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.
Syria offensive leaves Turkey's Kurds on edge
World | Updated: Jan 20, 2026
- Turkey-backed Syrian offensive unsettles Kurds, sparking protests and arrests
- Kurds fear the violence may harm Ankara's stalled peace process with the PKK
- Turkey's backing of Syrian army actions causes Kurdish population distrust
Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky announces new air defence system
World | Updated: Jan 20, 2026
- Ukraine to transform air defence with mobile groups and interceptor drones
- Volodymyr Zelensky warns of imminent mass Russian strikes and urges vigilance
- New deputy Air Force Commander appointed to oversee air defence innovation
Allies tepid on Trump 'peace board' with $1 billion permanent member fee
World | Updated: Jan 20, 2026
- Trump offers world leaders a $1B permanent seat on his Board of Peace.
- France and Canada react coolly, raising concerns over UN principles
- Analysts liken the board to a pay-to-play alternative to the UN Security Council
Will '100%' follow through on plans to hit Europe with tariffs without a Greenland deal, says Trump
World | Updated: Jan 20, 2026
- Trump links Greenland push to not winning Nobel Peace Prize
- EU considers tariffs in response to Trump's Greenland demands
- Greenland and Denmark reject U.S. pressure, emphasize dialogue and international law
World is confronted with Realpolitik as a result of the fragmented geopolitics: WEF’s Matthew Blake
World | Updated: Jan 20, 2026
- Geopolitics drives financial regionalisation for the EU and Canada.
- Globalisation's retreat shifts investments from the dollar to gold and other assets.
- India benefits from a neutral stance amid changing global alliances
Iran warns protesters who joined 'riots' to surrender
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
- Iran's police gave protesters 3 days to surrender or face harsh punishment
- UN warns Iran is using executions to intimidate protesters
- Internet blackout hampers reporting; over 3,400 protesters confirmed dead
Why experts say India will tread carefully on Trump’s proposed ‘Board of Peace’
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
- India invited to join Trump's proposed global conflict resolution Board of Peace
- Experts urge caution as Board's mandate and structure remain unclear
- India likely to carefully assess the proposal before responding
Stop 'appeasing' bully Trump, Amnesty chief tells Europe
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
- Amnesty chief urges Europe to resist Trump and other "bullies" at Davos
- Callamard warns rules-based order is at risk from US, Russia, and Israel actions
- EU leaders condemn Trump's Greenland threats, consider trade countermeasures.
Norway releases full transcript of Trump–PM Jonas Gahr Stoere talks on Greenland, trade and Nobel Prize
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
- Norwegian PM, Finnish President proposed call with Trump on Greenland, trade
- Trump replied citing Nobel Peace Prize and stressed US control over Greenland
- Exchange released by Norway under freedom of information act
Imran Khan's sister says ex-PM remains 'strong and will not break' despite solitary confinement
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Aleema Khan says her brother Imran Khan remains strong in solitary confinement, questioning his continued imprisonment after controversial constitutional amendments. PTI alleges denial of rights, while critics accuse the government and military of silencing dissent.
Xi Jinping to visit Pakistan soon: India watches closely amid CPEC 2.0 push and Shaksgam Valley dispute | Explained
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif announced Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit, focusing on CPEC 2.0 amid economic distress. The move highlights Islamabad’s reliance on Beijing, security concerns, and tensions with India over disputed infrastructure projects.
Explained: Why the India–UAE defence partnership is a strategic counter to Pakistan’s moves
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
- India and UAE to double bilateral trade to USD 200 billion by 2032
- Strategic Defence Partnership signed, boosting defence and tech cooperation
- Agreements include space, energy, supercomputing, and investment collaboration
Indian-origin man admits role in wife’s death; pleads manslaughter, denies murder | What we know so far
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Vikrant Thakur, accused of killing his wife Supriya in Adelaide, admitted to manslaughter but denied murder. The case is adjourned until April as police await forensic evidence. A fundraiser supports Supriya’s son after her death. The investigation continues.
Who is Saadia Zahidi? Pakistani-born economist driving WEF’s economic agenda
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
- Saadia Zahidi leads WEF's Centre for the New Economy and Society
- She warns geoeconomic tensions pose major risks to global business growth
- Companies now factor geopolitical risk into investment and workforce planning
Is Donald Trump preparing a military strike on Iran and why Pakistan is in the firing line | Explained
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
The US has increased military deployments in West Asia amid rising tensions with Iran and confrontational rhetoric from Trump, fueling speculation of a possible strike. Pakistan faces risks from potential conflict, lacking leverage to avoid fallout if escalation occurs.
