Heavy snow in the northern and western parts of Japan has led to cancellation of&nbsp;more than 100 domestic flights&nbsp;on Sunday, said two biggest airlines functioning in the nation. &nbsp;

Around 77 flights have been stopped by ANA Holdings as of 1 pm (0400 GMT), which has affected about 5,100 passengers, said Yutaka Kitahara, operations director of the company. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-6000-flights-grounded-globally-over-christmas-weekend-amid-omicron-surge-439999">Over 6,000 flights grounded globally over Christmas weekend amid Omicron surge</a>

Kitahara said, "As the weather situation in northeastern Japan remains unstable, there could be more cancellations to come." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Not just this, 35 flights have also been cancelled by Japan Airlines Co as of 10 am (0100 GMT). The move will affect 1,810 passengers, said a representative of the operations division of the airline. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-and-us-draft-joint-military-plan-to-protect-taiwan-from-china-report-439491" hreflang="en">Japan and US draft joint military plan to protect Taiwan from China: Report</a>

Numerous flights have already been cancelled around the world during the Christmas weekend over staffing issues due to the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus.

As Japan has tightened border controls, the country has reported only a dozen cases of community spread of the new variant. It has recorded just 231 Omicron infections in total, which include overseas arrivals, as per the health ministry of the country. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Heavy snow in the northern and western parts of Japan has led to cancellation of more than 100 domestic flights on Sunday, said two biggest airlines functioning in the nation.

Heavy snow in the northern and western parts of Japan has led to cancellation of more than 100 domestic flights on Sunday, said two biggest airlines functioning in the nation. Around 77 flights have been stopped by ANA Holdings as of 1 pm (0400 GMT), which has affected about 5,100 passengers, said Yutaka Kitahara, operations director of the company. Also Read: Over 6,000 flights grounded globally over Christmas weekend amid Omicron surge Kitahara said, "As the weather situation in northeastern Japan remains unstable, there could be more cancellations to come." Not just this, 35 flights have also been cancelled by Japan Airlines Co as of 10 am (0100 GMT). The move will affect 1,810 passengers, said a representative of the operations division of the airline. Also Read | Japan and US draft joint military plan to protect Taiwan from China: Report Numerous flights have already been cancelled around the world during the Christmas weekend over staffing issues due to the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus. As Japan has tightened border controls, the country has reported only a dozen cases of community spread of the new variant. It has recorded just 231 Omicron infections in total, which include overseas arrivals, as per the health ministry of the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Heavy snow in Japan leads to cancellation of over 100 domestic flights

After tormenting numerous countries around the world, Omicron seems to be making its presence felt in India. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Till now, 422 cases of the new variant of coronavirus have been registered in India. These cases have come in 17 states and union territories so far. Around 130 of these patients have already recovered, as per union health ministry data, which was updated on Sunday. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-omicron-spreads-rapidly-france-records-over-100000-cases-in-24-hours-439995" hreflang="en">As Omicron spreads rapidly, France records over 100,000 cases in 24 hours</a>

This comes as several countries have been witnessing a massive rise in the number of coronavirus cases after the emergence of the new variant. Many countries have already taken numerous measures to contain the spread of this variant. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The highest number of Omicron cases have come in Maharashtra, which are 108. Delhi has registered 79 cases, Gujarat 43, Telangana 41, Kerala 38, Tamil Nadu 34 and Karnataka 31. &nbsp;

Around 6,987 new Covid cases have come in a day. The total caseload of India has risen to 3,47,86,802, as per the data updated at 8 am. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-zero-covid-policy-will-not-work-says-scientist-who-warned-of-omicron-440021">China's zero-Covid policy will not work, says scientist who warned of Omicron</a>

With 162 new deaths, the toll has climbed to 4,79,682. For the last 59 days, the daily hike in coronavirus cases has stayed below 15,000. &nbsp;

The active Covid cases count has reached 76,766, the ministry said. In a short span of 24 hours, a reduction of 266 cases has been recorded in the active caseload. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After tormenting numerous countries around the world, Omicron seems to be making its presence felt in India. Till now, 422 cases of the new variant of coronavirus have been registered in India.

After tormenting numerous countries around the world, Omicron seems to be making its presence felt in India. Till now, 422 cases of the new variant of coronavirus have been registered in India. These cases have come in 17 states and union territories so far. Around 130 of these patients have already recovered, as per union health ministry data, which was updated on Sunday. Also Read: As Omicron spreads rapidly, France records over 100,000 cases in 24 hours This comes as several countries have been witnessing a massive rise in the number of coronavirus cases after the emergence of the new variant. Many countries have already taken numerous measures to contain the spread of this variant. The highest number of Omicron cases have come in Maharashtra, which are 108. Delhi has registered 79 cases, Gujarat 43, Telangana 41, Kerala 38, Tamil Nadu 34 and Karnataka 31. Around 6,987 new Covid cases have come in a day. The total caseload of India has risen to 3,47,86,802, as per the data updated at 8 am. Also Read: China's zero-Covid policy will not work, says scientist who warned of Omicron With 162 new deaths, the toll has climbed to 4,79,682. For the last 59 days, the daily hike in coronavirus cases has stayed below 15,000. The active Covid cases count has reached 76,766, the ministry said. In a short span of 24 hours, a reduction of 266 cases has been recorded in the active caseload. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron variant of coronavirus: 422 cases registered in India till now

A mother, who had lost her son last year, has been preserving a Christmas tree he had decorated before his death in the United States. It seems to be a memory she wants to preserve for future. &nbsp; &nbsp;

In December last year, 17-year-old Kooper, the son of the woman, had committed suicide, reported Southwest News Service (SWNS). &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-finally-revolutionary-james-webb-space-telescope-scales-sky-on-christmas-439928" hreflang="en">Watch: Finally, James Webb Space Telescope scales sky on Christmas</a>

