"world-news"

US-based astronomer Shrinivas Kulkarni has received the Royal Astronomical Society’s Gold Medal for his groundbreaking work in time-domain astronomy. The Caltech professor is known for discovering cosmic events and building powerful instruments to study the changing night sky.

President Donald Trump said Iran has reached out to negotiate after he threatened military action, as a violent crackdown on protests continues. A rights group says hundreds have been killed, while Iran claims the situation is under control.

Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot after authorities said it was used to create non-consensual sexual images. Regulators said existing safeguards failed to prevent AI-generated fake pornography, especially involving women and children.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss recovery efforts after Cyclone Ditwah, which killed over 600 people. China is among several countries assisting Sri Lanka’s reconstruction and rehabilitation process.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will host South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Nara for a key summit aimed at improving ties, managing China’s growing influence and addressing regional security challenges.

Afghan journalist Ubaidullah Ahmadi has been detained in Islamabad as Pakistan intensifies checks on undocumented migrants. Rights groups warn that detained Afghan journalists face arrest and deportation, which could endanger their lives if forced to return home.

The United States carried out fresh airstrikes against ISIS targets across Syria in response to a deadly ambush in Palmyra last month. The operation, involving partner forces, follows the killing of two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter.

A gas cylinder explosion at a wedding in Islamabad killed eight people, including the newlywed couple. The blast injured 11 others and damaged multiple houses. Authorities attribute the explosion to a gas leak, often exacerbated by low-quality cylinders.

A Ukrainian drone strike caused a fire at an oil depot in Russia’s Volgograd region. The attack follows Russia’s overnight barrage on Ukraine with missiles and drones. Both sides targeted energy infrastructure amid escalating tensions in the nearly four-year-old conflict.

Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Marshal Sidhu visited Iraq, where discussions focused on JF-17 Thunder and Mushshak aircraft procurement, joint training, and defence cooperation. Bangladesh also engaged Pakistan on similar aircraft, highlighting growing regional military collaboration and PAF training support.

The Pakistan Navy conducted successful tests of the LY-80 surface-to-air missile, Loitering Munition, and an Unmanned Surface Vessel in the North Arabian Sea. The trials showcased advanced precision strike and autonomous capabilities, with Admiral Naveed Ashraf commending the Navy.

Pakistan and the US have begun the 13th edition of their joint military exercise, ‘Inspired Gambit–2026’, at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Punjab. The two-week-long event aims to enhance counter-terrorism capabilities and improve military interoperability.

President Trump has approved a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that could impose up to 500% tariffs on nations buying Russian oil. The move targets countries like India, China, and Brazil to curb funding for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

President Trump has withdrawn the US from 66 international organisations, including UN agencies and the International Solar Alliance, citing conflicts with American interests. The administration will cease funding and participation, emphasizing national sovereignty and prioritizing America-first foreign policy.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans talks with Danish officials as the Trump administration renews interest in acquiring Greenland. European leaders warn the move could undermine NATO, while Washington insists diplomacy remains the preferred option.

Two people were killed and six others injured in a shooting outside a Salt Lake City church during a memorial service. Police say the attack was not random or religiously motivated, and the suspect remains at large.

A militant attack on a police post in Bajaur district, Pakistan, killed one civilian and injured three, including two police officers. The assault reflects a surge in militant violence across 2025, particularly in border provinces Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

A New Year’s Eve fire at Crans-Montana, Switzerland, killed 40 and injured over 120, leaving families in anguish. Identification is difficult due to burns. Victims include teens from across Europe, while authorities investigate bar safety measures.

Over 30 Indian-origin professionals were honoured in the UK’s 2025 New Year Honours. Awards ranged from CBEs, OBEs, and MBEs to BEMs, recognising achievements in literature, enterprise, community service, health, education, sports, and philanthropy.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei urged security forces to suppress “rioters” after week-long protests over the collapsing rial. At least 10 people have died, while demonstrations spread to over 100 locations across 22 provinces.