As World's third largest democracy Indonesia is all set to go to the polls on 17th April, Presidential candidates Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto are ready to encounter each other yet again to win the tough battle of 2019 election.

Indonesia presidential election: Prabowo Subianto vs Joko Widodo

The wife of Malaysia's ex-prime minister was Wednesday hit with a new corruption charge, the 20th since her husband's shock election loss, and complained she was the victim of "slander".

Rosmah Mansor - widely reviled in Malaysia due to her penchant for lavish overseas shopping sprees -- was charged with accepting a $1.2 million&nbsp;bribe in relation to a government solar power project.

She has already been hit with a barrage of money laundering and tax evasion charges linked to the looting of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-to-sell-1mdb-linked-super-yacht-207637">sovereign wealth fund 1MDB</a>.

Allegations that she, her husband Najib Razak, and his cronies stole billions of dollars from the fund and went on a global shopping spree played a major role in the election loss of Najib's coalition last year.

Appearing in a Kuala Lumpur court, Rosmah denied the latest charge against her -- that she accepted a kickback to help a company secure a project providing solar power generators to schools.

Afterwards, Rosmah told reporters that people had started apologising to her and Najib for having believed "all the slander" against them.&nbsp;

"People chose to listen to all the lies, to all the untrue stories that have been told," she said. "I will remain patient and face all the trials and tribulations which Allah has made go through."

The 67-year-old had already been hit with two charges over the solar power case in November, when she was accused of accepting bribes worth 189 million ringgit. The other charges she faces relate to the plundering of 1MDB.&nbsp;

She denies any wrongdoing.

Since his election loss, Najib has also been arrested and hit with multiple charges linked to the 1MDB scandal. He went on trial for the first time over the multi-billion-dollar fraud last week. He denies wrongdoing.

Najib and Rosmah's lavish lifestyles came to symbolise the rot in Malaysia's ruling elite.&nbsp;

Following the election, police discovered valuables, including cash, jewellery and luxury handbags, worth up to $273 million in properties linked to the couple.

The wife of Malaysia's ex-prime minister was Wednesday hit with a new corruption charge, the 20th since her husband's shock election loss, and complained she was the victim of "slander".

The wife of Malaysia's ex-prime minister was Wednesday hit with a new corruption charge, the 20th since her husband's shock election loss, and complained she was the victim of "slander". Rosmah Mansor - widely reviled in Malaysia due to her penchant for lavish overseas shopping sprees -- was charged with accepting a $1.2 million bribe in relation to a government solar power project. She has already been hit with a barrage of money laundering and tax evasion charges linked to the looting of sovereign wealth fund 1MDB. Allegations that she, her husband Najib Razak, and his cronies stole billions of dollars from the fund and went on a global shopping spree played a major role in the election loss of Najib's coalition last year. Appearing in a Kuala Lumpur court, Rosmah denied the latest charge against her -- that she accepted a kickback to help a company secure a project providing solar power generators to schools. Afterwards, Rosmah told reporters that people had started apologising to her and Najib for having believed "all the slander" against them. "People chose to listen to all the lies, to all the untrue stories that have been told," she said. "I will remain patient and face all the trials and tribulations which Allah has made go through." The 67-year-old had already been hit with two charges over the solar power case in November, when she was accused of accepting bribes worth 189 million ringgit. The other charges she faces relate to the plundering of 1MDB. She denies any wrongdoing. Since his election loss, Najib has also been arrested and hit with multiple charges linked to the 1MDB scandal. He went on trial for the first time over the multi-billion-dollar fraud last week. He denies wrongdoing. Najib and Rosmah's lavish lifestyles came to symbolise the rot in Malaysia's ruling elite. Following the election, police discovered valuables, including cash, jewellery and luxury handbags, worth up to $273 million in properties linked to the couple.

Malaysian ex-PM's wife Rosmah Mansor faces fresh corruption charges

A 6.1-magnitude <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-54-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-sulawesi-island-205182">earthquake hit off</a> the coast of North Maluku province in eastern Indonesia Sunday, US seismologists said, but no tsunami warning was issued.&nbsp;

The quake was 150 kilometres&nbsp;northwest of the coastal town of Ternate at a depth of 37 kilometres, according to the US Geological Survey.&nbsp;

The quake was felt in Ternate but residents were unconcerned, a local said.&nbsp;

"I was watching TV when the earthquake suddenly happened, the jolt was quite strong but thankfully it was quick so there was no panic," Ternate resident Budi Nurgianto told AFP.&nbsp;

Officials are still assessing the quake's impact but there were no immediate reports of casualties.&nbsp;

"We are still checking to see if there's any damage," said Rahmat Triyono, head of Indonesian weather agency BKMG's earthquake and tsunami division.&nbsp;

Indonesia experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide.

Last September, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island killed more than 2,200, with a thousand more declared missing.&nbsp;

On boxing day December 26, 2004, a 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck Aceh province, causing a tsunami and killing more than 170,000 in Indonesia.&nbsp;

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of North Maluku province in eastern Indonesia Sunday, US seismologists said, but no tsunami warning was issued. The quake was 150 kilometres northwest of the coastal town of Ternate at a depth of 37 kilometres, according to the US Geological Survey.

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of North Maluku province in eastern Indonesia Sunday, US seismologists said, but no tsunami warning was issued. The quake was 150 kilometres northwest of the coastal town of Ternate at a depth of 37 kilometres, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake was felt in Ternate but residents were unconcerned, a local said. "I was watching TV when the earthquake suddenly happened, the jolt was quite strong but thankfully it was quick so there was no panic," Ternate resident Budi Nurgianto told AFP. Officials are still assessing the quake's impact but there were no immediate reports of casualties. "We are still checking to see if there's any damage," said Rahmat Triyono, head of Indonesian weather agency BKMG's earthquake and tsunami division. Indonesia experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide. Last September, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island killed more than 2,200, with a thousand more declared missing. On boxing day December 26, 2004, a 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck Aceh province, causing a tsunami and killing more than 170,000 in Indonesia.

Indonesia: Magnitude 6.1 earthquake hits North Maluku province

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck the Indonesian island of Sulawesi of Sunday, the US Geological Survey said.

The quake struck 129 kilometres southeast of the city of Palu at a depth of 10 km. It was revised from an originally reported magnitude of 5.8 and depth of 36 km.

There were no immediate reports of damage.

A quake-and-tsunami disaster killed more than 2,000 people on Sulawesi last year.

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck the Indonesian island of Sulawesi of Sunday, the US Geological Survey said. The quake struck 129 kilometres southeast of the city of Palu at a depth of 10 km.

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck the Indonesian island of Sulawesi of Sunday, the US Geological Survey said. The quake struck 129 kilometres southeast of the city of Palu at a depth of 10 km. It was revised from an originally reported magnitude of 5.8 and depth of 36 km. There were no immediate reports of damage. A quake-and-tsunami disaster killed more than 2,000 people on Sulawesi last year.

Indonesia: 5.4 magnitude earthquake strikes Sulawesi island

Indonesia's national carrier Garuda will call off a multi-billion-dollar order for 49 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-crashes-boeing-rolls-out-safety-feature-previously-sold-as-an-option-204750">Boeing 737 Max 8</a> jets after two fatal crashes involving the plane, the company said Friday, in what is thought to be the first formal cancellation for the model.

"We have sent a letter to Boeing requesting that the order be cancelled," said Garuda spokesman Ikhsan Rosan.

"The reason is that Garuda passengers in Indonesia have lost trust and no longer have the confidence" in the plane, he said, adding that the airline was awaiting a response from Boeing.

Garuda had already received one of the 737 MAX 8 planes, he said, part of a 50-plane order worth $4.9 billion at list prices when it was announced in 2014.

Garuda is also talking to Boeing about whether or not to return the plane it has received, the spokesman told AFP.

The carrier had so far paid Boeing about $26 million, while Garuda's chief told Indonesian media outlet Detik that it would consider switching to a new version of the single-aisle jet.

"In principle, it's not that we want to replace Boeing, but maybe we will replace (these planes) with another model," Garuda Indonesia director I Gusti Ngurah Askhara Danadiputra told Detik.

This month, Indonesia's Lion Air said was postponing taking delivery of four new Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets after an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 went down minutes into a flight to Nairobi, killing all 157 people on board.&nbsp;

That came after a Lion Air jet of the same model crashed in Indonesia in October, killing all 189 people on board.

Indonesia's national carrier Garuda will call off a multi-billion-dollar order for 49 Boeing 737 Max 8 jets after two fatal crashes involving the plane, the company said Friday, in what is thought to be the first formal cancellation for the model.

Indonesia's national carrier Garuda will call off a multi-billion-dollar order for 49 Boeing 737 Max 8 jets after two fatal crashes involving the plane, the company said Friday, in what is thought to be the first formal cancellation for the model. "We have sent a letter to Boeing requesting that the order be cancelled," said Garuda spokesman Ikhsan Rosan. "The reason is that Garuda passengers in Indonesia have lost trust and no longer have the confidence" in the plane, he said, adding that the airline was awaiting a response from Boeing. Garuda had already received one of the 737 MAX 8 planes, he said, part of a 50-plane order worth $4.9 billion at list prices when it was announced in 2014. Garuda is also talking to Boeing about whether or not to return the plane it has received, the spokesman told AFP. The carrier had so far paid Boeing about $26 million, while Garuda's chief told Indonesian media outlet Detik that it would consider switching to a new version of the single-aisle jet. "In principle, it's not that we want to replace Boeing, but maybe we will replace (these planes) with another model," Garuda Indonesia director I Gusti Ngurah Askhara Danadiputra told Detik. This month, Indonesia's Lion Air said was postponing taking delivery of four new Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets after an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 went down minutes into a flight to Nairobi, killing all 157 people on board. That came after a Lion Air jet of the same model crashed in Indonesia in October, killing all 189 people on board.

