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North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds on Saturday (Jan 6) near Yeonpyeong Island, said Seoul's army, a day after both the sides, North and South, conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border.

"North Korean forces conducted artillery fire with over 60 rounds" northwest of Yeonpyeong Island on Saturday afternoon, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

North Korea's shells, on Friday as well as on Saturday, landed in a buffer zone that was created under a 2018 deal aimed at reducing tensions between the two sides.

The military accord fell apart in November last year after Pyongyang launched a spy satellite.

Seoul's military said Saturday that "the repeated artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone by North Korea poses a threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and escalates tensions".

"North Korea, following its claim of the complete nullification of the 'September 19 Military Agreement', continues to threaten our citizens with ongoing artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone," the JCS said, referring to the 2018 deal.&nbsp;

"In response, our military will take appropriate measures," it said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-200-artillery-shells-south-korea-forced-to-evacuate-island-town-676765">North Korea says live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats</a>

<h2>Live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats, says North&nbsp;</h2>

Pyongyang after firing more than 200 artillery shots on Friday (Jan 5) said that the live-fire exercises were a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea released a statement saying that its drills did "not even have any indirect impact on Baengnyeong Island and Yeonpyeong Island", where residents were told to evacuate by local authorities, according to KCNA's report.

Seoul had on Friday told civilians on Yeonpyeong Island, located about 115km east of Seoul in terms of aerial distance, to evacuate after the North fired artillery shells off its west coast.

"About 200 shots were fired by North Korea (near) Yeonpyeong Island," a defence ministry official said at a briefing.

South Korean defence ministry, condemned the fire drills calling it a "provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response.

"We gravely warn that the entire responsibility of such crisis-escalating situations lies with North Korea and strongly urge for its immediate halt," Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a press conference.

"Under close coordination between South Korea and the United States, our military is tracking and monitoring related activity, and will conduct corresponding measures to North Korea's provocations."

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds on Saturday (Jan 6) near Yeonpyeong Island, said Seoul's army, a day after both the sides, North and South, conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border.

North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds on Saturday (Jan 6) near Yeonpyeong Island, said Seoul's army, a day after both the sides, North and South, conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border. "North Korean forces conducted artillery fire with over 60 rounds" northwest of Yeonpyeong Island on Saturday afternoon, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. North Korea's shells, on Friday as well as on Saturday, landed in a buffer zone that was created under a 2018 deal aimed at reducing tensions between the two sides. The military accord fell apart in November last year after Pyongyang launched a spy satellite. Seoul's military said Saturday that "the repeated artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone by North Korea poses a threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and escalates tensions". "North Korea, following its claim of the complete nullification of the 'September 19 Military Agreement', continues to threaten our citizens with ongoing artillery fire within the prohibited hostile act zone," the JCS said, referring to the 2018 deal. "In response, our military will take appropriate measures," it said. Also read: North Korea says live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats Live-fire drills 'natural response' to South Korea threats, says North Pyongyang after firing more than 200 artillery shots on Friday (Jan 5) said that the live-fire exercises were a "natural response and countermeasure" to South Korean drills, condemning Seoul's claim that it had threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea released a statement saying that its drills did "not even have any indirect impact on Baengnyeong Island and Yeonpyeong Island", where residents were told to evacuate by local authorities, according to KCNA's report. Seoul had on Friday told civilians on Yeonpyeong Island, located about 115km east of Seoul in terms of aerial distance, to evacuate after the North fired artillery shells off its west coast. "About 200 shots were fired by North Korea (near) Yeonpyeong Island," a defence ministry official said at a briefing. South Korean defence ministry, condemned the fire drills calling it a "provocative act" and urged North to stop, warning Seoul would take "appropriate measures" in response. "We gravely warn that the entire responsibility of such crisis-escalating situations lies with North Korea and strongly urge for its immediate halt," Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a press conference. "Under close coordination between South Korea and the United States, our military is tracking and monitoring related activity, and will conduct corresponding measures to North Korea's provocations." (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea fires over 60 artillery rounds near South’s Yeonpyeong Island

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Natalie Nasatka, a resident of Delaware, narrowly escaped a potentially fatal incident, all thanks to her quick thinking and the intervention of her Apple Watch's SOS feature.

On December 29, Nasatka, feeling unusually tired and battling blurry vision, instinctively used her watch to call for help. Little did she know that this swift action would prove to be life-saving, as it was later revealed she was suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Nasatka woke up at 8 am, sensing unusual fatigue, and decided to cancel her appointments before drifting off on the couch.

