The United States has been swept by outrage after President Donald Trump posted a fake video on his Truth Social platform showing himself as “King Trump.” In the video, Trump appears crowned and flying a private jet labeled “King Trump,” releasing brown, waste-like liquid onto protesters below while the song “Danger Zone” plays in the background. The video surfaced on the same day as the “No Kings” demonstrations, when thousands of Americans in all 50 states rallied with placards reading “I pledge allegiance to no king,” condemning Trump’s alleged authoritarianism. Later that night, the White House’s official account posted an AI-generated image showing Trump and Vice President JD Vance wearing crowns, captioned, “Good night, everyone.” Critics across the political spectrum called the posts offensive and divisive, while the White House dismissed the controversy with spokesperson Abigail Jackson’s brief remark: “Who cares?”

The Trump administration’s steep increase in H-1B visa fees has shattered the aspirations of countless young Indians hoping to build careers in the US. Once costing around $2,000, visa expenses now reach up to $100,000, forcing employers to spend nearly $160,000 per hire. As a result, many US companies are turning to local workers, shrinking opportunities for Indian talent. Experts warn that IT, software, healthcare, and project management sectors will face major setbacks. Students and professionals feel targeted and unwelcome, while Indian government officials encourage skilled workers to return home. However, many may choose alternatives like Canada, Australia, or Europe. Analysts stress that this policy could harm not only Indian professionals but also America’s own economic growth and innovation ecosystem, with long-term consequences for the global tech industry.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has demanded the imprisonment of former U.S. President Donald Trump for directly supporting what he termed the ongoing “genocide” in Gaza.

“Trump deserves jail if he continues backing this genocide,” Petro declared, citing the Rome Statute, which allows for the arrest of war criminals anywhere in the world. He suggested even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could be arrested from the U.S. under international law and questioned why Washington had not acted.

Petro also announced Colombia’s decision to cancel its free trade agreement with Israel, while criticizing the U.S. for disregarding international law. Earlier, he rejected the U.S. decision to revoke his visa over his criticism of Israeli actions.

The Taliban government in Afghanistan announced a nationwide internet shutdown aimed at stopping what it called “immoral activities.”

By Monday night, several networks had gone offline, affecting telephone services and creating a complete internet blackout. At least eight flights were canceled at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport, while banking and business operations are expected to be severely disrupted.

Afghans abroad are unable to contact their families, while local media outlets report major disruptions to their operations. International news agencies AP and AFP also said they were unable to reach their Kabul bureaus.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apologized to Qatar after an airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha killed a Qatari national.

The apology was conveyed during a phone call with Qatar’s Prime Minister while Netanyahu was meeting former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. According to a White House statement, Netanyahu expressed “deep regret” that a Qatari soldier was unintentionally killed in the missile strike. He also admitted that targeting Hamas leaders during hostage negotiations violated Qatar’s sovereignty and pledged such actions would not be repeated.

Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed the apology was accepted. The Qatari leadership also thanked U.S. President Trump for reaffirming Washington’s commitment to Qatar’s defense partnership and for assurances that further aggressions would be prevented.

Facing mounting protests by Gen Z demonstrators over acute shortages of electricity and water, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has dissolved his government.

“I apologize for the failures of my government,” Rajoelina said. “If ministers did not fulfill their duties, we admit our shortcomings and express regret. I understand the anger, suffering, and daily struggles caused by these shortages.”

Earlier, he had dismissed the energy minister for negligence, but protesters demanded the resignation of the president and the entire cabinet. On Monday, after thousands once again rallied in the streets, Rajoelina announced he had dismissed the prime minister and dissolved the government. Applications for the next prime minister will be accepted within three days, followed by the formation of a new cabinet.

Meanwhile, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk condemned the “unnecessary use of force” by security forces, reporting at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has rejected allegations of anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh, calling them false and fueled by India’s growing “fake news industry.”
In an interview, Yunus said: “There is no anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh. One of India’s most notable exports now is fake news.”
He admitted he was initially reluctant to accept the role of Chief Adviser but agreed after appeals from protest leaders: “If you can sacrifice so much, I can reconsider my decision.”
He also discussed election delays, the Rohingya crisis, and the ban on Awami League activities.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has tabled a 20-point plan to end hostilities in Gaza, receiving immediate approval from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump warned that if Hamas rejects the terms, the U.S. will fully back Israel’s military actions. Key provisions include:

Immediate ceasefire upon mutual agreement.

Israeli troops to pull back to designated lines for prisoner exchanges.

Suspension of all military operations, including airstrikes and artillery fire.