Indonesia's Garuda cancels 49-plane Boeing 737 order after crashes

Boeing is finalising a software update and pilot training linked to the MCAS anti-stalling feature, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-boxes-show-clear-similarities-with-indonesia-crash-ethiopia-says-203937">under scrutiny after two 737 Max 8 crashes</a>, the company's CEO has said.

"Boeing is finalising its development of a previously-announced software update and pilot training revision that will address the MCAS flight control law's behaviour in response to erroneous sensor inputs," the US-based aircraft manufacturer's president and CEO, Dennis Muilenburg, said in a statement Sunday.

On Friday two anonymous industry sources told AFP the upgrade should be ready in about 10 days.

Muilenburg's announcement came after Ethiopia's transport minister earlier Sunday said black box data recovered from the Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed last week shows "clear similarities" with last year's Lion Air accident in Indonesia — which involved the same Max 8 type of aircraft.

Industry sources caution that the MCAS upgrade does not point to a cause of the Ethiopian crash, something Muilenburg's statement also indicated.

He said the MCAS modification is taking place "while investigators continue to work to establish definitive conclusions." The Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) is an automated safety feature on the 737 Max 8 designed to prevent the plane from entering into a stall, or losing lift.

Both the Lion Air jet, which crashed in October, killing 189 people, and the Ethiopian Airlines aircraft, which went down a week ago Sunday, leaving 157 people dead, were fitted with the system.

The two planes experienced similarly erratic steep climbs and descents and fluctuating airspeeds before crashing shortly after takeoff.

A malfunction of the system was implicated in the Lion Air accident.

The 737 Max 8 and 9 have been grounded worldwide since the Ethiopia crash. 
MCAS was introduced by Boeing on the 737 Max 8 because its heavier, more fuel-efficient engines changed the aerodynamic qualities of the workhorse aircraft and can cause the plane's nose to pitch up in certain conditions during manual flight.

Angle of attack sensors on the aircraft tell the MCAS to automatically point the nose of the plane down if it is in danger of going into a stall.

According to the flight data recorder, the pilots of Lion Air Flight 610 struggled to control the aircraft as the automated MCAS system repeatedly pushed the plane's nose down following takeoff.

The pilots of the Ethiopian Airlines plane reported similar difficulty before the aircraft plunged into the ground shortly after takeoff.

A preliminary report on the Lion Air accident blamed it in part on a faulty angle of attack sensor that triggered the MCAS system and automatically forced the plane's nose down.

Boeing came in for some criticism after the Indonesian crash for allegedly failing to adequately inform 737 pilots about the functioning of MCAS or provide training about the system.

After that crash, the company issued a bulletin to airlines operating the 737 Max 8 advising pilots how to override the MCAS system, and said it was working on software updates.&nbsp;

Boeing is finalising a software update and pilot training linked to the MCAS anti-stalling feature, under scrutiny after two 737 Max 8 crashes, the company's CEO has said.

Boeing is finalising a software update and pilot training linked to the MCAS anti-stalling feature, under scrutiny after two 737 Max 8 crashes, the company's CEO has said. "Boeing is finalising its development of a previously-announced software update and pilot training revision that will address the MCAS flight control law's behaviour in response to erroneous sensor inputs," the US-based aircraft manufacturer's president and CEO, Dennis Muilenburg, said in a statement Sunday. On Friday two anonymous industry sources told AFP the upgrade should be ready in about 10 days. Muilenburg's announcement came after Ethiopia's transport minister earlier Sunday said black box data recovered from the Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed last week shows "clear similarities" with last year's Lion Air accident in Indonesia — which involved the same Max 8 type of aircraft. Industry sources caution that the MCAS upgrade does not point to a cause of the Ethiopian crash, something Muilenburg's statement also indicated. He said the MCAS modification is taking place "while investigators continue to work to establish definitive conclusions." The Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) is an automated safety feature on the 737 Max 8 designed to prevent the plane from entering into a stall, or losing lift. Both the Lion Air jet, which crashed in October, killing 189 people, and the Ethiopian Airlines aircraft, which went down a week ago Sunday, leaving 157 people dead, were fitted with the system. The two planes experienced similarly erratic steep climbs and descents and fluctuating airspeeds before crashing shortly after takeoff. A malfunction of the system was implicated in the Lion Air accident. The 737 Max 8 and 9 have been grounded worldwide since the Ethiopia crash. MCAS was introduced by Boeing on the 737 Max 8 because its heavier, more fuel-efficient engines changed the aerodynamic qualities of the workhorse aircraft and can cause the plane's nose to pitch up in certain conditions during manual flight. Angle of attack sensors on the aircraft tell the MCAS to automatically point the nose of the plane down if it is in danger of going into a stall. According to the flight data recorder, the pilots of Lion Air Flight 610 struggled to control the aircraft as the automated MCAS system repeatedly pushed the plane's nose down following takeoff. The pilots of the Ethiopian Airlines plane reported similar difficulty before the aircraft plunged into the ground shortly after takeoff. A preliminary report on the Lion Air accident blamed it in part on a faulty angle of attack sensor that triggered the MCAS system and automatically forced the plane's nose down. Boeing came in for some criticism after the Indonesian crash for allegedly failing to adequately inform 737 pilots about the functioning of MCAS or provide training about the system. After that crash, the company issued a bulletin to airlines operating the 737 Max 8 advising pilots how to override the MCAS system, and said it was working on software updates.

Boeing 'finalising' anti-stall software update after plane crashes

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shooting-at-several-locations-in-hollands-utrecht-city-counter-terrorism-agency-204108">Shooting at several locations in Holland's Utrecht city: Counter-terrorism agency</a>

Head of Dutch counter-terrorism agency said that shooting was taking place at "several" locations at Utrecht city in Holland, Reuters reported after a gunman opened fire at a tram on Monday morning.

Police quickly moved in to cordon off the area even as a government spokesman said one person was killed in the attack.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/regional-tensions-to-be-discussed-during-talks-with-pakistan-foreign-minister-qureshi-china-204052">Regional tensions to be discussed during talks with Pakistan foreign minister Qureshi: China</a>

China said on Monday that tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terrorist attack would figure in the first strategic dialogue between foreign minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-summons-australian-foreign-minister-over-senators-remark-204048">Indonesia summons Australian foreign minister over Senator's remark</a>

Indonesia summoned Canberra's ambassador Monday after an Australian senator blamed last week's mosque attacks by a white supremacist in New Zealand on immigration.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-manohar-parrikar-in-goa-204051">PM Modi pays tribute to Manohar Parrikar in Goa</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who died of pancreatic cancer on Sunday.

After arriving in the coastal state, Modi reached the Kala Academy in Panaji where he paid his last respect to the 63-year-old senior leader. He met Parrikar's family members and offered his condolences to them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/acid-attack-uncivilised-heartless-crime-does-not-deserve-any-clemency-supreme-court-204079">Acid attack 'uncivilised &amp; heartless crime', does not deserve any clemency: Supreme Court</a>

The Supreme Court has said that acid attack is an "uncivilised and heartless crime" which does not deserve any clemency.

The apex court observed this while asking two convicts, who have already undergone five-year jail for throwing acid on a 19-year-old girl in 2004, to pay Rs 1.5 lakh each as additional compensation to the victim.

Shooting at several locations in Holland's Utrecht city: Counter-terrorism agency Head of Dutch counter-terrorism agency said that shooting was taking place at "several" locations at Utrecht city in Holland, Reuters reported after a gunman opened fire at a tram on Monday morning.

Shooting at several locations in Holland's Utrecht city: Counter-terrorism agency Head of Dutch counter-terrorism agency said that shooting was taking place at "several" locations at Utrecht city in Holland, Reuters reported after a gunman opened fire at a tram on Monday morning. Police quickly moved in to cordon off the area even as a government spokesman said one person was killed in the attack. Regional tensions to be discussed during talks with Pakistan foreign minister Qureshi: China China said on Monday that tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terrorist attack would figure in the first strategic dialogue between foreign minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday. Indonesia summons Australian foreign minister over Senator's remark Indonesia summoned Canberra's ambassador Monday after an Australian senator blamed last week's mosque attacks by a white supremacist in New Zealand on immigration. PM Modi pays tribute to Manohar Parrikar in Goa Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who died of pancreatic cancer on Sunday. After arriving in the coastal state, Modi reached the Kala Academy in Panaji where he paid his last respect to the 63-year-old senior leader. He met Parrikar's family members and offered his condolences to them. Acid attack 'uncivilised & heartless crime', does not deserve any clemency: Supreme Court The Supreme Court has said that acid attack is an "uncivilised and heartless crime" which does not deserve any clemency. The apex court observed this while asking two convicts, who have already undergone five-year jail for throwing acid on a 19-year-old girl in 2004, to pay Rs 1.5 lakh each as additional compensation to the victim.

News brief: Big stories of the day

At least 50 people were reported dead and over 59 injured in floods that hit Indonesia's Papua on Saturday, news agency AFP reported quoting Indonesian officials.

The floods in Sentani, near the provincial capital of Jayapura, were triggered by torrential rain on Saturday.

Dozens of homes were damaged by floodwaters, national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said.&nbsp;

"The number of casualties and impact of the disaster will likely increase as search and rescue teams are still trying to reach other affected areas," he added.

The floods have since receded, but officials are still trying to evacuate people.&nbsp;

Flooding is not uncommon in Indonesia, especially during the rainy season which runs from October to April.

