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Billionaire Elon Musk has taken his dedication to work in US President Donald Trump's administration, to new heights, as he is reportedly living in the Department of Government Efficiency's (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/doge" rel="dofollow">DOGE</a>) headquarters in Washington DC, according to the American magazine WIRED.&nbsp;
Tesla and X CEO Musk has been living at DOGE's offices in the &nbsp;Eisenhower Executive Office Building, just some steps away from the White House.&nbsp;
Musk also claimed that he was invited to spend the night in the White House's Lincoln Bedroom, however, he chose to stay in the DOGE headquarters.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-administration-pulls-plug-on-funding-of-condoms-in-gaza-elon-musk-reacts-8664246" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump administration pulls plug on 'funding condoms in Gaza', Elon Musk reacts</a>
Reportedly, he made this decision to avoid a more formal relationship with Trump's team, after Chief of Staff Susie Wiles denied him office space in the West Wing, Daily Mail reported.&nbsp;
The world's richest man has been constantly showing dedication and commitment toward newly-sworn in president Trump and his administration.&nbsp;
He is also known for his 'hardcore' work habits and for demanding the same work ethics from his employees.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-doge-sued-soon-after-trumps-inauguration-8639018" rel="dofollow">Elon Musk's DOGE sued soon after Trump's inauguration</a>
Musk's primary role with the DOGE is to reduce unnecessary government spending. 'DOGE is saving the Federal Government approx. $1 billion/day, mostly from stopping the hiring of people into unnecessary positions, deletion of DEI and stopping improper payments to foreign organizations, all consistent with the President&rsquo;s Executive Orders,' DOGE said in a statement. 'A good start, though this number needs to increase to &gt; $3 billion/day.'
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doge-chief-musk-wants-to-delete-irs-and-people-agree-with-him-779792" rel="dofollow">DOGE chief Musk wants to 'delete' IRS, and people agree with him</a>
<h2>Musk slept at Tesla factory&nbsp;</h2>
During the early days of Tesla, Musk slept on the factory floor during busy days, saying that it allowed his employees to see their leader's dedication.&nbsp;
"This is important because if the team thinks their leader is off somewhere having a good time, drinking Mai Tais on a tropical island... they knew I was there, and that made a huge difference," he said.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World, trending: Tesla and X CEO Musk has been living at DOGE's offices in the  Eisenhower Executive Office Building, just some steps away from the White House. 

Billionaire Elon Musk has taken his dedication to work in US President Donald Trump's administration, to new heights, as he is reportedly living in the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) headquarters in Washington DC, according to the American magazine WIRED. Tesla and X CEO Musk has been living at DOGE's offices in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, just some steps away from the White House. Musk also claimed that he was invited to spend the night in the White House's Lincoln Bedroom, however, he chose to stay in the DOGE headquarters. Also read: Donald Trump administration pulls plug on 'funding condoms in Gaza', Elon Musk reacts Reportedly, he made this decision to avoid a more formal relationship with Trump's team, after Chief of Staff Susie Wiles denied him office space in the West Wing, Daily Mail reported. The world's richest man has been constantly showing dedication and commitment toward newly-sworn in president Trump and his administration. He is also known for his 'hardcore' work habits and for demanding the same work ethics from his employees. Also read: Elon Musk's DOGE sued soon after Trump's inauguration Musk's primary role with the DOGE is to reduce unnecessary government spending. 'DOGE is saving the Federal Government approx. $1 billion/day, mostly from stopping the hiring of people into unnecessary positions, deletion of DEI and stopping improper payments to foreign organizations, all consistent with the President’s Executive Orders,' DOGE said in a statement. 'A good start, though this number needs to increase to > $3 billion/day.' Also read: DOGE chief Musk wants to 'delete' IRS, and people agree with him Musk slept at Tesla factory During the early days of Tesla, Musk slept on the factory floor during busy days, saying that it allowed his employees to see their leader's dedication. "This is important because if the team thinks their leader is off somewhere having a good time, drinking Mai Tais on a tropical island... they knew I was there, and that made a huge difference," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk turns Washington's DOGE office into his bedroom

The recovery operations are still ongoing in the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/washington-plane-crash" rel="dofollow">Washington DC plane crash</a>, that killed 67 people on board on Thursday (Jan 30) after an American Airlines plane collided with a military helicopter.&nbsp;
The victims included figure skaters, their families, a young pilot, a lawyer travelling home on her birthday, and a daughter of Indian immigrants.&nbsp;
Some of the bodies of the victims have been recovered, while, the recovery operation is still underway to find the other bodies from the river.&nbsp;
<h2>Here are some of the victims of the deadly mid-air collission</h2>
<h2>Passenger plane crew</h2>
<h3>Jonathan J Campos&nbsp;</h3>
The plane's captain Jonathan J Campos, 34, always dreamt of becoming a pilot since he was three, his aunt told The New York Times.&nbsp;
"I think he wanted to be free and be able to fly and soar like a bird," said Beverly Lane.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-latest-news-american-airlines-jet-black-hawk-helicopter-critical-failures-deadliest-us-air-disaster-in-24-years-8678043" rel="dofollow">Washington DC plane crash: How 'critical failures,' last-minute errors resulted in deadliest US air disaster in 24 years</a>
Campos was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and worked for PSA Airlines for eight years.&nbsp;
<h3>Sam Lilley&nbsp;</h3>
Sam Lilley, a 28-year-old man, was engaged to be married and "Was just at the prime of his life", his father said.&nbsp;
Sam's father, Tim Lilley told NewsNation that his son got his piloting license in only a few years because he "pursued it with a vigor".&nbsp;
Meanwhile, his sister Tiffany, called him "an amazing person". "He loved people. He loved adventure. He loved traveling," she told ABC News.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-black-boxes-recovered-from-crashed-plane-in-washington-us-media-trump-confirms-no-survivors-8676429" rel="dofollow">'Black boxes' recovered from Washington DC plane crash that killed 67</a>
"He was so young, and he was excited about life and his future, getting a dog, a house, and kids. And it's just, this is just tragic," Tiffany said.&nbsp;
<h3>Ian Epstein</h3>
Epstein, a Virginia resident, was a flight attendant known for his ability to make people smile and for being "full of life," his family said.&nbsp;
"He loved being a flight attendant because he truly enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. But his true love was his family," the statement read.
53-year-old Epstein was a father, stepfather, husband, and a brother, his family said, adding that he will be "truly missed."
<h3>Danasia Elder</h3>
Elder was working as a flight attendant. Her brother-in-law Brandon Payne paid tribute to her and called her "full of life".&nbsp;
"She was a great wife, a great parent, a great friend," Payne said. "She was very bright, very smart... This flight attendant thing was kind of like one of her dreams she wanted to do."
<h2>Crew members of the helicopter&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>Ryan O'Hara</h3>
29-year-old Ryan O'Hara was the crew chief of the Black Hawk helicopter that collided mid-air with the passenger plane, CBS News reported.&nbsp;
He has a wife and a one-year-old son, his local Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program said in a social media post confirming his death.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-we-know-about-washington-dc-plane-crash-deadliest-us-airline-crash-in-nearly-24-years-8676133" rel="dofollow">What we know about Washington DC plane crash, deadliest US air tragedy in nearly 24 years</a>
O'Hara is "fondly remembered as a guy who would fix things around the ROTC gym as well as a vital member of the rifle team," the post said.
<h3>Andrew Eaves</h3>
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves confirmed that Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves was killed in the collision.&nbsp;
Carrie Eaves, his wife, confirmed that he was one of the pilots of the Blackhawk helicopter.&nbsp;
<h2>Passengers</h2>
<h3>Asra Hussain Raza</h3>
Indiana woman Asra Hussain Raza moved to the Washington DC area after receiving a master's degree in hospital management.&nbsp;
Raza was a daughter of Indian immigrants and was returning from a work trip where she was helping to improve a hospital that really needed help, her husband Hamaad Raza said.&nbsp;
She graduated with honors in 2020 from Indiana University and married her college sweetheart in August 2023
<h3>Michael Stovall and Jesse Pitcher</h3>
Stovall, also known as Mikey, was travelling home from an annual hunting trip with friends. His mother said her son was "the happiest person" who saw the good in everybody.&nbsp;
"Mikey did not have one enemy. If you see pictures of him... he was the life of the party. He loved everybody."
Pitcher was travelling with Stovall. His father Jameson Pitcher said that his 30-year-old son was from Maryland and got married last year and recently started his own business.&nbsp;
<h3>Pergentino N. Malabed</h3>
Philippine police confirmed the death of one of its officers, Malabed. A body carrying Col Malabed's passport was recovered from the Potomac, a police spokesman said.
He had travelled to the US with two other officers to test personnel vests the Phillippine police planned to buy and was on his way to the Philippine embassy in Washington.
<h3>Sarah Lee Best and Elizabeth Keys</h3>
Two lawyers from DC were also onboard the flight. 33-year-old Sarah was kind and hard-working, her husband Daniel Solomon told the Washington Post.
Mrs Best and Mr Solomon had planned to travel to Hawaii, where she was born, for their 10th wedding anniversary in May.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Keys died on her birthday. Her partner said, she "always, always managed to have fun... no matter what she was doing."
<h2>Ice skaters on board the plane&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>Spencer Lane and Christine Lane</h3>
Ice skater Spencer Lane died alongside his mother Christine Lane, 49 while returning from a skate camp in Wichita.&nbsp;
They were among at least 14 other athletes and coaches who died.&nbsp;
His father said that his son was "a force of nature" who showed "drive and tenacity" to the sport.&nbsp;
"He trained at the Skating Club of Boston five days a week and attended high school online and just committed himself to it," Douglas Lane said.
<h3>Jinna Han and Jin Han</h3>
Jinna Han, 13, was also with her mother Jin, as she travelled to the skate camp.&nbsp;
Doug Zeghibe of the Skating Club of Boston called Jin a "wonderful, pleasant, polite" person.
"Never a discouraging word," he said. "Always appreciative, always supportive of not just Jinna, her daughter, but every athlete. Just role model parents in your sport, and you don't always get that."
<h3>Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov</h3>
Shishkova and Naumov, ice skating coaches, based in Russia, were confirmed dead by the Kremlin on Thursday.&nbsp;
Renowned skating coach and friend Rafael Arutyunyan told CNN that he had made his athletes train in silence after the crash as a mark of a respect.
"I know all these coaches," he said. "All of our community was respectful to them and liked them, so I feel it's they'll stay with us forever."
<h3>Olivia Ter</h3>
Ter, 20, was from Maryland and was among the US figure skaters aboard the flight.&nbsp;
"Olivia not only excelled in figure skating programs but inspired others through her talent, determination and sportsmanship," Prince George's County Parks and Recreation said in a statement, CBS reported.&nbsp;
Bill Tyler, the director of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission said that the impact of Olivia's life will continue to resonate in our youth sports community, and she will be "sorely missed".
<h3>Cory Haynos, Roger Haynos and Stephanie Branton Haynos</h3>
Haynos was travelling home from the US Ice Skating Championships with his parents, Roger and Branton.&nbsp;
"Roger has always inspired me by his absolute love for his family and dedication to providing only the best for his wife and kids," Matthew Alan LaRavier, Roger's cousin, said in a social media post.&nbsp;
"Cory was an amazing skater with a very bright future," he said. "We all were expecting Cory to represent our country in the US Olympics in the future."
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The victims included figure skaters, their families, a young pilot, a lawyer travelling home on her birthday, and a daughter of Indian immigrants. 

The recovery operations are still ongoing in the deadly Washington DC plane crash, that killed 67 people on board on Thursday (Jan 30) after an American Airlines plane collided with a military helicopter. The victims included figure skaters, their families, a young pilot, a lawyer travelling home on her birthday, and a daughter of Indian immigrants. Some of the bodies of the victims have been recovered, while, the recovery operation is still underway to find the other bodies from the river. Here are some of the victims of the deadly mid-air collission Passenger plane crew Jonathan J Campos The plane's captain Jonathan J Campos, 34, always dreamt of becoming a pilot since he was three, his aunt told The New York Times. "I think he wanted to be free and be able to fly and soar like a bird," said Beverly Lane. Also read: Washington DC plane crash: How 'critical failures,' last-minute errors resulted in deadliest US air disaster in 24 years Campos was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and worked for PSA Airlines for eight years. Sam Lilley Sam Lilley, a 28-year-old man, was engaged to be married and "Was just at the prime of his life", his father said. Sam's father, Tim Lilley told NewsNation that his son got his piloting license in only a few years because he "pursued it with a vigor". Meanwhile, his sister Tiffany, called him "an amazing person". "He loved people. He loved adventure. He loved traveling," she told ABC News. Also read: 'Black boxes' recovered from Washington DC plane crash that killed 67 "He was so young, and he was excited about life and his future, getting a dog, a house, and kids. And it's just, this is just tragic," Tiffany said. Ian Epstein Epstein, a Virginia resident, was a flight attendant known for his ability to make people smile and for being "full of life," his family said. "He loved being a flight attendant because he truly enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. But his true love was his family," the statement read. 53-year-old Epstein was a father, stepfather, husband, and a brother, his family said, adding that he will be "truly missed." Danasia Elder Elder was working as a flight attendant. Her brother-in-law Brandon Payne paid tribute to her and called her "full of life". "She was a great wife, a great parent, a great friend," Payne said. "She was very bright, very smart... This flight attendant thing was kind of like one of her dreams she wanted to do." Crew members of the helicopter Ryan O'Hara 29-year-old Ryan O'Hara was the crew chief of the Black Hawk helicopter that collided mid-air with the passenger plane, CBS News reported. He has a wife and a one-year-old son, his local Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program said in a social media post confirming his death. Also read: What we know about Washington DC plane crash, deadliest US air tragedy in nearly 24 years O'Hara is "fondly remembered as a guy who would fix things around the ROTC gym as well as a vital member of the rifle team," the post said. Andrew Eaves Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves confirmed that Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves was killed in the collision. Carrie Eaves, his wife, confirmed that he was one of the pilots of the Blackhawk helicopter. Passengers Asra Hussain Raza Indiana woman Asra Hussain Raza moved to the Washington DC area after receiving a master's degree in hospital management. Raza was a daughter of Indian immigrants and was returning from a work trip where she was helping to improve a hospital that really needed help, her husband Hamaad Raza said. She graduated with honors in 2020 from Indiana University and married her college sweetheart in August 2023 Michael Stovall and Jesse Pitcher Stovall, also known as Mikey, was travelling home from an annual hunting trip with friends. His mother said her son was "the happiest person" who saw the good in everybody. "Mikey did not have one enemy. If you see pictures of him... he was the life of the party. He loved everybody." Pitcher was travelling with Stovall. His father Jameson Pitcher said that his 30-year-old son was from Maryland and got married last year and recently started his own business. Pergentino N. Malabed Philippine police confirmed the death of one of its officers, Malabed. A body carrying Col Malabed's passport was recovered from the Potomac, a police spokesman said. He had travelled to the US with two other officers to test personnel vests the Phillippine police planned to buy and was on his way to the Philippine embassy in Washington. Sarah Lee Best and Elizabeth Keys Two lawyers from DC were also onboard the flight. 33-year-old Sarah was kind and hard-working, her husband Daniel Solomon told the Washington Post. Mrs Best and Mr Solomon had planned to travel to Hawaii, where she was born, for their 10th wedding anniversary in May. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Keys died on her birthday. Her partner said, she "always, always managed to have fun... no matter what she was doing." Ice skaters on board the plane Spencer Lane and Christine Lane Ice skater Spencer Lane died alongside his mother Christine Lane, 49 while returning from a skate camp in Wichita. They were among at least 14 other athletes and coaches who died. His father said that his son was "a force of nature" who showed "drive and tenacity" to the sport. "He trained at the Skating Club of Boston five days a week and attended high school online and just committed himself to it," Douglas Lane said. Jinna Han and Jin Han Jinna Han, 13, was also with her mother Jin, as she travelled to the skate camp. Doug Zeghibe of the Skating Club of Boston called Jin a "wonderful, pleasant, polite" person. "Never a discouraging word," he said. "Always appreciative, always supportive of not just Jinna, her daughter, but every athlete. Just role model parents in your sport, and you don't always get that." Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov Shishkova and Naumov, ice skating coaches, based in Russia, were confirmed dead by the Kremlin on Thursday. Renowned skating coach and friend Rafael Arutyunyan told CNN that he had made his athletes train in silence after the crash as a mark of a respect. "I know all these coaches," he said. "All of our community was respectful to them and liked them, so I feel it's they'll stay with us forever." Olivia Ter Ter, 20, was from Maryland and was among the US figure skaters aboard the flight. "Olivia not only excelled in figure skating programs but inspired others through her talent, determination and sportsmanship," Prince George's County Parks and Recreation said in a statement, CBS reported. Bill Tyler, the director of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission said that the impact of Olivia's life will continue to resonate in our youth sports community, and she will be "sorely missed". Cory Haynos, Roger Haynos and Stephanie Branton Haynos Haynos was travelling home from the US Ice Skating Championships with his parents, Roger and Branton. "Roger has always inspired me by his absolute love for his family and dedication to providing only the best for his wife and kids," Matthew Alan LaRavier, Roger's cousin, said in a social media post. "Cory was an amazing skater with a very bright future," he said. "We all were expecting Cory to represent our country in the US Olympics in the future." (With inputs from agencies)

Figure skating champions, daughter of Indian immigrants: Know who are the victims of Washington DC plane crash

