A Bering Air flight with 10 people on board has disappeared from radar near Nome, Alaska. The US Coast Guard and ground crews are conducting an urgent search to locate the missing aircraft and possible survivors.

US plane with 10 onboard disappears near Alaska

Ten people are dead after their small plane crashed in the Brazil. Aircraft Skids Into Traffic, Hits Bus Watch this report for more details!

Brazil plane crash: Aircraft skids into traffic, hits bus

A new strain of bird flu has been detected in US dairy cows, raising concerns among experts. The USDA confirmed a new version of the H5N1 virus, known as D1.1, while a second strain was found in Nevada cattle. Experts suggest bird-to-cow transmission may not be as rare as previously thought.

Bird flu scare in New York: New bird flu strain detected in US dairy cows

The UK Royal Navy has updated its dress code to embrace cultural diversity, allowing more flexibility in uniform choices. This change aims to reflect the diverse backgrounds of its personnel and promote inclusivity within the service.

UK royal navy changes dress code to embrace cultural diversity

It'll be one year tomorrow since the general elections in Pakistan. The former prime minister Imran Khan's party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to mark the anniversary as a black day and also a possible government versus PTI face-off brews again. Watch in for more details!

Pakistan: PTI to mark anniversary as 'black day'

India has summoned the Bangladesh envoy to address rising tensions between the two nations. The diplomatic move comes amid an ongoing row, signaling a need for dialogue to resolve the issue.

India-Bangladesh row: India summons Bangladesh envoy

A miraculous rescue unfolded in Florida as deputies saved an unconscious man from Lake Dias. Dramatic footage captures the life-saving moment just in time.

Florida man rescued from Lake Dias in dramatic boat operation

Each winter, hundreds of thousands of tourists visit to see the spectacle of Japan's snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs of Jigokudani Park. With the rise in footfall of tourists, the monkeys have become the region's biggest attraction, raising concerns for their welfare.

Japan's bathing macaques draw record tourists

The U.S. is witnessing a rise in aviation disasters, with at least six air tragedies reported in the past 10 days, including two in the last 24 hours. While air travel is still considered safe, these back-to-back incidents have reignited concerns about aviation risks and have induced anxiety among many air travelers. Watch in for more details!

US witnesses 6 air tragedies in 10 days

#Gravitas A new study has revealed that our eyes may hold crucial clues about conditions like type 2 diabetes and dementia.

Detect disease with your eyes and new tech

Whales don't just sing; they could in fact be speaking like us. Scientists studying humpback whale songs found complex patterns that resemble human language structures. So, are these ocean giants truly communicating in a way that we never thought was possible for them? Watch in for more details!

Whales use repetition & variation like human speech: Study

The Indian Prime Minister is all set for a high-profile diplomatic tour, first to France and then to the United States, with key meetings on AI, trade, and defense. 

On the 12th of February, the Indian Prime Minister will be visiting a war cemetery and will inaugurate the new Indian Consulate in Marseille before departing for the US. In Washington, Narendra Modi will be on an official working visit from the 12th till the 13th of February. 

He's going to be the third world leader to visit the United States after the American president Donald Trump's swearing-in ceremony. Narendra Modi will hold some crucial talks with Donald Trump on the issues of trade, defense, and immigration. Watch in for more details!

PM Modi to visit France & US from Feb 10-13 for diplomatic talks

Another power tussle is ongoing in the state of Maharashtra. The assembly elections held in November last year are still making headlines. The opposition parties are claiming voter discrepancies in the polls. The top leaders from three opposition parties, namely Congress, the NCP's Sharad Pawar, and Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray, addressed a joint press conference. In their statements, the Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi alleged that he had uncovered many irregularities after scrutinizing voter data. Watch in for more details!

Rahul Gandhi Claims Irregularities In Voter Data Of Maharashtra

Pakistan marks one year since elections; PTI to mark anniversary as 'black day'

As Ecuador prepares for its upcoming presidential election on the 9th of February, campaigns have officially concluded. A mandatory silence period has taken effect, and voters are all set to participate in the polls to elect both a president and national legislators, nearly 18 months after the previous presidential elections. Watch in for more details!