Indonesia has over the past few months been hit by a series of natural disasters.&nbsp;

In January, floods and landslides killed at least 70 people on Sulawesi island, while earlier this month hundreds in West Java province were forced to evacuate when torrential rains triggered severe flooding.

The floods come just a month after the Indonesian authorities declared <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emergency-declared-on-indonesian-island-after-volcanic-eruption-196099">a state of emergency in February on Siau island</a> following the continuous eruption of lava and ash from Karangetang volcano.&nbsp;

The eruption had caused the evacuation of more than 100 people and cut off access to several villages. The flow of lava had cut off roads to the settlements of Batubulan and Beba, in the northwest of the island, AFP reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

At least 50 people were reported dead and over 59 injured in floods that hit Indonesia's Papua on Saturday, news agency AFP reported quoting Indonesian officials.

At least 50 people were reported dead and over 59 injured in floods that hit Indonesia's Papua on Saturday, news agency AFP reported quoting Indonesian officials. The floods in Sentani, near the provincial capital of Jayapura, were triggered by torrential rain on Saturday. Dozens of homes were damaged by floodwaters, national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said. "The number of casualties and impact of the disaster will likely increase as search and rescue teams are still trying to reach other affected areas," he added. The floods have since receded, but officials are still trying to evacuate people. Flooding is not uncommon in Indonesia, especially during the rainy season which runs from October to April. Indonesia has over the past few months been hit by a series of natural disasters. In January, floods and landslides killed at least 70 people on Sulawesi island, while earlier this month hundreds in West Java province were forced to evacuate when torrential rains triggered severe flooding. The floods come just a month after the Indonesian authorities declared a state of emergency in February on Siau island following the continuous eruption of lava and ash from Karangetang volcano. The eruption had caused the evacuation of more than 100 people and cut off access to several villages. The flow of lava had cut off roads to the settlements of Batubulan and Beba, in the northwest of the island, AFP reported. (With inputs from AFP)

Indonesia: At least 50 dead in floods in Papua

More than 300 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 passenger jets around the world have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virtually-every-single-boeing-737-max-plane-around-the-world-now-stands-grounded-203177">taken out of service</a> following two fatal crashes over the past five months in Ethiopia and Indonesia that killed almost 350 people in all.

The causes of both crashes are still under investigation. One of the biggest unanswered questions: Was the plane's software to blame?

WHAT WE KNOW &nbsp;

- Boeing has stopped delivery of all new MAX jets to its customers.

- Satellite data gathered from the Ethiopian Airlines flight and evidence from the crash site showed similarities with a Lion Air accident in Indonesia, which prompted the US&nbsp;Federal Aviation Administration to ground all Boeing MAX jets in service.

- Investigators have found a piece of a stabilizer in the wreckage of the Ethiopian jet with the trim set in an unusual position similar to that of the Lion Air plane, two sources familiar with the matter said.

- The pilot of the Ethiopian Airlines flight had reported internal control problems and received permission to return. The pilot of the Lion Air flight had also asked to return not along after taking off from Jakarta.

- Technical analysis of the black boxes from the crashed Ethiopian Airlines jet is underway in France. It will take several days to complete the first readings from the boxes, French aviation officials said. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is sending investigators to assist and an Ethiopian team arrived in Paris on Friday.

- The Ethiopan Airlines plane requested permission to return to Addis Ababa airport three minutes after takeoff as it accelerated to abnormal speed, the New York Times reported.

- Indonesia plans to move up by about a month the release of an investigation report on the Lion Air crash, which killed all 189 on board, its transport safety committee said on Friday. It now plans to release the report between July and August, ahead of its previous schedule of between August and September.

- Following the Lion Air crash in October, Boeing said it was preparing a software upgrade for the jets. After the Ethiopia crash, the company said it would deploy that upgrade across the fleet in the coming weeks.

- Boeing maintains its new, fuel-efficient jets are safe, but supported the FAA decision to ground them. Fearing a financial hit and brand damage, investors have wiped about $26 billion off the company's market value.

- US&nbsp;lawmakers said the planes could be grounded for weeks to upgrade the software and install it in every plane.

- Boeing plans to release upgraded software for its 737 MAX in a week to 10 days, sources familiar with the matter said on March 16.

- No lawsuits have been filed since the crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, but some plaintiffs' lawyers said they expect that Boeing will be sued in the United States.

WHAT'S NEXT?

- Investigators are expected to release a preliminary report based on information they glean from the data and cockpit recordings captured by the two black boxes.

- Ethiopian Airlines said on March 16 that DNA testing of the remains of the passengers may take up to six months.

- A decision will be made by countries about whether and when to lift the grounding of the Boeing jets based on that information.

More than 300 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 passenger jets around the world have been taken out of service following two fatal crashes over the past five months in Ethiopia and Indonesia that killed almost 350 people in all.

More than 300 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 passenger jets around the world have been taken out of service following two fatal crashes over the past five months in Ethiopia and Indonesia that killed almost 350 people in all. The causes of both crashes are still under investigation. One of the biggest unanswered questions: Was the plane's software to blame? WHAT WE KNOW - Boeing has stopped delivery of all new MAX jets to its customers. - Satellite data gathered from the Ethiopian Airlines flight and evidence from the crash site showed similarities with a Lion Air accident in Indonesia, which prompted the US Federal Aviation Administration to ground all Boeing MAX jets in service. - Investigators have found a piece of a stabilizer in the wreckage of the Ethiopian jet with the trim set in an unusual position similar to that of the Lion Air plane, two sources familiar with the matter said. - The pilot of the Ethiopian Airlines flight had reported internal control problems and received permission to return. The pilot of the Lion Air flight had also asked to return not along after taking off from Jakarta. - Technical analysis of the black boxes from the crashed Ethiopian Airlines jet is underway in France. It will take several days to complete the first readings from the boxes, French aviation officials said. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is sending investigators to assist and an Ethiopian team arrived in Paris on Friday. - The Ethiopan Airlines plane requested permission to return to Addis Ababa airport three minutes after takeoff as it accelerated to abnormal speed, the New York Times reported. - Indonesia plans to move up by about a month the release of an investigation report on the Lion Air crash, which killed all 189 on board, its transport safety committee said on Friday. It now plans to release the report between July and August, ahead of its previous schedule of between August and September. - Following the Lion Air crash in October, Boeing said it was preparing a software upgrade for the jets. After the Ethiopia crash, the company said it would deploy that upgrade across the fleet in the coming weeks. - Boeing maintains its new, fuel-efficient jets are safe, but supported the FAA decision to ground them. Fearing a financial hit and brand damage, investors have wiped about $26 billion off the company's market value. - US lawmakers said the planes could be grounded for weeks to upgrade the software and install it in every plane. - Boeing plans to release upgraded software for its 737 MAX in a week to 10 days, sources familiar with the matter said on March 16. - No lawsuits have been filed since the crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, but some plaintiffs' lawyers said they expect that Boeing will be sued in the United States. WHAT'S NEXT? - Investigators are expected to release a preliminary report based on information they glean from the data and cockpit recordings captured by the two black boxes. - Ethiopian Airlines said on March 16 that DNA testing of the remains of the passengers may take up to six months. - A decision will be made by countries about whether and when to lift the grounding of the Boeing jets based on that information.

Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft: What comes next? 

Flash floods and landslides triggered by torrential rain in Indonesia's easternmost province of Papua have killed at least 58 people, injured dozens and displaced more than 4,000, authorities said on Sunday.

A search for more possible victims was underway in the town of Sentani, which was hit by flash floods late on Saturday. Fifty-one people were killed and 74 injured there, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of the national disaster agency, told a news briefing.

Heavy rain caused landslides in the nearby provincial capital of Jayapura, killing seven there, Nugroho said.

Soldiers pulled alive a 5-month old baby from under the rubble of his house and took him to the hospital, Papua military spokesman Muhammad Aidi said.

The number of victims "will probably increase because the evacuation process is still taking place and not all affected areas have been reached," Nugroho said.

About 4,150 people are sheltering in six evacuation centers, he said.

Hundreds of houses, three bridges and a Twin Otter airplane parked at the airport were damaged by the floods. The Sentani airport, the province's main transport hub, remained open.

The TV footage showed mud and large logs on Sentani's main roads after floodwaters receded.

Disaster authorities have warned local governments of flash flood risks due to deforestation in the mountains surrounding the town, Nugroho said, adding that in 2018 Jakarta sent seedlings intended for tree-planting.

'Forest destruction in the Cyclops mountains have increased for use as firewood and to turn the land into plantations,'&nbsp;Nugroho said.

'Since 2018 we have warned the Jayapura government to be careful of flash flood risks because of this deforestation,'&nbsp;he added.

Flash floods and landslides triggered by torrential rain in Indonesia's easternmost province of Papua have killed at least 58 people, injured dozens and displaced more than 4,000, authorities said on Sunday.

Flash floods and landslides triggered by torrential rain in Indonesia's easternmost province of Papua have killed at least 58 people, injured dozens and displaced more than 4,000, authorities said on Sunday. A search for more possible victims was underway in the town of Sentani, which was hit by flash floods late on Saturday. Fifty-one people were killed and 74 injured there, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of the national disaster agency, told a news briefing. Heavy rain caused landslides in the nearby provincial capital of Jayapura, killing seven there, Nugroho said. Soldiers pulled alive a 5-month old baby from under the rubble of his house and took him to the hospital, Papua military spokesman Muhammad Aidi said. The number of victims "will probably increase because the evacuation process is still taking place and not all affected areas have been reached," Nugroho said. About 4,150 people are sheltering in six evacuation centers, he said. Hundreds of houses, three bridges and a Twin Otter airplane parked at the airport were damaged by the floods. The Sentani airport, the province's main transport hub, remained open. The TV footage showed mud and large logs on Sentani's main roads after floodwaters receded. Disaster authorities have warned local governments of flash flood risks due to deforestation in the mountains surrounding the town, Nugroho said, adding that in 2018 Jakarta sent seedlings intended for tree-planting. 'Forest destruction in the Cyclops mountains have increased for use as firewood and to turn the land into plantations,' Nugroho said. 'Since 2018 we have warned the Jayapura government to be careful of flash flood risks because of this deforestation,' he added.

