Dates are a rich source of essential nutrients like vitamin K and vitamin B6. They are also filled with minerals like magnesium, potassium, manganese and copper. These nutrients help in maintaining health in the winter months.


Dates are filled with natural sugars, especially fructose and glucose, which give a boost to energy and prove particularly beneficial in winter months.

The high fibre content in dates promotes digestive health and prevents constipation. It also aids regular bowel movements. It is important to maintain good digestive health in winter months when the digestive system is impacted negatively.

Dates are filled with antioxidants like carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolic acid, which reduce inflammation and fight free radicals in the body. This also proves beneficial in supporting the immune system in winter.

Dates are also known for having the ability to maintain the body temperature. Hence, the consumption of dates in winter helps in keeping the body warm.

5 Ways Dates Boost Health In Winters

Source: The Economist Intelligence Unit report

Vienna clinched the top position among the most liveable cities in 2023.


Copenhagen, which has a rich history and architecture, clinched the second place on the list.

Melbourne, which is a cultural hub and has a vibrant art and trendy neighbourhood, was ranked third.

Sydney, which is famous for iconic places like Opera House and Harbour Bridge, is in the fourth position.

Vancouver, which is located on the west coast of Canada, is famous for its quality of life and natural beauty.


Calgary, which is on the western side of Canada, boasts breathtaking landscapes which are nestled on the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Geneva is Switzerland's lively and vibrant city famous for its history, culture, exhibitions and trade fairs.

7 Most Liveable Cities In World In 2023


<p>The discovery of the piece of fuselage, which had blown off an Alaska Airlines' Boeing airliner when it was flying over Oregon, Portland on Friday (Jan 5), has given the investigators hope that they will be able to gather physical evidence and understand what went wrong.</p>

<p>The gaping hole on one side of the jet opened up where a “plug” is fitted by aircraft maker Boeing to cover an emergency exit which is not used by the airline. The plugs are attached to most of the Boeing 737 Max 9 jets.</p>

<p>These planes have been temporarily grounded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and&nbsp;are undergoing inspections.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is the plug attached to the jet?</strong></h2>

<p>There are emergency exits on fuselages and behind the wings of some large Boeing 737s. These are designed in such a way to meet a federal requirement that the planes need to have a facility to evacuate passengers within 90 seconds, even if half the exits of the planes are blocked. The higher the number of passenger seats inside a plane, the more exits are needed.</p>

<p>Flights of Alaska Airlines and United Airlines have less than 180 seats in their 737 Max 9s and hence, they don’t require the two mid-cabin exits to comply with the evacuation rules of the United States.</p>

<p>Alaska Airlines and United Airlines are the only two airlines in the US which use the Max 9 and replace the side exits near the back of the plane with a permanent plug, which is equivalent to the size of an exit door.</p>

<h2><strong>Are door plugs only attached on Max 9s?</strong></h2>

<p>Boeing also builds bigger versions of its 737-900, which is a predecessor to the Max and the Max 8, which has space created for more exits in the back. Those purchasing the planes can choose to have either plugs or exit doors installed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-airlines-and-alaska-airlines-find-loose-bolts-in-boeing-jets-during-inspections-678065">United Airlines and Alaska Airlines find loose bolts in Boeing jets during inspections</a></p>

<h2><strong>Who installs the plugs in the jet?</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to the New York Times, a spokesperson of Spirit AeroSystems, which is not related to Spirit Airlines, said that the door plugs on Max 9s were installed by the company, which included the plugs which had fallen off from the Boeing airliner mid-air.</p>

<p>Speaking to The Associated Press, a spokesman said that the plugs get assembled into 737 fuselages at the factory of Spirit located in Wichita, Kansas.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is the largest supplier of Boeing?</strong></h2>

<p>The largest supplier of Boeing for commercial planes is Spirit which builds fuselages as well as other parts for Boeing Max jets. Recently, the company has faced several problems with manufacturing quality on both the Boeing Max jets and the bigger Boeing 787 Dreamliner.</p>

<p>Last year, improperly drilled fastener holes were found by Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems in a bulkhead which helps in keeping the jets pressurised at cruising altitude.</p>

<h2><strong>How long will the investigation continue?</strong></h2>

<p>The National Transportation Safety Board's officials, headed by the board’s chairperson Jennifer Homendy, reached Portland, Oregon, on Saturday (Jan 6) and started the investigation which is likely to continue a year or longer. However, they did not clarify the possible causes which may have led to such an accident in the press conference.</p>

<p>The NTSB team has a metallurgist and Homendy said that the investigators will examine the exit door plug, along with its hinges and other parts. As per experts, examination of the damaged door will be an important step in the investigation.</p>

<p>Speaking to the Associated Press, Anthony Brickhouse, who teaches accident investigation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida said, “The good thing about metal is that metal paints a picture, metal tells a story.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;United Airlines finds loose bolts on multiple Boeing 737 Max 9 planes&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-airlines-finds-loose-bolts-on-multiple-boeing-737-max-9-planes-world-news-wion-678056/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Brickhouse added that the exit doors, even if plugged or not, are not usually the fuselage's weak point.</p>

<h2><strong>Did the Boeing jet receive any warnings earlier?</strong></h2>

<p>Homendy on Sunday (Jan 7) said that the Boeing jetliner was not being used for flights bound for Hawaii after three different flights reported a warning light, which indicated a pressurisation problem.</p>

<p>It was decided by Alaska Airlines that the aircraft will be restricted from long flights over water so that in case there is a reappearance of the warning light, the flight “could return very quickly to an airport,” Homendy said at a press conference.</p>

<p>However, she added that the pressurisation light may not be connected with the mid-air mishap and the incident needs to be investigated.</p>

<h2><strong>How did the mid-air mishap happen?</strong></h2>

<p>An Alaska Airlines' Boeing jetliner blew out a part of its fuselage seven minutes after it took off, above Oregon, Portland on Friday night (Jan 5). The fall of the door plug forced the pilots to make an emergency landing as wild winds gushed in and some belongings of passengers were sucked out.</p>

<p>None of the 171 passengers or six crew faced serious injuries. However, the sudden decrease in cabin pressure led to the oxygen masks dropping from the ceiling. National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy informed that the two seats near the torn-off plug were unoccupied.</p>

<p>The flight had reached 16,000 feet (4,876 metres) before the incident occurred and a hole was created in the cabin. According to the FAA data, the Boeing jet was delivered to Alaska Airlines in late October and received certification in early November.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The discovery of the piece of fuselage, which had blown off an Alaska Airlines' Boeing airliner when it was flying over Oregon, Portland on Friday (Jan 5), has given the investigators hope that they will be able to gather physical evidence and understand what went wrong.

