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An Algerian court said Monday authorities had taken 10 police officers into custody over the case of a man found near death in the landing gear of a plane.

The man was found on December 28 at Orly airport in Paris, suffering from severe hypothermia after he snuck into the landing gear of an Air Algerie flight from Oran in western Algeria.

The court said in a statement that an investigation was opened Sunday against the 10 officers who have been placed in pre-trial detention for "involuntary offences endangering the lives of people on board the aircraft and of others".

An Air Algerie mechanic is also under investigation, the court said.

The Algerian interior ministry on Monday sacked its national police chief, Farid Bencheikh, without indicating whether his dismissal was related to the incident.

The unidentified man, believed to be in his 20s, was found during technical checks after the Air Algerie flight had landed from Oran.

He had no ID on him and was taken to hospital in a serious condition.

According to US Federal Aviation Administration data cited in media reports, 132 people -- known in the industry as wheel-well stowaways -- tried to travel in the landing gear compartments of commercial aircraft between 1947 and 2021.

In July 2022, the bodies of two men were found in a plane at the Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers.

In March of the same year, local media reported that a 16-year-old boy landed safely in France after hiding in the storage compartment during a flight from Constantine, in eastern Algeria.

An Algerian court said Monday authorities had taken 10 police officers into custody over the case of a man found near death in the landing gear of a plane. The man was found on December 28 at Orly airport in Paris, suffering from severe hypothermia after he snuck into the landing gear of an Air Algerie flight from Oran in western Algeria.

An Algerian court said Monday authorities had taken 10 police officers into custody over the case of a man found near death in the landing gear of a plane. The man was found on December 28 at Orly airport in Paris, suffering from severe hypothermia after he snuck into the landing gear of an Air Algerie flight from Oran in western Algeria. The court said in a statement that an investigation was opened Sunday against the 10 officers who have been placed in pre-trial detention for "involuntary offences endangering the lives of people on board the aircraft and of others". An Air Algerie mechanic is also under investigation, the court said. The Algerian interior ministry on Monday sacked its national police chief, Farid Bencheikh, without indicating whether his dismissal was related to the incident. The unidentified man, believed to be in his 20s, was found during technical checks after the Air Algerie flight had landed from Oran. He had no ID on him and was taken to hospital in a serious condition. According to US Federal Aviation Administration data cited in media reports, 132 people -- known in the industry as wheel-well stowaways -- tried to travel in the landing gear compartments of commercial aircraft between 1947 and 2021. In July 2022, the bodies of two men were found in a plane at the Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers. In March of the same year, local media reported that a 16-year-old boy landed safely in France after hiding in the storage compartment during a flight from Constantine, in eastern Algeria.

Algeria arrests 10 over man found in plane landing gear

One of Ecuador's most feared gangsters is believed to have escaped from prison, a government spokesman said Monday as hundreds of police officers searched a maximum security jail.

The leader of the powerful Los Choneros gang, Jose Adolfo Macias, alias "Fito", was reported missing on Sunday by authorities who launched the search of the penitentiary in the port city of Guayaquil.

"The most likely" scenario is that he fled several hours before a planned police operation in the prison, said government spokesman Roberto Izurieta.

"The full force of the State is being deployed to find this extremely dangerous individual."

Authorities have not confirmed the escape of the 44-year-old criminal boss.

Izurieta bemoaned "the level of infiltration" of criminal groups, and said the Ecuadorian prison system had "failed."

Long a peaceful haven between top cocaine exporters Colombia and Peru, Ecuador has seen violence explode in recent years as enemy gangs with links to Mexican and Colombian cartels vie for control.

Gang wars largely play out in the country's prisons, where criminal leaders such as Fito wield immense control.

The battles have left some 460 people dead inside the country's prisons since 2021, their bodies often found dismembered, decapitated, or incinerated.

Fito has been held since 2011, serving a 34-year sentence for organized crime, drug trafficking and murder.

In a massive operation involving thousands of security forces, he was transferred to the 150-person La Roca prison in August last year, after the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.

A week before his death, Villavicencio said he had received threats from the gang.

One of Ecuador's most feared gangsters is believed to have escaped from prison, a government spokesman said Monday as hundreds of police officers searched a maximum security jail.

One of Ecuador's most feared gangsters is believed to have escaped from prison, a government spokesman said Monday as hundreds of police officers searched a maximum security jail. The leader of the powerful Los Choneros gang, Jose Adolfo Macias, alias "Fito", was reported missing on Sunday by authorities who launched the search of the penitentiary in the port city of Guayaquil. "The most likely" scenario is that he fled several hours before a planned police operation in the prison, said government spokesman Roberto Izurieta. "The full force of the State is being deployed to find this extremely dangerous individual." Authorities have not confirmed the escape of the 44-year-old criminal boss. Izurieta bemoaned "the level of infiltration" of criminal groups, and said the Ecuadorian prison system had "failed." Long a peaceful haven between top cocaine exporters Colombia and Peru, Ecuador has seen violence explode in recent years as enemy gangs with links to Mexican and Colombian cartels vie for control. Gang wars largely play out in the country's prisons, where criminal leaders such as Fito wield immense control. The battles have left some 460 people dead inside the country's prisons since 2021, their bodies often found dismembered, decapitated, or incinerated. Fito has been held since 2011, serving a 34-year sentence for organized crime, drug trafficking and murder. In a massive operation involving thousands of security forces, he was transferred to the 150-person La Roca prison in August last year, after the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. A week before his death, Villavicencio said he had received threats from the gang.

Manhunt launched as Ecuador gang boss vanishes from jail

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Sunday (Jan 7) said that his government is considering a move which would exonerate hundreds of employees of the state-owned Post Office who were wrongfully convicted in the Horizon scandal.&nbsp;

The UK PM&nbsp;would back a probe into whether to revoke&nbsp;former Post Office boss Paula Vennells’ CBE in the wake of the Horizon scandal, said his spokesperson.&nbsp;

The decades-long scandal, often described as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in UK history, involving thousands of branch owner-operators and hundreds of wrongful convictions is making the headlines once again.&nbsp;

This time after an ITV drama which has reportedly led to 50 more potential victims coming forward. Here’s what you need to know.&nbsp;

<h2>Horizon IT scandal</h2>

Between 1999 and 2015, the Post Office prosecuted hundreds of sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses based on the information from a recently installed IT system for alleged theft, fraud and false accounting.&nbsp;

The UK Post Office, in the late 1990s, installed the Horizon IT system.&nbsp;Developed by a Japanese company named&nbsp;Fujitsu, the software was used for tasks such as transactions, accounting and stocktaking.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-sunak-calls-post-office-scandal-appalling-miscarriage-of-justice-677795">UK: PM Sunak calls 'Post Office' scandal 'appalling miscarriage of justice'</a>

Around 3,500 branch owner-operators were wrongly accused of stealing money from their businesses and 736 of them were given criminal convictions based on faulty accounting software.&nbsp;

As a result, hundreds of sub-post office operators who maintained their innocence all these years and said that they had complained about bugs in the system after it reported shortfalls amounting to thousands of pounds, ended up with a criminal record.

The UK Post Office employees also claimed that their concerns were often dismissed by their employers who said that the issues were the fault of the individual branch managers and not the system.

Even those who did not end up going to court had to gather money to cover nonexistent shortfalls. Notably, this was happening even before the convictions.&nbsp;

It was reported that some sub-postmasters would try to bridge the gap with their own money since their contracts stated they were responsible for any shortfalls, going as far as to remortgage their homes to correct the error, without any success.&nbsp;

<h2>The impact</h2>

The criminal convictions led to punishments ranging from community service to wearing electronic tags to being jailed. While others were left struggling financially or even went bankrupt and some were reportedly shunned by their communities.&nbsp;

The victims and their families over the years witnessed severe stress, including many illnesses, addiction and even premature deaths. The scandal is also linked to at least four suicides.&nbsp;

It was not until two decades later that the campaigners managed to get their cases reconsidered based on the claims that the computer system was flawed.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-billionaire-accuses-sothebys-of-art-fraud-in-high-stakes-legal-battle-677899">Russian billionaire accuses Sotheby’s of art fraud collusion in high-stakes legal battle</a>

However, these convictions had done lasting damage. Recently, the courts heard how over the years the scandal has led the victims’ marriages to break down, while some families believe the stress led to long-term health conditions.

