After the US said it carried out attacks on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-ordered-action-against-irans-quds-force-commander-soleimani-us-department-of-defence-271773">Baghdad airport </a>that killed Iran's Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani, Iran's foreign minister said it was "an extremely dangerous and foolish escalation."

"The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism," foreign minister Zarif said in a Twitter post.&nbsp;

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The US' act of international terrorism, targeting &amp; assassinating General Soleimani—THE most effective force fighting Daesh (ISIS), Al Nusrah, Al Qaeda et al—is extremely dangerous &amp; a foolish escalation. 
 
The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1212946202280579073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi summoned an official from the Swiss embassy which represents the US to condemn the killing of Soleimani.

"Following the assassination of General Soleimani by US forces, the Swiss charge d'affaires was summoned and Iran's serious condemnation was conveyed to him," Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.

"He was told that this is a clear instance of America's state terrorism and America's regime will be fully responsible for its consequences," Mousavi added.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deputy-head-of-group-irans-quds-force-head-qasem-soleimani-killed-hashed-al-shaabi-271762">US Department of Defence</a>&nbsp;had said in a statement that President ordered the strike on Iran's Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani.

"At the direction of the President, the US military has taken decisive defensive action to protect US personnel abroad by killing Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force, a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization," the US Department of defence said.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed in a statement that Soleimani was killed during the Baghdad airport attack.

"Honoured supreme commander of Islam, Haj Qassim Soleimani, was martyred this morning after a life of struggle in an attack by American helicopters," the Revolutionary Guards said in a statement.

After the US said it carried out attacks on Baghdad airport that killed Iran's Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani, Iran's foreign minister said it was "an extremely dangerous and foolish escalation.

After the US said it carried out attacks on Baghdad airport that killed Iran's Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani, Iran's foreign minister said it was "an extremely dangerous and foolish escalation." "The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism," foreign minister Zarif said in a Twitter post. The US' act of international terrorism, targeting & assassinating General Soleimani—THE most effective force fighting Daesh (ISIS), Al Nusrah, Al Qaeda et al—is extremely dangerous & a foolish escalation. The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism. — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 3, 2020 × Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi summoned an official from the Swiss embassy which represents the US to condemn the killing of Soleimani. "Following the assassination of General Soleimani by US forces, the Swiss charge d'affaires was summoned and Iran's serious condemnation was conveyed to him," Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said. "He was told that this is a clear instance of America's state terrorism and America's regime will be fully responsible for its consequences," Mousavi added. The US Department of Defence had said in a statement that President ordered the strike on Iran's Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani. "At the direction of the President, the US military has taken decisive defensive action to protect US personnel abroad by killing Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force, a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization," the US Department of defence said. Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed in a statement that Soleimani was killed during the Baghdad airport attack. "Honoured supreme commander of Islam, Haj Qassim Soleimani, was martyred this morning after a life of struggle in an attack by American helicopters," the Revolutionary Guards said in a statement.

US bears responsibility for consequences of rogue adventurism: Iran foreign minister Zarif on Soleimani killing

The Trump administration on Thursday said it would ban<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-upholds-e-cigarette-ban-amid-vaping-deaths-253923"> flavoured e-cigarettes</a> to prevent the youth from taking to it&nbsp; but did not order a full ban.

Cartridge-based e-cigarettes in flavors other than tobacco or menthol would be illegal unless specifically authorized by the government, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said.

The agency said the directive will come into effect in February.&nbsp;According to the new guidelines, cartridges with fruit, mint and candy flavors have been banned.

"We have to protect our families. At the same time, it's a big industry, we want to protect the industry," Trump said later.

A report earlier by CDC had said that have been 2,051 confirmed and probable US lung injury cases and 39 deaths associated with use of e-cigarettes.

