Tihar Jail authorities will conduct dummy execution of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-to-hear-plea-of-nirbhayas-parents-seeking-to-expedite-punishment-to-4-convicts-272716">Nirbhaya gang-rape</a> convicts in the coming days ahead of their execution on January 22.

Earlier, it was scheduled to be held today.

The dummy execution will be conducted in Jail 3, the place where they will be executed on January 22. "Tihar to conduct dummy execution in the coming days but not today. It will be done in jail 3, where the execution will take place," said Tihar Jail administration in a statement. At the time of the dummy execution, the executive engineer of PWD, superintendent, and other jail officials will be present, it said.

All four convicts in the Nirbhaya case will be executed on January 22 at 7 am in jail cell 3 in Tihar Jail, the same place where Afzal Guru, the terrorist convicted Parliament attack case, was hanged. The officials said they will be hanged together.

A court in Delhi issued death warrants against all four death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang-rape case. The convicts Pawan Gupta, Akshay, Vinay Sharma, and Mukesh Singh will be hanged at 7 am on January 22. The hangman will be called from Uttar Pradesh Prison Department.&nbsp;

Tihar Jail authorities will conduct dummy execution of Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts in the coming days ahead of their execution on January 22. Earlier, it was scheduled to be held today.

Tihar Jail authorities will conduct dummy execution of Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts in the coming days ahead of their execution on January 22. Earlier, it was scheduled to be held today. The dummy execution will be conducted in Jail 3, the place where they will be executed on January 22. "Tihar to conduct dummy execution in the coming days but not today. It will be done in jail 3, where the execution will take place," said Tihar Jail administration in a statement. At the time of the dummy execution, the executive engineer of PWD, superintendent, and other jail officials will be present, it said. All four convicts in the Nirbhaya case will be executed on January 22 at 7 am in jail cell 3 in Tihar Jail, the same place where Afzal Guru, the terrorist convicted Parliament attack case, was hanged. The officials said they will be hanged together. A court in Delhi issued death warrants against all four death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gang-rape case. The convicts Pawan Gupta, Akshay, Vinay Sharma, and Mukesh Singh will be hanged at 7 am on January 22. The hangman will be called from Uttar Pradesh Prison Department.

Tihar Jail to conduct dummy execution of Nirbhaya convicts before January 22

US Defense Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-meets-mark-esper-on-the-sidelines-of-admm-plus-meeting-in-bangkok-262660">Mark Esper</a> on Tuesday (local times) said that Afghan President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-vows-to-eliminate-islamic-state-says-will-take-revenge-for-our-people-244235">Ashraf Ghani</a> and Pakistani Army Chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-qamar-javed-bajwas-term-as-army-chief-extended-for-another-3-years-244163">Qamar Javed Bajwa</a> offered him sound advice during a phone call on the escalation of tensions in the middle eastern region.

"The United States does not seek conflict but will respond forcefully if necessary. Afghan President and Pakistani General Bajwa both offered sound counsel and advice in calls today," Esper tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The United States does not seek conflict, but will respond forcefully if necessary. Afghan President <a href="https://twitter.com/ashrafghani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashrafghani</a> and Pakistani General Bajwa both offered sound counsel and advice in calls today.
— Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper (@EsperDoD) <a href="https://twitter.com/EsperDoD/status/1214643648475881480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Trump administration has dialled up various leaders in the world to defend United States` fatal strike that claimed the life of Iranian Quds Force chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-iranians-general-qasem-soleimani-and-its-consequences-271884">Qasem Soleimani</a>. The attack has further downgraded US relations with Tehran.

Iran has vowed to take revenge for the killing of the most revered military personnel in Iran. The strike has been deployed by several countries including Iraq, Russia, and China."I always appreciate speaking with our partners and allies in the region. We all seek the de-escalation of tensions with Iran," he added.

Meanwhile, Ghani took to Twitter to inform about the phone call between Esper and him, adding that he and Esper agreed that its time for an urgent de-escalation between Washington and Tehran.

"I spoke with Secretary Esper this evening about the latest security developments in the region. We both agreed that it`s time for urgent #de-escalation between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran," Ghani tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I spoke with Secretary <a href="https://twitter.com/EsperDoD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EsperDoD</a> this evening about the latest security developments in the region. We both agreed that it's time for urgent <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/de?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#de</a>-escalation between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
— Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashrafghani/status/1214574027769024513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The tensions between the two nations have persisted since 2018 when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-is-well-so-far-so-good-says-trump-after-irans-missile-strikes-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272818">Trump</a> unilaterally announced that the US is not a part of the 2015 nuclear deal which was brokered by his predecessor Barack Obama.

Following the withdrawal from the deal, the United States has imposed a number of sanctions against Iran to force the country to renegotiate the deal. The sanctions have crippled the Iranian economy, however, the country refused to bog down to US pressure and started to do away with the terms of the deal.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Tuesday (local times) said that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Pakistani Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa offered him sound advice during a phone call on the escalation of tensions in the middle eastern region.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Tuesday (local times) said that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Pakistani Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa offered him sound advice during a phone call on the escalation of tensions in the middle eastern region. "The United States does not seek conflict but will respond forcefully if necessary. Afghan President and Pakistani General Bajwa both offered sound counsel and advice in calls today," Esper tweeted. The United States does not seek conflict, but will respond forcefully if necessary. Afghan President @ashrafghani and Pakistani General Bajwa both offered sound counsel and advice in calls today. — Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper (@EsperDoD) January 7, 2020 × Trump administration has dialled up various leaders in the world to defend United States` fatal strike that claimed the life of Iranian Quds Force chief Qasem Soleimani. The attack has further downgraded US relations with Tehran. Iran has vowed to take revenge for the killing of the most revered military personnel in Iran. The strike has been deployed by several countries including Iraq, Russia, and China."I always appreciate speaking with our partners and allies in the region. We all seek the de-escalation of tensions with Iran," he added. Meanwhile, Ghani took to Twitter to inform about the phone call between Esper and him, adding that he and Esper agreed that its time for an urgent de-escalation between Washington and Tehran. "I spoke with Secretary Esper this evening about the latest security developments in the region. We both agreed that it`s time for urgent #de-escalation between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran," Ghani tweeted. I spoke with Secretary @EsperDoD this evening about the latest security developments in the region. We both agreed that it's time for urgent #de-escalation between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. — Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) January 7, 2020 × The tensions between the two nations have persisted since 2018 when Trump unilaterally announced that the US is not a part of the 2015 nuclear deal which was brokered by his predecessor Barack Obama. Following the withdrawal from the deal, the United States has imposed a number of sanctions against Iran to force the country to renegotiate the deal. The sanctions have crippled the Iranian economy, however, the country refused to bog down to US pressure and started to do away with the terms of the deal.

