At least seven people were killed and several others injured after a powerful explosion struck Kabul’s Shahr-e-Naw district on Monday, an area widely regarded as one of the Afghan capital’s most secure neighborhoods. The blast hit a hotel on Gulfaroshi Street, close to a restaurant popular with foreign visitors, triggering panic in a locality known for hosting diplomats, business travelers, and international residents. Emergency teams rushed to the scene as smoke and debris filled the street

Air travelers who arrive at airport security checkpoints without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a valid passport will soon face an additional cost to proceed through screening. Beginning Feb. 1, the Transportation Security Administration will assess a $45 fee for passengers who rely on an alternative identity verification process to board domestic flights. Under the new policy, travelers who lack an acceptable form of identification will have the option to verify their id

A United States federal court has sentenced an Indian businessman to 30 months in prison for orchestrating a scheme to illegally export controlled aviation technology to Russia, in violation of strict US export regulations introduced after the Ukraine conflict. The sentencing underscores Washington’s continued focus on disrupting global supply chains used to bypass sanctions and export controls aimed at safeguarding national security. Sanjay Kaushik, 58, a New Delhi-based aviation

US President Donald Trump on Saturday intensified his long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland, issuing sharp warnings to several European nations and announcing planned tariffs against countries opposing his proposal. The remarks marked a significant escalation in rhetoric surrounding the strategic Arctic territory and introduced new strains into already delicate transatlantic relations. In a series of public statements, Trump accused Denmark and multiple European countries, i

The Defence Procurement Board has cleared a proposal to acquire 114 additional Rafale fighter aircraft, marking a major step forward in India’s effort to strengthen its air combat capabilities. The clearance, granted after an initial examination of the case, advances one of the Indian Air Force’s most significant modernisation plans aimed at addressing long-standing operational gaps and preparing for future security challenges. The proposal is intended to narrow the difference b

US President Donald Trump on Friday renewed his push for greater American control over Greenland, warning that countries opposing the idea could face economic consequences. Speaking at a White House event, Trump said he was prepared to use tariffs as leverage against nations that do not support what he described as a national security necessity for the United States. His remarks underscored a continued escalation in rhetoric surrounding the strategically important Arctic territory, which is a

Nearly two million eggs are set to be distributed across North Texas as part of a statewide food assistance effort tied to a legal settlement over alleged price increases during the COVID-19 pandemic. The shipment, amounting to roughly 50,000 dozen eggs, is expected to provide critical nutritional support to families experiencing food insecurity throughout the region. The eggs will be delivered to food banks across Texas following a settlement with Cal-Maine Foods Incorporated, one of the nation’s largest egg producers. The agreement stems from allegations that the company significantly raised egg prices during the pandemic, placing added strain on households already facing economic uncertainty. State officials said the distribution is intended to help offset the impact of those increases by directing high-demand food items to communities in need. In North Texas, the North Texas Food Bank is preparing to receive a substantial portion of the shipment. Representatives say the timing is especially important as demand for food assistance remains elevated. Food banks across the state continue to report increased traffic, driven by higher grocery costs and lingering financial pressures on working families. Officials with the North Texas Food Bank estimate that the incoming eggs could help support as many as 744,000 individuals connected to its network. The organization emphasized that eggs are a valuable source of protein and are often difficult to keep in steady supply due to cost and demand. The additional inventory is expected to help stabilize distributions and improve access to balanced meals. The Tarrant Area Food Bank, which will also receive a delivery, said protein-rich foods remain among the most requested and hardest items to stock. The organization noted that many families are forced to make difficult choices when grocery prices rise, and access to nutritious staples like eggs can help reduce that burden while improving overall meal quality. Beyond North Texas, food banks in Houston, San Antonio, Central Texas, East Texas, the Rio Grande Valley, and West Texas are among those scheduled to receive egg shipments. The allocation varies by region, with larger metropolitan food banks receiving tens of thousands of dozens and smaller regional banks receiving smaller, yet still significant, quantities. State officials said the settlement underscores ongoing efforts to monitor corporate pricing practices and ensure consumer protection, particularly during emergencies. The egg distribution, they added, reflects a broader commitment to directing recovered resources back into communities affected by economic hardship. Food banks and partner pantries are currently coordinating logistics to safely store and distribute the eggs, which require careful handling due to refrigeration needs. Distribution timelines may vary by region as organizations work to integrate the shipment into existing food assistance programs. As food insecurity remains a pressing issue across Texas, advocates say the egg settlement offers meaningful, though temporary, relief. For many families struggling to stretch limited food budgets, the added supply represents not just a legal outcome, but a tangible source of nourishment during a period of continued need.

