A senior Iranian cleric closely aligned with the country’s leadership has called for the execution of detained protesters and issued direct threats toward the United States, further intensifying tensions as Iran continues a sweeping crackdown on nationwide unrest. Speaking during Friday prayers in Tehran, Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami delivered a forceful sermon that was broadcast on state radio and echoed by chants from worshippers gathered in the capital. Khatami, known for his hardli

The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday issued a renewed travel advisory advising Indian citizens to refrain from travelling to Iran, citing the deteriorating security situation amid widespread anti-government protests across the country. The warning comes as unrest in Iran enters its third consecutive week, with the capital city of Tehran remaining one of the focal points of the demonstrations. In an official statement, the ministry said that Indian nationals are being “onc

Iran’s government said on Monday that it is prepared to enter negotiations with the United States, even as it warned that the country remains fully ready to defend itself militarily amid ongoing nationwide protests and rising international tension. The statement came after US President Donald Trump suggested that Iran’s leadership had expressed interest in talks following his repeated warnings of possible military intervention. Speaking at a conference of foreign ambassadors in

A 24-year-old student from Andhra Pradesh pursuing a master’s degree in the US state of Texas has been reported missing after undertaking a solo winter trip to Alaska during the Christmas holiday period. The student, identified as Karasani Hari Krishna Reddy, is a native of Guntur district and had travelled to Alaska on December 22 with plans to return within two weeks, according to information shared by his friends. Reddy, who was studying in Texas, had informed his friends and r

Several airlines operating from the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Qatar suspended flights to Iran on Friday as widespread protests and communication disruptions continued to affect the country, leading to growing uncertainty across the regional aviation sector. The cancellations affected key routes linking major Gulf and Turkish hubs with Iranian cities, underscoring the broader impact of the unrest on international travel. According to information published on the Dubai Airports

Iran remained largely cut off from the global internet on Friday as authorities enforced a nationwide digital blackout while protests continued to spread across the country, intensifying an already volatile political and economic crisis. Internet monitoring data showed that connectivity across Iran had dropped to almost zero for more than 12 hours, severely limiting access to online communication platforms as demonstrators gathered in cities nationwide. According to internet trackin

Makara Sankranti is one of the most auspicious and widely celebrated festivals in India. Observed every year in mid-January, the festival marks the transition of the Sun into Makara Rashi (Capricorn), beginning the Sun’s northward journey known as Uttarayana. In 2026, Makara Sankranti will be celebrated on Thursday January 15 across most parts of India. Unlike many Hindu festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makara Sankranti is based on the solar calendar

Iran witnessed a dramatic escalation in nationwide unrest as anti-Khamenei protests intensified following a rallying call by exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi. Demonstrations entered their 12th consecutive day, with residents across Tehran and other cities chanting slogans from homes and marching through streets despite heavy restrictions imposed by authorities. Late Thursday, internet connectivity and telephone services were abruptly cut across the country, triggering what monitorin

A fresh controversy around workplace control and employee autonomy has erupted online after a Reddit user alleged that their Indian manufacturing company imposed strict restrictions on employees’ LinkedIn activity. According to the viral post shared on the r/IndianWorkplace subreddit, the company has reportedly instructed staff not to like, comment on, or engage with posts from other companies on LinkedIn, regardless of whether they are competitors, clients, or unrelated organisations. The

Violent clashes broke out at Tehran Bazar on Tuesday as Iranian security forces confronted demonstrators in one of the most significant flashpoints of a protest movement that has spread across the country over the past 10 days. The unrest, driven largely by public anger over worsening economic conditions, has left at least 27 people dead, according to estimates released by a human rights organization monitoring developments inside the country. The confrontation in the capital came a

San Jose firefighters responded to a three-alarm fire early Monday morning at a Buddhist temple on Foss Avenue that had already sustained significant damage during a major blaze last year, according to fire officials. Crews were dispatched at approximately 5:37 a.m. to the 90 block of Foss Avenue after reports of a structure fire at Chua Duyen Giac, a large, two-story mixed-use Buddhist temple located in the Alum Rock area. Firefighters arriving on scene encountered heavy fire condi

A historic milestone was achieved for North Andhra as the first aircraft successfully landed at the Bhogapuram Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Vizianagaram district. An Air India flight from Delhi touched down as part of a crucial trial run, signaling that the long-awaited airport is nearing operational readiness. The moment carried strong emotional significance for the region, which has been awaiting a major aviation hub for decades. Onboard the flight were Union Civil Aviation

