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»»»
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»»»
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 »»»
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 »»»
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 »»»
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 »»»
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»»»
UAE to experience unsettled winter weather in the coming days
Dubai: The UAE is set to experience a spell of unsettled winter weather, with cooler temperatures, strong winds and rough sea conditions expected over the coming days, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). In its daily bulletin issued on Friday, the centre said the change is being »»»
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»»»
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. »»»
'President wants to acquire Greenland for our best national security': 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»»»
Matthew McConaughey trademarks iconic phrase to stop AI misuse
Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey has trademarked his image and voice to protect them from unauthorised use by artificial intelligence (AI) platforms. Clips including his famous catchphrase "alright, alright, alright" from the 1993 film, Dazed and Confused, have been registered to the United States »»»
US slaps sanctions against Ali Larijani, 18 people tied to Iran's 'shadow banking' networks
Washington DC: Amid the nationwide unrest in Iran, the United States is sanctioning several Iranian security officials, including Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme Council for National Security (SCNS), the US Department of State said in a statement. The statement noted that: "As the brave »»»
Why Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz and Lamborghini want you living in their towers
Dubai: Luxury car brands are moving beyond the showroom and into the skyline, using branded residential towers to turn design identity into real estate value and lock in wealthy buyers who want a lifestyle package, not only a home. Developers in Dubai and the wider UAE have leaned into the trend, p»»»
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. »»»
Actor Timothy Busfield charged with sexually abusing boys on set of TV series
Actor Timothy Busfield has made his first court appearance after turning himself in on criminal charges that he allegedly sexually abused two boys on the set of a TV series filming New Mexico, prosecutors say. The Emmy-winning actor, who stars in the series West Wing, was taken into custody in Albu»»»
Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act over Minnesota protests
US President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke an emergency law that allows domestic deployment of the military, as protests roiled Minnesota after two incidents of federal agents firing their weapons, injuring a man Wednesday and killing a woman last week. Protesters denounced the viol»»»
Truth or Fake - Death of Renee Good: How AI was used to falsely identify the ICE agent who shot her
In the aftermath of Renee Good's death during an immigration raid in Minnesota, an internet manhunt began to identify the ICE agent. Using artificial intelligence, internet users 'unmasked' the officer at the scene and falsely identified him, triggering threats and vitriol towards 2 unrelated peopl»»»
Israel moves Yellow Line deeper into Gaza, satellite images show
Israel has moved the blocks which are supposed to mark its post-ceasefire line of control deeper into Gaza in several places, sowing confusion among Palestinians. Satellite images reviewed by BBC Verify show that in at least three areas Israel placed blocks, before returning later and moving the po»»»
Tragic death of Adichie's young son highlights poor state of Nigeria's health sector
A series of harrowing cases of allegations of medical negligence, including the death of novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's 21-month-old son, has ignited a fierce debate about patient safety and systemic failures within Nigeria's healthcare system. The family of the internationally acclaimed autho»»»
'They are essential': How smoke detectors are evolving
The school run was over and laundry was in the tumble dryer. Mum and step-mum of four Liz McConnell was about to sit down to work at her Dover home last September. But that's when the sound of a fire alarm cut through her morning. She walked towards it and eventually found smoke billowing out of th»»»
A propos - What will Europe actually do to defend Greenland?
European countries - including France - have begun deploying troops to Greenland, in what Germany describes as a mission aimed at countering 'Russian and Chinese threats'. The White House says the show of unity for the Arctic island will have 'no impact' on Trump's ambitions for it. It comes a day »»»
People & Profit - Is the EU-Mercosur trade agreement more than a 'cows for cars' deal?
A qualified majority of EU countries have finally approved the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, over 25 years after talks between the two blocs started. Opposition is still fierce, especially from the European agricultural sector. Charles Pellegrin talks to Maria Concepcion Latorre, a profess»»»
Venezuelan opposition leader Machado says she presented Nobel medal to Trump – Ya Libnan
Share: By Steve Holland, Bo Erickson and Gram Slattery Summary Machado said meeting was ‘excellent,’ but did not elaborate Encounter comes as Trump has praised Caracas’ interim leader Trump has prioritized securing access to Venezuelan oil – not bringing democracy back to Venezuela WASHINGTON – Ven»»»
Colombian President Petro to meet Trump at White House in February
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has confirmed that he will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 3 for discussions he described as “critical” amid heightened tensions over drug trafficking and Venezuela. »»»
Colombian President Petro to meet Trump at White House in February
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has confirmed that he will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 3 for discussions he described as “critical” amid heightened tensions over drug trafficking and Venezuela. »»»
Chinese woman's plea for help killing pigs draws thousands to her village
When Daidai realised her father was too old to slaughter two pigs for a traditional community feast in the run-up to Chinese New Year, she turned to social media. She didn't want him to feel bad. "Can anyone help me?" she asked on Douyin, China's version of Tiktok, at the end of last week. "My fath»»»
South Korea's impeached leader faces first of several verdicts. Here's what you need to know
South Korea's beleaguered ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol will on Friday receive the first verdict on charges linked to his botched martial law attempt in 2024. He is facing eight separate trials for charges ranging from abuse of power and insurrection to violating campaign law. This comes more than a y»»»
26 people charged in sports bribery scheme involving US university basketball players
US prosecutors have charged 26 people in an alleged scheme designed to enrich sports gamblers, involving university basketball players. The scheme allegedly involved 39 players, and 17 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men's basketball teams attempting to fix or fixing 29 US games, an»»»
ICE official Madison Sheahan resigns to challenge U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Ohio - UPI.com
Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, might lose the congressional seat she has held since 1983 after Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deputy Director Madison Sheahan resigned on Thursday to challenge Kaptur in the 2026 election. File Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Immigratio»»»
Rise in choking game cases among Dubai students: Who’s at risk, what gives them the high?
Dubai: There has been an increase in choking game incidents among Dubai students, prompting an urgent prevention campaign that includes awareness sessions for parents and activities in schools. More than 1,000 parents in Dubai were informed of this on Thursday evening during a virtual parental awar»»»