Name: Japanese army helicopter carrying 10 crew members missing
Uploaded: 2023-04-06T20:04:56.000+05:30
Duration: T00M27S
Channel: AP
Description: It said four patrol ships are participating in the search but have not found any traces of the missing aircraft.

S Jaishankar at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrates the Indian diaspora's contributions worldwide. He highlights the diaspora as a bridge of culture and economy, emphasizing India's support through modernized consular services.

China voices concern over Syrian appointments of ETIM fighters to senior military roles

At Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, S Jaishankar applauds the Indian diaspora's global contributions, portraying it as a cultural and economic bridge. Emphasizing India's support, he highlights initiatives enhancing diaspora welfare.

China expresses concern over Syria's appointment of foreign terrorist fighters, including members of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), to senior military roles, urging Syria to prevent terrorism that threatens global security.

&nbsp; China has expressed serious concern over the Syrian government&rsquo;s recent decision to appoint foreign terrorist fighters, particularly from the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), to senior military positions. ETIM, a banned militant group, is active in China&rsquo;s restive Xinjiang province.
Fu Cong, China&rsquo;s permanent representative to the UN, raised these concerns during a UN Security Council briefing on Syria. He criticized the Syrian regime for promoting several foreign militants, including members of the ETIM, into high-ranking military positions. Fu urged Syria to fulfill its counter-terrorism obligations and prevent any terrorist groups from using its territory to threaten other nations' security.
Reports indicate that the Syrian Army, under the leadership of de facto head Ahmed al-Sharaa, has recently appointed 50 new military officials, six of whom are foreign fighters, including ETIM members. Among the new appointees are Chinese Uighurs, a Jordanian, and a Turkish national, all promoted to positions such as colonels and brigadier-generals.
The restructuring of Syria&rsquo;s military is believed to be orchestrated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group now in control of the country after the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad. These appointments appear to be rewards for fighters who helped bring down Assad's regime.
For China, the ETIM&rsquo;s presence in Syria is particularly alarming. The group is accused of orchestrating militant attacks in Xinjiang, where Uighur Muslims have long been dissatisfied with the settlement of ethnic Han Chinese. Beijing has responded by deploying heavy security forces in the region for over a decade. Additionally, China remains wary of the ETIM's influence in Afghanistan, where the group may find refuge under the Taliban regime.
Fu Cong emphasized the critical state of affairs in Syria, calling for greater international cooperation to support the country in achieving stability and development.

Several Hollywood celebrities, including Mandy Moore and Paris Hilton, have been displaced by the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, particularly in the Pacific Palisades area. 

Hollywood stars among many Los Angeles residents affected by devastating wildfires

Several Hollywood celebrities, including Mandy Moore and Paris Hilton, have been displaced by the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, particularly in the Pacific Palisades area.&nbsp;

A high-level meeting between Indian officials and Taliban representatives took place in Dubai to discuss strengthening ties across various sectors including humanitarian aid, trade, regional security, and cultural exchange.

India and Afghan Taliban government hold crucial talks in Dubai

A high-level meeting between Indian officials and Taliban representatives took place in Dubai to discuss strengthening ties across various sectors including humanitarian aid, trade, regional security, and cultural exchange.

