"Students gathered by Sao Paulo's city hall on Wednesday to protest against the increase in Brazil's public transport fares. Footage shows demonstrators chanting outside Matarazzo Building while carrying signs reading, 'against privatisations' and 'free pass for everyone.' Police officers can be seen monitoring the crowd, as some protesters set trash bags on fire. "We are here demanding unrestricted free passes for all students, but also that we have better conditions in Sao Paulo public transport," explained Julia, a protester. Pointing to the capital's overcrowded trains and buses, she warned that the current state of transit 'puts the working-class's lives at risk.' Meanwhile, Gabriel, another demonstrator, insisted that transportation is more than a utility - it is 'an instrument of dignity.' "Much more than that, it needs to be an instrument to democratise access to the city, so that young people can access culture, sports, leisure and learn more about the beauties of the city and the state of Sao Paulo," he added. Since January 6, public transport fares have climbed across several Brazilian cities. In São Paulo, rail and metro tickets rose from R$ 5.20 to R$ 5.40, while municipal bus fares saw an increase from R$ 5.00 to R$ 5.30. According to officials, the adjusted fares reflect annual inflation and rising operational costs."

• Ruptly
• 1 gün, 17 saat, 43 dakika

"The Cheonggyecheon Lantern Festival in central Seoul has been extended by two weeks due to strong public interest, with new lantern installations added along the stream. Footage filmed on Wednesday shows colourful lanterns and light installations lining the Cheonggyecheon stream, including neon artworks, hot-air-balloon designs, laser displays and a polar bear lantern highlighting the climate crisis, as visitors stroll along the water and take photos. "It's surprisingly crowded even though it's extremely cold," said a local sightseer. "I like that there are many displays with a distinctly Korean feel." "I liked the artworks and the signboards give all the information about the artist and the meaning of the artwork, like the polar bears for climate awareness," shared a tourist. "It's kind of a nice mix of contemporary with the message and also just pretty, beautiful, you know, historical, art." Since 2009, the festival has attracted around 2 million people every year, making it a major cultural event in Seoul. Visitors are invited to experience and create lasting memories at the Seoul Lantern Festival, reflecting the city's identity, where the past and present coexist harmoniously. Due to the large influx of spectators, Seoul's major winter festival was extended, with the main section along the Cheonggyecheon stream now running until January 18."

• Ruptly
• 1 gün, 17 saat, 44 dakika

"The Cheonggyecheon Lantern Festival in central Seoul has been extended by two weeks due to strong public interest, with new lantern installations added along the stream. Footage filmed on Wednesday shows colourful lanterns and light installations lining the Cheonggyecheon stream, including neon artworks, hot-air-balloon designs, laser displays and a polar bear lantern highlighting the climate crisis, as visitors stroll along the water and take photos. "It's surprisingly crowded even though it's extremely cold," said a local sightseer. "I like that there are many displays with a distinctly Korean feel." "I liked the artworks and the signboards give all the information about the artist and the meaning of the artwork, like the polar bears for climate awareness," shared a tourist. "It's kind of a nice mix of contemporary with the message and also just pretty, beautiful, you know, historical, art." Since 2009, the festival has attracted around 2 million people every year, making it a major cultural event in Seoul. Visitors are invited to experience and create lasting memories at the Seoul Lantern Festival, reflecting the city's identity, where the past and present coexist harmoniously. Due to the large influx of spectators, Seoul's major winter festival was extended, with the main section along the Cheonggyecheon stream now running until January 18."

