Indian student dies and two injured in road accident in kazakhstan’s oskemen
A tragic road accident in the eastern Kazakhstan city of Oskemen has resulted in the death of an Indian student and left two others injured, according to confirmation from the Indian Embassy in the country. The incident involved a group of Indian medical students enrolled at Semey Medical University who were returning from an excursion to the Altai Mountains, a well-known destination in the region. The accident has deeply affected the Indian student community and raised renewed concerns over stu
Apple overtakes Samsung to become world’s top smartphone brand in 2025
Apple has emerged as the world’s leading smartphone manufacturer in 2025, overtaking long-time rival Samsung in global shipments, according to the latest industry analysis. The milestone marks a significant shift in the global smartphone market, ending a 14-year period during which Samsung consistently held the top position in worldwide shipments. Industry data shows that Apple recorded the highest year-on-year growth among the top five smartphone brands, capturing a 20 percent sh
NYC nurses strike enters second day as hospitals stay open amid stalled talks
NEW YORK — Nurses across New York City returned to picket lines Tuesday for the second day of what union leaders describe as the largest nurses strike in the city’s history, as contract negotiations with major hospital systems remain unresolved. The strike, which began early Monday, involves an estimated 15,000 nurses from hospitals within the Mount Sinai, Montefiore and NewYork-Presbyterian networks. Picketing resumed outside multiple hospital facilities Tuesday morning, though
Hindu auto driver beaten to death amid rising unrest in Bangladesh
A 28-year-old Hindu auto-rickshaw driver was beaten to death in southeastern Bangladesh, marking the latest fatality in a continuing wave of violence targeting minority communities amid ongoing political unrest. The victim, identified as Samir Das, was attacked in the Daganbhuiyan area of Chittagong on the night of January 11, according to local reports. His death is the seventh reported killing of a Hindu individual since unrest intensified across the country in late December. The
US condemns Russia over nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile use in Ukraine
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
Suspect waives extradition in Columbus double homicide of Spencer and Monique Tepe
A man accused of killing Spencer and Monique Tepe has waived his right to contest extradition and will be returned to Ohio to face murder charges, authorities confirmed following a brief court appearance in Illinois. The decision clears the way for the suspect to be transported back to Franklin County, where prosecutors have filed multiple counts related to the fatal shootings. Michael McKee, 39, appeared Monday in a courtroom in Rockford, Illinois, marking his first public appearan
San Francisco leaders push expanded court-ordered treatment to address mental health crisis
San Francisco state and city leaders announced a proposed legislative change Monday aimed at expanding the use of court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment as part of an effort to confront the city’s ongoing mental health crisis. The announcement was made during a morning press conference outside San Francisco City Hall, where officials described the proposal as a significant shift in how treatment for severe mental illness is handled in California. Mayor Daniel Lurie joined mem
Virginia reports second measles case of year, officials trace possible exposure sites
The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed the state’s second case of measles reported so far this year, prompting an investigation into potential exposure sites and renewed public health guidance for residents. Health officials said the case involves a preschool-aged child who recently traveled internationally with family members, a factor that continues to play a significant role in measles transmission within the United States. According to the department, the child visite
IRS announces Jan. 26 start for 2026 tax filing season amid major law changes
The Internal Revenue Service has announced that the 2026 tax filing season will officially begin on Monday, Jan. 26, giving taxpayers the green light to submit their 2025 individual income tax returns. The agency expects to process approximately 164 million returns during the upcoming season, with the vast majority filed electronically. Officials say new tax law provisions could lower tax liabilities for some filers and potentially increase refund amounts, while operational changes may alter
Egret season approaches as Fort Worth prepares residents for migration
As egret season approaches, city officials in Fort Worth are urging residents to prepare ahead of the annual migration to reduce the impact these birds can have on neighborhoods. Each year, large numbers of egrets arrive to nest, often settling in residential areas where their presence can create challenges for homeowners. To address concerns before the birds arrive, local animal care authorities have launched an outreach effort focused on education, prevention, and community cooperation.
Apple partners with google to bring ai-powered siri using gemini models
Apple is preparing to introduce a major upgrade to its digital assistant through a multiyear partnership with Google that will bring advanced AI capabilities to Siri using Gemini models. This collaboration represents a significant evolution in Apple’s artificial intelligence strategy, enabling more natural conversations, improved contextual understanding, and deeper integration across devices. The enhanced version of Siri is expected to arrive later this year and marks Apple’s most prominent
Global protests against iran regime intensify as calls for change grow louder
The protest movement against the Iranian regime is growing stronger and more vocal with each passing day. What began as domestic unrest has now expanded beyond the country’s borders, evolving into a global expression of dissent. Demonstrations are increasingly visible in Europe, the United States, and neighboring regions, highlighting the determination of Iranians and their supporters to draw international attention to long-standing political and social grievances. The expanding reach of these
Reza Pahlavi urges Trump to act against Iran as protests intensify
Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi has intensified his appeal to former United States president Donald Trump, urging immediate action against Iran’s leadership as nationwide protests continue to grip the country and reports of fatalities mount. In a series of statements issued on Monday, Pahlavi portrayed the Iranian government as severely weakened and argued that decisive international support could help protesters bring an end to the current political system. Pahlavi soug
Thousands of nurses strike across major New York City hospitals amid contract dispute
Thousands of nurses across several major hospital systems in New York City went on strike Monday after labor negotiations failed to produce a new contract before the deadline. The walkout, which began early January 12, involves nurses from Mount Sinai Hospital and two affiliated campuses, as well as staff at New York-Presbyterian and Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. Union officials say the action represents one of the largest nursing strikes in the city’s history, both in scale and i
Australia moves India to highest student visa risk category, scrutiny to increase
Australia has moved India into its highest-risk category for student visa applicants, a decision that will result in stricter scrutiny and longer processing timelines for thousands of prospective students. The change, implemented under Australia’s Simplified Student Visa Framework, takes effect from January 8, 2026, and represents an out-of-cycle reclassification driven by concerns over emerging integrity risks in the student visa system. Under the revised framework, India has bee
Sergio Gor assumes charge as US ambassador to India, outlines trade talks and Pax Silica invite
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
UAE expands foster care rights as Modi, Merz strengthen India-Germany partnership
The United Arab Emirates has approved significant amendments to its child care framework, allowing foreign residents to foster children of unknown parentage, a move that expands access to a system that was previously restricted to Emirati citizens. The changes, enacted under Federal Decree-Law No. 12 of 2025, revise provisions of the 2022 law governing child welfare and are aimed at strengthening institutional care while broadening social participation in foster services. The update
India most essential partner for US as trade talks resume, says ambassador-designate
The United States considers India its most essential international partner, US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor said on Monday, as Washington and New Delhi prepare to restart a new round of trade negotiations beginning Tuesday, January 12. Speaking at the US Embassy in New Delhi, Gor underlined the depth of the bilateral relationship and expressed confidence that both sides could overcome existing challenges to advance cooperation across multiple sectors. Gor, who also serves as Spec
Iran signals openness to talks with US as protests continue and war warnings escalate
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
