Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg is planning to unify the underlying messaging infrastructure of the WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger services and incorporate end-to-end encryption into these apps, the New York Times reported on Friday.

Mark Zuckerberg to integrate WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger: Report

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Friday that his government is preparing to face a potential armed conflict with its people before the "coup d'etat". He also announced that military exercises will be held from February 10 to 15 for the attempted coup.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says government ready for potential armed conflict

Oil prices rose by more than one per cent on Friday as turmoil in Venezuela triggered concerns that its oil exports could soon be disrupted. Washington on Thursday signalled it could impose sanctions on Venezuela's crude exports as Caracas descends further into political and economic turmoil.

Oil prices jump as US threatens sanctions against Venezuela

A co-founder of the Taliban was appointed as the leader of its political office in Qatar on Thursday to strengthen its hand in peace talks with the United States as they try to establish a mechanism to end the 17-year Afghan war.

Taliban appoints new political leader to join peace talks with US

At least one protester died in an anti-government demonstration on Thursday as thousands of people rallied across Sudan calling on President Omar al-Bashir to resign.

One killed as thousands protest across Sudan demanding president's resignation

Venezuela will close its embassy and all consulates in the United States, President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday, one day after he broke off diplomatic relations in response to US recognition of an opposition leader as interim president.

Venezuela to close US embassy, consulates: Nicolas Maduro

The United States on Thursday ordered non-emergency embassy staff to leave Venezuela but stopped short of complying with a full expulsion demanded by Nicolas Maduro, who Washington says is no longer president.

US orders non-emergency embassy staff to leave Venezuela

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Thursday she was ready to meet with President Donald Trump any time to discuss an end to the partial government shutdown as lawmakers prepared to vote on various bills to end the standoff.

Ready to meet Trump anytime over government shutdown: Nancy Pelosi

India on Friday reacted to the recent developments in Venezuela and stated that it is "closely following the emerging situation" in the country. The official spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar, said, "We are of the view that it is for the people of Venezuela to find a political solution to resolve their differences through constructive dialogue and discussion without resorting to violence.

India reacts to US-Venezuela spat, says differences must be resolved without resorting to violence

The United States and China are playing Eurasia’s 21st-century 'Great Game' from different but equally skewed maps. While the US map appears to be outdated, the Chinese map portrays a reality that is imagined.

US and China's skewed maps complicate 21st century's 'Great Game' in Eurasia

A gunman killed five people in a bank in central Florida on Wednesday and then called police to inform them of the shooting before he eventually surrendered, local authorities said.

Gunman surrenders after killing five in central Florida bank: Police

Australia on Thursday demanded China handle the case of detained author Yang Hengjun "transparently and fairly," amid a growing row about the fate of the Chinese-Australian.

Australia demands China treat detained national 'fairly'

In less than a month, Juan Guaido has gone from a virtual unknown in Venezuelan politics to the country's most-watched figure, assuming the presidency of the opposition-controlled congress and briefly being detained by the secret police.

In a month, Venezuela's Guaido emerged from obscurity to challenge Maduro

The United States and major South American nations recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader Wednesday while the EU called for free elections to restore democracy, leaving President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated.

US, regional powers say they recognise President Maduro's opponent as leader of Venezuela

Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro has no authority to sever relations with the United States, the State Department said Wednesday, hitting back after the leftist leader gave American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

Maduro gives American diplomats 72 hours to leave, US says he doesn't have the authority

A gunman killed at least five people Thursday at a bank in Sebring, Florida in the southern United States, police said. "We have at least five victims, people who were senselessly murdered," Police Chief Karl Hoglund told a news conference.

Gunman kills five at US bank: Police

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde on Thursday reiterated that the major risk facing the global economy was the trade tension between China and the United States, reported Reuters.

China-US trade tension a major risk to global growth: IMF chief

Google disclosed in a quarterly filing on Tuesday that it spent a company-record $21.2 million on lobbying the US government in 2018, topping its previous high of $18.

Google, Facebook spend big on US lobbying amid policy battles

US Vice President Mike Pence issued a video message of support to Venezuelans on Tuesday to encourage those who are protesting against President Nicolas Maduro and underline US backing for opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Hola, I'm Mike Pence: US VP encourages Venezuelans to protest against President Maduro

Moscow on Wednesday insisted the range of a missile system that has prompted Washington to say it will withdraw from a key Cold War arms treaty is allowed under the agreement.

Russia says range of disputed missile is allowed under INF treaty

The United States has rejected Beijing's offer to hold preparatory talks in Washington ahead of next week's high-level trade delegation, according to media reports.

US rejects advance trade meeting with China: Reports

As the United States endures the longest shutdown in its history, Americans are getting a taste of life without government. The absence of some services is clearly visible, such as a buildup of trash at national parks or longer lines at airport security checkpoints.

Shutdown’s economic impact is a forceful reminder of why government matter

A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the Indonesian coast early Tuesday, but no tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of damage.

Strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia coast

Japan has started the process of importing Iranian oil, which was suspended due to US sanctions, the governor of Iran's central bank said on Monday. The resumption of oil imports comes after Tokyo was granted a waiver from US sanctions that went into effect in November.

Iran says Japan has started process of importing Iranian oil

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