South Korea has pledged to identify and punish those responsible for a recent drone intrusion into North Korea, following Pyongyang’s demand for an official apology. North Korea claimed that a South Korean drone crossed the shared border into Kaesong earlier this month, was shot down, and its wreckage displayed publicly. Seoul denied any military or government involvement but acknowledged the possibility of civilian participation.

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac stated during a press briefing in Nara, Japan, that authorities are investigating whether the incident originated from the civilian sector and promised legal consequences if guilt is proven. He also noted that North Korea had previously sent drones into South Korea, calling such actions violations of the armistice agreement that ended the 1950–53 Korean War.

President Lee Jae-myung has ordered a joint military and police investigation into the matter, warning that any civilian involvement would pose a serious threat to peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Twenty-three members of the British Parliament from multiple political parties have called for the United States to be expelled from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to a BBC report cited in the source, the MPs argue that Washington’s recent military operations violate international law and undermine the sovereignty of other nations. The demand follows a U.S. raid in Caracas that reportedly led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as well as subsequent threats by President Donald Trump toward several countries.

The MPs, representing the Labour, Liberal Democrat, Green Party, and Plaid Cymru, signed a joint proposal urging FIFA and other global sports bodies to bar the U.S. from major tournaments. They stated that events like the World Cup or Olympics should not become tools for powerful states to disregard international law. The controversy comes shortly after Trump received a “Peace Award” from FIFA for his role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine.

The call adds political tension ahead of the 2026 World Cup, for which the United States is one of the host nations alongside Mexico and Canada.

Iran has temporarily closed its airspace to nearly all flights except for international civilian arrivals and departures, according to an official aviation notice issued early Thursday. The notice stated that Tehran’s airspace would remain closed until January 15, with only limited operations allowed under approval from the Civil Aviation Authority.

The decision comes amid escalating anti-government protests, growing international scrutiny, and heightened security concerns across the country. Human rights groups claim that thousands have been killed or injured since demonstrations began in late December, though Iranian authorities have not released official casualty figures.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he was informed that executions of protesters in Iran had been halted, warning that Washington would take “very tough measures” if they resumed. G7 foreign ministers condemned the “deliberate use of violence” against demonstrators and urged Iran to show restraint and respect human rights. Iranian officials, meanwhile, accused the United States and Israel of supporting unrest and terrorism, allegations denied by Western nations.

The internationally recognized Yemeni government, known as the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), announced that its forces have regained control of two strategic southern provinces from the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) after a month of fighting. The UAE-backed STC had seized the oil-rich Hadramaut and Al-Mahra provinces near the Saudi border in early December 2025. Saudi Arabia, which supports the PLC, viewed the move as a national security threat and responded with airstrikes on STC positions, including the key port of Mukalla.

The PLC, led by Rashad al-Alimi since 2022, operates from Aden and aims to unify anti-Houthi factions. The STC seeks an independent southern Yemen and rejected reports of its dissolution after its leader was dismissed from the PLC in January 2026. Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi rebels continue to control much of northern and western Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and the Red Sea coast.

According to the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies, the Houthis hold northwestern Yemen, while the government claims most of the rest. The UN reports that 17 million Yemenis face severe food shortages, with millions displaced and dependent on humanitarian aid.

Several European countries have issued urgent travel advisories instructing their citizens to leave Iran immediately due to escalating anti-government protests and a deteriorating security environment. Italy, Poland, Germany, and Spain released warnings on Wednesday, citing growing instability. Italy’s foreign ministry reported that around 600 Italian nationals are currently in Iran, mostly in Tehran, and reiterated its call for them to depart swiftly. Poland also advised against travel to Iran, while Germany urged its citizens to avoid visits and for those already there to leave, warning of potential arbitrary arrests. Spain similarly discouraged travel and asked Spanish nationals to exit using available means.

The unrest began on December 28 at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, sparked by protests over the sharp devaluation of Iran’s currency, the rial, and worsening economic conditions. Demonstrations have since spread to multiple cities across the country. Recent fears of a possible U.S. military strike have further heightened tensions and uncertainty in the region.

