South Korea ex-president Yoon in court for verdict over failed martial law bid
South Korea's impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol has arrived in court for the verdict over his failed martial law bid in 2024. Yoon, who is accused of obstructing justice and other charges in this case, faces a 10-year jail term if found guilty. This is the first of the verdicts in the eight trials »»»
Minnesotans sue Trump to end ICE, CBPS' racial profiling, warrantless arrests - UPI.com
The American Civil Liberties Union on Thursday filed a lawsuit on behalf of Minnesotans to stop the Trump administration from using allegedly unconstitutional practices in its immigration crackdown. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Jan. 16 (UPI) -- The American Civil Liberties Union filed a»»»
US Sending Troops to Middle East Over Trump's Threats Against Iran - Reports
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – The United States is sending troops to the Middle East over the consideration of potential strikes on Iran by President Donald Trump, Fox News reported on Thursday, citing military sources. At least one US aircraft carrier is moving toward the region amid the growing tensions»»»
Venezuela Has Right to Have Relations With China, Russia, Cuba, Iran - Acting President
MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) - Venezuela has the right to relations with all countries of the world, including China, Russia, Cuba, and Iran, and will exercise this right in compliance with international norms, Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said on Thursday. Venezuela’s Acting President Delc»»»
Gulyás: The European Commission is ready to mortgage Europe’s future for Kyiv’s interests
Hungary’s government announced the launch of a national petition in response to the European Commission’s financial plans to support Ukraine. Minister Gergely Gulyás described the proposal—involving €800 billion in funding—as a direct threat to Europe’s future, warning that its approval would finan»»»
Kyrgyzstan temporarily bans export of waste paper - | 24.KG
The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has adopted a resolution imposing a temporary ban on the export of recoverable paper and cardboard (waste paper), classified under code 4707 of the EAEU Foreign Economic Activity Commodity Nomenclature. The document will take effect in 15 days. According to th»»»
Bakondi says nation states’ approach to migration has changed
The approach of nation states to migration has changed, partly as a result of everyday experiences among the population, György Bakondi, the prime minister’s chief domestic security adviser, said on Thursday on TV2’s Mokka program. Mr. Bakondi recalled that in 2015 there were those who believed mig»»»
Defence Forces soldiers take part in firewood deliveries
Designated personnel of the Hungarian Defence Forces (HDF) will assist from Thursday in delivering firewood provided under the social firewood program to those in need More than 30 trucks and 160 soldiers are taking part in the operation in three counties – Baranya, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, and Szabol»»»
Uganda elections percentage: Museveni 'leads' in initial ballot amid concerns over 'rigging', internet blackout
The 2026 Ugandan presidential election, held on Thursday (January 15, 2026) amid heightened tensions and an internet blackout, appears poised to extend President Yoweri Museveni's four-decade rule, amid concerns over technical snags causing delays and an internet blackout. SnapshotA widely shared n»»»
Dh3,000 fine for Dubai driver in pedestrian accident
Dubai: A young Arab man has been convicted by Dubai’s traffic court for causing bodily harm to a pedestrian due to careless driving and has been fined Dh3,000. Court records show the defendant was driving his private vehicle without properly observing road conditions or following traffic signs and »»»
Catering establishments in Bishkek fined 23.3 million soms for 2025 - | 24.KG
Catering establishments in Bishkek were fined 23.3 million soms for 2025. Makhamat Murzashev, head of the Food Hygiene Department at the Center for State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance of Bishkek, told 24.kg news agency. According to him, 1,728 penalties (fines) were imposed for identifi»»»
Asman city project presented to investors in Shanghai and Nanjing - | 24.KG
Asman eco-city project was presented in Shanghai and Nanjing. The press service of the National Investment Agency of the Kyrgyz Republic reported. According to it, the delegation of Kyrgyzstan participated in an international business forum organized by Shanghai Minhou Xuyi Business and presented i»»»
Mass food poisoning in Bishkek: 23 people seek medical help - | 24.KG
As a result of a mass food poisoning incident in Bishkek, 23 people sought medical assistance at the Republican Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital. The hospital’s chief physician, Gulzhigit Aaliev, told 24.kg news agency. According to him, 18 people were hospitalized, including four children. Th»»»
Trump threatens Insurrection Act as protests spread in Minnesota
US President Donald Trump threatened to activate the Insurrection Act to send military forces to Minnesota as protests escalated after federal agents shot and wounded a man and, days earlier, fatally shot a woman during immigration enforcement actions. Demonstrators condemned the use of f»»»
Polls close in Uganda after delays, internet blackout
Polls closed in Uganda on Thursday after a chaotic day of voting that took place under an internet blackout and with long delays caused by technical breakdowns as President Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his 40 years in power. Museveni, an 81-year-old who came to power at the head of a rebel army »»»
Will the US use cyberwarfare to ‘help’ Iranian protesters?