A high-level meeting between senior Indian officials and the Afghan Taliban leadership took place in Dubai on Wednesday. Representing India was Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, while Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of the Taliban government, represented Afghanistan.
This meeting is seen as a significant step in reviving and fostering bilateral ties, which have remained largely dormant since the Taliban&rsquo;s return to power in 2021. Despite limited engagement, New Delhi has continued providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Foreign Secy <a href="https://twitter.com/VikramMisri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VikramMisri</a> met Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai today. Both sides discussed 🇮🇳's ongoing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, bilateral issues and security situation in the region. India reiterated its commitment to&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/a3UyuIqkAG">pic.twitter.com/a3UyuIqkAG</a>
&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1876979447175217450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The primary agenda of the Dubai meeting was to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including humanitarian aid, developmental assistance, trade, commerce, sports, cultural exchanges, regional security, and critical infrastructure projects. One focal point of the discussions was the Chabahar Port in Iran, which serves as a strategic supply route for goods to Afghanistan. While India and Afghanistan share a land border, it has remained inaccessible due to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). 
Commitments and Support During the meeting, India pledged further humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, with priority placed on healthcare, medicine supply, and refugee rehabilitation. Over recent years, New Delhi has provided significant aid, including 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat, 300 tonnes of medicines, earthquake relief aid, vaccines, hygiene kits, and other essential supplies.
The Afghan foreign minister expressed gratitude for India&rsquo;s continued support and engagement with the Afghan people. India's Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its readiness to address the urgent developmental needs of Afghanistan. "In view of the current need for development activities, it was decided that India would consider engaging in development projects in the near future," a statement from the ministry confirmed. 
Regional Security and Strategic Projects Kabul assured India of its sensitivity to regional security concerns, emphasizing full cooperation on this front. A joint statement highlighted the agreement to further utilize Chabahar Port to support trade, commercial activities, and humanitarian aid delivery.
Foreign Secretary Misri also underscored India&rsquo;s deep-rooted cultural and historical ties with Afghanistan. "The foreign secretary underlined India's historic friendship with the Afghan people and the strong people-to-people contacts between the two countries," noted the ministry.
&nbsp;
Strengthening Sporting Ties Sports, particularly cricket&mdash;a shared passion in both nations&mdash;was also discussed during the talks. Both sides agreed to explore ways to strengthen their sporting connections. 
&nbsp;
Regional Tensions and Pakistan&rsquo;s Airstrikes The Dubai meeting followed India&rsquo;s strong condemnation of Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan earlier this week. On December 24, Pakistani airstrikes in Barmal district, Paktika province, killed 46 people, including women and children. This marked the second such strike in 2024, with a similar attack in March claiming eight lives, including children.
In response to the airstrikes, India issued a sharp statement: &ldquo;We unequivocally condemn any attack on innocent civilians. It is an old practice of Pakistan to blame its neighbors for its own internal failures,&rdquo; said the foreign ministry.
&nbsp;
 Historical Context The Taliban, a predominantly Pashtun group, refers to itself as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Initially forming a government in 1996, the Taliban was ousted in 2001 by the US-led coalition following the 9/11 attacks. However, in 2021, the group regained power after the abrupt withdrawal of US forces, establishing itself as the governing authority in Afghanistan.
This meeting in Dubai marks a key effort by India and Afghanistan to navigate complex geopolitical challenges while strengthening mutual cooperation in the region.

Raging wildfires in Los Angeles claim five lives, destroy 1,500 buildings, and displace over 100,000 residents. 

Deadly Los Angeles Wildfires Destroy 1,500 Buildings, Force 100,000 Evacuations

Raging wildfires in Los Angeles claim five lives, destroy 1,500 buildings, and displace over 100,000 residents.&nbsp;

At least five people have been killed in wildfires rampaging around Los Angeles, officials said Wednesday, with firefighters overwhelmed by the speed and ferocity of multiple blazes -- including in Hollywood.
Up to 1,500 buildings have burned in fires wreaking havoc around America's second biggest city, forcing over 100,000 people from their homes.
Hurricane-force winds whipped up fireballs that leapt from house to house, incinerating swathes of California's most desirable real estate.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said his crews were struggling with the scale and speed of the unfolding disasters.
"We're doing the very best we can. But no, we don't have enough fire personnel in LA County between all the departments to handle this," he said.
On Wednesday evening, a new fire erupted in the Hollywood Hills, just a few hundred meters (yards) from the storied Hollywood Boulevard -- home to sights such as the Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Walk of Fame and the El Capitan Theatre.
An evacuation order was put in place for a number of streets in the historic district, as firefighters took to the skies to dump water on the blaze.
"There is no time to delay," Margaret Stewart of LAFD said.
"We do not want people stuck. We want everyone safely exiting, get in your vehicles, grab your friend who doesn't have a car, and head south."
The sudden eruption created gridlock on Hollywood's streets, hampering efforts by people who live in the area -- a mixture of ritzy homes and rent-controlled apartments -- to leave.
Sharon Ibarra, 29, told AFP she had rushed into Hollywood when she heard of the blaze to see if she could help her boss with her two babies.
"I am super nervous, scared because of everything that has happened in the other places," she said.
"Thank God there is not much wind like yesterday."
That wind -- with gusts up to 100 miles (160 kilometers) an hour -- spread the fire around the ritzy Pacific Palisades neighborhood with lightning speed.
At least 16,000 acres (6,500 hectares) had burned there, with 1,000 homes and businesses razed.
A separate 10,600-acre (4,300-hectare) fire was burning around Altadena, north of the city, where flames tore through suburban streets.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said five people were known to have perished, with more deaths feared.
William Gonzales got out alive, but his Altadena home was gone.
"We have lost practically everything; the flames have consumed all our dreams," he told AFP. 
- Hydrants run dry -
Pasadena fire chief Chad Augustin said up to 500 buildings had been lost to the flames there.
He hailed the bravery of first responders. "Our death count today would be significantly higher without their heroic actions," Augustin told reporters.
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power chief executive Janisse Quinones pleaded with people to save water after hydrants in Pacific Palisades ran dry.
President-elect Donald Trump took to his social media platform on Wednesday to claim -- wrongly -- that the lack of water was the result of the state's environmental policies.
In fact, much of Los Angeles' water comes from the Colorado River, and farming -- rather than residential use or firefighting -- takes the lion's share of all water that flows into Southern California.
US President Joe Biden cancelled a trip to Italy this week to focus on the federal response to the fires.
"We're doing anything and everything, and as long as it takes to contain these fires," Biden earlier told reporters. 
- Dryness -
Having razed perhaps hundreds of multimillion-dollar homes, the Pacific Palisades fire looked set to be one of the costliest blazes on record.
AccuWeather said it estimated up to $57 billion of losses.
More than 300,000 households were without electricity in the region, according to Poweroutage.us. Utilities in California frequently de-energize lines during high winds to minimize the risk of new fires.
Wildfires are part of life in the US West and play a vital role in nature.
But scientists say human-caused climate change is altering weather patterns.
Southern California had two decades of drought that were followed by two exceptionally wet years, which sparked furious vegetative growth -- leaving the region packed with fuel and primed to burn -- and then has had no significant rain for eight months.
Meteorologist Daniel Swain said the fierce winds are stronger than the usual seasonal Santa Ana winds, but are not unexpected.
"The winds are the driver, but the real catalyst... is this incredible antecedent dryness," he said.
"That's something that we haven't seen in records going back to the 1800s."