The coordinated European advisories reflect growing international concern over Iran’s internal instability and the safety of foreign nationals.

The World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report, released in January 2026, states that Bangladesh’s medium-term economic outlook has improved, with growth expected to strengthen steadily over the next two fiscal years. The forecast for 2025–26 has been revised upward to 4.6 percent, and for 2026–27 to 6.1 percent, reflecting stronger domestic demand, industrial activity, and investment.

According to the report, easing inflation is expected to boost private consumption, while reduced political uncertainty following the 2026 general election and anticipated structural reforms by the new government will support industrial expansion. Public spending and investment growth are also projected to accelerate faster than previously forecast, with the 2027 growth estimate raised by 0.3 percentage points compared to the June projection.

In the global context, the World Bank noted that despite trade tensions and policy uncertainty, the world economy remains more resilient than expected. However, it warned that if current trends persist, the 2020s could become the weakest decade for global growth since the 1960s.

Saudi Arabia has informed Iran that it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used for any military attack. Two sources close to the Saudi government told AFP on Wednesday that the message was delivered as the United States threatens possible military action against Tehran. Saudi media outlet Al Arabiya also reported the development.

According to the sources, Riyadh clarified its stance amid warnings that Washington might take military steps in response to Iran’s harsh crackdown on ongoing protests. In reaction, Tehran has warned that any new attack would prompt it to target US military bases and naval assets. A source close to the Saudi military said the kingdom directly told Tehran it would not participate in any military operation against Iran.

Analysts noted that the presence of significant US military assets across the Gulf region, including in Saudi Arabia, makes the situation more sensitive amid rising tensions.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has announced a month-long, 15-point nationwide campaign to ensure a ‘Yes’ victory in the upcoming referendum. The program, unveiled on Wednesday at a press conference in front of the DUCSU building, is being conducted under the slogan “Vote Yes, Secure Bangladesh.” DUCSU Vice President Sadiq Kayem announced the initiatives aimed at increasing public participation and awareness.

According to the announcement, the campaign includes direct public outreach, online activities, debates, seminars on state reform, meetings with civil society and journalists, discussions with online activists, cultural events, and visits to educational institutions across the country to unite students. In his written statement, Kayem said the referendum represents a continuation of the July uprising’s spirit of reform and equality, describing participation and a ‘Yes’ vote as a duty to honor the sacrifices of July’s martyrs.

DUCSU also called on all anti-fascist political parties, student and professional organizations, and the general public to unite in creating a nationwide wave of support for the ‘Yes’ vote.

New Zealand defeated India by seven wickets in the second One Day International at Rajkot, leveling the three-match series 1–1. Chasing 285, the visitors reached 286 for three in 47.3 overs, securing victory with 15 balls to spare. Daryl Mitchell starred with an unbeaten 131 off 117 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes, while Will Young contributed 87 runs. The win marked New Zealand’s highest successful run chase in an ODI on Indian soil.

Earlier, India posted 284 for seven after losing the toss and being sent to bat at Niranjan Shah Stadium. Lokesh Rahul remained unbeaten on 112 from 92 balls, hitting 11 boundaries and one six, while opener Shubman Gill added 56 runs. For New Zealand, bowler Clark took three wickets for 56 runs.

With this emphatic win, New Zealand ended an eight-match losing streak against India and kept the series alive ahead of the final ODI.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, has permitted the display of seized evidence from the July–August 2024 crimes against humanity cases at the July Uprising Memorial Museum gallery for one month. The order was issued following a prosecution request, according to a report by BSS. The museum, located at Ganabhaban and officially designated by the current government as the July Uprising Memorial Museum, is scheduled to open on January 20.

Prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim stated that the museum authorities applied through the prosecution to exhibit the seized items, which include bullets, weapons, bloodstained clothing, and chairs used during torture. The tribunal granted permission for these materials to be displayed for one month from a specified date. The decision allows the public to view physical evidence from both resolved and ongoing tribunal cases.

The display aims to preserve and present historical evidence of the July events, marking a significant step in documenting crimes against humanity tried under the tribunal’s jurisdiction.

