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u-s-pauses-immigrant-visa-processing-from-75-countries-over-public-assistance-rules
WorldJan 14, 2026

U.S. pauses immigrant visa processing from 75 countries over public assistance rules

The United States has suspended the processing of immigrant visa applications for citizens of 75 countries, citing concerns that some applicants could require public assistance after settling in the country. The U.S. State Department confirmed Wednesday that consular officers have been directed to halt immigrant visa processing from the affected countries. The move follows a broader order issued in November that tightened eligibility standards for immigrants deemed likely to become a “public charge” under U.S. immigration law. Officials emphasized that the suspension applies only to immigr
WorldJan 14, 2026

Deadly crane collapse strikes moving train in Thailand, dozens killed

A major rail disaster in Thailand has left at least 32 people dead after a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train near Bangkok, authorities confirmed Wednesday. The crash injured at least 66 others, including seven people who remain in critical condition. The accident occurred around 9 a.m. as the train was travelling from Bangkok toward the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani. Officials said about 171 passengers were on board at the time, many of them students and workers commuting between regions. According to Thailand’s State Railway, the crane was part of an ong
former-us-president-donald-trump-claims-role-as-venezuelas-acting-president-in-social-media-post
WorldJan 12, 2026

Former US President Donald Trump Claims Role as Venezuela’s “Acting President” in Social Media Post

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, former United States president Donald Trump identified himself as the “acting president” of Venezuela, saying he would assume that position in January 2026. He also referred to himself as both the 45th and 47th president of the United States in the same message. There has been no official confirmation or statement from the White House or the current US administration regarding Trump’s claim about Venezuela. The Trump post comes after a major US action on January 3, when Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, we
michael-reagan-conservative-commentator-and-son-of-former-u-s-president-dies-at-80
WorldJan 07, 2026

Michael Reagan, conservative commentator and son of former U.S. president, dies at 80

Michael Reagan, the eldest son of former U.S. president Ronald Reagan and a long-time conservative media figure, has died at the age of 80, according to an announcement from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. In a statement shared Tuesday on social media, the foundation described Reagan as a dedicated defender of his father’s political philosophy and legacy, noting his continued involvement in public discussions around conservative values and leadership long after Ronald Reagan left office. Michael Reagan was a familiar voice in American conservative media, serving as a
WorldJan 06, 2026

Flash floods in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi leave at least 16 dead, emergency declared

At least 16 people have died after sudden flash floods swept through parts of Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province following days of intense rainfall, according to local authorities. Heavy downpours caused rivers to overflow and embankments to collapse, sending fast-moving water mixed with debris into residential communities. Officials say several homes were completely washed away, while more than 140 houses sustained significant damage. Hundreds of residents were forced to flee their homes as floodwaters surged through low-lying areas, disrupting daily life and damaging local infrastructure.
maduro-appears-in-u-s-court-as-lawyers-prepare-to-challenge-drug-trafficking-case
WorldJan 05, 2026

Maduro appears in U.S. court as lawyers prepare to challenge drug trafficking case

Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro made his first appearance in a United States courtroom Monday, facing drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges that U.S. authorities say justified his arrest and transfer to New York. Maduro appeared briefly before a federal judge in Manhattan for an initial procedural hearing, a routine step that marks the beginning of what is expected to be a lengthy legal battle. His defence team is widely expected to argue that he cannot be prosecuted in the U.S. because of immunity claims tied to his status as a former head of state. Earlier in the day, Mad
man-detained-after-damaging-windows-at-u-s-vice-president-jd-vances-ohio-home
WorldJan 05, 2026

Man detained after damaging windows at U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s Ohio home

A man has been detained after damaging property at U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s residence in Ohio, according to the U.S. Secret Service. The agency said agents assigned to protect the home detained the suspect early Monday after windows were broken and additional damage was reported at the property in Cincinnati’s Walnut Hills neighbourhood. Two law enforcement officials said the man used a hammer to break a window and attempted to enter the house. Authorities confirmed the residence was unoccupied at the time of the incident. Vice President Vance and his family were not in Ohio and had
saudi-arabia-carries-out-airstrikes-on-yemen-port-amid-dispute-over-separatist-arms-shipment
WorldDec 30, 2025

