World News

In a dramatic and high‑stakes moment in global diplomacy, the US and Iran are holding nuclear talks in Oman amid escalating military threats from President Donald Trump, an effort aimed at defusing one of the world’s most dangerous standoffs — but one overshadowed by a backdrop of threats, naval buildups and deep mutual mistrust. Senior delegations from Washington and Tehran have convened in Muscat under the mediation of Oman in...

At least 18 people have been killed in a deadly explosion at a “rat‑hole” mine in northeast India, authorities confirmed on Thursday, highlighting the ongoing dangers of unregulated and illegal mining that persists despite long‑standing bans and safety warnings. The blast occurred early in the morning in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, a remote region known for its hazardous coal mining practices, leaving communities in shock and prompting...

The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXV Winter Olympic Games or Milano Cortina 2026, are now underway in northern Italy, bringing together thousands of the world’s best winter athletes in a celebration of sport, culture and international competition. Held in a uniquely distributed format across historic cities and Alpine landscapes, this edition of the Winter Games blends tradition with innovation. Here’s everything you need to know about the event —...

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Japan’s Takaichi ahead of snap election, throwing Washington’s political influence into the intense and closely watched electoral contest in Tokyo. The endorsement, delivered via social media and amplified by Trump’s allies, marks a rare intervention by a former U.S. leader in Japanese domestic politics — and it has stirred debate both in Japan and internationally over foreign influence, alliances and the future...

The US military says two killed in strike on alleged drug boat after a targeted operation in the eastern Pacific, authorities confirmed on Friday, marking the continuation of a controversial campaign against suspected narco-trafficking vessels authorised by the current administration. The strike is the latest in a series of military actions in international waters that have drawn both support and criticism at home and abroad. According to the United States...

Canada has dispatched senior officials to open Greenland consulate, marking a significant expansion of its diplomatic presence in the Arctic amid rising geopolitical tensions and concerns over the territory’s future. The move — which includes the formal opening of a Canadian consulate in Nuuk — underscores Ottawa’s commitment to strengthening ties with Greenland and supporting Arctic cooperation on security, climate change and Indigenous cultural links. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand...

A senior Russian military leader was shot several times in Moscow on Friday morning in what officials are describing as a targeted attack, leaving him seriously injured and prompting a sweeping investigation in the Russian capital. The incident, which comes amid rising tensions within Russia and heightened global focus on security, has raised questions about motives behind attacks on high-ranking officials. According to Russian state media and investigative sources, Lieutenant...

The United States faces mounting consensus that US healthcare needs fixing, but there’s no agreement on how to do it, a dilemma that has taken centre stage in politics, policy debates and everyday life for millions of Americans struggling with cost and access. Despite broad recognition across political lines that the current system is unsustainable and often unfair, lawmakers remain sharply divided over solutions — leaving reform stalled and many...

As fears of a direct military confrontation between the United States and Iran persist, US and Iran talks to begin as fears of direct conflict continue, officials confirmed on Friday, with high-stakes negotiations scheduled in Oman aimed at easing tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme and regional behaviour. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in the Omani capital of Muscat on Friday, leading Tehran’s delegation ahead of the talks with senior...

Published: 05 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online. Venezuela has announced a bold initiative to transform the notorious El Helicoide prison into a youth centre, aiming to rewrite the site’s dark history. The youth centre project, introduced by acting president Delcy Rodríguez, promises to provide cultural, sports, and commercial facilities for local communities and police families, signalling a dramatic shift from its infamous past. Activists, however,...