<p>A volcano situated on the north of the Icelandic fishing village of Grindavik erupted early on Sunday (Jan 14), just hours after residents were evacuated in the vicinity of the area, the authorities said.</p>

<p>This is the fifth volcanic eruption that has occurred in Iceland in nearly three years. The most recent occurred on December 18 in the same region, southwest of the capital Reykjavik.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The eruption took place at 8:00 am (0800 GMT), the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A crack has opened up on both sides of the dykes that have begun to be built north of Grindavik," the Met Office wrote.</p>

<p>According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), the lava was advancing towards the town and had reached a distance of approximately 450 metres (1,500 feet).</p>

<p>"From measurements from the Icelandic coastguard helicopter, the (lava's) perimeter is now about 450 metres (yards) from the northernmost houses in the town," it said. Two of the houses had also caught fire in Grindavik.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">First damaged building in Grindavik. It looks like the windows "blowing" out....🥺<br />
<br />
The greenhouse is still standing.<br />
<br />
Video via: <a href="https://twitter.com/mondoterremoti?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mondoterremoti</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Grindavik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Grindavik</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iceland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iceland</a> <a href="https://t.co/XN8QAAOrJt">pic.twitter.com/XN8QAAOrJt</a></p>
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) <a href="https://twitter.com/volcaholic1/status/1746524809796723074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the seismic activity intensified overnight, the last of the town's residents were evacuated around 3:00 am, news agency AFP reported citing public broadcaster RUV.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Residents visit evacuated Icelandic town for first time since volcanic eruption</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Grindavik, most of the city’s 4,000 residents were ordered to evacuate on Nov 11 as a precautionary measure after scientists reported a tunnel of magma moving beneath the city</p>

<p>Small earthquakes, sometimes as many as 100 a day, lead to huge cracks in streets, homes and buildings.</p>

<p>Residents were allowed to return for brief periods after the volcanic eruption on Dec 18.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On December 23, they were allowed to move back in permanently, but only a small number of people did so.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-lakshadweep-saw-lowest-aircraft-movement-last-year-report-679887">India's Lakshadweep saw lowest aircraft movement last year: Report</a></p>

<h2><strong>‘No lives in danger,’ says President Gudni Johannesson</strong></h2>

<p>The live videos from the scene showed billowing smoke emanating from cracks in the ground across a wide area very close to the town of Grindavik.</p>

<p>"No lives are in danger, although infrastructure may be under threat," Iceland's President Gudni Johannesson said on social media site X, adding there had been no interruptions to flights.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Aerial footage from the Icelandic Coast Guard shows the proximity of the lava flow to the town of Grindavík. Measures are being taken to defend infrastructure. <a href="https://t.co/fM0JEYetNA">pic.twitter.com/fM0JEYetNA</a></p>
— President of Iceland (@PresidentISL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PresidentISL/status/1746504792388645183?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is of course frightening to see how close this is to the town," Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir told the daily Morgunbladid.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A volcano situated on the north of the Icelandic fishing village of Grindavik erupted early on Sunday (Jan 14), just hours after residents were evacuated in the vicinity of the area, the authorities said.

A volcano situated on the north of the Icelandic fishing village of Grindavik erupted early on Sunday (Jan 14), just hours after residents were evacuated in the vicinity of the area, the authorities said. This is the fifth volcanic eruption that has occurred in Iceland in nearly three years. The most recent occurred on December 18 in the same region, southwest of the capital Reykjavik. The eruption took place at 8:00 am (0800 GMT), the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) said. "A crack has opened up on both sides of the dykes that have begun to be built north of Grindavik," the Met Office wrote. According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), the lava was advancing towards the town and had reached a distance of approximately 450 metres (1,500 feet). "From measurements from the Icelandic coastguard helicopter, the (lava's) perimeter is now about 450 metres (yards) from the northernmost houses in the town," it said. Two of the houses had also caught fire in Grindavik. First damaged building in Grindavik. It looks like the windows "blowing" out....🥺 The greenhouse is still standing. Video via: @mondoterremoti #Grindavik #Iceland pic.twitter.com/XN8QAAOrJt — Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) January 14, 2024 × After the seismic activity intensified overnight, the last of the town's residents were evacuated around 3:00 am, news agency AFP reported citing public broadcaster RUV. WATCH | Residents visit evacuated Icelandic town for first time since volcanic eruption × In Grindavik, most of the city’s 4,000 residents were ordered to evacuate on Nov 11 as a precautionary measure after scientists reported a tunnel of magma moving beneath the city Small earthquakes, sometimes as many as 100 a day, lead to huge cracks in streets, homes and buildings. Residents were allowed to return for brief periods after the volcanic eruption on Dec 18. On December 23, they were allowed to move back in permanently, but only a small number of people did so. Also read: India's Lakshadweep saw lowest aircraft movement last year: Report ‘No lives in danger,’ says President Gudni Johannesson The live videos from the scene showed billowing smoke emanating from cracks in the ground across a wide area very close to the town of Grindavik. "No lives are in danger, although infrastructure may be under threat," Iceland's President Gudni Johannesson said on social media site X, adding there had been no interruptions to flights. Aerial footage from the Icelandic Coast Guard shows the proximity of the lava flow to the town of Grindavík. Measures are being taken to defend infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/fM0JEYetNA — President of Iceland (@PresidentISL) January 14, 2024 × "It is of course frightening to see how close this is to the town," Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir told the daily Morgunbladid. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: Volcano erupts near Icelandic fishing town, sets houses on fire

<p>Maldives has proposed a deadline for India to withdraw its military presence in deployed in the Indian Ocean archipelagic nation, according to a report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After his China visit, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who is known for his Beijing leanings, has formally asked that the Indian government withdraw its troops stationed in the Indian Ocean archipelagic nation before March 15, a senior official said on Sunday (Jan 14), as per news agency PTI reports.</p>

<p>The move comes nearly two months after Male sought the exit of the Indian military presence.</p>

<p>There are 88 Indian military personnel in the Maldives as per the latest government figures.</p>

<p>Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the public policy secretary at the President’s Office, during a press briefing, said that Muizzu has asked India to withdraw its troops by March 15, news agency PTI said citing SunOnline newspaper reports.</p>

<p>“Indian military personnel cannot stay in the Maldives. This is the policy of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and that of this administration,” he said.</p>

<p>He also confirmed that the agenda of the meeting was to request the withdrawal of the military personnel by March 15.</p>

<p>A high-level core group has been set up by the two countries to negotiate the talks and the first meeting was held at the Foreign Ministry Headquarters in Male’ on Sunday morning. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/global-search-interest-for-indias-lakshadweep-skyrocket-after-pm-modis-visit-677924">Global search interest for India’s Lakshadweep witnesses record surge after PM Modi’s visit</a></p>

