Thailand and Cambodia halt border fighting after talks with US president Trump
United States President Donald Trump said on Friday that the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to halt fighting following days of deadly clashes along their disputed border, raising hopes for a return to stability in the volatile region. The announcement came after Trump held separate phone conversations with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, as tensions threatened to escalate into a broader military confrontation. In
Thailand and Cambodia halt border fighting after talks with US president Trump
United States President Donald Trump said on Friday that the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to halt fighting following days of deadly clashes along their disputed border, raising hopes for a return to stability in the volatile region. The announcement came after Trump held separate phone conversations with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, as tensions threatened to escalate into a broader military confrontation. In
Immigration, innovation and irony: examining the backlash against Indian technologists
Recent calls by some US political activists to reduce or eliminate the presence of Indian professionals in American workplaces have reignited a long-running debate over immigration, national identity and economic growth. Mark Mitchell, a US pollster who has promoted what he describes as a “de-Indianisation” consultancy, has become a prominent voice in this discourse. His arguments reflect a broader strain of nativism that has surfaced periodically throughout American history, often at mom
Immigration, innovation and irony: examining the backlash against Indian technologists
Recent calls by some US political activists to reduce or eliminate the presence of Indian professionals in American workplaces have reignited a long-running debate over immigration, national identity and economic growth. Mark Mitchell, a US pollster who has promoted what he describes as a “de-Indianisation” consultancy, has become a prominent voice in this discourse. His arguments reflect a broader strain of nativism that has surfaced periodically throughout American history, often at mom
Illinois legalizes medical aid in dying for terminally ill patients starting in 2026
Illinois has joined a growing number of states allowing medical aid in dying after Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation authorizing physician-assisted death for certain terminally ill patients. The governor’s office announced Friday that the measure, formally known as the Medical Aid in Dying Act, will take effect on Sept. 12, 2026, giving state health officials time to establish oversight procedures and implementation protocols. The law permits eligible adults diagnosed with termi
Illinois legalizes medical aid in dying for terminally ill patients starting in 2026
Illinois has joined a growing number of states allowing medical aid in dying after Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation authorizing physician-assisted death for certain terminally ill patients. The governor’s office announced Friday that the measure, formally known as the Medical Aid in Dying Act, will take effect on Sept. 12, 2026, giving state health officials time to establish oversight procedures and implementation protocols. The law permits eligible adults diagnosed with termi
Trump weighs Core-5 global power bloc as potential alternative to the G7
US President Donald Trump is reported to be considering the formation of a new geopolitical grouping known as the “Core-5,” a proposed alliance that would bring together the United States, Russia, China, India, and Japan. The initiative is being explored as a potential alternative to the Group of Seven, signaling a significant shift in Washington’s approach to global leadership and alliance-building. If pursued, the Core-5 could represent one of the most powerful strategic blocs ever as
Trump weighs Core-5 global power bloc as potential alternative to the G7
US President Donald Trump is reported to be considering the formation of a new geopolitical grouping known as the “Core-5,” a proposed alliance that would bring together the United States, Russia, China, India, and Japan. The initiative is being explored as a potential alternative to the Group of Seven, signaling a significant shift in Washington’s approach to global leadership and alliance-building. If pursued, the Core-5 could represent one of the most powerful strategic blocs ever as
US–India Relations Update: Trump and Modi Discuss Ukraine, Trade, and Global Stability
US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation on Thursday, December 11, as confirmed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor. During the discussion, Prime Minister Modi expressed his support for President Trump’s ongoing efforts to help bring peace to Ukraine. The call comes at a time when both nations are navigating trade tensions following the United States’ decision earlier this year to impose a 50% tariff on select Indian goods. According to
US–India Relations Update: Trump and Modi Discuss Ukraine, Trade, and Global Stability
US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation on Thursday, December 11, as confirmed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor. During the discussion, Prime Minister Modi expressed his support for President Trump’s ongoing efforts to help bring peace to Ukraine. The call comes at a time when both nations are navigating trade tensions following the United States’ decision earlier this year to impose a 50% tariff on select Indian goods. According to
US proposes five-year social media checks for visa-free foreign travellers
