Bangladesh’s political turmoil deepened further on Monday as a Dhaka court sentenced deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment in two corruption cases related to alleged irregularities in government land allocations. The verdict, delivered by Dhaka’s Special Judge’s Court, marks another major legal setback for the former leader, who has been facing a barrage of cases since her removal from power in 2024. The cases revolve around the Rajuk New Town Project

A major development unfolded in Telangana politics on Saturday as the Special Investigation Team completed its first round of questioning of former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao in connection with the phone tapping case. The SIT officials arrived at KCR’s residence in Nandi Nagar earlier in the afternoon and began the inquiry at approximately 3:00 pm. What initially appeared to be a routine

Senior YSR Congress Party leader Ambati Rambabu has once again found himself at the center of controversy, with police reports confirming that as many as 16 criminal cases have been registered against him. The cases are reportedly linked to repeated incidents involving abusive language, provocative public statements, and actions that authorities believe could d

Amid continuing global economic uncertainty and renewed debate over the stability of major reserve currencies, Chinese President Xi Jinping has reiterated China’s ambition to build a “strong currency” and gradually elevate the yuan’s status in the global financial system. Xi said China aims to expand the use of the yuan in international trade, investment, and foreign exchange markets, underscoring a long-standing policy goal to strengthen the country’s financial influence worldwide. Xi’s remarks were outlined in a speech delivered in 2024 to senior provincial and ministerial officials and later published on Saturday in Qiushi, the Communist Party’s leading theoretical journal. The publication of excerpts from the address comes at a time of heightened volatility in global markets and growing scrutiny of the dominance of the US dollar, adding significance to Beijing’s renewed emphasis on currency strength and financial resilience. In the speech, Xi set out what he described as the essential characteristics of a global financial powerhouse. These included a solid economic foundation, world-leading technological and industrial capabilities, and a widely accepted and credible currency. He argued that currency strength was inseparable from broader national competitiveness and institutional capacity, noting that financial influence must be supported by real economic and technological power rather than short-term market movements. Xi also stressed the importance of a capable and independent central bank able to implement effective monetary policy and macroprudential management. He said globally competitive financial institutions, along with influential international financial centres, were necessary to attract global capital and exert pricing power in international markets. According to Xi, these elements must be matched with strong regulation, a reliable legal framework, and a deep pool of skilled financial professionals to ensure long-term stability and credibility. While acknowledging China’s scale in global finance, Xi noted that the country still faced structural limitations. He said China ranked among the world’s largest economies in terms of banking assets, foreign exchange reserves, and capital market size, but remained “big but not strong” overall. Transforming China into a true global financial powerhouse, he added, would be a gradual and long-term undertaking rather than an immediate achievement. Beijing has promoted the internationalisation of the yuan for more than a decade, with measurable progress in its use for cross-border trade settlement. The currency’s role in global markets, however, remains limited when compared with established reserve currencies. China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System currently clears an average of about 700 billion yuan, or roughly 100 billion US dollars, in transactions each day. This figure remains well below the nearly 2 trillion US dollars cleared daily through the dollar-based Clearing House Interbank Payments System. Yuan-denominated debt issuance in international markets also accounts for a small share of global activity, representing less than one percent of total issuance. These figures highlight the gap between China’s ambitions and the yuan’s current global footprint, despite steady domestic financial expansion. In recent months, the yuan has generally held firm against the US dollar, even amid trade tensions and uneven global growth. This stability contrasts with the sharper depreciation seen during former US President Donald Trump’s first term, when market observers speculated that Chinese authorities tolerated a weaker currency to offset the impact of tariffs. International investment banks continue to argue that the yuan remains below its long-term fair value, reflecting both policy controls and cautious foreign investor sentiment. The republication of Xi’s speech signals continuity in China’s financial strategy rather than a sudden shift. As global markets navigate uncertainty and reassess existing monetary structures, Beijing appears intent on steadily advancing its vision of a stronger yuan and a more influential role in the international financial system over the long term.

A moment of immense joy and celebration has arrived for the Konidela and Kamineni families as popular Tollywood actor Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Konidela have been blessed with twins. The couple welcomed a baby boy and a baby girl on January 31, spreading happiness across their families and among fans

A major political development unfolded in Andhra Pradesh late on Saturday night with the arrest of YSR Congress senior leader Ambati Rambabu following a controversy that erupted earlier in the day. Rambabu had drawn widespread criticism after he made highly abusive and objectionable remarks against Chief Minister

The political atmosphere in Andhra Pradesh has heated up once again following a controversial incident involving YSR Congress senior leader Ambati Rambabu. The YSR Congress Party has been attempting to counter criticism surrounding the Tirupati Laddu controversy by highlighting the findings of a Special Investigation Team report, which stated that no animal fats were mixed in the sacred prasada

The United States government entered a partial shutdown early Saturday after Congress failed to approve a full federal budget for fiscal year 2026 before the midnight deadline. While the lapse in funding has triggered formal shutdown procedures across several federal departments, congressional leaders from both parties indicated the disruption is likely to be brief, with a Senate-backed agreement expected to move through the House early next week. As a result of the missed deadline, an estim

