<p>The armed men who kidnapped 32 migrants in northern Mexico over the weekend aimed to extort money from them and their families in the United States, Mexico's president said on Thursday, one day after the migrants were released from captivity.</p>

<p>He said that the migrants, who were found on Wednesday, were abandoned by their kidnappers in a parking lot in a shopping center in the northern city of Reynosa in the state of Tamaulipas.</p>

<p>"Because there was a strong deployment (from Mexican authorities), they decided to free them, safe and sound," President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said in his morning press conference.</p>

<p>The case has highlighted the risks faced by the hundreds of thousands of migrants who cross through Mexico en route to the U.S. border each year, who are targets of extortion and kidnapping by powerful criminal groups.</p>

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<p>Human rights activists have been warning for months about an escalating kidnapping crisis in Reynosa, where last year Reuters documented a pattern of kidnappings - and at times sexual assault - of migrants and asylum seekers.</p>

<p>The 32 migrants were abducted on Saturday from a commercial bus that had departed the northern city of Monterrey for Matamoros, across from Brownsville, Texas, according to Mexican officials. They were forced off the bus while traveling through Reynosa and whisked away in cars by armed men, officials added.</p>

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<p>In a separate case, authorities in the border state of Sonora said on Thursday they had rescued around 20 migrants, many also kidnapped off busses.</p>

<h2><strong>Investigation opened&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The group kidnapped in Reynosa was discovered after an anonymous caller tipped off authorities to their whereabouts, the state security agency's spokesman told Reuters.</p>

<p>The 32 migrants ranged in age from a 71-year-old man to a 1-year-old baby girl, with a total of 11 minors, he said, adding 26 were from Venezuela and six from Honduras.</p>

<p>The state attorney general's office said the migrants had given their testimonies and that the office has opened an investigation. No one has been arrested so far, Cuellar said.</p>

<p>Late on Thursday, Mexico's national migration institute said it would grant the migrants humanitarian visas.</p>

<p>A record number of migrants traveled across Central America and Mexico in 2023 aiming to reach the United States, fleeing poverty, violence, climate change and conflict.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, a 4,000-person caravan traveling through southern Mexico dispersed after leaders said migration authorities had promised to provide travel permits.</p>

<p>But the caravan's leader, Luis Garcia, said in a statement on Thursday that some migrants were "abandoned on the street" by authorities.</p>

<p>Mexico's migration institute did not respond to a request for comment.</p>

<h2><strong>"So scared"</strong></h2>

<p>The mass kidnapping has sparked increased fear among migrants in Mexico.</p>

<p>Diego Vargas, 25, of Colombia, said that just after Christmas, he and his wife landed a coveted appointment on a U.S. government app called CBP One, allowing them to approach a port of entry and cross into the United States legally.</p>

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<p>The appointment is scheduled at the Matamoros crossing in mid-January, he said.</p>

<p>But after learning of the kidnapping, he says he and his wife are faced with an impossible choice: risk their lives traveling on the same highway, or return to their country, where he says they fled death threats by a paramilitary group.</p>

<p>"We're so scared to try to reach the border," he said.</p>


The armed men who kidnapped 32 migrants in northern Mexico over the weekend aimed to extort money from them and their families in the United States, Mexico's president said on Thursday, one day after the migrants were released from captivity.

The armed men who kidnapped 32 migrants in northern Mexico over the weekend aimed to extort money from them and their families in the United States, Mexico's president said on Thursday, one day after the migrants were released from captivity. He said that the migrants, who were found on Wednesday, were abandoned by their kidnappers in a parking lot in a shopping center in the northern city of Reynosa in the state of Tamaulipas. "Because there was a strong deployment (from Mexican authorities), they decided to free them, safe and sound," President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said in his morning press conference. The case has highlighted the risks faced by the hundreds of thousands of migrants who cross through Mexico en route to the U.S. border each year, who are targets of extortion and kidnapping by powerful criminal groups. Also Read | Kim Jong Un calls for more production of missile launchers amid US-South Korea wargames Human rights activists have been warning for months about an escalating kidnapping crisis in Reynosa, where last year Reuters documented a pattern of kidnappings - and at times sexual assault - of migrants and asylum seekers. The 32 migrants were abducted on Saturday from a commercial bus that had departed the northern city of Monterrey for Matamoros, across from Brownsville, Texas, according to Mexican officials. They were forced off the bus while traveling through Reynosa and whisked away in cars by armed men, officials added. Indonesia Bandung train collision: Three dead on Java Island, several others injured In a separate case, authorities in the border state of Sonora said on Thursday they had rescued around 20 migrants, many also kidnapped off busses. Investigation opened The group kidnapped in Reynosa was discovered after an anonymous caller tipped off authorities to their whereabouts, the state security agency's spokesman told Reuters. The 32 migrants ranged in age from a 71-year-old man to a 1-year-old baby girl, with a total of 11 minors, he said, adding 26 were from Venezuela and six from Honduras. The state attorney general's office said the migrants had given their testimonies and that the office has opened an investigation. No one has been arrested so far, Cuellar said. Late on Thursday, Mexico's national migration institute said it would grant the migrants humanitarian visas. A record number of migrants traveled across Central America and Mexico in 2023 aiming to reach the United States, fleeing poverty, violence, climate change and conflict. Earlier this week, a 4,000-person caravan traveling through southern Mexico dispersed after leaders said migration authorities had promised to provide travel permits. But the caravan's leader, Luis Garcia, said in a statement on Thursday that some migrants were "abandoned on the street" by authorities. Mexico's migration institute did not respond to a request for comment. "So scared" The mass kidnapping has sparked increased fear among migrants in Mexico. Diego Vargas, 25, of Colombia, said that just after Christmas, he and his wife landed a coveted appointment on a U.S. government app called CBP One, allowing them to approach a port of entry and cross into the United States legally. Watch | UK Foreign Ministry issues warning to Houthis; US' Joe Biden urges to strike Houthis | WION × The appointment is scheduled at the Matamoros crossing in mid-January, he said. But after learning of the kidnapping, he says he and his wife are faced with an impossible choice: risk their lives traveling on the same highway, or return to their country, where he says they fled death threats by a paramilitary group. "We're so scared to try to reach the border," he said.

