While Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her party - the Awami League - won a fifth term in power in the Jan 7 general election, the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and other nations have reacted to the poll results. On Monday, the US State Department said that the election was not free and fair. The Awami League won 222 seats of the 299 it contested. The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia and its allies boycotted the election, and voter turnout was a low 41.8%.

Bangladesh saw violent protests for months ahead of the election with over 20,000 BNP supporters arrested since late Oct last year.

<h2>What did US and UK say?</h2>

"The United States remains concerned by the arrests of thousands of political opposition members and by reports of irregularities on election day," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.&nbsp;

"The United States shares the view with other observers that these elections were not free or fair and we regret that not all parties participated," Miller added and urged Dhaka to credibly investigate reports of violence and hold those responsible accountable.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sheikh-hasina-highlights-strong-ties-between-bangladesh-india-outlines-plans-for-international-relations-678003">Sheikh Hasina highlights strong ties between Bangladesh &amp; India, outlines foreign policy goals</a>

Echoing similar concerns, the UK said that democratic standards were not met consistently in the lead-up to the election. “Democratic elections depend on credible, open, and fair competition. Respect for human rights, rule of law, and due process are essential elements of the democratic process. These standards were not consistently met during the election period," the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said.

The office added London was also concerned about the significant number of arrests of opposition party members before polling day.

The United Nations (UN), meanwhile, condemned the violence and repression in Bangladesh and urged the country to strengthen democracy. "I implore the government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the human rights of all Bangladeshis are fully taken into account, and to strengthen the underpinnings of a truly inclusive democracy," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said.

<h2>China, India and Russia congratulate Hasina on poll result</h2>

Three countries - China, India, and Russia - congratulated Prime Minister Hasina and the Awami League on Sunday's election result.&nbsp;

"China congratulates Bangladesh on successfully holding its national election as scheduled and congratulates the Awami League on winning the election," foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular briefing on Tuesday.

China "firmly supports Bangladesh in advancing all post-election political agenda items in accordance with the law", Mao said, adding Beijing was willing to work with Dhaka "to further carry forward our traditional friendship on the basis of mutual respect, equality, common benefit, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs."

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Spoke to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and congratulated her on her victory for a historic fourth consecutive term in the Parliamentary elections. I also congratulate the people of Bangladesh for the successful conduct of elections. We are committed to further strengthen our…
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In a post on X, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Spoke to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and congratulated her on her victory for a historic fourth consecutive term in the parliamentary elections...we are committed to further strengthen our enduring and people-centric partnership with Bangladesh."

"We are committed to further strengthen our enduring and people-centric partnership with Bangladesh," Modi added.

While Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her party - the Awami League - won a fifth term in power in the Jan 7 general election, the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and other nations have reacted to the poll results.

While Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her party - the Awami League - won a fifth term in power in the Jan 7 general election, the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and other nations have reacted to the poll results. On Monday, the US State Department said that the election was not free and fair. The Awami League won 222 seats of the 299 it contested. The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia and its allies boycotted the election, and voter turnout was a low 41.8%. Bangladesh saw violent protests for months ahead of the election with over 20,000 BNP supporters arrested since late Oct last year. What did US and UK say? "The United States remains concerned by the arrests of thousands of political opposition members and by reports of irregularities on election day," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said. "The United States shares the view with other observers that these elections were not free or fair and we regret that not all parties participated," Miller added and urged Dhaka to credibly investigate reports of violence and hold those responsible accountable. Also read: Sheikh Hasina highlights strong ties between Bangladesh & India, outlines foreign policy goals Echoing similar concerns, the UK said that democratic standards were not met consistently in the lead-up to the election. “Democratic elections depend on credible, open, and fair competition. Respect for human rights, rule of law, and due process are essential elements of the democratic process. These standards were not consistently met during the election period," the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said. The office added London was also concerned about the significant number of arrests of opposition party members before polling day. The United Nations (UN), meanwhile, condemned the violence and repression in Bangladesh and urged the country to strengthen democracy. "I implore the government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the human rights of all Bangladeshis are fully taken into account, and to strengthen the underpinnings of a truly inclusive democracy," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said. China, India and Russia congratulate Hasina on poll result Three countries - China, India, and Russia - congratulated Prime Minister Hasina and the Awami League on Sunday's election result. "China congratulates Bangladesh on successfully holding its national election as scheduled and congratulates the Awami League on winning the election," foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular briefing on Tuesday. China "firmly supports Bangladesh in advancing all post-election political agenda items in accordance with the law", Mao said, adding Beijing was willing to work with Dhaka "to further carry forward our traditional friendship on the basis of mutual respect, equality, common benefit, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs." Spoke to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and congratulated her on her victory for a historic fourth consecutive term in the Parliamentary elections. I also congratulate the people of Bangladesh for the successful conduct of elections. We are committed to further strengthen our… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 8, 2024 × In a post on X, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Spoke to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and congratulated her on her victory for a historic fourth consecutive term in the parliamentary elections...we are committed to further strengthen our enduring and people-centric partnership with Bangladesh." "We are committed to further strengthen our enduring and people-centric partnership with Bangladesh," Modi added.

Bangladesh election 2024: How did US, other nations and UN react to poll results?

A Look at the Stunning Images Captured by Voyager 1 and 2

NASA's Voyager 1 and 2 space probes, which were launched within days of each other in 1977, captured some stunning images of planets in our solar system before starting their journey towards interstellar space.

According to NASA, the photography of Jupiter started in January 1979. Voyager 1 completed its Jupiter encounter in early April, after taking almost 19,000 pictures. Voyager 2 picked up the baton in late April and its encounter continued into August. Both probes clicked over 33,000 images of the solar system's biggest planet.

The Voyager 1 and 2 Saturn encounters occurred nine months apart, in November 1980 and August 1981. Here again, the probes clicked multiple images of the planet.

On Jan 24, 1986, Voyager 2 came within 81,800 kilometres of Uranus' cloud tops. The probe clicked thousands of images and gathered extensive data on the planet's moons, rings, atmosphere and magnetic environment.

In 1989, Voyager 2 became the first spacecraft to observe Neptune, passing nearly 5,000 km above its north pole.

''Pale Blue Dot" is perhaps one of the most iconic space photographs ever taken. Voyager 1 was speeding out of the solar system when mission managers commanded it to look back towards home a final time. And this is when the image of the Pale Blue Dot was captured.

The Israeli military on Monday (Jan 8) showed journalists a cluster of weapons factories and tunnels used by Hamas in the Gaza Strip to manufacture rockets, the news agency AFP reported.

The Israeli military on Monday (Jan 8) showed journalists a cluster of weapons factories and tunnels used by Hamas in the Gaza Strip to manufacture rockets, the news agency AFP reported. During a media tour in Gaza's Bureij, Israeli soldiers said that what looked like cement factories and other industrial facilities were in fact used to make missiles and shells stored in deep shafts. At the site, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari held what he said were detonators for rockets capable of hitting targets 100 kilometres away- a range covering much of central and southern Israel. Hagari told reporters that the factory had been built around Salah al-Din Road, a major north-south route also used to transport humanitarian aid into the besieged territory. 'Largest weapons production site found since war began' In a statement, the Israeli army said the factory (around the Salah al-Din Road), was the largest weapons production site found since the beginning of the war on Oct 7 last year. Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war Before the conflict started, Bureij was home to tens of thousands of people. However, many people fled the region after the war, and the areas shown to journalists during the army tour looked abandoned with no Palestinians in sight, AFP reported. Israel faces genocide case at ICJ In other latest news from the conflict, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The case was brought by South Africa which accused Israel of "genocidal acts" in Gaza. This week, the ICJ will hold hearings on the case. In an 84-page submission to the ICJ, South Africa urged judges to order Israel to "immediately suspend its military operations" in Gaza. "The acts are all attributable to Israel, which has failed to prevent genocide and is committing genocide in manifest violation of the Genocide Convention," the filing said. Also read: WHO reflects on obstacles in Gaza, says cancelled planned mission in hospital for the 4th time Hitting back at the accusations, Israel vowed to fight the South African case it described as "absurd blood libel". "How tragic that the rainbow nation that prides itself on fighting racism will be fighting pro bono for anti-Jewish racists," government spokesperson Eylon Levy said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli military shows cluster of weapons factories of Hamas in Gaza