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a conversation with Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, reaffirming India’s intention to deepen and expand cooperation across multiple sectors. The discussion marks a significant diplomatic engagement nearly a month after former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was removed from power and taken into United States custody following a high-profile military operation. In a message shared on social media, Modi said both sides

The US Justice Department on Friday released more than three million additional pages of records tied to its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking what officials described as the final disclosure under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The release includes thousands of videos and hundreds of thousands of images and concludes a lengthy document review process aimed at complying with congressional requirements for public disclosure. Speaking at a news co

The Tirumala laddu controversy has once again gained political momentum in Andhra Pradesh, with Deputy Chief Minister and Janasena Party president Pawan Kalyan taking a strong stand on the issue. The Janasena leader has been facing sustained criticism from the YSR Congress Party over the matter, prompting him to respond forcefully during a recent interaction with party MLAs and representatives. During the meeting, Pawan Kalyan made sharp remarks about the alleged mismanagement of Ti

Annapolis Police are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found on a hiking trail in Truxtun Park, with authorities believing extreme cold weather played a significant role. Officers were called to the area near the tennis courts on Wednesday after receiving a report of an unresponsive person on the trail. Upon arrival, first responders located the woman and determined she had died at the scene. Preliminary findings suggest the woman slipped on ice while walking along t

Senate Democrats signaled they are prepared to block a sweeping federal spending measure that includes funding for the Department of Homeland Security, escalating a budget standoff that could bring the federal government closer to a partial shutdown by the end of the week. The dispute centers on Democratic demands for new limits on the administration’s expanded immigration enforcement operations, which Republicans and the White House have so far resisted. The legislation, scheduled for a key procedural vote Thursday morning, would finance Homeland Security along with several other federal agencies. Without Democratic support, the bill lacks the votes needed to advance, setting the stage for a lapse in funding at midnight Friday. Democrats have made clear that unless changes are made to immigration enforcement practices, they will withhold their backing even if it means triggering a shutdown. Late Wednesday, there were indications that negotiations could still yield a temporary solution. According to a person familiar with the private discussions, the White House expressed openness to separating Homeland Security funding from the broader spending package. Under the idea being explored, Homeland Security would receive short-term funding while negotiations continue on Democratic demands, while other agencies covered by the bill would be funded through the end of September. The source spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks. The confrontation has intensified following the deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis, who were fatally shot during encounters with federal agents. The incident has sharpened Democratic criticism of immigration enforcement tactics and added urgency to their push for new restrictions. In response, Senate Democrats outlined specific conditions they want included before allowing the funding bill to move forward. These include requirements for officers to remove face coverings, clearly identify themselves, and obtain warrants before making arrests. Democratic leaders argue that these measures are necessary to restore public trust and ensure accountability. They say support for border security and law enforcement does not extend to practices they describe as excessive or opaque. Without agreement on these points, Democrats insist they are willing to block the bill, even as the deadline to keep the government open approaches. Republicans counter that tying immigration enforcement conditions to must-pass funding legislation risks unnecessary disruption and uncertainty for federal agencies. They maintain that existing laws already provide appropriate oversight and warn that a shutdown would have far-reaching consequences, including delayed services and furloughed workers. The current impasse recalls a government shutdown earlier this year, when lawmakers failed to reach consensus over expiring federal health care subsidies. That standoff resulted in a 43-day shutdown after negotiations collapsed. Although a small group of moderates eventually brokered a deal to reopen the government, party leaders acknowledge that the political dynamics are different this time. Democrats appear more unified, galvanized by recent events and determined to force changes to immigration policy through the budget process. With hours remaining before the funding deadline, the outcome remains uncertain. Negotiators on both sides continue to weigh whether a short-term compromise can avert another shutdown or whether the standoff will once again disrupt federal operations nationwide.

US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Thursday following the central bank’s decision to leave interest rates unchanged, accusing him of delaying necessary rate cuts and undermining the nation’s economic strength, national security and global competitiveness. The comments came shortly after the Federal Open Market Committee announced it would maintain its benchmark interest rate, a move that aligned with market expectations but drew strong poli

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held talks with United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in New Delhi, days ahead of his scheduled visit to Washington, D.C., for a high-level engagement on critical minerals. The meeting focused on multiple aspects of the India-US relationship, reflecting the breadth and depth of cooperation between the two countries across strategic, economic and defence domains. Following the meeting, Jaishankar said the discussions covered

