US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits Israel, again in his quest to prevent the Gaza conflict from growing into a regional conflagration, as the Israeli military said its fight against Hamas would continue all year. Antony Blinken warned Israel's war in Gaza could 'Metastasize.'

US Secretary of State Blinken visits Israel | Macron's political reset

SpaceX and Tesla are concerned over Elon Musk's behaviour regarding his drug usage. According to various reports, senior officials at Musk's companies fear that this type of behaviour could harm his company and future business.

SpaceX and Tesla officials upset over Elon Musk's alleged drug use

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 over his secret hospitalisation

The annual Winter Festival has kicked off in Hwacheon in South Korea. Along with the usual winter festivities is a peculiar practice attendees at this Festival strip down to their t-shirts and boxers running straight into a frozen River to catch fish with their bare hands. Take a look.

Mid-winter Red Herrings for South Koreans at Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival 2024

Nigeria's president Bola Tinubu has suspended the country's minister of humanitarian Affairs Betta Edu over allegations of fraud. Edu has been accused of diverting more than $640,000 of public money into a personal bank account.

Nigerian Humanitarian Minister Betta Edu suspended over corruption scandal

In order to combat the Houthi danger to the commercial boats operating in the area, India has sent its warships to the Red Sea. INS Kochi and INS Kolkata are now conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden, which links the Arabian Sea with the Red Sea.

Houthis attacks in Red Sea: Indian Navy to protect cargo ships to ensure freedom of movement

Houthis in Red Sea: Indian Navy now has a fleet of 10 ships in the Red Sea region

Spain's government proposed a nationwide mandate for people to wear masks in hospitals and health clinics on Monday, and Italy said respiratory illness infection rates had hit a record, as flu and COVID spread across Europe.

EU repeats vaccination call after Covid-19 surge

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne resigned on Monday, as President Emmanuel Macron seeks to give a new impetus to his second mandate ahead of European parliament elections and the Paris Olympics this summer.

French PM Elisabeth Borne resigns, President Emmanuel Macron to name new PM

In a significant event that unfolded just days before Taiwan's crucial presidential election, a Chinese satellite launch set off Taiwan's emergency phone alert system, raising security concerns across the region.

Chinese state media reported that Beijing had achieved a successful launch of the "Einstein Probe" satellite using the Long March-2C carrier rocket at the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. According to CCTV, the satellite entered its designated orbit, marking the launch as a "complete success."

<h2>Emergency alert in Taiwan</h2>

Simultaneously, phones across Taiwan were activated with an emergency alert message. The alert in Chinese warned the public about the satellite flying over the southern airspace, However, the English version of the message described it as an "air raid alert," cautioning against a "missile flyover Taiwan airspace."

The emergency alert coincided with Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu holding a press conference in Taipei with foreign reporters ahead of the upcoming presidential election.

"When a rocket is openly flying in our sky, some of their tubes or debris will fall in this region," Wu told reporters.

"That's the reason why our national alert centre will issue this kind of alert. It has happened before," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nvidia-set-to-launch-china-focused-ai-chip-in-q2-2024-amid-export-rule-compliance-678210">Also read |&nbsp;Nvidia set to launch China-Focused AI chip in Q2 2024 amid export rule compliance</a>

With the election approaching, security concerns have intensified, and the alert added to the tension. Front-runner Lai Ching-te, Taiwan's current vice president, accused Beijing of employing "all means" to influence the election.

Beijing has consistently demonstrated a military presence around Taiwan, deploying fighter jets, naval vessels, and drones.

Also watch |&nbsp;Taiwan Presidential elections: Taiwan all set to go to polls on January 13

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-presidential-elections-taiwan-all-set-to-go-to-polls-on-january-13-wion-newspoint-678125/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Recent incidents include balloons flying over the island and the intrusion of 10 Chinese warplanes and four naval vessels. China's military activities around Taiwan have remained a persistent issue, heightening tensions in the region.

According to China's state-run Xinhua news agency, the satellite launched by China will be used&nbsp;for astronomical observations, specifically focusing on "mysterious transient phenomena in the universe comparable to the flickering of fireworks."

(With inputs from agencies)

In a significant event that unfolded just days before Taiwan's crucial presidential election, a Chinese satellite launch set off Taiwan's emergency phone alert system, raising security concerns across the region.

