Donald Trump moved swiftly to impose his will on the U.S. government as he reclaimed the presidency on Monday (January 20), taking steps to curb immigration, slash environmental regulations and withdraw from an international climate treaty. Cheered by a crowd at an indoor rally, Trump sat at a desk as he signed a series of executive orders in leather dossiers, the first steps in enacting a far-reaching agenda to expand America's territory, curb immigration, boost fossil fuel production and roll back environmental regulations. He said he would sign more such orders when he reached the White House
Donald Trump was sworn in as U.S. president for a second term, completing a stunning political comeback despite a felony conviction, assassination attempts, and past indictments. Prioritising border security, he plans executive actions, including sending troops to the southern border and ending birthright citizenship. The inauguration, held indoors due to extreme cold and security concerns, saw attendance by former presidents and prominent tech leaders. Trump pledged to restore the federal death penalty, end diversity initiatives, and pardon over 1,500 Capitol riot defendants. Meanwhile, he launched a controversial crypto token, and his administration promises sweeping changes, prioritising loyalty over institutionalism.
In an exclusive conversation at Davos, AI pioneer Andrew Ng shares his insights on India's AI talent, the importance of coding in the AI era, US export curbs, and his take on Trump’s impact on US tech. A must-watch!
Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and the Reliance Foundation founder and chairperson Nita Ambani will attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday. The information has been received from an official involved with event planning of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony. The couple will have a prominent spot at the ceremony, seated together on the platform with other notable guests, including Trump's Cabinet nominees and elected officials. The Ambanis will arrive in Washington DC on January 18, according to the official sources. Watch here for more details -
Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani will attend Donald Trump's second Presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025, marking the 60th US Presidential Inauguration. The event, held at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, will feature a swearing-in ceremony at noon. Preceding celebrations include a reception, fireworks, and dinners starting January 18, which the Ambanis will attend. High-profile guests include Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Xavier Niel, and global leaders like Hungarian PM Viktor Orban. The Ambanis are also slated for exclusive interactions with Vice President-elect JD Vance. The inauguration signifies Trump’s political resurgence and global business collaboration.
A Pakistani court on Friday sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan to 14 years imprisonment and his wife Bushra Bibi to seven years in a land corruption case, his legal team said. The verdict in the case, the largest in terms of financial wrongdoing faced by Khan, was delivered by an anti-graft court in a prison in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, where Khan has been jailed since August 2023. Here are some of the allegations against the 72-year-old former cricket star, named in dozens of cases since he was ousted from office in 2022 that have kept him behind bars for more than a year.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, including a ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners. However, the agreement faced delays due to disputes with Hamas, and Netanyahu plans to seek approval from his security cabinet. Tensions within his government have complicated the approval process, despite initial optimism from U.S. President Joe Biden and Qatar as mediators. Netanyahu's office reported that Hamas was backing out of parts of the deal, causing a last-minute crisis. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes have continued across Gaza, resulting in at least 72 casualties. According to the terms of the deal, 33 hostages will be released over the next six weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Further negotiations will determine the release of remaining hostages, including male soldiers, contingent on a lasting ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal. The ongoing violence has created a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to 14 years in prison, while his wife, Bushra Bibi, faces 7 years for their involvement in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case. The court also imposed fines, and the verdict was delivered after multiple delays. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket successfully launched on its first orbital mission early Thursday, January 16, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Standing 30 storeys tall with a reusable first stage, the rocket marked a major milestone for Jeff Bezos’ space company in its bid to rival SpaceX in satellite launches. While the second stage reached orbit successfully, the first stage booster failed to land on a barge in the Atlantic Ocean. The mission carried the prototype Blue Ring spacecraft, designed for satellite servicing and national security missions. This inaugural flight is part of Blue Origin’s plan to deploy customer satellites.
On January 14, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken faced heckling during a speech at the Atlantic Council, where he outlined a post-war plan for Gaza. The protesters accused Blinken of war crimes and genocide against Palestinians, a sentiment linked to U.S. support for Israel amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The conflict escalated in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking hostages, leading to Israel's military assault on Gaza, which has resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths. Israel has been accused of genocide and war crimes, though it denies these claims. The violence has displaced nearly all of Gaza's population and drawn concerns from global hunger organizations. Blinken revealed that the Biden administration is preparing to hand over a post-war management plan to President-elect Donald Trump’s team, including provisions for an interim Palestinian Authority-led administration and international involvement in Gaza’s governance.