American authorities have unveiled a proposal that would require foreign tourists from dozens of countries, including the United Kingdom, to provide a five-year record of their social media activity before entering the United States. The measure, introduced by Customs and Border Protection, seeks to significantly expand the personal information collected from travellers who qualify for the visa waiver programme. Forty-two countries currently participate in the programme, which allows short-te
US proposes five-year social media checks for visa-free foreign travellers
American authorities have unveiled a proposal that would require foreign tourists from dozens of countries, including the United Kingdom, to provide a five-year record of their social media activity before entering the United States. The measure, introduced by Customs and Border Protection, seeks to significantly expand the personal information collected from travellers who qualify for the visa waiver programme. Forty-two countries currently participate in the programme, which allows short-te
DC streetcar to shut down amid budget strain and low post-pandemic ridership
The District of Columbia is preparing to close the DC Streetcar after years of delays, significant investment, and ridership levels that never returned to pre-pandemic levels. City officials confirmed that the streetcar, which operates along H Street NE and Benning Road NE from Union Station to Oklahoma Avenue NE, will end service on March 31 due to budget pressures and consistently low demand. The announcement marks a major shift in Washington’s transit strategy, coming nearly a decade aft
DC streetcar to shut down amid budget strain and low post-pandemic ridership
The District of Columbia is preparing to close the DC Streetcar after years of delays, significant investment, and ridership levels that never returned to pre-pandemic levels. City officials confirmed that the streetcar, which operates along H Street NE and Benning Road NE from Union Station to Oklahoma Avenue NE, will end service on March 31 due to budget pressures and consistently low demand. The announcement marks a major shift in Washington’s transit strategy, coming nearly a decade aft
US revokes 85,000 visas as Trump administration intensifies security review
The United States government has revoked approximately 85,000 visas since President Donald Trump returned to office in January, according to a statement shared by the State Department on X. The announcement described the cancellations as part of a sharpened national security agenda endorsed by both the president and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The message emphasized that the administration intends to continue its intensified oversight of foreign nationals as part of its broader commitment
US revokes 85,000 visas as Trump administration intensifies security review
The United States government has revoked approximately 85,000 visas since President Donald Trump returned to office in January, according to a statement shared by the State Department on X. The announcement described the cancellations as part of a sharpened national security agenda endorsed by both the president and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The message emphasized that the administration intends to continue its intensified oversight of foreign nationals as part of its broader commitment
Japan, China tensions rise as Russian and Chinese jets enter South Korea air zone
Tensions between Japan and China intensified further after a coordinated air patrol by Chinese and Russian military aircraft passed close to Japan and South Korea, prompting both Tokyo and Seoul to scramble fighter jets. According to Japan’s defence authorities, seven Russian aircraft and two Chinese aircraft briefly entered South Korea’s Air Defence Identification Zone, raising fresh concerns over the scale and frequency of joint operations by Beijing and Moscow in the Asia Pacific regio
Japan, China tensions rise as Russian and Chinese jets enter South Korea air zone
Tensions between Japan and China intensified further after a coordinated air patrol by Chinese and Russian military aircraft passed close to Japan and South Korea, prompting both Tokyo and Seoul to scramble fighter jets. According to Japan’s defence authorities, seven Russian aircraft and two Chinese aircraft briefly entered South Korea’s Air Defence Identification Zone, raising fresh concerns over the scale and frequency of joint operations by Beijing and Moscow in the Asia Pacific regio
Ohio Senate approves major changes to recreational marijuana laws in new bill
Ohio lawmakers advanced significant revisions to the state’s recreational marijuana framework on Tuesday as the Senate approved Senate Bill 56 following months of debate. The measure passed with a 22-7 vote and now awaits consideration from the governor. The legislation introduces new limits on public consumption, transportation, and permissible equipment while maintaining the foundation of the voter-approved recreational cannabis system. These changes come less than a year after Ohio resid
Ohio Senate approves major changes to recreational marijuana laws in new bill
Ohio lawmakers advanced significant revisions to the state’s recreational marijuana framework on Tuesday as the Senate approved Senate Bill 56 following months of debate. The measure passed with a 22-7 vote and now awaits consideration from the governor. The legislation introduces new limits on public consumption, transportation, and permissible equipment while maintaining the foundation of the voter-approved recreational cannabis system. These changes come less than a year after Ohio resid
Water main break shuts Totowa’s US 46 ramp as crews battle freezing conditions
