January 4, 2026

UK and French Jets Smash ISIS Underground Base Near Palmyra, Syria

British and French aircraft launched a precise strike on an ISIS underground facility near Palmyra, Syria, using guided bombs to block access tunnels. The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed the attack was successful and stated the site stored weapons and explosives. Defence Secretary John Healey vowed to fight any IS comeback.

January 4, 2026

Queensland Coal Miner Dies in Roof Collapse at Curragh Mine; Another Killed in Rockfall

A coalmine worker died after being trapped in a roof collapse at Curragh mine, Queensland. Another miner died in a separate rockfall incident nearby. Mines Minister calls for full investigations.

January 4, 2026

UK Plush Toy Brand Jellycat Wins Hearts in China Amid Pandemic Stress

British plush toy Jellycat has become a hit in China. Young adults like Stella Huang collect these soft toys for comfort during tough times, with the brand's sales soaring amid pandemic challenges and economic worries.

January 4, 2026

US President Trump Claims Maduro Capture; Venezuelan Diaspora Feels Relief Amid Drug Charges

US President Donald Trump said Venezuelans are happy about Maduro's capture. Maduro and his family face US drug trafficking charges. Diaspora shows mixed feelings but relief dominates.

January 4, 2026

Tamil Nadu Launches New Assured Pension Scheme With Better Benefits and PFRDA Fund Management

Tamil Nadu unveils the Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS), closely modeled on the Old Pension Scheme but with key improvements. Around 6.24 lakh employees under the current system will move to TAPS, which promises better family benefits and pension payouts. The government shifts pension fund investments from LIC to PFRDA for better returns.

January 4, 2026

Artist Helen Wilding Captures Melbourne’s Brunswick Street in Stunning Weekly Sketches

Helen Wilding sketches Brunswick Street in Melbourne every week, creating detailed drawings that show the street's charm and changes. Her work gathers a community of artists and locals, turning a long-term project into a colorful story of the neighborhood.

January 4, 2026

Trade Union Pushes to End Housing Tax Breaks Fueling Property Inequality in Australia

The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union wants to end key housing tax breaks like the capital gains discount and negative gearing. It says these benefits make property costly and unfair. The union urges a new way to help renters buy homes and wants the government to act fast.

January 4, 2026

US Troops Seize Venezuela's Maduro in Pre-Dawn Raid, Sparking Mixed Reactions

US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a surprise military strike. Venezuelans abroad react with relief and concern over legal and humanitarian impacts.

January 4, 2026

Left Parties Condemn US Strikes on Venezuela, Call It Act of Aggression

Indian left parties strongly denounce the US strikes on Venezuela and capture of President Nicolás Maduro. They call it illegal, demanding UN action. CPI(M) terms it international terrorism.

January 3, 2026

Lab Technician Arrested for Welder's Death After Injection in Pudukkottai

A 35-year-old lab technician was arrested in Pudukkottai for the death of a 34-year-old welder after giving him an injection. The technician had been treating patients illegally at home after losing his government job.