CEO of OYO, Ritesh Agarwal, shared that the hospitality chain recorded an 80 per cent increase in users searching for stays in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, the birthplace of Lord Ram, on December 31.

CEO of OYO, Ritesh Agarwal, shared that the hospitality chain recorded an 80 per cent increase in users searching for stays in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, the birthplace of Lord Ram, on December 31. Ahead of the inauguration of the grand Ram temple in the holy city, Ayodhya also saw a 70 per cent jump in app users, surpassing Goa and Nainital. Ritesh Agarwal shared the insights on X. He wrote, "80 per cent more users are searching for stays in Ayodhya today! Seeing one of the highest spikes." In another post on X, he wrote, "Holy destinations are now India's favourite destinations! Ayodhya saw a 70 per cent jump in OYO app users vs Goa (50%) and Nainital (60%). Spiritual tourism will be one of the biggest growth drivers of the tourism industry in the next five years." On December 31, people assembled at Ayodhya's famous Lata Mangeshkar Chowk to celebrate New Year's Eve. As the clock struck midnight, people gathered and cheered "Happy New Year." They also chanted "Jai Shri Ram." ALSO READ | India's Gujarat welcomes 2024 by performing mass Surya Namaskar yoga pose, sets world record. Watch Hospitality major OYO also witnessed the highest-ever booking on New Year's Eve 2023 compared to previous years. "Last-minute plans are driving global tourism. Between December 30 and 31 this year, we received 230k+ last-minute bookings globally," OYO's CEO posted on X. According to him, OYO received over 620,000 bookings for New Year's Eve 2023. "We are up by 37 per cent from last year as last-minute bookings rise," he added. Agarwal's post has garnered over 3.8 lakh views and 8,000 likes. The post comes ahead of the consecration ceremony of Ayodhya's grand Ram Mandir on January 22. ALSO READ | Strange! Pond stolen overnight in India's Bihar, hut constructed over it Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram's idol. PM Modi inaugurated the Ayodhya Dham Railway Station and Maharishi Valmiki International Airport on December 30. He also addressed a massive gathering on the same day, requesting devotees across the nation not to rush to Ayodhya for the grand consecration ceremony. "I have a request for everyone. Everyone has a wish to come to Ayodhya to be a part of the event on January 22. But you know everyone can't come. Therefore, I request all Ram devotees to come to Ayodhya at their convenience once the formal programme is over on January 22," PM Modi said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Ayodhya surpasses Goa and Nainital in OYO app users on New Year’s Eve, says CEO Ritesh Agarwal

Well, many of those who partied hard on New Year's may be regretting their decision because of the hangover. But once the clutches of alcoholic after-effects decide to free you, you are ready to party again. But even the most hardcore partygoers would not dare to face this challenge. How about having 16 New Years' Party in a single day? Tough right? But if partying would be high on the list of astronauts at the International Space Station (ISS), they would really have been able to do it.

The reason?

They witness 16 sunrises and sunsets in a 'single day' aboard the ISS.

The images of ISS make it look like it's a piece of (ridiculously advanced) machinery floating in space in serenity.

But in reality, it is always travelling at mind-numbing speed of 28,000 km per hour!

This huge speed means that it takes only an hour and a half for the International Space Station to take a merry round around the Earth. This means unlike the average 12 hour of daylight and 12 hours of darkness on the surface of the Earth, the astronauts experience 45 minutes of daylight and 45 minutes of darkness. And the cycle starts again.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-parker-solar-probe-plans-to-touch-the-sun-in-2024-675099">NASA’s Parker Solar Probe plans to ‘touch the Sun’ in 2024</a>

This means that in one day, the International Space Station revolves around the Earth 16 times in 24 hours. And this in turn, accounts for the 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets.

In Pics | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-world-welcomes-2024-with-enthusiasm-and-hope-675385">World welcomes 2024 with enthusiasm and hope</a>

Partying aside, the 45 minutes of sunlight and 45 minutes of darkness enables astronauts to carry out scientific experiments. These experiments are from diverse field such as microbiology to metallurgy and more. Conditions aboard International Space Station offer unique opportunity as these experiments can be carried out in zero gravity, something that's not possible on Earth due to gravitational force. Creating zero-gravity conditions on the surface of Earth requires special arrangements.

