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In an exclusive interview with WION's Anas Mallick, Pakistan's caretaker information & broadcasting minister Murtaza Solangi spoke about the elections in Pakistan, Pakistan's and Afghanistan's relations, and a lot more. Listen in.

WION speaks to Pakistan's Information Minister

<p>The United States on Thursday (Jan 18) launched fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis.</p>

<p>Washington said that the attacks were targeted at the anti-ship missiles, which as per the White House, were prepared by the Iran-backed rebel group for its planned assault in the Red Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We did it again this morning, striking at... a couple of anti-ship missiles that we had reason to believe were being prepared for imminent fire into the southern Red Sea," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.</p>

<h2><strong>'Strikes against Houthis to continue,' says Biden</strong></h2>

<p>The fresh strikes came following United States President Joe Biden's remark who said that the military strikes against the Houthis would continue as he said that the rebel group was still attacking vessels in the Red Sea.</p>

<p>"When you say 'working, are they stopping the Houthi?' No. Are they going to continue? Yes," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if the strikes were working.</p>

<p>Washington on Wednesday (Jan 17) re-designated the Houthis as a "terrorist group" and hit 14 Houthi missiles later&nbsp;the same day. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-sea-tensions-why-yemens-houthis-could-become-americas-terrorists-once-again-680920">Explained: How Yemen's Houthi rebels became America's 'terrorists' once again</a></p>

<h2><strong>Biden on Iran-Pakistan situation</strong></h2>

<p>Biden said that the clashes between Pakistan and Iran were clearly depicting that Tehran was not "well-liked" in the region.</p>

<p>"As you can see, Iran is not particularly well-liked in the region," Biden told reporters at the White House, adding that "we're working on" understanding how the situation will develop.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Houthi rebels target US vessel, Indian Navy warship moves to assist attacked vessel</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further said the United States was trying to understand where the Iran-Pakistan situation would go, adding, "Where that goes we're working on now -- I don't know where that goes."</p>

<p>The White House further urged Iran and Pakistan, after both countries launched air strikes on each other's territory, to avoid escalation.</p>

<p>"We're monitoring this very, very closely. We don't want to see an escalation, clearly in South and Central Asia, and we're in touch with our Pakistani counterparts as you'd expect," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday, Pakistan's foreign ministry claimed that two children were killed and three others injured in an "illegal" airstrike by Iran. Pakistan subsequently responded by expelling the Iranian ambassador in Islamabad and recalled its envoy from Tehran. Later, Islamabad retaliated with strikes at multiple locations inside Iran.</p>

<p>"Pakistan struck on Baloch terrorists in Iran through its airforce in the Saravan and Jalq areas deep inside Iran," a Pakistani military source claimed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States on Thursday (Jan 18) launched fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis. Washington said that the attacks were targeted at the anti-ship missiles, which as per the White House, were prepared by the Iran-backed rebel group for its planned assault in the Red Sea.

The United States on Thursday (Jan 18) launched fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis. Washington said that the attacks were targeted at the anti-ship missiles, which as per the White House, were prepared by the Iran-backed rebel group for its planned assault in the Red Sea. "We did it again this morning, striking at... a couple of anti-ship missiles that we had reason to believe were being prepared for imminent fire into the southern Red Sea," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. 'Strikes against Houthis to continue,' says Biden The fresh strikes came following United States President Joe Biden's remark who said that the military strikes against the Houthis would continue as he said that the rebel group was still attacking vessels in the Red Sea. "When you say 'working, are they stopping the Houthi?' No. Are they going to continue? Yes," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if the strikes were working. Washington on Wednesday (Jan 17) re-designated the Houthis as a "terrorist group" and hit 14 Houthi missiles later the same day. Also read: Explained: How Yemen's Houthi rebels became America's 'terrorists' once again Biden on Iran-Pakistan situation Biden said that the clashes between Pakistan and Iran were clearly depicting that Tehran was not "well-liked" in the region. "As you can see, Iran is not particularly well-liked in the region," Biden told reporters at the White House, adding that "we're working on" understanding how the situation will develop. Watch | Houthi rebels target US vessel, Indian Navy warship moves to assist attacked vessel × He further said the United States was trying to understand where the Iran-Pakistan situation would go, adding, "Where that goes we're working on now -- I don't know where that goes." The White House further urged Iran and Pakistan, after both countries launched air strikes on each other's territory, to avoid escalation. "We're monitoring this very, very closely. We don't want to see an escalation, clearly in South and Central Asia, and we're in touch with our Pakistani counterparts as you'd expect," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. On Wednesday, Pakistan's foreign ministry claimed that two children were killed and three others injured in an "illegal" airstrike by Iran. Pakistan subsequently responded by expelling the Iranian ambassador in Islamabad and recalled its envoy from Tehran. Later, Islamabad retaliated with strikes at multiple locations inside Iran. "Pakistan struck on Baloch terrorists in Iran through its airforce in the Saravan and Jalq areas deep inside Iran," a Pakistani military source claimed. (With inputs from agencies)

