Russia’s Defence Ministry said on Thursday that it had transferred what it described as evidence showing that Ukrainian forces targeted a Russian presidential residence earlier this week, an allegation that Kyiv and Western governments have firmly rejected. The announcement adds to rising diplomatic tensions as Moscow and Washington continue discussions related to the broader war in Ukraine. According to the ministry, fragments of a Ukrainian drone recovered after an alleged attem

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Chinese President Xi Jinping used his annual New Year’s Eve address to reaffirm Beijing’s long-standing position on Taiwan, declaring that reunification with the self-governing island was inevitable. Speaking in Beijing on Wednesday, Xi said that bringing Taiwan under China’s control was “a trend of the times” that could not be stopped, reiterating a pledge that has become a central pillar of his leadership. The speech came just one day after the conclusion of large-scale

A significant legal challenge to the steep increase in H-1B visa fees has suffered a major setback after a US District Court ruled that the federal government acted within its legal authority. The ruling has delivered a blow to business and employer groups that argued the move would restrict access to skilled foreign talent, even as the H-1B visa programme continues to face mounting pressure from stricter regulations and prolonged processing delays across the globe. The decision was i

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said the country is effectively engaged in a full-scale conflict with the United States, Israel and Europe, describing Iran’s current diplomatic and strategic environment as increasingly complex and difficult. His remarks reflect heightened regional tensions following months of military confrontation, economic pressure and stalled diplomacy. In an

Thailand has defended its military’s decision to remove a Hindu statue located along its border with Cambodia, stating that the action was necessary to establish control over a disputed frontier area. The move, which took place on December 25, has sparked criticism and renewed debate over border management and cultural sensitivity in the region. According to Thai authorities, the statue was situated in an area that remains contested between Thailand and Cambodia. Officials said th

The United States has cautioned India about China’s evolving two-front strategic approach that combines diplomatic calm along the Line of Actual Control with an aggressive expansion of military support to Pakistan. The warning comes from the US Department of Defense’s 2025 Annual Report to Congress on Military and Security Developments involving the People’s Republic of China, a comprehensive assessment of Beijing’s military modernisation and regional ambitions. The report h

Pakistan’s recent diplomatic and military outreach to Bangladesh has triggered fresh speculation about a potential defence agreement that could significantly reshape regional security dynamics in South Asia. Over the past few months, several senior Pakistani military officials, including the chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, the Navy chief, and ISI head Lt General Asim Malik, have made repeated visits to Dhaka. These developments come as Bangladesh’s interim leadership u

The administration of US President Donald Trump has announced a new financial incentive aimed at encouraging undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the country, offering cash payments and paid travel as part of a broader effort to accelerate deportations and reduce enforcement costs. The initiative, introduced ahead of the holiday season, is being framed by federal officials as a cost-effective alternative to traditional immigration enforcement measures. According to the Depar

A fresh political controversy has erupted in South Asia after a leader from Pakistan’s ruling party issued a direct warning to India over Bangladesh. Pakistan Muslim League youth wing leader Kamran Saeed Usmani released a video statement on Tuesday, threatening a strong military respo

A massive protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi turned violent on Tuesday as members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and other Hindu groups, including the Bajrang Dal, gathered to protest the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh. Despite heavy security arrangements, demonstrators t

The United States has welcomed India’s newly enacted legislation on nuclear energy, describing it as a significant move toward strengthening bilateral cooperation in the civil nuclear and energy sectors. The response follows President Draupadi Murmu’s assent to the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, widely known as the SHANTI Bill, 2025, which introduces far-reaching changes to the country’s nuclear governance framework. In a statement shared on social media, the US Embassy in India said it viewed the new law as an important step toward a stronger energy security partnership and enhanced peaceful civil nuclear cooperation. The embassy added that the United States was prepared to engage with India on joint innovation and research and development initiatives across the energy sector, underscoring the strategic importance Washington places on collaboration in advanced and clean energy technologies. The SHANTI Act marks a decisive shift in India’s approach to civil nuclear power by replacing the Atomic Energy Act of 1962, a law that had remained largely unchanged for more than six decades. The updated framework seeks to modernize regulatory oversight, expand participation, and align India’s nuclear sector with contemporary global practices, while maintaining safety and security as central priorities. Among the most consequential reforms introduced by the new legislation is the opening of India’s civil nuclear sector to private participation for the first time. Until now, nuclear power generation and related activities were almost exclusively handled by state-owned enterprises. The move is expected to attract fresh investment, encourage innovation, and accelerate capacity building in a sector considered critical to India’s long-term energy security and climate commitments. The Act also grants statutory backing to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, strengthening its authority and independence. In addition, it outlines a structured licensing regime designed to bring clarity and predictability to approvals and compliance. To address disputes more efficiently, the legislation proposes the establishment of a specialized nuclear tribunal with jurisdiction over matters arising from the sector. Under the provisions of the SHANTI Act, licenses may be issued to a wide range of entities, including government departments, public sector bodies, government-controlled corporations, government companies, joint ventures involving such entities, as well as other companies or individuals expressly permitted by the central government through notification. This broader eligibility is intended to create a more inclusive and competitive ecosystem while retaining oversight through regulation. The US response to the legislation must also be seen in the context of the broader India–US civil nuclear relationship, which began nearly two decades ago with the announcement of a landmark cooperation initiative. That agreement ended India’s prolonged nuclear isolation and enabled civilian nuclear engagement despite New Delhi remaining outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, marking a major shift in bilateral relations and US policy. While the agreement reshaped strategic ties, its implementation faced delays over the years due to regulatory and legal complexities. Momentum picked up earlier this year when the US Department of Energy granted regulatory clearance to an American company to design and build nuclear reactors in India, a development widely seen as a breakthrough. With the enactment of the SHANTI Bill, both sides appear poised to build on that progress. The legislation provides a clearer regulatory pathway and signals India’s intent to expand its nuclear energy program, creating new opportunities for collaboration, investment, and technology exchange between the two countries in the years ahead.

