<p>Bangladesh on Saturday rebuffed the "misleading" reports regarding the cancellation of the visit of State Minister for Foreign Affairs <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-deputy-foreign-minister-cancelled-his-india-visit-273654">Shariar Alam</a> to participate in the Raisina Dialogue to be held here.</p>

<p>Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said: "We have noticed few misleading news items published in different media regarding the supposed visit of State Minister for Foreign Affairs to participate in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/norways-pm-erna-solberg-to-visit-new-delhi-as-years-1st-foreign-leader-187985">Raisina Dialogue</a> in New Delhi organised by Overseas Research Foundation (ORF)."</p>

<p>The Ministry further clarified that Alam's visit coincides with his visit to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uae-entities-to-invest-up-to-7-billion-in-india-uae-food-corridor-piyush-goyal-256334">UAE</a> to accompany the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.</p>

<p>"Ministry would like to convey that State Minister Shahriar Alam was invited as a speaker in Raisina Dialogue, which coincides with his visit to UAE to accompany the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. As such State Minister Alam could not avail the participation," it stated.</p>

<p>Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry stated that a regret letter, in this regard, has already been sent to the ORF.</p>

<p>"It may be noted that there was no bilateral engagement scheduled during the visit. The inability of his participation has no other connection," it said.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, diplomatic sources had said that Bangladesh Deputy Foreign Minister Shahriar Alam will not take part in the Raisina Dialogue 2020 slated to be held from January 14 to 16 in New Delhi.</p>

<p>Sources had said that Alam cancelled his participation in the conference as he would be accompanying Bangladeshi Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/grateful-to-india-for-its-role-in-liberation-war-bangladesh-prime-minister-sheikh-hasina-263955">Sheikh Hasina</a> on her visit to Abu Dhabi.<br />
The Raisina Dialogue is India's annual flagship platform on the geo-politics and geo-economics. The conference is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs.</p>

<p>Alam is the third Bangladesh leader from Dhaka in recent weeks to cancel a visit to India. Earlier, Bangladesh Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bangladesh-minister-has-given-explanation-for-cancelling-his-india-visit-mea-267936">A K Abdul Momen</a> and Home Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-minister-rajnath-singh-reaches-dhaka-hopes-to-strengthen-bilateral-relation-151531">Asaduzzaman Khan</a> had cancelled their scheduled visits to India.</p>

<p>After Momen cancelled his visit, the MEA had said that any speculation that the development was connected with the passage of Citizenship Amendment Bill was "unwarranted."</p>


Bangladesh on Saturday rebuffed the "misleading" reports regarding the cancellation of the visit of State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shariar Alam to participate in the Raisina Dialogue to be held here.

Bangladesh on Saturday rebuffed the "misleading" reports regarding the cancellation of the visit of State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shariar Alam to participate in the Raisina Dialogue to be held here. Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said: "We have noticed few misleading news items published in different media regarding the supposed visit of State Minister for Foreign Affairs to participate in Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi organised by Overseas Research Foundation (ORF)." The Ministry further clarified that Alam's visit coincides with his visit to the UAE to accompany the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. "Ministry would like to convey that State Minister Shahriar Alam was invited as a speaker in Raisina Dialogue, which coincides with his visit to UAE to accompany the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. As such State Minister Alam could not avail the participation," it stated. Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry stated that a regret letter, in this regard, has already been sent to the ORF. "It may be noted that there was no bilateral engagement scheduled during the visit. The inability of his participation has no other connection," it said. Earlier in the day, diplomatic sources had said that Bangladesh Deputy Foreign Minister Shahriar Alam will not take part in the Raisina Dialogue 2020 slated to be held from January 14 to 16 in New Delhi. Sources had said that Alam cancelled his participation in the conference as he would be accompanying Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her visit to Abu Dhabi. The Raisina Dialogue is India's annual flagship platform on the geo-politics and geo-economics. The conference is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs. Alam is the third Bangladesh leader from Dhaka in recent weeks to cancel a visit to India. Earlier, Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan had cancelled their scheduled visits to India. After Momen cancelled his visit, the MEA had said that any speculation that the development was connected with the passage of Citizenship Amendment Bill was "unwarranted."

Bangladesh Foreign Ministry rebuffs misleading reports regarding cancellation of Minister's participation in Raisina Dialogue

<p>State-owned oil company&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gulf-markets-plunge-on-us-iran-tensions-kuwait-lead-fall-272251">Saudi&nbsp;Aramco</a>&nbsp;said on Sunday it has exercised its "greenshoe&nbsp;option" to sell an additional 450 million shares, raising the size of its initial public offering (IPO) to a&nbsp;record&nbsp;$29.4&nbsp;billion.</p>

<p>Aramco&nbsp;initially raised a then-record&nbsp;$25.6&nbsp;billion&nbsp;in its&nbsp;IPO&nbsp;in December by selling 3&nbsp;billion&nbsp;shares at 32 riyals ($8.53) but indicated it may sell additional shares&nbsp;through&nbsp;the over-allotment of shares.</p>

<p>A&nbsp;greenshoe&nbsp;option, or over-allotment, allows companies to issue more shares in an&nbsp;IPO&nbsp;when there is greater demand from participants during the initial offering.</p>

<p>Investors were allocated the additional shares for the&nbsp;option&nbsp;during the book-building process,&nbsp;Aramco&nbsp;said.</p>

<p>Aramco&nbsp;said "no additional shares are being offered into the market today and the stabilising manager will not hold any shares in the company as a result of exercise of the over-allotment&nbsp;option."</p>

<p>Aramco&nbsp;shares have been volatile recently because of geopolitical concerns as tensions between the United States and Iran rose after President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-iran-against-massacre-as-protests-erupt-over-downing-of-ukrainian-airplane-273670">Donald Trump</a> ordered a drone strike that killed a top <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-iraqis-rally-against-government-iran-and-us-273470">Iranian commander</a> and raised fears of war.</p>

<p>Shares of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-oil-gold-safe-haven-assets-gains-as-us-strike-kills-iranian-commander-271901">Aramco</a>&nbsp;fell to 34 riyals on Jan. 8, its lowest since the stock began trading on December&nbsp;11, but closed at 35 riyals on Thursday.</p>

<p>Thursday's closing price valued&nbsp;Aramco&nbsp;at $1.87 trillion, above the&nbsp;IPO&nbsp;price, which valued the company at $1.7 trillion, but below Crown Prince <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-kuwait-signed-an-agreement-to-resume-joint-oil-output-270025">Mohammed bin Salman's</a> coveted $2 trillion target.</p>


State-owned oil company Saudi Aramco said on Sunday it has exercised its "greenshoe option" to sell an additional 450 million shares, raising the size of its initial public offering (IPO) to a record $29.

State-owned oil company Saudi Aramco said on Sunday it has exercised its "greenshoe option" to sell an additional 450 million shares, raising the size of its initial public offering (IPO) to a record $29.4 billion. Aramco initially raised a then-record $25.6 billion in its IPO in December by selling 3 billion shares at 32 riyals ($8.53) but indicated it may sell additional shares through the over-allotment of shares. A greenshoe option, or over-allotment, allows companies to issue more shares in an IPO when there is greater demand from participants during the initial offering. Investors were allocated the additional shares for the option during the book-building process, Aramco said. Aramco said "no additional shares are being offered into the market today and the stabilising manager will not hold any shares in the company as a result of exercise of the over-allotment option." Aramco shares have been volatile recently because of geopolitical concerns as tensions between the United States and Iran rose after President Donald Trump ordered a drone strike that killed a top Iranian commander and raised fears of war. Shares of Aramco fell to 34 riyals on Jan. 8, its lowest since the stock began trading on December 11, but closed at 35 riyals on Thursday. Thursday's closing price valued Aramco at $1.87 trillion, above the IPO price, which valued the company at $1.7 trillion, but below Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's coveted $2 trillion target.