India has extended the visa of Sheikh Hasina, the former Bangladesh Prime Minister, who has been residing in Delhi since fleeing the country amid protests.

India extends visa for Sheikh Hasina amid growing extradition calls: Reports

India has extended the visa of Sheikh Hasina, the former Bangladesh Prime Minister, who has been residing in Delhi since fleeing the country amid protests.

India has reportedly extended the visa of Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh, who has been residing in India since fleeing violent protests in August 2024. The extension comes amidst growing pressure from Bangladesh's interim government, which has called for her extradition.
Contrary to rumors, Indian officials clarified that Hasina has not been granted asylum. They stressed that India does not have specific asylum laws, and the visa extension is a technical move to allow her continued stay. Hasina is reportedly living under heavy security at a safe house in Delhi.
The request for Hasina's extradition was made on December 23, 2024, by Bangladesh&rsquo;s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Dhaka&rsquo;s authorities have charged her with involvement in violence and disappearances during the 2024 protests.
Earlier this week, the interim government revoked Hasina&rsquo;s passport, along with those of 96 others, accusing them of being involved in the violent uprising in July 2024, which resulted in many deaths and incidents of enforced disappearances. Among the revoked documents, 22 were linked to disappearances, while the remaining 75 were associated with the violence during the protests, including Hasina&rsquo;s.
Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued an arrest warrant for Hasina and 11 other individuals for alleged involvement in these disappearances. The tribunal has set a deadline of February 12, 2025, for the apprehension of the accused.
ICT Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumder has underscored the necessity of a thorough investigation. The Inspector General of Police has been tasked with ensuring the arrest and presentation of the accused.
Since the fall of the Awami League government, over 60 complaints have been filed with the ICT, implicating Hasina, her allies, and law enforcement officials in severe crimes like genocide, enforced disappearances, and deaths. The interim government has also submitted a preliminary report suggesting that Hasina, her associates, and possibly officials from India, were involved in these unlawful activities.

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck Tibet’s remote Tingri county, killing at least 126 people. Rescuers face freezing conditions and collapsed infrastructure while searching for survivors.

126 dead as powerful earthquake hits Tibet, rescue efforts underway

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck Tibet&rsquo;s remote Tingri county, killing at least 126 people. Rescuers face freezing conditions and collapsed infrastructure while searching for survivors.

