Pakistan's former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison by a military court for engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, misusing authority, and causing wrongful loss.


Pakistan: Ex-ISI Chief Hameed Sentenced, Linked to Imran Khan

Paleontologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in southern Brazil with the unearthing of a 2.5 cm skull belonging to a newborn prehistoric reptile, identified as part of the ancient species Gondwanax paraisensis. The fossil, dating back around 237 million years, is one of the oldest reptile fossils ever found and offers crucial insights into the early evolution of reptiles before the rise of dinosaurs. 


Ancient Reptile Hatching Discovered in Southern Brazil

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed shock and deep regret over the chaotic scenes during Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. The event descended into unrest as fans, frustrated by poor management and Messi’s brief appearance, broke security protocols, threw chairs and bottles, and vandalized the stadium. Banerjee apologized to Messi and fans, acknowledging the mismanagement and disappointment. 

Breaking: West Bengal CM Expresses Shock at Messi Visit Chaos in Kolkata

Marijuana Reclassification: President Donald Trump is reportedly considering an executive order to ease federal marijuana restrictions, potentially reclassifying the drug from Schedule I to Schedule III. This move, which would mark the most significant change in U.S. marijuana policy in decades, would not legalize cannabis but could allow for broader medical research and provide tax benefits to the cannabis industry. 


Marijuana Reclassification: Trump Weighs Order to Ease Marijuana Curbs

Australia Open: All trophies for the Australian Open, including the iconic Norman Brookes Challenge Cup and Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, are meticulously handcrafted by skilled silversmiths in Sydney. Work on the trophies began before the 2025 edition and involves over 650 hours of artisan labor each year, using ethically sourced Australian silver.


Australia Open: Sydney Gears Up for Australian Open Trophy Craft

China has expelled a Philippine aircraft from the airspace above Scarborough Shoal, a highly contested maritime feature in the South China Sea. The Chinese military stated that the Philippine aircraft "invaded" Chinese airspace and was met with stern warnings before being driven away.

China Expels Philippine Aircraft Near Scarborough Shoal 

Bangladesh's former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is fighting for her life after being placed on ventilator support due to a sharp decline in her health. 

Bangladesh Ex-PM Khaleda Zia's Health Deteriorates 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed that there is no scientific evidence linking vaccines to autism, citing a comprehensive review of 31 primary research studies published between 2010 and 2025. The WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety examined data from multiple countries and found no causal link between childhood vaccines and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including vaccines containing thiomersal or aluminum.


W.H.O. Debunks Vaccine-Autism Link, Cites 31 Studies

A group of US lawmakers, led by Representatives Deborah Ross, Marc Veasey, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, has introduced a resolution to end President Trump's national emergency declaration that imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Indian imports. The lawmakers argue that these tariffs are illegal, economically damaging, and harmful to US-India relations, warning that trade with India is at risk if the measures are not reversed. 


Trump Tariffs Row: U.S. Lawmakers Move to End Trump's India Tariffs

Pakistan's former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison by a military court for engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, misuse of authority, and causing wrongful loss to individuals. The conviction, linked to his close association with jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, marks a rare instance of a top intelligence official being punished in Pakistan's civil-military history. 

Pakistan Army Jails Former ISI Chief, Linked to Imran Khan 

U.S.-Venezuela: President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will begin land strikes targeting drug traffickers in Venezuela and across Latin America, escalating his administration's anti-narcotics campaign. 


U.S.-Venezuela: Trump: Land Strikes Targeting Drug Smugglers Start Soon 

Iraq is grappling with the devastating impacts of climate change, as deadly floods sweep across the northern regions while the south faces a worsening water crisis. Torrential rains have caused widespread destruction in governorates like Sulaymaniyah, Kirkuk, and Nineveh, leading to multiple fatalities, injuries, and the displacement of thousands. 

Iraq Faces Climate Change Fury: Deadly Floods, Water Crisis

Lindsey Vonn, at 41 years old, has made history by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, claiming victory in the 2025-26 season opener in St. Moritz. This marks her 83rd World Cup win and her first downhill triumph since 2018, breaking the previous record for the oldest winner in both men's and women's Alpine skiing. 


Vonn Becomes Oldest Downhill World Cup Winner 

King Charles III has announced that his cancer treatment will be reduced in the new year, calling this milestone a “personal blessing” and a testament to the progress in cancer care. In a televised address, he credited early diagnosis and effective intervention for enabling him to continue leading an active life and urged all Britons to undergo regular cancer screenings.


King Charles: Treatment to Be Pared Down, Urges Screenings

Winter Storm Byron has ravaged war-torn Gaza, claiming at least 16 lives, including three children, as torrential rains and freezing temperatures turn displacement camps into quagmires. The storm has caused widespread flooding, collapsing shelters and leaving hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians exposed to harsh conditions.


