Gerrymandering and longer-term trends in polarization have left fewer competitive House seats in next year’s midterm elections.

Suðurlandsvegur has now been fully reopened and emergency responders have concluded their work at the scene. A traffic accident occurred on the road earlier this morning, and it was closed for a period as a result.

Margrét Halla Hansdóttir Löf has appealed the 16-year prison sentence she received at the Reykjanes District Court on December 16.

India's Defence Acquisition Council approved nearly Rs 79,000 crore in military modernization projects, including air defense missiles, combat drones, and long-range rockets. These crucial acquisitions aim to bolster operational readiness against evolving threats from China and Pakistan, emphasizing speed, precision, and multi-domain warfare capabilities.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's appointment as chairperson of the Assam election screening committee fuels leadership debate, with the BJP alleging internal conflict between her and Rahul Gandhi. The Congress dismisses these claims, asserting her experience and organizational capabilities. This move, amidst whispers of her potential elevation, comes as the party seeks to regain ground in Assam.

TEHRAN – A total of 70 earthquakes were recorded across the country in a week from December 27 to January 2, according to the seismological networks of the Institute of Geophysics of the University of Tehran.

TEHRAN – The Department of Environment (DOE) has developed a comprehensive plan to preserve luristanica Sorbus, a rare plant species that is native to Iran and is classified as critically endangered.

TEHRAN – The first phase of the national immunization campaign for polio eradication, using domestically produced vaccines, will cover a total of 1.1 million Iranian and foreign children under the age of five.

TEHRAN – Global warming and ice sheet melting pose serious threats to food security in the south of the country, Ahad Vazifeh, the head of the Meteorological Organization, has warned.

In recent weeks, white pelicans have been spotted in Mazandaran province, neighboring the Caspian Sea, making the place an ideal time for birdwatchers and photographers to catch a glimpse of these rare visitors, along with the many other migratory species that flock to the refuge in winter.

London City Airport is also set to introduce a drop-off fee of £8 tomorrow, after previously not having one, and Bristol Airport also increased its drop-off fee by £1.50 as of today, bringing the total to £8.50.

Keir Starmer dodged saying whether he believed the US had broken the law with the extraordinary seizure of Nicola Maduro from Caracas.

Amanda Smith, who is White British, sued her former employer after accusing co-worker Sadie Shefedun of reacting with visible disgust to her lunch.

The fire, at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, claimed the lives of forty victims; 26 were aged between 14 and 18.

Jonathan Carley, 65, sparked fury after laying a wreath at the ceremony in Llandudno, North Wales dressed in a Rear Admiral's uniform with 12 medals pinned to his jacket.

A family will be able to have their reunion dinner at their childhood home in Boon Lay after volunteers pitched in to clean up the five-room flat filled with clutter.The 76-year-old resident, surnamed Guo, told Shin Min Daily News she did not have the strength to clear the stuff she had accumulated over the years.The unit had been overflowing with stacks of household items, bags, containers and more, sparking concern from her children, who had moved out some 10 years ago.Guo's two daughters told Shin Min they were worried that the flat might be a fire hazard or that items piled high could fall and pose a danger to their elderly parents.They hence approached volunteer organisation AMKSS Social Move, which agreed to help.To ensure that the decluttering effort would not be hindered, the daughters reportedly told their mother a white lie — that the items had been «sold» to someone for $1,000. On Sunday (Jan 4) morning, volunteers gathered at Block 268A Boon Lay Drive, spending about eight hours to clear the mess in the flat and along the corridor. 

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) bade farewell to Commissioner of Police (CP) Hoong Wee Teck in a ceremony on Monday (Jan 5), as the force welcomed their new top cop, How Kwang Hwee.Hoong Wee Teck, 62, has served 38 years in the SPF, leading it for 11 years — since 2015. He is credited for having significantly strengthened the capabilities of the police, particularly in the adoption of new technological capabilities which have enabled the force to carry out its mission of crime fighting and prevention.In his farewell speech, Hoong paid tribute to the «strong trust and shared responsibilities» from its partners and the public for making Singapore a safe country.«A safe country is not built by police officers alone. It is built by a community that believes in the common purpose, anchored by the strong trust and shared responsibilities.»To our partners, including our fellow Home Team and public service agencies, volunteers, community stakeholders and overseas counterparts, thank you for your collaboration, your vigilance and your unwavering support," he said.