The early warning signs, coupled with her Apple Watch's intervention, ensured a prompt response from emergency services, ultimately saving her life.

"It was extremely scary. I ended up losing consciousness. I was feeling extremely exhausted. My vision was getting blurry," shared Natalie with CBS News.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-over-50-suffer-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-during-church-service-in-utah-675893">Also read |&nbsp;US: Over 50 suffer carbon monoxide poisoning during church service in Utah</a>

<h2>Dramatic rescue and medical implications</h2>

As emergency responders arrived, Nasatka recalls their urgent entry into her home. "When I heard the firefighters yell out 'fire department' and they yanked me out of bed, I just started crying and saying, 'I want to live. I want to live,'" she expressed.

Dr&nbsp;Lynn Farrugia, an emergency department physician, stressed on&nbsp;the critical nature of carbon monoxide poisoning, noting the potential irreversible damage to the heart and brain when oxygen deprivation occurs, while speaking to CBS News.

"The carbon monoxide was confirmed because the fire department monitor read 80 parts per million in the apartment, which is extremely high," added Dr Farrugia. Nasatka suspects a faulty heater as the source of the gas leak, a common cause of carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter season.

Carbon monoxide, commonly known as "CO", is an odorless and colourless gas that can be lethal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight that CO is present in fumes produced when burning fuel in various sources such as cars, trucks, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. The gas can accumulate indoors, posing a threat to individuals and animals who inhale it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/pollution-makes-respiratory-illnesses-worse-in-winter-season-what-should-be-preventive-approach-671460">Also read&nbsp;| Pollution makes respiratory illnesses worse in winter season: What should be preventive approach?</a>

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, often described as "flu-like," include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. In severe cases, CO exposure can lead to unconsciousness or death, particularly for those sleeping or intoxicated, who may succumb to poisoning before exhibiting symptoms.

(With inputs from agencies)

Natalie Nasatka, a resident of Delaware, narrowly escaped a potentially fatal incident, all thanks to her quick thinking and the intervention of her Apple Watch's SOS feature.

Natalie Nasatka, a resident of Delaware, narrowly escaped a potentially fatal incident, all thanks to her quick thinking and the intervention of her Apple Watch's SOS feature. On December 29, Nasatka, feeling unusually tired and battling blurry vision, instinctively used her watch to call for help. Little did she know that this swift action would prove to be life-saving, as it was later revealed she was suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Nasatka woke up at 8 am, sensing unusual fatigue, and decided to cancel her appointments before drifting off on the couch. The early warning signs, coupled with her Apple Watch's intervention, ensured a prompt response from emergency services, ultimately saving her life. "It was extremely scary. I ended up losing consciousness. I was feeling extremely exhausted. My vision was getting blurry," shared Natalie with CBS News. Also read | US: Over 50 suffer carbon monoxide poisoning during church service in Utah Dramatic rescue and medical implications As emergency responders arrived, Nasatka recalls their urgent entry into her home. "When I heard the firefighters yell out 'fire department' and they yanked me out of bed, I just started crying and saying, 'I want to live. I want to live,'" she expressed. Dr Lynn Farrugia, an emergency department physician, stressed on the critical nature of carbon monoxide poisoning, noting the potential irreversible damage to the heart and brain when oxygen deprivation occurs, while speaking to CBS News. "The carbon monoxide was confirmed because the fire department monitor read 80 parts per million in the apartment, which is extremely high," added Dr Farrugia. Nasatka suspects a faulty heater as the source of the gas leak, a common cause of carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter season. Carbon monoxide, commonly known as "CO", is an odorless and colourless gas that can be lethal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight that CO is present in fumes produced when burning fuel in various sources such as cars, trucks, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. The gas can accumulate indoors, posing a threat to individuals and animals who inhale it. Also read | Pollution makes respiratory illnesses worse in winter season: What should be preventive approach? The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, often described as "flu-like," include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. In severe cases, CO exposure can lead to unconsciousness or death, particularly for those sleeping or intoxicated, who may succumb to poisoning before exhibiting symptoms. (With inputs from agencies)

Apple watch credited for saving US woman’s life during carbon monoxide leak

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh on Friday (Jan 5) called on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to use his current tour to the Middle East to end Israel's aggression as the war in the Gaza Strip rages on.

