The United States failed to stop a deadly attack on an American military outpost in Jordan when the enemy drone approached its target at the same time a US drone was also returning to base, US officials said Monday. 3 US troops killed and over 40 were injured in drone strike in Jordan. Beijing warns against 'cycle of retaliation.' Watch to know more!

US not looking for war with Iran: White House | US bases attacked in Jordan

The US’ response to the drone attack in Jordan that killed and wounded US service members on Sunday is likely to be more powerful than previous American retaliatory strikes in Iraq and Syria, though the Pentagon and White House are being careful not to telegraph the administration’s plans. Now, the biggest challenge for the Biden administration is how to respond to the drone strike. When it's a known secret that Iran has backed these militias attacking U.S. bases, why won't U.S. attack Iran?

US bases attacked in Jordan: Officials say drone 'mix-up' led to the attack

<p>An ocean exploration team led by a former United States Air Force intelligence officer and pilot claims to have solved one of the biggest mysteries in modern aviation, the location of Amelia Earhart’s plane which vanished in 1937 over the Pacific.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the team find?</strong></h2>

<p>Last year, Tony Romeo, CEO of Deep Sea Vision embarked on an $11 million expedition which involved combing through the Pacific Ocean and using sonar technology. He may have found what might be the key to solving the decades-long mystery over the legendary pilot’s disappearance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 16-person team from the company based in the US state of South Carolina released an image in December that it claims may show the wreckage of the aeroplane flown by Earhart. The image was taken after searching through more than 13,468 of the ocean floor between September and December last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Romeo’s team reviewed sonar data in December they found a startling image of what appears to be Earhart’s twin-engine Lockheed 10-E Electra.</p>

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<p>The photo was taken around 161 kilometres from Howland Island – an uninhabited isle almost halfway between Hawaii and Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the image is blurry, the CEO of Deep Sea Vision believes that it is Earhart’s aircraft given its unique shape. “Well, you’d be hard-pressed to convince me that’s anything but an aircraft, for one, and two, that it’s not Amelia’s aircraft,” Romeo told NBC News.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “There’s no other known crashes in the area, and certainly not of that era in that kind of design with the tail that you see clearly in the image.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/renowned-pilot-amelia-earharts-leather-helmet-sells-for-825000-at-auction-458973">Renowned pilot Amelia Earhart's leather helmet sells for $825,000 at auction</a></strong></p>

<p>Romeo’s team will further investigate the site to determine that it is in fact the long-lost aircraft. The team has been using a Kongsberg Discovery HUGIN 6000, which according to the company’s post on Instagram, is the most advanced unmanned underwater drone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The underwater drone is manufactured by the Norwegian company Kongsberg. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the image of the suspected wreck was found 5,000 metres underwater.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the deep-sea exploration</strong></h2>

<p>Romeo, a South Carolina real estate investor, in 2023 sold his business to fund his search for Earhart’s plane wreckage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In July 1937, the legendary pilot who was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, was supposed to land on Howland Island for refuelling, but she never did.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-fear-for-penguins-in-antarctic-as-one-dies-of-deadly-h5n1-bird-flu-strain-685088">Scientists fear for penguins in Antarctica as one dies of deadly H5N1 bird flu strain</a></strong></p>

<p>Earhart and her navigator were last heard from when they departed Lae, New Guinea, and since then the mystery surrounding her fate and intense speculation continues to intrigue people decades later.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This is maybe the most exciting thing I’ll ever do in my life. I feel like a 10-year-old going on a treasure hunt,” Romeo told the WSJ.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


An ocean exploration team led by a former United States Air Force intelligence officer and pilot claims to have solved one of the biggest mysteries in modern aviation, the location of Amelia Earhart’s plane which vanished in 1937 over the Pacific.

An ocean exploration team led by a former United States Air Force intelligence officer and pilot claims to have solved one of the biggest mysteries in modern aviation, the location of Amelia Earhart’s plane which vanished in 1937 over the Pacific. What did the team find? Last year, Tony Romeo, CEO of Deep Sea Vision embarked on an $11 million expedition which involved combing through the Pacific Ocean and using sonar technology. He may have found what might be the key to solving the decades-long mystery over the legendary pilot’s disappearance. The 16-person team from the company based in the US state of South Carolina released an image in December that it claims may show the wreckage of the aeroplane flown by Earhart. The image was taken after searching through more than 13,468 of the ocean floor between September and December last year. After Romeo’s team reviewed sonar data in December they found a startling image of what appears to be Earhart’s twin-engine Lockheed 10-E Electra. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deep Sea Vision (@deep.sea.vision) × The photo was taken around 161 kilometres from Howland Island – an uninhabited isle almost halfway between Hawaii and Australia. While the image is blurry, the CEO of Deep Sea Vision believes that it is Earhart’s aircraft given its unique shape. “Well, you’d be hard-pressed to convince me that’s anything but an aircraft, for one, and two, that it’s not Amelia’s aircraft,” Romeo told NBC News. He added, “There’s no other known crashes in the area, and certainly not of that era in that kind of design with the tail that you see clearly in the image.” ALSO READ | Renowned pilot Amelia Earhart's leather helmet sells for $825,000 at auction Romeo’s team will further investigate the site to determine that it is in fact the long-lost aircraft. The team has been using a Kongsberg Discovery HUGIN 6000, which according to the company’s post on Instagram, is the most advanced unmanned underwater drone. The underwater drone is manufactured by the Norwegian company Kongsberg. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the image of the suspected wreck was found 5,000 metres underwater. About the deep-sea exploration Romeo, a South Carolina real estate investor, in 2023 sold his business to fund his search for Earhart’s plane wreckage. In July 1937, the legendary pilot who was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, was supposed to land on Howland Island for refuelling, but she never did. ALSO READ | Scientists fear for penguins in Antarctica as one dies of deadly H5N1 bird flu strain Earhart and her navigator were last heard from when they departed Lae, New Guinea, and since then the mystery surrounding her fate and intense speculation continues to intrigue people decades later. “This is maybe the most exciting thing I’ll ever do in my life. I feel like a 10-year-old going on a treasure hunt,” Romeo told the WSJ. (With inputs from agencies)

