#GRAVITAS | A retired Taiwanese general has been accused of plotting to create an armed group that would help Chinese forces to invade Taiwan. In a statement issued by the Taiwan high prosecutors office on Wednesday, the former Lieutenant General named Kao an-Kuo was among six people indicted for violating the national security law. Watch this report to find out more.

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv receives 757 fallen soldiers in major repatriation

Iran's Revolutionary Guards conducted naval drills in the Gulf and the strategic Strait of Hormuz as part of a series of nationwide military exercises. The UK reports that several vessels faced radio challenges in the Northern Gulf, which they believe is linked to the drills. More in this next report, take a look.

Revolutionary Guards naval units in action

With federal elections on the horizon in Germany, a series of stabbing incidents are inflaming an already heated immigration debate in the country. In the most recent attack, two people, including a 2-year-old child, was killed allegedly by a 28-year-old Afghan man who has been taken into custody. Watch in for more details!

Immigration becomes key issue in German polls

Donald Trump unleashed a storm of executive orders in the first few hours of taking over the presidency. The US judiciary is now gearing up to face a potential avalanche of challenges. In the first of these, 22 states are suing to stop Trump's order blocking birthright citizenship. Watch in for more detail!

Legal challenges await US executive orders

US judge temporarily blocks Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship

One of the largest American embassies in the world is in West Asia, and in particular, it is in Lebanon. This has been reported in Lebanese media previously, but when British former diplomat Craig Murray reported about this, it took on another level of attention. Watch in for more details!

Mystery surrounding U.S. embassy in Lebanon deepens

Another tragedy hitting Turkey: a fire in one of the country's most well-known ski resorts while 200 people were locked inside. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he will punish the culprit. We tell you more.

Türkiye's popular ski hotel engulfed in fire

Are we alone in the universe? Humanity's fascination with extraterrestrial life continues to fuel debate, but a surprising theory is making waves—literally. Now, a US Congressman claims that aliens might not be lurking in outer space but rather under the ocean.

Underwater UFOs: Alien mysteries shift from space to sea

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 at Prayagraj is attracting millions of devotees and tourists alike, and providing accommodation for them has been one of the key priorities for the Uttar Pradesh administration. WION's correspondent Yohan Castell visits Prayagraj to explore the arrangements, including the two tent camp options in the Mela area. Watch in for more details!

Maha Kumbh 2025: Immersive stay experience at tent camps along the Ganga | WION Exclusive

After Donald Trump unleashed a storm of executive orders in the first few hours of taking over the presidency, the US judiciary is now gearing up to face a potential avalanche of challenges. In the first of these, 22 states are suing to stop Trump's order blocking birthright citizenship. Watch this report for more details!

22 US states sue Trump's order blocking birthright citizenship

President Vladimir Putin signals readiness for dialogue with Donald Trump, yet Moscow awaits a definitive move from Washington amid the escalating tensions in Ukraine. Watch in for more details!

Putin awaits Trump's signal for talks amid Ukraine crisis

Among the issues that came up during President Donald Trump's virtual address to the World Economic Forum on Thursday was Saudi Arabia's announcement of a $600 billion investment in the U.S. Now, this figure, the $600 billion investment, was a seeming price tag to Trump visiting Riyadh on his first official foreign trip on returning to the White House. Trump said he would be asking the Saudi Crown Prince to ramp up that figure and take it to $1 trillion, besides putting out some other plans for U.S.-Saudi ties ahead.

Saudi looks to cement relationship with US, announces investment

US President Donald Trump's recent active orders are raising concerns about the potential impact on global trade. It's a tricky time for India to determine the country's budget. WION decodes how Trump 2.0 will impact India's budget. Watch in for more details!

Budget 2025: Will Trump 2.0 impact India's budget?

India prepares for budget amid global protectionism

A federal judge on Thursday put a temporary block on US President Donald Trump's attempt to restrict birthright citizenship. Watch this report for more details!

US federal judge blocks Trump bid to restrict birthright citizenship

China is helping Iran in its ballistic missile program by supplying it the chemicals required to make the missile propellant. This is according to a report by the Wall Street Journal that claims two Iranian ships loaded with the crucial ingredient are docked in China. Watch in for more details!