Armed men kidnapped 32 migrants in Mexico for extortion, president says

<p>In a tale of extraordinary survival, New Zealand fisherman Will Fransen narrowly escaped the clutches of the ocean after spending a harrowing 23 hours treading water off the country's North Island.</p>

<p>Fransen's ordeal began on Tuesday (Jan 2) when he was on the boat without a life jacket. At the time of the incident, he was trying to pull a marlin fish out of the waters. As Fransen struggled in the vast expanse of the ocean, he faced an additional threat - a brief encounter with a circling shark.</p>

<p>Determined to defy the odds, Fransen used an ingenious method to attract attention and secure his rescue. His wristwatch, catching the sunlight, served as a beacon of hope. A passing boat found the stranded fisherman.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Reflecting on the ordeal, Fransen expressed his awareness of the slim odds stacked against him.</p>

<p>"I knew my chances weren't very good," he admitted in an interview with TVNZ.</p>

<p>"I'm usually pretty positive, but I knew my chances weren't good."</p>

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<p>One rescuer James Mcdonnell recounted the astonishing moment when they found Fransen.</p>

<p>"He was incredibly pale and incredibly cold," Mcdonnell remarked. "It's an incredible story, and I don't think too many people would believe us, but hey, Will's there to tell the tale."</p>

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<p>Despite the severity of the situation, Fransen emerged with some physical injuries. As per reports, he suffered little more than windburn and stiff joints from the prolonged immersion in the sea. Looking ahead, Fransen has plans to enhance the safety features of his boat, the very vessel from which he was unexpectedly separated.</p>

<p>The whereabouts of the boat remain unknown.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a tale of extraordinary survival, New Zealand fisherman Will Fransen narrowly escaped the clutches of the ocean after spending a harrowing 23 hours treading water off the country's North Island.

In a tale of extraordinary survival, New Zealand fisherman Will Fransen narrowly escaped the clutches of the ocean after spending a harrowing 23 hours treading water off the country's North Island. Fransen's ordeal began on Tuesday (Jan 2) when he was on the boat without a life jacket. At the time of the incident, he was trying to pull a marlin fish out of the waters. As Fransen struggled in the vast expanse of the ocean, he faced an additional threat - a brief encounter with a circling shark. Determined to defy the odds, Fransen used an ingenious method to attract attention and secure his rescue. His wristwatch, catching the sunlight, served as a beacon of hope. A passing boat found the stranded fisherman. Also Read | Bill Clinton ‘threatened’ magazine against writing about his ‘good friend’ Jeffrey Epstein Reflecting on the ordeal, Fransen expressed his awareness of the slim odds stacked against him. "I knew my chances weren't very good," he admitted in an interview with TVNZ. "I'm usually pretty positive, but I knew my chances weren't good." Also Read | Doomed Japan plane on third quake mission when runway disaster hit One rescuer James Mcdonnell recounted the astonishing moment when they found Fransen. "He was incredibly pale and incredibly cold," Mcdonnell remarked. "It's an incredible story, and I don't think too many people would believe us, but hey, Will's there to tell the tale." Watch | Royal Mail pays tribute to Spice Girls band as they complete 30 years × Despite the severity of the situation, Fransen emerged with some physical injuries. As per reports, he suffered little more than windburn and stiff joints from the prolonged immersion in the sea. Looking ahead, Fransen has plans to enhance the safety features of his boat, the very vessel from which he was unexpectedly separated. The whereabouts of the boat remain unknown. (With inputs from agencies)

Miraculous survival: How New Zealand fisherman was rescued after treading waters for 23 hours

<p>A Coast Guard plane was making its third emergency trip to an earthquake zone within 24 hours when it collided with a passenger jet at a very busy Haneda airport, a Coast Guard official told Reuters.</p>

<p>The official declined to be named due to an ongoing investigation into the runway crash between the De Havilland Dash-8 turboprop and a Japan Airlines (9201.T) Airbus A350 passenger jet. Five of the six Coast Guard crew died but all 379 people on the JAL plane escaped.</p>

<p>Details of the Coast Guard plane's movements before the collision have not previously been reported.</p>

<p>The surviving pilot from the Coast Guard crew is under scrutiny after authorities released control tower transcripts appearing to show he was ordered to enter a holding area near the runway before the crash occurred.</p>

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<p>He said he had permission to enter the runway where the Japan Airlines (JAL) plane was landing, the Coast Guard said on Wednesday, acknowledging there was no indication of that in the transcripts.</p>