<p>The meeting was also attended by Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar, according to the report.</p>

<p>Shortly after taking over the office on Nov 17, 2023, Muizzu, who is seen as a pro-China politician, asked India to remove its military forces from the Maldives claiming the Maldivians had given him a "strong mandate" to make this request to New Delhi.</p>

<p>The Maldivian President's office had then issued a statement saying, Male hopes "India will honour the democratic will of the people".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Maldives President Muizzu's party loses key local poll&nbsp;amid diplomatic tensions with India</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The President noted that at the Presidential Election held in September, the Maldivian people had given him a strong mandate to make the request to India and expressed the hope that India will honour the democratic will of the people of the Maldives," the statement read.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Cannot bully us,’ Muizzu takes swipe at India after China visit</strong></h2>

<p>After returning from his visit to China, Muizzu indirectly took a jibe at India during a press conference saying, “We may be small, but that doesn’t give you the license to bully us.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>He then went on to announce plans to secure imports of necessary food items, medications, and consumables from other nations in order to reduce the country’s dependency on India</p>

<p>Muizzu also noted that the Indian Ocean "does not belong" to one particular country and that Maldives "is not in anyone's backyard".&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Though we have small islands in this ocean, we have a vast exclusive economic zone of 900,000 square kilometres. Maldives is one of the countries with the biggest share of this ocean. This ocean does not belong to a specific country,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This also came amidst a diplomatic row between India and Maldives got triggered after the sitting Maldivian deputy minister, along with other cabinet members and government officials, made disparaging references to Indian PM Narendra Modi's Lakshadweep visit and passed some derogatory remarks against Indians.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Maldives has proposed a deadline for India to withdraw its military presence in deployed in the Indian Ocean archipelagic nation, according to a report. After his China visit, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who is known for his Beijing leanings, has formally asked that the Indian government withdraw its troops stationed in the Indian Ocean archipelagic nation before March 15, a senior official said on Sunday (Jan 14), as per news agency PTI reports.

Maldives has proposed a deadline for India to withdraw its military presence in deployed in the Indian Ocean archipelagic nation, according to a report. After his China visit, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who is known for his Beijing leanings, has formally asked that the Indian government withdraw its troops stationed in the Indian Ocean archipelagic nation before March 15, a senior official said on Sunday (Jan 14), as per news agency PTI reports. The move comes nearly two months after Male sought the exit of the Indian military presence. There are 88 Indian military personnel in the Maldives as per the latest government figures. Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the public policy secretary at the President’s Office, during a press briefing, said that Muizzu has asked India to withdraw its troops by March 15, news agency PTI said citing SunOnline newspaper reports. “Indian military personnel cannot stay in the Maldives. This is the policy of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and that of this administration,” he said. He also confirmed that the agenda of the meeting was to request the withdrawal of the military personnel by March 15. A high-level core group has been set up by the two countries to negotiate the talks and the first meeting was held at the Foreign Ministry Headquarters in Male’ on Sunday morning. Also read: Global search interest for India’s Lakshadweep witnesses record surge after PM Modi’s visit The meeting was also attended by Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar, according to the report. Shortly after taking over the office on Nov 17, 2023, Muizzu, who is seen as a pro-China politician, asked India to remove its military forces from the Maldives claiming the Maldivians had given him a "strong mandate" to make this request to New Delhi. The Maldivian President's office had then issued a statement saying, Male hopes "India will honour the democratic will of the people". WATCH | Maldives President Muizzu's party loses key local poll amid diplomatic tensions with India × "The President noted that at the Presidential Election held in September, the Maldivian people had given him a strong mandate to make the request to India and expressed the hope that India will honour the democratic will of the people of the Maldives," the statement read. ‘Cannot bully us,’ Muizzu takes swipe at India after China visit After returning from his visit to China, Muizzu indirectly took a jibe at India during a press conference saying, “We may be small, but that doesn’t give you the license to bully us.” He then went on to announce plans to secure imports of necessary food items, medications, and consumables from other nations in order to reduce the country’s dependency on India Muizzu also noted that the Indian Ocean "does not belong" to one particular country and that Maldives "is not in anyone's backyard". “Though we have small islands in this ocean, we have a vast exclusive economic zone of 900,000 square kilometres. Maldives is one of the countries with the biggest share of this ocean. This ocean does not belong to a specific country,” he added. This also came amidst a diplomatic row between India and Maldives got triggered after the sitting Maldivian deputy minister, along with other cabinet members and government officials, made disparaging references to Indian PM Narendra Modi's Lakshadweep visit and passed some derogatory remarks against Indians. (With inputs from agencies)

After China visit, Maldives president Muizzu asks India to withdraw military personnel before March 15

<p>Israel on Friday (Jan 12) rebuffed the genocide claims made against it, saying that it does not seek to destroy the Palestinians in its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and called South Africa's allegations "baseless".</p>

<p>"What Israel seeks by operating in Gaza is not to destroy a people but to protect a people, its people, who are under attack on multiple fronts," Tal Becker,&nbsp;Israel's legal adviser at ICJ&nbsp;told the International Court of Justice.</p>

<p>South Africa launched an emergency case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) alleging that Israel violated the UN Genocide Convention which was signed in 1948 in the wake of the Holocaust.</p>

<p>Pretoria wants judges to order Israel to "immediately" end the Gaza campaign that began after the Oct 7 Hamas attacks.</p>

<p>At least 23,469 people, mostly women and children, have lost their lives in Israel's offensive, as per Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.</p>

<p>Becker said that South Africa had "regrettably put before the court a profoundly distorted factual and legal picture."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel hits back to charges at ICJ, says intention is to destroy Hamas not Palestinian people</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He then, by making use of pictures and videos, painted a graphic image of the horrors of the Oct 7 attacks by the militant group Hamas.</p>

<p>Hamas militants "tortured children in front of parents, parents in front of children, burned people... systematically raped and mutilated," he said.</p>

<p>Israel's legal adviser at ICJ highlighted that the attacks by Israel have been in self-defence and in no way was targeted at the residents of the besieged Palestinian enclave.</p>

<p>"Israel is in a war of defence against Hamas, not against the Palestinian people," said Becker.</p>

<p>"In these circumstances, there can hardly be a charge more false and more malevolent than the allegation against Israel of genocide," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthis-say-strikes-will-not-go-unpunished-or-unanswered-679470">Yemen's Houthis say strikes will not go 'unpunished or unanswered'</a></p>

<p>"If there have been acts that may be characterised as genocidal then they have been perpetrated against Israel," he added, referring to what he called a "proudly declared agenda of annihilation" on the part of Hamas.</p>

<h2><strong>'Israel is fighting genocide', says Netanyahu&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the run-up to the hearings said that "the State of Israel is accused of genocide at a time when it is fighting genocide".</p>

<p>"A terrorist organisation carried out the worst crime against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, and now someone comes to defend it in the name of the Holocaust? What brazen gall. The world is upside down," he added.</p>

<p>US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the South African case was "unfounded".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel on Friday (Jan 12) rebuffed the genocide claims made against it, saying that it does not seek to destroy the Palestinians in its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and called South Africa's allegations "baseless".