The Trump administration had said last&nbsp;year that Food and Drug Administration(FDA) was working on a "guidance document" that would lead to a ban of all e-cigarette flavours, aside from tobacco flavouring. 
&nbsp; 
Trump had said earlier that he wanted the minimum age for vaping to be increased to 21, but hasn't announced anything in this regard.

The Trump administration on Thursday said it would ban flavoured e-cigarettes to prevent the youth from taking to it but did not order a full ban. Cartridge-based e-cigarettes in flavors other than tobacco or menthol would be illegal unless specifically authorized by the government, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said.

The Trump administration on Thursday said it would ban flavoured e-cigarettes to prevent the youth from taking to it but did not order a full ban. Cartridge-based e-cigarettes in flavors other than tobacco or menthol would be illegal unless specifically authorized by the government, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said. The agency said the directive will come into effect in February. According to the new guidelines, cartridges with fruit, mint and candy flavors have been banned. "We have to protect our families. At the same time, it's a big industry, we want to protect the industry," Trump said later. A report earlier by CDC had said that have been 2,051 confirmed and probable US lung injury cases and 39 deaths associated with use of e-cigarettes. The Trump administration had said last year that Food and Drug Administration(FDA) was working on a "guidance document" that would lead to a ban of all e-cigarette flavours, aside from tobacco flavouring. Trump had said earlier that he wanted the minimum age for vaping to be increased to 21, but hasn't announced anything in this regard.

Trump administration announces partial ban on flavoured e-cigarettes

Marnus Labuschagne continued his purple patch of form into the New Year as Australia reached 182 for two at tea on the first day of the third Test against a New Zealand side ravaged by illness and missing captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-sweat-on-ailing-williamson-and-nicholls-271562">Kane Williamson</a> on Friday.

A Blacks Caps side featuring five changes from the side which lost in Melbourne to cede the three-match series battled gamely but Labuschagne looked well set on 73 not out after scoring his sixth half-century in his last seven innings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-smith-strikes-a-blow-against-new-zealand-on-boxing-day-270526">Steve Smith</a> was unbeaten on 42 having taken 39 balls to get off the mark, his determination not to fall to <a>New Zealand</a> quick Neil Wagner for a fifth time in this series apparently overcoming his desire to score runs.

Wagner did take one big wicket when he removed David Warner for 45 three balls after lunch with a delivery down the leg side that the Australian opener steered to gully for Colin de Grandhomme to take a fine catch.

De Grandhomme was responsible for the one wicket to fall in the first session when he had the other opener, Joe Burns, caught in the slips off an outside edge for 18.

The day got off to a chaotic start for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-collapse-to-148-all-out-under-australian-pace-barrage-270701">New Zealand</a> when Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls were ruled out of the match by a flu virus just before the toss, while spinner Mitchell Santner was too ill to leave the team hotel.

Tom Latham was named captain in Williamson's place and his first act was to lose a toss the tourists would have been desperate to win after selecting two spinners and dropping paceman Tim Southee.

With Southee's usual strike partner Trent Boult ruled out by injury, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-stunned-new-zealand-fight-to-save-second-australia-test-270820">New Zealand</a> started a test for the first time in more than a decade without one of the pair or Williamson in the side.

Both teams wore black armbands in memory of those who have lost their lives in the bushfires and before the start of play joined the crowd in a minute of applause for the emergency services fighting the conflagrations.

The skies were clear of the bushfire smoke that has shrouded the city on several occasions over the last few months and has organisers prepared for delays during the match.

Marnus Labuschagne continued his purple patch of form into the New Year as Australia reached 182 for two at tea on the first day of the third Test against a New Zealand side ravaged by illness and missing captain Kane Williamson on Friday.