<p>It is unclear whether the volume of airport traffic or the emergency response to the earthquake that struck late afternoon on Jan. 1, destroying thousands of homes and killing at least 84 people, were factors in the accident.</p>

<p>Aviation experts say airplane accidents usually involve multiple variables and the failure of several safety guardrails.</p>

<p>In the 24 hours before the collision, the Coast Guard aircraft had already made two round trips from Haneda to the quake zone, a 3.5 hour survey of the area shortly after the magnitude 7.6 quake struck on Jan 1, and a flight carrying rescue workers that returned early on Jan. 2, the official said.</p>

<p>Reuters verified the timings with flight tracking data on adsbexchange.com.</p>

<h2><strong>Full capacity&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Tokyo Haneda is the world's third busiest airport, according to OAG, a UK-based travel industry data provider. Flight schedules data from Cirium analysed by Reuters showed an average of 1,290 flights departed and arrived at Haneda daily in December.</p>

<p>On the day of the accident, a public holiday in Japan, the airport was at full capacity, said Shigenori Hiraoka, director general of the Civil Aviation Bureau.</p>

<p>It was no ordinary day for the Coast Guard either.</p>

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<p>The doomed plane had early that morning returned with a different crew from a mission taking relief workers to an area devastated by the earthquake, the Coast Guard official also told Reuters.</p>

<p>Thousands of rescue workers were scrambled to respond to the disaster.</p>

<p>Captain Genki Miyamoto, 39, and his crew were preparing to take the plane - one of four stationed at the Coast Guard base at Haneda - back to the earthquake zone loaded with food and water.</p>

<p>The aircraft arrived back at Haneda from its second mission at 2.30 a.m. local time and left the hanger of the base again at 4.45 p.m., the official said.</p>

<p>The collision occurred at 5.47 p.m., authorities said.</p>

<p>In normal times, the Coast Guard tends to fly mid-morning when runways are less busy, the official said, adding the airport was "very busy" on the day of the accident.</p>

<p>Miyamoto, the pilot, also had a busy schedule.</p>

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<p>The day before, he had been on a 7-hour mission to Japan’s southernmost island Okinotori, where he had been surveying a Chinese vessel off its waters. He returned around 5 p.m., just after the earthquake struck.</p>

<p>At that point, his mission the next day was not scheduled, the official said.</p>

<p>Miyamoto suffered severe burns as a result of the crash and could not be reached for comment.</p>

<p>The official said he had been a captain for nearly 5 years and had clocked up 3,641 hours of flight time.</p>

<p>The destroyed aircraft - JA722A - was the only Japan Coast Guard airplane that was not destroyed when a 2011 tsunami hit Sendai airport in northeast Japan, according an official Coast Guard newsletter. It suffered some water damage but was restored and returned to Haneda the following year.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


A Coast Guard plane was making its third emergency trip to an earthquake zone within 24 hours when it collided with a passenger jet at a very busy Haneda airport, a Coast Guard official told Reuters.

A Coast Guard plane was making its third emergency trip to an earthquake zone within 24 hours when it collided with a passenger jet at a very busy Haneda airport, a Coast Guard official told Reuters. The official declined to be named due to an ongoing investigation into the runway crash between the De Havilland Dash-8 turboprop and a Japan Airlines (9201.T) Airbus A350 passenger jet. Five of the six Coast Guard crew died but all 379 people on the JAL plane escaped. Details of the Coast Guard plane's movements before the collision have not previously been reported. The surviving pilot from the Coast Guard crew is under scrutiny after authorities released control tower transcripts appearing to show he was ordered to enter a holding area near the runway before the crash occurred. Also Read | After Bakhmut, it's Marinka. Is Russia close to taking control of entire Donbas? He said he had permission to enter the runway where the Japan Airlines (JAL) plane was landing, the Coast Guard said on Wednesday, acknowledging there was no indication of that in the transcripts. It is unclear whether the volume of airport traffic or the emergency response to the earthquake that struck late afternoon on Jan. 1, destroying thousands of homes and killing at least 84 people, were factors in the accident. Aviation experts say airplane accidents usually involve multiple variables and the failure of several safety guardrails. In the 24 hours before the collision, the Coast Guard aircraft had already made two round trips from Haneda to the quake zone, a 3.5 hour survey of the area shortly after the magnitude 7.6 quake struck on Jan 1, and a flight carrying rescue workers that returned early on Jan. 2, the official said. Reuters verified the timings with flight tracking data on adsbexchange.com. Full capacity Tokyo Haneda is the world's third busiest airport, according to OAG, a UK-based travel industry data provider. Flight schedules data from Cirium analysed by Reuters showed an average of 1,290 flights departed and arrived at Haneda daily in December. On the day of the accident, a public holiday in Japan, the airport was at full capacity, said Shigenori Hiraoka, director general of the Civil Aviation Bureau. It was no ordinary day for the Coast Guard either. Also Read | Armed men kidnapped 32 migrants in Mexico for extortion, president says The doomed plane had early that morning returned with a different crew from a mission taking relief workers to an area devastated by the earthquake, the Coast Guard official also told Reuters. Thousands of rescue workers were scrambled to respond to the disaster. Captain Genki Miyamoto, 39, and his crew were preparing to take the plane - one of four stationed at the Coast Guard base at Haneda - back to the earthquake zone loaded with food and water. The aircraft arrived back at Haneda from its second mission at 2.30 a.m. local time and left the hanger of the base again at 4.45 p.m., the official said. The collision occurred at 5.47 p.m., authorities said. In normal times, the Coast Guard tends to fly mid-morning when runways are less busy, the official said, adding the airport was "very busy" on the day of the accident. Miyamoto, the pilot, also had a busy schedule. Watch | Royal Mail celebrates Spice Girls as they complete 30 years, gets entire stamp dedicated to them × The day before, he had been on a 7-hour mission to Japan’s southernmost island Okinotori, where he had been surveying a Chinese vessel off its waters. He returned around 5 p.m., just after the earthquake struck. At that point, his mission the next day was not scheduled, the official said. Miyamoto suffered severe burns as a result of the crash and could not be reached for comment. The official said he had been a captain for nearly 5 years and had clocked up 3,641 hours of flight time. The destroyed aircraft - JA722A - was the only Japan Coast Guard airplane that was not destroyed when a 2011 tsunami hit Sendai airport in northeast Japan, according an official Coast Guard newsletter. It suffered some water damage but was restored and returned to Haneda the following year.

