Name: Jail term for children, detention for parents for watching Hollywood films in North Korea: reports
Uploaded: 2023-02-28T16:35:08.000+05:30
Duration: T00M34S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: In the past too, North Korea has introduced similar rules but the execution of these rules is believed to be stricter this time.

Discover the remarkable story of Buddha Air's Flight BHA953, where expert handling by the flight crew turned a right engine flameout into a safe emergency landing at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport.

Buddha Air flight makes emergency landing at Kathmandu airport

A technical issue on Buddha Air's Flight BHA953 led to an emergency landing back in Kathmandu. The crisis highlighted the skill and resilience of the flight crew, ensuring the safety of all 76 passengers on board.

A Buddha Air flight with 76 people on board made an emergency landing at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport after experiencing a left engine flameout. The flight was en route to Chandragadi. No injuries were reported.

A Buddha Air flight with 76 people on board made an emergency landing at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu on January 6 after experiencing a left engine flameout. Flight BHA953, which had departed from TIA at 10:37 AM local time and was en route to Chandragadi, encountered the engine issue and initiated a VOR (Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range) approach to Kathmandu at 11:15 AM, as confirmed by a press release from the Tribhuvan International Airport and Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.
The flight had 72 passengers and 4 crew members aboard. Buddha Air later confirmed the incident on X, stating, "Flight number 953 from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, with call sign 9N-AJS, was diverted back to Kathmandu after a technical issue was detected in the right engine. The aircraft safely landed at Tribhuvan International Airport at 11:15 AM."
The airline also assured passengers that its technical team was inspecting the aircraft, and arrangements were being made to send passengers to Bhadrapur on a different flight. Meanwhile, TIA temporarily suspended other operations during the emergency landing of the Buddha Air flight.&nbsp;
[This is a developing story, more details are awaited.]

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to resign from his position as leader of the Liberal Party this week following internal party dissent and plummeting approval ratings. 

Justin Trudeau Expected to Resign Amid Dissent and Low Approval Ratings

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to resign from his position as leader of the Liberal Party this week following internal party dissent and plummeting approval ratings.&nbsp;

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to resign as the leader of the Liberal Party this week amid internal party dissent and low public opinion ratings, according to a media report.
The Globe and Mail newspaper citing sources said it is unclear when exactly Trudeau, who has been Canada's prime minister since 2015, will step down, but a resignation is expected to come before a national caucus meeting on Wednesday.
One of the sources, who spoke recently to the Prime Minister, said Trudeau, 53, realises he needs to make a statement before he meets the Liberal caucus so it doesn&rsquo;t look like he was forced out by his own MPs.
The sources said they are unsure about what the Liberal Party's national executive plans to do to replace Trudeau as leader. They said it remains unclear whether he will leave immediately or stay on as Prime Minister until a new leader is selected.
The Liberal Party national executive, which decides on leadership issues, plans to meet this week, likely after the caucus session, the report said.
On Friday, The Globe reported that Trudeau&rsquo;s advisers are looking at how he can remain Prime Minister while a new Liberal leader is selected.
A source said on Sunday they believed that Trudeau would stay in his position until a new leader was chosen.
The party has two options: appoint an interim leader on the recommendation of the national caucus or hold a shortened leadership contest. A leadership contest would require the Prime Minister to request that Governor-General Mary Simon prorogue Parliament, which constitutional experts say is not guaranteed, the paper said.
Another source said it makes sense for Trudeau to remain as Prime Minister until a leader is chosen so he can deal with the incoming US administration of Donald Trump and his threat of 25-per-cent tariffs.
A Liberal Party source said a leadership race would take at least three months, although the party constitution requests at least four months.
The news of resignation comes as Trudeau's popularity continues to dwindle in Canada, which should hold an election by late October.
Public opinion polls show that his party will likely be swept out of power by Pierre Poilievre&rsquo;s Conservatives.
According to Canadian pollster Angus Reid, Trudeau has a disapproval rate of around 68 per cent as of December 24.
Trudeau faced a difficult few months in politics. His own party members are calling for his resignation. In September, he faced a no confidence vote in parliament that later failed, despite efforts from the Conservative Party to remove him from office.
On December 16, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced that she was stepping down from Trudeau's cabinet, dealing a significant blow to the prime minister. Later in December, one of Trudeau's key allies, New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, said that he planned to present a formal motion of no-confidence against him.
Trudeau took over as Liberal leader in 2013. If he resigns, it would likely spur fresh calls for a quick election to put in place a stable government.

Ukraine's forces launched a counterattack in Russia's Kursk region, marking a critical escalation in the nearly three-year conflict. 

Russia says Ukraine launches 'counterattack' in Kursk region

Ukraine's forces launched a counterattack in Russia's Kursk region, marking a critical escalation in the nearly three-year conflict.&nbsp;

