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Taiwan's ruling party candidate Lai Ching-te on Saturday, January 13, won the island's presidential election, a vote watched closely from Beijing to Washington. Lai vowed to defend the self-ruled island from Chinese "intimidation".

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<p>The US Congress has reached an agreement on a short-term spending deal that would help avoid a government shutdown, according to a <em>CNN </em>report that cites sources. The&nbsp;two-tranche short-term funding bill will keep the government afloat which otherwise would have capsized after hitting the midnight deadline of January 19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the new resolution, the bill would fund the government through&nbsp;March 1 and March 8.&nbsp;Missing the first deadline would have meant&nbsp;delay in payments&nbsp;to federal employees and severe disruption to many government services deemed non-essential.</p>

<p>The second government funding deadline, set to expire on February 2, focuses on eight&nbsp;appropriation&nbsp;areas such as defence, commerce, homeland security and financial service among others that may have lost funding if the bipartisan agreement was not reached.</p>

<p>While an agreement has been reached on the short-term bill, known as&nbsp;a continuing resolution or “CR", it will still have to pass both House and Senate before Friday (Jan 19).</p>

<p>The reported signing of the deal by House and Senate leaders comes a few days after they reached an agreement to set the overall spending level for fiscal year 2024 at $1.41 trillion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-likely-to-happen-if-us-government-shutdown-on-october-1-639264"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Explained | What is likely to happen if US government shuts dow</strong></a><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-likely-to-happen-if-us-government-shutdown-on-october-1-639264">n</a></strong></p>

<p>Both Republican and Democrat leaders at Capitol Hill agreed to the budget figure which includes $886 billion for defence and more than $704 billion for non-defence spending.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The signing of the deal was announced jointly by&nbsp;Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Senate majority leader, and Mike Johnson, the Republican Speaker of the House.</p>

<p>US President Joe Biden welcomed the deal, stating that the funding framework "moves&nbsp;us one step closer to preventing a needless government shutdown" whilst adding that it protects important national priorities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-could-face-its-fourth-partial-government-shutdown-in-a-decade-641071"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: US could face its fourth partial government shutdown in a decade</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-could-face-its-fourth-partial-government-shutdown-in-a-decade-641071/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Section of Republicans unhappy</strong></h2>

<p>Despite reaching an agreement on the overall amount of spending, a section of Republicans remains unhappy with the deal.&nbsp;The House Freedom Caucus, a conservative Republican group called the agreement a "total failure".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Sad to say but the spending epidemic in Washington continues with both parties being culpable," said Andy Biggs, the former chief of the group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In October last year, Congress secured a short-term deal to avoid a federal shutdown temporarily which was signed into a law by President Joe Biden, minutes before the deadline.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US Congress has reached an agreement on a short-term spending deal that would help avoid a government shutdown, according to a CNN report that cites sources.

The US Congress has reached an agreement on a short-term spending deal that would help avoid a government shutdown, according to a CNN report that cites sources. The two-tranche short-term funding bill will keep the government afloat which otherwise would have capsized after hitting the midnight deadline of January 19. According to the new resolution, the bill would fund the government through March 1 and March 8. Missing the first deadline would have meant delay in payments to federal employees and severe disruption to many government services deemed non-essential. The second government funding deadline, set to expire on February 2, focuses on eight appropriation areas such as defence, commerce, homeland security and financial service among others that may have lost funding if the bipartisan agreement was not reached. While an agreement has been reached on the short-term bill, known as a continuing resolution or “CR", it will still have to pass both House and Senate before Friday (Jan 19). The reported signing of the deal by House and Senate leaders comes a few days after they reached an agreement to set the overall spending level for fiscal year 2024 at $1.41 trillion. Also read | Explained | What is likely to happen if US government shuts down Both Republican and Democrat leaders at Capitol Hill agreed to the budget figure which includes $886 billion for defence and more than $704 billion for non-defence spending. The signing of the deal was announced jointly by Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Senate majority leader, and Mike Johnson, the Republican Speaker of the House. US President Joe Biden welcomed the deal, stating that the funding framework "moves us one step closer to preventing a needless government shutdown" whilst adding that it protects important national priorities. Watch | Gravitas: US could face its fourth partial government shutdown in a decade Section of Republicans unhappy Despite reaching an agreement on the overall amount of spending, a section of Republicans remains unhappy with the deal. The House Freedom Caucus, a conservative Republican group called the agreement a "total failure". "Sad to say but the spending epidemic in Washington continues with both parties being culpable," said Andy Biggs, the former chief of the group. In October last year, Congress secured a short-term deal to avoid a federal shutdown temporarily which was signed into a law by President Joe Biden, minutes before the deadline. (With inputs from agencies)