Marnus Labuschagne continued his purple patch of form into the New Year as Australia reached 182 for two at tea on the first day of the third Test against a New Zealand side ravaged by illness and missing captain Kane Williamson on Friday. A Blacks Caps side featuring five changes from the side which lost in Melbourne to cede the three-match series battled gamely but Labuschagne looked well set on 73 not out after scoring his sixth half-century in his last seven innings. Steve Smith was unbeaten on 42 having taken 39 balls to get off the mark, his determination not to fall to New Zealand quick Neil Wagner for a fifth time in this series apparently overcoming his desire to score runs. Wagner did take one big wicket when he removed David Warner for 45 three balls after lunch with a delivery down the leg side that the Australian opener steered to gully for Colin de Grandhomme to take a fine catch. De Grandhomme was responsible for the one wicket to fall in the first session when he had the other opener, Joe Burns, caught in the slips off an outside edge for 18. The day got off to a chaotic start for New Zealand when Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls were ruled out of the match by a flu virus just before the toss, while spinner Mitchell Santner was too ill to leave the team hotel. Tom Latham was named captain in Williamson's place and his first act was to lose a toss the tourists would have been desperate to win after selecting two spinners and dropping paceman Tim Southee. With Southee's usual strike partner Trent Boult ruled out by injury, New Zealand started a test for the first time in more than a decade without one of the pair or Williamson in the side. Both teams wore black armbands in memory of those who have lost their lives in the bushfires and before the start of play joined the crowd in a minute of applause for the emergency services fighting the conflagrations. The skies were clear of the bushfire smoke that has shrouded the city on several occasions over the last few months and has organisers prepared for delays during the match.

Sydney Test: Labuschagne leads charge against New Zealand as Australia take charge

BJP national working president JP Nadda said here on Thursday that Congress has not condemned the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/anti-caa-protests-heres-why-the-police-force-is-being-targetted-and-demonised-271596">violence</a> that took place during the protest against Citizenship (Amendment) Act, implying that they are behind it.

"Congress says they are not behind the violence," said Nadda. "If you are not behind it, then so many days have passed, why have you not condemned it?" he asked while addressing an event.

Earlier in the day, he offered prayers at the Swaminarayan Mandir. Temple saints handed over a letter to the BJP leader in support of CAA.

The party is conducting meetings and organising seminars on CAA. Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday launched a toll-free number to get support from people for its campaigns in favour of the amended citizenship law.

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नागरिकता संशोधन अधिनियम - 2019 को अपना समर्थन देने के लिए 8866288662 पर मिस्ड कॉल करें। <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaSupportsCAA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaSupportsCAA</a> <a href="https://t.co/AJ819hv6Ul">pic.twitter.com/AJ819hv6Ul</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1212729507292962816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

BJP national working president JP Nadda said here on Thursday that Congress has not condemned the violence that took place during the protest against Citizenship (Amendment) Act, implying that they are behind it.

BJP national working president JP Nadda said here on Thursday that Congress has not condemned the violence that took place during the protest against Citizenship (Amendment) Act, implying that they are behind it. "Congress says they are not behind the violence," said Nadda. "If you are not behind it, then so many days have passed, why have you not condemned it?" he asked while addressing an event. Earlier in the day, he offered prayers at the Swaminarayan Mandir. Temple saints handed over a letter to the BJP leader in support of CAA. The party is conducting meetings and organising seminars on CAA. Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday launched a toll-free number to get support from people for its campaigns in favour of the amended citizenship law. नागरिकता संशोधन अधिनियम - 2019 को अपना समर्थन देने के लिए 8866288662 पर मिस्ड कॉल करें। #IndiaSupportsCAA pic.twitter.com/AJ819hv6Ul — BJP (@BJP4India) January 2, 2020 × The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

If Congress not behind anti-CAA violence, why haven't they condemned it, asks Nadda

At least 19 trains are running late due to low visibility in the Northern Railway region.

However, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures have increased by 3-4 degree Celsius over most parts of Uttar Pradesh, east Rajasthan and at isolated places over Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, and west Madhya Pradesh. The weather body has predicted that there will be no cold wave in Delhi till January 4.

Meanwhile, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi continued to be in the 'severe' category.