Israel on Friday (Jan 12) rebuffed the genocide claims made against it, saying that it does not seek to destroy the Palestinians in its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and called South Africa's allegations "baseless". "What Israel seeks by operating in Gaza is not to destroy a people but to protect a people, its people, who are under attack on multiple fronts," Tal Becker, Israel's legal adviser at ICJ told the International Court of Justice. South Africa launched an emergency case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) alleging that Israel violated the UN Genocide Convention which was signed in 1948 in the wake of the Holocaust. Pretoria wants judges to order Israel to "immediately" end the Gaza campaign that began after the Oct 7 Hamas attacks. At least 23,469 people, mostly women and children, have lost their lives in Israel's offensive, as per Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. Becker said that South Africa had "regrettably put before the court a profoundly distorted factual and legal picture." Watch | Israel hits back to charges at ICJ, says intention is to destroy Hamas not Palestinian people × He then, by making use of pictures and videos, painted a graphic image of the horrors of the Oct 7 attacks by the militant group Hamas. Hamas militants "tortured children in front of parents, parents in front of children, burned people... systematically raped and mutilated," he said. Israel's legal adviser at ICJ highlighted that the attacks by Israel have been in self-defence and in no way was targeted at the residents of the besieged Palestinian enclave. "Israel is in a war of defence against Hamas, not against the Palestinian people," said Becker. "In these circumstances, there can hardly be a charge more false and more malevolent than the allegation against Israel of genocide," he said. Also read: Yemen's Houthis say strikes will not go 'unpunished or unanswered' "If there have been acts that may be characterised as genocidal then they have been perpetrated against Israel," he added, referring to what he called a "proudly declared agenda of annihilation" on the part of Hamas. 'Israel is fighting genocide', says Netanyahu Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the run-up to the hearings said that "the State of Israel is accused of genocide at a time when it is fighting genocide". "A terrorist organisation carried out the worst crime against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, and now someone comes to defend it in the name of the Holocaust? What brazen gall. The world is upside down," he added. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the South African case was "unfounded". (With inputs from agencies)

Israel rebuffs genocide charges by South Africa, calls allegations 'baseless'

<p>Soon after top Congress leader Sonia Gandhi turned down the invitation to the Ram temple consecration ceremony, a letter she wrote to Pope Francis in the year 2016 about not being able to make it to the canonisation ceremony of Mother Teresa immediately went viral on social media.</p>

<p>Elucidating on how she could not attend the "sacred ceremony", the then Congress party president, in the letter, said that had she not been indisposed, she would have been present to witness the event.</p>

<p>At the time, she also nominated two senior party leaders, Margaret Alva and Luizinho Faleiro, to attend the Vatican ceremony on her behalf.</p>

<p>"Every citizen of India, including our nearly 20 million Catholics, takes immense pride and joy on the recognition by your Holiness and the Catholic Church of Mother Teresa's profound nobility of soul, purity of purpose, and service to God through service to humanity," she wrote in her letter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi's letter to Pope Francis on Canonization Ceremony of Mother Teresa <a href="https://t.co/cCk3Yn12I1">pic.twitter.com/cCk3Yn12I1</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/770513682203717632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If I had not been unwell, I too would have been there to witness this sacred ceremony, and to pay my humble homage to the woman who was the very embodiment of boundless compassion, mercy, and grace," she added.</p>

<p>Gandhi along with party colleagues Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had on Wednesday "respectfully declined" the invite to attend the Ram Temple ceremony inviting severe backlash from ruling party BJP.</p>

<p>The official release issued by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here is the statement of Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jairam_Ramesh</a>, General Secretary (Communications), Indian National Congress. <a href="https://t.co/JcKIEk3afy">pic.twitter.com/JcKIEk3afy</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1745034149457477811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'For the sake of appeasement', Union minister Pralhad Joshi slams congress&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Union minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday said that the Congress party turned down the invitation for the "sake of appeasement."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ayodhya-to-develop-ramayana-forest-offering-glimpse-into-lord-rams-exile-period-679386">Ayodhya to develop ‘Ramayana Forest’, offering glimpses into Lord Ram’s exile period</a></p>

<p>"For the sake of appeasement, the Congress party is continuously opposing Hindu beliefs. Whenever the issue of Ram Temple has been raised in the last two to four decades, they have always opposed it. They even said Lord Ram was a fictional figure and questioned the Ram Setu... The present Congress party has reached the heights of appeasement. I am not surprised by their decision..." Joshi told news agency ANI.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted a pattern of boycotts by the Congress who had earlier skipped the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, and also the President's address.</p>

<p>"Congress boycotted the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, Kargil Vijay Diwas from 2004 to 2009, and even the Bharat Ratna ceremony of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who belonged to their party," Trivedi said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Parliament Special Session Day 3: Sonia Gandhi to lead Congress in-charge</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'This is Nehru's Congress, not Gandhi's Congress'</strong></h2>

<p>Trivedi, launching a scathing attack against the grand old party, invoked India's first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru claiming, "This is Nehru's Congress, this is not Gandhi's Congress. Mahatma Gandhi used to sing 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' and today Congress is not attending the "pran pratishtha" ceremony. This shows Congress is against Hindu religion and Hindutva."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karnataka BJP leader CT Ravi also cited an incident where Nehru had refused to visit Somnath Temple in Gujarat claiming that the party through the ages opposed "Hindutva".</p>

<p>"Congress has always been against Hindutva. Somnath Temple was reconstructed by Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, Babu Rajendra Prasad, and KM Munshi. Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister during that time. He didn't visit Somanth. So how can the present leadership of Congress go to Ayodhya?," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Soon after top Congress leader Sonia Gandhi turned down the invitation to the Ram temple consecration ceremony, a letter she wrote to Pope Francis in the year 2016 about not being able to make it to the canonisation ceremony of Mother Teresa immediately went viral on social media.