The discovery of the piece of fuselage, which had blown off an Alaska Airlines' Boeing airliner when it was flying over Oregon, Portland on Friday (Jan 5), has given the investigators hope that they will be able to gather physical evidence and understand what went wrong. The gaping hole on one side of the jet opened up where a “plug” is fitted by aircraft maker Boeing to cover an emergency exit which is not used by the airline. The plugs are attached to most of the Boeing 737 Max 9 jets. These planes have been temporarily grounded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and are undergoing inspections. Why is the plug attached to the jet? There are emergency exits on fuselages and behind the wings of some large Boeing 737s. These are designed in such a way to meet a federal requirement that the planes need to have a facility to evacuate passengers within 90 seconds, even if half the exits of the planes are blocked. The higher the number of passenger seats inside a plane, the more exits are needed. Flights of Alaska Airlines and United Airlines have less than 180 seats in their 737 Max 9s and hence, they don’t require the two mid-cabin exits to comply with the evacuation rules of the United States. Alaska Airlines and United Airlines are the only two airlines in the US which use the Max 9 and replace the side exits near the back of the plane with a permanent plug, which is equivalent to the size of an exit door. Are door plugs only attached on Max 9s? Boeing also builds bigger versions of its 737-900, which is a predecessor to the Max and the Max 8, which has space created for more exits in the back. Those purchasing the planes can choose to have either plugs or exit doors installed. Also read: United Airlines and Alaska Airlines find loose bolts in Boeing jets during inspections Who installs the plugs in the jet? Speaking to the New York Times, a spokesperson of Spirit AeroSystems, which is not related to Spirit Airlines, said that the door plugs on Max 9s were installed by the company, which included the plugs which had fallen off from the Boeing airliner mid-air. Speaking to The Associated Press, a spokesman said that the plugs get assembled into 737 fuselages at the factory of Spirit located in Wichita, Kansas. Who is the largest supplier of Boeing? The largest supplier of Boeing for commercial planes is Spirit which builds fuselages as well as other parts for Boeing Max jets. Recently, the company has faced several problems with manufacturing quality on both the Boeing Max jets and the bigger Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Last year, improperly drilled fastener holes were found by Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems in a bulkhead which helps in keeping the jets pressurised at cruising altitude. How long will the investigation continue? The National Transportation Safety Board's officials, headed by the board’s chairperson Jennifer Homendy, reached Portland, Oregon, on Saturday (Jan 6) and started the investigation which is likely to continue a year or longer. However, they did not clarify the possible causes which may have led to such an accident in the press conference. The NTSB team has a metallurgist and Homendy said that the investigators will examine the exit door plug, along with its hinges and other parts. As per experts, examination of the damaged door will be an important step in the investigation. Speaking to the Associated Press, Anthony Brickhouse, who teaches accident investigation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida said, “The good thing about metal is that metal paints a picture, metal tells a story.” Watch: United Airlines finds loose bolts on multiple Boeing 737 Max 9 planes Brickhouse added that the exit doors, even if plugged or not, are not usually the fuselage's weak point. Did the Boeing jet receive any warnings earlier? Homendy on Sunday (Jan 7) said that the Boeing jetliner was not being used for flights bound for Hawaii after three different flights reported a warning light, which indicated a pressurisation problem. It was decided by Alaska Airlines that the aircraft will be restricted from long flights over water so that in case there is a reappearance of the warning light, the flight “could return very quickly to an airport,” Homendy said at a press conference. However, she added that the pressurisation light may not be connected with the mid-air mishap and the incident needs to be investigated. How did the mid-air mishap happen? An Alaska Airlines' Boeing jetliner blew out a part of its fuselage seven minutes after it took off, above Oregon, Portland on Friday night (Jan 5). The fall of the door plug forced the pilots to make an emergency landing as wild winds gushed in and some belongings of passengers were sucked out. None of the 171 passengers or six crew faced serious injuries. However, the sudden decrease in cabin pressure led to the oxygen masks dropping from the ceiling. National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy informed that the two seats near the torn-off plug were unoccupied. The flight had reached 16,000 feet (4,876 metres) before the incident occurred and a hole was created in the cabin. According to the FAA data, the Boeing jet was delivered to Alaska Airlines in late October and received certification in early November. (With inputs from agencies)

Here's how the newly-found door 'plug' may help understand Alaska Airlines' mid-air blowout

<p>United Airlines on Monday (Jan 8) said that they found loose bolts while carrying out inspections of the Boeing 737 Max 9 fleet after a door plug had blown out from an Alaska Airlines plane over the weekend. The airlines said that they found that the bolts required "additional tightening" during inspections of Boeing 737 Max 9s. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The airlines started the inspections after a section of the fuselage fell from an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 on Friday (Jan 9).</p>

<p>United Airlines said that "installation issues" related to door plugs would be "remedied" before the particular aircraft is brought back into service. Around 171 planes of a similar type will remain grounded by the US regulator.</p>

<p>United Airlines, in a statement, said, "Since we began preliminary inspections on Saturday, we have found instances that appear to relate to installation issues in the door plug - for example, bolts that needed additional tightening."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alaska-airlines-mid-air-blowout-planes-door-lost-in-dramatic-accident-found-677705">Schoolteacher finds door plug that blew off Alaska Airlines plane in mid-air drama in his backyard</a></p>

<p>Alaska Airlines also said on Monday (Jan 8) that some loose hardware was found by its technicians in the door plug area on some of its Boeing 737 MAX 9 fleet. "As our maintenance technicians began preparing our 737-9 MAX fleet for inspections, they accessed the area in question," said Alaska Airlines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Initial reports from our technicians indicate some loose hardware was visible on some aircraft," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The door plug is part of the fuselage and has a window which can be used as an emergency exit in some specific configurations. In a rare incident, the door plug of an Alaska Airlines plane had fallen off mid-air from Alaska Airlines' Boeing 737 Max 9 when it was flying over the US state of Oregon and landed in the backyard of a teacher's home. An emergency landing was made by the plane and none of the passengers or crew faced serious injuries.</p>

<h2><strong>United Airlines cancels 200 flights&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The majority of Boeing 737 Max 9s, which fly in the United States, are operated by Alaska and United Airlines, while jets of the same model for inspections have been grounded by Turkish Airlines, Panama's Copa Airlines and Aeromexico.&nbsp;</p>

<p>United Airlines said that 200 flights have been cancelled by them on Monday and significant cancellations are expected on Tuesday. "We have been able to operate some planned flights by switching to other aircraft types, avoiding about 30 cancellations each on Monday and Tuesday," United Airlines said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Alaska Airlines flight makes emergency landing after window blowout mid-flight</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alaska-airlines-flight-makes-emergency-landing-after-window-blowout-mid-flight-677204/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Monday (Jan 8), said that it provided a checklist which should be adhered to by the operators during inspections. The FAA, in a statement, said that all 737 Max 9 aircraft will remain grounded till operators "complete enhanced inspections which include both left and right cabin door exit plugs, door components, and fasteners".</p>

<p>"Operators must also complete corrective action requirements based on findings from the inspections prior to bringing any aircraft back into service," the statement added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United Airlines on Monday (Jan 8) said that they found loose bolts while carrying out inspections of the Boeing 737 Max 9 fleet after a door plug had blown out from an Alaska Airlines plane over the weekend.