According to data provided by Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), AQI was recorded at 420 (severe category) in Anand Vihar, 364 (very poor) in RK Puram, and 428 (severe) in Rohini at 7 am on Friday.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous.

At least 19 trains are running late due to low visibility in the Northern Railway region. However, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures have increased by 3-4 degree Celsius over most parts of Uttar Pradesh, east Rajasthan and at isolated places over Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, and west Madhya Pradesh.

At least 19 trains are running late due to low visibility in the Northern Railway region. However, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures have increased by 3-4 degree Celsius over most parts of Uttar Pradesh, east Rajasthan and at isolated places over Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, and west Madhya Pradesh. The weather body has predicted that there will be no cold wave in Delhi till January 4. Meanwhile, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi continued to be in the 'severe' category. According to data provided by Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), AQI was recorded at 420 (severe category) in Anand Vihar, 364 (very poor) in RK Puram, and 428 (severe) in Rohini at 7 am on Friday. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous.

Trains running late due to low visibility in north India

A local court here has sent two Bangladeshi and two Turkish nationals to six-day police remand in connection with an ATM hacking case.

The accused were arrested two months ago by Barrackpore police of West Bengal.

The accused have been identified as Hakan Zanburkan, Fettah Aldemir (both Turkish nationals) and Mohammad Hannan, Mohammad Rafiqul Islam (Bangladeshi nationals).

According to Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) in-charge Bidyut Sutradhar, the hackers managed to steal more than Rs 50 lakh cash from ATMs by installing cloning devices in the machines in November last year.

A local court here has sent two Bangladeshi and two Turkish nationals to six-day police remand in connection with an ATM hacking case. The accused were arrested two months ago by Barrackpore police of West Bengal.

A local court here has sent two Bangladeshi and two Turkish nationals to six-day police remand in connection with an ATM hacking case. The accused were arrested two months ago by Barrackpore police of West Bengal. The accused have been identified as Hakan Zanburkan, Fettah Aldemir (both Turkish nationals) and Mohammad Hannan, Mohammad Rafiqul Islam (Bangladeshi nationals). According to Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) in-charge Bidyut Sutradhar, the hackers managed to steal more than Rs 50 lakh cash from ATMs by installing cloning devices in the machines in November last year.

Tripura: Bangladeshi, Turkish nationals sent to custody over ATM hacking

Around 445 trespassers have been detained by the Bangladesh authorities in the last two months while trying to return to Bangladesh after visiting India illegally, informed Director General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-400-bangaldeshi-nationals-trying-to-flee-india-arrested-by-border-guards-271691">Border Guard Bangladesh</a> (BGB) -&nbsp;Shafeenul Islam.

At a press briefing on Thursday, he also said that in 2019 a total of 1,002 persons were detained while trying to return to Bangladesh after visiting India illegally, reported Dhaka Tribune.

&nbsp;

Watch: WION Dispatch - Bangladesh witnesses reverse migration

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Talking on the issue of border killings, the BGB chief said: "The issue of border killings was discussed at the six-day 49th DG level <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bangladesh-border-forces-to-hold-high-level-talks-from-tomorrow-in-delhi-163097">BGB-BSF meeting</a> in New Delhi from December 25 to 30. We expressed our concern about the killing of Bangladeshi people by the Border Security Force (BSF) in the border areas."

He also informed that 2019 recorded the highest number of border killings.

Responding to a question whether <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-caa-and-nrc-are-affecting-india-bangladesh-ties-271710">NRC and CAA</a>&nbsp;were discussed during the border coordination conference with India, he said, "It's their internal matter."

He further said that BGB is planning to buy modern arms and ammunition to secure the border alongside Myanmar.

Last year, border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh held Directors General level talks from December 25 to 30 to discuss border-related issues.

Around 445 trespassers have been detained by the Bangladesh authorities in the last two months while trying to return to Bangladesh after visiting India illegally, informed Director General Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) - Shafeenul Islam.