Hamas must release all hostages—alive or dead—within 72 hours.

In exchange, Israel to release 250 prisoners serving life terms and 1,700 detainees held since October 7, 2023.

Amnesty for Hamas members who surrender arms and accept coexistence, while safe passage will be arranged for those wishing to leave Gaza.

Massive humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza once the deal is signed.
The plan also proposes a temporary transitional administration led by a non-political Palestinian technocratic committee, overseen by a new international body, the Board of Peace. Trump would serve as chairman, joined by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and other leaders.

The Government of Japan has announced a $3.4 million humanitarian grant to support Rohingya refugees and vulnerable host communities in Bangladesh.

According to the Japanese Embassy, the funds will enable the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide monthly food and nutrition assistance to more than 100,000 Rohingya refugees and 2,000 Bangladeshis. Families will receive e-vouchers to purchase rice, lentils, vegetables, and other essentials from camp stores. Special nutrition packages will also be distributed to children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.

Japanese Ambassador Iwama Kiminori reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting both Rohingyas and local communities, especially women and children. WFP Country Director Dom Scalpelli thanked Japan for its generosity and urged global partners to step up efforts to prevent further deterioration of humanitarian conditions in the camps.

Hundreds of thousands rallied in Berlin to protest what they called the German government’s silence in the face of alleged mass atrocities in Gaza. Demonstrators marched from City Hall to Grosser Stern in a demonstration organized by a broad coalition of roughly 50 groups, including pro-Palestine organizations, Médecins Sans Frontières (Medico International), Amnesty International and the Left Party.

Organizers demanded that the German government stop expressing solidarity with what they described as Israeli “genocidal” actions and urged an end to all forms of military cooperation with Israel. Their statement noted that international experts and agencies have described Israeli actions as genocidal and that international courts are investigating the matter. The organizers also cited a recent poll showing 62% of German voters consider Israel’s actions in Gaza genocidal — a finding they say increases pressure on the center-right government to reassess its stance.

Although Chancellor Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul have recently criticized aspects of Israel’s military campaign and raised concerns about restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza, neither has used the term “genocide,” the protesters noted.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Israel has supplied Ukraine with a Patriot missile defense system, marking a significant development in Kyiv’s defensive capabilities.

Zelensky also claimed Ukraine will soon acquire two additional Patriot systems. This contradicts earlier statements by Israel’s Foreign Ministry, which told The Kyiv Independent in June that no Patriot systems had been sent.

Zelensky stressed that the U.S.-made Patriot defense system would greatly bolster Ukraine’s military efforts in the ongoing war.

Spain has scrapped a third major defense deal with Israel worth approximately €207 million, citing the ongoing genocide in Gaza and mounting international pressure.

The decision was approved in a cabinet meeting last Tuesday, where the Spanish government imposed a complete arms embargo on Israel. This ban halts all imports and exports of military equipment, defense technology, and related materials.

Finance Minister Carlos Cuerpo hailed the move as a “bold and pioneering step,” calling it a significant advancement in the international campaign to hold Israel accountable.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has expressed interest in signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh and linking the economic zones of both countries. In a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus on Friday, Tobgay proposed connecting Bhutan’s “Gelephu Mindfulness City” with the special economic zone allocated for Bhutanese investors in Kurigram. He also highlighted opportunities in hydropower exports, pharmaceuticals, fiber-optic connectivity, and religious tourism. Chief Adviser Yunus welcomed the proposal and invited Tobgay to visit Bangladesh, which he plans to do before the upcoming national elections in February.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed growing international criticism of Israel as “mere posturing” during his UN address. He claimed many leaders who publicly condemn Israel privately express gratitude, acknowledging that Israeli intelligence has helped prevent terrorist attacks in their capitals and saved countless lives. His comments come amid a surge in calls for Palestinian state recognition and demands for a ceasefire.

At a high-level dinner hosted by Bangladesh’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed his government’s pledge to implement major labor reforms aligned with ILO conventions before the upcoming February national elections.

Yunus stressed that labor reforms are crucial to attract large-scale foreign investment in Bangladesh.

The event was attended by the ILO Director-General, UN officials, and senior political leaders.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized that Bangladesh’s garment industry is the cornerstone of the economy and must remain a top priority for any future government.

Jamaat leader Abdullah Mohammad Taher highlighted his party’s experience in the garment sector, claiming it could help boost competitiveness.

NCP senior leader Dr. Tasnim Jara, recalling her frontline experience during the Rana Plaza tragedy as a medical student, said it shaped her understanding of the human cost of unsafe labor practices.