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh on Friday (Jan 5) called on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to use his current tour to the Middle East to end Israel's aggression as the war in the Gaza Strip rages on. In a televised statement, Haniyeh said he hoped Blinken learned the lessons of the last three months during which Israel has relentlessly bombarded Gaza to destroy Hamas. Haniyeh said that Washington's support for the Israeli military campaign "caused unprecedented massacres and war crimes against our people in Gaza." Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war "We... hope that he will be more focussed this time on ending the aggression" as well as "the occupation of all Palestinian lands", the Hamas chief added and urged regional leaders to meet Blinken to tell him that stability in the Middle East was "closely linked to our Palestinian cause". Blinken in Middle East This is Antony Blinken's fourth trip to the Middle East since Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel on Oct 7 last year. Blinken arrived in Turkey's Istanbul on Friday to begin his week of diplomacy around the Middle East. The US Secretary of State will visit Israel, the Palestinian Authority base in the West Bank, and five Arab countries -- Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, according to the State Department. "We don't expect every conversation on this trip to be easy. There are obviously tough issues facing the region and difficult choices ahead," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters. "But the secretary believes it is the responsibility of the United States of America to lead diplomatic efforts to tackle those challenges head-on," he added. Also read: Pregnant women in Gaza face medical uncertainty with dozens of hospitals closed On Saturday, Blinken met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for talks expected to focus on the war in Gaza and Ankara's request for US fighter jets. This meeting comes after Blinken held a two-hour meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The Turkish foreign ministry said that both Blinken and Fidan talked about "the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Sweden's NATO accession process, bilateral and regional issues." Death toll in Gaza over 22,700 The death toll in the Gaza Strip has now climbed to 22,722 since the conflict started. The Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry claimed on Saturday that 122 people in the war-torn region died in the last 24 hours. On the other hand, a total of 58,166 people have been wounded so far. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Focus on ending Israeli aggression, Hamas chief tells Antony Blinken

Communications intercepts collected by the United States confirmed that Islamic State’s (ISIS) Afghanistan-based branch carried out twin bombings in Iran that killed nearly 100 people, two sources familiar with the intelligence told Reuters on Friday.

"The intelligence is clear-cut and indisputable," one source said.

That source and a second, both of whom requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive issue, said the intelligence comprised communications intercepts, without providing further details. The collection of the intercepts has not been previously reported.

Wednesday's bombings, the deadliest of their kind in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, added to regional tensions over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and attacks by Yemen's Tehran-aligned Houthi group on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-chief-lloyd-austin-was-hospitalised-defence-department-gives-update-677030">Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin was hospitalised, defence department gives update&nbsp;</a>

ISIS on Thursday claimed responsibility for the bombings, saying two operatives wearing explosive suicide belts staged the attack during a memorial service for Qassem Soleimani, a senior military commander assassinated in Iraq in a 2020 U.S. drone strike.

The Sunni Muslim militant group, however, did not specify that its Afghanistan-based affiliate, known as ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), was responsible for the bombings in the southeastern Iranian city of Kerman.

“The U.S. has pretty clear intel” that ISIS-K conducted the attack, the first source said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sixth-grader-killed-in-iowa-school-shooting-identified-injured-principal-in-critical-condition-677048">Sixth-grader killed in Iowa school shooting identified, injured principal in critical condition</a>

The Central Intelligence Agency declined to comment.

ISIS harbors a virulent hatred for Shi'ites -- Iran's dominant sect and targets of its affiliate's attacks in Afghanistan -- who it views as apostates.

ISIS claimed responsibility for a 2022 attack on a Shi'ite shrine in Iran that killed 15 people and 2017 bombings that hit the parliament and the tomb of the Islamic Republic's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-earthquake-rescuers-race-against-time-to-find-survivors-death-toll-rises-to-94-677049">Japan Earthquake: Rescuers race against time to find survivors, death toll rises to 94</a>

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Iran on Friday said security forces had arrested 11 people suspected of involvement in Wednesday's attack and had seized explosive devices and vests.

While Taliban crackdowns have weakened ISIS-K and prompted some members to leave Afghanistan for neighboring countries, the affiliate has continued focusing on plotting foreign operations, U.S. officials say.

Communications intercepts collected by the United States confirmed that Islamic State’s (ISIS) Afghanistan-based branch carried out twin bombings in Iran that killed nearly 100 people, two sources familiar with the intelligence told Reuters on Friday.