Thousands of rescuers were searching for survivors in freezing conditions Wednesday after a devastating earthquake in Tibet region killed at least 126 people.
Videos published by state broadcaster CCTV on Wednesday showed rescue workers pulling injured victims from the rubble of collapsed buildings and carrying them to safety.
Footage also showed a man in a dusty, thick winter coat carrying a crying child piggyback as a rescue worker draped a jacket over him.
Rescues were also seen setting up makeshift tents and examining the injured inside.
At least 126 people have been confirmed dead and 188 others injured in the Tuesday morning quake that struck rural, high-altitude Tingri county, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Mount Everest near Tibet's border with Nepal.
Local officials said at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon that there had been no increases in the number of people killed or injured since the last update on Tuesday night.
More than 3,600 houses had collapsed due to the earthquake and 187 relocation sites have been set up, accommodating 46,500 people, said Hong Li, director of Tibet's Emergency Management Department.
The affected region is a "high-altitude, cold plateau area with weak infrastructure such as transportation, communication, and electricity", Hong said.
"The climate is cold, with large temperature differences between day and night, and low nighttime temperatures, making it difficult to maintain warmth and protect against the cold," Hong said, adding that search and rescue efforts have transitioned to the resettlement of affected residents and post-disaster reconstruction.
The temperature in Tingri will drop to as low as minus 16 degrees Celsius (3.2 Fahrenheit) Thursday morning, according to the China Meteorological Administration. The county sits at an average altitude of 4,500 metres above sea level.
Authorities earlier said more than 12,000 people, including firefighters, soldiers, police officers and professional rescuers, had been deployed, Xinhua reported.
Aid including tents, quilts and cold-weather equipment had been dispatched by central authorities, it added.
When tourist Meng Lingkang arrived in the town of Lhatse, 65 kilometres from the epicentre, he saw "the buildings had cracked open".
"Some of the older houses collapsed, and a large part of the buildings made from bricks had cracked open, with big fissures," the 23-year-old told AFP.
"There were quite a few (rescue vehicles). One after the other they arrived," he added.
&nbsp;
- 'Profoundly saddened' -
The China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) measured the quake's magnitude as 6.8, while the US Geological Survey reported it as 7.1.
The area most affected is surrounded by mountainous terrain on the Chinese side of Everest.
Tingri, the epicentre, is home to around 62,000 people and much less developed than urban centres like Tibet's capital Lhasa.
Many of the fallen houses appeared constructed of traditional materials such as stone, mud bricks and wooden beams.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for "all-out search and rescue efforts", CCTV said.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "profoundly saddened" by the lives lost in the earthquake.
"The United Nations is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to provide support if requested," Guterres said in a statement.
French President Emmanuel Macron offered assistance to those affected, while Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed their condolences.
Tingri is under the administration of the prefecture-level city of Shigatse, home to the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, one of the most important spiritual figures in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama.
The Dalai Lama said he was "deeply saddened".
"I offer my prayers for those who have lost their lives and extend my wishes for a swift recovery to all who have been injured," the exiled spiritual leader said in a statement.
AFP is unable to report from Tibet due to restrictions on foreign media.
Beijing imposes strict control on access to the Himalayan region, which it considers an inalienable part of its territory.
China took control of Tibet in 1951 before the Dalai Lama fled into exile in 1959.
Tibet had previously been largely autonomous, following the fall of the Qing dynasty which lasted three centuries.
&nbsp;
- Most powerful -
In addition to capital Kathmandu, areas around Nepal's Lobuche -- in the high mountains near Everest -- were also rattled by the tremor and aftershocks on Tuesday.
No injuries or deaths have been reported so far in the country or in India, where tremors were felt in Bihar state.
Tuesday's quake was the most powerful recorded within a 200-kilometre radius in the last five years, the CENC said.
A quake in December 2023 in northwest China killed 148 people and displaced thousands in Gansu province.

A fierce wildfire in Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades forces evacuations, with firefighters battling intense flames fueled by powerful winds. 

Wildfire sparks panicked evacuations in Los Angeles suburb

A fierce wildfire in Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades forces evacuations, with firefighters battling intense flames fueled by powerful winds.&nbsp;

