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The UAE has reached fifth place on the Henley Passport Index, offering access to 184 destinations. The ranking highlights a sharp rise since 2015 and contrasts regional passport standings, including Pakistan’s placement.
Australia has launched the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) in Pakistan, allowing students to earn an Australian school qualification locally. The programme offers pathways to universities, potential exchanges, and scholarship support, including a bursary worth AU$20,000.
A UK court overturned Majid Freeman’s conviction tied to the 2022 Leicester unrest, clearing him of all charges after a retrial. The judge cited a lack of proof of intent, and testimony and footage supported claims he tried to calm tensions.
The Taliban administration has appointed Noor Ahmad Noor as chargé d’affaires in New Delhi, its first senior envoy to India since 2021. The move comes as India engages cautiously without formal recognition, with talks reported on trade, visas, and bilateral relations.
Donald Trump has again suggested the US could use military force against cartels he claims are “running” Mexico, after recently touting a Venezuela operation that sparked international backlash. Mexico and other countries have criticised intervention, while Trump is also pursuing talks with Colombia’s president.
South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung shared selfies with Xi Jinping taken on a Xiaomi phone Xi previously gifted him, drawing major attention online. The moment came during a Beijing visit focused on diplomacy, as Lee seeks to reset relations with China.
Gambia says at least 31 migrants died when an overloaded boat capsized off its coast on New Year’s Eve, with more still missing. Officials say 102 people were rescued as search efforts continued across Gambian and Senegalese waters.
UN chief Antonio Guterres said the US capture of Venezuela’s president risks worsening instability and sets a troubling precedent for state-to-state conduct. He urged inclusive dialogue in Venezuela as the Security Council debated the legality of the operation.
US Vice President JD Vance said someone tried to break into his Ohio home by hammering on the windows while his family was away. The Secret Service said a suspect was detained and investigators are coordinating on possible charges.
The UN Security Council is set to examine the legality of the US raid that captured Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro. Legal experts have disputed Washington’s self-defence argument, while Cuba says dozens of its citizens died during the operation.
Venezuelan officials say the government remains intact and united behind Nicolás Maduro despite his capture by US forces. Washington says it will assess the interim authorities by their actions, while international concern grows over the fallout and legal precedent.
Nicolas Maduro was taken to New York after a US operation in Venezuela, as Donald Trump said his administration would oversee a transition and tapped unnamed officials to take charge. The move triggered international backlash and prompted a UN Security Council meeting request, while Venezuela’s top court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to assume acting presidential powers.