Russia said Sunday that Ukraine had launched a "counterattack" in the western border region of Kursk, where Kyiv's forces began a shock ground offensive last August.
It was not immediately clear how much Ukraine had advanced in the region, but pro-Kremlin military bloggers reported earlier that a powerful new offensive was under way.
The assault comes at a critical juncture in the nearly three-year conflict, with both sides seeking to strengthen their negotiating hand ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House on January 20.
"At about 9:00 am Moscow time (0600 GMT), in order to halt the advance of Russian troops in the Kursk direction, the enemy launched a counterattack," the Russian defence ministry said.
The Ukrainian army did not comment on the operation, simply saying in its daily report that fighting was under way in the Kursk region without elaborating.
Ukraine used two tanks, a dozen armoured vehicles and a demolition unit in the assault, which was directed towards the village of Berdin -- about 15 kilometres (nine miles) northeast of Sudzha, Moscow said.
"The operation to destroy the Ukrainian army formations continues," it added.
Pro-Kremlin military bloggers acknowledged the Russian army had come under pressure but said Moscow was fighting back.
"The main events of the next attempted offensive by the Ukrainian army are clearly still ahead of us," influential pro-Russian Telegram channel Rybar said.
Images purportedly showing a column of Ukrainian armoured vehicles driving through the snow were shared by pro-Russia military blogger Dva Mayora on Telegram.
&nbsp;
- Attack 'from several directions' -
Ukrainian officials gave little detail on the new offensive, with a prominent lawmaker urging silence.
"I can't understand why it is necessary to officially report on the Kursk region. Maybe better to do it afterwards when the operation is over?" Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko said.
Other officials expressed their glee at the operation, which comes almost three years since Moscow launched its full-scale military assault on Ukraine.
"Russia is getting what it deserves," Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said.
The head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, Andriy Kovalenko, said on Telegram that defence forces were "working" in the area, without elaborating.
"In the Kursk region, the Russians are very worried because they were attacked from several directions, and it was a surprise for them," he said.
Kyiv seized dozens of villages in the Kursk region shortly after its incursion started on August 6, 2024, but its advances stalled after Moscow rushed reinforcements to the area, including thousands of troops from its ally North Korea.
A Ukrainian army source told AFP last November that Kyiv still controlled 800 square kilometres (around 300 square miles) of the Russian border region, down from previous claims it controlled almost 1,400 square kilometres.
&nbsp;
- Zelensky on Trump -
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said last year the Kursk operation has boosted Kyiv's "exchange fund" -- its negotiating position on swapping prisoners of war -- and diverted tens of thousands of Russian troops away from the eastern front.
He said Saturday evening that "up to a battalion of North Korean infantry soldiers and Russian airborne troops" had been lost in battles in the Kursk region on that day and the day before.
And in an interview with US podcaster Lex Fridman released Sunday, he underlined the key role Trump would play.
"Trump and I will come to an agreement and... offer strong security guarantees, together with Europe, and then we can talk to the Russians," Zelensky said, according to the published translation of the interview held in Kyiv over the New Year.
"We and Trump come first, and Europe will support Ukraine's position," he added. Trump, he said, "has enough power to pressure him, to pressure Putin".
&nbsp;
- Airports briefly shut -
But Kyiv has so far been unable to halt Moscow's advances in Ukraine, which were seven times higher in 2024 than the year prior, according to an AFP analysis of data from the Institute for the Study of War.
Both Russia and Ukraine have exchanged regular attacks since the year began.
Russia said Sunday it had downed dozens of Ukrainian drones overnight in a barrage that damaged homes and triggered air alerts, while Kyiv said Moscow fired 103 drones into its territory.
Four Russian airports briefly suspended traffic early Sunday for "safety" reasons, a spokesperson for Russia's civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia said.
Elsewhere on the front line, Ukrainian authorities in the eastern Donetsk region reported Sunday that five people had been wounded in Russian shelling.

The UK's Arctic blast leads to snow, health alerts, and flooding challenges. Communities rally for support, highlighting resilience during severe disruptions and cold waves.

UK Battles Snow, Health Alerts & Floods

The UK's Arctic blast ushers in snow, health alerts, and flooding, causing significant disruptions. Communities unite as they face severe weather and rising floodwaters with resilience.

The UK faces an arctic blast with snow and ice warnings across England, Scotland, and Wales. Up to 30 cm of snow is expected. Amber health alerts urge caution for the vulnerable. Flooding in Greater Manchester has forced evacuations and disrupted travel.

The UK is grappling with an arctic blast that has brought severe frost, heavy snow, and widespread disruptions. Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are in effect across most of England, Wales, and Scotland, with temperatures expected to drop significantly over the weekend. Up to 30 cm (1 ft) of snow is forecast in some regions.
Amber Health Alerts Sounded Across England: England is under amber cold health alerts, signaling heightened risks for cold-related illnesses and fatalities. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, are urged to take extra precautions.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has recommended actions such as checking on at-risk individuals and ensuring support systems are in place. NHS services also advised avoiding early morning or late-night travel when frost and darkness increase risks.
Weather Warnings at a Glance January 4: Snow and ice warnings cover most of England (except the southwest) and Wales from noon to midnight. January 5-6: A snow warning for Scotland runs from midnight Sunday to 12:00 GMT Monday. January 3: Existing warnings are active in northeast Scotland, northwest England, western Wales, and parts of Northern Ireland until 10:00 GMT.
 Flooding Sparks Crisis in Greater Manchester
 While snow warnings dominate headlines, flooding in Greater Manchester has added to the chaos. Declared a 'major incident' on January 1, rising waters forced evacuations and train cancellations in areas like Bolton, Didsbury, Harpurhey, Stalybridge, Stockport, and Wigan.
The Met Office has warned of hazardous driving conditions and advised against non-essential travel. Residents are urged to plan routes carefully and check for delays or closures.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy emphasized the government&rsquo;s commitment to accelerating flood defence projects. "We&rsquo;re working urgently to support affected communities and enhance resilience," she said.
As the UK faces snowstorms, icy roads, and floodwaters, officials continue to stress vigilance and preparation to ensure public safety.

China is addressing a surge in respiratory illnesses, including human metapneumovirus (HMPV), influenza A, and other pathogens. 

China Faces Surge in Respiratory Illnesses, Including HMPV

Social media posts have drawn attention to the strain on healthcare facilities, particularly pediatric hospitals, which are struggling with rising pneumonia cases and reports of "white lung" syndrome.