Saudi Arabia carries out airstrikes on Yemen port amid dispute over separatist arms shipment

Saudi Arabia says it carried out airstrikes on Yemen’s eastern port city of Mukalla after what it described as the arrival of weapons intended for a separatist force, marking a sharp escalation in tensions within the Saudi-led coalition involved in Yemen’s long-running conflict. In a statement released Tuesday through the state-run Saudi Press Agency, the Saudi military said the strikes targeted weapons and combat vehicles unloaded at the port from ships that had arrived from Fujairah, a port city on the United Arab Emirates’ eastern coast. The kingdom said the operation was limited in s
WorldDec 30, 2025

Former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia dies at 80 after decades shaping national politics

Khaleda Zia, a former prime minister of Bangladesh whose long-running political rivalry with Sheikh Hasina dominated the country’s public life for more than three decades, has died at the age of 80. Her Bangladesh Nationalist Party confirmed her death in a statement released Tuesday. Zia served two terms as prime minister and was a central figure in Bangladesh’s transition from military rule to parliamentary democracy. Her political career was closely intertwined with that of Hasina, leader of the Awami League, with the two women alternating in power and shaping the nation’s often turbul

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two-men-charged-after-early-morning-shots-fired-investigation-in-surrey
CanadaJan 27, 2026

Two men charged after early-morning shots fired investigation in Surrey

Two men are facing firearm-related Criminal Code charges following an early-morning police investigation in Surrey that began after officers reported hearing a suspected gunshot. Surrey Police Service officers assigned to Project Assurance were patrolling the area of 129 Street and 84 Avenue around 3:50 a.m. when they heard what they believed was a shot fired. Police located a suspect vehicle shortly afterward and took the driver and a passenger into custody. A loaded handgun was seized during the arrest. Project Assurance is a proactive policing initiative focused on neighbourhoods and busine
flights-resume-across-central-canada-after-historic-snowstorm-disruptions-persist
CanadaJan 27, 2026

Flights resume across Central Canada after historic snowstorm, disruptions persist

Air travel across Central Canada began stabilizing Tuesday as airport crews worked to clear the aftermath of a record-breaking snowstorm, though thousands of passengers continued to face delays and cancellations. Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows Toronto Pearson International Airport recorded 46 cancelled flights by late morning, representing about 11 per cent of scheduled departures. That marked a sharp improvement from Monday, when cancellations were roughly ten times higher as airlines grappled with buried aircraft and congested runways. Environment Canada says Pearson received
punjab-vigilance-files-supplementary-charge-sheet-against-harpreet-gulati-in-bikram-majithia-linked-case
IndiaJan 27, 2026

Punjab Vigilance files supplementary charge sheet against Harpreet Gulati in Bikram Majithia-linked case

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has filed a supplementary charge sheet in court against Harpreet Gulati, an associate of senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, marking a significant development in an ongoing investigation linked to alleged financial irregularities. According to vigilance officials, the supplementary challan runs into more than 11,000 pages and details financial transactions between Majithia and Gulati over a period spanning from 2008 to 2017. The documents reportedly include records of multiple transactions conducted through various bank accounts. The vigilance b
b-c-approves-environmental-certificate-for-proposed-eskay-creek-mine-restart
BCJan 27, 2026

B.C. approves environmental certificate for proposed Eskay Creek mine restart

The British Columbia government has granted an environmental assessment certificate for the proposed restart of the Eskay Creek gold and silver mine in northwestern B.C., a project located within Tahltan Nation territory. In a statement, the province said the decision follows a collaborative environmental assessment led jointly by the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office and the Tahltan Central Government. Provincial officials described the process as the first to be guided by a formal consent-based agreement with a First Nation, reflecting commitments under the United Nations Declaration on t
IndiaJan 27, 2026

Historic Free Trade Agreement Finalized Between India and European Union

After nearly two decades of negotiations, India and the European Union have finalized a landmark free trade agreement, marking a significant boost to economic ties between the two regions. Officials say the deal opens new avenues for trade and investment while strengthening strategic economic partnerships. Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed the agreement on Tuesday, highlighting that both sides are using the pact to reinforce their economies amid uncertain trade relations with the United States. He described the deal as a major step toward deeper cooperation and expanded market access. Und