Soon after top Congress leader Sonia Gandhi turned down the invitation to the Ram temple consecration ceremony, a letter she wrote to Pope Francis in the year 2016 about not being able to make it to the canonisation ceremony of Mother Teresa immediately went viral on social media. Elucidating on how she could not attend the "sacred ceremony", the then Congress party president, in the letter, said that had she not been indisposed, she would have been present to witness the event. At the time, she also nominated two senior party leaders, Margaret Alva and Luizinho Faleiro, to attend the Vatican ceremony on her behalf. "Every citizen of India, including our nearly 20 million Catholics, takes immense pride and joy on the recognition by your Holiness and the Catholic Church of Mother Teresa's profound nobility of soul, purity of purpose, and service to God through service to humanity," she wrote in her letter. Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi's letter to Pope Francis on Canonization Ceremony of Mother Teresa pic.twitter.com/cCk3Yn12I1 — Congress (@INCIndia) August 30, 2016 × "If I had not been unwell, I too would have been there to witness this sacred ceremony, and to pay my humble homage to the woman who was the very embodiment of boundless compassion, mercy, and grace," she added. Gandhi along with party colleagues Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had on Wednesday "respectfully declined" the invite to attend the Ram Temple ceremony inviting severe backlash from ruling party BJP. The official release issued by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya." Here is the statement of Shri @Jairam_Ramesh, General Secretary (Communications), Indian National Congress. pic.twitter.com/JcKIEk3afy — Congress (@INCIndia) January 10, 2024 × 'For the sake of appeasement', Union minister Pralhad Joshi slams congress Union minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday said that the Congress party turned down the invitation for the "sake of appeasement." Also read: Ayodhya to develop ‘Ramayana Forest’, offering glimpses into Lord Ram’s exile period "For the sake of appeasement, the Congress party is continuously opposing Hindu beliefs. Whenever the issue of Ram Temple has been raised in the last two to four decades, they have always opposed it. They even said Lord Ram was a fictional figure and questioned the Ram Setu... The present Congress party has reached the heights of appeasement. I am not surprised by their decision..." Joshi told news agency ANI. Meanwhile, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted a pattern of boycotts by the Congress who had earlier skipped the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, and also the President's address. "Congress boycotted the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, Kargil Vijay Diwas from 2004 to 2009, and even the Bharat Ratna ceremony of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who belonged to their party," Trivedi said. Watch | Parliament Special Session Day 3: Sonia Gandhi to lead Congress in-charge × 'This is Nehru's Congress, not Gandhi's Congress' Trivedi, launching a scathing attack against the grand old party, invoked India's first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru claiming, "This is Nehru's Congress, this is not Gandhi's Congress. Mahatma Gandhi used to sing 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' and today Congress is not attending the "pran pratishtha" ceremony. This shows Congress is against Hindu religion and Hindutva." Karnataka BJP leader CT Ravi also cited an incident where Nehru had refused to visit Somnath Temple in Gujarat claiming that the party through the ages opposed "Hindutva". "Congress has always been against Hindutva. Somnath Temple was reconstructed by Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, Babu Rajendra Prasad, and KM Munshi. Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister during that time. He didn't visit Somanth. So how can the present leadership of Congress go to Ayodhya?," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Sonia Gandhi's old letter to Pope goes viral after she declines Ram temple inauguration invite

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Atal Setu

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Jan 12) inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu.


The bridge built at a cost of Rs 17,840 crore ($2.15 billion) is the longest in the country and will connect south Mumbai with Nhava-Sheva in Navi Mumbai.


Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Governor Ramesh Bais, and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present during the event.



The bridge will provide faster connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Pune.


Atal Setu will also improve connectivity between Mumbai Port and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Navi Mumbai.

<p>Houthi military on Friday (Jan 12) said that overnight air strikes carried out by the United States and the UK had claimed the lives of five of the group's fighters and injured six others.</p>

<p>The military spokesperson for the Yemen-based group, Yahya Sarea said that the attacks would not go unpunished or unanswered.</p>

<p>"As part of its support for continued Israeli crimes in Gaza, the American and British enemy launched a brutal aggression against the Republic of Yemen with 73 raids targeting the capital Sanaa and the governorates of Hodeidah, Taiz, Hajjah and Saada. The raids resulted in the fall of five martyrs and the injury of six other members of our armed forces," Sarea said.</p>

<p>"The American and British enemies bear full responsibility for their criminal aggression against our Yemeni people. It will not go unpunished or unanswered. The Yemeni armed forces will not hesitate to target threatening sources and all hostile targets on land and sea, in order to defend Yemen, its sovereignty and independence," he added.</p>

<p>He further said that the group would continue to target ships that were headed for Israel.</p>

<p>"The Yemeni armed forces confirm that they will continue to prevent Israeli ships going to the ports of occupied Palestine from navigation in the Arab and Red Seas."</p>

<p>A coalition led by the US and UK launched a total of 73 air strikes targeting Houthis in the wake of escalating attacks by the Iran-backed rebels on vessels in the Red Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arrested-terror-plot-suspects-have-links-with-hamas-denmark-police-679435">Arrested terror plot suspects have links with Hamas: Denmark police</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Will not tolerate attacks on our personnel', says Joe Biden</strong></h2>

<p>United States President Joe Biden released a statement saying that the air strikes targeting Houthis in Yemen were a "defensive action" and further warned he "will not hesitate" to give orders for further military action if required. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, at my direction, US military forces -- together with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands - successfully conducted strikes against several targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation in one of the world's most vital waterways," Biden said</p>

<p>"These targeted strikes are a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation," he added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Biden: UK, US successfully struck Houthi targets in Yemen</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary,” asserted the US president.</p>

<h2><strong>Attacks on Houthis 'necessary and proportionate', says Sunak</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that the strikes carried out on Houthi rebels in Yemen were "necessary and proportionate".</p>

<p>"Despite the repeated warnings from the international community, the Houthis have continued to carry out attacks in the Red Sea. We have therefore taken limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defence, alongside the United States... to degrade Houthi military capabilities and protect global shipping,” Sunak said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Houthi military on Friday (Jan 12) said that overnight air strikes carried out by the United States and the UK had claimed the lives of five of the group's fighters and injured six others.

