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Azerbaijani president demands public apology for plane crash from Russia

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The President of Azerbaijan has stated that the plane crash in Kazakhstan on Wednesday was likely caused by “fire” from Russian territory, with evidence indicating it may have been struck by a Russian anti-aircraft missile.


Baku, Azerbaijan (DT) – In an interview with state media on Sunday, Aliyev demanded that Moscow admit responsibility for the disaster and cease attempts to cover up the cause.

โ€œWe have clearly expressed our demands to the Russian side,โ€ said President Ilham Aliyev in an interview with AZERTAC news agency.

โ€œThese demands were officially communicated to them on December 27. What do they consist of? First, the Russian side must apologize to Azerbaijan. Second, it must acknowledge its guilt. Third, those responsible must be punished, brought to criminal responsibility, and compensation must be paid to the Azerbaijani state, as well as to the injured passengers and crew members.

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These are our conditions. The first of these was fulfilled yesterday.

I hope the other conditions will also be accepted. All these demands are fair. There are no extraordinary requests or issues here; all of this is based on international experience and normal human conduct,โ€ the head of state emphasized.

The AZAL flight, which was attempting to land in Grozny, the capital of Russia’s Chechnya region, is believed to have been hit by a Russian air defense system.

Aliyev claimed that the plane was damaged by fire from the ground and electronic warfare systems, which caused it to almost lose control.

He criticized Russia for initially suggesting theories, including a bird strike, to explain the crashโ€”describing them as โ€œabsurdโ€ and out of touch with reality, given the damage to the planeโ€™s fuselage.

Azerbaijani President claimed that the passenger plane had been damaged by accidental gunfire from the ground in Russia.

Aliyev stated, “Our plane was shot down by accident,” and added that the aircraft had been subjected to electronic jamming before coming under fire while approaching the southern Russian city of Grozny.


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Mikheil Kavelashvili Sworn in as President of Georgia Amidst Strong Criticism of the West

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Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili has rejected Mikheil Kavelashvili’s legitimacy as Georgia’s new president, citing alleged irregularities in the election process


Tbilisi, Georgia (DT) – Mikheil Kavelashvili has been sworn in as the new president of Georgia amidst political turmoil and accusations of election fraud. A staunch critic of the West, Kavelashvili was elected by lawmakers following the October parliamentary elections.

His inauguration comes during a political crisis after the government froze European Union application talks, triggering widespread protests.

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Georgia’s new president Mikheil Kavelashvili looks on during his swearing-in ceremony at the parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia December 29, 2024. REUTERS/Irakli Gedenidze/Pool

Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-EU opponent of the ruling party, has rejected Kavelashvili’s legitimacy, citing alleged irregularities in the election process. In a defiant speech to her supporters outside the presidential palace, Zourabichvili declared that while she would leave the residence, she still held the legitimacy of her office.

“I will come out of here and be with you,” she said. “I am taking legitimacy with me, I am taking the flag with me, I am taking your trust with me.” Zourabichvili, who remains popular among opposition parties, maintains that Kavelashvili’s election was flawed due to fraud in the parliamentary vote.

The opposition has rallied behind Zourabichvili, asserting that she is the legitimate president until new elections are held. Kavelashviliโ€™s election, however, is backed by the Georgian Dream ruling party, which secured nearly 54 percent of the vote in the October elections. Both the ruling party and the country’s election commission have maintained that the election was free and fair.

International observers have raised concerns about the electoral process, with both local and international monitors pointing to violations that may have affected the results. Western nations have called for an investigation into the allegations.

Kavelashvili, a former professional soccer player who briefly played for Manchester City, has expressed strong anti-Western views, accusing Western intelligence agencies of trying to provoke conflict between Georgia and Russia. “The Georgian people have always understood that peace is the main prerequisite for survival and development,” he said following his swearing-in.

This standoff between Kavelashvili and Zourabichvili marks a significant moment in Georgiaโ€™s political trajectory. Once seen as one of the most democratic and pro-Western states in the former Soviet Union, Georgia is now deeply divided over its future direction.

The situation also comes amid growing criticism of the Georgian ruling party for its perceived shift away from the West and closer ties with Russia. In response, the United States imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the Georgian Dream party, accusing him of pushing Georgia towards an anti-Western stance.


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South Korea Acting President Choi announces national mourning period over deadly Muan plane crash

South Korea faced its deadliest aviation disaster today as Jeju Air Flight 2216 claimed the lives of 179 people.

Seoul, South Korea (DT) – Acting President has announced a national mourning period following the catastrophic plane crash at Muan International Airport, which claimed at least 179 lives. In a solemn statement, the Acting President extended heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, vowing comprehensive government support for recovery efforts and a meticulous investigation to uncover the cause of the disaster.

