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
Dhaka at the crossroads: Why Bangladesh elections have become a US-China battleground | Explained
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
Bangladesh’s upcoming election is marked by rising US-China tensions, with both powers vying for influence. The US warns against closer ties with Beijing, while China rebuffs US criticism. Former PM Hasina’s ouster adds to political uncertainty and global scrutiny.
UN warns world has entered era of ‘global water bankruptcy’: Why old labels like 'water stress' and 'water crisis' no longer apply
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
The UN warns the world has entered "global water bankruptcy," with water systems depleted beyond recovery. Nearly 4 billion people face severe scarcity yearly, threatening food security, cities, and ecosystems. Urgent action is needed to reverse irreversible damage.
Is Iran next on Trump’s list? US military buildup grows as Israel braces for surprise conflict | What we know
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
The US has redeployed military assets to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran, internal unrest in Iran, and fears of wider conflict. Trump signals restraint but keeps military options open, while Israel and Iran prepare for possible escalation.
Putin offers frozen Russia assets in US to aid Ukraine
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
- Putin offers $1 billion from frozen US assets to Trump's proposed Board of Peace
- Russia might use frozen US assets to rebuild Ukraine post-peace treaty.
- Putin to discuss offer with Trump envoys and Palestinian President Abbas
Caution in New Delhi, theatre in Islamabad: What's behind two very different strategies on Trump's Gaza 'Board of Peace'
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
India is carefully evaluating its involvement in the Gaza peace process, seeking a clear UN mandate and sustainable solutions, while contrasting Pakistan’s open support for US initiatives and backing credible diplomatic efforts.
At Davos, Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir pitch Pakistan to US and Azerbaijan amid economic strain
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
At Davos, Pakistan’s leaders signaled diplomatic activism, but military influence over foreign policy was evident. Meetings aimed to reassure allies and attract investment, yet economic challenges and civil-military tensions persist, leaving core issues unresolved.
France says Trump must stop threatening Champagne tariffs
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
- France warns of retaliation if US imposes tariffs on champagne and wine
- US imports €750M of French champagne yearly, 20% of France's total exports.
- Europe debates tough trade response, but member states differ on measures
Japan suspends restart of world's biggest nuclear plant
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
- Restart of Japan's largest nuclear plant halted due to monitoring system alarm
- TEPCO: No radioactive impact outside; malfunction cause under investigation
- Public opinion split, with 60% of Niigata residents opposing the plant's restart
India real estate, Pakistan crypto, UAE deals: How Trump pocketed nearly Rs 13,000 crore in his second term
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
President Trump claims his policies sparked an $18 trillion investment surge, but reports show his net worth grew by $1.4 billion since 2025, mainly from overseas and crypto deals. Critics question if his focus is national revival or personal enrichment.
Shehbaz Sharif, Asim Munir set to meet Trump at Davos as Pakistan bets big on Gaza peace plan
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir will meet Donald Trump at Davos to discuss joining a US-led Gaza peace initiative, seeking economic aid amid criticism at home over prioritizing US ties and risking involvement in a divisive conflict.
Trump hails F-47 as ‘most devastating plane’ at Davos: All you need to know
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
- Trump calls F-47 the most devastating plane ever built at Davos forum
- F-47 is a sixth-gen stealth fighter by Boeing for US Air Force's NGAD program
- US plans to acquire at least 185 F-47s, with service entry expected by 2030
You can buy the house, not the ground: How Greenland’s land system really works
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
- In Greenland, all land is publicly owned and cannot be bought or sold outright
- Homebuyers own buildings and usage rights, but land stays under collective control.
- Foreigners face strict rules to prevent speculative buying and land accumulation
'They poisoned us': Four million deaths linked to nuclear tests since 1945, global report finds
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
A Norwegian People’s Aid report estimates nuclear weapons testing caused four million premature deaths globally, linking decades of radioactive fallout to cancers and other illnesses. The effects persist, with secrecy and lack of accountability hindering justice.
Sarco assisted-dying pod returns to spotlight as inventor proposes AI screening and joint use for couples
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
- Sarco pod creator proposes AI to assess mental capacity for assisted dying
- Critics warn algorithms can't replace human checks for mental competence
- Debate reignites over ethics and safeguards in assisted dying technology
How Chinese drone components are shaping the war between Russia and Ukraine
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
- China supplies most drone components used by both Russia and Ukraine in the war
- Chinese factories sell identical drone parts to both sides despite neutrality claims.
- Chinese components influence battlefield outcomes and create vulnerabilities.