US Congress leaders reach short-term deal to avert government shutdown till March: Report

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<p>All prison staff held by inmates at prisons in Ecuador amid a sharp uptick in violence had been freed by Saturday (Jan 13) evening, the SNAI prisons agency said.</p>

<p>The hostages, which SNAI previously said were 158 guards and 20 administrative staffers, were held since last Monday in at least seven prisons as a security crisis escalates in the South American country.</p>

<p>President Daniel Noboa on the social media platform X congratulated SNAI, police and armed forces for the successful release of the prison staff.</p>

<p>There would be an investigation to determine those responsible for the hostage-taking, SNAI said in its statement.</p>

<p>SNAI reported incidents at several prisons earlier Saturday, including an armed confrontation with inmates at the prison in El Oro province that resulted in the death of a guard.</p>

<p>Ecuador is grappling with a security crisis that worsened this week with the on-air storming of a TV station, unexplained explosions in several cities and the kidnapping of police officers.</p>

<p>Armed groups appear to be reacting to Noboa's plans to tackle the dire security situation, according to the government.</p>

<p>The police and the armed forces were continuing to carry out operations around the country. More than 1,000 people have been arrested since a state of emergency began on Monday, the government said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ecuador-violence-prompts-several-prison-raids-across-the-region-679295"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ecuador violence prompts several prison raids across the region</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Ecuador violence</strong></h2>

<p>Once a bastion of peace situated between major cocaine producers, Ecuador has been plunged into crisis after years of growing control by transnational cartels that use its ports to ship the drug to the United States and Europe.</p>

<p>Criminal gangs in the country of about 17 million people are thought to have more than 20,000 members.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-violence-178-prison-guards-staff-held-hostage-by-gangs-679148"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Ecuador violence: 178 prison guards, staff held hostage by gangs</strong></a></p>

<p>According to the latest official report, 859 suspects have been arrested, 25 escaped detainees have been recaptured, five "terrorists" shot dead and 57 kidnapped people have been released.</p>

<p>A chilling video filmed in Machala prison and confirmed by police shows the corpse of a prisoner wrapped in plastic thrown into the street from inside the jail, which is under the control of inmates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other images have emerged over the past few days showing arrested suspected gang members being ridiculed, forced to sing, hitting each other or being mistreated by soldiers.</p>


All prison staff held by inmates at prisons in Ecuador amid a sharp uptick in violence had been freed by Saturday (Jan 13) evening, the SNAI prisons agency said.

All prison staff held by inmates at prisons in Ecuador amid a sharp uptick in violence had been freed by Saturday (Jan 13) evening, the SNAI prisons agency said. The hostages, which SNAI previously said were 158 guards and 20 administrative staffers, were held since last Monday in at least seven prisons as a security crisis escalates in the South American country. President Daniel Noboa on the social media platform X congratulated SNAI, police and armed forces for the successful release of the prison staff. There would be an investigation to determine those responsible for the hostage-taking, SNAI said in its statement. SNAI reported incidents at several prisons earlier Saturday, including an armed confrontation with inmates at the prison in El Oro province that resulted in the death of a guard. Ecuador is grappling with a security crisis that worsened this week with the on-air storming of a TV station, unexplained explosions in several cities and the kidnapping of police officers. Armed groups appear to be reacting to Noboa's plans to tackle the dire security situation, according to the government. The police and the armed forces were continuing to carry out operations around the country. More than 1,000 people have been arrested since a state of emergency began on Monday, the government said. Watch | Ecuador violence prompts several prison raids across the region × Ecuador violence Once a bastion of peace situated between major cocaine producers, Ecuador has been plunged into crisis after years of growing control by transnational cartels that use its ports to ship the drug to the United States and Europe. Criminal gangs in the country of about 17 million people are thought to have more than 20,000 members. Also read | Ecuador violence: 178 prison guards, staff held hostage by gangs According to the latest official report, 859 suspects have been arrested, 25 escaped detainees have been recaptured, five "terrorists" shot dead and 57 kidnapped people have been released. A chilling video filmed in Machala prison and confirmed by police shows the corpse of a prisoner wrapped in plastic thrown into the street from inside the jail, which is under the control of inmates. Other images have emerged over the past few days showing arrested suspected gang members being ridiculed, forced to sing, hitting each other or being mistreated by soldiers.