Firefighters and search and rescue teams have been working tirelessly to combat two massive wildfires that have devastated parts of Los Angeles over the past week. On January 14, search teams, including sniffer dogs, scoured the charred remains of homes in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, searching for victims and signs of life. A total of 400 rescue personnel were deployed to the Eaton Fire in Altadena, which has burned 14,117 acres, with 35% containment. The fires have destroyed entire neighborhoods, leaving only rubble behind, and the death toll stands at 24. More than 8,000 firefighters from across the country and abroad have been battling the blazes in extremely dangerous conditions due to desert winds and dry terrain. In response to the disaster, a Magic Castle event was held to raise support for the wildfire victims. Despite the overwhelming destruction, rescue efforts continue in hopes of finding survivors.
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested over his martial law bid, marking a historic moment. His convoy was seen leaving his fortified residence for questioning by anti-corruption officials. Watch here
Strong winds, dry conditions, and the Santa Ana winds are driving the rapid spread of wildfires across California. Andrew Winters, an expert in atmospheric sciences, explains how these winds, coupled with drought, create a perfect storm for devastating fires. He also shares crucial tips on preparing for fast-moving fires, including evacuation plans and emergency go bags. Watch to learn how weather patterns are intensifying the wildfire risk and how to stay safe during these extreme events.
Russia accused Ukraine on Friday (January 10) of carrying out a missile strike on a supermarket in the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, saying the attack killed two civilians and wounded two others. State news agency RIA quoted Russian investigators as saying that a U.S.-supplied HIMARS missile appeared to have been used.
The Palisades Fire in Los Angeles is wreaking havoc, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds and exacerbated by the climate crisis. In this video, we break down how these winds are fueling the flames, why the fires are so intense, and how climate change is making wildfires more frequent and destructive. Watch now to understand the full impact of this disaster.
Elon Musk's explosive comments have reignited the controversial debate surrounding the U.K. grooming gang scandal. In this video, we break down Musk's attack on key political figures, the calls for a national inquiry, and the political implications for UK leaders like Keir Starmer. Why is this scandal dominating UK politics, and what does it mean for the future? Get all the insights here.
Benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex ended the session firmly in the negative on January 9 as 12 out of 13 indices plunged into the red. Bucking the trend was the FMCG index, up sharply after brokerage firm CLSA made consumer staples its biggest anti-consensus call for 2025.. Here’s a look at the top gainers and losers in trade today.
Four Indian nationals—Karan Brar, Amandeep Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh—accused of murdering Khalistani leader Hardeep Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023, have been granted bail by a Canadian court. They face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Arrested in May 2024 by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the men are currently released under a "stay of proceedings" while awaiting trial. The case has been moved to the British Columbia Supreme Court, bypassing a preliminary inquiry through a "direct indictment." A publication ban has been imposed on pre-trial proceedings. The murder of Nijjar attracted global attention after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being involved, though India denied the allegations. The case has strained India-Canada relations, particularly concerning Khalistani extremism, and has polarized the Sikh diaspora in Canada. The trial's next hearing is set for February 11, 2025.
Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, who was detained in Iran for three weeks, returned home to Italy on Wednesday, greeted by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Sala, a writer and podcaster, had been reporting on recent changes in Iranian society with a regular journalist visa when she was arrested on December 19, 2024. She was accused of "violating the laws of the Islamic Republic" and was placed in solitary confinement. Her arrest came shortly after Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini was detained in Milan on a U.S. warrant, which alleges he supplied drone parts used in an attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. service members. Iran denied using Sala as a bargaining chip. Abedini remains in a Milan prison, with a court hearing next week to decide on his request for house arrest before extradition proceedings to the U.S. Sala was released three days after Prime Minister Meloni's visit to the U.S. played a role in her release.