The woman, Heather Davis, has been preserving the tree by wrapping it in cellophane to ensure it stays just the way her son had decorated it before his death. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Davis, who lives in Hobbs, New Mexico, unwrapped the tree along with her husband and two children this year. In the process of unwrapping, the decorations of the tree remained intact. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-horrific-shark-attack-us-male-surfer-loses-life-in-morro-bay-on-christmas-eve-439882" hreflang="en">In shark attack, US male surfer loses life in Morro Bay on Christmas Eve</a>

"Kooper helped me buy and decorate that tree just before he passed away and that's something I'll hold on to forever,” Davis told SWNS. &nbsp;

"Unwrapping it for the first time this year, was emotional but it was nice to feel close to him again. The tree will be staying this way for every Christmas to come, so each year, we can remember our beautiful son," Davis added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A mother, who had lost her son last year, has been preserving a Christmas tree he had decorated before his death in the United States. It seems to be a memory she wants to preserve for future.

A mother, who had lost her son last year, has been preserving a Christmas tree he had decorated before his death in the United States. It seems to be a memory she wants to preserve for future. In December last year, 17-year-old Kooper, the son of the woman, had committed suicide, reported Southwest News Service (SWNS). Also Read | Watch: Finally, James Webb Space Telescope scales sky on Christmas The woman, Heather Davis, has been preserving the tree by wrapping it in cellophane to ensure it stays just the way her son had decorated it before his death. Davis, who lives in Hobbs, New Mexico, unwrapped the tree along with her husband and two children this year. In the process of unwrapping, the decorations of the tree remained intact. Also Read: In shark attack, US male surfer loses life in Morro Bay on Christmas Eve "Kooper helped me buy and decorate that tree just before he passed away and that's something I'll hold on to forever,” Davis told SWNS. "Unwrapping it for the first time this year, was emotional but it was nice to feel close to him again. The tree will be staying this way for every Christmas to come, so each year, we can remember our beautiful son," Davis added. (With inputs from agencies)

US mother safeguards Christmas tree decorated by son before demise

With their family Christmas celebration canceled for the second straight year, Robert Valley and Alexis Pagan sought some holiday cheer in Manhattan, inside the F.A.O. Schwarz toy store at Rockefeller Center.

There, with the famous Christmas tree towering over the bustling plaza outside, the specter of the pandemic seemed to fade a little.

“This is what we’ve got, this is what we’re holding on to,” Valley, 55, said through a mask emblazoned with the image of Santa Claus. “I said, ‘Let’s go see the tree, it will give us a little joy.’”

Pagan, 47, chimed in from behind her Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer mask. “Like there is a Christmas,” she said.

This year’s holiday season has been accompanied by an extraordinary surge in coronavirus cases linked to the fast-spreading omicron variant, which has proved capable of bypassing vaccines and has infected tens of thousands of people, ruining countless plans for a normal Christmas.

On Friday, New York state reported 44,431 new virus cases out of about 360,000 people tested, an increase of nearly 5,600 new cases day over day and the highest single-day figure since the pandemic began. A great number of those were in New York City.

But amid the spike — and the postponed parties, wrecked travel plans and interminable lines at overburdened testing sites — there were glimmers of the season to be found among New Yorkers brimming with determination to salvage what they could of Christmas.

On Thursday, on Frances Sacks’ 10th day of isolating after contracting the virus, she emerged from her apartment in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood to search for a test. The goal: a negative result that would ensure that it was safe for her to spend Christmas in East Hampton, on Long Island, with her family.

After stopping at three pharmacies (rapid tests sold out), two urgent care centers (no tests available) and two testing sites (waits of at least three hours) — at one point crossing the Williamsburg Bridge into Manhattan — she lined up at a pop-up testing site in the West Village.

Whatever the result, she still faced a dilemma.

“I don’t have any holiday gifts,” Sacks, 23, who works at a restaurant, said, shivering as she waited. “I have a lot of ‘the thought that counts’; but, hey, I had COVID.”

Sacks was just one of many who waited for hours this week, hoping for an answer that could make the difference between the warmth of a holiday with family or one more special occasion canceled — while understanding that the pandemic has done much more serious harm.

Candace Forbes, 32, a nurse from Brooklyn, waited eight hours with her children, ages 2 and 4, and her husband, Andre Forbes, at a pop-up testing site at a Canarsie playground. She left anxiously awaiting results, as well as feeling colder and wiser from the experience.

“If they’re coming out and they have toddlers, dress them overly warm,” she said. “If you have to bring a chair, bring a chair. If you have to bring a snack, bring a snack.”

Hanging in the air was the painful memory of similar lines in the pandemic’s early stages, when the virus was new and tests were scarce.

At Travers Park in Jackson Heights, Queens, Tommy Campos, a footwear designer who lives nearby, stood in a line of 30 people at a testing site that opened recently with federal support. He expressed disbelief at what he was seeing.

“We felt like we were at the finish line, we felt like things were good a couple of weeks ago,” Campos said as he waited. “And I guess it just got out of hand and went crazy.”

As if to underscore his concerns, the state health department issued an advisory Friday warning of an increase in the number of children being hospitalized in connection with the virus, particularly in the New York City area.

About half the children who were hospitalized were younger than 5, or too young to be vaccinated, health officials said. Most of the older children who were hospitalized had not been fully vaccinated.

In New York City alone, hospitalizations of children linked to the virus had risen “fourfold,” the advisory said. The health department did not provide total numbers of pediatric hospitalizations, but the upward trend mirrored reports of a growing number of coronavirus cases among children in South Africa after the omicron variant emerged there.

