Several cruise missiles were fired by North Korea towards the Yellow Sea on Wednesday (Jan 24), said Seoul's military, the latest in a series of tension-raising steps being taken by the nuclear-armed state.

The testing of weapons was accelerated by Pyongyang in the new year, which included tests of what the country called an "underwater nuclear weapon system" as well as a solid-fuelled hypersonic ballistic missile.

"Our military detected several cruise missiles launched by North Korea towards the Yellow Sea at around 7:00 am today," said the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a statement.

"The detailed specifications are being closely analysed by South Korean and US intelligence authorities," the statement added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-north-korea-in-a-public-trial-puts-2-teens-under-12-years-of-hard-labour-for-watching-k-pop-681813">North Korea teens, in a public trial, put under 12 years of hard labour for watching K-pop</a>

Unlike the country's ballistic counterparts, cruise missile testing is not banned under the current sanctions imposed by the United Nations over Pyongyang. Cruise missiles are generally jet-propelled and fly at a lower altitude in comparison to other more sophisticated ballistic missiles, which makes them harder to intercept and detect. &nbsp;

The latest missile launch by North Korea comes as South Korea has been carrying out a 10-day special forces infiltration drill off its east coast, "in light of serious security situations" with the North, which runs till Thursday (Jan 25), as per the South's navy.

"We will achieve our mission to infiltrate deep into the enemy's territory and neutralize them completely under any circumstances," said the drill's commander in a statement.

<h2>North Korea-South Korea's deteriorating ties&nbsp;</h2>

In recent months, there has been a sharp deterioration in ties between the two countries, with the two sides carrying out live-fire drills along the border, finalising key tension-reducing agreements and increasing frontier security.&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last week declared South Korea as the country's "principal enemy" and said that a war can break out even if there is a territorial infringement of 0.001 mm.

Watch:&nbsp;Japan, US, South Korea share real-time data on North Korea's missiles&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-us-south-korea-share-real-time-data-on-north-koreas-missiles-world-news-wion-671337/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The North Korean leader further said that Pyongyang will not recognise the de facto maritime border between the two countries - the Northern Limit Line - and appealed for constitutional changes which permitted the North to "occupy" Seoul in war, said the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Meanwhile, South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol informed his cabinet that if the nuclear-armed North adopts any provocative move, Seoul's response will be "multiple times stronger", while emphasising his military's "overwhelming response capabilities".

At North Korea's year-end policy meetings, Kim threatened to launch a nuclear attack on&nbsp;South and appealed for a build-up of the military arsenal as any armed conflict, he warned, can "break out any time".

(With inputs from agencies)

Several cruise missiles were fired by North Korea towards the Yellow Sea on Wednesday (Jan 24), said Seoul's military, the latest in a series of tension-raising steps being taken by the nuclear-armed state.

Several cruise missiles were fired by North Korea towards the Yellow Sea on Wednesday (Jan 24), said Seoul's military, the latest in a series of tension-raising steps being taken by the nuclear-armed state. The testing of weapons was accelerated by Pyongyang in the new year, which included tests of what the country called an "underwater nuclear weapon system" as well as a solid-fuelled hypersonic ballistic missile. "Our military detected several cruise missiles launched by North Korea towards the Yellow Sea at around 7:00 am today," said the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a statement. "The detailed specifications are being closely analysed by South Korean and US intelligence authorities," the statement added. Also read: North Korea teens, in a public trial, put under 12 years of hard labour for watching K-pop Unlike the country's ballistic counterparts, cruise missile testing is not banned under the current sanctions imposed by the United Nations over Pyongyang. Cruise missiles are generally jet-propelled and fly at a lower altitude in comparison to other more sophisticated ballistic missiles, which makes them harder to intercept and detect. The latest missile launch by North Korea comes as South Korea has been carrying out a 10-day special forces infiltration drill off its east coast, "in light of serious security situations" with the North, which runs till Thursday (Jan 25), as per the South's navy. "We will achieve our mission to infiltrate deep into the enemy's territory and neutralize them completely under any circumstances," said the drill's commander in a statement. North Korea-South Korea's deteriorating ties In recent months, there has been a sharp deterioration in ties between the two countries, with the two sides carrying out live-fire drills along the border, finalising key tension-reducing agreements and increasing frontier security. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last week declared South Korea as the country's "principal enemy" and said that a war can break out even if there is a territorial infringement of 0.001 mm. Watch: Japan, US, South Korea share real-time data on North Korea's missiles The North Korean leader further said that Pyongyang will not recognise the de facto maritime border between the two countries - the Northern Limit Line - and appealed for constitutional changes which permitted the North to "occupy" Seoul in war, said the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Meanwhile, South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol informed his cabinet that if the nuclear-armed North adopts any provocative move, Seoul's response will be "multiple times stronger", while emphasising his military's "overwhelming response capabilities". At North Korea's year-end policy meetings, Kim threatened to launch a nuclear attack on South and appealed for a build-up of the military arsenal as any armed conflict, he warned, can "break out any time". (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea fires multiple cruise missiles towards Yellow Sea, says South Korea

Nikki Haley, after finishing in second place behind former US president Donald Trump in the New Hampshire primary, refused to exit the Republican race and insisted on defeating Trump in polls ahead.

The governor of South Carolina took the pledge to move forward with her plan to carry out a rally in her home state and insisted that she still had a path.

“I have news for all of them. New Hampshire is first in the nation. It is not the last,” said Haley, to the cheering audience. “This race is far from over. There are dozens of states left to go, and the next one is my sweet state of South Carolina," said the former United Nations ambassador

"I'm a fighter. And I'm scrappy. And now we're the last one standing next to Donald Trump," said the Indian-American leader.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-hampshire-us-primaries-donald-trump-delivers-knockout-blow-to-nikky-haley-683000">New Hampshire Republican primary: Donald Trump delivers knockout blow to Nikki Haley</a>

Haley further argued that her path to beat Trump is an incremental one and further threw bombs at Trump and his electability.

“With Donald Trump, Republicans have lost almost every competitive election. We lost the Senate. We lost the House. We lost the White House. We lost in 2018. We lost in 2020, and we lost in 2022,” said Haley.