US launches fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthis as Biden says attacks to continue

NATO is launching its largest exercise since the Cold War, rehearsing how U.S. troops could reinforce European allies in countries bordering Russia and on the alliance's eastern flank if a conflict were to flare up with a "near-peer" adversary.

NATO to hold biggest drills since Cold War with 90,000 troops

Japan has signed a deal with the United States to purchase up to 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles as part of its ongoing military buildup in response to increased regional threats.

Japan signs deal with US to buy 400 Tomahawk missiles

<p>Panama Canal has been hit by a severe drought that began last year. It has forced authorities to slash ship crossings by 36 per cent in the Panama Canal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by The Associated Press mentioned that the new cuts were announced Wednesday (Jan 17) by authorities in Panama.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The recent reduction is set to pose an even greater economic blow than previously expected as the Panama Canal is one of the world's most important trade routes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-it-hit-targets-in-russia-during-attack-on-oil-terminal-in-st-petersburg-681289">Ukraine says it hit targets in Russia during attack on oil terminal in St Petersburg</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez now expects that lowering water levels would cost between $500 million and $700 million in 2024, up from $200 million previously. wreaked havoc on the 80-kilometre maritime channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It has generated a traffic jam of vessels. It has made the viability of canals doubtful for global transport and raised fears about its impact on world commerce.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-could-ease-china-investment-curbs-if-border-stays-calm-report-681265">India could ease China investment curbs if border stays calm: Report</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch the report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>"It's vital that the country sends a message that we’re going to take this on and find a solution to this water problem," Vásquez said.</p>

<p>The news agency's report further added that the disruption of the major trade route between Asia and the United States comes at a precarious time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea by Yemen's Houthi rebels have rerouted vessels away from the crucial corridor for consumer goods and energy supplies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The combination is having a far-reaching impact on global trade, delaying shipments and increasing transportation costs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to analysts, several corporations were planning to reroute to the Red Sea, a crucial route between Asia and Europe, to avoid delays at the Panama Canal.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Panama Canal has been hit by a severe drought that began last year. It has forced authorities to slash ship crossings by 36 per cent in the Panama Canal. A report by The Associated Press mentioned that the new cuts were announced Wednesday (Jan 17) by authorities in Panama.

Panama Canal has been hit by a severe drought that began last year. It has forced authorities to slash ship crossings by 36 per cent in the Panama Canal. A report by The Associated Press mentioned that the new cuts were announced Wednesday (Jan 17) by authorities in Panama. The recent reduction is set to pose an even greater economic blow than previously expected as the Panama Canal is one of the world's most important trade routes. Also read: Ukraine says it hit targets in Russia during attack on oil terminal in St Petersburg Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez now expects that lowering water levels would cost between $500 million and $700 million in 2024, up from $200 million previously. wreaked havoc on the 80-kilometre maritime channel. It has generated a traffic jam of vessels. It has made the viability of canals doubtful for global transport and raised fears about its impact on world commerce. Also read: India could ease China investment curbs if border stays calm: Report Watch the report: × "It's vital that the country sends a message that we’re going to take this on and find a solution to this water problem," Vásquez said. The news agency's report further added that the disruption of the major trade route between Asia and the United States comes at a precarious time. Attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea by Yemen's Houthi rebels have rerouted vessels away from the crucial corridor for consumer goods and energy supplies. The combination is having a far-reaching impact on global trade, delaying shipments and increasing transportation costs. According to analysts, several corporations were planning to reroute to the Red Sea, a crucial route between Asia and Europe, to avoid delays at the Panama Canal. (With inputs from agencies)