Amelia Earhart’s long-lost plane: Exploration team claims to have found wreckage

A drone strike on the Al-Tanf military base killed three US troops and injured 34 others, Washington said on Sunday (Jan 28). This was the first deadly strike against US forces since the war between Israel and Hamas erupted on Oct 7 last year. US President Joe Biden blamed Iran-backed militants for the strike and vowed that Washington would respond. Watch to know more!

West Asia Crisis: Three US soldiers killed, 34 injured in drone strike in Jordan

<p>A former United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) contractor was sentenced to five years in prison on Monday (Jan 29) for leaking the tax records of thousands of Americans, including former President Donald Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the sentence</strong></h2>

<p>Charles Littlejohn, 38, pleaded guilty in October to one count of unauthorised disclosures of income tax returns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a plea deal, the former employee of a consulting firm – which worked on a contractual basis with the IRS – stole the tax data of Trump and “thousands of the nation’s wealthiest people” and leaked it to two news outlets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US District Judge Ana Reyes who handed the five-year prison sentence called Littlejohn’s actions a threat to democracy and linked it to broader attacks on elected officials in Washington.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scathing-report-accuses-trump-administration-of-controlled-substance-violations-in-white-house-684984">Scathing report accuses Trump administration of controlled substance abuse violations in White House</a></strong></p>

<p>“What you did in targeting the sitting president of the United States was an attack on our constitutional democracy,” Reyes told Littlejohn. “We’re talking about someone who…pulled off the biggest heist in IRS history.”</p>

<p>The federal prosecutors have sought a five-year sentence, the maximum allowed under US law, saying that the 38-year-old was motivated by a political agenda and compromised the security of sensitive personal information.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“A free press and public engagement with the media are critical to any healthy democracy, but stealing and leaking private, personal tax information strips individuals of the legal protection of their most sensitive data,” prosecutors wrote in a court filing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prosecutors alleged that Littlejohn, in 2017, sought a position at a consulting firm that works with the IRS hoping to get access to and disclose records on then-president Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Tax data leaked</strong></h2>

<p>During the 2016 presidential election, the Republican candidate became the first one in decades who had not released his tax returns when he ran for the White House.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to court documents, Littlejohn secretly downloaded years of Trump’s tax records in 2018 and later shared them with reporters from the New York Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2020, the American newspaper, based on the information, published a series of articles revealing that Trump paid no income tax in 10 of the 15 years before he took office.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-us-president-donald-trumps-tax-returns-released-by-us-house-panel-548149">Ex-US president Donald Trump's tax returns released by US House panel</a></strong></p>

<p>Littlejohn leaked information about more than 8,000 income tax returns relating to about 7,600 people. He also leaked information about “ultra-high net worth taxpayers” to investigative news outlet ProPublica.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The media outlet, based on the information, published nearly 50 articles and revealed how the wealthy have evaded taxes in the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In court, on Monday, the 38-year-old apologised for his actions. “I acted out of a sincere, if misguided, belief that I was serving the public interest,” Littlejohn told the court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “We as a country make the best decisions when we are all properly informed.”</p>

<p>His lawyers also said that he was motivated by a “deep, moral belief” that the public had a right to know the information he shared.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


A former United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) contractor was sentenced to five years in prison on Monday (Jan 29) for leaking the tax records of thousands of Americans, including former President Donald Trump.

A former United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) contractor was sentenced to five years in prison on Monday (Jan 29) for leaking the tax records of thousands of Americans, including former President Donald Trump. About the sentence Charles Littlejohn, 38, pleaded guilty in October to one count of unauthorised disclosures of income tax returns. According to a plea deal, the former employee of a consulting firm – which worked on a contractual basis with the IRS – stole the tax data of Trump and “thousands of the nation’s wealthiest people” and leaked it to two news outlets. US District Judge Ana Reyes who handed the five-year prison sentence called Littlejohn’s actions a threat to democracy and linked it to broader attacks on elected officials in Washington. ALSO READ | Scathing report accuses Trump administration of controlled substance abuse violations in White House “What you did in targeting the sitting president of the United States was an attack on our constitutional democracy,” Reyes told Littlejohn. “We’re talking about someone who…pulled off the biggest heist in IRS history.” The federal prosecutors have sought a five-year sentence, the maximum allowed under US law, saying that the 38-year-old was motivated by a political agenda and compromised the security of sensitive personal information. “A free press and public engagement with the media are critical to any healthy democracy, but stealing and leaking private, personal tax information strips individuals of the legal protection of their most sensitive data,” prosecutors wrote in a court filing. The prosecutors alleged that Littlejohn, in 2017, sought a position at a consulting firm that works with the IRS hoping to get access to and disclose records on then-president Trump. Tax data leaked During the 2016 presidential election, the Republican candidate became the first one in decades who had not released his tax returns when he ran for the White House. According to court documents, Littlejohn secretly downloaded years of Trump’s tax records in 2018 and later shared them with reporters from the New York Times. In 2020, the American newspaper, based on the information, published a series of articles revealing that Trump paid no income tax in 10 of the 15 years before he took office. ALSO READ | Ex-US president Donald Trump's tax returns released by US House panel Littlejohn leaked information about more than 8,000 income tax returns relating to about 7,600 people. He also leaked information about “ultra-high net worth taxpayers” to investigative news outlet ProPublica. The media outlet, based on the information, published nearly 50 articles and revealed how the wealthy have evaded taxes in the US. In court, on Monday, the 38-year-old apologised for his actions. “I acted out of a sincere, if misguided, belief that I was serving the public interest,” Littlejohn told the court. He added, “We as a country make the best decisions when we are all properly informed.” His lawyers also said that he was motivated by a “deep, moral belief” that the public had a right to know the information he shared. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-IRS contractor who stole and leaked Trump’s tax records, sentenced to 5 years in prison