United Airlines on Monday (Jan 8) said that they found loose bolts while carrying out inspections of the Boeing 737 Max 9 fleet after a door plug had blown out from an Alaska Airlines plane over the weekend. The airlines said that they found that the bolts required "additional tightening" during inspections of Boeing 737 Max 9s. The airlines started the inspections after a section of the fuselage fell from an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 on Friday (Jan 9). United Airlines said that "installation issues" related to door plugs would be "remedied" before the particular aircraft is brought back into service. Around 171 planes of a similar type will remain grounded by the US regulator. United Airlines, in a statement, said, "Since we began preliminary inspections on Saturday, we have found instances that appear to relate to installation issues in the door plug - for example, bolts that needed additional tightening." Also read: Schoolteacher finds door plug that blew off Alaska Airlines plane in mid-air drama in his backyard Alaska Airlines also said on Monday (Jan 8) that some loose hardware was found by its technicians in the door plug area on some of its Boeing 737 MAX 9 fleet. "As our maintenance technicians began preparing our 737-9 MAX fleet for inspections, they accessed the area in question," said Alaska Airlines. "Initial reports from our technicians indicate some loose hardware was visible on some aircraft," it added. The door plug is part of the fuselage and has a window which can be used as an emergency exit in some specific configurations. In a rare incident, the door plug of an Alaska Airlines plane had fallen off mid-air from Alaska Airlines' Boeing 737 Max 9 when it was flying over the US state of Oregon and landed in the backyard of a teacher's home. An emergency landing was made by the plane and none of the passengers or crew faced serious injuries. United Airlines cancels 200 flights The majority of Boeing 737 Max 9s, which fly in the United States, are operated by Alaska and United Airlines, while jets of the same model for inspections have been grounded by Turkish Airlines, Panama's Copa Airlines and Aeromexico. United Airlines said that 200 flights have been cancelled by them on Monday and significant cancellations are expected on Tuesday. "We have been able to operate some planned flights by switching to other aircraft types, avoiding about 30 cancellations each on Monday and Tuesday," United Airlines said. Watch: Alaska Airlines flight makes emergency landing after window blowout mid-flight Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Monday (Jan 8), said that it provided a checklist which should be adhered to by the operators during inspections. The FAA, in a statement, said that all 737 Max 9 aircraft will remain grounded till operators "complete enhanced inspections which include both left and right cabin door exit plugs, door components, and fasteners". "Operators must also complete corrective action requirements based on findings from the inspections prior to bringing any aircraft back into service," the statement added. (With inputs from agencies)

United Airlines and Alaska Airlines find loose bolts in Boeing jets during inspections

<p>At least 21 people suffered injuries in a gas explosion which rocked the Fort Worth hotel in Texas, United States on Monday (Jan 9), as per the fire department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Fort Worth Fire Department, they received the first call at 3:32 pm (local time), which was followed by multiple calls reporting a "type of explosion" at the Sandman Hotel, which is on 810 Houston Street.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Because of the explosion, 21 people suffered injuries, said J Pollozani, the Public Information Officer for the Fort Worth Police Department, on Monday night (Jan 8).&nbsp;</p>

<p>One patient was said to be critically injured and four others were reported to have suffered serious injuries. Minor injuries were reported by all other patients.</p>

<p>As per FWFD, 19 patients were provided medical aid at the scene of the blast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Three&nbsp;of those who suffered injuries were employees of Musume, a restaurant inside Sandman Hotel.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"All of us at Musume are devastated by the tragic explosion that took place this afternoon at the Sandman Signature Hotel, which is the home of our restaurant," said Josh Babb, co-founder of Musume, CBS News reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Luckily, Musume was closed during the time of the explosion, so we had no customers dining and limited employees working. Three Musume employees were injured, but are being treated in the hospital and in stable condition,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-imposes-sanctions-on-us-defence-giants-amid-growing-taiwan-tensions-677647">China vs US intensifies: Dragon nation imposes sanctions on US defence giants amid growing Taiwan tensions</a></p>

<p>Public information officer for the FWFD Craig Trojacek said that even though the area smelled like gas, the area is still under investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is a smell of gas here in downtown. We're not sure if the smell of gas was caused from the explosion or the fire itself, or if that's what caused the explosion," said Trojacek.</p>

<h2><strong>Emergency responders onsite: Trojacek&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, Trojacek said that reports of an explosion were reported from a restaurant where some construction was underway, however, they “we’re not 100% sure that that’s where it actually started."</p>

<p>He added that a secondary search of the hotel was underway as of 6 pm&nbsp;(local time). There were 26 rooms with guests inside them in the hotel.</p>

<p>In a statement, the hotel said that it was working with first responders and hoping to help those who have suffered injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;China sanctions five US defence manufacturers, imposed over US arms sales to Taiwan&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-sanctions-five-us-defence-manufacturers-imposed-over-us-arms-sales-to-taiwan-wion-world-dna-677634/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“Emergency responders are onsite and we are working closely with the authorities to understand the origin of the event and the extent of the harm caused. The safety and well-being of our team members and guests is our priority. We are working with those who have been injured to fully support them at this time," read the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A woman, who was staying in The Ashton Hotel, which is near the blast site, said that it sounded like a huge firework went off.</p>

<p>“We heard the noise. It moved the hotel. I was like, ‘Whoa, what happened?’ Just heard this loud ‘boom!’ I didn’t know exactly what happened," said Cheila Sanchez&nbsp;while speaking to CNN. “It sounded like a firework, but it was louder. There was only one boom," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At least 21 people suffered injuries in a gas explosion which rocked the Fort Worth hotel in Texas, United States on Monday (Jan 9), as per the fire department. According to the Fort Worth Fire Department, they received the first call at 3:32 pm (local time), which was followed by multiple calls reporting a "type of explosion" at the Sandman Hotel, which is on 810 Houston Street.

At least 21 people suffered injuries in a gas explosion which rocked the Fort Worth hotel in Texas, United States on Monday (Jan 9), as per the fire department. According to the Fort Worth Fire Department, they received the first call at 3:32 pm (local time), which was followed by multiple calls reporting a "type of explosion" at the Sandman Hotel, which is on 810 Houston Street. Because of the explosion, 21 people suffered injuries, said J Pollozani, the Public Information Officer for the Fort Worth Police Department, on Monday night (Jan 8). One patient was said to be critically injured and four others were reported to have suffered serious injuries. Minor injuries were reported by all other patients. As per FWFD, 19 patients were provided medical aid at the scene of the blast. Three of those who suffered injuries were employees of Musume, a restaurant inside Sandman Hotel. Explosion at Fort Worth, Texas hotel with mass casualty incident declared And so it begins pic.twitter.com/OFIc3saVdh — TaraBull𝕏 (@TaraBull808) January 8, 2024 × "All of us at Musume are devastated by the tragic explosion that took place this afternoon at the Sandman Signature Hotel, which is the home of our restaurant," said Josh Babb, co-founder of Musume, CBS News reported. "Luckily, Musume was closed during the time of the explosion, so we had no customers dining and limited employees working. Three Musume employees were injured, but are being treated in the hospital and in stable condition,” he added. Also read: China vs US intensifies: Dragon nation imposes sanctions on US defence giants amid growing Taiwan tensions Public information officer for the FWFD Craig Trojacek said that even though the area smelled like gas, the area is still under investigation. "There is a smell of gas here in downtown. We're not sure if the smell of gas was caused from the explosion or the fire itself, or if that's what caused the explosion," said Trojacek. Emergency responders onsite: Trojacek Earlier, Trojacek said that reports of an explosion were reported from a restaurant where some construction was underway, however, they “we’re not 100% sure that that’s where it actually started." He added that a secondary search of the hotel was underway as of 6 pm (local time). There were 26 rooms with guests inside them in the hotel. In a statement, the hotel said that it was working with first responders and hoping to help those who have suffered injuries. Watch: China sanctions five US defence manufacturers, imposed over US arms sales to Taiwan “Emergency responders are onsite and we are working closely with the authorities to understand the origin of the event and the extent of the harm caused. The safety and well-being of our team members and guests is our priority. We are working with those who have been injured to fully support them at this time," read the statement. A woman, who was staying in The Ashton Hotel, which is near the blast site, said that it sounded like a huge firework went off. “We heard the noise. It moved the hotel. I was like, ‘Whoa, what happened?’ Just heard this loud ‘boom!’ I didn’t know exactly what happened," said Cheila Sanchez while speaking to CNN. “It sounded like a firework, but it was louder. There was only one boom," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Explosion at Texas hotel injures 21 people, police investigate cause