Kashyap 'Kash' Patel, the Indian-origin FBI Director nominee of US President Donald Trump, won hearts online for embracing his roots after he greeted his parents with "Jai Shri Krishna" at his confirmation hearing to head the department on Thursday (Jan 31). In another clip from the event, Patel was seen touching the feet of his parents, Pramod Patel and Anjana Patel.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6ko92ea-8eimvptc-pzgnj4bk">
Kash Patel, at his confirmation hearing; starts by thanking his parents, who traveled from India to be there, and greets them with &ldquo;Jai Sri Krishna.&rdquo; <a href="https://t.co/cM9hgIE0Tc">pic.twitter.com/cM9hgIE0Tc</a>
&mdash; Sandeep Neel (@SanUvacha) <a href="https://twitter.com/SanUvacha/status/1885019973677920691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
In the viral video shared on the social media platform X, Patel said, "I'd like to welcome my father, Pramod, and my mother, Anjana, who is sitting here today. They travelled here from India. My sister, Nisha, is also here. She also travelled across the ocean just to be with me. It means the world that you guys are here. Jai Shri Krishna.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-loyalist-or-fbi-reformer-us-presidents-fbi-pick-kash-patel-grilled-in-heated-senate-hearing-8676264">'Trump loyalist or FBI reformer?' US President's FBI pick Kash Patel grilled in heated Senate hearing</a>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6ko8rts-xlu5vapv-x04hsyet">
Kash Patel touching his parents&rsquo; feet, that too at such an important gathering, is amazing. <a href="https://t.co/FzuhIG2CK9">pic.twitter.com/FzuhIG2CK9</a>
&mdash; Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) <a href="https://twitter.com/abhijitmajumder/status/1885187389867384960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h3>Connected to roots&nbsp;</h3>
Patel has been an advocate of India-US ties and has raised his voice against the mainstream US media when India's Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was presented in the context of Hindu nationalism. He criticised the media for ignoring the cultural and historical significance of the site.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-fbi-director-pick-kash-patel-targetted-by-iranian-hacking-attack-781413">Trump's FBI director pick Kash Patel targetted by Iranian hacking attack</a>
<h3>Subject to racism</h3>
Responding to Senator Lindsey Graham after being asked if he had ever faced racism, the 44-year-old said he had indeed been subject to it growing up.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-fbi-pick-kash-patel-hints-at-releasing-releasing-epstein-diddy-lists-780964">Trump's FBI pick Kash Patel hints at releasing releasing Epstein, Diddy lists</a>
"Unfortunately, Senator, yes. I don't want to get into those details with my family here," he said.&nbsp;
"I was called a detestable -- and I'll apologise if I don't get it all right, but it's in the record -- a detestable sand nigger who had no right being in this country. You should go back to where you came from. You belong with your terrorist home friends. That's what was sent to me. That's just the piece of it, but that's nothing compared to what the men and women in law enforcement face every day," he added.&nbsp;
Patel was chosen for the role in November after the former head of the FBI, Christopher Wray, was ousted by Trump for disloyalty.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/critics-raise-concern-over-trumps-fbi-pick-kash-patel-says-job-is-difficult-781203">Critics raise concern over Trump's FBI pick Kash Patel, say 'job is difficult'</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

Trending | World | At a notable event, Patel was seen honoring his parents, Pramod and Anjana Patel, by touching their feet, symbolizing respect and gratitude, capturing heartfelt moments.

Kashyap 'Kash' Patel, the Indian-origin FBI Director nominee of US President Donald Trump, won hearts online for embracing his roots after he greeted his parents with "Jai Shri Krishna" at his confirmation hearing to head the department on Thursday (Jan 31). In another clip from the event, Patel was seen touching the feet of his parents, Pramod Patel and Anjana Patel. Kash Patel, at his confirmation hearing; starts by thanking his parents, who traveled from India to be there, and greets them with “Jai Sri Krishna.” pic.twitter.com/cM9hgIE0Tc — Sandeep Neel (@SanUvacha) January 30, 2025 In the viral video shared on the social media platform X, Patel said, "I'd like to welcome my father, Pramod, and my mother, Anjana, who is sitting here today. They travelled here from India. My sister, Nisha, is also here. She also travelled across the ocean just to be with me. It means the world that you guys are here. Jai Shri Krishna.” Also read: 'Trump loyalist or FBI reformer?' US President's FBI pick Kash Patel grilled in heated Senate hearing Kash Patel touching his parents’ feet, that too at such an important gathering, is amazing. pic.twitter.com/FzuhIG2CK9 — Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) January 31, 2025 Connected to roots Patel has been an advocate of India-US ties and has raised his voice against the mainstream US media when India's Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was presented in the context of Hindu nationalism. He criticised the media for ignoring the cultural and historical significance of the site. Also read: Trump's FBI director pick Kash Patel targetted by Iranian hacking attack Subject to racism Responding to Senator Lindsey Graham after being asked if he had ever faced racism, the 44-year-old said he had indeed been subject to it growing up. Also read: Trump's FBI pick Kash Patel hints at releasing releasing Epstein, Diddy lists "Unfortunately, Senator, yes. I don't want to get into those details with my family here," he said. "I was called a detestable -- and I'll apologise if I don't get it all right, but it's in the record -- a detestable sand nigger who had no right being in this country. You should go back to where you came from. You belong with your terrorist home friends. That's what was sent to me. That's just the piece of it, but that's nothing compared to what the men and women in law enforcement face every day," he added. Patel was chosen for the role in November after the former head of the FBI, Christopher Wray, was ousted by Trump for disloyalty. Also read: Critics raise concern over Trump's FBI pick Kash Patel, say 'job is difficult' (With inputs from agencies)

Watch - Trump's FBI pick Kash Patel greets parents with 'Jai Shree Krishna', touches their feet

The United States is reeling from the aftermath of the deadly Washington DC plane crash that took the lives of 67 people. After relentless rescue operations, at least 28 bodies have been recovered from the plane and the Black Hawk helicopter which crashed into the Potomac River.
<h2>Big question: What led to the crash?</h2>
Almost everyone is weighing in on the cause of the crash. According to officials and aviation experts, a series of critical air safety lapses and last-minute errors led to the devastating midair collision over the Potomac River. But before we get into the blame game, let's understand what happened.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-latest-news-donald-trump-atc-us-transportation-secretary-sean-duffy-it-was-preventable-8675641" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: 'Helicopter knew there was a plane': Trump, US transportation secretary say deadly Washington DC crash was&nbsp;&lsquo;preventable&rsquo;</a>
<h2>Washington DC plane crash: What happened?</h2>
Late on Wednesday night, American Airlines Flight 5342, travelling from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter belonging to the U.S. Army. The crash happened just 400 feet above the Potomac River, close to Washington, DC.
The Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, exploded on impact, breaking into three parts as it neared Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This tragedy marks the deadliest air disaster in the US since 2001 and the first fatal crash involving an American airliner in nearly 15 years. 
Rescue teams worked through the night to recover bodies from the freezing waters of the Potomac. Officials confirmed that no one survived.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-criticises-journalist-after-she-grills-him-for-blaming-democrats-dei-policies-for-washington-plane-crash-8676575" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Donald Trump criticises journalist after she grills him for &lsquo;blaming&rsquo; Democrats, DEI policies for Washington plane crash</a>
<h2>Miscommunication and operational failures</h2>
Investigations suggest that miscommunication and operational failures played a significant role in the collision. 
According to an initial Federal Aviation Administration report, cited by the New York Times, the Associated Press and others, staffing levels were &ldquo;not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic&rdquo;.
According to the report, at the time of the crash, a single air traffic controller was handling the workload of two people, despite ongoing concerns over staffing shortages, burnout, and stress among Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees.
<h2>Prior warnings</h2>
Radio transmissions from Wednesday night indicate that the controller warned the helicopter about its proximity to the incoming CRJ700. The Black Hawk pilot heard the warning but, according to experts, may have mistaken a different aircraft for the approaching American Airlines jet. Believing he needed to evade a similar model jet taking off elsewhere, he failed to spot Flight 5342 until it was too late.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-raps-biden-obama-for-hiring-mediocre-staff-after-washington-dc-plane-crash-confirms-no-survivors-8675951" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Trump raps Biden, Obama for hiring 'mediocre staff' after Washington DC plane crash, confirms&nbsp;'no&nbsp;survivors'</a>
<h2>Dangerously tight airspace</h2>
The Black Hawk, with three crew members on board, had taken off from Langley, Virginia. As per experts cited by the New York Post, it was flying at an altitude of approximately 400 feet when it struck the descending jet, which had been cleared for landing.
The airspace around Reagan National Airport is tight, with only 50 feet separating the highest altitude allowed for helicopters from the lowest permitted altitude for descending aircraft. &ldquo;That leaves almost no margin for error,&rdquo; former American Airlines pilot John Wright, who previously flew in the Washington, DC area told the New York Post.
During a press briefing on Thursday, President Donald Trump said he believed that the crash "looks like it should have been prevented." He placed blame on past Democratic administrations, claiming that they had lowered hiring standards for air traffic controllers.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-we-know-about-washington-dc-plane-crash-deadliest-us-airline-crash-in-nearly-24-years-8676133" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: What we know about Washington DC plane crash, deadliest US air tragedy in nearly 24 years</a>
&ldquo;The FAA diversity push includes focus on hiring people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities. That is amazing,&rdquo; Trump remarked. However, he admitted that he was unsure who was directly responsible for the disaster.
<h2>Investigation underway; preliminary report expected within 30 days</h2>
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has said that it is &ldquo;too early to tell&rdquo; whether the crash resulted from human or mechanical error. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days. 
As investigations continue, grieving families and aviation authorities are demanding answers to prevent another tragedy of this scale.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: At least 28 bodies have been bodies have been recovered from the plane and the Black Hawk helicopter which crashed into the Potomac River.

The United States is reeling from the aftermath of the deadly Washington DC plane crash that took the lives of 67 people. After relentless rescue operations, at least 28 bodies have been recovered from the plane and the Black Hawk helicopter which crashed into the Potomac River. Big question: What led to the crash? Almost everyone is weighing in on the cause of the crash. According to officials and aviation experts, a series of critical air safety lapses and last-minute errors led to the devastating midair collision over the Potomac River. But before we get into the blame game, let's understand what happened. Also read: 'Helicopter knew there was a plane': Trump, US transportation secretary say deadly Washington DC crash was ‘preventable’ Washington DC plane crash: What happened? Late on Wednesday night, American Airlines Flight 5342, travelling from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter belonging to the U.S. Army. The crash happened just 400 feet above the Potomac River, close to Washington, DC. The Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, exploded on impact, breaking into three parts as it neared Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This tragedy marks the deadliest air disaster in the US since 2001 and the first fatal crash involving an American airliner in nearly 15 years. Rescue teams worked through the night to recover bodies from the freezing waters of the Potomac. Officials confirmed that no one survived. Also read: Donald Trump criticises journalist after she grills him for ‘blaming’ Democrats, DEI policies for Washington plane crash Miscommunication and operational failures Investigations suggest that miscommunication and operational failures played a significant role in the collision. According to an initial Federal Aviation Administration report, cited by the New York Times, the Associated Press and others, staffing levels were “not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic”. According to the report, at the time of the crash, a single air traffic controller was handling the workload of two people, despite ongoing concerns over staffing shortages, burnout, and stress among Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees. Prior warnings Radio transmissions from Wednesday night indicate that the controller warned the helicopter about its proximity to the incoming CRJ700. The Black Hawk pilot heard the warning but, according to experts, may have mistaken a different aircraft for the approaching American Airlines jet. Believing he needed to evade a similar model jet taking off elsewhere, he failed to spot Flight 5342 until it was too late. Also read: Trump raps Biden, Obama for hiring 'mediocre staff' after Washington DC plane crash, confirms 'no survivors' Dangerously tight airspace The Black Hawk, with three crew members on board, had taken off from Langley, Virginia. As per experts cited by the New York Post, it was flying at an altitude of approximately 400 feet when it struck the descending jet, which had been cleared for landing. The airspace around Reagan National Airport is tight, with only 50 feet separating the highest altitude allowed for helicopters from the lowest permitted altitude for descending aircraft. “That leaves almost no margin for error,” former American Airlines pilot John Wright, who previously flew in the Washington, DC area told the New York Post. During a press briefing on Thursday, President Donald Trump said he believed that the crash "looks like it should have been prevented." He placed blame on past Democratic administrations, claiming that they had lowered hiring standards for air traffic controllers. Also read: What we know about Washington DC plane crash, deadliest US air tragedy in nearly 24 years “The FAA diversity push includes focus on hiring people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities. That is amazing,” Trump remarked. However, he admitted that he was unsure who was directly responsible for the disaster. Investigation underway; preliminary report expected within 30 days The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has said that it is “too early to tell” whether the crash resulted from human or mechanical error. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days. As investigations continue, grieving families and aviation authorities are demanding answers to prevent another tragedy of this scale. (With inputs from agencies)

Washington DC plane crash: How 'critical failures,' last-minute errors resulted in deadliest US air disaster in 24 years

Palestinian militant group Hamas released the names of three Israeli hostages to be freed on Saturday (Feb 1). The three hostages named are: Ofer Calderon, Keith Siegel and Yarden Bibas, Reuters reported.
Bibas, one of the persons to be released tomorrow was taken hostage on October 7, 2023, with his wife and two sons, 10-month-old Kfir and 4-year-old Ariel. Kfir is the youngest hostage taken by Hamas.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-hamas-releases-seven-more-hostages-including-two-israelis-five-thai-citizens-8675164">Gaza ceasefire: Hamas releases all eight hostages, including 3 Israelis, five Thai citizens</a>
Bibas is reportedly the only member of his hostage family who is alive now.&nbsp;
Hamas has claimed that Bibas' wife and both sons were killed in an Israeli strike just before the Gaza ceasefire.
The three hostages to be released are:
<h3>Keith Siegel (65)</h3>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-military-kills-10-palestinians-in-west-bank-strike-amid-gaza-ceasefire-8676296">Israeli military kills 10 Palestinians in West Bank strike amid Gaza ceasefire</a>
Siegel is a US citizen, originally from North Carolina. He was taken hostage with his wife Aviva from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. The wife was freed in November 2023.&nbsp;
<h3>Ofer Calderon (54)</h3>
Calderon, along with his two children, was kidnapped on October 7, 2023. Both the children were released in the previous hostage exchange.&nbsp;
<h3>Yarden Bibas (35)</h3>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-confirms-death-of-military-leader-mohammed-deif-six-months-after-israel-announced-it-8676258">Hamas confirms death of military leader Mohammed Deif, six months after Israel targeted him</a>
Bibas was kidnapped along with his wife and two sons, 4-year-old Ariel and 10-month-old Kfir. They were all taken hostage from Kibbutz Nir Oz. After Hamas' claim that both the children were killed along with the mother in an Israeli strike, there has been no confirmation from Israel on it.&nbsp;
An Israeli official told The Times of Israel that their families have been informed about the releases.&nbsp;
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office previously said the country would confirm the names only after updating the families of the hostages.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-hamas-releases-seven-more-hostages-including-two-israelis-five-thai-citizens-8675164">Gaza ceasefire: Hamas releases all eight hostages, including 3 Israelis, five Thai citizens</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Palestinian militant group Hamas released the names of three Israeli hostages to be released on Saturday (Feb 1). The three hostages named are: Ofer Calderon, Keith Siegel and Yarden Bibas, Reuters reported.

Palestinian militant group Hamas released the names of three Israeli hostages to be freed on Saturday (Feb 1). The three hostages named are: Ofer Calderon, Keith Siegel and Yarden Bibas, Reuters reported. Bibas, one of the persons to be released tomorrow was taken hostage on October 7, 2023, with his wife and two sons, 10-month-old Kfir and 4-year-old Ariel. Kfir is the youngest hostage taken by Hamas. Also read: Gaza ceasefire: Hamas releases all eight hostages, including 3 Israelis, five Thai citizens Bibas is reportedly the only member of his hostage family who is alive now. Hamas has claimed that Bibas' wife and both sons were killed in an Israeli strike just before the Gaza ceasefire. The three hostages to be released are: Keith Siegel (65) Also read: Israeli military kills 10 Palestinians in West Bank strike amid Gaza ceasefire Siegel is a US citizen, originally from North Carolina. He was taken hostage with his wife Aviva from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. The wife was freed in November 2023. Ofer Calderon (54) Calderon, along with his two children, was kidnapped on October 7, 2023. Both the children were released in the previous hostage exchange. Yarden Bibas (35) Also read: Hamas confirms death of military leader Mohammed Deif, six months after Israel targeted him Bibas was kidnapped along with his wife and two sons, 4-year-old Ariel and 10-month-old Kfir. They were all taken hostage from Kibbutz Nir Oz. After Hamas' claim that both the children were killed along with the mother in an Israeli strike, there has been no confirmation from Israel on it. An Israeli official told The Times of Israel that their families have been informed about the releases. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office previously said the country would confirm the names only after updating the families of the hostages. Also read: Gaza ceasefire: Hamas releases all eight hostages, including 3 Israelis, five Thai citizens (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas releases names of three Israeli hostages to be freed Saturday

Italy's Data Protection Agency on Thursday launched an investigation into the AI chatbot of Chinese startup DeepSeek and said it had blocked it from processing Italian users' data.
The GPDP said it had decided to act after receiving "completely insufficient" answers to its questions about the firm's use of personal data.
In a statement, it said it had ordered "urgently and with immediate effect the restriction of the processing of data of Italian users by Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence and Beijing DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence, the Chinese companies that provide the DeepSeek chatbot service".
At the same time, the authority had opened an investigation, it said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-brics-nation-with-100-pc-tariffs-for-replacing-us-dollar-8677282">Trump threatens BRICS nation with 100 pc tariffs for replacing US dollar</a>
"The restriction measure, designed to protect the data of Italian users, follows the communication from the companies received today, the contents of which were deemed completely insufficient," it said.
On Tuesday, the agency announced it had raised questions with DeepSeek about how personal data was collected, from which sources and to what end, and where it was stored.
"Contrary to what was observed by the authority, the companies declared they do not operate in Italy and that European legislation does not apply to them," the statement on Thursday said.
The authority had also asked what kind of information was used to train DeepSeek's AI system and, if the data was scraped from the internet, to clarify how users of the service are informed about the processing of their data.
Based out of the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou -- sometimes known as "China's Silicon Valley" -- DeepSeek sparked panic on Wall Street this week with its powerful new chatbot developed at a fraction of the cost of its competitors.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rescue-efforts-intensify-in-japan-to-reach-driver-trapped-in-sinkhole-for-days-8677054">Rescue efforts intensify in Japan to reach driver trapped in sinkhole for days</a>
The Italian watchdog in December fined OpenAI 15 million euros ($15.6 million) over the use of personal data by its popular ChatGPT chatbot, but the US tech firm said it would appeal.
The investigation began in March 2023 when the GPDP temporarily blocked ChatGPT in Italy over privacy concerns, becoming the first Western country to take such action.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: Italy's Data Protection Agency probes DeepSeek's AI chatbot, blocking its data processing for Italian users amid privacy concerns and regulatory scrutiny.

