Record-breaking rains triggered significant flooding in Seoul, with key roads and subway stations submerged. An official in conversation with AFP said, "At least seven people died in the Seoul metropolitan area, while seven others are missing, due to heavy rain as of 7:30 this morning." Seoul’s Yonhap news agency said that the rainstorm that started on Monday (August 8) is the heaviest to fall in South Korea in 80 years. On Tuesday morning (August 9), President Yoon Suk-yeol instructed government officials to evacuate citizens from dangerous locations and urged the companies to give workers flexible commuting hours.

The president wrote on his Facebook page, "Nothing is more precious than life and safety.&nbsp;The government will thoroughly manage the heavy rain situation."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-launches-its-first-lunar-orbiter-danuri-on-a-spacex-rocket-503898">South Korea launches its first lunar orbiter, Danuri, on a SpaceX rocket</a>

The Yonhap news agency reported that rains of more than 100 millimetres per hour were experienced in some areas of the capital, the neighbouring province of Gyeonggi, and the port city of Incheon on Monday night. The Dongjak district of Seoul experienced the heaviest downpour since 1942, with hourly precipitation of 141.5 millimetres.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-the-south-korean-president-avoid-nancy-pelosi-to-appease-china-503736">Also read |&nbsp;Did the South Korean president avoid Nancy Pelosi to appease China?</a>

Late Monday, dramatic images were shared on social media of residents of Seoul's affluent Gangnam neighbourhood wading through waist-deep water metro stations packed to capacity and cars partially submerged.There were reports of power outages around the capital region, and the heavy rain temporarily delayed trains and metros.

According to Yonhap, there were still numerous roads and tunnels closed in South Korea on Tuesday due to safety concerns.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Record-breaking rains triggered significant flooding in Seoul, with key roads and subway stations submerged. An official in conversation with AFP said, "At least seven people died in the Seoul metropolitan area, while seven others are missing, due to heavy rain as of 7:30 this morning.

Record-breaking rains triggered significant flooding in Seoul, with key roads and subway stations submerged. An official in conversation with AFP said, "At least seven people died in the Seoul metropolitan area, while seven others are missing, due to heavy rain as of 7:30 this morning." Seoul’s Yonhap news agency said that the rainstorm that started on Monday (August 8) is the heaviest to fall in South Korea in 80 years. On Tuesday morning (August 9), President Yoon Suk-yeol instructed government officials to evacuate citizens from dangerous locations and urged the companies to give workers flexible commuting hours. The president wrote on his Facebook page, "Nothing is more precious than life and safety. The government will thoroughly manage the heavy rain situation." Also read | South Korea launches its first lunar orbiter, Danuri, on a SpaceX rocket The Yonhap news agency reported that rains of more than 100 millimetres per hour were experienced in some areas of the capital, the neighbouring province of Gyeonggi, and the port city of Incheon on Monday night. The Dongjak district of Seoul experienced the heaviest downpour since 1942, with hourly precipitation of 141.5 millimetres. Also read | Did the South Korean president avoid Nancy Pelosi to appease China? Late Monday, dramatic images were shared on social media of residents of Seoul's affluent Gangnam neighbourhood wading through waist-deep water metro stations packed to capacity and cars partially submerged.There were reports of power outages around the capital region, and the heavy rain temporarily delayed trains and metros. According to Yonhap, there were still numerous roads and tunnels closed in South Korea on Tuesday due to safety concerns. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Record-breaking rains triggered flooding in South Korea, seven killed and seven missing

The South Korean capital is battling rainfall like never before, at least 8 people have lost their lives, around 6 are missing in and around Seoul. The torrential rains knocked out power and left roads and subways submerged.

WION Climate Tracker | S. Korea's Seoul deluged by record rain, at least 8 dead

After infuriating China over her trip to Taiwan, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi met South Korean political leaders in Seoul on Thursday. She vowed to support to denuclearise North Korea.

Nancy Pelosi vows to support to denuclearise North Korea

In South Korea, Nancy Pelosi vowed support to denuclearize North Korea. But South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol didn't meet Pelosi. Why did Yoon avoid Pelosi? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: After China, Pelosi's message to North Korea

South Korea has joined the race to the Moon with the launch of its first lunar orbiter. The satellite launched by SpaceX is taking a long, roundabout path to conserve fuel and will enter the Moon’s orbit in December.