<p>The miscommunication between a coast guard and air traffic control may have been the reason behind the fatal crash which took place at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on January 2, reported the Yomiuri newspaper, citing unidentified sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the newspaper, the coast guard plane was informed by the control tower that it was “number one", which may have been confused with the signal of it entering the runway and not as an order of departure. The details also emerge as the transport ministry investigates what caused the incident, and whether the incident could have been prevented.</p>

<p>The flight and voice recording devices, which were recovered from the crash site late last week, is likely to untangle contradictory pieces of evidence especially the claim of the coast guard captain that he was given permission for entering the runway even after an official transcript which may suggest otherwise.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-airlines-inferno-coastguard-plane-did-not-get-clearance-for-take-off-transcripts-suggest-676484">&nbsp;Japan Airlines inferno: Coastguard plane did not have clearance for take-off, transcripts suggest</a></p>

<p>On Monday, the flight operations resumed at Haneda’s Runway C, where one week earlier a landing passenger jet crashed into a parked coast guard plane.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All 379 passengers and crew aboard Airbus SE A350-900 of Japan Airlines Co. were evacuated Tuesday evening (Jan 2), within minutes after the plane caught fir, although 14 were injured and two pets were not able survive. Five among the six crew members on the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 of Japan Coast Guard were killed.</p>

<h2><strong>Japan's jet turns into a fireball</strong></h2>

<p>Japanese authorities on Wednesday (Jan 3) said that a passenger jet which collided with a Coast Guard turboprop while landing at a Tokyo airport was given permission to land, however, the smaller plane was not given the clearance for take-off, as per control tower transcripts.</p>

<p>All 379 people aboard the Japan Airlines (JAL) Airbus A350 were safely evacuated as the plane erupted in flames after crashing with a De Havilland Dash-8 Coast Guard turboprop at Haneda airport.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Japan jet crash: More details emerge from Air Traffic Communications</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-jet-crash-more-details-emerge-from-air-traffic-communications-world-news-wion-676422/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>However, five out of six Coast Guard crew, who were about to depart on a flight for relief work in response to a major earthquake on Japan's west coast, died and the captain was badly injured.</p>

<p>The Japan Safety Transport Board (JTSB) has started investigating the incident and it remains unclear how the crash happened and how the two aircraft were present on the same runaway.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The miscommunication between a coast guard and air traffic control may have been the reason behind the fatal crash which took place at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on January 2, reported the Yomiuri newspaper, citing unidentified sources.

The miscommunication between a coast guard and air traffic control may have been the reason behind the fatal crash which took place at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on January 2, reported the Yomiuri newspaper, citing unidentified sources. As per the newspaper, the coast guard plane was informed by the control tower that it was “number one", which may have been confused with the signal of it entering the runway and not as an order of departure. The details also emerge as the transport ministry investigates what caused the incident, and whether the incident could have been prevented. The flight and voice recording devices, which were recovered from the crash site late last week, is likely to untangle contradictory pieces of evidence especially the claim of the coast guard captain that he was given permission for entering the runway even after an official transcript which may suggest otherwise. Also read: Japan Airlines inferno: Coastguard plane did not have clearance for take-off, transcripts suggest On Monday, the flight operations resumed at Haneda’s Runway C, where one week earlier a landing passenger jet crashed into a parked coast guard plane. All 379 passengers and crew aboard Airbus SE A350-900 of Japan Airlines Co. were evacuated Tuesday evening (Jan 2), within minutes after the plane caught fir, although 14 were injured and two pets were not able survive. Five among the six crew members on the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 of Japan Coast Guard were killed. Japan's jet turns into a fireball Japanese authorities on Wednesday (Jan 3) said that a passenger jet which collided with a Coast Guard turboprop while landing at a Tokyo airport was given permission to land, however, the smaller plane was not given the clearance for take-off, as per control tower transcripts. All 379 people aboard the Japan Airlines (JAL) Airbus A350 were safely evacuated as the plane erupted in flames after crashing with a De Havilland Dash-8 Coast Guard turboprop at Haneda airport. Watch: Japan jet crash: More details emerge from Air Traffic Communications However, five out of six Coast Guard crew, who were about to depart on a flight for relief work in response to a major earthquake on Japan's west coast, died and the captain was badly injured. The Japan Safety Transport Board (JTSB) has started investigating the incident and it remains unclear how the crash happened and how the two aircraft were present on the same runaway. (With inputs from agencies)

Verbal miscommunication likely behind fatal crash at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, says report

<p>Photos of young girls or women present on Jeffrey Epstein's private island surfaced on documents released on Monday (Jan 8) related to court cases involving the late American financier. The photos also featured Epstein's longtime accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, who had said in her separate court case that she was not present in the island during the time period when the photos were taken.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The judge&nbsp;who was looking into the case later ordered the file - which had images - should be stricken from the public docket and the officials should re-file it without the images. In the images, young women or girls were seen on the island along with Epstein, Maxwell, his friend and suspected sex trafficker Jean-Luc Brunel, and one of the accusers of Epstein.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-billionaire-had-sex-tapes-of-prince-andrew-bill-clinton-and-trump-claims-witness-678144">Epstein files: Billionaire had ‘sex tapes’ of Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton and Trump, claimed witness</a></p>

<p>"The Clerk of the Court is directed to strike docket entry 1332-7 in the above-captioned case because it contains inadvertently disclosed images that should have been redacted," Judge Loretta Presak wrote in a Monday evening order. "Counsel shall re-file the stricken document as soon as is practicable," he added. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Photos prove Maxwell's presence on Epstein's island</strong></h2>

<p>The documents were earlier redacted or sealed as part of a 2015 lawsuit between Maxwell, the disgraced financier's longtime girlfriend and Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre. Maxwell has now been convicted as a sex trafficker.</p>

<p>The lawyers of Giuffre said that the photos "unequivocally" establish the presence of Maxwell on the island during a time when as per her testimony, she was "hardly around".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The photos were also included as part of a filing regarding Epstein accuser Sarah Ransome, who was not included in the proceedings but exposed the inner workings of Epstein's "massage network" and testified that Maxwell was referred to as "Mamma bear" by the victims.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Where is Nadia Marcinko, Epstein's 'Sex Slave' Turned Accomplice?</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-where-is-nadia-marcinko-epsteins-sex-slave-turned-accomplice-677956/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>"Ms. Ransome’s testimony proves that what little Defendant did say during her deposition was far from the truth," wrote Giuffre's lawyers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ransome further claimed that the girls who were taken to the private island of Epstein in the U.S. Virgin Islands were given Victoria's Secret nightwear and bikinis by the host.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some of the deposition of Ransome had already been made public in earlier unsealed files, however, the names were redacted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The side of Maxwell claimed that the accusers made false allegations against her, in the hope that the lawsuit will provide them with a "lottery ticket."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Photos of young girls or women present on Jeffrey Epstein's private island surfaced on documents released on Monday (Jan 8) related to court cases involving the late American financier.