The Israeli military has shown a cluster of weapons factories and tunnels used by Hamas in the Gaza Strip to manufacture rockets. During a media tour on Monday (Jan 8), in Gaza's Bureij, Israeli soldiers said that what looked like cement factories and other industrial facilities were being used to make weapons.

Two airlines in the United States - United Airlines and Alaska Airlines - found loose bolts while carrying out inspections of the Boeing 737 Max 9 fleet. The inspections came after a door plug of a Boeing 737 Max 9 blew out from an Alaska Airlines aircraft this past weekend.

In other news from around the world, Ecuador declared a state of emergency for 60 days after the country's most-wanted criminal disappeared from the jail where he was being held.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-israeli-military-shows-cluster-of-weapons-factories-of-hamas-in-gaza-678060">Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military shows cluster of weapons factories of Hamas in Gaza</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/09/404575-untitled-design-2.png?imwidth=3840" />

The Israeli military on Monday (Jan 8) showed journalists a cluster of weapons factories and tunnels used by Hamas in the Gaza Strip to manufacture rockets, the news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-airlines-and-alaska-airlines-find-loose-bolts-in-boeing-jets-during-inspections-678065">United Airlines and Alaska Airlines find loose bolts in Boeing jets during inspections</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/09/404579-untitled-design-2024-01-09t095010566.png?imwidth=3840" />

United Airlines on Monday (Jan 8) said that they found loose bolts while carrying out inspections of the Boeing 737 Max 9 fleet after a door plug blew out from an Alaska Airlines plane over the weekend. The airlines said that they found the bolts required "additional tightening" during inspections of Boeing 737 Max 9s. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-declares-state-of-emergency-after-its-most-wanted-criminal-disappears-from-jail-678015">Ecuador declares state of emergency after its most-wanted criminal disappears from jail</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/09/404556-untitled-design.png?imwidth=3840" />

Ecuador on Monday (Jan 8) declared a state of emergency for 60 days after the country's most-wanted criminal disappeared from the jail where he was being held.&nbsp;Adolfo Macias, leader of the Los Choneros criminal gang, disappeared from the Guayaquil prison on Sunday&nbsp;where he was serving a 34-year sentence.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-naval-officer-sentenced-to-over-two-years-in-prison-for-selling-military-secrets-to-china-678052">US naval officer sentenced to over two years in prison for selling military secrets to China</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/09/404570-wion-images-2024-01-09t091746586.png?imwidth=3840" />

A United States Navy serviceman, who pleaded guilty to accepting bribes from a Chinese intelligence officer in exchange for sensitive US military information, was sentenced to more than two years in prison&nbsp;on Monday (Jan 8), said the Department of Justice (DOJ).&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Taiwan election poses test for Island's ties with China | Will China succeed in 'reunifying' Taiwan?

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The Israeli military has shown a cluster of weapons factories and tunnels used by Hamas in the Gaza Strip to manufacture rockets. During a media tour on Monday (Jan 8), in Gaza's Bureij, Israeli soldiers said that what looked like cement factories and other industrial facilities were being used to make weapons.