Italy's Data Protection Agency on Thursday launched an investigation into the AI chatbot of Chinese startup DeepSeek and said it had blocked it from processing Italian users' data. The GPDP said it had decided to act after receiving "completely insufficient" answers to its questions about the firm's use of personal data. In a statement, it said it had ordered "urgently and with immediate effect the restriction of the processing of data of Italian users by Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence and Beijing DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence, the Chinese companies that provide the DeepSeek chatbot service". At the same time, the authority had opened an investigation, it said. Also read | Trump threatens BRICS nation with 100 pc tariffs for replacing US dollar "The restriction measure, designed to protect the data of Italian users, follows the communication from the companies received today, the contents of which were deemed completely insufficient," it said. On Tuesday, the agency announced it had raised questions with DeepSeek about how personal data was collected, from which sources and to what end, and where it was stored. "Contrary to what was observed by the authority, the companies declared they do not operate in Italy and that European legislation does not apply to them," the statement on Thursday said. The authority had also asked what kind of information was used to train DeepSeek's AI system and, if the data was scraped from the internet, to clarify how users of the service are informed about the processing of their data. Based out of the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou -- sometimes known as "China's Silicon Valley" -- DeepSeek sparked panic on Wall Street this week with its powerful new chatbot developed at a fraction of the cost of its competitors. Also read | Rescue efforts intensify in Japan to reach driver trapped in sinkhole for days The Italian watchdog in December fined OpenAI 15 million euros ($15.6 million) over the use of personal data by its popular ChatGPT chatbot, but the US tech firm said it would appeal. The investigation began in March 2023 when the GPDP temporarily blocked ChatGPT in Italy over privacy concerns, becoming the first Western country to take such action. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Italy restricts access to Chinese AI app ‘DeepSeek’, opens probe

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jan 30) warned BRICS nations and threatened them with 100 per cent tariffs on their exports for replacing the US dollar as the reserve currency.
The US President had made a similar statement right after winning the November 2024 elections.
<h2 dir="ltr">Trump threatens with 100 per cent tariffs</h2>
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, &ldquo;The idea that the BRICS Countries are trying to move away from the Dollar, while we stand by and watch, is OVER."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rescue-efforts-intensify-in-japan-to-reach-driver-trapped-in-sinkhole-for-days-8677054">Rescue efforts intensify in Japan to reach driver trapped in sinkhole for days</a>
"We are going to require a commitment from these seemingly hostile Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty US Dollar or, they will face 100% tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US Economy," the post added.
In a scathing attack, Trump dared BRICS countries to "go find another sucker nation," emphasizing that the US dollar's dominance in international trade is unshakeable.&nbsp;
&ldquo;They can go find another sucker Nation. There is no chance that BRICS will replace the U.S. Dollar in International Trade, or anywhere else, and any Country that tries should say hello to Tariffs, and goodbye to America!&rdquo; he said.
<h2 dir="ltr">BRICS nations aim to reduce their dependence on US dollar</h2>
The BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) have long sought to decrease their reliance on the US dollar. Although they don't share a common currency, BRICS countries have been actively promoting trade in their local currencies, aiming to reduce their dependence on the American dollar.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-criticises-journalist-after-she-grills-him-for-blaming-democrats-dei-policies-for-washington-plane-crash-8676575">Donald Trump criticises journalist after she grills him for &lsquo;blaming&rsquo; Democrats, DEI policies for Washington plane crash</a>
The call for de-dollarization gained momentum at the 15th BRICS Summit in 2023 and the June 2024 BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in Russia, where member states advocated for using local currencies in bilateral and multilateral trade.&nbsp;
However, the US dollar's widespread use in international transactions, foreign exchange reserves, and debt issuance continues to cement its position as the global reserve currency. Also, Trump intends to ensure that, even if it means arm-twisting nations by using the threat of crippling tariffs.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: US President Donald Trump threatens BRICS nations with 100 per cent tariffs, escalating tensions over their move to replace the US dollar as the global reserve currency.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jan 30) warned BRICS nations and threatened them with 100 per cent tariffs on their exports for replacing the US dollar as the reserve currency. The US President had made a similar statement right after winning the November 2024 elections. Trump threatens with 100 per cent tariffs In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “The idea that the BRICS Countries are trying to move away from the Dollar, while we stand by and watch, is OVER." Also read | Rescue efforts intensify in Japan to reach driver trapped in sinkhole for days "We are going to require a commitment from these seemingly hostile Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty US Dollar or, they will face 100% tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US Economy," the post added. In a scathing attack, Trump dared BRICS countries to "go find another sucker nation," emphasizing that the US dollar's dominance in international trade is unshakeable. “They can go find another sucker Nation. There is no chance that BRICS will replace the U.S. Dollar in International Trade, or anywhere else, and any Country that tries should say hello to Tariffs, and goodbye to America!” he said. BRICS nations aim to reduce their dependence on US dollar The BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) have long sought to decrease their reliance on the US dollar. Although they don't share a common currency, BRICS countries have been actively promoting trade in their local currencies, aiming to reduce their dependence on the American dollar. Also read | Donald Trump criticises journalist after she grills him for ‘blaming’ Democrats, DEI policies for Washington plane crash The call for de-dollarization gained momentum at the 15th BRICS Summit in 2023 and the June 2024 BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in Russia, where member states advocated for using local currencies in bilateral and multilateral trade. However, the US dollar's widespread use in international transactions, foreign exchange reserves, and debt issuance continues to cement its position as the global reserve currency. Also, Trump intends to ensure that, even if it means arm-twisting nations by using the threat of crippling tariffs. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump threatens BRICS nation with 100 pc tariffs for replacing US dollar

The rescue operations to save a 74-year-old truck driver trapped in a massive sinkhole in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, intensified on Friday (Jan 31), as rescuers grapple with unstable ground conditions and the growing hazards of the situation.
The driver had stopped near an intersection in Saitama Prefecture when the sinkhole suddenly opened beneath the road, swallowing him with the truck on Jan 28.
A massive sinkhole, initially measuring 10 meters in width and 5 meters in depth, has dramatically expanded to twice its original size after merging with a nearby sinkhole.
Also read | <a href="Donald%20Trump%20criticises%20journalist%20after%20she%20grills%20him%20for%20&lsquo;blaming&rsquo;%20Democrats,%20DEI%20policies%20for%20Washington%20plane%20crash">Donald Trump criticises journalist after she grills him for &lsquo;blaming&rsquo; Democrats, DEI policies for Washington plane crash</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Contact with driver lost&nbsp;</h2>
According to Yoshifumi Hashiguchi, an official from the Yashio Fire Department, the driver last communicated with rescue teams on the afternoon of the incident, but contact was lost as the truck became increasingly buried by soil and debris.
Rescue efforts are underway to retrieve a truck swallowed by a massive sinkhole. While cranes have managed to lift the loading platform, the driver remains trapped in the cabin, which is still submerged.
A drone was sent to explore potential access points for rescuers, but no advancements were made.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-black-boxes-recovered-in-us-plane-crash-indian-budget-session-begins-today-and-more-8676652">Morning news brief: 'Black boxes' recovered in US Plane Crash; Indian Budget session begins today, and more</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">What did the authorities say?</h2>
Local authorities said the collapse was triggered by a burst sewer pipe under the road that transports wastewater to a nearby treatment facility. The damage to the pipeline has prompted the prefecture to issue a directive for 1.2 million residents in the area to refrain from using water.
In response to the incident, Japan&rsquo;s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism said it has called for emergency inspections of similar infrastructure, particularly those connected to large-scale wastewater treatment plants.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: Rescue efforts intensified in Yashio City as rescuers faced unstable ground while trying to save a -year-old truck driver trapped in a large sinkhole.

The rescue operations to save a 74-year-old truck driver trapped in a massive sinkhole in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, intensified on Friday (Jan 31), as rescuers grapple with unstable ground conditions and the growing hazards of the situation. The driver had stopped near an intersection in Saitama Prefecture when the sinkhole suddenly opened beneath the road, swallowing him with the truck on Jan 28. A massive sinkhole, initially measuring 10 meters in width and 5 meters in depth, has dramatically expanded to twice its original size after merging with a nearby sinkhole. Also read | Donald Trump criticises journalist after she grills him for ‘blaming’ Democrats, DEI policies for Washington plane crash Contact with driver lost According to Yoshifumi Hashiguchi, an official from the Yashio Fire Department, the driver last communicated with rescue teams on the afternoon of the incident, but contact was lost as the truck became increasingly buried by soil and debris. Rescue efforts are underway to retrieve a truck swallowed by a massive sinkhole. While cranes have managed to lift the loading platform, the driver remains trapped in the cabin, which is still submerged. A drone was sent to explore potential access points for rescuers, but no advancements were made. Also read | Morning news brief: 'Black boxes' recovered in US Plane Crash; Indian Budget session begins today, and more What did the authorities say? Local authorities said the collapse was triggered by a burst sewer pipe under the road that transports wastewater to a nearby treatment facility. The damage to the pipeline has prompted the prefecture to issue a directive for 1.2 million residents in the area to refrain from using water. In response to the incident, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism said it has called for emergency inspections of similar infrastructure, particularly those connected to large-scale wastewater treatment plants. (With inputs from agencies)

Rescue efforts intensify in Japan to reach driver trapped in sinkhole for days

Member of the European Parliament (MEP), who also sits on the committee of Foreign Affairs, Prof Dr Vladimir Prebilic has called for the "deepening of friendship with India" even as he hoped that the EU gets more Indian students and skilled Indian workers.&nbsp;
Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal in Brussels, Dr Prebilic, who was elected from Slovenia said, "If Europe needed new friends, this is the time, and I think India is the right answer to our questions and our needs. I would say that we are really pushing forward with some agreements.'
This year will be a big year for India-EU ties, with the expected visit of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission to India very soon and later this year the India-EU Summit.&nbsp;
The legislator also suggested a program along the lines of the Erasmus program that will "enable Indian students to come to Europe and vice versa".
Erasmus Programme, officially known as the "European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students," is a major initiative by the European Union aimed at enhancing education, training, youth, and sports across Europe. Full interview.
WION: How do you see India-EU ties?
Prof Dr Vladimir Prebilic: First of all, thank you for your visit and have the opportunity to talk to you. I have found the line that if there was ever a very good chance to deepen the relationship with India, now is the time. Why? Because we are living in a very unstable geopolitical environment. I always say, that if Europe needs new friends, this is the time, and I think India is the right answer to our questions and our needs. I would say that we are really pushing forward with some agreements. One of them is a free trade agreement that should be underway. European Parliament definitely supports this kind of approach, but I think there are many other options to deepen our friendship with India. I think that India also is much closer to Europe than to other countries, let's say United States or China. And there are certain historical reasons. They also have certain cultural reasons. And I always say much more unites us, India and the European Union than divides us. So let's explore these possibilities in the future.&nbsp;
WION: So there are many things that bring India and the EU together. One, it looks like, could be education. How do you see the education pillar of the relationship expanding Indian students are everywhere in the world. What's your suggestion or plans to get more Indian students here in the European Union
Prof Dr Vladimir Prebilic: Within the European Union, we've already had a special program called the Mobility Program, known under the name of Erasmus. I would suggest, already started to do that, to suggest another program that will enable Indian students to come to Europe and vice versa. Why? I think that knowledge sharing is a very good starting point if you want to create a true relationship or true friendship between the two entities. Moreover, exchanging knowledge is beneficial for both sides. So I think there is a great opportunity, and also we can learn a lot from each other maybe some stereotypes that may still exist on both sides, on Indian or European sites, could be handled or removed by deepening the knowledge about each other. So I think this new approach of Erasmus being available for Indian students and European students to exchange is a great opportunity.
WION: My last question to you is when it comes to immigration because immigration is a big debate here in the European Union. How do you see Indian immigrants? Because when it comes to Indian immigrants, a large portion of Indian immigrants are skilled workers, and they have been lauded across the world. So what's your view about having Indian immigrants in the European Union?&nbsp;
Prof Dr Vladimir Prebilic: So you would know that demography in the European Union doesn't really work in the way we would like to. So we have problems with natural reproduction. So immigration will be needed also in the future. But whenever we talk about immigration, of course, we have to talk about legal immigration. We would like to influence who will be the one sharing our future together. And I see India as a very good potential partner. Again, there are a lot more things that unite us. So we are not so far away culturally. And of course, not to forget, you are the biggest democracy in the world. And democracy is something that your opinion always stands by. So I think this is a very good opportunity for both sides, that you would have more opportunities to also become part of European society.

World news: This year will be a big year for India-EU ties, with the expected visit of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission to India very soon and later this year the India-EU Summit. 

Member of the European Parliament (MEP), who also sits on the committee of Foreign Affairs, Prof Dr Vladimir Prebilic has called for the "deepening of friendship with India" even as he hoped that the EU gets more Indian students and skilled Indian workers. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal in Brussels, Dr Prebilic, who was elected from Slovenia said, "If Europe needed new friends, this is the time, and I think India is the right answer to our questions and our needs. I would say that we are really pushing forward with some agreements.' This year will be a big year for India-EU ties, with the expected visit of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission to India very soon and later this year the India-EU Summit. The legislator also suggested a program along the lines of the Erasmus program that will "enable Indian students to come to Europe and vice versa". Erasmus Programme, officially known as the "European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students," is a major initiative by the European Union aimed at enhancing education, training, youth, and sports across Europe. Full interview. WION: How do you see India-EU ties? Prof Dr Vladimir Prebilic: First of all, thank you for your visit and have the opportunity to talk to you. I have found the line that if there was ever a very good chance to deepen the relationship with India, now is the time. Why? Because we are living in a very unstable geopolitical environment. I always say, that if Europe needs new friends, this is the time, and I think India is the right answer to our questions and our needs. I would say that we are really pushing forward with some agreements. One of them is a free trade agreement that should be underway. European Parliament definitely supports this kind of approach, but I think there are many other options to deepen our friendship with India. I think that India also is much closer to Europe than to other countries, let's say United States or China. And there are certain historical reasons. They also have certain cultural reasons. And I always say much more unites us, India and the European Union than divides us. So let's explore these possibilities in the future. WION: So there are many things that bring India and the EU together. One, it looks like, could be education. How do you see the education pillar of the relationship expanding Indian students are everywhere in the world. What's your suggestion or plans to get more Indian students here in the European Union Prof Dr Vladimir Prebilic: Within the European Union, we've already had a special program called the Mobility Program, known under the name of Erasmus. I would suggest, already started to do that, to suggest another program that will enable Indian students to come to Europe and vice versa. Why? I think that knowledge sharing is a very good starting point if you want to create a true relationship or true friendship between the two entities. Moreover, exchanging knowledge is beneficial for both sides. So I think there is a great opportunity, and also we can learn a lot from each other maybe some stereotypes that may still exist on both sides, on Indian or European sites, could be handled or removed by deepening the knowledge about each other. So I think this new approach of Erasmus being available for Indian students and European students to exchange is a great opportunity. WION: My last question to you is when it comes to immigration because immigration is a big debate here in the European Union. How do you see Indian immigrants? Because when it comes to Indian immigrants, a large portion of Indian immigrants are skilled workers, and they have been lauded across the world. So what's your view about having Indian immigrants in the European Union? Prof Dr Vladimir Prebilic: So you would know that demography in the European Union doesn't really work in the way we would like to. So we have problems with natural reproduction. So immigration will be needed also in the future. But whenever we talk about immigration, of course, we have to talk about legal immigration. We would like to influence who will be the one sharing our future together. And I see India as a very good potential partner. Again, there are a lot more things that unite us. So we are not so far away culturally. And of course, not to forget, you are the biggest democracy in the world. And democracy is something that your opinion always stands by. So I think this is a very good opportunity for both sides, that you would have more opportunities to also become part of European society.

