Australia is facing severe wildfires amid an intense heatwave, with authorities warning of potentially catastrophic conditions across eastern and southeastern regions. On Thursday, firefighters battled multiple blazes as temperatures were forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Residents in Victoria and New South Wales, including major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, were urged to remain on high alert, according to AFP.

Victoria’s Country Fire Authority chief Jason Heffernan said fire danger levels could reach “catastrophic” in some areas, warning that any ignition could spread rapidly and become uncontrollable. Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch noted that hot, dry winds would intensify the fires, while Acting Premier Ben Carroll instructed officials to prepare early evacuations. Meteorologist Sarah Scully reported that extreme heat and dry thunderstorms could trigger new fires.

Authorities fear the situation could become the most dangerous since the 2019–2020 “Black Summer” fires, which devastated vast areas of forest and property. Researchers have linked the increasing frequency of extreme weather to a 1.5°C rise in Australia’s average temperature since 1910.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russian troops in Ukraine are on a 'sacred mission'. He made the remarks on Wednesday at an event with military personnel and their families at the Church of St. George the Victorious in Moscow. Putin compared the soldiers’ role to that of Jesus Christ, saying they are working to protect their homeland and its people.

Putin said that throughout Russian history, soldiers have been viewed as fulfilling a 'sacred mission' sent by God. Addressing the children of service members, he urged them to be proud of their parents and relatives currently engaged in the war, emphasizing that the Russian people have always taken pride in their fighters.

According to the report, Russian forces began their military operation in Ukraine in 2022, and the conflict continues. Since January 20, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has been attempting to bring an end to the hostilities.

U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a bill proposing import tariffs of up to 500 percent on India and several other countries that continue to buy oil from Russia. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said the bill will soon be presented to the U.S. Congress. He explained that the measure aims to punish nations purchasing cheap Russian oil, which he said supports President Vladimir Putin’s war efforts. Graham also named Brazil and China among the countries that could face these penalties.

Currently, India faces an additional 25 percent tariff on crude oil imports from Russia, bringing total tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent. The Trump administration has also imposed sanctions on Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, while pressuring New Delhi to halt Russian oil imports as a condition for trade agreements with the United States.

The bill, co-authored by Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, would authorize the Trump administration to impose secondary sanctions and tariffs on imports of Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products, aiming to cut off funding sources for Russia’s military activities.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuela will use its oil sales revenue exclusively to purchase goods produced in the United States. According to Washington sources cited by AFP, the arrangement follows the removal of Nicolás Maduro from power and is based on a new oil agreement. The profits from Venezuela’s oil exports will be directed toward buying American products.

Trump shared the information on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that he had been informed about the new oil deal ensuring that Venezuela’s earnings would be spent solely on U.S.-made goods. He specified that the purchases would include agricultural products, machinery, medical equipment, and energy-sector machinery.

The report did not provide further details about the terms of the agreement or how it will be implemented, but it highlights a shift in Venezuela’s trade alignment following political changes in the country.

President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum directing the United States to withdraw from 66 international organizations. The White House announced on Wednesday that the decision was made because these organizations no longer serve U.S. national interests. According to a statement shared on social media platform X, the order covers 31 United Nations–affiliated bodies and 35 other international institutions, though no specific names were disclosed.

The White House explained that continued U.S. involvement in these organizations is no longer aligned with the country’s strategic and economic priorities. The announcement marks another step in Trump’s ongoing effort, during his second term, to reduce U.S. participation in global institutions.

Observers note that these moves have sparked renewed debate about America’s role in international affairs, as the administration continues to reassess its global commitments.

A 37-year-old woman named Reni Nicole Good was shot dead by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis. The incident occurred during a large-scale immigration crackdown led by the Trump administration. Officials claimed Good attempted to ram ICE agents with her vehicle, prompting an agent to fire in self-defense. Video footage showed a red SUV attempting to move as officers approached before three gunshots were heard. The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the officer acted defensively, while President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson supported the agent’s actions.

Local and state Democratic leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, rejected the federal explanation, calling the shooting reckless and demanding ICE agents leave the city. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez described the act as an “outright killing,” and former Vice President Kamala Harris accused the administration of “gaslighting.” Protests erupted across Minneapolis and other cities, with demonstrators calling for accountability and the removal of ICE.

The FBI has launched an investigation into the shooting, while Noem confirmed ICE operations in Minneapolis will continue despite acknowledging the death was preventable.

Australia concluded the Ashes series with a dominant performance, defeating England by five wickets in the fifth and final Test in Sydney. The hosts chased down a 160-run target after bowling England out for 342 on the fifth day. Earlier, England had scored 384 in their first innings, while Australia took a strong lead with 542 runs. Travis Head’s first-innings century and steady partnerships guided Australia to a comfortable win, ending the series 4-1.

England’s second innings featured a resilient 154-run knock from Jacob Bethell, with Harry Brook and Ben Duckett contributing 42 runs each. However, their efforts were not enough to prevent another defeat. For Australia, openers Travis Head and Jake Weatherald gave a brisk start, followed by useful contributions from Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, and Cameron Green.

Travis Head was named Player of the Match for his 163-run innings off 166 balls, while Mitchell Starc earned the Player of the Series title after taking 46 wickets and scoring 202 runs across five matches.

U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Colombian President Gustavo Petro to the White House, just days after threatening possible military action against Colombia over alleged drug trafficking links. The invitation followed a tense period during which Trump warned Petro following a U.S. military operation in neighboring Venezuela that removed Nicolás Maduro from power. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump hinted at a similar intervention in Colombia but later softened his tone after a phone conversation with Petro.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that Petro had called to explain the drug situation and other disagreements between the two countries. He praised Petro’s approach and expressed eagerness to meet him soon in Washington. Earlier, Trump had imposed financial sanctions on Petro and his family without presenting evidence, prompting Petro to declare he was ready to take up arms if necessary.