Communications intercepts collected by the United States confirmed that Islamic State’s (ISIS) Afghanistan-based branch carried out twin bombings in Iran that killed nearly 100 people, two sources familiar with the intelligence told Reuters on Friday. "The intelligence is clear-cut and indisputable," one source said. That source and a second, both of whom requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive issue, said the intelligence comprised communications intercepts, without providing further details. The collection of the intercepts has not been previously reported. Wednesday's bombings, the deadliest of their kind in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, added to regional tensions over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and attacks by Yemen's Tehran-aligned Houthi group on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Also Read | Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin was hospitalised, defence department gives update ISIS on Thursday claimed responsibility for the bombings, saying two operatives wearing explosive suicide belts staged the attack during a memorial service for Qassem Soleimani, a senior military commander assassinated in Iraq in a 2020 U.S. drone strike. The Sunni Muslim militant group, however, did not specify that its Afghanistan-based affiliate, known as ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), was responsible for the bombings in the southeastern Iranian city of Kerman. “The U.S. has pretty clear intel” that ISIS-K conducted the attack, the first source said. Also Read | Sixth-grader killed in Iowa school shooting identified, injured principal in critical condition The Central Intelligence Agency declined to comment. ISIS harbors a virulent hatred for Shi'ites -- Iran's dominant sect and targets of its affiliate's attacks in Afghanistan -- who it views as apostates. ISIS claimed responsibility for a 2022 attack on a Shi'ite shrine in Iran that killed 15 people and 2017 bombings that hit the parliament and the tomb of the Islamic Republic's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Watch | Japan Earthquake: Rescuers race against time to find survivors, death toll rises to 94 × Iran on Friday said security forces had arrested 11 people suspected of involvement in Wednesday's attack and had seized explosive devices and vests. While Taliban crackdowns have weakened ISIS-K and prompted some members to leave Afghanistan for neighboring countries, the affiliate has continued focusing on plotting foreign operations, U.S. officials say.

US intel confirms Islamic State's Afghanistan branch behind Iran blasts: Report

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has urged the United States to allocate $20 billion to tackle the escalating issue of illegal immigration.&nbsp;

Obrador's comment comes in the wake of a significant rise in illegal border crossings, with November alone witnessing 192,000 violations and an additional 9,600 daily migrant encounters during the initial three weeks of December.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-donkey-flights-what-it-means-and-the-modus-operandi-behind-risky-border-crossings-674766">Explained | 'Donkey flights': What it means and the modus operandi behind risky border crossings</a>

Obrador said during a briefing with journalists on Friday (Jan 5) that he requested US authorities to deploy the $20 billion in funds as part of a cooperative plan to help other countries in Latin America to combat the migrant crisis.

Additionally, Obrador appealed to the US to grant visas to at least 10 million Hispanic migrants with over a decade of work experience in the country, a point reportedly raised during his recent meeting with President Joe Biden in Mexico City.

Also watch |&nbsp;US: Republican Senators visit Texas border over migration crisis

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On December 31, 2023, armed individuals kidnapped 32 Venezuelan and Honduran migrants from a bus. The perpetrators aimed to extort money from the victims and their families in the United States.

<h2>Need for enhanced law enforcement in focus</h2>

A phone conversation between Presidents Biden and Obrador on December 21 called for the need for enhanced enforcement at key ports of entry.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall were subsequently sent to Mexico to address the pressing situation.

Notably in May 2023, President Obrador criticised the Biden administration for lifting the Title 42 immigration policy, arguing that it incentivised smugglers to exploit the situation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-title-42-covid-19-restricting-law-biden-administration-plans-to-lift-590561">What is Title 42? Covid migration control law from Trump era lapses, leading to worries of new influx</a>

Title 42, initially implemented during the Covid pandemic, expired on May 11, coinciding with the conclusion of the health emergency.