“The worst-kept secret in politics is how badly the Democrats want to run against Donald Trump. They know Trump is the only Republican in the country who Joe Biden can defeat," she added.&nbsp;

Even before the results came, Haley's supporters and allies insisted that it had all expectations of moving ahead.&nbsp;

<h2>Haley challenges Trump for debate</h2>

Reacting further to the defeat in New Hampshire, Haley challenged Trump to a debate.

“The other day Donald Trump accused me of not providing security at the Capitol on January 6th. Now, I've longed called for mental competency tests for politicians over the age of 75...he should have no problem standing on a debate stage with me," said Haley.

Watch:&nbsp;US Elections: Donald Trump wins Republican primary in New Hampshire

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-donald-trump-wins-republican-primary-in-new-hampshire-683016/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Taking the theme again on Tuesday (Jan 23), she said that the country needs to appoint someone in the White House who can invest eight years to bring it back on track. "Do you want two 80-year-olds running for president?" quipped Haley.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Democrat from Minnesota Rep Dean Phillips also took the vow of continuing his presidential campaign after defeat in the New Hampshire primary.

"Your votes tonight were the most meaningful votes you've ever cast in your life, and I'll make that promise to you," said Phillips, while addressing supporters on Tuesday evening in New Hampshire.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nikki Haley, after finishing in second place behind former US president Donald Trump in the New Hampshire primary, refused to exit the Republican race and insisted on defeating Trump in polls ahead.

Nikki Haley, after finishing in second place behind former US president Donald Trump in the New Hampshire primary, refused to exit the Republican race and insisted on defeating Trump in polls ahead. The governor of South Carolina took the pledge to move forward with her plan to carry out a rally in her home state and insisted that she still had a path. “I have news for all of them. New Hampshire is first in the nation. It is not the last,” said Haley, to the cheering audience. “This race is far from over. There are dozens of states left to go, and the next one is my sweet state of South Carolina," said the former United Nations ambassador "I'm a fighter. And I'm scrappy. And now we're the last one standing next to Donald Trump," said the Indian-American leader. Also read: New Hampshire Republican primary: Donald Trump delivers knockout blow to Nikki Haley Haley further argued that her path to beat Trump is an incremental one and further threw bombs at Trump and his electability. “With Donald Trump, Republicans have lost almost every competitive election. We lost the Senate. We lost the House. We lost the White House. We lost in 2018. We lost in 2020, and we lost in 2022,” said Haley. “The worst-kept secret in politics is how badly the Democrats want to run against Donald Trump. They know Trump is the only Republican in the country who Joe Biden can defeat," she added. Even before the results came, Haley's supporters and allies insisted that it had all expectations of moving ahead. Haley challenges Trump for debate Reacting further to the defeat in New Hampshire, Haley challenged Trump to a debate. “The other day Donald Trump accused me of not providing security at the Capitol on January 6th. Now, I've longed called for mental competency tests for politicians over the age of 75...he should have no problem standing on a debate stage with me," said Haley. Watch: US Elections: Donald Trump wins Republican primary in New Hampshire Taking the theme again on Tuesday (Jan 23), she said that the country needs to appoint someone in the White House who can invest eight years to bring it back on track. "Do you want two 80-year-olds running for president?" quipped Haley. Meanwhile, Democrat from Minnesota Rep Dean Phillips also took the vow of continuing his presidential campaign after defeat in the New Hampshire primary. "Your votes tonight were the most meaningful votes you've ever cast in your life, and I'll make that promise to you," said Phillips, while addressing supporters on Tuesday evening in New Hampshire. (With inputs from agencies)

US elections: Nikki Haley won't quit Republican race, insists can defeat Trump after New Hampshire loss

The Turkish parliament on Tuesday (Jan 23) gave its long-awaited approval to Sweden's NATO membership, pushing the Nordic country significantly closer to the Western military alliance. Hungary is the only other NATO country left to ratify the Swedish membership bid. 
 
Three months after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submitted a bill which approved Sweden's membership to parliament, the country's MPs voted in favour of ratification late on Tuesday night.

After a four-hour-long debate, 287 lawmakers voted in favour of Sweden's NATO membership, while 55 voted against it. Sweden is now likely to become the 32nd member of the alliance. The Turkish president is likely to sign the ratification document of Sweden and conclude the role of Ankara in the protracted saga in the days ahead.

Taking to social media after the voting, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said, "Today we are one step closer to becoming a full member of NATO Positive that the Grand General Assembly of Turkey has voted in favour of Sweden’s Nato accession.”

Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said that the vote was “of course good”, but added that the government is now waiting for Erdogan to sign the ratification and send it on. “Of course, we are not finished with the process until it has happened, on the Turkish side,” he said while speaking to Swedish broadcaster SVT.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/turkeys-first-astronaut-launched-on-flight-to-international-space-station-681841">Turkey’s first astronaut launched on flight to International Space Station</a>

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the approval of Turkey and appealed to Hungary to do the same, appealing Budapest to "complete its national ratification as soon as possible". He added, “Sweden’s membership makes NATO stronger and us all safer.”

The United States further appreciated the approval granted by the Turkish parliament, with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stating on social media that the addition of Sweden to NATO is set to make the alliance "safer and stronger".

<h2>Hungary PM says 'reaffirmed' support to Sweden membership</h2>

Hungary Prime Minister Victor Orban said on Wednesday that he 'reaffirmed' his country's support to Sweden's NATO membership in a phone call with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg.

"I reaffirmed that the Hungarian government supports the NATO membership of Sweden," Orban wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

"I also stressed that we will continue to urge the Hungarian National Assembly to vote in favour of Sweden's accession and conclude the ratification at the first possible opportunity," he added.

Hungary is the last holdout to Sweden's bid to join NATO. Verbal reaffirmation of support may not necessarily indicate that hightly technical, formal process of official ratification will move forward swiftly.

Watch:&nbsp;US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Turkey

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-arrives-in-turkey-677068/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sweden applied to join NATO membership in May 2022, marking a major shift in its security policy after Russia invaded Ukraine in February. Finland had also applied for NATO membership around the same time.&nbsp;

Congratulating Sweden, Finland's outgoing president Sauli Niinisto wrote on X, “I am very glad of the Turkish parliament’s vote to ratify Sweden’s Nato membership. Sweden’s membership will improve security in the Baltic region and make the whole alliance stronger. When Sweden is a member, Finland’s membership will also be completed.”