South Korea joins Lunar Race by sending its first spacecraft to the Moon

South Korea launched its first lunar orbiter on Friday which is expected to reach the Moon by mid-December. Nicknamed Danuri, meaning "enjoy the Moon", the Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter was launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida by Elon Musk's aerospace company SpaceX early Friday.

The 678 kg Danuri began communicating with a ground station around 9:40 a.m. "Analysis of the received information confirmed...Danuri was operating normally," Vice Science Minister Oh Tae-seog told a briefing. He further informed that the orbiter had&nbsp;established a trajectory towards the moon.

Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moon-may-be-stealing-earths-water-for-itself-here-is-how-476307">Moon may be 'stealing' Earth's water for itself, here is how</a>

"Analysis of the received satellite information confirmed that Danuri's solar panel was properly unfolded to start power generation," Tae-seog further informed.

After it enters the moon's orbit in December, it will start searching for a landing site, the ministry said. If it succeeds, South Korea will become the world's seventh lunar explorer and the fourth in Asia, behind China, Japan and India.

A maintenance issue with the SpaceX rocket had earlier delayed the launch that was initially set to happen on Wednesday. Notably, South Korea has been placing huge focus on its space programme and aims to send a probe to the moon by 2030.&nbsp;

Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/an-eye-in-space-russia-launches-satellite-to-snoop-on-us-national-security-mission-heres-whats-happening-503592">'An eye in space': Russia launches satellite to snoop on US national security mission</a>

It has also joined the Artemis project aimed at returning to the moon by 2024, Reuters reported.

Danuri, which took seven years to build, will also&nbsp;test space internet technology&nbsp;to link satellites or exploration spacecraft. To test this wireless network, the orbiter will stream K-pop band BTS' song "Dynamite".

Scientists are also hopeful of Danuri finding hidden water sources and ice on the Moon, including the permanently dark and cold regions near the poles.

(With inputs from agencies)

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South Korea launched its first lunar orbiter on Friday which is expected to reach the Moon by mid-December. Nicknamed Danuri, meaning "enjoy the Moon", the Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter was launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida by Elon Musk's aerospace company SpaceX early Friday.

South Korea launched its first lunar orbiter on Friday which is expected to reach the Moon by mid-December. Nicknamed Danuri, meaning "enjoy the Moon", the Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter was launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida by Elon Musk's aerospace company SpaceX early Friday. The 678 kg Danuri began communicating with a ground station around 9:40 a.m. "Analysis of the received information confirmed...Danuri was operating normally," Vice Science Minister Oh Tae-seog told a briefing. He further informed that the orbiter had established a trajectory towards the moon. Read More | Moon may be 'stealing' Earth's water for itself, here is how "Analysis of the received satellite information confirmed that Danuri's solar panel was properly unfolded to start power generation," Tae-seog further informed. After it enters the moon's orbit in December, it will start searching for a landing site, the ministry said. If it succeeds, South Korea will become the world's seventh lunar explorer and the fourth in Asia, behind China, Japan and India. A maintenance issue with the SpaceX rocket had earlier delayed the launch that was initially set to happen on Wednesday. Notably, South Korea has been placing huge focus on its space programme and aims to send a probe to the moon by 2030. Read More | 'An eye in space': Russia launches satellite to snoop on US national security mission It has also joined the Artemis project aimed at returning to the moon by 2024, Reuters reported. Danuri, which took seven years to build, will also test space internet technology to link satellites or exploration spacecraft. To test this wireless network, the orbiter will stream K-pop band BTS' song "Dynamite". Scientists are also hopeful of Danuri finding hidden water sources and ice on the Moon, including the permanently dark and cold regions near the poles. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

South Korea launches its first lunar orbiter, Danuri, on a SpaceX rocket

After infuriating China over her trip to Taiwan, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi met South Korean political leaders in Seoul on Thursday.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi meets South Korean leaders

From Singapore to Malaysia to Taiwan to South Korea to Japan: Nancy Pelosi's whirlwind Asia-pacific tour

Following her well-publicized travel to Taiwan, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was in South Korea on Thursday, where she had visits to the North Korean border on her itinerary, according to AFP. The heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), where the forces of the two neighbours stand face to face, will be visited by Pelosi, who landed in Seoul late on Wednesday. The SPAR19 US Air Force jet Pelosi used for travelling is the most-tracked aircraft in the world right now.

