The Early Spring is proof not everyone can talk about their real feelings, and it is perfectly OK

UN votes to ‘correct the map’ as India backs fairer world view

Nigerian Navy discovers 99,000 litres of suspected stolen, illegally refined products as it intensifies anti-crude oil theft operations

Who is Aditi Paudel? 17-year-old becomes Japan's first literacy ambassador

Bengaluru: Officials find 40 kg expired chilli at chairman's club 

Jaishankar rejects trade link to ending Ukraine war 

Israeli strikes on Lebanon kill three, injure 23 despite truce

Alpine glacier was covered with sheep wool sheets to prevent melting. It worked

South Korea mulls deploying military assets to Strait of Hormuz

World's fifth-largest economy, British army can't afford to train

Breaking | Vance takes the podium: First White House briefing since Leavitt's exit

Taiwan raises 'concerns' over China's missile test

BRICS 2026: $1 trillion sovereign capital set to converge in Delhi for first iBRICS Summit

What is Iran's Pickaxe Mountain that Trump has again threatened to bomb?

UN votes to correct world map that visually shrank Africa for 450 years

Former NewJeans member Danielle launches YouTube channel, hints at new solo journey

Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy creates history with 350 not out in South Africa

Brendan Fraser’s transformation fuels The Mummy 4 excitement as fans welcome back Rick O’Connell

Krishna Janmashtami 2026: From Dhaniya Panjiri to Makhana Kheer- 5 best sweet dishes perfect for celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth

Donald Trump plans to travel to Ireland on Qatari-donated jet amid security concerns

Nazi-looted art to return to Jewish heirs

Eight killed in Kerala’s Thrissur after car rams into lorry parked on highway

Why Russian fighter jets use bulky, low-pressure tyres compared to US jets

FBI-wanted fraud accused arrested in Jalandhar over $600,000 scam

Why US tanks weigh over 20 tons more than Russian tanks

New Friday OTT releases (September 4, 2026): GDN, Dhamaal 4, Jagamae Sangeetham- Watch 6 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Killing the Himalayas slowly: Human urine is melting a glacier on Mount Everest

Ayodhya is gearing up for the consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir on January 22. The world is gearing up for the historic consecration ceremony. Meanwhile Indian diaspora in Houston organised Tesla light show ahead of the Ram mandir inauguration. Watch to know more!

Ram Mandir Inauguration: 'Tesla' light show organised in Houston ahead of consecration ceremony

Storm Isha is set to batter “everybody” in the United Kingdom, forecasters said, warning gusts of wind of up to 128 km/h amid a “rare” weather cycle. The storm has prompted several severe weather warnings across many parts of the UK which could also disrupt travel, potentially causing power cuts and loss of mobile phone signal.&nbsp;

<h2>Warnings ahead of new storm</h2>

Storm Isha has prompted amber weather warnings for wind in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, on Sunday (Jan 21). Most parts of the UK have also been placed under a yellow alert for rain.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;UK hit by more than 600 flood warnings after storm Henk downpours

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-hit-by-more-than-600-flood-warnings-after-storm-henk-downpours-676800/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

An amber alert – the second highest level – will be in place from 6:00 pm (local time) on Sunday until 09:00 am (local time) on Monday, as the storm increases in severity.&nbsp;

The Met has issued three amber warnings starting with parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, northern England and south-west England.&nbsp;

The second warning is to cover other parts of Scotland and a third one for parts of Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex. While each of these warnings starts at a different time, they all end on Monday.&nbsp;

Officials have said that there is a risk of power cuts, damage to infrastructure, travel disruption, and even injuries and danger to life due to large coastal waves and loose debris flying.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-storm-gerrit-plunges-thousands-of-homes-in-dark-674859">UK: Storm Gerrit plunges thousands of homes into darkness</a>

The country’s Department of Infrastructure said that it expects all parts of Northern Ireland to be affected by the strongest winds early Monday.&nbsp;

“After Storm Isha tomorrow there’s more wet and windy weather on the way on Tuesday, with a yellow warning for wind already in place,” the Met Office said on Saturday (Jan 20).

<h2>‘Exercise extreme caution’</h2>

The Department of Infrastructure has also asked Britons who need to travel to “exercise extreme caution” and warned about debris on roads, fallen trees, and the possibility of flooding.&nbsp;

The UK government has also said that recent strike action could hamper recovery efforts. Last week, thousands of public sector workers took to the streets, staged pickets, and marched across Northern Ireland in the biggest strike in living memory.

The Department of Infrastructure has also advised drivers to reconsider their travels as strong winds were forecast from 11:00 am (local time) on Sunday to 4:00 am (local time) on Monday.

East Midlands Railway said it expected “significant disruption” on Sunday and Monday marked by delays and alterations to services. While police in Scotland advised people to avoid unnecessary travel.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-severe-floods-hit-uk-after-heavy-rain-causes-major-rivers-to-overflow-677593">Severe floods hit UK after heavy rain causes major rivers to overflow</a>

The Met Office also noted that it was “relatively rare” for the whole of the country to be affected by storm warnings. The UK weather agency also said that heavy rain could lead to flooding this week. As many as 52 flood alerts have been issued, as of Saturday evening.&nbsp;

<h2>Red alert in Ireland</h2>

Ireland has also issued a number of severe weather warnings across the country, including three red alerts – the highest level – have been issued by the Irish weather service Met Eireann for three counties.

The island nation’s weather agency has also issued warnings for large coastal waves, difficult travel conditions, fallen trees, and widespread power outages due to damage to power lines. The wind alert will come into effect at 5:00 pm (local time), on Sunday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Storm Isha is set to batter “everybody” in the United Kingdom, forecasters said, warning gusts of wind of up to 128 km/h amid a “rare” weather cycle. The storm has prompted several severe weather warnings across many parts of the UK which could also disrupt travel, potentially causing power cuts and loss of mobile phone signal.