Hungary’s government had submitted the application for ratifying Sweden's membership in parliament in 2022, however, a final vote has been delayed repeatedly.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Turkish parliament on Tuesday (Jan 23) gave its long-awaited approval to Sweden's NATO membership, pushing the Nordic country significantly closer to the Western military alliance.

The Turkish parliament on Tuesday (Jan 23) gave its long-awaited approval to Sweden's NATO membership, pushing the Nordic country significantly closer to the Western military alliance. Hungary is the only other NATO country left to ratify the Swedish membership bid. Three months after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submitted a bill which approved Sweden's membership to parliament, the country's MPs voted in favour of ratification late on Tuesday night. After a four-hour-long debate, 287 lawmakers voted in favour of Sweden's NATO membership, while 55 voted against it. Sweden is now likely to become the 32nd member of the alliance. The Turkish president is likely to sign the ratification document of Sweden and conclude the role of Ankara in the protracted saga in the days ahead. Taking to social media after the voting, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said, "Today we are one step closer to becoming a full member of NATO Positive that the Grand General Assembly of Turkey has voted in favour of Sweden’s Nato accession.” Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said that the vote was “of course good”, but added that the government is now waiting for Erdogan to sign the ratification and send it on. “Of course, we are not finished with the process until it has happened, on the Turkish side,” he said while speaking to Swedish broadcaster SVT. Also read: Turkey’s first astronaut launched on flight to International Space Station NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the approval of Turkey and appealed to Hungary to do the same, appealing Budapest to "complete its national ratification as soon as possible". He added, “Sweden’s membership makes NATO stronger and us all safer.” The United States further appreciated the approval granted by the Turkish parliament, with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stating on social media that the addition of Sweden to NATO is set to make the alliance "safer and stronger". Hungary PM says 'reaffirmed' support to Sweden membership Hungary Prime Minister Victor Orban said on Wednesday that he 'reaffirmed' his country's support to Sweden's NATO membership in a phone call with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg. "I reaffirmed that the Hungarian government supports the NATO membership of Sweden," Orban wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "I also stressed that we will continue to urge the Hungarian National Assembly to vote in favour of Sweden's accession and conclude the ratification at the first possible opportunity," he added. Hungary is the last holdout to Sweden's bid to join NATO. Verbal reaffirmation of support may not necessarily indicate that hightly technical, formal process of official ratification will move forward swiftly. Watch: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Turkey Sweden applied to join NATO membership in May 2022, marking a major shift in its security policy after Russia invaded Ukraine in February. Finland had also applied for NATO membership around the same time. Congratulating Sweden, Finland's outgoing president Sauli Niinisto wrote on X, “I am very glad of the Turkish parliament’s vote to ratify Sweden’s Nato membership. Sweden’s membership will improve security in the Baltic region and make the whole alliance stronger. When Sweden is a member, Finland’s membership will also be completed.” Hungary’s government had submitted the application for ratifying Sweden's membership in parliament in 2022, however, a final vote has been delayed repeatedly. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey ratifies Sweden's much-delayed NATO bid, ball now in Hungary's court

A man was arrested by the police on Tuesday (Jan 23) hours after he confessed to starting a fire in a building in South Africa last year while trying to hide a murder committed by him. &nbsp;

The arson was started by the man while he was trying the get rid of the dead body of someone whom he had strangled in the rundown apartment complex's basement after receiving orders from a drug dealer. The fire in the building had killed more than 76 people.&nbsp;

The South African man made the shocking and unexpected confession when he was testifying at an ongoing inquiry into the incidents which led to the fire at an apartment building in Johannesburg in August 2023.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spanish-triple-murder-what-is-the-online-love-scam-that-involves-pakistani-origin-man-683166">Spanish triple murder: What is the online 'love scam' that involves Pakistani origin man?</a>

The 29-year-old, whose identity was not revealed, confessed that he had killed another man by strangling him on the night the fire started, as per reports of the testimony published in the South African media.&nbsp;

He said&nbsp;that after the murder, he poured petrol on the body of the man and set it alight using a match, as per media reports.&nbsp;

<h2>Man given orders to commit murder</h2>

The man further testified that he was a drug user and was given the orders to murder the man by another drug dealer who was living in the building.

In a statement, the police said that the man was facing 76 counts of murder as well as 120 counts of attempted murder and was charged with arson.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Divya Pahuja murder case: Former model's body found in a canal in Haryana

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/divya-pahuja-murder-case-former-models-body-found-in-a-canal-in-haryana-679795/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The inquiry in which the man testified was not a criminal proceeding and his confession regarding arson came as a surprise.

The inquiry is trying to investigate what caused the fire and the safety failures which may have resulted in the death of so many people.

At the inquiry, the man also testified that he was a resident of the building.

(With inputs from agencies)

A man was arrested by the police on Tuesday (Jan 23) hours after he confessed to starting a fire in a building in South Africa last year while trying to hide a murder committed by him.

A man was arrested by the police on Tuesday (Jan 23) hours after he confessed to starting a fire in a building in South Africa last year while trying to hide a murder committed by him. The arson was started by the man while he was trying the get rid of the dead body of someone whom he had strangled in the rundown apartment complex's basement after receiving orders from a drug dealer. The fire in the building had killed more than 76 people. The South African man made the shocking and unexpected confession when he was testifying at an ongoing inquiry into the incidents which led to the fire at an apartment building in Johannesburg in August 2023. Also read: Spanish triple murder: What is the online 'love scam' that involves Pakistani origin man? The 29-year-old, whose identity was not revealed, confessed that he had killed another man by strangling him on the night the fire started, as per reports of the testimony published in the South African media. He said that after the murder, he poured petrol on the body of the man and set it alight using a match, as per media reports. Man given orders to commit murder The man further testified that he was a drug user and was given the orders to murder the man by another drug dealer who was living in the building. In a statement, the police said that the man was facing 76 counts of murder as well as 120 counts of attempted murder and was charged with arson. Watch: Divya Pahuja murder case: Former model's body found in a canal in Haryana The inquiry in which the man testified was not a criminal proceeding and his confession regarding arson came as a surprise. The inquiry is trying to investigate what caused the fire and the safety failures which may have resulted in the death of so many people. At the inquiry, the man also testified that he was a resident of the building. (With inputs from agencies)

South African man confesses to starting fire that killed 76 while trying to hide murder

The Los Angeles Times laid off nearly 115 journalists in one go over a Zoom call&nbsp;amid the company's financial turbulence.&nbsp;

With the layoffs, the newspaper cut down 20 per cent of its newsroom staff. Its owner and billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong said that the layoffs were important to make the newspaper sustainable and refused to accept that the company was in any kind of turmoil.

