A government investigation into Nepal's January plane crash reveals pilot error as the cause of the tragedy that claimed 72 lives. The report points to pilots mistakenly cutting power, causing an aerodynamic stall. Due to a lack of awareness, they incorrectly positioned control levers, leading to the engine running idle. The aircraft flew for 49 seconds before crashing near Pokhara International Airport. The report cites human factors, including high workload and stress, contributing to the misidentification. The aircraft was deemed well-maintained with qualified crew. This marks Nepal's deadliest air crash since 1992, highlighting ongoing safety challenges in the region.

The US successfully thwarted two anti-ship ballistic missiles launched by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, responding to a distress call from the Maersk Hangzhou, a Singapore-flagged container ship. The vessel reported a missile strike, prompting the US to intercept the threats. This incident marks the 23rd attack by Houthis on international shipping since November 19. The US, along with other nations, maintains a maritime task force to address the growing challenges posed by such attacks in the Red Sea. No injuries were reported in this latest interception, according to the US Central Command.

Russia reports 20 fatalities, including 2 children, and 111 injuries in alleged "indiscriminate" Ukrainian strikes on Belgorod. The Russian provincial capital faced unprecedented shelling, including cluster bombs, escalating tensions. Ukraine suggests responding to Russian bombardment. Belgorod witnesses damaged infrastructure, with missiles hitting a skating rink, shopping center, and residential areas. Both sides trade accusations, with Ukraine claiming defensive measures. Security Council meeting requested at the UN. Hours later, Russia reports missile strikes on Kharkiv, injuring 21. Conflict continues to escalate, leaving civilian casualties on both sides. International concerns rise as the region grapples with the aftermath.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declares intentions to secure Gaza's border with Egypt amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, projecting a conflict lasting months. The Palestinian death toll surpasses 21,000, with over 56,000 injured. Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians seek refuge in Rafah. Netanyahu emphasizes the necessity of controlling the Gaza-Egypt border for demilitarization. The conflict intensifies on multiple fronts. In related developments, an IDF strike reportedly kills a Hezbollah fighter in southern Lebanon, and Israel plans to demolish homes of Hamas operatives. The situation remains volatile with ongoing military actions and casualties.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has cleared the controversial resignation honours list submitted by his short-lived predecessor Liz Truss. Truss recommended 11 allies and donors for peerages in the House of Lords, including key Brexit campaign figure Matthew Elliott. Former Truss aide Ruth Porter was also named in the list published alongside the New Year Honours. Truss was forced to resign after just 49 days in October 2022 due to turmoil from her disastrous mini-budget. The opposition Labour Party slammed Sunak's decision as proof of his weakness and a slap in the face of working people suffering economic consequences. The move faced dismay for rewarding Truss loyalists despite her brief, crisis-ridden tenure. But Sunak ultimately approved the customary resignation honours per norm.

In a bizarre incident at London's Gatwick Airport, an impatient passenger waiting for luggage threatened to defecate on the baggage carousel belt after a 15-20 minute delay. The unidentified British traveller shouted into the abyss for handlers to "hurry up" before vowing to "lay a Richard", meaning defecate, if bags didn't promptly emerge. He furiously claimed he would "poo on the f***ing trail." The man later excitedly celebrated his bag arriving first, shouting "It's number one!" Avoiding an unsanitary public act, the traveler's volcanic eruption over a prolonged wait time still astonished onlookers with his meltdown reaching new heights of carousel drama. The vulgar threats and triumphalist glee highlighted frustrations with airport disruptions. (Representative Image)

A strong 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia's Aceh province on Saturday, centered 362 km east of the coastal town of Sinabang. Occurring at a shallow depth of 10 km, the quake was felt in several areas of Papua province including Jayapura and Wamena, according to reports. Indonesia's meteorology agency issued an aftershock warning but said there was no risk of a tsunami. Indonesia sits on the seismically active Pacific 'Ring of Fire' and frequently experiences seismic events, including November's 5.6-magnitude tremor in West Java that killed over 330 people. With a population of over 270 million, Indonesia has a history of devastating earthquakes like the 2004 Indian Ocean quake that spawned a tsunami killing 230,000 Indonesians in Aceh.

In a comprehensive investigation, the New York Times reveals troubling security lapses during the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel that left dozens dead. Israel's military was caught off guard and slow to respond to the large-scale Hamas assault. Soldiers were underprepared and coordination was poor, with improvised communication methods used. There was no plan to counter such an attack. Hamas strategically targeted key roads and bases, disrupting Israel's response. Standards and training of civilian guards and reservists were inadequate. The report shows Israeli forces relying on bravery over strategy, indicating a concerning lack of readiness. The investigation exposes severe lapses that enabled Hamas to inflict higher casualties during the deadly October attacks.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed Dong Jun, former Navy chief, as the new defense minister, replacing Li Shangfu. Dong's elevation signifies China's focus on challenging the US and reinforcing its stance on Taiwan and the South China Sea. The appointment follows unexplained dismissals within the military and political leadership, highlighting Xi's efforts to enhance China's global dominance. Dong's strategic experience in the East Sea Fleet and the Southern Theatre Command aligns with China's assertiveness in Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. Analysts suggest it reflects China's geopolitical priorities, emphasizing a departure from tradition by appointing a non-Army general to lead military diplomacy.

Pakistan's election body rejects Imran Khan's bid to contest the 2024 national elections, citing his disqualification due to a corruption conviction. The 71-year-old former Prime Minister, ousted in April 2022, faces legal battles and has been out of the public eye since his three-year imprisonment in August for unlawfully selling state gifts while in office. Despite the disqualification, Khan filed nomination papers for the February 8 elections, which were rejected based on non-registration as a voter and his court-convicted disqualification. Khan alleges military targeting, claiming they aim to exclude him from the polls, a charge the military denies.