World News

The closures follow heightened security risks, with India summoning the Bangladesh envoy over threats to its missions and visa applicants.

Trump’s $1 million Gold Card visa sees weak interest amid legal uncertainty over residency

Immigration experts say vague guidelines and the absence of a clear pathway to residency or citizenship have dampened interest in Trump’s Gold Card visa, with many applicants advised to opt for the EB-5 route instead.

‘Sleepy Joe’, ‘Divisive Obama’: Trump hangs critical plaques at White House

The bronze plaques, many written by Donald Trump himself, use overtly political language to criticise past presidents, triggering fresh controversy over changes to the White House.

India to join Bondi Beach attack probe, focus on Sajid Akram’s Hyderabad link and India visits: Report

The team will examine attacker Sajid Akram’s Indian passport, past visits to India and possible radicalisation links while coordinating closely with Australian authorities.

Trump praises Indian-American attorney Harmeet Dhillon, says ‘she sues the a** off of anybody who’s anti-semitic’

Trump praises Indian-American attorney Harmeet Dhillon for her hardline legal action against anti-Semitism, as the civil rights chief also flags alleged discrimination against Americans in H-1B-only hiring.

Bondi Beach hero Ahmed Al Ahmed: How a Syrian military past helped him tackle the shooter

Ahmed Al Ahmed, a 43-year-old Syrian-born Australian, saved lives during the Bondi Beach shooting by wresting a weapon from a gunman, sustaining gunshot wounds himself, and earning international praise for his extraordinary courage.

Threat to India is imminent: Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed warns of Islamist rise in Bangladesh

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of ousted PM Sheikh Hasina, says barring major parties from February elections undermines democracy and warns of Islamist empowerment and cross-border security risks.

India's share in global m-cap hits 29-month low

The combined m-cap of all BSE-listed companies was around $5.19 trillion as of December 17. This was up about 0.5 percent from $5.18 trillion at the end of December 2024

BP makes O’Neill first female Big Oil CEO in bid for revival

The management shakeup comes as BP lags behind its rivals due to a combination of corporate disasters, war, lackluster returns from its renewables efforts and some bad luck

Trump’s H-1B visa crackdown: Why the $100,000 fee will hit TCS and Infosys the hardest

A proposed $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas under the Trump administration is expected to sharply impact Indian IT giants TCS, Infosys and Cognizant, potentially reducing visa demand and accelerating offshore hiring.

Ford scraps $6.5 billion EV battery contract with Korea’s LG Energy Solution

Ford notified LG of the canceled order on Wednesday, the South Korean company said in a regulatory filing in Seoul

Trump claims US has ‘strongest border ever’, says ‘zero illegal aliens allowed’, repeats eight-war claim

In a national address, Donald Trump claimed the US now has its strongest-ever border with “zero illegal aliens allowed,” repeated his assertion of settling eight wars, and announced a one-time $1,776 payment for US soldiers.

OpenAI discussed funding at $750 billion value: Report

The tech news website said Wednesday that the discussions were preliminary and the details could still change

SpaceX’s record IPO plan pushes obscure fund into spotlight

The ERShares Private-Public Crossover ETF (ticker XOVR) has taken in more than $470 million since December 8 — more than half its total assets

Zelenskyy warns Russia is preparing a new 'year of war' in 2026 after Putin’s remarks

Ukraine’s president said Moscow is signalling plans to prolong the war into 2026, responding to Vladimir Putin’s vow that Russia will achieve its objectives by force if diplomacy fails.

Putin calls European leaders ‘little pigs’, warns Russia will seize more Ukrainian territory

Vladimir Putin said Moscow would expand its military campaign in Ukraine unless Kyiv and its Western allies engage with US-backed peace talks, as tensions with Europe intensify.

US Congress permanently lifts Assad-era sanctions on Syria, repeals Caesar Act

The US Senate has voted to repeal the 2019 Caesar Act, ending long-standing sanctions on Syria and opening the door for investment under the country’s new leadership.

Nick Reiner makes first court appearance in parents’ murder case; siblings speak out on ‘unimaginable pain’

Nick Reiner appeared in Los Angeles court on two counts of first-degree murder in his parents’ deaths. Siblings Jake and Romy Reiner spoke of their “unimaginable pain,” as authorities detail cause.

