# IndoArab News > A digital news portal providing latest and credible updates from the UAE, India, and the globe. Focuses on politics, entertainment, sports, business, and lifestyle. --- ## Pages - [Contact Us](https://www.indoarabnews.com/contact-us/): Get in touch with Indo Arab News for inquiries, partnerships, or news tips. IndoArabNews indepth analysis,cultural coverage bridging UAE,India - [Terms of Service](https://www.indoarabnews.com/terms-of-service/): Read Indo Arab News' Terms of Service to understand user rights, content usage, and legal policies. Ensuring transparency, trust - [Slider](https://www.indoarabnews.com/slider/): Indo Arab News, born in the online world on January 25, 2011, has evolved through various phases and proudly joined the WellMade Network - [Home](https://www.indoarabnews.com/): Get in touch with Indo Arab News for inquiries, partnerships, or news tips. IndoArabNews indepth analysis,cultural coverage bridging UAE,India - [Privacy Policy](https://www.indoarabnews.com/privacy-policy/): Learn how Indo Arab News safeguards your privacy. Our policy outlines data collection, usage, and protection, ensuring transparency --- ## Posts - [Greenland Says It Will Remain With Denmark, Rejects US Takeover Push](https://www.indoarabnews.com/greenland-remain-with-denmark-rejects-us/): The Prime Minister of Greenland has made it clear that the self-governing Arctic territory wants to remain part of Denmark. - [One Quarter of Developing World Still Poorer After Covid, World Bank Warns](https://www.indoarabnews.com/developing-world-poorer-covid-world-bank/): A quarter of developing countries are poorer today than they were before the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting a deep and uneven global recovery. - [Uganda Orders Nationwide Internet Shutdown Ahead of General Election](https://www.indoarabnews.com/uganda-internet-shutdown-general-election/): Uganda has ordered a nationwide suspension of internet services ahead of Thursday’s general election. - [25 Killed as Crane Crashes Into Passenger Train in Thailand](https://www.indoarabnews.com/25-killed-crane-crashes-onto-train-thailand/): At least 25 people were killed and dozens more injured after a construction crane collapsed onto a passenger train in north-eastern Thailand. - [India Urges Quick-Commerce Firms to Scrap 10-Minute Delivery Claims](https://www.indoarabnews.com/india-urges-scrap-10-minute-delivery-claims/): The Indian govt has asked quick-commerce platforms to stop advertising 10-minute delivery guarantees, citingconcerns over rider safety. - [Instagram Denies Data Breach After Surge of Password Reset Emails](https://www.indoarabnews.com/instagram-denies-data-breach-password-emails/): Instagram has dismissed claims of a data breach following reports that thousands of users received unexpected password reset emails. - [Malaysia Restricts Access to Grok Over AI Image Backlash](https://www.indoarabnews.com/malaysia-restricts-access-to-grok/): Malaysia has become the second country to temporarily block access to Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence tool Grok. - [Japan and South Korea Commit to Closer Bilateral Relations](https://www.indoarabnews.com/japan-south-korea-commit-bilateral-relations/): Japan and South Korea have pledged to deepen security and economic cooperation as they face rising tensions in East Asia. - [Adelaide Writers’ Week 2026 Cancelled After Mass Author Boycott](https://www.indoarabnews.com/adelaide-writers-week-2026-cancelled/): One of Australia’s most prominent literary events, Adelaide Writers’ Week 2026, has been cancelled after days of escalating turmoil. - [Thousands of Nurses Strike at Major New York City Hospitals](https://www.indoarabnews.com/thousands-nurses-walk-out-new-york-hospitals/): Thousands of nurses walked off the job across three major hospital systems in New York City - [Spain Tightens Rental Market Rules to Curb Rising Housing Costs](https://www.indoarabnews.com/spain-rental-rules-curb-housing-costs/): The government of Spain plans to tighten rental regulations and limit medium-term leases in a bid to control soaring rents and prevent price abuse. - [UK Government Raises Alarm Over Screen Time Impact on Toddlers](https://www.indoarabnews.com/uk-warns-screen-time-toddlers/): Excessive screen use is harming young children’s ability to speak, the UK govt has warned, as it prepares to issue its first-ever guidance for parents. - [Virat Kohli Overtakes Sangakkara to Become Second-Highest Run-Scorer](https://www.indoarabnews.com/kohli-second-highest-run-scorer/): Virat Kohli added another historic milestone, overtaking Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket. - [Nobel Committee Rules Out Transfer of Peace Prize After Machado Remarks](https://www.indoarabnews.com/nobel-committee-rule-out-peace-prize-transfer/): The organisers of the Nobel Peace Prize clarified that the award cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred, responding to María Corina Machado. - ['One Battle After Another', 'Adolescence' Take Top Golden Globe Honours](https://www.indoarabnews.com/golden-globe-2025-dominant-winners/): Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another and Netflix’s breakout drama Adolescence dominated the 83rd Golden Globe Awards. - [Mattel Adds Autistic Barbie to Growing Inclusive Toy Range](https://www.indoarabnews.com/mattel-autistic-barbie-inclusive-range/): Mattel unveiled its first Barbie representing autism, marking another step in the company’s push for greater inclusion. - [Albanese Recalls Parliament to Fast-Track Hate Speech, And Gun Laws](https://www.indoarabnews.com/albanese-recalls-parliament-hate-gun-laws/): Australian PM Anthony Albanese has recalled federal parliament two weeks early to fast-track tougher hate speech laws and sweeping gun reforms. - [Ethiopia Starts Construction of Africa’s Largest Airport in Bishoftu](https://www.indoarabnews.com/ethiopia-builds-africas-largest-airport/): Ethiopian Airlines has launched construction of a $12.5 billion airport project that officials say will become the largest aviation hub in Africa. - [Glitz Returns to Beverly Hills for the 83rd Golden Globe Awards](https://www.indoarabnews.com/golden-globes-83rd-beverly-hills/): The 83rd Golden Globe Awards take place tonight, January 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. - [Indonesia Blocks Grok Chatbot Citing AI-Generated Pornography](https://www.indoarabnews.com/indonesia-blocks-grok-chatbot/): Indonesia has become the first country to block access to Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot, over the spread of fake, AI-generated pornographic content. - [NASA Orders First-Ever Medical Evacuation From Space Station](https://www.indoarabnews.com/nasa-medical-evacuation-from-space-station/): NASA has ordered its first-ever medical evacuation from the ISS after an astronaut aboard the orbiting laboratory fell seriously ill. - [Prada Bottles the Comfort of 'Chai' With New Luxury Perfume](https://www.indoarabnews.com/prada-bottles-comfort-of-chai-luxury-perfume/): The luxury fashion house, Prada has launched a chai-inspired perfume called Infusion de Santal Chai. - [EU States Give Provisional Approval to Landmark Mercosur Trade Deal](https://www.indoarabnews.com/eu-approves-mercosur-trade-deal/): EU states have given provisional approval for the bloc to sign its largest-ever free trade agreement with the South American Mercosur group. - [Fire Emergency Declared Across Parts of Southeastern Australia](https://www.indoarabnews.com/fire-emergency-in-southeastern-australia/): Australia faced one of its most severe fire days in years as dangerous heatwave conditions fuelled large bushfires across the southeast. - [First spacewalk of 2026 postponed after astronaut suffers medical emergency](https://www.indoarabnews.com/nasa-cancels-spacewalk-after-medical-issue/): NASA has called off the first spacewalk of 2026 after a medical issue involving one of the astronauts aboard the ISS prompted concern. - [French Farmers Block Paris Roads in Protest Against EU Trade Deal](https://www.indoarabnews.com/french-farmers-block-paris-roads-protest/): French farmers blocked key roads around the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, staging protest against a proposed European Union trade deal. - [Nationwide Internet Disruption Reported Across Iran as Protests Intensify](https://www.indoarabnews.com/iran-internet-outage-protests-intensify/): Iran experienced a nationwide internet blackout on Thursday as protests intensified over subsidy reforms. - [Landfill Collapse in Philippine City Leaves One Dead, 38 Missing](https://www.indoarabnews.com/landfill-collapse-in-philippine-city/): A sudden collapse of garbage at a landfill in the central Philippine city of Cebu has killed one worker, injured several others, and left dozens missing. - [Severe Weather From Storm Goretti Causes Widespread UK Disruption](https://www.indoarabnews.com/storm-goretti-severe-weather-uk-disruption/): Storm Goretti swept across the UK, leaving tens of thousands without electricity, disrupting travel networks, and forcing widespread school closures. - [Virunga Park Celebrates Rare Arrival of Mountain Gorilla Twins](https://www.indoarabnews.com/mountain-gorilla-birth-rare-twins-congo/): A rare set of mountain gorilla twins has been born in eastern Congo’s conflict-hit Virunga National Park. - [Women’s Premier League 2026 Kicks Off With Star-Studded Lineups](https://www.indoarabnews.com/womens-premier-league-2026-kicks-off/): The 2026 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to begin, marking the first season since ODI World Cup win in November last year. - [Warner Bros Reaffirms Netflix Agreement After Rejecting Paramount Bid](https://www.indoarabnews.com/warner-bros-rejects-paramount-takeover-bid/): Warner Bros Discovery has once again rejected a takeover bid from Paramount, urging shareholders to remain committed to a rival deal with Netflix. - [EU Signals Firm Support for Greenland and Danish Sovereignty](https://www.indoarabnews.com/eu-signals-firm-support-for-greenland/): The European Union has issued a strong signal of solidarity with Greenland and Denmark as international focus sharpens on the Arctic. - [India’s First Digital Census to Start Houselisting in April](https://www.indoarabnews.com/indias-digital-census-houselisting-april/): The first phase of Census 2027, covering houselisting operations, will be conducted from April 1 to September 30 this year. - [Trump Administration Updates Dietary Guidelines to Promote Real Food](https://www.indoarabnews.com/trump-updates-dietary-guidelines/): The Trump administration has released updated dietary guidelines urging Americans to focus on whole and minimally processed foods. - [OpenAI Introduces Privacy-Enhanced Health Space Within ChatGPT](https://www.indoarabnews.com/openai-privacy-health-space-within-chatgpt/): OpenAI introduce ChatGPT Health, a dedicated space designed to make health conversations more useful, secure, and personal. - [First Israeli Ministerial Visit to Somaliland Draws Somalia’s Condemnation](https://www.indoarabnews.com/israel-minister-visit-somaliland-condemnation/): The Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar arrived in Somaliland, the first high-level diplomatic visit since Israel recognise region’s independence. - [Hyundai to Deploy Humanoid Robots in Factories From 2028](https://www.indoarabnews.com/hyundai-deploy-humanoid-robots-factories-2028/): Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to introduce humanoid robots into its manufacturing plants from 2028. - [India Shuts Raxaul Border Crossing After Violence Erupts in Nepal](https://www.indoarabnews.com/india-shut-raxaul-border-after-nepal-violence/): The Raxaul border along the India–Nepal frontier has been completely sealed following reports of violence in Nepal. - [China Enforces New Export Controls on Japan Over Taiwan Issue](https://www.indoarabnews.com/china-imposes-export-controls-japan/): China introduced fresh export restrictions on Japan, intensifying diplomatic tensions between the two neighbours amid growing friction over Taiwan. - [A Year to Look Up: 2026 Brings Eclipses, Meteors and Planet Alignments](https://www.indoarabnews.com/year-to-look-up-2026-sky-events/): The year 2026 promises to be one of the most exciting years for skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts, with a list of celestial events. - [Why Millions Around the World Wait Until January 7 for Christmas?](https://www.indoarabnews.com/millions-wait-until-january-7-for-christmas/): Millions of Christians around the world, including communities in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of the Arab world, are celebrating Christmas today. - [Cute, Curious and Slightly Creepy: Meet Mirumi](https://www.indoarabnews.com/cute-curious-and-slightly-creepy-meet-mirumi/): Meet Mirumi, a plush accessory that does not just decorate a bag but quietly watches the world around it, blinking, turning its head, and reacting. - [Measles Infections Climb as Vaccine Coverage Slips in Australia](https://www.indoarabnews.com/measles-cases-rise-as-vaccination-rates-slip/): Health authorities across Australia are stepping up surveillance as measles cases surge nationwide, driven by a sharp rise in international travel. - [Snowstorm Creates Widespread Travel Chaos in France and Netherlands](https://www.indoarabnews.com/snowstorm-creates-travel-chaos/): Heavy snowfall brought disruption to travel, grounding flights, halting trains, and clogging roads in France and the Netherlands. - [Nvidia Charts New Course for Self-Driving Cars With Alpamayo](https://www.indoarabnews.com/nvidia-self-driving-cars-with-alpamayo/): Nvidia unveil Alpamayo, a new technology platform designed to help self-driving cars reason and behave more like human drivers. - [Australian Open Raises Prize Money to Historic High Across All Rounds](https://www.indoarabnews.com/australian-open-raises-prize-money-high/): Tennis Australia announced a record-breaking prize pool for the upcoming Australian Open, marking the largest payout in the tournament’s history. - [Pope Leo Marks End of Catholic Holy Year With Appeal for Humanity and Care](https://www.indoarabnews.com/pope-leo-ends-catholic-holy-year/): Pope Leo has formally closed the Catholic Church’s Holy Year by sealing the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. - [DGCA Bans Inflight Charging using Power Banks Over Fire Risk](https://www.indoarabnews.com/dgca-bans-inflight-charging-of-power-banks/): India’s aviation regulator has banned the in-flight use of power banks for charging devices following multiple incidents. - [Niger State Announces Phased Reopening of Schools After Mass Abduction](https://www.indoarabnews.com/niger-state-phased-school-reopening/): Authorities in Nigeria’s Niger state have announced that schools will begin reopening later this month, following a mass kidnapping in November. - [US Actions in Venezuela Rekindle Greenland Annexation Fears](https://www.indoarabnews.com/us-rekindle-greenland-annexation-fears/): Fears of a renewed US push to take control of Greenland have intensified following a dramatic American military operation in Venezuela. - [Venezuela’s New Interim Leader: Delcy Rodriguez and the Machinery of Power](https://www.indoarabnews.com/delcy-rodriguez-venezuela-interim-leader/): Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela’s interim president following the capture of Nicolas Maduro, has been one of the most powerful and polarising figures. - [Venezuela’s Acting President Calls for Cooperation With US After Maduro Capture](https://www.indoarabnews.com/venezuela-acting-leader-us-maduro-arrest/): Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez struck a conciliatory note, offering to work with the US on an agenda of shared development. - [Bangladesh Imposes IPL Telecast Ban as Tensions Rise Over Player Exclusion](https://www.indoarabnews.com/bangladesh-imposes-ipl-telecast-ban/): The interim government of Bangladesh has ordered an indefinite suspension of the telecast of the upcoming Indian Premier League season. - [Malaysia Embarks on Anti-Corruption Drive With Leadership and Legal Reforms](https://www.indoarabnews.com/malaysia-anti-corruption-leadership-reforms/): Malaysia is set to embark on a major wave of institutional reforms aimed at strengthening governance, tackling corruption. - [British, French Forces Conduct Joint Air Strike on IS Target In Central Syria](https://www.indoarabnews.com/british-french-joint-air-strike-is-syria/): British and French military aircraft carried out a joint air strike on an underground Islamic State weapons facility in Syria. - [Bangladesh Seeks ICC Approval to Shift T20 World Cup Matches from India](https://www.indoarabnews.com/bangladesh-requests-icc-move-t20-matches/): Bangladesh is set to formally request that the International Cricket Council (ICC) relocate its T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka. - [BYD Outpaces Tesla to Become World’s Leading EV Manufacturer](https://www.indoarabnews.com/byd-outpaces-tesla-world-lead-ev-manufacturer/): China’s BYD has overtaken Tesla to become the world’s largest electric carmaker in 2025, signalling the shift of automotive power towards China. - [Wolf Supermoon Marks First Full Moon of 2026](https://www.indoarabnews.com/wolf-supermoon-first-full-moon-2026/): A striking Wolf Supermoon will light up the night sky on January 3, 2026, offering skywatchers a brighter larger full Moon to welcome the new year. - [Explosions Rock Caracas as Venezuela Claims Foreign Attack](https://www.indoarabnews.com/explosions-caracas-venezuela-foreign-attack/): Loud explosions and the sound of aircraft flying overhead jolted Venezuela’s capital Caracas in the early hours of Saturday - [Sewage-Contaminated Water Tied to Deaths in Indore, India’s ‘Cleanest City’](https://www.indoarabnews.com/water-supply-sewage-leak-deaths-indore/): Sewage-contaminated drinking water has been blamed for killing at least 10 people, including a five-month-old baby in Indore. - [China Removes Longstanding Tax Exemption on Contraceptives](https://www.indoarabnews.com/china-removes-tax-exemption-on-contraceptives/): China has ended a tax exemption on contraceptive drugs and devices that had been in place for more than 30 years. - [Venus Williams Set for Historic Australian Open Return at 45](https://www.indoarabnews.com/venus-williams-australian-open-return-at-45/): Venus Williams is set to return to the Australian Open in January in one of the most striking comebacks in modern tennis. - [Switzerland Declares Mourning After Crans-Montana Fire, Probe Ongoing](https://www.indoarabnews.com/switzerland-declares-mourning/): Swiss investigators are working urgently to identify victims after a devastating fire tore through a packed bar during a New Year’s Eve celebration. - [Gen Z Puts Mental Health and Mindfulness at the Heart of 2026 Resolutions](https://www.indoarabnews.com/gen-z-mental-health-mindfulness-resolutions/): For Gen Z, the focus is on prioritising mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual grounding. - [BTS Set to Make Epic Full-Group Return This March](https://www.indoarabnews.com/bts-set-to-make-full-group-return-this-march/): K-pop global sensation BTS is gearing up for a highly anticipated comeback this year. - [UAE Pioneers First-of-Its-Kind Community-Led Public Authority](https://www.indoarabnews.com/uae-first-community-led-public-authority/): President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has directed the launch of a new community-powered government body. - [India Imposes New Excise Duty on Cigarettes Effective February 1](https://www.indoarabnews.com/india-imposes-new-cigarette-excise-duty/): India has imposed a fresh excise duty on cigarettes, a move that is expected to push up prices for millions of smokers across the country. - [France Plans Ban on Social Media for Children Under-15](https://www.indoarabnews.com/france-plans-social-media-ban-for-under-15s/): France is moving closer to banning social media for young teenagers to prohibit under-15s from accessing major platforms from 2026. - [Xi Jinping Restates Taiwan Reunification Goal in New Year Speech](https://www.indoarabnews.com/xi-jinping-restates-taiwan-reunification-goal/): The President of China Xi Jinping used his annual New Year’s Eve address to reaffirm Beijing’s determination to reunify Taiwan with the mainland. - [Night Skies Explode in Celebration as the World Welcomes 2026](https://www.indoarabnews.com/night-skies-explode-world-welcomes-2026/): From sacred riverbanks in India to historic walls in China, from snowy streets in Eastern Europe to Brazil, 2026 arrived with a surge of hope. - [Zohran Mamdani Makes History as NYC Mayor, Sworn In on the Quran](https://www.indoarabnews.com/zohran-mamdani-sworn-in-as-nyc-mayor/): New York entered a new political chapter just after midnight on Thursday as Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor. - [Explosion at Swiss Ski Resort Bar During New Year Celebrations Kills Dozens](https://www.indoarabnews.com/deadly-new-year-explosion-at-swiss-resort-bar/): Dozens of people are feared dead and many others injured after a powerful explosion during New Year celebrations in the resort of Crans-Montana. - [UAE Confirms Withdrawal of Remaining Forces From Yemen](https://www.indoarabnews.com/uae-withdraws-remaining-forces-yemen/): UAE would withdraw remaining forces from Yemen, hours after Saudi Arabia backed a demand for Emirati troops to leave the country within 24 hrs. - [Protests Over Inflation and Currency Fall Spread Across Iran](https://www.indoarabnews.com/protests-over-inflation-currency-spread-iran/): Protests and strikes driven by soaring inflation and the sharp fall of Iran’s currency have spread beyond Tehran to several cities. - [Iceland Sees Extraordinary December Warmth on Christmas Eve](https://www.indoarabnews.com/iceland-christmas-eve-record-warmth/): Iceland experienced unusually warm weather on Christmas Eve, with temperatures rising to nearly 20 °C in parts of the country. - [Meta Expands AI Portfolio With Acquisition of Manus Startup](https://www.indoarabnews.com/meta-acquires-manus-ai-startup/): Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced that it is acquiring artificial intelligence startup Manus. - [Eat Clean, Live Well: Food Trends Shaping the New Year](https://www.indoarabnews.com/eat-clean-live-well-food-trends-new-year/): The New Year focus is no longer on crash diets or extreme food rules, but on eating clean, eating smart, and eating with purpose. - [Kashmir Looks to Revive Tourism With New Year Winter Festivals](https://www.indoarabnews.com/kashmir-looks-to-revive-tourism/): J&K Tourism Dept stepped up efforts to revive tourism in the Kashmir Valley after sharp drop in visitor numbers following the Pahalgam terror attack. - [The First Cheers of the New Year Rise From the Pacific](https://www.indoarabnews.com/first-new-year-cheers-rise-from-pacific/): As the clock approaches midnight on December 31, millions of people around the world prepare to welcome the New Year. - [US Pledges $2bn in Humanitarian Aid to Address Global Hunger Crisis](https://www.indoarabnews.com/us-pledges-2b-humanitarian-aid-global-hunger/): US announced a $2 billion humanitarian assistance package at supporting tens of millions of people facing hunger, disease, and displacement. - [Khaleda Zia, first female Bangladesh prime minister, dies aged 80](https://www.indoarabnews.com/khaleda-zia-first-female-bangladesh-pm-dies/): Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female PM and one of the most influential figures in the country’s modern political history, has died at the age of 79. - [M&S Launches Nutrient-Dense Food Range for Weight-Loss Jab Users](https://www.indoarabnews.com/ms-nutrient-food-for-weight-loss-jab-users/): Marks & Spencer is launching a new range of nutrient-dense food aimed at customers using weight-loss injections. - [Fog and Severe Pollution Hit Air and Rail Operations Across New Delhi](https://www.indoarabnews.com/fog-pollution-hit-air-rail-operations-delhi/): A thick blanket of dense fog combined with hazardous air pollution brought daily life in Delhi and the National Capital Region to a near standstill. - [China Launches Major Live-Fire Military Drills Around Taiwan](https://www.indoarabnews.com/china-live-fire-military-drills-around-taiwan/): China has launched large-scale live-fire military drills around Taiwan, sharply escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. - [Nick Kyrgios Beats Aryna Sabalenka in 'Battle of the Sexes' Tennis Showdown](https://www.indoarabnews.com/kyrgios-defeats-sabalenka-battle-of-the-sexes/): Nick Kyrgios defeated women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a highly publicised Battle of the Sexes exhibition match in Dubai. - [Jeju Air Crash Anniversary: South Korean President Seeks Truth, Accountability](https://www.indoarabnews.com/south-korean-pres-apologise-jeju-air-crash/): South Korean President Lee Jae Myung offered a heartfelt apology to the families of the 179 people who died in the Jeju Air crash a year ago - [When Intelligence Evolves: Understanding the Reverse Flynn Effect](https://www.indoarabnews.com/intelligence-evolves-reverse-flynn-effect/): Reverse Flynn Effect suggests that younger generations, including Gen Z, are scoring lower on certain cognitive tests than their predecessors. - [First Post-Coup Election Begins in Parts of Myanmar](https://www.indoarabnews.com/myanmar-first-post-coup-election-begins/): Voters across parts of Myanmar went to pollsin the first phase of the country’s general election since the military seized power in 2021. - [New York Wakes to Heavy Snow as Winter Storm Disrupts Region](https://www.indoarabnews.com/new-york-wakes-to-heavy-snow/): New York woke up on Saturday to its heaviest snowfall in nearly four years as a powerful winter storm swept across the US north-east. - [Brigitte Bardot, Icon of 1950s French Cinema, Dies at 91](https://www.indoarabnews.com/brigitte-bardot-french-cinema-icon-dies-at-91/): Brigitte Bardot, the French actress and singer who rose to global fame in the 1950s has died at the age of 91. - [Israel Becomes First Nation to Recognise Somaliland as Independent State](https://www.indoarabnews.com/israel-recognises-somaliland-state/): Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. - [China Sanctions US Defence Firms Over Taiwan Arms Deal](https://www.indoarabnews.com/china-sanctions-us-firms-taiwan-arms/): China announced sanctions against major US defence companies, including Boeing, in retaliation for a large American arms sale to Taiwan. - [Eight Killed in Blast at Alawite Mosque in Syrian City of Homs](https://www.indoarabnews.com/explosion-alawite-mosque-homs-kills-eight/): Eight people were killed and 18 others injured in an explosion at an Alawite mosque in the Syrian city of Homs, state media reported. - [A Little Miracle: Baby Reignites Life in Remote Italian Hamlet](https://www.indoarabnews.com/baby-reignites-life-italian-hamlet/): Nine-month-old baby Lara Bussi Trabucco has lifted the village’s population to around 20 and brought a spark of life to daily routines. - [Japan Cabinet Endorses Largest-Ever Budget for Fiscal Year Ahead](https://www.indoarabnews.com/japan-cabinet-endorses-largest-ever-budget/): The cabinet of Japan has approved a record 122.3 trillion yen budget for the next fiscal year. - [China to Deploy Humanoid Robots for Border Patrols Near Vietnam](https://www.indoarabnews.com/china-humanoid-robots-for-border-patrols/): China is preparing to take an unusual step at its southern frontier by putting humanoid robots to work along the border with Vietnam. - [Torrential Rains Trigger Flash Floods in Southern California](https://www.indoarabnews.com/torrential-rains-flash-floods-california/): Southern California woke up to chaos on Christmas Eve as heavy rains turned streets into rivers and mountainsides into mudslides. - [US Military Carries Out Targeted Strike Against ISIS in Nigeria](https://www.indoarabnews.com/us-strike-targets-isis-militants-in-nigeria/): The United States carried out a military strike against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria on Thursday night. - [Malaysia Court Convicts Ex-PM Najib Razak Guilty of Abuse of Power](https://www.indoarabnews.com/ex-pm-najib-razak-guilty-of-abuse-of-power/): Former Malaysian PMi Najib Razak was found guilty of abuse of power in the largest trial yet linked to the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal. - [Researchers Introduce World’s Smallest Programmable Swimming Robots](https://www.indoarabnews.com/researchers-introduce-worlds-smallest-robots/): Researchers in the United States unveiled microscopic swimming robots marking a major step forward in robotics and biomedical science. --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages > Get in touch with Indo Arab News for inquiries, partnerships, or news tips. IndoArabNews indepth analysis,cultural coverage bridging UAE,India - Published: 2025-02-01 - Modified: 2025-07-07 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/contact-us/ Regd. Office WellMade Network FZC LLC, Sharjah Publishing City FZ, Sharjah, UAECall/Wap:+971 5060 12456, Mail@IndoArabNews. com Editorial Office WellMade Network, 3rd Floor, 3B, Style Enclave Thrikkakara, Kochi, India, IndoArabNews@Gmail. com Comment and Feedback The team at Indo Arab News values your input greatly, as your suggestions and feedback help us improve and better serve you in the future. Clear your grievances Editorial issues, contact Indian Office @ +91 94467 23000IndoArabNews@Gmail. com. Facebook Twitter Youtube KEY MANAGEMENT Esahaque Eswaramangalam (EM) Founder & Chief Editor Facebook Linkedin Whatsapp TB Vinod (Vinod) Co-founder & Director Facebook Linkedin Whatsapp Have a special story/news/article idea we should cover? Send it to us on IndoArabNews@Gmail. com. You may also attach photos or videos (let us know if you or someone else shot them). Along with this share your name, email address, comments, and phone number so that we can contact you. All content shared by you is moderated by Editorial before publication. We assume that you have permission to use anything you submit. --- > Read Indo Arab News' Terms of Service to understand user rights, content usage, and legal policies. Ensuring transparency, trust - Published: 2025-01-29 - Modified: 2025-07-25 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/terms-of-service/ Terms of Service Effective Date: 01-01-2025 Welcome to Indo Arab News (“IndoArabNews. com” or the “Website”). By accessing, browsing, using, or establishing any direct or indirect relationship with this Website or media brand, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”). If you do not agree to these Terms, you must refrain from accessing, using, or engaging in any form of relationship with the Website or the brand. Indo Arab News (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is the flagship brand of WellMade Network. 1. Use of the Website 1. 