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United Plane Diverted After Cracked Windshield Found Mid-Air In US

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United Airlines Plane Diverted After Cracked Windshield Found Mid-Air In US

The plane was carrying 166 passengers and seven crew members.

In another flight near-disaster, a United Airlines flight was diverted on Sunday after a cracked windshield was found on the 737-800 Boeing plane, as per the New York Post. United Airlines Flight 1627 was heading from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC, when it made a sharp turn for an unexpected stop, as seen on its path tracked by Flight Aware.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the plane, carrying 166 passengers and seven crew members, completed a safe landing at Denver International Airport and passengers were able to deplane normally. It “landed safely at Denver International Airport in Colorado … after diverting due to a cracked windshield,” the US agency said.

The airline confirmed the same and told the outlet that the diversion took place due to a “maintenance issue.” “After safely landing, customers deplaned normally and a plane change occurred. The flight then departed Denver to Dulles,” United Airlines said.

As per CBS News, the FAA clarified in a statement that “cracks happen across all aeroplane models” and that they typically occur in the “glass pane on the outside, which serves as a protective covering for the inner structural portion.” According to the FAA, windscreen breaking occurs more frequently than most people realise and the glass panes are two to three inches thick with multiple layers. 

This incident comes days after a Chicago-bound United Airlines plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Tampa International Airport on January 10 after a door indicator light turned on. According to Flight Aware, United Flight 2434 took off from Sarasota-Bradenton International at 3:42 p.m. and landed at the airport in Tampa at 4:35 p.m. The plane was headed to Chicago when the light started blinking and forced pilots to alert dispatchers, following which the plane was rerouted to Tampa. The plane remained there for a while before taking off for Chicago again. 

The aircraft carrying 123 passengers and five crew members made the emergency landing ”as a precaution this afternoon to address a possible mechanical issue,” a United spokesperson said,

United Airlines is one of the two American companies that operates Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliners, like the one that lost its door plug mid-air. Notably, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 9 MAX faced an emergency on January 6 after one of its doors blew open mid-air. 

Middle East

Leader urges Islamic states to cut ties with Israeli regime

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Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in a meeting with the organizers of the Congress of Martyrs of Tehran earlier this month.

The Leader called on the officials of Islamic countries not to aid the Israeli regime and cut their relations with Zionists.

“This will weaken that enemy,” he stressed.

The Leader also praised the efforts of the organizers of the Congress of Martyrs of Tehran regarding commemorating the memory of the Iranian martyrs.

MP

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Boy, 17, Arrested For Rape And Murder Of 6-Year-Old Girl In Assam

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Boy, 17, Arrested For Rape And Murder Of 6-Year-Old Girl In Assam

The police also recovered the murder weapon (Representational)

Barpeta:

A 17-year-old boy was arrested for the alleged rape and murder of a 6-year-old girl in Assam’s Barpeta district on Tuesday.

According to police, the minor was allegedly murdered at Baghbar Mouripam in Barpeta district on January 29.

The body of the minor was found inside a sack at a house in the same village.

After receiving word of the incident, Barpeta district police launched an investigation into the matter and apprehended the culprit.

Mamoni Hazarika, additional superintendent of police, Barpeta district, the accused, who is also a minor, was presented before a local court that committed him to a juvenile observation home.

The officer informed that the girl was sexually assaulted before being murdered.

“The girl was sexually assaulted before being killed. We also recovered the murder weapon,” Hazarika said.

“The accused was presented before a local court, which sent him to a juvenile observation home at Bako in Kamrup district,” Hazarika said.

The officer informed further that the girl’s parents filed a complaint at Baghbar police station on January 26 evening, saying that their daughter went missing while playing outside their house.

The sleuths launched a search operation and on January 29, the minor was found dead inside a sack on the premises of the accused’s house.

A case was registered at Baghbar police station under IPC sections 302 and 210, as well as Section 6 of the POCSO Act.