China Supplying Chemicals For Iran's Missile Programme: Report

A C-130J Super Hercules flew low over the flames in Los Angeles County, dropping fire retardant. California Air National Guard released the video showing cockpit view of plane. Powerful winds and bone-dry conditions could pose a challenge to firefighters. A motorist also captured a dramatic video of the Sepulveda Fire. It burned alongside Los Angeles' 405 freeway near the Getty Museum. Watch in for more details!

California Wildfire: Super Hercules Battles A New, Wind-fueled Fire In Los Angeles

Following the visit of India's National Security Advisor, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to visit China from January 26-27 to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss key regional and global issues between the two nations.

India's foreign secretary to meet Chinese foreign minister Sun Weidong

Parts of New York's Hudson River turned to ice during recent cold weather in the city. The National Weather Service has issued a warning for wind chills in eastern parts of the US. In New York, temperatures below zero Celsius hit the city.

Hudson River freezes amid Arctic cold in New York

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jan 23) addressed the Davos summit virtually just days after moving into the White House following his inauguration. During his address at the World Economic Forum, President Trump said in his address that he would ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to bring down the cost of oil, adding that lower oil prices could end the war in Ukraine immediately. Watch in for more details!

Davos 2025: Trump says, 'Will ask Saudi Arabia & OPEC to bring down cost of oil'

US President Donald Trump said Thursday he hoped to avoid military strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, an option long mulled by Israel. Watch in for more details!

Trump wary of action against Iran nuclear sites

The Israeli military continues its ‘Iron Wall’ operation in the West Bank, targeting militant groups and aiming to counter-terrorism. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Hundreds of Palestinians flee homes in Jenin amid Israeli raid

Nepal has announced a hike in the permit fees for climbing Mount Everest, raising the cost by 36 per cent, according to a report. The new fee structure will see foreigners pay $15,000 for climbing the mountain via the south route during the spring season, up from the previous $11,000. The fee adjustments apply to all seasons. The autumn season will now cost $7,500, up from $5,500 and both winter and monsoon seasons will see an increase from $2,750 to $3,750 per climber. For Nepali climbers, the fee has doubled from $872 to $1744 for the autumn season. The validity of climbing permits has also been reduced from 75 days to 55 days. However, this change will not affect bookings already made for spring 2025 season. The new rates will officially take effect from September 1, 2025. &ldquo;Bookings already confirmed for the spring 2025 expedition will not be affected by this change,&rdquo; said Indu Ghimire, a joint secretary at the Tourism Ministry. Considering the environmental measures, the Department of Tourism will also enforce stricter controls on what items climbers can bring. The new rules mandate that climbers must manage their waste, including bringing waste back to base camp in biodegradable bags. This initiative is part of efforts to reduce the environmental impact on Everest, where waste accumulation has become a significant issue. Last spring, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality introduced mandatory biodegradable waste bags to tackle the garbage problem, distributing 1,700 poop bags. This requirement has now been extended to any individual attempting a climb above 8,000 metres. Last year, over 400 permits were issued for Everest, with approximately 600 climbers reaching the summit, leading to an estimated 100 tonnes of waste. The new regulations aim to address these challenges while increasing revenue for the government.

World: The validity of climbing permits has also been reduced from 75 days to 55 days. However, this change will not affect bookings already made for spring 2025 season.

Nepal has announced a hike in the permit fees for climbing Mount Everest, raising the cost by 36 per cent, according to a report. The new fee structure will see foreigners pay $15,000 for climbing the mountain via the south route during the spring season, up from the previous $11,000. The fee adjustments apply to all seasons. The autumn season will now cost $7,500, up from $5,500 and both winter and monsoon seasons will see an increase from $2,750 to $3,750 per climber. For Nepali climbers, the fee has doubled from $872 to $1744 for the autumn season. The validity of climbing permits has also been reduced from 75 days to 55 days. However, this change will not affect bookings already made for spring 2025 season. The new rates will officially take effect from September 1, 2025. “Bookings already confirmed for the spring 2025 expedition will not be affected by this change,” said Indu Ghimire, a joint secretary at the Tourism Ministry. Considering the environmental measures, the Department of Tourism will also enforce stricter controls on what items climbers can bring. The new rules mandate that climbers must manage their waste, including bringing waste back to base camp in biodegradable bags. This initiative is part of efforts to reduce the environmental impact on Everest, where waste accumulation has become a significant issue. Last spring, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality introduced mandatory biodegradable waste bags to tackle the garbage problem, distributing 1,700 poop bags. This requirement has now been extended to any individual attempting a climb above 8,000 metres. Last year, over 400 permits were issued for Everest, with approximately 600 climbers reaching the summit, leading to an estimated 100 tonnes of waste. The new regulations aim to address these challenges while increasing revenue for the government.