(With inputs from agencies)

Well, many of those who partied hard on New Year's may be regretting their decision because of the hangover. But once the clutches of alcoholic after-effects decide to free you, you are ready to party again.

Well, many of those who partied hard on New Year's may be regretting their decision because of the hangover. But once the clutches of alcoholic after-effects decide to free you, you are ready to party again. But even the most hardcore partygoers would not dare to face this challenge. How about having 16 New Years' Party in a single day? Tough right? But if partying would be high on the list of astronauts at the International Space Station (ISS), they would really have been able to do it. The reason? They witness 16 sunrises and sunsets in a 'single day' aboard the ISS. The images of ISS make it look like it's a piece of (ridiculously advanced) machinery floating in space in serenity. But in reality, it is always travelling at mind-numbing speed of 28,000 km per hour! This huge speed means that it takes only an hour and a half for the International Space Station to take a merry round around the Earth. This means unlike the average 12 hour of daylight and 12 hours of darkness on the surface of the Earth, the astronauts experience 45 minutes of daylight and 45 minutes of darkness. And the cycle starts again. Also Read | NASA’s Parker Solar Probe plans to ‘touch the Sun’ in 2024 This means that in one day, the International Space Station revolves around the Earth 16 times in 24 hours. And this in turn, accounts for the 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets. In Pics | World welcomes 2024 with enthusiasm and hope Partying aside, the 45 minutes of sunlight and 45 minutes of darkness enables astronauts to carry out scientific experiments. These experiments are from diverse field such as microbiology to metallurgy and more. Conditions aboard International Space Station offer unique opportunity as these experiments can be carried out in zero gravity, something that's not possible on Earth due to gravitational force. Creating zero-gravity conditions on the surface of Earth requires special arrangements. (With inputs from agencies)

Astronauts aboard ISS had chance to celebrate New Year’s Eve 16 times

Delhi traffic police cracked down heavily on violators on New Year’s Eve, booking nearly 500 people for driving under the influence of alcohol. According to official data, a total of 4,243 tickets were issued by Delhi traffic police for various violations. Police said they also caught and ticketed 132 individuals for driving on the wrong side. The campaign was launched to ensure safety on the roads during the New Year festivities.

Delhi police also cracked down on reckless driving, with 47 motorists facing penalties for endangering themselves and others on the road. A total of 347 licenses were also confiscated from repeat offenders.

Vehicles with banned tinted glass also attracted police’s attention, with at least 117 such vehicles facing action. Police also took note of illegal parking, with 3,452 tickets being issued for the same on New Year’s Eve.

Watch:&nbsp;Happy New Year 2024: Firework displays and New Year's Eve events from around the world

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A total of 613 vehicles were towed away for obstructing traffic flow or violating parking regulations. E-rickshaw drivers also came under the scanner. Nearly 600 of them faced action for various violations.

<h2>Massive police force deployed on ground</h2>

Police said more than 2,500 personnel were deployed on Delhi roads on Sunday (Dec 31) to ensure smooth movement of traffic.

Furthermore, 10,000 personnel were deployed on the ground to curb hooliganism and other form of traffic violations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-years-eve-live-new-zealand-rings-in-2024-with-firework-display-675289">Also read:&nbsp;Happy New Year 2024 highlights: Fireworks lit up skies as world entered 2024</a>

News agency PTI reported that at least 250 teams of Delhi traffic police were active Sunday night to ensure the safety of the road users.

Movement of vehicles going towards Connaught Place was regulated after 8 pm on Sunday. Around 450 motorcycles were positioned at different places, PTI quoted Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) SS Yadav as saying. Earlier on the day, police erected barricades on the borders with neighbouring Haryana and Punjab.