Saudi Aramco raises IPO to record $29.4 billion through greenshoe option

<p>As many as twenty people are feared dead after a double-decker bus carrying at least 45 passengers collided with a truck at Dewar Marg in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-expresses-grief-over-deaths-in-kannauj-road-accident-273514">Kannauj</a> district here late on Friday and went up in flames.</p>

<p>"A bus travelling from Kannauj to Jaipur collided with a truck at Dewar Marg in Kannauj, following which both went up in flames. Locals rushed to the spot and rescued several people from the bus," Inspector General of Police, Kanpur, Mohit Agarwal said on Saturday.</p>

<p>He said that 25 passengers have been safely rescued from the bus and are either receiving treatment at local hospitals or have been discharged.</p>

<p>"However, the remaining 20 people are unaccounted for. The bodies are badly burned, their bones are scattered, so only a DNA test by the forensic team will determine the death toll," Agarwal said.</p>

<p>"Prima facie the remains of 8-10 people seem to be on the bus but the damage is so extensive that casualties can be determined only through DNA test," he added.</p>

<p>Kannauj MP Subrata Pathak, who visited the spot, said that at least 20 people have died in the fire and several others have been injured.</p>

<p>Earlier, Kannauj District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar had said that several people reportedly escaped from the bus but did not visit the hospital and went home.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-9-students-run-over-by-a-bus-near-kannauj-6-dead-3-injured-143578">Uttar Pradesh</a> Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had expressed condolences over the collision and announced Rs 2 lakh each compensation for the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for those grievously injured in the incident.</p>

<p>Adityanath also sought a report of the incident from the District Magistrate.</p>


As many as twenty people are feared dead after a double-decker bus carrying at least 45 passengers collided with a truck at Dewar Marg in Kannauj district here late on Friday and went up in flames.

As many as twenty people are feared dead after a double-decker bus carrying at least 45 passengers collided with a truck at Dewar Marg in Kannauj district here late on Friday and went up in flames. "A bus travelling from Kannauj to Jaipur collided with a truck at Dewar Marg in Kannauj, following which both went up in flames. Locals rushed to the spot and rescued several people from the bus," Inspector General of Police, Kanpur, Mohit Agarwal said on Saturday. He said that 25 passengers have been safely rescued from the bus and are either receiving treatment at local hospitals or have been discharged. "However, the remaining 20 people are unaccounted for. The bodies are badly burned, their bones are scattered, so only a DNA test by the forensic team will determine the death toll," Agarwal said. "Prima facie the remains of 8-10 people seem to be on the bus but the damage is so extensive that casualties can be determined only through DNA test," he added. Kannauj MP Subrata Pathak, who visited the spot, said that at least 20 people have died in the fire and several others have been injured. Earlier, Kannauj District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar had said that several people reportedly escaped from the bus but did not visit the hospital and went home. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had expressed condolences over the collision and announced Rs 2 lakh each compensation for the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for those grievously injured in the incident. Adityanath also sought a report of the incident from the District Magistrate.

Kannauj bus accident: Twenty passengers unaccounted for, many feared dead

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-recommends-737-max-simulator-training-before-return-to-service-272832">Federal Aviation Administration</a> (FAA) said on Friday it was seeking to&nbsp;fine&nbsp;Boeing&nbsp;Co&nbsp;$5.4&nbsp;million&nbsp;(£4.14&nbsp;million), alleging it failed to prevent the installation of&nbsp;defective&nbsp;parts&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/faa-seeks-39-million-fine-from-boeing-for-defective-parts-on-737-ng-planes-266792">737&nbsp;MAX&nbsp;aeroplanes</a>.</p>

<p>The FAA alleged&nbsp;Boeing&nbsp;"failed to adequately oversee its suppliers to ensure they complied with the company's quality assurance system, Boeing&nbsp;knowingly submitted aircraft for final FAA airworthiness certification after determining that the&nbsp;parts&nbsp;could not be used due to a failed strength test."</p>

<p>The FAA proposed a $3.9&nbsp;million&nbsp;civil penalty against&nbsp;Boeing&nbsp;for the same issue in December involving 133&nbsp;737&nbsp;NG aeroplanes, which is the prior generation of the&nbsp;737.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;737&nbsp;MAX&nbsp;has been grounded since March after two fatal crashes killed 346 people.&nbsp;Boeing's safety record on a number of issues&nbsp;have come under scrutiny from lawmakers and the FAA.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;The Downfall Of Boeing</strong></p>

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<p>The&nbsp;parts&nbsp;issue is completely unrelated to the crashes,&nbsp;Boeing&nbsp;said.</p>

<p>The FAA disclosed in June that about 300 NG and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-prefer-to-download-black-boxes-iran-after-plane-crash-blamed-on-missile-273396">737&nbsp;MAX</a>&nbsp;aeroplanes&nbsp;could contain improperly manufactured&nbsp;parts&nbsp;and said it would require these&nbsp;parts&nbsp;to be quickly replaced.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;parts&nbsp;at issue are tracks on the leading edge of the wings used to guide the movement of slats that provide additional lift during takeoff and landing, the FAA said. The issue could result in a slat striking an aeroplane, potentially resulting in injury to passengers or preventing a safe landing.</p>

<p>The FAA said&nbsp;Boeing's oversight failure "resulted in the installation of slat tracks that were weakened by a condition known as hydrogen embrittlement that occurred during cadmium-titanium plating."</p>

<p>Boeing&nbsp;said Friday it was aware of the proposed penalty and said it has not seen any in-service issues&nbsp;with the&nbsp;parts, which are covered by a service bulletin and airworthiness directive.</p>

<p>"We will ensure that all inspections and any necessary part replacements are performed on all&nbsp;737&nbsp;MAXs before they return to service. We have not been informed of any in-service issues&nbsp;related to the slat tracks themselves,"&nbsp;Boeing&nbsp;said.</p>


The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on Friday it was seeking to fine Boeing Co $5.4 million (£4.14 million), alleging it failed to prevent the installation of defective parts on 737 MAX aeroplanes.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on Friday it was seeking to fine Boeing Co $5.4 million (£4.14 million), alleging it failed to prevent the installation of defective parts on 737 MAX aeroplanes. The FAA alleged Boeing "failed to adequately oversee its suppliers to ensure they complied with the company's quality assurance system, Boeing knowingly submitted aircraft for final FAA airworthiness certification after determining that the parts could not be used due to a failed strength test." The FAA proposed a $3.9 million civil penalty against Boeing for the same issue in December involving 133 737 NG aeroplanes, which is the prior generation of the 737. The 737 MAX has been grounded since March after two fatal crashes killed 346 people. Boeing's safety record on a number of issues have come under scrutiny from lawmakers and the FAA. Watch: The Downfall Of Boeing × The parts issue is completely unrelated to the crashes, Boeing said. The FAA disclosed in June that about 300 NG and 737 MAX aeroplanes could contain improperly manufactured parts and said it would require these parts to be quickly replaced. The parts at issue are tracks on the leading edge of the wings used to guide the movement of slats that provide additional lift during takeoff and landing, the FAA said. The issue could result in a slat striking an aeroplane, potentially resulting in injury to passengers or preventing a safe landing. The FAA said Boeing's oversight failure "resulted in the installation of slat tracks that were weakened by a condition known as hydrogen embrittlement that occurred during cadmium-titanium plating." Boeing said Friday it was aware of the proposed penalty and said it has not seen any in-service issues with the parts, which are covered by a service bulletin and airworthiness directive. "We will ensure that all inspections and any necessary part replacements are performed on all 737 MAXs before they return to service. We have not been informed of any in-service issues related to the slat tracks themselves," Boeing said.

