy, and starred Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon in the lead roles.

Diversity was also celebrated in 'Crazy Rich Asians', which marked the first time in 25 years that an all-Asian cast has starred in a Hollywood film. The movie, a romantic comedy about an Asian American girl who goes to Singapore to meet her boyfriend's family for the first time, went on to become one of the highest grossing of 2018.

Elsewhere in the movie world, in August John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John reunited for a special 40th-anniversary screening of 'Grease' at the Oscars headquarters.

Also, in November, Disney released the first trailer for the live-action retelling of 'The Lion King'. On the first day of release, the trailer notched up a staggering 224.6 million views - a record for Disney according to Variety.

The movie, which will hit theaters next summer, boasts an ensemble voice cast that includes Beyonce, Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Seth Rogan. Glover plays Simba, Beyonce plays his love interest Nala and Ejiofor plays Simba's uncle, Scar.

By far the biggest movie of the year at the box office was 'Black Panther', the new black Marvel superhero movie, which also won rave reviews from critics who praised both its adventure and its portrayal of a majestic Africa.

By far the biggest movie of the year at the box office was 'Black Panther', the new black Marvel superhero movie, which also won rave reviews from critics who praised both its adventure and its portrayal of a majestic Africa. The film tells the story of T'Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), the new king of the futuristic, wealth-laden African nation Wakanda, who is challenged by factions within his own country. According to Box Office Mojo, the film has grossed 700 million dollars in the United States. Its worldwide box office takings reportedly stand at 1.1 billion US dollars. The second best performing movie at the U.S. domestic box office was 'Avengers: Infinity War', which grossed 678 million dollars, according to Box Office Mojo. Coming in third place was the animated film 'Incredibles 2', which has taken 608 million dollars in the U.S. 'Incredibles 2' picks up directly following the events of the original film with the Parr family members attempting to balance having a normal life with their superpowers. Holly Hunter, Craig T. Nelson, Sarah Vowell, and Samuel L. Jackson reprise their voice roles, while Bob Odenkirk, Catherine Keener, and Sophia Bush voice new characters. Brad Bird returned to write and direct the sequel. The fourth best-performing movie at the box office was 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom', grossing 416 million dollars, followed by 'Deadpool 2', grossing 318 million dollars. As ever the Academy Awards provided its share of memorable moments -- Frances McDormand won best leading actress for 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri'. In her acceptance speech, she talked about her support for inclusion riders, which she later explained was an additional clause in a contract that asks for '50 per cent diversity not only in casting but also the crew'. McDormand's award went missing briefly at the lavish Governors Ball party in Hollywood, where Academy Award winners have their statuettes engraved after the awards ceremony. She said at the time: "I've lost my Oscar!" The Oscar was retrieved and later returned to McDormand. The man accused of stealing her Oscar, Terry Bryant, has pleaded not guilty, but the case will reportedly go to trial. Guillermo del Toro edged out established names and fresh talent to win his first Oscar for "The Shape of Water". His movie also took the Best Picture award. Gary Oldman won best actor in a leading role for his transformation into Winston Churchill in 'Darkest Hour'. Outside of the Oscars, Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda won the Palme d'Or at Cannes for 'Shoplifters', a movie that wowed audiences for its delicate portrayal of family life and surprising plot twists. The win, by a director who has won prizes at the festival in previous years, defied speculation that the Palme would go to a woman director, with three strong contenders in a year when the Hollywood sexual harassment scandal was the talk of the town. 'Touch Me No', a film about intimacy and sex that shocked some viewers with explicit scenes, won the Golden Bear prize for best film at the 68th Berlin International Film Festival on Saturday (February 24). Romanian director Adina Pintilie said she had not expected to win the award for her film, which blurs reality and fiction as it follows several characters who seek intimacy yet also fear it. Director Alfonso Cuaron picked up the coveted Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival. Cuaron's "Roma", named after the neighbourhood in Mexico City where writer-director-cinematographer Cuaron grew up, is a Spanish-language drama that critics almost unanimously described as "shimmering" due to its luscious black-and-white cinematography. At the opposite end of cinematic achievement, 'The Emoji Movie' stunk up the annual Razzie awards in March, besting all contenders for worst achievements in film. 2018 was a year when music featured heavily in successful films -- from 'A Star is Born' with Lady Gaga, to the Freddie Mercury biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody", and another slice of Abba in "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again". It was also a year when there was a large number of female-led Hollywood films such as 'Ocean's 8', which stars Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter and Rihanna. 'Ocean's 8' sees Bullock play Debbie Ocean, the estranged sister of Danny Ocean, played by George Clooney in the trio of Ocean's movies. In 'Peppermint' Jennifer Garner plays a woman out for revenge against not only the gang members who murdered her husband and daughter but also those who allowed the killers to walk free. 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' was the first Marvel feature film to spotlight a female character in the title. Another big-budget movie with female leads was 'The Spy Who Dumped Me', a comedy spy thriller about two best friends who have to stick together when they get embroiled in an international conspiracy, and starred Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon in the lead roles. Diversity was also celebrated in 'Crazy Rich Asians', which marked the first time in 25 years that an all-Asian cast has starred in a Hollywood film. The movie, a romantic comedy about an Asian American girl who goes to Singapore to meet her boyfriend's family for the first time, went on to become one of the highest grossing of 2018. Elsewhere in the movie world, in August John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John reunited for a special 40th-anniversary screening of 'Grease' at the Oscars headquarters. Also, in November, Disney released the first trailer for the live-action retelling of 'The Lion King'. On the first day of release, the trailer notched up a staggering 224.6 million views - a record for Disney according to Variety. The movie, which will hit theaters next summer, boasts an ensemble voice cast that includes Beyonce, Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Seth Rogan. Glover plays Simba, Beyonce plays his love interest Nala and Ejiofor plays Simba's uncle, Scar.

Hollywood flashback 2018: All the winners, losers and blockbuster movies of the year

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