World News
President Putin's Strategic 27-Hour Visit to India: Strengthening Historic Bilateral Relations Amid Global Tensions
Dec 05, 2025 02:12 am CST
Russian President Vladimir Putin's brief but significant 27-hour diplomatic visit to India underscores the enduring strategic partnership between the two nations. Focusing on defense cooperation, energy partnerships, and trade development, the visit comes at a critical time when India balances its historic ties with Russia against growing tensions with the United States over Russian oil imports and recent tariff impositions.
Meta's Massive Metaverse Pivot: Zuckerberg Plans 30% Budget Cuts and Potential Layoffs as Company Shifts Focus to AI
Dec 05, 2025 01:49 am CST
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is planning significant cuts to the company's metaverse division, with potential budget reductions of up to 30% and likely layoffs in early 2026. The once-central vision for Meta's future has accumulated over $70 billion in losses since 2021, prompting a strategic shift toward AI development as the metaverse concept fails to gain widespread adoption despite substantial investment.
Bangladesh Issues Arrest Warrant for Sheikh Hasina's Son Over Internet Shutdown During 2024 Protests
Dec 05, 2025 01:06 am CST
Bangladesh's International Crime Tribunal has issued an arrest warrant against Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, for allegedly committing crimes against humanity by shutting down internet access during the July 2024 student protests. This development follows recent corruption sentences against Sheikh Hasina and other family members as Bangladesh's interim government pursues legal action against the former ruling family.
Hong Kong Orders Removal of Construction Netting Citywide Following Deadly 159-Victim Fire
Dec 05, 2025 12:52 am CST
Following Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades that killed 159 people at Wang Fuk Court, authorities have mandated the removal of construction netting from over 200 buildings by Saturday for safety testing. The protective mesh, which failed to meet fire resistance standards, has been identified as a contributing factor to the tragedy, resulting in the suspension of 28 projects managed by the responsible contractor.
UK Imposes £1 Million Fine on Porn Site for Inadequate Age Verification Under New Online Safety Act
Dec 05, 2025 12:32 am CST
Britain's media watchdog Ofcom has imposed a record £1 million fine on AVS Group for failing to implement effective age verification across its 18 pornographic websites. This represents the largest penalty under the UK's new Online Safety Act, which requires strict age checks to protect minors from harmful content. The company must implement proper verification within 72 hours or face additional daily penalties as regulators continue investigating dozens of similar websites for compliance failures.
Russian President Putin's 27-Hour Visit to India: Warmly Welcomed by PM Modi
Dec 04, 2025 11:59 pm CST
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for a significant 27-hour diplomatic visit, where he was personally welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marks Putin's first visit to India since 2022, featuring private discussions, formal bilateral talks at Hyderabad House, and a ceremonial visit to the Mahatma Gandhi memorial, highlighting the continued importance of Indo-Russian relations.
Man Swallows $19,000 James Bond Faberge Egg: Police Monitor Recovery in Unusual Jewelry Theft Case
Dec 04, 2025 11:43 pm CST
A 32-year-old New Zealand man faces theft charges after swallowing a $19,000 limited-edition Faberge egg pendant inspired by James Bond's Octopussy at a jewelry store. Police are monitoring him while awaiting the natural recovery of the diamond-encrusted gold piece, which is one of only 50 worldwide. The case highlights an unusual but not unprecedented tactic in high-value jewelry thefts.
Russia Remains India's Vital Strategic Partner in Defence and Technology Despite Global Shifts
Dec 04, 2025 11:13 pm CST
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirms Russia's position as India's key strategic partner in defence and technology sectors during the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission meeting. The bilateral relationship continues to flourish despite global geopolitical changes, with President Putin's visit expected to strengthen the special privileged partnership between the two nations through discussions on defence contracts, technology transfer, and trade agreements.
Russia Defence Minister Highlights Time-Tested Friendship and Strategic Partnership with India
Dec 04, 2025 11:12 pm CST
Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov emphasizes the enduring strategic partnership between Russia and India during the 22nd Inter-Governmental Commission meeting on Military and Technical Cooperation. The minister highlighted mutual respect, shared traditions, and ongoing defense collaboration while congratulating India on Navy Day and noting the partnership's importance for regional stability in South Asia.
Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia Critical: Emergency Airlift to London Planned for Advanced Medical Treatment
Dec 04, 2025 10:47 pm CST
Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's critical health condition has prompted plans for an emergency airlift to London for specialized treatment. The interim government has organized nationwide prayers while international medical experts from China and the UK attend to her. Qatar has offered air ambulance services as her son Tarique Rahman coordinates care from London amid heightened security measures.