World News

Fresh protests broke out across Bangladesh late Thursday night after 32-year-old youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi died days after being shot in the head

Shanghai delivery rider says he made Rs 1.42 crore in 5 years working 13-hour days

A Shanghai courier says five years of 13-hour days pulled him out of debt and into wealth, but his story has reopened uncomfortable questions about work culture and risk in China’s gig economy.

Trump tries to sell lower prices, but his North Carolina speech goes off script

As the president attempts to sharpen his economic pitch ahead of the midterms, a rally in North Carolina shows how easily his message drifts into grievance, nostalgia, and spectacle.

Epstein files release leaves survivors with more questions than answers, even as a 1996 complaint surfaces

A US Justice Department document appears to validate Maria Farmer’s long-claimed 1990s report, but other survivors say the online “Epstein Library” is hard to navigate and offers little clarity about what authorities did and why.

Why the Arctic is warming faster than the rest of the planet, and why it matters to everyone

A major US climate assessment warns that the Arctic has entered its hottest and wettest phase on record, with melting permafrost triggering chemical changes in rivers and weakening the region’s role as a global climate stabiliser.

From prodigy to suspect: The long disappearance behind the Brown and MIT shootings

A gifted physics student who once topped his class in Portugal vanished from his family’s life for decades, only to re-emerge at the centre of a deadly trail of violence in the United States.

Epstein files released, but thousands of records remain withheld despite legal deadline

The US Justice Department has published thousands of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein, but extensive redactions and missing material have drawn criticism from lawmakers and survivors who say the disclosure falls short of what the law requires.

Imran Khan, wife Bushra Bibi sentenced to 17 years in jail in Toshakhana corruption case

A Pakistan court sentenced former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years’ imprisonment each over corruption linked to the sale of state gifts.

Bangladesh on edge: Amnesty condemns lynching, US and Canada issue travel advisories

The US and Canada have issued travel warnings for Bangladesh as protests and violence erupt ahead of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi’s funeral in Dhaka.

Operation Hawkeye Strike explained: Inside the US launch of large-scale attacks on 70 ISIS targets in Syria

The United States has launched Operation Hawkeye Strike in Syria, hitting dozens of ISIS targets in retaliation for an ambush that killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter.

‘America first again’: Trump claims US is now ‘hottest country in the world’

US President Donald Trump says the United States has made a dramatic comeback over the past year, crediting his “America First” leadership for the country’s renewed global standing.

Khaleda Zia’s condition stabilises, minor procedure successful at Dhaka hospital

Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia is “more stable” with no deterioration in her health, her personal doctor confirmed, following a successful minor procedure.

Clinton in hot tub: Ex-US president’s spokesperson defends him amid release of Epstein photos

Bill Clinton’s spokesperson defends the former president, saying the latest Epstein file photos are “not about Bill Clinton” amid the release of images showing him with Epstein associates and other public figures.

‘Very grateful to Pakistan’: US on Islamabad’s offer to consider role in Gaza force

The US has thanked Pakistan for offering to consider joining a proposed Gaza stabilisation force, while stressing that no formal troop commitments have yet been sought or secured.

Russian journalist proposes to girlfriend during Putin’s marathon press conference

A Kremlin press conference briefly turned romantic when a young journalist proposed to his girlfriend live on air during President Vladimir Putin’s marathon year-end Q&A.

Sharif Osman Hadi to be buried beside national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam today

Bangladesh is holding the funeral of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi in Dhaka today amid tight security, as protests continue and police respond to fresh unrest.

Epstein files released: From Bill Clinton to Michael Jackson, full list of notable figures named

The US Justice Department has begun releasing thousands of redacted records from its Jeffrey Epstein investigation, naming and picturing several high-profile figures while offering limited new context.