The rising number of cases overseas further complicated a travel landscape, threatening to unravel hoped-for holiday visits. As of Friday, 3,800 flights that had been scheduled for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day had been canceled, according to the flight-tracking website Flight Aware.

Some of those seeking tests, including Rica Ciocio, 52, of Long Island, had planned to fly to Romania, her homeland, with her family on Christmas to celebrate with her parents. She said she had not visited them in more than two years. But the surge in cases and vast backlog in testing made her worry they would not get results in time to go.

And so, on Thursday, Ciocio and her family made a pilgrimage from testing site to testing site across Manhattan, each getting tested several times and hoping that one location would deliver a result in time to save Christmas.

“It’s unsettling,” she said. “You never know what’s the right thing to do.”

To address the testing backlog, the city began distributing free at-home test kits at five locations, one in each borough, on Thursday morning, two days before Christmas. Two-thousand kits were supposed to be available at each.

On 18th Avenue at 65th Street in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, a line began to form two hours before distribution began. It would later wrap around the block.

As has been the case throughout the pandemic, access to speedy testing appeared to split along economic fault lines. There were no lines at all at MedRite Urgent Care on Chambers Street in lower Manhattan, where people could avoid the typical waiting period of 48 hours or more to get results from a PCR test and learn their status in three hours it they paid $225 out of pocket.

In one quadrant of the Upper East Side, there appeared to be a testing tent, van or table on nearly every block — and even more on others. People passing unexpectedly empty sites jumped at the opportunity to get tested while knowing that the rest of the city was scrambling for tests.

“I saw this table and made my mom stop the car so I could get tested,” said Hannah Gelb as she stood waiting for a test at a PacGenomics site at the corner of 85th Street and Third Avenue.

Roberto Felix, a construction worker, stood nearby. He had been waiting in a long testing line elsewhere when his boss called and told him there was no line at PacGenomics. Felix hustled over.

“Because of Christmas, I wanted to make sure that I don’t have COVID,” he said.

For Marcone Santos, no test or line or fear could stand in the way of his joy.

Santos, a resident of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was at John F. Kennedy Airport on Friday, waiting for his mother and father to arrive from Brazil. It would be the first time they had seen one another in three years.

Despite his fears that the omicron wave would cancel their trip, his parents had just landed and were making their way through customs.

“Everybody is tired of this pandemic and being apart from family, from friends,” said Santos, 37, a carpenter. “For me, waiting for three years to see my family, this is a great time."

“It’s the holidays,” he added, craning his neck to peer down the arrivals hall. “It’s Christmas tomorrow.”

With their family Christmas celebration canceled for the second straight year, Robert Valley and Alexis Pagan sought some holiday cheer in Manhattan, inside the F.

With their family Christmas celebration canceled for the second straight year, Robert Valley and Alexis Pagan sought some holiday cheer in Manhattan, inside the F.A.O. Schwarz toy store at Rockefeller Center. There, with the famous Christmas tree towering over the bustling plaza outside, the specter of the pandemic seemed to fade a little. “This is what we’ve got, this is what we’re holding on to,” Valley, 55, said through a mask emblazoned with the image of Santa Claus. “I said, ‘Let’s go see the tree, it will give us a little joy.’” Pagan, 47, chimed in from behind her Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer mask. “Like there is a Christmas,” she said. This year’s holiday season has been accompanied by an extraordinary surge in coronavirus cases linked to the fast-spreading omicron variant, which has proved capable of bypassing vaccines and has infected tens of thousands of people, ruining countless plans for a normal Christmas. On Friday, New York state reported 44,431 new virus cases out of about 360,000 people tested, an increase of nearly 5,600 new cases day over day and the highest single-day figure since the pandemic began. A great number of those were in New York City. But amid the spike — and the postponed parties, wrecked travel plans and interminable lines at overburdened testing sites — there were glimmers of the season to be found among New Yorkers brimming with determination to salvage what they could of Christmas. On Thursday, on Frances Sacks’ 10th day of isolating after contracting the virus, she emerged from her apartment in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood to search for a test. The goal: a negative result that would ensure that it was safe for her to spend Christmas in East Hampton, on Long Island, with her family. After stopping at three pharmacies (rapid tests sold out), two urgent care centers (no tests available) and two testing sites (waits of at least three hours) — at one point crossing the Williamsburg Bridge into Manhattan — she lined up at a pop-up testing site in the West Village. Whatever the result, she still faced a dilemma. “I don’t have any holiday gifts,” Sacks, 23, who works at a restaurant, said, shivering as she waited. “I have a lot of ‘the thought that counts’; but, hey, I had COVID.” Sacks was just one of many who waited for hours this week, hoping for an answer that could make the difference between the warmth of a holiday with family or one more special occasion canceled — while understanding that the pandemic has done much more serious harm. Candace Forbes, 32, a nurse from Brooklyn, waited eight hours with her children, ages 2 and 4, and her husband, Andre Forbes, at a pop-up testing site at a Canarsie playground. She left anxiously awaiting results, as well as feeling colder and wiser from the experience. “If they’re coming out and they have toddlers, dress them overly warm,” she said. “If you have to bring a chair, bring a chair. If you have to bring a snack, bring a snack.” Hanging in the air was the painful memory of similar lines in the pandemic’s early stages, when the virus was new and tests were scarce. At Travers Park in Jackson Heights, Queens, Tommy Campos, a footwear designer who lives nearby, stood in a line of 30 people at a testing site that opened recently with federal support. He expressed disbelief at what he was seeing. “We felt like we were at the finish line, we felt like things were good a couple of weeks ago,” Campos said as he waited. “And I guess it just got out of hand and went crazy.” As if to underscore his concerns, the state health department issued an advisory Friday warning of an increase in the number of children being hospitalized in connection with the virus, particularly in the New York City area. About half the children who were hospitalized were younger than 5, or too young to be vaccinated, health officials said. Most of the older children who were hospitalized had not been fully vaccinated. In New York City alone, hospitalizations of children linked to the virus had risen “fourfold,” the advisory said. The health department did not provide total numbers of pediatric hospitalizations, but the upward trend mirrored reports of a growing number of coronavirus cases among children in South Africa after the omicron variant emerged there. The rising number of cases overseas further complicated a travel landscape, threatening to unravel hoped-for holiday visits. As of Friday, 3,800 flights that had been scheduled for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day had been canceled, according to the flight-tracking website Flight Aware. Some of those seeking tests, including Rica Ciocio, 52, of Long Island, had planned to fly to Romania, her homeland, with her family on Christmas to celebrate with her parents. She said she had not visited them in more than two years. But the surge in cases and vast backlog in testing made her worry they would not get results in time to go. And so, on Thursday, Ciocio and her family made a pilgrimage from testing site to testing site across Manhattan, each getting tested several times and hoping that one location would deliver a result in time to save Christmas. “It’s unsettling,” she said. “You never know what’s the right thing to do.” To address the testing backlog, the city began distributing free at-home test kits at five locations, one in each borough, on Thursday morning, two days before Christmas. Two-thousand kits were supposed to be available at each. On 18th Avenue at 65th Street in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, a line began to form two hours before distribution began. It would later wrap around the block. As has been the case throughout the pandemic, access to speedy testing appeared to split along economic fault lines. There were no lines at all at MedRite Urgent Care on Chambers Street in lower Manhattan, where people could avoid the typical waiting period of 48 hours or more to get results from a PCR test and learn their status in three hours it they paid $225 out of pocket. In one quadrant of the Upper East Side, there appeared to be a testing tent, van or table on nearly every block — and even more on others. People passing unexpectedly empty sites jumped at the opportunity to get tested while knowing that the rest of the city was scrambling for tests. “I saw this table and made my mom stop the car so I could get tested,” said Hannah Gelb as she stood waiting for a test at a PacGenomics site at the corner of 85th Street and Third Avenue. Roberto Felix, a construction worker, stood nearby. He had been waiting in a long testing line elsewhere when his boss called and told him there was no line at PacGenomics. Felix hustled over. “Because of Christmas, I wanted to make sure that I don’t have COVID,” he said. For Marcone Santos, no test or line or fear could stand in the way of his joy. Santos, a resident of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was at John F. Kennedy Airport on Friday, waiting for his mother and father to arrive from Brazil. It would be the first time they had seen one another in three years. Despite his fears that the omicron wave would cancel their trip, his parents had just landed and were making their way through customs. “Everybody is tired of this pandemic and being apart from family, from friends,” said Santos, 37, a carpenter. “For me, waiting for three years to see my family, this is a great time." “It’s the holidays,” he added, craning his neck to peer down the arrivals hall. “It’s Christmas tomorrow.”