A ferocious wildfire in a Los Angeles suburb, home to many Hollywood celebrities, devoured buildings and sparked panicked evacuations Tuesday, as hurricane-force winds tore through the region.
Frightened residents abandoned their cars on one of the only roads in and out of the upscale Pacific Palisades area, fleeing on foot from the almost 3,000-acre (1,200-hectare) blaze engulfing an area packed with multimillion-dollar homes in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Firefighters used bulldozers to push dozens of vehicles -- including expensive models such as BMWs, Teslas and Mercedes -- to one side, leaving many crumpled and with their alarms blaring. Some celebrities posted comments and pictures on social media platforms.
Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said despite the chaotic evacuation, there were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries.
Hundreds of firefighters swarmed the area, attacking the blaze from the ground and the air, while crews worked through steep terrain to cut back vegetation and create firebreaks.
Around 30,000 people were ordered to evacuate the fast-spreading flames, which leveled multiple homes as powerful winds spread embers far and wide.
Velma Wright, 102, was evacuated from a care facility as embers and flames approached in Pasadena, an AFP photographer saw.
Trees and vegetation around the prestigious Getty Villa Museum were burned, but the structure and collections were spared, the museum said in a post on X.
The Getty, set up by US oil billionaire and collector J. Paul Getty and one of the world's richest art museums, houses Greek and Roman antiquities in a re-created Roman country home.
Actor James Woods posted a video on X showing flames engulfing trees and bushes near his home as he got ready to evacuate and shortly afterward said all the fire alarms were going off.
"I couldn't believe our lovely little home in the hills held on this long. It feels like losing a loved one," Woods said.
Across town, on the northern edge of Los Angeles, another fire broke out in Eaton Canyon, near Pasadena, quickly consuming 200 acres (81 hectares) Tuesday night, according to Angeles National Forest officials.
US President Joe Biden -- who was in Los Angeles for a planned announcement on new national monuments -- said he was "being frequently briefed on the wildfires" and has offered "any federal assistance that is needed."
&nbsp;
- 'Everyone panicked' -
The fire erupted midmorning and swelled quickly, taking many residents by surprise.
One man, who gave his name as Gary, told broadcaster KTLA that hot ashes were raining down on his community of Sea Ridge.
"There was smoke in the distance, and I was assured that it would not come over the hill... Five minutes later, it's coming down the hill," he said.
"Everyone panicked, that's when everybody made a run and went to go and pack their houses up."
Evacuee Kelsey Trainor said she saw the fire explode in size as she was fleeing.
"By the time we got to the bottom of the hill, which is about two or three miles, there were flames on both sides of the road, and it became gridlocked," she said.
"No one knew what to do. Everyone was honking their horns. There's flames all around you.
"I could see people walking with suitcases, with their dogs, children. An elderly woman was really visibly upset and in tears."
Pacific Palisades resident Andrew Hires told AFP he got a text alerting him to the fire as his child was at the dentist about to have a tooth extracted.
"We pulled off the mask and ran to the car," he said.
&nbsp;
- 'A rough night' -
The fire came as the area was being hit by seasonal Santa Ana winds that forecasters said could develop into the worst windstorm in a decade, with gusts of up to 100 miles (160 kilometers) an hour expected.
"This looks pretty, pretty concerning," said meteorologist Daniel Swain.
"It's going to be, I think, a rough night. And what's going on now is only just the beginning, because weather conditions are going to get a lot worse."
With a huge pall of smoke visible over the whole of Los Angeles, events throughout the area were cancelled, including a red-carpet premiere of Jennifer Lopez's new film "Unstoppable."
Wildfires are an expected part of life in the US West and play a vital role in nature.
But scientists say human-caused climate change is altering weather patterns.
Southern California had two decades of drought that were followed by two exceptionally wet years, which sparked furious vegetative growth -- leaving the region packed with fuel and primed to burn.

The body of late US President Jimmy Carter was transferred to the US Capitol, where it will lie in state until his state funeral later this week. The solemn military ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Vice President Kamala Harris. 

Jimmy Carter's Body Transferred to US Capitol for Lying in State

The body of late US President Jimmy Carter was transferred to the US Capitol, where it will lie in state until his state funeral later this week. The solemn military ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Vice President Kamala Harris.&nbsp;

The body of late US president Jimmy Carter was transferred Tuesday in a grand and solemn military ceremony to the US Capitol, where it will lie in state until a national funeral later this week.
Carter, who died on December 29 at the age of 100, served a single term from 1977-1981 and was widely praised for his post-presidential humanitarian efforts, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
His body arrived at the snow-covered US Capitol, where it will remain until Thursday, after a full day of ceremonious travel that began in his native Georgia.
A live feed by broadcaster PBS showed members of the public move through the building's rotunda to pay their respects to the late president, with many stopping to take a moment of silence with their hands clasped.
"I paid my respects to President Jimmy Carter as he lies in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda today," US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on X. "On behalf of the entire Department of Defense, we join the Carter family and all Americans in celebrating this extraordinary life, legacy, and service to our nation."
Having been flown to Washington aboard a presidential US Air Force jet, Carter's flag-draped casket was carried atop a gun carriage in a funeral procession from the US Navy Memorial -- an ode to his military service on submarines -- to Capitol Hill, tracing the opposite route he took during his inauguration parade.
Hundreds of US service members accompanied the procession down Pennsylvania Avenue, which was cleared of snow from a recent winter storm that has prompted federal office and school closures in the area.
Military pallbearers then carried his casket up to the Capitol Rotunda where a short service was held, with Carter's family, members of Congress and other dignitaries including Chief Justice John Roberts and Vice President Kamala Harris in attendance.
Carter is the 13th former US president to lie in state in the Capitol. Abraham Lincoln, assassinated in 1865, was the first.
The ceremony has taken on added significance, coming a day after the anniversary of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, in which Donald Trump's supporters stormed the building in an attempt to block certification of Joe Biden's election victory.
On Monday, Congress certified Trump's win over Harris without any disruptions and with the complex under very heavy security.
A state funeral service is to be held Thursday at the National Cathedral, an Episcopal church in Washington that also hosted funerals for former presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush.
Current President Biden is to deliver the eulogy for his fellow Democrat.
All four living former presidents -- Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Trump -- are expected to attend.
Biden has declared Thursday a national day of mourning, with federal government offices to be closed for the day.
He has also ordered flags to half-staff for 30 days as is customary, which means that will be the case during Trump's January 20 inauguration, something the Republican has criticized.
The first president to reach triple digits, Carter had been in hospice care since February 2023 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, where he died and will be buried next to his late wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter.