Afghan President, Pakistan Army Chief offer sound advice over Iran conflict: US defence secretary

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-ruling-socialists-seize-congress-defiant-opposition-re-elects-guaido-272587">Venezuelan</a> security forces let US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido enter the legislative palace on Tuesday amid a showdown for control of parliament after the ruling socialist party installed its own rival congressional chief.

Guaido, who was re-elected on Sunday to a second one-year term as head of the opposition-held congress, had pledged to preside over Tuesday's opening session after security forces blocked him from the building over the weekend to allow socialist legislators to swear in their own speaker.

Local television images early Tuesday showed Guaido arguing for half an hour with troops wielding riot shields who again blocked the entrance to the legislative building, but eventually allowed him to push past them.

"This is not a barracks. This is the house of laws," Guaido told the soldiers blocking his entrance. "The military does not get to decide who can enter the house of laws."

But inside, a brief session led by Luis Parra - who was sworn in by allies of President Nicolas Maduro as parliament chief Sunday - had already ended, according to Reuters witnesses.

Parra's swearing-in on Sunday gave Maduro sway over the last major state institution that had remained outside his control and appeared to mark a setback to Washington's efforts to unseat him.

The gambit marked an escalation in Maduro's crackdown on the opposition, whose key international ally - the Trump administration - has so far been unsuccessful in its year-long attempt to oust Maduro through economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-crisis-in-venezuela-deepens-maduro-takes-control-of-the-national-assembly-272592/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

US&nbsp;special envoy for Venezuela Elliott Abrams on Monday said Washington was preparing new sanctions to step up pressure on Caracas. But Maduro's move suggests he does not expect major consequences from the United States, though the government has steered clear of actions - like arresting Guaido - that could provoke a harsher response.

"We once again handed imperialism a defeat," socialist party Vice President Diosdado Cabello said on his talk show Monday night.

Parra, who was elected to congress in 2015, had been expelled from the First Justice opposition party in late 2019 due to corruption allegations, which he has denied.

Dozens of countries, including the United States, denounced Parra's appointment as illegitimate and said they continued to recognize Guaido as the parliament's head and as Venezuela's rightful president.

On Sunday, after soldiers prevented Guaido from entering parliament, he held a separate session elsewhere in which 100 lawmakers backed his bid despite the earlier swearing-in of Parra. The legislature has 167 seats.

'The people are in charge'

Guaido had vowed to preside over Tuesday's legislative session despite what he called Parra's "parliamentary coup." Parra has rejected that description, while saying he wants to end confrontations with Maduro's government. "We came to save parliament from destruction," he said on Twitter.

After security forces opened the gates to allow him to pass, Guaido stood in the leadership post and sang the Venezuelan national anthem with allies. Electricity swiftly went out in the chamber, and state television - which had broadcast footage of Parra's session - cut away from the congress.

"In here, the people are in charge," lawmakers chanted as Guaido entered.

Guaido was elected head of the congress in January 2019 and invoked Venezuela's constitution to assume an interim presidency, denouncing Maduro as a usurper who had secured re-election in a 2018 vote widely considered fraudulent.

So far, Maduro has fended off Guaido's challenge, retaining control of the armed forces and tightening the noose around opposition lawmakers. More than 30 of Guaido's congressional allies are in hiding, in prison, or in exile.

Guaido has also been losing support as Venezuelans tired with Maduro lose patience with his floundering movement. It remains to be seen whether his defiant response to Maduro's move could galvanize his supporters, who turned out by the hundreds of thousands to protest Maduro early last year.

Parra's new policy agenda focuses on reducing conflict with the government. Maduro was quick to celebrate his swearing-in, highlighting a "rebellion" among opposition lawmakers.

Parra said Monday his priority was to set up a new electoral council to preside over free and fair elections.

His brief session included a debate over proposals to tackle widespread shortages of gasoline. The session began around 10 a.m. and ended in under an hour.

Venezuelan security forces let US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido enter the legislative palace on Tuesday amid a showdown for control of parliament after the ruling socialist party installed its own rival congressional chief.