Photos of young girls or women present on Jeffrey Epstein's private island surfaced on documents released on Monday (Jan 8) related to court cases involving the late American financier. The photos also featured Epstein's longtime accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, who had said in her separate court case that she was not present in the island during the time period when the photos were taken. The judge who was looking into the case later ordered the file - which had images - should be stricken from the public docket and the officials should re-file it without the images. In the images, young women or girls were seen on the island along with Epstein, Maxwell, his friend and suspected sex trafficker Jean-Luc Brunel, and one of the accusers of Epstein. Also read: Epstein files: Billionaire had ‘sex tapes’ of Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton and Trump, claimed witness "The Clerk of the Court is directed to strike docket entry 1332-7 in the above-captioned case because it contains inadvertently disclosed images that should have been redacted," Judge Loretta Presak wrote in a Monday evening order. "Counsel shall re-file the stricken document as soon as is practicable," he added. Photos prove Maxwell's presence on Epstein's island The documents were earlier redacted or sealed as part of a 2015 lawsuit between Maxwell, the disgraced financier's longtime girlfriend and Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre. Maxwell has now been convicted as a sex trafficker. The lawyers of Giuffre said that the photos "unequivocally" establish the presence of Maxwell on the island during a time when as per her testimony, she was "hardly around". The photos were also included as part of a filing regarding Epstein accuser Sarah Ransome, who was not included in the proceedings but exposed the inner workings of Epstein's "massage network" and testified that Maxwell was referred to as "Mamma bear" by the victims. Watch: Gravitas: Where is Nadia Marcinko, Epstein's 'Sex Slave' Turned Accomplice? "Ms. Ransome’s testimony proves that what little Defendant did say during her deposition was far from the truth," wrote Giuffre's lawyers. Ransome further claimed that the girls who were taken to the private island of Epstein in the U.S. Virgin Islands were given Victoria's Secret nightwear and bikinis by the host. Some of the deposition of Ransome had already been made public in earlier unsealed files, however, the names were redacted. The side of Maxwell claimed that the accusers made false allegations against her, in the hope that the lawsuit will provide them with a "lottery ticket." (With inputs from agencies)

Epstein papers: Photos of young girls on ‘paedophile island’ surface in latest documents

<p>The United States' Peregrine spacecraft, which was headed towards the Moon and was carrying cremated human remains,&nbsp;abandoned the Moon landing less than 24 hours after the vehicle took off but malfunctioned&nbsp;because of a fuel leak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Astrobotic Technology, the company which had made the first lunar lander to be launched in five decades from the US, said that the attempt to place Peregrine spacecraft on the Moon is being abandoned since the spacecraft suffered “critical” propellant loss because of a fuel leak, as per the company.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/peregrine-mission-one-american-moon-lander-suffers-anomaly-677917">Peregrine Mission One: Private mission to land on Moon suffers ‘anomaly’ after entering safe operational state</a></p>

<p>Hours after the launch of the vehicle from Florida towards the moon on Monday morning (Jan 8), it was announced by Astrobotic that the mission had encountered trouble. The lunar lander, which was named Peregrine, failed to place itself in a position in which it was facing the sun, especially because of a propulsion issue, as per Astrobotic. Due to its wayward orientation, the spacecraft was not able to charge its batteries.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Update #6 for Peregrine Mission One: <a href="https://t.co/lXh9kcubXs">pic.twitter.com/lXh9kcubXs</a></p>
— Astrobotic (@astrobotic) <a href="https://twitter.com/astrobotic/status/1744543629392134194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Later, the battery issue was resolved, but Astrobotic failed to correct the apparent issue with the propulsion system of the Peregrine lander. In a statement posted on X, the company on Monday (Jan 8) said that an "ongoing propellant leak is causing the spacecraft's Attitude Control System (ACS) thrusters to operate well beyond their expected service life cycles to keep the lander from an uncontrollable tumble."</p>

<p>"At this time, the goal is to get Peregrine as close to lunar distance as we can before it loses the ability to maintain its sun-pointing position and subsequently loses power," the company added in a statement&nbsp;late Monday evening.</p>

<p>Astrobotic said that the thrusters are likely to only operate for 40 more hours at most. This means a potential moon landing, which was scheduled for February 23, is not happening any more.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Just after 1 pm ET, Astrobotic had already warned that a “failure within the propulsion system” was draining the fuel of the vehicle. However, the company worked for hours on Monday to stabilise the issue and assess options.</p>

<h2><strong>Image of crippled private Peregrine Moon lander surfaces &nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Astrobotic, at one point, also shared the Peregrine lander's first image in space. In the photograph, the outer layers of insulation on the vehicle appeared crinkled.</p>

<p>The distorted material was “the first visual clue that aligns with our telemetry data pointing to a propulsion system anomaly,” said the company, in a post shared on the social media platform X on Monday (Jan 8).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Update #5 for Peregrine Mission One: <a href="https://t.co/94wy2J0GyA">pic.twitter.com/94wy2J0GyA</a></p>
— Astrobotic (@astrobotic) <a href="https://twitter.com/astrobotic/status/1744469638640005538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The camera utilised is mounted atop a payload deck and shows Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) in the foreground," wrote Astrobotic, in the X post which featured the photo. "The disturbance of the MLI is the first visual clue that aligns with our telemetry data pointing to a propulsion system anomaly," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US: First Lunar mission in 50 years faces technical difficulties</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-first-lunar-mission-in-50-years-faces-technical-difficulties-678057/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>They had also informed that the lander's battery was fully charged, "and we are using Peregrine's existing power to perform as many payload and spacecraft operations as possible," wrote Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic, in that same X post.</p>

<p>Peregrine flew on Monday (Jan 8) as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme which arranged for getting five agency science instruments on the lander.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States' Peregrine spacecraft, which was headed towards the Moon and was carrying cremated human remains, abandoned the Moon landing less than 24 hours after the vehicle took off but malfunctioned because of a fuel leak.

