Japan plans a major hike in visa and residency fees from April 2026. The increase will affect students, workers and long-term residents the most. Fees for visa extensions may rise five times, while permanent residency costs could jump from 10,000 yen to over 100,000 yen. Tourist visa fees may also go up. Officials say the charges are outdated and pressure has grown due to record tourism and migration. Travellers can avoid higher costs by applying before April 2026. Choosing longer visas and using online applications may also help reduce expenses. (PC: Unsplash)

Russia launched a massive overnight assault on Ukraine, firing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, including the nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic missile, killing at least four people in Kyiv. This marked only the second known Oreshnik deployment since the war began. Ukrainian authorities reported apartment buildings hit, with 25 injured including emergency workers. Analysts described the attack as a warning to Ukraine's NATO allies amid progress toward post-war security guarantees under a potential US-led peace deal. Russia claimed retaliation for alleged Ukrainian drone attacks on Putin's residence. European leaders condemned the assault as "escalatory and unacceptable." The Oreshnik missile, capable of Mach 10 speeds, can carry nuclear or conventional warheads and strike targets across Europe.

Swiss authorities have detained Jacques Moretti, co-owner of the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, after a New Year’s Eve fire killed 40 people and injured over 100. Prosecutors say Moretti was held due to a potential flight risk as part of a criminal probe into negligent homicide and related charges. The blaze, possibly ignited by sparklers or candles near the ceiling, spread rapidly in the crowded bar, triggering nationwide mourning. A memorial and national day of mourning were held on January 9, with leaders and families seeking accountability. Safety lapses at the venue are under intense scrutiny.

Federal agents in Portland, Oregon, shot and injured two people during a “targeted vehicle stop,” Portland police said after responding to reports of gunfire on Thursday. The male and female victims were found with apparent gunshot wounds and taken to a hospital; their conditions are unknown. The FBI is leading the ongoing investigation, confirming Customs and Border Protection agents were involved. The Department of Homeland Security said the driver allegedly tried to run over agents, prompting a defensive shot. The incident comes amid heightened tensions over federal immigration enforcement in the city. (PC: AP)

Berlin witnessed a major power outage after suspected arson damaged high-voltage cables, plunging nearly 45,000 households and over 1,000 businesses into darkness for two days. The blackout occurred amid sub-zero winter temperatures, forcing authorities to arrange shelters and hotel accommodations for affected residents. German federal prosecutors have launched a terrorism investigation, treating the incident as a possible act of sabotage targeting critical infrastructure. Investigators are examining claims by the far-left group Vulkangruppe, which reportedly took responsibility. Power has since been restored, but security concerns remain high.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the nation as protests spread across the country for a second week. He said he would not “back down” against what he called “vandals” and “saboteurs”. Khamenei accused US President Donald Trump of having “hands stained with the blood of Iranians” and claimed he would be “overthrown”. He also said protesters were “ruining their own streets” to please a foreign leader. The Tehran prosecutor warned against “anti-Iranian calls” and said cases were being formed against some brands and online figures. Several Dubai-Iran and Turkish flights were cancelled or turned back due to the unrest. (PC: x)

Fresh protests broke out across Tehran on Thursday night after exiled royal Reza Pahlavi called on Iranians to gather at 8 pm. Witnesses said people in several neighbourhoods shouted slogans such as “Death to the dictator” and “Death to the Islamic Republic”. Cloudflare and NetBlocks reported a nationwide internet outage as the rallies grew. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said at least 42 people have been killed and more than 2,270 detained since unrest began last month. The protests were first triggered by anger over the falling rial and high prices. Iranian officials said security forces would respond to violence. (PC: X)

Minnesota officials said the FBI has blocked the state from taking part in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Governor Tim Walz said the move made it hard to trust the process. The state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said the FBI first agreed to a joint probe but later denied access to evidence, forcing it to withdraw. Federal officials said the case is a federal matter. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the agent acted in self defence. Videos show agents ordering Good out of her car before shots were fired. Protests have continued across the city. (PC: BBC)

Delhi, Noida and Gurugram saw early morning rain on Friday, worsening cold conditions in the region. The national capital recorded its lowest temperature of the winter so far at 4.6 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department data showed. Dense fog was also present across the area, adding to the cold. Rain was reported in parts of Noida and Gurugram. The minimum and daytime temperatures stayed well below normal, keeping winter chill strong. Cold day conditions have continued for several days, with earlier low readings on Thursday. The weather office said cold weather and fog may persist for the coming days. (PC: HT)

Large crowds marched in Tehran and other Iranian cities on Thursday night, videos verified by BBC Persian showed. Demonstrations were seen in Mashhad, Isfahan, Tabriz and several western towns. Protesters shouted slogans against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and in support of exiled royal Reza Pahlavi. Human rights groups said the unrest has spread to more than 100 cities during 12 days of protests. The US-based HRANA group said at least 34 protesters and eight security personnel have died, while Iran Human Rights reported 45 deaths. NetBlocks said Iran faced a nationwide internet blackout during the rallies.