Flash floods kill at least 58 in Indonesia's Papua province

Flash floods kill at least 50 in Indonesia's Papua province

The ill-fated Lion Air flight, which <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-lion-air-plane-with-189-on-board-crashes-into-sea-authorities-search-for-remains-174139">crashed off the coast of Indonesia</a> on Monday, was commanded by Bhavye Suneja, a Delhi resident.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Suneja joined the airlines in March 2011. Before joining the Indonesian company, Suneja worked as trainee with Emirates for four months.

Suneja did his schooling from Ahlcon Pubic School in Mayur Vihar and obtained the commercial pilot license after graduating from Bel-Air International flight school in 2009.

The Boeing-737 MAX, which went into service just months ago, vanished from radar 13 minutes after taking off from the Indonesian capital early on Monday, plunging into the Java Sea with 189 passengers and crew.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-air-safety-still-remains-questionable-174127">Indonesian airlines have some of the world's worst safety records</a>

Video footage apparently filmed at the scene of the crash showed a slick of fuel on the surface of the water.

Disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho tweeted pictures of debris of Lion Air flight JT610, including what appeared to be an emergency slide and various parts of a smashed mobile phone.

Items such as handphones and life vests were found in waters about 30 metres to 35 metres deep near where the plane lost contact, Indonesia's search and rescue agency head Muhmmad Syaugi said.

"We don't know yet whether there are any survivors," agency head Muhmmad Syaugi told a news conference, adding that no distress signal had been received from the aircraft's emergency transmitter.

"We hope, we pray, but we cannot confirm."

Ambulances were lined up at Karawang, on the coast east of Jakarta and police were preparing rubber dinghies, a Reuters reporter said.

At least 23 government officials were on board the plane, which an air navigation spokesman said had sought to turn back just before losing contact.

The privately owned airline said in a statement, the aircraft, which had only been in operation since August, was airworthy, with its pilot and co-pilot together having accumulated 11,000 hours of flying time.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The ill-fated Lion Air flight, which crashed off the coast of Indonesia on Monday, was commanded by Bhavye Suneja, a Delhi resident. According to his LinkedIn profile, Suneja joined the airlines in March 2011.

The ill-fated Lion Air flight, which crashed off the coast of Indonesia on Monday, was commanded by Bhavye Suneja, a Delhi resident. According to his LinkedIn profile, Suneja joined the airlines in March 2011. Before joining the Indonesian company, Suneja worked as trainee with Emirates for four months. Suneja did his schooling from Ahlcon Pubic School in Mayur Vihar and obtained the commercial pilot license after graduating from Bel-Air International flight school in 2009. The Boeing-737 MAX, which went into service just months ago, vanished from radar 13 minutes after taking off from the Indonesian capital early on Monday, plunging into the Java Sea with 189 passengers and crew. Also read: Indonesian airlines have some of the world's worst safety records Video footage apparently filmed at the scene of the crash showed a slick of fuel on the surface of the water. Disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho tweeted pictures of debris of Lion Air flight JT610, including what appeared to be an emergency slide and various parts of a smashed mobile phone. Items such as handphones and life vests were found in waters about 30 metres to 35 metres deep near where the plane lost contact, Indonesia's search and rescue agency head Muhmmad Syaugi said. "We don't know yet whether there are any survivors," agency head Muhmmad Syaugi told a news conference, adding that no distress signal had been received from the aircraft's emergency transmitter. "We hope, we pray, but we cannot confirm." Ambulances were lined up at Karawang, on the coast east of Jakarta and police were preparing rubber dinghies, a Reuters reporter said. At least 23 government officials were on board the plane, which an air navigation spokesman said had sought to turn back just before losing contact. The privately owned airline said in a statement, the aircraft, which had only been in operation since August, was airworthy, with its pilot and co-pilot together having accumulated 11,000 hours of flying time. (With inputs from Reuters)

Delhi boy Bhavye Suneja was flying Lion Air plane that crashed with 189 on board 

The wife and two children of a suspected Indonesian militant are believed to have died in a suicide bombing at their home following an hours-long standoff with authorities, police said Wednesday.

The suspect, who is in police custody, was identified as a member of Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), an Islamic State-linked jihadist network blamed for a series of deadly suicide bombings in Indonesia's second-biggest city last year.

In May, two families carried out attacks at churches in Surabaya, killing a dozen people and children of the attackers, including two young girls whose parents brought them to the bombings.

The explosion early Wednesday morning came after police had arrested the militant who was suspected of planning terror attacks.&nbsp;

Officers then surrounded the man's home in Sibolga on Sumatra island when the confrontation began.&nbsp;

During a nearly 12-hour standoff, the woman lobbed an explosive device at security personnel, wounding a police officer, said national police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo.

"The information we have is that the wife of the suspect blew herself up at around 1:30 am (Wednesday)," he told AFP, adding that authorities could not immediately enter the home over fears of another explosion.

He added authorities had later found the remains of a woman and the female toddler at the scene.&nbsp;

Prasetyo said authorities believed there were at least two children in the home at the time of the blast.

Local resident Samsul Pasaribu said the force of the blast was felt through the neighborhood.

"We thought it was an earthquake," he added.

Indonesian president Joko Widodo said he hoped other jihadist cells in the area would be discovered but dismissed suggestions that any planned attacks were linked to presidential elections next month.

Since the 2002 Bali bombings, which killed over 200 people including scores of tourists, Indonesia has seen a string of deadly attacks that have tested its long-held reputation for religious tolerance.

The wife and two children of a suspected Indonesian militant are believed to have died in a suicide bombing at their home following an hours-long standoff with authorities, police said Wednesday.

The wife and two children of a suspected Indonesian militant are believed to have died in a suicide bombing at their home following an hours-long standoff with authorities, police said Wednesday. The suspect, who is in police custody, was identified as a member of Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), an Islamic State-linked jihadist network blamed for a series of deadly suicide bombings in Indonesia's second-biggest city last year. In May, two families carried out attacks at churches in Surabaya, killing a dozen people and children of the attackers, including two young girls whose parents brought them to the bombings. The explosion early Wednesday morning came after police had arrested the militant who was suspected of planning terror attacks. Officers then surrounded the man's home in Sibolga on Sumatra island when the confrontation began. During a nearly 12-hour standoff, the woman lobbed an explosive device at security personnel, wounding a police officer, said national police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo. "The information we have is that the wife of the suspect blew herself up at around 1:30 am (Wednesday)," he told AFP, adding that authorities could not immediately enter the home over fears of another explosion. He added authorities had later found the remains of a woman and the female toddler at the scene. Prasetyo said authorities believed there were at least two children in the home at the time of the blast. Local resident Samsul Pasaribu said the force of the blast was felt through the neighborhood. "We thought it was an earthquake," he added. Indonesian president Joko Widodo said he hoped other jihadist cells in the area would be discovered but dismissed suggestions that any planned attacks were linked to presidential elections next month. Since the 2002 Bali bombings, which killed over 200 people including scores of tourists, Indonesia has seen a string of deadly attacks that have tested its long-held reputation for religious tolerance.

Indonesian terror suspect's wife, children die in blast: Police

Malaysia's prime minister said Tuesday the surprise <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-court-frees-indonesian-in-kim-jong-nam-murder-case-202483">release of an Indonesian woman </a>who was on trial for assassinating the North Korean leader's half-brother followed the "rule of law", after suspicions of meddling amid an intense lobbying effort by Jakarta.

Siti Aisyah was freed by a Malaysian court Monday after prosecutors withdrew a murder charge without any explanation, more than two years after her arrest for the 2017 assassination of Kim Jong Nam at Kuala Lumpur airport.

Her sudden release prompted questions about interference in Malaysia's justice system, particularly after the Indonesian government revealed that it had lobbied Kuala Lumpur on the case, including pressure from President Joko Widodo.

But Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told reporters in parliament that the decision was in line with "the rule of law".

"There is a law that allows charges to be withdrawn. That was what happened. I do not know in detail the reasons," he said, adding he was unaware of any negotiations between Indonesia and Malaysia on the issue.

On Monday, Indonesian officials released a letter from the country's justice minister to Malaysia's attorney-general, which said Aisyah had been "deceived" and sought her release. The attorney-general agreed to the request last week.

Her swift release had sparked anger in Malaysia, and accusations that the government had caved in to diplomatic pressure.

"Any govt can just pressure Malaysia to release a suspect in a criminal case?" wrote one user on Facebook.

Another, John Lim, commented that Aisyah's release was "definitely not according to the rule of law".

She had been on trial alongside a Vietnamese woman, Doan Thi Huong, who was left distraught as she was not freed at the same time.

The pair always denied murder, insisting they were tricked by North Korean spies into carrying out the Cold War-style hit using a toxic nerve agent and thought it was just a prank.

Huong's lawyers have now asked the attorney-general to withdraw her murder charge, and prosecutors may on Thursday inform the Shah Alam High Court, outside Kuala Lumpur, whether the application has been successful.

