January 18, 2026

Syrian Army Seizes Largest Omar Oil Field from Kurdish Forces After SDF Withdrawal

Syrian troops have taken control of the country's biggest oil field, Omar, and key gas fields after Kurdish-led forces pulled back east of the Euphrates. This advance comes amid ongoing clashes and a fragile deal to integrate Kurdish bodies into Syrian institutions.

January 18, 2026

UAE Raises Minimum Wage for Emirati Private Sector Workers to AED 6,000 from 2026

The UAE government will set a minimum salary of AED 6,000 per month for private-sector Emirati workers starting January 1, 2026, up from AED 5,000. Employers must adjust current salaries by June 30, 2026, or face penalties.

January 18, 2026

CPI Leader Urges EC to Include All Eligible Voters in Revised Electoral Roll

CPI's Sathyan Mokeri demands the Election Commission ensure all eligible citizens appear in the new voter list after Special Intensive Revision. He warns against excluding lakhs over technical issues.

January 18, 2026

Telangana Battles Rising Debt Interest, Posts ₹9,601 Cr Revenue Deficit Mid-Fiscal

Telangana's revenue stands at ₹1.24 lakh crore, reaching just over half its yearly target. Borrowings and debts weigh heavily, with interest payments exceeding ₹21,000 crore, pushing the State into a ₹9,601 crore revenue deficit.

January 18, 2026

Iran's Internet Shutdown Hits 10 Days, Possible Permanent Digital Isolation Ahead

Iran is 10 days into a severe internet blackout affecting 92 million people. The government may restrict international web access permanently amid protest crackdowns. Experts warn this could mark a new era of digital isolation, with access controlled and monitored closely.