Nine coaches of the Delhi-bound Seemanchal Express came off the tracks early Sunday near Sahadai Buzurg station, about 30 kilometres (20 miles) east of the state capital Patna.

“Six people have died and nearly 24 have been injured,” Indian Railways spokesman Rajesh Kumar told AFP.

Local television footage showed huge crowds gathered near the accident site as emergency workers cleared the upturned wagons.

    Rescue teams with sniffer dogs sifted through the damaged carriages looking for trapped passengers.

National Disaster Response Force personnel and 0onlookers stand next to derailed carriages after a train came off the tracks near Hajipur on the outskirts of Patna in India’s eastern Bihar state on February 3, 2019. // AFP PHOTO

Most of the travellers were asleep when the train travelling at 55 kilometres (34 miles) an hour came off the tracks around 4:00 am (2230 GMT Saturday).

“I was sleeping and suddenly there was a big bang and found myself under a pile of bags,” passenger Mahesh Kumar told reporters.

A “rail fracture” caused the accident, Indian Railways said in a statement after an initial investigation.

The company promised a thorough probe of the accident, which came days after the Indian government said it had improved rail safety.

Cash compensation of 500,000 rupees ($7,000) would be given to the relatives of those killed, the railways ministry said.

Railways minister Piyush Goyal on Friday had claimed to have improved rail safety after a series of deadly accidents spooked the country.

Goyal told parliament that all unmanned rail crossing had been eliminated, one of the main causes of train collusions in India.

India’s railway network is the main form of long-distance transport, but has been lagging in improving its infrastructure, often leading to disasters.

Nearly 150 people were killed after a passenger train derailed in Bihar in 2016, the deadliest accident in recent years.

Fresh surveys show global sales had their worst contraction ever in 2018, and the outlook for 2019 isn’t much better.

Still, analysts don’t see the sun setting any time soon on the smartphone era, seen as a must-have device for many people around the world.

“They don’t have a viable replacement yet,” independent Silicon Valley analyst Rob Enderle said of the smartphone.

    “There is always the possibility to go to wearables or head-mounted displays, but none of those have emerged as a real threat.”

Worldwide handset volumes declined 4.1 percent in 2018 to a total of 1.4 billion units shipped for the full year, according to research firm IDC, which sees a potential for further declines this year

Another market tracker, Gartner, said its research suggested some stabilization in the smartphone market at the end of last year, said analyst Werner Goertz.

“Mobile phones are here to stay,” Goertz said, while suggesting that consumers may be waiting for some devices with new features.

“Foldable phones would represent a really nice disruptive feature,” he said.

Analysts pointed out that other tech products such as personal computers have seen similar ebbs and flows.

“Markets will always have slow moments when companies have to spend more on marketing money to get people to go out and buy stuff,” Enderle said.

He added that some consumers are holding off on replacing their devices amid price hikes for premium devices like Apple’s iPhone.

– Food or phone? –

During a recent earnings call, Apple chief executive Tim Cook agreed that people were holding onto their iPhones longer.

Cook contended that another reason for slower iPhone sales was that telecom carriers were cutting subsidies of handsets tied to service contracts, meaning customers were faced with paying full price of $1,000 or more for high-end models.

“People don’t want to spend another thousand bucks to replace something that isn’t broken,” analyst Enderle maintained.

“In emerging markets you can’t get people to pay a quarter of their monthly income for a phone; they are not giving up food for texting.”

In an unusual move, Apple lowered prices in some emerging markets to offset the effects of a strong US dollar on local pocketbooks.

Cook said that in January, in some locations and for some products, Apple “absorbed part of the foreign currency move” to “get close or perhaps right on” prices in those respective markets a year ago.

“So yes, I do think that price is a factor,” Cook said.

– Market mess –

Nonetheless, the latest data suggests the days of red-hot smartphone growth are over and that sluggish growth or contraction is likely in many saturated markets.

Apple recently reported a rare drop in revenue in the fourth quarter South Korea’s Samsung, the largest smartphone maker, reported a slump in fourth-quarter net profits, blaming a drop in demand for its key products.