The women's lawyers have presented them as scapegoats. They say the real murderers are four North Koreans -- formally accused of the crime alongside the women -- who fled Malaysia shortly after the assassination.

South Korea accuses the North of plotting the murder of Kim, an estranged relative of Kim Jong Un who was once seen as heir apparent to the North Korean leadership. Pyongyang denies the accusation.

Malaysia's prime minister said Tuesday the surprise release of an Indonesian woman who was on trial for assassinating the North Korean leader's half-brother followed the "rule of law", after suspicions of meddling amid an intense lobbying effort by Jakarta.

Malaysia's prime minister said Tuesday the surprise release of an Indonesian woman who was on trial for assassinating the North Korean leader's half-brother followed the "rule of law", after suspicions of meddling amid an intense lobbying effort by Jakarta. Siti Aisyah was freed by a Malaysian court Monday after prosecutors withdrew a murder charge without any explanation, more than two years after her arrest for the 2017 assassination of Kim Jong Nam at Kuala Lumpur airport. Her sudden release prompted questions about interference in Malaysia's justice system, particularly after the Indonesian government revealed that it had lobbied Kuala Lumpur on the case, including pressure from President Joko Widodo. But Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told reporters in parliament that the decision was in line with "the rule of law". "There is a law that allows charges to be withdrawn. That was what happened. I do not know in detail the reasons," he said, adding he was unaware of any negotiations between Indonesia and Malaysia on the issue. On Monday, Indonesian officials released a letter from the country's justice minister to Malaysia's attorney-general, which said Aisyah had been "deceived" and sought her release. The attorney-general agreed to the request last week. Her swift release had sparked anger in Malaysia, and accusations that the government had caved in to diplomatic pressure. "Any govt can just pressure Malaysia to release a suspect in a criminal case?" wrote one user on Facebook. Another, John Lim, commented that Aisyah's release was "definitely not according to the rule of law". She had been on trial alongside a Vietnamese woman, Doan Thi Huong, who was left distraught as she was not freed at the same time. The pair always denied murder, insisting they were tricked by North Korean spies into carrying out the Cold War-style hit using a toxic nerve agent and thought it was just a prank. Huong's lawyers have now asked the attorney-general to withdraw her murder charge, and prosecutors may on Thursday inform the Shah Alam High Court, outside Kuala Lumpur, whether the application has been successful. The women's lawyers have presented them as scapegoats. They say the real murderers are four North Koreans -- formally accused of the crime alongside the women -- who fled Malaysia shortly after the assassination. South Korea accuses the North of plotting the murder of Kim, an estranged relative of Kim Jong Un who was once seen as heir apparent to the North Korean leadership. Pyongyang denies the accusation.

Release of Indonesian woman in North Korea case within rules: Malaysian PM

Indonesia said Monday it was grounding its Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets after the Ethiopian Airlines crash and another deadly accident involving the same model near Jakarta in October.

"The Director General of Air Transport will take steps to carry out inspections and temporarily prohibit Boeing 737 Max 8 from flying in Indonesia," Director General of Air Transport Polana Pramesti told reporters in Jakarta.

The inspections on Indonesia's 11 Max 8 jets would start Tuesday and the plane would remain grounded until it was cleared by safety regulators, she added.

On Sunday, 157 passengers and crew members of a 737 MAX operated by Ethiopian Airlines were killed shortly after the Nairobi-bound flight took off from Addis Ababa.

The plane is the same type as the Indonesian Lion Air jet that crashed in October, just minutes after takeoff from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board.

Ten of Indonesia's Max 8 jets are operated by Lion Air while the other is flown by national carrier Garuda.

The decision from Indonesia's transport ministry came as China also ordered its airlines to suspend commercial operations of the state-of-the-art model earlier Monday.

Noting the "similarities" between the two accidents, China's Civil Aviation Administration said domestic airlines had until Monday evening to ground all 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

Indonesia said Monday it was grounding its Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets after the Ethiopian Airlines crash and another deadly accident involving the same model near Jakarta in October.

Indonesia said Monday it was grounding its Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets after the Ethiopian Airlines crash and another deadly accident involving the same model near Jakarta in October. "The Director General of Air Transport will take steps to carry out inspections and temporarily prohibit Boeing 737 Max 8 from flying in Indonesia," Director General of Air Transport Polana Pramesti told reporters in Jakarta. The inspections on Indonesia's 11 Max 8 jets would start Tuesday and the plane would remain grounded until it was cleared by safety regulators, she added. On Sunday, 157 passengers and crew members of a 737 MAX operated by Ethiopian Airlines were killed shortly after the Nairobi-bound flight took off from Addis Ababa. The plane is the same type as the Indonesian Lion Air jet that crashed in October, just minutes after takeoff from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board. Ten of Indonesia's Max 8 jets are operated by Lion Air while the other is flown by national carrier Garuda. The decision from Indonesia's transport ministry came as China also ordered its airlines to suspend commercial operations of the state-of-the-art model earlier Monday. Noting the "similarities" between the two accidents, China's Civil Aviation Administration said domestic airlines had until Monday evening to ground all 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

Indonesia says grounding Boeing 737 MAX fleet after Ethiopia crash

Boeing 737: Lion Air, Ethiopian Airlines and the Indian connection

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-boeing-737-plane-crashes-on-way-to-kenya-with-149-passengers-on-board-202327">The Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed Sunday</a> was the same type of Boeing as the Lion Air plane that crashed last October in Indonesia killing all 189 people on board.&nbsp;

The Lion Air plane was a Boeing 737MAX. The Ethiopian Airlines plane was a Boeing 737-800MAX.&nbsp;

The Lion Air plane crashed into the Java Sea about 12 minutes after taking off from Jakarta.&nbsp;

News reports Sunday said the Ethiopian Airlines plane "lost contact" six minutes after taking off from Bole International Airport. The plane had been en route to Nairobi, Kenya from the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.&nbsp;

The airline said in a statement that 149 passengers and eight crew members were believed to be on board but that they were "currently confirming the details of the passenger manifest".&nbsp;

The Ethiopian Airlines plane had taken off at 8.38 am local time. It crashed near the town of Bishoftu, some 60 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa.&nbsp;

The &nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-provide-answers-after-investigation-into-lion-air-crash-is-over-boeing-to-wion-185379">Lion Air crash</a> is thought to have been caused by an error in one of the plane's sensors, which forced the plane to repeatedly tilt its nose downwards.&nbsp;

One of the pilots of the Lion Air plane was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-boy-bhavye-suneja-was-reportedly-flying-lion-air-plane-that-crashed-with-189-on-board-174149">Delhi boy Bhavye Suneja</a>.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed Sunday was the same type of Boeing as the Lion Air plane that crashed last October in Indonesia killing all 189 people on board.

The Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed Sunday was the same type of Boeing as the Lion Air plane that crashed last October in Indonesia killing all 189 people on board. The Lion Air plane was a Boeing 737MAX. The Ethiopian Airlines plane was a Boeing 737-800MAX. The Lion Air plane crashed into the Java Sea about 12 minutes after taking off from Jakarta. News reports Sunday said the Ethiopian Airlines plane "lost contact" six minutes after taking off from Bole International Airport. The plane had been en route to Nairobi, Kenya from the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. The airline said in a statement that 149 passengers and eight crew members were believed to be on board but that they were "currently confirming the details of the passenger manifest". The Ethiopian Airlines plane had taken off at 8.38 am local time. It crashed near the town of Bishoftu, some 60 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa. The Lion Air crash is thought to have been caused by an error in one of the plane's sensors, which forced the plane to repeatedly tilt its nose downwards. One of the pilots of the Lion Air plane was Delhi boy Bhavye Suneja.

Ethiopian Airlines crash: Boeing was similar to Lion Air plane that crashed last October

The number of people killed in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-says-at-least-one-killed-60-feared-buried-in-illegal-mine-landslide-199946">collapse of an illegal gold mine </a>on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi last week has climbed to 16, authorities said Wednesday, as the search for more victims and possible survivors continued.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said that there could be anywhere between 30 to 100 people buried under the debris following the collapse of the mine, which is located in the mountainous Bolaang Mongondow area in northern Sulawesi.

Eighteen people have so far been rescued from the mine, which collapsed after wooden support structures caved in on the night of Feb. 26.

Initial estimates by the authorities had placed the number of missing people at around 60, but BNPB spokesperson Sutopo Purwo Nugroho could not confirm that toll because of contradictory information from local residents.

Indonesian Search And Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) and BNPB personnel were still engaged in search and rescue efforts with the help of two excavators in the difficult-to-access and unstable terrain, where the two passages that collapsed due a landslide are located.

The use of excavators and loading machines to create an opening to reach the miners was approved by the family members of those who are trapped due to the rapidly diminishing hopes of finding survivors.

Several survivors have died shortly after being rescued, one of them due to excessive loss of blood after security forces and BNPB members decided to amputate his leg that was stuck under a rock.

Authorities feared that removing the rock would cause the gallery to collapse further as it was supporting its roof.

In Jun. 2018, six miners were killed in the same area after being buried by a landslide at another illegal gold mine where they had been working during heavy rains.

Another seven miners died and five were hospitalized in the same month after inhaling toxic smoke from burning tires at a mine on Lombok Island.

Illegal mining is a common practice in Indonesia due to the lax enforcement by the authorities, with frequent accidents due to the lack of appropriate safety measures.

The number of people killed in the collapse of an illegal gold mine on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi last week has climbed to 16, authorities said Wednesday, as the search for more victims and possible survivors continued.

