Latest International News & Updates

Countries That Celebrate New Year's First: A Global Countdown
The arrival of New Year’s 2025 will be celebrated across the globe, starting with the Pacific island nations and moving westward as the clock strikes midnight in each time zone. The very first to welcome 2025 will be Kiribati, specifically Christmas Island (Kiritimati), at 5:00 am EST (3:30 pm IST). This remote island, located in the Pacific Ocean, enjoys the honor of being the first in the world to c
Countries That Celebrate New Year's First: A Global Countdown
The arrival of New Year’s 2025 will be celebrated across the globe, starting with the Pacific island nations and moving westward as the clock strikes midnight in each time zone. The very first to welcome 2025 will be Kiribati, specifically Christmas Island (Kiritimati), at 5:00 am EST (3:30 pm IST). This remote island, located in the Pacific Ocean, enjoys the honor of being the first in the world to c

US Treasury Department Breached: China's Cyberattack Raises Alarm
The U.S. Treasury Department recently suffered a major cybersecurity breach attributed to a China state-sponsored Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actor. The hackers gained remote access to certain Treasury workstations and unclassified documents, sparking concerns about the potential theft of sensitive information ¹. The breach was discovered on December 8, when the Treasury Department
US Treasury Department Breached: China's Cyberattack Raises Alarm
The U.S. Treasury Department recently suffered a major cybersecurity breach attributed to a China state-sponsored Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actor. The hackers gained remote access to certain Treasury workstations and unclassified documents, sparking concerns about the potential theft of sensitive information ¹. The breach was discovered on December 8, when the Treasury Department

Uncertainty Looms: US Economy Faces Challenges Ahead
The US economy is facing uncertainty ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration, with the Conference Board's Expectations Index dropping to a five-month low. This decline in consumer confidence is a significant concern, as it can have a ripple effect on the US stock market and the national economy ¹. Rising inflation and interest rates, coupled with Trump's reportedly inflationary
Uncertainty Looms: US Economy Faces Challenges Ahead
The US economy is facing uncertainty ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration, with the Conference Board's Expectations Index dropping to a five-month low. This decline in consumer confidence is a significant concern, as it can have a ripple effect on the US stock market and the national economy ¹. Rising inflation and interest rates, coupled with Trump's reportedly inflationary

Honoring Jimmy Carter: A Century of Leadership and Legacy
Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, passed away at the age of 100. The Carter Center announced that he was surrounded by his family at his home in Plains, Georgia, during his final moments. Tributes from Leaders President Joe Biden: Described Carter as a “model of what it means to live a life of meaning and purpose”
Honoring Jimmy Carter: A Century of Leadership and Legacy
Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, passed away at the age of 100. The Carter Center announced that he was surrounded by his family at his home in Plains, Georgia, during his final moments. Tributes from Leaders President Joe Biden: Described Carter as a “model of what it means to live a life of meaning and purpose”

Trump Escalates Panama Canal Dispute, Raising Questions About U.S. Control
President-elect Donald J. Trump intensified his rhetoric this week, threatening to reclaim control of the Panama Canal. Trump accused Panama of permitting Chinese military presence at the canal and overcharging U.S. ships, though these claims lack evidence. He has demanded lower fees for U.S. vessels and insisted that the canal be returned to American control "quickly and without question" once he takes office next month. In a fiery statement on Wednesday, Trump announce
Trump Escalates Panama Canal Dispute, Raising Questions About U.S. Control
President-elect Donald J. Trump intensified his rhetoric this week, threatening to reclaim control of the Panama Canal. Trump accused Panama of permitting Chinese military presence at the canal and overcharging U.S. ships, though these claims lack evidence. He has demanded lower fees for U.S. vessels and insisted that the canal be returned to American control "quickly and without question" once he takes office next month. In a fiery statement on Wednesday, Trump announce

China's Hydropower Ambition: Yarlung Zangbo Dam to Impact Millions in India, Bangladesh
Beijing: China has greenlit the construction of what is set to become the world’s largest hydropower dam, marking the beginning of a monumental project on the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau. This development has the potential to impact millions of people downstream in India and Bangladesh. The dam, planned for the lower stretches of the Yarlung Zangbo River, is projected to generate an estimated 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, a
China's Hydropower Ambition: Yarlung Zangbo Dam to Impact Millions in India, Bangladesh
Beijing: China has greenlit the construction of what is set to become the world’s largest hydropower dam, marking the beginning of a monumental project on the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau. This development has the potential to impact millions of people downstream in India and Bangladesh. The dam, planned for the lower stretches of the Yarlung Zangbo River, is projected to generate an estimated 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, a

S. Jaishankar's US Visit: Strengthening Ties Amid Transition of Power
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit the United States from December 24 to 29, 2024. During this trip, he plans to engage with officials from both the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration to discuss key bilateral, regional, and global issues. While specific details of his meetings have not been disclosed, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that Mr. Jaishankar will chair a conference of Indian Consul Generals i
S. Jaishankar's US Visit: Strengthening Ties Amid Transition of Power
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit the United States from December 24 to 29, 2024. During this trip, he plans to engage with officials from both the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration to discuss key bilateral, regional, and global issues. While specific details of his meetings have not been disclosed, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that Mr. Jaishankar will chair a conference of Indian Consul Generals i