Why Europe’s unprecedented plan to use frozen Russian assets is so controversial

The European Union is weighing whether to use frozen Russian central bank assets to finance Ukraine, exposing legal, financial and geopolitical rifts as Belgium and others warn of risks.

FBI deputy director Dan Bongino to resign after clashes over Epstein files

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino will resign next month, ending a short, controversial tenure marked by clashes over the Epstein files and tensions between his law-enforcement role and past podcast claims.

Venezuela defies Trump oil blockade, says exports continue as tensions escalate

Venezuela dismissed US President Donald Trump’s oil blockade threat, insisting crude exports remain uninterrupted, even as military pressure, regional tensions and fears of economic fallout intensify.

Brown University shooting: Authorities appeal for witness as investigation enters fifth day

A manhunt continues for the shooter who killed two students at Brown University. Police appeal for a key witness as the investigation enters its fifth day, with motive still unknown.

Caesar Act repealed: US Congress permanently ends Syria sanctions, paving way for investment

The US Congress has permanently repealed the Caesar Act, ending sanctions on Syria and opening the door for foreign investment, a move welcomed by lawmakers as a step toward rebuilding the nation.

Trump to preview next-year agenda in White House address as polls show slipping public support

President Donald Trump will deliver a White House address Wednesday night outlining his achievements and agenda, aiming to regain support amid economic concerns, fragile job growth, and looming 2026 midterm elections.

Israel approves record $35bn gas deal with Egypt, Netanyahu says state to gain $18bn

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved a record $35 billion gas export deal with Egypt, saying it would boost state revenues, public services and Israel’s role as a regional energy power.

Britain to rejoin Erasmus in 2027, reopening a key Brexit debate

Britain will rejoin the EU’s Erasmus programme from 2027, signalling a reset in UK–EU relations under Keir Starmer while reviving debate over Brexit costs and benefits.

Setback for Mehul Choksi, Belgium court dismisses appeal in PNB fraud case

Belgium’s top court dismissed Mehul Choksi’s final appeal, rejecting claims of unfair trial and torture, clearing the way for his extradition to India in the ₹13,000-crore PNB fraud case.

From IIT Delhi to billionaire: Jyoti Bansal builds second $5.5B company

Jyoti Bansal, IIT Delhi graduate and former AppDynamics founder, launched AI-based Harness after selling his first company, raising $240 million and valuing him at $2.3 billion, cementing his billionaire status.

The Oscars to stream on YouTube from 2029, ending ABC’s decades-long broadcast run

The Oscars will leave ABC after decades, streaming globally on YouTube from 2029 through 2033, including red-carpet coverage and nominations, marking the first major awards show to fully abandon broadcast TV.

Coursera to acquire Udemy, forming $2.5 billion platform for AI training

Coursera will acquire Udemy in an all-stock $2.5 billion deal, aiming to consolidate online education, capture corporate AI upskilling demand, and achieve cost synergies amid post-pandemic market slowdown.

Minneapolis ICE raid draws fire as pregnant woman pinned on pavement, sparking outcry

A viral video shows ICE agents pinning a pregnant woman in Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge, sparking outrage over aggressive tactics; officials defend arrests, while past incidents reveal repeated use of force.

Senate approves $901 billion defence bill, demands boat strike footage from Hegseth

The Senate approved a $901 billion defense bill raising troop pay, increasing oversight, and pressing Secretary Pete Hegseth for footage of alleged drug boat strikes, while addressing Pentagon policies and safety concerns.

Putin dismisses NATO war warnings as ‘hysteria’, defends Russia’s stance on Ukraine

Vladimir Putin dismissed Western warnings of a major war with Russia as hysteria, accused NATO of fearmongering, and warned Ukraine and its allies that Moscow would pursue its territorial goals militarily if talks fail.

Is the Imran Khan–Munir confrontation driving cases against PTI lawmakers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?

Dozens of PTI lawmakers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa face terrorism and protest-related cases as Imran Khan’s confrontation with Pakistan’s establishment intensifies, deepening legal pressure on the party’s last provincial stronghold.