US regulator to fine Boeing $5.4 million for defective parts of 737 MAX planes

<p>In an interview to an American news channel, US President Donald Trump has said that slain Iranian top military commander Qasem Soleimani was plotting attacks on "probably four US embassies".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier Trump had said that Qasem Soleimani contributed to "terrorist plots <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-contributed-to-plotting-terror-attacks-in-new-delhi-london-trump-272027">as far away as New Delhi and London</a>".</p>

<p>On January 3, the US carried out strikes at Iraq's Baghdad International Airport which killed Iran's elite military force's chief Qasem Soleimani.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Soleimani's killing infuriated Tehran which vowed to avenge its top military chief's assassination and fired over a dozen ballistic missiles at US bases in Iraq.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-airplane-brought-down-due-to-human-error-iran-273506">Unforgivable mistake - Rouhani on military shooting down Ukrainian plane</a></strong></p>

<p>Iranian foreign minister stated that the missiles strike was not to escalate tensions or prompt a military war but an act of self-defence in accordance with the UN charter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>On Friday, Washington <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-retaliation-to-missile-attacks-us-imposes-more-sanctions-on-iran-273480">announced fresh sanctions</a> against Iran and its officials in retaliation to the attack on its military bases housing US troops in Iraq.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Iranian military and top leadership on Saturday claimed responsibility of accidentally downing the Ukrainian International Airlines plane which claimed over 170 lives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a tweet, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani described the mishap as a "great tragedy and unforgivable mistake". Foreign minister Javad Zarif regretted the "human error" and said that "crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster".</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


In an interview to an American news channel, US President Donald Trump has said that slain Iranian top military commander Qasem Soleimani was plotting attacks on "probably four US embassies".

In an interview to an American news channel, US President Donald Trump has said that slain Iranian top military commander Qasem Soleimani was plotting attacks on "probably four US embassies". Earlier Trump had said that Qasem Soleimani contributed to "terrorist plots as far away as New Delhi and London". On January 3, the US carried out strikes at Iraq's Baghdad International Airport which killed Iran's elite military force's chief Qasem Soleimani. Soleimani's killing infuriated Tehran which vowed to avenge its top military chief's assassination and fired over a dozen ballistic missiles at US bases in Iraq. Also read: Unforgivable mistake - Rouhani on military shooting down Ukrainian plane Iranian foreign minister stated that the missiles strike was not to escalate tensions or prompt a military war but an act of self-defence in accordance with the UN charter. × On Friday, Washington announced fresh sanctions against Iran and its officials in retaliation to the attack on its military bases housing US troops in Iraq. Meanwhile, Iranian military and top leadership on Saturday claimed responsibility of accidentally downing the Ukrainian International Airlines plane which claimed over 170 lives. In a tweet, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani described the mishap as a "great tragedy and unforgivable mistake". Foreign minister Javad Zarif regretted the "human error" and said that "crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster".

Soleimani was 'probably' planning to attack four US embassies: Donald Trump

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-thousands-take-streets-to-call-for-climate-action-demands-pms-resgination-273496">Bushfire</a> conditions on Australia's east coast eased on Saturday&nbsp;after&nbsp;a&nbsp;tough&nbsp;night&nbsp;for&nbsp;firefighters, and authorities said they expect to have at least a week of milder weather where they can improve defences against the huge blazes still burning.</p>

<p>A strong southerly wind change on Friday&nbsp;night, with gusts of more than 100 kph (60 mph) recorded, whipped a number of fires up to the emergency warning level, but by Saturday morning cooler temperatures and rainfall had eased conditions.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Australia fires show no sign of stopping, New warnings issued by authorities</strong></p>

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<p>"A lot of relief for a lot of communities really suffering at this time, but the next few days are (also) looking pretty good," Jonathan How from the Bureau of Meteorology told ABC News television. "Much cooler as well."</p>

<p>New South Wales (NSW) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-bushfires-2000-homes-destroyed-military-buries-4000-animals-to-prevent-diseases-272607">Rural Fire Service</a> Commissioner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-firefighters-get-brief-reprieve-as-death-toll-rises-272175">Shane Fitzsimmons</a> told a media briefing the respite was an opportunity to consolidate and try and&nbsp;get&nbsp;the upper hand on the fires.</p>

<p>"It would appear that we have got at least a week. It will probably be the best seven days we have had without a rise of very dangerous fire ratings," Fitzsimmons said.</p>

<p>Victoria emergency services minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/next-few-hours-could-be-very-challenging-australia-urges-people-to-flee-as-bushfires-rage-273400">Lisa Neville</a> urged communities affected by the fires to use the expected milder weather conditions to check on each other.</p>

<p>"This will leave significant trauma for people to deal with," Neville said at a separate media briefing. "The next few weeks is going to be really important that we look out for each other."</p>

<p>Neville also took on twitter and said that she met with emergency services from France, the UK and the USA to discuss how they can assist with our current bushfires.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today I met with emergency services from France, the UK &amp; the USA to discuss how they can assist us with our current bushfires.<br />
<br />
Another great example of our emergency services working together to protect our communities. Thank you to all the ES workers, local and international <a href="https://t.co/SqRiHUFy4J">pic.twitter.com/SqRiHUFy4J</a></p>
— Lisa Neville (@LisanevilleMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/LisanevilleMP/status/1215819667639373824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Since October, 27 people have been killed and thousands subjected to repeat evacuations as huge and unpredictable fires scorched more than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land, an area roughly the size of South Korea.</p>

<p>Australian&nbsp;authorities were clear that the risk was far from over.</p>

<p>"The longer-term forecast, or the outlook rather than a forecast, is for warmer and drier, so we know we have a long way to go," Victoria's emergency management commissioner Andrew Crisp told a media briefing.</p>

<p>"It is great to have some respite now so we can reset and refocus in terms of our operational activities and what we can do to support community, but we will have more hot weather."</p>

<p>Across NSW, nearly 150 fires were still burning as of Saturday morning, more than 60 of which were not contained, but none were at emergency level. Some 2,000 homes have been destroyed so far in the fire-affected areas of the state.</p>

<p>One NSW person suffered serious burns defending a property and was taken to a Sydney hospital on Friday&nbsp;night.</p>

<p>One fire was still burning at emergency level in Victoria on Saturday from a total of about 20 fires burning in the state.</p>

<p><img alt="Australian bushfires continues to rage on Friday night" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1126a4b9-fa92-42eb-9fad-1e539d9c6cf5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_29.jpg" /><br />
[ <em>Australian wildfire&nbsp;continues to rage on Friday night in New South Wales (Courtesy: Reuters)&nbsp;</em>]</p>

<p>A number of fires burning in the Snowy Mountains region in NSW and across into Victoria have merged. The fires that combined have more than 600,000 hectares (1.5 million acres) of land in total. Although the merged fires are burning in a difficult area to&nbsp;get&nbsp;to, authorities said they do not pose an immediate threat.</p>

<p>Thousands of&nbsp;Australians took to the streets on Friday to protest against government inaction on climate change, and were supported by protesters in London.</p>

<p>Westpac estimated total bushfire losses to date at about A$5 billion (£2.64 billion) ($3.4 billion), higher than the 2009 bushfires in Victoria but smaller than the Queensland floods in 2010/11. It forecast a hit of 0.2 per cent&nbsp;to 0.5 per cent&nbsp;on gross domestic product.</p>

<p>Australia's alpine resorts have dusted off winter snowmaking machines to blast ice-cold water onto dry ski slopes as fires threaten the Snowy Mountains region.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-strengthens-bushfire-defences-as-economic-environmental-costs-mount-272815">Insurance Council of Australia</a> increased its estimate of damages claims from the fires to more than A$900 million, with claims expected to jump further.</p>

<p>Health officials in New South Wales urged extra precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.</p>

<p>Australia's wildfires have dwarfed other recent catastrophic blazes, with its burnt terrain more than twice the extent of that ravaged by 2019 fires in Brazil, California and Indonesia combined.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The $2 billion we've committed is in addition to the Government’s emergency and disaster payments, and the financial support for volunteer firefighters. People affected by the bushfires can claim disaster payments by calling 180 22 66.</p>
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1214046021761695744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Australia Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-issues-new-evacuation-alerts-as-monster-bushfires-regenerate-273065">Scott Morrison </a>has pledged A$2 billion ($1.4 billion) to a newly created <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-from-australia-bushfires-reaches-brazil-272837">National Bushfire Recovery Agency</a>.</p>

<p>About 100&nbsp;firefighters&nbsp;from the United States and Canada are helping, with another 140 expected in coming weeks.</p>

<p>The fires have emitted 400 megatonnes of carbon dioxide and produced harmful pollutants, the European Union's Copernicus monitoring programme said.</p>

<p>Smoke has drifted across the Pacific, affecting cities in South America, and may have reached the Antarctic, the UN's World Meteorological Organization said.</p>


Bushfire conditions on Australia's east coast eased on Saturday after a tough night for firefighters, and authorities said they expect to have at least a week of milder weather where they can improve defences against the huge blazes still burning.

