World News
Grooming gangs: Eight men jailed in UK for sexually abusing teenagers
The survivors, aged 13 and 16 at the time, endured years of abuse that came to light after one came forward as an adult
 "Grooming gangs: Eight men jailed in UK for sexually abusing teenagers")
US TikTok users lose access to app; Trump likely to give 90-day reprieve
A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US, according to an in-app pop-up message. Unfortunately, that means you can't use TikTok for now
 "US TikTok users lose access to app; Trump likely to give 90-day reprieve")
Southeast Asian nations seek breakthrough in South China Sea disputes
The retreat on the idyllic northern resort island of Langkawi was the first major meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations hosted by Malaysia
 "Southeast Asian nations seek breakthrough in South China Sea disputes")
Flags at US Capitol to be flown full mast on Donald Trump's swearing-in
Johnson noted that the flags would return to half-staff in memory of Carter the following day
 "Flags at US Capitol to be flown full mast on Donald Trump's swearing-in")
Trump wants to visit China, talked about possible trip to India: Report
President-elect Donald Trump has told advisors he wants to travel to China after he takes office
 "Trump wants to visit China, talked about possible trip to India: Report")
AI startup Perplexity said to submit bid to merge with TikTok's US unit
A merger with TikTok may give Perplexity access to a vast user base and a wealth of data that would feed its AI-driven search engine
 "AI startup Perplexity said to submit bid to merge with TikTok's US unit")
Trump in Washington for inaugural celebrations; to sign 100 orders on day 1
Trump said he is planning to sign a record-setting number of executive actions on day one
 "Trump in Washington for inaugural celebrations; to sign 100 orders on day 1")
Thousands protest in Washington DC against Trump ahead of inauguration
Displaying anti-Trump posters and banner, the protestors raised slogans against the next President and also against some of his close supporters
 "Thousands protest in Washington DC against Trump ahead of inauguration")
Can't move forward with Hamas deal until hostage list received: Netanyahu
He further emphasised that any violations of the agreement will not be tolerated
 "Can't move forward with Hamas deal until hostage list received: Netanyahu")
'44 vandalism incidents against shrines reported in B'desh since August 4'
The incidents include vandalism and attacks on shrines and devotees, looting of shrine properties, and setting fire, the statement released by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus' Press Wing stated
 "'44 vandalism incidents against shrines reported in B'desh since August 4'")
S Korean court orders formal arrest of Yoon Suk over martial law decree
Yoon's arrest could mark the beginning of an extended period in custody for him, lasting months or more
 "S Korean court orders formal arrest of Yoon Suk over martial law decree")
Most likely will give TikTok 90-day extension to avoid ban, says Trump
Trump said in an NBC News interview that he had not decided what to do but was considering granting TikTok a reprieve after he is sworn into office on Monday
 "Most likely will give TikTok 90-day extension to avoid ban, says Trump")
Pakistani, Chinese companies ink $250 million MoUs to boost medical sector
The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed at the China-Pakistan B2B conference in the medical equipment and surgical instrument sector in Beijing on Friday
 "Pakistani, Chinese companies ink $250 million MoUs to boost medical sector")
Palestinians prepare to welcome relatives to be released from Israel
Israel's justice ministry has published a list of 95 Palestinian prisoners set to be released on Sunday. Most of them are accused of crimes such as incitement, vandalism, supporting terror activities
 "Palestinians prepare to welcome relatives to be released from Israel")
As Trump returns to White House, his family circle has a different look
Family members can provide presidents with a ready source of moral and sounding-board support, companionship and even relief from the world's problems
Israeli air force intercepts one ballistic missile launched from Yemen
Meanwhile, IDF announced that it is making preparations for the ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas, which was given approval by the government overnight
 "Israeli air force intercepts one ballistic missile launched from Yemen")
How TikTok grew from a fun app to potential national security threat in US
Starting in 2017, when the Chinese social video app merged with its competitor Musical.ly, TikTok has grown from a niche teen app into a global trendsetter
 "How TikTok grew from a fun app to potential national security threat in US")
Impeached South Korean President Yoon argues for release before court
Yoon, who has been in detention since he was apprehended on Wednesday in a massive law enforcement operation at residence, faces potential rebellion charges linked to his declaration of martial law
 "Impeached South Korean President Yoon argues for release before court")
Biden's final days in office: Ceasefire deal, Ukraine, clemency, and more
From clemency to forgiving student debt: Here's all the policies that outgoing US President Joe Biden pushed ahead during his last days in the White House
 "Biden's final days in office: Ceasefire deal, Ukraine, clemency, and more")
IMF downgrades Pakistan's GDP growth outlook for 2025 from 3.2% to 3%
The latest downgrade reflects ongoing economic challenges in the country, although the IMF did not provide specific reasons for the revision
 "IMF downgrades Pakistan's GDP growth outlook for 2025 from 3.2% to 3%")