Holiday spirit glimmers as New York endures another pandemic Christmas

In the highest single-day spike since June 13, Indian capital, Delhi, has registered 249 new Covid cases on Saturday. &nbsp;

One death was also reported. The positivity rate has increased to 0.43 per cent, as per data provided by the health department of the city. &nbsp;

This comes as several countries have been witnessing a massive rise in the number of coronavirus cases after the emergence of new variant, Omicron. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-omicron-variant-torments-healthcare-uk-looks-to-hire-foreign-workers-by-relaxing-visa-rules-439895" hreflang="en">As Omicron variant torments healthcare, UK looks to hire foreign workers by relaxing visa rules</a>

Around 180 cases were recorded on Friday. The positivity rate had also increased to 0.29 per cent at that time, said figures shared by the officials. &nbsp;

The death toll of the coronavirus has reached 25,104 in Delhi. &nbsp;

It is the highest rise since June 13 when around 255 cases had come with a positivity rate of 0.35 per cent. On that day, 23 deaths were also recorded. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/415-omicron-cases-detected-in-india-maharashtra-tops-with-108-cases-439780" hreflang="en">415 Omicron cases detected in India, Maharashtra tops with 108 cases</a>

On Saturday, the number of cumulative cases was 14,43,062. In Delhi, more than 14.17 lakh patients have recovered from coronavirus. &nbsp;

In December, six deaths have been reported till now. &nbsp;

A total of 57,295 tests, 52,444 RT-PCR tests and 4,851 rapid antigen tests, were conducted a day ago, as per the latest bulletin. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In the highest single-day spike since June 13, Indian capital, Delhi, has registered 249 new Covid cases on Saturday. One death was also reported. The positivity rate has increased to 0.

In the highest single-day spike since June 13, Indian capital, Delhi, has registered 249 new Covid cases on Saturday. One death was also reported. The positivity rate has increased to 0.43 per cent, as per data provided by the health department of the city. This comes as several countries have been witnessing a massive rise in the number of coronavirus cases after the emergence of new variant, Omicron. Also Read: As Omicron variant torments healthcare, UK looks to hire foreign workers by relaxing visa rules Around 180 cases were recorded on Friday. The positivity rate had also increased to 0.29 per cent at that time, said figures shared by the officials. The death toll of the coronavirus has reached 25,104 in Delhi. It is the highest rise since June 13 when around 255 cases had come with a positivity rate of 0.35 per cent. On that day, 23 deaths were also recorded. Also Read: 415 Omicron cases detected in India, Maharashtra tops with 108 cases On Saturday, the number of cumulative cases was 14,43,062. In Delhi, more than 14.17 lakh patients have recovered from coronavirus. In December, six deaths have been reported till now. A total of 57,295 tests, 52,444 RT-PCR tests and 4,851 rapid antigen tests, were conducted a day ago, as per the latest bulletin. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian capital registers 249 new Covid cases, witnesses biggest single-day spike since June 13