Venezuelan security forces let US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido enter the legislative palace on Tuesday amid a showdown for control of parliament after the ruling socialist party installed its own rival congressional chief. Guaido, who was re-elected on Sunday to a second one-year term as head of the opposition-held congress, had pledged to preside over Tuesday's opening session after security forces blocked him from the building over the weekend to allow socialist legislators to swear in their own speaker. Local television images early Tuesday showed Guaido arguing for half an hour with troops wielding riot shields who again blocked the entrance to the legislative building, but eventually allowed him to push past them. "This is not a barracks. This is the house of laws," Guaido told the soldiers blocking his entrance. "The military does not get to decide who can enter the house of laws." But inside, a brief session led by Luis Parra - who was sworn in by allies of President Nicolas Maduro as parliament chief Sunday - had already ended, according to Reuters witnesses. Parra's swearing-in on Sunday gave Maduro sway over the last major state institution that had remained outside his control and appeared to mark a setback to Washington's efforts to unseat him. The gambit marked an escalation in Maduro's crackdown on the opposition, whose key international ally - the Trump administration - has so far been unsuccessful in its year-long attempt to oust Maduro through economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure. × US special envoy for Venezuela Elliott Abrams on Monday said Washington was preparing new sanctions to step up pressure on Caracas. But Maduro's move suggests he does not expect major consequences from the United States, though the government has steered clear of actions - like arresting Guaido - that could provoke a harsher response. "We once again handed imperialism a defeat," socialist party Vice President Diosdado Cabello said on his talk show Monday night. Parra, who was elected to congress in 2015, had been expelled from the First Justice opposition party in late 2019 due to corruption allegations, which he has denied. Dozens of countries, including the United States, denounced Parra's appointment as illegitimate and said they continued to recognize Guaido as the parliament's head and as Venezuela's rightful president. On Sunday, after soldiers prevented Guaido from entering parliament, he held a separate session elsewhere in which 100 lawmakers backed his bid despite the earlier swearing-in of Parra. The legislature has 167 seats. 'The people are in charge' Guaido had vowed to preside over Tuesday's legislative session despite what he called Parra's "parliamentary coup." Parra has rejected that description, while saying he wants to end confrontations with Maduro's government. "We came to save parliament from destruction," he said on Twitter. After security forces opened the gates to allow him to pass, Guaido stood in the leadership post and sang the Venezuelan national anthem with allies. Electricity swiftly went out in the chamber, and state television - which had broadcast footage of Parra's session - cut away from the congress. "In here, the people are in charge," lawmakers chanted as Guaido entered. Guaido was elected head of the congress in January 2019 and invoked Venezuela's constitution to assume an interim presidency, denouncing Maduro as a usurper who had secured re-election in a 2018 vote widely considered fraudulent. So far, Maduro has fended off Guaido's challenge, retaining control of the armed forces and tightening the noose around opposition lawmakers. More than 30 of Guaido's congressional allies are in hiding, in prison, or in exile. Guaido has also been losing support as Venezuelans tired with Maduro lose patience with his floundering movement. It remains to be seen whether his defiant response to Maduro's move could galvanize his supporters, who turned out by the hundreds of thousands to protest Maduro early last year. Parra's new policy agenda focuses on reducing conflict with the government. Maduro was quick to celebrate his swearing-in, highlighting a "rebellion" among opposition lawmakers. Parra said Monday his priority was to set up a new electoral council to preside over free and fair elections. His brief session included a debate over proposals to tackle widespread shortages of gasoline. The session began around 10 a.m. and ended in under an hour.

Venezuela's Guaido pushes past troops to enter Congress after socialist takeover

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-top-military-commander-killed-in-helicopter-crash-271568">Taiwan</a> votes on Saturday in an election overshadowed by renewed Chinese efforts to get the island to accept their rule, and as Taiwan nervously watches Hong Kong protests, worried they may be next if China ever succeeds in bringing them under its control.

Taiwan has been a democratic success story since holding its first direct presidential election in 1996, the culmination of decades of struggle against authoritarian rule and martial law under the Kuomintang, which ruled China until forced to flee to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with the Communists.

President Tsai Ing-wen of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party is seeking a second term and is being challenged by the Kuomintang's Han Kuo-yu, who favours close ties with Beijing and says this is the only way to ensure Taiwan's security and prosperity.

The issue of China has taken front and centre in the campaign, especially after President Xi Jinping warned last year they could attack Taiwan, though said he'd prefer a peaceful "one country, two systems" formula to get control of the island.

Both Tsai and Han have rejected "one country, two systems", though the DPP has painted a vote for the Kuomintang as effectively a vote for that model. Han has angrily denied this.

On Monday, Tsai's team released a slick new campaign video comparing Taiwan's freedoms with the struggle in Hong Kong, interspersed with images of Xi and Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-taiwan-military-chief-killed-in-helicopter-crash-271749/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"A few hundred miles from here, many young people are using their blood and tears to defend freedom," Tsai wrote on Facebook in introducing the video.

The idea of imposing a "one country, two systems" model of a high degree of autonomy much like China offers the former British colony of Hong Kong has never been popular in Taiwan.

It is even less so now after months of anti-government protests in the former British colony. The protesters have widespread public sympathy in Taiwan, and both the DPP and Kuomintang have pledged to help those who flee to the island.

Han has complained of "dirty tricks" being used to smear him as a puppet for China, especially revelations in Australian media from a self-proclaimed Chinese spy who claimed China has supported Han. Han strongly rejects this.

"I beseech Taiwan's people, in the 2020 presidential and parliamentary election, open your eyes. I hope Taiwan's people see these wicked smears to paint me black, red and yellow and make a rational decision," Han said on Tuesday.

Scaring Taiwan

In the run-up to the election, China has repeated its "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-rejects-chinas-offer-to-unify-under-hong-kong-model-271327">one country, two systems</a>" offer to Taiwan.

Liu Jieyi, the urbane head of China's policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office, wrote in the Communist Party's official People's Daily last week that people in Taiwan were "positively exploring" this model, though offered no evidence.

But one Chinese official, who meets regularly with senior members of the People's Liberation Army, told Reuters that the Hong Kong protests had "increased the difficulty of getting Taiwan back".

"What's happening there is scaring Taiwan," the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, referring to conversations with military officers.

While China has denied seeking to interfere in Taiwan's elections, Taiwan's parliament on the final day of last year passed a new anti-infiltration law designed to stop Chinese influence on Taiwan's democracy.

China's military is not idly sitting on the sidelines.

Its newest aircraft carrier, the Shandong, has twice sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait in the past two months, most recently in late December.

The United States, Taiwan's main arms supplier and strongest international backer even in the absence of official diplomatic ties has said it is concerned at Chinese efforts to sway the election.

Zhou Bo, director of the Centre for Security Cooperation of the Office for International Military Cooperation at China's Defence Ministry, said China "of course" wanted to resolve the "Taiwan issue" peacefully.

But China could not sit by while Taiwan continued attempts to distance itself from China, and the United States should heed that warning, he said.

"I don't know whether the United States is prepared to pay the price militarily for Taiwan."

Taiwan votes on Saturday in an election overshadowed by renewed Chinese efforts to get the island to accept their rule, and as Taiwan nervously watches Hong Kong protests, worried they may be next if China ever succeeds in bringing them under its control.