Houthi military on Friday (Jan 12) said that overnight air strikes carried out by the United States and the UK had claimed the lives of five of the group's fighters and injured six others. The military spokesperson for the Yemen-based group, Yahya Sarea said that the attacks would not go unpunished or unanswered. "As part of its support for continued Israeli crimes in Gaza, the American and British enemy launched a brutal aggression against the Republic of Yemen with 73 raids targeting the capital Sanaa and the governorates of Hodeidah, Taiz, Hajjah and Saada. The raids resulted in the fall of five martyrs and the injury of six other members of our armed forces," Sarea said. "The American and British enemies bear full responsibility for their criminal aggression against our Yemeni people. It will not go unpunished or unanswered. The Yemeni armed forces will not hesitate to target threatening sources and all hostile targets on land and sea, in order to defend Yemen, its sovereignty and independence," he added. He further said that the group would continue to target ships that were headed for Israel. "The Yemeni armed forces confirm that they will continue to prevent Israeli ships going to the ports of occupied Palestine from navigation in the Arab and Red Seas." A coalition led by the US and UK launched a total of 73 air strikes targeting Houthis in the wake of escalating attacks by the Iran-backed rebels on vessels in the Red Sea. Also read: Arrested terror plot suspects have links with Hamas: Denmark police 'Will not tolerate attacks on our personnel', says Joe Biden United States President Joe Biden released a statement saying that the air strikes targeting Houthis in Yemen were a "defensive action" and further warned he "will not hesitate" to give orders for further military action if required. "Today, at my direction, US military forces -- together with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands - successfully conducted strikes against several targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation in one of the world's most vital waterways," Biden said "These targeted strikes are a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation," he added. WATCH | Biden: UK, US successfully struck Houthi targets in Yemen × "I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary,” asserted the US president. Attacks on Houthis 'necessary and proportionate', says Sunak In a statement, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that the strikes carried out on Houthi rebels in Yemen were "necessary and proportionate". "Despite the repeated warnings from the international community, the Houthis have continued to carry out attacks in the Red Sea. We have therefore taken limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defence, alongside the United States... to degrade Houthi military capabilities and protect global shipping,” Sunak said. (With inputs from agencies)

Yemen's Houthis say strikes will not go 'unpunished or unanswered'

<p>France on Friday (Jan 12) said that it has placed an order for 42 new Rafale fighter jets and its very first batch would be delivered in the year 2027.</p>

<p>The order for the latest version of the Dassault planes, which is worth five-billion-euro ($5.5 billion), would offer "modernised operational capabilities" to the French air force, said Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu.</p>

<p>The Rafale is a "multi-role" fighter that can be used to hunt enemy planes, hit ground and sea targets, conduct surveillance and also carry&nbsp;nuclear warheads.</p>

<p>The announcement made on Friday is the very first significant purchase made under France's 413-billion-euro military procurement plan for 2024-30.</p>

<p>Last year, a hike of 40 per cent over the previous seven-year period was passed by the parliament in the month of July.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;France's new government announced with only one major change in foreign ministry</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I want France to continue to have armed forces that set the standard for Europe," President Emmanuel Macron said at the time.</p>

<p>Lecornu said the order would support "more than 7,000 jobs in more than 400 companies" in France.</p>

<p>Dassault chief executive Eric Trappier released a statement saying that Rafale was an example of "military-industrial sovereignty" that made France an "exception in Europe".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arrested-terror-plot-suspects-have-links-with-hamas-denmark-police-679435">Arrested terror plot suspects have links with Hamas: Denmark police</a></p>

<p>The order comes as France is setting up a programme with Germany and Spain to develop a future jet fighter, the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), which is expected to replace the Rafale in 2040.</p>

<h2><strong>Indonesia orders&nbsp;Rafale fighter jets</strong></h2>

<p>The Indonesian government signed a contract to purchase 18 more Rafale fighter jets from France, the Defence Ministry said in a&nbsp;statement released on Tuesday (Jan 9), reported the&nbsp;Jakarta Post.</p>

<p>Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto on Monday signed a contract for the last batch of 18 Rafale, said the ministry.</p>

<p>The first delivery of the jets is expected in early 2026.</p>

<p>“The arrival of the Rafale fighter-jets along with their weapons and support equipment is expected to significantly increase the strength and readiness of the Indonesian Air Force in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty in the air,” the ministry&nbsp;spokesman, Brig. Gen. Edwin Adrian Sumantha said in a statement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


France on Friday (Jan 12) said that it has placed an order for 42 new Rafale fighter jets and its very first batch would be delivered in the year 2027. The order for the latest version of the Dassault planes, which is worth five-billion-euro ($5.

France on Friday (Jan 12) said that it has placed an order for 42 new Rafale fighter jets and its very first batch would be delivered in the year 2027. The order for the latest version of the Dassault planes, which is worth five-billion-euro ($5.5 billion), would offer "modernised operational capabilities" to the French air force, said Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu. The Rafale is a "multi-role" fighter that can be used to hunt enemy planes, hit ground and sea targets, conduct surveillance and also carry nuclear warheads. The announcement made on Friday is the very first significant purchase made under France's 413-billion-euro military procurement plan for 2024-30. Last year, a hike of 40 per cent over the previous seven-year period was passed by the parliament in the month of July. Watch | France's new government announced with only one major change in foreign ministry × "I want France to continue to have armed forces that set the standard for Europe," President Emmanuel Macron said at the time. Lecornu said the order would support "more than 7,000 jobs in more than 400 companies" in France. Dassault chief executive Eric Trappier released a statement saying that Rafale was an example of "military-industrial sovereignty" that made France an "exception in Europe". Also read: Arrested terror plot suspects have links with Hamas: Denmark police The order comes as France is setting up a programme with Germany and Spain to develop a future jet fighter, the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), which is expected to replace the Rafale in 2040. Indonesia orders Rafale fighter jets The Indonesian government signed a contract to purchase 18 more Rafale fighter jets from France, the Defence Ministry said in a statement released on Tuesday (Jan 9), reported the Jakarta Post. Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto on Monday signed a contract for the last batch of 18 Rafale, said the ministry. The first delivery of the jets is expected in early 2026. “The arrival of the Rafale fighter-jets along with their weapons and support equipment is expected to significantly increase the strength and readiness of the Indonesian Air Force in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty in the air,” the ministry spokesman, Brig. Gen. Edwin Adrian Sumantha said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

France orders more Rafale fighter jets to 'modernise its operational capabilities'

<p>As the stalemate between security forces and organised crime reached a fever pitch, officials in Ecuador on Thursday (Jan 11) said that the gangsters had seized at least 178 prison guards and personnel.</p>

<p>The SNAI prison administration said that there were riots in numerous lockups, with inmates shooting at personnel of the Ecuadorian military forces.</p>

<p>The small South American country has descended into crisis after years of extending control by global cartels that utilise its ports to ship cocaine to the United States and Europe.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-claims-to-have-identified-bomb-maker-behind-twin-blasts-that-killed-dozens-679140">Iran claims to have identified bomb maker behind twin blasts that killed dozens</a></p>

<h2><strong>Ecuador vows to crush gangs</strong></h2>

<p>The country's armed forces deployed more than 22,400 soldiers across the country in an attempt to quash the gangs' terror campaign that has killed 16 people.</p>

<p>The government of President Daniel Noboa has vowed not to back down in its "war" against 22 criminal gangs.</p>

<p>"They wanted to instil fear, but they aroused our ire," Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo said on social media.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ecuador violence: Ecuador enters third day of the cartel terror campaign</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They believed they would subdue an entire country but forgot that the armed forces are trained for war."</p>