Storm Isha is set to batter “everybody” in the United Kingdom, forecasters said, warning gusts of wind of up to 128 km/h amid a “rare” weather cycle. The storm has prompted several severe weather warnings across many parts of the UK which could also disrupt travel, potentially causing power cuts and loss of mobile phone signal. Warnings ahead of new storm Storm Isha has prompted amber weather warnings for wind in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, on Sunday (Jan 21). Most parts of the UK have also been placed under a yellow alert for rain. WATCH | UK hit by more than 600 flood warnings after storm Henk downpours An amber alert – the second highest level – will be in place from 6:00 pm (local time) on Sunday until 09:00 am (local time) on Monday, as the storm increases in severity. The Met has issued three amber warnings starting with parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, northern England and south-west England. The second warning is to cover other parts of Scotland and a third one for parts of Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex. While each of these warnings starts at a different time, they all end on Monday. Officials have said that there is a risk of power cuts, damage to infrastructure, travel disruption, and even injuries and danger to life due to large coastal waves and loose debris flying. ALSO READ | UK: Storm Gerrit plunges thousands of homes into darkness The country’s Department of Infrastructure said that it expects all parts of Northern Ireland to be affected by the strongest winds early Monday. “After Storm Isha tomorrow there’s more wet and windy weather on the way on Tuesday, with a yellow warning for wind already in place,” the Met Office said on Saturday (Jan 20). ‘Exercise extreme caution’ The Department of Infrastructure has also asked Britons who need to travel to “exercise extreme caution” and warned about debris on roads, fallen trees, and the possibility of flooding. The UK government has also said that recent strike action could hamper recovery efforts. Last week, thousands of public sector workers took to the streets, staged pickets, and marched across Northern Ireland in the biggest strike in living memory. The Department of Infrastructure has also advised drivers to reconsider their travels as strong winds were forecast from 11:00 am (local time) on Sunday to 4:00 am (local time) on Monday. East Midlands Railway said it expected “significant disruption” on Sunday and Monday marked by delays and alterations to services. While police in Scotland advised people to avoid unnecessary travel. ALSO READ | Severe floods hit UK after heavy rain causes major rivers to overflow The Met Office also noted that it was “relatively rare” for the whole of the country to be affected by storm warnings. The UK weather agency also said that heavy rain could lead to flooding this week. As many as 52 flood alerts have been issued, as of Saturday evening. Red alert in Ireland Ireland has also issued a number of severe weather warnings across the country, including three red alerts – the highest level – have been issued by the Irish weather service Met Eireann for three counties. The island nation’s weather agency has also issued warnings for large coastal waves, difficult travel conditions, fallen trees, and widespread power outages due to damage to power lines. The wind alert will come into effect at 5:00 pm (local time), on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Storm Isha: UK braces for strong winds, heavy rains amid ‘rare’ weather cycle

Missiles struck US controlled Al Asad base in Iraq. Missiles struck US controlled Al Asad base in IraqMissiles reportedly launched by Iranian proxies from within Iraq. Most missiles intercepted, no major injuries reported from strike. Watch to know more!

US-controlled Iraqi base struck by missiles | West Asia Conflict

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr drew flak on social media for his use of a presidential helicopter to attend a concert by British rock band Coldplay in Manila. Watch to know more!

Philippine President Marcos slammed for using official chopper for Coldplay concert

Ayodhya is gearing up for the consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir on January 22. PM Modi will preside over the temple opening and the 'pran patishtha' ceremony on January 22 in the temple town.

Ram Mandir Inauguration: Artworks made from flowers adorn the city of Lord Ram

Election campaigning picks up pace in Pakistan. Pakistan Peoples Party chief holds rally in Lahore. Bhutto said, "Victory of PPP will be a win for average Pakistani." Watch to know more!

Pakistan Elections 2024: PPP's Bilawal Bhutto addresses rally in Lahore

The global shipping industry is grappling with a mounting crisis in the Red Sea. Following a series of attacks on commercial vessels, insurance premiums are soaring, raising concerns about the safety and economic impact on maritime trade. Watch to know more!

Red Sea war insurance rises: Exporters under mounting pressure

A fire broke out at a natural gas terminal in Russia's Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga, Leningrad early Sunday (Jan 21). In a post on Telegram, Leningrad's Governor Alexander Drozdenko said there were no casualties due to the fire at the Novatek terminal and all personnel were evacuated.

A fire broke out at a natural gas terminal in Russia's Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga, Leningrad early Sunday (Jan 21). In a post on Telegram, Leningrad's Governor Alexander Drozdenko said there were no casualties due to the fire at the Novatek terminal and all personnel were evacuated. Drozdenko shared a video that showed massive fire and smoke at a chemical complex. Drozdenko pointed out that the blaze was localised, and said, "A high alert regime has been introduced in the Kingiseppsky district (which includes the port)." The Russian ministry of emergency situations and the local fire service were involved in fighting the blaze, the governor added. Also read | Ukraine conflict: Trump's 'stop the war in 24 hrs' claim 'very dangerous,' says Zelensky According to Russian media, two storage tanks and a pumping station had been damaged. Cause of fire unknown It is not yet known what caused the fire. However, a report by the Shot news outlet said that residents heard a drone operating nearby followed by several explosions. Citing local media, the news agency Reuters reported that at least two drones were spotted in the sky flying towards St. Petersburg before the gas terminal caught fire. The Russian defence ministry said on Sunday that Ukrainian attacks overnight had been foiled but made no mention of the incident in Ust-Luga. Also read | Ukraine says it hit targets in Russia during attack on oil terminal in St Petersburg According to Novatek's website, the Ust-Luga complex processes stable gas condensate into light and heavy naphtha, jet fuel, fuel oil, and gas oil. The port is used to ship processed products to international markets. The company processed 3.4 million tonnes of stable gas condensate at the complex in the first half of 2023. This was up 0.6 per cent from the same period in 2022. Also watch | Russia-Ukraine war: The victory in war may come down to who can last longer × Since the war between Russia and Ukraine started in February 2022, both countries have targeted each other's energy infrastructure in strikes designed to disrupt supply lines and logistics. Reuters reported a drone attack hit an oil depot in Russia's western region of Bryansk on Friday. Moscow blamed Kyiv for this incident. This came a day after an attack on a Russian Baltic Sea oil terminal that Moscow said was unsuccessful. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia: Fire breaks out at gas terminal in Ust-Luga port; Ukrainian drones sighted in area

People are excited in Ayodhya ahead of the Ram Mandir inauguration. PM visited the Arichal Munai point today, the starting location of Ram Setu. The visit comes a day ahead of the grand ‘Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Watch to know more!

Ram mandir Consecration: People in Ayodhya excited ahead of temple inauguration

Bitter disagreement amid Israeli war cabinet members unearthed. Netanyahu accused of stalling a scale down of Israeli offensive. Far right parties could trigger early polls by rescinding support. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu's days as Israeli PM numbered? | Gaza Crisis

Republican White House hopeful, Nikki Haley, on Saturday (Jan 20) questioned former United States President Donald Trump’s mental fitness after he repeatedly seemed to confuse her with former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi during a campaign speech.&nbsp;

<h2>Trump confuses Nikki and Nancy</h2>

Speaking at a campaign event on Friday ahead of the first-in-the-nation primary election in the US state of New Hampshire, Trump seemingly confused Haley with Pelosi and blamed the former South Carolina governor for not protecting the Capitol during the attack on January 6.&nbsp;

“Nikki Haley is in charge of security. We offered her 10,000 people – soldiers, National Guard, whatever they want – they turned it down. They don’t want to talk about that,” the Republican frontrunner told his supporters.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;US: Nikki Haley questions Donald Trump's mental fitness

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-nikki-haley-questions-donald-trumps-mental-fitness-681974/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The former president was referring to the attack on the US Capitol on January 6 when his supporters stormed the building to stop the American lawmakers from certifying incumbent President Joe Biden’s win following the 2020 presidential election.&nbsp;

He mentioned Haley again and added, “They destroyed all of the information, all of the evidence, everything, deleted and destroyed all of it.”&nbsp;

The 77-year-old Republican frontrunner has repeatedly accused Pelosi of turning down security he says his administration offered. However, a special House committee which was tasked with investigating the attack found no evidence to support that claim.

