World

US President Donald Trump said he may keep ExxonMobil out of Venezuela after the company’s CEO termed conditions there uninvestable. Trump made the remarks after a White House meeting with oil executives to discuss plans for Venezuelan oil reserves

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.

US President Donald Trump shared a digitally altered image showing him as “Acting President of Venezuela” amid comments on improving ties with Venezuelan leadership, oil shipments and regional diplomacy. The image is not based on any official appointment.

At least 544 people have been killed in Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests, activists said, as Tehran warned the US and Israel of military retaliation if Washington intervenes, amid growing international concern over the escalating unrest

President Donald Trump said the US will acquire Greenland to prevent Russia or China from gaining control of the strategic Arctic territory, insisting ownership is essential for long-term security and downplaying concerns over NATO or Denmark’s response.

Senior BJP leader Ram Madhav said Bangladesh’s political instability is a concern for India but likely temporary, expressing hope that elections will restore accountability, curb minority attacks and help normalise bilateral ties through engagement with an elected government

According to one estimate, Grok generated one non-consensual sexual image every minute. Alarmingly, Grok makes such content easier to produce and customise

World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka defended her Brisbane International crown by beating Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 6-3. The Belarusian claimed her 22nd career WTA title and fifth in Australia, becoming one of only three women to defend the season-opening WTA 500 event

Virat Kohli scored 93 and Shubman Gill hit 56 as India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the opening ODI at Vadodara. Kohli became the quickest to 28,000 international runs, while Kyle Jamieson’s four wickets kept the visitors in the contest

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.

India won the toss and chose to bowl against New Zealand in the first ODI at Kotambi Stadium. Shubman Gill said the decision was aimed at testing combinations in Indian conditions, as the hosts suffered a setback with Rishabh Pant ruled out of the series.

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.

Nationwide protests against Iran’s theocracy entered a third week as deaths rose and internet access was cut. Iranian leaders issued threats against the US and Israel, while activists warned of a harsh crackdown amid growing international concern

The Indian Consulate in Shanghai celebrated Vishwa Hindi Divas with students and teachers from major Chinese universities. The event highlighted Hindi’s global importance and featured cultural performances, reflecting growing interest in the language in China.

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.

US forces, along with partner troops, carried out large-scale strikes on ISIS targets across Syria under Operation Hawkeye Strike, ordered after a December ambush in Palmyra that killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter, according to US Central Command.

India begin their three-match ODI series against New Zealand at Vadodara, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in prime form. Shubman Gill returns as captain, while Michael Bracewell leads a new-look Kiwi side missing several frontline players

Rohit Sharma offered batting tips to pacer Mohammed Siraj during India’s training session in Vadodara ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand. Rishabh Pant briefly needed treatment after being hit, while Shubman Gill and Ajit Agarkar discussed team plans

Coco Gauff defeated Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-2 to level the United Cup semifinal between the US and Poland. The tie will be decided in mixed doubles, with the winners facing Switzerland, who advanced after Belinda Bencic and Jakub Paul’s victory

Protests in Iran entered a second week as authorities intensified a crackdown, shut down internet services and warned demonstrators of harsh punishment, including death penalty charges, even as verified videos showed unrest continuing in several cities