Taiwan votes on Saturday in an election overshadowed by renewed Chinese efforts to get the island to accept their rule, and as Taiwan nervously watches Hong Kong protests, worried they may be next if China ever succeeds in bringing them under its control. Taiwan has been a democratic success story since holding its first direct presidential election in 1996, the culmination of decades of struggle against authoritarian rule and martial law under the Kuomintang, which ruled China until forced to flee to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with the Communists. President Tsai Ing-wen of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party is seeking a second term and is being challenged by the Kuomintang's Han Kuo-yu, who favours close ties with Beijing and says this is the only way to ensure Taiwan's security and prosperity. The issue of China has taken front and centre in the campaign, especially after President Xi Jinping warned last year they could attack Taiwan, though said he'd prefer a peaceful "one country, two systems" formula to get control of the island. Both Tsai and Han have rejected "one country, two systems", though the DPP has painted a vote for the Kuomintang as effectively a vote for that model. Han has angrily denied this. On Monday, Tsai's team released a slick new campaign video comparing Taiwan's freedoms with the struggle in Hong Kong, interspersed with images of Xi and Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam. × "A few hundred miles from here, many young people are using their blood and tears to defend freedom," Tsai wrote on Facebook in introducing the video. The idea of imposing a "one country, two systems" model of a high degree of autonomy much like China offers the former British colony of Hong Kong has never been popular in Taiwan. It is even less so now after months of anti-government protests in the former British colony. The protesters have widespread public sympathy in Taiwan, and both the DPP and Kuomintang have pledged to help those who flee to the island. Han has complained of "dirty tricks" being used to smear him as a puppet for China, especially revelations in Australian media from a self-proclaimed Chinese spy who claimed China has supported Han. Han strongly rejects this. "I beseech Taiwan's people, in the 2020 presidential and parliamentary election, open your eyes. I hope Taiwan's people see these wicked smears to paint me black, red and yellow and make a rational decision," Han said on Tuesday. Scaring Taiwan In the run-up to the election, China has repeated its "one country, two systems" offer to Taiwan. Liu Jieyi, the urbane head of China's policy-making Taiwan Affairs Office, wrote in the Communist Party's official People's Daily last week that people in Taiwan were "positively exploring" this model, though offered no evidence. But one Chinese official, who meets regularly with senior members of the People's Liberation Army, told Reuters that the Hong Kong protests had "increased the difficulty of getting Taiwan back". "What's happening there is scaring Taiwan," the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, referring to conversations with military officers. While China has denied seeking to interfere in Taiwan's elections, Taiwan's parliament on the final day of last year passed a new anti-infiltration law designed to stop Chinese influence on Taiwan's democracy. China's military is not idly sitting on the sidelines. Its newest aircraft carrier, the Shandong, has twice sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait in the past two months, most recently in late December. The United States, Taiwan's main arms supplier and strongest international backer even in the absence of official diplomatic ties has said it is concerned at Chinese efforts to sway the election. Zhou Bo, director of the Centre for Security Cooperation of the Office for International Military Cooperation at China's Defence Ministry, said China "of course" wanted to resolve the "Taiwan issue" peacefully. But China could not sit by while Taiwan continued attempts to distance itself from China, and the United States should heed that warning, he said. "I don't know whether the United States is prepared to pay the price militarily for Taiwan."

Taiwan to vote in shadow of China pressure, Hong Kong protests

Australian firefighters used a break from searing temperatures on Tuesday to strengthen containment lines around <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-bushfires-2000-homes-destroyed-military-buries-4000-animals-to-prevent-diseases-272607">huge wildfires</a> as the financial and environmental costs of the crisis mounted.

More than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land an area the size of South Korea - have been razed by bushfires across the country in recent weeks, according to the latest data, with the southeast particularly hard hit.

Imagery posted online from the Himawari 8 Japanese satellite and NASA's Earth Observatory showed plumes of smoke from the fires reaching as far as South America.

Firefighters on the ground were making the most of a few days of cooler temperatures in the southeast to prepare for the expected return of heat and wind later this week that is expected to fan existing blazes and spark new ones.

"We need to remain vigilant," Andrew Crisp, Victoria state's emergency management commissioner, told reporters.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-celebrity-chris-hemsworth-donates-1million-to-australia-wildfire-272741">Hollywood celebrity Chris Hemsworth donates $1million to Australia wildfire</a>

"We talk about benign conditions, and the fire is suppressed, but it is still there. It is still tinder dry."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/everythings-just-gone-weve-got-nothing-aish-australian-bushfire-victim-272566">Australia's bushfire</a> season started earlier than normal this year following a three-year drought that has left much of the country's bushland vulnerable to fires.

Thousands of people have been left homeless, while many in rural towns have spent days without electricity, telecommunications and, in some cases, drinking water. Military-coordinated rescue and support efforts are going on.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the crisis would have a significant economic impact as Treasurer Josh Frydenberg met chief executives of insurers Insurance Australia Group, Suncorp Group and QBE Insurance Group, and local heads of Germany's Allianz and Switzerland's Zurich Insurance Group, plus heads of Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Westpac Banking Group.

Morrison on Monday pledged A$2 billion ($1.39 billion) to a newly created National Bushfire Recovery Agency.

The Insurance Council of Australia increased its estimate for damage claims from the fires to more than A$700 million, with claims expected to jump when more fire-hit areas are accessible.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dont-know-what-were-going-to-do-australians-in-town-ravaged-by-bushfire-272703/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Following are some highlights of what is happening in the Australian bushfires crisis:

- Two men reported missing in New South Wales have been found, police said.

- Forty-eight US&nbsp;firefighters are scheduled to arrive in Australia on Wednesday, officials said, joining 39 compatriots already on the ground. A further 18 incident management personnel from the United States and Canada will arrive on Wednesday.

- Prime Minister Morrison said he spoke with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Tuesday, while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also offered support.

- Morrison attended the funeral of volunteer firefighter Andrew O’Dwyer, who was killed along with colleague Geoffrey Keaton on Dec. 19 after a burnt tree fell in the path of their firetruck, causing it to roll.

- Data showed the fires were beginning to have an effect on the economy. The ANZ gauge of consumer confidence fell last week to its lowest level in more than four years, while its job advertisement data recorded the biggest monthly drop in seven months in December.

- The military was deployed to help bury an estimated 4,000 dead sheep and cattle.

- Authorities said the number of people calling for urgent medical care in Victoria jumped 51 per cent on Monday as smoke covered the state.

- There were 132 fires ablaze across New South Wales state, but all were back at the "advice" level, the lowest alert rating.