Petro confirmed he would attend the White House meeting, though no date has been set. He also urged Trump to restore direct communication between their foreign ministries and presidential offices, noting the long-standing military and economic ties between Colombia and the United States.

The United States will indefinitely oversee Venezuela’s oil sales, according to US Energy Minister Chris Wright. Speaking at the Goldman Sachs Energy Event in Miami on Wednesday, Wright said that both Venezuela’s stored oil and future production will be sold on the international market under US management. The plan aims to regulate the country’s oil exports and ensure oversight of revenues.

AFP reported from Washington that former President Donald Trump had earlier announced Venezuela’s interim government would assign the marketing of 30 to 50 million barrels of crude oil to the United States. Trump said on social media that proceeds from the sale of this sanctioned but high-quality oil would be held under US supervision. The initiative is intended to restore international oil flow, secure supply for American refineries, and maintain funds in a US-controlled account for future mutual benefit.

US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth stated that the blockade on Venezuela’s sanctioned oil remains globally enforced. After US forces seized several tankers in the Caribbean and North Atlantic, he confirmed that the US stance against illegal Venezuelan oil trade is being strictly implemented worldwide.

England ended the fourth day of the Sydney Test in a precarious position despite a century from Jacob Bethell. The visitors reached 302 for 8 in their second innings, holding a slim lead of 113 runs. Bethell remained unbeaten on 142 alongside Matthew Potts at stumps. England’s batting collapse after a promising start left them vulnerable, with only two wickets in hand heading into the final day.

Earlier, England’s bowlers had wrapped up Australia’s first innings for 567 runs after the hosts resumed on 518 for 7. Trailing by 183, England began their second innings strongly, reaching 219 for 3 before losing Harry Brook and Will Jacks in quick succession. The collapse continued as they lost five wickets for just 83 runs. Bethell’s partnerships with Ben Duckett and Brook had earlier steadied the innings, but no other batter could provide lasting support.

With Australia needing only a modest chase, the match appears tilted in their favor unless England’s tail can resist early on the fifth morning.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unhappy with him because of the high tariffs imposed on India. Speaking at a meeting with Republican members of Congress, Trump claimed that Modi had requested to meet him, saying, “Sir, may I see you?” Trump added that despite their good relationship, Modi was displeased due to the tariff rates India faces.

Trump further stated that India had ordered 68 Apache helicopters and had significantly reduced its oil purchases from Russia. He described Modi as a good person who understood the importance of keeping the U.S. president satisfied, noting that the U.S. could quickly raise tariffs on India if necessary. Trump also said the tariffs were making the United States wealthier.

Discussing defense ties, Trump mentioned that India had been waiting for years for the Apache helicopters, but the process was now moving forward. He said the situation was changing as India’s order for 68 Apache helicopters progressed.

U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he may use direct military force to take control of autonomous Greenland, according to an AFP report from Washington on Tuesday. The White House described the move as a national security priority, saying military measures could be taken if necessary. The statement is expected to heighten tensions between the United States and Denmark, a NATO ally.

Following military intervention in Venezuela, Trump has turned his attention to the Arctic territory, citing its rare minerals and strategic importance as melting ice opens new sea routes. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said controlling Greenland is vital to counter rivals such as Russia and China, and that the president keeps all military options open.

Greenland and Denmark have called for urgent talks to ease tensions, while European nations including Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain have voiced support for Denmark’s sovereignty. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reaffirmed that the island is not for sale and that only its people can decide their future.

A Reuters poll has found that one-third of Americans support the recent US military strike in Venezuela, while 72 percent are concerned about deeper US involvement in the South American nation. The two-day survey, concluded on Monday, showed sharp political divisions, with 65 percent of Republicans backing President Donald Trump’s military action, compared to only 11 percent of Democrats and 23 percent of general voters.

The poll followed a US military operation early Saturday in Caracas, where American forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The United States has long accused Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking. Analysts noted that Trump, who had previously criticized other presidents for foreign wars, has now taken direct military action abroad. In a post-operation press conference, Trump declared that the US would take control of Venezuela, sparking widespread international debate.

Political analysts described the move as a major strategic decision for the Trump administration, especially ahead of the midterm elections that will determine congressional control for the final two years of his term.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuela will supply between 30 and 50 million barrels of high-quality oil to the United States. He made the statement on Tuesday through his social media platform Truth Social, saying the oil would be sold at market price once brought to the U.S. Trump added that he would personally oversee the use of the proceeds to benefit both the Venezuelan and American people.

The announcement came a day after former Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president. Trump said he had instructed his Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, to implement the plan immediately and that the oil would be transported directly to the United States by ship. According to CBS, representatives of major U.S. petroleum companies plan to meet with the Trump administration later this week.

The move signals a new phase in U.S.-Venezuela energy relations following recent political changes in Caracas, though details of the agreement’s structure and timeline remain unclear.

The United States has announced a new update to its visa bond list, adding Bangladesh among 38 countries whose citizens may now be required to deposit a financial bond when applying for a U.S. visa. The updated list was released by the U.S. Department of State on Tuesday, and the new rule will take effect from January 21. Under the policy, applicants from these countries may need to pay between 5,000 and 15,000 U.S. dollars as a visa bond.

According to the announcement, most of the countries included in the list are from Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The visa bond system is designed to discourage visa overstays by requiring a refundable financial guarantee from applicants. The measure is expected to make obtaining U.S. visas more difficult for many citizens of the listed countries.

The newly added countries include Bangladesh, Algeria, Angola, Antigua, Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cape Verde, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal, Tajikistan, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.