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An American Airlines plane carrying 64 people collided mid-air with a military Blackhawk helicopter near the White House last night, resulting in fears of multiple fatalities. The incident, which lit up the night sky with a fireball, saw both aircraft crash into a river in Washington. The American Eagle Flight 5342, en route from Kansas to Washington, had 60 passengers and four crew members on board, while the helicopter was transporting three soldiers but no senior officials. Emergency services quickly responded, leading to the grounding of all flights at Ronald Reagan National Airport. American Airlines has established a toll-free helpline for concerned relatives. President Donald Trump, who has been briefed on the situation, expressed condolences and praised first responders, stating, "May God bless their souls," and assured that updates would follow as more information becomes available. 
Published: Jan 30 2025, 10 ameznews.inUS President Donald Trump has attributed compromised air safety standards to diversity policies enacted during the Obama and Biden administrations, following a tragic mid-air collision that claimed no survivors. His comments have sparked a fierce debate regarding the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which he argues prioritize policy over safety. Trump accused former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg of hiring unqualified individuals for air traffic control roles, questioning their competence. He claimed that the FAA had been "ran into the ground" by DEI hires deemed "too white." In light of the incident, Trump announced Chris Rocheleau as the acting FAA administrator, indicating that the agency's hiring practices and safety protocols will undergo rigorous examination. Critics of the FAA's DEI initiatives assert they can be discriminatory, while supporters argue they are necessary to rectify historical inequities in the aviation sector.
Published: Jan 30 2025, 11 pmeznews.inAfter an extended eight-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore conducted their first joint spacewalk on Thursday, performing essential maintenance tasks and inspecting the station's exterior for any surviving microbes from Earth. The spacewalk, which began at 8 am ET, was livestreamed by NASA, with Wilmore expressing excitement as he exited the ISS, located 420 kilometers above Earth. Meanwhile, NASA is collaborating with SpaceX to facilitate the astronauts' return, which has been delayed due to technical issues with their original spacecraft, Boeing's Starliner. Originally scheduled for an eight-day mission, the duo's stay was extended after their arrival in June 2024. NASA confirmed that SpaceX is preparing for a repatriation mission, following US President Donald Trump's remarks about the upcoming return of the astronauts.
Published: Jan 30 2025, 9 pmeznews.inSaudi Arabia is set to unveil the Middle East's inaugural luxury train, the 'Dream of the Desert', with its first journey scheduled for late 2026. The 1,300-kilometer route will connect Riyadh to Al Qurayyat, near the Jordanian border, showcasing the country's stunning desert vistas across regions like Al Qassim, Hail, and Al Jouf. Developed by Italy's Arsenale Group and commissioned by Saudi Arabia Railways, the train will feature 14 carriages with 34 opulent suites, designed by Lebanese architect Aline Asmar d'Amman, boasting gold-adorned ceilings and plush interiors. Minister of Transport H.E. Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser highlighted the project's role in enhancing Saudi Arabia's logistics and tourism sectors. The train will also exhibit commissioned art celebrating Saudi heritage, and menus curated by top chefs, as part of the Kingdom's strategy to attract 150 million visitors by 2030.
Published: Jan 30 2025, 8 pmeznews.inKash Patel, nominated by President Trump to lead the FBI, is poised for a contentious confirmation hearing, facing significant scrutiny from Democratic senators over his qualifications and independence. Critics express alarm at Patel's loyalty to Trump and his controversial proposal to transform the FBI headquarters into a "museum of the deep state," along with his previous comments advocating for a radical overhaul of the bureau. Democratic Senator Dick Durbin has voiced concerns about Patel's experience and judgment, questioning his fitness for the role. Meanwhile, Republican supporters, including Senator Thom Tillis, argue that Patel is well-suited to reform the agency. The hearing is expected to focus on Patel's past remarks and his book, "Government Gangsters," which names current and former FBI officials as targets for investigation, raising further doubts about his impartiality in leading the agency.
Published: Jan 30 2025, 8 pmeznews.inPalestinian militants released three Israeli hostages and five foreign nationals on Thursday as part of a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the "shocking scenes" surrounding the releases, which included footage of Israeli soldier Agam Berger, 20, being handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Jabalia. Alongside Berger, two other Israeli hostages, Gadi Moses and Arbel Yehud, were also set to be freed, with five Thais included in the exchange. The ceasefire, initiated on January 19, stipulates the release of 33 hostages in return for 1,900 Palestinians held by Israel. While aid deliveries to Gaza have resumed, Hamas officials accused Israel of delaying assistance, a claim Israel dismissed as "fake news." The humanitarian situation remains dire, with over 376,000 displaced Palestinians returning to devastated areas amid ongoing challenges.
Published: Jan 30 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA midair collision between a US Army Blackhawk helicopter and a passenger jet near Washington, DC, has resulted in no survivors, with 28 bodies recovered from the Potomac River, according to authorities. Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly confirmed that the operation has shifted from rescue to recovery, involving 300 first responders who battled frigid conditions and heavy winds throughout the night. The Bombardier plane, operated by an American Airlines subsidiary, was approaching Reagan National Airport with 60 passengers and four crew members on board when the crash occurred. Air traffic controllers had warned the helicopter about the impending collision, with audio from the incident capturing the chaotic moments leading up to the crash. President Donald Trump criticized the circumstances surrounding the incident, questioning the helicopter's flight path and the control tower's communication. American Airlines' CEO expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, while officials await further investigations.
Published: Jan 30 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed the release of Palestinian prisoners planned for Thursday, which was part of a deal involving the return of three Israeli hostages. Netanyahu, in conjunction with Defence Minister Israel Katz, stated that the release of the 110 Palestinian prisoners would be delayed until the safe departure of the hostages is guaranteed in future phases of the agreement. This decision follows ongoing negotiations, with a Hamas source indicating that the group is actively engaging with mediators to pressure Israel into proceeding with the prisoner release as scheduled. The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the complexities of the ceasefire arrangement.
Published: Jan 30 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIndian culture is increasingly resonating in Saudi Arabia, with a series of events highlighting this growing interest. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is set to host a landmark performance by Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan on February 6, marking his debut in the Kingdom. The concert, titled "Three Generations, One Melody," will showcase Khan alongside his sons and grandsons, emphasizing the richness of Indian classical music. Indian ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan noted the strong Saudi interest in Indian arts, reflecting a cultural exchange that has intensified recently. The past few months have seen various initiatives, including the Pravasi Parichay event featuring over 450 artists and the recognition of actor Hrithik Roshan at the Joy Awards. With music icon AR Rahman also scheduled to perform next month, the cultural ties between India and Saudi Arabia continue to flourish under Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s Vision 2030.
Published: Jan 30 2025, 7 pmeznews.inJapan has announced it will not fund a UN women's rights committee and has suspended a member's visit following calls to amend its male-only imperial succession rules. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated on Thursday that Japan would not contribute financially after the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women urged the nation to ensure gender equality in succession to the throne. Japan insists that the right to succeed the throne is not a matter of human rights or gender discrimination, as only sons of royal fathers can become emperor. This decision comes amid ongoing concerns about succession within the imperial family, particularly with Emperor Naruhito's heir being only a few years younger than him and 18-year-old Prince Hisahito as the only young member in line. While many Japanese voters support allowing women to ascend the throne, traditionalists argue it would fundamentally change the nation.
Published: Jan 30 2025, 5 pmeznews.inUS President Donald Trump signed several executive orders on Wednesday addressing contentious issues in education, including race, gender, and campus protests, which were central to his campaign. One order, titled "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling," aims to restrict teachings on race and gender identity while promoting "patriotic education." It also seeks to limit accommodations for transgender students in schools. Despite states controlling education, the order mandates federal agencies to report on potential actions, such as conditioning federal funding, to enforce these changes. Additionally, Trump signed an order to expand school choice, allowing public funding for non-public schools, and another to combat anti-Semitism amid rising campus protests linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. This order addresses discrimination against Jewish students and suggests possible deportations for those breaking laws during protests, reflecting Trump's broader agenda in his initial days in office.
Published: Jan 30 2025, 5 pm
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