Notably, the UK Post Office&nbsp;has the power to investigate and prosecute without the need for police involvement.&nbsp;

<h2>What proved the victims’ innocence?</h2>

The turning point in the decades-long case can be traced back to December 2019, towards the end of a series of civil cases where a group of post office operators won a High Court case in which their convictions were found to be wrongful and Horizon IT system was ruled to be at fault.&nbsp;

The ruling came three years after sub-postmasters initiated civil proceedings against the Post Office which over time saw the participation of more than 500 employees.&nbsp;

The judge said that the IT system had “bugs, errors and defects” and was not “remotely robust” in the first 10 years after it was installed. The Post Office agreed to settle with 555 claimants after accepting it made mistakes while dealing with a number of postmasters.&nbsp;

The Post Office agreed to pay 58 million pounds ($73.8 million) in damages, while the claimants received a share of 12 million pounds ($15.3 million) after their legal fees were paid.&nbsp;

In 2021, the ruling was upheld on appeal and led to the quashing of convictions of some workers who were wrongly accused and paved the way for compensation.

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The High Court ruling also led to more cases being brought forward to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), an independent body which investigates suspected miscarriages of justice.

<h2>Criminal convictions and compensation</h2>

As of last month, 142 appeal case reviews have been completed out of 900 people convicted during the scandal, reported The Guardian. To date, 93 convictions have been overturned while &nbsp;54 upheld, withdrawn or refused permission to appeal, said the Post Office.&nbsp;

So far, a total of 24 million pounds ($30.5 million) have been given in relation to overturned convictions. However, the Post Office has recently come under fire for delaying payments and blunders, including victims being taxed on the compensation received.&nbsp;

Several victims have reportedly died before they could receive their compensation due to the delays by the Post Office. Notably, the overturned convictions process is one of three different compensation schemes which has been established concerning the scandal.&nbsp;

As the British government has previously said every branch owner-operator who has had wrongful convictions for theft and false accounting overturned is to be offered 600,000 pounds ($764,010) each in compensation.&nbsp;

More than 130 million pounds ($165.6 million) have been paid out to about 2,500 Post Office workers across the three schemes, reported The Guardian.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-spots-more-chinese-balloons-over-strait-accuses-beijing-of-psychological-warfare-ahead-of-elections-677750">Taiwan spots more Chinese balloons over strait, accuses Beijing of 'psychological warfare' ahead of elections</a>

So far, neither the Post Office nor Fujitsu has been held accountable, however, the High Court judge had said that the Japanese company would be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions for possible further action.

<h2>Why is the scandal making headlines now?</h2>

It is worth noting that it was after a TV series titled Mr Bates vs the Post Office aired on British television last week that the scandal was once again brought to the forefront of the public’s mind. The show and the attention it garnered have also reportedly led to new potential victims coming forward.&nbsp;

The story follows a former sub-postmaster named Alan Bates played by Toby Jones, who led the campaign for justice at the High Court. Post Office Chief Executive Nick Read said that he hoped the TV show “encourages anyone affected who has not yet come forward to seek the redress and compensation they deserve.”

<h2>‘Appalling’</h2>

In an interview, on Sunday, UK PM said that his government was considering a move to exonerate hundreds of employees who have been wrongfully convicted.&nbsp;

Sunak was asked if Justice Minister Alex Chalk was exploring ways to exonerate them or remove the Post Office’s ability to investigate and prosecute, the UK PM responded by saying that the case was “an appalling miscarriage of justice”.&nbsp;

“The Justice Secretary is looking at the things that you described,” he told BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme.&nbsp;

“It’s right that we find every which way we can do to try and make this right for the people who were so wrongfully treated at the time.” Sunak said, adding there was some “legal complexity in all of those things.”&nbsp;

The UK PM&nbsp;would “strongly support”&nbsp;the forfeiture committee “if they were to choose to investigate” and revoke Vennells’ CBE in the wake of the&nbsp;Horizon scandal.&nbsp;

"The prime minister shares the public's feeling of outrage on this issue. He would strongly support the Forfeiture Committee if it chose to review the case," said Sunak's spokesperson, adding that the decision is "for the committee, rather than the government".&nbsp;

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire&nbsp;or&nbsp;CBE is among the highest ranking Order of the British Empire level award&nbsp;and is bestowed upon an&nbsp;individual for&nbsp;having a prominent role at the national level, or a leading role at the regional level in the UK.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;petition&nbsp;addressed to Sir Chris Wormald, the chair of the forfeiture committee calling for revoking&nbsp;Vennells'&nbsp;CBE over the scandal has garnered more than one million&nbsp;signatures.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Sunday (Jan 7) said that his government is considering a move which would exonerate hundreds of employees of the state-owned Post Office who were wrongfully convicted in the Horizon scandal.

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Sunday (Jan 7) said that his government is considering a move which would exonerate hundreds of employees of the state-owned Post Office who were wrongfully convicted in the Horizon scandal. The UK PM would back a probe into whether to revoke former Post Office boss Paula Vennells’ CBE in the wake of the Horizon scandal, said his spokesperson. The decades-long scandal, often described as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in UK history, involving thousands of branch owner-operators and hundreds of wrongful convictions is making the headlines once again. This time after an ITV drama which has reportedly led to 50 more potential victims coming forward. Here’s what you need to know. Horizon IT scandal Between 1999 and 2015, the Post Office prosecuted hundreds of sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses based on the information from a recently installed IT system for alleged theft, fraud and false accounting. The UK Post Office, in the late 1990s, installed the Horizon IT system. Developed by a Japanese company named Fujitsu, the software was used for tasks such as transactions, accounting and stocktaking. ALSO WATCH | UK: PM Sunak calls 'Post Office' scandal 'appalling miscarriage of justice' Around 3,500 branch owner-operators were wrongly accused of stealing money from their businesses and 736 of them were given criminal convictions based on faulty accounting software. As a result, hundreds of sub-post office operators who maintained their innocence all these years and said that they had complained about bugs in the system after it reported shortfalls amounting to thousands of pounds, ended up with a criminal record. The UK Post Office employees also claimed that their concerns were often dismissed by their employers who said that the issues were the fault of the individual branch managers and not the system. Even those who did not end up going to court had to gather money to cover nonexistent shortfalls. Notably, this was happening even before the convictions. It was reported that some sub-postmasters would try to bridge the gap with their own money since their contracts stated they were responsible for any shortfalls, going as far as to remortgage their homes to correct the error, without any success. The impact The criminal convictions led to punishments ranging from community service to wearing electronic tags to being jailed. While others were left struggling financially or even went bankrupt and some were reportedly shunned by their communities. The victims and their families over the years witnessed severe stress, including many illnesses, addiction and even premature deaths. The scandal is also linked to at least four suicides. It was not until two decades later that the campaigners managed to get their cases reconsidered based on the claims that the computer system was flawed. ALSO READ | Russian billionaire accuses Sotheby’s of art fraud collusion in high-stakes legal battle However, these convictions had done lasting damage. Recently, the courts heard how over the years the scandal has led the victims’ marriages to break down, while some families believe the stress led to long-term health conditions. Notably, the UK Post Office has the power to investigate and prosecute without the need for police involvement. What proved the victims’ innocence? The turning point in the decades-long case can be traced back to December 2019, towards the end of a series of civil cases where a group of post office operators won a High Court case in which their convictions were found to be wrongful and Horizon IT system was ruled to be at fault. The ruling came three years after sub-postmasters initiated civil proceedings against the Post Office which over time saw the participation of more than 500 employees. The judge said that the IT system had “bugs, errors and defects” and was not “remotely robust” in the first 10 years after it was installed. The Post Office agreed to settle with 555 claimants after accepting it made mistakes while dealing with a number of postmasters. The Post Office agreed to pay 58 million pounds ($73.8 million) in damages, while the claimants received a share of 12 million pounds ($15.3 million) after their legal fees were paid. In 2021, the ruling was upheld on appeal and led to the quashing of convictions of some workers who were wrongly accused and paved the way for compensation. ALSO READ | Pope calls for universal ban on 'despicable' practice of surrogate motherhood The High Court ruling also led to more cases being brought forward to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), an independent body which investigates suspected miscarriages of justice. Criminal convictions and compensation As of last month, 142 appeal case reviews have been completed out of 900 people convicted during the scandal, reported The Guardian. To date, 93 convictions have been overturned while 54 upheld, withdrawn or refused permission to appeal, said the Post Office. So far, a total of 24 million pounds ($30.5 million) have been given in relation to overturned convictions. However, the Post Office has recently come under fire for delaying payments and blunders, including victims being taxed on the compensation received. Several victims have reportedly died before they could receive their compensation due to the delays by the Post Office. Notably, the overturned convictions process is one of three different compensation schemes which has been established concerning the scandal. As the British government has previously said every branch owner-operator who has had wrongful convictions for theft and false accounting overturned is to be offered 600,000 pounds ($764,010) each in compensation. More than 130 million pounds ($165.6 million) have been paid out to about 2,500 Post Office workers across the three schemes, reported The Guardian. ALSO READ | Taiwan spots more Chinese balloons over strait, accuses Beijing of 'psychological warfare' ahead of elections So far, neither the Post Office nor Fujitsu has been held accountable, however, the High Court judge had said that the Japanese company would be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions for possible further action. Why is the scandal making headlines now? It is worth noting that it was after a TV series titled Mr Bates vs the Post Office aired on British television last week that the scandal was once again brought to the forefront of the public’s mind. The show and the attention it garnered have also reportedly led to new potential victims coming forward. The story follows a former sub-postmaster named Alan Bates played by Toby Jones, who led the campaign for justice at the High Court. Post Office Chief Executive Nick Read said that he hoped the TV show “encourages anyone affected who has not yet come forward to seek the redress and compensation they deserve.” ‘Appalling’ In an interview, on Sunday, UK PM said that his government was considering a move to exonerate hundreds of employees who have been wrongfully convicted. Sunak was asked if Justice Minister Alex Chalk was exploring ways to exonerate them or remove the Post Office’s ability to investigate and prosecute, the UK PM responded by saying that the case was “an appalling miscarriage of justice”. “The Justice Secretary is looking at the things that you described,” he told BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme. “It’s right that we find every which way we can do to try and make this right for the people who were so wrongfully treated at the time.” Sunak said, adding there was some “legal complexity in all of those things.” The UK PM would “strongly support” the forfeiture committee “if they were to choose to investigate” and revoke Vennells’ CBE in the wake of the Horizon scandal. "The prime minister shares the public's feeling of outrage on this issue. He would strongly support the Forfeiture Committee if it chose to review the case," said Sunak's spokesperson, adding that the decision is "for the committee, rather than the government". Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire or CBE is among the highest ranking Order of the British Empire level award and is bestowed upon an individual for having a prominent role at the national level, or a leading role at the regional level in the UK. The petition addressed to Sir Chris Wormald, the chair of the forfeiture committee calling for revoking Vennells' CBE over the scandal has garnered more than one million signatures. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | What is the Horizon IT scandal that might cost ex-UK post office chief her royal honour?

