A Soviet-era Antonov-24 aircraft carrying 30 passengers landed on a frozen river near an airport in Russia’s far east on Thursday because of pilot error, transport prosecutors said. The Polar Airlines An-24 landed safely on the Kolyma river near Zyryanka in the Yakutia region, the prosecutors said. “According to preliminary information, the cause of the … Read more
China will ease visa restrictions for people visiting from the United States, the country’s latest effort to attract foreign travelers since reopening its borders earlier this year. Starting Jan. 1, American tourists will no longer need to submit round-trip air tickets, proof of hotel reservations, itineraries or invitations to China, according to a notice posted … Read more
LONDON — Tom Wilkinson, the Oscar-nominated British actor known for his roles in “The Full Monty,” “Michael Clayton” and “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” has died, his family said. He was 75. A statement shared by his agent on behalf of the family said Wilkinson died suddenly at home on Saturday. It didn’t provide further … Read more
The ancient continent of Argoland, which was once connected to Western Australia, has been discovered millions of years after it floated away. Oceanic clues left behind by the 5000km “Gondwana-derived fragment” signalled its existence, but tracking it down took scientists in the Netherlands seven years. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: The ancient drift of the lost … Read more
MILAN — The Italian city of Venice announced new limits Saturday on the size of tourist groups, the latest move to reduce the pressure of mass tourism on the famed canal city. Starting in June, groups will be limited to 25 people, or roughly half the capacity of a tourist bus, and the use of … Read more
The armed wing of Hamas said it had decided to delay a scheduled second round of hostage releases until Israel committed to allowing aid trucks to enter northern Gaza. Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades said the hostage releases would be delayed if Israel did not adhere to the agreed terms for the release of Palestinian prisoners. There … Read more
Obstacles causing a delay in today’s expected hostage and prisoner release “were overcome” through mediation, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson said. “After a delay in implementing the release of prisoners from both sides, the obstacles were overcome through Qatari-Egyptian communications with both sides, and tonight 39 Palestinian civilians will be released in exchange for the release … Read more
NEW DELHI — Bollywood has made a financial comeback this year worthy of one of its traditional singing-on-top-of-the-hills moments. India’s Hindi language movie industry made an impressive recovery after a pandemic-driven slowdown, audience fatigue with big studio productions and Bollywood megastars, and streaming platforms taking away a large chunk of viewership. According to consultancy firm … Read more
Emily Hand, 9, is understood to be among the second group of hostages released from the Gaza Strip by Hamas. The Irish-Israeli girl was taken hostage by Hamas from Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Second round of hostages freed. Watch the latest News on Channel 7 or stream for free on … Read more
LONDON — Singer Shirley Bassey, director Ridley Scott and Mary Earps, the goalkeeper for England’s women’s soccer team, were recognized Friday in the U.K.’s New Year Honors list, which celebrates the achievements and services of more than 1,000 people across the country. Bassey, 86, who is already a dame — the female equivalent of a … Read more