Doomed Japan plane was on third quake mission when runway disaster hit

<p>Indian Union Home Ministry has instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to initiate an inquiry into the alleged corruption surrounding the functioning of numerous mohalla (community) clinics in Delhi, media reports said citing sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mohalla clinics are&nbsp;part of a healthcare initiative in the Indian capital of Delhi, introduced by the government of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.</p>

<p>These clinics, launched in October 2015, were introduced as a part of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's efforts to improve healthcare accessibility in the capital city.</p>

<p>This came after several discrepancies in the operation of seven mohalla clinics in Delhi came to light and Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena recommended for a CBI probe into the matter.</p>

<p>Investigations by the vigilance department exposed various irregularities, such as the entry of only the digit "0" in the section designated for mobile numbers in 11,657 cases.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Moreover, spaces were left blank in 8,251 cases whereas fake mobile numbers, including 9999999999, were used in 3,092 cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, around a thousand instances involved the repetition of the same number more than 15 times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These alleged malpractices were reportedly employed to conduct millions of tests on dummy patients.</p>

<p>Later, the&nbsp;payments were allegedly routed to private diagnostic firms.</p>

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<p>The scale of the alleged scam could be staggering, with the Lieutenant Governor's office estimating it to run into millions of rupees.</p>

<h2><strong>'Sub-standard' medicines in mohalla clinics</strong></h2>

<p>Allegations have also surfaced regarding the distribution of 'sub-standard' medicines in mohalla clinics. CBI is going to probe into this as well.</p>

<p>Media reports citing sources from the Lieutenant Governor's (L-G) office claimed that unauthorised staff were prescribing tests and medications in the absence of doctors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The doctors were also allegedly marking attendance through pre-recorded videos.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Responding to these claims, Delhi BJP leader Harish Khurana criticised the AAP government, accusing them of corruption and endangering the lives of poor residents in Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj raised concerns about the BJP-led Centre's actions and questioned the health secretary's accountability.</p>

<p>He cited delays in addressing the alleged issues despite his directives for inspections since April last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Union Home Ministry has instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to initiate an inquiry into the alleged corruption surrounding the functioning of numerous mohalla (community) clinics in Delhi, media reports said citing sources.

Indian Union Home Ministry has instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to initiate an inquiry into the alleged corruption surrounding the functioning of numerous mohalla (community) clinics in Delhi, media reports said citing sources. Mohalla clinics are part of a healthcare initiative in the Indian capital of Delhi, introduced by the government of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. These clinics, launched in October 2015, were introduced as a part of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's efforts to improve healthcare accessibility in the capital city. This came after several discrepancies in the operation of seven mohalla clinics in Delhi came to light and Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena recommended for a CBI probe into the matter. Investigations by the vigilance department exposed various irregularities, such as the entry of only the digit "0" in the section designated for mobile numbers in 11,657 cases. Also Read | Bomb scare at Kolkata's Indian Museum, authorities scramble for quick action Moreover, spaces were left blank in 8,251 cases whereas fake mobile numbers, including 9999999999, were used in 3,092 cases. Notably, around a thousand instances involved the repetition of the same number more than 15 times. These alleged malpractices were reportedly employed to conduct millions of tests on dummy patients. Later, the payments were allegedly routed to private diagnostic firms. Also Read | Ancestral property where Dawood Ibrahim spent his childhood to be auctioned off in Mumbai today The scale of the alleged scam could be staggering, with the Lieutenant Governor's office estimating it to run into millions of rupees. 'Sub-standard' medicines in mohalla clinics Allegations have also surfaced regarding the distribution of 'sub-standard' medicines in mohalla clinics. CBI is going to probe into this as well. Media reports citing sources from the Lieutenant Governor's (L-G) office claimed that unauthorised staff were prescribing tests and medications in the absence of doctors. The doctors were also allegedly marking attendance through pre-recorded videos. Watch | WION's Power Poll: Do you think the 2024 Bangladesh Election will be free & fair? × Responding to these claims, Delhi BJP leader Harish Khurana criticised the AAP government, accusing them of corruption and endangering the lives of poor residents in Delhi. Meanwhile, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj raised concerns about the BJP-led Centre's actions and questioned the health secretary's accountability. He cited delays in addressing the alleged issues despite his directives for inspections since April last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Sub-standard medicine, dummy patients, fake attendance: CBI to probe corruption into Delhi's 'mohalla clinics'