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U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her South Korean counterpart vowed to support efforts to maintain a strong deterrence against North Korea and achieve its denuclearization<a href="https://t.co/mIkhG4GHr6">https://t.co/mIkhG4GHr6</a> <a href="https://t.co/TclqSJ1hNs">pic.twitter.com/TclqSJ1hNs</a>
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She would be the highest-ranking US official to travel to the hamlet of Panmunjom, which serves as a site of inter-Korean peace since North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with then-president Donald Trump there in 2019. When Pelosi visited with Kim Jin-pyo, speaker of the National Assembly in Seoul, they spoke about North Korea's nuclear weapons programmes. Kim Jin-pyo read from a joint statement that the two "expressed concern over the grave situation in which North Korea's level of threat is heightening."

This year, North Korea has launched a record-breaking flurry of weapons tests, including the first launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile at the full range since 2017. The two lawmakers pledged their support for the leaders of the two nations' attempts to persuade Pyongyang to denuclearize and advocated for "strong and extended deterrence against North Korea."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pelosi-in-taiwan-how-spar19-became-the-most-tracked-flight-of-all-time-503176">Pelosi in Taiwan: How SPAR19 became the most tracked flight of all time</a>

Pelosi praised the "special" relationship between South Korea and the United States at a brief press conference in Seoul, but she made no mention of her travel to Taipei and refused to accept any questions. She had disregarded many Chinese warnings not to travel to Taiwan, which China regards as its territory. Any such travel, according to Beijing, would be seen as a serious provocation. Large-scale military exercises have since been conducted all across the island.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Following her well-publicized travel to Taiwan, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was in South Korea on Thursday, where she had visits to the North Korean border on her itinerary, according to AFP.

Following her well-publicized travel to Taiwan, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was in South Korea on Thursday, where she had visits to the North Korean border on her itinerary, according to AFP. The heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), where the forces of the two neighbours stand face to face, will be visited by Pelosi, who landed in Seoul late on Wednesday. The SPAR19 US Air Force jet Pelosi used for travelling is the most-tracked aircraft in the world right now. U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her South Korean counterpart vowed to support efforts to maintain a strong deterrence against North Korea and achieve its denuclearizationhttps://t.co/mIkhG4GHr6 pic.twitter.com/TclqSJ1hNs — Reuters (@Reuters) August 4, 2022 × She would be the highest-ranking US official to travel to the hamlet of Panmunjom, which serves as a site of inter-Korean peace since North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with then-president Donald Trump there in 2019. When Pelosi visited with Kim Jin-pyo, speaker of the National Assembly in Seoul, they spoke about North Korea's nuclear weapons programmes. Kim Jin-pyo read from a joint statement that the two "expressed concern over the grave situation in which North Korea's level of threat is heightening." This year, North Korea has launched a record-breaking flurry of weapons tests, including the first launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile at the full range since 2017. The two lawmakers pledged their support for the leaders of the two nations' attempts to persuade Pyongyang to denuclearize and advocated for "strong and extended deterrence against North Korea." Also Read: Pelosi in Taiwan: How SPAR19 became the most tracked flight of all time Pelosi praised the "special" relationship between South Korea and the United States at a brief press conference in Seoul, but she made no mention of her travel to Taipei and refused to accept any questions. She had disregarded many Chinese warnings not to travel to Taiwan, which China regards as its territory. Any such travel, according to Beijing, would be seen as a serious provocation. Large-scale military exercises have since been conducted all across the island. (with inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Where is Nancy Pelosi? Where did she go straight from Taiwan?

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi departed from Taiwan after concluding her visit that heightened tensions with China. After Taiwan, Pelosi headed to South Korea, the next stop on an Asia tour that also includes Singapore, Malaysia and Japan.

Nancy Pelosi concludes tense Taiwan visit, heads to South Korea

Tattoos have gained a lot of popularity in the last decade or so and in South Korea, they can become the latest device to keep an eye on one’s health. A latest technology will see tattoos being used to place a device inside people’s body which can track their vital stats and even send alerts in case of potential health problems.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fear-of-volcanic-eruptions-looms-after-iceland-witnesses-4000-earthquakes-502680" hreflang="en">Fear of volcanic eruptions looms after Iceland witnesses 4000 earthquakes</a>

The technology was developed by scientists at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in the city of Daejeon. The process involves tattoos made of electronic ink made of “liquid metal and carbon nanotubes” which can be connected to biosensors.

"In the future, what we hope to do is connect a wireless chip integrated with this ink, so that we can communicate, or we can send signal back and forth between our body to an external device," project leader Steve Park, a materials science professor, said during an interview with Reuters.