- Victoria state had 39 fires with 13 "watch and act" alerts.

- Almost 1,600 homes have been destroyed in NSW, Australia's most populous state, authorities said. In Victoria state, authorities believe 300 homes have been destroyed.

- Insurers have received 8,985 bushfire-related claims in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland since the Insurance Council declared a bushfire catastrophe on Nov. 8. The claims are estimated to have a loss value of A$700 million. The council recorded the destruction of 1,838 residential properties.

- A member of parliament from Morrison's party was criticised for an appearance on the "Good Morning Britain" ITV program during which he said there was no link between climate change and the bushfire crisis. "There is no link, the facts that cause the fires are the drought and the drying of the environment," lawmaker Craig Kelly said.

Australian firefighters used a break from searing temperatures on Tuesday to strengthen containment lines around huge wildfires as the financial and environmental costs of the crisis mounted.

Australian firefighters used a break from searing temperatures on Tuesday to strengthen containment lines around huge wildfires as the financial and environmental costs of the crisis mounted. More than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land an area the size of South Korea - have been razed by bushfires across the country in recent weeks, according to the latest data, with the southeast particularly hard hit. Imagery posted online from the Himawari 8 Japanese satellite and NASA's Earth Observatory showed plumes of smoke from the fires reaching as far as South America. Firefighters on the ground were making the most of a few days of cooler temperatures in the southeast to prepare for the expected return of heat and wind later this week that is expected to fan existing blazes and spark new ones. "We need to remain vigilant," Andrew Crisp, Victoria state's emergency management commissioner, told reporters. Also read: Hollywood celebrity Chris Hemsworth donates $1million to Australia wildfire "We talk about benign conditions, and the fire is suppressed, but it is still there. It is still tinder dry." Australia's bushfire season started earlier than normal this year following a three-year drought that has left much of the country's bushland vulnerable to fires. Thousands of people have been left homeless, while many in rural towns have spent days without electricity, telecommunications and, in some cases, drinking water. Military-coordinated rescue and support efforts are going on. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the crisis would have a significant economic impact as Treasurer Josh Frydenberg met chief executives of insurers Insurance Australia Group, Suncorp Group and QBE Insurance Group, and local heads of Germany's Allianz and Switzerland's Zurich Insurance Group, plus heads of Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Westpac Banking Group. Morrison on Monday pledged A$2 billion ($1.39 billion) to a newly created National Bushfire Recovery Agency. The Insurance Council of Australia increased its estimate for damage claims from the fires to more than A$700 million, with claims expected to jump when more fire-hit areas are accessible. × Following are some highlights of what is happening in the Australian bushfires crisis: - Two men reported missing in New South Wales have been found, police said. - Forty-eight US firefighters are scheduled to arrive in Australia on Wednesday, officials said, joining 39 compatriots already on the ground. A further 18 incident management personnel from the United States and Canada will arrive on Wednesday. - Prime Minister Morrison said he spoke with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also offered support. - Morrison attended the funeral of volunteer firefighter Andrew O’Dwyer, who was killed along with colleague Geoffrey Keaton on Dec. 19 after a burnt tree fell in the path of their firetruck, causing it to roll. - Data showed the fires were beginning to have an effect on the economy. The ANZ gauge of consumer confidence fell last week to its lowest level in more than four years, while its job advertisement data recorded the biggest monthly drop in seven months in December. - The military was deployed to help bury an estimated 4,000 dead sheep and cattle. - Authorities said the number of people calling for urgent medical care in Victoria jumped 51 per cent on Monday as smoke covered the state. - There were 132 fires ablaze across New South Wales state, but all were back at the "advice" level, the lowest alert rating. - Victoria state had 39 fires with 13 "watch and act" alerts. - Almost 1,600 homes have been destroyed in NSW, Australia's most populous state, authorities said. In Victoria state, authorities believe 300 homes have been destroyed. - Insurers have received 8,985 bushfire-related claims in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland since the Insurance Council declared a bushfire catastrophe on Nov. 8. The claims are estimated to have a loss value of A$700 million. The council recorded the destruction of 1,838 residential properties. - A member of parliament from Morrison's party was criticised for an appearance on the "Good Morning Britain" ITV program during which he said there was no link between climate change and the bushfire crisis. "There is no link, the facts that cause the fires are the drought and the drying of the environment," lawmaker Craig Kelly said.

Australia strengthens bushfire defences as economic, environmental costs mount

Smoke from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-24-die-in-australia-bushfires-prayforaustralia-trends-on-twitter-272293">bushfires</a> raging across Australia reached Brazil on Tuesday, an arm of the National Institute for Space Research said on Twitter.

Referring to satellite images, the agency's Department of Remote Sensing said the smoke had arrived in Brazil's southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul.

Private meteorological company MetSul also tweeted about the arrival of a smoke cloud to Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, but emphasized that "the presence of smoke from Australia in the air is almost imperceptible, despite the satellite showing smoke in the atmosphere over the great Porto Alegre."

Chile's meteorological service said Monday that smoke from the fires was visible in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strong-68-magnitude-earthquake-off-chile-coast-252706">Chile</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-goal-gives-argentina-1-0-win-over-brazil-262481">Argentina</a>. 
 
Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australian-bushfires-smoke-travels-through-south-america-272919/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">That means the hazy cloud of smoke, sitting at about 6,000 meters (20,000 feet) in the air, traveled more than 12,000 kilometers (7,500 miles) to reach South America.</div>

But the drifting smoke won't negatively affect the health of the continent's inhabitants, the Chilean service said.

Fires ravaging Australia since September have left 24 people dead and destroyed some eight million hectares (80,000 square kilometers) of land&nbsp;an area the size of Ireland or the US state of South Carolina.

After a catastrophic weekend, Australian firefighters supported by US and Canadian forces welcomed rain and a drop in temperatures to boost their efforts early in the week before another heat wave is expected in the coming days. &nbsp;

Reserve troops have been deployed to help throughout the country, and the government has earmarked an initial Aus$2 billion ($1.4 billion) for a national recovery fund for devastated communities.