Israel accuses UNRWA workers linked to Hamas' Oct 7 attack. Several key donor countries to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees have halted their funding, following accusations by Israel that several UNRWA staff were involved in Hamas's October 7 attack. The claims surface after ICJ orders Israel to prevent genocide in Gaza. The European Union to investigate UNRWA funding amid Israel's claims. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: EU calls for audit of UNRWA funding

Wait time visitor visa appointment for the United States down by 75%. The wait time reduced from 1000 days to 250 days. US visa records increase staffing, innovations and efficiency. The student visas recorded for the highest for 3rd time in a row. Watch to know more!

US issues record 1.4 million visas to Indians in 2023

<p>The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said on Friday (Jan 26) that it has terminated several employees accused by Israel of participating in the October 7 assault by Hamas militant group.</p>

<p>This decision was aimed at safeguarding the agency's humanitarian efforts. The grave charges leveled against the individuals also led to the suspension of critical funding from the United States for the aide agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The information regarding the alleged involvement of the staff members was&nbsp;provided by Israeli authorities, the agency's chief said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Any UNRWA employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution," said&nbsp;UNRWA Chief Philippe Lazzarini.</p>

<p>UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed horror at the accusations and urged to implicate the staff allegedly involved in the unprecedented attacks on the Jewish country, since the its establishment in 1948.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Guterres spokesman Stephane Dujarric, the UN chief said that an "urgent and comprehensive independent review of UNRWA will be conducted."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-geneticist-dismissed-over-controversial-claims-on-sin-induced-shortened-lives-684049">Russian geneticist dismissed over controversial claims on sin-induced shortened lives</a></p>

<p>The US State Department expressed deep concerns over these developments. It said, US is "extremely troubled by the allegations that twelve UNRWA employees may have been involved in the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel."</p>

<p>In view of the charges against the staff members, the State Department temporarily paused additional funding and said that it would review the charges as well as the steps taken by UN to address the situation.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-south-african-president-cyril-ramaphosa-breaks-into-celebration-as-icj-rules-against-israel-684014">WATCH | South African President Cyril Ramaphosa breaks into celebration as ICJ rules against Israel</a></p>

<p>Blinken also held talks with Guterres on January 25 to speak about the necessity of a "thorough and swift investigation" into the matter. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-embassy-staff-dancers-children-dress-up-in-colourful-indian-attire-684066">Russian embassy staff, dancers, children dress up in colourful Indian attire</a></strong></p>

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<p>The October 7 Hamas attack resulted in approximately 1,140 casualties in Israel, mostly civilians, with about 250 hostages held captive, out of which over 100 are still under the control of the militant group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We welcome the decision to conduct such an investigation and Secretary General Guterres’ pledge to take decisive action to respond, should the allegations prove accurate. We also welcome the UN’s announcement of a “comprehensive and independent” review of UNRWA. &nbsp;There must be complete accountability for anyone who participated in the heinous attacks of October 7," the state department said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said on Friday (Jan 26) that it has terminated several employees accused by Israel of participating in the October 7 assault by Hamas militant group.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said on Friday (Jan 26) that it has terminated several employees accused by Israel of participating in the October 7 assault by Hamas militant group. This decision was aimed at safeguarding the agency's humanitarian efforts. The grave charges leveled against the individuals also led to the suspension of critical funding from the United States for the aide agency. The information regarding the alleged involvement of the staff members was provided by Israeli authorities, the agency's chief said. "Any UNRWA employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution," said UNRWA Chief Philippe Lazzarini. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed horror at the accusations and urged to implicate the staff allegedly involved in the unprecedented attacks on the Jewish country, since the its establishment in 1948. According to Guterres spokesman Stephane Dujarric, the UN chief said that an "urgent and comprehensive independent review of UNRWA will be conducted." Also Read | Russian geneticist dismissed over controversial claims on sin-induced shortened lives The US State Department expressed deep concerns over these developments. It said, US is "extremely troubled by the allegations that twelve UNRWA employees may have been involved in the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel." In view of the charges against the staff members, the State Department temporarily paused additional funding and said that it would review the charges as well as the steps taken by UN to address the situation. WATCH | South African President Cyril Ramaphosa breaks into celebration as ICJ rules against Israel Blinken also held talks with Guterres on January 25 to speak about the necessity of a "thorough and swift investigation" into the matter. Watch | Russian embassy staff, dancers, children dress up in colourful Indian attire × The October 7 Hamas attack resulted in approximately 1,140 casualties in Israel, mostly civilians, with about 250 hostages held captive, out of which over 100 are still under the control of the militant group. "We welcome the decision to conduct such an investigation and Secretary General Guterres’ pledge to take decisive action to respond, should the allegations prove accurate. We also welcome the UN’s announcement of a “comprehensive and independent” review of UNRWA. There must be complete accountability for anyone who participated in the heinous attacks of October 7," the state department said. (With inputs from agencies)

UN agency fires staff members allegedly linked to Oct 7 attack on Israel by Hamas

The United States and Britain on Monday imposed sanctions on a network of people who targeted Iranian dissidents and opposition activists for assassination at Iran‘s direction, the US Treasury Department said.

