US set to pause visas for 75 countries from Jan 21, including Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil
World | Updated: Jan 14, 2026
- US pauses visa processing for applicants from 75 countries starting Jan 21
- Consular officers to enforce 'public charge' rules more strictly during review
- Limited exceptions allowed; pause is indefinite pending procedure review
Tariff cut, Russian oil exit, US energy buys and more: What Trump announced on trade deal with India
World | Updated: Feb 03, 2026
US President Trump announced a trade deal with India after speaking to PM Modi, including reduced tariffs, increased US exports, and India agreeing to stop buying Russian oil. Trump said these steps would strengthen ties and aid efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Trump-Modi rapport made the trade deal possible, 18% tariff a massive drop for India: Sergio Gor | Exclusive
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
Senior Trump aide Sergio Gor credits the strong personal relationship between Trump and Modi for a new trade deal lowering US tariffs on India to 18%, ending the punitive levy on Russian oil purchases and boosting India-US economic cooperation.
Donald Trump reduces reciprocal tariff on India to 18%, lifts 25% punitive levy; PM Modi hails announcement
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
US President Trump announced a trade deal with India, reducing US tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%. Modi welcomed the move, highlighting strengthened cooperation. India will also increase US imports and reduce barriers on American products.
Mira Nair in Epstein files: What the documents say about her ex-husband Mitchell Epstein and Zohran Mamdani
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
- Mira Nair's name appears once in Epstein files, with no allegation of wrongdoing
- No evidence links Mira Nair, her ex-husband, or son to Jeffrey Epstein
- Online rumors have led to false claims and political attacks on Nair's family.
Iran orders nuclear talks with US as Trump expresses hope for deal amid rising tensions
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
- Iran orders nuclear talks with US amid heightened tensions and recent protests
- Trump hopeful for a deal to prevent military action and regional escalation
- Iran seeks sanctions removal in nuclear program negotiations.
China criticises Grammy award to Dalai Lama, reiterates separatism charge, calls him ‘political exile’
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
- Dalai Lama wins Grammy for best audiobook narration and storytelling recording
- China opposes Dalai Lama's Grammy, calling it support for anti-China activities
- Dalai Lama grateful, sees award as recognition of universal responsibility
Hawa Baloch and Asifa Mengal: Inside BLA’s use of women suicide ‘fidayeens’ in Operation Herof Phase II
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
- BLA attacks in Balochistan kill nearly 50 in 40 hours.
- Hawa Baloch and Asifa Mengal were crucial in the offensive as women fighters.
- Attacks reveal Pakistan's security flaws and shift in insurgency tactics.
Epstein Files dump: Jeffrey Epstein’s emails on Pakistani Shalwar-Kurta and India-linked victim revealed
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
- DOJ released 3 million pages, 2,000 videos, and 180,000 images in Epstein Files
- Epstein's global network and high-profile links revealed in new records
- Documents suggest possible Indian victim; DOJ has not released further details
Peter Mandelson quits UK Labour Party after Epstein photo controversy resurfaces
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
- Lord Peter Mandelson resigns from Labour Party amid renewed Epstein controversy
- Mandelson's past ties to Jeffrey Epstein face renewed scrutiny from images, documents.
- No formal charges against Mandelson; he expresses regret over distress caused
‘They’re all pretty sharp’: US engineer defends Indian professionals against online stereotypes
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
- US engineer lauded for defending Indian professionals against workplace stereotypes
- Freeman's remarks shifted online debate from accusation to perspective
- Incident highlights need for cultural awareness in global tech workplaces
Chinese recruiter investigated after telling candidate bachelor’s degree holders don’t deserve weekends
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
- Chinese insurer probes recruiter for denying weekends to bachelor's degree holders
- Incident sparks debate on work culture, elitism, and labour rights in China
- Company says improper employment methods are not tolerated
‘No one over 25 and all very cute’: 2013 Epstein email to Musk resurfaces in court documents
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
- A 2013 email exchange between Elon Musk and Jeffrey Epstein has resurfaced
- Epstein's email referenced attendees at his event, drawing renewed scrutiny
- Musk denies business ties with Epstein, distances himself amid concerns.
‘Enemy’s days are numbered’: How women 'fidayeen' led Baloch rebel attacks claiming 200 Pakistani soldiers
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
A major Balochistan insurgent offensive has exposed Pakistan’s weakening control, with coordinated attacks, women suicide bombers, and officials detained. The BLA claims widespread control, challenging Islamabad’s narrative and highlighting deep-rooted unrest.
‘I don’t look like an angel’: Meloni reacts after church artwork sparks resemblance row
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
- Restored angel painting in Italy sparks debate over resemblance to PM Meloni
- Meloni jokes about the likeness, saying she doesn't look like an angel
- Authorities investigate restoration process after viral social media comparisons
Why Alex Pretti’s killing shifted the debate on ICE enforcement
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
- Videos of Alex Pretti's shooting dispute officials' claims of justified killing
- Pretti's death led to bipartisan outrage and demands for a federal investigation.