Crews in Passaic County spent Tuesday addressing a significant water main break that forced the closure of the US 46 westbound ramp from County Route 640 and Riverview Drive in Totowa. Local officials confirmed that the rupture sent large amounts of water across the nearby Home Depot parking lot, where temperatures hovered around 18 degrees. The combination of high water flow and freezing winter weather created a sheet of ice that quickly transformed the area into a safety hazard for drivers
Water main break shuts Totowa’s US 46 ramp as crews battle freezing conditions
Crews in Passaic County spent Tuesday addressing a significant water main break that forced the closure of the US 46 westbound ramp from County Route 640 and Riverview Drive in Totowa. Local officials confirmed that the rupture sent large amounts of water across the nearby Home Depot parking lot, where temperatures hovered around 18 degrees. The combination of high water flow and freezing winter weather created a sheet of ice that quickly transformed the area into a safety hazard for drivers
New Takoma Park pilot to deploy AI stop sign enforcement for safer streets
Takoma Park will introduce a four-year pilot program deploying artificial intelligence-assisted stop sign cameras beginning early next year, marking a significant step in the city’s ongoing efforts to curb dangerous driving and improve pedestrian safety. The initiative focuses heavily on school zones, where officials say stricter oversight is essential to protecting children and reducing the risk of severe crashes. The program supports Maryland’s Zero Deaths strategy and aligns with Montg
New Takoma Park pilot to deploy AI stop sign enforcement for safer streets
Takoma Park will introduce a four-year pilot program deploying artificial intelligence-assisted stop sign cameras beginning early next year, marking a significant step in the city’s ongoing efforts to curb dangerous driving and improve pedestrian safety. The initiative focuses heavily on school zones, where officials say stricter oversight is essential to protecting children and reducing the risk of severe crashes. The program supports Maryland’s Zero Deaths strategy and aligns with Montg
Bart service disrupted across multiple lines after major power issue
Bart experienced significant service disruptions on Monday morning after a power issue halted regular operations across several major lines, affecting thousands of commuters throughout the Bay Area. According to early information from the transit agency, a major delay was reported on the San Francisco line in all directions as crews responded to a power problem detected between the Powell Street and Embarcadero stations. The issue restricted train movement in one of the system’s busiest cor
Bart service disrupted across multiple lines after major power issue
Bart experienced significant service disruptions on Monday morning after a power issue halted regular operations across several major lines, affecting thousands of commuters throughout the Bay Area. According to early information from the transit agency, a major delay was reported on the San Francisco line in all directions as crews responded to a power problem detected between the Powell Street and Embarcadero stations. The issue restricted train movement in one of the system’s busiest cor
Trump plans executive order to set single national rule for artificial intelligence
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he expects to sign an executive order this week establishing a single nationwide standard for artificial intelligence, a move he argued is necessary to replace the growing web of state-level AI laws. The announcement marks a significant step in the administration’s effort to shape the national regulatory structure around rapidly advancing AI systems, and it comes amid intensifying debate over who should hold authority to set protections for co
Trump plans executive order to set single national rule for artificial intelligence
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he expects to sign an executive order this week establishing a single nationwide standard for artificial intelligence, a move he argued is necessary to replace the growing web of state-level AI laws. The announcement marks a significant step in the administration’s effort to shape the national regulatory structure around rapidly advancing AI systems, and it comes amid intensifying debate over who should hold authority to set protections for co
Trump criticizes Zelenskyy over unread peace plan as Ukraine talks stall
Tensions between Washington and Kyiv escalated again after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly expressed disappointment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of not yet reviewing a U.S.-supported peace proposal. Trump told reporters late Sunday that he believed Ukrainian officials were receptive to the plan, but insisted that their president had not personally examined it. His remarks added renewed pressure on Kyiv at a sensitive moment in negotiations intended to chart
Trump criticizes Zelenskyy over unread peace plan as Ukraine talks stall
Tensions between Washington and Kyiv escalated again after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly expressed disappointment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of not yet reviewing a U.S.-supported peace proposal. Trump told reporters late Sunday that he believed Ukrainian officials were receptive to the plan, but insisted that their president had not personally examined it. His remarks added renewed pressure on Kyiv at a sensitive moment in negotiations intended to chart
OET test: what healthcare workers need to know about this global English exam