<p>An Indian Navy warship, INS Chennai, is en route to address a hijacking incident involving the vessel 'MV Lila Norfolk' with 15 Indian crew members in the Arabian Sea, media reports said on Friday (Jan 5) citing military officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ANI news agency reported that the Indian Navy received information about the hijacked Liberian-flagged ship near Somalia's coast on the evening hours of Thursday (Jan 4).&nbsp;The Indian Navy is actively monitoring the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports said that a surveillance aircraft, also known as Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), had also been deployed to observe the vessel. Communication has also been established with the crew.</p>

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<p>The ongoing situation is under close monitoring with coordination among various agencies and the multi-national force (MNF) in the region, media reports said citing the Indian Navy.</p>

<p>The MPA conducted an overflight of the vessel in the early morning of Friday, during which it established contact and ensured the safety of the crew, said news agency reports.</p>

<p>“The vessel had sent a message on the UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations) portal, indicating boarding by approximately five to six unknown armed personnel on the evening of January 4, 2024,” the Indian Navy reportedly said in a statement.</p>

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<p>Presently, specific information regarding the hijacking as well as the identity of the perpetrators is not known.</p>

<h2><strong>Surveillance bolstered&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian Navy has bolstered its surveillance in response to a surge in security incidents reported on merchant vessels navigating international shipping lanes in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden.</p>

<p>The Navy acted promptly in a recent hijacking crisis in the Arabian Sea on December 14, involving the Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen en route to Somalia.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-at-war-idf-reports-troops-have-raided-hamas-compound-connected-to-underground-network-676788">Israel at War: IDF reports troops have raided Hamas compound connected to underground network</a></strong></p>

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<p>The incident unfolded rapidly, prompting the evacuation of a Bulgarian national, one of the 18 crew members aboard the hijacked cargo vessel, who sustained injuries during the pirate action.</p>

<p>The Indian Navy utilised the frontline ship INS Kochi to evacuate and provide medical care to the injured sailor.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agency)</em></p>


An Indian Navy warship, INS Chennai, is en route to address a hijacking incident involving the vessel 'MV Lila Norfolk' with 15 Indian crew members in the Arabian Sea, media reports said on Friday (Jan 5) citing military officials.

An Indian Navy warship, INS Chennai, is en route to address a hijacking incident involving the vessel 'MV Lila Norfolk' with 15 Indian crew members in the Arabian Sea, media reports said on Friday (Jan 5) citing military officials. ANI news agency reported that the Indian Navy received information about the hijacked Liberian-flagged ship near Somalia's coast on the evening hours of Thursday (Jan 4). The Indian Navy is actively monitoring the situation. Reports said that a surveillance aircraft, also known as Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), had also been deployed to observe the vessel. Communication has also been established with the crew. Also Read | Anti-India graffiti surfaces at another California temple, defaced with Khalistani propaganda The ongoing situation is under close monitoring with coordination among various agencies and the multi-national force (MNF) in the region, media reports said citing the Indian Navy. The MPA conducted an overflight of the vessel in the early morning of Friday, during which it established contact and ensured the safety of the crew, said news agency reports. “The vessel had sent a message on the UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations) portal, indicating boarding by approximately five to six unknown armed personnel on the evening of January 4, 2024,” the Indian Navy reportedly said in a statement. Also Read | Armed men kidnapped 32 migrants in Mexico for extortion, president says Presently, specific information regarding the hijacking as well as the identity of the perpetrators is not known. Surveillance bolstered The Indian Navy has bolstered its surveillance in response to a surge in security incidents reported on merchant vessels navigating international shipping lanes in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Navy acted promptly in a recent hijacking crisis in the Arabian Sea on December 14, involving the Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen en route to Somalia. Watch | Israel at War: IDF reports troops have raided Hamas compound connected to underground network × The incident unfolded rapidly, prompting the evacuation of a Bulgarian national, one of the 18 crew members aboard the hijacked cargo vessel, who sustained injuries during the pirate action. The Indian Navy utilised the frontline ship INS Kochi to evacuate and provide medical care to the injured sailor. (With inputs from agency)

Indian Navy warship en route to tackle hijacking of ship, with 15 Indian crew members, near Somalia coast

<p>In a move to bolster the country's defence capabilities, the Indian Ministry of Defence signed two major contracts worth Rs 800 crores ($96.9 million) for the procurement of crucial military equipment, a government press release stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The contracts, signed on Thursday (Jan 4) include a deal with Jupiter Wagons Limited for the production of Qty-697 Bogie Open Military (BOM) Wagons for Rs 473 crores ($56.8 million).</p>

<p>Additionally, a contract with BEML Ltd for the procurement of Qty-56 Mechanical Minefield Marking Equipment (MMME) Mark II was inked for Rs 329 crores ($39.5 million).</p>

<p>These agreements fall under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category and reflect&nbsp;the government's commitment to indigenous production and self-reliance in defence, aligning with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance).</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indigo-announces-withdrawal-of-fuel-charges-on-domestic-and-international-routes-676681">India's largest airline IndiGo announces withdrawal of fuel charges on domestic, international routes</a></p>

