Two bodies were found in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue aircraft at a South Florida airport, authorities said. In a statement to news agency AP, the airline said that the bodies were discovered in the wheel well area on Monday night at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. They were found during a routine post-flight maintenance inspection after the aircraft had arrived shortly after 11 pm from John F Kennedy International Airport in New York, AP reported. Paramedics declared both the individuals dead at the scene, the Broward County sheriff's office said on Tuesday. The agency's homicide and crime scene units are investigating, it further informed. The names of the two individuals have not been revealed. "At this time, the identities of the individuals and the circumstances surrounding how they accessed the aircraft remain under investigation," JetBlue's statement said, adding, "This is a heartbreaking situation, and we are committed to working closely with authorities to support their efforts to understand how this occurred." It appears there was "no involvement of the flight crew or operation of the airplane", the National Transportation Safety Board said in a statement on Tuesday morning. The agency was not investigating the case, it said. This is the second such case over the past month. In late December, a body was found in the wheel well of a United Airlines plane after it landed in Maui from Chicago, AP reported. In the recent months, the airline industry in the United States has also been dealing with unticketed passengers. In November, a Russian national who did not have a ticket boarded a Paris-bound Delta Air Lines flight in New York and was arrested when the plane touched down in France. According to authorities, she had bypassed security to board the flight. On Christmas Eve, a passenger without a ticket boarded a Delta Air Lines flight from Seattle to Honolulu. The passenger was discovered while the plane was taxiing for departure, Delta had stated. 2,300 flights cancelled as US faces harsh winter More than 2,300 flights were cancelled and at least 9,100 more were delayed across the United States on Monday night, AP reported. The Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport reported that about 58 per cent of arrivals and 70 per cent of departures had been cancelled. The airport announced early on Tuesday that it had reopened all runways after closing them the previous evening so that airport crews could focus on snow removal and prevent refreezing on the airfield. A record 8 inches of snow fell Sunday at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, leading to dozens of flight cancellations that lingered into Monday. (With AP inputs)
07 January,2025 10:25 PM IST | Fort Lauderdale | mid-day online correspondentA 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted the city of Xigaze in Tibet on Tuesday, killing at least 32 people and injuring 38, Chinese state media reported. According to regional disaster relief headquarters, the quake jolted Dingri County in Xigaze in Tibet Autonomous Region in China at 9:05 am Tuesday (Beijing Time), reported PTI. Thirty-two people were killed and 38 injured during the 6.8-magnitude earthquake, state-run Xinhua reported. The US Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Earthquake Centre of India put the magnitude to 7.1 saying the epicentre is located at China's Xizang of Tingri county, located 90 km North-East of Lobutse in the Khumbu Himalayan range of North-East Nepal, reported PTI. However, China recorded a magnitude of 6.8. The quake struck at a depth of 10 km, according to a report issued by the China Earthquake Networks Centre, state-run Xinhua reported. Meanwhile, in Nepal's Kathmandu, the strong earthquake forced people to run out of their houses. It was felt in Kavrepalanchwok, Sindhupalanchok Dhading and Solukhumbu districts as well. Many people came out of their houses due to panic in Kathmandu. People witnessed the trees and electric wires on the streets shaking for some time. At least half a dozen tremors with magnitude ranging from 4 to 5 were also recorded within a time span of an hour around 7 am, according to the USGS report. The tremor was strong enough to terrorise people in Nepal, who recalled the 2015 great earthquake that killed 9,000 people. However, a Nepal Police spokesperson says that so far they have not received any information regarding any major physical damage or human causality. As the epicentre lies in Tibet stronger tremors were felt by people living in Northern Nepal, Nepal Police spokesperson Bishwo Adhikari said. Speaking with ANI, Kathmandu resident Meera Adhikari said, "I was sleeping at the time when the earthquake struck. The bed was shaking and I thought my child was moving the bed. I didn't pay that much attention but the shaking of the window prompted me to think that it's an earthquake. I then hurriedly called my child and evacuated the house and came to the open ground. I am still shaking out of fear and am in shock." Tremors were also felt in Bihar's Sheohar district, authorities said. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)