The number of people killed in the collapse of an illegal gold mine on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi last week has climbed to 16, authorities said Wednesday, as the search for more victims and possible survivors continued. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said that there could be anywhere between 30 to 100 people buried under the debris following the collapse of the mine, which is located in the mountainous Bolaang Mongondow area in northern Sulawesi. Eighteen people have so far been rescued from the mine, which collapsed after wooden support structures caved in on the night of Feb. 26. Initial estimates by the authorities had placed the number of missing people at around 60, but BNPB spokesperson Sutopo Purwo Nugroho could not confirm that toll because of contradictory information from local residents. Indonesian Search And Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) and BNPB personnel were still engaged in search and rescue efforts with the help of two excavators in the difficult-to-access and unstable terrain, where the two passages that collapsed due a landslide are located. The use of excavators and loading machines to create an opening to reach the miners was approved by the family members of those who are trapped due to the rapidly diminishing hopes of finding survivors. Several survivors have died shortly after being rescued, one of them due to excessive loss of blood after security forces and BNPB members decided to amputate his leg that was stuck under a rock. Authorities feared that removing the rock would cause the gallery to collapse further as it was supporting its roof. In Jun. 2018, six miners were killed in the same area after being buried by a landslide at another illegal gold mine where they had been working during heavy rains. Another seven miners died and five were hospitalized in the same month after inhaling toxic smoke from burning tires at a mine on Lombok Island. Illegal mining is a common practice in Indonesia due to the lax enforcement by the authorities, with frequent accidents due to the lack of appropriate safety measures.

Death toll in Indonesia gold mine collapse climbs to 16

Indonesia mine collapse: Death toll reaches to 16

Indonesian officials said on Wednesday dozens of rescuers were using spades and ropes to dig out more than 60 people who were feared buried by the collapse of an illegal gold mine on the island of Sulawesi that killed at least three.

Rescuers said they could hear the voices of some of those trapped in makeshift mining shafts in a muddy hillside in the Bolaang Mongondow area of North Sulawesi province and believed many were still alive.

"We are able to detect that many of them are still alive because we can hear their voices, as there are some places where air is getting in and out and there are gaps in the mud," Abdul Muin Paputungan of Indonesia's disaster agency told Reuters by phone.

At least three bodies had been found and 15 people rescued by 8 a.m on Wednesday (0100 GMT) after the mine collapsed the previous evening, according to the disaster mitigation agency and media reports.

The Indonesian government has banned such small-scale gold mining, although regional authorities often turn a blind eye to the practice in more remote areas. With little regulation, the mines are prone to accidents.

Search-and-rescue teams and military officers were working together but using simple tools such as spades and rope because conditions remained dangerous, with the land still prone to shifting and sliding, Paputungan said.

He said the families of victims had started gathering at the mine site to wait for news.

Photos released by the agency showed rescue workers and villagers on a muddy hillside scrambling to pull out survivors and carry them away on stretchers during the night.

Disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said dozens of people were mining for gold when beams and support boards broke suddenly.

"Evacuation efforts continued through the night because of the number of people estimated to be buried," he said.

Indonesian officials said on Wednesday dozens of rescuers were using spades and ropes to dig out more than 60 people who were feared buried by the collapse of an illegal gold mine on the island of Sulawesi that killed at least three.

Indonesian officials said on Wednesday dozens of rescuers were using spades and ropes to dig out more than 60 people who were feared buried by the collapse of an illegal gold mine on the island of Sulawesi that killed at least three. Rescuers said they could hear the voices of some of those trapped in makeshift mining shafts in a muddy hillside in the Bolaang Mongondow area of North Sulawesi province and believed many were still alive. "We are able to detect that many of them are still alive because we can hear their voices, as there are some places where air is getting in and out and there are gaps in the mud," Abdul Muin Paputungan of Indonesia's disaster agency told Reuters by phone. At least three bodies had been found and 15 people rescued by 8 a.m on Wednesday (0100 GMT) after the mine collapsed the previous evening, according to the disaster mitigation agency and media reports. The Indonesian government has banned such small-scale gold mining, although regional authorities often turn a blind eye to the practice in more remote areas. With little regulation, the mines are prone to accidents. Search-and-rescue teams and military officers were working together but using simple tools such as spades and rope because conditions remained dangerous, with the land still prone to shifting and sliding, Paputungan said. He said the families of victims had started gathering at the mine site to wait for news. Photos released by the agency showed rescue workers and villagers on a muddy hillside scrambling to pull out survivors and carry them away on stretchers during the night. Disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said dozens of people were mining for gold when beams and support boards broke suddenly. "Evacuation efforts continued through the night because of the number of people estimated to be buried," he said.

Indonesia says at least three killed, 60 feared buried in illegal mine landslide

The Indonesian authorities have declared a state of emergency on Siau island following the continuous eruption of lava and ash from Karangetang volcano, which has caused the evacuation of more than 100 people and cut off access to several villages, officials said on Friday.

The government in Siau Tagulandang Biaro (Sitaro) municipality, located to the north of Sulawesi island, took the decision on Thursday night after lava flows cut off roads to the settlements of Batubulan and Beba, in the northwest of the island, which currently can only be accessed by sea, according to a statement by the Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center (PVMBG).

Due to difficulty in accessing the two villages because of high waves and strong winds, the regional government of Sitaro plans to open one access route, the statement said.

Some residents of Batubulan have refused to leave their houses over fears of losing their livestock.

Security forces are working to open up a route to the villages.

PVMBG has maintained a level three volcano alert - on a scale where four is the maximum - and has set up a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) security perimeter around the crater and another of 500 meters (1,640 feet) either side of the lava flows.

The volcanology authority has also started an awareness campaign to help the people on the island - with a population of over 20,000 - to protect themselves against the dangers posed by the falling of volcanic material.

Activity at the 1,974-meter high Karangetang volcano increased in November, and eruptions have intensified in recent days especially affecting the western and northwestern sides, leading to the displacement of 132 people from Niambangen village.

This is one of the most active volcanoes out of the total of 127 in Indonesia - although most of the volcanoes have been classified under the minimum alert level - and its last round of eruptions occurred in 2016.

The Indonesian archipelago sits within the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire," an area of great seismic and volcanic activity that is shaken by thousands of tremors every year, most of small magnitudes.

The Indonesian authorities have declared a state of emergency on Siau island following the continuous eruption of lava and ash from Karangetang volcano, which has caused the evacuation of more than 100 people and cut off access to several villages, officials said on Friday.

The Indonesian authorities have declared a state of emergency on Siau island following the continuous eruption of lava and ash from Karangetang volcano, which has caused the evacuation of more than 100 people and cut off access to several villages, officials said on Friday. The government in Siau Tagulandang Biaro (Sitaro) municipality, located to the north of Sulawesi island, took the decision on Thursday night after lava flows cut off roads to the settlements of Batubulan and Beba, in the northwest of the island, which currently can only be accessed by sea, according to a statement by the Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center (PVMBG). Due to difficulty in accessing the two villages because of high waves and strong winds, the regional government of Sitaro plans to open one access route, the statement said. Some residents of Batubulan have refused to leave their houses over fears of losing their livestock. Security forces are working to open up a route to the villages. PVMBG has maintained a level three volcano alert - on a scale where four is the maximum - and has set up a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) security perimeter around the crater and another of 500 meters (1,640 feet) either side of the lava flows. The volcanology authority has also started an awareness campaign to help the people on the island - with a population of over 20,000 - to protect themselves against the dangers posed by the falling of volcanic material. Activity at the 1,974-meter high Karangetang volcano increased in November, and eruptions have intensified in recent days especially affecting the western and northwestern sides, leading to the displacement of 132 people from Niambangen village. This is one of the most active volcanoes out of the total of 127 in Indonesia - although most of the volcanoes have been classified under the minimum alert level - and its last round of eruptions occurred in 2016. The Indonesian archipelago sits within the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire," an area of great seismic and volcanic activity that is shaken by thousands of tremors every year, most of small magnitudes.

Emergency declared on Indonesian island after volcanic eruption

The United States on Wednesday blocked a proposed UN Security Council statement expressing regret over Israel's decision to end an international observer force in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-denounces-israels-decision-over-hebron-monitoring-194610">West Bank city of Hebron</a>, diplomats said.

Kuwait and Indonesia had circulated the draft statement following a closed-door council meeting during which many countries expressed concern about the Israeli move.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last week that he would not renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), accusing the mission led by Norway of bias.

The 64-member team of unarmed observers was established in Hebron following a massacre of Palestinians in 1994.

The proposed statement was to express the Security Council's "regret" about Israel's "unilateral decision" and call for "calm and restraint" in Hebron, according to the text seen by AFP.&nbsp;

It stressed "the importance of the mandate of the TIPH and its efforts to foster calm in a highly sensitive area and the fragile situation on the ground, which risks further deteriorating, as reflected in the escalating cycle of violence."

The text warned Israel that it has an obligation under international law "to protect the Palestinian civilian population in Hebron" as well as the rest of the occupied territories.&nbsp;

The United States, which has firmly defended Israel's policies at the United Nations, moved quickly to block the proposed response, diplomats said.

Council statements require unanimous approval.

Kuwait's Ambassador Mansour al-Otaibi said the council would discuss a proposed visit to the Israeli occupied territories for a close-up look at the situation on the ground.

The Hebron mission is tasked with promoting a sense of security for Palestinians in Hebron, the largest city in the West Bank.

Hebron is holy to both Muslims and Jews and has been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

At least 600 Jewish settlers live under heavy military guard in the city, which is home to around 200,000 Palestinians.

Israeli settlements are seen as illegal under international law and a major obstacle to peace, as they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.

The United States on Wednesday blocked a proposed UN Security Council statement expressing regret over Israel's decision to end an international observer force in the West Bank city of Hebron, diplomats said.