Ecuador violence: 178 hostage prison workers freed, officials claim

Taiwan Elections 2024: Lai Ching-Te wins Presidential election amid China threat

In a diplomatic move aimed at strengthening ties and addressing crucial issues, India's External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, is set to visit Iran on Monday, January 15. The visit marks a continuation of diplomatic engagements between the two nations, focusing on key topics such as the Chabahar port, Afghanistan, and recent developments in West Asia. Watch to know more!

India: EAM S Jaishankar's two-day visit to Iran amid rising tensions in West Asia

The prison break comes following the escape of drug kingpin 'Fito.' Police officers & army deployed at prison. Prison administration deploy helicopters & drones. Jose Adolfo Macia's escape sparked prison riots & hostage taking. Watch to know more!

Ecuador: Five inmates escape from Guayaquil prison complex | Ecuador Prison Break

US President Joe Biden said on Saturday the United States had delivered a private message to Iran about the Iran-backed Houthi group that is responsible for attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Biden says US sent private message to Iran about Houthi attacks

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Turkey launches airstrikes against Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria

Thousands of Afghans waiting to get travel documents cleared, desperate Afghans seeking alternatives. Taliban suspends online applications. Watch to know more!

Afghans seeking to escape Taliban's rule, rush for passports breaks out in Kabul

Taiwan Elections 2024: Ruling party’s Lai Ching-Te wins presidential polls

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China on cross-strait relations

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<p>Canada is considering putting&nbsp;a cap on the number of international students living in the country, as the housing crisis in the nation continues to deepen.&nbsp;Minister for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marc Miller raised concerns over the current volume of international students in the country.</p>

<p>In an interview with CTV News,&nbsp;Miller did not indicate how big the reduction would be if implemented but added there was a need for serious conversation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is a conversation the federal government will need to have with provincial governments to make sure that the provinces that have not been doing their jobs actually rein in those numbers on a pure volume basis," said Miller.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“That volume is disconcerting. It is really a system that has gotten out of control," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Liberal government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had been aiming to bring&nbsp; 485,000 immigrants to Canada in 2024 and 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026. However, the population spurt and an increase in foreign students indicate that the housing sector is nowhere near ready to house the volume.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Canada's population grew by more than 430,000 during the third quarter of 2023, which was the fastest in any quarter since 1957.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Quizzed why the government was considering the move now given the idea was floated in August last year, Miller said:&nbsp;"We need to be doing our jobs and making sure that we have a system that actually makes sure people have a financial capability to come to Canada, that we're actually verifying offer letters."</p>

<p>"And now it's time for us to have a conversation about volumes and the impact that that is having in certain areas."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-finance-minister-acknowledges-housing-crisis-challenge-637043"><strong>Watch | Canada finance minister acknowledges housing crisis challenge</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean for India?</strong></h2>

<p>The decision could have serious ramifications for Indian students who often prefer Canada as their desired choice to secure advanced degrees. As per data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), there were&nbsp;215,910 Indian international students in Canada out of&nbsp;579,075.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/torontos-housing-desperation-half-a-bed-for-c-900-a-month-amid-soaring-prices-660985"><strong>Also read | Toronto's housing desperation: Half-a-bed for C$ 900 a month amid soaring prices</strong></a></p>

<p>Nearly half of the 32,000 tech workers who moved to Canada between April 2022 and March 2023 originated from India.&nbsp;Between July and October 2023, the Canadian government processed nearly 87,000 new study permit applications for Indian nationals, although it was 40 per cent less than the same period in 2022.</p>

<p>Canada remains an attractive destination for Indians but the charms might be dwindling if the current housing crisis persists and the Trudeau government is unable to commit to a solution.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Canada is considering putting a cap on the number of international students living in the country, as the housing crisis in the nation continues to deepen. Minister for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marc Miller raised concerns over the current volume of international students in the country.