Ecuadorians to vote in presidential election on February 9

<p class="p1">Saudi Arabia has implemented changes to its visa policy, effective from February 1, 2025, restricting travellers from 14 countries to single-entry visas. The measure aims to prevent unauthorised Hajj pilgrims from entering the country on long-term visit visas.</p>
<p class="p1">The new restrictions apply to travellers from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. As part of this policy shift, Saudi authorities have suspended one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits for travellers from these nations.</p>
<h2 class="p2"><b>Key Changes in Visa Regulations</b></h2>
<p class="p1">Under the revised rules, visitors from the 14 affected countries can only obtain single-entry visas with a validity of 30 days. The maximum duration of stay has also been set at 30 days. However, Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, and residency visas remain unaffected by these restrictions.</p>
<p class="p1">Saudi officials have stated that the decision follows concerns over the misuse of multiple-entry visas. Some travellers had reportedly entered the country on long-term visit visas and remained beyond their permitted stay to work or participate in Hajj without proper authorisation.</p>
<h2 class="p2"><b>Reason for the Policy Change</b></h2>
<p class="p1">Saudi Arabia enforces strict regulations on Hajj participation, allocating specific quotas to each country. In recent years, concerns over overcrowding have intensified due to unregistered pilgrims attending the pilgrimage. The issue became particularly critical in 2024 when over 1,200 pilgrims died due to extreme heat and overcrowding. Authorities identified unauthorised pilgrims as a contributing factor to the crisis.</p>
<p class="p1">By limiting visa access, the Saudi government aims to ensure that only registered and authorised pilgrims participate in Hajj, reducing the risks associated with overcrowding.</p>
<p class="p1">Officials have described the suspension of multiple-entry visas as a temporary measure. However, no timeline has been provided for a review of the decision. The government plans to assess the impact of the new visa policy before considering any further changes.</p>
<p class="p1"><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/9-indians-killed-in-road-accident-in-saudi-arabia-mea-sets-up-helpline-8668225">9 Indians killed in road accident in Saudi Arabia, MEA sets up helpline</a></strong></p>
<h2 class="p2"><b>Advice for Travellers</b></h2>
<p class="p1">Travellers from the affected countries are advised to apply for single-entry visas in advance and ensure compliance with Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s revised immigration policies. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasised that adhering to the new rules will help avoid disruptions or penalties during travel.</p>

Under the revised rules, visitors from the 14 affected countries can only obtain single-entry visas with a validity of 30 days

Saudi Arabia has implemented changes to its visa policy, effective from February 1, 2025, restricting travellers from 14 countries to single-entry visas. The measure aims to prevent unauthorised Hajj pilgrims from entering the country on long-term visit visas. The new restrictions apply to travellers from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. As part of this policy shift, Saudi authorities have suspended one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits for travellers from these nations. Key Changes in Visa Regulations Under the revised rules, visitors from the 14 affected countries can only obtain single-entry visas with a validity of 30 days. The maximum duration of stay has also been set at 30 days. However, Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, and residency visas remain unaffected by these restrictions. Saudi officials have stated that the decision follows concerns over the misuse of multiple-entry visas. Some travellers had reportedly entered the country on long-term visit visas and remained beyond their permitted stay to work or participate in Hajj without proper authorisation. Reason for the Policy Change Saudi Arabia enforces strict regulations on Hajj participation, allocating specific quotas to each country. In recent years, concerns over overcrowding have intensified due to unregistered pilgrims attending the pilgrimage. The issue became particularly critical in 2024 when over 1,200 pilgrims died due to extreme heat and overcrowding. Authorities identified unauthorised pilgrims as a contributing factor to the crisis. By limiting visa access, the Saudi government aims to ensure that only registered and authorised pilgrims participate in Hajj, reducing the risks associated with overcrowding. Officials have described the suspension of multiple-entry visas as a temporary measure. However, no timeline has been provided for a review of the decision. The government plans to assess the impact of the new visa policy before considering any further changes. Also read: 9 Indians killed in road accident in Saudi Arabia, MEA sets up helpline Advice for Travellers Travellers from the affected countries are advised to apply for single-entry visas in advance and ensure compliance with Saudi Arabia’s revised immigration policies. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasised that adhering to the new rules will help avoid disruptions or penalties during travel.

'India, Iraq, Pakistan and more': Saudi Arabia introduces new visa rules to prevent unauthorised Hajj pilgrimage

In our top story today, we ask if Trump's plan to take control of Gaza is possible. We decode the ground realities of Gaza and its neighbors.

'Gaza not for sale': Hamas

U.S. President Donald Trump says he wants to make a good deal with Iran, but at the same time, Donald Trump has ordered to apply maximum pressure against Iran's nuclear capacities. Can U.S. and Iran hit the refresh button?

U.S. intelligence says Iran is increasing pace to build cruder weapons: Report

Florida deputies' dramatic boat rescue saves unconscious man just in time

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh, currently part of the DP World IL T20 commentary team, picks his favourite India-Pakistan memory. Watch in for more details!

DP World ILT20 2025: Harbhajan On His Favourite India-Pakistan Memory

A massive spike in seismic activity on the Greek island of Santorini has caused thousands of people to flee the island as scientists closely monitor the situation to understand the cause and potential consequences of the tremors. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence technology has emerged as a powerful tool in enhancing risk assessment capabilities and improving early warning systems. Watch in for more details!

AI detects hidden earthquakes; scientists use AI to monitor Santorini tremors

Amidst Netanyahu's visit to Washington, Donald Trump has slapped sanctions on the International Criminal Court for what he's terming as baseless charges targeting the United States and also America's close ally, Israel. Watch in for more details!

Donald Trump signs order calling Netanyahu arrest warrant 'baseless'

Jamieson Greer, former chief of staff to Trump’s trade representative, has backed universal tariffs to curb offshoring and trade deficits. At his Senate confirmation hearing, Greer emphasized the need for a 'level playing field' for American workers and a 'robust manufacturing base.'

Trump's trade pick backs universal tariffs

With the ICC Champions Trophy just under two weeks away, the Pakistan Cricket Board is ready to inaugurate the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

ICC Champions Trophy: Lahore's revamped Gaddafi Stadium to be unveiled today

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