“This is a heartbreaking moment for our nation,” the Acting President said. “We will come together to support the bereaved families and take all necessary measures to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated.”

RELATED NEWS : South Korea plane crash : South Korea experienced its deadliest aviation disaster as Jeju Air Flight 2216, kills 179

During the mourning period, flags across the country will fly at half-staff, and many public events are expected to be canceled or scaled back as a mark of respect. Citizens have been encouraged to join in national remembrance activities to honor the victims of one of South Koreaโ€™s deadliest aviation accidents in recent history.

He declared a seven-day national mourning period, effective starting Sunday, lasting until midnight on Saturday.

Choi has also designated Muan as a special disaster zone, making it eligible for state support.

“We will provide all necessary assistance for recovery efforts, support for the bereaved families and medical treatment for the injured,” he stated.

The acting president further instructed relevant agencies to deploy all available resources, including equipment, personnel and infrastructure.

Choi, who also serves as deputy prime minister for economic affairs and finance minister, stepped into the interim leadership role on Friday following the suspension of acting President Han Duck-soo’s duties by the National Assembly.

Han was impeached less than two weeks after he took over for President Yoon Suk Yeol on Dec. 14, who was impeached for his mishandling of martial law.


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South Korea plane crash : South Korea experienced its deadliest aviation disaster as Jeju Air Flight 2216, kills 179

Muan County, South Korea (DT) โ€“ A tragic incident unfolded at Muan International Airport on Sunday when an airliner veered off the runway, crashing into a wall and erupting into a fireball.

According to the national fire agency, at least 179 people lost their lives in the disaster. Two individuals, presumed to be crew members, were rescued, the agency confirmed.

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Efforts are made to lift the wreckage of an aircraft lying on the ground after it went off the runway and crashed at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea, December 29, 2024. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

The 181 people were aboard the Boeing 737-800 plane that had departed from Bangkok at 1:30 a.m. It was scheduled to arrive in Muan at around 8:30 a.m. The passengers were all Koreans, except for two Thai nationals.

Of those on board, 82 were men and 93 were women, ranging in age from as young as three to 78 years old. Many were in their 40s, 50s and 60s.

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Jeju Air flight 7C2216, arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, with 175 passengers and six crew members on board, was attempting to land at the airport in southern South Korea shortly after 9 a.m. (0000 GMT), according to South Korea’s transport ministry.

Two crew members survived and were being treated for injuries. The deadliest air accident on South Korean soil was also the worst involving a South Korean airline in nearly three decades, according to the transport ministry.

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Firefighters carry out extinguishing operations on an aircraft which drove off runaway at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province, South Korea, December 29, 2024. Yonhap via REUTERS

The twin-engine Boeing 737-800 was seen in local media video skidding down the runway with no visible landing gear before crashing into navigation equipment and a wall in an explosion of flames and debris.

Investigators are considering bird strikes and weather conditions as potential causes of the crash, according to Lee, a spokesperson for the investigation team. Yonhap news agency reported that airport authorities suspect a bird strike may have led to the malfunction of the aircraftโ€™s landing gear.

The tragedy marks the deadliest crash for any South Korean airline since the 1997 Korean Air disaster in Guam, which claimed over 200 lives, based on transportation ministry data. The most severe crash on South Korean soil before this incident occurred in 2002, when an Air China flight went down, killing 129 people.

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Firefighters carry out extinguishing operations on an aircraft which drove off runaway at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province, South Korea, December 29, 2024. Yonhap via REUTERSย 

Aviation experts highlighted that the preliminary findings raise more questions than answers. Geoffrey Thomas, editor of Airline News, remarked, “A bird strike is not unusual, and issues with an undercarriage are not uncommon. However, bird strikes alone typically do not result in the complete loss of an aircraft.”

Under international aviation regulations, South Korea will spearhead a civil investigation into the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States, where the aircraft was designed and manufactured, will also be involved in the inquiry.


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India’s Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Laid to Rest with State Honours

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New Delhi, India (DT) – The body of Manmohan Singh, the former Indian prime minister whose death has sparked outpourings of grief at home and accolades from abroad, was cremated on Sunday on the banks of the Yamuna River in New Delhi with full state honours.
The funeral was conducted in the Sikh tradition as priests chanted hymns, after Singh’s body, draped in the Indian flag, was carried through the capital on a flower-decked carriage pulled by a ceremonial army truck.

The flag was respectfully removed, and the body was draped in a saffron cloth before being placed on the funeral pyre.