'Need to deepen friendship with India', says Member of European Parliament Dr Vladimir

The US Senate on Thursday (Jan 30) confirmed Donald Trump's pick to lead the Interior Department, a role that oversees the nation's vast public lands and waters that are vital to the president's agenda of expanding drilling. 
Former North Dakota governor and 2024 presidential candidate Doug Burgum was confirmed in a 79-18 vote, with the majority of Democrats joining their Republican colleagues. 
Trump has also tapped Burgum to lead a newly created National Energy Council, a role which does not require Senate confirmation.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-black-boxes-recovered-in-us-plane-crash-indian-budget-session-begins-today-and-more-8676652">Morning news brief: 'Black boxes' recovered in US Plane Crash; Indian Budget session begins today, and more</a>
Unlike Trump, who has derided human-caused climate change as a hoax, Burgum accepts it is a scientific reality, and led ambitious plans to make North Dakota carbon-neutral as governor. 
But he also has close ties to the fossil fuel industry -- leasing his own farm land for oil and gas production, according to his financial disclosure forms.
He also reportedly played a key role in setting up an infamous meeting between Trump and oil executives last April when then-candidate Trump was said by media to have asked them to raise $1 billion in exchange for loosening regulations.&nbsp;
Industry groups reacted to the confirmation with delight. 
"We look forward to working with him to implement a pro-American energy approach to federal leasing, starting with removing barriers to development on federal lands and waters and developing a new five-year offshore program," said the American Petroleum Institute's Mike Sommers.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-criticises-journalist-after-she-grills-him-for-blaming-democrats-dei-policies-for-washington-plane-crash-8676575">Donald Trump criticises journalist after she grills him for &lsquo;blaming&rsquo; Democrats, DEI policies for Washington plane crash</a>
The confirmation comes amid sweeping moves by Trump to reshape US environmental policy.
On his first day in office, Trump announced he was removing the United States from the Paris climate accord for a second time, declared a "national energy emergency" to expand drilling, and signed executive orders to slow the transition to electric vehicles and halt offshore wind farms.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.
&nbsp;

World: The US Senate confirms Trump's choice for Interior Secretary, a key position managing public lands and waters, crucial for the administration's drilling expansion plans.

The US Senate on Thursday (Jan 30) confirmed Donald Trump's pick to lead the Interior Department, a role that oversees the nation's vast public lands and waters that are vital to the president's agenda of expanding drilling. Former North Dakota governor and 2024 presidential candidate Doug Burgum was confirmed in a 79-18 vote, with the majority of Democrats joining their Republican colleagues. Trump has also tapped Burgum to lead a newly created National Energy Council, a role which does not require Senate confirmation. Also read | Morning news brief: 'Black boxes' recovered in US Plane Crash; Indian Budget session begins today, and more Unlike Trump, who has derided human-caused climate change as a hoax, Burgum accepts it is a scientific reality, and led ambitious plans to make North Dakota carbon-neutral as governor. But he also has close ties to the fossil fuel industry -- leasing his own farm land for oil and gas production, according to his financial disclosure forms. He also reportedly played a key role in setting up an infamous meeting between Trump and oil executives last April when then-candidate Trump was said by media to have asked them to raise $1 billion in exchange for loosening regulations. Industry groups reacted to the confirmation with delight. "We look forward to working with him to implement a pro-American energy approach to federal leasing, starting with removing barriers to development on federal lands and waters and developing a new five-year offshore program," said the American Petroleum Institute's Mike Sommers. Also read | Donald Trump criticises journalist after she grills him for ‘blaming’ Democrats, DEI policies for Washington plane crash The confirmation comes amid sweeping moves by Trump to reshape US environmental policy. On his first day in office, Trump announced he was removing the United States from the Paris climate accord for a second time, declared a "national energy emergency" to expand drilling, and signed executive orders to slow the transition to electric vehicles and halt offshore wind farms. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Senate confirms Donald Trump's pick to lead drilling expansion

The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered from the passenger jet that crashed in the US.
In other news, the budget session of India will begin today with President Droupadi Murmu addressing the joint sitting of the two Houses.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump insisted that Egypt and Jordan would take in displaced Gaza citizens.
Click on the headlines to read more:
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-black-boxes-recovered-from-crashed-plane-in-washington-us-media-trump-confirms-no-survivors-8676429">Washington DC Plane Crash: 'Black boxes' recovered from crashed passenger jet</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/31/I8HT0ER0YpGIUbhnLwKy.png" alt=" A police boat gathers wreckage along the Potomac River after American Airlines flight 5342 on approach to Reagan National Airport crashed into the river after colliding with a US Army helicopter, near Washington, DC, on January 30, 2025 Photograph: (AFP) ">
The National Transportation Safety Board on Thursday (Jan 30) announced that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered from the passenger jet that crashed into Washington's Potomac River after a deadly mid-air collision with a military helicopter late on Wednesday (Jan 29).
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-centre-to-introduce-16-bills-including-waqf-amendment-act-during-budget-session-8676528">India: Centre to introduce 16 bills including Waqf Amendment Act during Budget session</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/31/USr8LB8ZXrbx5aQXiWAQ.jpg" alt=" File Photo: Inside visuals of Indian Lok Sabha Photograph: (ANI) ">
Sixteen key bills are set to be tabled in Parliament's Budget session, which kicks off on Friday (Jan 31). These bills include the Finance Bill 2025, amendments to the Waqf Act and Banking Regulations Act, and a proposal to merge the Indian Railways Act and the Indian Railways Board Act. &nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-insists-egypt-and-jordan-will-accept-displaced-gaza-citizens-theyre-going-to-do-it-8676637">Trump insists Egypt and Jordan will accept displaced Gaza citizens: 'They're going to do it'</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/31/50kLcdY0PrXnw9GROmTv.png" alt=" U.S. President Donald Trump talks to reporters from the Resolute Desk after signing an executive order to appoint the deputy administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration in the Oval Office at the White House on January 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Photograph: (AFP) ">
US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jan 30) insisted that Egypt and Jordan would take in displaced Gaza citizens after the two nations dismissed the American leader's plan to "clean out" the Palestinian territory.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-gun-epidemic-amid-rising-shootings-by-youth-us-appeals-court-overturns-unconstitutional-handgun-ban-for-under-21s-sandy-hook-shooting-8676442">US Gun Epidemic: Court overturns 'unconstitutional' handgun ban for under-21s, despite rising shootings by youth</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/31/tDzOHHj1tH7lwFz4A7tx.png" alt=" A person tries out a handgun during the National Rifle Association (NRA) annual convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S., April 15, 2023. Photograph: (Reuters) ">
A conservative US court on Thursday (Jan 30) ruled that a federal law preventing licensed dealers from selling handguns to individuals aged 18 to 20 was "unconstitutional" and a violation of their rights.
Watch: Delhi assembly elections: last few days of campaign for Delhi polls
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Kickstart your morning with WION's Morning News Brief, delivering essential updates and insights to keep you informed and ready for the day ahead.

The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered from the passenger jet that crashed in the US. In other news, the budget session of India will begin today with President Droupadi Murmu addressing the joint sitting of the two Houses. Meanwhile, Donald Trump insisted that Egypt and Jordan would take in displaced Gaza citizens. Click on the headlines to read more: Washington DC Plane Crash: 'Black boxes' recovered from crashed passenger jet The National Transportation Safety Board on Thursday (Jan 30) announced that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered from the passenger jet that crashed into Washington's Potomac River after a deadly mid-air collision with a military helicopter late on Wednesday (Jan 29). India: Centre to introduce 16 bills including Waqf Amendment Act during Budget session Sixteen key bills are set to be tabled in Parliament's Budget session, which kicks off on Friday (Jan 31). These bills include the Finance Bill 2025, amendments to the Waqf Act and Banking Regulations Act, and a proposal to merge the Indian Railways Act and the Indian Railways Board Act. Trump insists Egypt and Jordan will accept displaced Gaza citizens: 'They're going to do it' US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jan 30) insisted that Egypt and Jordan would take in displaced Gaza citizens after the two nations dismissed the American leader's plan to "clean out" the Palestinian territory. US Gun Epidemic: Court overturns 'unconstitutional' handgun ban for under-21s, despite rising shootings by youth A conservative US court on Thursday (Jan 30) ruled that a federal law preventing licensed dealers from selling handguns to individuals aged 18 to 20 was "unconstitutional" and a violation of their rights. Watch: Delhi assembly elections: last few days of campaign for Delhi polls

Morning news brief: 'Black boxes' recovered in US Plane crash; Indian Budget session begins today, and more

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jan 30) insisted that Egypt and Jordan would take in displaced Gaza citizens after the two nations dismissed the American leader's plan to "clean out" the Palestinian territory.
His comment comes just a day after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians saying "it can never be tolerated or allowed".
<h2>Trump insists Egypt and Jordan will take in Gazans</h2>
While addressing reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump was asked for his response to Egypt and Jordan refusing to take in displaced Gazans. "They will do it," insisted the US president.
"They're going to do it. We do a lot for them, and they're going to do it," he said.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-criticises-journalist-after-she-grills-him-for-blaming-democrats-dei-policies-for-washington-plane-crash-8676575">Also read: Donald Trump criticises journalist after she grills him for &lsquo;blaming&rsquo; Democrats, DEI policies for Washington plane crash</a>
Last week, just days into his second tenure as POTUS, Trump said that the 15-month war had reduced the Palestinian territory to a "demolition site." He then floated a plan to "clean out" the Gaza Strip and move Gazans to "safer" locations such as Egypt or Jordan. &nbsp;
<h2>Egypt and Jordan's statement on forced displacements</h2>
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday (Jan 29) Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said, Regarding what is being said about the displacement of Palestinians, it can never be tolerated or allowed because of its impact on Egyptian national security."
"The deportation or displacement of the Palestinian people is an injustice in which we cannot participate," he added.
Meanwhile, Jordan's King Abdullah II insisted that Palestinians must remain on their land.
As per a statement by his royal palace, the king, during meetings in Brussels stressed "Jordan's firm position on the need to keep the Palestinians on their land and to guarantee their legitimate rights, in accordance with the Israeli and Palestinian two-state solution."
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: While addressing reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump was asked for his response to Egypt and Jordan refusing to take in displaced Gazans. "They will do it," insisted the US president.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jan 30) insisted that Egypt and Jordan would take in displaced Gaza citizens after the two nations dismissed the American leader's plan to "clean out" the Palestinian territory. His comment comes just a day after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians saying "it can never be tolerated or allowed". Trump insists Egypt and Jordan will take in Gazans While addressing reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump was asked for his response to Egypt and Jordan refusing to take in displaced Gazans. "They will do it," insisted the US president. "They're going to do it. We do a lot for them, and they're going to do it," he said. Also read: Donald Trump criticises journalist after she grills him for ‘blaming’ Democrats, DEI policies for Washington plane crash Last week, just days into his second tenure as POTUS, Trump said that the 15-month war had reduced the Palestinian territory to a "demolition site." He then floated a plan to "clean out" the Gaza Strip and move Gazans to "safer" locations such as Egypt or Jordan. Egypt and Jordan's statement on forced displacements Addressing a press conference on Wednesday (Jan 29) Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said, Regarding what is being said about the displacement of Palestinians, it can never be tolerated or allowed because of its impact on Egyptian national security." "The deportation or displacement of the Palestinian people is an injustice in which we cannot participate," he added. Meanwhile, Jordan's King Abdullah II insisted that Palestinians must remain on their land. As per a statement by his royal palace, the king, during meetings in Brussels stressed "Jordan's firm position on the need to keep the Palestinians on their land and to guarantee their legitimate rights, in accordance with the Israeli and Palestinian two-state solution." (With inputs from agencies)

Trump insists Egypt and Jordan will accept displaced Gaza citizens: 'They're going to do it'

President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jan 30) criticised a journalist after she pressed the Republican leader for &ldquo;blaming&rdquo; Democrats and diversity and equity and inclusion policies for the Washington DC, air crash.
A heated exchange erupted between Trump and CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins during a White House press conference addressing the devastating plane crash at Reagan National Airport, which claimed the lives of 67 people.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-black-boxes-recovered-from-crashed-plane-in-washington-us-media-trump-confirms-no-survivors-8676429">Washington DC Plane Crash: 'Black boxes' recovered from crashed passenger jet</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Trump accuses Democratic predecessors</h2>
While addressing the press conference, Trump accused his predecessors, Joe Biden and Barack Obama, of prioritizing diversity and equity policies over hiring competent employees at the aviation agency.&nbsp;
"The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) diversity push includes a focus on hiring people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities. That is amazing," the US President said.
He claimed the FAA wanted people &ldquo;with severe disabilities, the most underrepresented segment of the workforce, and they want them in, and they want them - they can be air traffic controllers.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-we-know-about-washington-dc-plane-crash-deadliest-us-airline-crash-in-nearly-24-years-8676133">What we know about Washington DC plane crash, deadliest US air tragedy in nearly 24 years</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Anchor Kaitlan Collins questions Trump</h2>
Collins questioned Trump, saying that the US president was blaming Democrats and DEI policies even when the names of the 67 people who were killed were not known.
&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t yet know the names of the 67 people [who] were killed, and you are blaming Democrats and DEI policies and air traffic control, and seemingly the member of the US military who was flying the Black Hawk helicopter,&rdquo; Collins asked Trump. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t you think you&rsquo;re getting ahead of the investigation right now?&rdquo;
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think so at all,&rdquo; Trump shot back. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think the names of the people &mdash; you mean the names of the people that are on the plane &mdash; you think that&rsquo;s going to make a difference?&rdquo;
Collins replied, &ldquo;Does it comfort their family to hear you blaming DEI policies?&rdquo;
The president said he could give Collins a list of names of those who lost their lives and that the White House was coordinating closely with the US military and American Airlines.
&ldquo;I think that&rsquo;s not a very smart question,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m surprised coming from you.&rdquo;
A passenger jet collided with an Army helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington DC on Wednesday. Both the flight and the helicopter plummeted into the Potomac River.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: President Trump faced backlash after criticizing a journalist who questioned his stance on Democrats and diversity policies related to a Washington, DC, air crash.

President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jan 30) criticised a journalist after she pressed the Republican leader for “blaming” Democrats and diversity and equity and inclusion policies for the Washington DC, air crash. A heated exchange erupted between Trump and CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins during a White House press conference addressing the devastating plane crash at Reagan National Airport, which claimed the lives of 67 people. Also read | Washington DC Plane Crash: 'Black boxes' recovered from crashed passenger jet Trump accuses Democratic predecessors While addressing the press conference, Trump accused his predecessors, Joe Biden and Barack Obama, of prioritizing diversity and equity policies over hiring competent employees at the aviation agency. "The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) diversity push includes a focus on hiring people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities. That is amazing," the US President said. He claimed the FAA wanted people “with severe disabilities, the most underrepresented segment of the workforce, and they want them in, and they want them - they can be air traffic controllers.” Also read | What we know about Washington DC plane crash, deadliest US air tragedy in nearly 24 years Anchor Kaitlan Collins questions Trump Collins questioned Trump, saying that the US president was blaming Democrats and DEI policies even when the names of the 67 people who were killed were not known. “We don’t yet know the names of the 67 people [who] were killed, and you are blaming Democrats and DEI policies and air traffic control, and seemingly the member of the US military who was flying the Black Hawk helicopter,” Collins asked Trump. “Don’t you think you’re getting ahead of the investigation right now?” “I don’t think so at all,” Trump shot back. “I don’t think the names of the people — you mean the names of the people that are on the plane — you think that’s going to make a difference?” Collins replied, “Does it comfort their family to hear you blaming DEI policies?” The president said he could give Collins a list of names of those who lost their lives and that the White House was coordinating closely with the US military and American Airlines. “I think that’s not a very smart question,” he said. “I’m surprised coming from you.” A passenger jet collided with an Army helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington DC on Wednesday. Both the flight and the helicopter plummeted into the Potomac River. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump criticises journalist after she grills him for ‘blaming’ Democrats, DEI policies for Washington plane crash

Hamas confirmed on Thursday the death of its military chief Mohammed Deif, accused by Israel of being one of the masterminds behind the October 7 attack and whose killing it announced last year.
"The Al-Qassam Brigades announce to our great people the martyrdom of a group of distinguished fighters and heroic commanders," Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas' armed wing, announced in a video statement, naming "commander Mohammed Deif, chief of staff of the Al-Qassam Brigades (and) commander Marwan Issa, deputy chief of staff" among them.
Israel had accused Deif of being one of the key architects of October 7, along with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed on October 16, 2024.
On August 1 last year, the Israeli military announced it had killed Deif in an air strike in Gaza the month before.
The military said fighter jets had struck Khan Yunis on July 13 and "following an intelligence assessment, it can be confirmed that Mohammed Deif was eliminated in the strike".
He was killed along with one of his top commanders, Rafa Salama, the military said.
"Deif initiated, planned, and executed the October 7th massacre," the military added.
Deif became head of Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, in 2002.
He was among Israel's most wanted men for nearly three decades, and on a US list of "international terrorists" since 2015.
Deif, whose real name is Mohammed Diab al-Masri, was born in the Khan Yunis refugee camp in 1965.
In videos, Deif had appeared masked or shown in silhouette, and photos of him were rare.
In January 2024, Israel released a picture of Deif showing him with one eye missing, without specifying when it was taken.
His enemies dubbed Deif the "cat with nine lives" after his many close calls with death.
In 2014, Israel launched an air strike on Gaza, killing Deif's wife and a seven-month-old son.
Deif is said to have played a key role in the huge network of tunnels built beneath Gaza.
In May, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court requested a warrant for his arrest, along with Sinwar, for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Until Thursday, Hamas had not confirmed his death.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Learn about the role Mohammed Deif played in Hamas as the head of its armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, and his long-standing status on Israel's most-wanted list.