China’s record-breaking trade surplus is increasingly reshaping global financial markets as export earnings that once accumulated primarily in state reserves are now being redirected into private investments overseas. The shift marks a notable departure from Beijing’s traditionally centralized management of foreign exchange inflows and introduces new dynamics into global capital movements at a time of heightened sensitivity over trade imbalances and financial stability. Last yea

Greenland’s foreign minister has spoken of the intense political and emotional strain facing the autonomous Arctic territory following renewed statements from US President Donald Trump suggesting that Washington intends to acquire Greenland, with senior figures in his administration indicating that even military options have not been fully ruled out. The comments have triggered strong reactions across Europe and have raised fresh concerns about sovereignty, security, and stability within the N

India delivered a firm rebuttal to Pakistan at the United Nations after Islamabad once again raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during a session of the General Assembly, reiterating New Delhi’s position that the matter is an internal issue and not subject to international mediation. Indian officials accused Pakistan of repeatedly misusing multilateral forums to promote a divisive political narrative that does not reflect realities on the ground. The response followed comments m

Hundreds of U.S. troops have begun evacuating from a major air base in Qatar as part of a coordinated precautionary effort amid rising tensions with Iran. The move comes as the U.S. administration considers a range of military and diplomatic options in response to Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests, raising concerns about potential retaliation against American forces stationed across the region. Service members at Al Udeid Air Base are being relocated to other military installa

Senior officials from the United States, Greenland, and Denmark are set to hold critical talks at the White House on Wednesday as tensions escalate over Washington’s renewed push to bring the Arctic island under U.S. control. The meeting comes amid increasingly forceful rhetoric from President Donald Trump, raising fresh concerns about transatlantic relations and the future cohesion of NATO. Greenland Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmuss

Iran has once again imposed sweeping restrictions on internet access, escalating its long-standing campaign of digital control by reportedly disrupting even satellite-based connectivity such as Starlink. The latest shutdown marks a significant development, as Starlink has long been considered resistant to conventional censorship and network blocking methods used by state authorities. Digital rights researchers monitoring the situation say the government has deployed military-grade G

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said he held a constructive and wide-ranging discussion with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focusing on key areas of bilateral and strategic cooperation between the two countries. The conversation reflected the ongoing engagement between New Delhi and Washington as both sides continue to strengthen ties across multiple sectors of mutual interest. In a message shared on social media platform X, Jaishankar described the interaction as a “good conversation,” noting that the talks covered important subjects including trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence collaboration and energy security. These areas have emerged as central pillars of the evolving India-US partnership, particularly in the context of shifting global economic and geopolitical dynamics. The discussion on trade and economic engagement comes at a time when both countries are exploring ways to deepen supply chain resilience and expand market access. Cooperation on critical minerals has gained added importance amid global efforts to secure resources essential for advanced manufacturing, clean energy technologies and strategic industries. Nuclear cooperation and defence ties were also part of the agenda, underscoring the growing convergence in security interests and technological collaboration. Energy cooperation featured prominently in the talks, reflecting shared priorities related to energy security, sustainability and long-term growth. India and the United States have increasingly worked together on conventional and clean energy initiatives, including efforts to address climate challenges while meeting rising energy demands. Jaishankar said both sides agreed to remain in close touch on these and other issues, signalling continuity in diplomatic engagement and policy coordination. The exchange highlights the emphasis placed by both governments on maintaining regular dialogue to address global challenges, regional stability and economic opportunities. The conversation forms part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to reinforce the strategic partnership between India and the United States, which continues to expand across political, economic and security domains.

The United States sharply criticised Russia on Monday, January 12, for its use of a nuclear-capable Oreshnik ballistic missile in Ukraine, describing the launch as a dangerous and unjustified escalation of the ongoing conflict. The condemnation was delivered during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council convened to address the latest developments in the war. Addressing the council, US Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Tammy Bruce said Russia’s decision t

Sergio Gor formally assumed charge as the United States Ambassador to India on Monday, marking the beginning of a new diplomatic chapter between the two countries. Speaking shortly after taking office, Gor described the relationship between India and the United States as the most consequential global partnership of the century, underlining its growing importance across economic, strategic, and technological domains. He confirmed that fresh trade negotiations between the two sides are schedule

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

India on Friday said it was concerned about the fatal shooting in Minneapolis, citing the presence of a large Indian community in the United States and the broader implications of the incident. The reaction came amid growing scrutiny of immigration enforcement practices in the US following the death of a woman during a federal operation. Responding to questions on the incident, the Ministry of External Affairs said India was closely following developments related to the Minneapolis

Federal immigration authorities arrested more than 280 immigrants across Ohio during a multi-day enforcement operation conducted in mid-December, according to officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The arrests took place between Dec. 16 and Dec. 21 as part of what officials described as a targeted effort known as Operation Buckeye, which focused on Columbus and other parts of the state. The announcement of the arrests came amid growing public attention and protests

​Warships from China, Russia and Iran arrived in South African waters on Friday to participate in a week-long multinational naval exercise off the coast of Cape Town, drawing attention amid heightened global tensions and renewed scrutiny of South Africa’s foreign policy positioning. The exercise, titled “Will for Peace 2026,” is being conducted under the framework of the BRICS group of emerging economies and is scheduled to continue until next Friday. South Africa’s armed forces sa