Venezuela blames explosions on US ’’military aggression’’

Venezuela said it rejected ’’military aggression’’ by the United States after multiple explosions rocked capital Caracas and other areas early on Saturday.

PIA sale and mirage of reform conceal alleged corruption

The recent privatization of Pakistan International Airlines has been projected as a signal achievement of the government’s economic reform agenda.

Sparklers on champagne bottles likely cause of deadly Swiss bar fire

A fire at a bar in a Swiss ski resort appears to have been caused by sparklers placed on bottles of champagne that came ’’too close to the ceiling’’, authorities said.

Trump blocks chips deal, cites security, China-related concerns

President Donald Trump on Friday blocked U.S. photonics firm HieFo Corp’s $3 million acquisition of assets in New Jersey-based aerospace and defense specialist Emcore, citing national security and China-related concerns.

India officially becomes BRICS Chair

From 1 January 2026, the BRICS chairmanship officially passes from Brazil to India. For the first time, India, one of the founding members of the group, will lead the expanded format, which now includes 10 countries.

Trump warns US will intervene if Iran kills protesters

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran’s authorities against killing peaceful protesters, saying Washington ’’will come to their rescue’’.

Dozens missing after boat carrying 200 migrants sinks off Gambia

At least seven people have died and many others are missing after a boat carrying about 200 migrants attempting to reach Europe capsized off the coast of The Gambia, authorities say.

Retiring Khawaja criticises ’racial stereotypes’

The 39-year-old will play his 88th Test in the Ashes finale against England starting on Sunday (23:30 GMT, Saturday) in Sydney, on the ground where he made his debut against the same opponents in 2011.

Japan PM joins fight for more female toilets in parliament

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is among some 60 female lawmakers petitioning for more women’s toilets in the parliament building to match their growing representation in the legislature.

China’s BYD set to overtake Tesla as world’s top EV seller

China’s BYD is set to overtake Elon Musk’s Tesla as the world’s biggest seller of electric vehicles (EVs), marking the first time it has outpaced its American rival for annual sales.

Deadly clashes between protesters and security forces as Iran unrest grows

Growing unrest in Iran is reported to have claimed more lives on a fifth day of protests over the soaring cost of living.

Philippines challenges Chinese vessel off northern province amid Taiwan tensions

The Philippines Coast Guard said it deployed an aircraft on Tuesday to challenge a Chinese research ship that serves as a base for submersible vessels after it was spotted about 19 nautical miles off the coast of northern Cagayan province.

Around 40 killed, 100 injured in explosion in Swiss ski resort bar, police say

Around 40 people have been killed and 100 injured, most of them seriously, after an explosion tore through a crowded bar during a New Year’s Eve party in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana, Swiss officials said on Thursday.

Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York City’s 1st Muslim mayor

Zohran Mamdani was sworn in just before midnight on Jan. 1 as New York City mayor, becoming the first Muslim and South Asian to lead the US largest city after taking the oath of office on the Quran.

U.S. Tariff Revenue Hits Historical High—Yet Falls Far Short of Saving the Economy

U.S. tariff revenue has reached a historic high. The country’s Customs and Border Protection last week announced record-breaking $200 billion in collected between Jan. 20 and Dec. 15, 2025, “thanks to more than 40 executive orders put in place by President Donald Trump’s Administration.”

Several dead and injured in explosion at Swiss ski resort town Crans-Montana, police say

Several people have been killed and others injured when an explosion ripped through a bar in the luxury Alpine ski resort town of Crans-Montana, Swiss police said early on Thursday.

Condom tax and cheaper childcare: China’s plan to boost birth rates

Chinese people will pay a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while childcare services will be exempt, as the world’s second-largest economy tries to boost birth rates.

Bulgaria joins the euro after rocky path to new currency

Bulgaria - the poorest country in the European Union - has become the 21st member of the eurozone - leapfrogging more obvious and prosperous candidates like Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Pakistan’s investment crisis deepens as SIFC fails to deliver on grand promises

Pakistan’s investment landscape is sinking deeper into crisis, and the numbers speak for themselves.

India’s KP Group to invest $4B in Botswana’s renewable energy sector

These projects are expected to add nearly 5 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity. The collaboration also includes the development and strengthening of high-voltage transmission infrastructure within Botswana, along with regional interconnections to enhance power reliability and energy security.

UK calls for restraint over China’s military drills around Taiwan

Britain said on Tuesday that China’s military exercises around Taiwan increased the risk of escalation, and reiterated a call for restraint.

Magnitude 6 earthquake hits Japan’s Noda region

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit offshore near Japan’s eastern Noda region on Wednesday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 19.3 km (nearly 12 miles), the agency reported.

New year celebrations begin as 2026 kicks off in part of Kiribati

The island of Kiritimati is welcoming in the new year - the first place in the world do so.

India surpasses Japan to become world’s 4th largest economy: Government

India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy with a size of USD 4.18 trillion, and is poised to overtake Germany to become the third-largest by 2030, the government has said.

Guinea junta chief wins presidency in controversial election

Gen Mamady Doumbouya has been elected president of Guinea after securing the majority of the vote, according to initial polling results published by the country’s election commission.

Ex-Australia batter Martyn in coma with meningitis

Former Australia batter Damien Martyn has been placed into an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis.

No retreat, no surrender: Ronaldo wants 1000 goals

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo says he will not end his playing career until he scores his 1,000th career goal.

Bhutan bowler takes 8 for 7 in T20 record

A bowler from Bhutan has become the first cricketer to take eight wickets in a T20 international.

Alleged Bondi gunmen acted alone and did not train in the Philippines, police say

The two alleged gunmen who killed 15 people at a Jewish event on Bondi Beach were not part of a wider terror cell and acted alone, Australian police have said.

Ukraine denies drone attack on Putin’s residence

President Volodymyr Zelensky has denied allegations by Russia that Ukraine launched a drone attack on one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences, and accused Moscow of trying to derail peace talks.