Hamas confirmed on Thursday the death of its military chief Mohammed Deif, accused by Israel of being one of the masterminds behind the October 7 attack and whose killing it announced last year. "The Al-Qassam Brigades announce to our great people the martyrdom of a group of distinguished fighters and heroic commanders," Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas' armed wing, announced in a video statement, naming "commander Mohammed Deif, chief of staff of the Al-Qassam Brigades (and) commander Marwan Issa, deputy chief of staff" among them. Israel had accused Deif of being one of the key architects of October 7, along with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed on October 16, 2024. On August 1 last year, the Israeli military announced it had killed Deif in an air strike in Gaza the month before. The military said fighter jets had struck Khan Yunis on July 13 and "following an intelligence assessment, it can be confirmed that Mohammed Deif was eliminated in the strike". He was killed along with one of his top commanders, Rafa Salama, the military said. "Deif initiated, planned, and executed the October 7th massacre," the military added. Deif became head of Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, in 2002. He was among Israel's most wanted men for nearly three decades, and on a US list of "international terrorists" since 2015. Deif, whose real name is Mohammed Diab al-Masri, was born in the Khan Yunis refugee camp in 1965. In videos, Deif had appeared masked or shown in silhouette, and photos of him were rare. In January 2024, Israel released a picture of Deif showing him with one eye missing, without specifying when it was taken. His enemies dubbed Deif the "cat with nine lives" after his many close calls with death. In 2014, Israel launched an air strike on Gaza, killing Deif's wife and a seven-month-old son. Deif is said to have played a key role in the huge network of tunnels built beneath Gaza. In May, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court requested a warrant for his arrest, along with Sinwar, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Until Thursday, Hamas had not confirmed his death. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Hamas confirms death of military chief Mohammed Deif, accused by Israel of masterminding October 7 attack

A conservative US court on Thursday (Jan 30) ruled that a federal law preventing licensed dealers from selling handguns to individuals aged 18 to 20 was "unconstitutional" and a violation of their rights.
<h2>'Right to bear arms'</h2>
The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals declared that the 1968 Federal law preventing the sale of handguns to persons under 21 years was inconsistent with the US Constitution's Second Amendment. It said that the right to bear arms applies universally without explicit age restrictions.
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The ruling emphasised that the Second Amendment's text includes "the people," which the court interpreted as encompassing young adults aged 18 to 20.&nbsp;
"The operative clause of the Second Amendment states that 'the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed'," said a three-judge appeals court panel.
Comparing this to other constitutional provisions, like the 25 years age requirement for US House members, the judges argued that the absence of such a limit in the Second Amendment signals no minimum age for gun ownership.
"There are no age or maturity restrictions in the plain text of the Amendment, as there are in other constitutional provisions".&nbsp;
"This suggests that the Second Amendment lacks a minimum age requirement," they said adding, "Ultimately, the text of the Second Amendment includes eighteen- to twenty-year-old individuals among 'the people' whose right to keep and bear arms is protected."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-black-boxes-recovered-from-crashed-plane-in-washington-us-media-trump-confirms-no-survivors-8676429">Washington DC Plane Crash: 'Black boxes' recovered from crashed passenger jet</a>&nbsp;
<h2>Rights vs risks</h2>
The ruling comes in an appeal brought forward by three non-profit gun rights groups &mdash; the Firearms Policy Coalition, the Second Amendment Foundation and the Louisiana Shooting Club, along with several individuals aged 18 to 21.&nbsp;
Gun rights advocates have hailed the decision as a major victory for constitutional freedoms. Critics, however, voiced alarm over the potential dangers. &nbsp;
Everytown Law, a leading gun control group, slammed the ruling as "reckless and unfounded." Janet Carter, senior director at the organisation, warned that expanding access to firearms for younger adults could exacerbate gun violence. &nbsp;
"The law that prohibits dealers from selling handguns to those under twenty-one is both constitutional and crucial for public safety," she said, adding "Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens, and 18-to-20-year-olds commit gun homicides at triple the rate of adults 21 and over, according to FBI statistics".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-shooting-five-injured-in-dispute-between-known-parties-8589848">Washington DC shooting: Five injured 'in dispute between known parties'</a>
What is the current law for purchasing handguns in the US?
While Federal laws ban the purchase of handguns by young adults, they allow under-21s to purchase rifles and shotguns from licensed dealers. However, parents are allowed to buy the guns for their children. Additionally, Americans under the age of 21 can also purchase handguns themselves in private sales or at gun shows.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Discover how a US court overturned a federal law, ruling it unconstitutional to ban handgun sales to those under 21 years of age, citing Second Amendment rights.

A conservative US court on Thursday (Jan 30) ruled that a federal law preventing licensed dealers from selling handguns to individuals aged 18 to 20 was "unconstitutional" and a violation of their rights. 'Right to bear arms' The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals declared that the 1968 Federal law preventing the sale of handguns to persons under 21 years was inconsistent with the US Constitution's Second Amendment. It said that the right to bear arms applies universally without explicit age restrictions. Also read | UK teen Axel Rudakubana's 52-year sentence for murders at Taylor-Swift-themed party under fire. Here's why The ruling emphasised that the Second Amendment's text includes "the people," which the court interpreted as encompassing young adults aged 18 to 20. "The operative clause of the Second Amendment states that 'the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed'," said a three-judge appeals court panel. Comparing this to other constitutional provisions, like the 25 years age requirement for US House members, the judges argued that the absence of such a limit in the Second Amendment signals no minimum age for gun ownership. "There are no age or maturity restrictions in the plain text of the Amendment, as there are in other constitutional provisions". "This suggests that the Second Amendment lacks a minimum age requirement," they said adding, "Ultimately, the text of the Second Amendment includes eighteen- to twenty-year-old individuals among 'the people' whose right to keep and bear arms is protected." Also read | Washington DC Plane Crash: 'Black boxes' recovered from crashed passenger jet Rights vs risks The ruling comes in an appeal brought forward by three non-profit gun rights groups — the Firearms Policy Coalition, the Second Amendment Foundation and the Louisiana Shooting Club, along with several individuals aged 18 to 21. Gun rights advocates have hailed the decision as a major victory for constitutional freedoms. Critics, however, voiced alarm over the potential dangers. Everytown Law, a leading gun control group, slammed the ruling as "reckless and unfounded." Janet Carter, senior director at the organisation, warned that expanding access to firearms for younger adults could exacerbate gun violence. "The law that prohibits dealers from selling handguns to those under twenty-one is both constitutional and crucial for public safety," she said, adding "Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens, and 18-to-20-year-olds commit gun homicides at triple the rate of adults 21 and over, according to FBI statistics". Also read | Washington DC shooting: Five injured 'in dispute between known parties' What is the current law for purchasing handguns in the US? While Federal laws ban the purchase of handguns by young adults, they allow under-21s to purchase rifles and shotguns from licensed dealers. However, parents are allowed to buy the guns for their children. Additionally, Americans under the age of 21 can also purchase handguns themselves in private sales or at gun shows. (With inputs from agencies)

US Gun Epidemic: Court overturns 'unconstitutional' handgun ban for under-21s, despite rising shootings by youth

The National Transportation Safety Board on Thursday (Jan 30) announced that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered from the passenger jet that crashed into Washington's Potomac River after a deadly mid-air collision with a military helicopter late on Wednesday (Jan 29).
The recording devices commonly known as black boxes were recovered from the crashed plane operated by an American Airlines subsidiary.
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The recorders would now be analysed by the National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the investigation.
In a statement to AFP, the agency said that the black boxes "are at the NTSB labs for evaluation".&nbsp;
This comes as US President Donald Trump sought to politicise the tragedy by blaming 'diversity' for the accident that has claimed the lives of 67.
<h2>Trump politicises crash</h2>
The American president, who took office 10 days ago, sought to politicise the accident during a White House press conference.
Addressing the press, Trump, as per AFP, turned the disaster into a platform for his crusade against diversity, equity, and inclusion or DEI.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-raps-biden-obama-for-hiring-mediocre-staff-after-washington-dc-plane-crash-confirms-no-survivors-8675951">Trump raps Biden, Obama for hiring 'mediocre staff' after Washington DC plane crash, confirms&nbsp;'no&nbsp;survivors'</a>
He accused his democratic predecessors, Joe Biden and Barack Obama, of having kept good employees out of the aviation agency all in the name of "diversity".&nbsp;
"They actually came out with a directive: 'too white.' And we want the people that are competent," claimed Trump.
Slamming Biden's openly gay transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg, Trump claimed, "He's run it right into the ground with his diversity.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-insists-egypt-and-jordan-will-accept-displaced-gaza-citizens-theyre-going-to-do-it-8676637">Trump insists Egypt and Jordan will accept displaced Gaza citizens: 'They're going to do it'</a>
Trump's claims were reinforced by US Vice President JD Vance and new defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, who both took turns at the podium and without evidence pandered to the hard-right theory that diversity measures keep capable Americans out of responsible jobs.&nbsp;
In what was the deadliest US air disaster since November 2001, an American Eagle Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas carrying 64 people and a military helicopter, a Black Hawk with three aboard collided mid-air before crashing into Washington's Potomac River. All 67 are presumed to have died in the crash.&nbsp;
Watch | Washington plane crash probe: Transportation secretary says crash was preventable
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/3101_PLANE_830AM_WION/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/3101_PLANE_830AM_WION_.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=325&amp;tags=wion, wion news, world news, world news latest, viral" title="Washington plane crash probe: Transportation secretary says crash was preventable" id="PL_iframe_block-m6k9r615-l2xbadwj-erfg604p"></iframe>
The identities of all the victims are still unknown, but among them were several promising young figure skaters and their coaches. According to&nbsp;Senator Maria Cantwell, the dead also included citizens from Russia, the Philippines and Germany, and Chinese state media Xinhua reported two Chinese citizens had been killed in the crash.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news | The black box from the plane that crashed in Washington has been recovered, potentially shedding light on the sequence of events leading to the accident.

The National Transportation Safety Board on Thursday (Jan 30) announced that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered from the passenger jet that crashed into Washington's Potomac River after a deadly mid-air collision with a military helicopter late on Wednesday (Jan 29). The recording devices commonly known as black boxes were recovered from the crashed plane operated by an American Airlines subsidiary. Also read | What we know about Washington DC plane crash, deadliest US air tragedy in nearly 24 years The recorders would now be analysed by the National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the investigation. In a statement to AFP, the agency said that the black boxes "are at the NTSB labs for evaluation". This comes as US President Donald Trump sought to politicise the tragedy by blaming 'diversity' for the accident that has claimed the lives of 67. Trump politicises crash The American president, who took office 10 days ago, sought to politicise the accident during a White House press conference. Addressing the press, Trump, as per AFP, turned the disaster into a platform for his crusade against diversity, equity, and inclusion or DEI. Also read | Trump raps Biden, Obama for hiring 'mediocre staff' after Washington DC plane crash, confirms 'no survivors' He accused his democratic predecessors, Joe Biden and Barack Obama, of having kept good employees out of the aviation agency all in the name of "diversity". "They actually came out with a directive: 'too white.' And we want the people that are competent," claimed Trump. Slamming Biden's openly gay transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg, Trump claimed, "He's run it right into the ground with his diversity. Also read | Trump insists Egypt and Jordan will accept displaced Gaza citizens: 'They're going to do it' Trump's claims were reinforced by US Vice President JD Vance and new defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, who both took turns at the podium and without evidence pandered to the hard-right theory that diversity measures keep capable Americans out of responsible jobs. In what was the deadliest US air disaster since November 2001, an American Eagle Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas carrying 64 people and a military helicopter, a Black Hawk with three aboard collided mid-air before crashing into Washington's Potomac River. All 67 are presumed to have died in the crash. Watch | Washington plane crash probe: Transportation secretary says crash was preventable The identities of all the victims are still unknown, but among them were several promising young figure skaters and their coaches. According to Senator Maria Cantwell, the dead also included citizens from Russia, the Philippines and Germany, and Chinese state media Xinhua reported two Chinese citizens had been killed in the crash. (With inputs from agencies)

'Black boxes' recovered from Washington DC plane crash that killed 67

Australia had Sri Lanka three down after opener Usman Khawaja's first double century and a ton on debut by Josh Inglis helped the tourists to declare at 654-6 in the first match on Thursday.
<h2>Josh Inglis stars for Australia</h2>
Sri Lanka were 44-3 by stumps on day two at Galle with senior batsmen Dinesh Chandimal on nine and Kamindu Mendis on 13 when rain stopped play.
Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann struck first to have Oshada Fernando out lbw, and soon pace spearhead Mitchell Starc got Dimuth Karunaratne caught at gully. Both batsmen made seven.
Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon then sent back former skipper Angelo Mathews out for eight as Travis Head took a diving catch at short leg.
Khawaja's 266-run third-wicket partnership with Steve Smith, who hit 141 in a landmark innings that got the stand-in skipper to 10,000 Test runs, stood out after Australia elected to bat first at the start of the two-match series.
It was the first time the tourists had breached the 600-run mark in Sri Lanka, surpassing their previous Asian high of 617, posted in Pakistan in 1980.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey was unbeaten on 46 with Mitchell Starc on 19 when Smith declared the first innings in the final session.
Inglis made it count when he walked in after Smith departed on 141.
He made 102 and with Khawaja kept up the batting surge in a 146-run stand to tire out the opposition attack.
Spinner Prabath Jayasuriya broke the partnership to get Khawaja caught behind as the opener walked back after 352 balls that included 16 fours and one six.
Inglis jumped in delight and punched the air as he reached his ton off 90 balls.
But he got out in the next over as he gave away a catch to short cover off Jayasuriya.
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Jayasuriya and fellow spinner Jeffrey Vandersay took three wickets each as Sri Lanka toiled for 154 overs.
The tourists resumed on 330-2 as overnight batsmen Khawaja and Smith frustrated the opposition attack on a sunny morning.
Khawaja took a single off Jayasuriya to reach 200 as he removed his helmet, raised his bat, and dropped down to kiss the turf while teammates and fans stood up to applaud.
His previous best was an unbeaten 195 against South Africa in 2023 at Sydney, and he is now the first Australian batsman to make a double ton in Sri Lanka.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World Middle East: Palestinian health ministry said an Israeli drone strike had killed at least 10 people, with the military saying at the time that it had struck an "armed cell".

Australia had Sri Lanka three down after opener Usman Khawaja's first double century and a ton on debut by Josh Inglis helped the tourists to declare at 654-6 in the first match on Thursday. Josh Inglis stars for Australia Sri Lanka were 44-3 by stumps on day two at Galle with senior batsmen Dinesh Chandimal on nine and Kamindu Mendis on 13 when rain stopped play. Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann struck first to have Oshada Fernando out lbw, and soon pace spearhead Mitchell Starc got Dimuth Karunaratne caught at gully. Both batsmen made seven. Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon then sent back former skipper Angelo Mathews out for eight as Travis Head took a diving catch at short leg. Khawaja's 266-run third-wicket partnership with Steve Smith, who hit 141 in a landmark innings that got the stand-in skipper to 10,000 Test runs, stood out after Australia elected to bat first at the start of the two-match series. It was the first time the tourists had breached the 600-run mark in Sri Lanka, surpassing their previous Asian high of 617, posted in Pakistan in 1980. Wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey was unbeaten on 46 with Mitchell Starc on 19 when Smith declared the first innings in the final session. Inglis made it count when he walked in after Smith departed on 141. He made 102 and with Khawaja kept up the batting surge in a 146-run stand to tire out the opposition attack. Spinner Prabath Jayasuriya broke the partnership to get Khawaja caught behind as the opener walked back after 352 balls that included 16 fours and one six. Inglis jumped in delight and punched the air as he reached his ton off 90 balls. But he got out in the next over as he gave away a catch to short cover off Jayasuriya. ALSO READ | Ranji Trophy, Mumbai vs Meghalaya: WATCH | Shardul Thakur takes hattrick for Mumbai Jayasuriya and fellow spinner Jeffrey Vandersay took three wickets each as Sri Lanka toiled for 154 overs. The tourists resumed on 330-2 as overnight batsmen Khawaja and Smith frustrated the opposition attack on a sunny morning. Khawaja took a single off Jayasuriya to reach 200 as he removed his helmet, raised his bat, and dropped down to kiss the turf while teammates and fans stood up to applaud. His previous best was an unbeaten 195 against South Africa in 2023 at Sydney, and he is now the first Australian batsman to make a double ton in Sri Lanka. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israeli military kills 10 Palestinians in West Bank strike amid Gaza ceasefire