The ink will work as a connector along with either some kind of biosensor or even an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine which will be keeping track of a person’s health at all times.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/teeth-that-were-gathering-dust-for-40-years-lead-to-the-discovery-of-europes-last-panda-502628" hreflang="en">Teeth that were 'gathering dust for 40 years', lead to the discovery of Europe's last Panda</a>

The technology will also allow the readings to be examined on monitors which can be placed in any location and in case of a health emergency, the device will send automatic notifications.

"When it is applied to the skin, even with rubbing the tattoo doesn't come off, which is not possible with just liquid metal," Park explained when asked about how the technology will work.

Tattoos have gained a lot of popularity in the last decade or so and in South Korea, they can become the latest device to keep an eye on one’s health. A latest technology will see tattoos being used to place a device inside people’s body which can track their vital stats and even send alerts in case of potential health problems.

Tattoos have gained a lot of popularity in the last decade or so and in South Korea, they can become the latest device to keep an eye on one’s health. A latest technology will see tattoos being used to place a device inside people’s body which can track their vital stats and even send alerts in case of potential health problems. Also read | Fear of volcanic eruptions looms after Iceland witnesses 4000 earthquakes The technology was developed by scientists at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in the city of Daejeon. The process involves tattoos made of electronic ink made of “liquid metal and carbon nanotubes” which can be connected to biosensors. "In the future, what we hope to do is connect a wireless chip integrated with this ink, so that we can communicate, or we can send signal back and forth between our body to an external device," project leader Steve Park, a materials science professor, said during an interview with Reuters. The ink will work as a connector along with either some kind of biosensor or even an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine which will be keeping track of a person’s health at all times. Also read | Teeth that were 'gathering dust for 40 years', lead to the discovery of Europe's last Panda The technology will also allow the readings to be examined on monitors which can be placed in any location and in case of a health emergency, the device will send automatic notifications. "When it is applied to the skin, even with rubbing the tattoo doesn't come off, which is not possible with just liquid metal," Park explained when asked about how the technology will work.

Tattoo as health monitoring device? South Korean scientists develop unique technology

South Korea’s exports grew at a faster annual pace in July than a month earlier, trade ministry data showed on Monday, while the trade deficit widened to the biggest in six months.

South Korea’s July exports grow at faster pace, trade deficit widens

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has made a fiery speech as he claimed that North Korea's nuclear deterrence is ready. He added that the South Korean President is pushing the situation to the brink of war.

North Korea threatens US with Nuclear war?

In the wake of indications North Korea&nbsp;may perform its first nuclear test since 2017, the nation's state media on Thursday reported that the leader Kim Jong Un has declared that his nation is prepared to mobilise its nuclear war deterrent and for any military conflict with the United States. According to the official KCNA news agency, Kim made the comments during a speech at a celebration to commemorate the 69th anniversary of the Korean War armistice on July 27.&nbsp;As per a Reuters report, Kim said, the confrontation with the US presented a nuclear danger because it forced the North to complete an "urgent historical task" of bolstering its self-defence.

"Our armed forces are thoroughly prepared to respond to any crisis, and our nation's nuclear war deterrence is also fully ready to mobilise its absolute strength faithfully, accurately and promptly to its mission," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;North Korea: Kim Jong-Un declares 'Gravest national emergency'

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The declaration that Pyongyang has finished making preparations to conduct its first nuclear test since 2017 was already&nbsp;made by South Korean and American officials prior to Jong Un's address.

In the address, Kim said that 70 years after the war, Washington still engages in "dangerous, illegal hostile acts" with South Korea against the North and tries to "demonise" the nation to support its actions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-kim-jong-un-declares-gravest-national-emergency-485133">North Korea: Kim Jong-Un declares 'Gravest national emergency'</a>

"I once again make it clear that North Korea is fully ready for any military confrontation with the United States," Kim said.

The North has long accused the United States of double standards in military activities and of having a hostile foreign policy toward Pyongyang. They claim that this undermines efforts to restart negotiations designed to curtail the nation's nuclear and missile programmes in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-photos-of-kim-jong-un-when-was-a-teenager-unveiled-in-new-documentary-490280">Rare photos of Kim Jong-un, when he was teenager, unveiled in new documentary</a>

"The duplex act of the United States, which is misleading all the routine actions of our armed forces as 'provocation' and 'threat' while holding large-scale joint military exercises that seriously threaten our security, is literally a robbery," Kim said.