Further investigation is underway and more information is awaited.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

World

Venezuela warns of strong response if US resumes sanctions

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“We are very attentive to the actions they (the United States) take in the coming days that may be considered aggressive towards the right that this country has to live in peace, to progress, and to have all unilateral coercive measures lifted,” said President of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, who also heads the government delegation in conciliation talks with the opposition, Xinhua reports.

Rodriguez warned Washington against interfering in the country’s internal affairs.

“By now, they (the United States) should know that we are not going to accept any type of pressure, any type of interference,” said Rodriguez.

The US government announced on Saturday the decision to review its sanction policy against the South American country, following what it called the “worrying” ruling by Venezuela’s Supreme Court of Justice to ratify the disqualification of the opposition candidate for the 2024 presidential elections, Maria Corina Machado. 

MNA/PR

Middle East

US troops in Iraq ‘on standby’ to support ground involvement in Israel’s Gaza war: US media

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US military personnel have been put on standby in Iraq to support a possible ground involvement in the Israeli war on the besieged Gaza Strip, The Intercept found.

According to a January US Air Force personnel memo obtained by The Intercept, American troops have been ordered to be on standby to be forward deployed in case of US military ground involvement in the Gaza war.

The memo did not indicate that such an involvement is forthcoming; however, it is the latest intimation of the Pentagon’s preparations to support Israel’s genocidal war in the wake of Palestinian resistance movement Hamas’s October 7 operation into the occupied territories, the report run on Tuesday said.

The document revealed that around 2,000 US military personnel were deployed to Iraq last year days after Hamas carried out the surprise operation against Israel, adding that since then, they have been put on prepare-to-deploy orders for potential support to Israel.

The latest development comes as US President Joe Biden’s administration has stressed that its support for Israel in the Gaza war would not include boots on the ground.

In October, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said “There are no plans or intentions to put US boots on the ground in combat in Israel.”

“But as we’ve also said, we have significant national security interests in the region,” he added.

However, two days after Kirby’s remarks, the White House inadvertently shared a picture of Biden in Israel posing alongside members of the secretive US special operations units, before quickly deleting it.

The New York Times reported in early October that American special operations personnel were in Israel to help with efforts to free Israeli captives held by Hamas in Gaza.  

The Israeli regime waged the war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas carried out the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime’s atrocities against Palestinians.

Since the start of the aggression, Israel has killed more than 26,700 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the latest count by the Gaza Health Ministry.

The US, Israel’s traditional ally, has backed Tel Aviv’s attacks on the Palestinian territory as an instance of “self-defense,” and has provided the regime with thousands of arms consignments since the onset of the war.

Since the war erupted, Washington has used its veto power to block the United Nations Security Council’s resolutions demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Business

Centre slashes import duty on mobile phone parts to 10 pc-Telangana Today

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The finance ministry said in a notification that the import duty on parts such as battery covers, main lens, back cover, other mechanical items of plastic and metal, among others, has been reduced to 10 per cent.

Published Date – 31 January 2024, 12:15 PM


Centre slashes import duty on mobile phone parts to 10 pc


New Delhi: In a bid to further boost mobile manufacturing in the country, the government has slashed import duty on parts used for manufacturing of mobile phones to 10 per cent from 15 per cent.

The finance ministry said in a notification that the import duty on parts such as battery covers, main lens, back cover, other mechanical items of plastic and metal, among others, has been reduced to 10 per cent.

The move will help companies like Apple to manufacture more of its high-end premium smartphones in the country.

India’s smartphone input tariffs are currently the highest among the competing manufacturing destinations.

India’s smartphone manufacturing has been transformed from 78 per cent import dependency in revenue terms in 2014-15 to only 4 per cent in 2022-23.

Now, 99.2 per cent of mobile phones sold in India are made in the country. Exports have become the main driver of future growth and job creation.

India’s smartphone exports jumped 100 per cent in FY 2022-23 to $11.1 billion over the previous fiscal.