Severe drought causes major drop in Panama Canal traffic which could cost millions of dollars

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<p>The United States is bracing for more brutal winter weather after at least 55 people across 10 states died since last week after the coldest air of this season, reported CNN on Friday (Jan 19). According to the report&nbsp;Oregon has been particularly hit hard with 10 people losing their lives in&nbsp;Portland&nbsp;from storms and cold.</p>

<p>Three people died on Wednesday after a tree branch took down a live power line that fell onto their vehicle. Over 45,000 homes and businesses in Washington and Oregon faced power cuts on Thursday due to the previous storms, the report said.</p>

<h2><strong>Another round of snow to overspread later today</strong></h2>

<p>Another round of snow will overspread portions of the Midwest and East later on Friday. Around one to three inches of snow are likely from the Midwest to the East, the outlet reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-winter-storm-millions-face-below-zero-temperatures-amid-dangerous-arctic-freeze-680179">US winter storm: Millions face below-zero temperatures amid dangerous Arctic freeze</a></strong></p>

<p>Philadelphia could receive between four&nbsp;and six inches of snow Friday.</p>

<h2><strong>Frigid conditions&nbsp;to persist</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, the National Weather Service issued a stark warning, with over 95 million people under wind chill advisories and some states expecting wind chills to plummet to a bone-chilling -56.67 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>The frigid conditions are forecasted&nbsp;to persist. The extreme temperatures have affected political campaigns, sports events, and travel across the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States is bracing for more brutal winter weather after at least 55 people across 10 states died since last week after the coldest air of this season, reported CNN on Friday (Jan 19).

The United States is bracing for more brutal winter weather after at least 55 people across 10 states died since last week after the coldest air of this season, reported CNN on Friday (Jan 19). According to the report Oregon has been particularly hit hard with 10 people losing their lives in Portland from storms and cold. Three people died on Wednesday after a tree branch took down a live power line that fell onto their vehicle. Over 45,000 homes and businesses in Washington and Oregon faced power cuts on Thursday due to the previous storms, the report said. Another round of snow to overspread later today Another round of snow will overspread portions of the Midwest and East later on Friday. Around one to three inches of snow are likely from the Midwest to the East, the outlet reported. Also read | US winter storm: Millions face below-zero temperatures amid dangerous Arctic freeze Philadelphia could receive between four and six inches of snow Friday. Frigid conditions to persist Earlier, the National Weather Service issued a stark warning, with over 95 million people under wind chill advisories and some states expecting wind chills to plummet to a bone-chilling -56.67 degrees Celsius. The frigid conditions are forecasted to persist. The extreme temperatures have affected political campaigns, sports events, and travel across the US. (With inputs from agencies)

US braces for more brutal weather; 55 dead after coldest air of this winter

The US on Wednesday returned the Yemen-based Houthi rebels to a list of terrorist groups, as the militants attacked their second US-operated vessel in the Red Sea region this week and the US military carried out fresh strikes.

Red Sea Crisis: US lists Houthis as terrorists as rebels hit another US-operated ship

A Norwegian MP Himanshu Gulati , invited for Ram Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya has said that he is "deeply honoured" to be invited for event on 22nd January. The Indian origin MP, speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Oslo, said, "I just feel a sense of history being made with this great event, which is bringing people together from all over the world and it's truly a moment of celebration for all of us". He highlighted that many have been requesting him to bring back prasad from the Ram Temple. He said, "Ayodhya and the Ram Mandir are a great example of how an issue, that was a dispute, that could be filled with tension has been settled in a very democratic and peaceful way. That's a model for the whole world to learn from." The 35 year old Indian origin Hindu MP was conferred with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by Indian President in 2019.