US and UK sanction network accused of plotting to kill Iranian dissidents

Neel Acharya, an Indian student studying at Purdue University, who was missing since Sunday was confirmed dead by authorities in the US state of Indiana. Earlier, Vivek Saini, an MBA student in Georgia's Lithonia, was brutally killed by a homeless drug-addict.

US: Purdue University student confirmed dead | Horrific incidents from United States' Georgia

The United States failed to stop a deadly attack on an American military outpost in Jordan when the enemy drone approached its target at the same time a US drone was also returning to base, US officials said Monday.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Monday that Ukraine’s gains over two years of fighting were all in doubt without new US funding, as NATO’s chief visited to lobby Congress.

'Kyiv's gains will be in jeopardy without aid', says Antony Blinken

US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Chief William Burns as well as top Egyptian, Qatari and Israeli officials met in Paris today to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza. French authorities were also in touch with the four countries with the aim of negotiating a halt to hostilities between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

US, Israel, Egypt, Qatar officials meet in Paris for Gaza talks

US negotiators have drafted a tentative agreement bringing together Israeli and Hamas demands that would see the rest of the hostages released and a pause in fighting in Gaza for up to two months as per reports.

Israel-Hamas war: American negotiators draft new Gaza ceasefire agreement

Big tech and media companies in the US have kicked off 2024 with fresh plans to cut jobs, signaling the spate of layoffs seen last year will likely continue as firms navigate persistent economic uncertainty.

Is 2024 the year the job market rebounds? | World Business Watch

India has emerged as a formidable force in the global tourism arena, clinching the title of the fifth-largest contributor to the United States' tourism influx and showcasing a projected 30% surge in 2024. India's rising economic influence is propelled by an expanding middle class and a surge of enthusiastic young travelers.

Indians now the fifth-largest contributor to US tourism

What initially began as the conflict between Israel and Hamas militants is now rapidly spiraled into a regional security crisis casting a shadow of uncertainty and instability over West Asia. Three US service members have been killed and at multiple have wounded in a drone attack in northeast Jordan near the Syrian border.

West Asia crisis: Three US soldiers killed, at least 34 injured in Jordan drone attack

In the United States all eyes are on the South Carolina Primary due in February. Campaigning is on in full swing by both Democrats and Republicans but amid the race to power.

US elections 2024: Presidential race heats up in South Carolina; Trump, Haley slams Biden

<p>A 24-year-old man and an unidentified individual were killed, while two police officers sustained injuries during a gunfire exchange in Florida's Palm Bay in USA on&nbsp;&nbsp;Sunday (Jan 28th), as detailed by the Palm Bay Police Department.</p>

<p>At around 2 pm (local time), police responded to a distressing domestic disturbance call in the vicinity of Lexington and Americana in northeast Palm Bay. Issuing a stark advisory to residents via a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Palm Bay Police Department around 3 pm, urged them to steer clear of the active incident area.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/lunar-resilience-japans-slim-bounces-back-captures-images-of-toy-poodle-rock-on-the-moons-surface-684647">Lunar resilience: Japan's SLIM bounces back, captures images of 'toy poodle' rock on the Moon's surface</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>Police Chief Mariano Augello, in a sombre press conference, revealed that officers, upon arrival, confronted a 24-year-old suspect who brazenly discharged his firearm at them before evading capture. This set in motion a high-stakes police pursuit, culminating in a relentless exchange of gunfire that ended with the demise of the suspect.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amidst the chaos, two officers were also injured. However, as per Chief Augello, they are expected to make a recovery. An unnamed individual also succumbed to the harrowing turn of events.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/day-after-seouls-claims-n-korea-confirms-kim-oversaw-launch-of-cruise-missiles-from-submarine-684638">Day after Seoul's claims, N Korea confirms Kim oversaw launch of cruise missiles from submarine</a></strong></p>

<p>Chief Augello delivering&nbsp;a stern message reaffirmed the city's unequivocal commitment to safeguarding its officers and denounced any semblance of aggression or lethal force directed at law enforcement.</p>

<p>"Two of our officers were shot today as a result of doing their job of protecting and serving our community," said Augello.&nbsp;The two officers who were shot are being treated “at a local hospital - they are going to survive,” he said, as per CNN.</p>

<p>"We will not tolerate anybody raising their guns or any type of lethal force or aggression toward our officers," he was&nbsp;quoted as saying by&nbsp;Orlando Sentinel.&nbsp;The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has now assumed the mantle of investigation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A 24-year-old man and an unidentified individual were killed, while two police officers sustained injuries during a gunfire exchange in Florida's Palm Bay in USA on Sunday (Jan 28th), as detailed by the Palm Bay Police Department.