Climbing Mount Everest just got costlier! Understanding the new fee structure and regulations for summits

With the looming deadline set by President Donald Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship, Indian couples in the United States are urgently scheduling C-sections to ensure their children gain citizenship before February 20, 2025, Indian media reports claimed. Trump's order was issued shortly after his inauguration. The order will end the practice of granting US citizenship to children born in the country to non-citizen parents after February 19. Children born in the US before February 19 will still receive citizenship by birth, prompting a rush among Indian couples, many of whom are on temporary work visas like H-1B and L1, or are awaiting Green Cards. According to a Times of India (TOI) report, Indian couples are contacting doctors in large numbers to schedule preterm C-sections, even if their due dates are still weeks away. Dr. S.D. Rama, a gynaecologist based in New Jersey, mentioned that his clinic had received numerous requests for C-sections, some from women who were only seven months pregnant. One patient, who wasn&rsquo;t due until March, came in with her husband to sign up for a preterm delivery. This surge is partly driven by the hope that a child born in the US will eventually provide a path to residency for the parents. Till now, children born in the US could apply for Green Cards for their parents once they turn 21. This prospect was highly valued by Indian nationals who have been waiting years for Green Card approval, with some facing a decades-long wait due to the backlog in visa processing. While talking to TOI, Dr. S.G. Mukkala, a Texas-based obstetrician, expressed concern about the risks associated with preterm deliveries. It includes problems such as underdeveloped lungs and neurological complications. He added that in the past few days, he has received inquiries from about 20 couples seeking early deliveries. For illegal immigrants, the implications are even more severe, as the policy shift effectively blocks any future claims to citizenship based on birthright. One couple, illegally living in the US and expecting a child, also expressed disappointment over the new deadline, which has left them uncertain about their future options. As the February 20 deadline approaches, Indian couples across the US are scrambling to ensure their children are born before the cutoff, fearing the potential consequences of the policy change.
(With inputs from agencies)

Children born in the US before February 19 will still receive citizenship by birth, prompting a rush among Indian couples, many of whom are on temporary work visas like H-1B and L1, or are awaiting Green Cards.

With the looming deadline set by President Donald Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship, Indian couples in the United States are urgently scheduling C-sections to ensure their children gain citizenship before February 20, 2025, Indian media reports claimed. Trump's order was issued shortly after his inauguration. The order will end the practice of granting US citizenship to children born in the country to non-citizen parents after February 19. Children born in the US before February 19 will still receive citizenship by birth, prompting a rush among Indian couples, many of whom are on temporary work visas like H-1B and L1, or are awaiting Green Cards. According to a Times of India (TOI) report, Indian couples are contacting doctors in large numbers to schedule preterm C-sections, even if their due dates are still weeks away. Dr. S.D. Rama, a gynaecologist based in New Jersey, mentioned that his clinic had received numerous requests for C-sections, some from women who were only seven months pregnant. One patient, who wasn’t due until March, came in with her husband to sign up for a preterm delivery. This surge is partly driven by the hope that a child born in the US will eventually provide a path to residency for the parents. Till now, children born in the US could apply for Green Cards for their parents once they turn 21. This prospect was highly valued by Indian nationals who have been waiting years for Green Card approval, with some facing a decades-long wait due to the backlog in visa processing. While talking to TOI, Dr. S.G. Mukkala, a Texas-based obstetrician, expressed concern about the risks associated with preterm deliveries. It includes problems such as underdeveloped lungs and neurological complications. He added that in the past few days, he has received inquiries from about 20 couples seeking early deliveries. For illegal immigrants, the implications are even more severe, as the policy shift effectively blocks any future claims to citizenship based on birthright. One couple, illegally living in the US and expecting a child, also expressed disappointment over the new deadline, which has left them uncertain about their future options. As the February 20 deadline approaches, Indian couples across the US are scrambling to ensure their children are born before the cutoff, fearing the potential consequences of the policy change. (With inputs from agencies)

US-based Indian couples accelerate C-section deliveries to beat Trump's birthright deadline

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