Huge blast at Serbia munitions factory forces evacuation
The Hindu
Sloboda is the biggest munitions factory in Serbia.
A series of explosions early on Friday rocked a military factory in central Serbia, forcing evacuation of workers and nearby residents and causing panic, but no injuries. The blasts at an ammunition depot of the Sloboda factory in Cacak, about 140km south of Belgrade, set off a series of detonations and a huge fire that lit the night sky above the town. Police sealed off the area, blocked roads into the town and moved people living near the factory from their homes. Workers who were at the factory hid in the basement when the explosions started.
Israeli forces kill Palestinian militants responsible for bus attack in West Bank; Al Jazeera reporter arrested for covering Israeli operation.
Yemen's Houthi rebels release crew of hijacked ship amid ceasefire efforts, facing potential U.S. terrorism designation reinstatement.
Islamic State claims responsibility for killing Chinese national in Afghanistan, amid ongoing security concerns for Chinese investors.
Saudi Crown Prince plans to invest $600 billion in the U.S., strengthening economic ties and potential defense partnerships.
Trump's Justice Department freezes civil rights litigation, may reconsider police reform agreements, signaling major changes under new leadership.
Nepal increases Mount Everest climbing fees by 36%, introduces measures to control pollution, effective September 1, 2025.
Trump selects Sean Curran as director of U.S. Secret Service, citing his courage during assassination attempt.
LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand register their marriages on the first day of law giving them equal status
Thailand legalizes same-sex marriage, granting LGBTQ+ couples equal rights and recognition, marking a historic milestone in Asia.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia acquitted in sabotage case after no evidence found, undergoing treatment in London.
China's relations with U.S. partners are evolving as Biden's legacy is questioned and Trump's return looms.
South Korea's anti-corruption agency transfers criminal investigation of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol to prosecutors for indictment.
Republican-led House approves bill requiring detainment of unauthorized immigrants accused of theft and violent crimes, aligning with Trump's immigration crackdown.
India's External Affairs Minister discusses legal return of undocumented Indians from the US, emphasizing support for legal mobility.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirms support for Israel, discusses Iran, hostages, and peace efforts with Netanyahu.
Female student killed and another student wounded on January 22, 2025, in shooting in a Nashville high school cafeteria; Police Chief John Drake said the shooter ‘confronted’ the 16-year-old student in the cafeteria and opened fire, killing her.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on January 22, 2025, he would add new tariffs to his sanctions threat against Russia if the country does not make a deal to end its war in Ukraine, and added that these also could be applied to ‘other participating countries’
President Trump demands apology from Episcopal bishop after prayer service, sparking controversy over LGBTQ+ and migrant worker comments.
Panama complains to U.N. over Trump's threat to seize Panama Canal, launches audit of Hong Kong-linked operator.