At a time when numerous people are reeling under various kinds of crisis across the world, Pope Francis prayed for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday. &nbsp;

On Christmas, pope urged vaccines for the poor, healthcare for all and dialogue to prevail in resolving the different conflicts in the world. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-finally-revolutionary-james-webb-space-telescope-scales-sky-on-christmas-439928" hreflang="en">Watch: Finally, James Webb Space Telescope scales sky on Christmas</a>

Due to a record spike in Covid cases in Italy, only a few thousand people thronged St Peter's Square for Francis' annual ‘Urbi et Orbi' Christmas address. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On the occasion, Francis rued ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Syria and Iraq and tensions in Ukraine and Ethiopia. He also lamented an 'unprecedented crisis' in Lebanon. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Pope gave the speech from the loggia of St Peter's Basilica. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-horrific-shark-attack-us-male-surfer-loses-life-in-morro-bay-on-christmas-eve-439882" hreflang="en">In horrific shark attack, US male surfer loses life in Morro Bay on Christmas Eve</a>

"We have become so used to them (conflicts) that immense tragedies are now being passed over in silence; we risk not hearing the cry of pain and distress of so many of our brothers and sisters," pope said. &nbsp;

"Son of God, comfort the victims of violence against women, which has increased in this time of pandemic. Offer hope to young children and adolescents suffering from bullying and abuse," he said. &nbsp;

The speech was delivered hours after a 'Midnight Mass' service was held for around 2,000 people. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

At a time when numerous people are reeling under various kinds of crisis across the world, Pope Francis prayed for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday. On Christmas, pope urged vaccines for the poor, healthcare for all and dialogue to prevail in resolving the different conflicts in the world.

At a time when numerous people are reeling under various kinds of crisis across the world, Pope Francis prayed for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday. On Christmas, pope urged vaccines for the poor, healthcare for all and dialogue to prevail in resolving the different conflicts in the world. Also Read: Watch: Finally, James Webb Space Telescope scales sky on Christmas Due to a record spike in Covid cases in Italy, only a few thousand people thronged St Peter's Square for Francis' annual ‘Urbi et Orbi' Christmas address. On the occasion, Francis rued ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Syria and Iraq and tensions in Ukraine and Ethiopia. He also lamented an 'unprecedented crisis' in Lebanon. Pope gave the speech from the loggia of St Peter's Basilica. Also Read: In horrific shark attack, US male surfer loses life in Morro Bay on Christmas Eve "We have become so used to them (conflicts) that immense tragedies are now being passed over in silence; we risk not hearing the cry of pain and distress of so many of our brothers and sisters," pope said. "Son of God, comfort the victims of violence against women, which has increased in this time of pandemic. Offer hope to young children and adolescents suffering from bullying and abuse," he said. The speech was delivered hours after a 'Midnight Mass' service was held for around 2,000 people. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis prays for COVID-19 pandemic’s end, healthcare for all on Christmas

On Christmas, NASA seems to have given a memorable present to the world by successfully launching James Webb Space Telescope from French Guiana. &nbsp;

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We have LIFTOFF of the <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAWebb</a> Space Telescope! 
 
At 7:20am ET (12:20 UTC), the beginning of a new, exciting decade of science climbed to the sky. Webb’s mission to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnfoldTheUniverse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnfoldTheUniverse</a> will change our understanding of space as we know it. <a href="https://t.co/Al8Wi5c0K6">pic.twitter.com/Al8Wi5c0K6</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1474717083883778057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The much-awaited launch had witnessed several hiccups in the past. But finally, the revolutionary instrument was launched by an Ariane 5 rocket early on Saturday. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explainer-what-is-james-webb-space-telescope-that-is-set-to-be-launched-today-439852" hreflang="en">Explainer: What is James Webb Space Telescope that is set to be launched today</a>

The powerful $9 billion telescope has been built to explore the farthest points of the universe and get numerous answers. It will mainly view the cosmos in the infrared spectrum. &nbsp;

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Here is that moment, preserved for posterity! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnfoldTheUniverse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnfoldTheUniverse</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASAWebb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NASAWebb</a> <a href="https://t.co/p5KpZGVB1C">pic.twitter.com/p5KpZGVB1C</a>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1474717872878456839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The launch, which happened on South America’s northeastern coast, seems to have opened a new era of astronomical exploration. &nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASAWebb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NASAWebb</a> is safely in space with its solar array drawing power from the Sun! Its reaction wheels will keep the spacecraft pointed in the right direction so that its sunshield can protect the telescope from radiation and heat: <a href="https://t.co/NZJ7sSJ8fX">https://t.co/NZJ7sSJ8fX</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnfoldTheUniverse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnfoldTheUniverse</a> <a href="https://t.co/s4nfqvKJZD">pic.twitter.com/s4nfqvKJZD</a>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1474730704940548096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The lift-off occurred at about 7.30 am EST (1230 GMT) from the European Space Agency's (ESA) launch base. The event was also shown live. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/christmas-at-moon-nasa-celebrates-iconic-earthrise-moment-re-shares-apollo-8s-message-439753" hreflang="en">'Christmas at Moon': NASA celebrates iconic 'Earthrise' moment, re-shares Apollo 8's message</a>

After a 26-minute ride into the space, the 14,000-pound instrument is expected to get released from the French-built rocket. It will slowly open up into nearly the size of a tennis court in the coming 13 days as it sails onwards. &nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASAWebb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NASAWebb</a> is safely in space with its solar array drawing power from the Sun! Its reaction wheels will keep the spacecraft pointed in the right direction so that its sunshield can protect the telescope from radiation and heat: <a href="https://t.co/NZJ7sSJ8fX">https://t.co/NZJ7sSJ8fX</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnfoldTheUniverse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnfoldTheUniverse</a> <a href="https://t.co/s4nfqvKJZD">pic.twitter.com/s4nfqvKJZD</a>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1474730704940548096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Moving for around two more weeks in space, the new telescope will reach its destination in solar orbit, which is around one million miles from Earth. The special orbital path of the telescope will ensure it is in constant alignment with Earth as the planet and telescope will move around the sun in sync. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

On Christmas, NASA seems to have given a memorable present to the world by successfully launching James Webb Space Telescope from French Guiana. We have LIFTOFF of the @NASAWebb Space Telescope!