<h2>Haley’s response</h2>

In response to Trump’s gaffe, Haley, on Saturday said, “They’re saying he got confused, that he was talking about something else, he’s talking about Nancy Pelosi.” She added, “He mentioned me multiple times in that scenario.”&nbsp;

“The concern I have is — I’m not saying anything derogatory — but when you’re dealing with the pressures of the presidency, we can’t have someone else that we question whether they’re mentally fit to do this,” said the former United Nations Ambassador.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nimbra-donald-trump-mocks-nikki-haleys-first-name-she-responds-681808">&nbsp;'Nimbra': Donald Trump mocks Nikki Haley’s first name; she responds</a>

Notably, Haley, who turned 52 on Saturday (Jan 20), has advocated for “mental competency tests” for older politicians and has previously taken a swipe at both Trump and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-joe-bidens-age-in-focus-yet-again-as-us-prez-celebrates-81st-birthday-ahead-of-2024-elections-660845">Biden, 81</a>, for their age.

At a rally in Manchester, New Hampshire on Saturday night Trump said that he took a cognitive test and “aced it.” He added, “I’ll let you know when I go bad. I really think I’ll be able to tell you.” The former president also said that “his mind is stronger now than it was 25 years ago.”

<h2>Trump ‘obsessed’ with dictators</h2>

The former South Carolina governor while speaking to reporters following an event in Peterborough, New Hampshire emphasised on Trump’s relationships with strongmen such as Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-nikki-haley-outrun-donald-trump-in-new-hampshire-heres-what-poll-says-681173">Can Nikki Haley outrun Donald Trump in New Hampshire? Here's what a poll says</a>

Recently, her campaign released a television ad which will run in New Hampshire featuring the mother of Otto Warmbier, who died in 2017 after being held in North Korean custody.&nbsp;

Haley accused Trump of writing “love letters” to Kim after Warmbier was recovered, adding that he is “obsessed with these dictators.”&nbsp;

<h2>Haley will not be Trump’s VP</h2>

Hours after Haley made it clear to New Hampshire voters on Friday that she would not serve as Trump’s vice president if he wins the Republican nomination, the former US president also said he would not pick her to be his running mate.&nbsp;

Haley, who is challenging Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, told voters at a diner stop in Amherst, New Hampshire, “I don’t want to be anybody’s vice president. That is off the table,” as quoted by Politico and the Washington Post. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/next-us-vp-day-after-dropping-out-of-prez-race-vivek-ramaswamy-joins-donald-trump-in-new-hampshire-680737">Day after dropping out of prez race, Ramaswamy joins Trump amid 'VP, VP' chants</a>

Hours after Haley’s remark, Trump said, “She is OK, but she is not presidential timber. And when I say that, that probably means she is not going to be chosen as the vice president.”&nbsp;

This comes as many have speculated that the former president may choose American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy who dropped out of the race to White House after the Iowa caucuses and has since endorsed Trump.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Republican White House hopeful, Nikki Haley, on Saturday (Jan 20) questioned former United States President Donald Trump’s mental fitness after he repeatedly seemed to confuse her with former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi during a campaign speech.

Republican White House hopeful, Nikki Haley, on Saturday (Jan 20) questioned former United States President Donald Trump’s mental fitness after he repeatedly seemed to confuse her with former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi during a campaign speech. Trump confuses Nikki and Nancy Speaking at a campaign event on Friday ahead of the first-in-the-nation primary election in the US state of New Hampshire, Trump seemingly confused Haley with Pelosi and blamed the former South Carolina governor for not protecting the Capitol during the attack on January 6. “Nikki Haley is in charge of security. We offered her 10,000 people – soldiers, National Guard, whatever they want – they turned it down. They don’t want to talk about that,” the Republican frontrunner told his supporters. WATCH | US: Nikki Haley questions Donald Trump's mental fitness The former president was referring to the attack on the US Capitol on January 6 when his supporters stormed the building to stop the American lawmakers from certifying incumbent President Joe Biden’s win following the 2020 presidential election. He mentioned Haley again and added, “They destroyed all of the information, all of the evidence, everything, deleted and destroyed all of it.” The 77-year-old Republican frontrunner has repeatedly accused Pelosi of turning down security he says his administration offered. However, a special House committee which was tasked with investigating the attack found no evidence to support that claim. Haley’s response In response to Trump’s gaffe, Haley, on Saturday said, “They’re saying he got confused, that he was talking about something else, he’s talking about Nancy Pelosi.” She added, “He mentioned me multiple times in that scenario.” “The concern I have is — I’m not saying anything derogatory — but when you’re dealing with the pressures of the presidency, we can’t have someone else that we question whether they’re mentally fit to do this,” said the former United Nations Ambassador. ALSO READ | 'Nimbra': Donald Trump mocks Nikki Haley’s first name; she responds Notably, Haley, who turned 52 on Saturday (Jan 20), has advocated for “mental competency tests” for older politicians and has previously taken a swipe at both Trump and Biden, 81, for their age. At a rally in Manchester, New Hampshire on Saturday night Trump said that he took a cognitive test and “aced it.” He added, “I’ll let you know when I go bad. I really think I’ll be able to tell you.” The former president also said that “his mind is stronger now than it was 25 years ago.” Trump ‘obsessed’ with dictators The former South Carolina governor while speaking to reporters following an event in Peterborough, New Hampshire emphasised on Trump’s relationships with strongmen such as Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. ALSO READ | Can Nikki Haley outrun Donald Trump in New Hampshire? Here's what a poll says Recently, her campaign released a television ad which will run in New Hampshire featuring the mother of Otto Warmbier, who died in 2017 after being held in North Korean custody. Haley accused Trump of writing “love letters” to Kim after Warmbier was recovered, adding that he is “obsessed with these dictators.” Haley will not be Trump’s VP Hours after Haley made it clear to New Hampshire voters on Friday that she would not serve as Trump’s vice president if he wins the Republican nomination, the former US president also said he would not pick her to be his running mate. Haley, who is challenging Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, told voters at a diner stop in Amherst, New Hampshire, “I don’t want to be anybody’s vice president. That is off the table,” as quoted by Politico and the Washington Post. ALSO READ | Day after dropping out of prez race, Ramaswamy joins Trump amid 'VP, VP' chants Hours after Haley’s remark, Trump said, “She is OK, but she is not presidential timber. And when I say that, that probably means she is not going to be chosen as the vice president.” This comes as many have speculated that the former president may choose American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy who dropped out of the race to White House after the Iowa caucuses and has since endorsed Trump. (With inputs from agencies)

US presidential election: Nikki Haley questions Trump’s mental fitness after he confused her with Nancy Pelosi

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: United States on Saturday (Jan 20) launched fresh strike on Yemen's Houthi rebels targeting an anti-ship ballistic missile, which as per US army, was aimed into the Gulf of Aden and prepared to launch. Watch to know more!