Around 445 trespassers have been detained by the Bangladesh authorities in the last two months while trying to return to Bangladesh after visiting India illegally, informed Director General Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) - Shafeenul Islam. At a press briefing on Thursday, he also said that in 2019 a total of 1,002 persons were detained while trying to return to Bangladesh after visiting India illegally, reported Dhaka Tribune. Watch: WION Dispatch - Bangladesh witnesses reverse migration × Talking on the issue of border killings, the BGB chief said: "The issue of border killings was discussed at the six-day 49th DG level BGB-BSF meeting in New Delhi from December 25 to 30. We expressed our concern about the killing of Bangladeshi people by the Border Security Force (BSF) in the border areas." He also informed that 2019 recorded the highest number of border killings. Responding to a question whether NRC and CAA were discussed during the border coordination conference with India, he said, "It's their internal matter." He further said that BGB is planning to buy modern arms and ammunition to secure the border alongside Myanmar. Last year, border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh held Directors General level talks from December 25 to 30 to discuss border-related issues.

Around 445 trespassers detained in last two months: Bangladesh border guard

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Friday issued sanctions on Cuban General, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fidel-castro-as-seen-by-allies-and-enemies-9356">Leopoldo Cintra Frias</a> for use of violence to assist the former Maduro regime in Venezuela.

"Today we designate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-manuel-merrero-becomes-prime-minister-40-years-after-fidel-castro-269513">Cuba</a> regime official Leopoldo Cintra Frias for his involvement in gross violations of human rights and use of violence to prop up the former Maduro regime in Venezuela. We will promote accountability for those who abuse human rights, wherever they may reside," Michael Pompeo wrote in a tweet.

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Today we designate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cuba?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cuba</a> regime official Leopoldo Cintra Frias for his involvement in gross violations of human rights and use of violence to prop up the former Maduro regime in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Venezuela?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Venezuela</a>. We will promote accountability for those who abuse human rights, wherever they may reside.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1212848892867420181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Last year, the United States imposed sanctions on Cuban Interior Minister Julio Ceaser Gandarilla Bermejo for involvement in "gross human rights violations in Venezuela."

Friday's sanction was the latest in a series of punitive measures that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-a-man-of-his-word-on-denuclearization-donald-trump-271377">Trump</a> administration has taken against Washington's old Cold War foe.

The Trump administration has stopped short of breaking off diplomatic relations with Cuba restored by former president Obama in 2015 after more than five decades of hostility.

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Friday issued sanctions on Cuban General, Leopoldo Cintra Frias for use of violence to assist the former Maduro regime in Venezuela.

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Friday issued sanctions on Cuban General, Leopoldo Cintra Frias for use of violence to assist the former Maduro regime in Venezuela. "Today we designate Cuba regime official Leopoldo Cintra Frias for his involvement in gross violations of human rights and use of violence to prop up the former Maduro regime in Venezuela. We will promote accountability for those who abuse human rights, wherever they may reside," Michael Pompeo wrote in a tweet. Today we designate #Cuba regime official Leopoldo Cintra Frias for his involvement in gross violations of human rights and use of violence to prop up the former Maduro regime in #Venezuela. We will promote accountability for those who abuse human rights, wherever they may reside. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 2, 2020 × Last year, the United States imposed sanctions on Cuban Interior Minister Julio Ceaser Gandarilla Bermejo for involvement in "gross human rights violations in Venezuela." Friday's sanction was the latest in a series of punitive measures that the Trump administration has taken against Washington's old Cold War foe. The Trump administration has stopped short of breaking off diplomatic relations with Cuba restored by former president Obama in 2015 after more than five decades of hostility.

US sanctions Cuban general Leopoldo Cintra Frias for supporting Maduro regime in Venezuela

The United States will expand the scope of a program that returns non-Mexican migrants crossing Mexico's border to that country to await their US&nbsp;court hearings, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/immigration-hawk-promoted-to-us-homeland-security-acting-deputy-262013">Department of Homeland Security</a> said on Thursday.