The Occupational English Test, widely known as OET, has become one of the most recognised English-language examinations for healthcare professionals aiming to work, study or qualify in English-speaking countries. Designed specifically for the medical and health sectors, the test evaluates candidates on the type of language skills they will need in real clinical environments rather than in general communication. Managed by the Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment Trust, a collaboration betwee
OET test: what healthcare workers need to know about this global English exam
The Occupational English Test, widely known as OET, has become one of the most recognised English-language examinations for healthcare professionals aiming to work, study or qualify in English-speaking countries. Designed specifically for the medical and health sectors, the test evaluates candidates on the type of language skills they will need in real clinical environments rather than in general communication. Managed by the Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment Trust, a collaboration betwee
India asks China to ensure safe transit for citizens after airport detention
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a firm message to China after an Indian national was reportedly singled out and detained for nearly 18 hours at Shanghai airport. The statement, released on Monday, underscored India’s expectation that its citizens travelling through Chinese airports must not be selectively targeted or subjected to arbitrary detention, and urged Beijing to ensure that international air travel regulations are respected without exception. The incident has intensified di
India asks China to ensure safe transit for citizens after airport detention
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a firm message to China after an Indian national was reportedly singled out and detained for nearly 18 hours at Shanghai airport. The statement, released on Monday, underscored India’s expectation that its citizens travelling through Chinese airports must not be selectively targeted or subjected to arbitrary detention, and urged Beijing to ensure that international air travel regulations are respected without exception. The incident has intensified di
China denies Japan's interference claims amid rising regional strain
China has firmly rejected Japan’s claims regarding recent aerial encounters, escalating a diplomatic dispute that has widened to include political, economic, and regional security dimensions. A spokesperson for the Chinese navy, Colonel Wang Xuemeng, stated that Japanese aircraft had repeatedly approached Chinese vessels as they carried out previously announced carrier-based flight training east of the Miyako Strait. According to Wang, the operations were routine and transparent, and China
China denies Japan's interference claims amid rising regional strain
China has firmly rejected Japan’s claims regarding recent aerial encounters, escalating a diplomatic dispute that has widened to include political, economic, and regional security dimensions. A spokesperson for the Chinese navy, Colonel Wang Xuemeng, stated that Japanese aircraft had repeatedly approached Chinese vessels as they carried out previously announced carrier-based flight training east of the Miyako Strait. According to Wang, the operations were routine and transparent, and China
RBI Cuts Repo Rate To 5.25%: Will Your Home Loan EMIs Finally Get Cheaper?
The Reserve Bank of India has reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down from 5.5% to 5.25%. This marks a total reduction of 125 basis points in 2025, sparking fresh hope among homebuyers for affordable loan EMIs as banks prepare to revise lending rates. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which met on December 3, 4 and 5, voted unanimously after assessing inflation control, liquidity status and growth expectations. Governor Sanjay Malhotra confirmed the move, addin
RBI Cuts Repo Rate To 5.25%: Will Your Home Loan EMIs Finally Get Cheaper?
The Reserve Bank of India has reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down from 5.5% to 5.25%. This marks a total reduction of 125 basis points in 2025, sparking fresh hope among homebuyers for affordable loan EMIs as banks prepare to revise lending rates. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which met on December 3, 4 and 5, voted unanimously after assessing inflation control, liquidity status and growth expectations. Governor Sanjay Malhotra confirmed the move, addin
Taliban Hits Back At Pakistan: We Have Right To Maintain Ties With India, Says Muttaqi
Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has strongly defended the Taliban government's right to maintain political and economic relations with India, pushing back against Pakistan’s criticism over Kabul-Delhi engagement. Speaking at a conference in Kabul, Muttaqi dismissed Islamabad's accusations that India supports anti-Pakistan groups, calling them inconsistent and politically motivated. He reminded that Pakistan itself maintains diplomatic presence in New Delhi with act
Taliban Hits Back At Pakistan: We Have Right To Maintain Ties With India, Says Muttaqi
Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has strongly defended the Taliban government's right to maintain political and economic relations with India, pushing back against Pakistan’s criticism over Kabul-Delhi engagement. Speaking at a conference in Kabul, Muttaqi dismissed Islamabad's accusations that India supports anti-Pakistan groups, calling them inconsistent and politically motivated. He reminded that Pakistan itself maintains diplomatic presence in New Delhi with act