The layoffs, which were announced by the newspaper on Tuesday (Jan 23), affected both union and non-union employees.&nbsp;

President of Media Guild of the West Matt Pearce, who represents unionised journalists of the Times, wrote on X that 94 union members were notified about being laid off on Wednesday (Jan 24), which is one-quarter of the union members but very few of them had originally anticipated.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-ceo-sundar-pichai-tells-employees-to-expect-more-job-cuts-in-2024-report-681271">Google CEO Sundar Pichai tells employees to expect more job cuts in 2024: Report</a>

“We believe our decision to go on strike saved scores of newsroom jobs today,” said the Los Angeles Times Guild, in a statement on Wednesday, as it cited an email from the media company's COO and president.

Some of the staff who were laid off took to X to share their news. The staff who posted about layoffs included the chief and deputy chief of the paper’s D.C. bureau Kimbriell Kelly and Nick Baumann, and also Jeff Bercovici and Lindsay Blakely, the editor and deputy editor of the business section, along with others.

<h2>Soon-Shiong says layoffs are 'painful'&nbsp;</h2>

In an interview which was published in his own paper, Soon-Shiong said that the layoffs were “painful for all,” but added that they were part of a “real plan” of making the paper viable. He added that the newspaper had faced “tumultuous” years, but rejected the fact that the company was in chaos.&nbsp;

“We are not in turmoil,” Soon-Shiong said. The layoffs happened just two weeks after the newspaper’s executive editor Kevin Merida resigned after working for two and a half years.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Tech layoffs to continue in 2024?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tech-layoffs-to-continue-in-2024-675501/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The newspaper had already laid off 74 newsroom employees a few months ago. The fresh layoffs happened at the time when the newspaper got its first-ever Oscar nomination for the documentary short film ‘The Last Repair Shop’. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Los Angeles Times laid off nearly 115 journalists in one go over a Zoom call amid the company's financial turbulence. With the layoffs, the newspaper cut down 20 per cent of its newsroom staff.

The Los Angeles Times laid off nearly 115 journalists in one go over a Zoom call amid the company's financial turbulence. With the layoffs, the newspaper cut down 20 per cent of its newsroom staff. Its owner and billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong said that the layoffs were important to make the newspaper sustainable and refused to accept that the company was in any kind of turmoil. The layoffs, which were announced by the newspaper on Tuesday (Jan 23), affected both union and non-union employees. President of Media Guild of the West Matt Pearce, who represents unionised journalists of the Times, wrote on X that 94 union members were notified about being laid off on Wednesday (Jan 24), which is one-quarter of the union members but very few of them had originally anticipated. Also read: Google CEO Sundar Pichai tells employees to expect more job cuts in 2024: Report “We believe our decision to go on strike saved scores of newsroom jobs today,” said the Los Angeles Times Guild, in a statement on Wednesday, as it cited an email from the media company's COO and president. Some of the staff who were laid off took to X to share their news. The staff who posted about layoffs included the chief and deputy chief of the paper’s D.C. bureau Kimbriell Kelly and Nick Baumann, and also Jeff Bercovici and Lindsay Blakely, the editor and deputy editor of the business section, along with others. Soon-Shiong says layoffs are 'painful' In an interview which was published in his own paper, Soon-Shiong said that the layoffs were “painful for all,” but added that they were part of a “real plan” of making the paper viable. He added that the newspaper had faced “tumultuous” years, but rejected the fact that the company was in chaos. “We are not in turmoil,” Soon-Shiong said. The layoffs happened just two weeks after the newspaper’s executive editor Kevin Merida resigned after working for two and a half years. Watch: Tech layoffs to continue in 2024? The newspaper had already laid off 74 newsroom employees a few months ago. The fresh layoffs happened at the time when the newspaper got its first-ever Oscar nomination for the documentary short film ‘The Last Repair Shop’. (With inputs from agencies)

LA Times lays off 115 journalists over Zoom call amid financial turmoil

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to the Indian state of Bihar's two-time chief minister Karpoori Thakur on his 100th birth anniversary and spoke about the leader's significant contributions in the field of social justice and his unwavering commitment to ensuring people's welfare.&nbsp;

Karpoori Thakur was awarded India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, on Tuesday (Jan 23), one day before his birth anniversary.&nbsp;

In his blog post, Indian PM Modi spoke about the legacy of Thakur and how he implemented quotas in jobs for other backward classes (OBCs) while ensuring equitable distribution of reservation benefits.&nbsp;

"Today is the birth centenary of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji, whose relentless pursuit of social justice created a positive impact in the lives of crores of people," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-was-karpoori-thakur-the-jan-nayak-honoured-with-bharat-ratna-posthumously-682918">Who was Karpoori Thakur? The ‘Jan Nayak’ honoured with Bharat Ratna posthumously</a>

He emphasised the humble beginnings of Thakur and the resilience he showed by overcoming various obstacles to work for societal betterment.

PM Modi also remembered anecdotes from the life of Karpoori Thakur which illustrated his simplicity and cited instances of him spending his own money on personal issues, which included his daughter's wedding.

“During his tenure as Chief Minister of Bihar, a decision was taken to build a colony for political leaders but he himself did not take any land or money for the same. When he passed away in 1988, several leaders went to his village to pay tributes. When they saw the condition of his house, they were moved to tears- how can someone so towering have a house so simple!” PM Modi wrote.

<h2>Thakur in Congress Party's omnipresent era&nbsp;took distinctly anti-Congress line: PM&nbsp;</h2>

Recalling an incident from 1977 when he had become the chief minister of Bihar, PM Modi said that Thakur attended an event with a torn kurta. He added that even though the then-chief minister received monetary help to purchase a new one, he donated the money collected to the CM Relief Fund, which showed his selfless nature.

"His political journey was marked by monumental efforts to create a society where resources were distributed fairly, and everyone, regardless of their social standing, had access to opportunities," PM Modi said, emphasising the commitment of Thakur to addressing systemic inequalities.