1 Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years of age or the age of legal majority in your jurisdiction to use this Website. By using the Website, you affirm that you meet these eligibility requirements. 1. 2 Permitted Use: You are granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Website strictly in accordance with these Terms. The Website is intended for personal, non-commercial use unless explicitly authorised by Indo Arab News. 1. 3 Prohibited Activities: When using the Website, you agree not to: Engage in any activity that disrupts or interferes with the Website’s functionality or security. Post, upload, or distribute any unlawful, defamatory, obscene, or otherwise harmful content. Attempt to gain unauthorised access to the Website’s systems or user accounts. Reverse-engineer, decompile, or disassemble any aspect of the Website. Intellectual Property 2. 1 Ownership: All content, including text, graphics, logos, images, videos, and software, available on the Website is the exclusive property of Indo... --- > Get in touch with Indo Arab News for inquiries, partnerships, or news tips. IndoArabNews indepth analysis,cultural coverage bridging UAE,India - Published: 2024-12-30 - Modified: 2025-12-11 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/ by News Desk March 28, 2025 Electronics Manufacturing Gets ₹22,919 Crore Boost for ‘Atmanirbhar’ India New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme with a funding of Rs. 22,919 crore. The by News Desk March 28, 2025 Australia to Vote on May 3 in Decisive Federal Election Australia: Australia will hold a federal election on May 3, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announcing the date from Parliament House on Friday. The contest by News Desk March 28, 2025 Myanmar Trembles: Massive Earthquake Unleashes Chaos Across Region Myanmar: A powerful 7. 7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, sending shockwaves across Southeast Asia, claiming multiple lives, and causing significant destruction. At least 144 people by News Desk March 27, 2025 Expensive Mornings Ahead: Coffee Prices Surge Worldwide London: If your favorite coffee beans have disappeared from store shelves, don’t panic- they’ll be back. The bad news? They’ll cost up to 25 percent How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours. - Wayne Dyer Global Auto Giants Hit Hard as Trump Unveils 25% Import Tariff New Drug Brings Hope to PWS Patients Battling Extreme Hunger Digital Ad Tax Scrapped: India Makes Key Trade Move Rare Two-Clawed Dinosaur Discovered in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert Unprecedented Wildfires Consume South Korea, Killing 18 Leaked Chat Ignites Debate Over US National Security Measures The Indo-Arab relationship, rooted in trade dating back to 3000 BCE, has grown through shared cultural and economic bonds, from the spread... --- > Learn how Indo Arab News safeguards your privacy. Our policy outlines data collection, usage, and protection, ensuring transparency - Published: 2024-12-29 - Modified: 2025-07-25 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/privacy-policy/ Privacy Policy Last Updated: 01-01-2025 Welcome to the Indo Arab News web portal, Indo Arab News(the "Website"). Operated by Indo Arab News (“we,” “our,” or “us”), a flagship brand of WellMade Network, we are steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines our robust practices for collecting, using, storing, and safeguarding your data while interacting with the Website. By accessing or using IndoArabNews. com, you affirm your acceptance of this Privacy Policy. If you disagree with any part, we strongly advise you to discontinue using the Website. 1. Information We Collect 1. 1 Personal Information We may collect personal information directly from you when you: Register or create an account. Subscribe to newsletters or other services. Participate in surveys, contests, or promotions. Contact us via email, forms, or customer service. Personal information may include but is not limited to: Name Email address Phone number Postal address 1. 2 Non-Personal Information We also collect non-personal information automatically when you use our Website. This may include: IP address Browser type and version Device information Pages visited and time spent on the Website Cookies and similar tracking technologies How We Use Your Information We use the information collected for the following purposes: To improve user experience and our services. To provide, personalise, and enhance our content. To process transactions and fulfil your requests. To send newsletters, promotions, and marketing communications. To comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms and policies. Cookies and Tracking Technologies We... --- --- ## Posts > The Prime Minister of Greenland has made it clear that the self-governing Arctic territory wants to remain part of Denmark. - Published: 2026-01-14 - Modified: 2026-01-14 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/greenland-remain-with-denmark-rejects-us/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Arctic Geopolitics, Denmark Greenland Relations, Greenland, NATO Allies, US Greenland Tensions Copenhagen: The Prime Minister of Greenland has made it clear that the self-governing Arctic territory wants to remain part of Denmark, pushing back firmly against renewed pressure from US President Donald Trump to bring the island under American control. Speaking in Copenhagen alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the territory was facing a serious geopolitical moment and would choose Denmark over the United States if forced to decide. His remarks came a day after Greenland’s government publicly rejected Trump’s takeover threats. The Greenlandic coalition government said there was no circumstance under which it would accept a transfer of sovereignty. It stressed that Greenland, as part of the Danish commonwealth, is a member of NATO and that its defence must remain within the alliance framework. Trump has repeatedly insisted that the United States will take control of Greenland, warning it would happen in one form or another. His comments have triggered strong reactions across Europe and raised concerns within NATO, with allies warning that any attempt to seize the territory would severely damage relations between the US and Europe. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen: “If we have to choose between the USA and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose NATO, the Kingdom of Denmark and the EU. ” pic. twitter. com/Qo58TuMsPM — Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) January 13, 2026 Frederiksen said Denmark had been under intense and unacceptable pressure from its closest ally but would stand firm. She added that the situation... --- > A quarter of developing countries are poorer today than they were before the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting a deep and uneven global recovery. - Published: 2026-01-14 - Modified: 2026-01-14 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/developing-world-poorer-covid-world-bank/ - Categories: Global Economy - Tags: Developing Economies, Global Economic Growth, Global Economic Prospects, Global Poverty, Post Pandemic Recovery, World Bank Washington: A quarter of developing countries are poorer today than they were before the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting a deep and uneven global recovery, the World Bank has warned. A new assessment by the World Bank reveals that many low-income economies, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, have suffered lasting economic damage over the six years to the end of last year. Wars, food shortages, and weak policy responses have slowed their rebound, leaving average incomes below 2019 levels in one out of every four developing nations. The bank said global growth has slowed since the pandemic and is no longer strong enough to cut extreme poverty or generate sufficient jobs where they are most needed. Growth in emerging markets and developing economies is expected to ease from 4. 2 percent last year to 4 percent next year. While the global economy has shown resilience, helped by stronger-than-expected performance in the United States, the bank warned that momentum remains weak. Overall world growth is projected to hold near current levels, slipping from 2. 7 percent in 2025 to 2. 6 percent in 2026 before edging back to 2. 7 percent in 2027. That pace, the bank said, would deliver only modest progress. The US economy is estimated to have grown by 2. 1 percent in 2025 and is forecast to expand by 2. 2 percent in 2026, following upgrades to earlier projections. By contrast, the euro area continues to lag, with growth of just 0. 9 percent expected in 2025 and 1. 2... --- > Uganda has ordered a nationwide suspension of internet services ahead of Thursday’s general election. - Published: 2026-01-14 - Modified: 2026-01-14 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/uganda-internet-shutdown-general-election/ - Categories: General News - Tags: Pre-Election Security, Uganda Communications Commission, Uganda Election 2026, Uganda Internet Shutdown, Uganda Online Restrictions Kampala: Uganda has ordered a nationwide suspension of internet services ahead of Thursday’s general election, citing security concerns and the need to maintain public order during the vote. The Uganda Communications Commission instructed all telecom operators to halt internet access from 6 pm local time on Tuesday. The regulator said the move was aimed at preventing the spread of false information, online interference in the electoral process, and the risk of violence during a sensitive period. No timeline was given for when services would be restored. The decision marks a sharp reversal from earlier this month, when the commission dismissed reports of a planned internet shutdown as rumours and said its role was to ensure uninterrupted connectivity across the country. Mobile data users reported losing access shortly after the directive took effect, although some institutions, including large hotels, continued to have limited connectivity. Voice calls and basic text messaging are expected to remain available. In a letter sent to telecom providers, the commission said it acted on the recommendation of security agencies, including the police and the military. It described the suspension as a precautionary step to protect national stability and prevent misuse of communication platforms during the election. JUSTIN: Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has confirmed that access to internet and mobile services will be shutdown starting from 13/01/2026 (today) to enable the state in electoral malpractice. You are hereby advised to make transactions from mobile money today. UCC... pic. twitter. com/g5HE9q1TDP — Human Rights Platform (@Humanrights256) January 13, 2026... --- > At least 25 people were killed and dozens more injured after a construction crane collapsed onto a passenger train in north-eastern Thailand. - Published: 2026-01-14 - Modified: 2026-01-14 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/25-killed-crane-crashes-onto-train-thailand/ - Categories: General News - Tags: Construction Site Accident, Crane Collapse, Emergency Rescue Operations, Passenger Train Crash, Railway Disaster, Thailand Infrastructure Project, Thailand Train Accident Thailand: At least 25 people were killed and dozens more injured on Wednesday after a construction crane collapsed onto a passenger train in north-eastern Thailand. The incident occurred in Nakhon Ratchasima province, north-east of Bangkok, during the morning hours as the train passed through a construction zone. Emergency officials said the crane fell directly onto the moving train, striking multiple carriages and causing them to tilt and overturn. Thick smoke rose from the wreckage as rescue teams rushed to the scene to pull survivors from the damaged cars. Several carriages were visibly crushed, with debris scattered across the tracks. Residents described hearing a loud crash followed by explosions. One witness said the crane appeared to slice through the middle of one carriage, leaving it split apart. Rescuers worked for hours to free trapped passengers, some of whom were seriously injured. pic. twitter. com/FKaSw6Hbp0 — SRT OFFICIAL (@PR_SRT) January 14, 2026 District police chief Thatchapon Chinnawong confirmed that 22 deaths had been recorded, while at least 80 people were injured. Hospitals were asked to assess how many victims were in critical condition as authorities worked to identify those who lost their lives. Rescue efforts were temporarily paused after officials detected a chemical leak at the site, raising concerns for the safety of emergency workers. Authorities said the situation was being closely monitored before operations could safely resume. “พิพัฒน์” สั่งตรวจสอบเข้มทุก เหตุเครนก่อสร้างหล่นทับขบวนรถไฟ สั่งอธิบดีกรมราง–ผู้ว่าการรถไฟ ลงพื้นที่ตรวจสอบด่วน แสดงความเสียใจต่อผู้สูญเสีย pic. twitter. com/KQbdLVGQ6u — SRT OFFICIAL (@PR_SRT) January 14, 2026 The train was travelling from Bangkok to Ubon... --- > The Indian govt has asked quick-commerce platforms to stop advertising 10-minute delivery guarantees, citingconcerns over rider safety. - Published: 2026-01-14 - Modified: 2026-01-14 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/india-urges-scrap-10-minute-delivery-claims/ - Categories: India - Tags: 10 Minute Delivery, Delivery Workers Strike, E Commerce Regulation, Gig Worker Safety, India Quick Commerce, Labour Ministry India, Urban Delivery Services New Delhi: The Indian government has asked quick-commerce platforms to stop advertising 10-minute delivery guarantees, citing growing concerns over rider safety and working conditions. The move follows talks between the federal labour ministry and company representatives after a nationwide strike by delivery workers last month. Major platforms, such as Zomato, Blinkit, and Zepto, were part of the discussions. These services have gained popularity in urban areas by enabling customers to order groceries, electronics, and household goods for near-instant delivery. While customers have embraced the speed and convenience, critics argue that ultra-fast delivery targets place intense pressure on gig workers and encourage risky behaviour on the road. Thousands of riders joined last month’s strike, demanding safer conditions, fair pay, and basic dignity at work. Though customer disruption was limited, the protest triggered a wider debate about the human cost of rapid delivery models. Following the strike, the labour ministry urged companies to move away from fixed, aggressive delivery timelines. Some platforms, including Blinkit, have already removed the explicit 10-minute promise from their branding and marketing, officials said. Others are expected to follow. Rep Image courtesy: X @Flipkartminutes However, in several cities, app-based delivery estimates on Tuesday were still showing arrival times of under 10 minutes. Many companies operate small warehouses close to residential areas, allowing orders to be completed quickly even without a formal guarantee. Quick commerce has expanded rapidly in India since the Covid pandemic, reshaping shopping habits in major cities. The sector’s growth has coincided with the rise of... --- > Instagram has dismissed claims of a data breach following reports that thousands of users received unexpected password reset emails. - Published: 2026-01-13 - Modified: 2026-01-13 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/instagram-denies-data-breach-password-emails/ - Categories: Technology - Tags: Cybersecurity, Data Breach, Instagram Security, Malwarebytes, Password Reset, Two-Factor Authentication, User Accounts US: Instagram has dismissed claims of a data breach following reports that thousands of users received unexpected password reset emails. The company said a technical glitch allowed a third party to trigger legitimate password reset requests, but stressed that its internal systems were not compromised and that user accounts remain secure. Despite Instagram’s assurances, cybersecurity experts have raised concerns. Malwarebytes, a leading security firm, suggested the emails may be linked to a hacking incident. The firm alleged that personal information from 17. 5 million Instagram accounts, including usernames, email addresses, phone numbers, and locations, could have been exposed. The claims gained significant attention online, with Malwarebytes’ post sharing an example of a reset email attracting over 2. 3 million views. Malwarebytes later told the BBC that the spike in password reset emails coincided with the sale of user data on a criminal forum. A seller on the forum claims to hold personal information from millions of Instagram accounts, reportedly from a leak dating back to 2024. Rep Image courtesy: Unsplash Not all experts agree, however. Some independent researchers argue that the dataset may not be new and could consist of publicly available information from Instagram profiles, such as names and locations, dating back to 2022. The unexpected emails have left many users worried about account security. While the links in the messages appear to lead to genuine Instagram pages, experts advise caution. Users are recommended to avoid clicking links in unexpected emails and instead use the official Instagram app or... --- > Malaysia has become the second country to temporarily block access to Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence tool Grok. - Published: 2026-01-13 - Modified: 2026-01-13 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/malaysia-restricts-access-to-grok/ - Categories: General News, Technology - Tags: AI Image Moderation, Elon Musk, Grok, Malaysia AI Ban, Non-Consensual AI Images Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia has become the second country to temporarily block access to Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence tool Grok, responding to global concern over non-consensual AI imagery. The move follows a similar decision by Indonesia a day earlier, placing fresh scrutiny on the image-generation features of Grok, which is developed by Musk’s company xAI and embedded within the social media platform X. Authorities in Malaysia said access to Grok would remain restricted until effective safeguards are put in place. The decision comes after widespread outrage over the tool’s capacity to manipulate images of women and children, including digitally removing clothing and placing individuals in sexualised poses. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said it had acted after finding that Grok could produce obscene, sexually explicit, and deeply offensive content, including non-consensual manipulated images involving women and minors. The regulator said this posed serious risks and failed to meet legal and ethical standards. xAI last week announced that Grok’s image-generation and editing features would be limited to paying subscribers on X, arguing that identifiable users would be easier to monitor if the tool were misused. However, the restriction has done little to ease concerns among regulators. Rep Image courtesy: Deposit Photos Malaysia’s regulator said it had already issued formal notices to X and xAI demanding stronger technical controls and moderation systems. It said the responses received relied heavily on users reporting abuse and did not address the broader risks created by the technology. Grok is also available through a standalone website... --- > Japan and South Korea have pledged to deepen security and economic cooperation as they face rising tensions in East Asia. - Published: 2026-01-13 - Modified: 2026-01-13 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/japan-south-korea-commit-bilateral-relations/ - Categories: Diplomacy & Politics - Tags: East Asia Security, Japan South Korea Relations, Japan South Korea Summit, Korean Peninsula Denuclearisation, Trilateral Cooperation Nara: Japan and South Korea have pledged to deepen security and economic cooperation as they face rising tensions in East Asia. The commitment came after a summit in Nara between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. The leaders discussed a range of issues, including industrial supply chains, artificial intelligence, denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, and coordination with their mutual ally, the United States. Takaichi highlighted the growing importance of trilateral cooperation between Japan, South Korea, and the US, while Lee stressed the urgency of strengthening bilateral ties in a volatile international environment. In addition, the two countries agreed to increase collaboration to combat cross-border online scams, a growing concern for both nations. The summit followed Lee’s recent visit to China and comes amid heightened tensions between Tokyo and Beijing after Takaichi warned Japan could deploy its forces if China posed an existential threat to Taiwan. Lee said he would not intervene in the dispute with China but noted that unresolved regional tensions remain a challenge for peace and stability. Rep Image courtesy: Joint Press Corps Historical issues also featured in the talks. Takaichi welcomed progress in identifying human remains at an abandoned coal mine in western Japan, where hundreds of Koreans and Japanese died during forced labor in 1942. South Korea estimates that the remains of up to 10,000 Korean forced laborers are still in Japan, while Japan has identified about 3,000. The leaders said they would continue ‘shuttle diplomacy,’ with Takaichi expected to... --- > One of Australia’s most prominent literary events, Adelaide Writers’ Week 2026, has been cancelled after days of escalating turmoil. - Published: 2026-01-13 - Modified: 2026-01-13 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/adelaide-writers-week-2026-cancelled/ - Categories: Major Events - Tags: Adelaide Festival, Australian Arts Festival, Australian Writers, Cultural Controversy, Freedom of Expression, Randa Abdel-Fattah, Writers Week Boycott Adelaide: One of Australia’s most prominent literary events, Adelaide Writers’ Week 2026, has been cancelled after days of escalating turmoil. More than 180 authors and speakers withdrew in protest over the decision to disinvite Palestinian-Australian writer Randa Abdel-Fattah. The Adelaide Festival board confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that the event, scheduled to begin on 28 February, would not proceed. The three remaining board members resigned with immediate effect, following the earlier departure of four other board members. Only the Adelaide city council representative remains in place until their term expires next month. The crisis began last week when the board intervened to remove Abdel-Fattah from the program, citing cultural sensitivities in the aftermath of the Bondi attack on the Jewish community. The decision triggered widespread backlash from writers, artists, and free speech advocates, rapidly hollowing out the festival’s program. By Monday evening, more than 70 per cent of participating writers had withdrawn, including major international and Australian figures. Festival director Louise Adler resigned shortly after, saying she could not be involved in silencing writers and describing the situation as unworkable. She later said months of careful programming had collapsed within days, leaving too few viable sessions to salvage the event. In its statement, the board acknowledged that its decision had deepened divisions rather than easing tensions. It apologised to Abdel-Fattah for how the decision was handled and expressed regret for the distress caused to audiences, writers, staff, donors, and partners. The board said the scale of withdrawals meant the festival could... --- > Thousands of nurses walked off the job across three major hospital systems in New York City - Published: 2026-01-13 - Modified: 2026-01-13 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/thousands-nurses-walk-out-new-york-hospitals/ - Categories: General News - Tags: Healthcare Labor Dispute, Montefiore Medical Center Strike, Mount Sinai Hospital Strike, New York Nurses Strike, NewYork-Presbyterian Strike, Nurse Staffing Shortages, NYC Hospital Walkout New York: Thousands of nurses walked off the job across three major hospital systems in New York City on Monday after weekend negotiations failed to break a deadlock over new contracts, triggering one of the largest healthcare strikes the city has seen in years. The strike involves hospitals within the NewYork-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai and Montefiore systems. Picket lines formed early in the day outside facilities in Manhattan, the Bronx and Brooklyn as nurses demanded improved staffing levels, safer working conditions and fair pay. According to the New York State Nurses Association, about 15,000 nurses are taking part in the walkout. All affected hospitals remained open, relying heavily on temporary staff to maintain services. The dispute does not involve city-run hospitals, but officials warned the action could still ripple across the healthcare system, particularly during a severe flu season. Hospitals may be forced to delay procedures, transfer patients or divert ambulances, placing added pressure on nearby medical centers. The strike presents an early political challenge for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who took office on a pro-worker platform. Mamdani visited nurses on the picket line in Upper Manhattan, praising their work and urging hospital executives to reach a fair agreement that respects their role on the front lines of patient care. Governor Kathy Hochul said state health officials had been deployed to monitor patient safety at the affected hospitals. She called on both sides to return to negotiations and reach a deal that reflects the essential work nurses perform every... --- > The government of Spain plans to tighten rental regulations and limit medium-term leases in a bid to control soaring rents and prevent price abuse. - Published: 2026-01-13 - Modified: 2026-01-13 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/spain-rental-rules-curb-housing-costs/ - Categories: Travel & Tourism - Tags: Affordable Housing, Housing Shortage, Pedro Sanchez, Rent Controls, Rental Market, Short-Term Rentals, Spain Housing Madrid: The government of Spain plans to tighten rental regulations and limit medium-term leases in a bid to control soaring rents and prevent price abuse, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced. The measures come as Spain, one of the world’s top tourist destinations, faces a severe housing shortage, worsened by a booming tourism sector. Mass protests have erupted in recent years over rising housing costs. Speaking at the launch of Spain’s largest public housing project, Sanchez said the government would continue intervening in the rental market. The Campamento project will convert a former military site in western Madrid into 10,700 state-owned, affordable homes. The upcoming decree will offer landlords a full personal income tax rebate if they renew leases without raising rents. It will also cap combined room rents at the equivalent of a full apartment, tighten rules for seasonal rentals, and introduce sanctions for using short-term contracts as a substitute for long-term leases. Experts and homeowners’ associations say current regulations favor short-term leases over stable, long-term rentals. Enforcement, however, depends on Spain’s regional governments, some of which are run by opposition parties and may resist implementing the new rules. Some regions and cities have already acted independently. Catalonia has set ceilings for seasonal and room rents, while Madrid and other cities have limited tourist apartment rentals. Rents across Spain have doubled over the past decade, far outpacing wage growth. According to the Bank of Spain, the country faces a housing deficit of 500,000 homes, with only about 120,000 new homes... --- > Excessive screen use is harming young children’s ability to speak, the UK govt has warned, as it prepares to issue its first-ever guidance for parents. - Published: 2026-01-12 - Modified: 2026-01-12 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/uk-warns-screen-time-toddlers/ - Categories: Editor’s Choice - Tags: Child Health Study, Digital Media Impact, Early Childhood Education, Government Parenting Advice, Toddler Speech Development, UK Screen Time Warning, Under Five Guidance London: Excessive screen use is harming young children’s ability to speak, the UK government has warned, as it prepares to issue its first-ever guidance for parents on managing screen time for under-fives. New research shows that two-year-olds with the highest levels of screen use, averaging around five hours a day, could say far fewer words than children who spent less than an hour a day in front of screens. Those with lower screen exposure were found to have noticeably stronger vocabulary skills. Screen use has become almost universal in early childhood. The study found that 98 percent of two-year-olds watch screens daily, highlighting how deeply digital devices are now embedded in family life. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said parents and teachers were increasingly concerned that too much passive screen time was displacing vital activities such as talking, reading, and play. She said these interactions are essential for language development in the early years, adding that the challenge for families is no longer whether to use screens, but how to use them in a healthy way. Rep Image Credits: Freepik The government is expected to publish guidance in April, offering practical advice on how screen use can be balanced with activities that support learning and communication. The guidance will focus on integrating screens into shared experiences rather than replacing human interaction. A new expert panel will help shape the advice. It will be led by England’s children’s commissioner, Rachel de Souza, and Professor Russell Viner, a former chief scientific adviser to... --- > Virat Kohli added another historic milestone, overtaking Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket. - Published: 2026-01-12 - Modified: 2026-01-12 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/kohli-second-highest-run-scorer/ - Categories: Sports - Tags: Cricket Records, India vs New Zealand ODI, Indian Cricket Star, International Cricket Runs, Kohli Sangakkara Milestone, Sachin Tendulkar Record, Virat Kohli Record Gujarat: Virat Kohli added another historic milestone to his glittering career, overtaking Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket during India’s opening ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara. Kohli crossed Sangakkara’s long-standing tally of 28,016 international runs, moving closer to Sachin Tendulkar, who tops the list with 34,357 runs. The achievement once again highlighted Kohli’s remarkable consistency and longevity at the highest level of the game. The milestone came with an added distinction. Kohli became the fastest player to reach 28,000 international runs, achieving the mark in just 624 innings, 20 fewer than Tendulkar. The record underlined his sustained dominance across formats and eras. Batting at number three after Rohit Sharma’s dismissal in the ninth over, Kohli reached the landmark with a boundary off Adithya Ashok in the 13th over. He went on to play a commanding innings, anchoring India’s chase with composure and authority. Sangakkara, who retired with 28,016 runs from 594 international matches, had held second place for several years, making Kohli’s rise even more significant. With an average of over 52 in international cricket and an exceptional record across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, Kohli continues to set benchmarks for modern-day batting excellence. Milestone Alert Virat Kohli is now the second highest run-getter in international cricket (Men's) 🫡 Updates ▶ https://t. co/OcIPHEpvjr#TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic. twitter. com/vf3Yr8FYhG — BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2026 India Takes Early Series Lead Kohli’s milestone capped a dominant performance by India, who began their 2026 campaign with a... --- > The organisers of the Nobel Peace Prize clarified that the award cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred, responding to María Corina Machado. - Published: 2026-01-12 - Modified: 2026-01-12 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/nobel-committee-rule-out-peace-prize-transfer/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Donald Trump, Maria Corina Machado, Nobel Peace Prize, Nobel Prize Controversy, Norwegian Nobel Committee, Peace Prize Rules, Venezuela Politics Oslo: The organisers of the Nobel Peace Prize have clarified that the award cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred, responding to remarks by Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado that she wished to give her prize to US President Donald Trump. Machado, who was named the Nobel Peace Prize laureate in October, had described the award as a recognition of Trump’s role in supporting Venezuela’s opposition. Her comments followed recent US military action in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, an operation she praised as a turning point for the country. Trump, who has long expressed a desire to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, said he would consider it a great honour if Machado chose to offer him the award. He is expected to meet her in Washington later this week. However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee and the Nobel Institute said the matter was not open to interpretation. In a joint statement, they stressed that once a Nobel Prize is announced, the decision is final and permanent. They noted that neither Alfred Nobel’s will nor the Nobel Foundation’s statutes allow for a prize to be withdrawn, shared, or reassigned under any circumstances. Rep Image courtesy: X@MariaCorinaYA The committee added that it does not comment on the actions or statements of laureates after the prize has been awarded, and that no Nobel Prize has ever been reconsidered or revoked. Machado, who secretly left Venezuela in December to travel to Oslo, has openly supported Trump’s calls for military... --- > Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another and Netflix’s breakout drama Adolescence dominated the 83rd Golden Globe Awards. - Published: 2026-01-12 - Modified: 2026-01-12 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/golden-globe-2025-dominant-winners/ - Categories: Entertainment - Tags: Adolescence Netflix series, Golden Globes 2025, Golden Globes Winners, Hollywood Awards, One Battle After Another, Paul Thomas Anderson, Timothée Chalamet Los Angeles: Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another and Netflix’s breakout drama Adolescence dominated the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, securing four trophies apiece in a ceremony that blended cinematic celebration with pointed political commentary. One Battle After Another, a politically charged black comedy loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland, won Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, alongside awards for Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress for Teyana Taylor. Accepting his first-ever Golden Globe wins, Anderson thanked voters for their generosity and paid tribute to the late assistant director Adam Somner, who died during the film’s production in November 2024. “I love doing what I do, so this is just fun,” he said. One Battle After Another is the #GoldenGlobes winner for Best Picture – Musical or Comedy! Bravo! pic. twitter. com/JkPZef5CyN — Golden Globes (@goldenglobes) January 12, 2026 Netflix’s Adolescence, which sparked international debate over online misogyny and youth radicalisation, won Best Limited Series, along with acting honours for Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, and Erin Doherty. Writer Jack Thorne said the show was not an indictment of young people but rather “the filth and the debris we have laid in their path. ” Graham won Best Actor in a Limited Series, while Cooper followed up his Emmy success with another supporting actor award. Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet won Best Motion Picture – Drama, with Jessie Buckley taking Best Actress in a Drama for her portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare. Producer Steven Spielberg said Zhao was “the... --- > Mattel unveiled its first Barbie representing autism, marking another step in the company’s push for greater inclusion. - Published: 2026-01-12 - Modified: 2026-01-12 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/mattel-autistic-barbie-inclusive-range/ - Categories: Lifestyle - Tags: Autism Representation, Autistic Barbie, Barbie Fashionistas, Children’s Toys, Inclusive Toys, Mattel Barbie, Neurodiversity Awareness EL SEGUNDO, California: With an animated Barbie film in development following the success of Greta Gerwig’s 2023 blockbuster, Mattel Studios continues to broaden the world of Barbie, both on screen and on toy shelves. On Monday, Mattel unveiled its first Barbie representing autism, marking another step in the company’s push for greater inclusion. The doll joins the Fashionistas line, following the release of Barbie with type 1 diabetes just six months ago, reinforcing Mattel’s aim to reflect a wider range of real-life experiences. Autism is a form of neurodivergence that affects how people perceive, process, and interact with the world. While autism presents differently in each individual, the World Health Organization estimates that more than one in 100 children worldwide is autistic. Developed in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, the new Barbie is designed to reflect some of the ways autistic children may experience everyday life. Her eyes are angled slightly to one side, acknowledging that some autistic people avoid direct eye contact. Fully bendable elbows and wrists allow for repetitive movements such as hand-flapping, commonly known as stimming, which can help regulate sensory input or express excitement. Ellie Middleton with the new autistic Barbie doll | Rep Image courtesy: Paul Michael Hughes T The doll wears noise-cancelling headphones to reduce sensory overload and includes a fidget spinner to help manage stress. She also carries a tablet featuring symbol-based communication icons, reflecting the use of augmentative and alternative communication tools. Her outfit includes a loose-fitting purple dress designed... --- > Australian PM Anthony Albanese has recalled federal parliament two weeks early to fast-track tougher hate speech laws and sweeping gun reforms. - Published: 2026-01-12 - Modified: 2026-01-12 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/albanese-recalls-parliament-hate-gun-laws/ - Categories: General News - Tags: Anthony Albanese, Australian Parliament Recall, Bondi Attack, Federal Legislation, Gun Reform Australia, Hate Speech Laws, National Security Canberra: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has recalled federal parliament two weeks early to fast-track tougher hate speech laws and sweeping gun reforms, following last month’s deadly Bondi terror attack. MPs will return to Canberra on January 19 and 20 to debate legislation that combines new anti-vilification offences with what the government says will be the largest gun buyback program since the Port Arthur massacre. Albanese said the laws were designed to address both the ideology and the weapons behind extremist violence. He rejected claims that the move was aimed at pressuring the Coalition or dividing parliament. The proposed legislation would introduce a new racial vilification offence, strengthen bans on extremist symbols, and create a formal system to list prohibited hate groups under a lower threshold than existing terrorism laws. It would also make extremist motivation an explicit factor in sentencing and establish a new offence for inciting hatred to intimidate or harass. Under the package, the Home Affairs Minister would gain expanded powers to cancel or refuse visas, while authorities would be given greater scope to act against individuals described by the government as hate preachers. The prime minister said the urgency of the legislation was matched by the need to get it right. Parliament had been scheduled to return on February 3, but Albanese said all parties would still have a week to examine the bill before debate begins. We’re bringing Parliament back early to pass new laws combatting antisemitism and cracking down on illegal guns. Standing against... --- > Ethiopian Airlines has launched construction of a $12.5 billion airport project that officials say will become the largest aviation hub in Africa. - Published: 2026-01-11 - Modified: 2026-01-11 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/ethiopia-builds-africas-largest-airport/ - Categories: Travel & Tourism - Tags: Addis Ababa Region, Africa Airport Project, Bishoftu International Airport, Ethiopia Aviation, Ethiopian Airlines, Mega Airport Construction Bishoftu, Ethiopia: Ethiopian Airlines has launched construction of a $12. 5 billion airport project that officials say will become the largest aviation hub in Africa when completed by 2030. The new Bishoftu International Airport is being built in the town of Bishoftu, about 45 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa. The state-owned airline has been awarded the contract to design the four-runway facility, marking one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the country. Once operational, the airport is expected to handle up to 110 million passengers annually and provide parking space for around 270 aircraft. This would make it more than four times larger than Addis Ababa’s existing Bole International Airport, which authorities say is nearing its maximum capacity and could be unable to cope with rising traffic within the next two to three years. የቢሾፍቱ አለምአቀፍ አውሮፕላን ማረፍያ ግንባታ ማስጀመርያ pic. twitter. com/gY6q0JuYEa — Abiy Ahmed Ali (@AbiyAhmedAli) January 10, 2026 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali described the project as a landmark development for Ethiopia and the continent, highlighting its scale and strategic importance for Africa’s aviation sector. Ethiopian Airlines’ Infrastructure Development and Planning Director, Abraham Tesfaye, said the airline would finance about 30 percent of the total cost, with the remaining funds coming from international lenders. The carrier has already set aside $610 million for earthworks, which are expected to be completed within a year. Major contractors are scheduled to begin construction work in August 2026. The airport was initially projected to cost $10 billion, but... --- > The 83rd Golden Globe Awards take place tonight, January 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. - Published: 2026-01-11 - Modified: 2026-01-11 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/golden-globes-83rd-beverly-hills/ - Categories: Entertainment - Tags: Awards Season, Beverly Hills Events, Celebrity Red Carpet, Film Industry News, Golden Globe Awards, Golden Globes 2026, Hollywood Awards US: The 83rd Golden Globe Awards take place tonight, January 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, bringing Hollywood’s awards season back into the spotlight at a time of deep uncertainty for the film industry. The ceremony arrives after a sluggish box-office year and growing anxiety over the future of major studios, particularly Warner Bros. , one of Hollywood’s most storied names. Political tensions are also in the background, with many actors and filmmakers attending the event having been openly critical of US President Donald Trump’s policies. Even so, organisers insist the focus will remain firmly on entertainment. Comedian Nikki Glaser returns as host for the second time and has promised a light, fast-moving show centred on humour rather than political commentary. She has said audiences should expect sharp jokes and playful jabs at some of the biggest stars in the room, including Leonardo DiCaprio. The Golden Globe Awards will air live on CBS at 8:00 p. m. EST, with live streaming available to Paramount+ premium subscribers. Red carpet coverage begins earlier, with E! going live at 6 pm EST. The Associated Press will start its livestream at 4:30 pm EST, offering celebrity arrivals, fashion highlights, and interviews on YouTube and APNews. Pull up a chair next to all your favorite s and tune in to the #GoldenGlobes LIVE →TOMORROW at 8 ET | 5 PT on @CBS and @paramountplus! pic. twitter. com/QtGu9Y66nv — Golden Globes (@goldenglobes) January 10, 2026 Films to Watch The leading film nominee this... --- > Indonesia has become the first country to block access to Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot, over the spread of fake, AI-generated pornographic content. - Published: 2026-01-11 - Modified: 2026-01-11 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/indonesia-blocks-grok-chatbot/ - Categories: Technology - Tags: AI Deepfake Ban, AI Generated Content, Digital Censorship, Elon Musk News, Grok Chatbot, Indonesia Internet Regulation, Online Safety Laws Jakarta: Indonesia has become the first country to block access to Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot, citing concerns over the spread of fake, AI-generated pornographic content and the risks it poses to public safety. The country’s Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid said that the creation and circulation of non-consensual sexual deepfakes represent a serious violation of human rights, personal dignity, and digital security. The government has temporarily restricted access to the Grok application to protect women, children, and the wider public from harmful content produced using artificial intelligence. The decision follows growing criticism of Grok’s image generation tools, which allowed users to manipulate online images in ways that could remove clothing from subjects. A day earlier, Grok restricted its image generation and editing features on Musk’s social media platform X to paying subscribers, a move that was widely seen as an attempt to contain the backlash. Rep Image courtesy: Cabinet Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia Musk has said that users who create illegal content using Grok would face the same consequences as those who upload such material directly. However, officials and digital rights campaigners in several countries have argued that limiting access to paid users does not resolve the underlying risks. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office described the change as inadequate and dismissive of victims. Officials said turning a tool capable of generating unlawful images into a paid feature failed to offer real protection and risked further harm. Indonesia’s culture and digital affairs... --- > NASA has ordered its first-ever medical evacuation from the ISS after an astronaut aboard the orbiting laboratory fell seriously ill. - Published: 2026-01-10 - Modified: 2026-01-10 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/nasa-medical-evacuation-from-space-station/ - Categories: Global, Major Events - Tags: Astronaut Illness, International Space Station, ISS mission, NASA, Space Station Medical Evacuation, Spaceflight Safety Washington: NASA has ordered its first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station after an astronaut aboard the orbiting laboratory fell seriously ill, forcing the early return of a four-member crew. The US space agency said the US-Japanese-Russian team, led by American commander Zena Cardman, will return to Earth in the coming days, cutting short a mission that was expected to last at least six months. Officials declined to identify the affected astronaut or disclose details of the illness, citing medical privacy, but confirmed the condition was serious enough to warrant evacuation. The decision follows a series of urgent developments earlier this week after the medical issue emerged on Wednesday. NASA was forced to cancel its first planned spacewalk of the year as doctors assessed the situation. While the astronaut is now considered stable, officials said there remains a lingering risk, and the condition has not been fully diagnosed. The crew arrived at the space station aboard a SpaceX capsule in August. Alongside Cardman, the team includes veteran US astronaut Mike Fincke, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. Only one crew member is unwell, but all four must return to ensure there are never more astronauts aboard the station than available emergency seats in docked spacecraft. LIVE: NASA leadership discusses the @Space_Station and its crew. https://t. co/AHADoGBR8h — NASA (@NASA) January 8, 2026 NASA officials said the illness could not be properly treated on the station and that bringing the astronaut home was the... --- > The luxury fashion house, Prada has launched a chai-inspired perfume called Infusion de Santal Chai. - Published: 2026-01-10 - Modified: 2026-01-10 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/prada-bottles-comfort-of-chai-luxury-perfume/ - Categories: Lifestyle - Tags: Chai Inspired Fragrance, Indian Chai Aroma, Luxury Perfume Launch, Prada Beauty, Prada Perfume Milan: If the aroma of Indian chai is part of your daily ritual, Prada’s latest fragrance may feel instantly familiar. The luxury fashion house has launched a chai-inspired perfume called Infusion de Santal Chai, turning the warmth of a well-brewed cup of tea into a wearable scent. The fragrance is part of Prada’s unisex Les Infusions collection and was unveiled through the brand’s official social media platforms. The launch video keeps things understated, showing a brown-toned bottle alongside visuals of creamy tea flowing over sandalwood bark, with green cardamom pods in the background. Cardamom is a key ingredient in traditional masala chai and plays a central role in the scent’s identity. According to the Prada Beauty website, Infusion de Santal Chai has a woody and milky profile. Its key notes include a chai latte accord, sandalwood, citrus, and musks. The overall effect is designed to feel warm, soft, and comforting, with a gentle freshness that balances the richness of the tea and wood elements. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prada Beauty (@pradabeauty) Priced at 190 dollars, or roughly Rs 17,000, the perfume firmly sits in the luxury segment. It is positioned as an indulgence rather than an everyday buy, appealing to fragrance lovers who are willing to pay a premium for a distinctive and emotionally evocative scent. Prada’s use of chai is also another example of the brand drawing inspiration from Indian culture. Last year, the label sparked debate during its Milan fashion show when models... --- > EU states have given provisional approval for the bloc to sign its largest-ever free trade agreement with the South American Mercosur group. - Published: 2026-01-10 - Modified: 2026-01-10 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/eu-approves-mercosur-trade-deal/ - Categories: Global Economy, Trade & Business - Tags: EU Agriculture, EU Mercosur Free Trade, EU Parliament, EU Trade Deal, European Union Trade, Global Trade Agreement, Mercosur Agreement Brussels: European Union member states have given provisional approval for the bloc to sign its largest-ever free trade agreement with the South American Mercosur group, ending more than 25 years of negotiations and months of political wrangling. The Mercosur bloc will sign the trade agreement with the European Union on January 17 in Paraguay, Argentina’s foreign ministry said. The deal, covering Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, secured enough backing despite strong opposition from several countries concerned about its impact on farmers. At least 15 EU states representing 65 percent of the bloc’s population voted in favour, meeting the threshold required for approval. France voted against the agreement, while Belgium abstained. Diplomats said a total of 21 countries supported the deal. Supporters, including Germany and Spain, argue the agreement is strategically important at a time of rising global trade tensions. They say it will help European companies offset losses from potential US tariffs and reduce dependence on China by improving access to key raw materials and new markets. Today’s Council decision to support the EU-Mercosur deal is historic. Europe is sending a strong signal. We are serious about creating growth, jobs and securing the interests of Europeans consumers and businesses. With Mercosur, we are creating a shared market of 700 million... pic. twitter. com/WMGXWzFgua — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 9, 2026 Opponents, led by France, warn the agreement could flood Europe with cheaper agricultural imports such as beef, poultry, and sugar, undercutting domestic farmers. Those concerns have led to... --- > Australia faced one of its most severe fire days in years as dangerous heatwave conditions fuelled large bushfires across the southeast. - Published: 2026-01-10 - Modified: 2026-01-10 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/fire-emergency-in-southeastern-australia/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Australia Fires, Bushfires, Fire Emergency, Heatwave Emergency, New South Wales Fires, Victoria Bushfires, Wildfire Crisis Sydney: Australia faced one of its most severe fire days in years as dangerous heatwave conditions fuelled large bushfires across the southeast, overwhelming emergency services and threatening communities. In Victoria, fires have burned through more than 300,000 hectares of bushland since the middle of the week, according to state authorities. At least 10 major fires remained active on Saturday, stretching emergency services as crews worked around the clock to contain rapidly shifting fire fronts. More than 130 structures, including residential homes, have been destroyed, while power outages affected about 38,000 homes and businesses across the state. Officials said the scale and intensity of the fires marked the most serious bushfire crisis in Victoria since the catastrophic Black Summer fires of 2019–2020. Fire conditions were also severe in neighbouring New South Wales, where several blazes near the Victorian border were burning at emergency level, the highest warning category. Temperatures soared into the mid-40s Celsius in many areas, intensifying fire behaviour and complicating containment efforts. Rep Image Credits: Freepik Sydney experienced extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 42. 2 degrees Celsius, more than 17 degrees above the city’s average January maximum. Emergency services urged residents to remain alert, as the combination of heat and wind created hazardous fire conditions. One of the largest fires, near the town of Longwood, about 112 kilometres north of Melbourne, has scorched approximately 130,000 hectares. The blaze has destroyed dozens of structures and caused extensive damage to vineyards and agricultural land, dealing a heavy blow to local farming... --- > NASA has called off the first spacewalk of 2026 after a medical issue involving one of the astronauts aboard the ISS prompted concern. - Published: 2026-01-09 - Modified: 2026-01-09 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/nasa-cancels-spacewalk-after-medical-issue/ - Categories: International Events - Tags: Astronaut Health, Crew-11 Mission, International Space Station, ISS Operations, NASA, Space Exploration, Spacewalk US: NASA has called off the first spacewalk of 2026 after a medical issue involving one of the astronauts aboard the International Space Station prompted concern, the space agency confirmed. The spacewalk, scheduled for January 8, was cancelled after a health issue emerged on Wednesday afternoon. NASA said the astronaut involved is stable but did not disclose the individual’s identity or the nature of the medical condition. The agency said a new date for the spacewalk will be announced later. Astronauts Mike Fincke, the ISS commander, and Zena Cardman, a flight engineer, were set to carry out the six-and-a-half-hour operation after exiting the station’s Quest airlock early Thursday morning. The mission would have marked Cardman’s first spacewalk and Fincke’s 10th, a milestone that would have tied him with Peggy Whitson for the most spacewalks by a NASA astronaut. The pair were expected to prepare the station’s 2A power channel for the future installation of a roll-out solar array. The upgrade is part of efforts to maintain the ISS as it enters the final phase of its operational life ahead of its planned de-orbit in 2030. UPDATE: @NASA is closely monitoring a stable medical situation involving one International Space Station crew member and evaluating all options, including an early Crew-11 return, with further updates expected within 24 hours. https://t. co/va6c2DZUBQ — International Space Station (@Space_Station) January 8, 2026 Roll-out solar arrays are designed to be lighter, more flexible, and more cost-effective than traditional solar panels, helping to extend the station’s power... --- > French farmers blocked key roads around the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, staging protest against a proposed European Union trade deal. - Published: 2026-01-09 - Modified: 2026-01-09 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/french-farmers-block-paris-roads-protest/ - Categories: Global, Newly Updated - Tags: Agricultural Policy, EU Trade Deal, European Union, Farm Sector, French Farmers, Mercosur Agreement, Paris Protests Paris: French farmers driving tractors blocked key roads around the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, staging a dramatic protest against a proposed European Union trade deal with South American nations that they say threatens their livelihoods. Dozens of tractors pushed through police checkpoints before dawn to reach central Paris, as farmers linked to the Coordination Rurale union blockaded major motorways leading into the capital. Similar protests have been seen elsewhere in Europe, with Belgian farmers rolling more than 1,000 tractors into Brussels last month. The demonstrations come a day before EU member states are due to vote on a long-negotiated trade agreement with Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay, the four countries that make up the Mercosur bloc. If approved, the deal would create a market of nearly 800 million people and is expected to boost European exports of cars, machinery, wines, and spirits. Farmers across the EU fear the agreement will open the door to cheaper agricultural imports, undercutting European producers who face higher costs and stricter environmental rules. A senior Coordination Rurale figure said farmers felt abandoned and increasingly desperate, pointing to the Mercosur deal as a symbol of that frustration. French President Emmanuel Macron said that France will vote against the proposed free trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc when the issue comes up for a decision on Friday. La France est favorable au commerce international, mais l’accord UE-Mercosur est un accord d’un autre âge, négocié depuis trop longtemps sur des bases trop anciennes (mandat de... --- > Iran experienced a nationwide internet blackout on Thursday as protests intensified over subsidy reforms. - Published: 2026-01-09 - Modified: 2026-01-09 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/iran-internet-outage-protests-intensify/ - Categories: General News, Newly Updated, Top 5 This Week - Tags: Civil Unrest, Economic Unrest, Inflation Crisis, Internet Blackout, Iran Protests, Middle East News, Subsidy Reforms Iran: Iran reported a nationwide internet blackout on Thursday as protests over subsidy reforms and rising prices spread across the country. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks said connectivity dropped sharply across the country, though officials offered no immediate explanation and details about the scale or duration of the outage remained unclear. The blackout came as protests continued to spread following the government’s decision to overhaul subsidies, a move that has fuelled anger among Iranians already grappling with soaring inflation, a collapsing currency and years of economic strain linked to sanctions and mismanagement. Update: #Iran has now been offline for 12 hours with national connectivity flatlining at ~1% of ordinary levels, after authorities imposed a national internet blackout in an attempt to suppress sweeping protests while covering up reports of regime brutality pic. twitter. com/furKo81BA3 — NetBlocks (@netblocks) January 9, 2026 The demonstrations began last month in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, where shopkeepers protested the sharp fall of the rial. Since then, unrest has widened to cities and towns across the country, with growing frustration over living costs and long-standing restrictions on political and social freedoms. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last monarch, urged people to take to the streets in a video message posted online a day earlier. Unverified social media posts claimed demonstrators chanted slogans in support of Pahlavi in several locations, though Reuters was unable to independently confirm the reports. President Masoud Pezeshkian sought to reassure the public, warning suppliers against hoarding and price manipulation. State media quoted... --- > A sudden collapse of garbage at a landfill in the central Philippine city of Cebu has killed one worker, injured several others, and left dozens missing. - Published: 2026-01-09 - Modified: 2026-01-09 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/landfill-collapse-in-philippine-city/ - Categories: General News - Tags: Cebu Garbage Slide, Environmental Disaster Philippines, Landfill Workers Trapped, Philippines Landfill Collapse, Rescue Operations Philippines, Urban Landfill Risks, Waste Management Safety Manila: A sudden collapse of garbage and debris at a landfill in the central Philippine city of Cebu has killed one worker, injured several others, and left dozens missing. The disaster struck Thursday afternoon in the village of Binaliw when a towering mound of waste, soil, and debris gave way without warning, burying low-lying buildings inside the landfill complex. Officials said the collapse happened in clear weather, catching workers completely off guard. Rescue teams worked through the night and managed to pull 13 people alive from the wreckage. However, one female landfill worker later died while being transported to the hospital. At least 12 others were injured and remain under medical care. Authorities said 38 people were still unaccounted for as of Friday morning. Those affected were believed to be mostly landfill employees, although officials said it was not yet clear whether nearby residents or informal waste pickers were also caught in the collapse. The waste management facility employs around 110 workers. Survivors described scenes of chaos as the cascading rubbish crushed buildings. One office worker narrowly escaped after his workspace was flattened, crawling through debris to reach safety with injuries to his face and arms. TINGNAN | Ilang pamilya ng mga natabunan ng gumuhong landfill sa Barangay Binaliw Cebu City, emosyonal habang hinihintay ang update mula sa mga rescuers sa nagpapatuloy na search and rescue operation. Ipinag-utos na ni Mayor Nestor Archival na gawing 24/7 ang rescue efforts... pic. twitter. com/k8FFByZdeK — Radyo Pilipinas (@radyopilipinas1) January 9, 2026 Heavy... --- > Storm Goretti swept across the UK, leaving tens of thousands without electricity, disrupting travel networks, and forcing widespread school closures. - Published: 2026-01-09 - Modified: 2026-01-09 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/storm-goretti-severe-weather-uk-disruption/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Met Office Warnings, Power Cuts Britain, Snow And High Winds, Storm Goretti, Travel Disruption UK, UK Severe Weather, Winter Storm UK London: Storm Goretti has swept across the UK, leaving tens of thousands without electricity, disrupting travel networks, and forcing widespread school closures as severe winter weather gripped large parts of the country. The powerful storm brought wind gusts of up to 99 miles per hour, prompting the Met Office to issue a rare red weather warning for parts of south-west England due to dangerous conditions. Transport services were hit hard, while emergency crews worked through the night to deal with fallen trees, damaged power lines, and snowbound roads. In the West Midlands, authorities warned of the heaviest snowfall seen in a decade. Several areas recorded between 5 and 10 centimetres of snow by Friday morning, with higher ground receiving as much as 15 to 25 centimetres. Conditions were described as particularly challenging as temperatures dropped well below freezing. Power outages remained a major concern. More than 43,000 homes and businesses in the south-west were still without electricity early Friday, while around 14,000 properties in the West Midlands and hundreds more in Wales and the East Midlands also faced outages. Engineers were deployed across affected regions, with efforts underway to restore supplies as quickly as possible. YELLOW and AMBER warnings UPDATED Yellow warning for snow in northern & central England and Wales has been extended north into to parts of Cheshire Amber snow warning now includes Wrexham, Stafford and parts of Flintshire Latest info https://t. co/QwDLMfRBfs pic. twitter. com/WoufFLtCfz — Met Office (@metoffice) January 8, 2026 Air travel was disrupted as... --- > A rare set of mountain gorilla twins has been born in eastern Congo’s conflict-hit Virunga National Park. - Published: 2026-01-09 - Modified: 2026-01-09 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/mountain-gorilla-birth-rare-twins-congo/ - Categories: Curious News, Environmental - Tags: Congo Wildlife, Endangered Species, Gorilla Twins, Mountain Gorilla, Rare Animal Birth, Virunga National Park, Wildlife Conservation Congo: A rare set of mountain gorilla twins has been born in eastern Congo’s conflict-hit Virunga National Park, offering a rare moment of hope for one of the world’s most endangered species. Park authorities said the twin male gorillas were born to a 22-year-old female named Mafuko and were discovered on January 3. Rangers observed that both infants appeared healthy at the time of the sighting. Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park, spans more than 3,000 square miles and shelters a significant share of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Conservation efforts there continue despite ongoing insecurity, with parts of the park under rebel control and fighting contributing to forest loss and instability. The park said caring for twins presents added challenges, especially during the early months when newborn gorillas rely entirely on their mother for feeding, protection and movement. Rangers are closely monitoring Mafuko and her infants to support their survival. Photographs released by the park showed Mafuko cradling the two babies as she sat among dense foliage, partially hidden by leafy branches. Mafuko was born into the Kabirizi family but later joined the Bageni family after her mother was killed in 2007. She moved groups six years later, a rare shift linked to the violence that has long affected the region. The latest birth marks an important milestone for conservation efforts in Virunga. Mafuko has now given birth to seven offspring in total. A previous set of twins born to her in 2016 died just days after birth.... --- > The 2026 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to begin, marking the first season since ODI World Cup win in November last year. - Published: 2026-01-09 - Modified: 2026-01-09 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/womens-premier-league-2026-kicks-off/ - Categories: Sports - Tags: Cricket Tournament India, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Indian Women’s Cricket, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, Women’s T20 League, Womens Premier League 2026, WPL 2026 Navi Mumbai: The 2026 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to begin, marking the first season since India’s historic maiden ODI World Cup win in November last year. The tournament will feature top Indian and international stars across five franchises, promising exciting cricket for fans across the country. Key players in this edition include India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, ODI World Cup player of the series Deepti Sharma, Player of the Final Shafali Verma, South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt, and Australian veteran Meg Lanning. The five teams competing in WPL 2026 are Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Giants, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, and Delhi Capitals. The tournament runs from January 9 to February 5. Mumbai Indians enter as defending champions, having defeated Delhi Capitals by eight runs in last year’s final. Royal Challengers Bengaluru had previously lifted their maiden WPL title in 2024 by beating Delhi Capitals. 𝗟𝗘𝗧. 𝗧𝗛𝗘. 𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗦. 𝗕𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗡. Drop your predictions for #TATAWPL 2026 #KhelEmotionKa | #MIvRCB pic. twitter. com/EKq2azMOnZ — Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 9, 2026 Captains for WPL 2026 Mumbai Indians: Harmanpreet Kaur Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Smriti Mandhana Gujarat Giants: Ashleigh Gardner Delhi Capitals: Jemimah Rodrigues UP Warriorz: Meg Lanning Notable Squads Mumbai Indians feature Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur, Amelia Kerr, Shabnim Ismail, Hayley Matthews, and others. Delhi Capitals’ squad includes Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, and Chinelle Henry. Royal Challengers Bengaluru field Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, Nadine de Klerk, Lauren Bell, and Grace Harris. Gujarat Giants’ key players... --- > Warner Bros Discovery has once again rejected a takeover bid from Paramount, urging shareholders to remain committed to a rival deal with Netflix. - Published: 2026-01-08 - Modified: 2026-01-08 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/warner-bros-rejects-paramount-takeover-bid/ - Categories: Entertainment - Tags: Hostile Takeover, Media Merger Battle, Netflix Deal, Paramount Takeover Bid, Skydance Media, Streaming Consolidation, US Media Industry, Warner Bros Discovery New York: Warner Bros Discovery has once again rejected a takeover bid from Paramount, urging shareholders to remain committed to a rival deal with Netflix as a high-stakes battle for control of the media company intensifies. The company said that its board had determined Paramount’s latest offer was not in the best interests of Warner Bros Discovery or its shareholders. It reaffirmed its recommendation that investors support the proposed sale of Warner’s studio and streaming business to Netflix in a deal valued at $72 billion. Paramount, which is backed by Skydance Media, has taken its bid directly to shareholders with a hostile offer valued at $77. 9 billion for the entire company. The move follows weeks of repeated approaches that Warner leadership has consistently rebuffed. Warner raised fresh concerns about the structure of Paramount’s proposal, pointing to heavy reliance on debt financing and the risks this could pose to completing the transaction. The company said those risks outweighed the higher headline value of the offer. Paramount has sought to strengthen its bid in recent weeks. It announced a personal financial guarantee from Oracle founder Larry Ellison to support more than $40 billion in equity financing. The company also raised the breakup fee payable to shareholders if regulators block the deal, matching the protections already offered under the Netflix agreement. Rep Image courtesy: Warner Bros In a letter to shareholders, Warner said it views Paramount’s proposal as resembling a leveraged buyout that could take up to 18 months to close. The... --- > The European Union has issued a strong signal of solidarity with Greenland and Denmark as international focus sharpens on the Arctic. - Published: 2026-01-08 - Modified: 2026-01-08 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/eu-signals-firm-support-for-greenland/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Arctic Security, Denmark Greenland Relations, EU Foreign Policy, European Union, Global Geopolitics, Greenland Sovereignty, International Law Nicosia: The European Union has issued a strong signal of solidarity with Greenland and Denmark as international focus sharpens on the Arctic, with EU Council President Antonio Costa stressing that the bloc will oppose any violation of international law. Speaking in Cyprus as the country assumed the rotating presidency of the EU Council, Costa said decisions regarding Greenland could only be made by its people and in consultation with Denmark. He stressed that the territory and Denmark had the full backing and solidarity of the European Union. His remarks come after US President Donald Trump reiterated his desire for the United States to gain control of Greenland, arguing that the island holds critical importance for American military strategy. Trump has also claimed that Denmark has failed to adequately protect the territory. Costa warned that the global rules-based order was under increasing pressure and called on EU member states to defend international norms. He said the European Union would oppose breaches of international law wherever they occur, naming Cyprus, Latin America, Greenland, Ukraine, and Gaza as examples where legal principles must be upheld. Cyprus understands the importance of building bridges, fostering dialogue, and working toward inclusive, European solutions. Together, we will ensure that our Union remains united, acting decisively for the benefit of all our citizens. https://t. co/IWUwK4jjzi — António Costa (@eucopresident) January 7, 2026 He added that Europe would continue to act as a consistent and reliable defender of international law and multilateral cooperation. Greenland, an autonomous territory within the... --- > The first phase of Census 2027, covering houselisting operations, will be conducted from April 1 to September 30 this year. - Published: 2026-01-08 - Modified: 2026-01-08 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/indias-digital-census-houselisting-april/ - Categories: India - Tags: Census 2027, Digital Census India, Houselisting Operations, India Population Data, Indian Demographics, Ministry of Home Affairs, Population Enumeration New Delhi: The first phase of Census 2027, covering houselisting operations, will be conducted from April 1 to September 30 this year across all states and Union territories, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced on Wednesday. Each state and UT will carry out the exercise over a 30-day period specified locally. The government has also introduced an option for self-enumeration, which can be completed within 15 days immediately before the start of the official houselisting period. Originally scheduled for 2021, the decennial census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2027 exercise will be conducted in two phases: houselisting and housing census from April to September 2026, followed by population enumeration in February 2027. The houselisting and housing census will systematically document all structures, houses, and households across the country to prepare an accurate framework for the population enumeration phase. Registrar General of India and Census Commissioner Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan said the census will be the first fully digital exercise, with around 30 lakh enumerators collecting data via mobile applications compatible with both Android and iOS platforms. Notification for the Phase I of Census of India 2027 i. e. Houselisting & Housing Census (HLO) has been issued. Houselisting operations will be conducted between 1 April 2026 and 30 September 2026 across all States and Union Territories, during a 30-day period specified by each... pic. twitter. com/Z7m9j7IaFL — Census India 2027 (@CensusIndia2027) January 7, 2026 For the first time since Independence, Census 2027 will also capture caste data during the... --- > The Trump administration has released updated dietary guidelines urging Americans to focus on whole and minimally processed foods. - Published: 2026-01-08 - Modified: 2026-01-08 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/trump-updates-dietary-guidelines/ - Categories: Health & Science, Lifestyle - Tags: Dietary Guidelines 2026, Healthy Eating, Nutrition Guidance, Processed Foods, Real Food, Trump Administration Washington: The Trump administration has released updated dietary guidelines urging Americans to focus on whole and minimally processed foods while reducing refined carbohydrates and added sugars. The guidance encourages prioritizing high-quality protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while avoiding highly processed foods. The new recommendations were presented by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins at a White House briefing. Officials said the guidelines reflect elements of Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again initiative, which promotes eating real food and preventing chronic disease. BREAKING: The Trump Administration announces the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, putting REAL FOOD back at the center of health. https://t. co/tkGF01onpm pic. twitter. com/1zTLSKdE7R — The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 7, 2026 Kennedy highlighted the risks of highly processed foods, stating that items loaded with additives, sugar, and excess salt can harm health. The updated guidance introduces a streamlined format that is significantly shorter than the nearly 150-page 2020 guidelines, focusing on clear, practical advice rather than extensive technical detail. A new visual framework replaces the classic American food pyramid with an inverted pyramid that places meats and vegetables at the widest point, signaling their importance in the diet. Introducing: The New Pyramid pic. twitter. com/NR03y6bqos — HHS (@HHSGov) January 7, 2026 The guidelines also provide specific recommendations on fats, advising Americans to prioritize oils rich in essential fatty acids, such as olive oil, while allowing for traditional fats like butter or beef tallow, consistent with Kennedy’s stance... --- > OpenAI introduce ChatGPT Health, a dedicated space designed to make health conversations more useful, secure, and personal. - Published: 2026-01-08 - Modified: 2026-01-08 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/openai-privacy-health-space-within-chatgpt/ - Categories: Health & Science, Lifestyle, Technology - Tags: Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT Health, Digital Health, Health Technology, Medical Data Privacy, OpenAI, Wellness Apps San Francisco: Health-related questions have quietly become one of the most common reasons people turn to ChatGPT, ranging from understanding medical test reports to seeking guidance on diet and fitness. OpenAI says hundreds of millions of such questions are asked every week, a trend that has led the company to introduce ChatGPT Health, a dedicated space designed to make health conversations more useful, secure, and personal. ChatGPT Health is built as a separate, privacy-focused experience within ChatGPT. It allows users to connect their medical records and wellness apps so responses are based on their own health information rather than general advice. OpenAI says the goal is to help people better understand and manage their health while clearly supporting, not replacing, doctors and other healthcare professionals. Introducing ChatGPT Health — a dedicated space for health conversations in ChatGPT. You can securely connect medical records and wellness apps so responses are grounded in your own health information. Designed to help you navigate medical care, not replace it. Join the... — OpenAI (@OpenAI) January 7, 2026 The new feature includes stronger safeguards for sensitive data, including dedicated encryption and data isolation. Health conversations are kept separate from other chats, and OpenAI says they are not used to train AI models. Users remain in control, with the option to view or delete health memories and remove access to connected records at any time. One of the key strengths of ChatGPT Health is its ability to bring scattered health data into one place. By linking... --- > The Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar arrived in Somaliland, the first high-level diplomatic visit since Israel recognise region’s independence. - Published: 2026-01-07 - Modified: 2026-01-07 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/israel-minister-visit-somaliland-condemnation/ - Categories: Global - Tags: African Union, Israel Somaliland Relations, Israeli Foreign Minister, Red Sea Security, Somalia Sovereignty Somaliland: The Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar arrived in Somaliland, marking the first high-level diplomatic visit since Israel became the first country to recognise the breakaway region’s independence. Saar landed in the capital, Hargeisa, where he was welcomed by senior Somaliland officials before holding talks with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi at the presidential palace. The visit comes weeks after Israel formally recognised Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognised by most of the international community. Somalia’s federal government reacted angrily, insisting that Somaliland is an inseparable part of its territory and warning that Israel’s decision undermines Somalia’s sovereignty. Mogadishu condemned Saar’s visit as an illegal and unauthorised presence, describing it as unacceptable interference in Somalia’s internal affairs. Israel, however, has made clear it intends to move ahead. Saar said criticism would not alter Israel’s position and confirmed that both sides plan to open embassies and appoint ambassadors in the near future. The visit has triggered a wave of diplomatic backlash. The African Union convened an emergency ministerial meeting to discuss the issue, while more than 20 countries from the Middle East and Africa, along with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. Egypt warned that the move sets a dangerous precedent that threatens regional stability, and the African Union’s peace and security body called for Israel to immediately reverse its decision. Somaliland officials welcomed Saar’s visit as a milestone, describing it as a defining step in deepening ties between two democratic partners in... --- > Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to introduce humanoid robots into its manufacturing plants from 2028. - Published: 2026-01-07 - Modified: 2026-01-07 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/hyundai-deploy-humanoid-robots-factories-2028/ - Categories: Technology - Tags: Boston Dynamics, CES Las Vegas, Factory Automation, Humanoid Robots, Hyundai Motor Group Las Vegas: Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to introduce humanoid robots into its manufacturing plants from 2028, signalling a major shift in how factories operate as global carmakers race to adopt advanced automation. The South Korean auto giant revealed the timeline while showcasing Atlas, a human-like robot developed by its subsidiary Boston Dynamics, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The move places Hyundai among a growing group of technology and automotive companies investing heavily in robotics to reshape industrial work. Hyundai said the robots are expected to reduce physical strain on workers, handle dangerous or repetitive tasks and help accelerate the wider use of robotic systems across its factories. The company did not specify how many robots would be deployed in the initial phase or how much the programme would cost. Speaking at CES, Hyundai vice chairman Jaehoon Chang acknowledged concerns that robots could replace human jobs but stressed that people would remain central to factory operations. He said workers would still be needed to train, manage and supervise the machines as automation expands. The grand unveiling of Atlas product—evolved from prototype—took place at the CES Media Day, setting the stage for a bold vision of AI Robotics. Discover how Hyundai Motor Group is shaping the future of AI Robotics and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible at CES 2026. pic. twitter. com/Ac1VH0Qi4O — Hyundai Motor Group (@HMGnewsroom) January 6, 2026 The announcement follows Hyundai’s pledge last year to invest more than $20 billion in the United... --- > The Raxaul border along the India–Nepal frontier has been completely sealed following reports of violence in Nepal. - Published: 2026-01-07 - Modified: 2026-01-07 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/india-shut-raxaul-border-after-nepal-violence/ - Categories: India - Tags: Birgunj Violence, Border Security, Cross-Border Trade, India-Nepal Relations, Nepal Unrest, Raxaul Border, Sashastra Seema Bal Motihari: The Raxaul border along the India–Nepal frontier has been completely sealed following reports of violence in Nepal. All cross-border movement has been suspended, including traffic on the Maitri Bridge, as security agencies step up measures to prevent any spillover. Additional personnel of the Sashastra Seema Bal have been deployed on the Indian side, with intensified checks on vehicles and pedestrians. Dog squad teams have also been pressed into service as part of heightened security arrangements. Officials said only ambulances and essential medical services are being allowed to cross from India as a precautionary measure. The decision follows reports of clashes between two communities in Birgunj, located in Nepal’s Parsa district, earlier in the day. Nepal Police have deployed extra forces, imposed restrictions, and increased patrols in areas close to the Bihar border to bring the situation under control. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it is closely monitoring developments. The ministry confirmed that border security forces remain on high alert and advised Indian citizens in the region to remain cautious. Rep Image courtesy: Lost with Purpose The closure has disrupted daily cross-border trade, with traders in Raxaul reporting losses as the movement of goods has come to a standstill. Officials said the situation is being reviewed continuously, and further steps will depend on how conditions evolve in Nepal. The Raxaul–Birgunj crossing is one of the most important gateways between India and Nepal, reflecting the deep social and economic ties between the two countries. Often described as roti-beti relations, these... --- > China introduced fresh export restrictions on Japan, intensifying diplomatic tensions between the two neighbours amid growing friction over Taiwan. - Published: 2026-01-07 - Modified: 2026-01-07 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/china-imposes-export-controls-japan/ - Categories: Trade & Business - Tags: Asia geopolitics, China export controls, China Japan tensions, dual-use exports, Taiwan dispute Beijing: China has introduced fresh export restrictions on Japan, intensifying diplomatic tensions between the two neighbours amid growing friction over Taiwan. China’s Ministry of Commerce announced that it would ban the export of so-called dual-use items to Japan, citing concerns over national security. These items include goods and technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes and could potentially enhance Japan’s military capabilities. The ministry said the move was triggered by what it described as erroneous and egregious statements by Japanese leaders regarding Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing claims as part of its territory. The notice did not specify which products would fall under the ban, leaving uncertainty over its potential impact on the Japanese industry. Japan responded swiftly, lodging a formal protest and demanding that the measures be withdrawn. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the export controls were unacceptable, deeply regrettable, and inconsistent with international trade practices. Masaaki Kanai, secretary-general of Japan’s Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, conveyed Tokyo’s position directly to Shi Yong, the deputy chief of mission at the Chinese Embassy in Japan, underscoring Japan’s strong opposition to the decision. Japan-China Friendship Garden | Relations between China and Japan have long been strained by historical grievances and territorial disputes, but ties worsened sharply late last year after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi raised the possibility of Japan intervening if China were to attack Taiwan. Speaking in parliament in November, Takaichi said a Chinese assault on Taiwan would pose a direct threat to Japan’s... --- > The year 2026 promises to be one of the most exciting years for skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts, with a list of celestial events. - Published: 2026-01-07 - Modified: 2026-01-07 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/year-to-look-up-2026-sky-events/ - Categories: Don't Miss, Editor’s Choice, Newly Updated, Top 5 This Week - Tags: 2026 Sky Events, Astronomy Events, Eclipses 2026, Meteor Showers 2026, Night Sky Guide, Planet Alignments 2026, Stargazing 2026 New Delhi: The year 2026 promises to be one of the most exciting years in recent times for skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts, with a long list of celestial events ranging from eclipses and meteor showers to rare planetary alignments and close encounters in the night sky. The year opened with a spectacular display as the Quadrantid Meteor Shower peaked in early January, lighting up skies across the Northern Hemisphere. Observers in India also witnessed the event in the pre-dawn hours of January 4, with more than 100 meteors an hour visible under clear conditions. On January 10, Jupiter will reach opposition, placing the solar system’s largest planet directly opposite the Sun in Earth’s sky. This alignment makes Jupiter visible throughout the night at its brightest, shining strongly in the constellation Gemini and rising high above the horizon for observers in the Northern Hemisphere. February will feature an annular solar eclipse on February 17. While the full ring-shaped eclipse will be visible from Antarctica, a partial solar eclipse will be seen across parts of Africa, South America, and wide stretches of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Rep Image Credits: Freepik Later in the month, on February 28, six planets will appear aligned in the night sky. Venus, Mercury, and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye shortly after sunset, forming a tight grouping low in the western sky. March will bring one of the year’s most dramatic events. A total lunar eclipse on March 3 will turn the Moon... --- > Millions of Christians around the world, including communities in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of the Arab world, are celebrating Christmas today. - Published: 2026-01-07 - Modified: 2026-01-07 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/millions-wait-until-january-7-for-christmas/ - Categories: Religion - Tags: Christian Holidays, Christmas Around the World, Christmas Traditions, History of Christmas, January 7 Christmas, Julian Calendar, Old Calendar Christmas, Orthodox Christianity, Orthodox Christmas, Religious Festivals Europe: Millions of Christians around the world, including communities in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of the Arab world, are celebrating Christmas today. While most of the world marks December 25 as the birth of Jesus Christ, for about 250 million Orthodox and Coptic Christians, the most important day of the season falls on January 7. The reason lies in the calendar each church follows. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar to correct inaccuracies in the older Julian calendar, which had gradually drifted over centuries. The Julian calendar overestimated the solar year by 11 minutes, causing the seasons to shift over time. While most countries and Christian denominations adopted the Gregorian calendar, many Orthodox and Eastern Christian churches retained the Julian calendar to preserve tradition. Today, the Julian calendar is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar, making December 25 on the Julian calendar equivalent to January 7 on the modern calendar. Rep Image courtesy: iStock Photos Among the groups celebrating on January 7 are the Russian Orthodox Church, the Serbian and Georgian Orthodox Churches, the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt, and the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Churches. In Ukraine, Christmas has historically fallen on January 7, though the government officially moved the public holiday to December 25 in 2023, aligning with Western traditions. Some countries, such as Belarus and Moldova, observe both December 25 and January 7 to accommodate multiple Christian communities. The tradition of marking the New Year on January 1 predates Christianity.... --- > Meet Mirumi, a plush accessory that does not just decorate a bag but quietly watches the world around it, blinking, turning its head, and reacting. - Published: 2026-01-06 - Modified: 2026-01-06 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/cute-curious-and-slightly-creepy-meet-mirumi/ - Categories: Entertainment, Lifestyle - Tags: CES 2025, Fashion Technology, Japanese Technology, Mirumi, Robot Bag Charm, Smart Accessories, Yukai Engineering Japan: Fashion’s favourite bag charms may still be swinging from luxury handbags, but technology has already nudged the trend into stranger, more animated territory. Meet Mirumi, a plush accessory that does not just decorate a bag but quietly watches the world around it, blinking, turning its head, and reacting as if it were almost alive. Mirumi is the latest creation from Tokyo-based robotics startup Yukai Engineering, a company known for building small robots designed to spark joy in everyday spaces. The soft, furry companion was unveiled at the CES 2025 trade show, where it stood out not for its screens or processing power, but for its ability to make passersby stop, stare, and smile. At first glance, Mirumi resembles an ordinary stuffed bag charm. Look closer, and it begins to move. It turns its head toward sounds, reacts when touched, and occasionally lifts its gaze to meet yours before shyly looking away. The effect is subtle but disarming, prompting the uneasy feeling that your handbag may be quietly observing the street with you. https://youtu. be/PEtshGcvtRk? si=46t_BN24hX31cq_v The name Mirumi blends two Japanese words, miru (to look) and nuigurumi (stuffed animal) , and the design leans into that playful ambiguity. Inspired by yokai, the mischievous spirits of Japanese folklore, Mirumi exists somewhere between adorable and faintly uncanny. Its purpose is simple: to create small, endearing moments through gentle movement rather than speech or screens. Mirumi responds to head pats through a built-in touch sensor, offering a range of soft reactions chosen... --- > Health authorities across Australia are stepping up surveillance as measles cases surge nationwide, driven by a sharp rise in international travel. - Published: 2026-01-06 - Modified: 2026-01-06 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/measles-cases-rise-as-vaccination-rates-slip/ - Categories: Global, Health & Science - Tags: Australia Childhood Immunization, Australia Measles Infections, Boxing Day Travel, Measles Infections, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Overseas Infections Australia: Health authorities across Australia are stepping up surveillance as measles cases surge nationwide, driven by a sharp rise in international travel over summer and a worrying drop in the childhood vaccination rate. New data from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance shows that, for the first time in a decade, Australia’s early childhood vaccination coverage has fallen below the 95 per cent level needed to maintain herd immunity. Coverage among two-year-olds now stands at 89. 7 per cent, while the timely administration of the first measles, mumps, and rubella dose has declined by more than 11 percentage points compared with pre-pandemic levels. The impact is already being felt. Australia recorded 168 measles cases in 2025, nearly three times the 57 cases reported the previous year. The decline in immunity has coincided with a wave of infections linked to overseas travel. On Sunday, health authorities in New South Wales and South Australia issued fresh alerts after a so-called Boxing Day cluster grew to seven cases. Officials believe the cluster originated with a single infectious traveller who passed through several busy public locations. NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while visiting locations across Sydney. pic. twitter. com/Ar6x0ERoKN — NSW Health (@NSWHealth) January 4, 2026 In South Australia, an adult who contracted measles overseas visited Westfield Marion and Event Cinemas on Boxing Day, before travelling to Cockles Cafe in Port Elliot two... --- > Heavy snowfall brought disruption to travel, grounding flights, halting trains, and clogging roads in France and the Netherlands. - Published: 2026-01-06 - Modified: 2026-01-06 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/snowstorm-creates-travel-chaos/ - Categories: Global, Travel & Tourism - Tags: Flight Cancellations, France Travel, Netherlands Travel, Paris Traffic, Snowstorm, Train Disruptions, Winter Weather Europe Europe: Heavy snowfall brought major disruption to travel across parts of Europe on Monday, grounding flights, halting trains, and clogging roads in France and the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, operations at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport were severely affected, with around 700 flights cancelled after the airport temporarily shut down incoming air traffic until midday. One of Europe’s busiest airports, Schiphol, saw aircraft diverted to alternative destinations as snow accumulated on runways and taxiways, leaving thousands of passengers stranded inside terminals. Rail travel across the Amsterdam region also came to a near standstill. Dutch railway operator NS suspended all train services around the capital, citing unsafe track conditions, and warned that disruptions were likely to continue. The company said it would switch to a reduced winter timetable from Tuesday, operating fewer trains nationwide. International services were hit as well, with Eurostar cancelling departures from the Netherlands and limiting services to Brussels for trains originally bound for Dutch cities. Rep Image courtesy: X @Grouse_Beater Across the border in France, snowfall caused widespread delays and congestion, particularly in and around Paris. The country’s civil aviation authority ordered airlines to cut flights at the capital’s two main airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly, through the evening. Paris airports reduced take-offs and landings as crews worked to keep runways operational. Public transport was also affected. Paris transport operator RATP suspended dozens of bus routes due to icy roads, although metro and suburban rail services continued to operate. Road conditions deteriorated rapidly, with traffic congestion across the... --- > Nvidia unveil Alpamayo, a new technology platform designed to help self-driving cars reason and behave more like human drivers. - Published: 2026-01-06 - Modified: 2026-01-06 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/nvidia-self-driving-cars-with-alpamayo/ - Categories: Business, Newly Updated, Technology - Tags: Artificial Intelligence, Automotive Technology, Autonomous Vehicles, CES 2026, Mercedes-Benz, Nvidia, Self-Driving Cars Las Vegas: Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang used the CES technology conference in Las Vegas to unveil Alpamayo, a new technology platform designed to help self-driving cars reason and behave more like human drivers. According to Nvidia, Alpamayo allows autonomous vehicles to think through unusual and unpredictable situations, navigate crowded and complex streets, and clearly explain the decisions they make on the road. The platform is aimed at tackling the hardest problems in self-driving technology, especially rare scenarios that traditional systems struggle to handle. During his keynote appearance, Huang also confirmed that Nvidia has begun producing a driverless version of the Mercedes-Benz CLA, developed in close partnership with the German carmaker. The vehicle is expected to launch in the United States in the coming months, followed by a wider rollout in Europe and Asia. $NVDA CEO Jensen Huang just announced Alpamayo which he calls the world’s first thinking and reasoning model built for autonomous vehicles. By open sourcing the Alpamayo stack, Nvidia is pushing self driving forward as a category after years of work by thousands of engineers. pic. twitter. com/1X4TWfbA1b — Shay Boloor (@StockSavvyShay) January 5, 2026 Huang told the audience that working directly on a production vehicle has given Nvidia deep insight into how advanced robotic systems should be built. The experience, he said, has strengthened the company’s ability to support carmakers and other partners moving into automation. Industry analysts said the announcement underlined Nvidia’s growing influence beyond chipmaking. Paolo Pescatore of PP Foresight described the move as... --- > Tennis Australia announced a record-breaking prize pool for the upcoming Australian Open, marking the largest payout in the tournament’s history. - Published: 2026-01-06 - Modified: 2026-01-06 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/australian-open-raises-prize-money-high/ - Categories: Major Events, Sports - Tags: ATP WTA Tour, Australian Open, Grand Slam Tennis, Melbourne Park, Prize Money, Professional Tennis, Tennis Australia Sydney: Tennis Australia has announced a record-breaking prize pool for the upcoming Australian Open, marking the largest payout in the tournament’s history. The total prize money for the 2026 edition of the Grand Slam has been set at Aus$111. 5 million, roughly equivalent to INR 675 crore, representing a 16 per cent increase from last year. Alongside the overall rise, players competing in the qualifying rounds will also benefit from significantly higher payouts. Champions in both the men’s and women’s singles events will take home Aus$4. 15 million each, a 19 per cent jump from the Aus$3. 5 million awarded to winners last year. The runner-up in each singles draw will earn Aus$2. 15 million, while semi-finalists will receive Aus$1. 25 million for their performances. Financial gains extend well beyond the final rounds. Players eliminated in the first round of the main draw will receive Aus$150,000, while those exiting in the opening round of qualifying will still earn Aus$40,500. Under the new prize structure, all singles and doubles players are guaranteed a minimum increase of 10 per cent compared to the previous year. The largest prize pool in Australian Open history https://t. co/E1jc7T9Iyk — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 6, 2026 Tennis Australia has also sharply increased support away from the court, with travel assistance rising by 67 per cent and expanded welfare initiatives aimed at easing the financial strain on players lower down the rankings. Tournament director Craig Tiley said the revised structure reflects a long-term commitment to the health of... --- > Pope Leo has formally closed the Catholic Church’s Holy Year by sealing the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. - Published: 2026-01-06 - Modified: 2026-01-06 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/pope-leo-ends-catholic-holy-year/ - Categories: Major Events, Religion - Tags: Catholic Church, Holy Year, Jubilee, Pilgrims, Pope Leo, St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Rome: Pope Leo has formally closed the Catholic Church’s Holy Year by sealing the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the end of a landmark period that drew tens of millions of pilgrims to Rome. Speaking during a ceremony at the Vatican, the pontiff urged Christians around the world to carry forward the spirit of the jubilee by helping those in need and showing kindness to foreigners. He warned against viewing people as commodities in an economy that seeks to profit from every aspect of life, and challenged believers to recognise a neighbour in every stranger they encounter. The Holy Year attracted a record 33. 5 million pilgrims, many of whom passed through the sacred doors of Rome’s four major basilicas, a central ritual symbolising forgiveness, renewal, and peace. Holy Years, also known as jubilees, are traditionally held every 25 years and include special papal audiences and religious events throughout the year. At 9. 41 am local time, Pope Leo, wearing gold-trimmed vestments, pulled shut the heavy bronze Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, officially bringing the jubilee to a close. The next regular Holy Year is not expected until 2033, when the Church may mark 2,000 years since the death of Jesus. A blessed Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord! Prayer for the Solemnity: O God, who on this day revealed your Only Begotten Son to the nations by the guidance of a star, grant in your mercy that we, who know you already by faith, may... --- > India’s aviation regulator has banned the in-flight use of power banks for charging devices following multiple incidents. - Published: 2026-01-05 - Modified: 2026-01-05 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/dgca-bans-inflight-charging-of-power-banks/ - Categories: Travel & Tourism - Tags: Airline Passenger Guidelines, Aviation Fire Risk, DGCA Safety Rules, Flight Safety Regulations, India Aviation Sector, Inflight Power Bank Ban, Lithium Battery Safety New Delhi: India’s aviation regulator, DGCA has prohibited in-flight charging using power banks amid safety concerns linked to lithium battery fires. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said power banks can no longer be used to charge phones, laptops, or other electronic devices during flights. The restriction was issued through a Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular aimed at reducing the risk of mid-air fires linked to lithium batteries. Under the revised rules, power banks and spare lithium batteries will be allowed only in hand baggage and must not be stored in overhead bins. Passengers are also prohibited from charging power banks using aircraft in-seat power systems. The decision follows an incident in October when a passenger’s power bank caught fire on an IndiGo flight bound for Dimapur while the aircraft was taxiing for departure at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The fire was quickly brought under control by the cabin crew, and no injuries were reported. Rep Image Credits: Freepik The DGCA has directed airlines to report all lithium battery-related incidents and safety issues to the regulator without delay. Airlines have also been instructed to make in-flight announcements informing passengers about the new restrictions and the potential risks posed by lithium batteries. Passengers have been advised to immediately alert cabin crew if any electronic device shows signs of overheating, emits smoke, or produces an unusual smell during the flight. The regulator said the measures are intended to improve onboard safety and prevent potentially dangerous incidents involving portable electronic devices as air... --- > Authorities in Nigeria’s Niger state have announced that schools will begin reopening later this month, following a mass kidnapping in November. - Published: 2026-01-05 - Modified: 2026-01-05 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/niger-state-phased-school-reopening/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Bandit Violence Nigeria, Education Safety Measures, Niger State Security, Nigeria School Reopening, School Abductions, Student Kidnapping Crisis, West Africa Security Nigeria: Authorities in Nigeria’s Niger state have announced that schools will begin reopening later this month, following a mass kidnapping in November that forced their closure amid heightened security concerns. The state’s education ministry said public and private schools located in areas deemed safe will be allowed to resume classes from January 12. The decision was taken after security assessments and consultations with law enforcement agencies. Schools across the state were shut after more than 250 students and staff were abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, one of the worst school kidnappings in Nigeria’s recent history. Officials later confirmed that all those taken were rescued just before Christmas, though details surrounding their release were not disclosed. Not all schools will reopen immediately. The education ministry said institutions in areas considered unsafe will remain closed until further security reviews are completed. A list of schools cleared to resume operations is expected to be released soon. For schools that reopen, authorities have ordered strict monitoring measures. All returning students must be registered, with records submitted to the ministry within a week. Local officials have also been directed to ensure a strong security presence in and around school premises to prevent further attacks. Rep Image Credits: Freepik Nigeria has struggled for years with violence linked to armed criminal groups, often referred to locally as bandits, who carry out kidnappings and killings across several regions. Attacks in the north-central part of the country, including Niger state, have increased in recent months, with... --- > Fears of a renewed US push to take control of Greenland have intensified following a dramatic American military operation in Venezuela. - Published: 2026-01-05 - Modified: 2026-01-05 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/us-rekindle-greenland-annexation-fears/ - Categories: Editor’s Choice - Tags: Arctic Security, Denmark Greenland Relations, Geopolitical Tensions, Greenland Annexation, NATO Allies, Trump Administration, US Foreign Policy Greenland: Fears of a renewed US push to take control of Greenland have intensified following a dramatic American military operation in Venezuela and the reported capture of President Nicolás Maduro, prompting alarm among European allies and sharp reactions from Denmark and Greenland. The concerns grew after figures aligned with former US president Donald Trump’s MAGA movement openly turned their attention to Greenland in the aftermath of the South American operation. Right-wing podcaster Katie Miller, wife of senior Trump adviser Stephen Miller, shared an image on social media showing Greenland covered in the US flag, fuelling speculation about Washington’s intentions. SOON pic. twitter. com/XU6VmZxph3 — Katie Miller (@KatieMiller) January 3, 2026 Trump himself has again underlined the strategic importance he places on the Danish territory, describing Greenland as essential for American security interests. His remarks have added weight to longstanding fears that the US could pursue control of the mineral-rich Arctic island. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, condemned the social media post as disrespectful, stressing that relations between nations must be based on mutual respect and international law. At the same time, he sought to reassure Greenlanders, saying there was no reason for panic and that the country was not for sale or subject to decisions made online. Denmark also responded firmly. Its ambassador to Washington highlighted the close defence partnership between Denmark and the United States and reminded Washington that Greenland’s security is inseparable from Danish sovereignty. "It makes absolutely no sense to talk about the US needing to take... --- > Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela’s interim president following the capture of Nicolas Maduro, has been one of the most powerful and polarising figures. - Published: 2026-01-05 - Modified: 2026-01-05 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/delcy-rodriguez-venezuela-interim-leader/ - Categories: World Politics - Tags: Delcy Rodriguez, Interim President, Latin America Crisis, Nicolás Maduro, US Venezuela Relations, Venezuela Politics, Venezuelan Government Venezuela: Delcy Rodriguez, named Venezuela’s interim president following the capture of Nicolas Maduro by US forces, has long been one of the most powerful and polarising figures in the country’s political system. At 56, Rodriguez is widely regarded as a central enforcer of state authority, combining political toughness with a pragmatic economic approach that has set her apart within Venezuela’s socialist leadership. Over more than a decade in senior government roles, she has built a reputation for discipline, resilience, and close engagement with the private sector, even as the country endured economic collapse, international sanctions, and a mass exodus of citizens. Rodriguez has served as vice president since 2018, while also holding key portfolios including finance and oil. Earlier in her career, she was communications minister, foreign minister, and head of a pro-government legislature, steadily consolidating her influence across the state. She works closely with her brother, Jorge Rodriguez, the current head of the National Assembly, making the siblings one of the most influential political duos in Venezuela. Rep Image courtesy: X@delcyrodriguezv Their political roots run deep. They are the children of Jorge Antonio Rodriguez, a leftist guerrilla leader who founded the Socialist League Party and died in police custody in 1976. The family has long alleged he was tortured, and his legacy remains a powerful symbol within the Venezuelan left. Trained as a labour lawyer, Delcy Rodriguez spent nearly a decade studying in France and England before entering public life. Despite her hardline image, she maintains a visible public... --- > Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez struck a conciliatory note, offering to work with the US on an agenda of shared development. - Published: 2026-01-05 - Modified: 2026-01-05 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/venezuela-acting-leader-us-maduro-arrest/ - Categories: Global, Newly Updated, World Politics - Tags: Delcy Rodriguez, International Diplomacy, Latin America Tensions, Maduro Arrest, US Venezuela Relations, Venezuela Politics, Venezuelan Government Venezuela: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez struck a conciliatory note, offering to work with the United States on an agenda of shared development, marking the first softening of tone since US forces captured President Nicolas Maduro. In a statement posted on social media, Delcy Rodriguez said her government was seeking a reset in relations with Washington, after previously condemning Saturday’s raid as an illegal seizure aimed at Venezuela’s national resources. She said Caracas wanted respectful engagement grounded in international law and regional stability. Rodriguez, who also serves as oil minister, has long been viewed as the most pragmatic figure in Maduro’s inner circle. President Donald Trump has said she is open to cooperation with Washington, even as Venezuelan officials publicly continue to denounce the detention of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as a kidnapping and insist Maduro remains the country’s legitimate leader. Trump said that he could authorize further military action if Venezuela does not cooperate with US demands to open its oil industry and curb drug trafficking. He also warned of possible action involving Colombia and Mexico and suggested Cuba’s communist government was nearing collapse. The Colombian and Mexican embassies in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Maduro to Appear in US Court Rodriguez’s statement came a day before Maduro is due to appear before a federal judge in New York on Monday. The Trump administration has framed his capture as a law enforcement operation tied to criminal charges first filed in 2020, accusing him... --- > The interim government of Bangladesh has ordered an indefinite suspension of the telecast of the upcoming Indian Premier League season. - Published: 2026-01-05 - Modified: 2026-01-05 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/bangladesh-imposes-ipl-telecast-ban/ - Categories: Sports - Tags: Bangladesh Cricket, BCCI, IPL 2026, IPL Broadcast Ban, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mustafizur Rahman, South Asia Sports Dispute Dhaka: The interim government of Bangladesh has ordered an indefinite suspension of the telecast of the upcoming Indian Premier League season. The move further triggers a growing dispute linked to the removal of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad. The IPL is scheduled to begin on March 26, but Bangladesh authorities said the decision to halt broadcasts was taken after they took note of a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India that led to Mustafizur’s exclusion from the franchise. Officials said no clear explanation was provided for the move, which they said had sparked widespread public anger in Bangladesh. In a statement issued by the TV-2 wing of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the government said the lack of clarity surrounding the pacer’s release had caused distress across the country. The order, signed by assistant secretary Mohammad Firoz Khan, instructed broadcasters to stop the promotion and airing of all IPL matches and related programming until further notice. The controversy has also spilled into the international cricket arena. On Sunday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board formally approached the International Cricket Council, asking for Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup to be shifted out of India. The board cited safety and security concerns, reflecting rising tensions between the two cricketing neighbours. Rep Image Courtesy: Haier India The dispute gained momentum after Kolkata Knight Riders announced that Mustafizur had been dropped from their IPL 2026 roster following instructions from the BCCI. The... --- > Malaysia is set to embark on a major wave of institutional reforms aimed at strengthening governance, tackling corruption. - Published: 2026-01-05 - Modified: 2026-01-05 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/malaysia-anti-corruption-leadership-reforms/ - Categories: General News - Tags: Anti-Corruption Drive, Governance Reform, Judicial Independence, Leadership Term Limit, Malaysia Reforms, Prime Minister Anwar, Transparency Initiative Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia is set to embark on a major wave of institutional reforms aimed at strengthening governance, tackling corruption, and empowering the next generation of leaders, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on Monday. Addressing civil servants, Anwar outlined plans to introduce a parliamentary bill limiting the tenure of prime ministers to a maximum of 10 years, fulfilling a key pledge of his 2022 election platform. He said the reform is intended to promote leadership renewal and ensure that fresh ideas and perspectives can shape the country’s future. In a bid to enhance judicial independence, Anwar said the government will also separate the role of the attorney-general as the government’s chief legal adviser from the function of leading public prosecutions. This measure is aimed at reducing political influence in the justice system and restoring public confidence in the rule of law. The reforms extend beyond the judiciary. Anwar revealed plans for an ombudsman law that will give citizens a formal channel to raise governance complaints, as well as a freedom of information law to ensure transparency in public projects and prevent misuse of authority. Alhamdulillah, pagi tadi saya telah menyampaikan hala tuju dan inisiatif yang akan menggerakkan pentadbiran Kerajaan MADANI sepanjang tahun ini. Usaha reformasi kekal menjadi tunjang untuk membina semula institusi negara dan memastikan pimpinan dipertanggungjawabkan sepenuhnya... pic. twitter. com/IsGBeUd50U — Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) January 5, 2026 Since assuming office on an anti-corruption platform, Anwar has faced scrutiny over the pace of reforms. On Monday, he acknowledged the challenges... --- > British and French military aircraft carried out a joint air strike on an underground Islamic State weapons facility in Syria. - Published: 2026-01-04 - Modified: 2026-01-04 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/british-french-joint-air-strike-is-syria/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Counterterrorism Operations, France Military Cooperation, Islamic State Syria, Middle East Security, Palmyra Syria, RAF Typhoon Jets, UK Air Strikes UK: British and French military aircraft carried out a joint air strike on an underground Islamic State weapons facility in Syria on Saturday, as Western and regional powers intensify efforts to prevent the extremist group from regrouping. The UK Ministry of Defence said Royal Air Force Typhoon jets targeted an underground site in a mountainous area north of Palmyra, the ancient city in central Syria. Intelligence assessments indicated the facility was being used to store arms and explosives. The location was assessed to be free of civilian habitation, and no civilian casualties were reported. RAF aircraft used precision-guided Paveway IV bombs to strike access tunnels leading into the facility. The Typhoon FGR4 jets were supported by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft, allowing extended patrol time. All aircraft returned safely, the ministry said. The strike comes amid renewed concern over Islamic State activity following a period of relative dormancy. Although the group lost its last territorial stronghold in 2019 at the battle of Baghuz, Western officials say it continues to operate through sleeper cells and small-scale attacks. US and Allied Forces Step Up Operations In late December, the United States military said it killed or captured about 25 Islamic State fighters during a nine-day campaign across Syria. The operations were overseen by US Central Command and followed a December 13 ambush near Palmyra in which two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed. US forces responded with a wave of air and ground strikes aimed at degrading the group’s leadership... --- > Bangladesh is set to formally request that the International Cricket Council (ICC) relocate its T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka. - Published: 2026-01-04 - Modified: 2026-01-04 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/bangladesh-requests-icc-move-t20-matches/ - Categories: Sports - Tags: Bangladesh Cricket, ICC Decisions, India Bangladesh Relations, International Cricket Politics, Player Safety Concerns, T20 World Cup 2026, World Cup Venue Shift Dhaka: Bangladesh is set to formally request that the International Cricket Council (ICC) relocate its T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka, citing concerns over player safety amid escalating political tensions between the two countries. The move follows the sudden removal of Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League (IPL), a decision that has triggered backlash in Bangladesh and raised questions about the treatment of its cricketers in India. Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul said the government had instructed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to write to the ICC seeking a change of venue and demanding an explanation for Mustafizur’s exclusion from the IPL despite having a valid contract. Nazrul said that if a Bangladeshi player could be barred from playing in India under such circumstances, the national team could not feel assured about its safety during a major international tournament hosted there. He added that Bangladesh would not tolerate any humiliation of its cricketers or its sporting institutions. BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul said the board would hold an emergency meeting later on Sunday to discuss the issue. He said the dignity and security of Bangladeshi players would guide any decision taken by the board. Defending champions India and former winners Sri Lanka are set to co-host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup from February 7 to March 8, 2026. Bangladesh is currently scheduled to play all four of their group-stage matches in India, including three games at Eden Gardens in Kolkata... --- > China’s BYD has overtaken Tesla to become the world’s largest electric carmaker in 2025, signalling the shift of automotive power towards China. - Published: 2026-01-03 - Modified: 2026-01-03 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/byd-outpaces-tesla-world-lead-ev-manufacturer/ - Categories: Business - Tags: BYD Electric Vehicles, China Auto Industry, Electric Vehicle Industry, Elon Musk Tesla, EV Sales Leadership, Global EV Market, Tesla Global Sales US: China’s BYD has overtaken Tesla to become the world’s largest electric carmaker in 2025, signalling a decisive moment in the shift of automotive power towards China. BYD sold about 2. 26 million battery electric cars over the year, comfortably ahead of Tesla’s 1. 63 million deliveries. The milestone comes as Tesla, led by Elon Musk, reported a sharp slowdown in sales towards the end of the year, capping a difficult period for the US automaker. The change in rankings is largely symbolic but underscores the rapid rise of China’s carmakers, who have seized the global transition to electric vehicles to expand their reach. Chinese exports of cars have surged in recent years, driven by BYD alongside rivals such as SAIC and Chery, which operates the Omoda and Jaecoo brands. While global electric car sales have continued to grow, the pace has been slower than many had anticipated. Carmakers have been forced into aggressive price cuts, and several governments have softened or delayed targets to phase out petrol vehicles, adding pressure across the sector. Tesla’s struggles were particularly evident in the final quarter of the year, when deliveries fell to just over 418,000 vehicles, well below market expectations. Full-year sales dropped 9 percent compared with 2024, marking a second consecutive annual decline. The company’s share price slipped further as investors absorbed the weak figures. Celebrating two historic achievements: BYD delivered more than 4. 6 million New Energy Vehicles in 2025, proudly claiming the Global Sales Champion. For the first time,... --- > A striking Wolf Supermoon will light up the night sky on January 3, 2026, offering skywatchers a brighter larger full Moon to welcome the new year. - Published: 2026-01-03 - Modified: 2026-01-03 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/wolf-supermoon-first-full-moon-2026/ - Categories: Don't Miss - Tags: Astronomy News, Full Moon January 2026, Lunar Events, Night Sky Phenomenon, Skywatching India, Supermoon Event, Wolf Supermoon India: A striking Wolf Supermoon will light up the night sky on January 3, 2026, offering skywatchers a brighter and slightly larger full Moon to welcome the new year. This lunar event occurs when the full Moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth, known as perigee. At a distance of about 362,000 kilometres, the Moon will appear noticeably brighter than usual, shining up to 30 percent more intensely and looking around 14 percent larger than a regular full Moon. It will be the first full Moon of 2026 and the opening act of a series of three supermoons expected this year. The added brilliance is the result of a rare alignment. The Moon will be near Earth, the Earth itself will be close to the Sun, and the Moon will be fully illuminated. Together, these factors create a vivid and eye-catching spectacle in the night sky. In India, the Wolf Supermoon will become visible shortly after sunset on January 3, around 5. 45 to 6. 00 pm IST. It will rise in the eastern sky, often taking on a warm golden or orange tint as it climbs higher. The Moon will remain visible throughout the night before setting in the west at dawn. Jupiter is also expected to be visible nearby, adding to the visual appeal. Rep Image Credits: Freepik While the increase in size may be subtle to the naked eye, the enhanced brightness will be easily noticeable, making it an ideal moment for both casual observers and... --- > Loud explosions and the sound of aircraft flying overhead jolted Venezuela’s capital Caracas in the early hours of Saturday - Published: 2026-01-03 - Modified: 2026-01-03 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/explosions-caracas-venezuela-foreign-attack/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Caracas Explosions, Caracas Power Outage, Donald Trump Venezuela, Latin America Security, Military Escalation, US Venezuela Tensions, Venezuela Crisis Caracas: Loud explosions and the sound of aircraft flying overhead jolted Venezuela’s capital Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, triggering panic among residents and raising fears of a major military escalation. The blasts were heard around 2 am local time, with witnesses reporting at least seven powerful explosions across different parts of the city. Many residents rushed out of their homes and into the streets as the ground shook. In southern Caracas, areas close to a major military base were plunged into darkness following a sudden power outage. Reuters reporters in the city said aircraft noise was audible and a thick column of smoke could be seen rising into the sky. The exact source and location of the explosions remained unclear, and authorities did not provide official details immediately. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show multiple blasts across the capital, though these could not be independently verified. Venezuela’s president Gustavo Petro took to social media to warn that the country was under attack, saying Caracas was being bombed and calling on the United Nations and the Organization of American States to meet urgently. He did not identify who was responsible for the alleged strikes. The incident comes amid rising tensions between Venezuela and the United States. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened ground operations against Venezuela and has privately pressured President Nicolas Maduro to step down. Earlier this week, Trump said it would be wise for Maduro to leave power. Este es el comunicado oficial del... --- > Sewage-contaminated drinking water has been blamed for killing at least 10 people, including a five-month-old baby in Indore. - Published: 2026-01-03 - Modified: 2026-01-03 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/water-supply-sewage-leak-deaths-indore/ - Categories: General News, India - Tags: Drinking Water Crisis, India Cleanest City, Indore Water Supply, Municipal Negligence, Public Health Emergency, Sewage Contamination, Waterborne Diseases Indore: Sewage-contaminated drinking water has been blamed for killing at least 10 people, including a five-month-old baby, and sending more than 270 others to the hospital in Indore, a city repeatedly ranked as India’s cleanest over the past eight years. The outbreak has hit a densely populated, lower-income neighbourhood in Bhagirathpura, where residents say they had been complaining for months about foul-smelling tap water. Despite repeated warnings, no action was taken until people began falling seriously ill. The Indore mayor confirmed that the deaths were linked to a diarrhoea outbreak caused by contaminated water, saying sewage had mixed into the main water supply line connected to a local tank. While officials put the death toll at 10, local media reports suggested the number could be higher, though this has not been officially confirmed. Hospitals across the city have been overwhelmed, with at least 32 patients currently in intensive care. Health teams conducting door-to-door checks identified more than 2,400 suspected cases and provided immediate treatment where possible to prevent further deterioration. Investigations indicate that sewage entered the drinking water pipeline through a public toilet constructed directly above it. Authorities said the toilet had been built without a septic tank, allowing waste to seep into the supply over time. Residents began arriving at hospitals earlier this week with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, and high fever. Water samples later confirmed the presence of bacteria typically found in sewage and human waste. Rep Image Credits: Freepik Residents said their complaints were repeatedly passed between... --- > China has ended a tax exemption on contraceptive drugs and devices that had been in place for more than 30 years. - Published: 2026-01-02 - Modified: 2026-01-02 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/china-removes-tax-exemption-on-contraceptives/ - Categories: General News, Lifestyle - Tags: Birth Rate Decline, China Demographics, China Economy, Contraceptive Tax, Fertility Measures, Population Policy, Value Added Tax Beijing: China has ended a tax exemption on contraceptive drugs and devices that had been in place for more than 30 years, marking a fresh attempt to address the country’s steadily declining birth rate. From January 1, products such as condoms and contraceptive pills are subject to a 13 percent value-added tax, the standard rate applied to most consumer goods. The change comes as authorities grapple with deepening demographic pressures in the world’s second-largest economy. China’s population declined for a third consecutive year in 2024, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing policymakers. Demographers have warned that the downward trend is likely to persist, driven by long-term structural factors and shifting social attitudes. In parallel with the tax change, Beijing has rolled out a series of measures aimed at easing the financial burden on families. Last year, childcare subsidies were exempted from personal income tax, and a nationwide annual childcare allowance was introduced. Rep Image Credits: Freepik Educational institutions were also encouraged to promote what officials describe as love education, with a focus on presenting marriage, family life, and childbearing in a more positive light. The issue was again highlighted last month when China’s top leadership reaffirmed its commitment to fostering supportive attitudes towards marriage and parenthood at the annual Central Economic Work Conference. Birth rates in China have been falling for decades, a legacy of the one-child policy that was enforced from 1980 until 2015, combined with rapid urbanisation. More recently, high childcare and education costs, job insecurity, and... --- > Venus Williams is set to return to the Australian Open in January in one of the most striking comebacks in modern tennis. - Published: 2026-01-02 - Modified: 2026-01-02 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/venus-williams-australian-open-return-at-45/ - Categories: Sports - Tags: Australian Open 2026, Australian Open Records, Grand Slam Tennis, Tennis Comeback, Tennis History, Venus Williams, Women’s Tennis Melbourne: Venus Williams is set to return to the Australian Open in January in one of the most striking comebacks in modern tennis, after being granted a wildcard entry into the main draw. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion will compete in Melbourne from January 18, marking her first appearance at the tournament in five years. Her return comes shortly after her marriage to Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti, adding a personal milestone to a major sporting moment. At 45, Williams will also make history. She is set to become the oldest woman ever to compete in the Australian Open singles main draw, surpassing the previous record held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who played at age 44 in 2015. This will be Williams’ first main-draw appearance at the Australian Open since 2021 and her 22nd overall at the tournament. She made her debut in Melbourne in 1998 and has twice reached the singles final, finishing runner-up to her sister Serena in 2003 and again in 2017. Over her career at the event, she has recorded 54 wins against 21 losses. She’s BACK 7x Grand Slam champion, @Venuseswilliams pic. twitter. com/KuByXJro2p — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 1, 2026 While the singles title eluded her, Williams enjoyed significant success in doubles. She won the women’s doubles crown four times, in 2001, 2003, 2009, and 2010, and also claimed the mixed doubles title in 1998. Williams had already signalled her intention to return to competitive tennis. She is scheduled to play in Auckland,... --- > Swiss investigators are working urgently to identify victims after a devastating fire tore through a packed bar during a New Year’s Eve celebration. - Published: 2026-01-02 - Modified: 2026-01-02 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/switzerland-declares-mourning/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Alpine Resort Fire, Crans-Montana Fire, Fire Investigation, New Year Blaze, Swiss Alps Incident, Switzerland Mourning, Switzerland Tragedy Crans-Montana, Switzerland: Swiss investigators are working urgently to identify victims after a devastating fire tore through a packed bar during a New Year’s Eve celebration in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, killing about 40 people and injuring at least 115. The blaze, which broke out around 1. 30 am at the Le Constellation bar, has plunged Switzerland into mourning. President Guy Parmelin announced five days of national mourning, calling the tragedy one of the most traumatic events in the country’s history. He said the loss of so many young lives had shocked the nation and stressed that Switzerland had a responsibility to ensure such a disaster never happened again. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. Witnesses said the flames may have started after sparklers or flares were placed into champagne bottles. Some reported that a burning bottle ignited the ceiling, causing the fire to spread rapidly. Within moments, flames engulfed the basement area, where a large crowd was gathered. Many of those inside were teenagers, and survivors described scenes of panic as people tried to escape up a narrow staircase. Police said identifying the dead could take days or even weeks. The exact number of people inside the bar at the time remains unclear, and authorities have not said how many are still missing. The chief prosecutor of Valais canton, Beatrice Pilloud, said major resources had been deployed to identify victims and return them to their families as quickly as possible. She added that investigators... --- > For Gen Z, the focus is on prioritising mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual grounding. - Published: 2026-01-02 - Modified: 2026-01-02 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/gen-z-mental-health-mindfulness-resolutions/ - Categories: Health & Science, Lifestyle, Newly Updated - Tags: Emotional Wellbeing, Gen Z Resolutions, Holistic Wellness, Inner Peace, Mental Health 2026, Millennials Lifestyle, Mindfulness, Self-Care, Spirituality, Stress Management In 2026, a quiet revolution is shaping New Year’s resolutions. For Gen Z, the focus is no longer on relentless productivity, picture-perfect appearances, or ticking off rigid goal lists. Instead, young people are prioritising mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual grounding. Celebrities like Billie Eilish and Ananya Panday, who have spoken openly about rest, therapy, and slowing down, have helped normalise this approach. Many young people are moving away from resolutions tied to certificates, extracurricular achievements, or career milestones. The new focus is on reducing anxiety, being present, and avoiding a toxic work culture or the pressure to overwork. Observing the burnout of previous generations has shaped a desire to set boundaries and protect mental health. Rep Image Credits: Freepik Wellness is being approached holistically. Instead of extreme fitness regimes or chasing fame, attention is shifting to sleep routines, therapy sessions, journaling, digital detoxes, meditation, and mindfulness practices. Yoga, spiritual apps, and even astrology or tarot are gaining popularity as tools for self-reflection and emotional reassurance. Spirituality has become personal and fluid, focused on self-awareness, connection with nature, and energy rather than rigid religious practices. There is a growing emphasis on self-compassion and personal empowerment rather than following strict diet or lifestyle rules. Experts note that this shift from seeking external validation to internal regulation is a healthy response to chronic stress, uncertainty, and burnout. Millennials are also evolving in their resolutions. Traditional milestones, such as marriage, promotions, or homeownership, are no longer top priorities. Many are now setting emotional... --- > K-pop global sensation BTS is gearing up for a highly anticipated comeback this year. - Published: 2026-01-02 - Modified: 2026-01-02 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/bts-set-to-make-full-group-return-this-march/ - Categories: Entertainment - Tags: Bangtan Boys, BTS ARMY, BTS Comeback 2026, BTS Latest Update, BTS March Release, BTS Music Release, BTS New Album, BTS World Tour, K-Pop Comeback, K-Pop News Seoul, South Korea: K-pop global sensation BTS is gearing up for a highly anticipated comeback this year. Fans, known as ARMY, have been eagerly awaiting news of the band’s next album, and the wait is finally over. The group will release their new album as a full seven-member lineup on March 20, 2026, marking their first full-group release since 2022. In a special gesture, BTS sent handwritten letters to fans, sharing messages of gratitude and excitement. The members expressed their anticipation for reconnecting with fans and promised to create new memories in 2026. Those who did not receive the letters will have access to the messages on the fan platform Weverse later this month. Following the album release, BTS plans to embark on a world tour, with further details to be announced by their agency, BigHit Music. Formed in 2010, BTS- also known as Bangtan Sonyeondan or Bangtan Boys- comprises Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Originally focused on hip-hop, the band has expanded its music to address themes such as mental health, self-love, school struggles, and personal growth. #방탄소년단, 3월 20일 완전체 컴백에 난리났다... ‘달려라 방탄’ 역주행https://t. co/XrJA3dIokp — BIGHIT MUSIC (@BIGHIT_MUSIC) January 2, 2026 They debuted in 2013 under BigHit Entertainment with the single album 2 Cool 4 Skool and have since released multiple Korean and Japanese albums, including Dark & Wild, Wake Up, and Wings, the latter being their first to sell over one million copies in South Korea. BTS broke into the global market... --- > President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has directed the launch of a new community-powered government body. - Published: 2026-01-02 - Modified: 2026-01-02 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/uae-first-community-led-public-authority/ - Categories: Arab World, General News - Tags: Community Empowerment UAE, Emirati Talent Initiative, Participatory Governance UAE, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, UAE Community Authority, UAE National Development, Year of Community UAE UAE: President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has directed the launch of a new community-powered government body aimed at empowering skilled Emiratis to help shape the UAE’s future. The initiative, named the Community-Managed Virtual Authority, was announced as the UAE concludes its Year of Community and reflects the President’s broader vision to invest in citizens’ talent and expertise. The authority will adopt a non-traditional approach to governance, placing community participation at the heart of decision-making. A director general, along with team members drawn from across the UAE, will periodically lead the body for fixed terms, assuming full responsibility for managing its operations. Members will be selected based on clear criteria of competence, expertise, and their ability to contribute effectively. Leadership will rotate regularly to ensure a free flow of ideas and a continuous exchange of knowledge. The authority aims to attract a cross-section of Emiratis, including specialists, academics, entrepreneurs, young professionals, and retirees with substantial experience. By tapping into the country’s diverse talent pool, the initiative seeks to transform community diversity into a driving force for national development. Rep Image Credits: Freepik The core mandate of the authority is to design initiatives, programs, and practical solutions that are innovative and ready for implementation. Its work will align closely with national priorities and strategies, ensuring consistency with broader government goals. The model entrusts the community with full management of a public authority within a structured framework, combining administrative oversight with citizen empowerment. The launch of the Community-Managed Virtual Authority is... --- > India has imposed a fresh excise duty on cigarettes, a move that is expected to push up prices for millions of smokers across the country. - Published: 2026-01-01 - Modified: 2026-01-01 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/india-imposes-new-cigarette-excise-duty/ - Categories: General News, India - Tags: Cigarette Prices, Excise Duty, Finance Ministry, India Cigarette Tax, Public Health, Smoking Regulation, Tobacco Tax Policy New Delhi: India has imposed a fresh excise duty on cigarettes, a move that is expected to push up prices for millions of smokers across the country. Under an order issued by the finance ministry late on Wednesday, cigarettes will attract an excise duty ranging from 2,050 rupees to 8,500 rupees per thousand sticks, depending on their length. The new rates will come into effect from February 1. India is home to an estimated 100 million smokers, and the higher duty is likely to raise retail prices across most cigarette categories. The latest step follows the government’s approval in December of the Central Excise Amendment Bill 2025, which replaces a temporary levy on cigarettes and other tobacco products with a permanent legal framework. The excise duty will be charged over and above the existing goods and services tax. Cigarettes already attract a 40 percent GST, according to the ministry’s order. Rep Image Credits: Freepik At present, total taxes account for around 53 percent of the retail price of cigarettes in India. This includes a 28 percent GST and an additional levy linked to the size of the cigarette. The overall tax burden remains well below the 75 percent benchmark recommended by the World Health Organization to curb tobacco consumption. The increase in levies could weigh on sales volumes for major cigarette makers such as ITC and Godfrey Phillips India, analysts say, as higher prices may dampen demand in a price-sensitive market. TRENDING | Eat Clean, Live Well: Food Trends Shaping... --- > France is moving closer to banning social media for young teenagers to prohibit under-15s from accessing major platforms from 2026. - Published: 2026-01-01 - Modified: 2026-01-01 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/france-plans-social-media-ban-for-under-15s/ - Categories: General News, Technology - Tags: Children And Social Media, Digital Regulation, Emmanuel Macron, European Tech Policy, France Social Media Ban, Under-15s Online Safety, Youth Protection Paris: France is moving closer to banning social media for young teenagers, with the government planning to prohibit under-15s from accessing major platforms from the start of the 2026 academic year. A draft bill has been prepared and will soon be sent for legal review, with parliamentary debate expected early in the new year. The proposed law would make France one of the strictest countries in Europe on children’s access to social media, following Australia’s recent move to block under-16s from major platforms. The legislation contains two key measures. The first would ban children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms, including Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. The second would prohibit mobile phone use in high schools, extending existing restrictions that already apply in primary and middle schools. The government aims for the social media ban to take effect from September 2026. The draft text highlights concern over excessive screen time among teenagers, pointing to exposure to inappropriate content, online harassment, and disrupted sleep patterns. It argues that stricter rules are needed to protect young people and safeguard their ability to develop and socialise healthily. President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly signalled his support for tough action, saying the risks linked to heavy screen use are becoming clearer. He has linked rising screen time to falling academic performance and growing mental health concerns among young people, and has compared unrestricted access to social media to allowing an untrained teenager to handle a high-speed racing car. Partout en France,... --- > The President of China Xi Jinping used his annual New Year’s Eve address to reaffirm Beijing’s determination to reunify Taiwan with the mainland. - Published: 2026-01-01 - Modified: 2026-01-01 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/xi-jinping-restates-taiwan-reunification-goal/ - Categories: Diplomacy & Politics - Tags: China Taiwan Relations, Chinese Foreign Policy, Cross Strait Tensions, New Year Speech, PLA Military Drills, Taiwan Reunification, Xi Jinping Beijing: The President of China Xi Jinping used his annual New Year’s Eve address to reaffirm Beijing’s determination to reunify Taiwan with the mainland. Speaking in Beijing on Wednesday evening, Xi said reunification with Taiwan was inevitable and framed it as part of a broader historical and national mission. China claims Taiwan as its territory and has long said it would use force if necessary to bring the island under its control, a position rejected by the Taiwanese government and most of its population. Xi’s remarks followed two days of intense military exercises by the People’s Liberation Army around Taiwan. On Monday and Tuesday, Chinese forces carried out live-fire drills that simulated a blockade of key ports and involved the navy, air force, rocket force and coastguard. The drills, named Justice Mission 2025, came closer to Taiwan than previous exercises and included at least 89 military aircraft, the highest number recorded in more than a year. Military analysts said the exercises had been widely anticipated before the end of the year, but Chinese commentators also linked them to Washington’s recent approval of a record 11-billion-dollar arms package for Taiwan. US intelligence agencies have increasingly warned about China’s growing military capability and its ability to launch a potential operation against Taiwan if Xi were to give the order. Rep Image courtesy: Getty Images/iStockphoto In his speech, Xi also sought to project China as an active global player, pointing to several multilateral events hosted by Beijing during the year. He highlighted the... --- > From sacred riverbanks in India to historic walls in China, from snowy streets in Eastern Europe to Brazil, 2026 arrived with a surge of hope. - Published: 2026-01-01 - Modified: 2026-01-01 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/night-skies-explode-world-welcomes-2026/ - Categories: Editor’s Choice, Lifestyle - Tags: Cultural Traditions, Fireworks Displays, Global Celebrations, Hope and Renewal, International Festivities, Midnight Countdown, New Year 2026, Sydney Harbour Fireworks, Times Square Ball Drop, Varanasi Ganga Aarti As the final seconds of 2025 ticked away, the world erupted in light, sound, and celebration. Fireworks painted the skies from Sydney to Seoul, from Rio de Janeiro to Moscow, while millions of people across continents counted down together, bridging time zones and borders. From sacred riverbanks in India to historic walls in China, from snowy streets in Eastern Europe to tropical beaches in Brazil, 2026 arrived with a surge of hope, reflection, and the promise of fresh beginnings, as traditions, music, and spectacle intertwined in a global chorus of joy. In India, the skies lit up as people across the country celebrated New Year’s Eve. In Varanasi, also known as Kashi, the new year began with spiritual ceremonies as devotees attended the Ganga Aarti and lit earthen lamps along the holy river, offering prayers and wishes for the year ahead. In Beijing, revelers gathered at the Juyongguan Great Wall, waving boards with "2026" and symbols of the Year of the Horse, accompanied by traditional dance and drumming performances. Similarly, in Osaka, Japan, young women in traditional kimonos participated in a Shinto ritual procession at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine to mark the passage into the new year. New Year celebrations in Sydney | Rep Image courtesy: X @PrettyCitiesX In Seoul, visitors prayed in front of lanterns bearing New Year wishes at the Jogyesa Temple, while the Bosingak bell pavilion tolled 33 times at midnight, a centuries-old tradition meant to dispel misfortune and welcome prosperity. Other Asian cities lit up with modern... --- > New York entered a new political chapter just after midnight on Thursday as Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor. - Published: 2026-01-01 - Modified: 2026-01-01 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/zohran-mamdani-sworn-in-as-nyc-mayor/ - Categories: General News, Major Events, Newly Updated, Top 5 This Week - Tags: Democratic Socialist Mayor, Historic Oath, New York City Mayor, NYC Politics, Quran Swearing-In, US Local Government, Zohran Mamdani New York: New York entered a new political chapter just after midnight on Thursday as Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor at a historic, long-closed subway station beneath Manhattan. The low-key ceremony took place at the old City Hall station, one of the city’s original subway stops, known for its sweeping arches and ornate design. Mamdani took the oath with his hand placed on a Quran, becoming the first Muslim mayor of America’s largest city. New York Attorney General Letitia James administered the oath. A larger public inauguration is scheduled later in the day at City Hall, where US Senator Bernie Sanders will swear Mamdani in again. The event will be followed by a public celebration along Broadway’s famed Canyon of Heroes, a stretch traditionally associated with the city’s iconic ticker-tape parades. At 34, Mamdani is the youngest person to hold the office in decades. He is also the city’s first mayor of South Asian descent and the first born in Africa. His rise places him among the most closely watched political figures in the country as he takes on one of the most demanding jobs in American public life. Mamdani ran on a platform centered on affordability, a theme that resonated strongly in a city struggling with high rents and rising everyday costs. His proposals included free child care, fare-free buses, a rent freeze for roughly one million apartments, and a pilot program for city-run grocery stores. Alongside those ambitions, he now inherits the daily challenges of governing... --- > Dozens of people are feared dead and many others injured after a powerful explosion during New Year celebrations in the resort of Crans-Montana. - Published: 2026-01-01 - Modified: 2026-01-01 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/deadly-new-year-explosion-at-swiss-resort-bar/ - Categories: General News - Tags: Crans-Montana Tragedy, Dozens Killed Switzerland, New Year Celebrations Tragedy, New Year Party Blast, Swiss Police Investigation, Swiss Resort Explosion, Swiss Ski Resort Bar Crans-Montana: Dozens of people are feared dead and many others seriously injured after a powerful explosion tore through a crowded bar during New Year celebrations in the luxury Alpine resort of Crans-Montana. While Swiss police have not yet released an official death toll, Italy’s foreign ministry, citing information from Swiss authorities, said around 40 people are believed to have been killed. Police have so far described the number of fatalities only as being in the tens. The blast occurred at around 1. 