The United States' Peregrine spacecraft, which was headed towards the Moon and was carrying cremated human remains, abandoned the Moon landing less than 24 hours after the vehicle took off but malfunctioned because of a fuel leak. Astrobotic Technology, the company which had made the first lunar lander to be launched in five decades from the US, said that the attempt to place Peregrine spacecraft on the Moon is being abandoned since the spacecraft suffered “critical” propellant loss because of a fuel leak, as per the company. Also read: Peregrine Mission One: Private mission to land on Moon suffers ‘anomaly’ after entering safe operational state Hours after the launch of the vehicle from Florida towards the moon on Monday morning (Jan 8), it was announced by Astrobotic that the mission had encountered trouble. The lunar lander, which was named Peregrine, failed to place itself in a position in which it was facing the sun, especially because of a propulsion issue, as per Astrobotic. Due to its wayward orientation, the spacecraft was not able to charge its batteries. Update #6 for Peregrine Mission One: pic.twitter.com/lXh9kcubXs — Astrobotic (@astrobotic) January 9, 2024 × Later, the battery issue was resolved, but Astrobotic failed to correct the apparent issue with the propulsion system of the Peregrine lander. In a statement posted on X, the company on Monday (Jan 8) said that an "ongoing propellant leak is causing the spacecraft's Attitude Control System (ACS) thrusters to operate well beyond their expected service life cycles to keep the lander from an uncontrollable tumble." "At this time, the goal is to get Peregrine as close to lunar distance as we can before it loses the ability to maintain its sun-pointing position and subsequently loses power," the company added in a statement late Monday evening. Astrobotic said that the thrusters are likely to only operate for 40 more hours at most. This means a potential moon landing, which was scheduled for February 23, is not happening any more. Just after 1 pm ET, Astrobotic had already warned that a “failure within the propulsion system” was draining the fuel of the vehicle. However, the company worked for hours on Monday to stabilise the issue and assess options. Image of crippled private Peregrine Moon lander surfaces Astrobotic, at one point, also shared the Peregrine lander's first image in space. In the photograph, the outer layers of insulation on the vehicle appeared crinkled. The distorted material was “the first visual clue that aligns with our telemetry data pointing to a propulsion system anomaly,” said the company, in a post shared on the social media platform X on Monday (Jan 8). Update #5 for Peregrine Mission One: pic.twitter.com/94wy2J0GyA — Astrobotic (@astrobotic) January 8, 2024 × "The camera utilised is mounted atop a payload deck and shows Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) in the foreground," wrote Astrobotic, in the X post which featured the photo. "The disturbance of the MLI is the first visual clue that aligns with our telemetry data pointing to a propulsion system anomaly," it added. Watch: US: First Lunar mission in 50 years faces technical difficulties They had also informed that the lander's battery was fully charged, "and we are using Peregrine's existing power to perform as many payload and spacecraft operations as possible," wrote Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic, in that same X post. Peregrine flew on Monday (Jan 8) as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme which arranged for getting five agency science instruments on the lander. (With inputs from agencies)

US Peregrine mission with cremated human remains abandons Moon landing; first photo shows anomaly

<p>Pakistan, China, Myanmar and North Korea are among those designated as "countries of particular concern" by the US in its annual report on religious freedom, for engaging in and tolerating "particularly severe violations of religious freedom".</p>

<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, while announcing the Religious Freedom Designations, said that advancing the freedom of belief or religion has been US foreign policy's core objective since the International Religious Freedom Act was passed and enacted in 1998.</p>

<p>As part of the "enduring commitment", Blinken last week said that he has designated Burma (Myanmar), China, Cuba, North Korea, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as “Countries of Particular Concern for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-focus-on-ending-israeli-aggression-hamas-chief-tells-antony-blinken-677218">Israel-Hamas war: Focus on ending Israeli aggression, Hamas chief tells Antony Blinken</a></p>

<p>Along with that, he also designated Algeria, Azerbaijan, the Central African Republic, Comoros, and Vietnam in the category of "Special Watch List" countries after they engaged in or tolerated major violations of religious freedom.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Blinken further designated al-Shabab, Boko Haram, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Houthis, ISIS-Sahel, ISIS-West Africa, al-Qa’ida affiliate Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin, and the Taliban as “Entities of Particular Concern.”</p>

<h2><strong>Religious freedom also violated in non-designated nations: Blinken</strong></h2>

<p>He emphasised that major violations of religious freedom have also taken place in countries which are not designated.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Turkiye in fresh West Asia trip</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-in-turkiye-in-fresh-west-asia-trip-677167/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"Governments must end abuses such as attacks on members of religious minority communities and their places of worship, communal violence and lengthy imprisonment for peaceful expression, transnational repression, and calls to violence against religious communities, among other violations that occur in too many places around the world,” said Blinken.</p>

<p>He stated that the challenges to religious freedom are structural, systemic, and deeply entrenched across the globe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But with thoughtful, sustained commitment from those who are unwilling to accept hatred, intolerance, and persecution as the status quo we will one day see a world where all people live with dignity and equality,” said Blinken.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan, China, Myanmar and North Korea are among those designated as "countries of particular concern" by the US in its annual report on religious freedom, for engaging in and tolerating "particularly severe violations of religious freedom".

Pakistan, China, Myanmar and North Korea are among those designated as "countries of particular concern" by the US in its annual report on religious freedom, for engaging in and tolerating "particularly severe violations of religious freedom". US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, while announcing the Religious Freedom Designations, said that advancing the freedom of belief or religion has been US foreign policy's core objective since the International Religious Freedom Act was passed and enacted in 1998. As part of the "enduring commitment", Blinken last week said that he has designated Burma (Myanmar), China, Cuba, North Korea, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as “Countries of Particular Concern for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom.” Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Focus on ending Israeli aggression, Hamas chief tells Antony Blinken Along with that, he also designated Algeria, Azerbaijan, the Central African Republic, Comoros, and Vietnam in the category of "Special Watch List" countries after they engaged in or tolerated major violations of religious freedom. Blinken further designated al-Shabab, Boko Haram, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Houthis, ISIS-Sahel, ISIS-West Africa, al-Qa’ida affiliate Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin, and the Taliban as “Entities of Particular Concern.” Religious freedom also violated in non-designated nations: Blinken He emphasised that major violations of religious freedom have also taken place in countries which are not designated. Watch: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Turkiye in fresh West Asia trip "Governments must end abuses such as attacks on members of religious minority communities and their places of worship, communal violence and lengthy imprisonment for peaceful expression, transnational repression, and calls to violence against religious communities, among other violations that occur in too many places around the world,” said Blinken. He stated that the challenges to religious freedom are structural, systemic, and deeply entrenched across the globe. "But with thoughtful, sustained commitment from those who are unwilling to accept hatred, intolerance, and persecution as the status quo we will one day see a world where all people live with dignity and equality,” said Blinken. (With inputs from agencies)

US designates China, Pakistan as 'countries of particular concern' on religious freedom

<p>In the fresh batch of the unsealed court files of Jeffrey Epstein, it has been disclosed that the defence team of the sex offender tried to undermine the credibility of one of the witnesses by revealing that she made claims of Epstein keeping "sex tapes" of prominent personalities. &nbsp;</p>

<p>As per allegations made by Sarah Ransome, the celebrities whose alleged sex tapes were recorded included Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton and Sir Richard Branson. A firm, which was representing Epstein’s lawyer Alan Dershowitz, had flagged her claims to demonstrate Ransome “manifestly lacks credibility”. No proof of the existence of any tapes was submitted by the court and Ransome had retracted the allegations&nbsp;soon after they were made initially.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-co-founder-sergey-brin-visited-jeffrey-epsteins-paedophile-island-new-court-docs-reveal-678096">Google co-founder Sergey Brin visited Jeffrey Epstein's 'paedophile island', new court docs reveal</a></p>

<p>A victim impact statement was given by Ransome before British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced for sex trafficking. The court was provided with the emails in which she had allegedly claimed Prince Andrew, Clinton and Branson were filmed by the child sex offender. Serious accusations were also made against the former US president Donald Trump by Ransome.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Jeffrey filmed the sex tapes: Ransome&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As per the newly-released documents, Ransome had written in the emails: “When my friend had sexual intercourse with Clinton, Prince Andrew and Richard Branson, sex tapes were in fact filmed on each separate occasion by Jeffrey. Thank God she managed to get a hold of some footage of the filmed sex tapes, which clearly identify the faces of Clinton, Prince Andrew and Branson having sexual intercourse with her. Frustratingly enough, Epstein was not seen in any of the footage but he was clever like that."</p>