On Christmas, NASA seems to have given a memorable present to the world by successfully launching James Webb Space Telescope from French Guiana. We have LIFTOFF of the @NASAWebb Space Telescope! At 7:20am ET (12:20 UTC), the beginning of a new, exciting decade of science climbed to the sky. Webb’s mission to #UnfoldTheUniverse will change our understanding of space as we know it. pic.twitter.com/Al8Wi5c0K6 — NASA (@NASA) December 25, 2021 × The much-awaited launch had witnessed several hiccups in the past. But finally, the revolutionary instrument was launched by an Ariane 5 rocket early on Saturday. Also Read | Explainer: What is James Webb Space Telescope that is set to be launched today The powerful $9 billion telescope has been built to explore the farthest points of the universe and get numerous answers. It will mainly view the cosmos in the infrared spectrum. Here is that moment, preserved for posterity! #UnfoldTheUniverse #NASAWebb pic.twitter.com/p5KpZGVB1C — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) December 25, 2021 × The launch, which happened on South America’s northeastern coast, seems to have opened a new era of astronomical exploration. #NASAWebb is safely in space with its solar array drawing power from the Sun! Its reaction wheels will keep the spacecraft pointed in the right direction so that its sunshield can protect the telescope from radiation and heat: https://t.co/NZJ7sSJ8fX#UnfoldTheUniverse pic.twitter.com/s4nfqvKJZD — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) December 25, 2021 × The lift-off occurred at about 7.30 am EST (1230 GMT) from the European Space Agency's (ESA) launch base. The event was also shown live. Also Read | 'Christmas at Moon': NASA celebrates iconic 'Earthrise' moment, re-shares Apollo 8's message After a 26-minute ride into the space, the 14,000-pound instrument is expected to get released from the French-built rocket. It will slowly open up into nearly the size of a tennis court in the coming 13 days as it sails onwards. #NASAWebb is safely in space with its solar array drawing power from the Sun! Its reaction wheels will keep the spacecraft pointed in the right direction so that its sunshield can protect the telescope from radiation and heat: https://t.co/NZJ7sSJ8fX#UnfoldTheUniverse pic.twitter.com/s4nfqvKJZD — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) December 25, 2021 × Moving for around two more weeks in space, the new telescope will reach its destination in solar orbit, which is around one million miles from Earth. The special orbital path of the telescope will ensure it is in constant alignment with Earth as the planet and telescope will move around the sun in sync. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Finally, revolutionary James Webb Space Telescope scales sky on Christmas

In conflict-torn Kayah state of Myanmar, over 30 people, including women and children, have been killed. Their bodies were also burnt on Friday, said reports. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The incident has been reported by local human rights group and media. &nbsp;

In a Facebook post, Karenni Human Rights Group said, "We strongly denounce the inhumane and brutal killing, which violates human rights." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cutting-cakes-with-a-murderer-photos-of-top-myanmar-catholic-with-junta-chief-spark-outrage-439665" hreflang="en">'Cutting cakes with a murderer?': Photos of top Myanmar Catholic with junta chief spark outrage</a>

The group found the burnt bodies of internally displaced people near Mo So village of Hpruso town on Saturday. &nbsp;

The victims, which included elders, women and children, seems to have been killed by the military that rules Myanmar.

According to the state media, Myanmar military shot and killed some "terrorists with weapons" belonging to the opposition armed forces in the village. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-jade-mine-landslide-one-killed-over-70-feared-missing-438915" hreflang="en">Myanmar jade mine landslide: One killed, over 70 feared missing</a>

The people, who were in seven vehicles, had not stop for the military, the report said. &nbsp;

Karenni National Defence Force said that the dead were not their members but civilians seeking refuge from the conflict. &nbsp;

"We were so shocked at seeing that all the dead bodies were of different sizes, including children, women and old people," a commander of the group told Reuters on condition of anonymity. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In conflict-torn Kayah state of Myanmar, over 30 people, including women and children, have been killed. Their bodies were also burnt on Friday, said reports. The incident has been reported by local human rights group and media.

In conflict-torn Kayah state of Myanmar, over 30 people, including women and children, have been killed. Their bodies were also burnt on Friday, said reports. The incident has been reported by local human rights group and media. In a Facebook post, Karenni Human Rights Group said, "We strongly denounce the inhumane and brutal killing, which violates human rights." Also Read: 'Cutting cakes with a murderer?': Photos of top Myanmar Catholic with junta chief spark outrage The group found the burnt bodies of internally displaced people near Mo So village of Hpruso town on Saturday. The victims, which included elders, women and children, seems to have been killed by the military that rules Myanmar. According to the state media, Myanmar military shot and killed some "terrorists with weapons" belonging to the opposition armed forces in the village. Also Read: Myanmar jade mine landslide: One killed, over 70 feared missing The people, who were in seven vehicles, had not stop for the military, the report said. Karenni National Defence Force said that the dead were not their members but civilians seeking refuge from the conflict. "We were so shocked at seeing that all the dead bodies were of different sizes, including children, women and old people," a commander of the group told Reuters on condition of anonymity. (With inputs from agencies)