In a significant event that unfolded just days before Taiwan's crucial presidential election, a Chinese satellite launch set off Taiwan's emergency phone alert system, raising security concerns across the region. Chinese state media reported that Beijing had achieved a successful launch of the "Einstein Probe" satellite using the Long March-2C carrier rocket at the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. According to CCTV, the satellite entered its designated orbit, marking the launch as a "complete success." Emergency alert in Taiwan Simultaneously, phones across Taiwan were activated with an emergency alert message. The alert in Chinese warned the public about the satellite flying over the southern airspace, However, the English version of the message described it as an "air raid alert," cautioning against a "missile flyover Taiwan airspace." The emergency alert coincided with Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu holding a press conference in Taipei with foreign reporters ahead of the upcoming presidential election. "When a rocket is openly flying in our sky, some of their tubes or debris will fall in this region," Wu told reporters. "That's the reason why our national alert centre will issue this kind of alert. It has happened before," he added. Also read | Nvidia set to launch China-Focused AI chip in Q2 2024 amid export rule compliance With the election approaching, security concerns have intensified, and the alert added to the tension. Front-runner Lai Ching-te, Taiwan's current vice president, accused Beijing of employing "all means" to influence the election. Beijing has consistently demonstrated a military presence around Taiwan, deploying fighter jets, naval vessels, and drones. Also watch | Taiwan Presidential elections: Taiwan all set to go to polls on January 13 Recent incidents include balloons flying over the island and the intrusion of 10 Chinese warplanes and four naval vessels. China's military activities around Taiwan have remained a persistent issue, heightening tensions in the region. According to China's state-run Xinhua news agency, the satellite launched by China will be used for astronomical observations, specifically focusing on "mysterious transient phenomena in the universe comparable to the flickering of fireworks." (With inputs from agencies)

China’s satellite launch sparks safety alert on Taiwan phones amid election tensions

Pope Francis has called for a universal ban on parenting via surrogacy while terming the practice deplorable in his New Year's address to diplomats at the Vatican. Pope Francis also termed the practice a great violation of the dignity of both mothers and children.

Pope Francis calls for a universal ban on surrogate parenting

As the flu and COVID-19 pandemic expanded around Europe, Spain's government proposed a mandate on Monday requiring patients to wear masks in hospitals and clinics. Meanwhile, Italy reported that rates of respiratory ailment infections had reached all-time highs. Watch to know more!

Spain on alert after surge in Flu & Covid cases across Europe

Russian Orthodox Church as it serves the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Julian calendar like in some other Eastern European nations. Russia celebrates Christmas on the 7th of January to Mark the occasion Russians have sculpted gargantuan ice figures these sculptures depict nativity scenes as observed by the Russian Orthodox Church.

Russians sculpt divinity on Orthodox Xmas celebrated on January 7th

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.

Biden interrupted by 'ceasefire now' chants, tells heckler he's pushing Israel to leave Gaza

The miscommunication between a coast guard and air traffic control may have been the reason behind the fatal crash which took place at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on January 2, reported the Yomiuri newspaper, citing unidentified sources.&nbsp;

As per the newspaper, the coast guard plane was informed by the control tower that it was “number one", which may have been confused with the signal of it entering the runway and not as an order of departure. The details also emerge as the transport ministry investigates what caused the incident, and whether the incident could have been prevented.

The flight and voice recording devices, which were recovered from the crash site late last week, is likely to untangle contradictory pieces of evidence especially the claim of the coast guard captain that he was given permission for entering the runway even after an official transcript which may suggest otherwise.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-airlines-inferno-coastguard-plane-did-not-get-clearance-for-take-off-transcripts-suggest-676484">&nbsp;Japan Airlines inferno: Coastguard plane did not have clearance for take-off, transcripts suggest</a>

On Monday, the flight operations resumed at Haneda’s Runway C, where one week earlier a landing passenger jet crashed into a parked coast guard plane.&nbsp;

All 379 passengers and crew aboard Airbus SE A350-900 of Japan Airlines Co. were evacuated Tuesday evening (Jan 2), within minutes after the plane caught fir, although 14 were injured and two pets were not able survive. Five among the six crew members on the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 of Japan Coast Guard were killed.

<h2>Japan's jet turns into a fireball</h2>

Japanese authorities on Wednesday (Jan 3) said that a passenger jet which collided with a Coast Guard turboprop while landing at a Tokyo airport was given permission to land, however, the smaller plane was not given the clearance for take-off, as per control tower transcripts.

All 379 people aboard the Japan Airlines (JAL) Airbus A350 were safely evacuated as the plane erupted in flames after crashing with a De Havilland Dash-8 Coast Guard turboprop at Haneda airport.