Trump praises soaring fortunes at Davos amid widespread concern over the economy
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
- Trump praised wealthy gains at Davos, citing tax breaks and rising net worths.
- Remarks contrasted with polls showing most Americans view the economy as poor
- Dems may claim Trump's comments show he's out of touch with everyday struggles.
‘Following Trump’s diktat to stay in his good books?’ Why Pakistan joining Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ is backfiring at home
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
Pakistan’s decision to join Trump’s “Board of Peace for Gaza” has sparked backlash at home, with critics calling it a surrender of sovereignty and a move that undermines Palestinian agency, reflecting desperation rather than strategic foreign policy.
Trump cuts Swiss tariffs, suggests decision was personal: ‘She just rubbed me the wrong way’
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
- US cuts tariffs on Swiss imports from 39% to 15% after pressure from Swiss firms
- Swiss and Liechtenstein companies to invest $200 billion in US over five years
- Trump warns tariffs on Swiss goods could rise again despite current reduction
At Davos, Trump rattles allies with a wide-ranging speech that mixed threats, jokes and old grievances
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
- Trump's Davos speech unsettled European leaders with blunt warnings and demands
- He renewed US interest in Greenland, criticized NATO, and mocked EU energy policies.
- Trump's remarks fueled concerns about US-Europe relations and alliance stability
162 seats, deep cash, early booth control: Why Jamaat’s electoral rise in Bangladesh raises red flags for India
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
Jamaat-e-Islami is shifting to a data-driven, targeted campaign for Bangladesh’s 2026 election, focusing on 162 key seats, especially in Dhaka. India is monitoring closely, fearing security risks if Jamaat gains power due to its Islamist links and border proximity.
Pakistan’s National Assembly passes bill allowing lawmakers to keep asset details secret citing safety concerns
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
- Pakistan Assembly passed a bill to withhold asset details for safety reasons.
- Bill moves election dispute powers from Supreme Court to Federal Constitutional Court
- PTI opposed the bill, citing transparency concerns and Imran Khan's limited access.
Flagship Russian oil sinks in China after India buyers pull back
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
- Urals crude prices for China hit record lows as Indian demand drops
- Urals shipments now about $10 below Brent, compared to $1 premium in August
- China's Urals imports reach record 400,000 barrels a day amid surplus supply
A sprawling winter storm is set to freeze a huge swath of the US this weekend
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
- A major winter storm will bring heavy snow, ice, and cold to much of the US.
- Travel disruptions and power outages likely, especially in icy areas.
- Over 100 million may face subzero temperatures as Arctic air follows the storm.
Missile shield or power play? Trump says Greenland is key to his ‘Golden Dome’. Is the claim justified?
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
Trump claims US control of Greenland is vital for his $175-billion Golden Dome missile defense system, linking it to national security and NATO strength. Experts argue US already has needed access, calling ownership unnecessary and the debate more political than technical.
Pakistan snubs public sentiment, joins Trump's Gaza peace board: Why it's 'unwise' but not surprising
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
- Pakistan agrees to join Trump's Gaza Board of Peace despite domestic criticism
- $1B needed for board membership, sparking influence concerns
- Critics fear the board may undermine UN and resemble a colonial arrangement
BNP vs Jamaat: How Bangladesh election is sliding into a polarised two-horse race and why it raises red flags for India
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
Bangladesh’s 2026 election is highly polarised, with the Awami League absent, leaving a contest mainly between the BNP-led alliance and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Islamist bloc. India is concerned about rising anti-India rhetoric and Islamist influence affecting regional stability.
Trump claims US used mysterious 'sonic weapon' during Venezuela raid, brags 'nobody else has it'
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
- Trump claims US used a secret sonic weapon in Maduro's capture operation
- No details given on the device; Trump says only US possesses such weapons
- Russia urges US to reveal details on alleged sonic weapon in Venezuela raid
Donald Trump stuns Davos with blunt self-description: 'I'm a dictator, but sometimes you need one'
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
- Trump called himself a "dictator" at Davos, later saying it's sometimes needed
- He ruled out using force or tariffs over Greenland, favoring negotiations
- Trump praised Putin and Xi, criticized traditional US allies in his Davos speech
From military bases to mineral access: What’s inside the Greenland ‘framework’ that made Trump drop Europe tariffs
World | Updated: Jan 22, 2026
- Trump cancels Europe tariffs after Greenland framework talks at Davos
- US, NATO advance Arctic security; Greenland deal may boost US military presence
- Trump rules out military force for Greenland, seeks negotiations with Denmark