Norwegian MP Gulati invited to Ram Temple Consecration, calls it a historic moment | WION Exclusive

<p>A newborn infant is currently receiving medical care in a hospital after being located in a shopping bag by a dog walker in east London. The Metropolitan police is currently searching for the baby's mother, underscoring the urgency of her immediate medical attention.</p>

<p>The baby was discovered at the intersection of Greenway and High Street South in Newham by an individual walking its dog at approximately 9:13 pm on Thursday.</p>

<p>Also watch |&nbsp;Ram Temple inauguration becomes global phenomenon</p>

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<p>The infant&nbsp;wrapped in a towel within the bag, was confirmed to be in good health and unharmed, as per the police statement. It is noteworthy that the Met Office recorded a temperature as low as -3°C in London at the time of this discovery.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-willing-to-assist-canadas-extortion-probe-if-ottawa-requests-says-envoy-681565">India willing to assist Canada's extortion probe if Ottawa requests, says envoy</a></p>

<p>Chief Superintendent Crick, overseeing law enforcement in Newham expressed gratitude towards individuals from the public who remained at the scene, cooperating with both officers and medical professionals. He acknowledged that their intervention played a pivotal role in preserving the baby's life.</p>

<p>“I am grateful to the members of the public who stayed at the scene to speak with officers and medics – your actions contributed to saving the baby’s life," said&nbsp;Crick.</p>

<p>Additionally, he emphasised the growing concern within the force for the well-being of the baby's mother, acknowledging the likely traumatic experience she has undergone and the immediate need for medical attention following the childbirth.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-mitsuko-tottori-former-flight-attendant-appointed-as-first-female-prez-of-japan-airlines-681570">Who is Mitsuko Tottori? Former flight attendant appointed as first female prez of Japan Airlines</a></p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</p>


A newborn infant is currently receiving medical care in a hospital after being located in a shopping bag by a dog walker in east London. The Metropolitan police is currently searching for the baby's mother, underscoring the urgency of her immediate medical attention.

A newborn infant is currently receiving medical care in a hospital after being located in a shopping bag by a dog walker in east London. The Metropolitan police is currently searching for the baby's mother, underscoring the urgency of her immediate medical attention. The baby was discovered at the intersection of Greenway and High Street South in Newham by an individual walking its dog at approximately 9:13 pm on Thursday. Also watch | Ram Temple inauguration becomes global phenomenon The infant wrapped in a towel within the bag, was confirmed to be in good health and unharmed, as per the police statement. It is noteworthy that the Met Office recorded a temperature as low as -3°C in London at the time of this discovery. Also read | India willing to assist Canada's extortion probe if Ottawa requests, says envoy Chief Superintendent Crick, overseeing law enforcement in Newham expressed gratitude towards individuals from the public who remained at the scene, cooperating with both officers and medical professionals. He acknowledged that their intervention played a pivotal role in preserving the baby's life. “I am grateful to the members of the public who stayed at the scene to speak with officers and medics – your actions contributed to saving the baby’s life," said Crick. Additionally, he emphasised the growing concern within the force for the well-being of the baby's mother, acknowledging the likely traumatic experience she has undergone and the immediate need for medical attention following the childbirth. Also read | Who is Mitsuko Tottori? Former flight attendant appointed as first female prez of Japan Airlines (With inputs from agencies)

Infant found in shopping bag by dog walker in London's Newham area

Researchers have identified the oldest black hole ever observed, dating from the beginning of the universe, and determined that it is 'eating' its host galaxy to death. The study, published in the journal Nature, used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to locate the black hole, which formed 400 million years after the Big Bang, more than 13 billion years ago.

Universe's oldest and farthest black hole ever discovered by Scientists

Newly unredacted documents from New Mexico's lawsuit against Meta underscore the the company's "historical reluctance" to keep children safe on its platforms, the complaint says. New Mexico's Attorney General Raul Torrez sued Meta in December, saying the company failed to protect young users from exposure to child sexual abuse material and allowed adults to solicit explicit imagery from them.