Global Migration Aspirations Remain High; U.S. Still Top Destination
As we transition from 2024 to 2025, several global trends and findings have emerged, shedding light on the current state of the world and offering insights into the year ahead Global Happiness Rankings The World Happiness Report 2024 reveals that Finland continues to lead as the world's happiest country, followed closely by Denmark and Iceland. Notably, the United States has dropped out of the top 20 for the first time, ranking 23rd. This decline un
Global Migration Aspirations Remain High; U.S. Still Top Destination
As we transition from 2024 to 2025, several global trends and findings have emerged, shedding light on the current state of the world and offering insights into the year ahead Global Happiness Rankings The World Happiness Report 2024 reveals that Finland continues to lead as the world's happiest country, followed closely by Denmark and Iceland. Notably, the United States has dropped out of the top 20 for the first time, ranking 23rd. This decline un

PM Modi Awarded Kuwait's Top Honor: 'Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with Kuwait's highest accolade, the 'Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer,' on Sunday. The award was presented by Kuwait's Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. This marks the 20th international honor bestowed upon PM Modi by various nations. The 'Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer' is a prestigious Kuwaiti knighthood conferred upon Heads of State, foreign sovereigns, and members of royal families as a sym
PM Modi Awarded Kuwait's Top Honor: 'Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with Kuwait's highest accolade, the 'Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer,' on Sunday. The award was presented by Kuwait's Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. This marks the 20th international honor bestowed upon PM Modi by various nations. The 'Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer' is a prestigious Kuwaiti knighthood conferred upon Heads of State, foreign sovereigns, and members of royal families as a sym

Bezos Counters Aspen Wedding Allegations: Urges Public Not to Be Gullible
Billionaire Jeff Bezos has refuted reports claiming that his upcoming wedding to fiancée Lauren Sánchez will cost $600 million. Addressing the rumors on social media platform X, Bezos labeled the claims as "completely false" and cautioned the public against believing such misinformation. Investor Bill Ackman also expressed skepticism, suggesting that such a sum would be implausible "unless you are buying each of your guests a house." Bezos con
Bezos Counters Aspen Wedding Allegations: Urges Public Not to Be Gullible
Billionaire Jeff Bezos has refuted reports claiming that his upcoming wedding to fiancée Lauren Sánchez will cost $600 million. Addressing the rumors on social media platform X, Bezos labeled the claims as "completely false" and cautioned the public against believing such misinformation. Investor Bill Ackman also expressed skepticism, suggesting that such a sum would be implausible "unless you are buying each of your guests a house." Bezos con

Americans Can Now Visit China Visa-Free for Up to 10 Days
China has expanded its visa-free transit policy, allowing travelers from 54 eligible countries, including the United States, Canada, and several European and Asian nations, to stay in the country for up to 10 days (240 hours) without a visa. This move is part of China's effort to boost international tourism and revive its economy post-pandemic. Eligibility: Passport holders from 54 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Germany, France
Americans Can Now Visit China Visa-Free for Up to 10 Days
China has expanded its visa-free transit policy, allowing travelers from 54 eligible countries, including the United States, Canada, and several European and Asian nations, to stay in the country for up to 10 days (240 hours) without a visa. This move is part of China's effort to boost international tourism and revive its economy post-pandemic. Eligibility: Passport holders from 54 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Germany, France

Wisconsin School Shooting: 15-Year-Old Suspect Identified, Police Call it a 'Sad Day'
A 15-year-old female student was identified as the suspect in a tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday, December 16. The incident resulted in the deaths of a teen pupil and a teacher, and injuries to six others, including two students with life-threatening wounds. Details of the Incident The shooting occurred just before 11:00 AM local time at Abundant Life Christian School, a K-12 facility with approximately 4
Wisconsin School Shooting: 15-Year-Old Suspect Identified, Police Call it a 'Sad Day'
A 15-year-old female student was identified as the suspect in a tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday, December 16. The incident resulted in the deaths of a teen pupil and a teacher, and injuries to six others, including two students with life-threatening wounds. Details of the Incident The shooting occurred just before 11:00 AM local time at Abundant Life Christian School, a K-12 facility with approximately 4

Donald Trump Threatens BRICS Nations, Including India and Russia, With 100% Tariffs
Donald Trump has said he would place very high taxes (100% tariffs) on goods coming from countries in the BRICS group if they try to replace the U.S. dollar in global trade. BRICS includes countries like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with newer members like Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE. Why is this happening? Some BRICS countries have been discussing the idea of creating their own currency to us
Donald Trump Threatens BRICS Nations, Including India and Russia, With 100% Tariffs
Donald Trump has said he would place very high taxes (100% tariffs) on goods coming from countries in the BRICS group if they try to replace the U.S. dollar in global trade. BRICS includes countries like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with newer members like Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE. Why is this happening? Some BRICS countries have been discussing the idea of creating their own currency to us