Donald Trump&rsquo;s nominee for FBI Director, Kashyap Pramod Patel, a former chief of staff at the Department of Defense, appeared before the Senate for his confirmation hearing on Thursday (Jan 30).
Chuck Grassley, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, opened the hearing, saying that public trust in the FBI had reached its &ldquo;lowest rating in a century.&rdquo; He attributed this decline to &ldquo;abuse, lack of transparency and weaponisation of law enforcement.&rdquo;
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Addressing Patel directly, Grassley stressed that his role would be to &ldquo;restore&rdquo; public confidence, highlighting Patel&rsquo;s &ldquo;extensive background&rdquo; as an asset.
During the hearing, Grassley questioned Patel about QAnon, a widely discredited conspiracy theory alleging that Trump was secretly battling elite Satan-worshipping paedophiles in government, business, and the media. Grassley directly asked Patel whether he was a &ldquo;follower or promoter&rdquo; of the theory, to which Patel firmly responded, &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
<h2>'Kash Patel doesn't meet the standard': Richard Durbin</h2>
Richard Durbin, the leading Democrat on the committee, voiced strong opposition to Patel&rsquo;s nomination, arguing that he lacked the &ldquo;experience,&rdquo; &ldquo;temperament,&rdquo; and &ldquo;judgment&rdquo; necessary for the role. &ldquo;After meeting with Patel and reviewing his record, I do not believe you meet the standard,&rdquo; Durbin said. He described Patel as someone who had &ldquo;left behind a trail of grievances&rdquo; and had a history of retaliating against those who disagreed with him.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-latest-news-donald-trump-atc-us-transportation-secretary-sean-duffy-it-was-preventable-8675641">'Helicopter knew there was a plane': Trump, US transportation secretary say deadly Washington DC crash was&nbsp;&lsquo;preventable&rsquo;</a>
Durbin also pointed out that Donald Trump had previously dismissed his first FBI director, James Comey, and pressured his second, Christopher Wray, to step down. &ldquo;With Patel, however, obviously, the president has found a loyalist,&rdquo; he added.
<h2>Kash Patel's opening statement at Senate confirmation</h2>
In his opening statement, Patel spoke about his Indian heritage and how it had shaped his worldview. If confirmed, he pledged to uphold the FBI&rsquo;s primary mission: &ldquo;to investigate fully wherever there is a constitutional factual basis to do so.&rdquo;
Patel was also questioned about his stance on whether those involved in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, should have been pardoned by Trump. He responded, &ldquo;I have always rejected any violence against law enforcement, including in that group, any violence against law enforcement on January 6.&rdquo;
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat, challenged Patel over past comments, particularly a social media post referencing an &ldquo;enemies list&rdquo; and saying, &ldquo;The manhunt starts tomorrow.&rdquo; The so-called enemies list, featured in the appendix of Patel&rsquo;s book, named individuals he described as part of the &ldquo;deep state,&rdquo; including former president Joe Biden, former Attorney General Merrick Garland, and former National Security Adviser John Bolton.
Patel rejected the characterisation of the list as targeting opponents, saying, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not an enemies list. It&rsquo;s a total mischaracterisation.&rdquo; 
(With inputs from agencies)

World: In his opening statement, Patel spoke about his Indian heritage and how it had shaped his worldview. If confirmed, he pledged to uphold the FBI’s primary mission

Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, Kashyap Pramod Patel, a former chief of staff at the Department of Defense, appeared before the Senate for his confirmation hearing on Thursday (Jan 30). Chuck Grassley, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, opened the hearing, saying that public trust in the FBI had reached its “lowest rating in a century.” He attributed this decline to “abuse, lack of transparency and weaponisation of law enforcement.” Also read: 'Not Putin’s or Modi’s puppet’: Trump's US top spy pick Tulsi Gabbard defends loyalty at confirmation hearing Addressing Patel directly, Grassley stressed that his role would be to “restore” public confidence, highlighting Patel’s “extensive background” as an asset. During the hearing, Grassley questioned Patel about QAnon, a widely discredited conspiracy theory alleging that Trump was secretly battling elite Satan-worshipping paedophiles in government, business, and the media. Grassley directly asked Patel whether he was a “follower or promoter” of the theory, to which Patel firmly responded, “No.” 'Kash Patel doesn't meet the standard': Richard Durbin Richard Durbin, the leading Democrat on the committee, voiced strong opposition to Patel’s nomination, arguing that he lacked the “experience,” “temperament,” and “judgment” necessary for the role. “After meeting with Patel and reviewing his record, I do not believe you meet the standard,” Durbin said. He described Patel as someone who had “left behind a trail of grievances” and had a history of retaliating against those who disagreed with him. Also read: 'Helicopter knew there was a plane': Trump, US transportation secretary say deadly Washington DC crash was ‘preventable’ Durbin also pointed out that Donald Trump had previously dismissed his first FBI director, James Comey, and pressured his second, Christopher Wray, to step down. “With Patel, however, obviously, the president has found a loyalist,” he added. Kash Patel's opening statement at Senate confirmation In his opening statement, Patel spoke about his Indian heritage and how it had shaped his worldview. If confirmed, he pledged to uphold the FBI’s primary mission: “to investigate fully wherever there is a constitutional factual basis to do so.” Patel was also questioned about his stance on whether those involved in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, should have been pardoned by Trump. He responded, “I have always rejected any violence against law enforcement, including in that group, any violence against law enforcement on January 6.” Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat, challenged Patel over past comments, particularly a social media post referencing an “enemies list” and saying, “The manhunt starts tomorrow.” The so-called enemies list, featured in the appendix of Patel’s book, named individuals he described as part of the “deep state,” including former president Joe Biden, former Attorney General Merrick Garland, and former National Security Adviser John Bolton. Patel rejected the characterisation of the list as targeting opponents, saying, “It’s not an enemies list. It’s a total mischaracterisation.” (With inputs from agencies)

'Trump loyalist or FBI reformer?' US President's FBI pick Kash Patel grilled in heated Senate hearing

The Rwandan-backed M23 group is advancing further south in DR Congo, local and humanitarian sources told AFP Thursday, after the group vowed it would march to the capital Kinshasa.
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The mineral-rich east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has long been roiled by armed groups, but the resurgence and success of the M23 group has shaken the region and provoked international concern.
M23 seized two areas without a fight on Wednesday before advancing on Kalehe town, on Lake Kivu.
The hub is the key transit point for Goma to the north and South of Kivu's capital city Bukavu, which could also come under threat if M23 continue to push south.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-17-killed-in-dr-congos-goma-as-rwandan-backed-forces-seize-city-8661143">At least 17 killed in DR Congo's Goma as Rwanda-backed forces seize city</a>
"The fighting is concentrated around the mining town of Nyabibwe," roughly 100 km north of Bukavu, a civil society representative told AFP, on condition of anonymity.
The Congolese armed forces (FARDC), assisted by local militias and Burundian soldiers, have been deployed in the region, local and humanitarian sources said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world/raging-clashes-erupt-in-goma-as-m23-militia-rwandan-troops-seize-control-8659452">Clashes erupt in Goma as M23 militia, Rwandan troops seize control</a>
In South Kivu, the Congolese army has established its main line of defence in Kavumu city, which has an airfield.
Meanwhile, some of the Goma-based Congolese forces driven out by M23 have taken refuge in Bukavu.&nbsp;
On Thursday, a representative of the group said the advance would continue "all the way to Kinshasa.&nbsp;
WATCH: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rwanda-backed-m23-rebels-advance-as-efforts-to-contain-drc-crisis-intensify-8674806">Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advance as efforts to contain DRC crisis intensify</a>
<div class="post-content">
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.&nbsp;&nbsp;
</div>

World | The Rwandan-backed M23 group is advancing further south in DR Congo, local and humanitarian sources told AFP Thursday, after the group vowed it would march to the capital Kinshasa.

The Rwandan-backed M23 group is advancing further south in DR Congo, local and humanitarian sources told AFP Thursday, after the group vowed it would march to the capital Kinshasa. WATCH: Congo-Rwanda Conflict: Regional bloc urges DRC to engage all stakeholders The mineral-rich east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has long been roiled by armed groups, but the resurgence and success of the M23 group has shaken the region and provoked international concern. M23 seized two areas without a fight on Wednesday before advancing on Kalehe town, on Lake Kivu. The hub is the key transit point for Goma to the north and South of Kivu's capital city Bukavu, which could also come under threat if M23 continue to push south. Also read: At least 17 killed in DR Congo's Goma as Rwanda-backed forces seize city "The fighting is concentrated around the mining town of Nyabibwe," roughly 100 km north of Bukavu, a civil society representative told AFP, on condition of anonymity. The Congolese armed forces (FARDC), assisted by local militias and Burundian soldiers, have been deployed in the region, local and humanitarian sources said. Also read: Clashes erupt in Goma as M23 militia, Rwandan troops seize control In South Kivu, the Congolese army has established its main line of defence in Kavumu city, which has an airfield. Meanwhile, some of the Goma-based Congolese forces driven out by M23 have taken refuge in Bukavu. On Thursday, a representative of the group said the advance would continue "all the way to Kinshasa. WATCH: Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advance as efforts to contain DRC crisis intensify Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Rwandan-backed M23 continues to advance south in DR Congo

Hamas confirmed on Thursday the death of its military chief Mohammed Deif, accused by Israel of being one of the masterminds behind the October 7 attack and whose killing it announced last year.
"The Al-Qassam Brigades announce to our great people the martyrdom of a group of distinguished fighters and heroic commanders," Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas' armed wing, announced in a video statement, naming "commander Mohammed Deif, chief of staff of the Al-Qassam Brigades (and) commander Marwan Issa, deputy chief of staff" among them.
Israel had accused Deif of being one of the key architects of October 7, along with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed on October 16, 2024.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-hamas-says-its-military-chief-mohammed-deif-is-fine-after-israeli-strike-740767" rel="dofollow">Gaza war: Hamas says its military chief Mohammed Deif is fine after &lsquo;targeted&rsquo; Israeli strike</a>
On August 1 last year, the Israeli military announced it had killed Deif in an air strike in Gaza the month before.
The military said fighter jets had struck Khan Yunis on July 13 and "following an intelligence assessment, it can be confirmed that Mohammed Deif was eliminated in the strike".
He was killed along with one of his top commanders, Rafa Salama, the military said.
"Deif initiated, planned, and executed the October 7th massacre," the military added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/icc-arrest-warrants-for-netanyahu-gallant-and-deif-binding-eu-778108" rel="dofollow">ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant and Deif are 'binding' on all states: EU</a>
Deif became head of Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, in 2002.
He was among Israel's most wanted men for nearly three decades and on a US list of "international terrorists" since 2015.
Deif, whose real name was Mohammed Diab al-Masri, was born in the Khan Yunis refugee camp in 1965.
In videos, Deif had appeared masked or shown in silhouette, and photos of him were rare.
In January 2024, Israel released a picture of Deif showing him with one eye missing, without specifying when it was taken.
His enemies dubbed Deif the "cat with nine lives" after his many close calls with death.
In 2014, Israel launched an air strike on Gaza, killing Deif's wife and a seven-month-old son.
Deif is said to have played a key role in the huge network of tunnels built beneath Gaza.
In May, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court requested a warrant for his arrest, along with Sinwar, for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Until Thursday, Hamas had not confirmed his death.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | Middle East: Israel had accused Deif of being one of the key architects of the October 7 attacks, along with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed on October 16, 2024.

Hamas confirmed on Thursday the death of its military chief Mohammed Deif, accused by Israel of being one of the masterminds behind the October 7 attack and whose killing it announced last year. "The Al-Qassam Brigades announce to our great people the martyrdom of a group of distinguished fighters and heroic commanders," Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas' armed wing, announced in a video statement, naming "commander Mohammed Deif, chief of staff of the Al-Qassam Brigades (and) commander Marwan Issa, deputy chief of staff" among them. Israel had accused Deif of being one of the key architects of October 7, along with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed on October 16, 2024. Also read: Gaza war: Hamas says its military chief Mohammed Deif is fine after ‘targeted’ Israeli strike On August 1 last year, the Israeli military announced it had killed Deif in an air strike in Gaza the month before. The military said fighter jets had struck Khan Yunis on July 13 and "following an intelligence assessment, it can be confirmed that Mohammed Deif was eliminated in the strike". He was killed along with one of his top commanders, Rafa Salama, the military said. "Deif initiated, planned, and executed the October 7th massacre," the military added. Also read: ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant and Deif are 'binding' on all states: EU Deif became head of Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, in 2002. He was among Israel's most wanted men for nearly three decades and on a US list of "international terrorists" since 2015. Deif, whose real name was Mohammed Diab al-Masri, was born in the Khan Yunis refugee camp in 1965. In videos, Deif had appeared masked or shown in silhouette, and photos of him were rare. In January 2024, Israel released a picture of Deif showing him with one eye missing, without specifying when it was taken. His enemies dubbed Deif the "cat with nine lives" after his many close calls with death. In 2014, Israel launched an air strike on Gaza, killing Deif's wife and a seven-month-old son. Deif is said to have played a key role in the huge network of tunnels built beneath Gaza. In May, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court requested a warrant for his arrest, along with Sinwar, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Until Thursday, Hamas had not confirmed his death. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Hamas confirms death of military leader Mohammed Deif, six months after Israel targeted him

Timothy Malcolm Rowland, a 40-year-old man in Sydney, was found not guilty of raping a woman after he was diagnosed with &ldquo;sexsomnia&rdquo;. The man was accused of having non-consensual sex with a woman in 2022 when the duo spent a night together in his Sydney apartment.&nbsp;
Rowland told the seven-day jury trial that he was experiencing an episode of sexsomnia. It is a medical condition in which a person engages in sexual activity while asleep.
The judgment came hours after the jury sent a questionnaire to Judge John Pickering at Sydney&rsquo;s Downing Centre court. They asked the judge the consequences of a crime a person commits while he or she is unconscious.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-congress-mp-rakesh-rathore-arrested-mid-press-conference-over-rape-allegations-8674649">Watch: Congress MP Rakesh Rathore arrested mid-press conference over rape allegations</a>
&ldquo;This is a really dangerous logic,&rdquo; the judge said, The Guardian reported.&nbsp;
He warned the jury, saying it should not determine a case based on the laws they wished existed. Rather, it should be based on the current laws, adding that someone cannot be found guilty for a crime they committed unconsciously.&nbsp;
"We&rsquo;re not about to punish people for acts that they have no lawful control over," the judge said.&nbsp;
&ldquo;&lsquo;No laws about that (sexosmania) exist. There are no criminal offences about that that exist. And it&rsquo;s not for you to create the law," he further added.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rg-kar-rape-and-murder-case-victims-parents-withdraw-plea-filed-before-sc-seeking-reinvestigation-8664260">RG Kar rape-murder case: Victim&rsquo;s parents withdraw plea filed before SC seeking reinvestigation</a>
<h2>How the case unfolded</h2>
During the trial, the jury was told that Rowland and the woman went to his apartment after a cocktail party around 1 at night. The duo drank some more alcohol and then took a naked bath together, after which the woman fell asleep on his bed.&nbsp;
Around 6 in the morning, the woman woke up and found Rowland having sex with her. She pushed him off and jumped out of bed before leaving his apartment.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-cm-challenges-courts-verdict-in-rg-kar-rape-murder-case-seeks-death-penalty-for-sanjay-roy-8641345">West Bengal CM challenges court's verdict in RG Kar rape-murder case, seeks death penalty for Sanjay Roy</a>
The woman did not dispute the argument of sexsomnia.&nbsp;
<h3>How to prove if someone is asleep?&nbsp;</h3>
When the court expressed uncertainty about Rowland having slept during the act, the jury asked the judge what evidence could prove that someone was asleep. It further argued that if enough evidence were available that he was not asleep, then why did the case proceed?&nbsp;
The judge refused the argument saying it was not his business why the director of public prosecutions decided to pursue the case and neither the jury should be involved in that.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-10-world-news-us-peoples-march-updates-rg-kar-medical-college-rape-murder-case-verdict-and-more-8633704">Top 10 world news: US People's March updates; RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case verdict, and more</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending: Rowland told the seven-day jury trial that he was experiencing an episode of sexsomnia. It is a medical condition in which a person engages in sexual activity while asleep. 