Meta dragged to court for ignoring child safety on its platforms

Key issues in the 2024 US Presidential elections. Economy, Immigration weigh on US voters. Economists are uncertain about Federal Reserves' inflation target. Economy not the only doing factor for US voters? Watch to know more!

Key issues in the 2024 US Presidential Election

Russian President Vladimir Putin's campaign office announced that he has collected more than two million signatures in support of his candidacy in the March presidential election.

Russian presidential elections: Putin gathers over two million re-election signatures

China's ageing population threatens key Beijing policy goals for the coming decade of boosting domestic consumption and reining in ballooning debt, posing a severe challenge to the economy's long-term growth prospects.

China's ageing population threatens economic growth

NATO announced Thursday that it would begin its largest military exercise- Steadfast Defender 2024 next week, involving 90,000 troops and testing the allies' ability over months to engage in a conflict with an adversary like Russia.

NATO's Biggest Military Exercise: Steadfast defender 2024 drills

Israel claims its troops have reached the southernmost part of Khan Younis as they expand their operations in the Gaza Strip's second largest city.

Israel-hamas war: Israeli troops push deep into Gaza's southern city of Khan Younis

US Representative Mike Rogers, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, has issued a formal request to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, urging him to testify before the committee concerning his failure to disclose his recent hospitalisation. The request came in the form of a letter, where Chairman Rogers expressed his concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding Secretary Austin's health-related absence. Watch to know more!

US: Lloyd Austin to testify before Congress

According to a Justice Department report released Thursday, police officials who responded to the deadly Uvalde, Texas, elementary school shooting waited far too long to confront the gunman, acted with "no urgency" in establishing a command post, and communicated inaccurate information to grieving families, identifying "cascading failures" in law enforcement's handling of the massacre.

Justice Department blames Police Response as ‘Unimaginable Failure’ in Uvalde shooting

On January 18, about 9 p.m. (Sanaa time), Houthi terrorists launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at the M/V Chem Ranger, a Marshall Island-flagged, US-owned, Greek-operated tanker ship. The crew saw the missiles strike the ocean near the ship. There were no reported injuries or damage to the vessel. The ship has kept moving.

Red Sea Crisis: Third Houthi terrorists attack on commercial shipping vessel in 3 days

China Thursday offered to play a “constructive role” to ease tension between Pakistan and Iran following their missile strikes against each other over the last two days and asked the two countries to “exercise restraint and calmness and avoid escalation”.

Iran-Pakistan Tensions: China calls for restraint, offers mediation

Hundreds of staged a protest in Russia in support of minority rights activist fail. Russian authorities arrested at least seven protesters in Ufa city fo Russia.

Protest in Russia over jailing of activist Bashkir, police arrest at least seven people

Japan aims to become the fifth country to put a spacecraft on the moon when it attempts a precision landing on Friday, in what would be a boost for a space program that has suffered a wave of setbacks and been eclipsed by rival China.

Japan's 'Moon Sniper' attempts historic lunar landing

US' Department of Justice issues scathing report on police response on Uvalde shooting | WION

The US House of Representatives on Thursday approved a stopgap bill to fund the federal government through early March and avert a partial government shutdown, sending it to President Joe Biden for final approval.

US House passes Stopgap bill, temporary relief  for US government

<p>The tourism industry is getting back to full flight, according to a new report by the World&nbsp;Tourism&nbsp;Organization (WTO). The UN agency said international tourism levels will be slightly higher than the pre-pandemic levels in 2024, primarily due to a resurgence in Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pent-up demand, increased air connectivity and a stronger recovery of Asian markets and destinations are expected to contribute to a full recovery of the sector by the end of 2024. Initial estimates suggest that the recovery will be 2 per cent above than 2019 levels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The latest UNWTO data underscores tourism's resilience and rapid recovery, with pre-pandemic numbers expected by the end of 2024. The rebound is already having a significant impact on economies, jobs, growth and opportunities for communities everywhere," said&nbsp;UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.</p>