Storm Byron Batters Gaza, 16 Dead Including Children

Saudi Arabia has softened its strict alcohol rules, allowing non-Muslim residents with premium residency and high incomes to legally purchase liquor at a dedicated store in Riyadh. The change, part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s broader Vision 2030 reforms, is designed to attract foreign talent and investment by making the kingdom more appealing to expatriates.


Saudi Arabia Eases Alcohol Ban for Non-Muslim Residents

Both gold and silver were in high demand last week. The biggest boost came from the Indian regulator's decision on wednesday, to widen investments in gold and silver etfs for the country's pension funds. 


Silver Hits a New Milestone; Gold Ends the Week on a High

A cautious mood in indian markets is back, with benchmark stocks marking a second straight weekly loss after hitting all-time highs. The rupee crashed to a record low for the second straight session on friday.


Rupee Crashes to Record Low for Second Straight Session

The international monetary fund has imposed 11 new conditions on Pakistan under its 7 billion dollar bailout programme, raising the total number of conditions to 64 in just 18 months.


IMF Imposes 11 New Conditions on Pakistan Bailout 

India has opened its insurance sector fully to global investors. The cabinet has approved 100% FDI  in insurance. With India now among the fastest-growing insurance markets, the move is expected to boost competition, lower costs, speed up claim settlements and deliver higher-quality products to millions of consumers.


India Pushes ‘Insurance for All’ With 100% FDI 

Iranian security forces have arrested 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, a prominent human rights activist, during a memorial ceremony in Mashhad. Mohammadi, who has been arrested 13 times and sentenced to over 30 years in prison for her advocacy for women's rights and freedom, remains a symbol of resistance against the Iranian regime. 

Iranian Security Forces Arrest Nobel Peace Prize Winner Narges Mohammadi  

A new study has found that airplane exhaust releases toxic nanoparticles—specifically "onion-like" and amorphous particles—during takeoff and landing, which can invade cabin air and be breathed in by passengers. These ultrafine particles, originating from jet engine emissions and lubrication oil, are as small as 10–20 nanometers and can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract, raising health concerns for frequent fliers. 

Airplane Exhaust: Study Finds Toxic Nanoparticles in Cabin Air

An extraordinary botanical spectacle has unfolded in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, as the rare Talipot palm has bloomed for the first time in decades. Native to India and Sri Lanka, the Talipot palm was introduced to Brazil in the 1960s by famed landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx.


Extraordinary Botanical Spectacle: Talipot Palm Flowers After 60 Years

Epstein Files: House Democrats have released 19 photographs from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate, featuring prominent figures including President Donald Trump and former President Bill Clinton. The images, part of a larger trove of over 95,000 photos obtained from Epstein’s estate, are intended to shed light on the financier’s associations with powerful individuals and intensify scrutiny of his network.


Epstein Files: Trump, Clinton Featured in New Photo Release

Hamas has warned that the current ceasefire in Gaza may not last, pointing to the ongoing standoff over tunnels as a major threat to lasting peace. The group claims that Israel’s focus on tunnel fighters is delaying progress on the peace roadmap, with both sides struggling to move into the next phase of negotiations.

Hamas Warns Peace Won’t Last, Tunnel Standoff Threatens Ceasefire

President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have slumped to new lows, with polls showing his job approval at around 36–38%, the lowest of his second term. The decline is largely attributed to public dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy, as only about 31% approve of his economic management, marking a new second-term low. 

Trump's Approval Ratings Plummet Amid Economic Woes

Finland-U.S.: Finland has announced the procurement of Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) from the United States, with the missiles set to support Finland’s new F-35 fighter fleet. The deal, valued at approximately $1.07 billion, includes up to 405 AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM missiles and related equipment, enhancing Finland’s air defense capabilities and interoperability with NATO allies.

Finland-U.S.: Finland to Procure AMRAAM Missiles from U.S. 

A breathtaking wave of birds has swept over China’s skies, with countless migratory birds gathering and flying in unison, creating a mesmerizing natural spectacle. 

China Sky Transforms with Spectacular Bird Wave

Winter Storm Byron has devastated Gaza, claiming the lives of at least 13 Palestinians as torrential rains turned displacement camps into quagmires. Families huddled in cold, flooded shelters, with many homes and tents collapsing due to the relentless downpour and already weakened structures.


Gaza Ravaged by Storm Byron: Turns Gaza Camps into Quagmires, 13 Dead 

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has developed a cricket app in his free time, using AI to analyze player performance and select India’s best Test XI. The app’s algorithm has picked Virat Kohli as captain over MS Dhoni, citing Kohli’s leadership record and on-field performance as key factors. Nadella’s app, which uses advanced data modeling, has sparked debate among fans and experts about the role of AI in sports selection and the legacy of both captains.


Satya Nadella Codes Cricket App, AI Picks India’s Best Test XI

Epstein Files: Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have released 19 new photographs from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate, including images of US President Donald Trump and former President Bill Clinton. The photos, part of a larger trove of over 95,000 images, highlight Epstein’s connections with prominent public figures and influential personalities. 

Epstein Files: Democrats Release 19 Epstein Estate Photos Featuring Trump, Clinton |

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