In conflict-torn Myanmar, more than 30 killed, bodies burnt, say reports

To meet the shortages in healthcare sector, the UK government is looking to hire numerous care workers from abroad. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The development comes as the country is witnessing a huge spike in the number of the coronavirus cases due to the spread of Omicron variant. It has put immense pressure on the healthcare sector. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-concerns-in-china-rise-as-country-reports-highest-number-of-cases-in-four-months-439887">Covid concerns in China rise as it logs highest number of cases in 4 months</a>

Several foreign social care workers, care assistants and home care workers may become eligible for a UK Health and Care Visa for a year. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The move comes after the recommendation of the UK's Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). It had asked to make care workers and home carers eligible for the Health and Care Visa and also add the occupation to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-omicron-cases-surge-17-million-people-in-the-uk-had-covid-last-week-439765" hreflang="en">As Omicron cases surge, 1.7 million people in the UK had Covid last week</a>

"The care sector is experiencing unprecedented challenges prompted by the pandemic and the changes we've made to the health and care visa will bolster the workforce and helping alleviate some of the pressures currently being experienced," Home Secretary Priti Patel said. &nbsp;

"This is our New Plan for Immigration in action, delivering our commitment to support the NHS and the wider health and care sector by making it easier for health professionals to live and work in the UK," Patel added. &nbsp;

These temporary measures may come into effect by early next year. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

To meet the shortages in healthcare sector, the UK government is looking to hire numerous care workers from abroad. The development comes as the country is witnessing a huge spike in the number of the coronavirus cases due to the spread of Omicron variant.

To meet the shortages in healthcare sector, the UK government is looking to hire numerous care workers from abroad. The development comes as the country is witnessing a huge spike in the number of the coronavirus cases due to the spread of Omicron variant. It has put immense pressure on the healthcare sector. Also Read: Covid concerns in China rise as it logs highest number of cases in 4 months Several foreign social care workers, care assistants and home care workers may become eligible for a UK Health and Care Visa for a year. The move comes after the recommendation of the UK's Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). It had asked to make care workers and home carers eligible for the Health and Care Visa and also add the occupation to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). Also Read: As Omicron cases surge, 1.7 million people in the UK had Covid last week "The care sector is experiencing unprecedented challenges prompted by the pandemic and the changes we've made to the health and care visa will bolster the workforce and helping alleviate some of the pressures currently being experienced," Home Secretary Priti Patel said. "This is our New Plan for Immigration in action, delivering our commitment to support the NHS and the wider health and care sector by making it easier for health professionals to live and work in the UK," Patel added. These temporary measures may come into effect by early next year. (With inputs from agencies)

As Omicron variant torments healthcare, UK looks to hire foreign workers by relaxing visa rules

In a horrific shark attack, a male surfer lost his life in Morro Bay, California. The incident happened on Christmas Eve, the Morro Bay Harbor Department confirmed to CNN. &nbsp;

In a statement, the Harbor Department said, "Harbor, Police and Fire Departments responded to a report of a male victim unresponsive on the beach after he was pulled from the water suffering from an apparent shark attack." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/los-angeles-police-ends-up-killing-a-14-year-old-girl-while-shooting-a-male-suspect-439877" hreflang="en">Los Angeles police ends up killing a 14-year-old girl while shooting a male suspect</a>

At 10:48 am PT off Morro Bay State Park beach, the officials located the male surfer, said Harbor Director Eric Endersby. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The victim was declared dead at the spot. &nbsp;

Morro Bay is located around 15 miles west of San Luis Obispo. The victim has been identified by the San Luis Obispo County Coroner's Office. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It is making concerted efforts to notify the next of kin before disclosing the name of the victim, Endersby said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-effort-to-combat-forced-labour-targets-corporate-china-ties-439874" hreflang="en">US effort to combat forced labour targets corporate China ties</a>

Endersby said, "It's a horrible accident. Fortunately, the weather and wind has ruined the surf, so there are not many surfers, but we've closed the waters for safety." &nbsp;

The representatives of the state parks are currently investigating the accident. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Although the beaches remain open in the area, the authorities have directed people to stay out of the water for next 24 hours. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a horrific shark attack, a male surfer lost his life in Morro Bay, California. The incident happened on Christmas Eve, the Morro Bay Harbor Department confirmed to CNN.

In a horrific shark attack, a male surfer lost his life in Morro Bay, California. The incident happened on Christmas Eve, the Morro Bay Harbor Department confirmed to CNN. In a statement, the Harbor Department said, "Harbor, Police and Fire Departments responded to a report of a male victim unresponsive on the beach after he was pulled from the water suffering from an apparent shark attack." Also Read: Los Angeles police ends up killing a 14-year-old girl while shooting a male suspect At 10:48 am PT off Morro Bay State Park beach, the officials located the male surfer, said Harbor Director Eric Endersby. The victim was declared dead at the spot. Morro Bay is located around 15 miles west of San Luis Obispo. The victim has been identified by the San Luis Obispo County Coroner's Office. It is making concerted efforts to notify the next of kin before disclosing the name of the victim, Endersby said. Also Read: US effort to combat forced labour targets corporate China ties Endersby said, "It's a horrible accident. Fortunately, the weather and wind has ruined the surf, so there are not many surfers, but we've closed the waters for safety." The representatives of the state parks are currently investigating the accident. Although the beaches remain open in the area, the authorities have directed people to stay out of the water for next 24 hours. (With inputs from agencies)

In horrific shark attack, US male surfer loses life in Morro Bay on Christmas Eve

If a media report is to be believed, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has dissolved all supporting political organisations of his ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on Friday. &nbsp;

The development comes as the party suffered a major defeat in the first phase of local body polls, which were recently held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of the country. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-mission-in-argentina-posts-cryptic-message-on-j17-fighter-jet-blames-imran-khan-government-439007" hreflang="en">Pak mission in Argentina posts cryptic message on J17 fighter jet</a>

