"world-news"

Iran’s president says he has ordered efforts toward negotiations with the United States, signaling a shift amid high tensions. Talks would focus on nuclear issues, though major disagreements remain over uranium enrichment and regional security demands.

China has criticised the Grammy Award given to the Dalai Lama, warning against its use for what it calls anti-China activities. The Tibetan spiritual leader won the award for a spoken-word album and responded by emphasising peace, compassion and shared human responsibility.

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan, sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, over her absence in a case linked to a November 2024 protest. Authorities have been ordered to arrest and present her in court.

Iran has summoned EU ambassadors to protest the bloc’s decision to label the Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organisation. The move comes amid growing tensions with the United States, military deployments in the region, and concerns over Iran’s crackdown on protests.

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 23 Palestinians across Gaza on Saturday, according to hospitals, despite an ongoing ceasefire with Hamas. The attacks came a day before the Rafah border crossing is set to reopen, highlighting continued violence as negotiations move into a second phase.

Armed clashes and explosions were reported across several districts of Balochistan after the Baloch Liberation Army announced a new phase of Operation Herof. The group claimed coordinated attacks on Pakistani security forces, while residents reported heightened tension, especially in Quetta.

South Korea held a funeral ceremony for former prime minister Lee Hae-chan, attended by the president and top leaders. A key figure in the nation’s democracy movement, Lee died at 73 after suffering cardiac arrest during a trip to Vietnam.

Newly released US Justice Department files include draft emails containing unverified allegations involving Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein. Gates’ spokesperson strongly denied the claims, calling them false and defamatory, as Epstein-related documents continue to draw scrutiny.

A landslide caused by heavy rain collapsed artisanal coltan mines in eastern Congo, killing more than 200 people. The mines, controlled by M23 rebels, are known for unsafe working conditions and supply a major share of the world’s tantalum.

A predawn landslide in West Java, Indonesia, killed at least eight people and left 82 missing after torrential rains. Rescuers struggled through mud and debris while authorities evacuated nearby families and warned residents in landslide-prone areas to stay alert.

Russian drone attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv killed one person and wounded 31 as Ukraine, Russia, and U.S. officials met in Abu Dhabi for peace talks. Zelenskyy says a deal is “nearly ready,” but territorial disputes remain unresolved.

At least six people were killed and several others injured after a suicide bomber struck a wedding ceremony in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The attack targeted the home of a local peace committee leader. Investigations are underway.

At least nine members of a family were killed after an avalanche buried their home in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Heavy snowfall disrupted life across several regions, blocking roads, cutting power and worsening extreme cold conditions.

More than 20 people are feared dead after a high-speed train derailed and collided with another train in southern Spain, injuring dozens and prompting suspension of rail services as rescue operations continue

At least 14 people, including six children, died after a passenger truck fell from a bridge into a dry canal in Punjab’s Kot Momin due to dense fog. The victims were travelling to attend a family funeral.

A construction crane collapsed onto a passenger train in northeastern Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima province, derailing the train and causing a fire. At least 22 people were killed and 64 injured while traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani

At least 2,571 people have been killed in Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests, activists said. Internet shutdowns have hindered verification, while authorities have released no official figures, making the unrest one of Iran’s deadliest since 1979.

The US Congress is divided over Greenland as Denmark and Greenland prepare for White House talks. Democrats seek to block any takeover, while Republicans push annexation, following President Trump’s warnings about Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic

About 15,000 nurses struck at three New York City hospitals over staffing, safety, and contract issues. Hospitals hired temporary staff to cover patients, while city officials urged both sides to negotiate amid a severe flu season.

At least four people, including a 13-year-old, were killed and six others injured when a jeep fell off a hilly road in Nepal’s Sudurpashchim province. The injured were hospitalised, and police have begun an investigation.