<p>The Bogie Open Military (BOM) wagons, designed by the Research Design and Standard Organization (RDSO), serve as specialised transport vehicles for the Indian Army.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Designed for the mobilisation of Army units, BOM wagons play a crucial role in transporting various military assets, including light vehicles, Artillery Guns, BMPs, and Engineering Equipment, from peacetime locations to operational areas.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-indians-in-canada-receiving-extortion-calls-to-qatar-case-here-are-key-takeaways-from-mea-briefing-676629">Indians in Canada receiving extortion calls to Qatar case, here are key takeaways from MEA briefing</a></p>

<p>This acquisition of Critical Rolling Stock is expected to expedite the deployment of units and equipment during conflict situations. It will also facilitate peacetime movement for military exercises and unit relocation.</p>

<section>
<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ayodhya-ram-temple-ai-powered-surveillance-system-to-detect-suspicious-patterns-at-inauguration-676710">Ayodhya Ram Temple: AI-powered surveillance system to detect suspicious patterns at inauguration</a></strong></p>

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<p>Simultaneously, the procurement of Mechanical Minefield Marking Equipment (MMME) Mark II from BEML Ltd will address a mandatory requirement for marking minefields, as per the amended Protocol-II on the Convention in certain Conventional Weapons, to which India is a signatory.</p>
</section>

<p>The MMME is designed to operate cross country with a complete load of stores, minimising time and manpower required for minefield marking.</p>

<p>The advanced mechanical and electrical systems of the equipment, based on an in-service High Mobility Vehicle, are anticipated to reduce operational timelines during minefield marking operations, thereby enhancing the overall operational capability of the Indian Army.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a move to bolster the country's defence capabilities, the Indian Ministry of Defence signed two major contracts worth Rs 800 crores ($96.9 million) for the procurement of crucial military equipment, a government press release stated.

In a move to bolster the country's defence capabilities, the Indian Ministry of Defence signed two major contracts worth Rs 800 crores ($96.9 million) for the procurement of crucial military equipment, a government press release stated. The contracts, signed on Thursday (Jan 4) include a deal with Jupiter Wagons Limited for the production of Qty-697 Bogie Open Military (BOM) Wagons for Rs 473 crores ($56.8 million). Additionally, a contract with BEML Ltd for the procurement of Qty-56 Mechanical Minefield Marking Equipment (MMME) Mark II was inked for Rs 329 crores ($39.5 million). These agreements fall under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category and reflect the government's commitment to indigenous production and self-reliance in defence, aligning with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance). Also Read | India's largest airline IndiGo announces withdrawal of fuel charges on domestic, international routes The Bogie Open Military (BOM) wagons, designed by the Research Design and Standard Organization (RDSO), serve as specialised transport vehicles for the Indian Army. Designed for the mobilisation of Army units, BOM wagons play a crucial role in transporting various military assets, including light vehicles, Artillery Guns, BMPs, and Engineering Equipment, from peacetime locations to operational areas. Also Read | Indians in Canada receiving extortion calls to Qatar case, here are key takeaways from MEA briefing This acquisition of Critical Rolling Stock is expected to expedite the deployment of units and equipment during conflict situations. It will also facilitate peacetime movement for military exercises and unit relocation. Watch | Ayodhya Ram Temple: AI-powered surveillance system to detect suspicious patterns at inauguration × Simultaneously, the procurement of Mechanical Minefield Marking Equipment (MMME) Mark II from BEML Ltd will address a mandatory requirement for marking minefields, as per the amended Protocol-II on the Convention in certain Conventional Weapons, to which India is a signatory. The MMME is designed to operate cross country with a complete load of stores, minimising time and manpower required for minefield marking. The advanced mechanical and electrical systems of the equipment, based on an in-service High Mobility Vehicle, are anticipated to reduce operational timelines during minefield marking operations, thereby enhancing the overall operational capability of the Indian Army. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian government signs $96.9 million defence deal to strengthen army capabilities

<p>The twin blasts in Iran's southern province of Kerman have left open wounds of those who were mourning the killing of Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian General,&nbsp;one of the most powerful figures in Iran and once only second to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The blasts on Wednesday (Jan 3) that killed at least 103 people, which Iranian officials say are caused by "terrorist attacks", hold a major symbolism as they took place on the fateful day when Soleimani was killed four years ago in a US-orchestrated drone strike.</p>

<p>Soleimani shaped the conflicts across the Middle East for years to come, including the rise of the Iran-backed Houthi militia, the militant group which marked Soleimani's death last year by erecting larger-than-life figures of the killed commander.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-another-blast-heard-near-grave-of-general-qasem-soleimani-676221">Iran says 73 killed in twin blasts near late general Qasem Soleimani's grave</a></p>

<p>Soleimani led the al-Quds Force in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), the same force&nbsp;which was designated as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mighty Iranian general called the shots and kept the proxy militias across the Middle East at his fingertips, with one journalist suggesting that Soleimani "matters in death as much as in life."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Proxy militia across Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon took command from Soleimani and acted upon it.</p>

<p>United States' targeted drone strike at Baghdad International Airport in January 2020 killed IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/met-office-declares-2023-as-uks-second-warmest-year-on-record-676216">Met office declares 2023 as UK's second warmest year on record</a></p>

<p>The US government at the time justified the strike suggesting that Soleimani was actively planning imminent attacks on American interests in the Middle East and that the decision was framed as a preemptive defensive measure to protect US personnel.</p>