"That is driving bilateral relations to the point where it is difficult to turn back, into a state of conflict."

If the test is conducted, North Korea is likely to face further penalties, including steps to limit its ability to conduct cyberattacks, the foreign minister of South Korea warned on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In the wake of indications North Korea may perform its first nuclear test since 2017, the nation's state media on Thursday reported that the leader Kim Jong Un has declared that his nation is prepared to mobilise its nuclear war deterrent and for any military conflict with the United States.

In the wake of indications North Korea may perform its first nuclear test since 2017, the nation's state media on Thursday reported that the leader Kim Jong Un has declared that his nation is prepared to mobilise its nuclear war deterrent and for any military conflict with the United States. According to the official KCNA news agency, Kim made the comments during a speech at a celebration to commemorate the 69th anniversary of the Korean War armistice on July 27. As per a Reuters report, Kim said, the confrontation with the US presented a nuclear danger because it forced the North to complete an "urgent historical task" of bolstering its self-defence. "Our armed forces are thoroughly prepared to respond to any crisis, and our nation's nuclear war deterrence is also fully ready to mobilise its absolute strength faithfully, accurately and promptly to its mission," he said. Watch | North Korea: Kim Jong-Un declares 'Gravest national emergency' The declaration that Pyongyang has finished making preparations to conduct its first nuclear test since 2017 was already made by South Korean and American officials prior to Jong Un's address. In the address, Kim said that 70 years after the war, Washington still engages in "dangerous, illegal hostile acts" with South Korea against the North and tries to "demonise" the nation to support its actions. Also read | North Korea: Kim Jong-Un declares 'Gravest national emergency' "I once again make it clear that North Korea is fully ready for any military confrontation with the United States," Kim said. The North has long accused the United States of double standards in military activities and of having a hostile foreign policy toward Pyongyang. They claim that this undermines efforts to restart negotiations designed to curtail the nation's nuclear and missile programmes in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. Also read | Rare photos of Kim Jong-un, when he was teenager, unveiled in new documentary "The duplex act of the United States, which is misleading all the routine actions of our armed forces as 'provocation' and 'threat' while holding large-scale joint military exercises that seriously threaten our security, is literally a robbery," Kim said. "That is driving bilateral relations to the point where it is difficult to turn back, into a state of conflict." If the test is conducted, North Korea is likely to face further penalties, including steps to limit its ability to conduct cyberattacks, the foreign minister of South Korea warned on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

North Korea ready to use nukes against the United States: Kim Jong Un

Kim Jong Un visits war cemetery, says ready to mobilize nuclear war deterrent

'North Korea's nuclear deterrence ready,' Kim Jong Un makes a fiery speech

South Korean economic growth unexpectedly picked up in the second quarter as strong consumption on eased COVID-19 restrictions offset poor exports, supporting the case for further central bank interest rate hikes.

South Korea's economy unexpectedly speeds up

The U.S. Army on Monday released video footage of its Apache attack helicopters conducting live-fire drills in South Korea for the first time since 2019, as the allies step up military exercises amid tensions with North Korea.

US Army releases footage of Apache attack helicopters conducting live-fire drills in South Korea

Japan, Singapore, and South Korea have the world's strongest passports, according to the most recent rankings made public by Henley Passport Index. For the sixth year running, a Japanese passport continues to be the most effective and allows for hassle-free travel into 193 nations. Singapore and South Korea, which are ranked second and third in the most recent Henley Passport Index, respectively, offer access to 192 nations.

What place does India hold?

The 87th-ranked Indian passport offers simple entry to 60 nations. The reopening of international travel has aided in the resilience of passports. After the coronavirus pandemic broke out in March 2020, India had to halt foreign flights in order to stop the spread of covid-19. After two years, the prohibition was ultimately lifted in March of this year. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-worlds-most-and-least-powerful-passports-499183">In pics - World's most and least powerful passports</a>

The full list of countries that accept Indian passports without requiring a visa is as follows: 
 
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<img alt="Indian passport" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ca1c14b-9b2d-44be-aef3-fb78c7f18c9b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_15.JPG" />

<img alt="Indian passport" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a430105-7beb-4e46-ae13-cb895156bc7e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3_5.JPG" />

<img alt="Indian passport" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2343ee-e752-4336-b582-df1c3a71de41" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/4_3.JPG" />

Access to a tourist site without a visa not only makes travel more affordable but also less complicated. Germany, Spain, Finland, Luxembourg, and Italy are among the other top 10 nations. According to the most recent rankings, the US is ranked seventh with a score of 186, while the UK is ranked sixth with access to 187 countries.