30 a. m. at a bar named Le Constellation, where a large crowd had gathered to mark the New Year. The explosion sparked a major fire, leaving many victims with severe burns. Emergency services rushed to the scene, deploying 10 helicopters and 40 ambulances to evacuate the injured from the mountainous resort. Authorities said about 100 people were hurt, most of them in serious condition. Rep Image Credits: Freepik Hospitals in the Valais canton were quickly overwhelmed. The intensive care unit at the main regional hospital reached capacity, forcing doctors to transfer patients to medical facilities in other parts of Switzerland. Officials confirmed that some of the victims were foreign nationals, reflecting the resort’s popularity with international tourists during the holiday season. Police sealed off the entire area and imposed a no-fly zone over Crans-Montana as investigators began examining the cause of the blast. Authorities said the explosion was of unknown origin and is being treated as a fire-related incident rather than a deliberate attack. Prosecutors said efforts... --- > UAE would withdraw remaining forces from Yemen, hours after Saudi Arabia backed a demand for Emirati troops to leave the country within 24 hrs. - Published: 2025-12-31 - Modified: 2025-12-31 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/uae-withdraws-remaining-forces-yemen/ - Categories: Arab World, Diplomacy & Politics, General News, Global - Tags: Gulf Tensions, Middle East Politics, OPEC Members, Saudi Arabia, Southern Transitional Council, United Arab Emirates, Yemen Conflict UAE: The United Arab Emirates said that it would withdraw its remaining forces from Yemen, hours after Saudi Arabia backed a demand for Emirati troops to leave the country within 24 hours. The announcement followed a Saudi-led coalition airstrike on the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla, which Riyadh said targeted a shipment of weapons linked to the UAE. The strike represented a sharp escalation in tensions between the longtime allies, whose interests have increasingly diverged despite years of close coordination in the region. The UAE defence ministry said it had ended the mission of its counterterrorism units in Yemen, the last remaining Emirati forces in the country. It said the broader UAE military presence had already concluded in 2019 and that the remaining personnel were limited to specialised counterterrorism roles carried out in coordination with international partners. According to the ministry, the decision to withdraw was taken after a comprehensive assessment of recent developments. The announcement came after Saudi Arabia described its national security as a red line and accused the UAE of encouraging southern Yemeni separatists to launch military operations that reached close to the kingdom’s borders. This statement is issued with reference to the statement made today, Tuesday, 30th December 2025, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates regarding the ongoing developments in the Republic of Yemen, and the facts it outlined concerning the presence of the... pic. twitter. com/EN3kkMbuDa — وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) December 30, 2025 Saudi Arabia and the UAE... --- > Protests and strikes driven by soaring inflation and the sharp fall of Iran’s currency have spread beyond Tehran to several cities. - Published: 2025-12-31 - Modified: 2025-12-31 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/protests-over-inflation-currency-spread-iran/ - Categories: General News, Global, Newly Updated, Top 5 This Week - Tags: Anti Government Protests, Inflation Crisis, Iran Economy, Iran Protests, Iranian Rial, Middle East Tensions, Tehran Unrest Iran: Protests and strikes driven by soaring inflation and the sharp fall of Iran’s currency have spread beyond Tehran to several cities, entering a third day of unrest. The demonstrations began on Sunday after shopkeepers at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar went on strike when the Iranian rial plunged to a record low against the US dollar on the open market. The unrest has since widened, with verified videos showing protests in cities including Karaj, Hamedan, Qeshm, Malard, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Shiraz, and Yazd. Footage also showed police using tear gas to disperse demonstrators in some areas as crowds gathered in markets and public spaces. The government acknowledged the protests, saying it would listen patiently even in the face of harsh criticism. President Masoud Pezeshkian said he had instructed the interior minister to hold talks with representatives of the protesters to address their grievances and seek solutions. معیشت مردم، دغدغه هر روز من است. اقدامات اساسی برای اصلاح نظام پولی و بانکی و حفظ قدرت خرید مردم در دستور کار داریم. به وزیر کشور مأموریت دادم از مسیر گفت وگو با نمایندگان معترضان، مطالبات برحق آن ها را بشنود تا دولت با تمام توان برای رفع مشکلات و پاسخگویی مسئولانه عمل کند. — Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) December 29, 2025 In a significant move, Pezeshkian accepted the resignation of central bank governor Mohammadreza Farzin and appointed former economy and Finance Minister Abdolnasser Hemmati as his replacement, signalling concern over the worsening economic situation. University students have joined the demonstrations, chanting anti-government slogans that directly... --- > Iceland experienced unusually warm weather on Christmas Eve, with temperatures rising to nearly 20 °C in parts of the country. - Published: 2025-12-31 - Modified: 2025-12-31 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/iceland-christmas-eve-record-warmth/ - Categories: Environmental, Newly Updated - Tags: Arctic Warming, Christmas Eve Heat, Climate Change, Extreme Weather, Global Heating, Iceland Weather, Record Temperatures Iceland: Iceland experienced unusually warm weather on Christmas Eve, with temperatures rising to nearly 20 °C in parts of the country, according to the national meteorological office. The highest reading was recorded in Seyðisfjörður, a small town in eastern Iceland, where the temperature reached 19. 8 °C on December 24. In a country where average December temperatures typically range between minus 1 °C and 4 °C, the reading marked a striking departure from seasonal norms. The warmth was widespread. A temperature of 19. 7 °C was also recorded in Bakkagerði in eastern Borgarfjörður, close to the previous national December record. That record had stood since December 2, 2019, when 19. 7 °C was measured in Kvískerjar in south-east Iceland. Meteorologists said the record-breaking temperatures were driven by an unusual weather pattern that brought warm air of tropical origin over the country. A strong high-pressure system drew in moist, warm air from the south while blocking colder air masses that would normally dominate at this time of year. The latest heat record comes amid broader signs that Iceland is warming as a result of global climate change linked to greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels. Rep Image Credits: Freepik Earlier this year, Iceland experienced exceptional heatwaves in May, with temperatures running 3 °C to 4 °C above average in many areas. Records were broken at nearly all long-running automatic weather stations across the country. The highest temperature recorded was 26. 6 °C at Egilsstaðir airport in eastern Iceland on May 15.... --- > Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced that it is acquiring artificial intelligence startup Manus. - Published: 2025-12-31 - Modified: 2025-12-31 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/meta-acquires-manus-ai-startup/ - Categories: Newly Updated, Technology, Top 5 This Week - Tags: AI Acquisition, AI Integration, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous AI, Manus AI, Meta, Tech Startups, US-China Tech US: Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced that it is acquiring artificial intelligence startup Manus, marking a rare collaboration between US and Chinese tech companies. The acquisition will allow Meta to integrate Manus’s self-directing AI agent into its consumer and business products. Manus, founded in China in 2022 but relocated to Singapore earlier this year, describes its technology as a ‘virtual colleague’ capable of planning, executing, and delivering complete work products with minimal human input. Meta said the deal brings one of the world’s leading autonomous general-purpose agents to billions of users globally. The Manus team will join Meta to expand its AI capabilities across Meta AI and other platforms, enhancing tools for both consumers and businesses. Manus founder and CEO Xiao Hong praised the deal as a validation of the startup’s ambitious approach. He said the company had faced skepticism over the feasibility of autonomous AI but persisted, aiming to build technology that acts, creates, and delivers at scale. Manus is entering the next chapter: we’re joining forces with Meta to take general agents to the next level. Full story on our blog: https://t. co/huPrnbITCi — Manus (@ManusAI) December 29, 2025 Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Manus has already generated significant attention in tech circles, with its AI agent capable of tasks ranging from creating travel itineraries to analyzing stock data. Earlier this month, the company reported that its annual recurring revenue had surpassed $100 million, claiming the fastest growth to this milestone... --- > The New Year focus is no longer on crash diets or extreme food rules, but on eating clean, eating smart, and eating with purpose. - Published: 2025-12-31 - Modified: 2025-12-31 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/eat-clean-live-well-food-trends-new-year/ - Categories: Health & Science, Lifestyle, Newly Updated - Tags: Clean Eating, Gut Health, Healthy Lifestyle, New Year Food Trends, Nutrition And Wellness, Plant-Based Diets, Sustainable Eating As the New Year begins, kitchens across the world are becoming spaces of conscious choice rather than strict discipline. The focus is no longer on crash diets or extreme food rules, but on eating clean, eating smart, and eating with purpose. In 2025, food is increasingly seen as a foundation for long-term wellbeing rather than a short-term fix. From Diet Culture to Nourishment One of the most noticeable shifts this year is the gradual rejection of rigid diet culture. Nutritionists note that people are moving away from elimination-heavy plans and instead embracing balanced meals built around whole, minimally processed foods. Clean eating, once associated with restrictive trends, is now being redefined as nourishment that supports energy, immunity, and mental health. Rep Image Credits: Freepik Plant-based eating continues to gain momentum, but with a more flexible approach. Rather than strict veganism, many households are adopting plant-forward diets, reducing meat consumption while prioritising vegetables, legumes, grains, and seasonal produce. This shift is driven as much by sustainability concerns as by health benefits, including improved digestion and heart health. Gut-friendly foods are shaping grocery lists in the New Year. Fermented staples such as yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, and kombucha are becoming everyday essentials. Experts link this trend to growing awareness of the gut’s role in immunity, mood regulation, and overall well-being, particularly after years of pandemic-related health anxiety. Consumers are showing renewed interest in locally sourced and seasonal foods. Farmers’ markets, regional grains, and indigenous ingredients are seeing a revival as people seek freshness,... --- > J&K Tourism Dept stepped up efforts to revive tourism in the Kashmir Valley after sharp drop in visitor numbers following the Pahalgam terror attack. - Published: 2025-12-30 - Modified: 2025-12-30 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/kashmir-looks-to-revive-tourism/ - Categories: India, Travel & Tourism - Tags: Dal Lake Winter Festival, Gulmarg Snowfall, Jammu And Kashmir Tourism, Kashmir Tourism Revival, Kashmir Winter Travel, New Year Tourism Kashmir, Pahalgam Tourism Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has stepped up efforts to revive tourism in the Kashmir Valley after a sharp drop in visitor numbers following the Pahalgam terror attack. With the New Year approaching and snowfall eagerly awaited, the department is hosting a series of winter events across the Valley to draw tourists back and reinforce Kashmir’s image as a safe and welcoming destination. As part of this initiative, the Tourism Department organised a winter festival on the banks of Dal Lake, celebrating the spirit of the season and Kashmir’s cultural heritage. The event featured shikara rides, a floating exhibition, and live traditional music, creating a lively atmosphere despite the biting cold. The festival aimed to showcase Kashmir as a vibrant winter destination and encourage tourists to extend their stay. Tourism Director Syed Qamar Sajad said the focus is on making visitors feel welcome and confident. He noted that tourists who visit Kashmir often become messengers of peace and goodwill, highlighting the region’s deep-rooted culture of hospitality. He added that similar programmes are being organised across popular tourist hubs, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg. The festival saw strong participation from both tourists and residents, with many enjoying music and cultural performances along Dal Lake. Join us on 29th of December 2025 at Nehru Park Srinagar #jashn-e-wandeh pic. twitter. com/xSfL0Vs2p8 — Jammu & Kashmir Tourism (@JandKTourism) December 27, 2025 Tourists, too, expressed confidence in the region’s safety. Several visitors said they were travelling with families and planning trips to Gulmarg... --- > As the clock approaches midnight on December 31, millions of people around the world prepare to welcome the New Year. - Published: 2025-12-30 - Modified: 2025-12-30 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/first-new-year-cheers-rise-from-pacific/ - Categories: Don't Miss - Tags: American Samoa New Year, First Country To Welcome New Year, Global Time Zones, International Date Line, Kiribati Kiritimati, New Year Around The World, New Year Celebrations New Delhi: As the clock approaches midnight on December 31, millions of people around the world prepare to welcome the New Year. While many will count down together, not everyone enters the new year at the same moment. Because of time zones and the Earth’s rotation, some countries celebrate well before others, with festivities beginning in the far Pacific and moving steadily westward. The first place on Earth to welcome the New Year is the Pacific island nation of Kiribati, specifically Kiritimati, also known as Christmas Island. Located just west of the International Date Line, Kiritimati falls in the world’s earliest time zone. When midnight strikes there, much of the world is still in the previous day. This unique position dates back to 1995, when Kiribati realigned the International Date Line to ensure all its islands shared the same calendar day. As a result, Kiritimati now greets the New Year earlier than any other inhabited place. When the island enters January 1, it is still around mid-afternoon on December 31 in India, with Kiribati about eight and a half hours ahead of Indian Standard Time. Close behind Kiribati are other Pacific nations, including Samoa, Tonga, and Tokelau. New Zealand is also among the early celebrants, followed by parts of Russia, Fiji, and several smaller island nations in the Pacific. Australia enters the New Year later in the sequence, with cities such as Sydney welcoming midnight while much of Asia is still hours away from celebrations. Rep Image Credits: Freepik The... --- > US announced a $2 billion humanitarian assistance package at supporting tens of millions of people facing hunger, disease, and displacement. - Published: 2025-12-30 - Modified: 2025-12-30 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/us-pledges-2b-humanitarian-aid-global-hunger/ - Categories: Editor’s Choice - Tags: Emergency Aid 2026, Global Hunger Crisis, International Aid Pledge, Life-Saving Aid, UN Humanitarian Funding, US Foreign Assistance, US Humanitarian Aid US: The United States has announced a $2 billion humanitarian assistance package aimed at supporting tens of millions of people facing hunger, disease, and displacement across more than a dozen countries next year. The pledge comes at a time when global aid agencies are struggling with severe funding shortages following deep cuts by major donor nations. The assistance will be delivered through a newly agreed framework with the United Nations, designed to improve efficiency, strengthen oversight, and ensure that life-saving aid reaches the most vulnerable populations. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs will oversee the funding, working closely with the US State Department. The announcement follows a sharp reduction in US foreign aid spending this year, alongside similar cutbacks by other Western donors, including Germany, as governments divert resources toward defence and security priorities. These reductions have placed unprecedented strain on the UN’s humanitarian operations. According to UN data, total US humanitarian contributions fell to around $3. 38 billion in 2025, accounting for less than 15 percent of global funding. This marked a steep decline from more than $14 billion the previous year and a peak of $17. 2 billion in 2022. The United States remains the most generous nation in the world for lifesaving humanitarian assistance—but under @POTUS’s leadership taxpayer dollars will never fund waste, anti-Americanism, or inefficiency. Today, the @StateDept and United Nations signed an agreement that... — Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) December 29, 2025 Under the new mechanism, the United States and the United... --- > Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female PM and one of the most influential figures in the country’s modern political history, has died at the age of 79. - Published: 2025-12-30 - Modified: 2025-12-30 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/khaleda-zia-first-female-bangladesh-pm-dies/ - Categories: General News - Tags: Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Bangladesh Politics, Democratic Movement, Former Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia, Political Legacy, South Asian Politics Bangladesh: Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister and one of the most influential figures in the country’s modern political history, has died at the age of 79 after a prolonged illness. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said Khaleda passed away at 6 am local time in Dhaka. The country has announced three days of state mourning in her honour. Khaleda died at Evercare Hospital in the capital, where she had been receiving treatment since November 23. Doctors said she was suffering from multiple serious health conditions, including advanced liver cirrhosis, diabetes, arthritis, and heart and chest complications. She had also recently developed a lung infection. Her funeral will be held on Wednesday. Funeral prayers are scheduled to take place in front of parliament after midday prayers, after which she will be buried beside her late husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1981. The BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia, passed away today at 6:00 a. m. , shortly after the Fajr prayer. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji‘un. We pray for the forgiveness of her soul and request everyone to offer prayers for her departed soul. pic. twitter. com/KY2948UPD5 — Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP (@bdbnp78) December 30, 2025 Khaleda’s death marks the end of a political era defined by intense rivalry, deep divisions, and decades of dominance by two women who shaped Bangladesh’s national life. Alongside Sheikh Hasina, her longtime rival, Khaleda, stood at the centre of the country’s politics for more than 30... --- > Marks & Spencer is launching a new range of nutrient-dense food aimed at customers using weight-loss injections. - Published: 2025-12-30 - Modified: 2025-12-30 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/ms-nutrient-food-for-weight-loss-jab-users/ - Categories: Business, Health & Science, Lifestyle - Tags: Food Innovation, GLP-1 Medications, M&S Nutrient-Dense Food, Marks And Spencer, Nutrient-Dense Foods, Obesity Treatment, UK Retail Sector, Weight Loss Jabs London: Marks & Spencer is launching a new range of nutrient-dense food aimed at customers using weight-loss injections, as the retailer adapts to changing eating habits driven by the growing use of appetite-suppressing drugs. The range, which goes on sale on January 5, includes salads, breads, yoghurt bowls, and chicken-based meals. M&S says the products are carefully portioned to deliver high levels of nutrients while keeping calorie counts low, appealing to shoppers who are eating less but still want balanced meals. Across the UK, increasing numbers of people are turning to weight-loss injections such as Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda. These drugs suppress appetite, helping users reduce calorie intake, but they are also forcing food retailers to rethink how they maintain sales as customers consume smaller portions. M&S said the new range is designed for people reducing their food intake, including those using GLP-1 medications. The retailer said it had focused on creating meals that offer more nutritional value per bite, ensuring customers receive essential nutrients even as they eat less. The move follows similar steps by rival supermarket Morrisons, which recently announced a partnership with health and wellness brand Applied Nutrition to develop a range of meals tailored to GLP-1 users. From early January, Morrisons will stock 53 high-protein products, including ready meals, sandwiches, breads, and cheeses, across about 400 stores. Rep Image courtesy: M&S Pressure on retailers to stay relevant could intensify if pharmaceutical companies succeed in bringing weight-loss pills to market. Drugmakers are racing to develop oral alternatives... --- > A thick blanket of dense fog combined with hazardous air pollution brought daily life in Delhi and the National Capital Region to a near standstill. - Published: 2025-12-29 - Modified: 2025-12-29 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/fog-pollution-hit-air-rail-operations-delhi/ - Categories: India - Tags: AQI Severe Category, Delhi NCR Weather, Dense Fog, Flight And Train Disruptions, IMD Weather Forecast, Low Visibility Alert, Severe Air Pollution New Delhi: A thick blanket of dense fog combined with hazardous air pollution brought daily life in Delhi and the National Capital Region to a near standstill on Monday, disrupting flight operations, delaying trains, and slowing road traffic across large parts of north India. Low visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport severely impacted aviation operations, forcing airlines to cancel or delay several flights as safety concerns mounted. At the same time, residents woke up to another grim winter morning, with toxic air and fog choking visibility across the city. Visibility Drops to Near Zero Dense fog began settling over Delhi late Sunday night, reducing visibility to as low as 50 metres in many areas and nearly zero in some pockets. Motorists moved cautiously with headlights on, while traffic crawled on major roads. Areas such as Anand Vihar, Dhaula Kuan, Akshardham, Dwarka, and Kartavya Path were among the worst affected. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for very dense fog during the early morning hours, advising people to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise extreme caution while driving. Poor visibility forced airlines to cancel multiple flights from Delhi to major cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Guwahati. Air India reported the highest number of cancellations, while several IndiGo flights were also impacted. Airline officials said landing and take-off operations in such conditions carry serious safety risks. Passengers were informed in advance about cancellations and delays. #TravelAdvisory Weather forecast for tomorrow morning indicates dense fog with low visibility... --- > China has launched large-scale live-fire military drills around Taiwan, sharply escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. - Published: 2025-12-29 - Modified: 2025-12-29 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/china-live-fire-military-drills-around-taiwan/ - Categories: Diplomacy & Politics - Tags: Asia Pacific Security, China Military Exercises, China Taiwan Tensions, Cross Strait Relations, PLA Live Fire Drills, Taiwan Defense, Taiwan Strait Crisis Beijing: China has launched large-scale live-fire military drills around Taiwan, sharply escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait and drawing swift condemnation from Taipei. The People’s Liberation Army said it deployed naval, air force, and rocket units to encircle Taiwan as part of an exercise named Justice Mission 2025. Chinese coast guard vessels were also sent to waters around the island to carry out what Beijing described as law enforcement inspections. A spokesperson for the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command said the drills were intended as a firm warning to forces advocating Taiwan independence and to what China calls external interference. The action, the spokesperson added, was aimed at safeguarding China’s sovereignty and national unity. Taiwan Condemns Move Taiwan’s defence ministry accused Beijing of deliberately raising tensions and undermining regional stability. It said Taiwan had dispatched appropriate forces to monitor the situation and carry out counter-combat readiness drills. The ministry stressed that defending democracy and freedom does not amount to provocation and said Taiwan’s existence cannot be used to justify attempts to change the status quo by force. Taiwan’s coast guard also raised concerns, warning that the scale of the drills posed a serious threat to navigation and to the safety and operational rights of fishermen in surrounding waters. We strongly condemn the PRC’s irrational provocations and oppose the PLA’s actions that undermine regional peace. Rapid Response Exercises are underway, with forces on high alert to defend the Republic of China and protect our people. #ROCArmedForces#PeaceThroughStrength pic. twitter. com/4s10nfLO6D — 國防部 Ministry... --- > Nick Kyrgios defeated women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a highly publicised Battle of the Sexes exhibition match in Dubai. - Published: 2025-12-29 - Modified: 2025-12-29 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/kyrgios-defeats-sabalenka-battle-of-the-sexes/ - Categories: Sports - Tags: Aryna Sabalenka, Battle of the Sexes, Dubai Tennis Event, Kyrgios Beats Sabalenka, Nick Kyrgios, Tennis Exhibition Match Dubai: Nick Kyrgios defeated women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a highly publicised 'Battle of the Sexes' exhibition match in Dubai. The event sparked debate among tennis fans due to its modified rules and symbolic framing. The former Wimbledon finalist won 6-3, 6-3 in a contest that differed sharply from the historic 1973 showdown between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Unlike that landmark match, which carried major implications for women’s tennis and prize money equality, Sunday’s exhibition was staged primarily as entertainment. The 1973 match saw King, then 29 and at the height of her career, defeat the 55-year-old Riggs in straight sets in Houston, helping legitimise the women’s professional tour at a time when female players were fighting for recognition and fair pay. In Dubai, organisers introduced rule changes to offset Kyrgios’s physical advantages. Each player was limited to a single serve, and Sabalenka’s side of the court was reduced by nine percent to curb Kyrgios’s power and speed. Despite slipping to 671 in the ATP rankings after playing only six tour matches over the past three seasons, the 30-year-old Australian showed flashes of his best form. He had enough variation and touch to overcome Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, who is six years his junior. Bobby Riggs and I played in the Battle of the Sexes inside the Houston Astrodome, with a global audience of 90M watching, 52 years ago today. This was never just a tennis match. It was about equality, respect, and... --- > South Korean President Lee Jae Myung offered a heartfelt apology to the families of the 179 people who died in the Jeju Air