“Globally the smartphone market is a mess right now,” said IDC analyst Ryan Reith.

“Outside of a handful of high-growth markets like India, Indonesia, (South) Korea and Vietnam, we did not see a lot of positive activity in 2018.”

Reith noted that along with consumers waiting longer to replace their phones and frustration around the high cost of premium devices, there was political and economic uncertainty.

The Chinese market, which accounts for roughly 30 percent of smartphone sales, was especially hard hit with a 10 percent drop, according to IDC’s survey.

However, Chinese smartphone makers such as Huawei, Oppo, and Xiaomi defied the trend and ended the year with gains, according to Counterpoint Research.

This year, smartphone makers will likely entice customers to upgrade devices with innovations such as superfast 5G network connectivity and foldable screens , according to Counterpoint associate director Tarun Pathak.

Leading smartphone maker Samsung is expected to show off a smartphone with a foldable screen at an event here in February.

Australia’s tropical north experiences heavy rains during the monsoon season at this time of the year, but the recent downpour has surged far above normal levels.

Thousands of residents in the city of Townsville in Queensland were without power and cut off by flooded roads.

More severe weather could whip up tornadoes and destructive winds in the days ahead, Bureau of Meteorology state manager Bruce Gunn told reporters Sunday.

    Up to 20,000 homes are also at risk of being inundated if the rains continue.

Military personnel were delivering tens of thousands of sandbags to affected locals, as Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk warned residents to be careful.

“It’s basically not just a one in 20-year event, it’s a one in 100-year event,” she told reporters Saturday.

The Bureau of Meteorology said a slow-moving monsoonal trough was sitting above Queensland, with some areas expected to receive more than a year’s worth of rain before conditions ease.

Bureau meteorologist Adam Blazak told AFP the heavy downpours could continue until Thursday, while floodwaters would take some time to recede even when the rains lessen.

The region receives an average of some 2,000 millimetres (6.5 feet) of rain annually but some towns were already on track to pass that.

The town of Ingham, north of Townsville, received 506 mm of rain in 24 hours between Saturday and Sunday, of which 145 mm fell in just one hour, Blazak said.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Townsville resident Chris Brookehouse told national broadcaster ABC, adding that his house was flooded with water more than one metre deep.

“The volume of water is just incredible. Downstairs is gone, the fridge and freezer are floating. Another five or six steps and upstairs is gone too.”

Residents evacuating to higher ground in Hermit Park, Townsville, Queensland, Australia, 03 February 2019. Thousands of residents downstream from the Ross River dam were evacuated after flash floods hit the region following heavy rains. // EPA-EFE PHOTO

Blazak said that with adverse weather predicted to continue for up to 72 hours, some regions could see record-breaking levels of rainfall.

There has been a silver lining to the deluge, with drought-stricken farmers in western Queensland welcoming the soaking.

“It is a welcome relief, especially in our western communities, to not only get the rain but also to fill up their dams,” Palaszczuk said Sunday.

“We’re getting food supplies in there. We still have many roads that are cut around those areas.”

The deluge comes amid a severe drought in the eastern inland of the vast Australian continent, including parts of Queensland state, that’s left graziers struggling to stay afloat.

Extreme heatwaves during the southern hemisphere summer have also led to maximum-temperature records being broken in some towns.

High temperatures are not unusual in Australia during its arid southern hemisphere summer, with bushfires a common occurrence.

But climate change has pushed up land and sea temperatures and led to more extremely hot days and severe fire seasons.

In the southern states of Victoria and Tasmania, firefighters in recent days have been battling numerous bushfires threatening homes and communities.

Hospitality company Airbnb has looked into Malaysia’s booking data and recommended trending destination and travel habits based on your zodiac signs.

From travelling to Bali for a surf adventure to experiencing Puebla’s amazing architecture, here are some suggestions for an auspicious travel.