A 24-year-old man and an unidentified individual were killed, while two police officers sustained injuries during a gunfire exchange in Florida's Palm Bay in USA on Sunday (Jan 28th), as detailed by the Palm Bay Police Department. At around 2 pm (local time), police responded to a distressing domestic disturbance call in the vicinity of Lexington and Americana in northeast Palm Bay. Issuing a stark advisory to residents via a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Palm Bay Police Department around 3 pm, urged them to steer clear of the active incident area. Also read | Lunar resilience: Japan's SLIM bounces back, captures images of 'toy poodle' rock on the Moon's surface What happened? Police Chief Mariano Augello, in a sombre press conference, revealed that officers, upon arrival, confronted a 24-year-old suspect who brazenly discharged his firearm at them before evading capture. This set in motion a high-stakes police pursuit, culminating in a relentless exchange of gunfire that ended with the demise of the suspect. Amidst the chaos, two officers were also injured. However, as per Chief Augello, they are expected to make a recovery. An unnamed individual also succumbed to the harrowing turn of events. Also read | Day after Seoul's claims, N Korea confirms Kim oversaw launch of cruise missiles from submarine Chief Augello delivering a stern message reaffirmed the city's unequivocal commitment to safeguarding its officers and denounced any semblance of aggression or lethal force directed at law enforcement. "Two of our officers were shot today as a result of doing their job of protecting and serving our community," said Augello. The two officers who were shot are being treated “at a local hospital - they are going to survive,” he said, as per CNN. "We will not tolerate anybody raising their guns or any type of lethal force or aggression toward our officers," he was quoted as saying by Orlando Sentinel. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has now assumed the mantle of investigation. (With inputs from agencies)

Gunfire exchange in Florida leaves two dead, two officers injured

Houthis claim to have fired a missile at an American warship- USS Lewis B Puller- in the Gulf of Aden. A Houthi spokesperson said the attacks will continue 'until the aggression is stopped'.

Houthis claim to have hit an American warship in Gulf of Aden | Gravitas

What initially began as the conflict between Israel and hamas militants is now rapidly spiraled into a regional security crisis casting a shadow of uncertainty and instability over West Asia.

West Asia crisis: US troops killed and dozens injured in drone attack on US base in Jordan

<p>North Korea has reportedly demolished a major monument which symbolised the goal of reconciliation with South Korea following the orders of their leader Kim Jong Un who called the massive structure that his father constructed in the capital city Pyongyang, an “eyesore,” earlier this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the move seems to be in line with the North Korean leader’s rhetoric and volatile temperament, and given the rise of tensions between Pyongyang and Seoul, it is important to know what the monument symbolised and why it’s reported razing is making the headlines.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the Arch of Reunification</strong></h2>

<p>The Arch of Reunification, officially known as the Monument to the Three-Point Charter for National Reunification, is said to be one of the major monuments in the North Korean capital city and is located on the Pyongyang-Kaesong (reunification highway).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea says Arch of Reunification disappeared from Pyongyang</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-says-arch-of-reunification-disappeared-from-pyongyang-world-news-wion-683222/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>However, satellite imagery of Pyongyang, last week, showed that the 30 metre-tall and 61.5- metre&nbsp;wide symbol was no longer there, according to a report by NK News, an online outlet that monitors North Korea.</p>

<p>The American website in its report also stressed that the images are ‘hazy’ at best and one snapshot was taken Tuesday (Jan 23) by an inter-Korean rail crossing at Kaesong did not clearly show any construction crews. Therefore, a higher-definition picture is needed to be certain that the monument has in fact disappeared.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The arch was unveiled a year after the 2000 inter-Korea summit between Kim’s father North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, and former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung. The summit resulted in a joint declaration, in which both countries agreed to pursue reunification through peaceful means.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-calls-for-more-practical-offensive-war-deterrence-to-counter-us-south-korea-581166">North Korea’s Kim calls for more ‘practical, offensive’ war deterrence to counter US, South Korea</a></strong></p>

<p>The 30-metre-tall monument was symbolic of the three charters – self-reliance, peace and national cooperation, according to South Korean government records. The arch symbolised reunification plans through diplomacy put forward by Kim’s father.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since Kim Jong Un’s grandfather, Kim Il-Sung took over the premiership of the newly formed Democratic People’s Republic of Korea &nbsp;(DPRK), North Korea’s official name, in 1948, he had hoped to reunify with South Korea. However, he took a different approach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kim Il-Sung unlike his son tried to reunify Korea by force and launched an invasion of South Korea triggering the Korean War, which ended in a stalemate three years later.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rise in tensions between the two Koreas</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this month, in a speech at North Korea’s rubber-stamp parliament, Kim called for the country’s constitution to be changed to ensure that South Korea is defined as “the most hostile state,” reported the state media KCNA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Kim, the constitution should be amended to educate North Koreans that South Korea is a “primary foe and invariable principal enemy”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the same speech, on January 15, he had also called the massive monument that his father constructed in Pyongyang an “eyesore” and vowed to get rid of it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nkoreas-kim-calls-for-skorea-to-be-seen-as-the-most-hostile-state-threatens-war-680451">&nbsp;North Korea’s Kim calls for South Korea to be seen as ‘the most hostile state’, threatens war</a></strong></p>

<p>It was around the same time that North Korea had abolished agencies that oversaw cooperation and reunification, indicating that Kim was no longer interested in seeking reconciliation with South Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, three organisations dealing with unification and inter-Korean tourism were also shut down, the state media had reported, earlier this month. On January 15, Kim said Pyongyang would not recognise the two countries’ de facto maritime border, the Northern Limit Line (NLL).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, in April, the South Korean Unification Ministry said that North Korea had not responded to their regularly held calls, adding that this is the first time since October 2021 that all inter-Korean military lines or liaison calls have stopped for more than a day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The communication lines were first opened in 2018 when the two countries set up hotlines after a series of summits aimed at decreasing tensions in the region. However, it was not the first time that North Korea unilaterally shut down the communications links in a display of anger.</p>