After attending a party meet, which was chaired by the PM, Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry shared the important takeaways from the results of the elections with the media, reported the Dawn newspaper. &nbsp;

The minister said, "Chief organisers and all office-bearers have been removed from their positions.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

All future party ranks would be selected after careful consideration by a senior PTI panel, he added. &nbsp;

The prime minister was not happy with the performance of the party in the elections and blamed poor selection of candidates for the debacle, Chaudhary said as per the Dawn report. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/report-reveals-that-more-than-100-mps-in-pakistan-not-paying-income-tax-439447" hreflang="en">Report reveals that more than 100 MPs in Pakistan not paying income tax</a>

PTI won less than 10 chairperson or mayor posts of the 39 seats it had contested on during the polls. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The selection of candidates should have been done on merit. "We are receiving complaints that in different areas, party tickets were distributed among family members disregarding merit," the minister added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

If a media report is to be believed, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has dissolved all supporting political organisations of his ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on Friday.

If a media report is to be believed, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has dissolved all supporting political organisations of his ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on Friday. The development comes as the party suffered a major defeat in the first phase of local body polls, which were recently held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of the country. Also Read: Pak mission in Argentina posts cryptic message on J17 fighter jet After attending a party meet, which was chaired by the PM, Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry shared the important takeaways from the results of the elections with the media, reported the Dawn newspaper. The minister said, "Chief organisers and all office-bearers have been removed from their positions.” All future party ranks would be selected after careful consideration by a senior PTI panel, he added. The prime minister was not happy with the performance of the party in the elections and blamed poor selection of candidates for the debacle, Chaudhary said as per the Dawn report. Also Read: Report reveals that more than 100 MPs in Pakistan not paying income tax PTI won less than 10 chairperson or mayor posts of the 39 seats it had contested on during the polls. The selection of candidates should have been done on merit. "We are receiving complaints that in different areas, party tickets were distributed among family members disregarding merit," the minister added. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan PM's party hits reset, to undergo major overhaul, says report

During a training sortie, a MiG-21 plane of the Indian Air Force has crashed in the state of Rajasthan on Friday night. The pilot, who was identified as Wing Commander Harshit Sinha, was killed in the mishap, which occurred in Jaisalmer, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said. &nbsp;

The aircraft went down in the Desert National Park area, which comes under the Sam police station. Police have reached the spot, Jaisalmer SP Ajay Singh told PTI. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-kanpur-study-tells-when-third-covid-19-wave-in-india-may-peak-439713" hreflang="en">IIT-Kanpur study tells when third COVID-19 wave in India may peak</a>

On Twitter, the IAF, said, "This evening, around 8.30 pm, a MiG-21 aircraft of IAF met with a flying accident in the western sector during a training sortie. An inquiry is being ordered." &nbsp;

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This evening, around 8:30 pm, a MiG-21 aircraft of IAF met with a flying accident in the western sector during a training sortie. Further details are awaited. 
An inquiry is being ordered.
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"With deep sorrow, IAF conveys the sad demise of Wing Commander Harshit Sinha in the flying accident this evening and stands firmly with the family of the braveheart," it stated. &nbsp;

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With deep sorrow, IAF conveys the sad demise of Wing Commander Harshit Sinha in the flying accident this evening and stands firmly with the family of the braveheart.
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The plane crashed in sand dunes near Sudasari, said Sam police station SHO Dalpat Singh. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-22-foreign-defence-ministers-meet-to-take-place-in-3rd-week-of-january-439716" hreflang="en">India, US 2+2 foreign &amp; defence ministers meet to take place in 3rd week of January</a>

According to an eyewitness, the plane burst into flames before hitting the ground. The eyewitness lives in a hamlet near the Desert National Park. &nbsp;

Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh and collector Ashish Modi have reached the spot. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

During a training sortie, a MiG-21 plane of the Indian Air Force has crashed in the state of Rajasthan on Friday night. The pilot, who was identified as Wing Commander Harshit Sinha, was killed in the mishap, which occurred in Jaisalmer, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said.

During a training sortie, a MiG-21 plane of the Indian Air Force has crashed in the state of Rajasthan on Friday night. The pilot, who was identified as Wing Commander Harshit Sinha, was killed in the mishap, which occurred in Jaisalmer, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said. The aircraft went down in the Desert National Park area, which comes under the Sam police station. Police have reached the spot, Jaisalmer SP Ajay Singh told PTI. Also Read: IIT-Kanpur study tells when third COVID-19 wave in India may peak On Twitter, the IAF, said, "This evening, around 8.30 pm, a MiG-21 aircraft of IAF met with a flying accident in the western sector during a training sortie. An inquiry is being ordered." This evening, around 8:30 pm, a MiG-21 aircraft of IAF met with a flying accident in the western sector during a training sortie. Further details are awaited. An inquiry is being ordered. — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 24, 2021 × "With deep sorrow, IAF conveys the sad demise of Wing Commander Harshit Sinha in the flying accident this evening and stands firmly with the family of the braveheart," it stated. With deep sorrow, IAF conveys the sad demise of Wing Commander Harshit Sinha in the flying accident this evening and stands firmly with the family of the braveheart. — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 24, 2021 × The plane crashed in sand dunes near Sudasari, said Sam police station SHO Dalpat Singh. Also Read: India, US 2+2 foreign & defence ministers meet to take place in 3rd week of January According to an eyewitness, the plane burst into flames before hitting the ground. The eyewitness lives in a hamlet near the Desert National Park. Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh and collector Ashish Modi have reached the spot. (With inputs from agencies)

Pilot killed in IAF's MiG-21 plane crash in India's Jaisalmer

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