Tensions across West Asia intensified after allied militant groups aligned with Iran issued sharp warnings to the United States following the deployment of American warships to the region. Lebanon-based Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthi movement, and Iraqi militias signaled that any military action against Iran would trigger a wider regional confrontation, underscoring the growing volatility as Washington weighs its next steps amid unrest inside Iran. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem cautione

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

Seven people were killed and one crew member was critically injured after a private business jet crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday evening, as a large winter storm swept across New England and much of the United States. Federal aviation authorities confirmed the fatalities and said the sole survivor was transported for emergency medical treatment with serious injuries. The aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 600, was carrying eight people when i

Air travel across North Texas remained heavily disrupted Monday as a prolonged winter storm continued to impact operations at major Dallas-area airports. Snow, sleet, and persistent freezing temperatures have forced airlines to cancel hundreds of flights and adjust schedules, leaving travelers facing ongoing uncertainty at both Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field. According to flight-tracking data, cancellations remained widespread as of Monday morning, wit

The United States has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying warships to the Middle East, a move aimed at reinforcing American military capabilities in a region marked by escalating political and security tensions. The announcement was made on Monday, January 26, by US Central Command, which said the carrier strike group’s presence is intended to support regional security and stability while enhancing both offensive and defensive readiness. Accordin

Gold prices surged to a fresh all-time high on Monday, crossing the $5,100 per ounce mark as investors increasingly turned to the precious metal for safety amid escalating geopolitical tensions and growing concerns over global fiscal stability. The rally extended gold’s record-breaking run, reinforcing its role as a preferred hedge during periods of uncertainty in financial markets. Spot gold climbed as much as 2.4 percent to trade near $5,102 per ounce, equivalent to approximatel

India’s 77th Republic Day was marked on Monday, January 26, 2026, with a wide range of greetings from global leaders and prominent international figures, reflecting the country’s growing diplomatic influence and expanding partnerships across regions. Messages from political leaders, senior officials, and business figures highlighted shared democratic values, strategic cooperation, and the importance of dialogue in an increasingly complex global environment. The Republic Day cele

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

The Union Government on the occasion of Republic Day announced the Padma Awards 2026, approving a total of 131 civilian honours across the three prestigious categories – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. These awards, among India’s highest civilian recognitions, honour individuals for exceptional service and contributions across diverse fields such as arts, cinema, literature, sports, medicine, science and engineering, social work, civil service, public affairs, and trade and

India will celebrate its 77th Republic Day on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, commemorating the historic adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950. Republic Day symbolizes India’s transformation into a sovereign, democratic republic and reinforces the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. The national celebrations will feature a grand ceremonial parade, cultural showcases, military displays and citizen participation, reflecting Indi

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

Dozens of schools, libraries, museums, and local businesses across the Chicago area closed Friday as extreme cold grips northeastern Illinois. The region is under an Extreme Cold Warning, with wind chills expected to drop as low as -35 degrees, creating dangerous conditions for travel and outdoor activity. Public safety officials have urged residents to remain indoors and avoid exposure to the frigid temperatures whenever possible. More than 100 schools, including the city’s largest

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is leading the United States in flight disruptions as North Texas prepares for a powerful winter storm bringing snow, ice and dangerously cold temperatures. Airlines operating in the region have proactively reduced flight schedules as a Winter Storm Warning and an Extreme Cold Warning remain in effect. The developing weather system is expected to significantly impact air travel through the weekend, prompting widespread cancellations across the region’s t

Spain has formally joined India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, marking a significant diplomatic development that strengthens India’s expanding leadership role in the Indo-Pacific region and deepens cooperation with European partners. Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares handed over Spain’s Declaration of Accession to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi earlier this week, officially confirming Spain’s entry into the India-led framework launched in 2019. The m