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Security officials and others walk with the hearse carrying the coffin with the mortal remains of India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his funeral procession in New Delhi, India, December 28, 2024. REUTERS/Stringer

Since Singh’s passing on Thursday at the age of 92, many have reflected on his poignant remark near the conclusion of his decade-long tenure as Prime Minister: “History will be kinder to me than the contemporary media.”

This statement was a response to criticisms of weak leadership during his time heading a coalition government that grappled with multiple corruption scandals. The administration ultimately lost power in the 2014 election, which brought his successor, Narendra Modi, to office.

Modi, who called Singh one of the nation’s “most distinguished leaders” after his death, attended the funeral, along with President Droupadi Murmu and representatives of various countries. Modi’s government has decided to allocate land for Singh’s memorial.
Singh, considered the architect of Indiaโ€™s economic liberalization, had criticized Modi’s economic policies such as demonetization and introducing a goods and services tax.

Singh is survived by his wife and three daughters.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accompanied Singh’s family on the truck carrying his body to the Nigambodh Ghat cremation site. The funeral procession began at the Congress party headquarters in New Delhi, where party leaders, members, and the public gathered to pay their final respects.

Leaders from the United States, Canada, France, Sri Lanka, China, and Pakistan were among those mourning Singh’s passing, praising his significant contributions on the international stage.


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Why tech giants such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google and Meta are betting big on nuclear power

World – Data centers powering artificial intelligence and cloud computing are pushing energy demand and production to new limits. Global electricity use could rise as much as 75% by 2050, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, with the tech industryโ€™s AI ambitions driving much of the surge.

Data centers powering AI and cloud computing could soon grow so large that they could use more electricity than entire cities.

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As leaders in the AI race push for further technological advancements and deployment, many are finding their energy needs increasingly at odds with their sustainability goals.

โ€œA new data center that needs the same amount of electricity as say, Chicago, cannot just build its way out of the problem unless they understand their power needs,โ€ said Mark Nelson, managing director of Radiant Energy Group. โ€œThose power needs. Steady, straight through, 100% power, 24 hours a day, 365,โ€ he added.

After years of focusing on renewables, major tech companies are now turning to nuclear power for its ability to provide massive energy in a more efficient and sustainable fashion.

Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Meta are among the most recognizable names exploring or investing in nuclear power projects. Driven by the energy demands of their data centers and AI models, their announcements mark the beginning of an industrywide trend.

โ€œWhat weโ€™re seeing is nuclear power has a lot of benefits,โ€ said Michael Terrell, senior director of energy and climate at Google. โ€œItโ€™s a carbon-free source of electricity. Itโ€™s a source of electricity that can be always on and run all the time. And it provides tremendous economic impact.โ€

After nuclear was largely written off in the past due to widespread fears about meltdowns and safety risks โ€” and misinformation that dramatized those concerns โ€” experts are touting techโ€™s recent investments as the start of a โ€œnuclear revivalโ€ that could accelerate an energy transformation in the U.S. and around the world.


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Russian air-defense system downed Azerbaijan plane, sources say

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Baku, Azerbaijan (DT) – According to sources, a Russian air-defense system has reportedly shot down an Azerbaijani aircraft, signaling a dramatic escalation in regional tensions. The circumstances of the incident remain unclear, and no official confirmation has been provided by either side.

This development could further strain the already fragile relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, with potential implications for the broader geopolitical landscape.

Stay connected for updates as more information emerges.

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An Azerbaijan Airlines flight that crashed in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, claiming 38 lives, was brought down by a Russian air-defense system, according to four sources in Azerbaijan familiar with the investigation, speaking to Reuters.

Flight J2-8243 of Azerbaijan Airlines went down near Aktau, Kazakhstan, after diverting from a region of Russian airspace where Moscow has recently deployed air-defense systems to counter Ukrainian drone strikes.

One of the Azerbaijani sources familiar with the Azerbaijani investigation into the crash told Reuters that preliminary results showed the plane was struck by a Russian Pantsir-S air defence system, and its communications were paralysed by electronic warfare systems on the approach into Grozny.
The source said: “No one claims that it was done on purpose. However, taking into account the established facts, Baku expects the Russian side to confess to the shooting down of the Azerbaijani aircraft.”


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Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Passes Away at 92

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New Delhi, India (DT) – Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. He was admitted to AIIMS in Delhi late in the evening following a decline in his health, where doctors later pronounced him dead. Dr. Singh had been battling prolonged illness.

A distinguished economist and statesman, Dr. Manmohan Singh was Indiaโ€™s 13th Prime Minister, serving from 2004 to 2014. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in steering India through significant economic and political challenges. As Finance Minister in the early 1990s, he was the architect of Indiaโ€™s economic liberalization, introducing reforms that opened up the economy and laid the foundation for its rapid growth.