Rat

Rats are imaginative and enjoy living in the moment, even if that means looking for excitement not far from home. You are charming and are happy to stay at a place that exudes energy and style. How about renting out a sexy apartment overlooking the Kuala Lumpur skyline for a staycation? Consider renting out a sexy apartment overlooking the Kuala Lumpur skyline for a staycation.

Ox

You are a natural leader, goal-driven and steadfast. Although you’ll have no problem exploring new pastures, a large group travel might not be quite your thing. Consider a quiet rainforest retreat in Templer Park, Selangor, to spend some quality time with your loved ones. Rainforest retreat in Templer Park, Selangor.

Tiger

You are courageous, self-possessed and enjoys being in charge. Solo exploration to fulfil self-driven ambitions is definitely the way to go. A nature lover, you prefer off-the-beaten path where you can take a break from the bustle of city living. Why not live by the beach in Ahipara, New Zealand or hideaway in a villa in Bali for a surf adventure? Go to Bali for a surf adventure.

Rabbit

Being fun-loving and expressive, your idea of a good time is activity with your loved ones. You are a big fan of quirky accommodation such as tents, huts and treehouses. How about going on a getaway with your significant other to a secluded tree house Airbnb listing in Atlanta, US? Go on a getaway with your significant other at a secluded tree house.

Dragon

Full of energy and charisma, you are prepared to forgo traditional vacation ideas. However, do remember that strength without flexibility will lead to fracture. Your idea of the perfect getaway is something quirky…like this “dragon home” in Westhall, Britain. Stay somewhere quirky, like this “dragon home” in Westhall, Britain.

Snake

You have a keen eye for design, good with money and extremely analytical. Lofts are the accommodation of choice for you, with high ceilings and cozy corners. How about taking a longer trip to Bali and spending your afternoons curling up in a corner reading. Get cosy with a Balinese massage that incorporates traditional ingredients.

Horse

You’re energetic and love to roam wild and free. Your love for travelling may be taking a backseat with your frugal approach. Edinburgh, Scotland, is a great destination to satiate your free spirit. Although cost is concern, that shouldn’t deter you from living large. Airbnb has a castle listing for about RM600 per night. Airbnb has a castle listing in Edinburgh for about RM600 ringgit per night.

Goat

Being home is where you feel most comfortable. You spend more time self-reflecting so a home with big windows and a comfortable couch will be the perfect go-to spot for a creative thinker like yourself. Step out of your comfort zone this year and go for a hike in Seoul, South Korea. Seek inspiration by going on a hiking trail in Seoul, South Korea.

Monkey

You are energetic and loves to have fun. Always bursting with ideas, you have no problem finding fun in the unlikeliest of places. Check out Puebla, a two-hour drive from Mexico City. The destination is a unique alternative to the typical Mexican beach vacation. While you’re there, sign up for a gastronomy workshop. Sign up for a gastronomy workshop in Puebla.

Rooster

Practical and neat, you prefer to fly mid-haul where you can rule the roost on the other side of the world. When it comes to holiday destinations, you look for places with clean cut designs and architecture. Seoul and Osaka are your go-to destinations. In Osaka, meet some locals and learn to cook some traditional Japanese dishes. Meet some friendly locals when you sign up for classes in Osaka.

Dog

Loyal and faithful, you prefer yearly long-haul destinations instead of quick regional trips. Those born in the Year of the Dog have tougher time finding like-minded mates. Perhaps that’s why you wag your tail at the very idea of a solo trip. If you are planning one soon, your best bet would be to head to Paris, the City of Love. Learn perfumery methods while in Paris.

Pig

You are well-mannered and provide a sense of calm to the people around you. These attributes explain why you would rather travel within Malaysia where it’s easy to explore in a group and hang out with family. Capture these moments as a family by signing up for a portrait photoshoot experience in Georgetown, Penang.

Moscow and Washington have long accused the other of violating the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces agreement.

President Donald Trump last year announced plans to withdraw unless Russia fulfilled its obligations.

