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Death Toll Rises to 32 in Tragic Express Train Crash in Thailand

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Bangkok, Thailand — At least 32 passengers were killed and three others remain unaccounted for after a section of a massive construction crane collapsed onto a special express train in Sikhiu district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, according to Thailand’s Public Health Ministry.

Officials said identification of several victims may take three to four days, as some bodies were burned beyond recognition in the fire that erupted after the impact. Most of the fatalities were reported from the second coach, where passengers were trapped after the carriage was crushed and engulfed in flames.

RELATED NEWS : At least 22 Killed, 55 Injured as Crane Collapse Derails Train in Thailand

The deadly accident occurred at around 9 a.m. when a crane being used for a high-speed rail bridge project collapsed onto Special Express 21, which was carrying 208 passengers from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani. At the time of the collision, the train was travelling at approximately 120 km per hour near Ban Thanon Kot, between Nong Nam Khun and Sikhiu stations.

The impact caused the train to derail and catch fire, destroying three carriages. The second coach sustained the most severe damage. Firefighters and volunteers worked for hours to extract bodies from the wreckage, while emergency medical teams treated the injured and rushed them to nearby hospitals.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, visited the site to oversee rescue and relief operations and to meet injured passengers.

Authorities confirmed that the crane involved belonged to Italian-Thai Development Plc, which is executing civil works under contracts 3 and 4 of the high-speed rail project covering the Lam Takhong–Sikhiu and Kut Chik–Khok Kruat sections.

The prime minister directed the State Railway of Thailand and the contractor to provide maximum compensation and assistance to victims and their families, including additional financial support. He also ordered a review of compensation measures and stressed that the contractor must share responsibility for relief and rehabilitation efforts following one of the deadliest construction-related rail disasters in the country’s history.


SOURCE : PBS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Macron announces new French military deployments to Greenland

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Paris, France – French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that France will deploy additional land, air, and naval military assets to Greenland, reinforcing a European mission launched amid US pressure over the Arctic territory.

The new deployments will complement a detachment of about 15 French soldiers who arrived in Greenland on Thursday to take part in the mission.

In a New Year address to the armed forces at the Istres air base in southeastern France, Macron said France’s role is to remain “available” and to support “a sovereign state,” referring to Denmark.

“Europeans have a particular responsibility in Greenland,” he said, noting that the territory belongs to a European Union member state and a NATO ally.

The French soldiers deployed are high-altitude specialists and arrived at Denmark’s request to participate in joint exercises with troops from other European countries, including Germany, Sweden, and Norway, which have also announced deployments.

Although Macron did not explicitly mention the United States in his speech, he indirectly criticized some “allies” by warning against what he described as “a new form of colonialism.”

Macron reiterated France’s solidarity with Denmark amid US pressure over Greenland and warned that any violation of the island’s sovereignty would trigger “unprecedented chain reactions.”


SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

U.S. Freezes Visa Processing for Citizens of 75 Countries, Including Somalia, Russia, Iran and Pakistan

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Washington, USA — The United States Department of State has announced a pause in immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries as part of a move aimed at tightening scrutiny of applicants considered likely to become a public charge.

According to a State Department memo obtained by Fox News Digital, consular officers have been instructed to refuse immigrant visas under existing law while the department reassesses its screening and vetting procedures. The suspension is set to begin on January 21 and will remain in effect indefinitely until the review process is completed.

Countries affected by the pause include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Pakistan, and dozens of others. Under the policy, applicants who are older, overweight, have previously received government cash assistance, or have a history of institutionalization could face denial.

“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said in a statement.

Immigrant visa processing from the listed 75 countries will remain suspended while the department reassesses procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who may rely on U.S. welfare and public benefits. The comprehensive list includes countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America, such as Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Egypt, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, Syria, Thailand, Uganda, and Yemen, among others.


SOURCE : FOX NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube 

At least 22 Killed, 55 Injured as Crane Collapse Derails Train in Thailand

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Bangkok, Thailand — At least 22 people were killed and 55 others injured on Wednesday after a passenger train collided with a collapsed construction crane in northeastern Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima province, according to local media reports.

The accident occurred at around 9:05 a.m. local time when the passenger train, traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, struck the fallen crane, derailed, and subsequently caught fire. Several coaches were badly damaged, trapping passengers inside the wreckage.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene and used hydraulic cutting tools to rescue passengers trapped in the mangled coaches. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals, where several remain in critical condition.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said he has ordered a transparent and comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the collapse and to ensure such incidents do not recur.

Authorities confirmed that the crane belonged to Italian-Thai Development Plc, which is carrying out civil works under contracts 3 and 4 of the high-speed rail project, covering the Lam Takhong–Sikhiu and Kut Chik–Khok Kruat sections.

The prime minister has directed the State Railway of Thailand and the contractor to provide maximum compensation and assistance to victims and affected families, including additional financial support, as rescue and recovery operations continue.