<p>The drug cartels, since Monday (Jan 8) have been carrying out a campaign of kidnappings and attacks in response to a government crackdown on organised crime that prompted Noboa to declare the country to be in a "state of war."</p>

<p>"Yield to evil: never!" 36-year-old Noboa, in office since November, said in a video message broadcast on television Thursday. "Fight tirelessly: always!"</p>

<p>The recent wave of violence was set off by the revelation on Sunday (Jan 7) of the jailbreak of one of the most potent drug lords in the nation, Jose Adolfo Macias, also referred to as "Fito".</p>

<p>Noboa, on Monday, imposed a state of emergency along with a nighttime curfew, but the gangs retaliated by declaring a state of "war", further threatening to execute civilians and security forces.</p>

<p>They have incited multiple prison riots, triggered blasts, and set vehicles on fire in crowded areas.</p>

<p>Police released a statement saying that the death toll had risen to 16 late on Wednesday with a "terrorist" attack on a discotheque in the Amazon that killed two and wounded nine people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the stalemate between security forces and organised crime reached a fever pitch, officials in Ecuador on Thursday (Jan 11) said that the gangsters had seized at least 178 prison guards and personnel.

As the stalemate between security forces and organised crime reached a fever pitch, officials in Ecuador on Thursday (Jan 11) said that the gangsters had seized at least 178 prison guards and personnel. The SNAI prison administration said that there were riots in numerous lockups, with inmates shooting at personnel of the Ecuadorian military forces. The small South American country has descended into crisis after years of extending control by global cartels that utilise its ports to ship cocaine to the United States and Europe. Also read: Iran claims to have identified bomb maker behind twin blasts that killed dozens Ecuador vows to crush gangs The country's armed forces deployed more than 22,400 soldiers across the country in an attempt to quash the gangs' terror campaign that has killed 16 people. The government of President Daniel Noboa has vowed not to back down in its "war" against 22 criminal gangs. "They wanted to instil fear, but they aroused our ire," Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo said on social media. Watch | Ecuador violence: Ecuador enters third day of the cartel terror campaign × "They believed they would subdue an entire country but forgot that the armed forces are trained for war." The drug cartels, since Monday (Jan 8) have been carrying out a campaign of kidnappings and attacks in response to a government crackdown on organised crime that prompted Noboa to declare the country to be in a "state of war." "Yield to evil: never!" 36-year-old Noboa, in office since November, said in a video message broadcast on television Thursday. "Fight tirelessly: always!" The recent wave of violence was set off by the revelation on Sunday (Jan 7) of the jailbreak of one of the most potent drug lords in the nation, Jose Adolfo Macias, also referred to as "Fito". Noboa, on Monday, imposed a state of emergency along with a nighttime curfew, but the gangs retaliated by declaring a state of "war", further threatening to execute civilians and security forces. They have incited multiple prison riots, triggered blasts, and set vehicles on fire in crowded areas. Police released a statement saying that the death toll had risen to 16 late on Wednesday with a "terrorist" attack on a discotheque in the Amazon that killed two and wounded nine people. (With inputs from agencies)

Ecuador violence: 178 prison guards, staff held hostage by gangs

<p>The Defense Department inspector general on Thursday (Jan 11) said that it will probe the mishandling of US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin’s secretive hospitalisation.</p>

<p>The inspector general, in a <a href="https://media.defense.gov/2024/Jan/11/2003374367/-1/-1/1/REVIEW%20OF%20SECDEF%20HOSPITALIZATION%20NOTIFICATION%20PROCEDURES%2020240110.PDF">memo</a>, said that it would examine "the roles, processes, procedures, responsibilities, and actions related to the Secretary of Defense's hospitalisation."</p>

<p>It further said that it will "assess whether the DoD's policies and procedures are sufficient to ensure timely and appropriate notifications and the effective transition of authorities as may be warranted due to health-based or other unavailability of senior leadership."</p>

<p>Austin came under fire for hiding his medical condition from the White House amid the delicate geopolitical landscape involving the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There have been calls for his resignation from critics who say the senior government official violated the law by failing to report his hospitalisation to his bosses.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-iowa-caucuses-2024-are-important-for-us-presidential-elections-679088">Explained | Why Iowa Caucuses 2024 are important for US Presidential Elections?</a></p>

<h2><strong>Austin's medical condition</strong></h2>

<p>The Pentagon chief was hospitalised on New Year's Day (Jan 1) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre due to complications from an elective medical procedure.</p>

<p>Surprisingly, the Pentagon did not make any official announcement until four days later while waiting to notify other top government officers about Austin's absence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the period, Austin was away from action, and some of his powers were transferred to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, even she was not informed that his boss had been hospitalised until two days later.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Donald Trump calls for Lloyd Austin's removal</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The protocol</strong></h2>

<p>His mishandling of the situation was a violation of the protocol for top-ranking cabinet officials, who reportedly have to inform well in advance of planned medical absences and identify the one who would be filling in for them.</p>

<p>Austin on Saturday said that he "could have done a better job" and took "full responsibility" for the secrecy over his hospitalisation.</p>

<p>White House officials released a statement saying that Biden still has "complete confidence" in Austin and that he would be continuing his job.</p>

<p>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."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Defense Department inspector general on Thursday (Jan 11) said that it will probe the mishandling of US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin’s secretive hospitalisation.

The Defense Department inspector general on Thursday (Jan 11) said that it will probe the mishandling of US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin’s secretive hospitalisation. The inspector general, in a memo, said that it would examine "the roles, processes, procedures, responsibilities, and actions related to the Secretary of Defense's hospitalisation." It further said that it will "assess whether the DoD's policies and procedures are sufficient to ensure timely and appropriate notifications and the effective transition of authorities as may be warranted due to health-based or other unavailability of senior leadership." Austin came under fire for hiding his medical condition from the White House amid the delicate geopolitical landscape involving the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war. There have been calls for his resignation from critics who say the senior government official violated the law by failing to report his hospitalisation to his bosses. Also read: Explained | Why Iowa Caucuses 2024 are important for US Presidential Elections? Austin's medical condition The Pentagon chief was hospitalised on New Year's Day (Jan 1) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre due to complications from an elective medical procedure. Surprisingly, the Pentagon did not make any official announcement until four days later while waiting to notify other top government officers about Austin's absence. During the period, Austin was away from action, and some of his powers were transferred to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks. However, even she was not informed that his boss had been hospitalised until two days later. WATCH | Donald Trump calls for Lloyd Austin's removal × The protocol His mishandling of the situation was a violation of the protocol for top-ranking cabinet officials, who reportedly have to inform well in advance of planned medical absences and identify the one who would be filling in for them. Austin on Saturday said that he "could have done a better job" and took "full responsibility" for the secrecy over his hospitalisation. White House officials released a statement saying that Biden still has "complete confidence" in Austin and that he would be continuing his job. 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." (With inputs from agencies)