Bushfire conditions on Australia's east coast eased on Saturday after a tough night for firefighters, and authorities said they expect to have at least a week of milder weather where they can improve defences against the huge blazes still burning. A strong southerly wind change on Friday night, with gusts of more than 100 kph (60 mph) recorded, whipped a number of fires up to the emergency warning level, but by Saturday morning cooler temperatures and rainfall had eased conditions. Watch: Australia fires show no sign of stopping, New warnings issued by authorities × "A lot of relief for a lot of communities really suffering at this time, but the next few days are (also) looking pretty good," Jonathan How from the Bureau of Meteorology told ABC News television. "Much cooler as well." New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons told a media briefing the respite was an opportunity to consolidate and try and get the upper hand on the fires. "It would appear that we have got at least a week. It will probably be the best seven days we have had without a rise of very dangerous fire ratings," Fitzsimmons said. Victoria emergency services minister Lisa Neville urged communities affected by the fires to use the expected milder weather conditions to check on each other. "This will leave significant trauma for people to deal with," Neville said at a separate media briefing. "The next few weeks is going to be really important that we look out for each other." Neville also took on twitter and said that she met with emergency services from France, the UK and the USA to discuss how they can assist with our current bushfires. Today I met with emergency services from France, the UK & the USA to discuss how they can assist us with our current bushfires. Another great example of our emergency services working together to protect our communities. Thank you to all the ES workers, local and international pic.twitter.com/SqRiHUFy4J — Lisa Neville (@LisanevilleMP) January 11, 2020 × Since October, 27 people have been killed and thousands subjected to repeat evacuations as huge and unpredictable fires scorched more than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land, an area roughly the size of South Korea. Australian authorities were clear that the risk was far from over. "The longer-term forecast, or the outlook rather than a forecast, is for warmer and drier, so we know we have a long way to go," Victoria's emergency management commissioner Andrew Crisp told a media briefing. "It is great to have some respite now so we can reset and refocus in terms of our operational activities and what we can do to support community, but we will have more hot weather." Across NSW, nearly 150 fires were still burning as of Saturday morning, more than 60 of which were not contained, but none were at emergency level. Some 2,000 homes have been destroyed so far in the fire-affected areas of the state. One NSW person suffered serious burns defending a property and was taken to a Sydney hospital on Friday night. One fire was still burning at emergency level in Victoria on Saturday from a total of about 20 fires burning in the state. [ Australian wildfire continues to rage on Friday night in New South Wales (Courtesy: Reuters) ] A number of fires burning in the Snowy Mountains region in NSW and across into Victoria have merged. The fires that combined have more than 600,000 hectares (1.5 million acres) of land in total. Although the merged fires are burning in a difficult area to get to, authorities said they do not pose an immediate threat. Thousands of Australians took to the streets on Friday to protest against government inaction on climate change, and were supported by protesters in London. Westpac estimated total bushfire losses to date at about A$5 billion (£2.64 billion) ($3.4 billion), higher than the 2009 bushfires in Victoria but smaller than the Queensland floods in 2010/11. It forecast a hit of 0.2 per cent to 0.5 per cent on gross domestic product. Australia's alpine resorts have dusted off winter snowmaking machines to blast ice-cold water onto dry ski slopes as fires threaten the Snowy Mountains region. The Insurance Council of Australia increased its estimate of damages claims from the fires to more than A$900 million, with claims expected to jump further. Health officials in New South Wales urged extra precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. Australia's wildfires have dwarfed other recent catastrophic blazes, with its burnt terrain more than twice the extent of that ravaged by 2019 fires in Brazil, California and Indonesia combined. The $2 billion we've committed is in addition to the Government’s emergency and disaster payments, and the financial support for volunteer firefighters. People affected by the bushfires can claim disaster payments by calling 180 22 66. — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 6, 2020 × Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pledged A$2 billion ($1.4 billion) to a newly created National Bushfire Recovery Agency. About 100 firefighters from the United States and Canada are helping, with another 140 expected in coming weeks. The fires have emitted 400 megatonnes of carbon dioxide and produced harmful pollutants, the European Union's Copernicus monitoring programme said. Smoke has drifted across the Pacific, affecting cities in South America, and may have reached the Antarctic, the UN's World Meteorological Organization said.

Australian bushfires: Firefighters get reprieve after tough night

<p>Boeing Co's&nbsp;ousted&nbsp;chief executive officer, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-ceo-muilenburg-steps-down-calhoun-to-take-over-duties-starting-january-269812">Dennis Muilenburg</a>, is leaving the company with $62&nbsp;million&nbsp;in compensation and pension benefits but will receive no&nbsp;severance&nbsp;pay&nbsp;in the wake of the 737 MAX crisis.</p>

<p>Muilenburg was fired from the job in December as Boeing failed to contain the fallout from a pair of fatal crashes that halted output of the company's bestselling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/boeing-papers-would-you-put-your-family-on-a-737-max-273413">737 MAX jetliner</a> and tarnished its reputation with airlines and regulators.</p>

<p>The compensation figures were disclosed in a regulatory filing late on Friday during a difficult week for Boeing when it also released hundreds of internal messages, two major issues hanging over the company before new&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/new-boeing-boss-david-calhoun-is-a-tough-minded-veteran-of-crisis-269920">David Calhoun</a> starts on Monday.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Boeing emails reveal Max 737 designed by clowns</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The messages contained harshly critical comments about the development of the 737 MAX, including one that said the plane was "designed by clowns who in turn are supervised by monkeys."</p>

<p>The 737 MAX has been grounded since March following the second of two crashes that together killed 346 people within a span of five months.</p>

<p>"It is incredibly heart wrenching to see the man at the heart of our loss walk away with a reward," said Zipporah Kuria, whose 55-year-old father from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-four-civilians-killed-in-al-shabaab-gunfight-with-police-on-telecom-mast-272760">Kenya</a> died in the second crash.</p>

<p>Lawmakers also blasted Boeing.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">346 people died. And yet, Dennis Muilenburg pressured regulators and put profits ahead of the safety of passengers, pilots, and flight attendants. He'll walk away with an additional $62.2 million. This is corruption, plain and simple. <a href="https://t.co/3JVeWAVwNo">https://t.co/3JVeWAVwNo</a></p>
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) <a href="https://twitter.com/ewarren/status/1215797514122813440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"346 people died. And yet, Dennis Muilenburg pressured regulators and put profits ahead of the safety of passengers, pilots, and flight attendants. He'll walk away with an additional $62.2&nbsp;million. This is corruption, plain and simple," US&nbsp;Senator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-gives-lawmakers-formal-notice-of-iraq-strike-amid-complaints-from-democrats-272196">Elizabeth Warren</a> said on Twitter.</p>

<p>US&nbsp;Representative<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-recommends-737-max-simulator-training-before-return-to-service-272832"> Peter DeFazio</a>, who chairs the House Transportation Committee, said minutes of a June 2013 meeting showed that Boeing sought to avoid expensive training and simulator requirements by misleading regulators about an anti-stall system called MCAS that was later tied to the two crashes that killed 346 people.</p>

<p>The MAX has been grounded since the second crash in March.</p>

<p>Speculation that Muilenburg would be fired had been circulating in the industry for months, intensifying in October when the board stripped him of his chairman's title - although he had also twice won expressions of confidence from Calhoun,&nbsp;Boeing's&nbsp;board chairman.</p>

<p>A turnaround veteran and former General Electric Co executive who has led several companies in crisis, Calhoun will receive a base salary at an annual rate of $1.4&nbsp;million&nbsp;and is eligible for $26.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;in long-term incentive compensation, Boeing said in a filing.</p>

<p>Boeing said in November Muilenburg had volunteered to give up his 2019 bonus and stock awards. For 2018, his bonus and equity awards amounted to some $20&nbsp;million, according to filings.</p>

<p>In addition to the $62&nbsp;million&nbsp;in compensation and pension benefits, Muilenburg holds stock options that vested in 2013, Boeing said. They would be worth $18.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;at the closing price on Friday.</p>

<p>"Upon his departure, Dennis received the benefits to which he was contractually entitled and he did not receive any&nbsp;severance&nbsp;pay&nbsp;or a 2019 annual bonus," Boeing said in a statement.</p>


Boeing Co's ousted chief executive officer, Dennis Muilenburg, is leaving the company with $62 million in compensation and pension benefits but will receive no severance pay in the wake of the 737 MAX crisis.

