Dhaka-17 and Bogra-6: Why Tarique Rahman chose these two seats for his comeback and why India is watching closely
World | Updated: Dec 29, 2025
Tarique Rahman, BNP acting chairman, returned to Bangladesh after 17 years and filed to contest elections from Dhaka-17 and Bogra-6, signaling his political comeback amid a volatile climate and raising stakes for both domestic and regional politics.
The last Russia-US nuclear treaty is about to expire. What happens next?
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- New START treaty between US and Russia set to expire on February 5
- Putin suggests extending current treaty limits for 12 months; no new talks held.
- Experts prioritize risk reduction and confidence amid global tensions.
Will India really have to pay a 500% US tariff for buying Russian oil? How real is Trump's threat | Explained
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
A proposed US sanctions bill, backed by Trump, could let the president impose a 500% tariff on Indian goods if India keeps buying Russian oil. While not automatic, the threat marks a major escalation in US pressure on India over its energy ties with Russia.
China trolls the US with viral song as ‘China Shock 2.0’ fears resurface
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- China's embassy posted a satirical video mocking US concerns over China's economic rise.
- The video uses humor to address concerns about a possible "China Shock 2.0"
- Online reactions reveal escalating US-China trade tensions.
Mamdani grabs a shovel to fix a notorious Williamsburg Bridge bump
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani helped fix a notorious bump on Williamsburg Bridge
- The repair signals focus on both major and minor infrastructure issues
- Broader plans aim to improve cyclist and pedestrian safety along Delancey Street
Google’s AI gets the year wrong and Elon Musk can’t resist commenting
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Google's AI Overview wrongly claimed 2027 is not next year, confusing users
- Elon Musk reacted to the error, saying there's "room for improvement"
- AI often sounds confident even when providing incorrect answers.
Greenland’s rare earth dream takes a small but important step forward
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Critical Metals Corp to build pilot plant for Greenland's Tanbreez rare earth project
- Facility aims to test processing and support Western supply chains beyond China
- 60 Degree North Greenland to build plant for local benefit
Pakistan's witch hunt of Munir critics, controversial law changes: Global rights body sounds alarm
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Rights group warns Pakistan's amendments undermine democracy, judicial freedom
- Asim Munir's critics and journalists face harassment and attacks abroad.
- Pakistan's 26th Amendment criticized for weakening judicial independence.
Islamabad's demands, Taliban pushback: How Turkey quitting Afghanistan mediation has left Pakistan isolated | Explained
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
Turkey has withdrawn from mediating between Pakistan and Afghanistan after failed talks, citing Kabul’s rejection of Pakistan’s demands. With Turkey out, Pakistan faces isolation, rising tensions, and has threatened strikes inside Afghanistan if attacks persist.
From dumplings to debate: Restaurant’s fiery reply to Indian woman’s Google review goes viral
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Diner's review of Wang Tulum sparks viral debate on taste and restaurant responses.
- Restaurant's sharp reply splits social media on tone and authenticity.
- Incident shows challenges for global eateries balancing customer expectations
Why Trump doesn’t need to buy Greenland to get what he wants
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- US already has broad military rights in Greenland under a 1951 defense agreement
- Greenland's leaders reject Trump's idea of selling or taking the island
- US access to Greenland's minerals doesn't require ownership, say analysts
Trump wants Venezuela’s oil. The planet may pay the price.
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves, mainly heavy, high-emission crude.
- Venezuela's oil extraction and refining are energy-intensive and highly polluting.
- Upgrading infrastructure helps, but oil stays costly and harmful to the environment.
Notorious ‘Torso Killer’ confesses to 1965 murder in decades-old New Jersey case
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Serial killer Richard Cottingham confessed to killing Alys Eberhardt in 1965.
- Cottingham's confession solved Eberhardt's 60-year-old murder.
- Cottingham, serving life sentences, will not face new charges for this crime.
Moroccan cave fossils point to a missing chapter in human evolution
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Casablanca fossils date to 773,000 years ago, filling a key gap in Africa's history.
- Jawbones show a mix of archaic and modern traits, resembling Homo antecessor.
- Study finds early connections between African and European hominins in Middle Pleistocene.