Pentagon to probe Lloyd Austin's secretive hospitalisation

<p>In a&nbsp;mid-air flight catastrophe, the Gambian football team players, while travelling to Ivory Coast on Wednesday (Jan 10), reported an abrupt shortage of oxygen in the aircraft following which the plane was forced to make an emergency landing minutes after it took off from the airfield in Banjul.</p>

<p>Saidy Janko, the former Manchester United, Celtic and Nottingham Forest player, shared the video of the harrowing incident on his official social media handle where passengers could be seen profusely sweating while gasping for air.</p>

<p>Dubbing the mishap as "unacceptable", the former Manchester United player explained how many passengers passed out from a lack of oxygen and experienced headaches.</p>

<p>“After travelling 32 hours in total from Saudi Arabia(Training Camp) to The Gambia with long layovers in Istanbul and Casablanca, we were supposed to fly from Gambia to Ivory Coast for the AFCON today,” Janko wrote.</p>

<p>“As soon as we entered the small plane that was hired to fly us, we noticed the immense heat that left us dripping in sweat. It was assured to us by the Crew that the air condition would start once we are in the sky,” he continued.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C17yvfRNSXq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Saidy Janko (@saidyjanko22)</a></p>
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<h2><strong>'People started falling deeply asleep minutes after entering aircraft'</strong></h2>

<p>He further explained how the lack of oxygen left some passengers aboard the plane with severe headaches and extreme dizziness.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/british-airways-pilot-kidnapped-tortured-during-stopover-leaving-flight-hanging-679006">British Airways pilot kidnapped, tortured during stopover, leaving flight hanging</a></p>

<p>“The inhumane heat mixed with the occurring lack of oxygen left many people with strong headaches and extreme dizziness. Furthermore, people started falling deeply asleep minutes after entering the aircraft/take off,” he explained.</p>

<p>“Whilst in the Air, the situation got worse, leaving the pilot with no other option, than initiating an emergency landing back in Banjul airport nine minutes after takeoff. Which happened successfully.”</p>

<p>“If it wasn’t for this, the consequences could have been a lot worse !!!.. knowing what could have happened, if we would have been exposed to the situation for any longer - in an airplane, running out of oxygen,” he added.</p>

<p>Watch |&nbsp;<strong>United Airlines finds loose bolts on multiple Boeing 737 Max 9 planes</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are grateful that everyone is feeling well but this is a situation that has to be addressed going into the AFCON, as being only one of our obstacles on international duty. This is unacceptable and such has to cease with immediate effect,” he concluded.</p>

<p>The athlete then further emphasised how crucial airplane safety is.</p>

<p>“We are grateful that everyone is feeling well but this is a situation that has to be addressed going into the AFCON, as being only one of our obstacles on international duty. This is unacceptable and such has to cease with immediate effect,” he concluded.</p>

<p>While speaking to Nieuwsblad, Gambia national team coach Tom Saintfiet said, "We could all have been dead. We all fell asleep quickly. Me, too. I had short dreams about how my life was done. Really and truly. After nine minutes the pilot decided to return because there was no oxygen supply. Some players did not wake up [until] immediately after landing. We almost got carbon monoxide poisoning. Another half hour of flying and we would all have been dead."</p>

<p>The Gambian Football Federation also released a statement saying, "The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) regrets to inform the general public that the Chartered Flight carrying the Scorpions to the African Cup of Nations has returned to Banjul due to technical problems. The flight was nine minutes airborne when the crew realised and immediately requested to return to Banjul."</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement further said that the airline was probing&nbsp;what led to the lack of oxygen in the aircraft.</p>

<p>"Upon landing, preliminary investigations indicated that there was loss of cabin pressure and oxygen. However, the technical team of the operating company of the flight, Air Cote d’Ivoire is further assessing the situation to establish what caused the lack of oxygen and cabin pressure," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a mid-air flight catastrophe, the Gambian football team players, while travelling to Ivory Coast on Wednesday (Jan 10), reported an abrupt shortage of oxygen in the aircraft following which the plane was forced to make an emergency landing minutes after it took off from the airfield in Banjul.

In a mid-air flight catastrophe, the Gambian football team players, while travelling to Ivory Coast on Wednesday (Jan 10), reported an abrupt shortage of oxygen in the aircraft following which the plane was forced to make an emergency landing minutes after it took off from the airfield in Banjul. Saidy Janko, the former Manchester United, Celtic and Nottingham Forest player, shared the video of the harrowing incident on his official social media handle where passengers could be seen profusely sweating while gasping for air. Dubbing the mishap as "unacceptable", the former Manchester United player explained how many passengers passed out from a lack of oxygen and experienced headaches. “After travelling 32 hours in total from Saudi Arabia(Training Camp) to The Gambia with long layovers in Istanbul and Casablanca, we were supposed to fly from Gambia to Ivory Coast for the AFCON today,” Janko wrote. “As soon as we entered the small plane that was hired to fly us, we noticed the immense heat that left us dripping in sweat. It was assured to us by the Crew that the air condition would start once we are in the sky,” he continued. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saidy Janko (@saidyjanko22) × 'People started falling deeply asleep minutes after entering aircraft' He further explained how the lack of oxygen left some passengers aboard the plane with severe headaches and extreme dizziness. Also read: British Airways pilot kidnapped, tortured during stopover, leaving flight hanging “The inhumane heat mixed with the occurring lack of oxygen left many people with strong headaches and extreme dizziness. Furthermore, people started falling deeply asleep minutes after entering the aircraft/take off,” he explained. “Whilst in the Air, the situation got worse, leaving the pilot with no other option, than initiating an emergency landing back in Banjul airport nine minutes after takeoff. Which happened successfully.” “If it wasn’t for this, the consequences could have been a lot worse !!!.. knowing what could have happened, if we would have been exposed to the situation for any longer - in an airplane, running out of oxygen,” he added. Watch | United Airlines finds loose bolts on multiple Boeing 737 Max 9 planes × “We are grateful that everyone is feeling well but this is a situation that has to be addressed going into the AFCON, as being only one of our obstacles on international duty. This is unacceptable and such has to cease with immediate effect,” he concluded. The athlete then further emphasised how crucial airplane safety is. “We are grateful that everyone is feeling well but this is a situation that has to be addressed going into the AFCON, as being only one of our obstacles on international duty. This is unacceptable and such has to cease with immediate effect,” he concluded. While speaking to Nieuwsblad, Gambia national team coach Tom Saintfiet said, "We could all have been dead. We all fell asleep quickly. Me, too. I had short dreams about how my life was done. Really and truly. After nine minutes the pilot decided to return because there was no oxygen supply. Some players did not wake up [until] immediately after landing. We almost got carbon monoxide poisoning. Another half hour of flying and we would all have been dead." The Gambian Football Federation also released a statement saying, "The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) regrets to inform the general public that the Chartered Flight carrying the Scorpions to the African Cup of Nations has returned to Banjul due to technical problems. The flight was nine minutes airborne when the crew realised and immediately requested to return to Banjul." × The statement further said that the airline was probing what led to the lack of oxygen in the aircraft. "Upon landing, preliminary investigations indicated that there was loss of cabin pressure and oxygen. However, the technical team of the operating company of the flight, Air Cote d’Ivoire is further assessing the situation to establish what caused the lack of oxygen and cabin pressure," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Gambia's football team makes emergency landing after plane loses oxygen