Boeing Co's ousted chief executive officer, Dennis Muilenburg, is leaving the company with $62 million in compensation and pension benefits but will receive no severance pay in the wake of the 737 MAX crisis. Muilenburg was fired from the job in December as Boeing failed to contain the fallout from a pair of fatal crashes that halted output of the company's bestselling 737 MAX jetliner and tarnished its reputation with airlines and regulators. The compensation figures were disclosed in a regulatory filing late on Friday during a difficult week for Boeing when it also released hundreds of internal messages, two major issues hanging over the company before new CEO David Calhoun starts on Monday. Watch: Boeing emails reveal Max 737 designed by clowns × The messages contained harshly critical comments about the development of the 737 MAX, including one that said the plane was "designed by clowns who in turn are supervised by monkeys." The 737 MAX has been grounded since March following the second of two crashes that together killed 346 people within a span of five months. "It is incredibly heart wrenching to see the man at the heart of our loss walk away with a reward," said Zipporah Kuria, whose 55-year-old father from Kenya died in the second crash. Lawmakers also blasted Boeing. 346 people died. And yet, Dennis Muilenburg pressured regulators and put profits ahead of the safety of passengers, pilots, and flight attendants. He'll walk away with an additional $62.2 million. This is corruption, plain and simple. https://t.co/3JVeWAVwNo — Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) January 11, 2020 × "346 people died. And yet, Dennis Muilenburg pressured regulators and put profits ahead of the safety of passengers, pilots, and flight attendants. He'll walk away with an additional $62.2 million. This is corruption, plain and simple," US Senator Elizabeth Warren said on Twitter. US Representative Peter DeFazio, who chairs the House Transportation Committee, said minutes of a June 2013 meeting showed that Boeing sought to avoid expensive training and simulator requirements by misleading regulators about an anti-stall system called MCAS that was later tied to the two crashes that killed 346 people. The MAX has been grounded since the second crash in March. Speculation that Muilenburg would be fired had been circulating in the industry for months, intensifying in October when the board stripped him of his chairman's title - although he had also twice won expressions of confidence from Calhoun, Boeing's board chairman. A turnaround veteran and former General Electric Co executive who has led several companies in crisis, Calhoun will receive a base salary at an annual rate of $1.4 million and is eligible for $26.5 million in long-term incentive compensation, Boeing said in a filing. Boeing said in November Muilenburg had volunteered to give up his 2019 bonus and stock awards. For 2018, his bonus and equity awards amounted to some $20 million, according to filings. In addition to the $62 million in compensation and pension benefits, Muilenburg holds stock options that vested in 2013, Boeing said. They would be worth $18.5 million at the closing price on Friday. "Upon his departure, Dennis received the benefits to which he was contractually entitled and he did not receive any severance pay or a 2019 annual bonus," Boeing said in a statement.

Boeing's ousted CEO Dennis Muilenburg leaves company with $62 million but no severance pay

<p>Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-has-integrated-the-middle-class-into-a-powerful-political-formation-218025">Narendra Modi</a> will on Tuesday embark on a two-day visit to Kolkata, where he will launch schemes and take part in various programmes, including the grand Sesquicentenary Celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am excited to be in West Bengal today and tomorrow. I am delighted to be spending time at the Ramakrishna Mission and that too when we mark Swami Vivekananda’s Jayanti. There is something special about that place.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1215842146189635584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ahead of Modi's official visit, Howrah Bridge was lit up in colourful lights on Friday night.</p>

<p>In a series of tweets on Friday, the Office of the Prime Minister of India (PMO) had announced that the Prime Minister will visit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-much-damage-by-cyclone-fani-in-west-bengal-mamata-banerjee-216005">Kolkata</a> on January 11 and 12.</p>

<p>"On the January 11, PM Narendra Modi shall dedicate to the Nation Four Refurbished Heritage Buildings in Kolkata to the Nation. The Prime Minister shall also participate in the grand Sesquicentenary Celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust on January 11 and 12," PMO tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On the 11th of January, PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> shall dedicate to the Nation Four Refurbished Heritage Buildings in Kolkata to the Nation.<br />
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The Prime Minister shall also participate in the grand Sesquicentenary Celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust on the 11th and 12th January 2020.</p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1215587740793720832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi will also inaugurate the upgraded Ship Repair Facility of Cochin Kolkata Ship Repair Unit at Netaji Subhas Dry Dock."The Mechanisation of Berth No 3 at Haldia Dock Complex of KoPT and a proposed riverfront development scheme will also be launched by PM Narendra Modi," said the following tweet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Prime Minister shall also inaugurate the upgraded Ship Repair Faciility of Cochin Kolkata Ship Repair Unit at Netaji Subhas Dry Dock.</p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1215587743419387904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Full Rake Handling Facility while dedicating the upgraded Railway Infrastructure of Kolkata Dock System of KoPT for smooth cargo movement and improving turnaround time.</p>

<p>He will also inaugurate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-take-part-in-various-programs-during-his-kolkata-visit-273478">Kaushal Vikas Kendra</a> and Pritilata Chhatri Avas for 200 Tribal girl students of Sunderbans, a project undertaken by KoPT with Purvanchal Kalyan Ashram, Gosaba, Sunderbans affiliated to Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram.&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Tuesday embark on a two-day visit to Kolkata, where he will launch schemes and take part in various programmes, including the grand Sesquicentenary Celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Tuesday embark on a two-day visit to Kolkata, where he will launch schemes and take part in various programmes, including the grand Sesquicentenary Celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust. I am excited to be in West Bengal today and tomorrow. I am delighted to be spending time at the Ramakrishna Mission and that too when we mark Swami Vivekananda’s Jayanti. There is something special about that place. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 11, 2020 × Ahead of Modi's official visit, Howrah Bridge was lit up in colourful lights on Friday night. In a series of tweets on Friday, the Office of the Prime Minister of India (PMO) had announced that the Prime Minister will visit Kolkata on January 11 and 12. "On the January 11, PM Narendra Modi shall dedicate to the Nation Four Refurbished Heritage Buildings in Kolkata to the Nation. The Prime Minister shall also participate in the grand Sesquicentenary Celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust on January 11 and 12," PMO tweeted. On the 11th of January, PM @narendramodi shall dedicate to the Nation Four Refurbished Heritage Buildings in Kolkata to the Nation. The Prime Minister shall also participate in the grand Sesquicentenary Celebrations of the Kolkata Port Trust on the 11th and 12th January 2020. — PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 10, 2020 × Modi will also inaugurate the upgraded Ship Repair Facility of Cochin Kolkata Ship Repair Unit at Netaji Subhas Dry Dock."The Mechanisation of Berth No 3 at Haldia Dock Complex of KoPT and a proposed riverfront development scheme will also be launched by PM Narendra Modi," said the following tweet. The Prime Minister shall also inaugurate the upgraded Ship Repair Faciility of Cochin Kolkata Ship Repair Unit at Netaji Subhas Dry Dock. — PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 10, 2020 × The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Full Rake Handling Facility while dedicating the upgraded Railway Infrastructure of Kolkata Dock System of KoPT for smooth cargo movement and improving turnaround time. He will also inaugurate Kaushal Vikas Kendra and Pritilata Chhatri Avas for 200 Tribal girl students of Sunderbans, a project undertaken by KoPT with Purvanchal Kalyan Ashram, Gosaba, Sunderbans affiliated to Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram.