The 50th-ranked Russian travel documents are recognised by 119 countries with ease. Afghanistan's passport is the least useful, allowing entry into only 27 countries, whereas China came in at number 69, with access to 80 nations.

"The recovery and reclamation of our travel freedoms, and our innate instinct to move and migrate, will take time," Henley &amp; Partners Chairman Christian Kaelin said in a statement.

The index, which is based on data from 17 years, aids affluent people and governments in evaluating the worth of citizenship around the world by identifying which passports provide the greatest amounts of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access.

The Henley Passport Index is the first and most reliable ranking of all passports in the world based on how many countries their holders can visit without a visa. The index was developed by the research team at Henley &amp; Partners and is based exclusively on information from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the largest and most reliable source of travel-related statistics.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Japan, Singapore, and South Korea have the world's strongest passports, according to the most recent rankings made public by Henley Passport Index. For the sixth year running, a Japanese passport continues to be the most effective and allows for hassle-free travel into 193 nations.

Japan, Singapore, and South Korea have the world's strongest passports, according to the most recent rankings made public by Henley Passport Index. For the sixth year running, a Japanese passport continues to be the most effective and allows for hassle-free travel into 193 nations. Singapore and South Korea, which are ranked second and third in the most recent Henley Passport Index, respectively, offer access to 192 nations. What place does India hold? The 87th-ranked Indian passport offers simple entry to 60 nations. The reopening of international travel has aided in the resilience of passports. After the coronavirus pandemic broke out in March 2020, India had to halt foreign flights in order to stop the spread of covid-19. After two years, the prohibition was ultimately lifted in March of this year. In pics - World's most and least powerful passports The full list of countries that accept Indian passports without requiring a visa is as follows: Access to a tourist site without a visa not only makes travel more affordable but also less complicated. Germany, Spain, Finland, Luxembourg, and Italy are among the other top 10 nations. According to the most recent rankings, the US is ranked seventh with a score of 186, while the UK is ranked sixth with access to 187 countries. The 50th-ranked Russian travel documents are recognised by 119 countries with ease. Afghanistan's passport is the least useful, allowing entry into only 27 countries, whereas China came in at number 69, with access to 80 nations. "The recovery and reclamation of our travel freedoms, and our innate instinct to move and migrate, will take time," Henley & Partners Chairman Christian Kaelin said in a statement. The index, which is based on data from 17 years, aids affluent people and governments in evaluating the worth of citizenship around the world by identifying which passports provide the greatest amounts of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. The Henley Passport Index is the first and most reliable ranking of all passports in the world based on how many countries their holders can visit without a visa. The index was developed by the research team at Henley & Partners and is based exclusively on information from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the largest and most reliable source of travel-related statistics. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

How powerful is the Indian passport? Indians get visa-free access to these 60 countries

In pics - World's most and least powerful passports

South Korea, Japan seek reset on decades of historical disputes

A South Korean beer company has expressed their gratitude to a group of people who helped them in cleaning a huge spill in the city of Chuncheon last month. The company called Cass posted a video in social media where they said that on June 29, around 2000 bottles of beer fell from the side of a delivery truck at an intersection. However, they found help from the local community who took care of the driver and also helped in cleaning the huge spill in the middle of the road. The video showed a group of people helping out the driver and the company said that the road was clear in half an hour.

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“We are looking for the real heroes in Chuncheon. Citizens who made a real impression, we would like to express our gratitude towards you,” Cass wrote in its thank you note to the good samaritans.

Chuncheon is the capital city of the Gangwon province, and the spill caused a massive traffic disruption, according to local authorities. However, it did not cause any damages to either people or property and according to reports, traffic went back to normal after the spill was cleared.

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The company also clarified that they have not taken any action against the driver who was present on the day of the spill and the accident was also covered by insurance.

Since the release of the video, social media has been buzzing with praise for the people who helped out in cleaning the spill and a lot of users went on to laud them for their selfless actions.

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A South Korean beer company has expressed their gratitude to a group of people who helped them in cleaning a huge spill in the city of Chuncheon last month. The company called Cass posted a video in social media where they said that on June 29, around 2000 bottles of beer fell from the side of a delivery truck at an intersection.