Red Sea Tensions: US launches fresh strikes against Yemen's Houthi targets

Commanders from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Lebanon's Hezbollah group are on the ground in Yemen helping to direct and oversee Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, four regional and two Iranian sources told Reuters.

Iran - which has armed, trained and funded the Houthis - stepped up its weapons supplies to the militia in the wake of the war in Gaza, which erupted after Iranian-backed militants of&nbsp; Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, the four regional sources said.

Tehran has provided advanced drones, anti-ship cruise missiles, precision-strike ballistic missiles and medium-range missiles to the Houthis, who started targeting commercial vessels in November in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, the sources said.

IRGC commanders and advisers are also providing know-how, data and intelligence support to determine which of the dozens of vessels travelling through the Red Sea each day are destined for Israel and constitute Houthi targets, all the sources said.

Washington said last month that Iran was deeply involved in planning operations against shipping in the Red Sea and that its intelligence was critical in enabling&nbsp;the Houthis to target ships.

In response to a request for comment for this story, the White House pointed to its previous public comments about how Iran has been supporting the Houthis.

In his weekly news conferences, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani has repeatedly denied Tehran is involved in the Red Sea attacks by the Houthis. The IRGC public relations office did not respond to request for comment.

Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam denied any Iranian or Hezbollah involvement in helping to direct the Red Sea attacks. A Hezbollah spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

The Houthis, who emerged in the 1980s as an armed group in opposition to Saudi Arabia's Sunni religious influence in Yemen, say they are supporting Hamas by striking commercial ships they say are either linked to Israel or are heading to Israeli ports.

Their attacks have affected global shipping between Asia and Europe through the Bab al-Mandab strait off Yemen. That has triggered U.S. and British air strikes on Houthi targets in the country, opening a new theatre of conflict linked to the war in Gaza.

The Gaza conflict has also sparked clashes between Israel and Hezbollah militants along the Lebanese border, as well as attacks by Iran-linked groups on U.S. targets in Iraq and Syria.

"The Revolutionary Guards have been helping the Houthis with military training (on advanced weapons)," an Iranian insider told Reuters. "A group of Houthi fighters were in Iran last month and were trained in an IRGC base in central Iran to get familiar with the new technology and the use of missiles."

The person said Iranian commanders had travelled to Yemen as well and set up a command centre in the capital Sanaa for the Red Sea attacks which is being run by the senior IRGC commander responsible for Yemen.

<h2>Regional Strategy</h2>

The Red Sea attacks fit in with Iran's strategy of expanding and mobilising its regional Shi'ite network of armed militias to project its influence and show its ability to threaten maritime security in the region and beyond, two analysts said.

They said Tehran wanted to show that the Gaza war could be too costly for the West if it drags on - and could have catastrophic consequences in the region as things escalate.

"The Houthis are not acting independently," said Abdulaziz al-Sager, director of the Gulf Research Center think-tank, who based his conclusion on a close analysis of the capabilities of the group, which has an estimated 20,000 fighters.

"The Houthis, with their personnel, expertise and capabilities are not that advanced. Dozens of vessels cross through Bab al-Mandab daily, the Houthis don't have the means, resources, knowledge or satellite information to find the specific target and attack," he said.

White House national security spokeswoman Adrienne Watson also said last month that Iranian-provided tactical intelligence had been critical in enabling the Houthis to target ships.

According to two former Yemeni army sources, there is a clear presence of IRGC and Hezbollah members in Yemen. They are responsible for supervising military operations, training and reassembling missiles smuggled into Yemen as separate pieces, the two people said.

Abdulghani Al-Iryani, a senior researcher at the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies, an independent think-tank, said: "It is clearly the case that the Iranians are helping identify the target and the destination. There is no local Houthi capacity to do that."

One senior regional source who follows Iran and who spoke on condition of anonymity said: "The political decision is in Tehran, the management is Hezbollah, and the location is the Houthis in Yemen."

<h2>Weapons and advice</h2>

Houthi spokesperson Abdulsalam said the group's aim was to target Israeli ships heading to Israel without causing any human or significant material losses. U.S. and British strikes on Yemen would not force them to back down, he said.

"We don't deny that we have a relationship with Iran and that we have benefited from the Iranian experience in training and military manufacturing and capabilities but the decision taken by Yemen is an independent one that has nothing to do with any other party," he said.

But a security official close to Iran said: "The Houthis have drones, missiles and everything needed for their fight against Israel but they needed guidance and advice on shipping routes and ships, so it has been provided to them by Iran."

When asked what kind of advice Tehran offered, he said it was similar to the advisory role taken by Iran in Syria, ranging from training to overseeing operations when needed.

"A group of Iranian Guards members are in Sanaa now to help the operations," the security official said.

Iran sent hundreds of Revolutionary Guards to Syria, alongside thousands of Hezbollah fighters, to help train and organise Shi'ite militia fighters from Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan to prevent the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad during the Sunni-led insurgency that erupted in 2011.

Washington and Gulf Arab states have repeatedly accused Iran of arming, training and financing the Houthis, who follow an offshoot of Shi'ite Islam and are aligned with Tehran as part of its anti-Western, anti-Israel "Axis of Resistance" alongside Lebanon's Hezbollah and groups in Syria and Iraq.

While Iran has denied having any direct role in the Red Sea attacks, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has praised the Houthis, whose Zaidi sect is an offshoot of Shi'ism, saying he hoped their strikes would last "until victory".

<h2>Train and Equip&nbsp;</h2>

A leader within the coalition of pro-Iranian groups denied there were any commanders from the IRGC or Hezbollah on the ground in Yemen right now.

He said a team of Iranian and Hezbollah military experts had gone to Yemen earlier in its civil war to train, equip and build the manufacturing military capability of the Houthis.

"They came and helped the Houthis and left, just as they did with Hezbollah and Hamas," he said, adding that the military capabilities of the Houthis should not be underestimated.

The person said the Houthis knew the terrain and the sea well and already had the systems in place for attacking ships, including high-precision equipment from Iran.

During the chaotic years after the 2011 Arab Spring uprising in Yemen, the Houthis tightened their grip on the country's north and seized the capital Sanaa in 2014, pushing a Saudi-led coalition to intervene militarily months later.