The United States has repeatedly said that it will send "help" to Iranian protesters as demonstrations across the country have led to the death of at least 3,428 people. As Iranian authorities use internet blackouts to quell dissent, the US may resort to cyberwarfare instead of physical strike»»»
Mass food poisoning in Bishkek: Fast food outlet closed - | 24.KG
The Department of Disease Prevention and State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance commented to 24.kg news agency on a case of mass food poisoning in Bishkek. According to the department, a total of 17 people were affected, including four children. Thirteen people were hospitalized and are re»»»
Upcoming Vietnam Congress tests its ongoing stability–reform trade-off
Vietnam’s 14th National Party Congress, which opens on January 19, arrives at a delicate moment for the country’s political and economic direction. After several years of leadership upheaval, the gathering is widely expected to draw a line under the turbulence by confirming To Lam as both general s»»»
Data-linked convoys across China redefine heavy rail freight
A stretch of railway across China’s Inner Mongolia has become the testing ground for a breakthrough in heavy freight transport, as engineers demonstrated a record-breaking convoy of coal trains operating as a single, digitally coordinated unit, Xinhua reports. »»»
Data-linked convoys across China redefine heavy rail freight
A stretch of railway across China’s Inner Mongolia has become the testing ground for a breakthrough in heavy freight transport, as engineers demonstrated a record-breaking convoy of coal trains operating as a single, digitally coordinated unit, Xinhua reports. »»»
Bank Indonesia’s surplus transfers and the fiscal backstop behind the 2026 growth push
Signals from both monetary and fiscal authorities suggest Indonesia is quietly expanding its funding toolkit ahead of an ambitious 2026 policy agenda. At the centre of this shift is Bank Indonesia’s swelling surplus position, new rules governing its transfer to the state, and the government’s plan »»»
Upcoming Vietnam Congress tests its ongoing stability–reform trade-off
Vietnam’s 14th National Party Congress, which opens on January 19, arrives at a delicate moment for the country’s political and economic direction. After several years of leadership upheaval, the gathering is widely expected to draw a line under the turbulence by confirming To Lam as both general s»»»
Bank Indonesia’s surplus transfers and the fiscal backstop behind the 2026 growth push
Signals from both monetary and fiscal authorities suggest Indonesia is quietly expanding its funding toolkit ahead of an ambitious 2026 policy agenda. At the centre of this shift is Bank Indonesia’s swelling surplus position, new rules governing its transfer to the state, and the government’s plan »»»
Bank Indonesia’s surplus transfers and the fiscal backstop behind the 2026 growth push
Signals from both monetary and fiscal authorities suggest Indonesia is quietly expanding its funding toolkit ahead of an ambitious 2026 policy agenda. At the centre of this shift is Bank Indonesia’s swelling surplus position, new rules governing its transfer to the state, and the government’s plan »»»
Data-linked convoys across China redefine heavy rail freight
A stretch of railway across China’s Inner Mongolia has become the testing ground for a breakthrough in heavy freight transport, as engineers demonstrated a record-breaking convoy of coal trains operating as a single, digitally coordinated unit, Xinhua reports. »»»
Cabinet of Kyrgyzstan approves tourism cooperation agreement with Tajikistan - | 24.KG
The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan approved the tourism cooperation agreement with Tajikistan, reached in Dushanbe in the summer of 2025, by signing a corresponding resolution. The document was adopted to complete domestic procedures. The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has been designated as »»»
Pakistan emerges as a Middle East power broker
Since its inception in 1947, Pakistan’s military has played an active role in the Arab world and the wider Middle East. This engagement echoes the British Indian Army’s former policy of policing what the British referred to as ‘East of Suez’, although Pakistan’s role has been limited to training an»»»
Uganda's oil hopes, young population: 5 things to know
Uganda, where President Yoweri Museveni is seeking to extend his 40-year rule with a seventh term on Thursday, has one of the world's youngest populations and is pinning its hopes on oil reserves to overcome poverty. Here are five things to know about the east African nation: #1. Regional military »»»
India invited to participate in World Delphic Games in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kyrgyzstan Askar Beshimov met in Delhi with representatives of the Indian business and cultural community Pythian Games, its founder Bijender Goel, and President of the Global Trade & Technology Council of India Gaurav Gupta. The press service of the »»»
Venezuela opposition leader Machado presents Trump with her Nobel Prize - UPI.com
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who received the 2025 Nobel Peace Price, departs the U.S. Capitol surrounded by security, media and supporters after meeting with members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Photo by Bonnie »»»
More than ten people get food poisoning in Bishkek cafe - | 24.KG
Mass food poisoning after eating at Daamduu fast food outlet has been recorded in Bishkek. The Center for State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance reported. According to the Center, 12 people with food poisoning were admitted to the Republican Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital on January»»»
Cuba counts cost of alliance after 32 troops killed in Venezuela
From sunrise, throngs of military personnel, government officials and civilians lined the route between Havana's airport and the Armed Forces Ministry to applaud home the remains of 32 Cuban troops killed in Venezuela as they passed by in a funeral cortege. The country's leadership – from Raul Cast»»»
'Baby, don't move': Australian woman wakes to find massive python on her chest
In the middle of the night on Monday, Rachel Bloor stirred in her bed to find a heavy weight curled up on her chest. Half asleep, she reached out for her dog - and instead found herself petting a smooth, slithering object. As Bloor retreated further under the covers and pulled them up to her neck, »»»
