January 16, 2026

US Cuts Taiwanese Tariffs to 15% and Boosts $250bn Semiconductor Investment

The US slashes tariffs on goods from Taiwan to 15% in a new deal. Taiwanese firms pledge $250 billion for semiconductor and AI projects in America. This move aims to reshape the US chip sector and boost local production.

January 16, 2026

Democrats Demand FTC Probe Into Trump Mobile Over Delayed T1 Phone and Refund Concerns

Democratic lawmakers have asked the FTC to investigate Trump Mobile after hundreds of thousands paid deposits for the delayed T1 phone. The phone promised US-made features but remains undelivered, raising fraud concerns.

January 15, 2026

US Seizes Sixth Venezuela-Linked Oil Tanker in Caribbean to Enforce Sanctions

The US military has captured its sixth Venezuelan oil tanker defying sanctions. The latest vessel, Veronica, was boarded without incident in a dawn operation. This move is part of Washington's tough stance on Venezuela's oil exports amid rising political tensions.

January 15, 2026

Dubai Upgrades Burj Khalifa Metro Station to Handle Soaring Ridership

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, with Emaar, starts a big upgrade of the busy Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. The move will ease crowds, add more entry gates, and improve escalators for smooth travel as ridership hits record highs.

January 15, 2026

Yellow Leaf Disease Forces Tamil Nadu’s Jaggery Factories to Shut Down

Jaggery factories in Veeramangudi, Tamil Nadu, are closing due to a deadly yellow leaf disease attacking sugarcane crops. Around 245 tonnes of jaggery production is now at risk, affecting a key local tradition for Pongal.