When Hamas attacked Israel, Iran had little choice but to demonstrate support for the Palestinian group after years of anti-Israel rhetoric but was worried that using Hezbollah would trigger massive Israeli retaliation, analysts said.

Iryani at the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies said a major war between Israel and Hezbollah would be disastrous for Lebanon - and endanger the future of the group that has become the most important in Iran's "Axis of Resistance".

By contrast, the Houthis were in a unique strategic position to have a huge impact by disrupting global maritime activity with little effort, he said.

Commanders from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Lebanon's Hezbollah group are on the ground in Yemen helping to direct and oversee Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, four regional and two Iranian sources told Reuters.

Commanders from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Lebanon's Hezbollah group are on the ground in Yemen helping to direct and oversee Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, four regional and two Iranian sources told Reuters. Iran - which has armed, trained and funded the Houthis - stepped up its weapons supplies to the militia in the wake of the war in Gaza, which erupted after Iranian-backed militants of Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, the four regional sources said. Tehran has provided advanced drones, anti-ship cruise missiles, precision-strike ballistic missiles and medium-range missiles to the Houthis, who started targeting commercial vessels in November in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, the sources said. IRGC commanders and advisers are also providing know-how, data and intelligence support to determine which of the dozens of vessels travelling through the Red Sea each day are destined for Israel and constitute Houthi targets, all the sources said. Washington said last month that Iran was deeply involved in planning operations against shipping in the Red Sea and that its intelligence was critical in enabling the Houthis to target ships. In response to a request for comment for this story, the White House pointed to its previous public comments about how Iran has been supporting the Houthis. In his weekly news conferences, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani has repeatedly denied Tehran is involved in the Red Sea attacks by the Houthis. The IRGC public relations office did not respond to request for comment. Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam denied any Iranian or Hezbollah involvement in helping to direct the Red Sea attacks. A Hezbollah spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. The Houthis, who emerged in the 1980s as an armed group in opposition to Saudi Arabia's Sunni religious influence in Yemen, say they are supporting Hamas by striking commercial ships they say are either linked to Israel or are heading to Israeli ports. Their attacks have affected global shipping between Asia and Europe through the Bab al-Mandab strait off Yemen. That has triggered U.S. and British air strikes on Houthi targets in the country, opening a new theatre of conflict linked to the war in Gaza. The Gaza conflict has also sparked clashes between Israel and Hezbollah militants along the Lebanese border, as well as attacks by Iran-linked groups on U.S. targets in Iraq and Syria. "The Revolutionary Guards have been helping the Houthis with military training (on advanced weapons)," an Iranian insider told Reuters. "A group of Houthi fighters were in Iran last month and were trained in an IRGC base in central Iran to get familiar with the new technology and the use of missiles." The person said Iranian commanders had travelled to Yemen as well and set up a command centre in the capital Sanaa for the Red Sea attacks which is being run by the senior IRGC commander responsible for Yemen. Regional Strategy The Red Sea attacks fit in with Iran's strategy of expanding and mobilising its regional Shi'ite network of armed militias to project its influence and show its ability to threaten maritime security in the region and beyond, two analysts said. They said Tehran wanted to show that the Gaza war could be too costly for the West if it drags on - and could have catastrophic consequences in the region as things escalate. "The Houthis are not acting independently," said Abdulaziz al-Sager, director of the Gulf Research Center think-tank, who based his conclusion on a close analysis of the capabilities of the group, which has an estimated 20,000 fighters. "The Houthis, with their personnel, expertise and capabilities are not that advanced. Dozens of vessels cross through Bab al-Mandab daily, the Houthis don't have the means, resources, knowledge or satellite information to find the specific target and attack," he said. White House national security spokeswoman Adrienne Watson also said last month that Iranian-provided tactical intelligence had been critical in enabling the Houthis to target ships. According to two former Yemeni army sources, there is a clear presence of IRGC and Hezbollah members in Yemen. They are responsible for supervising military operations, training and reassembling missiles smuggled into Yemen as separate pieces, the two people said. Abdulghani Al-Iryani, a senior researcher at the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies, an independent think-tank, said: "It is clearly the case that the Iranians are helping identify the target and the destination. There is no local Houthi capacity to do that." One senior regional source who follows Iran and who spoke on condition of anonymity said: "The political decision is in Tehran, the management is Hezbollah, and the location is the Houthis in Yemen." Weapons and advice Houthi spokesperson Abdulsalam said the group's aim was to target Israeli ships heading to Israel without causing any human or significant material losses. U.S. and British strikes on Yemen would not force them to back down, he said. "We don't deny that we have a relationship with Iran and that we have benefited from the Iranian experience in training and military manufacturing and capabilities but the decision taken by Yemen is an independent one that has nothing to do with any other party," he said. But a security official close to Iran said: "The Houthis have drones, missiles and everything needed for their fight against Israel but they needed guidance and advice on shipping routes and ships, so it has been provided to them by Iran." When asked what kind of advice Tehran offered, he said it was similar to the advisory role taken by Iran in Syria, ranging from training to overseeing operations when needed. "A group of Iranian Guards members are in Sanaa now to help the operations," the security official said. Iran sent hundreds of Revolutionary Guards to Syria, alongside thousands of Hezbollah fighters, to help train and organise Shi'ite militia fighters from Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan to prevent the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad during the Sunni-led insurgency that erupted in 2011. Washington and Gulf Arab states have repeatedly accused Iran of arming, training and financing the Houthis, who follow an offshoot of Shi'ite Islam and are aligned with Tehran as part of its anti-Western, anti-Israel "Axis of Resistance" alongside Lebanon's Hezbollah and groups in Syria and Iraq. While Iran has denied having any direct role in the Red Sea attacks, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has praised the Houthis, whose Zaidi sect is an offshoot of Shi'ism, saying he hoped their strikes would last "until victory". Train and Equip A leader within the coalition of pro-Iranian groups denied there were any commanders from the IRGC or Hezbollah on the ground in Yemen right now. He said a team of Iranian and Hezbollah military experts had gone to Yemen earlier in its civil war to train, equip and build the manufacturing military capability of the Houthis. "They came and helped the Houthis and left, just as they did with Hezbollah and Hamas," he said, adding that the military capabilities of the Houthis should not be underestimated. The person said the Houthis knew the terrain and the sea well and already had the systems in place for attacking ships, including high-precision equipment from Iran. During the chaotic years after the 2011 Arab Spring uprising in Yemen, the Houthis tightened their grip on the country's north and seized the capital Sanaa in 2014, pushing a Saudi-led coalition to intervene militarily months later. When Hamas attacked Israel, Iran had little choice but to demonstrate support for the Palestinian group after years of anti-Israel rhetoric but was worried that using Hezbollah would trigger massive Israeli retaliation, analysts said. Iryani at the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies said a major war between Israel and Hezbollah would be disastrous for Lebanon - and endanger the future of the group that has become the most important in Iran's "Axis of Resistance". By contrast, the Houthis were in a unique strategic position to have a huge impact by disrupting global maritime activity with little effort, he said.