President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Hamas, demanding the release of hostages held in Gaza before his January 20 inauguration. 

Trump Warns Hamas: Release Hostages Before Inauguration

President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Hamas, demanding the release of hostages held in Gaza before his January 20 inauguration.&nbsp;

US President-elect Donald Trump has warned that &ldquo;all hell will break out in the Middle East&rdquo; if the hostages being held by Hamas are not released by Inauguration Day, repeating the threat four times.
Trump did not elaborate on what actions he might take if the captives are not released by the time he takes office.
Officials say about 100 hostages, including some Americans, who were seized on October 7, 2023, remain captive in Gaza, though they believe many of them may have died in captivity.
&ldquo;All hell will break out. If those hostages aren&rsquo;t back, I don&rsquo;t want to hurt your negotiation, if they&rsquo;re not back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East,&rdquo; Trump told reporters at a news conference in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.
Trump will be sworn in on January 20 as the 47th President of the United States.
He was responding to a question on the status of negotiations with Hamas on the release of American hostages. His Special Envoy to the Middle East Steven Charles Witkoff, who has just returned from the region, told reporters that they are on the verge of it.
&ldquo;I believe we&rsquo;ve been on the verge of it. I don&rsquo;t want to discuss sort of what&rsquo;s delayed it, no point in being negative in any way. But I think it&rsquo;s the president, his stature, what he&rsquo;s said he expects, the red lines he&rsquo;s put out there, that&rsquo;s driving this negotiation,&rdquo; Witkoff said.
Noting that they are making a lot of progress, he said: &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want to say too much because I think they&rsquo;re doing a really good job back in Doha. I&rsquo;m leaving tomorrow to go back to Doha. But I think that we&rsquo;ve had some really great progress and I&rsquo;m really hopeful that by the inauguration we&rsquo;ll have some good things to announce on behalf of the president.&rdquo;
&ldquo;I actually believe that we&rsquo;re working in tandem in a really good way, but it&rsquo;s the president, his reputation, the things that he has said that are driving this negotiation. So hopefully it&rsquo;ll all work out and we&rsquo;ll save some lives,&rdquo; Witkoff said.
Negotiations between Hamas and Israel are ongoing in Qatar, with Hamas this week naming 34 hostages in Gaza &mdash; including two dual US citizens &mdash; it would be willing to release in a ceasefire deal, the National Public Radio reported.
Trump, in response to a question, warned Hamas to release all the hostages by January 20.
&ldquo;It will not be good for Hamas and it will not be good frankly for anyone. All hell will break out. I don&rsquo;t have to say anymore, but that&rsquo;s what it is. They should have given them back a long time ago &mdash; they should have never taken them. There should have never been the attack of October 7th. People forget that, but there was and many people were killed,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;They&rsquo;re no longer hostages. I have people from Israel and others calling, begging me to get &mdash; we also had people there from the United States just so you know. They&rsquo;re holding some so-called hostages from the US, but I&rsquo;ve had mothers come to me and fathers crying, can I get the body of their son back? Can I get the body of their daughter back?&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;That beautiful girl where they threw her in the car, pulled her by her ponytail and threw her in the car like she was a sack of potatoes. I said, what happened to her? Sir, she&rsquo;s dead. Like a 19, 20-year-old, beautiful girl. The way they treated her,&rdquo; he said as he applauded his special envoy for the progress being made so far.
&ldquo;I tell this, I don&rsquo;t want to hurt the negotiation. If the deal isn&rsquo;t done before I take office, which is now going to be two weeks, all hell will break out in the Middle East,&rdquo; Trump said.
The Biden administration has unsuccessfully tried to help broker a ceasefire in Gaza for well over a year. The first ceasefire &ndash; weeks after the October 7 attack &ndash; saw the release of dozens of hostages, but subsequent efforts to pause the fighting and secure the release of additional hostages have gone nowhere.

A devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Dingri County in Tibet, killing at least 90 people. 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 90 people. 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 95 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 in subzero temperatures.
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.
"A total of 95 people have been confirmed dead and 130 others injured as of 3 pm (0700 GMT)," Xinhua news agency said.
More than a thousand houses have been damaged, Xinhua reported earlier.
The powerful quake struck Tingri county with a magnitude of 6.8 near the border with Nepal at 9:05 am, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The US Geological Survey reported the tremor as magnitude 7.1.
Sangji Dangzhi, whose supermarket in Tingri county suffered considerable damage, described the situation as "very serious" with ambulances taking people to hospital throughout the day.
"Here the houses are made from dirt so when the earthquake came... lots of houses collapsed," the 34-year-old, who returned home from Shigatse after the quake struck, told AFP by phone.
&nbsp;
- 'Very strong tremors' -
CCTV reported that Tingri county and its surrounding areas "experienced very strong tremors, and many buildings near the epicentre have collapsed".
In the town of Lhatse, videos geolocated by AFP showed debris scattered in front of streetside eateries.
Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised "the all-out 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 Tingri 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.
Tuesday's quake was the most powerful recorded within a 200-kilometre (124-mile) 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 have 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.