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

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

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

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

After the banking crisis that shook global markets and lenders last year, 2024 is poised for banks to shrug off those blues. This week, JP-Morgan chase will release its quarterly profits, which should show revenue growth seven times faster than that of its competitors. This puts the bank in a strong position to maintain its dominance on wall street.

JP Morgan set to report strong earnings

In a real estate blitz near India's capital new Delhi, India's largest developer, DLF ltd has pulled off a blockbuster sale, offloading all one thousand and one hundred luxury apartments in its latest project for a whopping $865 million. Astonishingly, this feat was accomplished even before construction commenced, with the high-end residences snapped up in just three days.

India's Gurugram emerges as the new hotspot for luxury homes | World Business Watch

As the leader in the luxury car market, Mercedes-Benzes has experienced unprecedented growth, surpassing its previous all-time high of 15,822 units. Notably, the German automaker achieved its best-ever H2 and Q4 sales in India, maintaining its dominance for the ninth consecutive year.

Mercedes India reports 10% surge in sales

Maldives MP Meekail Naseem has proposed Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and suspended ministers Malsha, Maryam Shiuna, Mahzoom Masjid to be summoned by the Maldives Parliament. Speaking to WION's correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "So the foreign minister will be summoned to the Parliament floor, and the rest of them, the deputy ministers who have been involved in making these derogatory remarks, they'll be properly summoned to the parliamentary committee, which is a Committee on Foreign Relations."&nbsp;

The suspended ministers had made derogatory remarks on PM Modi and India. In the aftermath of the incident and uproar, the Maldives government had suspended them and termed the views "personal". 
 
The MP said, "I am appalled but not shocked at what has happened. The current government and its officials constantly spill anti-India sentiments and rhetoric and that's what got them the government." Naseem is from opposition MDP party, which was the previous ruling party.

WION: You have asked the Maldives Parliament to summon the Maldives FM and suspended ministers, how does it happen? 
Meekail Naseem: &nbsp;Yes, it will most definitely happen. So we gave the government I think sufficient time to take action and to issue a formal apology but we did not see that happen. And I think it is now time for the parliament to intervene and question them as to why they have been not taking this issue as seriously as they should be, and what more is being done by the government to resolve the matter and bring a closure to this diplomatic row that is being created by some social media activists as well as senior officials of the current ruling party.

WION: So the summoning, will it happen in the parliament or before a specific panel of the parliament? 
Meekail Naseem: So the foreign minister will be summoned to the Parliament floor, and the rest of them, the deputy ministers who have been involved in making these derogatory remarks, they'll be properly summoned to the parliamentary committee, which is a Committee on Foreign Relations.

WION: So essentially, do you think that the government will give in to the parliamentary demand because primarily so far we have seen only suspension of the minister? We haven't seen any termination. We haven't seen any apology from the government. So do you think that the government will give into it or they will be resistant to this demand? 
Meekail Naseem: Well, I do not know how the government intends to proceed. But I think it is basic decency at this point to just issue a formal apology and distance themselves from what the deputy ministers in the government have said. But I think that is not sufficient to just issue a vague statement as they did, which did not even mention what had happened, to whom it had happened and who did it, that none of this was mentioned. It was a very vague statement issued by the government which was quite frankly, embarrassing to the rest of us and I think it is time that the government was held to account. I think the deputy ministers who have made these careless remarks should be held to account and I don't think that the Maldivian people deserve to have such people representing us in such key positions I think this warrants a sacking and they should be fired immediately, in my view.

WION: So we have also team demands of a no-confidence motion against the president. We have seen MPs pointing this out to that on social media. Do you think that this is something that is feasible and will your party support it? 
Meekail Naseem: Well, recently, we have lost a number of MPs and so our majority has slimmed down, but it's still possible. The numbers will add up with, I think, other opposition parties representing constituencies within the parliament. I think the numbers are sufficient, but whether there is a willingness from either side to push it till the very end. I think that's the real question. Whether there is the political will to do this.

WION: So when it comes to this entire incident, how do you think that this incident has impacted your foreign policy? 
Meekail Naseem: Well, to be frank, I am appalled but not shocked at what has happened. The current government and its officials constantly spill anti-India sentiments and rhetoric and that's what got them the government. So I think in their view, in their personal view, it wasn't very, it wasn't a very odd thing to do, it was what they've been doing for years and years. And I think what we're seeing is just a culmination of the systematic effort to harm India in the perception of Maldivians and to harm the relationship that has been a time tested age-old relationship which we have had, regardless of the political party that was in government, regardless of who was the President. We have held this relationship. We have held an India-first policy but this is the first government that we are seeing that is behaving so recklessly and refusing to even own up to what it has done.

Maldives MP Meekail Naseem has proposed Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and suspended ministers Malsha, Maryam Shiuna, Mahzoom Masjid to be summoned by the Maldives Parliament.