On January 8, 2025, wildfires around Los Angeles escalated, spreading into the Hollywood Hills and forcing over 100,000 evacuations. The fires, which began the previous day, killed at least five people and destroyed hundreds of homes, severely taxing firefighting resources and water supplies. Fierce, hurricane-force winds fueled the flames, complicating containment efforts. At least six fires were burning across Los Angeles County, with only one fire partially contained. The Sunset Fire in Hollywood Hills quickly grew to 20 acres, prompting additional evacuations. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire in Pasadena forced another 100,000 people to flee, and the fire had already consumed 10,600 acres. The fire in Pacific Palisades, burning nearly 12,000 acres, destroyed over 1,000 structures, making it one of the most destructive in the area’s history. Emergency response efforts included 60 strike teams, and firefighters from neighboring states were brought in to assist in controlling the blazes.
A powerful wildfire, fueled by extreme winds, is sweeping through the hills of Los Angeles, affecting neighborhoods with celebrity homes, including Pacific Palisades. Tens of thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate, with about 30,000 people displaced and over 13,000 structures at risk. Many residents were forced to abandon their cars and flee on foot due to blocked roads. The fire started amid a fierce Santa Ana windstorm, expected to be the strongest in over a decade, with gusts potentially reaching up to 100 mph in mountainous areas. Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed the destruction of multiple structures, though an exact count was not provided. Emergency responders have been working to control the blaze, while residents in areas like Altadena faced rapid evacuations. Despite no reported injuries, officials warned that the worst of the windstorm and fire danger is still ahead, with the winds expected to last for days.
A tragic light aircraft crash occurred near Rottnest Island off Perth, Western Australia, on January 7, 2025, killing the pilot and two tourists, one from Switzerland and one from Denmark. The aircraft, which was carrying six tourists, crashed on a Tuesday afternoon, approximately 30 kilometers west of Perth, near the popular tourist destination of Rottnest Island. The crash unfolded in front of vacationing families, including children, who were on the island at the time. Three of the tourists survived but were injured. Authorities have since launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Western Australia’s police commissioner, Col Blanch, confirmed that the investigation into the incident is underway. The authorities are working to understand what led to the tragic accident, as emergency services responded promptly to the scene. The incident has shocked the local community, especially those who were vacationing on Rottnest Island during the event.
A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Tibet on January 7, impacting at least 126 people and causing widespread destruction. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to find survivors in the devastated region, where hundreds of houses have been flattened. The quake’s epicenter was located about 80 km north of Mount Everest, and tremors were also felt in Nepal, Bhutan, and India.
Donald Trump announces a $20 billion investment in U.S. data centers by Damac Properties Chairman Hussain Sajwani. The project aims to boost AI and tech infrastructure across multiple states, with Trump promising faster approvals for major investors.
President-elect Donald Trump warned Hamas that if all hostages, including American citizens, are not released by his Inauguration Day on January 20, "all hell will break out" in the Middle East. Trump did not specify the actions he would take but emphasized that the situation would be detrimental to Hamas and others. Around 100 hostages remain in Gaza, captured since the October 7, 2023 attack, many of whom are feared to be dead. Trump criticized the initial attack and its devastating toll on lives. The Biden administration has been working on securing their release, but efforts have stalled due to Hamas's rejections and Israeli objections. Experts, including former US Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer, expressed doubts about the substance of Trump’s threats. Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, acknowledged ongoing talks with the Biden team and plans to return to Doha for further negotiations, with both administrations focused on pressuring Hamas.
Social media giant Meta on Tuesday (January 7) scrapped its U.S. fact-checking program for a community-based system similar to X and reduced the curbs on discussions around contentious topics such as immigration and gender identity. The move marks a reversal in Meta's policy as CEO Mark Zuckerberg has long championed active content moderation despite criticism from conservatives over alleged censorship on its platforms. It also comes shortly after the company named Republican policy executive Joel Kaplan as global affairs head and elected Dana White, CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship and a close friend of President-elect Donald Trump, to its board
On January 6, Yemen’s Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Sarea, claimed that the group had targeted U.S. and Israeli assets. The Houthis reportedly struck the American aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman, located north of the Red Sea, and thwarted a U.S. attempt to attack Yemen. Additionally, they claimed responsibility for attacks on military facilities in the Israeli cities of Jaffa and Ashkelon. The Iran-aligned Houthis have controlled most of Yemen, including its capital Sanaa, since taking power in 2014 and early 2015. They have been increasingly involved in Middle Eastern conflicts, with their actions framed as part of a broader campaign to support Palestinians in the ongoing Gaza war. The group's expanding military operations and involvement in regional politics highlight its growing influence in the Middle East, reflecting shifting alliances and intensifying hostilities between the Houthis, the U.S., and Israel.