SOURCE : AP/PBS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

India Unveils Official Website and Logo for BRICS Presidency 2026

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New Delhi, India – External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on January 13, 2026, unveiled the logo, theme, and official website of India’s BRICS Chairship 2026 at a launch event in New Delhi.

The BRICS India 2026 logo reflects inclusivity, dialogue, and shared growth, blending tradition with modernity. Its multicoloured petals represent the diversity of BRICS nations, while the central “Namaste” gesture symbolises warmth, mutual respect, and harmonious cooperation.

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India’s theme for its BRICS Chairship, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” draws inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a humanity-first, people-centric global order.

Dr. Jaishankar also launched the official website brics2026.gov.in, which will act as the central platform for updates, initiatives, and activities related to India’s BRICS Presidency. The event was attended by representatives from BRICS member and partner countries, international organisations, senior Indian government officials, state representatives, think-tanks, and members of the media.


SOURCE : MEA |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Arbeloa takes over as Real Madrid coach after Alonso exit

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Madrid, Spain – Álvaro Arbeloa was presented as Real Madrid’s new head coach on Tuesday, following Xabi Alonso’s departure after the Supercopa final defeat to Barcelona on Monday.

During his presentation, Arbeloa said that it was “a special day” for him, and that he was “aware of the responsibility” of the position, which he is facing “with great enthusiasm”.

For me, every day I’ve been part of Real Madrid has been special, and today is no exception. I am 42 years old and will turn 43 on Saturday. Twenty of those years have been spent here at the best club in the world, and every day has been special. Today is one of those days, of course. I am aware of the responsibility I have and the wonderful undertaking and task ahead of me. I am facing it with great enthusiasm,” he said.

The new Real Madrid coach also mentioned his good relationship with Alonso.

“Yesterday, I spoke with Xabi Alonso. You all know how much I appreciate him and our friendship, and that will continue to be mutual,” he added.

Alonso joined Real Madrid last summer, signing a three-year contract.

According to a statement released by the club on Monday, both parties reached a mutual agreement to end their contract.


SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

India’s Virat Kohli Becomes Second-Highest Run-Scorer in International Cricket

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New Delhi, India — India’s Virat Kohli became the second-highest run-scorer across all formats of international cricket after a match-winning knock of 93 in the first One-Day International (ODI) against New Zealand.

With the innings, Kohli surpassed Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara (28,016 runs) to move into second place on the all-time list of international run-scorers, trailing only India legend Sachin Tendulkar (34,357 runs). Kohli now has 28,068 runs across Tests, ODIs, and T20 internationals since making his debut for India in an ODI against Sri Lanka in 2008.

“If I look back at my whole journey, then it is nothing short of a dream come true for me,” Kohli said after being named Player of the Match in Vadodara. “I have always known my abilities, but I also knew I had to work extremely hard to get where I am today. I look back at my journey with a lot of grace and gratitude, and I feel really proud of it.”

Kohli’s 91-ball knock guided India to a successful chase of 301, with the hosts winning by four wickets and six balls to spare to take a 1–0 lead in the three-match series. The innings marked his fifth consecutive 50-plus score in ODIs, including two centuries, though he narrowly missed out on what would have been his 54th ODI hundred.

“If I am being brutally honest, the way I’m playing right now, I’m not thinking about milestones at all,” the former India captain said.

In his 17th year of international cricket, Kohli continues to evolve his approach. Batting at first drop after opener Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 26, Kohli chose to counterattack rather than settle into a defensive mode, putting the New Zealand bowlers under pressure early in his innings.

“There’s no point waiting around for too long,” he explained. “You still stick to your strengths, but you back yourself enough to put the opposition on the back foot.”

Kohli added that his approach might have been more aggressive had India been batting first, but experience guided him during the chase. “The only thing on my mind was getting the team into a position where we could win comfortably. That actually ended up being the difference in the game,” he said.

Popularly known as “King Kohli” for his prolific run-scoring, the 37-year-old now features only in the ODI format after he and Sharma retired from T20 and Test cricket. With their futures widely discussed, both veterans are believed to be targeting the 2027 ODI World Cup as their next major goal.


SOURCE : AGENCIES VIA AFP |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube 

Over 762,000 Pakistanis migrated abroad in 2025

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Islamabad, Pakistan — More than 762,000 Pakistanis, including over 18,000 highly educated professionals, migrated abroad for employment in 2025, underscoring the country’s growing dependence on overseas workers to sustain its fragile economy amid falling foreign investment and sluggish exports.

According to the latest report by the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, a total of 762,499 Pakistanis left the country in 2025 in search of job opportunities. This represents a modest increase from 727,381 workers who migrated for employment in 2024, reflecting a steady upward trend in labour outflows.