Watch:&nbsp;India's gold reserves now larger than Saudi Arabia &amp; UK

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-gold-reserves-now-larger-than-saudi-arabia-uk-681266/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Such was his commitment to his ideals that despite living in an era where the Congress Party was omnipresent, he took a distinctly anti-Congress line because he was convinced very early on that the Congress had deviated from its founding principles,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to the Indian state of Bihar's two-time chief minister Karpoori Thakur on his 100th birth anniversary and spoke about the leader's significant contributions in the field of social justice and his unwavering commitment to ensuring people's welfare.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to the Indian state of Bihar's two-time chief minister Karpoori Thakur on his 100th birth anniversary and spoke about the leader's significant contributions in the field of social justice and his unwavering commitment to ensuring people's welfare. Karpoori Thakur was awarded India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, on Tuesday (Jan 23), one day before his birth anniversary. In his blog post, Indian PM Modi spoke about the legacy of Thakur and how he implemented quotas in jobs for other backward classes (OBCs) while ensuring equitable distribution of reservation benefits. "Today is the birth centenary of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji, whose relentless pursuit of social justice created a positive impact in the lives of crores of people," PM Modi said. Also read: Who was Karpoori Thakur? The ‘Jan Nayak’ honoured with Bharat Ratna posthumously He emphasised the humble beginnings of Thakur and the resilience he showed by overcoming various obstacles to work for societal betterment. PM Modi also remembered anecdotes from the life of Karpoori Thakur which illustrated his simplicity and cited instances of him spending his own money on personal issues, which included his daughter's wedding. “During his tenure as Chief Minister of Bihar, a decision was taken to build a colony for political leaders but he himself did not take any land or money for the same. When he passed away in 1988, several leaders went to his village to pay tributes. When they saw the condition of his house, they were moved to tears- how can someone so towering have a house so simple!” PM Modi wrote. Thakur in Congress Party's omnipresent era took distinctly anti-Congress line: PM Recalling an incident from 1977 when he had become the chief minister of Bihar, PM Modi said that Thakur attended an event with a torn kurta. He added that even though the then-chief minister received monetary help to purchase a new one, he donated the money collected to the CM Relief Fund, which showed his selfless nature. "His political journey was marked by monumental efforts to create a society where resources were distributed fairly, and everyone, regardless of their social standing, had access to opportunities," PM Modi said, emphasising the commitment of Thakur to addressing systemic inequalities. Watch: India's gold reserves now larger than Saudi Arabia & UK “Such was his commitment to his ideals that despite living in an era where the Congress Party was omnipresent, he took a distinctly anti-Congress line because he was convinced very early on that the Congress had deviated from its founding principles,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM recounts anecdotes illustrating simplicity of Karpoori Thakur on his birth centenary

&nbsp;A 12-year-old Indian boy, who had been missing since Sunday from the Indian city of Bengaluru, was found at a metro station in another city Hyderabad on Wednesday morning (Jan 24).&nbsp;

The missing boy was traced after a request made on social media led to a frantic search for him.&nbsp;The two metro cities are nearly 570 km apart.

Parinav, who is a student of Class 6 in Deens Academy, somehow escaped the police, who were making efforts to track him for the last three days. &nbsp;

By the time the cops used to reach the place where the boy was last seen, he had already left for another spot. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-defence-minister-hints-china-might-weaponise-weather-for-strategic-gains-681866">Indian defence minister hints China might weaponise weather for strategic gains</a>

The boy was seen departing a coaching centre in Whitefield at nearly 11 am and then visited a petrol pump near Yemlur around 3 pm. He was last seen deboarding a bus in Bengaluru's Majestic bus terminus in the evening.&nbsp;

<h2>Social media post triggers frantic search</h2>

The boy's worried parents took to social media to seek help in finding the child. They made a request online to find their child and also shared CCTV footage which showed him walking across a road.

The post on social media prompted a frantic search for the boy by many users, as some even volunteered to physically visit Majestic. The mother of the boy also shared a video appealing to him to return home.

The boy's image was widely circulated online and after this, a passenger finally identified the boy in the metro. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;India's gold reserves now larger than Saudi Arabia &amp; UK

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-gold-reserves-now-larger-than-saudi-arabia-uk-681266/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

After the boy was confronted, he confirmed his identity at the Nampally metro station in Hyderabad on Wednesday (Jan 24), three nights after he went missing.

His parents were informed about their child, after which they left for Hyderabad.

Parinav's father Sukesh, an engineer, said that he was not aware of how the boy ended up at the metro station.

"I really want to thank all those nameless strangers who helped us in finding my boy. Without his picture being splashed all over, the person in Hyderabad would never have thought to stop a boy and ask," he said.&nbsp;

The boy's mother also confirmed that the boy was found in Hyderabad and thanked everyone in the family who helped in finding the boy. She said that the boy was safe and that they were going to bring him back.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A 12-year-old Indian boy, who had been missing since Sunday from the Indian city of Bengaluru, was found at a metro station in another city Hyderabad on Wednesday morning (Jan 24).

A 12-year-old Indian boy, who had been missing since Sunday from the Indian city of Bengaluru, was found at a metro station in another city Hyderabad on Wednesday morning (Jan 24). The missing boy was traced after a request made on social media led to a frantic search for him. The two metro cities are nearly 570 km apart. Parinav, who is a student of Class 6 in Deens Academy, somehow escaped the police, who were making efforts to track him for the last three days. By the time the cops used to reach the place where the boy was last seen, he had already left for another spot. Also read: Indian defence minister hints China might weaponise weather for strategic gains The boy was seen departing a coaching centre in Whitefield at nearly 11 am and then visited a petrol pump near Yemlur around 3 pm. He was last seen deboarding a bus in Bengaluru's Majestic bus terminus in the evening. Social media post triggers frantic search The boy's worried parents took to social media to seek help in finding the child. They made a request online to find their child and also shared CCTV footage which showed him walking across a road. The post on social media prompted a frantic search for the boy by many users, as some even volunteered to physically visit Majestic. The mother of the boy also shared a video appealing to him to return home. The boy's image was widely circulated online and after this, a passenger finally identified the boy in the metro. Watch: India's gold reserves now larger than Saudi Arabia & UK After the boy was confronted, he confirmed his identity at the Nampally metro station in Hyderabad on Wednesday (Jan 24), three nights after he went missing. His parents were informed about their child, after which they left for Hyderabad. Parinav's father Sukesh, an engineer, said that he was not aware of how the boy ended up at the metro station. "I really want to thank all those nameless strangers who helped us in finding my boy. Without his picture being splashed all over, the person in Hyderabad would never have thought to stop a boy and ask," he said. The boy's mother also confirmed that the boy was found in Hyderabad and thanked everyone in the family who helped in finding the boy. She said that the boy was safe and that they were going to bring him back. (With inputs from agencies)

12-year-old boy, gone missing in Indian city, found after three days

India's opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (Jan 24) again resumed his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra as he moved ahead from Barpeta in the Indian state of Assam, a day after they faced a roadblock while trying to enter Guwahati city.&nbsp;

Many Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal, were booked under charges of damage to public property, violence, provocation, and assault on police personnel by the Assam Police.