Iranian and Hezbollah commanders help direct Houthi attacks in Yemen: Report

South Korea on Saturday (Jan 20) charged Seoul's chief of police with contributing through negligence to the deadly Halloween crowd crush in Seoul in 2022​ that claimed the lives of over 160 people, according to the prosecutors.

Seoul Western District Prosecutors Office released a statement saying that Kim Kwang-ho, chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, was charged with professional negligence resulting in injury or death.

As the head of the SMPA, he "did not take necessary measures, such as deploying sufficient police forces and ensuring proper command and supervision" on the day of the incident, said the statement.

Kim is the highest-ranking police official to go on trial over the tragic incident and was charged without detention.

Last year in the month of January, a special police investigation team had forwarded rescue and district offices to the prosecution over their alleged involvement in the government's mishandling of the incident.

The heads of the police station in Seoul's Yongsan district, which includes Itaewon, and the Yongsan Ward office were charged by the prosecutors but for over a year, they had not come to a decision over charging Kim.

Friday's statement said Kim, "along with the chief of the Yongsan Police Station and the head of the Yongsan Ward office who are currently on trial, collectively caused the deaths of 158 individuals and injuries to 312 individuals as a result of professional negligence".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-north-korea-in-a-public-trial-puts-2-teens-under-12-years-of-hard-labour-for-watching-k-pop-681813">North Korea teens, in a public trial, put under 12 years of hard labour for watching K-pop</a>

The victims' families expressed their dismay at the prosecution's prolonged decision-making process prior to filing charges against Kim.

"Chief Kim must immediately step down from his position and face trial," the families said in a statement.

"President Yoon Suk Yeol must dismiss Kim immediately."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Explained | How is a crowd crush different from a stampede?

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/explained-how-is-a-crowd-crush-different-from-a-stampede-529829/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<h2>South Korea Halloween crush</h2>

Celebrations turned into chaos on Oct 29, 2022, as at least 151 people were killed and more than 100 were injured in South Korea when a gathering of primarily young people celebrating Halloween festivities in Seoul became trapped and crushed.&nbsp;

The Seoul police chief, Seoul mayor and the country's interior minister issued public apologies after the incident, admitting to the collective failure. The South Korean media reported that the Police did not respond to 7 of the 11 calls made by members of the public to report the overcrowding of the entertainment district, a revelation that stoked anger against the authorities all across South Korea.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea on Saturday (Jan 20) charged Seoul's chief of police with contributing through negligence to the deadly Halloween crowd crush in Seoul in 2022 that claimed the lives of over 160 people, according to the prosecutors.

South Korea on Saturday (Jan 20) charged Seoul's chief of police with contributing through negligence to the deadly Halloween crowd crush in Seoul in 2022 that claimed the lives of over 160 people, according to the prosecutors. Seoul Western District Prosecutors Office released a statement saying that Kim Kwang-ho, chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, was charged with professional negligence resulting in injury or death. As the head of the SMPA, he "did not take necessary measures, such as deploying sufficient police forces and ensuring proper command and supervision" on the day of the incident, said the statement. Kim is the highest-ranking police official to go on trial over the tragic incident and was charged without detention. Last year in the month of January, a special police investigation team had forwarded rescue and district offices to the prosecution over their alleged involvement in the government's mishandling of the incident. The heads of the police station in Seoul's Yongsan district, which includes Itaewon, and the Yongsan Ward office were charged by the prosecutors but for over a year, they had not come to a decision over charging Kim. Friday's statement said Kim, "along with the chief of the Yongsan Police Station and the head of the Yongsan Ward office who are currently on trial, collectively caused the deaths of 158 individuals and injuries to 312 individuals as a result of professional negligence". Also read: North Korea teens, in a public trial, put under 12 years of hard labour for watching K-pop The victims' families expressed their dismay at the prosecution's prolonged decision-making process prior to filing charges against Kim. "Chief Kim must immediately step down from his position and face trial," the families said in a statement. "President Yoon Suk Yeol must dismiss Kim immediately." WATCH | Explained | How is a crowd crush different from a stampede? × South Korea Halloween crush Celebrations turned into chaos on Oct 29, 2022, as at least 151 people were killed and more than 100 were injured in South Korea when a gathering of primarily young people celebrating Halloween festivities in Seoul became trapped and crushed. The Seoul police chief, Seoul mayor and the country's interior minister issued public apologies after the incident, admitting to the collective failure. The South Korean media reported that the Police did not respond to 7 of the 11 calls made by members of the public to report the overcrowding of the entertainment district, a revelation that stoked anger against the authorities all across South Korea. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea Halloween crush: Seoul police chief charged over deadly incident

More than 60 people have been killed as the Arctic blast-induced bone-chilling cold continues to sweep through several US states. Forecasters, on Saturday (Jan 20) warned&nbsp;that the freezing air will linger across much of the country&nbsp;over the weekend.&nbsp;

<h2>Deadly Arctic freeze continues</h2>

Two weeks of rain, snow, wind and sub-zero temperatures leading to power outages and icy roads have been blamed for at least 61 deaths across the US, reported NBC News on Saturday (Jan 20).&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;US Winter Storms: Biden hosts mayors conference amid extreme weather conditions

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-winter-storms-biden-hosts-mayors-conference-amid-extreme-weather-conditions-681857/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The death toll rose from 55, reported on Friday (Jan 19) after emergency services in the US state of Mississippi announced two more deaths. The total number of deaths in the state rose to eight, on Saturday (Jan 20) and have been attributed to road conditions and extreme cold.

“Frostbite and hypothermia are likely with prolonged outdoor exposure,” emergency officials in Mississippi said Saturday. Many of the deaths have been reported in the US states of Tennessee and Oregon.

At least 19 of the deaths occurred in Tennessee, a southern state which was largely unprepared for such extreme cold conditions. Meanwhile, at least nine deaths occurred in Oregon.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-braces-for-more-brutal-weather-55-dead-after-coldest-air-of-this-winter-681621">US braces for more brutal weather; 55 dead after coldest air of this winter</a>

Many deaths were also attributed to hypothermia and dangerous icy road conditions.

