World News
ECB Prez Lagarde hails Bulgaria joining Euro as symbol of Europe's unity
The Balkan nation of 6.4 million people just completed its economic transformation and became the latest country to join the world's biggest currency zone
 "ECB Prez Lagarde hails Bulgaria joining Euro as symbol of Europe's unity")
At least seven killed as protests over ailing economy widen across Iran
The most-intense violence appeared to strike Azna, a city in Iran's Lorestan province, some 300 kilometers (185 miles) southwest of Tehran
 "At least seven killed as protests over ailing economy widen across Iran")
Dollar makes a soft start to 2026 after sharpest drop in 8 years
A dwindling interest rate difference between the US and other economies has cast a shadow over the currency market, resulting in most currencies gaining sharply against the dollar in 2025
 "Dollar makes a soft start to 2026 after sharpest drop in 8 years")
Mamdani vows to govern 'expansively and audaciously' as New York City mayor
Throngs turned out in the frigid cold for an inauguration viewing party just south of City Hall on a stretch of Broadway known as the Canyon of Heroes, famous for its ticker-tape parades
 "Mamdani vows to govern 'expansively and audaciously' as New York City mayor")
Bangladesh to choose Boeing over Airbus, plans to procure 14 aircraft
State-run BSS news agency reported that Biman Bangladesh Airlines decided to procure the Boeing aircraft at its annual general meeting as part of its fleet expansion plan
 "Bangladesh to choose Boeing over Airbus, plans to procure 14 aircraft")
Saudi Arabia mandates inspection of flights between Aden, UAE: Yemen
This latest development comes amid further strained ties between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, neighbours on the Arabian Peninsula that increasingly have competed over economic issues and politics
 "Saudi Arabia mandates inspection of flights between Aden, UAE: Yemen")
'SAARC spirit alive': Yunus as South Asian leaders attend Zia's funeral
The regional grouping comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
 "'SAARC spirit alive': Yunus as South Asian leaders attend Zia's funeral")
Donald Trump withdraws National Guard from Chicago, LA and Portland
Donald Trump had earlier ordered the National Guard to Portland, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC
 "Donald Trump withdraws National Guard from Chicago, LA and Portland")
Even the sky may not be the limit as AI data centres prepare for orbit
Some tech leaders are concerned that AI race will exhaust available land, energy. The solution might lie in orbit
 "Even the sky may not be the limit as AI data centres prepare for orbit")
Neuralink plans 'high-volume' brain implant production by 2026, says Musk
The company began human trials of its brain implant in 2024 after addressing safety concerns raised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
 "Neuralink plans 'high-volume' brain implant production by 2026, says Musk")
Gen Z protests: Nepal probe panel to summon Oli over use of force
Oli has publicly stated that he would not appear before the commission, questioning its legitimacy and impartiality
 "Gen Z protests: Nepal probe panel to summon Oli over use of force")
US drew bulk of state-owned investments in 2025: Global SWF report
Funneling investments to the US came at the expense of emerging markets, however - despite their outsized performance in 2025
 "US drew bulk of state-owned investments in 2025: Global SWF report")
At least 24 killed in Ukraine drone attack in Kherson, says Russia
The claims couldn't be independently verified though Saldo later posted photos allegedly showing the aftermath
 "At least 24 killed in Ukraine drone attack in Kherson, says Russia")
Why are China's restaurants struggling to recover from the slowdown?
Weak spending behaviour has become more common in China as households worry about income stability and falling asset values
 "Why are China's restaurants struggling to recover from the slowdown?")
Ukrainian drone trike on New Year party kills at least 24 in Russia
The air defence systems have intercepted and destroyed 168 Ukrainian UAVs over the regions during the New Year night, and many airports in south and central Russia
 "Ukrainian drone trike on New Year party kills at least 24 in Russia")
Several dead in fire at ski resort in Switzerland on New Year's Eve
Several people were killed and many injured after a fire broke out at a crowded bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana during New Year's celebrations
 "Several dead in fire at ski resort in Switzerland on New Year's Eve")
Pakistan witnesses drop in terror attacks since Afghan border closure
CRSS data showed that terrorist attacks went down by almost 17% in December, preceded by 9% decline in November, while terrorism-linked fatalities also fell in the last quarter of 2025
 "Pakistan witnesses drop in terror attacks since Afghan border closure")
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
 "Cities around world welcome 2026 with fireworks, heightened security")
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
 "France may follow Australia in banning social media for children under 15")
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
 "Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York City's youngest & first Muslim mayor")