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It said four patrol ships are participating in the search but have not found any traces of the missing aircraft.

Japanese army helicopter carrying 10 crew members missing

Japan's coast guard says it is searching for an army helicopter carrying 10 crew members that went missing off a southern Japanese island.

It said four patrol ships are participating in the search but have not found any traces of the missing aircraft.

Japan's coast guard says it is searching for an army helicopter carrying 10 crew members that went missing off a southern Japanese island.
The coast guard said it received information that a Ground Self-Defence Force UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter disappeared from radar on a mission on Thursday evening near Miyako island.
It said four patrol ships are participating in the search but have not found any traces of the missing aircraft.

As wildfires devastate Los Angeles, the city grapples with loss of life and property. Amidst fierce Santa Ana winds, mass evacuations, and economic repercussions, the crisis draws political and celebrity attention.

California Wildfires: A timeline of devastation and ongoing battle

The wildfire crisis in Los Angeles sees 30,000 acres aflame, homes destroyed, and lives lost. Amid mass evacuations and economic losses, the city and its celebrities face an uphill battle against nature's fury.

California's wildfires, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, have destroyed 30,000 acres and over 2,000 homes. Five deaths reported, with major economic losses. Evacuations continue as firefighters battle uncontained blazes.

Los Angeles remains engulfed in a massive wildfire crisis with no signs of relief after four days. The fires have devastated 30,000 acres of land, destroying over 2,000 homes and claiming ten lives. Hollywood celebrities, including Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, and Paris Hilton, have lost their homes in the flames.
Ongoing Impact The wildfires have forced the evacuation of 180,000 residents, with congested roads and widespread panic as people flee to safety. The fires are fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, blowing at speeds of 60 to 100 mph, accelerating the spread across the region.
Active Fires
Palisades Fire: The largest, burning between Santa Monica and Malibu, has scorched over 17,000 acres.
 Eaton Fire: North of Pasadena, covering over 10,000 acres, resulting in five deaths and numerous injuries.
Hurst Fire: Northeast of Los Angeles, burning 850 acres.
 Lidia Fire: In the hills north of Los Angeles, covering 350 acres.
 Sunset Fire: In Hollywood Hills, near the iconic Hollywood sign, has burned 50 acres. Contained Fires
Woodley Fire: A 30-acre fire in local parkland. Olivas Fire: A 11-acre blaze in Ventura County, now under control.
 Economic Toll The financial impact is staggering, with potential economic losses estimated at $50 billion. Insured losses are projected to surpass $20 billion, affecting some of the region's most valuable properties.
Political Response President Joe Biden has canceled his final foreign trip to Italy to address the wildfire crisis. As Donald Trump prepares to take office on January 20, he has criticized the current administration's response, alleging inadequate water supply for firefighting efforts.
Celebrity Impact Many celebrities have been affected, including Paris Hilton, who mourned the loss of her Malibu home, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who faced evacuation from their Montecito residence. Actress Nora Fatehi and Priyanka Chopra shared their experiences of the unfolding disaster on social media.
The wildfires continue to pose a severe threat as strong winds persist, with no immediate relief in sight. Firefighters from across the West Coast are battling tirelessly, but the battle against nature&rsquo;s fury is far from over.

She aims to advocate for the protection of educational rights and hold the Taliban accountable for their actions against Afghan women and girls.

Malala Yousafzai to visit native Pakistan for girls' summit

Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai will participate in a Pakistan-hosted summit focused on girls' education. She aims to advocate for the protection of educational rights and hold the Taliban accountable for their actions against Afghan women and girls.

Nobel peace prize laureate Malala Yousafzai will attend a summit on girls' education hosted by her native Pakistan, where she was nearly killed by militants as a schoolgirl.
Yousafzai was evacuated from the country in 2012 after being shot by the Pakistan Taliban, who were enraged by her activism, and she has returned to the country only a handful of times since.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I am excited to join Muslim leaders from around the world for a critical conference on girls&rsquo; education. On Sunday, I will speak about protecting rights for all girls to go to school, and why leaders must hold the Taliban accountable for their crimes against Afghan women &amp; girls. <a href="https://t.co/g2ymU4lTOw">https://t.co/g2ymU4lTOw</a>
&mdash; Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) <a href="https://twitter.com/Malala/status/1877477238964191261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"I am excited to join Muslim leaders from around the world for a critical conference on girls' education," she said Friday in a post on X.
"On Sunday, I will speak about protecting rights for all girls to go to school, and why leaders must hold the Taliban accountable for their crimes against Afghan women &amp; girls."
A spokesperson for her Malala Fund charity confirmed she will attend the summit in person.
The two-day summit will be held in the capital Islamabad on Saturday and Sunday, focusing on girls' education in Muslim communities.