A South Korean beer company has expressed their gratitude to a group of people who helped them in cleaning a huge spill in the city of Chuncheon last month. The company called Cass posted a video in social media where they said that on June 29, around 2000 bottles of beer fell from the side of a delivery truck at an intersection. However, they found help from the local community who took care of the driver and also helped in cleaning the huge spill in the middle of the road. The video showed a group of people helping out the driver and the company said that the road was clear in half an hour. Also read | Casualties mount as Russian military launches fresh onslaught in parts of Ukraine “We are looking for the real heroes in Chuncheon. Citizens who made a real impression, we would like to express our gratitude towards you,” Cass wrote in its thank you note to the good samaritans. Chuncheon is the capital city of the Gangwon province, and the spill caused a massive traffic disruption, according to local authorities. However, it did not cause any damages to either people or property and according to reports, traffic went back to normal after the spill was cleared. Also read | Donald Trump 'would lie about anything', new book quotes former White House strategist The company also clarified that they have not taken any action against the driver who was present on the day of the spill and the accident was also covered by insurance. Since the release of the video, social media has been buzzing with praise for the people who helped out in cleaning the spill and a lot of users went on to laud them for their selfless actions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

South Korean beer company thanks 'heroes' for cleaning road after 2,000-bottle spill

North Korea criticised the US, South Korea and Japan's recent agreement on strengthening military cooperation. It said the agreement is a means to materialise a US plan for a military alliance like NATO in the region.

'US spreading rumours to gain military supremacy,' says North Korea

After 913 days, since the first reported case of Covid-19, North Korea has now blamed its estranged neighbor South Korea for the spread of the infection. Interestingly, South Korea was one of the first countries to offer help when Kim Jong-Un's regime publicly accepted that it had reported Covid-19 cases, an offer which was immediately rejected.

North Korea blames South Korea for exchanging covid-laden balloons

South Korean won fell below the psychological threshold of 1,300 per US dollar for the first time in 13 years amid global economic recession worries.

South Korean won falls the most for first time in 13 years

Afghanistan was rocked by earthquakes killing nearly 1,000 people. After the earthquake, the Taliban-led government asked for international support. Countries including South Korea, Pakistan and Japan came forward to help Afghanistan.

Afghanistan earthquake: Countries providing aid after death toll touch 1,000

Won, the South Korean currency dropped to its lowest level in 13 years on Wednesday amid concerns about aggressive rate hikes in the US will cause damage the world's largest economy. That it will happen just when global growth is slow.

The won fell by 0.3 per cent to 1297.6 per dollar. This was the lowest since July 2009. The currency has been the worst performer in Asia with a loss of more than 8 per cent.

“It’s possible that purchases of the dollar may increase once the won crosses the 1,300 mark but FX authorities would also strengthen their response,” said Min Gyeong-won, an economist at Woori Bank in Seoul. Min was quoted by Bloomberg.

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Thomas Barkin said on Tuesday that the US central bank should raise rates as fast as it can without causing undue harm to financial markets and thee economy.&nbsp;

In adddition to rate hike concerns, surging oil prices are also taking toll on the won. The surging prices are pushing up import costs. In April, South Korea posted its first current-account deficit in two years. The investor sentiment is also hurt by rising geopolitical risks. This is especially true given a series of missile launches this year by North Korea. As per Bloomberg tally, overseas investors have sold a net USD 4.2 billion of local shares this month.

Won, the South Korean currency dropped to its lowest level in 13 years on Wednesday amid concerns about aggressive rate hikes in the US will cause damage the world's largest economy.

Won, the South Korean currency dropped to its lowest level in 13 years on Wednesday amid concerns about aggressive rate hikes in the US will cause damage the world's largest economy. That it will happen just when global growth is slow. The won fell by 0.3 per cent to 1297.6 per dollar. This was the lowest since July 2009. The currency has been the worst performer in Asia with a loss of more than 8 per cent. “It’s possible that purchases of the dollar may increase once the won crosses the 1,300 mark but FX authorities would also strengthen their response,” said Min Gyeong-won, an economist at Woori Bank in Seoul. Min was quoted by Bloomberg. Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Thomas Barkin said on Tuesday that the US central bank should raise rates as fast as it can without causing undue harm to financial markets and thee economy. In adddition to rate hike concerns, surging oil prices are also taking toll on the won. The surging prices are pushing up import costs. In April, South Korea posted its first current-account deficit in two years. The investor sentiment is also hurt by rising geopolitical risks. This is especially true given a series of missile launches this year by North Korea. As per Bloomberg tally, overseas investors have sold a net USD 4.2 billion of local shares this month.