The Israeli military has shown a cluster of weapons factories and tunnels used by Hamas in the Gaza Strip to manufacture rockets. During a media tour on Monday (Jan 8), in Gaza's Bureij, Israeli soldiers said that what looked like cement factories and other industrial facilities were being used to make weapons. Two airlines in the United States - United Airlines and Alaska Airlines - found loose bolts while carrying out inspections of the Boeing 737 Max 9 fleet. The inspections came after a door plug of a Boeing 737 Max 9 blew out from an Alaska Airlines aircraft this past weekend. In other news from around the world, Ecuador declared a state of emergency for 60 days after the country's most-wanted criminal disappeared from the jail where he was being held. Click on the headlines to read more: Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military shows cluster of weapons factories of Hamas in Gaza The Israeli military on Monday (Jan 8) showed journalists a cluster of weapons factories and tunnels used by Hamas in the Gaza Strip to manufacture rockets, the news agency AFP reported. United Airlines and Alaska Airlines find loose bolts in Boeing jets during inspections United Airlines on Monday (Jan 8) said that they found loose bolts while carrying out inspections of the Boeing 737 Max 9 fleet after a door plug blew out from an Alaska Airlines plane over the weekend. The airlines said that they found the bolts required "additional tightening" during inspections of Boeing 737 Max 9s. Ecuador declares state of emergency after its most-wanted criminal disappears from jail Ecuador on Monday (Jan 8) declared a state of emergency for 60 days after the country's most-wanted criminal disappeared from the jail where he was being held. Adolfo Macias, leader of the Los Choneros criminal gang, disappeared from the Guayaquil prison on Sunday where he was serving a 34-year sentence. US naval officer sentenced to over two years in prison for selling military secrets to China A United States Navy serviceman, who pleaded guilty to accepting bribes from a Chinese intelligence officer in exchange for sensitive US military information, was sentenced to more than two years in prison on Monday (Jan 8), said the Department of Justice (DOJ). Watch: Taiwan election poses test for Island's ties with China | Will China succeed in 'reunifying' Taiwan? ×

Morning brief: Israel-Hamas war updates, 2 US airlines find loose bolts in Boeing jets, and more

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Wednesday (Jan 10) inaugurate the tenth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit – 2024 at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. Prime Minister Modi arrived in Ahmedabad on Monday and was received by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendera Patel along with Governor Acharya Devvrat, and state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President CR Patil.

The summit will take place from Wednesday to Friday and has 34 partner countries and 16 partner organisations. The theme of the summit is "Gateway to the future" to celebrate "20 years of Vibrant Gujarat as the summit of success."&nbsp;

"It has been 20 years since the beginning of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. In these two decades, this initiative has been a trailblazer and trendsetter. It showed that thinking big is the first step to making a big impact. It showed how the state of India could institutionalize a way to connect Indian and international investors with the aspirations of our youth. It also set a national benchmark which many States successfully emulated, thus strengthening the Indian economy," Modi said, according to the <a href="https://www.vibrantgujarat.com/">summit's website</a>.

"As always, Vibrant Gujarat Summit continues to achieve new heights with the vision of a prosperous Gujarat for a self-reliant India," he added.

The summit will be attended by world leaders, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Indian PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, followed by a meeting with CEOs of top global corporations.

"On 10th January, at around 9.45 AM, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar. Thereafter, he will hold a meeting with CEOs of top global corporations. Prime Minister will then travel to GIFT City where, at around 5.15 PM, he will interact with prominent business leaders in the Global FinTech Leadership Forum," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.

"The summit will host various events including seminars and conferences on globally relevant topics such as Industry 4.0, Technology and Innovation, Sustainable Manufacturing, Green Hydrogen, Electric Mobility and Renewable Energy and Transition towards Sustainability," the statement added.

"Companies will display products made from world-class state-of-the-art technology," it read.