Smoke from bushfires raging across Australia reached Brazil on Tuesday, an arm of the National Institute for Space Research said on Twitter. Referring to satellite images, the agency's Department of Remote Sensing said the smoke had arrived in Brazil's southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul.

Smoke from bushfires raging across Australia reached Brazil on Tuesday, an arm of the National Institute for Space Research said on Twitter. Referring to satellite images, the agency's Department of Remote Sensing said the smoke had arrived in Brazil's southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul. Private meteorological company MetSul also tweeted about the arrival of a smoke cloud to Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, but emphasized that "the presence of smoke from Australia in the air is almost imperceptible, despite the satellite showing smoke in the atmosphere over the great Porto Alegre." Chile's meteorological service said Monday that smoke from the fires was visible in Chile and Argentina. Watch: That means the hazy cloud of smoke, sitting at about 6,000 meters (20,000 feet) in the air, traveled more than 12,000 kilometers (7,500 miles) to reach South America. But the drifting smoke won't negatively affect the health of the continent's inhabitants, the Chilean service said. Fires ravaging Australia since September have left 24 people dead and destroyed some eight million hectares (80,000 square kilometers) of land an area the size of Ireland or the US state of South Carolina. After a catastrophic weekend, Australian firefighters supported by US and Canadian forces welcomed rain and a drop in temperatures to boost their efforts early in the week before another heat wave is expected in the coming days. Reserve troops have been deployed to help throughout the country, and the government has earmarked an initial Aus$2 billion ($1.4 billion) for a national recovery fund for devastated communities.

Smoke from Australia bushfires reaches Brazil

After taking two wickets in the first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-t20i-india-thrash-sri-lanka-by-7-wickets-in-the-second-t20i-take-1-0-lead-272801">T20I </a>against Sri Lanka, India pacer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-navdeep-saini-found-guilty-of-breaching-icc-code-of-conduct-240813">Navdeep Saini</a> has said that he just wanted to gain confidence from the game and be prepared for any situation in the future.

In the match against Sri Lanka, Saini was able to showcase good death bowling skills as he continued to bowl consistent yorkers. His partner Shardul Thakur also left an impression with bowl after scalping three wickets.

This effort by the bowlers helped the Men in Blue restrict Sri Lanka to just 142/7 in the allotted twenty overs. India easily chased down the total with seven wickets in hand and 15 balls to spare.

"As soon as the match started, I thought the wicket was flat. I thought I can do well, I was wanted to gain confidence from this match. I bowled good yorkers today. Whenever I have heard Bumrah talk about bowling his yorkers, he always talked accuracy when you try to bowl the ball," Saini told Yuzvendra Chahal on 'Chahal TV'.

"I am very lucky to finally make my debut on Chahal TV. It's all about handling pressure, I took three wickets and all of them came in a crucial time, I am happy," Shardul Thakur said.

For India, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer starred with the bat after playing knocks of 45 and 34 respectively.

Both were not able to stay till the end, and skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-receives-official-warning-and-one-demerit-point-for-breaching-icc-code-of-conduct-251527">Virat Kohli</a> took the side over the line. Kohli remained unbeaten on 30.

India and Sri Lanka will next take on each other in the third T20I of the three-match series on Friday, January 10.

After taking two wickets in the first T20I against Sri Lanka, India pacer Navdeep Saini has said that he just wanted to gain confidence from the game and be prepared for any situation in the future.

After taking two wickets in the first T20I against Sri Lanka, India pacer Navdeep Saini has said that he just wanted to gain confidence from the game and be prepared for any situation in the future. In the match against Sri Lanka, Saini was able to showcase good death bowling skills as he continued to bowl consistent yorkers. His partner Shardul Thakur also left an impression with bowl after scalping three wickets. This effort by the bowlers helped the Men in Blue restrict Sri Lanka to just 142/7 in the allotted twenty overs. India easily chased down the total with seven wickets in hand and 15 balls to spare. "As soon as the match started, I thought the wicket was flat. I thought I can do well, I was wanted to gain confidence from this match. I bowled good yorkers today. Whenever I have heard Bumrah talk about bowling his yorkers, he always talked accuracy when you try to bowl the ball," Saini told Yuzvendra Chahal on 'Chahal TV'. "I am very lucky to finally make my debut on Chahal TV. It's all about handling pressure, I took three wickets and all of them came in a crucial time, I am happy," Shardul Thakur said. For India, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer starred with the bat after playing knocks of 45 and 34 respectively. Both were not able to stay till the end, and skipper Virat Kohli took the side over the line. Kohli remained unbeaten on 30. India and Sri Lanka will next take on each other in the third T20I of the three-match series on Friday, January 10.

Wanted to gain confidence from first T20I against Sri Lanka: Navdeep Saini

A senior <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/facebook-to-welcome-its-first-ever-facebook-tv-18323">Facebook</a> executive on Tuesday said the world's biggest social network unintentionally helped put <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trumps-attitude-towards-india-unpredictable-unreliable-238560">Donald Trump</a> in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/white-house-invokes-executive-privilege-to-stop-release-of-mueller-report-217070">White House</a> but warned against dramatic rule changes.

The Trump campaign did effectively use Facebook to rally support for his presidential run, and the social network should be mindful of that without making moves that stifle free political discourse, Andrew Bosworth said in a lengthy post on his personal Facebook page triggered by The New York Times publishing an internal memo he wrote.

"So was Facebook responsible for Donald Trump getting elected?" Bosworth asked.

"I think the answer is yes, but not for the reasons anyone thinks."

Bosworth contended Trump was not elected because of Russia or misinformation or Cambridge Analytica, but rather because he ran "the single best digital ad campaign I've ever seen from any advertiser."

He went on to say that, since Facebook has the same ad policies in place now, the outcome of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-the-impeachment-inquiry-might-affect-donald-trumps-2020-re-election-chances-253716">2020 election</a> could be the same as it was four years ago.

"As tempting as it is to use the tools available to us to change the outcome, I am confident we must never do that or we will become that which we fear," Bosworth wrote.

That doesn't mean Facebook should not draw a line when it comes to how it is used, he reasoned. Clearly inciting violence, thwarting voting, and other blatant transgressions should be banned, but voters should be trusted to decide what kind of leaders they want to elect, according to Bosworth.