<p>“When my friend eventually had the courage to speak out and went to the police in 2008 to report what had happened, nothing was done and she was utterly humiliated by the police department where she went to report what had happened with Epstein, Clinton, Branson and Prince Andrew," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the emails, Ransome&nbsp;further alleged that&nbsp;former US president Trump “had sexual relations with [her friend] at Jeffrey’s NY mansion on regular occasions”.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Where is Nadia Marcinko, Epstein's 'Sex Slave' Turned Accomplice?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-where-is-nadia-marcinko-epsteins-sex-slave-turned-accomplice-677956/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Emery Celli Brinckerhoff &amp; Abady LLP, in a letter to the court, said that false allegations were made against Epstein’s lawyer Dershowitz, and added, “[Ransome’s] testimony was fabricated from whole cloth. Ms Ransome’s testimony also contains a slew of other incendiary claims concerning the sexual proclivities of Donald Trump, Bill Clinton and other prominent individuals. The emails are a necessary antidote to Ms Ransome’s deposition misstatements because they demonstrate she manifestly lacks credibility.”</p>

<p>Soon after,&nbsp;Ransome withdrew her claims and said, “I want to walk away from this … I shouldn’t have contacted you and I’m sorry I wasted your time. It’s not worth coming forward and I will never be heard anyhow and only bad things will happen as a consequence of me going public.”</p>

<p>“In a New Yorker report published in 2019, Ransome admitted that she had ‘invented’ the tapes. We can confirm that Sarah Ransome’s claims are baseless and unfounded," said a Virgin Group spokesperson.</p>

<p>In one of the email extracts, Ransome, aiming at Hillary Clinton, is reported to have said, "I will make sure that neither that evil b***h&nbsp;Hillary or that paedophile Trump gets elected. I will also make sure that everyone on the God damn planet sees that footage and photos and will release them to WikiLeaks by Sunday.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the fresh batch of the unsealed court files of Jeffrey Epstein, it has been disclosed that the defence team of the sex offender tried to undermine the credibility of one of the witnesses by revealing that she made claims of Epstein keeping "sex tapes" of prominent personalities.

In the fresh batch of the unsealed court files of Jeffrey Epstein, it has been disclosed that the defence team of the sex offender tried to undermine the credibility of one of the witnesses by revealing that she made claims of Epstein keeping "sex tapes" of prominent personalities. As per allegations made by Sarah Ransome, the celebrities whose alleged sex tapes were recorded included Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton and Sir Richard Branson. A firm, which was representing Epstein’s lawyer Alan Dershowitz, had flagged her claims to demonstrate Ransome “manifestly lacks credibility”. No proof of the existence of any tapes was submitted by the court and Ransome had retracted the allegations soon after they were made initially. Also read: Google co-founder Sergey Brin visited Jeffrey Epstein's 'paedophile island', new court docs reveal A victim impact statement was given by Ransome before British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced for sex trafficking. The court was provided with the emails in which she had allegedly claimed Prince Andrew, Clinton and Branson were filmed by the child sex offender. Serious accusations were also made against the former US president Donald Trump by Ransome. Jeffrey filmed the sex tapes: Ransome As per the newly-released documents, Ransome had written in the emails: “When my friend had sexual intercourse with Clinton, Prince Andrew and Richard Branson, sex tapes were in fact filmed on each separate occasion by Jeffrey. Thank God she managed to get a hold of some footage of the filmed sex tapes, which clearly identify the faces of Clinton, Prince Andrew and Branson having sexual intercourse with her. Frustratingly enough, Epstein was not seen in any of the footage but he was clever like that." “When my friend eventually had the courage to speak out and went to the police in 2008 to report what had happened, nothing was done and she was utterly humiliated by the police department where she went to report what had happened with Epstein, Clinton, Branson and Prince Andrew," she added. In the emails, Ransome further alleged that former US president Trump “had sexual relations with [her friend] at Jeffrey’s NY mansion on regular occasions”. Watch: Gravitas: Where is Nadia Marcinko, Epstein's 'Sex Slave' Turned Accomplice? Emery Celli Brinckerhoff & Abady LLP, in a letter to the court, said that false allegations were made against Epstein’s lawyer Dershowitz, and added, “[Ransome’s] testimony was fabricated from whole cloth. Ms Ransome’s testimony also contains a slew of other incendiary claims concerning the sexual proclivities of Donald Trump, Bill Clinton and other prominent individuals. The emails are a necessary antidote to Ms Ransome’s deposition misstatements because they demonstrate she manifestly lacks credibility.” Soon after, Ransome withdrew her claims and said, “I want to walk away from this … I shouldn’t have contacted you and I’m sorry I wasted your time. It’s not worth coming forward and I will never be heard anyhow and only bad things will happen as a consequence of me going public.” “In a New Yorker report published in 2019, Ransome admitted that she had ‘invented’ the tapes. We can confirm that Sarah Ransome’s claims are baseless and unfounded," said a Virgin Group spokesperson. In one of the email extracts, Ransome, aiming at Hillary Clinton, is reported to have said, "I will make sure that neither that evil b***h Hillary or that paedophile Trump gets elected. I will also make sure that everyone on the God damn planet sees that footage and photos and will release them to WikiLeaks by Sunday.” (With inputs from agencies)

Epstein files: Billionaire had ‘sex tapes’ of Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton and Trump, claimed witness

<p>Eight young people were placed in medically induced comas after they had an overdose of suspected MDMA at a music festival in Melbourne, Australia over the weekend. The incident has increased calls for the legalisation of pill testing in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Paramedics, who were present at the Hardmission electronic music festival organised at Flemington racecourse on Saturday (Jan 6), admitted nine festivalgoers to different hospitals across Melbourne.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Victorian Ambulance Union said that eight people were put in medical induced comas and breathing tubes were inserted in their throats.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-ban-on-nazi-salute-public-display-of-terror-group-symbols-kicks-into-effect-677745">Australia's ban on Nazi salute, public display of terror group symbols kicks into effect</a></p>

<p>“These would have been some of the sickest patients our paramedics would deal with, short of going into cardiac arrest,” said Danny Hill, the Victorian Ambulance Union’s secretary, as reported by The Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They were really, really sick. You had patients with high temperatures – some over 41 degrees and seizure activity. In order to be transported, [paramedics] have to do an intervention that is normally left for patients suffering a head injury or a stroke," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Not normal for a high number of people to fall sick at event: Hill</strong></h2>

<p>Hill said that it was not normal for a high number of people to fall sick at an event. “I don’t think we’ve seen it for some years, if ever,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The temperature on Saturday (Jan 6) soared to 32ºC, however, Hill said that MDMA can also increase the blood pressure and body temperature of a person.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They’re already in a dangerous situation and no doubt that was compounded by the environment,” he said, while speaking to The Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Australia: After the floods came the bushfires</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-after-the-floods-came-the-bushfires-671509/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The patients were admitted to the Sunshine, Royal Melbourne, Austin, Footscray and St Vincent’s hospitals. Royal Melbourne Hospital's spokesperson said that two patients were in critical condition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hill said that he hoped the event of Saturday would further push people to reconsider pill testing in Victoria.</p>

<p>“These drugs are not made in batches of seven or eight tablets. They’re made in batches of hundreds or thousands so there are many more of these deadly tablets out there. And there are many more of these raves throughout the summer season. It can only help to bring in pill-testing and try to intercept the drug use as close as you can to the person using the drug," Hill said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Eight young people were placed in medically induced comas after they had an overdose of suspected MDMA at a music festival in Melbourne, Australia over the weekend.