Maldives MP Meekail Naseem has proposed Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and suspended ministers Malsha, Maryam Shiuna, Mahzoom Masjid to be summoned by the Maldives Parliament. Speaking to WION's correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "So the foreign minister will be summoned to the Parliament floor, and the rest of them, the deputy ministers who have been involved in making these derogatory remarks, they'll be properly summoned to the parliamentary committee, which is a Committee on Foreign Relations." The suspended ministers had made derogatory remarks on PM Modi and India. In the aftermath of the incident and uproar, the Maldives government had suspended them and termed the views "personal". The MP said, "I am appalled but not shocked at what has happened. The current government and its officials constantly spill anti-India sentiments and rhetoric and that's what got them the government." Naseem is from opposition MDP party, which was the previous ruling party. WION: You have asked the Maldives Parliament to summon the Maldives FM and suspended ministers, how does it happen? Meekail Naseem: Yes, it will most definitely happen. So we gave the government I think sufficient time to take action and to issue a formal apology but we did not see that happen. And I think it is now time for the parliament to intervene and question them as to why they have been not taking this issue as seriously as they should be, and what more is being done by the government to resolve the matter and bring a closure to this diplomatic row that is being created by some social media activists as well as senior officials of the current ruling party. WION: So the summoning, will it happen in the parliament or before a specific panel of the parliament? Meekail Naseem: So the foreign minister will be summoned to the Parliament floor, and the rest of them, the deputy ministers who have been involved in making these derogatory remarks, they'll be properly summoned to the parliamentary committee, which is a Committee on Foreign Relations. WION: So essentially, do you think that the government will give in to the parliamentary demand because primarily so far we have seen only suspension of the minister? We haven't seen any termination. We haven't seen any apology from the government. So do you think that the government will give into it or they will be resistant to this demand? Meekail Naseem: Well, I do not know how the government intends to proceed. But I think it is basic decency at this point to just issue a formal apology and distance themselves from what the deputy ministers in the government have said. But I think that is not sufficient to just issue a vague statement as they did, which did not even mention what had happened, to whom it had happened and who did it, that none of this was mentioned. It was a very vague statement issued by the government which was quite frankly, embarrassing to the rest of us and I think it is time that the government was held to account. I think the deputy ministers who have made these careless remarks should be held to account and I don't think that the Maldivian people deserve to have such people representing us in such key positions I think this warrants a sacking and they should be fired immediately, in my view. WION: So we have also team demands of a no-confidence motion against the president. We have seen MPs pointing this out to that on social media. Do you think that this is something that is feasible and will your party support it? Meekail Naseem: Well, recently, we have lost a number of MPs and so our majority has slimmed down, but it's still possible. The numbers will add up with, I think, other opposition parties representing constituencies within the parliament. I think the numbers are sufficient, but whether there is a willingness from either side to push it till the very end. I think that's the real question. Whether there is the political will to do this. WION: So when it comes to this entire incident, how do you think that this incident has impacted your foreign policy? Meekail Naseem: Well, to be frank, I am appalled but not shocked at what has happened. The current government and its officials constantly spill anti-India sentiments and rhetoric and that's what got them the government. So I think in their view, in their personal view, it wasn't very, it wasn't a very odd thing to do, it was what they've been doing for years and years. And I think what we're seeing is just a culmination of the systematic effort to harm India in the perception of Maldivians and to harm the relationship that has been a time tested age-old relationship which we have had, regardless of the political party that was in government, regardless of who was the President. We have held this relationship. We have held an India-first policy but this is the first government that we are seeing that is behaving so recklessly and refusing to even own up to what it has done.

Derogatory remarks row: Maldives MP urges parliament summoning for foreign minister and suspended ministers

Google co-founder Sergey Brin and his wife visited the infamous Jeffrey Epstein paedophile island, the fresh tranche of unsealed court documents on Monday (Jan 8) revealed.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin and his wife visited the infamous Jeffrey Epstein paedophile island, the fresh tranche of unsealed court documents on Monday (Jan 8) revealed. One of Epstein's accusers, Sarah Ransome, said that she met Brin and his fiancée at the time, Anne Wojcicki, on the private island, owned by the late disgraced financier. Ransome sent photos from her time in Epstein's circle, including a photo with Brin and Wojcicki, to journalist Maureen Callahan in a series of 2016 emails. “I also have other photos of the Epstein girls and I, whilst on the Island including a couple of pictures of me with Sergey Brin and his then finance Anne Wojcicki,” Ransome said in one of the emails, as sourced by the New York Post. “I met the pair when they visited the Island for the day as Sergey wanted to try out his new kite surfing equipment as he had only just started surfing and was very eager to try out his new equipment with us girls,” she added. Brin has been previously connected to Epstein in lawsuits claiming that the paedophile lured the Google mogul to do business with banking giant JPMorgan Chase. The court records revealed last year stated that Brin became a JPMorgan client in 2004 on Epstein's recommendation, and went on to amass over $4 billion in accounts. Other documents showed that Epstein inquired about the purported tax-saving Grantor-Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) in a call to a JPMorgan banker while Brin was present. Watch | More court documents related to Jeffrey Epstein unsealed × Another Google co-founder connection Notably, Brin is not the only Google co-founder to have been connected to Epstein. Last year, the US Virgin Islands government said it was struggling to contact Larry Page to serve him a subpoena concerning a lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase for allegedly enabling Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking ring According to three-page court documents filed by the Virgin Islands government, the 50-year-old billionaire Google executive "is a high-net-worth individual who Epstein may have referred or attempted to refer to JPMorgan". Also read | Jeffrey Epstein papers: New batch of court documents released The Virgin Islands stated that it had been unable to locate Page, who co-founded and co-owns Alphabet Inc, despite good faith attempts, which included hiring an investigative firm to search public record databases. In September last year, JPMorgan Chase reached an agreement with the US Virgin Islands to settle claims that it had empowered disgraced late financier Jeffrey Epstein's abuse of minor girls. The bank did not admit to any wrongdoing in the settlement which gave $55 million to Virgin Islands charities and the American territory's anti-trafficking efforts. (With inputs from agencies)

Google co-founder Sergey Brin visited Jeffrey Epstein's 'paedophile island', new court docs reveal

Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad on Monday (Jan 8) released video footage which it claimed showed an Israeli hostage alive in its custody in Gaza after being held hostage during Hamas' Oct 7 assault against Israel.

The man in the video, who spoke in English and Hebrew languages, pleaded for his release and also paid tribute to another hostage Tamir Adar, who was announced dead in early January by his kibbutz community in southern Israel, according to news agency AFP reports.

The location, from where the video was shot, is not yet known.

The family of the hostage, who hails from Nir Oz kibbutz, reportedly urged the media to not broadcast the footage.

The hostage is one out of the 75 people seized by Palestinian militants from Nir Oz during the unprecedented Oct 7 attack launched by Hamas against Israel, as per the Israeli community near the border with the Gaza Strip.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-hamas-war-strike-on-lebanon-kills-senior-commander-in-elite-hezbollah-unit-677882">Israeli-Hamas war: Strike on Lebanon kills senior commander in elite Hezbollah unit</a>

Earlier in December, the Al Quds Brigades, which is the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, released a video of two male Israeli hostages on its Telegram account, pleading for their release.

The two men, who identified themselves as Gadi Moses and Elad Katzir, in the video called for the efforts to be intensified so that they could reunite with their families.

"We are dying every moment. We are in an unbearable situation," said Moses, looking at the camera against a plain background. The two men were both unshaven and appeared to have lost weight.

Hamas had also released a short video which showed three other elderly Israeli hostages whom the Islamist group had held during the rampage when it took around 240 people hostage.&nbsp;

Israel denounced the footage as a "criminal, terrorist video."

Hamas, during its rampage, seized nearly 253 hostages from southern Israel, out of which 132 still remain in captivity, according to Israeli officials.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad on Monday (Jan 8) released video footage which it claimed showed an Israeli hostage alive in its custody in Gaza after being held hostage during Hamas' Oct 7 assault against Israel.

Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad on Monday (Jan 8) released video footage which it claimed showed an Israeli hostage alive in its custody in Gaza after being held hostage during Hamas' Oct 7 assault against Israel. The man in the video, who spoke in English and Hebrew languages, pleaded for his release and also paid tribute to another hostage Tamir Adar, who was announced dead in early January by his kibbutz community in southern Israel, according to news agency AFP reports. The location, from where the video was shot, is not yet known. The family of the hostage, who hails from Nir Oz kibbutz, reportedly urged the media to not broadcast the footage. The hostage is one out of the 75 people seized by Palestinian militants from Nir Oz during the unprecedented Oct 7 attack launched by Hamas against Israel, as per the Israeli community near the border with the Gaza Strip. Also read: Israeli-Hamas war: Strike on Lebanon kills senior commander in elite Hezbollah unit Earlier in December, the Al Quds Brigades, which is the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, released a video of two male Israeli hostages on its Telegram account, pleading for their release. The two men, who identified themselves as Gadi Moses and Elad Katzir, in the video called for the efforts to be intensified so that they could reunite with their families. "We are dying every moment. We are in an unbearable situation," said Moses, looking at the camera against a plain background. The two men were both unshaven and appeared to have lost weight. Hamas had also released a short video which showed three other elderly Israeli hostages whom the Islamist group had held during the rampage when it took around 240 people hostage. Israel denounced the footage as a "criminal, terrorist video." Hamas, during its rampage, seized nearly 253 hostages from southern Israel, out of which 132 still remain in captivity, according to Israeli officials. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Islamic Jihad releases video showing Gaza hostage alive

Biden’s remark came after protesters interrupted a campaign speech at a historic South Carolina church. President Biden on Monday told parishioners at Mother Emanuel AME Church in South Carolina that he has been “quietly working” with Israel’s government to get the Israeli Defence Forces “out of Gaza” after protesters interrupted a speech he was delivering.

Israel-Hamas war: President Joe Biden vows he is working to get Israel 'Out of Gaza'

Latest in Israel-Hamas war: Israeli PM Netanyahu vows to continue Gaza offensive, he said will not stop until all goals are achieved. Out of remaining 136 hostages, 23 declared dead by Israel's government. Watch to get more insights!

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli hostage 'pleads' for release in Islamic Jihad video

Three months have passed since Israel declared a Complete Siege of Gaza after the October 7th attack by Hamas. Since then The Enclave has weathered blanket bombings and an onslaught of military operations by the Israeli Defense Forces. While Israel has said that its goal is to destroy Hamas.

Israel-Hamas war: Top Israeli officials expect war in Gaza to continue for a year

Israel on Monday (Jan 8) joined the bandwagon in promoting Lakshadweep's tourism, hailing its "pristine and majestic" beaches and underwater marvels.

Amid the India-Maldives diplomatic row, the Israel Embassy, in a posting on its official X account, announced that it will start the desalination programme in the islands on Tuesday (Jan 9).

"We were in #Lakshadweep last year upon the federal government's request to initiate the desalination programme. Israel is ready to commence working on this project tomorrow," Israel in India said in a post on 'X'.

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We were in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lakshadweep?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lakshadweep</a> last year upon the federal government's request to initiate the desalination program. 
 
Israel is ready to commence working on this project tomorrow. 
 
For those who are yet to witness the pristine and majestic underwater beauty of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lakshadweepislands?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lakshadweepislands</a>, here… <a href="https://t.co/bmfDWdFMEq">pic.twitter.com/bmfDWdFMEq</a>
— Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraelinIndia/status/1744286803992150091?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The embassy, further sharing photos of the white beaches, said, "For those who are yet to witness the pristine and majestic underwater beauty of #lakshadweepislands, here are a few pictures showing this island's enchanting allure."

The announcement by Israel comes against the backdrop of diplomatic tensions between India and Maldives after some ministers in the Mohamed Muizzu-led government made derogatory comments against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They also made disparaging references to PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit, inferring that the pictures he posted on X were aimed at projecting the archipelago as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.

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For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list. 
 
During my stay, I also tried snorkelling - what an exhilarating experience it was! <a href="https://t.co/rikUTGlFN7">pic.twitter.com/rikUTGlFN7</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1742831497776951361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Following this, notable film celebrities and cricketers encouraged people on their respective social media accounts to explore local tourist destinations rather than going to the Maldives.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/global-search-interest-for-indias-lakshadweep-skyrocket-after-pm-modis-visit-677924">Global search interest for India’s Lakshadweep witnesses record surge after PM Modi’s visit</a>

<h2>These opinions are personal, says Maldivian government</h2>

Earlier on Sunday, the Maldivian government, in its response to the row over the minister's remarks, said that the opinions shared were "personal" and that they do not represent its views.

In a statement, the government said that appropriate action would be taken against the minister at the centre of the storm. Male said it is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals.&nbsp;

"These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives," read an official release by the Maldivian Foreign Ministry.

The government added it believes that freedom of expression should be exercised in a "democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners".

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Israel on Monday (Jan 8) joined the bandwagon in promoting Lakshadweep's tourism, hailing its "pristine and majestic" beaches and underwater marvels. Amid the India-Maldives diplomatic row, the Israel Embassy, in a posting on its official X account, announced that it will start the desalination programme in the islands on Tuesday (Jan 9).

Israel on Monday (Jan 8) joined the bandwagon in promoting Lakshadweep's tourism, hailing its "pristine and majestic" beaches and underwater marvels. Amid the India-Maldives diplomatic row, the Israel Embassy, in a posting on its official X account, announced that it will start the desalination programme in the islands on Tuesday (Jan 9). "We were in #Lakshadweep last year upon the federal government's request to initiate the desalination programme. Israel is ready to commence working on this project tomorrow," Israel in India said in a post on 'X'. We were in #Lakshadweep last year upon the federal government's request to initiate the desalination program. Israel is ready to commence working on this project tomorrow. For those who are yet to witness the pristine and majestic underwater beauty of #lakshadweepislands, here… pic.twitter.com/bmfDWdFMEq — Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) January 8, 2024 × The embassy, further sharing photos of the white beaches, said, "For those who are yet to witness the pristine and majestic underwater beauty of #lakshadweepislands, here are a few pictures showing this island's enchanting allure." The announcement by Israel comes against the backdrop of diplomatic tensions between India and Maldives after some ministers in the Mohamed Muizzu-led government made derogatory comments against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They also made disparaging references to PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit, inferring that the pictures he posted on X were aimed at projecting the archipelago as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives. For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list. During my stay, I also tried snorkelling - what an exhilarating experience it was! pic.twitter.com/rikUTGlFN7 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024 × Following this, notable film celebrities and cricketers encouraged people on their respective social media accounts to explore local tourist destinations rather than going to the Maldives. Also read: Global search interest for India’s Lakshadweep witnesses record surge after PM Modi’s visit These opinions are personal, says Maldivian government Earlier on Sunday, the Maldivian government, in its response to the row over the minister's remarks, said that the opinions shared were "personal" and that they do not represent its views. In a statement, the government said that appropriate action would be taken against the minister at the centre of the storm. Male said it is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. "These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives," read an official release by the Maldivian Foreign Ministry. The government added it believes that freedom of expression should be exercised in a "democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners". (With inputs from agencies)

Israel to begin desalination programme in Lakshadweep, hails its ‘pristine and majestic’ underwater marvels

As Taiwan enters election week, Beijing's aggressive actions have multiplied. Fighter jets, reconnaissance drones and naval ships have reportedly been spotted around the island. Since December, more than 20 balloons have crossed the median line separating China from Taiwan.

Taiwan Presidential elections: Taiwan all set to go to polls on January 13 | WION Newspoint

The social media is filled with 'Boycott Maldives' hashtag. Following derogatory comments by Maldivian officials about Indian PM Narendra Modi. The 3 ministers were soon suspended after their remarks drew criticism from India and abroad. To know more watch this interview with Maldives MP Mickail Naseem.

Maldives-India Row: WION speaks to Maldives MP Mickail Naseem

Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa on Monday declared a state of emergency for 60 days a day after the country's most-wanted prisoner disappeared from the jail where he was being held. Watch to know more!