<p>The line was restored in July 2021 following North Korea’s shutdown for nearly a year after its anger over South Korean activists sending leaflets critical of Kim’s regime across the border by balloon.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/day-after-seouls-claims-n-korea-confirms-kim-oversaw-launch-of-cruise-missiles-from-submarine-684638">Day after Seoul's claims, N Korea confirms Kim oversaw launch of cruise missiles from submarine</a></strong></p>

<p>The communication&nbsp;was cut off in 2023 also around the time when South Korea was holding drills with the United States, which North Korea has long viewed as an enemy. Pyongyang, which reportedly has nuclear weapons, also tested a record number of missiles last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also seems like it is going to be more of the same in 2024, as within the first month of the year, North Korea has already tested a number of missiles, including a cruise missile dubbed Pulhwasal-3-3, on January 24 and again on January 28.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was after North Korea had fired more than 200 artillery rounds near a disputed maritime border with South Korea prompting Seoul to take “corresponding” action with live fire drills. The exchange prompted the evacuation of nearly 2,000 residents of two remote South Korean islands to bomb shelters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>An ‘unachieved wish’</strong></h2>

<p>Kim Jong Un was 26 years old when he took over North Korea, days after his father’s death, and like his predecessors, he too has ruled the country with an iron fist ever since. However, unlike his father and grandfather, the incumbent leader does not seem to be interested in the idea of reunification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cho Han-bum, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification told AFP, earlier this month, that the North Korean system has long been grounded on the idea of reunification, an unachieved wish of the country’s founding leader and Kim’s grandfather Kim II Sung.</p>

<p>“Now he is denying everything that his predecessors have done,” said Cho.</p>

<p>Therefore, if confirmed, getting rid of his father’s monument would be a big step for Kim, who was known to be his favourite son and hence became his successor.</p>

<p>However, it seems as though since his grandfather’s invasion and his father’s diplomacy did not work, Kim is charting his own course, which involves ramping up military rhetoric and posturing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-us-south-korea-nuclear-weapons-deal-about-is-this-end-of-peace-in-korean-peninsula-586684">Explained | What is US-South Korea nuclear weapons deal about? Is this end of peace in Korean Peninsula?</a></strong></p>

<p>While reunification has long been on the North Korean agenda, Kim, earlier this month said that he had concluded that unification with the South was no longer possible and accused Seoul of seeking the collapse of his regime and unification by absorption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Korea Institute for National Unification, a think-tank, said Kim has all but removed the ‘concept of unity’ from North Korean policy, reported Metro newspaper.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Therefore, by reportedly removing the Arch of Reunification ‘the history of inter-Korean relations was completely denied’ and the ‘geopolitical risks’ to South Korea will continue to rise, analysts added.</p>

<h2><strong>The US factor</strong></h2>

<p>Pyongyang’s hatred towards Washington can be traced back to the Korean War where then-US President Harry Truman’s declaration prompted nearly two dozen countries to send troops and medical units to back South Korea, during the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-thousands-of-north-koreans-holds-rallies-denouncing-us-609023">'Vow of revenge': North Koreans rally to mark 73rd anniversary of Korean War, denounce US</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, North Korea was supported by both the Soviet Union and China. Therefore, the alliances over the years have not changed all that much. Even today, Pyongyang maintains good relations with Beijing and Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Except for Kim’s brief “bromance” with former US President Donald Trump when he was the commander-in-chief, not like the much-awaited meeting between the two leaders produced any tangible results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the US and South Korea&nbsp;have conducted a number of drills amid Kim’s increasing military rhetoric and posturing. Last year, Washington, for the first time since the 1980s also deployed a nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) to a South Korean port.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


North Korea has reportedly demolished a major monument which symbolised the goal of reconciliation with South Korea following the orders of their leader Kim Jong Un who called the massive structure that his father constructed in the capital city Pyongyang, an “eyesore,” earlier this month.