"If we don’t want hate-mongering politicians then we must not elect them," Bosworth wrote.

"If we change the outcomes without winning the minds of the people who will be ruled then we have a democracy in name only. If we limit what information people have access to and what they can say then we have no democracy at all."

A senior Facebook executive on Tuesday said the world's biggest social network unintentionally helped put Donald Trump in the White House but warned against dramatic rule changes.

A senior Facebook executive on Tuesday said the world's biggest social network unintentionally helped put Donald Trump in the White House but warned against dramatic rule changes. The Trump campaign did effectively use Facebook to rally support for his presidential run, and the social network should be mindful of that without making moves that stifle free political discourse, Andrew Bosworth said in a lengthy post on his personal Facebook page triggered by The New York Times publishing an internal memo he wrote. "So was Facebook responsible for Donald Trump getting elected?" Bosworth asked. "I think the answer is yes, but not for the reasons anyone thinks." Bosworth contended Trump was not elected because of Russia or misinformation or Cambridge Analytica, but rather because he ran "the single best digital ad campaign I've ever seen from any advertiser." He went on to say that, since Facebook has the same ad policies in place now, the outcome of the 2020 election could be the same as it was four years ago. "As tempting as it is to use the tools available to us to change the outcome, I am confident we must never do that or we will become that which we fear," Bosworth wrote. That doesn't mean Facebook should not draw a line when it comes to how it is used, he reasoned. Clearly inciting violence, thwarting voting, and other blatant transgressions should be banned, but voters should be trusted to decide what kind of leaders they want to elect, according to Bosworth. "If we don’t want hate-mongering politicians then we must not elect them," Bosworth wrote. "If we change the outcomes without winning the minds of the people who will be ruled then we have a democracy in name only. If we limit what information people have access to and what they can say then we have no democracy at all."

Facebook executive says it helped put Trump in White House

Unfurling another addition to its high-speed railway expansion project, China just pressed into service a driverless <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/carlos-ghosn-fled-by-bullet-train-japan-vows-to-bolster-borders-272500">bullet train</a> that is capable of running at the speed of 350 kilometres per hour.&nbsp;

Right ahead of 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the train comes into service and will run on the 108-mile railway corridor which will connect capital city Beijing and the Olympic hosting city of Zhangjiakou.&nbsp;

As per reports, the travel time between Beijing and Zhangjiakou will now come down to around 47 minutes when it used to take three hours previously.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bullet-train-between-china-india-great-idea-chinese-consul-general-165477">Bullet train between China-India 'great idea', says Chinese Consul General</a>&nbsp;

The high-speed bullet train service will run on the Jing-Zhang high-speed railway line which will have 10 stops in total and will link cities like Beijing, Yanqing and Zhangjiakou that will host 2022 Winter Olympics events.

China is home to the world's largest network of high-speed railways that travels to around 35,000 kilometres.&nbsp;

China's Shanghai maglev, the world's fastest commercial electric train, operates in Shanghai, cruising at the speed of 431 kilometres per hour.&nbsp;

Also known as the Shanghai Transrapid, the train links Longyang Road and Shanghai Pudong Airport on the eastern side of Shanghai.

Unfurling another addition to its high-speed railway expansion project, China just pressed into service a driverless bullet train that is capable of running at the speed of 350 kilometres per hour.

Unfurling another addition to its high-speed railway expansion project, China just pressed into service a driverless bullet train that is capable of running at the speed of 350 kilometres per hour. Right ahead of 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the train comes into service and will run on the 108-mile railway corridor which will connect capital city Beijing and the Olympic hosting city of Zhangjiakou. As per reports, the travel time between Beijing and Zhangjiakou will now come down to around 47 minutes when it used to take three hours previously. Also read: Bullet train between China-India 'great idea', says Chinese Consul General The high-speed bullet train service will run on the Jing-Zhang high-speed railway line which will have 10 stops in total and will link cities like Beijing, Yanqing and Zhangjiakou that will host 2022 Winter Olympics events. China is home to the world's largest network of high-speed railways that travels to around 35,000 kilometres. China's Shanghai maglev, the world's fastest commercial electric train, operates in Shanghai, cruising at the speed of 431 kilometres per hour. Also known as the Shanghai Transrapid, the train links Longyang Road and Shanghai Pudong Airport on the eastern side of Shanghai.

China flags of world's first 350km-per-hour driverless bullet train 

The bail petition of 15 accused in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/daryaganj-caa-protest-court-to-hear-bail-plea-of-15-accused-on-january-7-270757">Darya Ganj violence case</a> will be heard at 4 pm today after medical reports, footages, and evidence in the matter are submitted before a Delhi court.

The Delhi Police had arrested 15 people and detained 40 on December 20 last year after police and protestors clashed in the area over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

All the 15 accused were then sent to judicial custody. Advocate Rebecca John, appearing on the behalf of the accused, told the court that Section 436 (Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) should not be imposed in the case.

"The allegations in the FIR only make out a case under Section 435 (Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage to the amount of one hundred or (in case of agricultural produce) ten rupees), which is a bailable offence," she said.

Additional Public Prosecutor (APP), however, opposed the bail petition and called the incident a criminal conspiracy. Judge Kamini Lau retorted and said that it cannot be called criminal but civil at best.

"The people were walking from Seelampur and as they moved on others kept joining. That is how protests are. And everyone has a right to protest," Kamini said.

She added, "We as courts sitting here to safeguard the rights. I am worried about the vandalism. How can anyone damage public property and block roads? It is condemnable."

Yesterday, Tis Hazari Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar transferred the bail plea matter to District Judge (Central) as the violence case was transferred to the crime branch.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The bail petition of 15 accused in Darya Ganj violence case will be heard at 4 pm today after medical reports, footages, and evidence in the matter are submitted before a Delhi court.