crash a year ago - Published: 2025-12-29 - Modified: 2025-12-29 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/south-korean-pres-apologise-jeju-air-crash/ - Categories: General News - Tags: Aviation Safety South Korea, Jeju Air Crash Anniversary, Jeju Air Investigation, Muan Airport Plane Crash, President Lee Jae Myung, South Korea Aviation Disaster, South Korea Plane Accident Seoul: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday offered a heartfelt apology to the families of the 179 people who died in the Jeju Air crash a year ago, pledging to uncover the full truth behind the nation’s deadliest aircraft accident. The disaster occurred on December 29, 2024, when the Jeju Air flight crash-landed at the end of the runway at Muan International Airport, slammed into an embankment, and erupted in flames, leaving only two survivors among the 181 people on board. In a statement, President Lee said the tragedy exposed systematic problems and limitations within society, adding that action and real change were now needed, rather than empty words or superficial promises. Investigators initially reported that both engines of the aircraft suffered bird strikes; however, questions remain regarding potential safety lapses, the design of the runway, and the pilots’ decisions in the final moments of the flight. Relatives of the victims have repeatedly demanded answers, particularly after delays in releasing the final investigation report. The Parliament is currently reviewing plans to overhaul the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board, aiming to strengthen its independence and technical expertise. A memorial service is scheduled at Muan International Airport to mark the first anniversary of the crash, where families and officials will gather to honour the victims. The president’s remarks signal a renewed commitment from the government to address concerns raised by families and implement measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. RELATED READ | South Korea to Conduct Independent Probe Into... --- > Reverse Flynn Effect suggests that younger generations, including Gen Z, are scoring lower on certain cognitive tests than their predecessors. - Published: 2025-12-29 - Modified: 2025-12-29 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/intelligence-evolves-reverse-flynn-effect/ - Categories: Don't Miss, Informative, Knowledgeable, Lifestyle - Tags: Changing IQ Trends, Cognitive Skills Shift, Digital Age Thinking, Future Generations, Gen Z Intelligence, Human Intelligence Evolution, Reverse Flynn Effect For much of the 20th century, intelligence appeared to be on a steady rise. Each generation consistently scored higher on IQ tests than the one before it, a trend known as the Flynn Effect. Better nutrition, improved education, smaller families, and greater exposure to complex ideas were credited for this upward climb. It became almost common sense to assume that future generations would always be sharper, faster, and more cognitively advanced. That assumption is now being challenged. Across several developed countries, researchers have observed a slowdown and, in some cases, a reversal of this long-standing trend. Known as the Reverse Flynn Effect, this shift suggests that younger generations, including Gen Z, are scoring slightly lower on certain cognitive tests than their predecessors. While the changes are modest, they raise important questions about how modern life is reshaping the way people think, learn, and process information. Rep Image Credits: Freepik What Is the Reverse Flynn Effect? The Reverse Flynn Effect refers to declining performance on standardised intelligence tests over time. Studies in parts of Europe, Australia, and North America have found small but consistent drops in areas such as verbal reasoning, numerical skills, and problem-solving speed. This does not mean that Gen Z is less intelligent. Intelligence is not a single, fixed trait. What appears to be changing is the type of cognitive skills being measured and valued, and how well traditional tests capture the strengths of today’s youth. The Digital World and Shaping Minds One of the most discussed factors... --- > Voters across parts of Myanmar went to pollsin the first phase of the country’s general election since the military seized power in 2021. - Published: 2025-12-28 - Modified: 2025-12-28 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/myanmar-first-post-coup-election-begins/ - Categories: World Politics - Tags: Aung San Suu Kyi, Junta Government, Military Rule Myanmar, Myanmar Civil War, Myanmar Election, Post-Coup Vote, Southeast Asia politics Yangon: Voters across parts of Myanmar went to the polls on Sunday in the first phase of the country’s general election, the first in five years and the first since the military seized power in 2021. The vote is being conducted under the supervision of the junta while a brutal civil war continues across large swathes of the country. The election has drawn sharp criticism from opposition groups, rights organisations, and Western governments, who argue it is aimed at giving a veneer of legitimacy to military rule. The army overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, despite her party winning a landslide victory in the 2020 polls. Polling took place in Yangon, Naypyitaw, and other selected areas, with voters casting ballots at schools, government offices, and religious buildings. Security was tight, particularly in Yangon, where armed guards stood outside polling stations and military vehicles patrolled major roads. Electronic voting machines were introduced for the first time. Many critics say the vote cannot be considered free or fair. Major political parties have been excluded, freedom of expression remains heavily restricted, and an atmosphere of fear prevails. The National League for Democracy, led by Suu Kyi, was dissolved in 2023 after refusing to register under the new military rules. Other parties also declined to take part, while opposition groups called for a boycott. Rep Image courtesy: ORF Suu Kyi, now 80, is serving a 27-year prison sentence on charges widely seen as politically driven. With her party... --- > New York woke up on Saturday to its heaviest snowfall in nearly four years as a powerful winter storm swept across the US north-east. - Published: 2025-12-28 - Modified: 2025-12-28 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/new-york-wakes-to-heavy-snow/ - Categories: Editor’s Choice, Environmental, Newly Updated, Top 5 This Week - Tags: Flight Cancellations, Heavy Snowfall, New York Snowstorm, State Of Emergency, US Northeast Winter Storm, Weather Disruption, Winter Weather Alert US: New York woke up on Saturday to its heaviest snowfall in nearly four years as a powerful winter storm swept across the US north-east, disrupting travel and prompting emergency measures across several states. Central Park recorded 4. 3 inches of snow, the highest total since January 2022, while parts of New York state saw accumulations of up to 7. 5 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Snowfall was widespread, stretching from central New York to Long Island, where between six and 10 inches fell by early Saturday. Ahead of the storm, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency covering more than half of New York’s counties, urging residents to stay off the roads and prepare for dangerous conditions. The storm caused major disruption to air travel, with more than 900 flights cancelled on Saturday, most of them in the New York region. Nationwide, delays topped 8,000, flight tracking data showed. Heavy snow also hit neighbouring states. New Jersey declared a state of emergency as conditions worsened, while parts of Connecticut recorded significant accumulations, including 9. 1 inches in Fairfield County. Central Park's Belvedere Castle after four inches of snow last night, New York City's heaviest snowfall in several years. pic. twitter. com/WZ9a3lriXn — Manhattan Bird Alert (@BirdCentralPark) December 27, 2025 Although the worst of the storm had passed by Saturday morning, bitter cold lingered. Temperatures remained below freezing, leaving roads slick and hazardous. Weather officials warned that melting snow could refreeze overnight, creating black ice on roads... --- > Brigitte Bardot, the French actress and singer who rose to global fame in the 1950s has died at the age of 91. - Published: 2025-12-28 - Modified: 2025-12-28 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/brigitte-bardot-french-cinema-icon-dies-at-91/ - Categories: Entertainment, Global - Tags: 1950s Film Star, And God Created Woman, Brigitte Bardot, Celebrity Obituary, Cultural Icon, French Actress, French Cinema Icon France: Brigitte Bardot, the French actress and singer who rose to global fame in the 1950s before retiring from cinema to devote her life to animal rights, has died at the age of 91. Her death was announced by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, which said its founder and president had passed away after dedicating decades of her life to the protection of animals. Born in Paris on September 28, 1934, Bardot grew up in a wealthy, conservative family. Trained as a ballet dancer, she earned a place at the Conservatoire de Paris and began modelling as a teenager. At just 15, she appeared on the cover of Elle magazine, an exposure that soon led to film auditions and small screen roles. Her breakthrough came in 1956 with 'And God Created Woman,' directed by her then-husband, Roger Vadim. The film caused a sensation, both in France and abroad, her tousled hair and fierce energy radiating a sexual magnetism rarely seen in mainstream cinema at the time turned Bardot into an international star. Image Courtesy: X @HistoiredeFran7 At just 21, she scandalised censors and captivated audiences, her free-spirited presence marking a sharp break from the demure heroines who had dominated the screen in earlier decades. With her uninhibited screen presence, she came to embody a new image of female freedom and desire, earning the nickname BB and becoming one of the defining cultural figures of her era. Over the next two decades, Bardot appeared in nearly 50 films, working with some of... --- > Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. - Published: 2025-12-27 - Modified: 2025-12-27 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/israel-recognises-somaliland-state/ - Categories: Diplomacy & Politics - Tags: Abraham Accords, Horn of Africa Politics, Israel Somaliland Relations, Middle East Diplomacy, Somaliland Recognition Jerusalem: Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. The move could significantly alter political dynamics in the Horn of Africa and deepen tensions with Somalia. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision, saying Israel would immediately pursue cooperation with Somaliland in areas including agriculture, health, technology, and economic development. He congratulated Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi on his leadership and invited him to visit Israel, describing the recognition as aligned with the spirit of the Abraham Accords. Signed in 2020 under the Trump administration, the Abraham Accords paved the way for Israel to normalise relations with several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Netanyahu said the recognition of Somaliland reflected the same vision of expanding regional partnerships. The announcement was formalised through a joint declaration of mutual recognition signed by Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and President Abdullahi. Somaliland’s leadership welcomed the move, saying it would join the Abraham Accords and work toward greater regional cooperation, stability, and shared prosperity across Africa and the Middle East. The Republic of Somaliland Officially Recognized by the State of Israel. pic. twitter. com/Y5Ffg1T6Ik — MFA Somaliland (@somalilandmfa) December 26, 2025 The decision drew swift criticism from Egypt, which said its foreign minister held calls with counterparts from Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti to discuss what they described as dangerous developments in the region. The ministers condemned Israel’s move, reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s unity, and warned that recognising breakaway... --- > China announced sanctions against major US defence companies, including Boeing, in retaliation for a large American arms sale to Taiwan. - Published: 2025-12-27 - Modified: 2025-12-27 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/china-sanctions-us-firms-taiwan-arms/ - Categories: Global - Tags: Asia Pacific Security, Boeing Sanctions, China US Relations, International Sanctions, Military Trade, Taiwan Arms Deal, US Defence Companies Beijing: China has announced sanctions against major US defence companies, including Boeing, in retaliation for a large American arms sale to Taiwan approved by President Donald Trump. China’s foreign ministry said the measures target 10 individuals and 20 US companies, including Boeing’s production hub in St Louis, Missouri. Any assets held by the sanctioned firms and individuals in China will be frozen, and Chinese organisations and citizens are barred from doing business with them. The move follows Washington’s approval last week of an arms package for Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion, the largest weapons sale in the history of US-Taiwan relations. The package includes medium-range missiles and drones. Beijing has long viewed Taiwan as one of its most sensitive political issues, insisting the island must ultimately reunify with the People’s Republic of China. Taiwan, which is democratically governed, strongly rejects that claim. The dispute has been a persistent source of tension between China and the United States, already strained by trade and tariff disputes. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson’s Remarks on Countermeasures Against U. S. Arms Sales to China’s Taiwan Regionhttps://t. co/m5qD5d0CZ3 pic. twitter. com/5XKflW3Thb — CHINA MFA Spokesperson 中国外交部发言人 (@MFA_China) December 26, 2025 China said individuals placed under sanctions, including the founder of defence firm Anduril Industries and nine senior executives from the targeted companies, are banned from entering the country. Boeing manufactures fighter jets in St Louis, where more than 3,000 union workers staged a strike over pay earlier this year. Other companies named in the sanctions include... --- > Eight people were killed and 18 others injured in an explosion at an Alawite mosque in the Syrian city of Homs, state media reported. - Published: 2025-12-27 - Modified: 2025-12-27 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/explosion-alawite-mosque-homs-kills-eight/ - Categories: General News, Newly Updated, Top 5 This Week - Tags: Alawite Community, Homs Explosion, Middle East Security, Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah, Sectarian Violence, Syria Violence, Syrian Mosque Attack Damascus: Eight people were killed and 18 others injured in an explosion at an Alawite mosque in the Syrian city of Homs, state media reported. Officials said the casualty figures could rise. The blast occurred inside the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib mosque during Friday noon prayers, Syrian authorities said. Security forces quickly cordoned off the area, and footage released by state media showed rescuers and personnel examining debris scattered across the mosque’s green carpet. An ultra-conservative Sunni group, Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah, claimed responsibility for the attack on its Telegram channels. The group previously carried out a suicide bombing at a Damascus church in June that killed 20 people. دانت وزارة الخارجية وشؤون المغتربين الانفجار الإرهابي الذي وقع في مسجد الإمام علي بن أبي طالب بمدينة حمص في الجمهورية العربية السورية الشقيقة، ما أسفر عن عدد من الضحايا والمصابين. وأكّد الناطق الرسمي باسم الوزارة السفير فؤاد المجالي تضامن المملكة الكامل مع حكومة وشعب الجمهورية... pic. twitter. com/o5S64ijTwt — وزارة الخارجية وشؤون المغتربين الأردنية (@ForeignMinistry) December 26, 2025 The Supreme Alawite Islamic Council, which represents Alawites in Syria and abroad, condemned what it called a systematic campaign of killings, forced displacement, detentions, and incitement against the community over the past year. It accused Damascus authorities of bearing responsibility and warned that continued attacks could push the country toward collapse. Syria’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the explosion as a ‘terrorist crime,’ while regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Qatar, issued statements denouncing the attack. Sectarian violence has surged in Syria since... --- > Nine-month-old baby Lara Bussi Trabucco has lifted the village’s population to around 20 and brought a spark of life to daily routines. - Published: 2025-12-27 - Modified: 2025-12-27 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/baby-reignites-life-italian-hamlet/ - Categories: Curious News, Don't Miss - Tags: Abruzzo Region, Birth in Small Village, Demographic Crisis, Depopulated Communities, Family Incentives, Italy Demographics, Newborn in Italy, Population Decline, Rural Life, Village Revival Italy: High in the Abruzzo mountains, the small village of Pagliara dei Marsi has long been a place ruled by cats. They slip through doorways, lounge on stone walls, and roam lanes that have grown quieter with the years. Human voices had faded here, leaving the soft echo of paws and purring as the village’s main soundtrack. That silence was broken in March, when a baby was born for the first time in nearly three decades. Nine-month-old Lara Bussi Trabucco has lifted the village’s population to around 20 and brought a spark of life to daily routines. Her baptism filled the tiny church opposite her home, drawing every resident and more than a few cats. In a place accustomed to ageing faces, Lara has become a celebrated figure. Her mother, Cinzia Trabucco, said her daughter’s arrival has even drawn visitors who had never heard of the village. While Lara’s birth has sparked joy, it also highlights a national challenge. Italy recorded just 369,944 births in 2024, the lowest ever documented, according to the national statistics agency Istat. The fertility rate fell to 1. 18 children per woman, one of the lowest in the European Union. Preliminary figures for 2025 suggest the trend is worsening, with Abruzzo among the regions hit hardest. Births in the first seven months of 2025 dropped 10. 2 percent compared with the same period in 2024. Pagliara dei Marsi, though tiny, reflects a broader reality of shrinking communities, empty classrooms, and a rapidly ageing population. Rep... --- > The cabinet of Japan has approved a record 122.3 trillion yen budget for the next fiscal year. - Published: 2025-12-26 - Modified: 2025-12-26 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/japan-cabinet-endorses-largest-ever-budget/ - Categories: Global Economy, Newly Updated, Uncategorized - Tags: Japan Bond Issuance, Japan Budget, Japan Economic Stimulus, Japan Fiscal Policy, Japan Government Spending, Japan Public Debt, Japan Tax Revenue Tokyo: The cabinet of Japan has approved a record 122. 3 trillion yen ($784. 63 billion) budget for the next fiscal year, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi seeks to maintain economic stimulus while easing market concerns over the country’s increasing public debt. The budget, covering the fiscal year starting in April, is set to be submitted to parliament early next year. It exceeds this year’s initial outlay of 115. 2 trillion yen and reflects the administration’s effort to support growth at a time of rising borrowing costs and persistent currency weakness. Despite the headline increase in spending, the government has been cautious in its approach to new debt issuance. Fresh government bond sales will rise only marginally to 29. 6 trillion yen from 28. 6 trillion yen this year. As a result, the debt dependence ratio will fall to 24. 2 percent, its lowest level since 1998, signalling a measured approach to fiscal expansion. The Takaichi administration has intensified efforts to reassure investors as government bond yields climb and the yen remains under pressure. Officials have stressed that fiscal policy will avoid excessive debt issuance or unfunded tax cuts, amid growing scrutiny of Japan’s finances. 【令和８年度予算政府案】 本日、令和８年度予算政府案が閣議決定されました。 ▼詳しくはこちらhttps://t. co/2xUqWt2dvl https://t. co/BfoYikPfb4 — 財務省 (@MOF_Japan) December 26, 2025 Higher tax revenues are expected to play a key role in funding the expanded budget. Receipts are projected to rise 7. 6 percent to a record 83. 7 trillion yen, reflecting resilient corporate profits and improved wage growth. However, these gains will not... --- > China is preparing to take an unusual step at its southern frontier by putting humanoid robots to work along the border with Vietnam. - Published: 2025-12-26 - Modified: 2025-12-26 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/china-humanoid-robots-for-border-patrols/ - Categories: Curious News, Technology - Tags: China Border Security, China Technology, Guangxi Deployment, Humanoid Robots, Robot Patrol, UBTECH Robotics, Walker S2 Beijing: China is preparing to take an unusual step at its southern frontier by putting humanoid robots to work along the border with Vietnam, using them for patrols and logistics in one of the country’s busiest cross-border zones. The project will be led by Shenzhen-based UBTECH Robotics Corp, which has secured a $37 million contract to deploy its Walker S2 humanoid robots starting this month. The rollout, planned for Fangchenggang in Guangxi, will mark the first large-scale deployment of humanoid robots for border-related tasks in China. Fangchenggang is a key coastal gateway near Vietnam, handling heavy flows of cargo, trucks, buses, and travellers each day. The robots are expected to support routine patrols, assist with logistics, guide travellers, and help manage crowds, particularly in high-traffic areas where human resources are often stretched. Built for industrial use, the Walker S2 is an adult-sized humanoid machine with a human-like structure, including legs, arms, and a torso. It runs on UBTECH’s BrainNet 2. 0 system, which allows it to process visual and spatial information, make decisions on its own, and operate in complex, real-world environments. The robot can move through spaces designed for people, giving it flexibility that wheeled machines lack. A notable feature of the Walker S2 is its ability to swap its own batteries without human help, allowing it to operate for extended periods. It can bend up to 125 degrees and carry loads of up to 15 kilograms within a working height of 1. 8 metres. The vision system combines... --- > Southern California woke up to chaos on Christmas Eve as heavy rains turned streets into rivers and mountainsides into mudslides. - Published: 2025-12-26 - Modified: 2025-12-26 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/torrential-rains-flash-floods-california/ - Categories: General News, Newly Updated - Tags: California Storm 2025, California Weather Update, Christmas Eve Storm, Flash Flood Warning, Mudslides California, Southern California Floods, Torrential Rain California Los Angeles: Southern California woke up to chaos on Christmas Eve as heavy rains turned streets into rivers and mountainsides into mudslides. Authorities scrambled to rescue stranded drivers and urged residents to stay off the roads or evacuate from flood-prone areas. In Wrightwood, a mountain town east of Los Angeles, emergency crews spent the day pulling drivers from submerged vehicles, according to San Bernardino County Fire Department spokesperson Christopher Prater. Some areas saw rainfall exceeding an inch per hour, fueled by a massive atmospheric river carrying Pacific moisture inland. The storm is expected to continue into Friday, creating dangerous travel conditions during what is normally a busy holiday period. The US National Weather Service described the situation as life-threatening, with widespread flash flooding reported across the region. Los Angeles County issued a flash-flood warning until 6 p. m. PST, urging motorists not to travel unless evacuating or in immediate danger. About 130 homes in Pacific Palisades, damaged in last year’s wildfires, were under evacuation orders due to the risk of mudslides and debris flows. The latest Key Messages regarding an impactful Post-Christmas Winter Storm over the Great Lakes and Northeast. pic. twitter. com/gni6Yk4zG0 — NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) December 25, 2025 In San Bernardino County, an evacuation advisory for Wrightwood was upgraded to a shelter-in-place order as conditions worsened. Flooding also forced the closure of two stretches of the Angeles Crest Highway, a major route through the San Gabriel Mountains. The storm brought strong, gusty winds that knocked down... --- > The United States carried out a military strike against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria on Thursday night. - Published: 2025-12-26 - Modified: 2025-12-26 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/us-strike-targets-isis-militants-in-nigeria/ - Categories: Major Events - Tags: Christian Persecution Nigeria, ISIS Nigeria, Nigeria Security, Trump Military Action, US Military Strike, West Africa Terrorism West Plam Beach: The United States carried out a military strike against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria on Thursday night, President Donald Trump announced, citing attacks on Christian communities as the reason for the operation. The move comes after weeks of criticism from Trump over Nigeria’s handling of extremist violence targeting civilians. According to US Africa Command, the strike in Soboto State killed multiple ISIS terrorists at the request of Nigerian authorities. The military described the operation as a clear demonstration of US commitment to stopping terrorist threats abroad, though details on the method and immediate impact of the strike have not been released. "Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians... " - President Donald J. Trump pic. twitter. com/AUUmTMABSs — The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 26, 2025 Trump has repeatedly accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians, and last month he ordered the Pentagon to plan possible military action. In addition, the US has restricted visas for Nigerians involved in mass killings and designated the country as a ‘country of particular concern’ under the International Religious Freedom Act. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that US forces were ready and capable, saying the strike sent a clear message to ISIS on Christmas. Both Hegseth and Trump highlighted that the operation reflects America’s determination to prevent radical Islamic terrorism from flourishing. The... --- > Former Malaysian PMi Najib Razak was found guilty of abuse of power in the largest trial yet linked to the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal. - Published: 2025-12-26 - Modified: 2025-12-26 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/ex-pm-najib-razak-guilty-of-abuse-of-power/ - Categories: General News - Tags: 1MDB Case, 1MDB Scandal, Abuse of Power, Corruption Trial, Malaysia Court Verdict, Malaysian Politics, Najib Razak Kuala Lumpur: Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was found guilty of abuse of power on Friday in the largest trial yet linked to the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal. The verdict, with full sentencing still pending, could carry major political implications for the country. Najib, 72, who has been in prison since August 2022, faces multiple charges, including four counts of corruption and 21 counts of money laundering related to the alleged receipt of more than 2. 3 billion ringgit ($569. 45 million) from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a state investment fund he co-founded in 2009. Malaysia and US investigators say at least $4. 5 billion was stolen from 1MDB, with over $1 billion allegedly traced to accounts linked to Najib, who has consistently denied wrongdoing. Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah said the evidence showed Najib abused his powerful position, dismissing claims that the charges were politically motivated. The court highlighted Najib’s close connection with fugitive financier Jho Low, who allegedly acted as his intermediary in 1MDB transactions. Letters Najib submitted claiming Saudi royal donations were found to be unsubstantiated and likely forgeries, with the judge ruling that the funds were derived from 1MDB. Rep Image Courtesy: X @NajibRazak Najib could face maximum jail terms ranging from 15 to 20 years per charge, along with fines of up to five times the value of the misappropriated funds. Last year, Najib apologized for mishandling the scandal while in office but maintained he was misled by 1MDB officials and Jho Low. The verdict comes... --- > Researchers in the United States unveiled microscopic swimming robots marking a major step forward in robotics and biomedical science. - Published: 2025-12-26 - Modified: 2025-12-26 - URL: https://www.indoarabnews.com/researchers-introduce-worlds-smallest-robots/ - Categories: Health & Science, Informative, Knowledgeable, Technology - Tags: Autonomous Robots, Biomedical Robotics, Cellular Health, Microrobots, Nanotechnology US: Researchers in the United States have unveiled microscopic swimming robots so small they are barely visible to the naked eye, marking a major step forward in robotics and biomedical science. Developed jointly by teams at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan, the robots measure just 200 by 300 by 50 micrometres, smaller than a grain of salt. Despite their size, they are capable of monitoring the health of individual cells and responding to their surroundings on their own. The robots move through liquid in a way that resembles swimming, but without any moving parts. Instead of flexing or paddling like fish, they generate tiny electrical fields that push nearby ions in the surrounding fluid. Those ions, in turn, nudge water molecules, propelling the robot forward in line with Newton’s third law of motion. By precisely adjusting these electrical fields, the robots can follow complex paths and even move in coordinated groups. Each robot can travel at a speed of about one body length per second, roughly 300 micrometres per second. Built-in sensors allow them to detect temperature changes with remarkable accuracy, down to a third of a degree Celsius. This sensitivity enables the robots to move toward warmer areas, a capability that could be used to assess the health of individual cells. One of the key breakthroughs lies in their durability and power supply. Because the robots have no moving components, they are highly robust. They are also energy efficient, able to operate for months at... --- ---