(With inputs from agencies)

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has urged the United States to allocate $20 billion to tackle the escalating issue of illegal immigration. Obrador's comment comes in the wake of a significant rise in illegal border crossings, with November alone witnessing 192,000 violations and an additional 9,600 daily migrant encounters during the initial three weeks of December.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has urged the United States to allocate $20 billion to tackle the escalating issue of illegal immigration. Obrador's comment comes in the wake of a significant rise in illegal border crossings, with November alone witnessing 192,000 violations and an additional 9,600 daily migrant encounters during the initial three weeks of December. Also read | Explained | 'Donkey flights': What it means and the modus operandi behind risky border crossings Obrador said during a briefing with journalists on Friday (Jan 5) that he requested US authorities to deploy the $20 billion in funds as part of a cooperative plan to help other countries in Latin America to combat the migrant crisis. Additionally, Obrador appealed to the US to grant visas to at least 10 million Hispanic migrants with over a decade of work experience in the country, a point reportedly raised during his recent meeting with President Joe Biden in Mexico City. Also watch | US: Republican Senators visit Texas border over migration crisis × On December 31, 2023, armed individuals kidnapped 32 Venezuelan and Honduran migrants from a bus. The perpetrators aimed to extort money from the victims and their families in the United States. Need for enhanced law enforcement in focus A phone conversation between Presidents Biden and Obrador on December 21 called for the need for enhanced enforcement at key ports of entry. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall were subsequently sent to Mexico to address the pressing situation. Notably in May 2023, President Obrador criticised the Biden administration for lifting the Title 42 immigration policy, arguing that it incentivised smugglers to exploit the situation. Also read | What is Title 42? Covid migration control law from Trump era lapses, leading to worries of new influx Title 42, initially implemented during the Covid pandemic, expired on May 11, coinciding with the conclusion of the health emergency. (With inputs from agencies)

Mexican president seeks billions in funding from US to combat illegal migration

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The death toll from the major earthquake, that rocked Japan on Monday (Jan 1), reached 126 on Saturday (Jan 6) as the rescuers combed through debris to recover trapped bodies.

The authorities said that 210 people were still missing five days after a 7.5 magnitude quake hit the Ishikawa region of Japan's main Honshu island.

The rescue efforts in the country have been hampered due to harsh winter conditions, with forecasts of rain, snow and falling temperatures in the coming days.

Damaged roads, that have been ripped apart by huge cracks, are also obstructing rescuers from finding survivors.

<h2>Miraculous rescue</h2>

More than 72 hours after the quake, on Thursday, two elderly women were pulled from the remains of their home in Wajima. One of them was rescued by a search dog named Jennifer.

Defence Minister Minoru Kihara released a statement on Thursday (Jan 4) informing that the elderly was rescued by Jennifer who is one of the specially trained canines deployed to the regions hardest hit by the quake.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-writes-to-japanese-counterpart-kishida-expresses-condolence-over-loss-of-lives-in-quake-676942">Indian PM Modi writes to Japanese counterpart Kishida, expresses condolence over loss of lives in quake</a>

"The Self-Defence Forces had rescued 122 people by yesterday, including an elderly woman in a house in Wajima City, who was found and rescued by a search dog (Jennifer)," Kihara wrote on X.

Around 30,000 households in the Ishikawa region still remain without electricity. 89,800 homes in Ishikawa and two other regions are without water, while hundreds of people are living in government shelters.

<h2>We pray for souls of deceased, says PM Kishida&nbsp;</h2>

After the local authorities released a statement saying that 126 people were confirmed dead in the devastating quake, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, in a posting, said, "We sincerely pray for the repose of the souls of those who have passed away."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-earthquake-search-dog-rescues-elderly-woman-trapped-inside-damaged-house-676586">Japan Earthquake: Search dog rescues elderly woman trapped inside damaged house</a>

He called an emergency meeting where he instructed his ministers to urgently and swiftly" repair roads to help hundreds of people in cut-off areas.

Around 23,200 households were without electricity in Ishikawa and more than 66,400 were without running water.&nbsp;

Ishikawa governor Hiroshi Hase said, "We are facing extremely severe situations", during a disaster management meeting.

Restoration of running water will take a long time "as many water pipes have cracks", he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The death toll from the major earthquake, that rocked Japan on Monday (Jan 1), reached 126 on Saturday (Jan 6) as the rescuers combed through debris to recover trapped bodies.