Timothy Malcolm Rowland, a 40-year-old man in Sydney, was found not guilty of raping a woman after he was diagnosed with “sexsomnia”. The man was accused of having non-consensual sex with a woman in 2022 when the duo spent a night together in his Sydney apartment. Rowland told the seven-day jury trial that he was experiencing an episode of sexsomnia. It is a medical condition in which a person engages in sexual activity while asleep. The judgment came hours after the jury sent a questionnaire to Judge John Pickering at Sydney’s Downing Centre court. They asked the judge the consequences of a crime a person commits while he or she is unconscious. Also read: Watch: Congress MP Rakesh Rathore arrested mid-press conference over rape allegations “This is a really dangerous logic,” the judge said, The Guardian reported. He warned the jury, saying it should not determine a case based on the laws they wished existed. Rather, it should be based on the current laws, adding that someone cannot be found guilty for a crime they committed unconsciously. "We’re not about to punish people for acts that they have no lawful control over," the judge said. “‘No laws about that (sexosmania) exist. There are no criminal offences about that that exist. And it’s not for you to create the law," he further added. Also read: RG Kar rape-murder case: Victim’s parents withdraw plea filed before SC seeking reinvestigation How the case unfolded During the trial, the jury was told that Rowland and the woman went to his apartment after a cocktail party around 1 at night. The duo drank some more alcohol and then took a naked bath together, after which the woman fell asleep on his bed. Around 6 in the morning, the woman woke up and found Rowland having sex with her. She pushed him off and jumped out of bed before leaving his apartment. Also read: West Bengal CM challenges court's verdict in RG Kar rape-murder case, seeks death penalty for Sanjay Roy The woman did not dispute the argument of sexsomnia. How to prove if someone is asleep? When the court expressed uncertainty about Rowland having slept during the act, the jury asked the judge what evidence could prove that someone was asleep. It further argued that if enough evidence were available that he was not asleep, then why did the case proceed? The judge refused the argument saying it was not his business why the director of public prosecutions decided to pursue the case and neither the jury should be involved in that. Also read: Top 10 world news: US People's March updates; RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case verdict, and more (With inputs from agencies)

'Dangerous logic': Man with 'sexsomnia' found not guilty of raping woman in Sydney

If all goes per plan, Indian Air Force fighter pilot and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will fly to the International Space Station between May and June this year on an American commercial mission Axiom-4, which will be launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, WION has learned. This comes 41 years after India&rsquo;s first and only astronaut, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, flew on a Soviet mission to the then Salyut-7 space station. Interestingly, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is now known by the Axiom-4 callsign &lsquo;Shuks&rsquo;, was born in 1985, a year after Rakesh Sharma&rsquo;s spaceflight.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m6jmi7sl-2uqrh0n1-nkn9css5">
&ldquo;Collaboration on Human Spaceflight, including sending an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> astronaut to the International <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> station in 2024&rdquo; says <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> as he lists out areas of bilateral cooperation between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USA</a> Travel to <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> &amp; working there will prep astronauts for Gaganyaan <a href="https://t.co/mJfcX4sKdP">pic.twitter.com/mJfcX4sKdP</a>
&mdash; Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1672074359031361537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
The Axiom-4 mission is a result of deepening Indo-US Space cooperation, which came to the fore during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s state visit to the United States in June 2023. Back then, President Biden had announced Indo-US collaboration on human spaceflight and the mission to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station, marking the highest point in India-US space ties.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/im-coming-out-sunita-williams-conducts-spacewalk-after-being-stuck-in-orbit-for-seven-months-8628341" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'I'm coming out': Sunita Williams conducts spacewalk after being stuck in orbit for seven months</a>
Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the two-week-long Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project aastronauts Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/maha-kumbh-mela-2025-nasa-astronaut-shares-breathtaking-pics-of-well-lit-kumbh-from-space-station-8656967" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: NASA astronaut shares breathtaking PICS of 'well lit' Kumbh from space station</a>
In July 2024, WION exclusively reported that Indian astronauts would commence their training at NASA&rsquo;s Johnson Space Center, Texas, from early August. NASA&rsquo;s Johnson Center is known as the Hub of Human Spaceflight in the US. Established in 1961, this facility in Houston, Texas, started off as the Manned Spacecraft Centre, the home and Mission Control Center for the US Human Spaceflight programme. In 1973, the facility was renamed in honour of the late President and Texas native Lyndon B Johnson.
<h2>How will Axiom-4 help India&rsquo;s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme?</h2>
Gaganyaan is India&rsquo;s attempt at launching its astronauts to space and returning them safely, using an indigenously developed rocket, spacecraft, and supporting technologies. Gaganyaan was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, and it is the first step in a series of sustained human spaceflight missions that the Indian Space agency ISRO wants to carry out in a phased manner. By the end of this decade, India hopes to put an uncrewed space station in Earth&rsquo;s orbit. By 2035, it would be used as a crewed Indian outpost circling the earth. By 2040, India is targeting a crewed moon landing, a feat that only America has accomplished in 1969, and China hopes to accomplish by the end of this decade.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/watch-live-nasa-astronauts-sunita-williams-butch-wilmore-step-of-international-space-station-for-first-spacewalk-together-8675770">Watch Live | NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore step out for first spacewalk together</a>
The Gaganyaan mission would be carried out by the Indian Space Agency ISRO, with test pilots of the Indian Air Force, serving as the crew members. The four candidates&mdash;Group Captains Prashant Balakrishnan Nair, Shubhanshu Shukla, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap&mdash;had completed their training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Moscow, in 2021. Since then, they have also undergone several theoretical and practical sessions at ISRO's Human Spaceflight Centre and the Indian Air Force&rsquo;s Institute of Aerospace Medicine. They have also been visiting various ISRO centres, such as ISRO&rsquo;s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, and Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. For the Axiom-4 mission, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prashant Balakrishnan Nair have been training in the US, with the former as the primary candidate and the latter as the backup candidate.
 The Axiom-4 mission is meant to serve as a precursor to India&rsquo;s Gaganyaan, as Shukla&rsquo;s spaceflight would help India gain contemporary spaceflight experience, as well as valuable technological and experiential insights. While serving as ISRO Chief, Dr. S. Somanath had explained to WION that human spaceflight is a highly challenging endeavour and that India only had the limited experience of Rakesh Sharma&rsquo;s flight in 1984.
 He had added that the Indian astronaut (Shukla) flying to the International Space Station would immensely benefit the Gaganyaan programme. Notably, the maiden spaceflight by an Indian was on a Soviet-era Soyuz T-11 spacecraft, and since then the technologies have changed drastically. Presently, in America, SpaceX is the lone entity that has a track record of reliably ferrying astronauts to the space station on their Crew Dragon craft, while Boeing has faced technical troubles with its Starliner craft.
In 2025, India is expected to execute the first of the three uncrewed Gaganyaan missions. After these uncrewed missions and related testing processes are flawlessly accomplished, India hopes to embark on the astronaut-carrying mission, perhaps by 2027.

SCIENCE & TECH | World | India News: Interestingly, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is now known by the Axiom-4 callsign ‘Shuks’, was born in 1985, a year after Rakesh Sharma’s spaceflight.

If all goes per plan, Indian Air Force fighter pilot and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will fly to the International Space Station between May and June this year on an American commercial mission Axiom-4, which will be launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, WION has learned. This comes 41 years after India’s first and only astronaut, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, flew on a Soviet mission to the then Salyut-7 space station. Interestingly, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is now known by the Axiom-4 callsign ‘Shuks’, was born in 1985, a year after Rakesh Sharma’s spaceflight. “Collaboration on Human Spaceflight, including sending an #Indian astronaut to the International #space station in 2024” says @POTUS as he lists out areas of bilateral cooperation between #india & #USA Travel to @Space_Station & working there will prep astronauts for Gaganyaan pic.twitter.com/mJfcX4sKdP — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) June 23, 2023 The Axiom-4 mission is a result of deepening Indo-US Space cooperation, which came to the fore during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the United States in June 2023. Back then, President Biden had announced Indo-US collaboration on human spaceflight and the mission to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station, marking the highest point in India-US space ties. Also read: 'I'm coming out': Sunita Williams conducts spacewalk after being stuck in orbit for seven months Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the two-week-long Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project aastronauts Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Also read: Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: NASA astronaut shares breathtaking PICS of 'well lit' Kumbh from space station In July 2024, WION exclusively reported that Indian astronauts would commence their training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Texas, from early August. NASA’s Johnson Center is known as the Hub of Human Spaceflight in the US. Established in 1961, this facility in Houston, Texas, started off as the Manned Spacecraft Centre, the home and Mission Control Center for the US Human Spaceflight programme. In 1973, the facility was renamed in honour of the late President and Texas native Lyndon B Johnson. How will Axiom-4 help India’s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme? Gaganyaan is India’s attempt at launching its astronauts to space and returning them safely, using an indigenously developed rocket, spacecraft, and supporting technologies. Gaganyaan was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, and it is the first step in a series of sustained human spaceflight missions that the Indian Space agency ISRO wants to carry out in a phased manner. By the end of this decade, India hopes to put an uncrewed space station in Earth’s orbit. By 2035, it would be used as a crewed Indian outpost circling the earth. By 2040, India is targeting a crewed moon landing, a feat that only America has accomplished in 1969, and China hopes to accomplish by the end of this decade. Also Read | Watch Live | NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore step out for first spacewalk together The Gaganyaan mission would be carried out by the Indian Space Agency ISRO, with test pilots of the Indian Air Force, serving as the crew members. The four candidates—Group Captains Prashant Balakrishnan Nair, Shubhanshu Shukla, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap—had completed their training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Moscow, in 2021. Since then, they have also undergone several theoretical and practical sessions at ISRO's Human Spaceflight Centre and the Indian Air Force’s Institute of Aerospace Medicine. They have also been visiting various ISRO centres, such as ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, and Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. For the Axiom-4 mission, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prashant Balakrishnan Nair have been training in the US, with the former as the primary candidate and the latter as the backup candidate. The Axiom-4 mission is meant to serve as a precursor to India’s Gaganyaan, as Shukla’s spaceflight would help India gain contemporary spaceflight experience, as well as valuable technological and experiential insights. While serving as ISRO Chief, Dr. S. Somanath had explained to WION that human spaceflight is a highly challenging endeavour and that India only had the limited experience of Rakesh Sharma’s flight in 1984. He had added that the Indian astronaut (Shukla) flying to the International Space Station would immensely benefit the Gaganyaan programme. Notably, the maiden spaceflight by an Indian was on a Soviet-era Soyuz T-11 spacecraft, and since then the technologies have changed drastically. Presently, in America, SpaceX is the lone entity that has a track record of reliably ferrying astronauts to the space station on their Crew Dragon craft, while Boeing has faced technical troubles with its Starliner craft. In 2025, India is expected to execute the first of the three uncrewed Gaganyaan missions. After these uncrewed missions and related testing processes are flawlessly accomplished, India hopes to embark on the astronaut-carrying mission, perhaps by 2027.

Exclusive: Indian astronaut ‘Shuks’ to fly to space in May 2025

An American Airlines plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an army helicopter on Thursday (Jan 30) while landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in the US.&nbsp;
As the recovery operation continued, the fire chief said that they are not expecting any survivors.&nbsp;
John Donnelly, the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief, in Washington, DC said that they are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, 27 bodies have been recovered from the plane, and one from the helicopter.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-didnt-helicopter-go-up-or-down-trump-says-the-crash-should-have-been-prevented-8674669" rel="dofollow">'Why didn't helicopter go up or down': Trump says the crash 'should have been prevented'</a>
The plane crashed in the Potomac River after the collision. Search and rescue teams immediately started working on rescuing people, however, nobody was rescued.&nbsp;
The crash is the first fatal commercial plane crash in the US since 2009, when a Bombardier HDC-8 propeller plane went down near Buffalo, New York. The incident led to loss of 49 lives, including 45 passengers and four crew members.&nbsp;
<h2>What happened and when?&nbsp;</h2>
A PSA Airlines jet operating as American Airlines 5342 collided with a US Army helicopter at around 9:00 pm local time on Wednesday, as it approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated.&nbsp;
The plane, a Bombardier CRJ700 departed from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 64 people onboard.&nbsp;
The helicopter involved in the crash was a Sikorsky Black Hawk army helicopter that took off from Fort Belvoir in Virginia, the Pentagon said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-washington-dc-plane-crash-live-updates-images-videos-news-8673252" rel="dofollow">Washington DC Plane Crash LIVE: Trump to speak on mid-air collision after official says 'no survivors expected'</a>
Before the scheduled landing, air traffic controllers (ATC) asked the pilots if they could land on Runway 33. The flight-tracking sites showed that the pilots adjusted their flight path to align with the request.&nbsp;
Also, just less than 30 seconds before the crash, an ATC asked the army helicopter if it could see the arriving plane.&nbsp;
&ldquo;PAT25 [army helicopter], do you have a CRJ [American Airlines plane] in sight? PAT25, pass behind the CRJ,&rdquo; an air traffic controller said at 8:47 pm (ET on Wednesday, 01:47 GMT on Thursday).
Later, as it crashed, air traffic controllers were heard saying, Crash, crash, crash, this is an alert three.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I just saw a fireball and then it was just gone. I haven&rsquo;t seen anything since they hit the river. But it was a CRJ and a helicopter that hit,&rdquo; another controller said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apparent-air-crash-in-potomac-river-washington-police-8669725" rel="dofollow">VIDEO | White House says passenger jet collided midair with helicopter over Washington</a>
As it collided, the passenger plane broke into multiple pieces and sunk several feet into the river. Meanwhile, the helicopter ended up upside down on the water.&nbsp;
Notably, three US soldiers were on board the helicopter, Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said.&nbsp;
According to an official, the helicopter was on a training flight and belonged to B Company, 12th Aviation Battalion from Fort Belvoir in Virginia.
The FAA, along with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be investigating the incident.&nbsp;
<h2>How many people affected?&nbsp;</h2>
The officials don't believe that there are any survivors from the crash, DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said during a press briefing on Thursday.&nbsp;
He added that 28 bodies have been recovered so far, out of which 27 are from the plane and one from the helicopter.&nbsp;
US Figure Skating said "Several members of our skating community were sadly aboard" the flight.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-latest-news-donald-trump-atc-us-transportation-secretary-sean-duffy-it-was-preventable-8675641" rel="dofollow">'Helicopter knew there was a plane': Trump, US transportation secretary say deadly Washington DC crash was &lsquo;preventable&rsquo;</a>
It further said that the group also included athletes, coaches, and family members who were returning home from a development camp in Kansas.&nbsp;
Moreover, Russian citizens were also onboard the plane, as confirmed by the Kremlin. &ldquo;There were other of our fellow citizens on board. It&rsquo;s bad news today from Washington. We are sorry and send our condolences to families and friends,&rdquo; Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.&nbsp;
<h2>Trump said 'crash was preventable'</h2>
US President Donald Trump called the crash a "terrible accident", saying that he was monitoring the situation closely.&nbsp;
He further took to Truth Social, raising questions as he said the incident should have been prevented.&nbsp;
"This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!," he posted.&nbsp;
<h2>Trump blames Biden, Obama for hiring 'mediocre staff'</h2>
Trump accused former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama of lowering air safety standards, saying that Obama allegedly hired "mediocre" staff for air traffic control jobs that require "superior intelligence".
He continued to take a swipe at the former presidents, saying that as he took office in 2016, he changed it, adding that Biden, however, after taking over, changed them back to "lower than before".
&ldquo;We must have only the highest standards for those who work in our aviation system,&rdquo; Trump said. &ldquo;I changed the Obama standards from very mediocre at best to extraordinary.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World: The plane crashed in the Potomac River after the collision. Search and rescue teams immediately started working on rescuing people, however, nobody could be rescued.

An American Airlines plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an army helicopter on Thursday (Jan 30) while landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in the US. As the recovery operation continued, the fire chief said that they are not expecting any survivors. John Donnelly, the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief, in Washington, DC said that they are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. Meanwhile, 27 bodies have been recovered from the plane, and one from the helicopter. Also read: 'Why didn't helicopter go up or down': Trump says the crash 'should have been prevented' The plane crashed in the Potomac River after the collision. Search and rescue teams immediately started working on rescuing people, however, nobody was rescued. The crash is the first fatal commercial plane crash in the US since 2009, when a Bombardier HDC-8 propeller plane went down near Buffalo, New York. The incident led to loss of 49 lives, including 45 passengers and four crew members. What happened and when? A PSA Airlines jet operating as American Airlines 5342 collided with a US Army helicopter at around 9:00 pm local time on Wednesday, as it approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated. The plane, a Bombardier CRJ700 departed from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 64 people onboard. The helicopter involved in the crash was a Sikorsky Black Hawk army helicopter that took off from Fort Belvoir in Virginia, the Pentagon said. Also read: Washington DC Plane Crash LIVE: Trump to speak on mid-air collision after official says 'no survivors expected' Before the scheduled landing, air traffic controllers (ATC) asked the pilots if they could land on Runway 33. The flight-tracking sites showed that the pilots adjusted their flight path to align with the request. Also, just less than 30 seconds before the crash, an ATC asked the army helicopter if it could see the arriving plane. “PAT25 [army helicopter], do you have a CRJ [American Airlines plane] in sight? PAT25, pass behind the CRJ,” an air traffic controller said at 8:47 pm (ET on Wednesday, 01:47 GMT on Thursday). Later, as it crashed, air traffic controllers were heard saying, Crash, crash, crash, this is an alert three. “I just saw a fireball and then it was just gone. I haven’t seen anything since they hit the river. But it was a CRJ and a helicopter that hit,” another controller said. Also read: VIDEO | White House says passenger jet collided midair with helicopter over Washington As it collided, the passenger plane broke into multiple pieces and sunk several feet into the river. Meanwhile, the helicopter ended up upside down on the water. Notably, three US soldiers were on board the helicopter, Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said. According to an official, the helicopter was on a training flight and belonged to B Company, 12th Aviation Battalion from Fort Belvoir in Virginia. The FAA, along with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be investigating the incident. How many people affected? The officials don't believe that there are any survivors from the crash, DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said during a press briefing on Thursday. He added that 28 bodies have been recovered so far, out of which 27 are from the plane and one from the helicopter. US Figure Skating said "Several members of our skating community were sadly aboard" the flight. Also read: 'Helicopter knew there was a plane': Trump, US transportation secretary say deadly Washington DC crash was ‘preventable’ It further said that the group also included athletes, coaches, and family members who were returning home from a development camp in Kansas. Moreover, Russian citizens were also onboard the plane, as confirmed by the Kremlin. “There were other of our fellow citizens on board. It’s bad news today from Washington. We are sorry and send our condolences to families and friends,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Trump said 'crash was preventable' US President Donald Trump called the crash a "terrible accident", saying that he was monitoring the situation closely. He further took to Truth Social, raising questions as he said the incident should have been prevented. "This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!," he posted. Trump blames Biden, Obama for hiring 'mediocre staff' Trump accused former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama of lowering air safety standards, saying that Obama allegedly hired "mediocre" staff for air traffic control jobs that require "superior intelligence". He continued to take a swipe at the former presidents, saying that as he took office in 2016, he changed it, adding that Biden, however, after taking over, changed them back to "lower than before". “We must have only the highest standards for those who work in our aviation system,” Trump said. “I changed the Obama standards from very mediocre at best to extraordinary.” (With inputs from agencies)

What we know about Washington DC plane crash, deadliest US air tragedy in nearly 24 years