- Incident fuels debate on federal authority and enforcement in Minneapolis
Why Donetsk has become the make-or-break issue in Russia-Ukraine peace talks
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
- Control of Donetsk remains the main obstacle in Russia-Ukraine peace talks
- Putin sees Donetsk as key to his narrative and domestic political goals
- Ukraine refuses to cede territory, citing military and infrastructure concerns
How a $500 million UAE investment in a Trump family crypto firm is raising conflict questions
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
- Trump family crypto firm sold 49% stake to UAE investors for $500 million
- White House denies conflict, says Trump has no involvement in company operations
- US approved AI chip sales to UAE post-investment, raising timing concerns.
Trump jokes about Greenland and ‘people I hate’ at elite Washington dinner
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
- Trump delivered a joke-filled speech at the exclusive Alfalfa Club dinner
- He joked about Greenland, Canada, and poked fun at political adversaries
- The event occurred amid immigration crackdowns and ongoing controversies
From spiritual leader to Grammy winner: How the Dalai Lama struck a chord at 68th Awards
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
The Dalai Lama won a Grammy for Best Audiobook, Narration and Storytelling Recording for "Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama," highlighting his message of compassion and mindfulness. Rufus Wainwright accepted the award on his behalf.
India opens economic front with EU: Why Pakistan and Bangladesh are rattled by the FTA | Explained
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
- The India-EU Free Trade Agreement gives Indian exports near-zero duty access to Europe, threatening Pakistan and Bangladesh’s textile dominance. Both countries fear losing their preferential EU trade benefits, risking a major decline in their export competitiveness.
US to open FY 2027 H-1B registration on March 4: New rules and $100,000 fee for some employers | What you should know
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
USCIS announced FY 2027 H-1B visa cap details: registration runs March 4-19, $215 fee per beneficiary, mandatory online process, and new selection rules favoring higher-skilled, higher-paid applicants. A possible $100,000 fee may apply under a Trump proclamation.
Epstein Files expose a power network: What 3 million pages tell us about Bill Gates, Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton and other elites | Explained
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
A massive release of Jeffrey Epstein documents reveals his communications, financial links, and interactions with global elites, but does not prove criminal guilt. The files detail disturbing behavior, questionable judgment, and continued elite contact post-conviction.
South Korea’s world-beating stock rally stumbles as risk-off wave hits
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
- Kospi drops 5.6%, biggest fall since November, driven by tech stock selloff.
- Samsung and SK Hynix fell over 6% due to AI spending and rate concerns.
- Despite the rout, Kospi is up 19% this year, driven by strong earnings momentum.
40 hours of violence, dozens killed: What bloodshed in Balochistan says about Asim Munir's Pakistan
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
Coordinated militant attacks in Balochistan killed dozens, exposing security gaps and deep-rooted unrest. The banned Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility, while Pakistan blamed India, ignoring longstanding local grievances fueling the insurgency.
'We know about your mom': Epstein Files spark protest outside Zohran Mamdani's home after records name his mother Mira Nair
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced protests outside Gracie Mansion after Epstein-related records mentioned his mother, filmmaker Mira Nair, at a 2009 Ghislaine Maxwell party. The documents sparked public anger, though no wrongdoing by Nair is alleged.
From bravado to blowback: Asim Munir’s ‘beat the hell out’ dare backfires as Baloch fighters unleash Operation Herof 2.0
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
Coordinated militant attacks in Balochistan have challenged Pakistan’s military claims of control, with insurgents launching “Operation Herof 2.0.” Official reports cite heavy casualties, but the region remains unstable and contested, exposing gaps in security.
Kevin Warsh’s return revives tensions over Fed’s $6.6 trillion QE hangover
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
- Trump considers Kevin Warsh for Fed chair, sparking balance sheet debate.
- Warsh criticizes Fed's asset expansion, may advocate for a smaller balance sheet.
- Markets react with higher Treasury yields and falling gold and silver prices
'You lied to us': NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani heckled after mother Mira Nair mentioned in Epstein documents
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
- Mayor Mamdani faced protests after Epstein docs mentioned his mother Mira Nair.
- DOJ released 3 million pages of Epstein-related files under new transparency law
- Documents do not accuse Mira Nair of wrongdoing
‘We don’t want China to take over Canada’: Trump threatens action over Beijing trade talks
World | Updated: Feb 02, 2026
Trump warned Canada against a trade deal with China, threatening “very substantial” action if Ottawa proceeds. Canadian PM Carney stated Canada has no intention of such a pact and remains committed to the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement’s rules.