The death toll from the major earthquake, that rocked Japan on Monday (Jan 1), reached 126 on Saturday (Jan 6) as the rescuers combed through debris to recover trapped bodies. The authorities said that 210 people were still missing five days after a 7.5 magnitude quake hit the Ishikawa region of Japan's main Honshu island. The rescue efforts in the country have been hampered due to harsh winter conditions, with forecasts of rain, snow and falling temperatures in the coming days. Damaged roads, that have been ripped apart by huge cracks, are also obstructing rescuers from finding survivors. Miraculous rescue More than 72 hours after the quake, on Thursday, two elderly women were pulled from the remains of their home in Wajima. One of them was rescued by a search dog named Jennifer. Defence Minister Minoru Kihara released a statement on Thursday (Jan 4) informing that the elderly was rescued by Jennifer who is one of the specially trained canines deployed to the regions hardest hit by the quake. Also read: Indian PM Modi writes to Japanese counterpart Kishida, expresses condolence over loss of lives in quake "The Self-Defence Forces had rescued 122 people by yesterday, including an elderly woman in a house in Wajima City, who was found and rescued by a search dog (Jennifer)," Kihara wrote on X. Around 30,000 households in the Ishikawa region still remain without electricity. 89,800 homes in Ishikawa and two other regions are without water, while hundreds of people are living in government shelters. We pray for souls of deceased, says PM Kishida After the local authorities released a statement saying that 126 people were confirmed dead in the devastating quake, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, in a posting, said, "We sincerely pray for the repose of the souls of those who have passed away." Also read: Japan Earthquake: Search dog rescues elderly woman trapped inside damaged house He called an emergency meeting where he instructed his ministers to urgently and swiftly" repair roads to help hundreds of people in cut-off areas. Around 23,200 households were without electricity in Ishikawa and more than 66,400 were without running water. Ishikawa governor Hiroshi Hase said, "We are facing extremely severe situations", during a disaster management meeting. Restoration of running water will take a long time "as many water pipes have cracks", he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Death toll in Japan earthquake reaches 126 as harsh weather conditions hamper rescue efforts

Japan earthquake death toll rises to 94, with 222 missing. Thousands of rescuers from all over Japan have been battling aftershocks and blocked roads.

Japan Earthquake: Rescuers race against time to find survivors, death toll rises to 94

Months after&nbsp;the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau&nbsp;was left red-faced&nbsp;due to a technical snag in&nbsp;his aircraft during the G20 summit held in&nbsp;India in September last year, a&nbsp;maintenance issue again surfaced in the CC-144 Challenger aircraft used to transport the Canadian leader during a&nbsp;family vacation in Jamaica.

In September, Trudeau's return trip from the G20 leaders’ summit in New Delhi faced delays due to technical issues with the Polaris aircraft.

The latest woes with Trudeau's jet&nbsp;came to light during an inspection on Tuesday (Jan 2), reports said citing the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND).

Immediately after Trudeau's jet broke down, a second Challenger aircraft carrying a maintenance team was swiftly dispatched to Jamaica on Wednesday (Jan 3).

Meanwhile, the original aircraft was successfully restored after "serviceability".

“The (second) aircraft remained in the area as a back-up if necessary, and the Prime Minister was able to return on the original aircraft," said&nbsp;DND spokesperson Andrée-Anne Poulin.

The Canadian PM was able to get back to his country on Thursday (Jan 4), as per Poulin. However, it has not been revealed as to what was the specific mechanical problem that caused the CC-144 Challenger aircraft break down in the first place.

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Trudeau is mandated to travel on military aircraft for security reasons. Notably, the CC-144 Challenger planes were introduced to replace the ageing CC-150 Polaris fleet in the fall.

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On the Jamaica vacation which started on December 26, the Canadian PM was accompanied by Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau, and his three children. The couple announced their separation after 18 years of marriage.

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<h2>Earlier instances</h2>

In a similar incident earlier in October 2016, technical issues forced the Canadian Prime Minister's plane to return to Ottawa just thirty minutes after takeoff. Notably, Trudeau was en route to Belgium to finalise trade agreements with the European Union. While in&nbsp;October 2019, Trudeau's plane encountered a mishap when it collided with a wall as it was&nbsp;being moved to the hangar.&nbsp;

In December 2019 itself, during the NATO Summit, Trudeau had to rely on a backup plane but even this alternative aircraft faced setbacks in London, grounding the jet.

(With inputs from agencies)

Months after the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was left red-faced due to a technical snag in his aircraft during the G20 summit held in India in September last year, a maintenance issue again surfaced in the CC-144 Challenger aircraft used to transport the Canadian leader during a family vacation in Jamaica.