Why Trump’s Greenland obsession is about more than security
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Trump's interest in Greenland now seen as serious national security policy
- European leaders reaffirm Greenland's sovereignty amid US rhetoric
- US already has broad military access to Greenland under Denmark agreement
Russia talks tough after US seizure of oil tanker, lawmaker says 'sink some American boats'
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Russian lawmaker warns US of military action after North Atlantic tanker seizure
- US seized Russian-flagged Marinera, citing sanctions; Russia calls it illegal
- Incident heightens tensions as Moscow demands safety assurances for crew
Poland 'satisfied' with cut in India's Russian oil imports amid Trump's 500% tariff threat
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Poland backs India amid US threats over Russian oil imports
- US bill may impose steep tariffs on countries buying Russian oil
- India says its energy purchases are based on national interest and security
‘We worry India has only paused military action, attacks could resume’: Pakistan told US after Operation Sindoor
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
US government filings reveal Pakistan secretly sought US help during India’s Operation Sindoor, fearing renewed strikes after Indian attacks on terror camps. Despite public defiance, Pakistan pushed for de-escalation and misrepresented ceasefire talks.
Pakistan sets up special protection unit for Chinese nationals amid CPEC security concerns
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Pakistan sets up Special Protection Unit to secure Chinese citizens in Islamabad
- SPU will protect Chinese nationals working on CPEC projects after recent attacks
- Pakistan, China to enhance counterterrorism, police training, cybercrime cooperation
‘It Is Over’: Why this censored op-ed by a PhD scholar struck a nerve in Pakistan
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Censored Zorain Nizamani op-ed ignites debate on forced patriotism in Pakistan
- Gen Z challenges state patriotism, citing censorship and lack of rights.
- Activists, politicians, and human rights groups criticize article's removal.
Ireland, Canada, US lead rise in FPIs' India assets in 2025; Singapore, UK see decline
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Ireland and Canada led FPI equity asset growth in India in 2025
- US FPIs hold the largest share, with equity assets rising 7.6 percent
- Singapore, Mauritius, and UK FPIs saw declines in Indian equity assets
US seizes Russian-flagged tanker, another tied to Venezuela as Trump widens oil push
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- US seized two Venezuela-linked oil tankers, escalating sanctions enforcement
- Trump plans to roll back some Venezuelan oil sanctions and sell seized crude
- Venezuela open to energy deals with US; negotiations underway
Trump backs Russia sanctions bill: Up to 500% tariffs on India, China?
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Trump approves bill targeting buyers of Russian oil, including India, China, Brazil
- Sanctioning of Russia Act 2025 may be voted on in Congress as early as next week
- Bill lets US president penalize nations buying discounted Russian oil.
No room for another superpower: Trump opens new front against China with Maduro arrest
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Trump's raid on Venezuela shows US effort to limit China's influence in Latin America
- China's trade and investments in Latin America surge, challenging US dominance.
- Regional leaders resist US pressure, maintaining ties with both China and the US
Ford hints at robotaxis with plans for eyes-off-road technology
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Ford to launch Level 3 autonomous driving on a $30,000 electric pickup in 2028
- Drivers will be able to take eyes off the road and work or enjoy entertainment
- Ford may enter the robotaxi market if consumer acceptance is high
Patients gain weight faster coming off obesity drugs than after a diet
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Weight returns faster after stopping obesity drugs than after stopping a diet
- Weight returns to baseline in less than 2 years after stopping GLP-1 drugs
- Stopping drugs reverses benefits like lower cholesterol and reduced blood pressure
US Justice dept digs in on the dueling takeover bids for Warner Bros.
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- DOJ is reviewing Paramount's hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery
- Warner Bros. rejected Paramount's offer, sticking with Netflix's $82.7B deal
- Both Netflix and Paramount deals face antitrust scrutiny in US and Europe
US expands $15,000 visa bond requirement to 38 countries: Is India on the list?
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- US visa bond policy now includes 38 countries; bonds up to $15,000 needed
- New visa overstay rules for Africa, Asia, Latin America start January 21.
- Applicants must pay bonds via Pay.gov and enter US through designated airports
Asia stocks fall as optimism fades, US bonds hold gains
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Asian equities fell as rally slowed; global stocks posted first 2026 declines.
- Samsung shares dropped 1.5% despite record profit on strong AI server demand
- US Treasury yields fell on weak jobs data; bets for Fed rate cuts remain
Former BNP leader Azizur Rahman Musabbir shot dead in Dhaka ahead of elections
World | Updated: Jan 08, 2026
- Former BNP leader Azizur Rahman Musabbir shot dead in Dhaka's Karwan Bazar
- Shooting sparks protests; army and police deployed to restore order
- Attack occurs amid rising political tensions before Bangladesh's February elections