US President Donald Trump has launched the “Trump Gold Card,” a new visa scheme for wealthy foreigners who pay at least $1 million. The card promises fast-tracked residency and a direct path to citizenship for qualified applicants. A $5 million “platinum” version with tax breaks will also be offered. Trump said the plan will help the US attract high-level talent. Critics say the scheme favours the rich, especially as the administration tightens other immigration rules and raises visa fees. The Gold Card requires a $15,000 non-refundable processing fee, and businesses sponsoring employees must pay $2 million. (PC: BBC)

Bangladesh is preparing for its first national election since Sheikh Hasina was removed from power in August 2024. The country has been run by an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The Election Commission will announce the poll date on Thursday at 6 pm local time. Earlier, the poll body said elections would be held in the first week of February 2026. A national referendum on the “July Charter”, a major reform plan to limit executive power and strengthen institutions, is also expected on the same day. The BNP is seen as the frontrunner, while the Awami League remains barred. (PC: X)

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, have been detained in Phuket, Thailand, five days after a fire at their club killed 25 people. The brothers had flown to Thailand just hours after the blaze, which was caused by a suspected cylinder blast. Goa Police had issued a Look-Out Circular and an Interpol Blue Notice against them. A police team will now travel to Thailand to bring them back. The nightclub had major safety lapses, including no fire exits or alarms. Another co-owner, Ajay Gupta, was detained earlier in Delhi for questioning. (PC: India Today)

US forces have seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump said. The ship was accused of carrying sanctioned oil linked to Venezuela and Iran. US Attorney General Pam Bondi said the tanker had long been part of an illegal oil network supporting terrorist groups. A video showed US troops landing on the vessel from helicopters. Venezuela called the move “international piracy” and accused Washington of trying to steal its resources. Oil prices rose slightly after the news. The USS Gerald Ford and other US forces took part in the operation as tensions in the region grow.

Donald J. Trump has officially rolled out the “Trump Gold Card” programme, allowing foreigners to obtain U.S. permanent residency — and eventual citizenship — by paying US $1 million. Under the scheme, individuals pay $1 million plus a $15,000 processing fee; corporations can secure visas for foreign employees by paying $2 million per employee. The programme replaces the older investor-visa route previously known as EB-5 visa programme, and deviates from the job-creation requirement under EB-5. The administration frames the Gold Card as a “more powerful” green card — aimed at attracting global talent, foreign investment, and boosting U.S. revenue. Critics warn that it favours the wealthy and could undermine traditional immigration values. (PC: Reuters)

The United States has proposed a new rule that may require foreign tourists to share their social media history from the past five years. The rule would apply to visitors from about 40 countries who travel to the US without a visa using the ESTA system. Officials say the move is to improve national security. The plan also asks for old phone numbers, email addresses, and details of family members. Digital rights groups warn it could harm privacy. Travel experts say the rule may slow down approvals and could reduce the number of people visiting the US. (PC: BBC)

Sophie Kinsella, bestselling author of the Shopaholic series, died peacefully Tuesday morning at age 55 after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer diagnosed in 2022. Her family announced she spent her final days surrounded by "family, music, warmth, Christmas and joy." Kinsella's novels sold over 45 million copies in 60+ countries, translated into 40+ languages. Her first two Shopaholic books were adapted into the 2009 film starring Isla Fisher. She revealed her diagnosis publicly in April 2024, explaining she delayed sharing to protect her five children's privacy. Her most recent autobiographical work, What Does it Feel Like?, was published October 2024. She leaves behind husband Henry Wickham and five children.(PC: The New York Times)

Japan experienced its third consecutive day of seismic activity with a magnitude 6.5 earthquake striking Wednesday, primarily affecting eastern Aomori and Hokkaido prefectures at 30 kilometers depth. No tsunami threat was issued. This follows Monday's devastating 7.6 magnitude quake that injured 51 people, triggered 70-centimeter tsunami waves, and damaged buildings and roads. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a rare "megaquake advisory," warning of elevated chances for a magnitude-eight-plus quake within the next week. The JMA noted concerning parallels with 2011's magnitude 9.0 disaster, which was preceded by 7.3 tremors two days earlier. Coastal residents were advised to maintain emergency preparedness and evacuate quickly if necessary.(PC: The New York Times & ABC7)

Sophie Kinsella, bestselling UK author of the Shopaholic series, has died at the age of 55. Her family said she passed away peacefully after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer diagnosed in 2022. Her family said, “We are heartbroken… she died peacefully, with her final days filled with her true loves.” Kinsella, born Madeleine Sophie Wickham, sold over 50 million books worldwide and created the beloved character Becky Bloomwood. She once said writing was her way of “processing life through narrative.” Her family added, “She took nothing for granted and will be missed so much our hearts are breaking.” She leaves behind her husband, Henry, and their five children, who said they cannot imagine life without her radiance. (PC: Getty Images)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is finishing a 20-point peace plan and will present it to the United States “in the near future.” He said the plan aims to set clear terms for ending the war with Russia. Zelenskyy added that Ukraine and the US will hold more talks today on postwar rebuilding and economic support. He said the discussions are part of joint work with President Trump’s team and European partners. Zelenskyy also noted that a virtual meeting of the “coalition of the willing” will follow. He said Ukraine is working to ensure long-term security and prevent future aggression. (PC: Reuters)