Ecuador: President Daniel Noboa declares state of emergency for sixty days amid prison chaos

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday (Jan 9) that the ties between the United States and China "stabilised" last year as he spoke about the country's diplomatic work in 2023.&nbsp;

Wang also delivered a keynote speech at a symposium on Tuesday, saying that China will continue to strive to build a community with a shared future.&nbsp;

His speech comes amid the two powers - the US and China - continue to seek cordial relations in 2024.&nbsp;

Both nations have clashed in recent years on topics ranging from technology and trade to human rights, as well as tensions over Taiwan and conflicting claims in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-citizen-detained-in-russia-on-drug-charges-which-carry-up-to-20-years-in-prison-678329">US citizen detained in Russia on drug charges which carry up to 20 years in prison</a>&nbsp;

Wang's remarks came at a symposium on the international situation and China's foreign relations in 2023 in Beijing. He admitted that ties had "encountered serious difficulties at the beginning of (last) year" while speaking at Beijing's opulent Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.&nbsp;

He said Beijing "expressed its solemn position, demanding that the United States change its misunderstanding of China and return to a rational and pragmatic China policy".&nbsp;

"After hard work, the two sides have restructured communication and dialogue, and bilateral relations have stopped falling and stabilised," Wang added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-journalist-in-canada-arrested-after-he-questions-deputy-pm-elon-musk-reacts-678307">Journalist in Canada arrested after he questions deputy PM, Elon Musk reacts</a>&nbsp;

Wang is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee.&nbsp;

He said that Beijing would continue to "explore the correct way to get along with the US" and added that Chinese "wisdom" could help solve conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>US-China tensions eased?&nbsp;</h2>

US President Joe Biden met his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in San Francisco in November to ease some of the worst tensions in decades. Both sides described the talks as a qualified success.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, elections are due this week in Taiwan, which has been a key flashpoint between the US and China.&nbsp;

Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has even said that it will seize it by force if needed.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the US has backed Taiwan's security and has warned China against acting aggressively towards the self-ruled island democracy.&nbsp;

But Wang stressed that Biden had pledged to Xi that the US "does not support Taiwan independence" during their meeting last year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday (Jan 9) that the ties between the United States and China "stabilised" last year as he spoke about the country's diplomatic work in 2023.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday (Jan 9) that the ties between the United States and China "stabilised" last year as he spoke about the country's diplomatic work in 2023. Wang also delivered a keynote speech at a symposium on Tuesday, saying that China will continue to strive to build a community with a shared future. His speech comes amid the two powers - the US and China - continue to seek cordial relations in 2024. Both nations have clashed in recent years on topics ranging from technology and trade to human rights, as well as tensions over Taiwan and conflicting claims in the South China Sea. Also read: US citizen detained in Russia on drug charges which carry up to 20 years in prison Wang's remarks came at a symposium on the international situation and China's foreign relations in 2023 in Beijing. He admitted that ties had "encountered serious difficulties at the beginning of (last) year" while speaking at Beijing's opulent Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. He said Beijing "expressed its solemn position, demanding that the United States change its misunderstanding of China and return to a rational and pragmatic China policy". "After hard work, the two sides have restructured communication and dialogue, and bilateral relations have stopped falling and stabilised," Wang added. Also read: Journalist in Canada arrested after he questions deputy PM, Elon Musk reacts Wang is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee. He said that Beijing would continue to "explore the correct way to get along with the US" and added that Chinese "wisdom" could help solve conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. US-China tensions eased? US President Joe Biden met his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in San Francisco in November to ease some of the worst tensions in decades. Both sides described the talks as a qualified success. Meanwhile, elections are due this week in Taiwan, which has been a key flashpoint between the US and China. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has even said that it will seize it by force if needed. Meanwhile, the US has backed Taiwan's security and has warned China against acting aggressively towards the self-ruled island democracy. But Wang stressed that Biden had pledged to Xi that the US "does not support Taiwan independence" during their meeting last year. (With inputs from agencies)

China’s foreign minister claims relations with US ‘stabilised’ in 2023

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Monday (January 8) resigned from her post as President Emmanuel Macron prepared to announce a long-awaited cabinet reshuffle. Several changes are expected as the French president seeks new momentum in the last three years in the presidential office.

It is being reported in media that Education Minister Gabriel Attal (34) is a favourite to succeed Borne but no official announcement was made in the immediate aftermath of Borne's resignation.

If he is appointed prime minister, Attal would be the youngest ever and first openly gay prime minister of the country.&nbsp;

"Ms Elisabeth Borne today submitted the resignation of the government to the president, who accepted it," the presidency said in a statement.

Watch | Israel-Hamas war: France-Jordan drop aid in to Khan Younis

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Analysts say that a cabinet reshuffle is necessary to provide&nbsp;fresh momentum to Macron's centrist presidency to prevent the projection of his leadership as a 'lame duck' in its last three years.

Macron trumped the far-right in French politics to win a second presidential term in 2022. However, his second term has seen his government face crises, such as unpopular pension reforms. During his second term, he lost his overall majority in parliamentary elections. The immigration legislation was controversial too.

Borne (62) was the second woman to lead France.

After she tendered her resignation, Macron took to X (formerly Twitter) and thanked Borne for "work in the service of our nation that has been exemplary every day". He did not explicitly mention her resignation in his post.

Besides Attal, the other favourites for the post of PM are 37-year-old Defence Minister Sebastien&nbsp;Lecornu and 43-year-old former agriculture minister Julien Denormandie.

AFP, however, cited a source close to the government and said that Attal was the clear favourite.

In the French government, the president deals with setting general policies while the prime minister manages the day-to-day functioning of the government. This also means that if the administration runs into trouble, it is the PM who faces the most heat.

(With inputs from agencies)

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Monday (January 8) resigned from her post as President Emmanuel Macron prepared to announce a long-awaited cabinet reshuffle.

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Monday (January 8) resigned from her post as President Emmanuel Macron prepared to announce a long-awaited cabinet reshuffle. Several changes are expected as the French president seeks new momentum in the last three years in the presidential office. It is being reported in media that Education Minister Gabriel Attal (34) is a favourite to succeed Borne but no official announcement was made in the immediate aftermath of Borne's resignation. If he is appointed prime minister, Attal would be the youngest ever and first openly gay prime minister of the country. "Ms Elisabeth Borne today submitted the resignation of the government to the president, who accepted it," the presidency said in a statement. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: France-Jordan drop aid in to Khan Younis × Analysts say that a cabinet reshuffle is necessary to provide fresh momentum to Macron's centrist presidency to prevent the projection of his leadership as a 'lame duck' in its last three years. Macron trumped the far-right in French politics to win a second presidential term in 2022. However, his second term has seen his government face crises, such as unpopular pension reforms. During his second term, he lost his overall majority in parliamentary elections. The immigration legislation was controversial too. Borne (62) was the second woman to lead France. After she tendered her resignation, Macron took to X (formerly Twitter) and thanked Borne for "work in the service of our nation that has been exemplary every day". He did not explicitly mention her resignation in his post. Besides Attal, the other favourites for the post of PM are 37-year-old Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu and 43-year-old former agriculture minister Julien Denormandie. AFP, however, cited a source close to the government and said that Attal was the clear favourite. In the French government, the president deals with setting general policies while the prime minister manages the day-to-day functioning of the government. This also means that if the administration runs into trouble, it is the PM who faces the most heat. (With inputs from agencies)

French PM Elisabeth Borne resigns as President Macron seeks to rejig cabinet with fresh faces

Idan Amedi, an actor-singer best known for his role in the Netflix series Fauda, has reportedly sustained serious injuries while fighting as an Israeli Army reservist during the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.

<h2>What do we know about his condition?</h2>

Amedi, who is a reservist for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), was injured while fighting in Gaza’s Khan Younis and airlifted to a hospital on Monday (Jan 8) where he was sedated and is receiving treatment, reported Times of Israel.&nbsp;

The actor-singer’s condition was later confirmed by his father in an interview with the Walla news site. He said his son was no longer in danger.&nbsp;

The 35-year-old was born and raised in Jerusalem to Kurdish immigrants and is married with two children.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-israeli-military-shows-cluster-of-weapons-factories-of-hamas-in-gaza-678060">Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military shows cluster of weapons factories of Hamas in Gaza</a>

In reel life, that is on the show Fauda, Amedi is known for playing a soldier in an elite IDF unit that operates in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. However, in real life, the 35-year-old was serving as an IDF reservist in the Combat Engineering Corps when he was injured.&nbsp;

A report by Times of Israel citing Hebrew media reported that Amedi was brought to Sheba Medical Center in the Israeli city of Ramat Gan at around 4:00 pm (local time), on Monday.