• Ruptly
• 1 gün, 17 saat, 44 dakika

"Chilean President Gabriel Boric visited the Magallanes Vessel in Bio Bio on Wednesday and attended the embarkation of the Sargento Aldea Vessel from the Talcahuano Naval Base, carrying material for strategic infrastructure projects. Footage shows President Boric, accompanied by Defence Minister Adriana Delpiano, receiving honours aboard the Magallanes vessel. Naval personnel can be seen waving from the departing Sargento Aldea as onlookers and supporters wave back from shore. The visit took place within the framework of the Escotillon IV Project of the Navy Shipyards and Workshops (Asmar) and Operation Sovereignty Base, an initiative that includes deploying the Sargento Aldea vessel to Antarctica. "Chile, Punta Arenas and the Chilean Navy are the most important Antarctic operators in the world and therefore today what we are doing [...] is building infrastructure that establishes, reaffirms and deepens Chile's sovereignty on the white continent," Boric stated. The Escotillon IV Project aims to build four multipurpose vessels for the Chilean Navy and strengthen national shipbuilding capabilities, logistical sovereignty and operational autonomy. Operation Sovereignty primarily seeks to expand and modernise the pier at Fildes Bay and the Teniente Marsh airfield, critical infrastructure for connectivity, supply, and the continuity of Chilean activities in Antarctica. "It is part of the strategy to strengthen defence companies, with the purpose that they contribute significantly to the development," the president explained. During the visit, the head of state also highlighted the progress of the national naval industry, emphasising the strengthening of local capabilities in defence, industry, academia and science, generating employment and knowledge. At the same time, construction began on the second vessel of the Escotillon IV project, with progress at 6 percent and launch projected for the first half of 2029. "

• Ruptly
• 1 gün, 17 saat, 44 dakika

"Chilean President Gabriel Boric visited the Magallanes Vessel in Bio Bio on Wednesday and attended the embarkation of the Sargento Aldea Vessel from the Talcahuano Naval Base, carrying material for strategic infrastructure projects. Footage shows President Boric, accompanied by Defence Minister Adriana Delpiano, receiving honours aboard the Magallanes vessel. Naval personnel can be seen waving from the departing Sargento Aldea as onlookers and supporters wave back from shore. The visit took place within the framework of the Escotillon IV Project of the Navy Shipyards and Workshops (Asmar) and Operation Sovereignty Base, an initiative that includes deploying the Sargento Aldea vessel to Antarctica. "Chile, Punta Arenas and the Chilean Navy are the most important Antarctic operators in the world and therefore today what we are doing [...] is building infrastructure that establishes, reaffirms and deepens Chile's sovereignty on the white continent," Boric stated. The Escotillon IV Project aims to build four multipurpose vessels for the Chilean Navy and strengthen national shipbuilding capabilities, logistical sovereignty and operational autonomy. Operation Sovereignty primarily seeks to expand and modernise the pier at Fildes Bay and the Teniente Marsh airfield, critical infrastructure for connectivity, supply, and the continuity of Chilean activities in Antarctica. "It is part of the strategy to strengthen defence companies, with the purpose that they contribute significantly to the development," the president explained. During the visit, the head of state also highlighted the progress of the national naval industry, emphasising the strengthening of local capabilities in defence, industry, academia and science, generating employment and knowledge. At the same time, construction began on the second vessel of the Escotillon IV project, with progress at 6 percent and launch projected for the first half of 2029. "

• Ruptly
• 1 gün, 17 saat, 44 dakika

"Guatemala's President Fernando Arevalo said on Wednesday that the United States had not provided the state prior notice or information before its indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for Guatemalan citizens. "We have not received any official notification," Arevalo stated during a press conference. "We have the same information as you. The only thing we know is that they are indeed for residency visas. [...] So, in any case, go to the American embassy so they can address that." Arevalo clarified that the US directive stems from "internal issues regarding access to social security benefits," emphasising that the suspension is a domestic policy shift rather than a result of diplomatic tensions. "It has nothing to do with external or international issues, but as I tell you, they will be able to provide better information at the United States Embassy," he noted. The US State Department announced on Wednesday an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries - including Guatemala - citing a reassessment of its 'public charge' screening protocols. In a post on X, the department said migrants from the affected countries "benefit from social assistance from the American people at unacceptable rates," adding that the pause will remain in place until the US "can ensure that new immigrants do not benefit from the wealth of the American people", The suspension is set to take effect on January 21. Countries affected include Iran, Russia, Georgia, Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, Kuwait and Thailand."