On Tuesday, Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show.&nbsp;Many industries and business sectors will be showcased under one umbrella at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show, one of the largest trade shows in the world.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Wednesday (Jan 10) inaugurate the tenth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit – 2024 at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Wednesday (Jan 10) inaugurate the tenth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit – 2024 at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. Prime Minister Modi arrived in Ahmedabad on Monday and was received by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendera Patel along with Governor Acharya Devvrat, and state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President CR Patil. The summit will take place from Wednesday to Friday and has 34 partner countries and 16 partner organisations. The theme of the summit is "Gateway to the future" to celebrate "20 years of Vibrant Gujarat as the summit of success." "It has been 20 years since the beginning of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. In these two decades, this initiative has been a trailblazer and trendsetter. It showed that thinking big is the first step to making a big impact. It showed how the state of India could institutionalize a way to connect Indian and international investors with the aspirations of our youth. It also set a national benchmark which many States successfully emulated, thus strengthening the Indian economy," Modi said, according to the summit's website. "As always, Vibrant Gujarat Summit continues to achieve new heights with the vision of a prosperous Gujarat for a self-reliant India," he added. The summit will be attended by world leaders, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Indian PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, followed by a meeting with CEOs of top global corporations. "On 10th January, at around 9.45 AM, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar. Thereafter, he will hold a meeting with CEOs of top global corporations. Prime Minister will then travel to GIFT City where, at around 5.15 PM, he will interact with prominent business leaders in the Global FinTech Leadership Forum," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said. "The summit will host various events including seminars and conferences on globally relevant topics such as Industry 4.0, Technology and Innovation, Sustainable Manufacturing, Green Hydrogen, Electric Mobility and Renewable Energy and Transition towards Sustainability," the statement added. "Companies will display products made from world-class state-of-the-art technology," it read. On Tuesday, Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show. Many industries and business sectors will be showcased under one umbrella at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show, one of the largest trade shows in the world.

Indian PM Modi to inaugurate 10th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

The White House said on Monday (Jan 8) that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would stay in his job, adding there is no plan for anything else. Addressing a press conference on Air Force One, National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson John Kirby said, "There is no plan for anything other than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job.

The White House said on Monday (Jan 8) that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would stay in his job, adding there is no plan for anything else. Addressing a press conference on Air Force One, National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson John Kirby said, "There is no plan for anything other than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job." Kirby said that President Joe Biden respected the fact that Austin took ownership of the lack of transparency but said that there would be a review of procedures in the wake of the incident. Kirby also said that there is an exception among members of Biden’s Cabinet that if one becomes hospitalised, “that will be notified up the chain of command.” What happened to Austin? Lloyd Austin, the Pentagon chief, was hospitalised on Jan 1 due to complications from an elective medical procedure. The Pentagon did not make any public announcement until four days later and also waited to notify other top government figures. Also read: White House rejects Republican calls for Biden to sack US Defence Secretary Austin On Monday, Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder told journalists that Austin, 77, underwent an unspecified medical procedure on Dec 22 and was discharged the following day, but began experiencing "severe pain" on Jan 1 and was taken by ambulance to Walter Reed. Some of Austin's authorities were transferred to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks on Jan 2, but she was not told that he was hospitalised until two days later, Ryder said, the news agency AFP reported. The 77-year-old faced widespread criticism for waiting days to inform the White House and Congress about his hospitalisation, keeping key officials in the dark about his status amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and tensions in the Middle East. Republicans call for Austin's removal Some Republican lawmakers including former president Donald Trump called for Austin's resignation. In a social media post, Trump said that Austin “should be fired immediately for improper professional conduct and dereliction of duty.” Last Saturday, Austin said that he took "full responsibility for my decisions about disclosure," and admitted that he "could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed." (With inputs from agencies)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will stay in job, says White House

A co-defendant in former US president Donald Trump's 2020 election interference case on Monday (Jan 8) sought the disqualification of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her "improper, clandestine personal relationship" with the case's special prosecutor.