China is currently dealing with a surge in respiratory illnesses, including the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), raising concerns similar to those during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Social media posts and reports suggest overwhelmed hospitals and crematories as multiple viruses&mdash;including HMPV, Influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19&mdash;circulate widely.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
⚠️ BREAKING: Hospitals in China 🇨🇳 Overwhelmed as Severe "Flu" Outbreak, Including Influenza A and HMPV, Resembling 2020 COVID Surge. Hospitals in China are overwhelmed as outbreaks of "influenza A" and "human metapneumovirus" resemble the COVID-19 surge from three years ago. <a href="https://t.co/mPF6XGjQCY">pic.twitter.com/mPF6XGjQCY</a>
&mdash; SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19) (@COVID19_disease) <a href="https://twitter.com/COVID19_disease/status/1873035805104718184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
While there are unverified claims of a national emergency, Reuters reported that China&rsquo;s disease control authority has launched a pilot monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin. This initiative aims to better prepare for potential outbreaks and contrasts with the initial unpreparedness during the emergence of Covid-19 five years ago.
&nbsp;
Official Response
The National Disease Control and Prevention Administration is working to establish a procedure for laboratories to report and verify cases of unknown respiratory illnesses. According to state broadcaster CCTV, these measures will help authorities create standardized protocols to manage new pathogens.
Between December 16 and 22, data showed an increase in respiratory infections, particularly in northern provinces, with a notable rise in cases of HMPV among children under 14. Kan Biao, an official with the disease control authority, mentioned that while respiratory infections are expected to rise in winter, the overall numbers could be smaller than last year.
&nbsp;
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
HMPV is a respiratory virus that affects vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Symptoms range from mild cold-like conditions&mdash;cough, fever, and nasal congestion&mdash;to severe respiratory complications like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, much like Covid-19. However, there is no vaccine for HMPV, and experts warn against indiscriminate use of antiviral drugs. A respiratory expert in Shanghai highlighted the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
 Public Concerns and Warnings
Social media posts have drawn attention to the strain on healthcare facilities, particularly pediatric hospitals, which are struggling with rising pneumonia cases and reports of "white lung" syndrome. A post shared by the X handle "SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19)" claimed that multiple respiratory illnesses are overwhelming hospitals and crematories.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that China&rsquo;s enhanced monitoring system aims to address gaps in its previous response to unknown pathogens. Officials stress the importance of public awareness and cooperation in managing the current outbreak. 
Outlook
With respiratory infections expected to increase during winter and spring, Chinese health authorities are focusing on early detection, enhanced preparedness, and effective treatment protocols. The ongoing surge underscores the need for vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of these illnesses.

South Korean investigators have called off their attempt to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol after a standoff with his security team.

South Korean investigators call off arrest attempt on President Yoon Suk Yeol

Yoon, who has already been suspended from duty by lawmakers, would become the first sitting president in South Korean history to be arrested if the warrant is carried out.

South Korean investigators called off their attempt to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his residence Friday over a failed martial law bid, citing safety concerns after a standoff with his security team.
Yoon, who has already been suspended from duty by lawmakers, would become the first sitting president in South Korean history to be arrested if the warrant is carried out.
The president, who issued a bungled declaration on December 3 that shook the vibrant East Asian democracy and briefly lurched it back to the dark days of military rule, faces imprisonment or, at worst, the death penalty.
"Regarding the execution of the arrest warrant today, it was determined that the execution was effectively impossible due to the ongoing standoff," the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), which is probing Yoon over his martial law decree, said in a statement.
"Concern for the safety of personnel on-site led to the decision to halt" the arrest attempt, the statement said of the confrontation with Yoon's presidential security service and its military unit.
The deadline for the warrant is Monday, leaving it in limbo with just a few days remaining and Yoon defiant, vowing earlier this week to "fight" authorities seeking to question him.
CIO investigators including senior prosecutor Lee Dae-hwan were earlier let through heavy security barricades to enter the residence to attempt to execute their warrant to detain Yoon.
But soldiers under the Presidential Security Service at one point engaged in a "confrontation with the CIO at the presidential residence," an official with Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff told AFP.
Before the execution of the court-approved warrant was called off, Yoon's security detail told AFP they had been "in negotiation" with the CIO investigators who sought to access the president.
Yoon's security service -- which still protects Yoon as the country's sitting head of state -- has previously blocked attempted police raids of the presidential office.
The president himself has ignored three rounds of summons from investigators, prompting them to seek the warrant.
Yoon's legal team -- who raced to the residence and AFP saw allowed inside -- decried the attempt to execute the arrest warrant, vowing to take further legal action against the move.
"The execution of a warrant that is illegal and invalid is indeed not lawful," Yoon's lawyer Yoon Kap-keun said.
On Friday, prosecutors also indicted two top military officials including one who was briefly named martial law commander during last month's fiasco, on charges of insurrection, Yonhap reported. Both were already in detention.
Dozens of police buses and hundreds of uniformed police lined the street outside the compound in central Seoul, AFP reporters saw.
About 2,700 police and 135 police buses were deployed to the area to prevent clashes, Yonhap reported, after Yoon's supporters faced off with anti-Yoon demonstrators Thursday.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
- All-night prayers -
South Korean media reported that CIO officials wanted to arrest Yoon and take him to their office in Gwacheon near Seoul for questioning.
After that, he could have been held for up to 48 hours on the existing warrant. Investigators need to apply for another arrest warrant to keep him in custody.
After staging chaotic protests Thursday, a handful of Yoon's die-hard supporters, which include far-right YouTube personalities and evangelical Christian preachers, had camped outside his compound in the bitter cold -- some holding all-night prayer sessions.
They called early Friday for the arrest of opposition leader Lee Jae-myung and chanted "Illegal warrant is invalid" as police and media gathered outside the residence.
Pro-Yoon protester Rhee Kang-san told AFP many were "rooting for the president" to survive the arrest attempt.
Lee Hye-sook, a 57-year-old Yoon supporter, said protesters were trying to stop opposition figures from "attempting to transform our country into a socialist state, similar to North Korea".
Yoon has doubled down on claims the opposition was in league with South Korea's communist enemies.
Yoon's legal team had already moved to try and block the arrest warrant at the constitutional court, calling it "unlawful".
But the head of the CIO, Oh Dong-woon, has warned that anyone trying to block authorities from arresting Yoon could themselves face prosecution.
South Korean officials have previously failed to execute similar arrest warrants for lawmakers -- in 2000 and 2004 -- due to party members and supporters blocking police for the seven days the warrants were valid.
Yoon also faces a separate Constitutional Court hearing which will confirm or reject his impeachment by parliament.
In rare comments about the South's politics, North Korean state media on Friday said Seoul was in "political chaos" over attempts to arrest Yoon.

