The Arctic, once considered remote and largely inaccessible, is emerging as a key area of global strategic interest. China has formally included its “Polar Silk Road” initiative within its broader Belt and Road strategy, signaling an expansion of influence in a region historically dominated by Arctic nations. By calling itself a “near-Arctic state,” Beijing is asserting that its economic and strategic interests extend well beyond its geographical borders, prompting concern from other glo

On February 6, 2026, a suicide attack rocked the Tarlai Imambargah, located in Islamabad’s Shehzad Town area, during the Friday prayers. At least 31 people were killed, and 169 others sustained injuries in the blast, which targeted a Shia Muslim gathering. The explosion occurred just as worshippers were deep into their prayers at the mosque. Disturbing videos from the site showed severe devastation, with severed limbs and debris scattered across the area. Locals and family members of the vi

A tragic explosion occurred at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, during Friday prayers, resulting in multiple injuries. The blast took place at the Tarlai Imambargah, located in the Shehzad Town area of Islamabad. Local media reports confirmed the incident, detailing that several people were injured as a result of the explosion. Police and rescue services have swiftly arrived at the scene, initiating rescue operations to assist the victims and prevent further casualties. As investiga

In a breathtaking T20 World Premier League 2026 final, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) scripted history by chasing down the highest total ever recorded in a WPL final, clinching their second title in dramatic fashion. Despite Delhi Capitals (DC) posting an imposing total of 203/4, it was RCB’s chase, led by Smriti Mandhana (87 off 41) and Georgia Voll (79 off 54), that stole the show. RCB’s run chase set the record books ablaze with the highest successful chase in WPL history.

After several weeks of persistent cold and widespread winter hazards, weather conditions across much of the United States are beginning to moderate as the overall atmospheric pattern shifts. Forecasters report that a strengthening ridge of high pressure is developing over large portions of the country, allowing milder air masses to advance northward and gradually replace the Arctic air that dominated January. The transition marks the first broad return to above-average temperatures in weeks a

At least 25 people have died after a massive winter storm swept across large portions of the United States, unleashing heavy snowfall, dangerous ice accumulation and extreme cold that crippled infrastructure and disrupted daily life across multiple regions. The powerful system affected states from the South through the Midwest and into the Northeast, leaving a trail of fatalities, widespread power outages and major travel disruptions. The storm delivered significant snowfall across

Sri Rajarajeshwari Peetham has announced the schedule and spiritual framework for its Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2026, while also outlining the broader scope of religious and ritual activities conducted by the organization across multiple countries. The yatra, scheduled from July 20 to August 4, 2026, is positioned as one of the organization’s major pilgrimages, distinct from its year-round spiritual programs carried out globally. The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra will take pilgrims th

As egret season approaches, city officials in Fort Worth are urging residents to prepare ahead of the annual migration to reduce the impact these birds can have on neighborhoods. Each year, large numbers of egrets arrive to nest, often settling in residential areas where their presence can create challenges for homeowners. To address concerns before the birds arrive, local animal care authorities have launched an outreach effort focused on education, prevention, and community cooperation.

The United Arab Emirates has approved significant amendments to its child care framework, allowing foreign residents to foster children of unknown parentage, a move that expands access to a system that was previously restricted to Emirati citizens. The changes, enacted under Federal Decree-Law No. 12 of 2025, revise provisions of the 2022 law governing child welfare and are aimed at strengthening institutional care while broadening social participation in foster services. The update

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is set to use his final State of the State address on Thursday to portray the state as a governing model for the nation, drawing a sharp contrast with what he describes as instability and dysfunction at the federal level under President Donald Trump. The Democratic governor plans to argue that California’s policy direction and values stand in opposition to those coming from Washington, positioning the state as both a counterweight and an alternative to the curre

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from 66 international organisations and treaties, marking one of the most extensive reversals of US participation in global institutions in recent history. According to a White House memorandum, the administration determined that continued involvement in these bodies was contrary to the interests of the United States, citing concerns over sovereignty, ideological alignment, and financial comm

A century ago, the notion of restoring lost senses or detecting ancient life beyond Earth belonged firmly to science fiction. In 2025, such ideas moved decisively into reality as a series of scientific breakthroughs reshaped long-standing assumptions across medicine, space science, climate research, and artificial intelligence. These advances did not arrive as distant promises or speculative theories, but as working solutions that delivered measurable results and altered how science interacts

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

Snowfall in Saudi Arabia is an exceptionally rare event, but what unfolded this winter across parts of the kingdom’s northern desert regions has raised global concern. Areas such as Tabuk and nearby mountainous zones witnessed temperatures plunge below normal, desert hills coated in snow, and official weather alerts issued for conditions usually associated with colder climates. While the visuals of camels walking across snow-covered sands captured global attention, the deeper message behind

A shocking incident has sent ripples through the Indian diaspora in Canada after a 30-year-old Indian-origin woman was found murdered in Toronto. Canadian police have confirmed that the case is being investigated as a homicide, with strong suspicion of intimate partner violence. Authorities have issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant for a man believed to have been known to the victim. The woman has been identified as Himanshi Khurana, a resident of Toronto. Police are actively searchi

Brookfield Zoo is offering Chicago-area residents and visitors an excellent opportunity to explore one of the region’s most popular attractions without paying an admission fee, as the zoo has announced free entry on most days throughout January and February. The expanded winter free admission schedule gives families, students, and animal enthusiasts a chance to enjoy a meaningful outdoor experience during the colder months while keeping expenses low. With a wide variety of exhibits and thousan

As the holiday season approaches, the question of whether the tri-state region will see a white Christmas is once again gaining attention. For many residents, the image of fresh snow on Christmas morning remains a nostalgic hallmark of winter. However, meteorological records and upcoming forecasts suggest that the chances of reaching the traditional definition of a white Christmas—at least one inch of snowfall on December 25—remain uncertain and historically uncommon for much of the area.

Indian women’s cricket star Smriti Mandhana has finally broken her silence regarding the ongoing rumours surrounding her personal life and wedding plans. The cricketer officially announced through her Instagram story that her marriage with boyfriend and music composer Palash Muchhal has been called off. The confirmation comes after weeks of speculation that intensified when she deleted posts related to her relationship and pre-wedding celebrations. Smriti clarified that both families mutual