A Canadian court has granted bail to four Indian nationals charged with the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. 

Canadian court grants bail to four Indians accused in Nijjar murder case

A Canadian court has granted bail to four Indian nationals charged with the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.&nbsp;

In a significant development, four Indian nationals charged in the 2023 murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistani leader, have been granted bail by a Canadian court. The accused&mdash;Karan Brar, Amandeep Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh&mdash;were initially arrested on charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
The case has now been moved to the British Columbia Supreme Court, with the next hearing scheduled for February 11. According to the reports, there have been delays in presenting evidence by the prosecution during preliminary hearings, which critics argue could undermine Canada&rsquo;s stance on the matter. These delays, combined with the lack of substantial evidence, have raised questions about the progress of the case.
Court documents reviewed by India Today revealed that all four accused were released under a "stay of proceedings" while awaiting trial. The status of the defendants was marked as 'N' in court records, suggesting that they are not currently in custody and could be released under specific conditions.
The murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was designated a terrorist by India&rsquo;s National Investigation Agency in 2020, has strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada. Nijjar was killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, Canada, in June 2023.
Canadian authorities arrested Karanpreet Singh (28), Kamalpreet Singh (22), and Karan Brar (22) in May 2023, with Amandeep Singh (22) arrested shortly after. The reports indicate that tensions escalated further when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a statement in Parliament suggesting "credible allegations" linking India to the killing. India strongly denied these claims, calling them politically motivated and accusing Canada of providing space for extremist elements.

Mexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum challenges Donald Trump's suggestion to rename the Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf of America" by presenting a 17th-century map and suggesting the U.S. should be called "Mexican America."

Mexico president responds to Trump's Gulf renaming suggestion

Mexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum challenges Donald Trump's suggestion to rename the Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf of America" by presenting a 17th-century map and suggesting the U.S. should be called "Mexican America."

Mexico's president took a swipe at Donald Trump on Wednesday, saying that the United States should be called "Mexican America," after Trump's vow to rename the Gulf of Mexico the "Gulf of America."
At her regular morning press conference, Claudia Sheinbaum displayed a 17th-century world map showing North America as "Mexican America."
Pointing out that the Gulf of Mexico was the name recognized by the United Nations, she turned the tables on Trump, saying: "Why don't we call it (the United States) Mexican America?"
"It sounds nice, doesn't it?"
"He talked about name, we too are talking about the name," she said, while assuring that she expected to have "good relations" with the incoming US president.
Trump, who will be sworn in for a second term on January 20, said Tuesday he planned to rename the Gulf of Mexico "the Gulf of America, which has a beautiful ring."
"It's appropriate. And Mexico has to stop allowing millions of people to pour into our country," he said.
He also claimed that Mexico was run by drug cartels, to which Sheinbaum responded that "in Mexico, the people rule."
In the run-up to his return to office, Trump has repeatedly lashed out at Mexico, threatening to impose stiff tariffs on imports from one of the United States' biggest trading partners unless it halted the flow of illegal migrants and drugs across the border.
He has also revived a threat from his first term to designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorist groups.

In Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 16 laborers were kidnapped on the way to a construction site. Their vehicle was torched in Qabal Khel. Suspicion falls on the TTP. Meanwhile, a bomb targeting security forces was defused in Tank, highlighting regiona

16 labourers abducted in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, 16 workers were kidnapped by armed individuals. Their vehicle was subsequently torched. The TTP is suspected though no claim has been made. Alongside, a bomb defusion in Tank emphasizes ongoing security concerns.

16 laborers were kidnapped by armed men in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, and their vehicle was set on fire. The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is suspected. Separately, a 25kg bomb near a security convoy was defused in Tank district.

At least 16 labourers were kidnapped by unknown armed men in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday, local police said. &nbsp; &nbsp; The labourers working on a government installation have been abducted from a vehicle enroute to a construction site. &nbsp; &nbsp; Later, the abductors set the vehicle on fire in the Qabal Khel area. &nbsp; &nbsp; No group claimed responsibility for the abduction. &nbsp; &nbsp; The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is active in the area and has been blamed for such abductions in the past. &nbsp; &nbsp; The TTP, set up as an umbrella group of several militant outfits in 2007, is believed to be close to al-Qaeda. The group has been blamed for several deadly attacks across Pakistan. &nbsp; &nbsp; Separately, the bomb disposal unit has defused a 25-kilogram bomb planted near Mehboob Ziarat check-post in the Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. &nbsp; &nbsp; The bomb was planted on the route on which a security forces convoy was about to move, local Police said.

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