Decades of losses, billions in bailouts: Why Pakistan is selling 100% of PIA and why buyers want the state out | Explained

The airline has remained a chronic loss maker due to overstaffing, weak management and an ageing fleet, forcing repeated government bailouts that drained public money.

Bondi Beach shooting: Did Sajid Akram maintain family ties in Hyderabad? Know where and how he was radicalised

While Sajid Akram had roots in Hyderabad, there is no evidence that India or Telangana played any role in his radicalisation or in the planning of the Bondi Beach attack.

Fake heroes, Google Trends myths and deepfakes: How false narratives spread after the Bondi Beach attack

The aftermath of the Bondi Beach attack has shown that alongside violence itself, misinformation can inflict real harm, distorting public understanding, targeting innocent people and deepening social divisions at a moment of national grief.

Pakistan extends airspace ban for Indian aircraft till Jan 23, New Delhi likely to reciprocate

The previous extension was set to expire on December 24 but the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) extended the restrictions on Wednesday till January 23.

Bondi Beach shooting revives old fears: Why collapse of ISIS territory did not end its influence in Australia

Authorities say Bondi Beach shooting was carried out by a father-and-son duo allegedly inspired by Islamic State ideology, underlining that despite losing its so-called caliphate in 2019, the group’s influence has not disappeared.

Ukraine backs US peace plan at Berlin talks: Why ‘Article 5-like’ guarantees may still fail to bring Putin to the table

With Ukraine demanding long-term security and Russia refusing to compromise on territory or NATO involvement, the coming days could determine whether the war edges toward negotiations or continues with no clear end in sight.

Power cuts, economic distress and political neglect: Why unrest in PoK is no longer sporadic but a pattern

The latest upheaval is not an isolated flare-up but the continuation of deep and mounting anger across PoK over political marginalisation, economic hardship, and Islamabad’s authoritarian governance.

Nick Reiner could face the death penalty in California. Here is why prosecutors say it is possible

A special circumstance tied to multiple murders can push a first-degree murder case into the small category where the maximum punishment includes death or life without parole, even though California has not carried out executions for years.

Hungover Russians may have saved Moscow from ‘Pearl Harbor-style’ Ukraine attack: Report

Kyiv had planned to launch the covert assault around Russia’s Victory Day on May 9, hoping to humiliate the Kremlin during a major national celebration. The plan involved secretly moving dozens of drones deep into Russian territory using unwitting local truck drivers.

Trump wants Pakistani troops in Gaza: Why an easy yes could cost Asim Munir more than he gains

For Pakistan and Asim Munir, the Gaza stabilisation force is not just a foreign policy challenge. It is a mirror reflecting the contradictions of a military-dominated state that wants to play the role of Islamic defender at home while cutting transactional deals abroad.

From ‘alcoholic’s personality’ to ‘conspiracy theorist’: How Susie Wiles' remarks on Trump, JD Vance drew fire

After the backlash, Wiles released a statement accusing Vanity Fair of misrepresenting her views. She described the profile as a “disingenuously framed hit job.”

Why Warner Bros Discovery is pushing back on Paramount’s $108 billion takeover attempt

The Hollywood studio is preparing to tell shareholders that Paramount’s all-cash offer falls short on value, certainty and financing, as doubts grow over the Ellison family’s ability to fully backstop the deal.

Indian-origin schizophrenic son bludgeons diabetic father to death with sledgehammer, makes this chilling confession

Prosecutors told the court that Abhijit Patel admitted to taking a sledgehammer into his father's bedroom while the latter was lying awake in bed.

How Jeffrey Epstein built his fortune before the crimes came to light

A New York Times investigation traces Epstein’s early rise from a Dalton School teacher to a Wall Street insider, showing how connections, deception and repeated second chances helped him accumulate wealth, credibility and protection long before his crimes became widely known.

A Birkin left behind in Dubai, and what it reveals about everyday safety

A designer-handbag test at the Gold Souk has revived attention on Dubai’s low street-crime reputation, backed by safety rankings, heavy policing and surveillance-led deterrence

After Bondi massacre, Australia looks to tighten gun laws once more

The killing of at least 15 people in Sydney has shaken a country long seen as a global model for gun control and prompted swift political promises to close gaps that emerged over decades.