• Ruptly
• 1 gün, 17 saat, 45 dakika

"Guatemala's President Fernando Arevalo said on Wednesday that the United States had not provided the state prior notice or information before its indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for Guatemalan citizens. "We have not received any official notification," Arevalo stated during a press conference. "We have the same information as you. The only thing we know is that they are indeed for residency visas. [...] So, in any case, go to the American embassy so they can address that." Arevalo clarified that the US directive stems from "internal issues regarding access to social security benefits," emphasising that the suspension is a domestic policy shift rather than a result of diplomatic tensions. "It has nothing to do with external or international issues, but as I tell you, they will be able to provide better information at the United States Embassy," he noted. The US State Department announced on Wednesday an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries - including Guatemala - citing a reassessment of its 'public charge' screening protocols. In a post on X, the department said migrants from the affected countries "benefit from social assistance from the American people at unacceptable rates," adding that the pause will remain in place until the US "can ensure that new immigrants do not benefit from the wealth of the American people", The suspension is set to take effect on January 21. Countries affected include Iran, Russia, Georgia, Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, Kuwait and Thailand."

• Ruptly
• 1 gün, 17 saat, 45 dakika

Bondi-based Joel Davis, a high-ranking Sydney member of the National Socialist Network, is charged with using a carriage service to harass a federal parliamentarian.

• Daily Mail U.K
• 1 gün, 17 saat, 45 dakika

• The Independent
• 1 gün, 17 saat, 46 dakika

"Hundreds of demonstrators rallied in Caracas on Wednesday, demanding the release of now former president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, captured by US forces in an operation carried out on January 3. Footage shows United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) supporters singing, dancing, and listening to speeches while holding placards reading 'Trump-Maria Corina Machado, awarded killers of Venezuelans', 'Hope is in the streets', and 'I am innocent, I am a prisoner of war, I am still president' alongside Maduro's image. National Assembly deputy Rodbexa Poleo said the mobilisation marks a protest campaign, carried out in line with Maduro's call to maintain "in any circumstance, maximum organisation, maximum mobilisation of the people, maximum popular awareness and unity, unity, unity and more unity." "We are here, 12 days after the kidnapping of our president, Nicolas Maduro, of our first combatant, Cilia Flores, demanding that the North American empire return our president, elected by the will of the people," the lawmaker proclaimed. She persisted, "They (the United States), from their arrogance, having neither the votes nor the support of the people, decide to behave in this way through hatred, through destabilisation and through the blockade." More than one hundred cities across Venezuela reportedly mobilised to demand Maduro's release. Maduro and his wife, accused of narco-terrorism by the United States, were captured in the so-called 'Operation Absolute Resolution', led by US forces, which involved attacks in Caracas and three states near the capital. At least 100 people were killed and 'a similar number wounded' as a result of the operation, according to Venezuela's Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace, Diosdado Cabello. Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez reaffirmed Maduro's authority despite his imprisonment, stating that "there is a government, that of President Nicolas Maduro" and that she has "the responsibility to take charge while his kidnapping lasts." "

• Ruptly
• 1 gün, 17 saat, 47 dakika

"Hundreds of demonstrators rallied in Caracas on Wednesday, demanding the release of now former president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, captured by US forces in an operation carried out on January 3. Footage shows United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) supporters singing, dancing, and listening to speeches while holding placards reading 'Trump-Maria Corina Machado, awarded killers of Venezuelans', 'Hope is in the streets', and 'I am innocent, I am a prisoner of war, I am still president' alongside Maduro's image. National Assembly deputy Rodbexa Poleo said the mobilisation marks a protest campaign, carried out in line with Maduro's call to maintain "in any circumstance, maximum organisation, maximum mobilisation of the people, maximum popular awareness and unity, unity, unity and more unity." "We are here, 12 days after the kidnapping of our president, Nicolas Maduro, of our first combatant, Cilia Flores, demanding that the North American empire return our president, elected by the will of the people," the lawmaker proclaimed. She persisted, "They (the United States), from their arrogance, having neither the votes nor the support of the people, decide to behave in this way through hatred, through destabilisation and through the blockade." More than one hundred cities across Venezuela reportedly mobilised to demand Maduro's release. Maduro and his wife, accused of narco-terrorism by the United States, were captured in the so-called 'Operation Absolute Resolution', led by US forces, which involved attacks in Caracas and three states near the capital. At least 100 people were killed and 'a similar number wounded' as a result of the operation, according to Venezuela's Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace, Diosdado Cabello. Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez reaffirmed Maduro's authority despite his imprisonment, stating that "there is a government, that of President Nicolas Maduro" and that she has "the responsibility to take charge while his kidnapping lasts." "