PM Modi to embark on two-day Kolkata visit today

<p>Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/united-states-chants-howdy-modi-mantra-250992">Narendra Modi</a> on Saturday expressed grief over the death of passengers in a road accident in Kannauj late on Friday in which as many as 20 people are feared dead.</p>

<p>Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, Modi tweeted, "I am deeply saddened to know about the horrific road accident in Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj. Several people have lost their lives in the accident. I express my condolences to the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery to the injured persons."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">उत्तर प्रदेश के कन्नौज में हुए भीषण सड़क हादसे के बारे में जानकर अत्यंत दुख पहुंचा है। इस दुर्घटना में कई लोगों को अपनी जान गंवानी पड़ी है। मैं मृतकों के परिजनों के प्रति अपनी संवेदनाएं प्रकट करता हूं, साथ ही घायलों के शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की कामना करता हूं।</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1215807073906094080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The accident took place after a double-decker bus carrying at least 45 passengers collided with a truck at Dewar Marg in Kannauj district here late on Friday and subsequently went up in flames.</p>

<p>"A bus traveling from Kannauj to Jaipur collided with a truck at Dewar Marg in Kannauj, following which both went up in flames. Locals rushed to the spot and rescued several people from the bus," Inspector General of Police, Kanpur, Mohit Agarwal said on Saturday.</p>

<p>He said that 25 passengers have been safely rescued from the bus and are either receiving treatment at local hospitals or have been discharged.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/niti-aayog-praises-yogi-government-for-kumbh-mela-arrangements-265276">Yogi Adityanath</a> had expressed condolences over the collision and announced Rs 2 lakh each compensation for the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for those grievously injured in the incident.</p>

<p>Adityanath also sought a report of the incident from the District Magistrate.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief over the death of passengers in a road accident in Kannauj late on Friday in which as many as 20 people are feared dead.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief over the death of passengers in a road accident in Kannauj late on Friday in which as many as 20 people are feared dead. Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, Modi tweeted, "I am deeply saddened to know about the horrific road accident in Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj. Several people have lost their lives in the accident. I express my condolences to the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery to the injured persons." उत्तर प्रदेश के कन्नौज में हुए भीषण सड़क हादसे के बारे में जानकर अत्यंत दुख पहुंचा है। इस दुर्घटना में कई लोगों को अपनी जान गंवानी पड़ी है। मैं मृतकों के परिजनों के प्रति अपनी संवेदनाएं प्रकट करता हूं, साथ ही घायलों के शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की कामना करता हूं। — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 11, 2020 × The accident took place after a double-decker bus carrying at least 45 passengers collided with a truck at Dewar Marg in Kannauj district here late on Friday and subsequently went up in flames. "A bus traveling from Kannauj to Jaipur collided with a truck at Dewar Marg in Kannauj, following which both went up in flames. Locals rushed to the spot and rescued several people from the bus," Inspector General of Police, Kanpur, Mohit Agarwal said on Saturday. He said that 25 passengers have been safely rescued from the bus and are either receiving treatment at local hospitals or have been discharged. On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had expressed condolences over the collision and announced Rs 2 lakh each compensation for the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for those grievously injured in the incident. Adityanath also sought a report of the incident from the District Magistrate.

PM Modi expresses grief over deaths in Kannauj road accident

<p>Iranian state television on Saturday said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-has-given-important-data-on-iran-plane-crash-ukraine-foreign-minister-273408">Ukrainian International Airlines airplane</a> was brought down by Iranian military due to "human error", news agency Reuters reported.</p>

<p>As per reports, the Ukrainian plane had flown close to a sensitive military site.</p>

<p>The military statement reported by the state TV added that "responsible parties would be held accountable".</p>

<p>The Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Boeing went down outside Tehran shortly after take-off on Wednesday. The crash killed all 176 people who were on board including many Iranians and Canadians.</p>

<p>Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif took to Twitter today and confirmed the same.</p>

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<p>Zarif said that after an internal investigation, preliminary conclusions suggest that the Ukrainian airplane was shot down by military due to human error.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-retaliation-to-missile-attacks-us-imposes-more-sanctions-on-iran-273480">In retaliation to missile attacks, US imposes more sanctions on Iran</a></strong></p>

<p>"A sad day. Preliminary conclusions of an internal investigation by Armed Forces: Human error at the time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster. Our profound regrets, apologies and condolences to our people, to the families of all victims, and to other affected nations," Zarif tweeted out.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A sad day. Preliminary conclusions of internal investigation by Armed Forces:<br />
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Human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster<br />
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Our profound regrets, apologies and condolences to our people, to the families of all victims, and to other affected nations.<br />
💔</p>
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1215847283381755914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also tweeted out and confirmed Iran shooting down the Ukrainian passenger plane. Rouhani added that investigations to identify and prosecute those involved in "great tragedy and unforgivable mistake" is under process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Armed Forces’ internal investigation has concluded that regrettably missiles fired due to human error caused the horrific crash of the Ukrainian plane &amp; death of 176 innocent people. Investigations continue to identify &amp; prosecute this great tragedy &amp; unforgivable mistake. #PS752," Rouhani's tweet read.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Armed Forces’ internal investigation has concluded that regrettably missiles fired due to human error caused the horrific crash of the Ukrainian plane &amp; death of 176 innocent people.<br />
Investigations continue to identify &amp; prosecute this great tragedy &amp; unforgivable mistake. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PS752?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PS752</a></p>
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) <a href="https://twitter.com/HassanRouhani/status/1215856039997984768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, Britain and Canada also claimed that intelligence sources suggested a catastrophic error by Iranian air defence batteries had crashed the aircraft.</p>

<p>Iran had earlier denied the possibility of a missile strike behind the crash of the Ukrainian airplane.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-gets-access-to-crashed-planes-black-boxes-foreign-minister-273477">Ukraine gets access to crashed plane's black boxes,' foreign minister</a></strong></p>

<p>Ukrainian and Canadian authorities had called for a thorough investigation into the mishap.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over 80 Iranians and more than 60 Canadians were killed in the plane crash. The Boeing 737 was taking off from Tehran for Kiev when it crashed killing all those on board.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crash came shortly after Tehran launched missiles at bases in Iraq housing American troops to avenge the US killing of a top Iranian general last week.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from Reuters)</em></p>


Iranian state television on Saturday said that the Ukrainian International Airlines airplane was brought down by Iranian military due to "human error", news agency Reuters reported.

Iranian state television on Saturday said that the Ukrainian International Airlines airplane was brought down by Iranian military due to "human error", news agency Reuters reported. As per reports, the Ukrainian plane had flown close to a sensitive military site. The military statement reported by the state TV added that "responsible parties would be held accountable". The Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Boeing went down outside Tehran shortly after take-off on Wednesday. The crash killed all 176 people who were on board including many Iranians and Canadians. Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif took to Twitter today and confirmed the same. × Zarif said that after an internal investigation, preliminary conclusions suggest that the Ukrainian airplane was shot down by military due to human error. Also read: In retaliation to missile attacks, US imposes more sanctions on Iran "A sad day. Preliminary conclusions of an internal investigation by Armed Forces: Human error at the time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster. Our profound regrets, apologies and condolences to our people, to the families of all victims, and to other affected nations," Zarif tweeted out. A sad day. Preliminary conclusions of internal investigation by Armed Forces: Human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster Our profound regrets, apologies and condolences to our people, to the families of all victims, and to other affected nations. 💔 — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 11, 2020 × Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also tweeted out and confirmed Iran shooting down the Ukrainian passenger plane. Rouhani added that investigations to identify and prosecute those involved in "great tragedy and unforgivable mistake" is under process. "Armed Forces’ internal investigation has concluded that regrettably missiles fired due to human error caused the horrific crash of the Ukrainian plane & death of 176 innocent people. Investigations continue to identify & prosecute this great tragedy & unforgivable mistake. #PS752," Rouhani's tweet read. Armed Forces’ internal investigation has concluded that regrettably missiles fired due to human error caused the horrific crash of the Ukrainian plane & death of 176 innocent people. Investigations continue to identify & prosecute this great tragedy & unforgivable mistake. #PS752 — Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 11, 2020 × Earlier, Britain and Canada also claimed that intelligence sources suggested a catastrophic error by Iranian air defence batteries had crashed the aircraft. Iran had earlier denied the possibility of a missile strike behind the crash of the Ukrainian airplane. Also read: 'Ukraine gets access to crashed plane's black boxes,' foreign minister Ukrainian and Canadian authorities had called for a thorough investigation into the mishap. Over 80 Iranians and more than 60 Canadians were killed in the plane crash. The Boeing 737 was taking off from Tehran for Kiev when it crashed killing all those on board. The crash came shortly after Tehran launched missiles at bases in Iraq housing American troops to avenge the US killing of a top Iranian general last week. (With inputs from Reuters)