No bake Christmas desserts continue to rise in popularity because they provide a perfect mix of convenience and indulgence during the festive season. These desserts avoid oven use, relying instead on refrigeration to achieve creamy, rich textures. With families preparing for gatherings, travel, cooking and gifting, the appeal of simple yet impressive desserts has grown significantly. They save time, reduce stress and still deliver satisfying flavour. What Makes No Bake Dess

President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, marking a landmark moment for the country’s atomic energy sector. The legislation opens India’s civil nuclear domain to private companies for the first time, signaling a major shift in national energy policy. The SHANTI Bill was approved during the Winter Session of Parliament and formally notified by the government, clearing the way for private i

Police in Arlington, Virginia, are investigating a suspicious vehicle reported near the Pentagon on Friday morning, prompting heightened security measures and road closures in the surrounding area. The incident has led to traffic disruptions as law enforcement agencies continue to assess the situation and ensure public safety near one of the nation’s most secure federal facilities. According to the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, the vehicle arrived at one of the Pentagon’s security checkpoints at approximately 7:45 a.m. The nature of the vehicle and the reason it was deemed suspicious have not been disclosed, and officials have so far released limited information while the investigation remains active. Authorities emphasized that precautionary steps were taken immediately after the vehicle was identified, in keeping with established security protocols. As part of the response, several nearby roads were closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. North Rotary Road and Fern Street were confirmed closed as of 10:19 a.m., creating delays for commuters traveling through Arlington during the morning hours. Law enforcement officials urged drivers to avoid the area if possible, use alternate routes, and comply with all police instructions while the investigation continues. Multiple police units were observed in the area as officers worked to secure the perimeter and evaluate any potential risks. Officials stressed that these measures are standard procedure during security incidents involving federal facilities, and they are intended to protect Pentagon personnel, nearby workers, and the general public. No injuries or evacuations were reported during the initial response period. Authorities have not indicated how long the road closures will remain in effect, nor whether the incident poses an ongoing threat. The Pentagon Force Protection Agency stated that updates would be provided as more information becomes available. Until then, residents and commuters in Arlington are advised to remain alert, monitor traffic conditions, and follow official guidance. The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement officials continue to work to determine the circumstances surrounding the vehicle’s presence at the checkpoint. Further details are expected to be released once the situation is fully assessed and it is deemed appropriate to share additional information with the public.

The Trump administration on Thursday ordered an immediate suspension of the United States’ diversity visa lottery programme, citing national security concerns following deadly shootings at Brown University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The directive was issued by the Department of Homeland Security after authorities confirmed that the suspect in the attacks had entered the country through the diversity visa programme, also known as the green card lottery. Homeland Security

A prominent youth leader from Bangladesh, Sharif Osman Hadi, has died in Singapore after succumbing to severe injuries sustained during an assassination attempt in Dhaka earlier this month, officials confirmed on Thursday. His death has sent shockwaves through political circles in Bangladesh and has raised renewed concerns over political violence targeting emerging leaders. Sharif Osman Hadi served as the spokesperson of Inqilab Mancho, a youth-oriented political platform that has g

Tension in Bangladesh has sharply escalated after India closed its visa centres in Rajshahi and Khulna, prompting violent protests and warnings of further unrest. Demonstrators clashed with security personnel near the Assistant High Commission of India in Rajshahi after attempting to march toward the compound. Protesters accused India of injustice and went so far as to threaten bloodshed, saying they would use swords or other weapons if necessary. The situation has alarmed authorities on both

A migratory seagull carrying a Chinese-made GPS tracking device was found along Karnataka’s Karwar coast, raising questions due to the location’s proximity to the strategic INS Kadamba naval base. Locals first spotted the bird near Timmakka Garden in Uttara Kannada district and alerted the marine division of the forest department. The discovery drew attention because INS Kadamba hosts key Indian Navy assets and is undergoing expansion that will make it one of the largest naval bases in th

German lawmakers are widely expected to approve a defense procurement package exceeding 50 billion euros on Wednesday, marking one of the most significant military spending decisions in the country’s post-war history. The move reflects a broader shift in Germany’s security policy as the government seeks to strengthen national and allied defense capabilities following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Agenda documents for the Bundestag’s Budget Committee indicate that members are