The United States on Wednesday blocked a proposed UN Security Council statement expressing regret over Israel's decision to end an international observer force in the West Bank city of Hebron, diplomats said. Kuwait and Indonesia had circulated the draft statement following a closed-door council meeting during which many countries expressed concern about the Israeli move. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last week that he would not renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), accusing the mission led by Norway of bias. The 64-member team of unarmed observers was established in Hebron following a massacre of Palestinians in 1994. The proposed statement was to express the Security Council's "regret" about Israel's "unilateral decision" and call for "calm and restraint" in Hebron, according to the text seen by AFP. It stressed "the importance of the mandate of the TIPH and its efforts to foster calm in a highly sensitive area and the fragile situation on the ground, which risks further deteriorating, as reflected in the escalating cycle of violence." The text warned Israel that it has an obligation under international law "to protect the Palestinian civilian population in Hebron" as well as the rest of the occupied territories. The United States, which has firmly defended Israel's policies at the United Nations, moved quickly to block the proposed response, diplomats said. Council statements require unanimous approval. Kuwait's Ambassador Mansour al-Otaibi said the council would discuss a proposed visit to the Israeli occupied territories for a close-up look at the situation on the ground. The Hebron mission is tasked with promoting a sense of security for Palestinians in Hebron, the largest city in the West Bank. Hebron is holy to both Muslims and Jews and has been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At least 600 Jewish settlers live under heavy military guard in the city, which is home to around 200,000 Palestinians. Israeli settlements are seen as illegal under international law and a major obstacle to peace, as they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.

US blocks UN move to defend Hebron mission

Almost 200 men identified by police as Bangladeshi have been found crammed into a shophouse in Indonesia, authorities said Wednesday.

Police in the city of Medan on Sumatra island was tipped off to the group by suspicious residents who lived nearby.

When police raided the shophouse on Tuesday they found some 192 men, mostly in their twenties, occupying the two-storey building with many complaining about lack of food, authorities said.

Officials said they believed the men had arrived from Bangladesh and were living in the cramped quarters for several months in the hopes of going to neighbouring Malaysia for work.

"We think they arrived here by boat. They don't have any documents," said the head of Medan immigration Fery Monang Sihite.

"We're still questioning them and will later decide whether we need to deport them or not."

It was not immediately clear who owned the building or what role they may have played in the affair.

In recent years, Indonesia has seen hundreds of asylum seekers — mostly Afghans and minority Rohingya from Myanmar — arrive in the northern part of Sumatra.

In 2015, hundreds of Muslim Rohingya arrived ashore in Aceh, where they were welcomed in the staunchly conservative Islamic province.

Indonesia has not ratified the UN convention on refugees and asylum seekers are usually not allowed to work in the country.&nbsp;

Almost 200 men identified by police as Bangladeshi have been found crammed into a shophouse in Indonesia, authorities said Wednesday. Police in the city of Medan on Sumatra island was tipped off to the group by suspicious residents who lived nearby.

Almost 200 men identified by police as Bangladeshi have been found crammed into a shophouse in Indonesia, authorities said Wednesday. Police in the city of Medan on Sumatra island was tipped off to the group by suspicious residents who lived nearby. When police raided the shophouse on Tuesday they found some 192 men, mostly in their twenties, occupying the two-storey building with many complaining about lack of food, authorities said. Officials said they believed the men had arrived from Bangladesh and were living in the cramped quarters for several months in the hopes of going to neighbouring Malaysia for work. "We think they arrived here by boat. They don't have any documents," said the head of Medan immigration Fery Monang Sihite. "We're still questioning them and will later decide whether we need to deport them or not." It was not immediately clear who owned the building or what role they may have played in the affair. In recent years, Indonesia has seen hundreds of asylum seekers — mostly Afghans and minority Rohingya from Myanmar — arrive in the northern part of Sumatra. In 2015, hundreds of Muslim Rohingya arrived ashore in Aceh, where they were welcomed in the staunchly conservative Islamic province. Indonesia has not ratified the UN convention on refugees and asylum seekers are usually not allowed to work in the country.

Nearly 200 'Bangladeshis' crammed into Indonesia shophouse: Police

Floods and landslides in Indonesia have now killed at least 59 people, the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/ready-to-meet-trump-anytime-over-government-shutdown-nancy-pelosi-192580&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjr0-uciYjgAhUCSo8KHUKgCi8QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0CMrXNSXiAS2NT8P9wV_N6">government </a>said, Friday after heavy rain pounded Sulawesi island and forced thousands to flee their homes.

"I've never seen something this bad — this is the worst," Syamsibar, head of South Sulawesi disaster mitigation agency, told AFP, adding that 25 people were still missing.

Lashed by the heavy rain, rivers swelled and burst their banks, inundating dozens of communities in 11 districts of southern Sulawesi.&nbsp;

Parts of the provincial capital Makassar have also been affected.

Gowa district suffered the heaviest casualties, with 44 people found dead, said Syamsibar, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

Some 3,400 people have been evacuated from their homes and given refuge in schools, mosques, and tents.

Rescuers and residents waded through streets filled with waist-deep water, some carrying their possessions above their heads.

"I couldn't save all my belongings, my house was swept away," Makassar resident Ayu Fiskarina told AFP.

Authorities say floodwaters are receding but the impact of the disaster has ranged far and wide, damaging houses, government buildings, schools, and bridges.

The death toll stood at 30 on Thursday evening.

Landslides and floods are common in Indonesia, especially during the monsoon season between October and April, when rains lash the vast Southeast Asian archipelago.

In October, flash floods and landslides killed at least 22 people in several districts across Sumatra island.

Floods and landslides in Indonesia have now killed at least 59 people, the government said, Friday after heavy rain pounded Sulawesi island and forced thousands to flee their homes.

Floods and landslides in Indonesia have now killed at least 59 people, the government said, Friday after heavy rain pounded Sulawesi island and forced thousands to flee their homes. "I've never seen something this bad — this is the worst," Syamsibar, head of South Sulawesi disaster mitigation agency, told AFP, adding that 25 people were still missing. Lashed by the heavy rain, rivers swelled and burst their banks, inundating dozens of communities in 11 districts of southern Sulawesi. Parts of the provincial capital Makassar have also been affected. Gowa district suffered the heaviest casualties, with 44 people found dead, said Syamsibar, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. Some 3,400 people have been evacuated from their homes and given refuge in schools, mosques, and tents. Rescuers and residents waded through streets filled with waist-deep water, some carrying their possessions above their heads. "I couldn't save all my belongings, my house was swept away," Makassar resident Ayu Fiskarina told AFP. Authorities say floodwaters are receding but the impact of the disaster has ranged far and wide, damaging houses, government buildings, schools, and bridges. The death toll stood at 30 on Thursday evening. Landslides and floods are common in Indonesia, especially during the monsoon season between October and April, when rains lash the vast Southeast Asian archipelago. In October, flash floods and landslides killed at least 22 people in several districts across Sumatra island.

Indonesia floods, landslides death toll climbs to 59

A strong 6.1-magnitude<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/factbox-earthquakes-and-tsunamis-indonesia-168479"> earthquake struck off the Indonesian</a> coast early Tuesday, but no tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of damage.

The quake hit at a depth of 31 kilometres (19 miles) off Sumba island, some 150 kilometres west southwest of the city of Waingapu, according to the United States Geological Survey.

It was followed by a weaker quake in the same area with an initial reading of 5.2 magnitude, according to Indonesia's disaster agency.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

Indonesia is still reeling from a deadly tsunami at the end of December triggered by an erupting volcano in the middle of the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra islands that killed more than 400 people.

The vast Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-hit nations on Earth due to its position straddling the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide.

The tsunami was Indonesia's third major natural disaster in six months, following a series of powerful earthquakes on the island of Lombok in July and August and a quake-tsunami in September that killed around 2,200 people in Palu on Sulawesi island, with thousands more missing and presumed dead.&nbsp;

A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the Indonesian coast early Tuesday, but no tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of damage.

A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the Indonesian coast early Tuesday, but no tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of damage. The quake hit at a depth of 31 kilometres (19 miles) off Sumba island, some 150 kilometres west southwest of the city of Waingapu, according to the United States Geological Survey. It was followed by a weaker quake in the same area with an initial reading of 5.2 magnitude, according to Indonesia's disaster agency. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Indonesia is still reeling from a deadly tsunami at the end of December triggered by an erupting volcano in the middle of the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra islands that killed more than 400 people. The vast Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-hit nations on Earth due to its position straddling the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide. The tsunami was Indonesia's third major natural disaster in six months, following a series of powerful earthquakes on the island of Lombok in July and August and a quake-tsunami in September that killed around 2,200 people in Palu on Sulawesi island, with thousands more missing and presumed dead.

Strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia coast

An Indonesian woman has been mauled to death by a huge pet crocodile on the island of Sulawesi, officials said Wednesday.

Deasy Tuwo, the head of a laboratory at a pearl farm in Minahasa in North Sulawesi, was killed by the 4.4-metre (14-foot) reptile last Thursday, authorities said.

The 44-year old's badly mauled body was found by colleagues the following morning, Hendrik Rundengan, from the local conservation agency, told AFP.

"The indication is that she fell into the crocodile's enclosure," he said, adding the incident was still being investigated by police.

The crocodile, named Merry, had eaten one of the woman's hands and most of her abdomen was missing, Rundengan said.

<img alt="Crocodile named Merry" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="722ab0c4-c2f4-4c8a-a506-35edfa620199" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_6.jpg" />

"These parts may still be inside the crocodile now," he added.