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jan 30) said that the efforts have shifted to a recovery mission, adding that "sadly, there are no survivors."
Trump then accused former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama of lowering air safety standards, saying that Obama allegedly hired "mediocre" staff for air traffic control jobs that require "superior intelligence".&nbsp;
He continued to take a swipe at the former presidents, saying that as he took the office in 2016, he changed it, adding that Biden, however, after taking over, changed them back to "lower than before".&nbsp;
&ldquo;Their policy was horrible,&rdquo; the president said, &ldquo;and their politics was even worse.&rdquo;
&ldquo;We must have only the highest standards for those who work in our aviation system,&rdquo; Trump said. &ldquo;I changed the Obama standards from very mediocre at best to extraordinary.&rdquo;
He added, "You remember that. Only the highest aptitude. They have to be the highest intellect, and psychologically superior people were allowed to qualify for air traffic controllers. That was not so prior to getting there.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-latest-news-donald-trump-atc-us-transportation-secretary-sean-duffy-it-was-preventable-8675641" rel="dofollow">'Helicopter knew there was a plane': Trump, US transportation secretary say deadly Washington DC crash was &lsquo;preventable&rsquo;</a>
"The work has now shifted to a recovery mission. Sadly, there are no survivors,&rdquo; Donald Trump said in a press briefing on the mid-air <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/washington-plane-crash" rel="dofollow">helicopter crash</a>.&nbsp;
Before beginning the briefing, Trump took a moment of silence for the victims and their families, bowing his head.&nbsp;
Trump further blamed diversity hires for lowering air safety standards.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-no-survivors-expected-says-fire-chief-as-rescue-turns-to-recovery-8675409" rel="dofollow">Washington DC plane crash: &lsquo;No survivors expected,&rsquo; says fire chief as rescue turns to recovery</a>
<h2>'Dark and excruciating night'</h2>
He said, "This was a dark and excruciating night in our nation&rsquo;s capital and in our nation&rsquo;s history, and a tragedy of terrible proportions."
Trump said that they have some very strong opinions and ideas, and will find out what led to this deadly disaster.&nbsp;
"We have some pretty good ideas&hellip; we&rsquo;ll find out how this disaster occurred and we&rsquo;ll ensure that nothing like this ever happens again,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;The FAA and the NTSB and the US military will be carrying out a systematic and comprehensive investigation."
<h2>Trump appoints acting FAA commissioner</h2>
Trump announced that former chief operating officer of the National Business Aviation Association, Chris Rocheleau, will serve as the Federal Aviation Administration&rsquo;s acting commissioner.&nbsp;
Trump called Rocheleau "highly respected" during his remarks from the White House press briefing room.&nbsp;
An American Airlines plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an army helicopter on Thursday (Jan 30) while landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in the US.&nbsp;
John Donnelly, the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief, in Washington, DC, said that they have switched from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, 27 bodies have been recovered from the plane and one from the helicopter.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-didnt-helicopter-go-up-or-down-trump-says-the-crash-should-have-been-prevented-8674669" rel="dofollow">'Why didn't helicopter go up or down': Trump says the crash 'should have been prevented'</a>
The plane crashed in the Potomac River after the collision. Search and rescue teams immediately started working on rescuing people however, nobody could be rescued.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World: "The work has now shifted to a recovery mission. Sadly, there are no survivors,” Donald Trump said in a press briefing on the mid-air helicopter crash. 

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jan 30) said that the efforts have shifted to a recovery mission, adding that "sadly, there are no survivors." Trump then accused former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama of lowering air safety standards, saying that Obama allegedly hired "mediocre" staff for air traffic control jobs that require "superior intelligence". He continued to take a swipe at the former presidents, saying that as he took the office in 2016, he changed it, adding that Biden, however, after taking over, changed them back to "lower than before". “Their policy was horrible,” the president said, “and their politics was even worse.” “We must have only the highest standards for those who work in our aviation system,” Trump said. “I changed the Obama standards from very mediocre at best to extraordinary.” He added, "You remember that. Only the highest aptitude. They have to be the highest intellect, and psychologically superior people were allowed to qualify for air traffic controllers. That was not so prior to getting there.” Also read: 'Helicopter knew there was a plane': Trump, US transportation secretary say deadly Washington DC crash was ‘preventable’ "The work has now shifted to a recovery mission. Sadly, there are no survivors,” Donald Trump said in a press briefing on the mid-air helicopter crash. Before beginning the briefing, Trump took a moment of silence for the victims and their families, bowing his head. Trump further blamed diversity hires for lowering air safety standards. Also read: Washington DC plane crash: ‘No survivors expected,’ says fire chief as rescue turns to recovery 'Dark and excruciating night' He said, "This was a dark and excruciating night in our nation’s capital and in our nation’s history, and a tragedy of terrible proportions." Trump said that they have some very strong opinions and ideas, and will find out what led to this deadly disaster. "We have some pretty good ideas… we’ll find out how this disaster occurred and we’ll ensure that nothing like this ever happens again,” he said, adding, “The FAA and the NTSB and the US military will be carrying out a systematic and comprehensive investigation." Trump appoints acting FAA commissioner Trump announced that former chief operating officer of the National Business Aviation Association, Chris Rocheleau, will serve as the Federal Aviation Administration’s acting commissioner. Trump called Rocheleau "highly respected" during his remarks from the White House press briefing room. An American Airlines plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an army helicopter on Thursday (Jan 30) while landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in the US. John Donnelly, the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief, in Washington, DC, said that they have switched from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. Meanwhile, 27 bodies have been recovered from the plane and one from the helicopter. Also read: 'Why didn't helicopter go up or down': Trump says the crash 'should have been prevented' The plane crashed in the Potomac River after the collision. Search and rescue teams immediately started working on rescuing people however, nobody could be rescued. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump raps Biden, Obama for hiring 'mediocre staff' after Washington DC plane crash, confirms 'no survivors'

Former US Representative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/tulsi-gabbard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tulsi Gabbard</a>, President Donald Trump's nominee for Director of National Intelligence, faced her Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday (Jan 30).
The hearing was opened by Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas and chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. He said that Gabbard&rsquo;s nomination had attracted &ldquo;a bit more interest and attention than do most nominees before this committee.&rdquo; Despite this, he assured that she would be &ldquo;treated with the exact same respect, consideration and professionalism that we extended to every nominee.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-washington-dc-plane-crash-live-updates-images-videos-news-8673252">Washington DC Plane Crash LIVE: Trump to speak on mid-air collision after official says 'no survivors expected'</a>
However, Senator Mark Warner, the committee&rsquo;s vice-chairman, expressed reservations about Gabbard&rsquo;s suitability for the role. The Virginia senator said, &ldquo;I continue to have significant concerns about your judgment and your qualifications to meet the standard set by law.&rdquo; He warned that her confirmation could potentially impact intelligence-sharing with allied nations.
Warner accused Gabbard of frequently excusing the actions of adversaries and instead blaming the United States and its allies. He also raised concerns over her previous statements regarding Edward Snowden, the former intelligence contractor who leaked classified information before fleeing to Russia. Warner asked whether she still considered Snowden &ldquo;brave&rdquo; and if she believed he deserved a pardon.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-latest-news-donald-trump-atc-us-transportation-secretary-sean-duffy-it-was-preventable-8675641">'Helicopter knew there was a plane': Trump, US transportation secretary say deadly Washington DC crash was&nbsp;&lsquo;preventable&rsquo;</a>
Gabbard did not give a direct response but said that Snowden &ldquo;broke the law&rdquo; while also exposing significant &ldquo;egregious, illegal and unconstitutional&rdquo; activities within the US intelligence community. Warner, who referred to Snowden as a traitor, pressed for a clear yes or no response, but Gabbard refused to provide one.
<h2>Gabbard criticises past intelligence leaders in her opening statement</h2>
During her opening statement, Gabbard criticised past intelligence leaders, accusing former CIA and Director of National Intelligence officials of &ldquo;weaponisation and politicisation of the intelligence community.&rdquo;
She thanked Trump for the nomination, saying that she was &ldquo;honoured and grateful&rdquo; to be considered for the position, particularly &ldquo;at a time when trust in the intelligence community, unfortunately, is at an all-time low.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aid-experts-reject-donald-trumps-50-million-gaza-condom-spending-claim-8673502">Aid experts reject Donald Trump's $50 million 'Gaza condom' spending claim</a>
Defending herself against accusations questioning her loyalty to the United States and the Constitution, Gabbard condemned what she described as &ldquo;lies and smears.&rdquo;
<h2>'Not Putin&rsquo;s puppet, Assad&rsquo;s puppet, Modi&rsquo;s puppet': Tulsi Gabbard</h2>
She said, &ldquo;These attacks accuse me of being Trump&rsquo;s puppet, Putin&rsquo;s puppet, Assad&rsquo;s puppet, a guru&rsquo;s puppet, Modi&rsquo;s puppet, not recognising the absurdity of simultaneously being the puppet of five different puppet masters.&rdquo; Gabbard went on to argue that such tactics had been used against Trump as well.
&ldquo;The fact is, what truly unsettles my political opponents is I refuse to be their puppet. I have no love for Assad or Gaddafi or any dictator. I just hate al-Qaeda. I hate that we have leaders who cosy up to Islamist extremists, minimising them to so-called rebels,&rdquo; she said.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Tulsi Gabbard criticised past intelligence leaders, accusing former CIA and Director of National Intelligence officials of “weaponisation of intelligence community.”

Former US Representative Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's nominee for Director of National Intelligence, faced her Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday (Jan 30). The hearing was opened by Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas and chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. He said that Gabbard’s nomination had attracted “a bit more interest and attention than do most nominees before this committee.” Despite this, he assured that she would be “treated with the exact same respect, consideration and professionalism that we extended to every nominee.” Also read: Washington DC Plane Crash LIVE: Trump to speak on mid-air collision after official says 'no survivors expected' However, Senator Mark Warner, the committee’s vice-chairman, expressed reservations about Gabbard’s suitability for the role. The Virginia senator said, “I continue to have significant concerns about your judgment and your qualifications to meet the standard set by law.” He warned that her confirmation could potentially impact intelligence-sharing with allied nations. Warner accused Gabbard of frequently excusing the actions of adversaries and instead blaming the United States and its allies. He also raised concerns over her previous statements regarding Edward Snowden, the former intelligence contractor who leaked classified information before fleeing to Russia. Warner asked whether she still considered Snowden “brave” and if she believed he deserved a pardon. Also read: 'Helicopter knew there was a plane': Trump, US transportation secretary say deadly Washington DC crash was ‘preventable’ Gabbard did not give a direct response but said that Snowden “broke the law” while also exposing significant “egregious, illegal and unconstitutional” activities within the US intelligence community. Warner, who referred to Snowden as a traitor, pressed for a clear yes or no response, but Gabbard refused to provide one. Gabbard criticises past intelligence leaders in her opening statement During her opening statement, Gabbard criticised past intelligence leaders, accusing former CIA and Director of National Intelligence officials of “weaponisation and politicisation of the intelligence community.” She thanked Trump for the nomination, saying that she was “honoured and grateful” to be considered for the position, particularly “at a time when trust in the intelligence community, unfortunately, is at an all-time low.” Also read: Aid experts reject Donald Trump's $50 million 'Gaza condom' spending claim Defending herself against accusations questioning her loyalty to the United States and the Constitution, Gabbard condemned what she described as “lies and smears.” 'Not Putin’s puppet, Assad’s puppet, Modi’s puppet': Tulsi Gabbard She said, “These attacks accuse me of being Trump’s puppet, Putin’s puppet, Assad’s puppet, a guru’s puppet, Modi’s puppet, not recognising the absurdity of simultaneously being the puppet of five different puppet masters.” Gabbard went on to argue that such tactics had been used against Trump as well. “The fact is, what truly unsettles my political opponents is I refuse to be their puppet. I have no love for Assad or Gaddafi or any dictator. I just hate al-Qaeda. I hate that we have leaders who cosy up to Islamist extremists, minimising them to so-called rebels,” she said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Not Putin’s or Modi’s puppet’: Trump's US top spy pick Tulsi Gabbard defends loyalty at confirmation hearing

US President Donald Trump will address the nation from the White House briefing room at 11 am ET to speak about Wednesday&rsquo;s deadly Washington DC place crash.&nbsp;
Hamas released all eight Gaza hostages, three Israelis and five Thais, on Thursday (Jan 30).&nbsp;
Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson claimed a "foreign power" was behind the murder of Salwan Momika, the Iraqi refugee who burnt the Quran during protests in 2023.&nbsp;
Click on the headlines to read more
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Donald Trump will address the nation from the White House briefing room at 11 am ET to speak about Wednesday&rsquo;s deadly Washington DC place crash.
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Palestinian militant group Hamas released former hostages Arbel Yehoud, Gadi Mozes and five Thai nationals on Thursday (Jan 30). The released hostages were later handed over to Israel Defence Forces troops in the Gaza Strip, the military said
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foreign-power-behind-murder-of-quran-burner-salwan-momika-sweden-8675562">'Foreign power' behind murder of Quran-burner Salwan Momika: Sweden</a>
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Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson claimed a "foreign power" was behind the murder of Salwan Momika, the Iraqi refugee who burnt the Quran during protests in 2023.&nbsp;
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Two buses carrying freed Palestinian prisoners left Ofer prison late Thursday after a delay by Israel over the chaos during the hostages release in Gaza, AFP reported.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gulf-of-america-or-gulf-of-mexico-how-google-deals-with-controversial-geography-8675623">'Gulf of America' or 'Gulf of Mexico': How Google deals with controversial geography</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/30/tZd904apg0jRg8k3z6MT.png" alt=" The US Department has said the process of implementing the new names is in continuation - but the official maps of the locations by the government are not done yet.&nbsp; Photograph: (Canva) ">US President Donald Trump, in his inauguration speech on January 20, said his administration is planning to name the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America".&nbsp;
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To ensure smooth traffic management and provide essential services to pilgrims at the Maka Kumbh, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) deployed 16,000 workers in Prayagraj on Thursday (Jan 30).&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/she-texted-me-heartbreaking-last-chats-moments-before-washington-plane-crash-8675047">'She texted me...': Heartbreaking last chats moments before Washington plane crash</a>
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The last conversation between the pilot of the military aircraft and the control tower showed a tragic situation moments before it collided mid-air with American Airlines Flight 5342 and crashed.&nbsp;
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US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that the "helicopter was aware that there was a plane in the area," in a press conference held on Thursday (Jan 30) morning about the Washington DC plane crash.
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There will be no opening ceremony in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) receives a mini-setback even before the coveted tournament starts.
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The wait is finally over! The third and final season of Korean drama&nbsp;Squid Game&nbsp;is set to release in July. Two months after its premiere on season 2, Netflix has revealed that the third season of its smash-hit show is set to arrive on the streaming giant.
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Here are the top 10 world news from across the world. 

US President Donald Trump will address the nation from the White House briefing room at 11 am ET to speak about Wednesday’s deadly Washington DC place crash. Hamas released all eight Gaza hostages, three Israelis and five Thais, on Thursday (Jan 30). Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson claimed a "foreign power" was behind the murder of Salwan Momika, the Iraqi refugee who burnt the Quran during protests in 2023. Click on the headlines to read more Trump to speak on mid-air collision after official says 'no survivors expected' Donald Trump will address the nation from the White House briefing room at 11 am ET to speak about Wednesday’s deadly Washington DC place crash. Gaza ceasefire: Hamas releases all eight hostages, including 3 Israelis, five Thai citizens Palestinian militant group Hamas released former hostages Arbel Yehoud, Gadi Mozes and five Thai nationals on Thursday (Jan 30). The released hostages were later handed over to Israel Defence Forces troops in the Gaza Strip, the military said 'Foreign power' behind murder of Quran-burner Salwan Momika: Sweden Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson claimed a "foreign power" was behind the murder of Salwan Momika, the Iraqi refugee who burnt the Quran during protests in 2023. Gaza ceasefire: Freed Palestinian prisoners leave Israeli prison after delay Two buses carrying freed Palestinian prisoners left Ofer prison late Thursday after a delay by Israel over the chaos during the hostages release in Gaza, AFP reported. 'Gulf of America' or 'Gulf of Mexico': How Google deals with controversial geography US President Donald Trump, in his inauguration speech on January 20, said his administration is planning to name the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America". Maha Kumbh 2025: Fire in tents; Odisha cancels special bus service. Know all major updates To ensure smooth traffic management and provide essential services to pilgrims at the Maka Kumbh, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) deployed 16,000 workers in Prayagraj on Thursday (Jan 30). 'She texted me...': Heartbreaking last chats moments before Washington plane crash The last conversation between the pilot of the military aircraft and the control tower showed a tragic situation moments before it collided mid-air with American Airlines Flight 5342 and crashed. 'Helicopter knew there was a plane': Trump, US transportation secretary say deadly Washington DC crash was ‘preventable’ US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that the "helicopter was aware that there was a plane in the area," in a press conference held on Thursday (Jan 30) morning about the Washington DC plane crash. Champions Trophy 2025: No opening ceremony as India skipper Rohit Sharma avoids Pakistan trip - Report There will be no opening ceremony in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) receives a mini-setback even before the coveted tournament starts. Squid Game final season release date revealed! Read all details here The wait is finally over! The third and final season of Korean drama Squid Game is set to release in July. Two months after its premiere on season 2, Netflix has revealed that the third season of its smash-hit show is set to arrive on the streaming giant.

Top 10 world news: Washington plane crash updates; Hamas releases 8 hostages, including 5 Thais, and more

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