World News

Cities around world welcome 2026 with fireworks, heightened security

In New York City's Times Square, revellers braved frigid temperatures to celebrate with the famed New Year's Eve ball drop

France may follow Australia in banning social media for children under 15

The proposal follows a French parliamentary investigation that found platforms were deliberately exposing minors to harmful content, prompting calls for stricter online safeguards

Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York City's youngest & first Muslim mayor

Zohran Mamdani takes oath as as New York City's mayor, becoming the first Muslim, South Asian, and youngest leader at 34; a public ceremony follows at City Hall

Why China plans to tighten silver exports from January 1 and why it matters

China will tighten controls on silver exports from January 1, raising concerns for global industries as prices hit record highs and the metal gains strategic importance in clean energy and defence

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina urges unity in New Year message

Expressing hope for renewal, she added, May it wipe away the sorrows and afflictions of the past, correct mistakes and shortcomings, and become a memorable year for everyone

China's Xi hails nation's tech progress, renews pledge to take back Taiwan

China plans its economic development over periods of five years and is preparing to discuss its new five-year plan at the upcoming legislative session in March

China asks Netherlands to correct Nexperia 'mistakes', remove obstacles

Beijing said that Dutch decisions have disrupted the normal functioning of the semiconductor supply chain, which is affecting companies and markets around the world

CIA rejects Russia's claim of Ukraine targeting Putin's residence

Moscow alleged Kyiv targeted Putin's residence, a claim he raised with Donald Trump during a phone call. The CIA later briefed Trump that such an attack was unlikely to have occurred

Taiwan's President Lai pledges robust defence after China military drills

Since Lai took office in May 2024, China has escalated pressure on archipelago of 23 million people it regards as its territory

US sanctions 4 Venezuelan oil firms, 4 more tankers in Maduro crackdown

The latest sanctions from the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control target ships called Nord Star, Lunar Tide, Rosalind and Della, and their registered ownership companies

Trump admin terminates lease for Washington's 3 public golf courses

Officials for the National Links Trust said in a statement that they were devastated by the decision to terminate the lease and defended their management of the courses

Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in as mayor on a Quran, a first in NYC history

Most of Mamdani's predecessors were sworn in on a Bible, although the oath to uphold the federal, state and city constitutions does not require the use of any religious text

Department of Justice is reviewing over 5.2 mn documents related to Epstein

The Justice Department has more than 400 attorneys assigned to the review, but does not expect to release more documents until Jan 20 or 21

Khaleda Zia's vision to guide India-Bangladesh ties: Jaishankar to Rahman

The three-time Bangladesh prime minister and BNP matriarch died on Tuesday following a prolonged illness

US military strikes 3 suspected drug-smuggling boats, killing three at sea

The military said three people were killed when the first boat was struck, while people in the other two boats jumped overboard and distanced themselves from the vessels before they were attacked

AI startups mint new billionaires as investors chase next tech wave

It has also produced a crop of new billionaires - at least on paper - from smaller start-ups

Germany's Merz tells Europe to assert itself to safeguard peace, prosperity

In his New Year's speech, Merz pulled no punches, saying the "terrible" war raging on Europe's doorstep posed a direct threat to continental freedom and security

UN clears 7% reduced budget for 2026 as US arrears strain finances

The US usually contributes 22% of the UN's regular budget, but the Trump administration has not paid the $826 million bill for 2025 and it still owes some $660 million in arrears

Oil prices head for biggest annual fall since 2020 on oversupply fears

U.S. crude and fuel inventories rose last week, market sources said, citing American Petroleum Institute figures on Tuesday

Khaleda Zia's funeral prayer held in Bangladesh amid tight security

The funeral prayer (namaz-e-janaza) was held at the Manik Mia Avenue on Wednesday afternoon