Watch:&nbsp;Japan jet crash: More details emerge from Air Traffic Communications

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-jet-crash-more-details-emerge-from-air-traffic-communications-world-news-wion-676422/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, five out of six Coast Guard crew, who were about to depart on a flight for relief work in response to a major earthquake on Japan's west coast, died and the captain was badly injured.

The Japan Safety Transport Board (JTSB) has started investigating the incident and it remains unclear how the crash happened and how the two aircraft were present on the same runaway.

(With inputs from agencies)

The miscommunication between a coast guard and air traffic control may have been the reason behind the fatal crash which took place at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on January 2, reported the Yomiuri newspaper, citing unidentified sources.

The miscommunication between a coast guard and air traffic control may have been the reason behind the fatal crash which took place at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on January 2, reported the Yomiuri newspaper, citing unidentified sources. As per the newspaper, the coast guard plane was informed by the control tower that it was “number one", which may have been confused with the signal of it entering the runway and not as an order of departure. The details also emerge as the transport ministry investigates what caused the incident, and whether the incident could have been prevented. The flight and voice recording devices, which were recovered from the crash site late last week, is likely to untangle contradictory pieces of evidence especially the claim of the coast guard captain that he was given permission for entering the runway even after an official transcript which may suggest otherwise. Also read: Japan Airlines inferno: Coastguard plane did not have clearance for take-off, transcripts suggest On Monday, the flight operations resumed at Haneda’s Runway C, where one week earlier a landing passenger jet crashed into a parked coast guard plane. All 379 passengers and crew aboard Airbus SE A350-900 of Japan Airlines Co. were evacuated Tuesday evening (Jan 2), within minutes after the plane caught fir, although 14 were injured and two pets were not able survive. Five among the six crew members on the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 of Japan Coast Guard were killed. Japan's jet turns into a fireball Japanese authorities on Wednesday (Jan 3) said that a passenger jet which collided with a Coast Guard turboprop while landing at a Tokyo airport was given permission to land, however, the smaller plane was not given the clearance for take-off, as per control tower transcripts. All 379 people aboard the Japan Airlines (JAL) Airbus A350 were safely evacuated as the plane erupted in flames after crashing with a De Havilland Dash-8 Coast Guard turboprop at Haneda airport. Watch: Japan jet crash: More details emerge from Air Traffic Communications However, five out of six Coast Guard crew, who were about to depart on a flight for relief work in response to a major earthquake on Japan's west coast, died and the captain was badly injured. The Japan Safety Transport Board (JTSB) has started investigating the incident and it remains unclear how the crash happened and how the two aircraft were present on the same runaway. (With inputs from agencies)

Verbal miscommunication likely behind fatal crash at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, says report

Photos of young girls or women present on Jeffrey Epstein's private island surfaced on documents released on Monday (Jan 8) related to court cases involving the late American financier. The photos also featured Epstein's longtime accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, who had said in her separate court case that she was not present in the island during the time period when the photos were taken.&nbsp;

The judge&nbsp;who was looking into the case later ordered the file - which had images - should be stricken from the public docket and the officials should re-file it without the images. In the images, young women or girls were seen on the island along with Epstein, Maxwell, his friend and suspected sex trafficker Jean-Luc Brunel, and one of the accusers of Epstein.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-billionaire-had-sex-tapes-of-prince-andrew-bill-clinton-and-trump-claims-witness-678144">Epstein files: Billionaire had ‘sex tapes’ of Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton and Trump, claimed witness</a>

"The Clerk of the Court is directed to strike docket entry 1332-7 in the above-captioned case because it contains inadvertently disclosed images that should have been redacted," Judge Loretta Presak wrote in a Monday evening order. "Counsel shall re-file the stricken document as soon as is practicable," he added. &nbsp;

<h2>Photos prove Maxwell's presence on Epstein's island</h2>

The documents were earlier redacted or sealed as part of a 2015 lawsuit between Maxwell, the disgraced financier's longtime girlfriend and Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre. Maxwell has now been convicted as a sex trafficker.

The lawyers of Giuffre said that the photos "unequivocally" establish the presence of Maxwell on the island during a time when as per her testimony, she was "hardly around".&nbsp;

The photos were also included as part of a filing regarding Epstein accuser Sarah Ransome, who was not included in the proceedings but exposed the inner workings of Epstein's "massage network" and testified that Maxwell was referred to as "Mamma bear" by the victims.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Where is Nadia Marcinko, Epstein's 'Sex Slave' Turned Accomplice?