A significant discovery of hundreds of dinosaur footprints has been made in an Oxfordshire quarry, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of Jurassic dinosaurs, including the Megalosaurus and sauropods.

Hundreds of different dinosaur footprints discovered in UK's Oxfordshire

Visitors will be able to view the Megalosaurus fossils used in the first description of a dinosaur, see photographs and video footage from the dig site.

Researchers from the Universities of Oxford and Birmingham have uncovered a huge expanse of quarry floor filled with hundreds of different dinosaur footprints.
In a stunning find, the teams uncovered multiple enormous trackways dating back to the Middle Jurassic Period (around 166 million years ago).
The trackways form part of a huge &lsquo;dinosaur highway&rsquo; and include footprints from the nine-metre ferocious predator Megalosaurus, and herbivorous dinosaurs up to twice that size.
The excavation will be broadcast on BBC Two&rsquo;s Digging for Britain on January 8 and featured in a new public exhibition Breaking Ground at Oxford University Museum of Natural History (OUMNH).
These footprints offer an extraordinary window into the lives of dinosaurs, revealing details about their movements, interactions, and the tropical environment they inhabited.
The dig, carried out at Dewars Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire, uncovered five extensive trackways with evidence of more in the surrounding area.
The longest continuous trackway measured more than 150 metres in length.
Four of the trackways were made by gigantic, long-necked, herbivorous dinosaurs called sauropods, most likely to be Cetiosaurus, an up to 18-metre-long cousin of the well-known Diplodocus.
The fifth trackway was made by the carnivorous theropod dinosaur, Megalosaurus which had distinctive, large, three-toed feet with claws.
One area of the site shows the carnivore and herbivore tracks crossing over, raising questions about whether and how the two were interacting.
Megalosaurus was the first dinosaur worldwide to be scientifically named and described in 1824, and kick-started the last 200 years of dinosaur science.
Dr Emma Nicholls, Vertebrate Palaeontologist at OUMNH, explained: &ldquo;Scientists have known about and been studying Megalosaurus for longer than any other dinosaur on Earth, and yet these recent discoveries prove there is still new evidence of these animals out there, waiting to be found.&rdquo;
The footprints were buried under mud but came to light when quarry worker Gary Johnson felt &lsquo;unusual bumps&rsquo; as he was stripping the clay back with his vehicle, in order to expose the quarry floor.
At this point, the experts were called in. Working closely with Dewars Farm and Duns Tew Quarry Manager Mark Stanway, and his staff, the Universities of Oxford and Birmingham co-led a team of more than 100 people on a week-long excavation in June 2024.
Together, they painstakingly uncovered around 200 footprints and built detailed 3D models of the site using aerial drone photography &ndash; documenting the footprints in unprecedented detail for future research.
Professor Kirsty Edgar, Professor of Micropalaeontology at the University of Birmingham, said: &ldquo;These footprints offer an extraordinary window into the lives of dinosaurs, revealing details about their movements, interactions, and the tropical environment they inhabited.&rdquo;
Mark Stanway and his team at Smiths Bletchington provided an enormous amount of support from the initial discovery through to the full excavation. They were invaluable in providing both their extensive expertise in the local geology, and operating specialist equipment such as excavators and rock saws.
The new trackways connect to discoveries made in the area in 1997, where previous limestone quarrying revealed more than 40 sets of footprints, with some trackways reaching up to 180 m in length.
At the time, the site provided major new information on the types of dinosaurs present in the UK during the Middle Jurassic Period. The site was recognised as one of the most scientifically important dinosaur track sites in the world and subsequently designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
However, the original site is largely no longer accessible and, since the findings predated the use of digital cameras and drones, there is limited photographic evidence.
The new trackways add to the significance of the area, and even though the discoveries are separated by just thirty years, modern techniques and technology mean the prints can be recorded much more comprehensively than ever before.
Professor Richard Butler, Professor of Palaeobiology at the University of Birmingham, said: &ldquo;There is much more that we can learn from this site, which is an important part of our national Earth heritage. Our 3D models will allow researchers to continue to study and make accessible this fascinating piece of our past for generations to come.&rdquo;
During the new excavation, more than 20,000 images were created of the prints. These will provide a wealth of material for further study and education and could yield valuable insights into how these dinosaurs walked, including speeds, how large they were, and if and how they interacted.
Dr Duncan Murdock, Earth Scientist at OUMNH, said: &ldquo;The preservation is so detailed that we can see how the mud was deformed as the dinosaur&rsquo;s feet squelched in and out. Along with other fossils like burrows, shells and plants we can bring to life the muddy lagoon environment the dinosaurs walked through.&rdquo;
The BBC&rsquo;s Digging for Britain team filmed the work as part of a new series due to be broadcast next week. Presented by Professor Alice Roberts, who is also the University of Birmingham&rsquo;s Professor of Public Engagement in Science, the programme will be available on iPlayer from 7th January, and broadcast on BBC Two on 8th January 2025.
The dig will also feature in the exhibition Breaking Ground at OUMNH, which tells the story of major developments in our understanding of the history of life and Earth.
Visitors will be able to view the Megalosaurus fossils used in the first description of a dinosaur, see photographs and video footage from the dig site, and learn about the latest techniques used by palaeontologists to study dinosaurs.
The excavation was funded by the Geologists&rsquo; Association, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham, and the University of Birmingham Alumni Fund.