<h2>Situation across various US states</h2>

On Saturday, residents of Northern California were&nbsp;expected to witness heavy rains. Meanwhile, residents in parts of the US states of Michigan, Indiana and Illinois will also reportedly see more snow.&nbsp;

This comes as parts of Indiana saw as much as 32 inches of snow on Friday (Jan 19). Over 400,000 customers of Memphis Light, Gas &amp; Water were affected by the recent outages and water shortages.&nbsp;

Oregon’s governor declared a statewide emergency Thursday night, nearly a week after the start of a crippling ice storm. Thousands in the state’s Willamette Valley have been without power due to freezing rain.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-personnel-injured-after-ballistic-missile-attack-by-iran-backed-militants-on-airbase-in-iraq-681950">US military personnel injured after ballistic missile attack by Iran-backed militants on airbase in Iraq</a>

About 90,000 people remained without electricity as of Friday afternoon in the state after back-to-back storms, according to poweroutage.us. Public schools in the&nbsp;city of Portland cancelled classes for four days straight amid concerns about icy roads and water damage to buildings.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, people in several other states were forced to boil water to unfreeze pipes or simply for drinking and bathing.

The National Weather Service has indicated that Americans can expect some respite from the bone-chilling cold in the upcoming days. With “no additional replenishment of Arctic air from Canada,” a “steady warm-up” is forecast for the middle of the country starting Sunday (Jan 21).&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

More than 60 people have been killed as the Arctic blast-induced bone-chilling cold continues to sweep through several US states. Forecasters, on Saturday (Jan 20) warned that the freezing air will linger across much of the country over the weekend.

More than 60 people have been killed as the Arctic blast-induced bone-chilling cold continues to sweep through several US states. Forecasters, on Saturday (Jan 20) warned that the freezing air will linger across much of the country over the weekend. Deadly Arctic freeze continues Two weeks of rain, snow, wind and sub-zero temperatures leading to power outages and icy roads have been blamed for at least 61 deaths across the US, reported NBC News on Saturday (Jan 20). WATCH | US Winter Storms: Biden hosts mayors conference amid extreme weather conditions The death toll rose from 55, reported on Friday (Jan 19) after emergency services in the US state of Mississippi announced two more deaths. The total number of deaths in the state rose to eight, on Saturday (Jan 20) and have been attributed to road conditions and extreme cold. “Frostbite and hypothermia are likely with prolonged outdoor exposure,” emergency officials in Mississippi said Saturday. Many of the deaths have been reported in the US states of Tennessee and Oregon. At least 19 of the deaths occurred in Tennessee, a southern state which was largely unprepared for such extreme cold conditions. Meanwhile, at least nine deaths occurred in Oregon. ALSO READ | US braces for more brutal weather; 55 dead after coldest air of this winter Many deaths were also attributed to hypothermia and dangerous icy road conditions. Situation across various US states On Saturday, residents of Northern California were expected to witness heavy rains. Meanwhile, residents in parts of the US states of Michigan, Indiana and Illinois will also reportedly see more snow. This comes as parts of Indiana saw as much as 32 inches of snow on Friday (Jan 19). Over 400,000 customers of Memphis Light, Gas & Water were affected by the recent outages and water shortages. Oregon’s governor declared a statewide emergency Thursday night, nearly a week after the start of a crippling ice storm. Thousands in the state’s Willamette Valley have been without power due to freezing rain. ALSO READ | US military personnel injured after ballistic missile attack by Iran-backed militants on airbase in Iraq About 90,000 people remained without electricity as of Friday afternoon in the state after back-to-back storms, according to poweroutage.us. Public schools in the city of Portland cancelled classes for four days straight amid concerns about icy roads and water damage to buildings. Meanwhile, people in several other states were forced to boil water to unfreeze pipes or simply for drinking and bathing. The National Weather Service has indicated that Americans can expect some respite from the bone-chilling cold in the upcoming days. With “no additional replenishment of Arctic air from Canada,” a “steady warm-up” is forecast for the middle of the country starting Sunday (Jan 21). (With inputs from agencies)

US winter storm: More than 60 killed, millions affected by 'bone-chilling cold' amid Arctic blast

A member of Israel's War Cabinet has cast doubt on the country's strategy for releasing captives held in besieged Gaza, saying only a ceasefire can free them, as the prime minister rejected calls to scale back its brutal war on the blockaded enclave.

Disunity surfaces in Israeli war cabinet

Ram Mandir Consecration: Stock market to remain shut on January 22

Israel has reportedly struck Syria's capital Damascus... Killing five people. Iran claims that those killed were members of Iran's revolutionary guard the dead include two heads of the Iranian army's information unit and two other members....

Iran blames Israel for Syria attack, says 4 of its officers killed in Damascus

A fire in a dormitory at a school in China's Henan province killed 13 people and injured another, state media reported on Saturday (Jan 20). The fire broke out on Friday at 11 pm in the dormitory of Yingcai School at Yanshanpu Village, near Nanyang City.

A fire in a dormitory at a school in China's Henan province killed 13 people and injured another, state media reported on Saturday (Jan 20). The fire broke out on Friday at 11 pm in the dormitory of Yingcai School at Yanshanpu Village, near Nanyang City. The blaze was extinguished quickly by firefighters at around 11.38 pm and the head of the school was taken into custody. The person injured in the incident was admitted to a local hospital and was in stable condition. A report by ChinaDaily.com said that top officials from Nanyang and the province also visited the site after the incident occurred. Committee set up to carry out probe The Henan province has set up an incident management team to carry out an investigation and the afterwards handling of the incident. The Yingcai School provides kindergarten and primary grade education. According to residents, the school is a private one with quite a few students. The school took a break once every two weeks and students were at school this weekend. Chinese social media users on Saturday expressed outrage over the incident and called for any safety lapses to be punished. "It's too scary, 13 children from 13 families, all gone in an instant... if there is no severe punishment their souls will not rest in peace," one commenter on the Weibo social site wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

China: 13 killed in fire at school dorm in Henan province

The Eiffel Tower in Paris welcomed 6.3 million visitors last year, its management company said Friday, more than came in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Last year's visitor numbers -- up eight per cent year-on-year -- were juiced by events to honour its designer Gustave Eiffel 100 years after his death, the SETE operating company said in a statement.

The tower also added new offerings such as guided tours and celebrity chef-cooked meals in its luxury restaurant.

Watch | Italy, France &amp; Spain refuse role in strikes in Yemen

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/italy-france-spain-refuse-role-in-strikes-in-yemen-europe-split-over-mission-against-houthis-680864/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

France's "Iron Lady" boasted up to seven million visits in 2014 and 6.2 million five years later.

It was closed during the country's first pandemic lockdown from March to June 2020 and again from October 2020 to July 2021.

The largest contingent of Eiffel Tower visitors, at 18.9 per cent of the total, came from France, followed by North Americans at 18 percent -- with 13.2 percent coming from the United States alone.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/french-rafales-95-member-foreign-legion-contingent-to-feature-at-indias-republic-day-681641">French Rafales, 95-member Foreign Legion contingent to feature at India's Republic Day</a>

Non-French Europeans accounted for 44 percent, with the largest numbers coming from Germany, Britain and Spain.