America’s energy jackpot: New oil and gas discovery has the US energy world buzzing. Here’s where
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
The US Geological Survey found Texas’ Permian Basin holds 28.3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 1.6 billion barrels of oil in deep shale formations, offering a boost to US energy security but posing technical and economic challenges for extraction.
Dal diplomacy: Why pulses are emerging as a new flashpoint in India-US trade talks and what comes next | Explained
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
India and the US are at odds over a 30% Indian tariff on American yellow peas. US lawmakers urge Trump to push for its removal, but India cites protecting farmers and domestic stability. The dispute may stall trade talks, with both sides seeking negotiation.
‘Giving taxes to India’: Pakistan internet melts down after Nawaz Sharif’s grandson’s bride picks Sabyasachi and Tarun Tahiliani
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Pakistani social media erupted over Muhammad Junaid Safdar and Shanzeh Ali Rohail’s wedding, criticizing the bride’s choice of Indian designers and sparking a cross-border fashion debate, overshadowing the event’s celebrations and political guest list.
Indonesia finds wreckage of missing ATR aircraft on Mount Bulusaraung; 1 body recovered | What we know
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Indonesian rescue teams found wreckage of a missing ATR 42-500 aircraft on Mount Bulusaraung. The plane, on a fisheries surveillance mission, crashed with 10 people aboard. One body was recovered; rescue efforts face tough terrain and poor weather. Investigation ongoing.
‘Pakistan can now achieve its purpose’: Asim Munir’s cryptic Islam-and-destiny message signals country’s dangerous turn
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir invoked the country’s Islamic identity and “noble purpose,” signaling a renewed military push for ideological leadership amid economic struggles, regional tensions, and efforts to position Pakistan as a Muslim world security provider.
US tightens visitor visa rules for Bangladesh: Why B1 and B2 applicants must pay a USD 15,000 bond
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Starting January 21, 2026, Bangladeshi nationals approved for new US B1/B2 visas must pay a refundable bond of up to $15,000, aimed at curbing visa overstays. The US Embassy warns against early payments and stresses using official channels to avoid scams.
Vladimir Putin invited to Donald Trump's 'Board of Peace'
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
- Putin invited to join Trump's Board of Peace for global conflict resolution
- Russia seeks details on the offer and has not confirmed Putin's participation
- Moscow's ties with Israel strained amid Gaza war and Ukraine conflict
Keir Starmer slams Trump’s tariff threats as ‘completely wrong’ amid Greenland row
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
- Starmer urges calm talks after Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland
- He says Greenland's future should be decided by its people and Denmark
- Starmer opposes tariff war, urges alliance protection and de-escalation
Inside Red Carpet Inn case: How an Indian-origin couple allegedly ran a drug and sex trafficking ring from a US motel
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
US authorities arrested an Indian-origin couple and three others for running drug and sex trafficking from a Virginia motel. The group faces at least 10 years in prison if convicted. The FBI-led raid followed a multi-year probe involving undercover operations.
China ramps up Belt and Road spending to record levels in 2025
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
China boosted Belt and Road Initiative funding to a record $213.5 billion in 2025, focusing on energy and mining projects across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, aiming to secure resources and expand global influence amid rising US-China tensions.
Why authorities are re-examining the death of Hunter S. Thompson
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
- Hunter S. Thompson's 2005 death re-examined after widow's concerns.
- Colorado Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the case; no new conclusions yet
- Family tensions and debates over Thompson's legacy have resurfaced
Why China’s population keeps shrinking despite policy push
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
- China's population declined for a fourth year in 2025 as deaths exceeded births
- Policy incentives failed to boost birth rates amid economic and social pressures
- China's ageing population and shrinking workforce strain pensions and healthcare
Why Greenland is becoming more important as Arctic ice melts
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
- Arctic sea ice decline boosts shipping and mineral exploration opportunities.
- Greenland's strategic value rises due to location, resources, and warming trends.
- Warming Arctic heightens economic, security competition, and diplomatic tensions.
China’s housing slump continues to drag on economic growth
World | Updated: Jan 19, 2026
- China's property downturn is hurting household wealth and consumer spending
- New home sales hit a 15-year low, with prices down about 20 percent since 2021
- Exports remain strong, but weak domestic demand drags on overall growth