North Korea has reportedly demolished a major monument which symbolised the goal of reconciliation with South Korea following the orders of their leader Kim Jong Un who called the massive structure that his father constructed in the capital city Pyongyang, an “eyesore,” earlier this month. While the move seems to be in line with the North Korean leader’s rhetoric and volatile temperament, and given the rise of tensions between Pyongyang and Seoul, it is important to know what the monument symbolised and why it’s reported razing is making the headlines. About the Arch of Reunification The Arch of Reunification, officially known as the Monument to the Three-Point Charter for National Reunification, is said to be one of the major monuments in the North Korean capital city and is located on the Pyongyang-Kaesong (reunification highway). WATCH | North Korea says Arch of Reunification disappeared from Pyongyang However, satellite imagery of Pyongyang, last week, showed that the 30 metre-tall and 61.5- metre wide symbol was no longer there, according to a report by NK News, an online outlet that monitors North Korea. The American website in its report also stressed that the images are ‘hazy’ at best and one snapshot was taken Tuesday (Jan 23) by an inter-Korean rail crossing at Kaesong did not clearly show any construction crews. Therefore, a higher-definition picture is needed to be certain that the monument has in fact disappeared. The arch was unveiled a year after the 2000 inter-Korea summit between Kim’s father North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, and former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung. The summit resulted in a joint declaration, in which both countries agreed to pursue reunification through peaceful means. ALSO READ | North Korea’s Kim calls for more ‘practical, offensive’ war deterrence to counter US, South Korea The 30-metre-tall monument was symbolic of the three charters – self-reliance, peace and national cooperation, according to South Korean government records. The arch symbolised reunification plans through diplomacy put forward by Kim’s father. Since Kim Jong Un’s grandfather, Kim Il-Sung took over the premiership of the newly formed Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), North Korea’s official name, in 1948, he had hoped to reunify with South Korea. However, he took a different approach. Kim Il-Sung unlike his son tried to reunify Korea by force and launched an invasion of South Korea triggering the Korean War, which ended in a stalemate three years later. Rise in tensions between the two Koreas Earlier this month, in a speech at North Korea’s rubber-stamp parliament, Kim called for the country’s constitution to be changed to ensure that South Korea is defined as “the most hostile state,” reported the state media KCNA. According to Kim, the constitution should be amended to educate North Koreans that South Korea is a “primary foe and invariable principal enemy”. During the same speech, on January 15, he had also called the massive monument that his father constructed in Pyongyang an “eyesore” and vowed to get rid of it. ALSO READ | North Korea’s Kim calls for South Korea to be seen as ‘the most hostile state’, threatens war It was around the same time that North Korea had abolished agencies that oversaw cooperation and reunification, indicating that Kim was no longer interested in seeking reconciliation with South Korea. Additionally, three organisations dealing with unification and inter-Korean tourism were also shut down, the state media had reported, earlier this month. On January 15, Kim said Pyongyang would not recognise the two countries’ de facto maritime border, the Northern Limit Line (NLL). Last year, in April, the South Korean Unification Ministry said that North Korea had not responded to their regularly held calls, adding that this is the first time since October 2021 that all inter-Korean military lines or liaison calls have stopped for more than a day. The communication lines were first opened in 2018 when the two countries set up hotlines after a series of summits aimed at decreasing tensions in the region. However, it was not the first time that North Korea unilaterally shut down the communications links in a display of anger. The line was restored in July 2021 following North Korea’s shutdown for nearly a year after its anger over South Korean activists sending leaflets critical of Kim’s regime across the border by balloon. ALSO READ | Day after Seoul's claims, N Korea confirms Kim oversaw launch of cruise missiles from submarine The communication was cut off in 2023 also around the time when South Korea was holding drills with the United States, which North Korea has long viewed as an enemy. Pyongyang, which reportedly has nuclear weapons, also tested a record number of missiles last year. It also seems like it is going to be more of the same in 2024, as within the first month of the year, North Korea has already tested a number of missiles, including a cruise missile dubbed Pulhwasal-3-3, on January 24 and again on January 28. This was after North Korea had fired more than 200 artillery rounds near a disputed maritime border with South Korea prompting Seoul to take “corresponding” action with live fire drills. The exchange prompted the evacuation of nearly 2,000 residents of two remote South Korean islands to bomb shelters. An ‘unachieved wish’ Kim Jong Un was 26 years old when he took over North Korea, days after his father’s death, and like his predecessors, he too has ruled the country with an iron fist ever since. However, unlike his father and grandfather, the incumbent leader does not seem to be interested in the idea of reunification. Cho Han-bum, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification told AFP, earlier this month, that the North Korean system has long been grounded on the idea of reunification, an unachieved wish of the country’s founding leader and Kim’s grandfather Kim II Sung. “Now he is denying everything that his predecessors have done,” said Cho. Therefore, if confirmed, getting rid of his father’s monument would be a big step for Kim, who was known to be his favourite son and hence became his successor. However, it seems as though since his grandfather’s invasion and his father’s diplomacy did not work, Kim is charting his own course, which involves ramping up military rhetoric and posturing. ALSO READ | Explained | What is US-South Korea nuclear weapons deal about? Is this end of peace in Korean Peninsula? While reunification has long been on the North Korean agenda, Kim, earlier this month said that he had concluded that unification with the South was no longer possible and accused Seoul of seeking the collapse of his regime and unification by absorption. The Korea Institute for National Unification, a think-tank, said Kim has all but removed the ‘concept of unity’ from North Korean policy, reported Metro newspaper. Therefore, by reportedly removing the Arch of Reunification ‘the history of inter-Korean relations was completely denied’ and the ‘geopolitical risks’ to South Korea will continue to rise, analysts added. The US factor Pyongyang’s hatred towards Washington can be traced back to the Korean War where then-US President Harry Truman’s declaration prompted nearly two dozen countries to send troops and medical units to back South Korea, during the war. ALSO READ | 'Vow of revenge': North Koreans rally to mark 73rd anniversary of Korean War, denounce US Meanwhile, North Korea was supported by both the Soviet Union and China. Therefore, the alliances over the years have not changed all that much. Even today, Pyongyang maintains good relations with Beijing and Moscow. Except for Kim’s brief “bromance” with former US President Donald Trump when he was the commander-in-chief, not like the much-awaited meeting between the two leaders produced any tangible results. Meanwhile, the US and South Korea have conducted a number of drills amid Kim’s increasing military rhetoric and posturing. Last year, Washington, for the first time since the 1980s also deployed a nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) to a South Korean port. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Kim Jong Un reportedly tears down father’s reunification monument. Why is it a big deal?