Great tragedy and unforgivable mistake: Iranian president on military 'unintentionally' shooting down Ukrainian airplane

<p>All arrangements have been made for the two-day demolition of Maradu flats in Kochi that will begin from today at 11 am.</p>

<p>A mock drill was carried out successfully on Friday to ensure the safety of citizens ahead of the demolition of four multi-storey flats at Maradu.</p>

<p>"Everything was enacted except for the pressing of the button, which will trigger the collapse. Everything is ready and Section 144 of the CrPC will be enforced on Saturday on land, air and water," said Inspector General (IG) Vijay Sakhare.</p>

<p>The mock drill was held after a primary evaluation of safety measures taken by police. Ahead of the demolition of four apartments - Holy Faith H2O, twin towers of Alfa Serene, Jain Coral Cove, and Golden Kayaloram - in Maradu through controlled explosion on January 11-12, the district administration issued an advisory and restricted drones in the evacuation zone with immediate effect.</p>

<p>As per the advisory, Section 144, which prohibits an assembly of four or more people in an area, has been imposed in the evacuation zone of all the flats to be demolished from 8 am to 4 pm.</p>

<p>House to house search was carried out for ensuring 100 per cent evacuation of people residing in the zone. People may witness the implosion from any place outside the evacuation zone.</p>

<p>"The residents in the evacuation zone should switch off the electricity and all the appliances before leaving their homes. They are advised to close all windows and doors to protect their homes from dust. All traffic - air-borne, water-borne, land-based is prohibited in the evacuation zone. Since all buildings have been charged with explosives, nobody shall fly drones in the evacuation zone from immediate effect. Any violation is extremely dangerous and shall attract legal action," the advisory stated.</p>

<p>Moreover, traffic diversions shall be regulated, based on the warning siren sequence and people may return to their homes once police remove barricades from the roads leading to the evacuation zone.</p>

<p>This comes after the residents of Maradu municipality, whose houses are located within a radius of 200 metres from the towers which are proposed to be demolished on January 11- 12 by the order of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-the-corridors-of-judiciary-supreme-court-verdicts-that-held-nations-attention-in-2019-270230">Supreme Court</a>, filed a case in Kerala High Court on Tuesday.</p>


All arrangements have been made for the two-day demolition of Maradu flats in Kochi that will begin from today at 11 am. A mock drill was carried out successfully on Friday to ensure the safety of citizens ahead of the demolition of four multi-storey flats at Maradu.

All arrangements have been made for the two-day demolition of Maradu flats in Kochi that will begin from today at 11 am. A mock drill was carried out successfully on Friday to ensure the safety of citizens ahead of the demolition of four multi-storey flats at Maradu. "Everything was enacted except for the pressing of the button, which will trigger the collapse. Everything is ready and Section 144 of the CrPC will be enforced on Saturday on land, air and water," said Inspector General (IG) Vijay Sakhare. The mock drill was held after a primary evaluation of safety measures taken by police. Ahead of the demolition of four apartments - Holy Faith H2O, twin towers of Alfa Serene, Jain Coral Cove, and Golden Kayaloram - in Maradu through controlled explosion on January 11-12, the district administration issued an advisory and restricted drones in the evacuation zone with immediate effect. As per the advisory, Section 144, which prohibits an assembly of four or more people in an area, has been imposed in the evacuation zone of all the flats to be demolished from 8 am to 4 pm. House to house search was carried out for ensuring 100 per cent evacuation of people residing in the zone. People may witness the implosion from any place outside the evacuation zone. "The residents in the evacuation zone should switch off the electricity and all the appliances before leaving their homes. They are advised to close all windows and doors to protect their homes from dust. All traffic - air-borne, water-borne, land-based is prohibited in the evacuation zone. Since all buildings have been charged with explosives, nobody shall fly drones in the evacuation zone from immediate effect. Any violation is extremely dangerous and shall attract legal action," the advisory stated. Moreover, traffic diversions shall be regulated, based on the warning siren sequence and people may return to their homes once police remove barricades from the roads leading to the evacuation zone. This comes after the residents of Maradu municipality, whose houses are located within a radius of 200 metres from the towers which are proposed to be demolished on January 11- 12 by the order of the Supreme Court, filed a case in Kerala High Court on Tuesday.

Demolition of Maradu flats in Kochi to begin today

<p>Washington&nbsp;on Friday spurned an&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;request to prepare to pull out its&nbsp;troops, amid heightened US-Iranian tensions after the US&nbsp;killing of an Iranian commander in Baghdad and said it was exploring a possible expansion of NATO's presence there.</p>

<p>Seeking to tighten pressure on its foe, the United States meanwhile imposed more sanctions on Iran, responding to an attack on US&nbsp;troops&nbsp;in Iraq launched by Tehran in retaliation for the death of General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-asks-us-to-send-delegation-and-set-up-mechanism-for-troop-pullout-273491">Qasem Soleimani</a>.</p>

<p>Iraq could bear the brunt of any further violence between its neighbour Iran and the United States, its leaders caught in a bind as&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;and Tehran are also the&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;government's main allies and vie for influence there.</p>

<p>President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-of-representatives-curbs-trumps-war-power-amid-iran-tensions-273283">Donald Trump</a> said Iran had probably planned to attack the US&nbsp;embassy in Baghdad and was aiming to strike four US&nbsp;embassies when Soleimani was killed in a US&nbsp;drone strike.</p>

<p>"We will tell you probably it was going to be the embassy in Baghdad," Trump said in a clip of an interview with Fox News. "I can reveal that I believe it would have been four embassies."</p>

<p>Iraqi&nbsp;Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defense-chief-esper-denies-us-troop-pullout-from-iraq-after-leaked-letter-confusion-272596">Adel Abdul Mahdi</a> made his request for preparations for a US&nbsp;troop withdrawal in a phone&nbsp;call&nbsp;with US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday in line with a vote in Iraq's parliament last week, his office said.</p>

<p>Abdul Mahdi asked Pompeo to "send delegates to put in place the tools to carry out the parliament's decision," his office said in a statement, adding that the forces used in the killing had entered Iraq or used its airspace without permission.</p>

<p>The State Department said any US&nbsp;delegation would not discuss the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops&nbsp;as their presence in Iraq was "appropriate."</p>

<p>"There does, however, need to be a conversation between the US&nbsp;and&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;governments not just regarding security, but about our financial, economic, and diplomatic partnership," spokeswoman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/placating-turkey-trump-admin-says-doesnt-recognise-armenian-genocide-268796">Morgan Ortagus</a> said in a statement.</p>

<p>Trump said in the Fox News interview that if Iraq wanted the United States to leave, he would tell them: "You have to pay us for the money we put in."</p>

<p>He said the United States has $35 billion of Iraq's money "sitting in an account."</p>