A small plane crashed into a commercial building near Fullerton Municipal Airport, California, on Thursday afternoon. The crash resulted in two fatalities and left 18 others injured, including 10 hospitalized. 

California plane crash kills two, injures 18 near Fullerton Airport

The plane was a single-engine Van's RV-10, a small model with four seats, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, which has opened an investigation.

A small plane crashed into a commercial building in California on Thursday, killing at least two people and injuring 18 others, police said.
The crash took place early in the afternoon near Fullerton Municipal Airport, 25 miles (40 kilometers) southeast of Los Angeles. The cause remains unknown.
"There are two confirmed fatalities," Fullerton police said on X.
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Additionally, 10 people were hospitalized and eight others were treated at the scene.
Investigators do not yet know if the deceased were plane passengers or if they were workers at the building where it crashed, a police officer told local station KTLA.
Television footage showed a gaping hole in the roof of the building, with smoke pouring out.
"All we hear is like a loud noise, boom, and that's it. Then we started running out" of the building, Jerome Cruz, one of the workers who witnessed the scene, told CBS News.
The plane was a single-engine Van's RV-10, a small model with four seats, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, which has opened an investigation.
Another crash near Fullerton Airport injured two people in November.

The Israeli military confirmed a successful operation in Syria, where over 100 commandos destroyed an Iranian-funded underground missile factory in Masyaf. 

Israeli military dismantles underground missile factory in Syria

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria since civil war broke out in 2011, mainly on Iranian-linked targets.

The Israeli military confirmed on Thursday that dozens of its troops were flown into Syria in September to destroy an underground missile factory funded by Iran.
The military, which rarely comments on its activities inside Syria, said in a statement that the September 8 raid involved more than 100 Israeli commandos who dismantled the facility in the Masyaf area near the Mediterranean coast.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor reported at the time that 27 people were killed in the raid. The Israeli military did not disclose any casualty figures.
Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria since civil war broke out in 2011, mainly on Iranian-linked targets.
In a statement on Thursday, the military said the underground factory in Masyaf "included advanced assembly lines designed to manufacture precision-guided missiles and long-range rockets" for Lebanon's Hezbollah "and other Iranian terror proxies in the region".
Troops were flown in by helicopter, "with fire and intelligence-gathering support from aircraft, fighter jets and naval vessels", it said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the raid underscored Israel's resolve to carry out operations anywhere to defend itself.
"This is one of the most important counteractions we have taken against the Iranian axis's attempts to arm itself in order to harm us, and it demonstrates our determination and audacity to act anywhere to protect ourselves," Netanyahu said in a statement.
Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said: "This precision-guided missile factory was dug in the side of a mountain underground in the area of Masyaf".
"Most components in fact were sourced from Iran for precision-guided missiles and surface-to-surface missiles."
The factory had the capacity to manufacture hundreds of missiles a year, Shoshani added.
The Observatory said the facility was created and supervised by Iran's Revolutionary Guards.
Tehran at the time condemned the raid as a "criminal attack".
&nbsp;
- Hundreds of air strikes -
Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi, who oversaw the operation, said it was part of "a series of courageous missions" across the Middle East "with the aim of destroying the Iranian axis's missile manufacturing capabilities".
Halevi pointed to other raids in the Gaza Strip, in Hezbollah's south Beirut stronghold and on Iranian territory "over the past few months".
"For years, Iran formed a ring of rocket and missile fire around Israel's borders, and we have struck both the ring and its head," he said.
Footage of the raid, released by the military on Thursday, showed soldiers boarding helicopters at a base and later landing at the target inside Syria.
The troops can be seen entering the compound as gunfire echoes in the background. Grainy images later depict soldiers returning to their base.
The military statement said critical machinery and documents found at the factory were brought to Israel for further investigation.
"The soldiers destroyed the compound and safely returned to Israeli territory," it said.
Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP after the raid that intense air strikes preceded it, destroying a separate "scientific research centre" in Masyaf used for weapons development.
Since Islamist-led rebels toppled Syria's longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad on December 8, Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes on Syrian military assets in what it says is a bid to prevent them from falling into hostile hands.
In a move that drew widespread international condemnation, Israel also sent troops into a UN-patrolled buffer zone that separated Israeli and Syrian forces on the Golan Heights.
On Thursday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited the buffer zone and met UN peacekeepers there, a statement from his office said.
"Israel is closely monitoring the situation in Syria, and will not jeopardise its own security. We will not allow another October 7 on any front," Saar added, referring to the Hamas attack on Israel in 2023 that triggered the Gaza war.

Bangladesh's new textbooks for 2025 credit Ziaur Rahman with declaring independence in 1971, replacing previous accounts that attributed it to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. 

Bangladesh Revises Textbooks, Credits Ziaur Rahman for Independence Declaration

Rakhal Raha, a writer and researcher involved in revising the textbooks, explained that the goal was to present a more accurate history, free from what he termed "exaggerated, imposed history."