A joint operation led by the Bangladesh Navy seized 80,000 yaba pills in Teknaf’s Hnila Union, Leda area on Wednesday, January 14. The operation was conducted with the participation of the Coast Guard and police, following intelligence information about drug trafficking in the region. During the search of several suspected autorickshaws, one driver abandoned his vehicle and fled into a Rohingya camp, leaving behind the narcotics.

Officials reported that the seized yaba pills have an estimated market value of around 40 million taka. The autorickshaw used to transport the drugs was also confiscated. Both the drugs and the vehicle were later handed over to Teknaf Police Station for legal action.

Authorities stated that the Bangladesh Navy regularly conducts such operations to safeguard national maritime sovereignty and maintain internal security by preventing drug trafficking, terrorism, and other criminal activities in its designated areas.

Seven people have died in Rangpur over the past three days after consuming rectified spirit alcohol reportedly collected from local homeopathic pharmacies. Police confirmed that two more people, Abdul Malek of Gopalpur Union and Rashedul Islam of Shyampur, died recently, bringing the total death toll to seven. Several others remain critically ill, and the bodies of the latest victims were sent to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for autopsy.

Among the deceased is Zainul Abedin, a known drug dealer who was in Rangpur Central Jail facing drug and murder charges. He died while under treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital. Police have recovered ten bottles of rectified spirit and filed two separate cases in Badarganj and Hajirhat police stations. Law enforcement agencies, including the Detective Branch and the Department of Narcotics Control, have conducted raids at a homeopathic chamber in the city.

Rangpur Superintendent of Police Marufat Hossain stated that drug dealers had been collecting the spirit from certain homeopathic chambers. Investigations and operations are continuing to trace the source and prevent further incidents.

The United Arab Emirates has granted royal pardons to 440 Bangladeshi prisoners as part of celebrations marking its 54th National Day, known as Eid Al Ittihad. The announcement was made through a press release from the UAE Embassy in Dhaka, noting that the pardon was part of the 2025 Eid Al Ittihad festivities. During this period, the UAE leadership extended clemency to thousands of prisoners from various countries across the nation.

According to officials, the royal pardon program, implemented toward the end of 2025, allowed many inmates, including Bangladeshis, to rebuild their lives and reunite with their families. The initiative is described as a reflection of the UAE’s longstanding humanitarian values and commitment to compassion.

Eid Al Ittihad, observed annually on December 2, commemorates the 1971 unification of the emirates under one flag, symbolizing national unity and solidarity.

The United States has announced the suspension of all types of visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Bangladesh, effective from January 21, 2026. According to reports from Reuters and Fox News, the U.S. Department of State has sent instructions to consular offices in these countries to halt visa issuance indefinitely while the department reviews its current vetting procedures.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that the ministry is reassessing visa processing based on long-standing experience, aiming to prevent entry of foreign nationals who might rely on U.S. public assistance or welfare programs. The suspension follows a November 2025 directive that required consular officers worldwide to strictly enforce the “public charge” provisions of immigration law.

That directive also instructed officers to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to depend on public aid, including those with poor health, limited English proficiency, or long-term medical needs. The suspension will remain in place until the review process is completed, with no specified end date.

Some members of the US military were advised on Wednesday evening to leave Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base, according to Reuters citing three diplomats. The development comes amid ongoing protests in Iran and Washington’s warnings against interference. One diplomat described the move as a routine change rather than a directed relocation, adding that it was unclear whether any specific reason was behind it. The US Embassy in Doha did not immediately comment, while Al Jazeera reached out to Qatar’s foreign ministry for a response.

Al Udeid is the largest US base in the Middle East, hosting around 10,000 troops. Last year, before a US airstrike in Iran, some personnel and families were relocated from American bases in the region. Following that strike, Iran launched missile attacks on the Qatari base. An Iranian official had earlier warned that Tehran might target US military installations in regional countries in response to Washington’s actions.

Located in the desert outside Doha, the 24-hectare base serves as the forward headquarters of US Central Command, overseeing operations from Egypt to Kazakhstan.