Months after the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was left red-faced due to a technical snag in his aircraft during the G20 summit held in India in September last year, a maintenance issue again surfaced in the CC-144 Challenger aircraft used to transport the Canadian leader during a family vacation in Jamaica. In September, Trudeau's return trip from the G20 leaders’ summit in New Delhi faced delays due to technical issues with the Polaris aircraft. The latest woes with Trudeau's jet came to light during an inspection on Tuesday (Jan 2), reports said citing the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND). Immediately after Trudeau's jet broke down, a second Challenger aircraft carrying a maintenance team was swiftly dispatched to Jamaica on Wednesday (Jan 3). Meanwhile, the original aircraft was successfully restored after "serviceability". “The (second) aircraft remained in the area as a back-up if necessary, and the Prime Minister was able to return on the original aircraft," said DND spokesperson Andrée-Anne Poulin. The Canadian PM was able to get back to his country on Thursday (Jan 4), as per Poulin. However, it has not been revealed as to what was the specific mechanical problem that caused the CC-144 Challenger aircraft break down in the first place. Also Read | Rescued crew hails Indian Navy after end of hijacking ordeal off Somalia coast Trudeau is mandated to travel on military aircraft for security reasons. Notably, the CC-144 Challenger planes were introduced to replace the ageing CC-150 Polaris fleet in the fall. Also Read | Trump faces $370 million in penalty demand to New York state in civil fraud case On the Jamaica vacation which started on December 26, the Canadian PM was accompanied by Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau, and his three children. The couple announced their separation after 18 years of marriage. Watch | US State Secretary Antony Blinken's West Asia trip amid escalating tensions × Earlier instances In a similar incident earlier in October 2016, technical issues forced the Canadian Prime Minister's plane to return to Ottawa just thirty minutes after takeoff. Notably, Trudeau was en route to Belgium to finalise trade agreements with the European Union. While in October 2019, Trudeau's plane encountered a mishap when it collided with a wall as it was being moved to the hangar. In December 2019 itself, during the NATO Summit, Trudeau had to rely on a backup plane but even this alternative aircraft faced setbacks in London, grounding the jet. (With inputs from agencies)

Trudeau’s plane breaks down again, this time in Jamaica, after a string of similar embarrassments

The Indian Navy on Friday rescued the crew of a merchant vessel after its attempted hijack in the Arabian Sea and said it had not found any pirates on board. Watch the video to get more insights!

Indian Navy rescues all Indians onboard hijacked ship 'MV Lila Norfolk'

Senegal’s top opposition leader has suffered major setbacks in his quest to contest the presidency after the Supreme Court upheld a defamation conviction against him and the Constitutional Council later rejected his application to be a presidential candidate.

Senegal top court rejects opposition leader Sonko's appeal

Major rivers across Britain were flooded on Friday after heavy rain, with the government issuing more than 300 flood warnings. Travel operators announced severe disruptions and approximately 1,000 homes have already suffered damage.

Severe floods hit UK after heavy rain swells major rivers

Bolivian Government has made exercise mandatory for police. The Bolivian Government allocated over $30 million to equip the country's police force. Watch the video to get more insights!

Bolivia: Government allocates over 30 million dollars to police

Rescuers are racing against time to find Japan quake survivors. However, incessant rainfall has made these operations extremely difficult.

Japan's deadliest quake: Day 6 of rescue operations

Royal Navy, in an unprecedented move, has resorted to advertising a high-ranking position on social media. The £150,000-a-year rear-admiral role was posted on LinkedIn in December. This comes as the Navy struggled to find a suitable candidate, leaving one former senior submariner to dub the situation as "utterly shameful".

Reports said that the only applicant for the director of submarines position was an unqualified weapons engineer commodore. The candidate for which the job was posted was to be selected for a top-notch position in the Royal Navy. The selected person was supposed to take over from Rear-Admiral Simon Asquith.

Moreover, he was to be responsible for overseeing "elite operations" and the nation’s nuclear deterrent.

<h2>Reactions pour in&nbsp;</h2>

Reacting to the unusual recruitment method, one user reportedly commented, "I'll do it - but is the advertisement a scam. Surely not how the appointment is made." Another former submariner, with 35 years of Navy experience, expressed concern, stating, "Nice little bit of intelligence I am sure our Russian friends will have noted!"

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Notably, the position still remains vacant with the Royal Navy continuing to&nbsp;accept&nbsp;applications.