In a significant change to the nation's educational curriculum, Bangladesh has introduced new textbooks that credit Ziaur Rahman with declaring the country's independence in 1971, replacing the previous version that credited founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The new textbooks, set for the 2025 academic year, feature a series of revisions, including the removal of the title "Father of the Nation" from Mujibur Rahman.
According to a report by The Daily Star, the new textbooks for primary and secondary school students now state that "on March 26, 1971, Ziaur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh, and on March 27, he made another declaration of independence on behalf of Bangabandhu." This change was confirmed by Prof AKM Reazul Hassan, the chairman of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board. The alterations were made in textbooks distributed for free to students, particularly those discussing the declaration of independence.
Rakhal Raha, a writer and researcher involved in revising the textbooks, explained that the goal was to present a more accurate history, free from what he termed "exaggerated, imposed history." He added that those responsible for the revision found no factual basis for the claim that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman sent the wireless message declaring independence while he was imprisoned by the Pakistani army. As a result, the statement was removed from the textbooks.
Historically, the Awami League has maintained that Mujibur Rahman made the declaration of independence, while Ziaur Rahman, then an army major, only read it out on Mujib's instructions. In the aftermath of changes to the textbooks, the Bangladeshi government has also started phasing out the image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from currency notes and other public symbols. This move gained momentum following the ousting of Mujib's daughter, Sheikh Hasina, as prime minister on August 5. Additionally, statues and murals bearing his likeness have been targeted, and the interim government canceled a national holiday that commemorated his assassination on August 15.

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In the past too, North Korea has introduced similar rules but the execution of these rules is believed to be stricter this time.

Jail term for children, detention for parents for watching Hollywood films in North Korea: reports

Last year, the country executed two high school students for watching South Korean and American movies
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

North Korea's dictator Kim Jong Un has come up with a new diktat to impose a crackdown on the population's exposure to Western media.
In its latest bid, North Korea has threatened the parents of children found watching Western films and TV series to languish in a forced labour camp for six months while, the children will be sent to 5-years imprisonment, according to media reports.&nbsp;
In the past too, North Korea has introduced similar rules but the execution of these rules is believed to be stricter this time.

A devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Dingri County in Tibet, killing at least 32 people and injuring 38. The quake caused widespread destruction, collapsing buildings and shaking neighboring regions, including Nepal and parts of India. 

Strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake jolts Nepal, tremors felt in Bihar

A devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Dingri County in Tibet, killing at least 50 people and injuring 60. The quake caused widespread destruction, collapsing buildings and shaking neighboring regions, including Nepal and parts of India.

A devastating earthquake in China's remote Tibet region killed at least 53 people and collapsed "many buildings" on Tuesday, state media reported, with tremors also felt in neighbouring Nepal's capital Kathmandu and parts of India.
Videos published by China's state broadcaster CCTV showed houses destroyed with walls torn apart.
Rescue workers waded through rubble strewn across the ruins in the aftermath of the earthquake, footage showed, while some gave locals thick blankets to keep warm.
Surveillance images published by CCTV showed people running through a store's aisles as shelves shook violently, sending objects like toys tumbling to the ground.
In the town of Lhatse, videos geolocated by AFP showed debris scattered in front of streetside eateries.
The powerful quake struck Dingri county with a magnitude of 6.8 near the border with Nepal at 9:05 am (0105 GMT), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The US Geological Survey reported the tremor as magnitude 7.1.
"Fifty-three people have been confirmed dead and 62 injured as of Tuesday noon, after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Dingri County in the city of Xigaze in Xizang Autonomous Region at 9:05 am Tuesday," Xinhua news agency said.
Over 1,000 houses have sustained varying degrees of damage, it added.
"Dingri county and its surrounding areas experienced very strong tremors, and many buildings near the epicentre have collapsed," state broadcaster CCTV said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday emphasised "the full-scale search and rescue efforts, minimizing casualties to the greatest extent possible, properly resettling affected residents, and ensuring their safety and warmth through the winter", CCTV added.
Xinhua said that "local authorities are reaching out to various townships in the county to assess the impact of the quake".
Temperatures in Dingri are around minus 8 degrees Celsius (17.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and will drop to minus 18 this evening, according to the China Meteorological Administration.
Disaster relief aid, including cotton tents, quilts and items for high-altitude and frigid areas, had been dispatched by central authorities to areas impacted by the quake, Xinhua said.
The high-altitude county in the Tibet region is home to around 62,000 people and situated on the Chinese side of Mount Everest.
While earthquakes are common in the region, Tuesday's quake was the most powerful recorded within a 200-kilometre radius in the last five years, the CENC added.
&nbsp;
 - 'Shook quite strongly' -
As well as Kathmandu, areas around Lobuche in Nepal in the high mountains near Everest were also rattled by the tremor and aftershocks.
"It shook quite strongly here, everyone is awake," said government official Jagat Prasad Bhusal in Nepal's Namche region, which lies nearer to Everest.
But no damage or deaths had been reported so far and security forces had been deployed, Nepali Home Minister spokesman Rishi Ram Tiwari said.
Nepal lies on a major geological faultline where the Indian tectonic plate pushes up into the Eurasian plate, forming the Himalayas, and earthquakes are a regular occurrence.
In 2015, nearly 9,000 people died and more than 22,000 were injured when a 7.8-magnitude quake struck Nepal, destroying more than half a million homes.
Some tremors were felt in Bihar state in India but no injuries were reported.
Three people were killed and dozens injured after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck along the mountainous China-Kyrgyzstan border in January last year.
A quake in December 2023 in northwest China killed 148 people and displaced thousands in Gansu province.
That quake was China's deadliest since 2014, when more than 600 people were killed in southwestern Yunnan province.
In the December 2023 earthquake, subzero temperatures made the aid operation launched in response even more challenging, with survivors huddled around outdoor fires to keep warm.

Justin Trudeau's resignation reshapes Canadian politics. Economic and diplomatic challenges mark his leadership, setting stage for new successors. The Liberal Party prepares for a leadership transition amid Trudeau's complex legacy.