Dr. Singh also served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, and held several other critical positions in academia and governance. Renowned for his humility, intellect, and dedication to public service, his contributions have left an indelible mark on the nation’s development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on X, stating, “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji.” The Prime Minister acknowledged Dr. Singhโ€™s remarkable contributions to the nation, both as an economist and a statesman, and highlighted his enduring legacy in shaping modern India.

Dr. Manmohan Singh was the first Indian leader since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after completing a full first term as Prime Minister and the first Sikh to hold the nationโ€™s highest office. Notably, he delivered a historic public apology in Parliament for the 1984 riots, during which approximately 3,000 Sikhs were killed.

However, his second term in office faced challenges, overshadowed by a series of corruption scandals that tarnished his administration’s image. Many believe these controversies contributed significantly to the Congress party’s resounding defeat in the 2014 general elections.

Born on September 26, 1932, in a remote village in the Punjab province of undivided India, Singh grew up in an area that lacked basic amenities like water and electricity. After completing his education at Panjab University, he earned a master’s degree from the University of Cambridge and a DPhil from Oxford.

While studying at Cambridge, financial hardships posed significant challenges for Singh, as noted by his daughter, Daman Singh, in her book about her parents’ lives. Despite these struggles, Singhโ€™s determination and intellect paved the way for an illustrious career in academia, economics, and politics.


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Andal Parivar Ashram in Burdwan district of Bengal provides good education and upbringing to orphan children

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New Delhi, India(DT) – There are very few people like Sanjay Singha, a famous social worker of Burdwan district of Bengal, in this country and the world. Sanjay Singha runs an ashram named Andal Parivar for orphan children and the destitute. Where he tries to make hundreds of orphan children a good human being with a good education.

When Sanjay Singha sees an elderly or an orphan child begging at the railway station of Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, then Sanjay Singha brings the orphan child to his ashram with the help of the administration, where they are given a good education and a good upbringing. He tries to make the children capable of whatever they have, if a child is interested in any sport, Sanjay Singha gives that opportunity to the children. Recently, a child from the ashram has got admission in Kolkata Cricket from Burdwan district.

If the children of any extremely poor family nearby need help in education, then the Andal family comes forward to help in every possible way. There are currently 24 orphan children in the ashram, who are provided with good education, good upbringing, good food. Sanjay Sinha gets full support from the administrative officials for his excellent and noble work, recently some time ago journalist Ehasan Ansari from Delhi came to visit the ashram.

Where in an interview given to journalist Ehasan, Sanjay Sinha said that it is our resolution that there should not be any orphan child in our society, no child should need to beg for two meals a day. We try to make such children capable by giving them good education and upbringing so that when they grow up they have everything to live a good life – home, family, respect, honour. We have to give a good human being to the orphan children in the society and create a beautiful society. During the interview, he said that in our ashram, God has chosen many noble people for this work, who come to our ashram as helpers for the orphan children and help them in every way.

Japan Airlines Hit by Cyberattack, Delays Over 20 Flights During Holiday Travel Rush

Tokyo, Japan (AP) โ€” Japan Airlines said it was hit by a cyberattack Thursday, causing delays to more than 20 domestic flights but the carrier said it was able to stop the onslaught and restore its systems hours later. There was no impact on flight safety, it said.

JAL said the problem started Thursday morning when the companyโ€™s network connecting internal and external systems began malfunctioning.

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The airline said it was able to identify the cause as an attack intended to overwhelm the network system with massive transmissions of data. Such attacks flood a system or network with traffic until the target cannot respond or crashes.

The attack did not involve a virus or cause any customer data leaks, JAL said. It said that as of late morning, the cyberattack had delayed 24 domestic flights for more than 30 minutes.

Experts have repeatedly raised concerns about the vulnerability of Japanโ€™s cybersecurity, especially as the country steps up its defense capabilities and works more closely with the United States and other partners with much tighter cyber defenses. Japan has taken steps but experts say more work is needed.

In June, Japanโ€™s space agency said it had suffered a series of cyberattacks since 2023, though sensitive information related to rockets, satellites and defense was not affected. It was investigating to take preventive measures. Last year, a cyberattack paralyzed operations at a container terminal at a port in the city of Nagoya for three days.

JALโ€™s ticket sales for both domestic and international fights scheduled for departure on Thursday were suspended temporarily but resumed several hours later.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a regular news conference Thursday that the transport ministry told JAL to hasten efforts to restore the system and to accommodate affected passengers.

Other Japanese airlines, including ANA Holdings, Skymark and Starflyer, were not affected.


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