<p>In 2023, Asia and the Pacific reached 65 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, following the reopening of several attractive destinations. South Asia contributed majorly to the figure&nbsp;by reaching 87 per cent recovery of 2019 levels while North-East Asia hovered at around 55 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Madrid-based agency said there is still "significant room for recovery across Asia" and that "&nbsp;reopening of several source markets and destinations will boost recovery in the region and globally".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The agency also said China's outbound and inbound tourism will accelerate in 2024 with better visa facilitation and improved air capacity. Last year in November, China applied visa-free travel for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia on a trial basis till November 30, 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-tourism-day-how-these-colorful-homes-tell-the-story-of-indias-little-portugal-639911"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;World Tourism Day: How these colorful homes tell the story of India's little Portugal</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>How did international tourism fare in 2023?</strong></h2>

<p>According to UNWTO, 1.3 million tourists travelled to foreign destinations globally in 2023 which was 88 per cent&nbsp;of pre-pandemic levels and 44 per cent higher than 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;UNWTO World Tourism Barometer stated that the Middle East led the recovery in relative terms by being the only region to overcome pre-pandemic levels with arrivals 22 per&nbsp;cent above 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/world-tourism-day-top-10-most-visited-countries-in-the-world-1695804355606"><strong>Also read | World Tourism Day: Top 10 Most-Visited Countries in the World</strong></a></p>

<p>Europe, the world's most visited region, reached 94 per cent of 2019 levels, primarily due to tourists from the United States and intra-regional demand hitting a high.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Preliminary estimates indicate that the economic impact of the tourism industry's recovery led to receipts reaching $1.4 trillion in 2023, which was about&nbsp;93 per cent&nbsp;of the $1.5 trillion earned by destinations in 2019.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The tourism industry is getting back to full flight, according to a new report by the World Tourism Organization (WTO). The UN agency said international tourism levels will be slightly higher than the pre-pandemic levels in 2024, primarily due to a resurgence in Asia.

The tourism industry is getting back to full flight, according to a new report by the World Tourism Organization (WTO). The UN agency said international tourism levels will be slightly higher than the pre-pandemic levels in 2024, primarily due to a resurgence in Asia. The pent-up demand, increased air connectivity and a stronger recovery of Asian markets and destinations are expected to contribute to a full recovery of the sector by the end of 2024. Initial estimates suggest that the recovery will be 2 per cent above than 2019 levels. "The latest UNWTO data underscores tourism's resilience and rapid recovery, with pre-pandemic numbers expected by the end of 2024. The rebound is already having a significant impact on economies, jobs, growth and opportunities for communities everywhere," said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. In 2023, Asia and the Pacific reached 65 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, following the reopening of several attractive destinations. South Asia contributed majorly to the figure by reaching 87 per cent recovery of 2019 levels while North-East Asia hovered at around 55 per cent. The Madrid-based agency said there is still "significant room for recovery across Asia" and that " reopening of several source markets and destinations will boost recovery in the region and globally". The agency also said China's outbound and inbound tourism will accelerate in 2024 with better visa facilitation and improved air capacity. Last year in November, China applied visa-free travel for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia on a trial basis till November 30, 2024. Watch | World Tourism Day: How these colorful homes tell the story of India's little Portugal × How did international tourism fare in 2023? According to UNWTO, 1.3 million tourists travelled to foreign destinations globally in 2023 which was 88 per cent of pre-pandemic levels and 44 per cent higher than 2022. The UNWTO World Tourism Barometer stated that the Middle East led the recovery in relative terms by being the only region to overcome pre-pandemic levels with arrivals 22 per cent above 2019. Also read | World Tourism Day: Top 10 Most-Visited Countries in the World Europe, the world's most visited region, reached 94 per cent of 2019 levels, primarily due to tourists from the United States and intra-regional demand hitting a high. Preliminary estimates indicate that the economic impact of the tourism industry's recovery led to receipts reaching $1.4 trillion in 2023, which was about 93 per cent of the $1.5 trillion earned by destinations in 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Global tourism industry to reach pre-pandemic levels in 2024, Asia to contribute to rise: UN

