Author: niyidaram

The long running clash between Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell and President Donald Trump has entered a dramatic new phase, with Powell openly accusing the Trump administration of threatening the independence of the US central bank. After years of refusing to engage with Trump’s attacks and threats, Powell broke his silence following subpoenas from the Justice Department. In a rare two minute video statement, he said the potential criminal prosecution was not about personal misconduct but about punishing the Federal Reserve for refusing to follow political demands on interest rates. Powell said the threat of criminal charges was the result…

Central bank leaders from around the world have issued an unprecedented joint statement backing US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell as Donald Trump’s administration moves against him, raising fears over the independence of the world’s most powerful central bank. The statement said central bank independence is a cornerstone of price, financial and economic stability and must be preserved with respect for the rule of law and democratic accountability. It offered full solidarity to Powell, praising his integrity and his unwavering commitment to the public interest. The declaration was coordinated by the Bank for International Settlements and signed by nine central…

The United States Department of State has revoked more than 100,000 visas, including thousands held by international students and skilled professionals, citing encounters with law enforcement for criminal activity. In a statement posted on X on Monday, the department said it had cancelled over 100,000 visas, including about 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised work visas issued to people who had been involved in criminal cases in the United States. Officials said the action was part of wider efforts to strengthen public safety and enforce immigration laws, adding that the government would continue deporting offenders to keep the country safe.…

Pope Leo XIV met Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel peace prize winner Maria Corina Machado on Monday, the Vatican said, but did not provide any further details The meeting, listed among the pope’s appointments for Monday in a daily Vatican statement, had not been included in an earlier advisory to the press about Leo’s planned schedule for the day. Leo, the first U.S. pope, has called for Venezuela to remain an independent country after the capture by U.S. forces of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on the orders of President Donald Trump.

The virtual US Embassy for Iran has warned American citizens to leave the country immediately as nationwide unrest continues to intensify. In a security alert, the embassy told US nationals to depart Iran without delay and not to expect assistance from the US government. Those unable to leave were instructed to find secure shelter inside their homes or in other safe buildings. The advisory warned of continued internet disruptions and urged Americans to plan alternative ways to communicate. It also said that, if safe, people should consider leaving Iran by land through Armenia or Türkiye. US Iranian dual nationals were…

A Swiss court has ordered the co-owner of a bar in the luxury ski resort of Crans-Montana to remain in custody following a deadly New Year’s Day fire that killed 40 people. In a statement on Monday, the court said Jacques Moretti would be held for an initial three-month provisional period. The detention could be reviewed if measures are taken to reduce the risk of him fleeing, including the payment of a security deposit. Prosecutors in the canton of Valais ordered Moretti’s detention after a lengthy hearing involving him and his wife, Jessica Moretti, who together own the bar where…

Controversial internet personality Andrew Tate has stirred backlash online after making a sweeping statement about Blvck people and business on X. In his post, Tate claimed that famous Blvck individuals often reach out to him to discuss business, only to go silent for days before responding something he said makes him uninterested in working with them.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, a senior administration official confirmed. Machado’s visit comes amid ongoing uncertainty over Venezuela’s political future following recent U.S. military action in Caracas and the capture of long-time leader Nicolás Maduro. Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has since been sworn in as acting president.  Trump has not fully endorsed Machado as Venezuela’s leader, saying previously that her lack of widespread domestic support and respect would make governance difficult for her, even as she remains…

Donald Trump announced that any country doing business with Iran will face a 25 percent tariff on all trade with the United States, escalating economic pressure as Iran faces its largest anti-government protests in years. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the tariff would apply immediately and warned that any nation trading with the Islamic Republic would be penalised on all business conducted with the US. He gave no legal or administrative details, and no formal White House documentation was issued. The White House declined to comment. The tariffs would be paid by US importers of goods from…

Teen actor Owen Cooper made history at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards by winning Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series at just 16 years old. Cooper earned the award for his performance in Netflix’s psychological crime drama Adolescence, becoming the youngest person ever to win in the category. During his emotional acceptance speech, he said the moment did not feel real and thanked his family and everyone who supported his path into acting. He revealed that he took a risk by joining drama classes even though he was the only boy at the time, calling the experience awkward but…