<p>"I think they'll agree to pay. Otherwise, we'll stay there," Trump said.</p>

<p>Pompeo told reporters a NATO delegation was in&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;on Friday to discuss the future of the Iraq mission and a plan to "get burden-sharing right in the region".</p>

<p>Separately, the State Department said Pompeo had discussed Iran with Canadian Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-under-pressure-at-home-over-plane-crash-warns-iran-world-is-watching-273502">Francois‑Philippe Champagne</a> as well as "the opportunity for an expanded NATO force in Iraq and appropriate burden-sharing".</p>

<p>The latest flare-up in the long covert war between Iran and the United States began with the US&nbsp;killing of Soleimani, Iran's top general, in a drone strike on January&nbsp;3. Iran responded on Wednesday by firing missiles at US&nbsp;forces in Iraq.</p>

<p>In the aftermath, both sides backed off from intensifying the conflict but the region remains tense.</p>

<p>Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric condemned the US-Iranian struggle happening on&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;soil, saying it risked plunging his country and the wider Middle East into deeper conflict.</p>

<p>Grand <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-qasem-soleimani-will-lead-to-the-strengthening-of-iranian-hardliners-272109">Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani</a> said it was&nbsp;Iraqis who stood to suffer most from the US-Iranian conflict. In a message delivered through a representative at Friday prayers in the holy city of Kerbala, Sistani said no foreign powers should be allowed to decide Iraq's fate.</p>

<p>"The latest dangerous aggressive acts, which are repeated violations of&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;sovereignty, are a part of the deteriorating situation" in the region, Sistani said. "Iraq must govern itself and there must be no role for outsiders in its decision-making."</p>

<p>Iraq has suffered decades of war, sanctions and sectarian conflict, including the US-led invasion of 2003.</p>

<p>At Friday prayers in Tehran, mid-ranking Iranian cleric Mohammad Javad Haj Aliakbari said US&nbsp;interests across the world were now exposed to threats.</p>

<p>Since Soleimani's killing, Tehran has stepped up its&nbsp;calls for US&nbsp;forces to leave Iraq, which like Iran is a mainly Shiite Muslim nation. Iranian Supreme Leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-missile-attack-news-iran-appears-to-be-standing-down-says-trump-273124">Ali Khamenei</a> has said the retaliatory strikes were not enough and that ending the US&nbsp;military presence in the region was Tehran's main goal.</p>

<p>Critics have&nbsp;called Soleimani's killing a reckless action.</p>

<p>But Pompeo said on Friday&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;had specific information about an imminent Iranian threat including to US&nbsp;embassies, adding: "American lives were at risk."</p>

<p>As part of his most recent activities in Iraq, Soleimani had encouraged pro-Iranian&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;militias to quash months of protests by&nbsp;Iraqis opposed to the influence in their country of foreign powers such as Iran and the United States.</p>

<p>In&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;cities, demonstrators took to the streets again on Friday, determined to keep up the momentum of their protests despite attention turning to the threat of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-iran-can-india-play-peacemaker-273348">US-Iran conflict</a>.</p>

<p>Gunmen killed two local journalists covering protests in the southern city of Basra, security sources and state media said. Ahmed Abdulsamad, Basra correspondent of Dijla TV station owned by senior Sunni politician Mohammed al-Karbouli, as killed immediately while his camera operator succumbed to his wounds in hospital, a medical source told reporters.</p>

<p>"Politicians and clerics are either with Iran, the US&nbsp;or other countries. Our allegiance is to Iraq only, not to factions and politicians," said Essam Faraj, 54, a demonstrator in Baghdad.</p>


Washington on Friday spurned an Iraqi request to prepare to pull out its troops, amid heightened US-Iranian tensions after the US killing of an Iranian commander in Baghdad and said it was exploring a possible expansion of NATO's presence there.

Washington on Friday spurned an Iraqi request to prepare to pull out its troops, amid heightened US-Iranian tensions after the US killing of an Iranian commander in Baghdad and said it was exploring a possible expansion of NATO's presence there. Seeking to tighten pressure on its foe, the United States meanwhile imposed more sanctions on Iran, responding to an attack on US troops in Iraq launched by Tehran in retaliation for the death of General Qasem Soleimani. Iraq could bear the brunt of any further violence between its neighbour Iran and the United States, its leaders caught in a bind as Washington and Tehran are also the Iraqi government's main allies and vie for influence there. President Donald Trump said Iran had probably planned to attack the US embassy in Baghdad and was aiming to strike four US embassies when Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike. "We will tell you probably it was going to be the embassy in Baghdad," Trump said in a clip of an interview with Fox News. "I can reveal that I believe it would have been four embassies." Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi made his request for preparations for a US troop withdrawal in a phone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday in line with a vote in Iraq's parliament last week, his office said. Abdul Mahdi asked Pompeo to "send delegates to put in place the tools to carry out the parliament's decision," his office said in a statement, adding that the forces used in the killing had entered Iraq or used its airspace without permission. The State Department said any US delegation would not discuss the withdrawal of US troops as their presence in Iraq was "appropriate." "There does, however, need to be a conversation between the US and Iraqi governments not just regarding security, but about our financial, economic, and diplomatic partnership," spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. Trump said in the Fox News interview that if Iraq wanted the United States to leave, he would tell them: "You have to pay us for the money we put in." He said the United States has $35 billion of Iraq's money "sitting in an account." "I think they'll agree to pay. Otherwise, we'll stay there," Trump said. Pompeo told reporters a NATO delegation was in Washington on Friday to discuss the future of the Iraq mission and a plan to "get burden-sharing right in the region". Separately, the State Department said Pompeo had discussed Iran with Canadian Foreign Minister Francois‑Philippe Champagne as well as "the opportunity for an expanded NATO force in Iraq and appropriate burden-sharing". The latest flare-up in the long covert war between Iran and the United States began with the US killing of Soleimani, Iran's top general, in a drone strike on January 3. Iran responded on Wednesday by firing missiles at US forces in Iraq. In the aftermath, both sides backed off from intensifying the conflict but the region remains tense. Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric condemned the US-Iranian struggle happening on Iraqi soil, saying it risked plunging his country and the wider Middle East into deeper conflict. Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani said it was Iraqis who stood to suffer most from the US-Iranian conflict. In a message delivered through a representative at Friday prayers in the holy city of Kerbala, Sistani said no foreign powers should be allowed to decide Iraq's fate. "The latest dangerous aggressive acts, which are repeated violations of Iraqi sovereignty, are a part of the deteriorating situation" in the region, Sistani said. "Iraq must govern itself and there must be no role for outsiders in its decision-making." Iraq has suffered decades of war, sanctions and sectarian conflict, including the US-led invasion of 2003. At Friday prayers in Tehran, mid-ranking Iranian cleric Mohammad Javad Haj Aliakbari said US interests across the world were now exposed to threats. Since Soleimani's killing, Tehran has stepped up its calls for US forces to leave Iraq, which like Iran is a mainly Shiite Muslim nation. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has said the retaliatory strikes were not enough and that ending the US military presence in the region was Tehran's main goal. Critics have called Soleimani's killing a reckless action. But Pompeo said on Friday Washington had specific information about an imminent Iranian threat including to US embassies, adding: "American lives were at risk." As part of his most recent activities in Iraq, Soleimani had encouraged pro-Iranian Iraqi militias to quash months of protests by Iraqis opposed to the influence in their country of foreign powers such as Iran and the United States. In Iraqi cities, demonstrators took to the streets again on Friday, determined to keep up the momentum of their protests despite attention turning to the threat of a US-Iran conflict. Gunmen killed two local journalists covering protests in the southern city of Basra, security sources and state media said. Ahmed Abdulsamad, Basra correspondent of Dijla TV station owned by senior Sunni politician Mohammed al-Karbouli, as killed immediately while his camera operator succumbed to his wounds in hospital, a medical source told reporters. "Politicians and clerics are either with Iran, the US or other countries. Our allegiance is to Iraq only, not to factions and politicians," said Essam Faraj, 54, a demonstrator in Baghdad.

US-Iran tensions escalate as Washington refuses Tehran's request to remove troops

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