A New York judge, Juan Merchan, rejected Donald Trump's request to delay his sentencing in the hush money case, which is scheduled for January 10, 2025. Trump's attorneys had argued for a postponement, citing his election victory and the pending appeal of his conviction. Merchan dismissed these claims, stating that they were repetitive and noted that the prosecution opposed any delay. Trump had been convicted in May of falsifying business records to cover up a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. The payment aimed to prevent Daniels from disclosing an alleged sexual encounter with Trump. Although Trump's legal team attempted to have the case dismissed, Merchan ruled that Trump would be immune from prosecution once sworn in as president, but the conviction remains in place. Legal experts did not expect Trump to face jail time, with Merchan leaning toward an unconditional discharge, meaning no jail or conditions would be imposed.
On January 6, 2025, Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the formal certification of Donald Trump's election victory, clearing the way for his inauguration on January 20. The ceremony, held in a joint session of the House and Senate, marked a stark contrast to the violent Capitol riot four years earlier, when Trump supporters attempted to block the certification of his 2020 loss to Joe Biden. Trump, who received 312 electoral votes compared to Harris's 226, continues to falsely claim his 2020 defeat was the result of widespread fraud, a sentiment he maintained during his 2024 campaign. Harris, in her ceremonial role as president of the Senate, stood composed as she oversaw the electoral vote certification. She emphasized the significance of the peaceful transfer of power and expressed her belief that American democracy remains strong through collective effort and dedication. The certification process went smoothly, reinforcing the democratic norm.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation has sent shockwaves across the political landscape. In this exclusive interview with ANI, a top Canadian journalist decodes its implications for Canada’s future, domestic politics, and the country’s relationship with India. Don’t miss this insightful discussion!
Elon Musk criticised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for alleged failures in tackling grooming gang cases during his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions. Musk accused Starmer of prioritising political correctness over justice, ignoring abuses to avoid racism allegations. He highlighted institutional neglect, particularly in the Rotherham case, where over 1,400 children were abused between 1997 and 2013. Grooming gangs systematically exploit vulnerable individuals, often children, using coercion and violence. Despite the crimes’ severity, they remain underreported due to cultural sensitivities and systemic failures. Musk’s criticism includes calls for Starmer’s resignation and fresh UK elections, amplifying public outrage.
Human rights activist Dr. Amjad Ayub Mirza has strongly condemned PoJK Prime Minister Chaudhary Anwar ul Haq’s call for jihad, labeling it a desperate attempt to regain political influence. Mirza warned that such rhetoric could incite violence and jeopardize secular voices in the region. He urged the United Nations and the International Court of Justice to intervene and demanded the removal of the PoJK PM. Watch this critical analysis of the unfolding situation.
Justin Trudeau's resignation marks the end of his nine-year tenure as Canada's Prime Minister. Facing increasing dissent within his party and amidst a growing surge in support for the opposition Conservative Party, Trudeau announced he would step down once a successor was appointed. He prorogued Parliament until March 24, giving his party 90 days to find a new leader. During his farewell speech, Trudeau expressed regret over Canada's electoral system, suggesting reforms to allow voters to rank second and third choices. Trudeau’s leadership faced growing pressure, with his government surviving a no-confidence vote and a policy clash that led to the resignation of his finance minister. The Canadian economy, particularly the dollar, had struggled under his leadership, but has begun to recover since the announcement of his resignation. The country faces a transitional period ahead of upcoming elections later this year.