He reportedly underwent urgent, serious and lengthy surgery.&nbsp;

<h2>‘A little tired, but fine’</h2>

The actor-singer, who had completed his mandatory military service in the IDF Combat Engineering Corps’ 603rd Battalion between 2006 and 2009, spoke to an Israeli television reporter in Gaza who described him as “a little tired, but fine.”

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“It’s weird to see you here (amid the war in Gaza). You suddenly feel so clean to me, I don’t know how to act with this,” Amedi told the reporter from Israel’s Channel 12 news. He then said, “We are working hard for everyone’s security. We really love you.”

When asked about the Hamas tunnels that his team was working to uncover, the IDF reservist said, “It’s crazy, what they built here.”&nbsp;

He added, “The operation here is on a very central (Hamas tunnel) route. We found kilometres of tunnels here, weaponry, even special weaponry. We’ve been busy the past two days trying to destroy it.”

On October 12, amid a call-up of more than 300,000 reservists, Amedi posted a video on X where he was seen wearing military fatigues and saying, “This isn’t a scene from Fauda, it’s real life.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-begin-desalination-program-in-lakshadweep-hails-its-pristine-and-majestic-underwater-marvels-677973">Israel to begin desalination programme in Lakshadweep, hails its ‘pristine and majestic’ underwater marvels</a>

Hamas launched a deadly attack against Israel on October 7, killing around 1,200 people and taking some 240 hostages back to Gaza.&nbsp;

Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment and a ground operation in Gaza, killing at least 23,000 people, mostly women and children in the Palestinian enclave, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Idan Amedi, an actor-singer best known for his role in the Netflix series Fauda, has reportedly sustained serious injuries while fighting as an Israeli Army reservist during the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.

Idan Amedi, an actor-singer best known for his role in the Netflix series Fauda, has reportedly sustained serious injuries while fighting as an Israeli Army reservist during the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. What do we know about his condition? Amedi, who is a reservist for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), was injured while fighting in Gaza’s Khan Younis and airlifted to a hospital on Monday (Jan 8) where he was sedated and is receiving treatment, reported Times of Israel. The actor-singer’s condition was later confirmed by his father in an interview with the Walla news site. He said his son was no longer in danger. The 35-year-old was born and raised in Jerusalem to Kurdish immigrants and is married with two children. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military shows cluster of weapons factories of Hamas in Gaza In reel life, that is on the show Fauda, Amedi is known for playing a soldier in an elite IDF unit that operates in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. However, in real life, the 35-year-old was serving as an IDF reservist in the Combat Engineering Corps when he was injured. A report by Times of Israel citing Hebrew media reported that Amedi was brought to Sheba Medical Center in the Israeli city of Ramat Gan at around 4:00 pm (local time), on Monday. He reportedly underwent urgent, serious and lengthy surgery. ‘A little tired, but fine’ The actor-singer, who had completed his mandatory military service in the IDF Combat Engineering Corps’ 603rd Battalion between 2006 and 2009, spoke to an Israeli television reporter in Gaza who described him as “a little tired, but fine.” ALSO READ | US naval officer sentenced to over two years in prison for selling military secrets to China “It’s weird to see you here (amid the war in Gaza). You suddenly feel so clean to me, I don’t know how to act with this,” Amedi told the reporter from Israel’s Channel 12 news. He then said, “We are working hard for everyone’s security. We really love you.” When asked about the Hamas tunnels that his team was working to uncover, the IDF reservist said, “It’s crazy, what they built here.” He added, “The operation here is on a very central (Hamas tunnel) route. We found kilometres of tunnels here, weaponry, even special weaponry. We’ve been busy the past two days trying to destroy it.” On October 12, amid a call-up of more than 300,000 reservists, Amedi posted a video on X where he was seen wearing military fatigues and saying, “This isn’t a scene from Fauda, it’s real life.” ALSO READ | Israel to begin desalination programme in Lakshadweep, hails its ‘pristine and majestic’ underwater marvels Hamas launched a deadly attack against Israel on October 7, killing around 1,200 people and taking some 240 hostages back to Gaza. Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment and a ground operation in Gaza, killing at least 23,000 people, mostly women and children in the Palestinian enclave, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israel-Hamas war: ‘Fauda’ actor Idan Amedi ‘seriously injured’ while fighting in Gaza

The Republicans have been asking United States President Joe Biden to sack Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin after he took several days to disclose a hospitalisation, but the White House on Monday (Jan 8) rejected all such calls.&nbsp;

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters travelling with Biden aboard Air Force One that "the president has complete confidence, continues to have confidence in Secretary Austin".&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"The number one thing is we want to see him get well and back at the Pentagon," Jean-Pierre added.&nbsp;

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After reports emerged that Biden and the White House were unaware for several days that Austin had been hospitalised for an unspecified medical condition last week, Republicans have called for his resignation.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, during the same briefing, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that Biden believed Austin had done an "amazing job" and respected Austin for "taking ownership" of the row.

"There are no plans or anything other than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job and continue the leadership that has been exhibited," Kirby said.&nbsp;

"We'll do what's akin to a hot wash and try to see if processes and procedures need to be changed at all or modified, so that we can learn from this," Kirby said, further adding that Austin had resumed his duties.&nbsp;

Kirby informed that Austin was working from the Walter Reed military hospital in the Washington suburbs.&nbsp;

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Watch: Netizens divided over US President Biden's new video&nbsp;

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<h2>What happened to Austin?&nbsp;</h2>

On Friday evening, the Pentagon announced that the 70-year-old had been hospitalised four days prior "for complications following a recent elective medical procedure".&nbsp;

It was said to be a breach of standard protocol at a time when the United States was embroiled in the Middle East crisis.&nbsp;

"I recognise I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed. I commit to doing better," Austin said in a statement on Saturday.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Pentagon on Sunday released new details about Austin's health, saying that he had a medical procedure on December 22, went home a day later, and was admitted to intensive care on January 1 when he began experiencing severe pain.&nbsp;

The Republicans have been asking United States President Joe Biden to sack Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin after he took several days to disclose a hospitalisation, but the White House on Monday (Jan 8) rejected all such calls.

The Republicans have been asking United States President Joe Biden to sack Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin after he took several days to disclose a hospitalisation, but the White House on Monday (Jan 8) rejected all such calls. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters travelling with Biden aboard Air Force One that "the president has complete confidence, continues to have confidence in Secretary Austin". "The number one thing is we want to see him get well and back at the Pentagon," Jean-Pierre added. Also read: House committees recommend holding Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress After reports emerged that Biden and the White House were unaware for several days that Austin had been hospitalised for an unspecified medical condition last week, Republicans have called for his resignation. Meanwhile, during the same briefing, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that Biden believed Austin had done an "amazing job" and respected Austin for "taking ownership" of the row. "There are no plans or anything other than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job and continue the leadership that has been exhibited," Kirby said. "We'll do what's akin to a hot wash and try to see if processes and procedures need to be changed at all or modified, so that we can learn from this," Kirby said, further adding that Austin had resumed his duties. Kirby informed that Austin was working from the Walter Reed military hospital in the Washington suburbs. Also read: Alaska Airlines Boeing 737’s cockpit voice recorder data erased, says US NTSB Watch: Netizens divided over US President Biden's new video × What happened to Austin? On Friday evening, the Pentagon announced that the 70-year-old had been hospitalised four days prior "for complications following a recent elective medical procedure". It was said to be a breach of standard protocol at a time when the United States was embroiled in the Middle East crisis. "I recognise I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed. I commit to doing better," Austin said in a statement on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Pentagon on Sunday released new details about Austin's health, saying that he had a medical procedure on December 22, went home a day later, and was admitted to intensive care on January 1 when he began experiencing severe pain.

White House rejects Republican calls for Biden to sack US Defence Secretary Austin

The Israeli military on Monday (Jan 8) showed journalists a cluster of weapons factories and tunnels used by Hamas in the Gaza Strip to manufacture rockets, the news agency AFP reported.

