World

Iran is facing its deadliest unrest since 2022 as protests over economic hardship spread nationwide. Rights groups say at least 27 protesters were killed, prompting warnings from Supreme Leader Khamenei and calls for mass action from exiles

A Danish lawmaker accused the Trump administration of risking conflict with an ally over Greenland, rejecting US security claims. Denmark and European leaders reaffirmed Greenland’s sovereignty, saying decisions rest solely with Denmark and Greenland

Australian Open organisers announced a record AUD 111.5 million prize pool, a 16 per cent rise from last year. Singles winners will earn AUD 2.79 million, with increases across all rounds. The Grand Slam begins January 12 at Melbourne Park

Lakshya Sen opened his season with a hard-fought win over Singapore’s Jason Teh at the Malaysia Open Super 750, advancing to the second round. Malvika Bansod lost her opener, while Ayush Shetty and M R Arjun-Hariharan Amsakarunan were set to play later

Travis Head (163) and Steven Smith (129 not out) powered Australia to 518/7 at stumps on Day 3 of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney. England trail by 134 runs after Joe Root’s 160 lifted them to 384 in the first innings

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur climbed to 13th in ICC Women’s T20I batting rankings after her match-winning knock against Sri Lanka, while Deepti Sharma slipped to second in bowling. Amanjot Kaur and Sri Lanka players also made notable gains

The geopolitical headwinds India faced in 2025 signal harder times this year, as global conditions are likely to worsen before stabilising

The North Atlantic right whale population, estimated at 384, shows a slight rebound with 15 calves spotted this winter—higher than recent years. Experts warn recovery remains fragile, with ship strikes and fishing gear entanglement threatening the species. Approximately 50 calves per year are needed for long-term survival

In Dhaka, Sharif Osman Hadi’s party staged a day-long “March for Justice,” demanding the trial of his killers and repatriation of alleged culprits reportedly in India. Bangladesh’s claims of Indian involvement were denied by New Delhi, while local investigations found no evidence of border crossings by the suspects

The US capture of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro has sparked global concern over the erosion of international law. Critics warn it could embolden unilateral military actions, affect Ukraine, Greenland, Taiwan, and the Middle East, and strain alliances with Europe, highlighting the fragility of the post-World War II global order

Israel struck southern and eastern Lebanon, including Sidon, targeting Hezbollah and Hamas infrastructure in civilian areas. Lebanon condemned the attacks ahead of a government briefing on militant disarmament. No deaths were reported in the latest strikes

A 40-year-old Hindu grocer, Moni Chakraborty, was fatally attacked with a sharp weapon in Narsingdi, Bangladesh. He is the third Hindu businessman killed in recent weeks, raising concerns about targeted attacks in the area

The US reached a deal with Dominica to send foreigners seeking asylum to the Caribbean nation, raising local concerns about resources and security. The move follows US visa restrictions and mirrors similar agreements with Belize, Paraguay, and Antigua and Barbuda

Ukraine’s allies convened in Paris to discuss post-ceasefire security and military support amid uncertainty due to the US focus on Venezuela. Talks aim to strengthen Ukraine’s defense, monitor a ceasefire, deploy multinational forces, and ensure long-term deterrence against Russia

Death toll from Iran protests rose to at least 35, activists said, with over 1,200 detained nationwide. Demonstrations across 27 provinces persist despite warnings from Supreme Leader Khamenei, amid economic distress, security force clashes, and rising international tensions involving the United States

Real Madrid beat Real Betis 5-1 with Gonzalo Garcia scoring a hat-trick, keeping pace with Barcelona in La Liga. Atletico Madrid drew 1-1 with Real Sociedad, while Levante, Girona and Oviedo also featured in key weekend results

Travis Head’s unbeaten 91 guided Australia to 166/2 at stumps on Day 2 of the Ashes Test in Sydney, replying to England’s 384 built on Joe Root’s 160. Australia trail by 218 runs with Head and Neser unbeaten

India’s Anahat Singh advanced to the semifinals of the British Junior U-19 Open squash in Birmingham after beating Egypt’s Barb Sameh. Aryaveer Dewan also reached the boys’ U-17 semifinals. Anahat’s strong 2025 season highlights her rise as a global squash talent

Tatenda Taibu, former Zimbabwe captain and 2002 U19 World Cup Player of the Tournament, has been named ambassador for the 2026 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia. He hopes young players create lasting memories while showcasing their talent

The new visa is introduced in view of the growing demand for business visas to travel to India. It will be issued in about 45 to 50 days, with permission to stay in India for up to six months

Iran has faced recurring protests over the past 50 years, from the 1979 Islamic Revolution to economic and social unrest in 2024-25. Key triggers include political repression, election disputes, economic hardships, human rights violations, and government crackdowns, resulting in thousands of deaths and mass detentions

Bangladesh suspends IPL telecast after Mustafizur Rahman’s exclusion from the tournament by BCCI, sparking controversy. The Bangladesh Cricket Board seeks ICC intervention for the 2026 T20 World Cup’s venue

Protests in Dhaka on Monday disrupted traffic, with clashes between police and protesters over issues like mobile phone shop closures and justice for a student’s death, causing widespread congestion and hardship

EAM S Jaishankar visited the Paris exhibition *Ce qui se trame – woven stories between India and France*, highlighting India’s textile heritage. His visit reinforces India-France cultural and strategic ties, with upcoming talks on bilateral cooperation and global issues