Canada is considering putting a cap on the number of international students living in the country, as the housing crisis in the nation continues to deepen. Minister for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marc Miller raised concerns over the current volume of international students in the country. In an interview with CTV News, Miller did not indicate how big the reduction would be if implemented but added there was a need for serious conversation. "This is a conversation the federal government will need to have with provincial governments to make sure that the provinces that have not been doing their jobs actually rein in those numbers on a pure volume basis," said Miller. “That volume is disconcerting. It is really a system that has gotten out of control," he added. The Liberal government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had been aiming to bring 485,000 immigrants to Canada in 2024 and 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026. However, the population spurt and an increase in foreign students indicate that the housing sector is nowhere near ready to house the volume. Canada's population grew by more than 430,000 during the third quarter of 2023, which was the fastest in any quarter since 1957. Quizzed why the government was considering the move now given the idea was floated in August last year, Miller said: "We need to be doing our jobs and making sure that we have a system that actually makes sure people have a financial capability to come to Canada, that we're actually verifying offer letters." "And now it's time for us to have a conversation about volumes and the impact that that is having in certain areas." Watch | Canada finance minister acknowledges housing crisis challenge ideo Embed Code: × What does it mean for India? The decision could have serious ramifications for Indian students who often prefer Canada as their desired choice to secure advanced degrees. As per data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), there were 215,910 Indian international students in Canada out of 579,075. Also read | Toronto's housing desperation: Half-a-bed for C$ 900 a month amid soaring prices Nearly half of the 32,000 tech workers who moved to Canada between April 2022 and March 2023 originated from India. Between July and October 2023, the Canadian government processed nearly 87,000 new study permit applications for Indian nationals, although it was 40 per cent less than the same period in 2022. Canada remains an attractive destination for Indians but the charms might be dwindling if the current housing crisis persists and the Trudeau government is unable to commit to a solution. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada considers cap on international students amid housing crisis

China reiterated it has zero tolerance for corruption within its military, and will put key personnel under closer scrutiny, as the country deepens its push to stamp out graft across critical sectors.

China: Military vows no tolerance in crackdown on corruption

Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv to mark 100 days since the start of the unprecedented war against Hamas.

Israel-Hamas war: Timeline of major events from the first 100 days

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Taiwan Elections 2024: Ruling party DPP's candidate Lai Ching-Te emerges victorious in polls

US Congress leaders reach short-term deal to avert government shutdown till March: Report

Ecuador violence: 178 hostage prison workers freed, officials claim

Taiwan Elections 2024: Lai Ching-Te wins Presidential election amid China threat

India: EAM S Jaishankar's two-day visit to Iran amid rising tensions in West Asia

Ecuador: Five inmates escape from Guayaquil prison complex | Ecuador Prison Break

Biden says US sent private message to Iran about Houthi attacks

US: Farmers in Iowa have dumped Donald Trump for Ron DeSantis

Turkey launches airstrikes against Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria

Afghans seeking to escape Taliban's rule, rush for passports breaks out in Kabul

Taiwan Elections 2024: Ruling party’s Lai Ching-Te wins presidential polls

US: Farmers in Iowa have dumped Donald Trump for Ron DeSantis

Comoros President Assoumani seeks fourth term in elections

Maldives: Adam Azim from Maldivian Democratic Party wins Male mayoral by-election

Former New Zealand PM ties knot with partner Gayford after years of delay

US: Extreme weather and swathes of snow freezes Iowa Caucus campaigning

Taipei tells Beijing to face reality

2 US Navy sailors go missing off Somalia coast, search underway

Congress' Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra: Rahul Gandhi-led yatra takes off from Manipu

China on cross-strait relations

Lohri, Makar Sankranti to Pongal: India celebrates these harvest festival

Pakistan: Imran Khan’s party loses cricket bat electoral symbol

Thailand: Biggest light illumination festival puts on a show

Canada considers cap on international students amid housing crisis

China: Military vows no tolerance in crackdown on corruption

Israel-Hamas war: Timeline of major events from the first 100 days