Justin Trudeau era comes to an end; What next for Canada??

Trudeau's resignation shifts Canada's political landscape. Economic troubles and diplomatic strains have shaped his leadership. As the Liberal Party seeks his successor, Canada anticipates a new political era.

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Justin Trudeau resigned as Prime Minister amid internal party pressure and declining support. Economic struggles, diplomatic tensions, and key resignations, including Chrystia Freeland&rsquo;s, ended his leadership as Canada prepares for the 2025 elections.
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After months of mounting pressure, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stepped down. Facing a crumbling political landscape, waning public support, and unrest within his own party, Trudeau announced on January 6, 2025, that he would resign once the Liberal Party selects a new leader. Until then, he will serve as a caretaker Prime Minister.
In a statement outside his official residence at Rideau Cottage, Trudeau shared, &ldquo;I intend to resign as party leader and Prime Minister after the party selects its next leader through a nationwide competitive process. This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.&rdquo;
Why Did Trudeau Resign? Trudeau&rsquo;s resignation comes at a pivotal moment. Canada&rsquo;s upcoming federal elections are just months away, and the Liberal Party, once a dominant force under Trudeau, has seen its popularity plummet. With opinion polls showing the opposition Conservatives surging ahead, Trudeau&rsquo;s leadership has been called into question by senior members of his own party.
The reasons behind his downfall are numerous:
Economic Struggles: Canada&rsquo;s economy has been in a tough spot, grappling with inflation and slow growth. The Canadian dollar continues to lose ground, and the country faces mounting trade anxieties. When former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened a 25% import duty on Canadian goods, it added to the pressure.
 The Resignation of Chrystia Freeland: In December 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned, accusing Trudeau of mismanaging the economy. Her departure was a crushing blow for his leadership and highlighted the deep rift in the Liberal Party.
 Diplomatic Tensions: Trudeau&rsquo;s foreign policy came under fire when he made controversial comments about the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. His accusations against India, with little evidence to back them up, caused a diplomatic fallout that alienated many Canadians and strained international relations.
 Internal Party Dissatisfaction: As Trudeau struggled to maintain support, pressure grew from within the Liberal Party to step aside. His leadership, once celebrated, was now seen as a liability as the party&rsquo;s fortunes dwindled.
 A Look Back at Justin Trudeau&rsquo;s Political Journey
 October 2013: Trudeau took over as leader of the Liberal Party, which was in disarray and out of power for years. With his charisma and fresh approach, he began rebuilding the party from the ground up.
October 2015: The Liberal Party made a stunning comeback under Trudeau&rsquo;s leadership, winning the federal election. Trudeau became Canada&rsquo;s Prime Minister, promising change and a new direction for the country.
December 2017: Trudeau was found guilty of violating the Federal Conflict of Interest Act after accepting gifts and vacations from the Aga Khan, a prominent philanthropist. This scandal marred his reputation, but he managed to weather the storm.
February 2019: The SNC-Lavalin scandal shook Trudeau&rsquo;s government. He was accused of improperly pressuring the justice minister to intervene in a criminal case involving a major construction firm, further damaging his political standing.
October 2019: Trudeau&rsquo;s party won the federal election but fell short of a majority. He was forced to lead a minority government, relying on support from opposition parties to pass legislation.
September 2021: Trudeau called a snap election, hoping to secure a majority. The election results, however, left him with another minority government, which further weakened his position.
September 2024: The New Democratic Party (NDP) withdrew its support, leaving Trudeau with fewer allies and increasing the instability of his government.
November 2024: Trump&rsquo;s threat of a 25% import duty on Canadian goods added to Trudeau&rsquo;s troubles, further undermining his credibility and political capital.
December 16, 2024: The resignation of Chrystia Freeland, along with her sharp criticism of Trudeau&rsquo;s handling of the economy, deepened the cracks in the Liberal Party and further isolated the Prime Minister.
December 20, 2024: NDP leader Jagmeet Singh announced that his party would introduce a no-confidence motion when Parliament reconvened in January 2025, signaling that Trudeau&rsquo;s time in office was nearing its end.
January 6, 2025: In a final acknowledgment of the pressure mounting against him, Trudeau confirmed his resignation, ensuring the Liberal Party would choose a new leader to lead the country into the 2025 federal elections.
The Future of Canadian Leadership As Trudeau steps down, speculation begins about who will take the reins of the Liberal Party. Several high-profile figures are in the running, including:
Chrystia Freeland, former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mark Carney, former Bank of Canada Governor Melanie Joly, Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, Industry Minister Anita Anand, Transport Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
 Whoever takes over will face a difficult challenge in restoring confidence in the Liberal Party and navigating Canada&rsquo;s increasingly polarized political environment. With the 2025 election just months away, Canada&rsquo;s political future remains uncertain, and the heat of politics is far from over. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation, US President-elect Donald Trump has renewed his proposal to make Canada the 51st state of the United States.

Justin Trudeau Resigns; Trump Reignites Proposal for Canada as 51st US State

Following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation, US President-elect Donald Trump has renewed his proposal to make Canada the 51st state of the United States.