07 January,2025 03:18 PM IST | Beijing | mid-day online correspondentTwo Indian companies -- Raxuter Chemicals and Athos Chemicals -- have been charged with criminal conspiracies to distribute and import fentanyl precursor chemicals to the United States. Bhavesh Lathiya, a founder and senior executive of Raxuter Chemicals, was arrested in New York on January 4 on the same charges. US Magistrate Judge Joseph A Marutollo for the Eastern District of New York has ordered detained pending trial. If convicted, Lathiya faces a maximum penalty of 53 years in prison. This is probably for the first time that Indian companies and its executives have been charged for distribution and import of fentanyl precursor chemicals to the United States. Most Chinese companies have been charged for such criminal conspiracies for distribution and import of Fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, which is considered to be the deadliest drug threat currently facing the US. It is a highly addictive synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. 'We allege these companies, and a company founder and senior executive who is now in custody, conspired to distribute and import fentanyl precursor chemicals from India to the United States and Mexico,' said Attorney General Merrick Garland on Saturday. '(We) will continue to take the fight against fentanyl directly to alleged foreign precursor chemical exporters like the companies and the individual indicted today ' because the best way to stop illicit fentanyl from killing Americans and devastating communities is by preventing it from being manufactured in the first place,' said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. In the indictment unsealed Monday, Raxuter Chemicals and Lathiya are charged with conspiracy to distribute and import a listed chemical, distribution and importation of a listed chemical knowing it would be used to manufacture fentanyl, smuggling, and other related offenses. Athos Chemicals is charged with similar offenses, including conspiracy to distribute and import a listed chemical and distribution and importation of a listed chemical. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 January,2025 08:19 AM IST | Washington | PTIHours after the resignation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, US President-elect Donald Trump on Monday renewed his offer of making Canada the 51st state of the United States. Trudeau, 53, announced to resign Monday as he was forced by his ruling Liberal Party amidst his growing unpopularity. General elections are scheduled this year. The Canadian prime minister said that he would stay on as prime minister till the party elected a new leader. Trump, 78, who never had a good relationship with Trudeau even during his first term from 2017-2021, has been floating the idea of making Canada the 51st state of the United States ever since he met Trudeau after his November 5 electoral victory in Mar-a-Lago. Thereafter, he has been mentioning this on his social media posts several times. '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,' Trump said on Truth Social. '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!!!' said the president-elect after the resignation of Trudeau on Monday. There has not been much reaction to Trump's proposal from the Canadian side. Trump has threatened to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports if Toronto is not able top stop the flow of illicit drugs and illegal migrants from its southern border with the US. In some of the posts, Trump even mocked Trudeau as 'Governor of the Great State of Canada'. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 January,2025 08:14 AM IST | Washington | PTICanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday in the face of rising discontent over his leadership, and after the abrupt departure of his finance minister signalled growing turmoil within his government. Trudeau said it had become clear to him that he cannot “be the leader during the next elections due to internal battles”. He planned to stay on as prime minister until a new leader of the Liberal Party is chosen. “I don’t easily back down faced with a fight, especially a very important one for our party and the country. But I do this job because the interests of Canadians and the well being of democracy is something that I hold dear,” he said. An official familiar with the matter said Parliament, which had been due to resume Jan 27, will be suspended until March 24. The timing will allow for a Liberal Party leadership race. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak about the matter publicly. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 January,2025 08:12 AM IST | Toronto | AgenciesRussian troops in eastern Ukraine have captured the stronghold of Kurakhove after a monthslong battle, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed on Monday, adding the wrecked town to the Kremlin’s list of conquests in the partially occupied Donetsk region during the almost three-year war. A man rides past the destroyed postal office in Kurakhove. File Pic/AP The claim, which drew no response from Ukrainian authorities, came a day after the Russian Defense Ministry said Ukrainian forces had launched a new thrust in Russia’s Kursk border region. Kurakhove is a key stronghold for the Ukrainian army on the eastern front line. It has an industrial zone, a thermal power plant and a reservoir. It also sits on a highway running between eastern and southern Ukraine. In November, The Associated Press reported from the town that some 7,000-10,000 people likely remained in Kurakhove. Its pre-war population was about twice that. The town has been under relentless attacks from artillery, multiple rocket launchers, powerful guided bombs and drones that have shattered buildings. Ukrainian officials usually comment on major battlefield defeats only days after Russia announces them. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 January,2025 08:11 AM IST | Kyiv | AgenciesMore than 260 weak and hungry Rohingya refugees, mostly women and children, have landed in Indonesia in two boats, officials said on Monday. Police and military officers are working with the UN refugee agency and the local government in West Pereulak in East Aceh to gather more information about the refugees, who arrived on Sunday evening, and keep them safe, East Aceh police chief Nova Suryandaru said. More than 300 Rohingya refugees have landed in East Aceh since last February. Indonesia, like nearby Thailand and Malaysia, is not a signatory to the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention and is not obligated to accept them. However, the country generally provides temporary shelter to refugees in distress. On Saturday, Malaysian authorities turned away two boats carrying nearly 300 Rohingya refugees attempting to enter the country illegally. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 January,2025 08:09 AM IST | Indonesia | AgenciesA standoff between rival government forces outside the presidential compound in South Korea has been a startling development, even for observers used to the country’s famously rough and tumble politics. The agency trying to get Yoon out of his house, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, will likely seek a new court warrant to extend the window for Yoon’s detention. Police say they are reviewing the agency’s request. It wasn’t immediately clear whether the anti-corruption agency would make another attempt to detain Yoon on Monday before the deadline expires at midnight. Meanwhile, the police said they plan to make a more aggressive effort to detain Yoon at the official residence, where members of the presidential security staff were seen installing barbed wire near the gate and along the hills leading up to the building. A police official told reporters there were discussions with the anti-corruption agency on whether to arrest members of the presidential security staff if they forcefully obstruct efforts to detain Yoon. When asked about the possibility of deploying police special task forces, the official said “all available options” were being reviewed. If investigators manage to detain Yoon, they will likely ask a court for permission to make a formal arrest. Otherwise, he will be released after 48 hours. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 January,2025 08:09 AM IST | Seoul | AgenciesCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday amid rising discontent over his leadership and following the sudden departure of his finance minister, which signalled growing turmoil within his government. Trudeau stated that it had become clear to him that he could not "be the leader during the next elections due to internal battles." He confirmed that he would remain in office as prime minister until a new leader of the Liberal Party is selected. "I don’t easily back down faced with a fight, especially a very important one for our party and the country. But I do this job because the interests of Canadians and the well-being of democracy is something that I hold dear," Trudeau said. He also announced that the Parliament, which was scheduled to resume on January 27, would now be suspended until March 24 to allow time for the Liberal Party leadership race to unfold, news agency AP reported. All the three main opposition parties have indicated plans to topple the Liberal Party in a no-confidence vote when Parliament resumes, AP reported. "The Liberal Party of Canada is an important institution in the history of our great country and democracy. A new prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party will carry its values and ideals into that next election," Trudeau said. "I am excited to see that process unfold in the months ahead." Justin Trudeau had become PM in 2015 Trudeau, 53, became prime minister in 2015 after a decade of Conservative Party rule. Initially hailed for returning Canada to its liberal roots, his popularity has since plummeted due to several issues, including soaring costs for food and housing and increasing immigration. The timing of the resignation is particularly critical for Canada on the international stage, as US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian goods unless Ottawa addresses what he describes as a flow of migrants and drugs into the US. Despite increasing pressure for him to step down, Trudeau had remained publicly silent in recent weeks. The resignation of Canada's former finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, on December 16, added to the turmoil. Freeland criticised some of Trudeau's economic policies, especially in light of Trump's threats. Her resignation, which followed that of the housing minister, raised