Bangladesh unrest live highlights: 10 arrested over lynching of Hindu man in Mymensingh

Bangladesh unrest live: The interim government said Hadi’s janaza will be held at 2 pm at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Justice Department publishes Epstein records: Here’s what we know so far

The Justice Department released the first tranche of Jeffrey Epstein files, including photos of celebrities and politicians, amid heavy redactions. Critics argue transparency is limited despite congressional mandate and public scrutiny.

DOJ publishes records: Timeline of Jeffrey Epstein investigation and efforts to release government files

After nearly 20 years of investigation, the Justice Department has started releasing records on Jeffrey Epstein, detailing his crimes, associates, and ongoing inquiries, under the newly enacted Epstein Files Transparency Act.

'Very serious retaliation': Trump warns of ‘harder than ever’ strikes on ISIS following US soldiers’ deaths

President Trump warned that anyone attacking the US would face unprecedented retaliation as American forces launched Operation Hawkeye Strike against ISIS targets in Syria, following the deaths of two National Guard soldiers.

In Pics: Epstein document dump spotlights photos with global celebrities and former US president

Newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents reveal previously unseen photos of the late sex offender with high-profile figures including Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, and Bill Clinton, though no evidence links them to criminal activity.

DOJ website buckles under traffic surge after release of Jeffrey Epstein files

Heavy public demand for newly released Jeffrey Epstein files overwhelmed the US Justice Department’s website, causing crashes and delays as users sought access to thousands of investigation documents.

US hits dozens of ISIS-linked sites in Syria in retaliation for deadly attack on American forces

The United States launched airstrikes on ISIS-linked targets across Syria under “Operation Hawkeye” after a deadly attack killed two US service members, with Washington vowing retaliation and continued counter-ISIS operations.

Newly released Epstein files include never-before-seen photos of Bill Clinton with Epstein and Maxwell

Newly released Epstein files include never‑before‑seen photos of Bill Clinton with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, showing them together at pools and with redacted individuals; Clinton has not been accused of wrongdoing and denies knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.

Justice Department releases Epstein files, admits disclosure remains incomplete

The Justice Department released thousands of files from its Jeffrey Epstein investigation, acknowledging the disclosure is incomplete, as public scrutiny continues over possible links between the financier and powerful figures.

Trump administration expands Caribbean forces, Rubio downplays Russian threat

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is not worried about escalating tensions with Russia over Venezuela, despite the Trump administration’s increased military presence in the Caribbean and enforcement actions.

Denmark accuses Russia of cyberattacks on water utility and election websites

Denmark says Russia carried out cyberattacks on water infrastructure and election websites in 2024–25, causing disruption but limited damage, as intelligence warns of hybrid warfare targeting Ukraine supporters across Europe.

Rubio stresses ‘no imposed settlement’ on Ukraine as US, Europe prepare fresh talks

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said efforts to end the Ukraine war are not about forcing a deal, as Washington, Kyiv and Europe prepare for renewed talks despite unresolved issues.

Watch: Lightning strikes Burj Khalifa in dramatic video shared by Dubai Crown Prince

A dramatic video shows lightning striking Dubai’s Burj Khalifa as heavy rain and thunderstorms sweep the UAE, prompting weather warnings, flight disruptions, flooding and advisories for residents to stay indoors.

'Suffocating' control? Meta’s AI star reportedly says Zuckerberg’s 'micromanagement' is slowing everything

Wang believes Zuckerberg’s micromanagement of Meta’s AI drive is “suffocating” progress. He has told associates that tight oversight is slowing decision-making and execution

Kennedy Center signage updated to include Trump amid criticism

New signage at Washington’s Kennedy Center adds President Donald Trump’s name after a board vote to rename the venue, sparking legal uncertainty and criticism from the Kennedy family.

Smoke bombs and stabbings at Taipei metro stations kill three; suspect dead

Smoke bombs and knife attacks at Taipei metro stations killed three people, including a bystander, before the masked suspect died by suicide, prompting heightened security across Taiwan.