<h2>Preparations by Delhi’s Fire Department</h2>

Delhi’s Fire Department was also on its toes to deal with any untoward incident on New Year’s Eve. The fire department implemented strategic measures to handle any emergency at places like Ansal Plaza, Lajpat Nagar, Connaught Place, Palika Bazar, Gandhi Nagar Market, Pacific Mall, Rani Bagh Market, Chhatarpur, Majnu Ka Tila, Hauz Khas Village Market, Guru Hanuman Marg, Aero City Mukherjee Nagar, Kalka Ji temple, Prachin Hanuman temple and some other area.

(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi traffic police cracked down heavily on violators on New Year’s Eve, booking nearly 500 people for driving under the influence of alcohol. According to official data, a total of 4,243 tickets were issued by Delhi traffic police for various violations.

Delhi traffic police cracked down heavily on violators on New Year’s Eve, booking nearly 500 people for driving under the influence of alcohol. According to official data, a total of 4,243 tickets were issued by Delhi traffic police for various violations. Police said they also caught and ticketed 132 individuals for driving on the wrong side. The campaign was launched to ensure safety on the roads during the New Year festivities. Delhi police also cracked down on reckless driving, with 47 motorists facing penalties for endangering themselves and others on the road. A total of 347 licenses were also confiscated from repeat offenders. Vehicles with banned tinted glass also attracted police’s attention, with at least 117 such vehicles facing action. Police also took note of illegal parking, with 3,452 tickets being issued for the same on New Year’s Eve. Watch: Happy New Year 2024: Firework displays and New Year's Eve events from around the world × A total of 613 vehicles were towed away for obstructing traffic flow or violating parking regulations. E-rickshaw drivers also came under the scanner. Nearly 600 of them faced action for various violations. Massive police force deployed on ground Police said more than 2,500 personnel were deployed on Delhi roads on Sunday (Dec 31) to ensure smooth movement of traffic. Furthermore, 10,000 personnel were deployed on the ground to curb hooliganism and other form of traffic violations. Also read: Happy New Year 2024 highlights: Fireworks lit up skies as world entered 2024 News agency PTI reported that at least 250 teams of Delhi traffic police were active Sunday night to ensure the safety of the road users. Movement of vehicles going towards Connaught Place was regulated after 8 pm on Sunday. Around 450 motorcycles were positioned at different places, PTI quoted Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) SS Yadav as saying. Earlier on the day, police erected barricades on the borders with neighbouring Haryana and Punjab. Preparations by Delhi’s Fire Department Delhi’s Fire Department was also on its toes to deal with any untoward incident on New Year’s Eve. The fire department implemented strategic measures to handle any emergency at places like Ansal Plaza, Lajpat Nagar, Connaught Place, Palika Bazar, Gandhi Nagar Market, Pacific Mall, Rani Bagh Market, Chhatarpur, Majnu Ka Tila, Hauz Khas Village Market, Guru Hanuman Marg, Aero City Mukherjee Nagar, Kalka Ji temple, Prachin Hanuman temple and some other area. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi traffic police issued 4,200 tickets on New Year’s Eve, booked 500 for drunk driving

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. At least one person died and several were injured on Saturday (December 31) after missile strikes on Kyiv, the capital city of war-hit Ukraine, on New Year's Eve, the Ukrainian officials claimed. Air raid sirens rang out in the Ukrainian capital after multiple blasts shook Kyiv on Saturday afternoon. According to the journalists of the news agency AFP, at least 10 explosions were heard in the city. Local authorities said that the air raid alerted the residents, urging them to go to shelters. Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said on social media: "According to preliminary information, one person died in the Solomianskyi district. Several people were injured." AFP also reported that attacks were also reported by local officials in the southern Mykolaiv region and the Khmelnytskyi region in the west. Zelensky reacts to the strikes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his nation will not forgive Russia and its aggression after the recent strikes just hours before the New Year. Zelensky said on social media: "Several waves of missile attacks on New Year's Eve. Missiles against people... No one in the world will forgive you for this. Ukraine will not forgive." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia-Ukraine war: At least one dead as multiple blasts rock Kyiv on New Year's Eve

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nireland-government-returns-after-three-year-suspension-273609">Boris Johnson</a> on Tuesday proposed a&nbsp;crowdfunding&nbsp;campaign to&nbsp;allow&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;bell in parliament’s landmark clock tower to ring out when Britain is due to leave the European Union.