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-where-is-nadia-marcinko-epsteins-sex-slave-turned-accomplice-677956/embed" width="560"></iframe>

"Ms. Ransome’s testimony proves that what little Defendant did say during her deposition was far from the truth," wrote Giuffre's lawyers.&nbsp;

Ransome further claimed that the girls who were taken to the private island of Epstein in the U.S. Virgin Islands were given Victoria's Secret nightwear and bikinis by the host.&nbsp;

Some of the deposition of Ransome had already been made public in earlier unsealed files, however, the names were redacted.&nbsp;

The side of Maxwell claimed that the accusers made false allegations against her, in the hope that the lawsuit will provide them with a "lottery ticket."

(With inputs from agencies)

Photos of young girls or women present on Jeffrey Epstein's private island surfaced on documents released on Monday (Jan 8) related to court cases involving the late American financier.

Photos of young girls or women present on Jeffrey Epstein's private island surfaced on documents released on Monday (Jan 8) related to court cases involving the late American financier. The photos also featured Epstein's longtime accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, who had said in her separate court case that she was not present in the island during the time period when the photos were taken. The judge who was looking into the case later ordered the file - which had images - should be stricken from the public docket and the officials should re-file it without the images. In the images, young women or girls were seen on the island along with Epstein, Maxwell, his friend and suspected sex trafficker Jean-Luc Brunel, and one of the accusers of Epstein. Also read: Epstein files: Billionaire had ‘sex tapes’ of Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton and Trump, claimed witness "The Clerk of the Court is directed to strike docket entry 1332-7 in the above-captioned case because it contains inadvertently disclosed images that should have been redacted," Judge Loretta Presak wrote in a Monday evening order. "Counsel shall re-file the stricken document as soon as is practicable," he added. Photos prove Maxwell's presence on Epstein's island The documents were earlier redacted or sealed as part of a 2015 lawsuit between Maxwell, the disgraced financier's longtime girlfriend and Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre. Maxwell has now been convicted as a sex trafficker. The lawyers of Giuffre said that the photos "unequivocally" establish the presence of Maxwell on the island during a time when as per her testimony, she was "hardly around". The photos were also included as part of a filing regarding Epstein accuser Sarah Ransome, who was not included in the proceedings but exposed the inner workings of Epstein's "massage network" and testified that Maxwell was referred to as "Mamma bear" by the victims. Watch: Gravitas: Where is Nadia Marcinko, Epstein's 'Sex Slave' Turned Accomplice? "Ms. Ransome’s testimony proves that what little Defendant did say during her deposition was far from the truth," wrote Giuffre's lawyers. Ransome further claimed that the girls who were taken to the private island of Epstein in the U.S. Virgin Islands were given Victoria's Secret nightwear and bikinis by the host. Some of the deposition of Ransome had already been made public in earlier unsealed files, however, the names were redacted. The side of Maxwell claimed that the accusers made false allegations against her, in the hope that the lawsuit will provide them with a "lottery ticket." (With inputs from agencies)

Epstein papers: Photos of young girls on ‘paedophile island’ surface in latest documents

According to US, the influx of migrants has been dropping in January 2024. Washington has been pushing Mexico to do more to block the influx of migrants. More Mexican migrants are on their way to US. Watch to know more!

US-Mexico Migrant Issue: Asylum seekers accuse Mexican government of 'deceiving' them

The White House said on Monday (Jan 8) that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would stay in his job, adding there is no plan for anything else. Addressing a press conference on Air Force One, National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson John Kirby said, "There is no plan for anything other than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job.

The White House said on Monday (Jan 8) that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would stay in his job, adding there is no plan for anything else. Addressing a press conference on Air Force One, National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson John Kirby said, "There is no plan for anything other than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job." Kirby said that President Joe Biden respected the fact that Austin took ownership of the lack of transparency but said that there would be a review of procedures in the wake of the incident. Kirby also said that there is an exception among members of Biden’s Cabinet that if one becomes hospitalised, “that will be notified up the chain of command.” What happened to Austin? Lloyd Austin, the Pentagon chief, was hospitalised on Jan 1 due to complications from an elective medical procedure. The Pentagon did not make any public announcement until four days later and also waited to notify other top government figures. Also read: White House rejects Republican calls for Biden to sack US Defence Secretary Austin On Monday, Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder told journalists that Austin, 77, underwent an unspecified medical procedure on Dec 22 and was discharged the following day, but began experiencing "severe pain" on Jan 1 and was taken by ambulance to Walter Reed. Some of Austin's authorities were transferred to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks on Jan 2, but she was not told that he was hospitalised until two days later, Ryder said, the news agency AFP reported. The 77-year-old faced widespread criticism for waiting days to inform the White House and Congress about his hospitalisation, keeping key officials in the dark about his status amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and tensions in the Middle East. Republicans call for Austin's removal Some Republican lawmakers including former president Donald Trump called for Austin's resignation. In a social media post, Trump said that Austin “should be fired immediately for improper professional conduct and dereliction of duty.” Last Saturday, Austin said that he took "full responsibility for my decisions about disclosure," and admitted that he "could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed." (With inputs from agencies)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will stay in job, says White House