Venezuela's Machado says she 'presented' Trump with Nobel medal
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said Thursday she "presented" her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Donald Trump, in a bid to win over the US president who had sidelined her since overthrowing Nicolas Maduro. Her "wonderful gesture of mutual respect," as Trump called it Thursday, comes a»»»
Germany’s Merz acknowledges ‘strategic mistake’
The German government made a “serious strategic mistake” by phasing out nuclear power, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated. Germany shut down its last three nuclear reactors in April 2023, implementing a parliamentary plan decided after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Speaking at the New Year’s recep»»»
US, Taiwan sign $250-billion trade deal, tariffs on Taiwanese goods cut from 32% to 15%
HONG KONG: The United States and Taiwan reached a trade deal Thursday that cuts tariffs on Taiwanese goods in exchange for $250 billion in new investments in the US tech industry. The deal is the latest President Donald Trump has struck — such as those with the European Union and Japan — since he u»»»
ECSSR hosts seminar titled ‘January 17: Resolve and Determination’
Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) on Wednesday hosted a seminar at its headquarters titled “January 17: Resolve and Determination”, as part of its ongoing efforts to highlight key national issues. The seminar explored the meaning of Emirati resolve and determ»»»
The Unified GCC Visa: Integrating tourism and governing mobility
The forthcoming Unified GCC Tourist Visa represents one of the most concrete steps yet toward functional regional integration in the Gulf. While often compared to Europe’s Schengen system, the initiative is best understood as a targeted response to a long-standing structural problem: bureaucratic f»»»
Tropical storm Ada (Nokaen): Schools shut in affected areas, latest updates
Tropical Storm "Ada" continues to move slowly north-northwestward over the Philippine Sea east of Eastern Visayas, weather trackers said citing latest satellite data. Affected regionsMeanwhile, class suspensions or shifts to alternative modes have been declared, and currently apply in Bicol Region »»»
Star Wars boss Kathleen Kennedy departs after 14 years in the role
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down after 14 years at the helm of the studio that makes Star Wars, one of the highest-grossing Hollywood franchises in history. Kennedy, who was picked by Star Wars creator George Lucas to lead the company, will become a full-time producer, the stud»»»
11 Dems accuse Trump Mobile of deceptive trade in FTC letter - UPI.com
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and 10 other Democratic Party lawmakers on Thursday accused Trump Mobile of deceptive practices and asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Eleven Senate and House Democrats on Thursday said T1 Mobi»»»
US, Denmark agree to 'establish a working group for technical talks on the acquisition of Greenland': White House
Washington DC: The White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday (local time) said that President Donald Trump wants the United States to acquire Greenland for our "best national security". Addressing reporters, the White House Press Secretary said: "The President has made his priority q»»»
Sharjah judiciary moves to unify personal status judgments
Sharjah: The Sharjah Judicial Department has rolled out new guidelines to unify court rulings in personal status cases, placing stronger emphasis on assessing alimony and education expenses in line with a father’s actual financial income. The framework, issued in line with the directives of the Rul»»»
US court ruling puts pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil back at risk of detention
Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and pro-Palestinian activist, suffered a legal setback on Thursday that could lead to his rearrest. Khalil, previously detained for three months over campus protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, has been targeted by the Trump administration, which acc»»»
Final death toll from Hong Kong fire placed at 168
Hong Kong police have confirmed that 168 people died in the massive blaze that ripped through an apartment complex in Hong Kong last November - seven more than previously announced The ages of the victims ranged from six months to 98 years old, police said in a statement on Thursday. Of the victims»»»
How realistic is India's quest for magnets made of rare earths
In November 2025, India approved a 73bn-rupee ($800m; £600m) plan that could help it to cut its dependence on China in one of the most strategic corners of the global supply chain: rare earth magnets. These small but powerful components sit at the heart of modern life - used in everything from elec»»»
4.7m underage socmed accounts blocked in Australia
Tech giants have blocked 4.7 million accounts under Australia's world-first social media ban for under-16s, the country's online safety watchdog said Friday. Initial figures showed platforms were taking meaningful action to remove underage users, Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant s»»»
Avoid all non-essential travel to Israel: Indian embassy in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv: The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv issued an advisory to all Indian nationals in Israel to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to safety guidelines issued by Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command. The Embassy also advised Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Israel. »»»
RFK Jr. surprised Trump still ‘alive’
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed bafflement that President Donald Trump is still alive given his well-documented diet of fast food and soda, as the president insists he is in “perfect health.” Kennedy made the remarks during an appearance on the Katie Miller Podcast. When ask»»»
Court to hand down first verdict on former South Korean president’s martial law case
South Korea’s courts are set to deliver the first verdict against former president Yoon Suk Yeol later this week, marking a key milestone in a series of trials arising from his failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024, the Yonhap News Agency reports. »»»