“Our American partners have announced they are suspending their participation in the deal, and we are also suspending our participation,” Putin said of the agreement, following a US deadline for cooperation.

Putin said during a televised meeting with foreign and defence ministers Sergei Lavrov and Sergei Shoigu that Russia would no longer initiate talks with the US on disarmament.

“We will wait until our partners have matured enough to conduct an equal, meaningful dialogue with us on this important topic,” the president said.

Brokered by US president Ronald Reagan with last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the treaty ended a superpower buildup of warheads that had frightened Europeans.

It banned ground-launched missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometres (300 to 3,400 miles).

The deal resolved a crisis over Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles targeting Western capitals, but put no restrictions on other major military actors such as China.

President Donald Trump said Friday that Washington was starting a process to withdraw from the agreement in six months.

Trump said he would like to “get everybody in a big and beautiful room and do a new treaty,” but in the meantime, the United States “can’t be put at a disadvantage.”

– Disputed missile –

The US in December gave Moscow a 60-day deadline to dismantle missiles it said breached the agreement.

But Moscow has insisted the disputed 9M729 missile is allowed under the treaty. The defence ministry last month invited journalists and foreign military attaches to a briefing on the weapon system.

Lavrov on Saturday repeated Russian accusations that Washington itself has been in violation of the deal for many years.

The foreign minister said Russia had “tried everything to save the treaty” in several rounds of diplomatic talks.

Putin meanwhile said Russia would seek to develop medium-range missiles in response to what he said were similar projects in the US.

He has previously warned of proliferation of weapons but on Saturday told the ministers Russia would “not be drawn into a costly new arms race”.

Russia would only deploy intermediate- and short-range missiles in Europe or elsewhere in answer to similar moves from the US, he added.

European leaders have voiced fears over the consequences of the treaty’s demise and called on Russia to address concerns before the United States formally leaves in August.

NATO said in a statement Friday that the US allies “fully support” the withdrawal and agreed that Russia’s 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile systems, whose range is the cause of US concerns, violated the treaty.

Lavrov at Saturday’s meeting also voiced concerns that Washington’s decision to withdraw from the INF could jeopardise the extension of the New START treaty.

That agreement, which caps the number of nuclear warheads held by Washington and Moscow, expires in 2021.

The incident took place at Al-Anwar Islamic Boarding School in Rembang, Central Java, on Friday. The Islamic school was holding an event called Sarang Berdzikir untuk Indonesia Maju (chanting for Indonesia’s advancement) after Jokowi’s campaign platform title.

The cleric, Kyai Maimun Zubair, was sitting next to the President, who is seeking greater support from Muslim voters, when he was closing the event with the prayer, in which he mistakenly prayed for Prabowo.

Maimun, who reportedly backed Prabowo in the 2014 presidential election, was reading the prayer from a yellow sheet of paper, tempo.co reported. The prayer was in Arabic, but one line that sparked the whole fracas could be translated to, “Dear God, this is a leader, this is a leader Prabowo, please let him be, dear God.”

Prabowo’s name was mentioned three minutes into the video. In the version that The Jakarta Post watched, Maimun mentioned Prabowo’s name at the 3 minute 50 second mark.

After the prayer, the event’s host announced that Jokowi and the first lady, Iriana Widodo, were about to leave the room, which is when Maimun said another prayer in Arabic, this time mentioning Jokowi’s name, in an apparent effort to correct the blunder.

“I am an old person. I’m 90 years old,” said Maimun after the short prayer, “But with this, I am hoping for the one who sits beside me, Pak Jokowi.”

The statement was met with applause. The Islamic scholar then left the stage, helped by Jokowi.

On Saturday, United Development Party (PPP) deputy chairman Arwani Thomafi asked people to see the whole video, as there is a short version of the video which only shows the part where Maimun mentions Prabowo’s name.

In a written statement, Arwani argued that Maimun prayed for Jokowi to be president for the second time.

“If the prayer were for someone to be a presidential candidate for the second time, then it would have been for Prabowo,” he said, as quoted by tempo.co.