South Korean currency Won drops to 13-year low

South Korea on Tuesday (June 21) launched its first domestically-developed space rocket informally called Nuri. The launch has successfully placed several satellites in orbit, officials said. This is the country's second attempt after a launch last October failed.&nbsp;

South Korea's state television pictures showed the rocket lifting off from Naro Space Center on the southern coast of South Korea at 0700 GMT. The launch is termed a major step in the country's efforts to jumpstart the space programme after the failed test last year.&nbsp;

After the launch, the officials revealed that Nuri, which is a 162.5-kg (358 lb)satellite designed to verify the rocket's performance entered the orbit and successfully made contact with a base station in Antarctica.&nbsp;

As per the officials, the rocket successfully placed a 1.3-ton dummy satellite and four small cube satellites developed by universities for research, into orbit.&nbsp;

South Korea's YTN television reported minutes after lift-off that "Nuri separates dummy satellite" and shortly after the launch, the TV report noted that it "appears to be a success".&nbsp;

The three-stage Nuri rocket has been a decade in development for $1.5 billion and it weighs 200 tonnes and is 47.2 metres long, fitted with a total of six liquid-fuelled engines.&nbsp;

Science and ICT Minister Lee Jong-ho told a briefing: "The sky of the Korean universe is now wide open. Our science and technology has made great strides."&nbsp;

President Yoon Suk-yeol hailed the achievement as he watched the launch from his office. As per a statement by his office, he thanked everyone involved in the project.&nbsp;

As quoted by media outlets, Yoon said: "Now the road to space from our land has been opened. It was the product of 30 years of daunting challenges. From now on, the dreams and hopes of our people and our youth will extend into space."&nbsp;

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South Korea on Tuesday (June 21) launched its first domestically-developed space rocket informally called Nuri. The launch has successfully placed several satellites in orbit, officials said.

South Korea on Tuesday (June 21) launched its first domestically-developed space rocket informally called Nuri. The launch has successfully placed several satellites in orbit, officials said. This is the country's second attempt after a launch last October failed. South Korea's state television pictures showed the rocket lifting off from Naro Space Center on the southern coast of South Korea at 0700 GMT. The launch is termed a major step in the country's efforts to jumpstart the space programme after the failed test last year. After the launch, the officials revealed that Nuri, which is a 162.5-kg (358 lb)satellite designed to verify the rocket's performance entered the orbit and successfully made contact with a base station in Antarctica. As per the officials, the rocket successfully placed a 1.3-ton dummy satellite and four small cube satellites developed by universities for research, into orbit. South Korea's YTN television reported minutes after lift-off that "Nuri separates dummy satellite" and shortly after the launch, the TV report noted that it "appears to be a success". The three-stage Nuri rocket has been a decade in development for $1.5 billion and it weighs 200 tonnes and is 47.2 metres long, fitted with a total of six liquid-fuelled engines. Science and ICT Minister Lee Jong-ho told a briefing: "The sky of the Korean universe is now wide open. Our science and technology has made great strides." President Yoon Suk-yeol hailed the achievement as he watched the launch from his office. As per a statement by his office, he thanked everyone involved in the project. As quoted by media outlets, Yoon said: "Now the road to space from our land has been opened. It was the product of 30 years of daunting challenges. From now on, the dreams and hopes of our people and our youth will extend into space." 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.

South Korea launches domestically-developed space rocket, successfully puts satellites in orbit

K-pop band BTS have announced they will take some time off to focus on solo projects. From Beatles to Backstreet Boys, several top bands have taken a break or broken up at the peak of their careers. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: K-Pop band BTS announce hiatus

A US based think tank said, North Korea appears to be working at its nuclear test site to include a 2nd tunnel. Meanwhile, South Korean and US officials have said a new nuclear test could happen any day. for more details, we're joined by WION's correspondent Phoebe Amoroso.

North Korea working to include 2nd tunnel at nuclear test site, says US Think Tank

Now, ending over a week-long strike South Korea's truckers headed back on the roads today after the union and the transport ministry reached a tentative late night agreement. The nationwide strike crippled ports and industrial hubs across the country.

South Korea truckers return to work after union and transport ministry reaches a tentative agreement

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