The bail petition of 15 accused in Darya Ganj violence case will be heard at 4 pm today after medical reports, footages, and evidence in the matter are submitted before a Delhi court. The Delhi Police had arrested 15 people and detained 40 on December 20 last year after police and protestors clashed in the area over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. All the 15 accused were then sent to judicial custody. Advocate Rebecca John, appearing on the behalf of the accused, told the court that Section 436 (Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) should not be imposed in the case. "The allegations in the FIR only make out a case under Section 435 (Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage to the amount of one hundred or (in case of agricultural produce) ten rupees), which is a bailable offence," she said. Additional Public Prosecutor (APP), however, opposed the bail petition and called the incident a criminal conspiracy. Judge Kamini Lau retorted and said that it cannot be called criminal but civil at best. "The people were walking from Seelampur and as they moved on others kept joining. That is how protests are. And everyone has a right to protest," Kamini said. She added, "We as courts sitting here to safeguard the rights. I am worried about the vandalism. How can anyone damage public property and block roads? It is condemnable." Yesterday, Tis Hazari Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar transferred the bail plea matter to District Judge (Central) as the violence case was transferred to the crime branch.

Anti-CAA stir: Court to hear bail plea of accused in Darya Ganj violence case today

A row has erupted around the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-from-australia-bushfires-reaches-brazil-272837">devastating, raging bushfires in Australia</a> as fresh reports inform of more than 180 people being accused of allegedly starting the blazes during the bushfire season.

Australian media on Tuesday reported that as many as 180 people have been arrested for bushfire-related offences of which over 20 people have been charged for deliberately setting up the blazes.&nbsp;

People have also been arrested and charged for not paying heed to fire bans and caution notices put up by the local authorities.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-24-die-in-australia-bushfires-prayforaustralia-trends-on-twitter-272293">devastating bushfires</a> seem to see no signs of abating and have swallowed over 10 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land, claiming lives of more than 20 people this season and killing around 1 billion animals.

<img alt="australia bushfires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5a3532c2-dbc6-434b-a1f6-036b85b7d999" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/animals%20australia.jpg" />

As per reports, as many as 10,000 camels could be culled in the northwest of South Australia as locals complain thirsty animals, in search of water, are posing a threat to the inhabitants. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/smoke-from-australia-bushfires-reaches-brazil-272837" hreflang="en">Smoke from Australia bushfires reaches Brazil</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dont-know-what-were-going-to-do-australians-in-town-ravaged-by-bushfire-272703/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-strengthens-bushfire-defences-as-economic-environmental-costs-mount-272815">bushfire</a> season in Australia this year started earlier than normal following a three-year drought that has left much of the country's bushland vulnerable to fires.

While thousands have been left homeless, many rural towns have spent days without electricity, telecommunications and, in some cases, drinking water.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he spoke with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday and said that the US and the UK have offered support.

An area as big as South Korea has been destroyed by bushfires in Australia. Satellite imagery captures smoke emanating from the bushfires is travelling through South America.&nbsp;

In the meanwhile, authorities have predicted another temperature spike as soon as January 10, with little rain indicating a return to hazardous conditions.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

A row has erupted around the devastating, raging bushfires in Australia as fresh reports inform of more than 180 people being accused of allegedly starting the blazes during the bushfire season.

A row has erupted around the devastating, raging bushfires in Australia as fresh reports inform of more than 180 people being accused of allegedly starting the blazes during the bushfire season. Australian media on Tuesday reported that as many as 180 people have been arrested for bushfire-related offences of which over 20 people have been charged for deliberately setting up the blazes. People have also been arrested and charged for not paying heed to fire bans and caution notices put up by the local authorities. The devastating bushfires seem to see no signs of abating and have swallowed over 10 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land, claiming lives of more than 20 people this season and killing around 1 billion animals. As per reports, as many as 10,000 camels could be culled in the northwest of South Australia as locals complain thirsty animals, in search of water, are posing a threat to the inhabitants. Also read: Smoke from Australia bushfires reaches Brazil × The bushfire season in Australia this year started earlier than normal following a three-year drought that has left much of the country's bushland vulnerable to fires. While thousands have been left homeless, many rural towns have spent days without electricity, telecommunications and, in some cases, drinking water. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he spoke with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday and said that the US and the UK have offered support. An area as big as South Korea has been destroyed by bushfires in Australia. Satellite imagery captures smoke emanating from the bushfires is travelling through South America. In the meanwhile, authorities have predicted another temperature spike as soon as January 10, with little rain indicating a return to hazardous conditions. (With inputs from Reuters)

Australia bushfires: Over 180 people arrested for blaze-related crimes, deliberately starting fire 

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake on Wednesday rattled an area less than 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant near the country's Gulf coast, a US monitor said.

The quake, which had a depth of 10 kilometers, struck 17 kilometers south-southeast of Borazjan city at 6:49 am (0319 GMT), the US Geological Survey said on its website.

State news agency IRNA said the earthquake was felt in Bushehr, site of the country's sole nuclear power plant.

So far, there were no reports of any deaths or damage, IRNA said, citing Jahangir Dehghani, the head of Bushehr's crisis management center.

The latest quake comes exactly a fortnight after a magnitude 5.1 earthquake hit the same area, without causing any casualties or major damage.

The Bushehr plant, which produces 1,000 megawatts of power, was completed by Russia after years of delay and officially handed over in September 2013.

In 2016, Russian and Iranian firms began building two additional 1,000-megawatt reactors at Bushehr. Their construction was expected to take 10 years.

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake on Wednesday rattled an area less than 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant near the country's Gulf coast, a US monitor said.

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake on Wednesday rattled an area less than 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant near the country's Gulf coast, a US monitor said. The quake, which had a depth of 10 kilometers, struck 17 kilometers south-southeast of Borazjan city at 6:49 am (0319 GMT), the US Geological Survey said on its website. State news agency IRNA said the earthquake was felt in Bushehr, site of the country's sole nuclear power plant. So far, there were no reports of any deaths or damage, IRNA said, citing Jahangir Dehghani, the head of Bushehr's crisis management center. The latest quake comes exactly a fortnight after a magnitude 5.1 earthquake hit the same area, without causing any casualties or major damage. The Bushehr plant, which produces 1,000 megawatts of power, was completed by Russia after years of delay and officially handed over in September 2013. In 2016, Russian and Iranian firms began building two additional 1,000-megawatt reactors at Bushehr. Their construction was expected to take 10 years.

Magnitude 4.5 earthquake hits near Iran nuclear power plant: Report

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sparshita

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.