American journalist Taylor Lorenz was surprised to learn that US citizens require a visa to travel to India after previously thinking visas on arrival were available. She criticized outdated internet guidance and highlighted recent changes in India's visa policies, which left many misinformed.
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Clashes erupted near Goma, eastern DR Congo, as M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan forces, advanced, triggering a humanitarian crisis with over 400,000 displaced. The US, UK, and France urged citizens to leave amid escalating violence. Civilians fled on foot, and UN officials warned of a potential regional war. Despite military efforts and international mediation attempts, peace talks have repeatedly failed, leaving Goma at the epicenter of 30 years of conflict.
Phoebe Dong has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for running a birth tourism scheme. The scheme helped pregnant Chinese women give birth in the United States to secure citizenship for their children. Dong and her husband charged up to $40,000 for their services. Dong expressed remorse during her sentencing hearing. Her husband was previously sentenced to 41 months in December.
American Travis Timmerman, 29, was freed from a Syrian prison after seven months of captivity following the collapse of the Assad regime. He was handed over to US troops at the Tanf garrison and flown to Jordan. Timmerman, who entered Syria from Lebanon on a religious pilgrimage, was reportedly treated fairly during his detention.
German police are investigating possible Islamist extremism after an Afghan man, Farhad N, intentionally drove a car into a crowd in Munich, injuring 36 people. The 24-year-old suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar†upon arrest. The attack adds to rising political tensions over immigration ahead of Germany's upcoming elections.
Israeli strikes killed at least nine Palestinians, mainly women and children, in Gaza as the war continues. Efforts for a ceasefire have failed, and over 45,000 Palestinians have died. The harsh winter conditions worsen the situation for displaced Gazans, with infants dying from hypothermia.
Effingham County state court Judge Stephen Yekel was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on his last day in office. Authorities believe the incident occurred the night before. Yekel had served the legal profession for over 45 years and had attempted to resign after losing his re-election bid.
South Korea has launched a nationwide response to combat wildfires in the southeastern region, with casualties reaching 18. Dry, windy conditions have hampered containment efforts, causing power outages and road blockages. Thousands of firefighters are deployed, but strong winds hinder aerial operations. Evacuations and assistance for displaced residents continue, with expected rainfall possibly aiding fire control.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed agreements including a USD 1.2 billion deferred payment for oil imports and a USD 41 million water supply project. This deal aims to bolster Pakistan's economy by ensuring a steady petroleum supply while easing immediate fiscal pressures. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi dignitaries witnessed the signing.
In the Liam Payne case, a second individual, David Ezequiel Pereyra, has surrendered to Argentine police for allegedly supplying drugs to the singer before his fatal fall from a hotel balcony. This follows the arrest of a hotel waiter, with charges also placed against three others for manslaughter.
Brazilian President Lula da Silva, 79, underwent successful surgery for a brain hemorrhage on Monday night in Sao Paulo. The hemorrhage was a result of a fall in October. He is currently stable and recovering in intensive care. Lula had previously canceled a BRICS summit appearance due to the injury.