world

Dhaka/New Delhi, January 24:Amid growing diplomatic strain between India and Bangladesh, Dhaka is preparing to move ahead with a long-pending plan to construct a new barrage on the Padma River, a development that could seriously impact the future of the Farakka Water Sharing Treaty, due to expire this year. The Farakka Treaty, signed in 1996, governs the sharing of Ganga river waters during the dry season through the Farakka Barrage in West Bengal. The 30-year-old agreement requires renewal in 2026, but negotiations have stalled amid worsening bilateral relations. Padma Barrage Plan Raises Concerns in New Delhi According to Bangladeshi officials, the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) is preparing to revive the Padma Barrage Project, estimated to cost Tk 50,443.64 crore. Th...

Washington, January 24:A powerful winter storm has tightened its grip across large parts of the United States, triggering widespread travel disruptions and emergency measures in more than 15 states. Heavy snowfall, freezing rain and hail have forced the cancellation of over 8,000 flights nationwide, while nearly 140 million Americans are expected to be affected by extreme cold and hazardous conditions in the coming days. Stretching from the Rocky Mountains to the East Coast, the storm system has brought blizzards, ice accumulation and dangerously low temperatures. Authorities have warned that the storm could cause extensive damage, disrupt daily life and pose serious risks to public safety. States Declare Weather Emergency In response to the worsening conditions, governors in more...

Jakarta: A devastating landslide triggered by relentless heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in Indonesia’s West Java province, leaving at least seven people dead and 82 others missing, according to the country’s Disaster Management Agency. Authorities fear the death toll may rise further as rescue operations continue under extremely challenging conditions. The landslide struck a village in the West Bandung region, burying a large part of the settlement under massive debris. Several houses and key roads have collapsed, severely hampering relief and rescue efforts. Continuous rainfall has further worsened the situation, increasing the risk of additional landslides. Indonesia’s Meteorological Agency has issued a warning of severe weather and heavy rainfall in West Java for the next week, ...

Abu Dhabi/Islamabad: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has dealt a significant blow to Pakistan by pulling out of a major deal to manage Islamabad International Airport. According to a report by Middle East Eye (MEE), UAE had agreed in August 2025 to a privatization framework with Pakistan’s cash-strapped government, but has now exited the project. While no explicit political reason has been cited, the move comes amid growing rifts between UAE and Saudi Arabia, tensions reverberating across South Asia. At the same time, UAE is reportedly expanding its military relations with India and Israel, including potential arms acquisitions from Israel routed through India. Shifting Alliances in South AsiaThe decision coincides with a defense pact signed last September between Saudi Arabia and Pak...

Tehran: Iran has strongly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent claims that the executions of 800 protesters had been halted. Iran’s top prosecutor, Mohammad Movahedi, dismissed Trump’s statements on Friday as “completely false,” emphasizing that no such numbers exist and that the judiciary has not issued any such decision. The statement makes clear that Iran intends to maintain a strict stance on those involved in this month’s widespread anti-government protests. The rebuttal comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Earlier this month, large-scale demonstrations erupted across Iran. Trump publicly commented on the protests, citing violent crackdowns on demonstrators and expressing support for the protesters. He later claimed that Iran had postponed ...

Washington, Georgia: A tragic shooting in Georgia, USA, has left four people dead, including an Indian woman. The victims, reportedly family members, were shot by a 51-year-old man identified as Vijay Kumar. During the shooting, three children were present in the house and managed to hide in a closet to protect themselves. One of the children later called 911 to alert authorities. Local police responded to a call around 2:30 a.m. Friday at a residence on the 1000 block of Brook Ivy Court, where they found four adult victims inside with gunshot wounds. According to Gwinnett County Police, the deceased have been identified as Meenu Dogra (43), Kumar’s wife, Gaurav Kumar (33), Nidhi Chander (37), and Harish Chander (38). The children remained unharmed and were later handed over to a fam...

Dubai: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has handed over a list of over 900 Indian nationals currently imprisoned in the country, who are set to be released. The list was submitted to officials at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, following an order by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The release of these prisoners comes under a directive issued last November, covering Indian citizens as well as prisoners from several other countries. The move coincides with a period of strengthened bilateral relations between India and the UAE. Recently, President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, marking a successful and significant diplomatic engagement. Last year, on 27 November, President Mohammed bin Zayed had announced that on the occ...

Washington, January 24, 2026 – The United States has hinted at the possibility of lifting the 25 percent tariff imposed on Indian imports of Russian crude oil, according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. This development comes amid ongoing global geopolitical pressures and India’s efforts to diversify its energy sources. Bessent’s Statement Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Bessent described the U.S. tariff as a strategic tool aimed at reducing India’s dependence on Russian energy. “The tariff was intended to curb India’s reliance on Russian oil, and this objective is now being achieved,” he said. Bessent added that the significant drop in India’s Russian oil purchases opens a pathway for reconsidering the 25 percent tariff. Currently, Indian products face a c...

Washington/Greenland, January 24, 2026 – U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that a NATO framework agreement now grants the United States “full access” to Greenland, emphasizing the island’s strategic importance for American national security. The announcement comes as Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen visited Greenland amid rising tensions over U.S. ambitions in the Arctic region. Trump’s Statement on Greenland Speaking to Fox Business, Trump described the NATO deal as “very generous” and asserted that the United States should have the ability to operate freely on the island. “We have the capacity to do whatever we want,” he said. Trump reiterated that the island would be crucial for the Golden Dome missile defense system but dismissed earlier speculation about using milit...

Washington/Brussels, January 24, 2026 – Despite pressure from the United States, European nations have refused to impose tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil, delivering a diplomatic setback to former President Donald Trump’s administration. The revelation was made by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in a recent interview. Trump’s Tariff Strategy on India Under Trump’s administration, India faced an additional 25% tariff specifically targeting Russian oil imports, bringing the total U.S. tariff on India to 50%—comprising 25% general trade tariffs and 25% related to Russian oil purchases. However, Bessent revealed that Europe chose not to follow suit, citing its interest in a major trade deal with India. “Our European partners declined to impose tariffs on India f...