A co-defendant in former US president Donald Trump's 2020 election interference case on Monday (Jan 8) sought the disqualification of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her "improper, clandestine personal relationship" with the case's special prosecutor. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the accusation was mentioned in a 127-page filing by co-defendant Michael Roman, who is seeking to have his indictment dismissed. The filing alleged a romantic relationship between Willis and prosecutor Nathan Wade. It said that Willis contracted Wade without the required approval by Washington. 'Willis, Wade violated laws...' "Sources close to both the special prosecutor and the district attorney have confirmed Willis and Wade had an ongoing, personal, and romantic relationship during the pendency of Wade's divorce proceedings," the document said. It alleged that the pair profited "significantly from this prosecution at the expense of the taxpayers," adding that Wade has been paid $653,881 as of December last year. "Accordingly, the district attorney and the special prosecutor have violated laws regulating the use of public monies, suffer from irreparable conflicts of interest, and have violated their oaths of office under the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct and should be disqualified from prosecuting this matter," the document further said. Who is Michael Roman? Michael Roman is one of the 19 defendants charged with racketeering in the election case. In August last year, Roman turned himself in to authorities in Georgia to face charges that he played a role in a fake electors' plot to overturn the 2020 presidential election there. According to American media, Roman was indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree; conspiracy to commit false statements and writings; violation of the Georgia RICO Act; conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer, and conspiracy to commit filing false documents. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump poll case co-defendant wants DA Fani Willis disqualified over relationship with prosecutor

Ecuador on Monday (Jan 8) declared a state of emergency for 60 days after the country's most-wanted criminal disappeared from the jail where he was being held. Four police officers were kidnapped following the imposition of the measure.

Ecuador on Monday (Jan 8) declared a state of emergency for 60 days after the country's most-wanted criminal disappeared from the jail where he was being held. Four police officers were kidnapped following the imposition of the measure. In the coastal city of Machala "three police officers, who were on duty at the scene, were kidnapped", while a fourth officer was kidnapped in the capital Quito, Ecuador's police force said on X. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Adolfo Macias, leader of the Los Choneros criminal gang, disappeared from the Guayaquil prison on Sunday where he was serving a 34-year sentence. A day later, the national prison agency said there were incidents in at least six of Ecuador's prisons. "I have given clear and precise instructions to military and police commanders to intervene in controlling prisons. I have just signed the state of exception decree so that the armed forces have full political and legal backing in their actions. I call on the citizens because this is everyone's fight and to show their support," Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa said on Monday. "We are experiencing a sign that things must change in the country and that our laws are not enough to live in peace. There is no room for opportunistic politicians to seek advantage amid a prison security crisis. We will not negotiate with terrorists, nor will we rest until we return peace to all Ecuadoreans," President Noboa added. What happens now? The state of emergency will see the deployment of the military onto the streets and into prisons while setting a national nighttime curfew. Previous governments in Ecuador have resorted in recent years to states of emergency in efforts to boost security but without major results. This emergency measure is among the first big security tests for Noboa, who took office in November last year promising to crack down on soaring levels of violence in the country. Who is Adolfo Macias? Jose Adolfo Macias, alias "Fito," is the leader of the notorious Los Choneros gang. In 2011, Fito was sentenced to 34 years in prison for various crimes, including drug trafficking and murder. During a press conference on Sunday, government spokesperson Roberto Izurieta said that over 3,000 law enforcement personnel were trying to locate Fito. “We are convinced that with the support of the armed forces and the police, and their professionalism, we will finish this search successfully,” Izurieta added. (With inputs from agencies)

Ecuador declares state of emergency after its most-wanted criminal disappears from jail

A man in the Indian state of Odisha, who was declared dead in a hospital blast, is alive. According to a report by news agency IANS on Friday (Jan 5), Dillip Samantray- a mechanic with the Jagannath Refrigeration agency, and three of his colleagues were repairing the AC compressor of the Hi-Tech Medical College in Bhubaneswar on Dec 29 when the compressor went off suddenly.