Washington already has sent more than 56,000 migrants to Mexico under the program, known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP). The majority have been Central Americans applying for US asylum.

The effort — which had been implemented over the past year at ports of entry in Texas and California — will be applied at a port of entry south of Tucson, Ariz. Previously, migrants encountered in that area had been sent to El Paso, Texas, to process their return to Mexico.

US&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-a-man-of-his-word-on-denuclearization-donald-trump-271377">President Donald Trump</a> has made immigration enforcement a major focus of his first term in office and has continued to press the issue in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election.

Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf said in a written statement on Thursday that the MPP program has been "an extremely effective tool" for the United States.

Advocates counter that the initiative exposes migrants to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-cabinet-opposed-mexican-cartel-policy-trump-forged-ahead-270508">violence in Mexico</a> and restricts their ability to seek protection in the United States. The US&nbsp;consulate in Mexico’s border city of Nuevo Laredo issued a security alert on Wednesday, warning against gun battles and urging government employees to take precautions.

Mexico’s asylum agency, known as COMAR, said on Wednesday that it had received 66,915 applications for asylum in 2019, up nearly 126 per cent&nbsp;from the previous year.

The agency has struggled to process the crush of applications with limited resources. COMAR received 20 million pesos ($1.05 million) in funding from the Mexican government in 2019, the lowest sum in seven years.

In December, US&nbsp;border authorities expanded a separate program to process asylum cases rapidly to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, according to CBS News. The programme, known as Prompt Asylum Claim Review (PACR), had been launched months earlier as a pilot in the El Paso area.

US&nbsp;authorities have not specified the criteria to place migrants in a growing array of border programs, which include MPP, PACR and another initiative that sends asylum seekers from Honduras and El Salvador to request protection in Guatemala.

Rodney Scott, acting deputy chief of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-citizen-dead-in-us-custody-ice-271529">US&nbsp;Border Patrol</a>, told reporters in December that the factors "change on a daily basis" but are determined in coordination with the receiving countries.

The United States will expand the scope of a program that returns non-Mexican migrants crossing Mexico's border to that country to await their US court hearings, the Department of Homeland Security said on Thursday.

The United States will expand the scope of a program that returns non-Mexican migrants crossing Mexico's border to that country to await their US court hearings, the Department of Homeland Security said on Thursday. Washington already has sent more than 56,000 migrants to Mexico under the program, known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP). The majority have been Central Americans applying for US asylum. The effort — which had been implemented over the past year at ports of entry in Texas and California — will be applied at a port of entry south of Tucson, Ariz. Previously, migrants encountered in that area had been sent to El Paso, Texas, to process their return to Mexico. US President Donald Trump has made immigration enforcement a major focus of his first term in office and has continued to press the issue in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election. Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf said in a written statement on Thursday that the MPP program has been "an extremely effective tool" for the United States. Advocates counter that the initiative exposes migrants to violence in Mexico and restricts their ability to seek protection in the United States. The US consulate in Mexico’s border city of Nuevo Laredo issued a security alert on Wednesday, warning against gun battles and urging government employees to take precautions. Mexico’s asylum agency, known as COMAR, said on Wednesday that it had received 66,915 applications for asylum in 2019, up nearly 126 per cent from the previous year. The agency has struggled to process the crush of applications with limited resources. COMAR received 20 million pesos ($1.05 million) in funding from the Mexican government in 2019, the lowest sum in seven years. In December, US border authorities expanded a separate program to process asylum cases rapidly to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, according to CBS News. The programme, known as Prompt Asylum Claim Review (PACR), had been launched months earlier as a pilot in the El Paso area. US authorities have not specified the criteria to place migrants in a growing array of border programs, which include MPP, PACR and another initiative that sends asylum seekers from Honduras and El Salvador to request protection in Guatemala. Rodney Scott, acting deputy chief of the US Border Patrol, told reporters in December that the factors "change on a daily basis" but are determined in coordination with the receiving countries.