• Ruptly
• 1 gün, 17 saat, 47 dakika

"Thousands of public transport users were left stranded on Wednesday across Lima and Callao as transport workers launched a nationwide strike protesting escalating violence that has killed dozens of drivers this year. Footage shows passengers waiting for several hours at bus stops, walking several blocks and scrambling for a place on the scarce transport. Striking drivers demonstrate holding Peruvian flags and chanting: 'Not one more dead' as police monitor the area and scuffle with transport workers. "[We are carrying out] this strike because we truly want the state to act as it should and to listen to us, public transport drivers, who are the ones being killed," explained Elmer Mercado, a transport leader. "We remain standing in this struggle, we have no benefits, and on top of that, they keep killing us, they keep murdering us. So how long are we going to tolerate this?" he stressed. The strike, called by United Transport and the Coordinator of Urban Transport Companies (CTU), led to the suspension of more than 20,000 vehicles in protest against murders, extortion, and violence that left 56 drivers dead and more than 60 armed attacks this year. "In the last month, that is to say this month, just at the start of the year, there have been 25 killed. Of the 50 murders that have occurred, 50 have been drivers, and that is something inadmissible," Mercado proclaimed. He persisted, "And what does that mean? The inoperability, the incapacity of our police, the Judiciary and the Public Prosecutor's Office to contain this onslaught of organised crime." The 24-hour 'engine shutdown' strike began at midnight Wednesday, with vehicles remaining parked in garages and at stops, complicating movement as only informal minibuses and taxis remained available, typically at higher fares. Interim President of Peru Jose Jeri met with transport unions in Lima, announcing new regulations to address security concerns. "The issue of two riders on a motorbike, and the professionalisation of public transport drivers. These are the two regulations we are going to sign today and, consequently, tomorrow they should be fully in force," he declared. "The one concerning motorbike riders is a powerful tool so that the police now have the means to automatically intervene when they see two people on a motorbike," the interim president remarked. He indicated that Law No 32490, establishing extraordinary measures against extortion and contract killings in public transport, will be approved by the Council of Ministers no later than January 17 and published the following day in the Official Peruvian Gazette."

• Ruptly
• 1 gün, 17 saat, 49 dakika

"UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with the leaders of Georgia and Serbia on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week on Wednesday. Footage shows Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at the Zayed National Museum. The Serbian president can also be seen accompanying the UAE leader on a tour of the museum, where he viewed exhibits and artefacts documenting the life of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. According to Emirati media, the UAE president discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and joint action with Kobakhidze and Vucic, particularly in terms of the economy, investment, development, renewable energy and sustainability. The visit of the two leaders also highlighted the importance of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week as a global platform for dialogue and international cooperation to address shared challenges. The leaders reportedly stressed the need to continue developing bilateral relations and building sustainable partnerships that support economic diversification. "

• Ruptly
• 1 gün, 17 saat, 49 dakika

"The United Nations has voiced concern over the situation in Iran amid escalating rhetoric between Washington and Tehran. UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the UN was ‘extremely concerned’ by the violence that erupted in Iran, after weeks of protests and unrest. “We continue to be extremely concerned by the situation in Iran on the ground, by the pictures that are coming out of protesters having been killed, of violence in the demonstrations,” Dujarric told reporters on Wednesday, urging the Iranian authorities to allow peaceful protests and to protect the right to demonstrate. Responding to a question about a letter from Iran’s UN mission blaming the United States and Israel for civilian deaths, Dujarric noted that the UN is currently in no position to comment on the claims, but stressed that its priority is the safety of protesters exercising their right to peaceful assembly. Asked about reports that the United States could launch military strikes against Iran, Dujarric declined to comment directly, reiterating the UN’s concern over escalating rhetoric. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened Iran with action if Tehran fires on those protesting against the establishment. On Wednesday, Trump said he had been 'reliably informed' that Iran would not execute protesters in detention, which had been reportedly planned, however he did not rule out military intervention, preferring to 'wait and see'. Protests have been ongoing in Iran since December and have intensified in recent days and weeks. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei claimed some rioters were destroying property to 'please' the US president."

• Ruptly
• 1 gün, 17 saat, 49 dakika

• The Independent
• 1 gün, 17 saat, 51 dakika

Anyone with the hand sanitiser should stop using the product immediately and dispose of it.

• Daily Mail U.K
• 1 gün, 17 saat, 52 dakika