Zohran Kwame Mamdani formally began his term as mayor of New York City on Thursday, outlining an ambitious and progressive vision for governing the nation’s largest city during his first public address after being sworn in. Speaking to a crowd of thousands gathered outside City Hall, the 34-year-old Democrat positioned his administration as a response to what he described as long-standing failures of the political establishment, particularly in addressing the needs of working-class and vulnerable residents. In a 24-minute speech delivered shortly after taking office, Mamdani pledged to lead what he called an expansive and audacious government, signaling a break from incremental approaches to policymaking. He emphasized that his administration would not lower expectations of what municipal government can achieve, particularly in the face of rising costs of living that have placed increasing strain on households across the city. Mamdani said his focus would remain on affordability, housing stability, and public services that reflect the realities faced by everyday New Yorkers. Addressing skepticism about progressive leadership, Mamdani framed his election as a broader test of whether left-leaning policies can deliver tangible results. He told the crowd that many residents are watching closely to see whether government can effectively address issues that have shaped their daily lives, including economic insecurity and access to opportunity. He added that New York City has a responsibility to demonstrate how inclusive governance can function at scale and set an example beyond its borders. Mamdani also highlighted protections for immigrant communities as a central priority of his administration. He warned that federal immigration policies under President Donald Trump pose significant risks for undocumented residents and pledged that the city would continue to serve as a place of refuge and support. His remarks drew sustained applause from attendees, reflecting the strong backing he has received from advocacy groups and progressive organizations throughout his campaign. The inauguration event featured remarks from prominent national figures aligned with Mamdani’s political outlook, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Both praised the new mayor’s victory as a sign of growing demand for economic and social reforms. Sanders thanked New Yorkers for advancing a vision of government that serves the broader public rather than concentrated wealth, prompting chants from the crowd calling for higher taxes on the wealthy. Mamdani’s transition into office began just after midnight, when he took the oath of office at a closed subway station beneath City Hall, a symbolic location tied to the city’s infrastructure and history. He placed his hand on the Quran during the ceremony, marking a historic first for the city and underscoring the diversity of New York’s leadership. The oath was administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The public inauguration later in the day drew approximately 4,000 ticketed attendees, reflecting the high level of interest surrounding Mamdani’s ascent to City Hall. As he begins his tenure, expectations remain high among supporters who see his leadership as an opportunity to reshape urban governance around equity, affordability, and social protection, while critics await evidence that his bold promises can translate into effective administration.

Warren Buffett formally stepped down as chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway on the final day of 2025, ending a 60-year tenure that reshaped American corporate history. The transition, long anticipated by investors and company insiders, marks the close of one of the most influential leadership runs in global business. At the age of 95, Buffett will remain chairman of the holding company he transformed from a struggling textile firm into a diversified conglomerate valued at more than

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board on Wednesday temporarily suspended registration for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage following an unprecedented surge of devotees during the New Year period. Officials said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure after crowd density reached critical levels at the Katra

Japan is on course to record its lowest number of births since national data collection began in 1899, with estimates for 2025 indicating the total will fall below 670,000. The figure is not only historically low but also worse than the most pessimistic government forecasts, underscoring the speed and scale of the country’s demographic decline. As the population continues to shrink, the question facing policymakers and businesses alike is whether Japan can sustain its economic and social systems with a rapidly diminishing younger generation. The population trend has been moving in this direction for more than a decade. Japan’s total population began declining in 2011 and has continued to contract each year since. In 2024, deaths exceeded births by nearly one million people, marking the largest annual natural decrease on record. That year also saw births drop below 700,000 for the first time, a decline of 5.7 percent from the previous year. Once home to about 128 million people, Japan’s population now stands at roughly 123 million and continues to fall. At the center of the crisis is an extremely low fertility rate. Japan’s current fertility level is estimated at around 1.14 children per woman, far below the replacement rate of approximately 2.1 required to maintain population stability. This gap reflects deep-rooted economic and social pressures that have reshaped family formation. Economic insecurity remains a major factor, with stagnant wages, rising living costs, and high childcare expenses discouraging many young adults from marrying or having children. Marriage rates have declined sharply over recent decades, and because childbirth outside marriage remains relatively uncommon, fewer marriages translate directly into fewer births. Work culture and social expectations have also played a significant role. Japan’s long working hours and limited work-life balance make parenting particularly challenging, especially for women. Despite gradual improvements, gender inequality continues to place most childcare responsibilities on mothers. At the same time, more women are pursuing higher education, careers, and financial independence, leading many to delay or reject traditional family models altogether. These choices reflect changing aspirations as much as structural constraints. The demographic shift is already affecting the economy. With fewer young people entering the workforce each year, labor shortages are emerging across key sectors including manufacturing, construction, agriculture, caregiving, and services. Businesses are facing reduced production capacity, strained supply chains, and rising operational costs. Small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, are struggling to recruit and retain workers, adding pressure to regional economies. While fears of an outright economic collapse are overstated, the risk of prolonged stagnation is real. Japan remains a global leader in technology, automation, and robotics, and these strengths are helping to offset some labor shortages. Automated systems can increase productivity and reduce reliance on human labor in certain industries. However, technology has limits. Fields such as healthcare, education, and many service roles depend heavily on human interaction, empathy, and judgment, qualities machines cannot fully replicate. Japan’s population challenge is no longer a distant projection but an immediate reality shaping daily life and long-term planning. How effectively the country combines technological innovation with social reform, workforce participation changes, and potential adjustments to immigration policy will determine whether this demographic turning point leads to managed adaptation or deepening economic and social strain.

Fresh details have emerged in the death of 24-year-old Tripura student Angel Chakma, who succumbed to severe injuries sustained during a violent racial attack in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun. A medical report issued by Graphic Era Hospital has revealed the extent of the trauma he endured, including complete pa

One passenger was killed after a fire broke out in two coaches of the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express in the early hours of Monday in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district. The incident occurred around 1 am near Elamanchili railway station when the locomotive pilot noticed flames emerging from one of the co

The winter session of the Telangana Legislative Assembly has begun on a dramatic and politically charged note, drawing statewide attention as Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao come face to face on the Assembly floor. This moment is being closely watched as it mark

The political atmosphere in Telangana is rapidly heating up with strong indications pointing towards a direct confrontation between Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Bharat Rashtra Samithi chief K Chandrashekar Rao in the upcoming winter session of the Telangana Assembly. After remaining largely away from a