<p>Then US President Donald Trump, as the Commander-in-Chief, authorised the strike which eliminated Soleimani. Trump had said that the action was taken to 'stop a war'. Iran at the UN&nbsp;likened the move to 'opening a war.'</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-blast-terror-attack-during-ceremony-near-general-soleimanis-grave-676249">Iran blast: Terror attack during ceremony near General Soleimani's grave</a></strong></p>

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<p>The killing of Qasem Soleimani raised concerns about a potential escalation in tensions between the US and Iran. The cause of the twin blasts is still unclear while Iranian officials say that they were "terrorist attacks".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The airstrike prompted varied international reactions. Some nations expressed concern about the escalation of hostilities. The latest twin attacks come&nbsp;against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war and Iran-funded Houthi militia attacks on Red Sea shipping routes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The death anniversary of the slain general also came at a time when&nbsp;the attacks on US bases in Iraq is becoming rampant, something that the US had accused Soleimani of orchestrating. US Department of Defence accused Soleimani of attack on allied bases in Iraq, including an air strike that resulted in the killing of a US contractor and injured as many as four service members, as per media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Fight against ISIS</strong></h2>

<p>Soleimani was also known as the "Shadow Commander" and "Dark Knight". He had a particular enmity with Iraq's Saddam Hussein and even as Iran and Iraq were archrivals, Soleimani held a significant clout in Baghdad.</p>

<p>He also lent his support to Lebanon's Hezbollah as well as backed Syrian President Bashar Assad.</p>

<p>Soleimani rose through the ranks in the Iranian military and even as US and Iran did not align, the countries did fight together against ISIS.</p>

<p>With this, Soleimani had his share of credit in the fight against the ISIS terror network. Reports quoting experts said that Soleimani's killing thwarted these efforts to root out ISIS from the region and US move to kill the Iranian general was a win for ISIS.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The twin blasts in Iran's southern province of Kerman have left open wounds of those who were mourning the killing of Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian General, one of the most powerful figures in Iran and once only second to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The twin blasts in Iran's southern province of Kerman have left open wounds of those who were mourning the killing of Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian General, one of the most powerful figures in Iran and once only second to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The blasts on Wednesday (Jan 3) that killed at least 103 people, which Iranian officials say are caused by "terrorist attacks", hold a major symbolism as they took place on the fateful day when Soleimani was killed four years ago in a US-orchestrated drone strike. Soleimani shaped the conflicts across the Middle East for years to come, including the rise of the Iran-backed Houthi militia, the militant group which marked Soleimani's death last year by erecting larger-than-life figures of the killed commander. Also Read | Iran says 73 killed in twin blasts near late general Qasem Soleimani's grave Soleimani led the al-Quds Force in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), the same force which was designated as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US. The mighty Iranian general called the shots and kept the proxy militias across the Middle East at his fingertips, with one journalist suggesting that Soleimani "matters in death as much as in life." Proxy militia across Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon took command from Soleimani and acted upon it. United States' targeted drone strike at Baghdad International Airport in January 2020 killed IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani. Also Read | Met office declares 2023 as UK's second warmest year on record The US government at the time justified the strike suggesting that Soleimani was actively planning imminent attacks on American interests in the Middle East and that the decision was framed as a preemptive defensive measure to protect US personnel. Then US President Donald Trump, as the Commander-in-Chief, authorised the strike which eliminated Soleimani. Trump had said that the action was taken to 'stop a war'. Iran at the UN likened the move to 'opening a war.' Watch | Iran blast: Terror attack during ceremony near General Soleimani's grave × The killing of Qasem Soleimani raised concerns about a potential escalation in tensions between the US and Iran. The cause of the twin blasts is still unclear while Iranian officials say that they were "terrorist attacks". The airstrike prompted varied international reactions. Some nations expressed concern about the escalation of hostilities. The latest twin attacks come against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war and Iran-funded Houthi militia attacks on Red Sea shipping routes. The death anniversary of the slain general also came at a time when the attacks on US bases in Iraq is becoming rampant, something that the US had accused Soleimani of orchestrating. US Department of Defence accused Soleimani of attack on allied bases in Iraq, including an air strike that resulted in the killing of a US contractor and injured as many as four service members, as per media reports. Fight against ISIS Soleimani was also known as the "Shadow Commander" and "Dark Knight". He had a particular enmity with Iraq's Saddam Hussein and even as Iran and Iraq were archrivals, Soleimani held a significant clout in Baghdad. He also lent his support to Lebanon's Hezbollah as well as backed Syrian President Bashar Assad. Soleimani rose through the ranks in the Iranian military and even as US and Iran did not align, the countries did fight together against ISIS. With this, Soleimani had his share of credit in the fight against the ISIS terror network. Reports quoting experts said that Soleimani's killing thwarted these efforts to root out ISIS from the region and US move to kill the Iranian general was a win for ISIS. (With inputs from agencies)

Who was Qasem Soleimani? The mighty Iranian general who controlled proxy militias across Middle East

<p>After the twin attacks on the fourth death anniversary of slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani&nbsp;shook Iran on Wednesday (Jan 3), reactions have started to trickle in, with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi terming the "terrorist attacks" as "heinous".</p>

<p>At least 103 people have been killed and 140 others injured in the twin blasts near Soleimani's grave.&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin, who holds good relations with Iran and held a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Raisi in the first week of December 2023, has also expressed shock over the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-qasem-soleimani-the-mighty-iranian-general-who-controlled-proxy-militias-across-middle-east-676271">Who was Qasem Soleimani? The mighty Iranian general who controlled proxy militias across Middle East</a></p>