<p>Politicians from Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) on Wednesday (Jan 10) met with an Austrian extremist leader in order to discuss a mass deportation plan, the officials from the party confirmed.</p>

<p>However, they reportedly denied any plans to adopt a proposal for mass deportations of immigrants discussed at the talks.</p>

<p>Martin Sellner, the leader of the white pride Identitarian Movement in Austria, proposed a strategy to "reverse the inward migration of foreigners" and instead eliminate migrants and asylum seekers, investigative media outlet Correctiv reported citing undercover research.</p>

<p>He also, as per the reports, suggested that when the AfD came into power, the biggest "problem" for the party would be the expulsion of "non-assimilated citizens".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meeting held in the vicinity of Potsdam, was attended by politicians, lawyers, and doctors, as per Correctiv.</p>

<p>Confirming his presence at the talks, Sellner told the news agency AFP, "It was the end of November and I presented my book and the Identitarian concept of remigration there".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Austrian added that his "concept targeted migrants who are not assimilated, or who culturally, economically and criminally weigh on society".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gambias-football-team-makes-emergency-landing-after-plane-loses-oxygen-679059">Gambia's football team makes emergency landing after plane loses oxygen</a></p>

<p>The Identitarian movement adheres to the “great replacement” conspiracy theory, which posits that non-white immigrants are engaged in a conspiracy to replace Europe’s “native” white population, which the nationalist extremists seek to eliminate.</p>

<p>The AfD said Roland Hartwig, co-leader Alice Weidel's close aide, had put forward a social media project at the meeting.</p>

<p>However, the far-right said that Hartwig did not "bring Mr Sellner's ideas on migration policies" into the party, and added that it "would not change its immigration policies based on the individual ideas of a speaker at the meeting".</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Germany's opposition leader launches new party</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the AfD participants, according to Correctiv, claimed that the party was no longer opposed to dual citizenship, as "you can then take away the German one, and they'd still have one".</p>

<p>Established in the year 2013, the AfD was created as a group opposing the euro, however, it later transformed into an anti-immigration party. In the year 2017, they achieved parliamentary representation for the first time, capitalising on public dissatisfaction with a significant influx of migrants, including those escaping conflicts in Syria and Iraq.</p>

<p>The party's backing dwindled to approximately 10 per cent during the 2021 election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it has subsequently made a recovery amidst the challenges faced by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition, including an energy crisis, significant inflation, and a struggling economy following Russia's war with Ukraine.</p>

<p>The ideology behind the plan discussed at the meeting took aim at "the foundations of our democracy", German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said in a post on X.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Politicians from Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) on Wednesday (Jan 10) met with an Austrian extremist leader in order to discuss a mass deportation plan, the officials from the party confirmed.

Politicians from Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) on Wednesday (Jan 10) met with an Austrian extremist leader in order to discuss a mass deportation plan, the officials from the party confirmed. However, they reportedly denied any plans to adopt a proposal for mass deportations of immigrants discussed at the talks. Martin Sellner, the leader of the white pride Identitarian Movement in Austria, proposed a strategy to "reverse the inward migration of foreigners" and instead eliminate migrants and asylum seekers, investigative media outlet Correctiv reported citing undercover research. He also, as per the reports, suggested that when the AfD came into power, the biggest "problem" for the party would be the expulsion of "non-assimilated citizens". The meeting held in the vicinity of Potsdam, was attended by politicians, lawyers, and doctors, as per Correctiv. Confirming his presence at the talks, Sellner told the news agency AFP, "It was the end of November and I presented my book and the Identitarian concept of remigration there". The Austrian added that his "concept targeted migrants who are not assimilated, or who culturally, economically and criminally weigh on society". Also read: Gambia's football team makes emergency landing after plane loses oxygen The Identitarian movement adheres to the “great replacement” conspiracy theory, which posits that non-white immigrants are engaged in a conspiracy to replace Europe’s “native” white population, which the nationalist extremists seek to eliminate. The AfD said Roland Hartwig, co-leader Alice Weidel's close aide, had put forward a social media project at the meeting. However, the far-right said that Hartwig did not "bring Mr Sellner's ideas on migration policies" into the party, and added that it "would not change its immigration policies based on the individual ideas of a speaker at the meeting". Watch | Germany's opposition leader launches new party × One of the AfD participants, according to Correctiv, claimed that the party was no longer opposed to dual citizenship, as "you can then take away the German one, and they'd still have one". Established in the year 2013, the AfD was created as a group opposing the euro, however, it later transformed into an anti-immigration party. In the year 2017, they achieved parliamentary representation for the first time, capitalising on public dissatisfaction with a significant influx of migrants, including those escaping conflicts in Syria and Iraq. The party's backing dwindled to approximately 10 per cent during the 2021 election. However, it has subsequently made a recovery amidst the challenges faced by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition, including an energy crisis, significant inflation, and a struggling economy following Russia's war with Ukraine. The ideology behind the plan discussed at the meeting took aim at "the foundations of our democracy", German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said in a post on X. (With inputs from agencies)

German, Austrian extremists meet to discuss expulsion of 'non-assimilated' immigrants

Bollywood Songs That You Can Add To Your Lohri Playlist

Crooned by legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, along with Udit Narayan and Gurdas Mann, this track is from the film Veer – Zara. The song features Preity Zinta along with Shah Rukh Khan.


Sung by Satinder Sartaaj, this song from Mission Raniganj features Akshay Kumar and is a perfect track for you to groove on Lohri.


This peppy track from the film Good Newwz features Kareena Kapoor and Akshay Kumar.

Charha De Rang from Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol's film 'Yamla Pagla Deewana' is another Lohri-themed song that will make you groove with your loved ones.

Chappa Chappa Charka Chale from the film Maachis is another track that can be added to your festive playlist.


Sundar Mundariye is another popular Lohri song from Punjabi film Asa Nu Maan Watna Da sung by Harbhajan Mann.


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