Before kickstarting the Yatra's 11th day, Gandhi addressed a gathering of people and launched another attack on Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while again calling him “the most corrupt CM" yet.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-sarma-directs-police-to-register-case-against-rahul-gandhi-as-his-supporters-break-barricades-in-guwahati-682797">India: Assam CM asks police to file case against Rahul Gandhi after his supporters break barricades</a>

"The Chief Minister of Assam (Himanta Biswa Sarma) spreads hate all the time and takes away your (referring to the public) lands. He is the most corrupt chief minister," Gandhi said.

<h2>Rahul Gandhi vs Assam government</h2>

The BJP-led Assam government has been accused by the Congress of trying to make attempts to hinder their Yatra since it started entering the state on Thursday (Jan 18).

The Congress and the state government had a showdown after the party workers clashed as their entry into Guwahati was restricted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
VIDEO | "The BJP tries to divide the nation on the basis of religion, caste, and language, but we (Congress) strive to unite the nation. Bharat is a country of love, not hate," says Congress leader <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> during his 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' in Barpeta, Assam. <a href="https://t.co/lnJnsXOTcB">pic.twitter.com/lnJnsXOTcB</a>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1750002881980223992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The state director general of police (DGP) was directed by Sarma to register a case against the Congress MP for allegedly ‘provoking crowd’. "Naxalite tactics" were alien to Assam's culture," said the chief minister, in a post on social platform X.

During a press conference, Gandhi slammed Sarma and said that he is one of the most corrupt chief ministers in the country.

“Clear problem in Assam, chief minister of this state one of the most corrupt CMs in the country… What the Assam CM is doing against the yatra is actually helping the yatra," said Gandhi.

Watch:&nbsp;Congress leader Rahul Gandhi cancels South Asia tour after poll debacle

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/congress-leader-rahul-gandhi-cancels-south-asia-tour-after-poll-debacle-668661/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“We are getting the publicity that we may not have got otherwise. The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra has become a main issue in Assam. Preventing from visiting the temple and college… it is their style. Intimidation tactics, we are not intimidated by them, we are not afraid of them,” he said.&nbsp;

<h2>Mallikarjun Kharge appeals Amit Shah for intervention &nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and appealed for his intervention to ensure the security of Gandhi as well as other participants of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> and the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatJodoNyayYatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatJodoNyayYatra</a> has faced serious security issues in Assam in the last few days. 
 
My letter to Home Minister, Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> underlining the same. <a href="https://t.co/FHLG5pg5Bz">pic.twitter.com/FHLG5pg5Bz</a>
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/1749996528339406891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In the letter, Kharge listed "several instances where the Assam Police has been found wanting in providing adequate security" to Gandhi who is a Z+ protectee.

"In all of the troubling events mentioned above, the Assam Police has systematically stood by and/or allowed BJP workers to come closer and closer to the convoy of Shri. Rahul Gandhi, breaching his security cordon, and endangering his physical security and that of his team," Kharge added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India's opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (Jan 24) again resumed his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra as he moved ahead from Barpeta in the Indian state of Assam, a day after they faced a roadblock while trying to enter Guwahati city.

India's opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (Jan 24) again resumed his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra as he moved ahead from Barpeta in the Indian state of Assam, a day after they faced a roadblock while trying to enter Guwahati city. Many Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal, were booked under charges of damage to public property, violence, provocation, and assault on police personnel by the Assam Police. Before kickstarting the Yatra's 11th day, Gandhi addressed a gathering of people and launched another attack on Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while again calling him “the most corrupt CM" yet. Also read: India: Assam CM asks police to file case against Rahul Gandhi after his supporters break barricades "The Chief Minister of Assam (Himanta Biswa Sarma) spreads hate all the time and takes away your (referring to the public) lands. He is the most corrupt chief minister," Gandhi said. Rahul Gandhi vs Assam government The BJP-led Assam government has been accused by the Congress of trying to make attempts to hinder their Yatra since it started entering the state on Thursday (Jan 18). The Congress and the state government had a showdown after the party workers clashed as their entry into Guwahati was restricted. VIDEO | "The BJP tries to divide the nation on the basis of religion, caste, and language, but we (Congress) strive to unite the nation. Bharat is a country of love, not hate," says Congress leader @RahulGandhi during his 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' in Barpeta, Assam. pic.twitter.com/lnJnsXOTcB — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 24, 2024 × The state director general of police (DGP) was directed by Sarma to register a case against the Congress MP for allegedly ‘provoking crowd’. "Naxalite tactics" were alien to Assam's culture," said the chief minister, in a post on social platform X. During a press conference, Gandhi slammed Sarma and said that he is one of the most corrupt chief ministers in the country. “Clear problem in Assam, chief minister of this state one of the most corrupt CMs in the country… What the Assam CM is doing against the yatra is actually helping the yatra," said Gandhi. Watch: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi cancels South Asia tour after poll debacle “We are getting the publicity that we may not have got otherwise. The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra has become a main issue in Assam. Preventing from visiting the temple and college… it is their style. Intimidation tactics, we are not intimidated by them, we are not afraid of them,” he said. Mallikarjun Kharge appeals Amit Shah for intervention Meanwhile, Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and appealed for his intervention to ensure the security of Gandhi as well as other participants of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Shri @RahulGandhi and the #BharatJodoNyayYatra has faced serious security issues in Assam in the last few days. My letter to Home Minister, Shri @AmitShah underlining the same. pic.twitter.com/FHLG5pg5Bz — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) January 24, 2024 × In the letter, Kharge listed "several instances where the Assam Police has been found wanting in providing adequate security" to Gandhi who is a Z+ protectee. "In all of the troubling events mentioned above, the Assam Police has systematically stood by and/or allowed BJP workers to come closer and closer to the convoy of Shri. Rahul Gandhi, breaching his security cordon, and endangering his physical security and that of his team," Kharge added. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Rahul Gandhi resumes Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Assam, again calls Himanta Sarma ‘corrupt CM’

5 Simple Ways To Increase Mileage Of A Car


Driving a car with low tyre pressure increases rolling resistance and decreases the mileage. Inflating the tyres a little more is likely to give you a better mileage.