The 13.7-tonne bell has been largely silent since 2017 while renovation work is carried out on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-harry-and-i-are-separate-entities-prince-william-273926">Elizabeth Tower</a> which houses it, sounding only for important events such as New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The prime minister was speaking after a House of Commons Commission dismissed the proposal for the bell to sound for&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;because it would be too expensive.

Johnson said it would cost 500,000 pounds ($648,450) to&nbsp;allow&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;to sound at 2300 GMT on January&nbsp;31, the moment&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;is officially due to take place. But he said people could donate cash to pay for it.

"We are working up a plan so people can bung a bob for a&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;bong," Johnson told the BBC in an interview.

"As everybody knows,&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;is being refurbished, they seem to have taken the clapper away. So we need to restore the clapper in order to&nbsp;bong&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;on&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;night. And that is expensive."

The prime minister's suggestion comes after a group of pro-Brexit&nbsp;members of parliament spearheaded a campaign to chime <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/independence-day-queen-elizabeth-ii-agrees-grandson-harry-wife-meghan-can-exit-senior-royal-role-274105">Britain</a> out of the EU, sounding the death knell for almost half a century of integration with the bloc.

But an attempt to have it enshrined in law that&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;would chime for&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;failed last week.

The celebrations for&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;day are set to divide Britain once again, a fitting conclusion to more than three years of angry debate about whether to leave the world’s largest trading bloc.

While supporters of leaving the bloc will celebrate with parties, there will be little joy in homes of pro-Europeans.

Brexit&nbsp;Party leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trump-enthusiastic-about-boris-johnsons-victory-but-it-wont-be-smooth-sailing-for-them-269348">Nigel Farage</a> is planning to host a party in Parliament Square on January 31 where supporters of leaving the EU would be able to hear&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;ring out.

More than 12,000 people applied for tickets in the first day after they were advertised last week.

Big&nbsp;Ben's tower, in the Palace of Westminster, has been under renovation since 2017 and the work is not due to be completed until 2021.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday proposed a crowdfunding campaign to allow Big Ben bell in parliament’s landmark clock tower to ring out when Britain is due to leave the European Union.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday proposed a crowdfunding campaign to allow Big Ben bell in parliament’s landmark clock tower to ring out when Britain is due to leave the European Union. The 13.7-tonne bell has been largely silent since 2017 while renovation work is carried out on the Elizabeth Tower which houses it, sounding only for important events such as New Year’s Eve celebrations. The prime minister was speaking after a House of Commons Commission dismissed the proposal for the bell to sound for Brexit because it would be too expensive. Johnson said it would cost 500,000 pounds ($648,450) to allow Big Ben to sound at 2300 GMT on January 31, the moment Brexit is officially due to take place. But he said people could donate cash to pay for it. "We are working up a plan so people can bung a bob for a Big Ben bong," Johnson told the BBC in an interview. "As everybody knows, Big Ben is being refurbished, they seem to have taken the clapper away. So we need to restore the clapper in order to bong Big Ben on Brexit night. And that is expensive." The prime minister's suggestion comes after a group of pro-Brexit members of parliament spearheaded a campaign to chime Britain out of the EU, sounding the death knell for almost half a century of integration with the bloc. But an attempt to have it enshrined in law that Big Ben would chime for Brexit failed last week. The celebrations for Brexit day are set to divide Britain once again, a fitting conclusion to more than three years of angry debate about whether to leave the world’s largest trading bloc. While supporters of leaving the bloc will celebrate with parties, there will be little joy in homes of pro-Europeans. Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage is planning to host a party in Parliament Square on January 31 where supporters of leaving the EU would be able to hear Big Ben ring out. More than 12,000 people applied for tickets in the first day after they were advertised last week. Big Ben's tower, in the Palace of Westminster, has been under renovation since 2017 and the work is not due to be completed until 2021.

PM Boris Johnson proposes crowdfunding to allow Big Ben to bong for Brexit