The industry expects exports of $15 billion in FY 2024. Exports will form 30 per cent of the total production of $49-50 billion in current fiscal.

Unless India can match China and Vietnam’s competitive tariff regime in addition to other factors which impact competitiveness, export growth will also start seeing a slowdown beyond the current fiscal, revealed the latest report by the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), the nation’s top electronics manufacturing industry body.

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Video: Ladakh Nomads Grazing Sheep Argue With Chinese Soldiers Near LAC

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Ladakh shepherds are seen arguing with PLA troops near the LAC

Srinagar:

A group of Ladakh shepherds bravely stood up to Chinese soldiers who tried to stop them from grazing sheep near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Local shepherds had stopped grazing animals in this area following the 2020 Galwan clash. A video of them arguing with PLA troops and asserting that they were on Indian territory has won hearts on social media. 

Over the past three years, nomads in eastern Ladakh had stopped grazing animals in several areas near the LAC. This is the first time they have asserted their grazing rights in the area and forced PLA soldiers to retreat.

The LAC is a demarcation line that separates Indian and Chinese territories. Differing perceptions have led to disputes between the forces of both sides, escalating to violent clashes in some cases. In this instance, however, violence was averted.

Chushul councillor Konchok Stanzin hailed the resistance shown by the local shepherds and praised the Indian army for supporting them. “It is heartening to see the positive impact made by @firefurycorps_IA in Border areas of Eastern Ladakh in facilitating the graziers and nomads to assert their rights in traditional grazing grounds along the north bank of Pangong,” he said in a post on X, adding, “I would like to thank #IndianArmy for such strong civil-military relations & looking after the interests of the border area population.”

In another post, Mr Stanzin shared a link to the Instagram video of the incident, which reports say took place earlier this month.

“See how our local people are showing their bravery in front of the PLA claiming that the area they are stopping is our nomad’s grazing land. PLA stopping our nomads from grazing in our territory. Seems it is never a never-ending process due to different lines of perceptions. But I salute our nomads, who always stand to protect our land and stand as the second guardian force of the nation,” he wrote.

The video shows at least three Chinese armoured vehicles and several soldiers on the spot. The vehicles blare an alarm, apparently signalling the shepherds to leave. But they stand their ground and are seen arguing with the PLA troops. The shepherds insist that they are grazing on the Indian territory. On a couple of occasions, when the altercation escalates, some shepherds appear to pick up stones. But the video does not show violence breaking out. The Chinese soldiers seen in the video are not armed.

The Chushul councillor said the shepherds could bravely face the PLA troops because of the support of the Indian forces. “No doubt that our forces are always with civilians resolving the grazing issues with the PLA, it’s all because of their support that our nomads could bravely face the PLA,” he said.

Indian and China have been locked in a boundary dispute that has often led to skirmishes along the LAC. In a major clash at Galwan Valley in 2020, 20 Indian soldiers were killed. While China claims they lost 4 soldiers, reports say the number was much higher. Since the escalation, both sides have held multiple meetings at the military and diplomatic levels to maintain peace.

The situation along the LAC remains “stable but sensitive”, Army Chief General Manoj Pande recently told news agency ANI. “In the last one year or thereabouts, we haven’t had any more friction areas in this. In terms of our efforts at resolution, our talks and dialogue both at the military level as well as the diplomatic level continue with the adversary,” General Pande said.

Middle East

Palestine issue first issue of Islamic world: Raeisi

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The Iranian president made the remarks while delivering a speech at the mausoleum of the Founder of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, the late Imam Khomeini (RA) on Wednesday.

Imam Khomeini had said that the usurping and fake regime of Israel would be destroyed, he said, adding that the world is getting closer to the realization of this saying day by day.