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The data highlights a broad spectrum of professions among those leaving Pakistan. In 2025, the overseas workforce included 5,659 accountants, 10,503 chefs, 3,795 doctors, and 5,946 engineers. The education and healthcare sectors were also affected, with 1,640 nurses and 1,725 teachers taking up jobs abroad. Transport-related migration remained significant, with 163,718 drivers seeking employment overseas.

Skilled and semi-skilled labour formed a major portion of the outflow. The report recorded 465,138 labourers, 5,700 masons, 12,703 technicians, and 11,777 managers migrating in 2025. In addition, 2,306 plumbers, 2,027 waiters, and thousands of other workers moved abroad for better economic prospects.

A breakdown by skill and education level showed that 18,352 highly educated individuals, 13,657 highly skilled workers, and 222,171 skilled professionals left Pakistan last year. Meanwhile, 42,257 semi-skilled workers and 466,062 unskilled labourers also migrated, highlighting the depth and diversity of the workforce leaving the country.

The Gulf region remained the top destination for Pakistani workers. Saudi Arabia alone accounted for 530,256 migrants, followed by the United Arab Emirates with 52,664 and Qatar with 68,376. Other Middle Eastern destinations included Bahrain (37,726) and Kuwait (6,590).

Beyond the Gulf, smaller but notable numbers of Pakistanis moved to other regions. The report showed that 1,005 Pakistanis migrated to the United States, 4,355 to the United Kingdom, and 984 to Germany. In East Asia, 2,230 workers went to China, 2,210 to Japan, and 39 to South Korea. Eastern Europe also featured as a destination, with 1,109 Pakistanis finding employment in Romania.

Economists note that remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis have become the country’s largest source of non-debt foreign inflows, far surpassing foreign direct investment and helping to stabilise foreign exchange reserves. However, the continued outflow of skilled and highly educated professionals has raised concerns about brain drain, especially at a time of persistent economic uncertainty and political instability at home.

The report underlines the growing global demand for Pakistani workers across sectors ranging from unskilled labour to highly specialised professions, while also reflecting the limited employment opportunities within the country.


SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Pappu Yadav Emerges as One of India’s Most Popular MPs, Runs Service Ashram in Delhi

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New Delhi, India — Rajesh Ranjan (Pappu Yadav), the independent Member of Parliament from Bihar’s Purnia district, has emerged as one of the country’s most popular MPs for his extensive humanitarian work in the national capital.

Pappu Yadav has transformed his official residence in New Delhi into a full-fledged service center, which he describes as a “temple of justice.” The initiative offers shelter, food, and medical assistance to people from Bihar and other states who travel to Delhi for treatment but lack accommodation or support.

According to the MP, thousands of patients and their families find refuge at his residence, where volunteers help coordinate hospital visits, paperwork, and daily needs. In an interview, Pappu Yadav said the service center provides meals to nearly 5,000 people every day, with its support network extending beyond Delhi to various parts of Bihar.


SOURCE : AA/DT |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Jahangirpuri Police Crack Snatching Case Within Hours, Recover Stolen Mobile Phone

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New Delhi, India — The staff of Jahangirpuri Police Station, North West District, successfully solved a mobile phone snatching case within a few hours, arresting the accused and recovering the stolen device.

The accused has been identified as Pankaj @ Irshad @ Kale (27), son of Momin, a resident of CD Park, Jahangirpuri. Police recovered the complainant’s snatched mobile phone from his possession. The accused was previously involved in two criminal cases and is believed to have resorted to criminal activities for easy money.

On January 3, 2026, a PCR call was received regarding a mobile phone snatching incident near Chaudhary Dairy, C-Block, Jahangirpuri. Police reached the spot and met the complainant, Arun, son of Ramchander, a resident of D-Block, Jahangirpuri, who stated that his mobile phone was snatched while he was on his way to work.

Based on the complaint, FIR No. 03/26 dated January 3, 2026, under Section 304(2) BNS, was registered at Jahangirpuri Police Station and an investigation was initiated.

Considering the seriousness of the crime, a special team comprising HC Nityanand, HC Mandeep, HC Amit, HC Rakesh, and Constable Anil was formed under the leadership of Inspector Net Ram Meena (Inspector Law & Order). The operation was carried out under the supervision of Inspector Satwinder Singh, SHO/Jahangirpuri, and ACP Yogendra Khokhar.

Acting on secret information, the police team traced the accused to the slum area of CD Park, Jahangirpuri. On seeing the police, the accused attempted to escape by jumping across rooftops of adjoining shacks. During the chase, the roof of one shack collapsed, causing both the accused and Constable Anil to fall. Despite sustaining injuries, the police personnel showed courage and presence of mind and successfully apprehended the accused.

During sustained interrogation, the accused confessed to his involvement in the case. His possible involvement in other criminal cases is under investigation.


SOURCE : AA/DT |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |