The United States is facing one of its worst winter storms in years, with severe snowfall, heavy rain, and freezing temperatures affecting dozens of states. Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has declared that the state is facing its worst winter storm in years, with temperatures plummeting to a record low of -49 degrees Fahrenheit in the rural areas of New York. The extreme weather conditions have led to the cancellation of over 16,000 flights across the country, leaving over 8 million people without power, and emergency declarations have been issued in 24 states.
The Federal Government has announced that all federal offices in Washington will be closed on Monday, and online classes will be conducted in New York City schools. Authorities have advised people to stay indoors and avoid venturing out in the extreme cold. The National Weather Service has issued a warning for the most severe cold temperatures in nearly 44 states, affecting around 200 million people.
The severe winter storm has also had a significant impact on Iran, with the country’s currency, the Rial, experiencing a record drop in value, making it nearly 15 million Rials equivalent to one US dollar. The crisis has left millions of people struggling to afford basic necessities.
Other global news includes a reported foiled plot to attack the Israeli embassy in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, and a warning from a prominent Iraqi Shia militia, Kataib Hezbollah, that a full-scale war would erupt in the region if Iran were attacked. The United Nations has warned of the severe consequences of a new law in Afghanistan, which has sparked international concern.
In other news, a 24-year-old woman in India’s Bengaluru city took her own life after being subjected to harassment and demands for dowry. The US has accused the European Union of indirectly funding Russia’s war in Ukraine by signing a free trade agreement with India. The Indian police have arrested the parents of a notorious gangster, Goldie Brar, in connection with a bribery case.
The article also reports on a phone call between Iran’s President, Ebrahim Raisi, and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman. Former UK Chancellor, Sajid Javid, has sparked controversy by opposing the entry of his parents to the UK. A court in Hyderabad has delivered a verdict in the case of the murder of a young man, Akash Insari. The Bollywood film “Tere Ishq Mein” has come under fire for its portrayal of educational facts, with researchers questioning whether it is a film or a joke.