<p>He extended his condolences in a letter to Raisi and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei where he said, "The killing of peaceful people visiting the cemetery is shocking in its cruelty and cynicism."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-another-blast-heard-near-grave-of-general-qasem-soleimani-676221">Iran says 103 killed in twin blasts near late general Qasem Soleimani’s grave</a></p>

<p>United States had killed Soleimani in a drone strike at Baghdad International Airport in January 2020. Fast forward to today, the US alleges that Iran is playing a key role in supplying drones to Russia to back the nation against its war against Ukraine.&nbsp; A quick reaction from Putin was everyone's guess.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Bombs detonated via remote control&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Iran's Tasnim News Agency citing sources said that the bombs were detonated using a remote control. "Two bags carrying bombs went off," the agency report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The footage in the wake of the attack, Iran's deadliest since the 1979 uprising which resulted in the establishment of the Islamic Republic, was soon shared on social media platforms. It showed crowds fleeing from the incident site to seek safety for themselves.</p>

<p>Following the attack, Iran's security personnel cordoned off the area as some of the visuals that poured in from Iran's state TV showed victims covered in blood and lying on the ground.</p>

<p>Ambulances and rescue personnel are on the site to "alleviate the impact of this cowardly criminal act".</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/blasts-near-iranian-guards-commander-soleimanis-tomb-676293">Blasts near Iranian guards commander Soleimani's tomb</a></strong></p>

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<p>More leaders are yet to react to the tragic incident that killed over a hundred individuals during a procession&nbsp;near the Saheb al-Zaman mosque in the southern city of Kerman.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After the twin attacks on the fourth death anniversary of slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani shook Iran on Wednesday (Jan 3), reactions have started to trickle in, with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi terming the "terrorist attacks" as "heinous".

After the twin attacks on the fourth death anniversary of slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani shook Iran on Wednesday (Jan 3), reactions have started to trickle in, with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi terming the "terrorist attacks" as "heinous". At least 103 people have been killed and 140 others injured in the twin blasts near Soleimani's grave. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who holds good relations with Iran and held a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Raisi in the first week of December 2023, has also expressed shock over the incident. Also Read | Who was Qasem Soleimani? The mighty Iranian general who controlled proxy militias across Middle East He extended his condolences in a letter to Raisi and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei where he said, "The killing of peaceful people visiting the cemetery is shocking in its cruelty and cynicism." Also Read | Iran says 103 killed in twin blasts near late general Qasem Soleimani’s grave United States had killed Soleimani in a drone strike at Baghdad International Airport in January 2020. Fast forward to today, the US alleges that Iran is playing a key role in supplying drones to Russia to back the nation against its war against Ukraine. A quick reaction from Putin was everyone's guess. Bombs detonated via remote control Iran's Tasnim News Agency citing sources said that the bombs were detonated using a remote control. "Two bags carrying bombs went off," the agency report added. The footage in the wake of the attack, Iran's deadliest since the 1979 uprising which resulted in the establishment of the Islamic Republic, was soon shared on social media platforms. It showed crowds fleeing from the incident site to seek safety for themselves. Following the attack, Iran's security personnel cordoned off the area as some of the visuals that poured in from Iran's state TV showed victims covered in blood and lying on the ground. Ambulances and rescue personnel are on the site to "alleviate the impact of this cowardly criminal act". Watch | Blasts near Iranian guards commander Soleimani's tomb × More leaders are yet to react to the tragic incident that killed over a hundred individuals during a procession near the Saheb al-Zaman mosque in the southern city of Kerman. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran twin blasts: Putin in shock, Raisi terms terrorist attacks ‘heinous’

Twin Blasts Near Qasem Soleimani’s Grave On His Fourth Death Anniversary 

United States’ targeted drone strike at Baghdad International Airport in January 2020 killed IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani. As Iran mourned his death, twin blasts took place in the southern city of Kerman along the road leading to Kerman’s Martyrs' Cemetery, one near the Saheb al-Zaman mosque and the other near Soleimani’s grave. 

At the time, the US government justified the strike suggesting that Soleimani was actively planning imminent attacks on American interests in the Middle East and that the decision was a pre-emptive defensive measure to protect US personnel. 

Then US president Donald Trump, as the Commander-in-Chief, had authorised the strike which eliminated Soleimani. Trump had said that the action was taken to ‘stop a war’. Iran at UN termed likened the move to ‘opening a war’. 

The killing of Qasem Soleimani raised concerns about potential escalation in tensions between the US and Iran. The cause of the twin blasts is still unclear while Iranian officials termed them ‘terrorist attacks’. 

The 2020 airstrike had prompted varied international reactions. Some nations expressed concern about the escalation of hostilities. The latest twin attack comes against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war and Iran-funded Houthi militia attacks on Red Sea shipping.

Twin Blasts Near Qasem Soleimani’s Grave On His Fourth Death Anniversary

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5 Health Benefits of Anchovies

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5 Health Benefits of Pine Nuts


Sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and thus support heart health and reduce inflammation.

Sardines provide a high-quality protein source essential for muscle maintenance and overall body function.

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Omega-3 fatty acids in sardines may help reduce joint pain and stiffness associated with conditions like arthritis.

The omega-3s and other nutrients in sardines support cognitive function and may contribute to brain health.

5 Health Benefits of Sardines

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