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in the United States has announced that it will return three historic bronze sculptures to India after concluding that the works were illegally removed from temple sites in Tamil Nadu. The decision follows an extensive provenance review of the museum’s South Asian collection and marks a significant step in addressing the long-standing issue of illicit trafficking of cultural heritage. The most prominent of the sculptures slated for return is a bronze depiction of Shiva Nataraja, dating to around A.D. 990. Created during the Chola period, the sculpture represents the Hindu deity Shiva in his cosmic dance, symbolizing the cycle of creation and destruction. The figure shows Shiva dancing upon a demon that embodies ignorance, encircled by a ring of fire and standing on a lotus base. Art historians regard this form as one of the most visually powerful and symbolically rich representations in Indian art, revered both within India and among global audiences. Alongside the Shiva Nataraja, the museum will repatriate a Somaskanda sculpture from the 12th century, also from the Chola period. This bronze depicts Shiva seated with his consort Parvathy and their son Skanda, reflecting devotional traditions that were central to temple worship in medieval South India. The third work to be returned is a 16th-century bronze titled Saint Sundarar With Paravai, dating to the Vijayanagar period, which portrays the revered Shaivite saint with his companion. The museum stated that the return of these works reflects its commitment to ethical museum practices and responsible stewardship. A comprehensive review was initiated to determine whether any objects in the collection had been unlawfully acquired. During this process, researchers uncovered evidence that raised serious concerns about the origins of the three bronzes. The Shiva Nataraja entered the museum’s collection in 2002 through a New York art gallery. Subsequent investigation revealed inconsistencies in the documentation associated with the acquisition, including the inability to verify the gallery’s listed address. Researchers later established that the sculpture appeared in photographs taken at a Tamil Nadu temple during the 1950s, confirming that it had been removed from its original religious setting. Further inquiry connected the gallery to a network involved in the trafficking of stolen antiquities. Court records have shown that individuals associated with this network engaged in smuggling cultural objects from South Asia and falsifying provenance records to introduce them into the international art market. In recent years, other institutions have also returned comparable works linked to the same sources. The Somaskanda and Saint Sundarar With Paravai sculptures were donated to the museum in 1987 as part of a major private collection. Their provenance came under scrutiny after a tip prompted researchers to consult archival material held by the French Institute of Pondicherry. Photographs from the 1950s in the institute’s archives showed both sculptures installed in temples in Tamil Nadu, providing clear evidence that they had been stolen and exported illegally. Experts note that bronze sculptures from South Indian temples have been frequent targets of theft due to their artistic value and global demand. Replicas have circulated widely in tourist markets, while original works disappeared from sacred sites, often leaving communities without objects of worship that had been central to their cultural and religious identity for centuries. The Smithsonian’s decision is being viewed as part of a broader international movement toward repatriation and accountability in the museum sector. By returning these sculptures, the institution acknowledges the importance of restoring cultural heritage to its place of origin and reinforces growing global standards for transparency and ethical collecting practices.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar was cremated with full state honours in Baramati on Thursday, as thousands of supporters, political leaders and family members gathered to bid him an emotional farewell. The town witnessed scenes of deep grief as Pawar’s mortal remains, draped in the national flag, were brought from his native village Katewadi to Baramati for the final rites. The atmosphere remained solemn as people from nearby villages and NCP workers lined the streets to pay their respects to the veteran leader fondly known as Dada. Ajit Pawar’s sons, Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar, performed the last rites and lit the funeral pyre amid chants of emotional slogans from supporters who struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss. Senior leaders from across party lines attended the funeral, underlining Pawar’s influence in Maharashtra’s political landscape. Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid his last respects, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were also present. Police personnel and state officials accorded ceremonial honours as part of the official proceedings. Ajit Pawar, aged 66, died on Wednesday morning in a tragic plane crash involving a chartered Learjet near the Baramati airstrip, around 100 kilometres from Pune. The aircraft reportedly crashed shortly after approach, killing all those on board. The sudden nature of the accident sent shockwaves across the state and triggered an outpouring of grief from supporters and political colleagues alike. Large crowds gathered at the Vidya Pratishthan sports ground in Baramati, chanting slogans expressing their disbelief and sorrow over the untimely demise of a leader who played a crucial role in Maharashtra politics for decades. Several prominent figures, including Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, actor Riteish Deshmukh and other dignitaries, visited Pawar’s residence in Katewadi to offer condolences to the family. Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, and their sons. The loss has left a significant void within the NCP, with party workers and leaders expressing concern over the future direction of the party in the absence of its chief. The fatal crash also claimed the lives of experienced pilot Captain Sumit Kapoor, co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, Ajit Pawar’s personal security officer Vidip Jadhav and flight attendant Pinky Mali. Authorities have registered an accidental death report in connection with the incident, and further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. As Maharashtra mourns the passing of Ajit Pawar, tributes continue to pour in, highlighting his political legacy, administrative experience and deep connection with the people of Baramati and beyond.

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has launched an internal review following the upload of sensitive contracting documents to a public version of ChatGPT by its acting director, according to officials familiar with the matter. The incident, which occurred last summer, triggered multiple automated security alerts within the Department of Homeland Security and has renewed scrutiny around the use of artificial intelligence tools inside federal agencies. The documen

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed on Wednesday that two federal agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis have been placed on administrative leave, a move the agency described as routine procedure following any deadly use of force by federal officers. The announcement comes amid mounting public anger over ongoing immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota and increasing political pressure on the White House to address concerns about federal conduct on t

Bruce Springsteen has released a new protest song addressing recent fatal incidents in Minneapolis, using his music to respond to what he describes as escalating state violence tied to immigration enforcement. The song, titled Streets of Minneapolis, was unveiled this week and directly references the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, two individuals killed during encounters involving federal immigration agents. The release comes amid heightened tensions following an immigration