A man in the Indian state of Odisha, who was declared dead in a hospital blast, is alive. According to a report by news agency IANS on Friday (Jan 5), Dillip Samantray- a mechanic with the Jagannath Refrigeration agency, and three of his colleagues were repairing the AC compressor of the Hi-Tech Medical College in Bhubaneswar on Dec 29 when the compressor went off suddenly. As per the report, the compressor caught fire, and Samantray and his colleagues sustained severe injuries in the blast. They were admitted to the same hospital for treatment. A day later, hospital authorities announced that Samantray succumbed to his injuries. Shocked by the news, Samantray's wife died by suicide on Jan 1. However, the man was alive. An identity mix-up All the while, this was a case of an identity mix-up. Days after Samantray's death was announced, his family were informed that he was alive and the person they cremated was someone else. This shocking revelation came when a person, who was initially identified as Jyotiranjan Malik, regained consciousness and said he was Dillip Samantray. Addressing a press conference, Smita Padhi, CEO of the private hospital, said that two more patients were undergoing treatment at the hospital and one of them was identified as Jyotiranjan Mallik. "He was in critical condition and kept on a ventilator. Mallik's attendant, two others and his father and brother, used to visit him daily. Yesterday morning, when the patient's health condition improved, he was brought out of the ventilator and the treatment started. In the evening, when the doctor asked his name, the patient identified himself as Dillip Samantray," Padhi said. "The doctor immediately informed psychiatrist Amrit Pattojoshi, who checked him in the presence of family members. The person answered all the questions asked in connection with Dillip's family and in-laws rightly," she added. Samantray's family accuse the hospital for the negligence. However, the hospital authorities blame the family for the mistaken identity. On the other hand, the father of the deceased Jyoti said that he could not identify his son as his face had burn injuries and was wrapped in bandages. IANS reported that family members of Malik organised a dharna before the hospital demanding to take his body. Cong demands high-level enquiry Congress leader Nishikant Mishra demanded a high-level enquiry into the incident. "We need a high-level enquiry as to how a living person was declared dead and cremated in the knowledge of Hi-Tech medical authorities and the police. The person who is now identified as Dillip is in critical condition and we fear that he may be killed in connivance with hospital authorities and police to suppress the protest," Mishra said. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian man, whose 'death' in hospital blast caused his wife to die by suicide, is alive

All 21 crew, including 15 Indians on board the MV Lila Norfolk vessel, which was hijacked on Thursday (Jan 4), have been secured and evacuated by the Indian Navy.

All 21 crew, including 15 Indians on board the MV Lila Norfolk vessel, which was hijacked on Thursday (Jan 4), have been secured and evacuated by the Indian Navy. Taking to X, the navy on Friday said, "All 21 crew (including 15 Indians) onboard safely evacuated from the citadel. Sanitisation by MARCOs has confirmed absence of the hijackers." MV Lila Norfolk was hijacked near Somalia's coast. "INS Chennai diverted from her Anti Piracy patrol and intercepted the MV at 1515hrs today, on 5th Jan. MV was kept under continuous surveillance using Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Predator MQ9B and integral helos. The Indian Navy Marine Commandos present onboard the Mission Deployed warship boarded the MV and have commenced the Sanitisation," the navy had earlier shared. #IndianNavy’s Swift Response to the Hijacking Attempt of MV Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea. All 21 crew (incl #15Indians) onboard safely evacuated from the citadel. Sanitisation by MARCOs has confirmed absence of the hijackers. The attempt of hijacking by the pirates… https://t.co/OvudB0A8VV pic.twitter.com/616q7avNjg — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 5, 2024 × "The attempt of hijacking by the pirates was probably abandoned with the forceful warning by the Indian Navy MPA of interception by Indian Naval warship. INS Chennai is in the vicinity of MV and rendering support to restore the power generation & propulsion, and commence her voyage to next port of call," the post added. "Indian Navy swiftly responded to the hijacking incident onboard Liberian flagged Bulk Carrier MV Lila Norfolk deploying considerable strength of assets (both ships and aircraft) and an aggressive intent to counter-attack by pirates," the naval forces said in an official statement on January 6. All 21 crew of MV Lila Norfolk have been rescued and are safe, the navy added. Increased surveillance in Arabian Sea after recent attacks The Indian Navy has increased its surveillance in the Arabian Sea after a recent spate of attacks in the region. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, data from the navy's Information Fusion Centre said that the Indian Ocean Region showed at least three hijackings in Dec 2023. The hijacking of commercial ships and attempted hijackings by suspected pirates near the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea regions resumed in December after a six-year lull. Experts believed this was because naval forces led by the US have diverted their attention to the Red Sea to thwart Houthi attacks. Abhijit Singh, head of the Maritime Policy Initiative at the Observer Research Foundation, told Reuters, "The sudden revival in ship hijacking and attacks can only be attributed to the pirates' willingness to take advantage of the fact that the focus of anti-piracy maritime forces has largely shifted from the Gulf of Eden to the Red Sea." (With inputs from agencies)

