In occupied Kashmir, January 26 marks a somber day as people observe Black Day to commemorate the forced implementation of the Constitution on January 26, 1950. The day-long shutdown and peaceful protests in the region are a testament to the Kashmiris’ unwavering resistance against Indian rule.
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference has called for a complete shutdown in the territory, with protesters taking to the streets in the Neelum Valley, shouting slogans and waving anti-India placards. The protest march, which began from the District Complex, culminated at the Azadi Chawk, with participants from various walks of life, including civil society members, students, lawyers, and activists, joining in.
Meanwhile, other global news highlights include:
Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has held a phone conversation with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In a separate development, a plot to attack the Israeli embassy in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, has been foiled.
Iran’s currency, the Rial, has hit a record low, with one dollar now equivalent to 15 million Rials. The country’s Central Bank has warned of a possible economic crisis.
In Egypt, the Dar al-Ifta has prohibited the use of artificial intelligence in the interpretation of the Quran. Former UK Chancellor Sajid Javid has sparked a controversy by opposing the entry of individuals like his parents into the UK.
As the world grapples with freezing temperatures, Australia is experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 49 degrees Celsius. In Afghanistan, the UN Human Rights Council has expressed concerns over the country’s new laws, which may have severe consequences for human rights.
A new investigation by Arab media has revealed that Israeli forces have destroyed homes and agricultural land in the Gaza Strip, despite a ceasefire agreement.
US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on Korean imports, citing the country’s failure to ratify a free trade agreement with the US. In the US, warnings have been issued for severe cold weather in 44 states, with emergency declarations made in 24 states.
In Iraq, a Shia militia group has warned that a US attack on Iran would lead to a full-scale war in the region. A 24-year-old woman in Bangalore has taken her own life after being harassed over dowry demands.
The US has accused the European Union of indirectly funding Russia’s war in Ukraine by signing a free trade agreement with India. Mark Rutte, the European Commissioner for Europe, has rejected the claim, saying that the EU cannot protect itself without the US.
In Punjab, India, police have arrested the parents of a notorious gangster, Goldy Brar, in connection with a 2024 forgery case. Brar’s parents, Shamsher Singh and Preet Pal Kaur, were taken into custody on Friday.
In other news, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has spoken with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the phone. Former UK Chancellor Sajid Javid has sparked controversy over his opposition to the entry of individuals like his parents into the UK.
In a landmark judgment, a Hyderabad court has convicted a man for the murder of a young woman, Akash Ansari.
The Bollywood film “Tere Ishq Mein” has come under fire for its depiction of educational facts. Research scholars have questioned the film’s accuracy, asking whether it is a film or a joke.
Singing sensation Arijit Singh has announced his retirement from playback singing.
Eight people have been charged with a case of domestic violence and assault, based on complaints from two brothers and their wives.