US to expand scope of program to return migrants to Mexico: Department of Homeland Security

Every year Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala hills in Andhra Pradesh&nbsp;breaks his own record of hundi(donation ) collections, especially on New Year's Day.&nbsp;

The Tirumala temple donation collection in 2020 reached a new high with the richest&nbsp;Hindu God getting&nbsp;richer with each passing year. While on January 1, 2019, the collection was recorded at Rs 3.17 crores, this year on January 1, 2020, the collection stood at Rs 3.93 crores.&nbsp;

Though January 1 happens to be New Year according to the English calender, it has special significance for Hindu devotees who throng different temples on this day considering it is special and as always, January 1 also happens to be a special day for devotees of Lord Venkateswara who throng Tirumala to worship the Lord.

NK Sundaravadana Battacharyulu, temple adviser, says: "A king or a thief both pray before the Swamy. King offers after his victory while a thief prays for his robbery and seek the Swamy's blessings. Earlier, Rs 100 note was seen only once in a while but now Swamy gets crores and crores of rupees."

Importantly, devotees come from far off places especially to take "darshan" of the Lord on January 1, some even say the Lord is their "business partner".

On January 1, 2020, a record number of 86,422 pilgrims took part in payers of Lord Venkateswara.

Every year Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala hills in Andhra Pradesh breaks his own record of hundi(donation ) collections, especially on New Year's Day. The Tirumala temple donation collection in 2020 reached a new high with the richest Hindu God getting richer with each passing year.

Every year Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala hills in Andhra Pradesh breaks his own record of hundi(donation ) collections, especially on New Year's Day. The Tirumala temple donation collection in 2020 reached a new high with the richest Hindu God getting richer with each passing year. While on January 1, 2019, the collection was recorded at Rs 3.17 crores, this year on January 1, 2020, the collection stood at Rs 3.93 crores. Though January 1 happens to be New Year according to the English calender, it has special significance for Hindu devotees who throng different temples on this day considering it is special and as always, January 1 also happens to be a special day for devotees of Lord Venkateswara who throng Tirumala to worship the Lord. NK Sundaravadana Battacharyulu, temple adviser, says: "A king or a thief both pray before the Swamy. King offers after his victory while a thief prays for his robbery and seek the Swamy's blessings. Earlier, Rs 100 note was seen only once in a while but now Swamy gets crores and crores of rupees." Importantly, devotees come from far off places especially to take "darshan" of the Lord on January 1, some even say the Lord is their "business partner". On January 1, 2020, a record number of 86,422 pilgrims took part in payers of Lord Venkateswara.

Record donation collected on New Year's Day at Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala

At least eight people were killed as rockets hit Baghdad airport on Friday.&nbsp;

The Iraqi military said three rockets hit the international airport in Baghdad.

"The deputy head of the Hashed, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and head of the Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, were killed in a US strike that targeted their car on the Baghdad International Airport road," Hashed said in a statement.

<img alt="Major-General Qassem Soleimani" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f1c7d5fe-9042-4d47-94fa-4d3e82ef72c4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_14.jpg" />

Soleimani heads the Islamic Revolutionary Guard(IRG) Corps' Quds Force.

As the attack on the Baghdad airport became public, US President Trump tweeted an image of the US flag amid allegations by PMF that the US was responsible for the attack.

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Reports say three Katyusha rockets were fired at the airport. According to police and medical sources, at least eight people were killed and nine others wounded.

Iraq's military said the airport was hit by rockets post-midnight.

The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) - an organisation of Shia militias in Iraq blamed the United States for the attack describing it as "cowardly US bombing."

The attack comes just a day after Hashed supporters pulled out of the US embassy in Baghdad after an airstrike killed several of its fighters.