This item is being updated…

MP

Business

Rupee trades in narrow range against US dollar-Telangana Today

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Forex traders noted the rupee trading within a limited range, influenced by the prevailing strength of the American currency in the global market and concerns over foreign fund outflows impacting investor sentiments

Published Date – 31 January 2024, 12:00 PM


Rupee trades in narrow range against US dollar


Mumbai: The rupee was trading in a narrow range against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday, as market participants remained cautious ahead of the interim budget that will be released on February 1.

Forex traders said the rupee was trading in a narrow range as the strength of the American currency in the overseas market and foreign fund outflows weighed on investor sentiments.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 83.11 against the dollar and then touched a high of 83.10, and a low of 83.12.

On Tuesday, the rupee appreciated 6 paise to settle at 83.10 against the US dollar.

“Rupee traded in a narrow range and market participants remained cautious ahead of the interim budget that will be released on Thursday,” said Gaurang Somaiya, forex and bullion analyst Motilal Oswal Financial services.

The dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.21 per cent higher at 103.61.

“Dollar index remained firm against its major crosses ahead of the two-day FOMC meeting starting tonight. Fed is broadly expected to hold rates steady once more but markets will be paying close attention to Jerome Powell’s comments, important to gauge for the dollar,” Somaiya added.

Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, fell 0.43 per cent to USD 82.51 per barrel.

“We expect the USDINR(Spot) to trade sideways and quote in the range of 82.90 and 83.30,” Somaiya said.

In the domestic equity market, the 30-share BSE Sensex was trading 108.97 points or 0.15 per cent higher at 71,248.87. The broader NSE Nifty advanced 37.55 points or 0.17 per cent to 21,559.65 .

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital markets on Tuesday as they offloaded shares worth Rs 1,970.52 crore, according to exchange data.

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"Will Bring Full Budget After Forming Government": PM Modi Ahead Of Session

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'Will Bring Full Budget After Forming Government': PM Modi Ahead Of Session

PM Modi addressed the media ahead of the Budget session

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media ahead of the Budget session underlining that this would be an interim budget even as he questioned the conduct of opposition MPs in the last session.

In his customary interaction with the media ahead of the Budget Session outside the Parliament building, the Prime Minister started and concluded his address with the salutation ‘Ram Ram’.

“Ram Ram to all of you for the year 2024. At the end of the first session held in the new Parliament building, this Parliament took a very dignified decision of clearing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam,” PM Modi said.

Noting that country witnessed the Nari Shakti on display in this year’s Republic Day celebrations, the Prime Minister said the Budget session, commenced today with President Droupadi Murmu’s address, is a festival of the Nari Shakti.

“And today the budget session is starting under the guidance of President Droupadi Murmu and tomorrow the interim budget by Nirmala Sitharaman ji is in a way a festival of Nari Shakti,” he said.

Hitting out at the ‘trouble-making’ Members of Parliament, he said, “Those who want to disrupt by habit and those who disrupt democracy, today these parliamentarians will look into their own conduct and ask themselves what they did in ten years. Even their own constituents won’t know what they did.

Those who showed concern for people’s issues they have done democracy a good turn, but those who only did disruption no one will remember them. This session is one for them to repent and leave good footprints. Please do not let the opportunity go a begging and give the country something good.

While maintaining that this Budget Session is an opportunity to express remorse and leave good foot prints behind, PM Modi requested MPs to not let this opportunity slip.

“Perform the best, give the benefit of your thoughts to the House in the interest of the country and fill the country with enthusiasm and excitement,” he said in a request to MPs.

Exuding confidence on his third straight victory in Lok Sabha polls, he said that a complete budget will come after the formation of the new government.

“Just before election we don’t submit a full budget, this we will do after a new government is elected. This interim budget is a guideline for us. I am hopeful that the country will touch new heights of prosperity. Development for everyone is taking place. this journey will continue with your blessings. Ram Ram” the Prime Minister said.

The Budget Session of Parliament commenced with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha at 11 am on Wednesday.

The last session before Lok Sabha polls expected to be held in April-May this year is to provide a total of eight sittings spread over a period of 10 days.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the interim budget on Thursday (February 1).

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)