The giant reptile was sedated and removed from its enclosure Monday in a three-hour operation that involved dozens of people, including conservation officials, the army and police.

The reptile, which was owned illegally, will be transferred to a conservation area, Rundengan said.

The Indonesian archipelago is home to a vast array of exotic wildlife, including several species of crocodile that regularly attack and kill humans.

In April 2016, a Russian tourist was killed by a crocodile in the Raja Ampat islands, a popular diving site in the east of the archipelago.

An Indonesian woman has been mauled to death by a huge pet crocodile on the island of Sulawesi, officials said Wednesday. Deasy Tuwo, the head of a laboratory at a pearl farm in Minahasa in North Sulawesi, was killed by the 4.

An Indonesian woman has been mauled to death by a huge pet crocodile on the island of Sulawesi, officials said Wednesday. Deasy Tuwo, the head of a laboratory at a pearl farm in Minahasa in North Sulawesi, was killed by the 4.4-metre (14-foot) reptile last Thursday, authorities said. The 44-year old's badly mauled body was found by colleagues the following morning, Hendrik Rundengan, from the local conservation agency, told AFP. "The indication is that she fell into the crocodile's enclosure," he said, adding the incident was still being investigated by police. The crocodile, named Merry, had eaten one of the woman's hands and most of her abdomen was missing, Rundengan said. "These parts may still be inside the crocodile now," he added. The giant reptile was sedated and removed from its enclosure Monday in a three-hour operation that involved dozens of people, including conservation officials, the army and police. The reptile, which was owned illegally, will be transferred to a conservation area, Rundengan said. The Indonesian archipelago is home to a vast array of exotic wildlife, including several species of crocodile that regularly attack and kill humans. In April 2016, a Russian tourist was killed by a crocodile in the Raja Ampat islands, a popular diving site in the east of the archipelago.

Indonesian woman mauled to death by pet crocodile named 'Merry'

The Indian&nbsp;women's football team will play two matches each against Hong Kong and Indonesia in a bid to qualify for the 2020&nbsp;Olympics.&nbsp;

The official handle of football India tweeted to inform that a twenty-five&nbsp;member Indian women's senior national team will travel to Hong Kong to play back-to-back friendlies on January 21 and 23.&nbsp;

After that, they will travel to&nbsp;Indonesia to play matches on January 27 and January 30.&nbsp;

"In our quest to qualify from the Round 2, we have to play against tough teams and both Hong Kong and Indonesia will provide us with challenges of their own and help in our development," head coach Maymol Rocky said.

"The Olympic qualifiers will be a test and a challenge for all of us and we are preparing to script history and make the nation proud," he added.&nbsp;

The second round of the Tokyo Olympic qualifiers is slated to be held from April 1-9 with the draw for the same yet to take place.&nbsp;

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A 25 member Indian women's senior national team preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualifiers Round 2, will be travelling to Hong Kong &amp; Indonesia to play 2 matches each against the senior national teams of both nations. The Indian team will depart on January 19.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BackTheBlue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BackTheBlue</a> <a href="https://t.co/30AS0IJpqk">pic.twitter.com/30AS0IJpqk</a>
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Squad: 
Goalkeepers: Aditi Chauhan, M&nbsp;Linthoingambi Devi, Sowmiya Narayansamy, Shreya Hooda 
Defenders: Ashalata Devi, Sweety Devi, Jabamani Tudu, Dalima Chhibber, Lako Phuti, Michel Castanha, Poly Koley 
Midfielders: Sangita Basfore, Sanju Yadav, Sumithra Kamaraj, Ranjana Chanu, Indumathi Kathiresan, Ranjita Devi, Manisha 
Forwards: Roja Devi, Anju Tamang, Ratanbala Devi, Pyari Xaxa, Dangmei Grace, Sandhiya R, Mamta.

The Indian women's football team will play two matches each against Hong Kong and Indonesia in a bid to qualify for the 2020 Olympics. The official handle of football India tweeted to inform that a twenty-five member Indian women's senior national team will travel to Hong Kong to play back-to-back friendlies on January 21 and 23.

The Indian women's football team will play two matches each against Hong Kong and Indonesia in a bid to qualify for the 2020 Olympics. The official handle of football India tweeted to inform that a twenty-five member Indian women's senior national team will travel to Hong Kong to play back-to-back friendlies on January 21 and 23. After that, they will travel to Indonesia to play matches on January 27 and January 30. "In our quest to qualify from the Round 2, we have to play against tough teams and both Hong Kong and Indonesia will provide us with challenges of their own and help in our development," head coach Maymol Rocky said. "The Olympic qualifiers will be a test and a challenge for all of us and we are preparing to script history and make the nation proud," he added. The second round of the Tokyo Olympic qualifiers is slated to be held from April 1-9 with the draw for the same yet to take place. A 25 member Indian women's senior national team preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualifiers Round 2, will be travelling to Hong Kong & Indonesia to play 2 matches each against the senior national teams of both nations. The Indian team will depart on January 19.#BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/30AS0IJpqk — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) January 15, 2019 × Squad: Goalkeepers: Aditi Chauhan, M Linthoingambi Devi, Sowmiya Narayansamy, Shreya Hooda Defenders: Ashalata Devi, Sweety Devi, Jabamani Tudu, Dalima Chhibber, Lako Phuti, Michel Castanha, Poly Koley Midfielders: Sangita Basfore, Sanju Yadav, Sumithra Kamaraj, Ranjana Chanu, Indumathi Kathiresan, Ranjita Devi, Manisha Forwards: Roja Devi, Anju Tamang, Ratanbala Devi, Pyari Xaxa, Dangmei Grace, Sandhiya R, Mamta.

Indian women's football team prepares for 2nd round of 2020 Olympic qualifiers

Indonesia will launch a renewed search effort as early as Tuesday to find the cockpit voice recorder from a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawsuit-blames-lion-air-crash-on-boeings-dangerous-airplane-186708">Lion Air jet that crashed </a>into the Java Sea in October, the head of its accident investigation agency said.

"If the weather is good, the ship will start to depart today," National Transporation Safety Commission (KNKT) Chief Soerjanto Tjahjono told Reuters on Tuesday.

The crash, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-provide-answers-after-investigation-into-lion-air-crash-is-over-boeing-to-wion-185379">the world's first of a Boeing Co</a> 737 MAX jet and the deadliest of 2018, killed all 189 people on board.

Investigators last week said they planned to use a navy ship for a fresh search for the crashed jet's second "black box" after a 10-day effort funded by Lion Air failed to find the cockpit voice recorder (CVR).

A KNKT source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters the team will have seven days using the ship KRI Spica to find the CVR, which could hold vital clues giving investigators insight into the actions of the doomed jet's pilots.

Tjahjono declined to comment on whether there was a time limit on the search.

Contact with flight JT610 was lost 13 minutes after it took off on October 29 from the capital Jakarta heading north to the tin-mining town of Pangkal Pinang.

The other black box, the flight data recorder, was recovered three days after the crash.

A preliminary report by KNKT focused on airline maintenance and training and the response of a Boeing anti-stall system to a recently replaced sensor but did not give a cause for the crash.

The crash, the world's first of a Boeing Co 737 MAX jet and the deadliest of 2018, killed all 189 people on board.

Indonesia will launch a renewed search effort as early as Tuesday to find the cockpit voice recorder from a Lion Air jet that crashed into the Java Sea in October, the head of its accident investigation agency said. "If the weather is good, the ship will start to depart today," National Transporation Safety Commission (KNKT) Chief Soerjanto Tjahjono told Reuters on Tuesday. The crash, the world's first of a Boeing Co 737 MAX jet and the deadliest of 2018, killed all 189 people on board. Investigators last week said they planned to use a navy ship for a fresh search for the crashed jet's second "black box" after a 10-day effort funded by Lion Air failed to find the cockpit voice recorder (CVR). A KNKT source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters the team will have seven days using the ship KRI Spica to find the CVR, which could hold vital clues giving investigators insight into the actions of the doomed jet's pilots. Tjahjono declined to comment on whether there was a time limit on the search. Contact with flight JT610 was lost 13 minutes after it took off on October 29 from the capital Jakarta heading north to the tin-mining town of Pangkal Pinang. The other black box, the flight data recorder, was recovered three days after the crash. A preliminary report by KNKT focused on airline maintenance and training and the response of a Boeing anti-stall system to a recently replaced sensor but did not give a cause for the crash.

Indonesia to resume search for Lion Air's cockpit voice recorder

Landslides on Indonesia’s heavily populated island of Java killed at least two people and left 41 missing, an official at the country’s disaster agency said on Tuesday.

The landslides, which struck a village in West Java on Monday, also injured 2 people and buried thirty homes, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesman for Indonesia’s disaster agency said in a statement.

"Rugged rocky roads and the rainy weather is making it difficult for our team to conduct evacuation operations," Nugroho said, adding that heavy equipment was needed to help search for survivors.

Landslides on Indonesia’s heavily populated island of Java killed at least two people and left 41 missing, an official at the country’s disaster agency said on Tuesday.

Landslides on Indonesia’s heavily populated island of Java killed at least two people and left 41 missing, an official at the country’s disaster agency said on Tuesday. The landslides, which struck a village in West Java on Monday, also injured 2 people and buried thirty homes, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesman for Indonesia’s disaster agency said in a statement. "Rugged rocky roads and the rainy weather is making it difficult for our team to conduct evacuation operations," Nugroho said, adding that heavy equipment was needed to help search for survivors.

Indonesia: Landslides kill at least two, leave dozens missing

Indonesia's Anak Krakatau volcano loses strength

Death toll from quake that hit Indonesian island mounts to 430

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