U.S. natural gas prices surged sharply on Monday, climbing above the $6 mark for the first time since late 2022, as a powerful winter storm swept across large portions of the country, straining energy systems and disrupting daily life for millions of Americans. The rally reflected mounting concerns over heating demand, power generation reliability, and supply disruptions amid one of the most severe cold snaps of the season. Natural gas futures for February delivery rose more than 18

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended greetings to India on the occasion of its Republic Day, underscoring the importance of the bilateral partnership and highlighting areas of close cooperation between the two countries. In his message, Rubio emphasized that sustained engagement across strategic sectors continues to yield tangible outcomes for both nations and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Rubio described the relationship as a historic bond strengthened by collab

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has strongly criticised remarks made by US President Donald Trump regarding the role of NATO troops in Afghanistan, calling the comments “insulting and frankly appalling” and suggesting that an apology is warranted. Starmer said that the remarks had caused deep pain to the families of those who served and to individuals who were killed or injured during the conflict. He emphasized that statements of this kind undermine the sacrifices made by international

A Hindu temple in North Carolina has become the focus of a police investigation after an act of vandalism damaged a sacred statue at the site, prompting concern among worshippers and advocacy groups about the safety of Hindu places of worship in the United States. Officials at the Sri Venkateswara Temple of North Carolina in Cary said one of the Dvarapalas, traditional guardian deities pos

The prolonged delay in H-1B visa stamping that began in December has continued into the new year, with no signs of immediate relief for thousands of skilled workers dependent on timely consular processing. No new interview slots have been opened at US consulates in India, and applicants are now receiving notifications that their previously scheduled appointments are being deferred as far as 2027, intensifying anxiety among visa holders and employers alike. Immigration attorneys and

On Thursday, January 22, President Donald Trump officially signed the founding charter of the Board of Peace, a newly announced international body designed to promote conflict resolution and global stability. The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of a major international economic and political gathering, drawing participation from leaders and representatives of multiple nations. President Trump was joined on stage by delegates from 19 founding member countries, formally inaugurating t

The United Arab Emirates is set to host a historic round of trilateral discussions involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia, marking a potentially significant development in international efforts to end the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the upcoming talks while addressing global leaders and policymakers during a high-profile economic forum in Davos, describing the meeting as the first instance where representatives from all three sides wi

Ratha Saptami, also known as Surya Jayanti, is a highly auspicious festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya, the Sun God. Celebrated on the seventh day (Saptami) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Magha month, this festival is observed with great devotion by millions of Hindus worldwide. In 2026, Ratha Saptami will be observed on January 25th. The day honors Lord Surya for his life-giving energy, seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Th

A powerful and expansive winter storm is forecast to sweep across large portions of the United States from Friday through Monday, bringing a dangerous mix of heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain to millions across the South, Midwest and Northeast. The system, known as Winter Storm Fern, is expected to impact more than 180 million people as it stretches from New Mexico and Texas to parts of New England, creating hazardous travel conditions and raising the risk of widespread power outages.

A satirical online petition calling on Danish citizens to crowdfund the purchase of California has re-emerged in public discourse, drawing renewed attention amid heightened diplomatic rhetoric surrounding Greenland. The petition, titled “Let’s Buy California from Trump – Denmark’s Next Big Adventure,” has gathered more than 280,000 signatures, underscoring how humor has become a vehicle for public commentary during periods of international tension. Though created nearly a year ago b

The United States has begun implementing a new visa facilitation programme known as FIFA Pass as part of its preparations for hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The initiative is designed to help international football fans secure visa interview appointments more quickly as demand for travel to the tournament is expected to surge in the months leading up to kickoff. According to US officials, FIFA Pass is intended to reduce long wait times for non-immigrant visas by prioritising inter

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan and Qatar have agreed to participate in a new international initiative proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, known as the Board of Peace, according to a joint statement issued by regional foreign ministries. The decision reflects coordinated support among several Middle Eastern and Asian governments for the initiative, which Trump has presented as a mechanism to address the ongoing Gaza conflict and broader global disputes.

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday expressed strong optimism about the future of India–US trade relations, indicating that discussions between the two countries were moving in a positive direction. Speaking about the ongoing trade negotiations, Trump highlighted his confidence that both sides would be able to arrive at a mutually beneficial agreement, underlining the importance of c

The Supreme Court on Wednesday is considering a case with wide-ranging consequences for both the US economy and the balance of power within the federal government, as it reviews President Donald Trump’s attempt to remove Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook. The dispute centers on whether a sitting president has the authority to dismiss a member of the central bank’s governing board and what legal standards must be met for such a decisi

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization while openly questioning whether the military alliance would offer the same level of support to the United States in a moment of crisis. Speaking at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Trump struck a blunt tone as he described what he views as an imbalance in the long-standing transatlantic partnership. Addressing global political and business leade

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday addressed global political and business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, marking the completion of his first year in office with a forceful assessment of his administration’s economic record. Speaking to the annual gathering, Trump said public sentiment toward his leadership remained overwhelmingly positive, while asserting that the country had undergone a dramatic reversal in economic conditions since he assumed office. During h

Air Force One, the aircraft carrying US President Donald Trump to the World Economic Forum in Davos, was forced to make an unexpected U-turn late Tuesday after a minor electrical issue was detected mid-flight. The aircraft, which had departed from Joint Base Andrews near Washington, reversed its course while flying over the Atlantic Ocean near Montauk, close to the eastern tip of Long Island. According to White House officials, the decision to return was taken purely as a precaution, with no

Former Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan has announced that he will not seek public office again, drawing a definitive line under years of speculation about his political future despite continued encouragement from supporters to pursue a national role. Hogan made the announcement in an opinion column published Tuesday, stating that while he remains deeply invested in the well-being of Maryland and concerned about the broader direction of national politics, his time as an electora