It is important to short-shift and change gears at the right time to save fuel and get better mileage.


Although opening windows is beneficial when the car is running at a lower speed, it is better to use air conditioning at a higher speed for good mileage.


One can also keep the car's mileage in check by sending the car to the company's workshop for timely maintenance.


Revving of engine excessively leads to more consumption of fuel which gives less mileage to the car.


5 Simple Ways To Increase Mileage Of A Car

5 Dry Fruits Which Contain Vitamin D And Should Be Consumed In Winters

People are likely to face a deficiency of vitamin D in winter due to lack of sunlight. Hence, it is important to consume food which is rich in vitamin D. Here are five dry fruits one must consume in winter.


Dried Figs are sweet in taste and are a delicious snack which helps increase intake of vitamin D.


Raisins are one of the most loved and widely consumed dry fruits and are filled with vitamin D.


Dried Apricots are filled with essential nutrients and are a good option for the intake of vitamin D.


Dates are energy-boosting dry fruits which are filled with natural sugars and also contain a good amount of vitamin D.


Dried Prunes are known for not only their digestive benefits but also as being a good source of vitamin D.


Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.


A robocall, which appeared to be an AI-generated fake voice of United States President Joe Biden, appealed to the voters of New Hampshire to not vote in the presidential primary to be held on Tuesday (Jan 23) and save their votes for the general elections to be held in November.

The call's audio was reviewed by a Western media outlet using the anti-robocall application Nomorobo. As per the tracking data of the rob call, a large volume of such calls were made to different people.

“Republicans have been trying to push nonpartisan and Democratic voters to participate in their primary. What a bunch of malarkey,” said Biden's digitally altered voice.&nbsp;

“We know the value of voting Democratic when our votes count. It’s important that you save your vote for the November election. We’ll need your help in electing Democrats up and down the ticket. Voting this Tuesday only enables the Republicans in their quest to elect Donald Trump again," the voice said.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for Write-In Biden,&nbsp;Aaron Jacobs said, "This is deep fake disinformation designed to harm Joe Biden, suppress votes and damage our democracy. It is being referred to law enforcement so that they can determine who is responsible and bring them to justice."

He added that the group is "focused on one goal until polls close on Tuesday: encouraging Granite Staters to write-in Joe Biden".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-joe-biden-shares-video-to-mock-donald-trump-for-haley-pelosi-mix-up-682540">Joe Biden shares video to mock Donald Trump for Haley-Pelosi mix-up</a>

Meanwhile, Biden’s campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez, in a statement, said, “This matter has already been referred to the New Hampshire Attorney General, and the campaign is actively discussing additional actions to take immediately. Spreading disinformation to suppress voting and deliberately undermine free and fair elections will not stand, and fighting back against any attempt to undermine our democracy will continue to be a top priority for this campaign."

In a statement, the New Hampshire State Justice Department said, "Although the voice in the robocall sounds like the voice of President Biden, this message appears to be artificially generated based on initial indications," adding that it also appears to have been spoofed, making the call appear to "show that it had been sent by the treasurer of a political committee that has been supporting the New Hampshire Democratic Presidential Primary write-in efforts for President Biden".

The New Hampshire Justice Department advised the state's voters to disregard the message and clarified, "Voting in the New Hampshire Presidential Primary Election does not preclude a voter from additionally voting in the November General Election." Its Election Law unit is investigating the matter.&nbsp;

<h2>Biden not on New Hampshire Democratic primary ballot</h2>

Biden's name will not appear on the New Hampshire Democratic primary ballot in the current cycle. After accepting the president's request, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) approved a new early primary state schedule which took away from New Hampshire its usual status of being the first presidential primary contest and gave that position to South Carolina.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US President Biden speaks with Israel's Netanyahu on Gaza situation

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-biden-speaks-with-israels-netanyahu-on-gaza-situation-681737/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

South Carolina was Biden's first primary contest which he had ever won in any of his three presidential elections. &nbsp;

In response to the decision of President Biden to skip the New Hampshire primary, more than 100 New Hampshire Democratic leaders launched a campaign for encouraging state Democrats to write-in Biden on primary day, which is allowed and has historical precedent.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A robocall, which appeared to be an AI-generated fake voice of United States President Joe Biden, appealed to the voters of New Hampshire to not vote in the presidential primary to be held on Tuesday (Jan 23) and save their votes for the general elections to be held in November.

A robocall, which appeared to be an AI-generated fake voice of United States President Joe Biden, appealed to the voters of New Hampshire to not vote in the presidential primary to be held on Tuesday (Jan 23) and save their votes for the general elections to be held in November. The call's audio was reviewed by a Western media outlet using the anti-robocall application Nomorobo. As per the tracking data of the rob call, a large volume of such calls were made to different people. “Republicans have been trying to push nonpartisan and Democratic voters to participate in their primary. What a bunch of malarkey,” said Biden's digitally altered voice. “We know the value of voting Democratic when our votes count. It’s important that you save your vote for the November election. We’ll need your help in electing Democrats up and down the ticket. Voting this Tuesday only enables the Republicans in their quest to elect Donald Trump again," the voice said. A spokesperson for Write-In Biden, Aaron Jacobs said, "This is deep fake disinformation designed to harm Joe Biden, suppress votes and damage our democracy. It is being referred to law enforcement so that they can determine who is responsible and bring them to justice." He added that the group is "focused on one goal until polls close on Tuesday: encouraging Granite Staters to write-in Joe Biden". Also read: Joe Biden shares video to mock Donald Trump for Haley-Pelosi mix-up Meanwhile, Biden’s campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez, in a statement, said, “This matter has already been referred to the New Hampshire Attorney General, and the campaign is actively discussing additional actions to take immediately. Spreading disinformation to suppress voting and deliberately undermine free and fair elections will not stand, and fighting back against any attempt to undermine our democracy will continue to be a top priority for this campaign." In a statement, the New Hampshire State Justice Department said, "Although the voice in the robocall sounds like the voice of President Biden, this message appears to be artificially generated based on initial indications," adding that it also appears to have been spoofed, making the call appear to "show that it had been sent by the treasurer of a political committee that has been supporting the New Hampshire Democratic Presidential Primary write-in efforts for President Biden". The New Hampshire Justice Department advised the state's voters to disregard the message and clarified, "Voting in the New Hampshire Presidential Primary Election does not preclude a voter from additionally voting in the November General Election." Its Election Law unit is investigating the matter. Biden not on New Hampshire Democratic primary ballot Biden's name will not appear on the New Hampshire Democratic primary ballot in the current cycle. After accepting the president's request, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) approved a new early primary state schedule which took away from New Hampshire its usual status of being the first presidential primary contest and gave that position to South Carolina. Watch: US President Biden speaks with Israel's Netanyahu on Gaza situation South Carolina was Biden's first primary contest which he had ever won in any of his three presidential elections. In response to the decision of President Biden to skip the New Hampshire primary, more than 100 New Hampshire Democratic leaders launched a campaign for encouraging state Democrats to write-in Biden on primary day, which is allowed and has historical precedent. (With inputs from agencies)