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has launched a scathing attack on the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of plunging the country into "murderous anarchy." In an audio message played at an interactive session organized by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia, Hasina described the state of Bangladesh as a "blood-soaked landscape" where democracy is now "in exile." She painted a grim picture of the country, once known for its peace and prosperity, now grappling with extreme violence, fear, and destruction. Hasina, who was ousted from power in August 2024 following violent protests and is currently living in exile in India, blamed Yunus and his government for the worsening situation in Bangladesh. She accused Yunus of taking power through a conspiracy, which led to widespread violence, torture, and the unchecked assault on religious minorities, particularly Hindus. The former Prime Minister also criticized Yunus’ government for suppressing freedoms, claiming that the country had become a "vast prison and execution grounds" under the interim administration. As Bangladesh heads toward the general elections in February 2026, Hasina warned of a "legitimacy crisis" if her party, the Awami League, remains banned from contesting. She claimed that law and order had completely collapsed under Yunus’ rule, and the country was in a state of political crisis. Despite Yunus’ promises to restore stability and oversee elections, critics, including Hasina's supporters, allege that the interim government's actions have undermined democratic processes and raised serious concerns over the credibility of the upcoming polls. With deepening political divisions and rising tensions, Hasina’s remarks underscore the challenges Bangladesh faces as it navigates a crucial period in its political history. Her comments on the nation’s future raise significant questions about whether the transition will bring about stability or prolong the ongoing crisis.

Amazon is poised for a new round of layoffs, expected to affect as many as 16,000 employees, adding to the 14,000 roles eliminated in the previous round. These job cuts come as part of Amazon's broader restructuring plan, aimed at streamlining its operations and becoming more efficient, particularly in light of shifting demands in the tech industry and the growing influence of artificial intelligence. The latest wave of layoffs is set to target several core teams, including those at Amazon We

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu during a massive NDA rally ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. At the rally, Modi accused the DMK of running a “CMC government,” which he described as an acronym for “Corruption, Mafia, and Crime,” claiming that these three elements have been flourishing under their rule. He asserted that the people of Tamil Nadu are ready for change and emphasized that the NDA, under BJP leadership, i

Former IT minister of Telangana and working president of BRS, K. T. Rama Rao (KTR), was summoned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) today to participate in the ongoing investigation into the phone tapping case. Before arriving at the police station, KTR addressed the media, offering a series of clarifications regarding the allegations and rumors that have been spreading about him. He categorically denied all accusations, stating that he had never committed any illegal acts or injustices,

Former special counsel Jack Smith appeared publicly before the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday, offering a stark assessment of the state of American democracy and sharply criticizing actions taken by President Donald Trump following his return to office. Smith, who previously led two federal prosecutions involving Trump, warned lawmakers that the failure to impose accountability for attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election could have lasting and potentially catastrophic consequences. In his testimony, Smith said ongoing threats to US democracy remain unresolved because efforts to challenge the legitimacy of the 2020 election were never fully adjudicated in court. He described the conduct he investigated as criminal in nature and argued that the absence of accountability risks normalizing behavior that undermines constitutional processes. Smith’s remarks framed his past investigations as necessary safeguards rather than political actions, emphasizing that the justice system has a responsibility to confront efforts to subvert lawful elections. Republican lawmakers on the committee rejected that characterization. Chairman Jim Jordan accused Smith and other officials of pursuing Trump through prosecutions, impeachments, and investigations driven by partisan motives. Jordan argued that the cases reflected an effort to “get” Trump rather than a neutral application of the law, a claim Smith disputed during the hearing by reiterating that prosecutorial decisions were based on evidence and legal standards. Smith also delivered pointed criticism of Trump’s decision to issue mass pardons to individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. On his first day back in office, Trump granted clemency to all defendants in the case, including hundreds who were accused or convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers. Smith said he could not understand why anyone would pardon individuals who attacked police officers, noting that at least 140 officers were injured during the violence, with some requiring hospitalization. He described the officers who defended the Capitol as heroes and said pardoning their attackers sends troubling signals about respect for law enforcement. The hearing also revisited unresolved issues surrounding Smith’s investigation into Trump’s handling of classified documents. Democratic members highlighted limits on Smith’s ability to discuss the findings of that probe due to a court order issued by Aileen Cannon, who presided over the case. Smith explained that the order restricts the Justice Department from releasing or discussing details from his final report while related matters were pending. Under questioning from Vermont Representative Becca Balint, Smith confirmed that the order was imposed when charges against two Trump employees were still active. Those cases were later dismissed by the Justice Department under the Trump administration. Although advocacy groups and media organizations have sought the release of the classified documents report, Cannon ruled in late December that it would remain sealed for now, with a provision allowing limited disclosure beginning in February. Trump has since requested that the restriction be made permanent. Smith’s testimony underscored deep divisions in Washington over accountability, the rule of law, and the legacy of January 6. While Republicans framed the investigations as political overreach, Smith maintained that confronting efforts to overturn an election is essential to preserving democratic institutions. His appearance before Congress marked a rare public defense of the prosecutions he led and a renewed warning that unresolved challenges to democratic norms continue to pose serious risks to the nation.

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