Arabian Sea hijack: All crew, including 15 Indians on board ship secured, safely evacuated by Indian Navy

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday (Jan 7) won the re-election for a fifth term, with her Awami League party bagging 223 seats, as per an election official.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday (Jan 7) won the re-election for a fifth term, with her Awami League party bagging 223 seats, as per an election official. "The Awami League has won the election," said Moniruzzaman Talukder, a joint secretary of the Election Commission a day after the election that was boycotted by the opposition. Talukder said Hasina's party won 223 seats. Also read: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hails India as ‘trusted friend’ With this, Sheikh Hasina has won a fourth consecutive term amid opposition boycott. Overall, this will be her fifth tenure as PM of Bangladesh. The Hasina government had arrested thousands of rival politicians ahead of the polls. The Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former PM Khaleda Zia boycotted the polls. Zia, 78, is under house arrest after being convicted in a corruption case. Prime Minister Hasina was re-elected to parliament from the Gopalganj-3 constituency. According to a report by bdnews24, Hasina bagged 249,965 votes while her nearest rival M Nizam Uddin Lashkar from the Bangladesh Supreme Party secured just 469 votes. Hasina has been voted to parliament from the Gopalganj-3 seat for the eighth time since 1986. Here's a look at the latest updates: > According to results collated by Somoy TV, of the 264 seats of the total 300 announced, the Awami League won 204 seats and its ally Jatiya Party won nine seats. > Awami League candidate and Bangladeshi cricket team captain Shakib Al Hasan won the Magura-1 parliamentary constituency. > Earlier, media collating results from polling stations said Hasina had won more than two-thirds of seats in parliament with nearly 90 per cent of results declared. The Awami League faced almost no effective rivals in the seats it contested, but it avoided fielding candidates in a few constituencies. Also read: The Capitals: Dhaka's tryst with PM Sheikh Hasina-styled democracy > The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), boycotted this general election. Upon casting her vote, Prime Minister Hasina called the BNP a "terrorist organisation". Hasina added, "I am trying my best to ensure that democracy should continue in this country." > Awami League leader Muhammad Shahjahan, who quit the BNP, won Sunday's election in the Jhalkathi-1 constituency with a huge vote, Somoy TV reported. > Earlier Hasina told her party leaders, activists and supporters not to bring out any victory procession after the results were announced. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh elections 2024: PM Sheikh Hasina re-elected for fifth term, says EC

A 10-Round Boxing Match in Saudi Arabia 

Former UFC Heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou (Cameroon) has booked his second boxing match against British boxer and former two-time unified Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. According to reports, the 10 rounds long fight is set to take place in Saudia Arabia. 

An official date for the fight has not been announced yet, but it seems it is targeted for March. Details of the bout are expected to be disclosed during a press conference in London on Jan 15. 

Ngannou Shocked the Boxing World with his Debut 

After leaving the UFC last year. Ngannou had openly admitted to starting a career in boxing. On Oct 28, 2023, the Cameroonian took on WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury (UK) in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh. Though Fury won the 10-round fight, Ngannou shocked the boxing world with his impressive performance for all the rounds against the Englishman. 


After Fury, Ngannou Set to Box Joshua 

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