West Asia crisis: Three US service members killed in Jordan drone attack

Widening West Asia crisis: Three US soldiers killed in drone attack on US bases in Jordan

US CIA Chief William Burns meets Israel, Egypt and Qatar officials in Paris for Gaza talks

In a landscape fraught with economic uncertainties, the United States stands out as a beacon of stability, showcasing a commendable economic performance that leaves global counterparts in the shadows. As the Eurozone grapples with stagnant growth and the Chinese market experiences a period of volatility, the United States has orchestrated a stable economic narrative, and at the heart of this success lies the poise of its consumers.

How US consumers defied recessionary fears

<p>The United States issued a record 1.4 million visas for Indians in the year 2023, which is the highest so far, slashing the visitor visa appointment wait time&nbsp;by 75 per cent.</p>

<p>The US Embassy and Consulates in India released a statement saying that now Indians represent one out of every 10 US visa applicants around the globe.</p>

<p>"In 2023, the US Embassy and Consulates in India processed a record-smashing 1.4 million US visas. Demand across all visa classes was unprecedented, with a 60 per cent increase in applications compared to 2022. Indians now represent one out of every ten US visa applicants around the world," the statement read.</p>

<p>With more than 7,00,000 applicants, visitor or B1 and B2 visas now recuperate to represent the second-highest number of applications in the history of the US Mission.</p>

<p>The improvements made in the process and the increase in the number of staff members have been dubbed as the reason behind increased efficiency in the process.</p>

<p>Reportedly, the appointment wait time for visitor visas has come down to only 250 days around the country from an average of 1,000 days with minimal wait time in all categories around the country.</p>

<p>The US consular team in India issued over 140,000 student visas in the year 2023, which is more than in any other country in the world setting a record for the third consecutive year.</p>

<p>“Taken individually, Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai now stand as the top four student visa processing posts in the world. As a result of these surging numbers, Indian students have become the largest group of international graduate students in the US and make up more than a quarter of the over one million foreign students studying in the US,” the statement said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/massive-security-breach-at-delhi-airport-leads-to-suspension-of-security-personnel-684632">Man enters Delhi airport runway in major security breach; CISF personnel suspended</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Employment visas remain top priority'</strong></h2>

<p>The US Embassy and Consulates furthermore added that employment visas remain a top priority.</p>

<p>Consular Team India consolidated most petition-based visa processing in Chennai and Hyderabad to increase efficiency, leading to the processing of over 3,80,000 employment visas for Indians and their family members in 2023 and allowing the US Mission to "maintain a minimal appointment wait time" for the visa applications.</p>

<p>In another significant development, a pilot program in 2024 would allow eligible H1B holders to renew their visas in the United States, further simplifying the process for this group.</p>

<p>The ones who have a pending immigrant visa petition and are ready for scheduling can now obtain an appointment within the standard, pre-pandemic appointment window, it stated.</p>

<p>"The US Mission continues to invest in the future of consular services in India and explore ways to provide more efficient and convenient services. These investments have included the opening of a new USD 340 million facility in Hyderabad in March 2023, the announcement of two new consulates in Ahmedabad and Bangalore, continued capital improvements to our facilities around the country, and the permanent assignment of more consular officers to India," the US Embassy and Consulates said in the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States issued a record 1.4 million visas for Indians in the year 2023, which is the highest so far, slashing the visitor visa appointment wait time by 75 per cent.

The United States issued a record 1.4 million visas for Indians in the year 2023, which is the highest so far, slashing the visitor visa appointment wait time by 75 per cent. The US Embassy and Consulates in India released a statement saying that now Indians represent one out of every 10 US visa applicants around the globe. "In 2023, the US Embassy and Consulates in India processed a record-smashing 1.4 million US visas. Demand across all visa classes was unprecedented, with a 60 per cent increase in applications compared to 2022. Indians now represent one out of every ten US visa applicants around the world," the statement read. With more than 7,00,000 applicants, visitor or B1 and B2 visas now recuperate to represent the second-highest number of applications in the history of the US Mission. The improvements made in the process and the increase in the number of staff members have been dubbed as the reason behind increased efficiency in the process. Reportedly, the appointment wait time for visitor visas has come down to only 250 days around the country from an average of 1,000 days with minimal wait time in all categories around the country. The US consular team in India issued over 140,000 student visas in the year 2023, which is more than in any other country in the world setting a record for the third consecutive year. “Taken individually, Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai now stand as the top four student visa processing posts in the world. As a result of these surging numbers, Indian students have become the largest group of international graduate students in the US and make up more than a quarter of the over one million foreign students studying in the US,” the statement said. Also read: Man enters Delhi airport runway in major security breach; CISF personnel suspended 'Employment visas remain top priority' The US Embassy and Consulates furthermore added that employment visas remain a top priority. Consular Team India consolidated most petition-based visa processing in Chennai and Hyderabad to increase efficiency, leading to the processing of over 3,80,000 employment visas for Indians and their family members in 2023 and allowing the US Mission to "maintain a minimal appointment wait time" for the visa applications. In another significant development, a pilot program in 2024 would allow eligible H1B holders to renew their visas in the United States, further simplifying the process for this group. The ones who have a pending immigrant visa petition and are ready for scheduling can now obtain an appointment within the standard, pre-pandemic appointment window, it stated. "The US Mission continues to invest in the future of consular services in India and explore ways to provide more efficient and convenient services. These investments have included the opening of a new USD 340 million facility in Hyderabad in March 2023, the announcement of two new consulates in Ahmedabad and Bangalore, continued capital improvements to our facilities around the country, and the permanent assignment of more consular officers to India," the US Embassy and Consulates said in the statement. (With inputs from agencies)

US sets visa record in India, processes 1.4 million applications in 2023

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