Eva Schloss-Geiringer passed away peacefully in London on 3 January 2026, the Anne Frank House has confirmed.

Kicking off the New Year with another relaunch effort, Keir Starmer insisted he is acting to ease the cost of living pressures.

Gerrymandering and longer-term trends in polarization have left fewer competitive House seats in next year’s midterm elections.

Czech Foreign Ministry to summon Ukrainian ambassador over remarks targeting senior lawmaker Tomio Okamura Read Full Article at RT.com

The African Union has expressed concern over reports of US airstrikes on Caracas and the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Read Full Article at RT.com

Trump signals possible military action against Colombia following Saturday’s raid on Venezuela Read Full Article at RT.com

The male driver of a Singapore-registered car who is alleged to have refuelled his vehicle with Ron95 petrol by partially concealing his licence plate has been identified by the Malaysian police as a Singapore permanent resident.Assistant Commissioner of Police Tan Seng Lee from the Kulai district police headquarters said the man, who is currently in Singapore, has been instructed to report to the authorities immediately , Bernama reported.Tan also warned the public not to «arbitrarily alter or attempt to conceal vehicle registration numbers», adding that this is against the law.Ron95 petrol is heavily subsidised in Malaysia. All foreign-registered vehicles, including those from Singapore, can buy only unsubsidised Ron97 or higher-grade fuel since 2010. This includes Malaysians who are driving Singapore-registered cars.

Operators offering battery-operated go-karts will now be able to save at least $7,000 under a pro-enterprise regulatory change announced by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) on Monday (Jan 5).An exemption order for such rides under the Amusement Rides Safety Act 2011 was issued and came into effect on Jan 2, BCA said.«This move stems from a periodical review of existing regulations, ensuring public safety while adapting to the evolving needs of the amusement ride industry,» the authority said.Prior to this, all amusement rides, including go-karts of any speed or power, required permits for installation, modification and operation.The application fees for installation permits and associated professional costs may run up to $5,000, while operating permit renewals can cost $2,000.In a Facebook post on Monday, National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat said that the move arose from an appeal he received from young entrepreneurs operating kiddy rides in a shopping mall, and is part of the Ministry of National Development's pro-enterprise rules review exercise.

A 30-year-old Malaysian man has been arrested by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers for attempting to smuggle 150 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes into Singapore via a Malaysia-registered lorry.The incident happened on Dec 1 at Tuas Checkpoint.In a Facebook post on Monday (Jan 5), ICA said the lorry was directed for enhanced checks, where search and examination officers found 150 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes hidden in the cabin area of the vehicle.He was arrested and the case referred to the Singapore Customs for further investigation.In an advisory on Nov 17, ICA had warned travellers that it will be conducting more intensified checks against the smuggling of e-vaporisers and contraband items during the year-end school holidays.A similar warning was also issued ahead of the year-end festive period on Dec 18. 

A Washington Post poll shows Americans are split on sending military forces to Venezuela to capture Maduro. Most say it should have required Congress’s approval.

Trump’s moves to assert U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere and pull back from Europe could embolden Russia and China.

The Supreme Court denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots case, citing a prima facie case under UAPA. The court found they played a «formative role» in the conspiracy. However, five other accused were granted bail with strict conditions. Khalid and Imam can seek bail again after one year.

Umar Khalid, denied bail by the Supreme Court in the 2020 Delhi riots case, stated prison is now his life. While he expressed happiness for co-accused granted bail, the court found a prima facie case against him under UAPA. The Supreme Court also noted that trial delays don't automatically override UAPA safeguards.

Union minister Giriraj Singh equated Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam's actions to those of terrorist Kasab, following the Supreme Court's denial of their bail in the 2020 Delhi riots case. The BJP welcomed the verdict, asserting the riots were organized and sponsored, not spontaneous. Khalid, denied bail, stated jail is now his life.