Secret tunnel discovered under New York Synagogue. Clashes erupt between NYPD. Synagogue members. Motive behind the tunnel unclear. Watch to know more!

New York synagogue erupts into chaos as secret tunnel unearthed

The bilateral relationship between India and the Maldives had always been positive before the Muizzu government assumed power in Maldives last year and things have only gone from bad to worse in recent days with three of his ministers passing derogatory remarks against Indian PM sparking a diplomatic row.

Maldives Pres announces India visit after diplomatic row | Too little too late? | In-Live Discussion

Germany's Franz Beckenbauer, who won the world cup both as player and coach, has died at age of 78. Beckenbauer had played 582 times for Bayern Munich and won the German top flight as both a player and a manager.

Franz Beckenbauer dies: Tributes pour in for world cup-winning captain

South Korean parliament on Tuesday (Jan 9) passed a landmark bill that bans the centuries-old controversial practice of eating and selling dog meat. The legislation was passed after years of nationwide debate over whether to ban the traditional practice or not.

South Korean parliament on Tuesday (Jan 9) passed a landmark bill that bans the centuries-old controversial practice of eating and selling dog meat. The legislation was passed after years of nationwide debate over whether to ban the traditional practice or not. The bill received bipartisan support across the divided political landscape of South Korea, suggesting animal welfare had taken precedence. An overwhelming 208 votes were in favour of the bill in the single-chamber parliament of Seoul after a bipartisan agriculture committee approved it on Monday The language of the bill states that slaughtering a dog for food will be punishable by up to three years in prison or may incur a fine of up to $23,000 (30 million Korean won). The legislation will kick into effect after a three-year grace period which is done so to provide financial support for businesses to transition out of the trade. According to reports, most dogs are slaughtered or hanged when their meat is sold for consumption. Additionally, their breeding is done in harrowing conditions with the sole purpose of sending them to abattoirs. Watch | South Korea unveils plan to ban dog meat, Animal Rights Groups welcome the move × Changing attitudes among South Koreans "The bill would see an end to the breeding and killing of dogs for human consumption. We have reached a pivotal point to spare millions of dogs from this cruel industry," Borami Seo of Humane Society International Korea, an animal protection group, was quoted as saying by Reuters. The passing of the bill also highlights the changing attitudes towards eating dogs as the practice received flak from across the globe. Under President Yoon Suk Yeol, a known animal lover, the support for the ban has grown. Yoon has adopted six dogs and eight cats and has been a vocal critic of dog meat consumption for a long time. Also read | South Korea plans complete ban on eating of dog meat by 2027 In the past, the anti-dog meat bills failed due to protests from those working in the industry, and increasing concern regarding the livelihoods of restaurant owners and farmers. Moreover, eating dog meat was seen as a way to improve stamina in the humid conditions of the country. As per the agriculture ministry, till April 2022, there were 1,199 dog farms across the country, breeding 570,000 dogs to be served at around 1,600 restaurants. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea passes landmark bill banning sale and consumption of dog meat

The Netflix star, Idan Amedi seriously injured during IDF operation in Gaza. Amedi is expected to recover after surgery. The actor played Sagi Tzur in Netflix drama 'Fauda.' Watch to get more insights!

Israel-Hamas war: Netflix drama 'Fauda' star injured during operation

According to the Trades Union Congress Analysis, UK household budgets will get worse. UK is only country in G7 where household budgets have not recovered to pre-pandemic levels. UK household incomes squeezed by soaring energy prices. Watch to know more!

UK household budgets will get worse, says union | Britons exposed to skyrocketing bills | WION

Scientists have been warning that a bottle of drinking water contains plastic but what is more shocking is the amount that they are present in it. Research by National Academy of Science has revealed that a litre of bottle contains an average of 240,000 nanoplastics.

Nanoplastics found in bottled drinking water; 240,000 plastic bits in 1 litre water, says study

Houthis in Red Sea: Indian merchant ships also targetted | India sends Navy ships to patrol regions

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