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid35KmO9RRZh3C" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Two-year-old Bronson Battersby was found dead alongside one of his dolls at his residence in Lincolnshire in the United Kingdom, reported The Times on Thursday (Jan 18) citing the landlady. Battersby died of starvation almost two weeks after his father Kenneth succumbed to a heart attack on Jan 9.</p>

<p>As per the&nbsp;report, Battersby was classed as vulnerable and was subjected to checks at least once a month by the children's services. Social workers had visited the toddler's house on Jan 2 and again two days later, getting no answer.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/toddler-dies-of-starvation-in-uk-body-found-curled-up-next-to-dead-father-681254">Toddler dies of starvation in UK, body found curled up next to dead father</a></strong></p>

<p>The social workers contacted the police on both occasions but the bodies of the father and the son were not found until Jan 9 when the landlady Maria Clifton-Plaice provided a key.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Search for the kid, and the discovery of his body</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to The Times, Clifton-Plaice said that she and two social workers found Kenneth on the living room floor, partially blocking the door. They then searched for the two-year-old by shouting his name and checking the bedrooms.</p>

<p>Upon looking in the kitchen, they found the pet dog emaciated, but alive. Still unaware that the toddler was inside the house, Clifton-Plaice and the social workers called an ambulance and waited outside.</p>

<p>“[The paramedic] arrived alone and we held open the door for him, showing him where Kenny’s body was,” Clifton-Plaice told the publication. The landlady added that the paramedic climbed over Kenneth and found a toy doll on the floor, and discovered Battersby's body lying behind his father.</p>

<h2><strong>The post-mortem</strong></h2>

<p>According to a post-mortem report, Kenneth might have died as early as Dec 29, which meant that his son would have been without food or water for 11 days. On Thursday, Battersby's mother Sarah Piesse said that her son was two inches short of reaching a refrigerator full of leftovers that would have saved him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Piesse had said that she last saw her son before Christmas after a row with Kenneth, who is her former husband.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two-year-old Bronson Battersby was found dead alongside one of his dolls at his residence in Lincolnshire in the United Kingdom, reported The Times on Thursday (Jan 18) citing the landlady.

Two-year-old Bronson Battersby was found dead alongside one of his dolls at his residence in Lincolnshire in the United Kingdom, reported The Times on Thursday (Jan 18) citing the landlady. Battersby died of starvation almost two weeks after his father Kenneth succumbed to a heart attack on Jan 9. As per the report, Battersby was classed as vulnerable and was subjected to checks at least once a month by the children's services. Social workers had visited the toddler's house on Jan 2 and again two days later, getting no answer. Also read: Toddler dies of starvation in UK, body found curled up next to dead father The social workers contacted the police on both occasions but the bodies of the father and the son were not found until Jan 9 when the landlady Maria Clifton-Plaice provided a key. Search for the kid, and the discovery of his body Speaking to The Times, Clifton-Plaice said that she and two social workers found Kenneth on the living room floor, partially blocking the door. They then searched for the two-year-old by shouting his name and checking the bedrooms. Upon looking in the kitchen, they found the pet dog emaciated, but alive. Still unaware that the toddler was inside the house, Clifton-Plaice and the social workers called an ambulance and waited outside. “[The paramedic] arrived alone and we held open the door for him, showing him where Kenny’s body was,” Clifton-Plaice told the publication. The landlady added that the paramedic climbed over Kenneth and found a toy doll on the floor, and discovered Battersby's body lying behind his father. The post-mortem According to a post-mortem report, Kenneth might have died as early as Dec 29, which meant that his son would have been without food or water for 11 days. On Thursday, Battersby's mother Sarah Piesse said that her son was two inches short of reaching a refrigerator full of leftovers that would have saved him. Earlier, Piesse had said that she last saw her son before Christmas after a row with Kenneth, who is her former husband. (With inputs from agencies)

British toddler Bronson Battersby found dead alongside one of his dolls: Report

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