News brief: Big stories of the day
White House
US Congress meets briefly, takes no action on shutdown
Both chambers of the USCongress convened for only a few minutes late on Thursday, but took no steps to end a partial federal government shutdown before adjourning until next week.
UAE reopens Damascus embassy after seven years
The United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Damascus Thursday, the latest sign of efforts to bring the Syrian government back into the Arab fold.The UAE broke ties with Syria in February 2012, as the repression of nationwide protests demanding regime change was escalating into a devastating war.
French 'yellow vest' protests planned for Saturday, New Year's Eve
The "yellow vest" anti-government protests that have rocked France will be held on Saturday and New Year's Eve, and continue into 2019, several sources in the movement said Thursday.
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Can an S-400 detect a bird?
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India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
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Bombay High Court canteens inspected after judges question Maharashtra FDA's 'selective' crackdown
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Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
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Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
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Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
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Pakistan minister admits ‘system has collapsed’, Munir pushes for more provinces | Gravitas
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'FIR not withdrawn' against Noida teen who 'abused' PM Modi despite apology, claims CJP
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Trump goes 'bing bing bing' 11 times within 5 seconds at Iran war briefing
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Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
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Have 7,000 Karnataka students tested positive for HIV? Here's the truth
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Why did India turn down the US offer for F-35 fighter jets? EXPLAINED
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Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
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'Fifth-generation fighters': Can the S-400 shoot down an F-35?
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'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
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Trump says US oil firms made ‘too much money’ off high prices during Iran conflict
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7 longest flights in the world - Singapore, Qantas, Qatar and others
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Why Russian jets use heavier steel compared to US jets
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Trump’s 'forced labour' tariff faces court challenge as 25 states sue US admin: What it means for India
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How often does an S-400 need maintenance?
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WI vs PAK, 2nd Test: Shafique and skipper Babar lead fightback with unbroken 168-run stand on Day 2
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22 children dead, 35 infected: India's Gujarat faces Chandipura virus outbreak — Experts explain symptoms
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Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
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Who is Ruchika Singh, booked for using foul language against PM Modi at Jantar Mantar protests?
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Tamil Nadu leader Udhayanidhi Stalin draws severe backlash over derogatory remark against Trisha
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Influencer killed on livestream: Mexican cartel boss' son asked dad to kill woman who broke up with him
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US move on Venezuela oil bond could unlock gains for India’s energy companies
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From Tom Holland-Zendaya to Blake Lively-Ryan Reynolds: Actors who met on sets and fell in love and married
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New OTT releases this week (August 3-9, 2026): Main Vaapas Aaunga, Uyir, Operation Safed Sagar- 6 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
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What’s happening in Nepal? How did a local clash turn into communal violence? WION Decodes
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Why Russian fighter pilots wear blue flight suits compared to US pilots
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The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
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US signs deal to boost production of Patriot, THAAD missile interceptor systems
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Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC T20I rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
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'He is courageous leader': DK Shivakumar after TN CM Vijay postpone his Cauvery-related Karnataka visit
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Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
US, UN raise concerns over violence ahead of Bangladesh election
The United States and the United Nations on Thursday raised concerns over thelooming general election in Bangladeshas the opposition said hundreds more activists had been arrested and attacked.
Mumbai: Major fire breaks out in high-rise building, 5 killed
The 16-storey building is located in suburban Tilak Nagar, where search and rescue operation by the Mumbai Fire Brigade is underway, said the official from the Disaster Management Unit of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).