‘Fake degrees, forged papers’: Why an Indian-origin US Ddiplomat wants H-1B visas paused

Siddiqui’s comments come amid a broader shift in US H-1B policy that has created uncertainty for applicants and holders.

Rental car, campus tips, CCTV footage: How investigators linked Brown University shooting to killing of MIT professor

Initially, federal investigators said there was no known connection between the two shootings. That assessment changed as evidence began to point toward a single suspect moving between states.

TikTok owner ByteDance on track for $50 billion profit in 2025

ByteDance is now close to finalizing a plan to hive off the video service in the US, which will ensure the platform survives while loosening the Chinese company’s control.

Was Sheikh Hasina a ‘villain’ or a ‘shock absorber’? How Bangladesh’s turmoil is changing the way her rule is judged

As Bangladesh inches toward elections, the question dominating public discourse is no longer how Sheikh Hasina fell, but whether her removal has accelerated the very forces she once kept contained.

China to allow export of rare-earth metals for civilian use

Amid the tariff war with the US, China has announced export control measures on rare earths, putting a squeeze on the precious metals.

US Embassy issues security advisory for citizens amid Sharif Osman Hadi's funeral in Dhaka

During the protests, some anti-India slogans were also raised, with demonstrators calling for the interim government to make way for a "revolutionary government," bdnews24 reported.

Anti-India street anger surges in Bangladesh: How Pakistan’s hand and Jamaat’s street power worry New Delhi

The recent developments point to a coordinated attempt by Islamist and pro-Pakistan elements to turn Hadi’s killing into an anti-India flashpoint ahead of national elections.

Pakistan’s ISI is back in Bangladesh: Why Munir-Yunus ties have raised alarms on India’s Eastern Front

What initially appeared to be a diplomatic “thaw” after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024 has now taken the shape of a deeper and more coordinated realignment.

'Something will happen tomorrow...': What Hadi’s shooter told his girlfriend and how it foreshadowed unrest in Bangladesh

Nationwide protests erupted on Thursday night after news emerged that Hadi had died in Singapore, where he was undergoing treatment for gunshot wounds. The unrest quickly spiralled into chaos.

Epstein Files set for release as deadline ends today: Will it feature any 'client list'? Here's what the documents could reveal

The move places renewed scrutiny on how Epstein was able to operate for decades despite repeated warnings and allegations of abuse.

California: Intoxicated woman passes out in cab, Indian-origin rideshare driver accused of rape

According to law enforcement, the woman was heavily intoxicated at the time of pickup and unable to care for herself. During the ride, she reportedly fell asleep inside the vehicle.

Erika Kirk endorses JD Vance for 2028 US presidential race: 'Get my husband’s friend elected'

Following Charlie's assassination, Erika Kirk stepped into the leadership role at TPUSA, overseeing a phase of internal consolidation while maintaining the group’s influence within the “America First” wing of the Republican Party.

Staff calls off strike at Paris Louvre museum for now - union

"At a general meeting held today, Louvre Museum staff unanimously decided to pause their action in order to allow the museum to reopen and welcome visitors," the statement from the CFDT-Culture union said.

India signs trade deal with Oman: Why CEPA matters as Trump tariffs bite and New Delhi hedges risks

The agreement, signed on Thursday in Muscat during PM Modi’s visit, reflects an effort to reduce India’s exposure to punitive tariffs, particularly those imposed by the United States.

China files WTO case against Indian tariffs, subsidies

The Indian tariffs and ⁠subsidies "give India's ​domestic industries an ‍unfair competitive advantage, harm Chinese ‌interests" and were ‌in violation of WTO rules, the ministry said.

‘Super flu’ spreads across US, UK and Canada: What is H3N2 subclade K strain and why it is spreading faster

The WHO has described it as a seasonal respiratory infection, with symptoms ranging from fever and cough to body aches, sore throat and congestion.

Business in the Week Ahead: December 22-26, 2025

One new IPO will open for subscription. Bank loan growth and US GDP are the key data points to track