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19-01-2026 TEHRAN: Most of Iran’s 90 million-strong population remains cut off from the rest of the world more than one week after an unprecedented, state-imposed communications blackout amid nationwide protests, which began in December and quickly turned deadly. The Iranian government abruptly cut off all internet access across the 31 …

19-01-2026 DAMASCUS: The Syrian army has launched a military operation against Kurdish fighters in the Kurdish-controlled area of Deir Hafer, following violent clashes in Aleppo. The army issued warnings on Friday ahead of strikes targeting the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Deir Hafer, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) east of …

19-01-2026 WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has named former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to his so-called “Board of Peace”, which is expected to oversee the United States president’s 20-point plan to end Israel’s genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza. The White House said on Friday that Blair would be among …

18-01-2026 BEIJING: Transactions on a new China-led digital currency platform have surged to over $55 billion, a new report shows, the latest sign that efforts to build alternatives to dollar-dependent global payment systems are gaining traction. Data crunched by the Washington-based Atlantic Council showed the prototype ‘mBridge’ platform, which is …

18-01-2026 KUALA LUMPUR: The procurement decisions of the Malaysian armed forces and the police linked to a corruption probe will be temporarily frozen until they fully comply with related rules, state media reported, citing Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The suspension comes following allegations of bribery linked to army procurement projects, …

18-01-2026 TEHRAN: Iran’s deadly crackdown appears to have broadly quelled protests for now, according to a rights group and residents, as state media reported more arrests on Friday in the shadow of repeated US threats to intervene if the killing continues. The prospect of a US attack has retreated since …

18-01-2026 GAZA STRIP/ WEST BANK: Israeli troops have shot and killed a Palestinian child in the occupied West Bank, as a wave of intensified Israeli military and settler violence across the territory continues. Mohammed Naasan, 14, was killed on Friday after Israeli forces stormed and opened fire in the village …

18-01-2026 Bureau Report NEW DELHI: India plans to make it much easier for foreign firms to invest in defence companies, two government sources with knowledge of the matter said, a move that would align with efforts to boost domestic manufacturing after last year’s conflict with Pakistan. The cap on foreign …

18-01-2026 WASHINGTON: The US has accused South Africa’s defence ministry of refusing to obey orders from its own government to send home Iranian warships that have been conducting naval exercises in the African country’s waters. “South Africa can’t lecture the world on ‘justice’ while cozying up to Iran,” it said …

18-01-2026 THE HAGUE: Myanmar has denied committing genocide against the Ronhingya people, saying The Gambia has failed to provide enough proof, as it begun its defence at the UN’s top court. Ko Ko Hlaing, a Myanmar government representative, told judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that the allegation …