Eight young people were placed in medically induced comas after they had an overdose of suspected MDMA at a music festival in Melbourne, Australia over the weekend. The incident has increased calls for the legalisation of pill testing in the state. Paramedics, who were present at the Hardmission electronic music festival organised at Flemington racecourse on Saturday (Jan 6), admitted nine festivalgoers to different hospitals across Melbourne. Victorian Ambulance Union said that eight people were put in medical induced comas and breathing tubes were inserted in their throats. Also read: Australia's ban on Nazi salute, public display of terror group symbols kicks into effect “These would have been some of the sickest patients our paramedics would deal with, short of going into cardiac arrest,” said Danny Hill, the Victorian Ambulance Union’s secretary, as reported by The Guardian. “They were really, really sick. You had patients with high temperatures – some over 41 degrees and seizure activity. In order to be transported, [paramedics] have to do an intervention that is normally left for patients suffering a head injury or a stroke," he added. Not normal for a high number of people to fall sick at event: Hill Hill said that it was not normal for a high number of people to fall sick at an event. “I don’t think we’ve seen it for some years, if ever,” he added. The temperature on Saturday (Jan 6) soared to 32ºC, however, Hill said that MDMA can also increase the blood pressure and body temperature of a person. “They’re already in a dangerous situation and no doubt that was compounded by the environment,” he said, while speaking to The Guardian. Watch: Australia: After the floods came the bushfires The patients were admitted to the Sunshine, Royal Melbourne, Austin, Footscray and St Vincent’s hospitals. Royal Melbourne Hospital's spokesperson said that two patients were in critical condition. Hill said that he hoped the event of Saturday would further push people to reconsider pill testing in Victoria. “These drugs are not made in batches of seven or eight tablets. They’re made in batches of hundreds or thousands so there are many more of these deadly tablets out there. And there are many more of these raves throughout the summer season. It can only help to bring in pill-testing and try to intercept the drug use as close as you can to the person using the drug," Hill said. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia: Eight people placed in induced coma after suspected overdose of MDMA at music festival

<p>The passengers, who were on the Alaska Airlines flight which was forced to make an emergency landing when its emergency exit door fell off mid-air, said that the experience was loud and terrifying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking to NBC News, Evan Granger, who was seated in exit row seat 16F, said that he heard a “loud boom” followed by “a gust of wind coming in” at around 20 minutes into the flight on Friday (Jan 5). He added that both of his ears became plugged.</p>

<p>“I didn’t want to look back to see what was happening,” said Granger, adding, “My focus in that moment was just breathe into the oxygen mask and trust that the flight crew will do everything they can to keep us safe.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Granger further accepted that “there are so many things that had to go right in order for all of us to have survived,” adding that he is “very grateful” that the plane was able to land safely.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alaska-airlines-mid-air-blowout-planes-door-lost-in-dramatic-accident-found-677705">Schoolteacher finds door plug that blew off Alaska Airlines plane in mid-air drama in his backyard</a></p>

<p>Elizabeth Le, who is from Portland, Oregon, said that the flight had taken off from Portland around 20 minutes ago and was headed to Ontario, California on Friday (Jan 5) when she heard a loud sound.</p>

<p>“All of a sudden I heard like a big bang and I didn’t know exactly what was going on, but I look up and the oxygen masks were hanging from the ceiling,” said Le, while speaking to Southern California news outlet OC Hawk. “And then I look to my left and there’s this huge chunk, part of the airplane is like missing," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Extremely loud wind rushed inside the plane: Passenger</strong></h2>

<p>Le said that as soon as the door fell, “extremely loud” wind rushed inside the plane, however, the passengers stayed in their seats and kept wearing their seatbelts.</p>

<p>“I couldn’t really think straight because of how loud the wind was. I just couldn’t believe my eyes. There’s a gaping hole. You could see the city and the stars and everything just outside of the window. It was crazy," she said.</p>

<p>Le added that no one was present on the window seat of the row which was directly next to where the plane's part fell off, however, a mom and son were sitting in the middle and aisle seats of that row.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US: Alaska airlines grounds all Boeing 737-9 planes after window blows out mid-air</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-alaska-airlines-grounds-all-boeing-737-9-planes-after-window-blows-out-mid-air-677319/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Speaking to OC Hawk, another passenger Jessica Montoya said that the plane had reached 10,000 feet when the door detached.</p>

<p>“We flew for another three or four minutes, and then we heard this pop and all the oxygen masks came down. I wasn’t afraid. I don’t know why. No one really screamed or anything," she said.</p>

<p>Montoya said she also spoke to someone who informed him that his shirt and phone were “sucked out” of the aircraft. “It was a trip from hell,” said Montoya.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The passengers, who were on the Alaska Airlines flight which was forced to make an emergency landing when its emergency exit door fell off mid-air, said that the experience was loud and terrifying.

The passengers, who were on the Alaska Airlines flight which was forced to make an emergency landing when its emergency exit door fell off mid-air, said that the experience was loud and terrifying. While speaking to NBC News, Evan Granger, who was seated in exit row seat 16F, said that he heard a “loud boom” followed by “a gust of wind coming in” at around 20 minutes into the flight on Friday (Jan 5). He added that both of his ears became plugged. “I didn’t want to look back to see what was happening,” said Granger, adding, “My focus in that moment was just breathe into the oxygen mask and trust that the flight crew will do everything they can to keep us safe.” Granger further accepted that “there are so many things that had to go right in order for all of us to have survived,” adding that he is “very grateful” that the plane was able to land safely. Also read: Schoolteacher finds door plug that blew off Alaska Airlines plane in mid-air drama in his backyard Elizabeth Le, who is from Portland, Oregon, said that the flight had taken off from Portland around 20 minutes ago and was headed to Ontario, California on Friday (Jan 5) when she heard a loud sound. “All of a sudden I heard like a big bang and I didn’t know exactly what was going on, but I look up and the oxygen masks were hanging from the ceiling,” said Le, while speaking to Southern California news outlet OC Hawk. “And then I look to my left and there’s this huge chunk, part of the airplane is like missing," she added. Extremely loud wind rushed inside the plane: Passenger Le said that as soon as the door fell, “extremely loud” wind rushed inside the plane, however, the passengers stayed in their seats and kept wearing their seatbelts. “I couldn’t really think straight because of how loud the wind was. I just couldn’t believe my eyes. There’s a gaping hole. You could see the city and the stars and everything just outside of the window. It was crazy," she said. Le added that no one was present on the window seat of the row which was directly next to where the plane's part fell off, however, a mom and son were sitting in the middle and aisle seats of that row. Watch: US: Alaska airlines grounds all Boeing 737-9 planes after window blows out mid-air Speaking to OC Hawk, another passenger Jessica Montoya said that the plane had reached 10,000 feet when the door detached. “We flew for another three or four minutes, and then we heard this pop and all the oxygen masks came down. I wasn’t afraid. I don’t know why. No one really screamed or anything," she said. Montoya said she also spoke to someone who informed him that his shirt and phone were “sucked out” of the aircraft. “It was a trip from hell,” said Montoya. (With inputs from agencies)

A loud boom, gusts of wind: Alaska Airlines passengers recall the moment door of plane fell off

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