Following the resignation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has revived his contentious idea of merging Canada into the United States as its 51st state.
Trudeau, 53, announced his resignation under pressure from his Liberal Party, which has faced waning support ahead of the general elections later this year. He confirmed he would remain as prime minister until the party selects a new leader.
Trump, 78, who had a strained relationship with Trudeau during his first presidential term, has repeatedly hinted at the prospect of Canada joining the U.S. His proposal gained renewed attention after his meeting with Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago following Trump&rsquo;s November 5 electoral win. Since then, he has mentioned the idea multiple times on social media.
&ldquo;Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned,&rdquo; Trump posted on Truth Social.
Elaborating further, Trump added, &ldquo;If Canada merged with the US, there would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!&rdquo;
Trump&rsquo;s remarks have yet to prompt significant reactions from Canadian officials. However, his suggestion adds fuel to an already complex relationship between the two nations.
Trump has also warned of imposing a 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports if action is not taken to address illicit drug trafficking and illegal migration from Canada&rsquo;s southern border. In several of his posts, Trump has even mockingly referred to Trudeau as the &ldquo;Governor of the Great State of Canada.&rdquo;
While Trump&rsquo;s comments have drawn attention, the feasibility of such a proposal remains dubious, with both political and public sentiment in Canada unlikely to support such a drastic move.

Nepal's airlines suspend helicopter flights to the Everest region due to local protests over environmental concerns and loss of income from trekkers. The suspension follows growing tensions between local officials, aviation authorities & businesses.

Nepal suspends helicopters in Everest region after protests

Nepal's airlines suspend helicopter flights to the Everest region due to local protests over environmental concerns and loss of income from trekkers. The suspension follows growing tensions between local officials, aviation authorities, and businesses.

Nepal's airlines have halted helicopter flights to the Everest region after locals angry at the environmental impact and loss of income from trekkers threatened landing sites, aviation officials said Monday.
Helicopters are a key means of transport and crucial for emergency rescue in many of Nepal's remote regions, often inaccessible by road.
But they have also been increasingly used to airlift mountaineering teams and tourists over the challenging terrains in the Sagarmatha National Park, home to Mount Everest.
For those who can afford the $1,000 price tag, helicopters reduce the two-week long trek to Everest base camp to just a day -- removing a key source of employment for Nepalis supporting those making the long hike in.
The Airlines Operators Association of Nepal grounded all helicopter flights to the region on Sunday citing security challenges.
It said local youths had erected barriers of flags at landing sites, and threatened action against pilots who land.
"We have suspended all our helicopter flights to the Everest region until the government gives assurance of security for helicopter pilots and a separate spot for emergency landing," Pratap Jung Pandey, first-vice president of the association, told AFP.
The suspension comes after escalating arguments between the aviation authorities, companies and local officials.
Over 50,000 tourists visit the Everest region every year, mostly entering either in a plane or a helicopter.
According to the association, the Everest region sees about 15 helicopter flights per day in the winter, a number that can surge to 60 daily during the peak tourist season.
Sagarmatha National Park in December issued a notice banning commercial sight-seeing helicopter flights from January, sparking a conflict with aviation officials.
"Geologically, this a very sensitive area and the rampant helicopter flights are disturbing the environment," the park's conservation officer Sushma Rana told AFP in December, after the ban was announced.
"The local businesses are also losing out because the trekkers are whisked away by flights."
Local officials said the suspension was announced while negotiations had been ongoing.
"We are going to hold talks to resolve this issue," said Laxman Adhikari, a local ward official.

China plans to construct the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River, near the Indian border, raising concerns over ecological impact and downstream water rights.

China says its world's biggest dam over Brahmaputra will not impact water flows to India

China plans to construct the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River, near the Indian border, raising concerns over ecological impact and downstream water rights.

China on Monday reiterated its plan to build the world's biggest dam over the Brahmaputra River in Tibet near the Indian border, saying the planned project has gone through rigorous scientific verification and will not have any negative impact on downstream countries -- India and Bangladesh.&nbsp;
The project, estimated to cost around USD 137 billion, is located in the ecologically fragile Himalayan region along a tectonic plate boundary where earthquakes occur frequently.
China's construction of the hydropower project over in the Yarlung Tsangpo River (the Tibetan name for Brahmaputra River) downstream has gone through rigorous scientific verification and will not have any negative impact on the ecological environment, geology and water resources of the downstream countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry's new spokesman Guo Jiakun told a media briefing here.
On the contrary, it will be conducive to downstream disaster prevention and mitigation and response to climate change to a certain extent, he said, replying to a question that India has expressed its concerns over the dam and the issue figured in the Indian officials talks with the visiting and US National Security Advisor Sullivan.
Sullivan, currently visiting Delhi, held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday broadly reviewing the trajectory of the India-US global strategic partnership in the last four years under the Biden administration.
Sullivan is on a visit to India two weeks ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th president of the US.
Last month, China approved plans to build a dam over the Brahmaputra River called Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet close to the Indian border.
As per the plan, the massive dam will be built at a huge gorge in the Himalayan reaches where the Brahmaputra makes a huge U-turn to flow into Arunachal Pradesh and then to Bangladesh.
In its first reaction to the proposed dam on Jan 3, India urged China to ensure that the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra are not harmed by activities in upstream areas.
"We will continue to monitor and take necessary measures to protect our interests," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told media in Delhi.
"As a lower riparian state with established user rights to the waters of the river, we have consistently expressed, through expert-level as well as diplomatic channels, our views and concerns to the Chinese side over mega projects on rivers in their territory," Jaiswal said.
"These have been reiterated, along with the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries, following the latest report," he said.
"The Chinese side has been urged to ensure that the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra are not harmed by activities in upstream areas," he added.
On Dec 27, another Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, defended China&rsquo;s plan to build the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, saying the project will not negatively affect lower riparian states and that safety issues have been addressed through decades of studies.
"The project will not negatively affect the lower reaches," she said, referring to the concerns in India and Bangladesh, which are the lower riparian states.
China will continue to maintain communication with countries at the lower reaches through existing channels and step up cooperation on disaster prevention and relief for the benefit of the people by the river," she said.
She said China's hydropower development in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River aims to speed up the development of clean energy and respond to climate change and extreme hydrological disasters.

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