Malaysia's appeals court on Monday (January 6) granted a bid by jailed ex-premier Najib Razak to see a document he said should allow him to serve his sentence at home, in a rare win for a disgraced former leader at the heart of the country's biggest scandal. In a two to one decision on Monday, the Court of Appeal granted Najib's appeal to overturn the lower court's dismissal of his previous request. The case will return to the High Court for hearing by a different judge. Watch here for more details -
On January 5, U.S. President Joe Biden criticized President-elect Donald Trump's attempts to end birthright citizenship, calling it "awful." Speaking at the White House after signing the Social Security Fairness Act, Biden also stated that the transition to Trump’s government seemed to be proceeding smoothly. When asked about the anniversary of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, Biden reaffirmed that Trump’s actions posed a "genuine threat to democracy," referencing Trump’s false claims of winning the 2020 election and his encouragement for supporters to storm the Capitol. In addition, Biden signed a new law that expands Social Security retirement benefits for certain retirees, including former police officers and firefighters. This measure marks the first expansion of such benefits in 20 years, overturning a long-standing policy that had limited payments to workers with pensions. The law also affects employees like postal workers, whose benefits had previously been capped.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz denies plans to meet Putin, calling rumors 'deeply indecent.' He also criticizes Elon Musk for backing Germany's AfD party. Get the full story here
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce his resignation as Liberal Party Leader as early as Monday. With the party facing a tough election ahead, his departure could trigger fresh calls for a quick election. Will Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc step in as interim leader?
South Korean authorities failed to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on January 3, 2025, over his December 3 martial law declaration. Investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) attempted to execute the arrest at Yoon’s compound, but faced obstruction from the Presidential Security Service (PSS) and military personnel. After a standoff, the CIO called off the operation citing safety concerns. Yoon is under investigation for insurrection, and the arrest warrant is valid until January 6, 2025. Yoon's lawyer claims the warrant is invalid, and his impeachment case is pending before South Korea’s Constitutional Court.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy, in an interview with Olena Zelenska, highlighted the pivotal role Trump could play in ending the 34-month war with Russia. He stressed the need for strong security guarantees, EU membership, and NATO invitations, while hoping Trump’s administration can swiftly engage with Russia amidst Putin's territorial gains.
Will the world face another global lockdown? Empty streets, people under house arrest, and a virus spreading across the globe—sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Just five years after the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, a new virus is surging in China. This time, it's Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a mysterious virus that is spreading quickly. Are we looking at another global health crisis? Watch this video to learn about its symptoms, treatment, and why HMPV could be the next big threat.
Pakistan takes a seat at the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term, sparking concerns in India over Kashmir, global crises, and UNSC reforms. What lies ahead? Watch to uncover the diplomatic showdown
Zimbabwe has officially abolished the death penalty after a 20-year hiatus, joining the growing list of countries moving away from capital punishment. In this video, we explore which countries have already abolished the death penalty, when they did so, and India's current position on the issue. Stay tuned to learn more about this global shift in justice and human rights.
On January 3, sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem around 04:30 am local time due to a missile launched from Yemen, which was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force. The Israeli military warned of potential falling shrapnel from the interception, and explosions were heard in both cities. The missile had crossed into Israeli territory before being intercepted, with shrapnel landing in Modi'in, central Israel. The missile attack is attributed to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militants, who have previously launched missiles and drones towards Israel in what they describe as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. In a related development, Israel’s military released footage showing airstrikes on medium-range rocket launchers at a Hezbollah military site in southern Lebanon. The strikes followed Israel's request to the Lebanese army to destroy the launchers, which went unacted upon, prompting Israeli retaliation. The Lebanese army has not yet commented on the matter.
Ten people were injured in a shooting outside the Amazura nightclub in Queens, New York, on Wednesday night. Around 11:15 p.m., as a group of 16 to 20-year-olds waited to enter a private event, four men approached on foot, with three or four opening fire. Approximately 30 shots were fired before the suspects fled on foot and escaped in a light-coloured sedan with out-of-state plates. Six women and four men sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were hospitalised, with all expected to survive. Authorities confirmed the incident was not terrorism and are investigating the motive. Police pledged zero tolerance for such violence.
South Korea faces political turmoil as impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol confronts potential arrest over allegations of attempting to impose martial law. Rival protests erupted near the presidential residence on January 2, with supporters deeming the arrest illegal and opponents urging his resignation. A court approved an arrest warrant on December 31, potentially making Yoon the first sitting president to be detained during an investigation. The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) leads the probe, with a January 6 deadline to execute the warrant. Questions remain over security forces’ compliance, intensifying uncertainty in a nation already deeply divided over Yoon’s controversial actions.