The Israeli military on Monday (Jan 8) showed journalists a cluster of weapons factories and tunnels used by Hamas in the Gaza Strip to manufacture rockets, the news agency AFP reported. During a media tour in Gaza's Bureij, Israeli soldiers said that what looked like cement factories and other industrial facilities were in fact used to make missiles and shells stored in deep shafts. At the site, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari held what he said were detonators for rockets capable of hitting targets 100 kilometres away- a range covering much of central and southern Israel. Hagari told reporters that the factory had been built around Salah al-Din Road, a major north-south route also used to transport humanitarian aid into the besieged territory. 'Largest weapons production site found since war began' In a statement, the Israeli army said the factory (around the Salah al-Din Road), was the largest weapons production site found since the beginning of the war on Oct 7 last year. Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war Before the conflict started, Bureij was home to tens of thousands of people. However, many people fled the region after the war, and the areas shown to journalists during the army tour looked abandoned with no Palestinians in sight, AFP reported. Israel faces genocide case at ICJ In other latest news from the conflict, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The case was brought by South Africa which accused Israel of "genocidal acts" in Gaza. This week, the ICJ will hold hearings on the case. In an 84-page submission to the ICJ, South Africa urged judges to order Israel to "immediately suspend its military operations" in Gaza. "The acts are all attributable to Israel, which has failed to prevent genocide and is committing genocide in manifest violation of the Genocide Convention," the filing said. Also read: WHO reflects on obstacles in Gaza, says cancelled planned mission in hospital for the 4th time Hitting back at the accusations, Israel vowed to fight the South African case it described as "absurd blood libel". "How tragic that the rainbow nation that prides itself on fighting racism will be fighting pro bono for anti-Jewish racists," government spokesperson Eylon Levy said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli military shows cluster of weapons factories of Hamas in Gaza

A new batch of court documents from a lawsuit related to convicted sex offender and late financier Jeffrey Epstein were released on Monday (Jan 8), which included 17 documents.

The documents are part of a defamation case that Virginia Giuffre, an alleged Epstein victim, filed against his longtime partner, Ghislaine Maxwell,&nbsp;that the two settled in the year 2017. Epstein reportedly committed suicide in a Manhattan prison while awaiting trial for federal charges of sex trafficking.

The court documents unsealed on Monday include pictures that were produced by Sarah Ransome, who sued Epstein, Maxwell, and other suspected co-conspirators in the year 2017 under the alias "Jane Doe 43", as per ABC News reports &nbsp;

Ransome also appeared as a witness in the Giuffre case.&nbsp;

After being questioned, she produced numerous pictures of herself, Maxwell, Epstein, and other young women on Epstein's exclusive island.

As per another unsealed filing, Ransome testified that some of the photos were shot and handed over to her by Epstein's partner and French model scout Jean Luc Brunel.

Earlier, the second batch of unsealed documents, which was released last week, mainly focused on how teen girls were recruited in his Florida home.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/court-filings-say-jeffrey-epstein-invoked-right-to-silence-600-times-677169">Court filings say Jeffrey Epstein invoked right to silence 600 times</a>

Some of the depositions which were released Thursday (Jan 4) stressed how the teen girls were convinced to go to Epstein's home as well as bring their friends if they wished for an additional payment.

<h2>'Jeffrey took off my clothes,' woman recalls ordeal</h2>

A woman, whose name has been redacted and was 16 or 17 when she met Epstein, said that she had no experience of giving a massage and had not expected that the visit would involve sexual activity.&nbsp;

“Jeffrey took my clothes off without my consent the first time I met him,” as per a transcript of the statement submitted by a woman. &nbsp;

In 2016, former Palm Beach police Detective&nbsp;Joseph Recarey said that Ghislaine Maxwell, currently serving 20 years imprisonment, was involved in recruiting girls to give massages and work at Epstein’s home.

Recarey had claimed to have interviewed nearly 33 women, as per a transcript. Most of the girls recruited at Epstein’s home were younger than 18, he said. He added that only two girls were older and had massage experience.

"Each of the victims that went to the home was asked to bring their friends to the home. Some complied and some didn’t," Recarey, who is now no more, stated.&nbsp;

The first batch of court papers&nbsp;mostly had names of people who had already been disclosed in other media outlets as well as court proceedings. Maxwell has been in federal prison after being convicted of sex trafficking in 2021. “She has consistently and vehemently maintained her innocence,” according to Maxwell’s lawyers.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new batch of court documents from a lawsuit related to convicted sex offender and late financier Jeffrey Epstein were released on Monday (Jan 8), which included 17 documents.

A new batch of court documents from a lawsuit related to convicted sex offender and late financier Jeffrey Epstein were released on Monday (Jan 8), which included 17 documents. The documents are part of a defamation case that Virginia Giuffre, an alleged Epstein victim, filed against his longtime partner, Ghislaine Maxwell, that the two settled in the year 2017. Epstein reportedly committed suicide in a Manhattan prison while awaiting trial for federal charges of sex trafficking. The court documents unsealed on Monday include pictures that were produced by Sarah Ransome, who sued Epstein, Maxwell, and other suspected co-conspirators in the year 2017 under the alias "Jane Doe 43", as per ABC News reports Ransome also appeared as a witness in the Giuffre case. After being questioned, she produced numerous pictures of herself, Maxwell, Epstein, and other young women on Epstein's exclusive island. As per another unsealed filing, Ransome testified that some of the photos were shot and handed over to her by Epstein's partner and French model scout Jean Luc Brunel. Earlier, the second batch of unsealed documents, which was released last week, mainly focused on how teen girls were recruited in his Florida home. Also read: Court filings say Jeffrey Epstein invoked right to silence 600 times Some of the depositions which were released Thursday (Jan 4) stressed how the teen girls were convinced to go to Epstein's home as well as bring their friends if they wished for an additional payment. 'Jeffrey took off my clothes,' woman recalls ordeal A woman, whose name has been redacted and was 16 or 17 when she met Epstein, said that she had no experience of giving a massage and had not expected that the visit would involve sexual activity. “Jeffrey took my clothes off without my consent the first time I met him,” as per a transcript of the statement submitted by a woman. In 2016, former Palm Beach police Detective Joseph Recarey said that Ghislaine Maxwell, currently serving 20 years imprisonment, was involved in recruiting girls to give massages and work at Epstein’s home. Recarey had claimed to have interviewed nearly 33 women, as per a transcript. Most of the girls recruited at Epstein’s home were younger than 18, he said. He added that only two girls were older and had massage experience. "Each of the victims that went to the home was asked to bring their friends to the home. Some complied and some didn’t," Recarey, who is now no more, stated. The first batch of court papers mostly had names of people who had already been disclosed in other media outlets as well as court proceedings. Maxwell has been in federal prison after being convicted of sex trafficking in 2021. “She has consistently and vehemently maintained her innocence,” according to Maxwell’s lawyers. (With inputs from agencies)

Jeffrey Epstein papers: New batch of court documents released includes photos of young girls

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is in London the Indian minister is on a three-day visit to the United Kingdom with a focus on all sides of the UK India defenCe partnership. Singh held talks with UK defence minister Grant Shapps in London.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in UK for three-day visit

According to two defence officials, the deputy secretary of defence did not even realize that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had been hospitalized when she started taking on some of his duties on January 2. Until Thursday, three days after the secretary checked into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center due to complications from an elective surgery, senior leaders, including Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, the Pentagon's second-in-command, were kept in the dark about Austin's actual location. As previously reported in news, Austin was hospitalized for three days before even the president learned of it.

Donald Trump calls for Lloyd Austin's removal

According to two defence officials, the deputy secretary of defence did not even realize that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had been hospitalized when she started taking on some of his duties on January 2. Until Thursday, three days after the secretary checked into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center due to complications from an elective surgery, senior leaders, including Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, the Pentagon's second-in-command, were kept in the dark about Austin's actual location. As previously reported in news, Austin was hospitalised for three days before even the president learned of it.

Lloyd Austin Secret Hospitalisation: White House to review Austin's lack of disclosure

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