questions about how long Trudeau could maintain his position. Freeland and Trudeau had disagreed over two policies: a temporary sales tax holiday on items such as children's clothes and beer, and plans to send every citizen a check for 250 Canadian dollars. Freeland, who was also deputy prime minister, said Canada could not afford "costly political gimmicks" with the looming tariff threat. "Our country is facing a grave challenge," Freeland wrote in her resignation letter. "That means keeping our fiscal powder dry today, so we have the reserves we may need for a coming tariff war." Father Pierre Trudeau had led Canada for around 16 years, from 1968 Despite the rising discontent within the Liberal Party, Justin Trudeau had planned to run for a fourth term in the upcoming election. However, recent defeats in special elections in Toronto and Montreal raised doubts over his chances. No Canadian prime minister has won four consecutive terms in over a century. Recent polling suggests Trudeau’s chances are slim, with the Liberals trailing the Conservatives 47 per cent to 21 per cent in a latest survey. Over the course of his tenure, Justin Trudeau embraced policies favoured by his liberal base, including advocating for immigration, championing diversity and gender equality, and legalising cannabis. However, his efforts to balance economic growth with environmental protection, such as levying a carbon emissions tax and advancing a controversial pipeline expansion project, were criticised from both the left and the right. While Canada fared relatively well during the COVID-19 pandemic, with fewer deaths than in many other countries, Trudeau's government's handling of vaccine mandates sparked significant opposition. The combination of scandals and unpopular policies has eroded his support over time, with his political legacy now overshadowed by a turbulent period in Canadian politics. Trudeau’s father, Pierre, led Canada for almost 16 years after sweeping to power in 1968. His legacy remains central to the country’s history, as Pierre is recognised in the US for his progressive stance on immigration. Justin Trudeau, the second-youngest prime minister in Canadian history, came to office in a sweeping victory in 2015, despite initial doubts about his youth and experience. He has three children with his estranged wife, a former model and TV host. (With AP inputs)
07 January,2025 12:02 AM IST | Toronto | mid-day online correspondentHundreds of South Koreans, bundled up against freezing temperatures and snow, rallied overnight into Sunday near the residence of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, calling for his ouster and arrest, as authorities prepared to renew their efforts to detain him over his short-lived martial law decree. The protesters rallied for hours near the gates of the presidential residence from Saturday evening to Sunday, voicing frustration over the failed detention attempt and demanding stronger efforts to bring Yoon into custody. Separated by police barricades and buses, pro-Yoon protesters were gathering in nearby streets, denouncing his impeachment and vowing to block any efforts to detain him. Dozens of anti-corruption agency investigators and police attempted to execute a detainment warrant against Yoon on Friday but retreated from his residence in Seoul after a tense standoff with the presidential security service that lasted more than five hours. The one-week warrant for his detention is valid through Monday. There were no immediate indications that anti-corruption authorities were ready to send investigators back to the residence as of Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, staff from the presidential security service were seen installing barbed wire near the gate and along the hills leading up to Yoon’s residence over the weekend, possibly in preparation for another detention attempt. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 January,2025 07:41 AM IST | Seoul | AgenciesHeavy snow and freezing rain has brought widespread disruption across the UK, with several major airports forced to suspend flights and many key roads in the north of England unnavigable. With the weather set to stay inclement on Sunday, there are concerns that many rural communities could be cut off with up to 40 cm (15 inches) of snow on ground above 300 meters (985 feet). The National Grid, which oversees the country’s electricity network, said it had been working to restore power after outages across the country. The company’s live map showed power cuts in Birmingham in central England, Bristol in the west and Cardiff in Wales. Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport had to close runways and divert flights, Birmingham Airport also suspended operations for several hours overnight but said it was on schedule for “business as usual” on Sunday. The road network was heavily impacted too, on what would have been a very busy day with many families returning home from the Christmas and New Year break and students heading back to universities. On the railways, many services were cancelled with National Rail warning of disruption continuing into the working week. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 January,2025 07:40 AM IST | London | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