AI scare for US elections? Fake robocall imitating Biden asks voters not to vote in New Hampshire primary

The United States and the United Kingdom carried out a fresh series of joint air strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen.&nbsp;

The Pentagon, in a statement, said that the air strikes carried out on Monday (Jan 22) hit eight targets which included weapon storage facilities, air defence systems, missile systems and launchers.

The latest strikes conducted by the US and UK were against "eight Houthi targets in Yemen in response to the Houthis' continued attacks against international and commercial shipping as well as naval vessels transiting the Red Sea," said Washington and London, in a joint statement with other nations which supported the military action.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthi-rebel-group-claims-it-attacked-us-military-ship-in-gulf-of-aden-washington-denies-682615">&nbsp;Yemen's Houthi rebel group claims it attacked US military ship in Gulf of Aden, Washington denies</a>

"These precision strikes are intended to disrupt and degrade the capabilities that the Houthis use to threaten global trade and the lives of innocent mariners," read the statement.&nbsp;

In a separate statement, the US Central Command said that the air strikes were targeted at places which "included missile systems and launchers, air defence systems, radars, and deeply buried weapons storage facilities".

<h2>US, UK claim trying to protect ‘free flow of commerce’&nbsp;</h2>

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been striking ships which they claim to have links with Israel and Western nations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The US and UK have claimed that the strikes are aimed at protecting the "free flow of commerce".

In a joint statement, the Pentagon said that “an additional round of proportionate and necessary strikes" were carried out&nbsp;against the Houthis.

"Our aim remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, but let us reiterate our warning to Houthi leadership: we will not hesitate to defend lives and the free flow of commerce in one of the world's most critical waterways in the face of continued threats,” the statement further read.&nbsp;

This is the eighth strike launched by the US on Houthis in Yemen. This is also the second joint operation conducted by the US with the UK, after joint air strikes were launched on January 11.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: US Navy SEALs die during anti-Houthi operation. What's the real story?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-navy-seals-die-during-anti-houthi-operation-whats-the-real-story-682600/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The joint statement claimed that the joint strikes were launched with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands.

The strikes on Monday were carried out by US fighter jets from the carrier USS Eisenhower along with the UK’s four RAF Typhoons and a pair of Voyager tankers.&nbsp;

"Our aircraft used Paveway IV precision-guided bombs to strike multiple targets at two military sites in the vicinity of Sanaa airfield. These locations were being used to enable the continued intolerable attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea," said the UK Ministry of Defence.

"In line with UK standard practice, a very rigorous analysis was applied in planning the strikes to minimise any risk of civilian casualties, and as with the previous strikes, our aircraft bombed at night to mitigate yet further any such risks," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States and the United Kingdom carried out a fresh series of joint air strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Pentagon, in a statement, said that the air strikes carried out on Monday (Jan 22) hit eight targets which included weapon storage facilities, air defence systems, missile systems and launchers.

The United States and the United Kingdom carried out a fresh series of joint air strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Pentagon, in a statement, said that the air strikes carried out on Monday (Jan 22) hit eight targets which included weapon storage facilities, air defence systems, missile systems and launchers. The latest strikes conducted by the US and UK were against "eight Houthi targets in Yemen in response to the Houthis' continued attacks against international and commercial shipping as well as naval vessels transiting the Red Sea," said Washington and London, in a joint statement with other nations which supported the military action. Also read: Yemen's Houthi rebel group claims it attacked US military ship in Gulf of Aden, Washington denies "These precision strikes are intended to disrupt and degrade the capabilities that the Houthis use to threaten global trade and the lives of innocent mariners," read the statement. In a separate statement, the US Central Command said that the air strikes were targeted at places which "included missile systems and launchers, air defence systems, radars, and deeply buried weapons storage facilities". US, UK claim trying to protect ‘free flow of commerce’ The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been striking ships which they claim to have links with Israel and Western nations. The US and UK have claimed that the strikes are aimed at protecting the "free flow of commerce". In a joint statement, the Pentagon said that “an additional round of proportionate and necessary strikes" were carried out against the Houthis. "Our aim remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, but let us reiterate our warning to Houthi leadership: we will not hesitate to defend lives and the free flow of commerce in one of the world's most critical waterways in the face of continued threats,” the statement further read. This is the eighth strike launched by the US on Houthis in Yemen. This is also the second joint operation conducted by the US with the UK, after joint air strikes were launched on January 11. Watch: Gravitas: US Navy SEALs die during anti-Houthi operation. What's the real story? The joint statement claimed that the joint strikes were launched with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands. The strikes on Monday were carried out by US fighter jets from the carrier USS Eisenhower along with the UK’s four RAF Typhoons and a pair of Voyager tankers. "Our aircraft used Paveway IV precision-guided bombs to strike multiple targets at two military sites in the vicinity of Sanaa airfield. These locations were being used to enable the continued intolerable attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea," said the UK Ministry of Defence. "In line with UK standard practice, a very rigorous analysis was applied in planning the strikes to minimise any risk of civilian casualties, and as with the previous strikes, our aircraft bombed at night to mitigate yet further any such risks," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

US and UK conduct fresh series of air strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Prisha

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.