At least eight people were killed as rockets hit Baghdad airport on Friday. The Iraqi military said three rockets hit the international airport in Baghdad. "The deputy head of the Hashed, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and head of the Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, were killed in a US strike that targeted their car on the Baghdad International Airport road," Hashed said in a statement.

At least eight people were killed as rockets hit Baghdad airport on Friday. The Iraqi military said three rockets hit the international airport in Baghdad. "The deputy head of the Hashed, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and head of the Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, were killed in a US strike that targeted their car on the Baghdad International Airport road," Hashed said in a statement. Soleimani heads the Islamic Revolutionary Guard(IRG) Corps' Quds Force. As the attack on the Baghdad airport became public, US President Trump tweeted an image of the US flag amid allegations by PMF that the US was responsible for the attack. pic.twitter.com/VXeKiVzpTf — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2020 × Reports say three Katyusha rockets were fired at the airport. According to police and medical sources, at least eight people were killed and nine others wounded. Iraq's military said the airport was hit by rockets post-midnight. The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) - an organisation of Shia militias in Iraq blamed the United States for the attack describing it as "cowardly US bombing." The attack comes just a day after Hashed supporters pulled out of the US embassy in Baghdad after an airstrike killed several of its fighters.

Rocket attack on Baghdad airport; top Iran commander killed

A US strike killed top Iranian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rocket-attack-on-baghdad-airport-top-iran-commander-killed-271756">commander Qasem Soleimani</a> and the deputy head of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi military force at Baghdad's airport early Friday, the Hashed announced.&nbsp;

"The deputy head of the Hashed, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and head of the Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, were killed in a US strike that targeted their car on the Baghdad International Airport road," the group said in a statement.

The international airport was hit in a volley of missiles just after midnight, Iraq's military said.

Security sources said the rockets targeted a Hashed convoy and left eight people dead, including "important figures."

As the news of the attack became public, Donald Trump tweeted a picture of the US flag.

The Hashed is a network of mostly-Shiite armed units, many of whom have very close ties to Tehran, who have been officially incorporated into Iraq's state security forces.

Muhandis is the Hashed's deputy chief but is widely recognised as the real shot-caller within the group.

He has been blacklisted by the US.&nbsp;

Soleimani heads the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force and also serves as Iran's pointman on Iraq.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, a mob of Hashed supporters surrounded the US embassy in outrage over American air strikes that killed 25 fighters from the network's hardline Kataeb Hezbollah faction, which is backed by Iran.&nbsp;

The US had acted in response to a rocket attack days earlier that had killed an American contractor working in Iraq.

A US strike killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and the deputy head of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi military force at Baghdad's airport early Friday, the Hashed announced.

A US strike killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and the deputy head of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi military force at Baghdad's airport early Friday, the Hashed announced. "The deputy head of the Hashed, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and head of the Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, were killed in a US strike that targeted their car on the Baghdad International Airport road," the group said in a statement. The international airport was hit in a volley of missiles just after midnight, Iraq's military said. Security sources said the rockets targeted a Hashed convoy and left eight people dead, including "important figures." As the news of the attack became public, Donald Trump tweeted a picture of the US flag. The Hashed is a network of mostly-Shiite armed units, many of whom have very close ties to Tehran, who have been officially incorporated into Iraq's state security forces. Muhandis is the Hashed's deputy chief but is widely recognised as the real shot-caller within the group. He has been blacklisted by the US. Soleimani heads the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force and also serves as Iran's pointman on Iraq. On Tuesday, a mob of Hashed supporters surrounded the US embassy in outrage over American air strikes that killed 25 fighters from the network's hardline Kataeb Hezbollah faction, which is backed by Iran. The US had acted in response to a rocket attack days earlier that had killed an American contractor working in Iraq.

Deputy head of group, Iran's Quds Force head Qasem Soleimani killed: Hashed al-Shaabi

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