And last year's Rugby World Cup brought increased visits from countries in Oceania, including Australia and New Zealand.

Paris's major museums, another of the French capital's top attractions, also returned to pre-Covid visitor numbers or even set new records last year.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris welcomed 6.3 million visitors last year, its management company said Friday, more than came in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year's visitor numbers -- up eight per cent year-on-year -- were juiced by events to honour its designer Gustave Eiffel 100 years after his death, the SETE operating company said in a statement.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris welcomed 6.3 million visitors last year, its management company said Friday, more than came in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year's visitor numbers -- up eight per cent year-on-year -- were juiced by events to honour its designer Gustave Eiffel 100 years after his death, the SETE operating company said in a statement. The tower also added new offerings such as guided tours and celebrity chef-cooked meals in its luxury restaurant. Watch | Italy, France & Spain refuse role in strikes in Yemen × France's "Iron Lady" boasted up to seven million visits in 2014 and 6.2 million five years later. It was closed during the country's first pandemic lockdown from March to June 2020 and again from October 2020 to July 2021. The largest contingent of Eiffel Tower visitors, at 18.9 per cent of the total, came from France, followed by North Americans at 18 percent -- with 13.2 percent coming from the United States alone. Also Read | French Rafales, 95-member Foreign Legion contingent to feature at India's Republic Day Non-French Europeans accounted for 44 percent, with the largest numbers coming from Germany, Britain and Spain. And last year's Rugby World Cup brought increased visits from countries in Oceania, including Australia and New Zealand. Paris's major museums, another of the French capital's top attractions, also returned to pre-Covid visitor numbers or even set new records last year.

Eiffel Tower topped pre-Covid visitor numbers in 2023

West Asia Post | The Saudi regime has introduced a long-term goal of moving away from its oil-reliant economy, introducing residency plans to achieve its vision.

Explained: What is Saudi Arabia doing to diversify its economy?

WestAsiaPost | While israeli military’s offensive in Gaza goes on, the country is fraught with tension. On one hand, anti-war activists are protesting, calling on the government for a ceasefire, while on the other, families of hostages are urging for action to bring the captives home.

Israel’s anti-war activists call for ceasefire in Gaza

West Asia Post| The long-standing conflict between Turkiye and Kurdish fighters has once again made headlines, after fresh attacks by the Turkish regime targeted militant establishments in northern Syria.

Turkish military targets Kurdish bases

Donald Trump used his social media platform Friday to mock Nikki Haley's birth name. The attack comes four days before the New Hampshire primary, in which Haley is trying to establish herself as the only viable Trump alternative in the Republicans' 2024 nominating contest.

US: Donald Trump mocks Nikki Haley’s first name

The cost of looking after a pet in Britain has risen by more than twice following which the dog rehoming charities in the country have been experiencing "unprecedented demand".

UK: Man's best friend faces brunt of inflation

Russia on Friday urged Hamas to release all hostages during talks with the militant group in Moscow, saying the humanitarian situation in Gaza had reached "catastrophic" levels.

Hamas militants seized about 250 hostages in an October attack on Israel, around 132 of whom Israel says remain in Gaza.&nbsp;

Russian diplomat Mikhail Bogdanov "stressed the need for the speedy release of civilians captured during the attacks of 7 October" in talks with Hamas senior official Musa Abu Marzouk, the foreign ministry said.

The Palestinian Islamist group said in a statement that the talks were "to clarify the movement's position and policies for dealing with the file of prisoners" it was holding.

Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Israeli PM Netanyahu rejects U.S' push for a two-state solution

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-israeli-pm-netanyahu-rejects-us-push-for-a-two-state-solution-681697/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The statement added that they had also discussed securing a ceasefire in the besieged territory and Bogdanov had expressed Russia's "support of the rights of the Palestinian people".

Bogdanov also met with Israel's ambassador to Moscow Simona Halperin, the Russian foreign ministry said later.&nbsp;

She was "informed about the targeted efforts of the Russian diplomacy in the interests of the immediate and unconditional release of civilians, including Russian citizens, held in the Gaza strip," the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-exhumes-palestinian-graves-while-searching-for-hostages-held-in-gaza-681519">Israel digs Palestinian graves while searching for hostages held in Gaza</a>

Bogdanov also voiced Moscow's "consistent position in support of a comprehensive Middle East settlement on the basis of the decisions of the UN."

Russia has criticised Israel's military campaign in Gaza and repeatedly called for the creation of a Palestinian state.&nbsp;

WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-israelis-attack-gazas-al-israa-university-sparks-concerns-as-war-with-hamas-rages-on-681554">Israel 'attacks' Gaza's Al-Israa University, sparks concerns as war with Hamas rages on</a>

Hamas fighters launched attacks on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of about 1,140 people in Israel, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas.

Its military response has so far killed at least 24,762 in Gaza, around 70 percent of them women, young children and adolescents, according to the territory's health ministry.

Russia on Friday urged Hamas to release all hostages during talks with the militant group in Moscow, saying the humanitarian situation in Gaza had reached "catastrophic" levels.

Russia on Friday urged Hamas to release all hostages during talks with the militant group in Moscow, saying the humanitarian situation in Gaza had reached "catastrophic" levels. Hamas militants seized about 250 hostages in an October attack on Israel, around 132 of whom Israel says remain in Gaza. Russian diplomat Mikhail Bogdanov "stressed the need for the speedy release of civilians captured during the attacks of 7 October" in talks with Hamas senior official Musa Abu Marzouk, the foreign ministry said. The Palestinian Islamist group said in a statement that the talks were "to clarify the movement's position and policies for dealing with the file of prisoners" it was holding. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Israeli PM Netanyahu rejects U.S' push for a two-state solution × The statement added that they had also discussed securing a ceasefire in the besieged territory and Bogdanov had expressed Russia's "support of the rights of the Palestinian people". Bogdanov also met with Israel's ambassador to Moscow Simona Halperin, the Russian foreign ministry said later. She was "informed about the targeted efforts of the Russian diplomacy in the interests of the immediate and unconditional release of civilians, including Russian citizens, held in the Gaza strip," the ministry said in a statement. Also Read | Israel digs Palestinian graves while searching for hostages held in Gaza Bogdanov also voiced Moscow's "consistent position in support of a comprehensive Middle East settlement on the basis of the decisions of the UN." Russia has criticised Israel's military campaign in Gaza and repeatedly called for the creation of a Palestinian state. WATCH | Israel 'attacks' Gaza's Al-Israa University, sparks concerns as war with Hamas rages on Hamas fighters launched attacks on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of about 1,140 people in Israel, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. Its military response has so far killed at least 24,762 in Gaza, around 70 percent of them women, young children and adolescents, according to the territory's health ministry.

Russia urges Hamas to release hostages

world

World, News on World, stories on World, articles on World, World stories at Wion, World news, World latest news

world news