<h2>Recruitment crisis in Britain’s armed forces&nbsp;</h2>

Former defense secretary Ben Wallace, highlighted a wider issue. He warned of a recruitment crisis in Britain’s armed forces, stating, "Armed forces across the West, not just Britain, across Europe, America have a recruitment challenge. Generation Z is not joining the armed forces in the way my generation did."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeaus-plane-face-maintenance-woes-during-jamaica-vacation-months-after-similar-embarrassment-at-g20-677141">Trudeau's plane faces maintenance woes during Jamaica vacation, months after similar embarrassment at G20</a>

In a related development, the Royal Navy has been compelled to decommission two warships, HMS Westminster and HMS Argyll, due to a severe shortage of sailors.

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In the 12 months leading up to March, Ministry of Defence figures revealed that the Navy's recruitment performance was the worst among the three armed services. The Navy and Royal Marines experienced a 22.1 percent drop in intake compared to the previous year, while the RAF and the Army also faced significant declines.

(With inputs from agencies)

Royal Navy, in an unprecedented move, has resorted to advertising a high-ranking position on social media. The £150,000-a-year rear-admiral role was posted on LinkedIn in December.

Royal Navy, in an unprecedented move, has resorted to advertising a high-ranking position on social media. The £150,000-a-year rear-admiral role was posted on LinkedIn in December. This comes as the Navy struggled to find a suitable candidate, leaving one former senior submariner to dub the situation as "utterly shameful". Reports said that the only applicant for the director of submarines position was an unqualified weapons engineer commodore. The candidate for which the job was posted was to be selected for a top-notch position in the Royal Navy. The selected person was supposed to take over from Rear-Admiral Simon Asquith. Moreover, he was to be responsible for overseeing "elite operations" and the nation’s nuclear deterrent. Reactions pour in Reacting to the unusual recruitment method, one user reportedly commented, "I'll do it - but is the advertisement a scam. Surely not how the appointment is made." Another former submariner, with 35 years of Navy experience, expressed concern, stating, "Nice little bit of intelligence I am sure our Russian friends will have noted!" Also Read | Elections will be free, fair, transparent and credible, Bangladesh FM Momen tells WION Notably, the position still remains vacant with the Royal Navy continuing to accept applications. Recruitment crisis in Britain’s armed forces Former defense secretary Ben Wallace, highlighted a wider issue. He warned of a recruitment crisis in Britain’s armed forces, stating, "Armed forces across the West, not just Britain, across Europe, America have a recruitment challenge. Generation Z is not joining the armed forces in the way my generation did." Also Read | Trudeau's plane faces maintenance woes during Jamaica vacation, months after similar embarrassment at G20 In a related development, the Royal Navy has been compelled to decommission two warships, HMS Westminster and HMS Argyll, due to a severe shortage of sailors. Watch | US Presidential Elections: War of words between Biden & Trump heats up × In the 12 months leading up to March, Ministry of Defence figures revealed that the Navy's recruitment performance was the worst among the three armed services. The Navy and Royal Marines experienced a 22.1 percent drop in intake compared to the previous year, while the RAF and the Army also faced significant declines. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Royal Navy turns to social media for top job recruitment, submariner says 'utterly shameful'

Joe Biden attacks Donald Trump in 2024 campaign speech. U.S. President Joe Biden said that Donald Trump threatens the sacred cause of U.S. Democracy. Watch the video to know more!

US: Trump calls Biden 'Pathetic' & 'Fear Mongering' | 2024 US Elections

Bangladesh is poised for a general election as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina eyes her fourth consecutive term, the fifth overall for her Awami League-led alliance. With almost 170 million people ready to cast their votes, the election promises to be a defining event in the country's political landscape.

Bangladesh gears up for general election amidst pre-election violence

The US State Department is offering up to $10 million for information on five Hamas financiers or anything leading to the disruption of the Palestinian militant group's financial mechanisms.

Israel-Gaza War: US offers $10 mn for financial information on Hamas backers

In a first-of-its-kind brain surgery, a five-year-old underwent an awake brain procedure at New Delhi's all-India Institute of Medical Sciences. The successful operation was conducted on January 4. The young Indian patient is now fine now and recovering well.

Awake brain surgery performed on 5-year-old in New Delhi's AIIMS

Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah has issued a fresh warning of retaliation against Israel after the killing Hamas Deputy Chief Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut. The chief says Lebanon would be exposed to more Israeli operations if his militant group does not respond.

Israel-Hamas War: Hezbollah chief says Lebanon could be 'exposed' to more Israeli attacks

Intuitive Machines, Inc. announced last month — in coordination with SpaceX — the launch of the Company’s IM-1 lunar mission, now targeted for a multi-day launch window that opens no earlier than mid-February this year.

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