‘Very dangerous’: Trump calls out Britain over dealings with China after PM Starmer met Xi

This country spent 40 years in isolation and built thousands of secret bunkers revealing a hidden past you won’t believe

Legal traps, jail terms & seclusion: How Pakistan has perfected the art of silencing dissent

Pakistan intensifies legal actions against Imran Khan and activists, citing national security. Critics fear shrinking democratic space amid military influence, as prison visits are restricted and lawyers face lengthy sentences for alleged anti-state content. Officials maintain these are lawful measures against destabilization, not dissent suppression.

New Delhi to counter China? US panel weighs India role to tilt Indo-Pacific power balance

A US commission will hold a hearing next month on India’s role in the Indo-Pacific. The session will assess India’s relations with China and the US. It will cover geopolitical, military, economic, and technological aspects. The hearing aims to understand India’s influence on regional power dynamics. This comes as major partners reassess US commitments.

54 days of deals: Saudi Arabia launches massive nationwide Ramadan Sales Season

Get ready for early Ramadan shopping. The Ministry of Commerce is launching a 54-day sales season starting February 1, 2026. This initiative aims to help shoppers buy festive goods before the rush. Businesses can easily apply for discount permits online. Consumers can verify offers by scanning barcodes. Inspection teams will ensure all promotions are legitimate.

Who is Kevin Warsh? Secret White House meeting with Trump that made him lead Fed Chair race

Kevin Warsh is the top choice to become the next Federal Reserve Chair. President Donald Trump is expected to announce his decision soon. This potential change is creating market buzz and debate about the Fed’s future. Warsh’s views on monetary policy and economic strategy are key. His nomination could signal a shift in US economic direction.

Qatar: Driving without a licence could lead to jail, heavy fines, Interior Ministry warns

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning regarding driving without a valid license, emphasizing it’s a criminal offense with severe penalties. Motorists face potential imprisonment from one month to three years and fines ranging from QR10,000 to QR50,000. These strict measures aim to enhance road safety by ensuring only licensed individuals operate vehicles.

Sex outside marriage, consuming alcohol: Indonesian couple caned 140 times for breaking Sharia law

In a stark display of Aceh’s strict Sharia law, a couple endured 140 public canings each for extramarital sex and alcohol consumption. This severe punishment, witnessed by many, underscores the province’s conservative Islamic regulations. Even a Sharia police officer faced lashes for a similar offense, highlighting the unwavering enforcement of these codes.

Black carpet, $75m project, Trump by her side: Inside Melania Trump’s documentary premiere

A glitzy premiere in Washington celebrated the $75 million documentary ‘Melania,’ chronicling the former First Lady’s return to the White House. Attended by administration figures and celebrities, the film offers rare insight into Melania Trump’s perspective. Amazon and director Brett Ratner deny any political motive behind the significant investment.

Being used as a political pawn: Sydney Sweeney accuses Trump supporters, rejects “MAGA Barbie” label

Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney is navigating intense online speculation, particularly the “MAGA Barbie” label, which she insists others have attached to her. She emphasises her commitment to art and storytelling, not politics, expressing frustration at her identity being politicised. Sweeney desires to be known for her craft, not political discourse.

50:50 vision meets 2035 goals: First UAE–Kuwait Women’s Forum Opens in Abu Dhabi

The inaugural UAE–Kuwaiti Women’s Forum in Abu Dhabi emphasizes women’s empowerment, sustainable development, and future leadership, reinforcing bilateral cooperation. This initiative, aligned with national visions from both countries, fosters dialogue and collaboration on critical issues, including technology, peace, and climate action, while an accompanying exhibition showcases women-led businesses and heritage.

‘AI will take 80% of these jobs’: UAE billionaire warns India about threat to traditional outsourcing

Dubai magnate Hussain Sajwani warns at WEF 2026 that AI is a job-market revolution, posing a significant threat to economies reliant on outsourced work, particularly India’s vast IT and BPO sectors. While some jobs may be automated, experts highlight the creation of new roles and the enduring value of human soft skills, creativity and adaptability.

Panama court voids CK Hutchison port contracts: Why it’s a win for Trump, setback for Xi

Panama’s Supreme Court has voided a major Panama Canal ports contract held by a Chinese-linked firm, a significant win for the ‘Donroe Doctrine’. This ruling aligns with US efforts to curb Chinese influence over strategic trade routes, complicating Beijing’s global commercial footprint and reinforcing US leverage. The decision stems from alleged irregularities, though its geopolitical implications are profound.

Saudi Arabia greenlights National Privatization Strategy, targeting 18 sectors and 220+ contracts by 2030

Saudi Arabia has officially launched its National Privatization Strategy, a key component of Vision 2030, aiming to boost infrastructure and public services. This move signifies a shift from planning to execution, with ambitious targets for private sector investment and public-private partnership contracts by 2030. The strategy seeks to enhance efficiency and create thousands of specialized jobs.

After USS Abraham Lincoln, destroyer Delbert D. Black enters Red Sea amid tensions with Iran

The US Navy has bolstered its Middle East presence with an additional warship, bringing the total to six destroyers, an aircraft carrier, and three littoral combat ships. This escalation follows President Trump’s announcement of a “massive Armada” heading to Iran, signaling a strong push for a diplomatic deal on nuclear weapons and regional influence, though military action remains an option.

UAE residents outsourcing their brains to AI: Are we losing our minds?

UAE residents are increasingly integrating AI chatbots into daily life, from shopping and work to complex decision-making. With adoption rates among the world’s highest, generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot are becoming everyday aides, enhancing productivity and personal planning. This shift signifies a growing reliance on AI for cognitive tasks, transforming how people learn, decide and interact.

After 14 years, Pakistan-Bangladesh direct flights resume

Pakistan and Bangladesh have resumed direct air connectivity after a 14-year hiatus, with Biman Bangladesh Airlines operating the inaugural Dhaka-Karachi flight. This move aims to enhance bilateral ties, promote tourism, and strengthen people-to-people links, with plans to increase flight frequency and reduce fares.

‘Very big, powerful ships sailing to Iran’: Donald Trump issues warning to Tehran; what he is demanding

US President Trump expressed a preference for diplomacy with Iran, despite bolstering US military presence in the Middle East. He reiterated demands for Tehran to abandon nuclear ambitions and cease killing protesters. Discussions reportedly include targeting Iranian leadership and fostering conditions for regime change, leveraging recent anti-government unrest.

Aspen Kartier twitch ban explained after disturbing clip goes viral

Twitch streamer Aspen Kartier has been banned from the platform following a viral video that captured concerning audio of her dog yelping repeatedly. Viewers interpreted the sounds as evidence of animal cruelty, leading to widespread backlash. The ban occurred after the disturbing clip circulated online, impacting her burgeoning content creation career.

South Carolina woman shot, set on fire after being lured to fake puppy sale, police say

A South Carolina woman met a tragic end after being lured to a fake puppy sale. Authorities revealed she was shot and her body set ablaze inside a vehicle. Three individuals have been arrested and charged with murder and arson, with investigators suspecting the crime is linked to a prior homicide involving the victim’s son.