Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked second among the world’s most polluted cities on Monday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 285 at 9:43am. On Monday, the city’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report. The AQI, which reports daily air quality, informs residents how clean or polluted the air is and highlights potential health effects. Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution. Air quality usually deteriorates in winter and improves during the monsoon season.

PARIS, France, Jan 12, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The US-based son of Iran's ousted shah urged Iranian government workers and security forces on Sunday to join the swelling protest movement in the Islamic republic. Pahlavi, who has emerged as an opposition figurehead, also called for replacing the flags outside of Iranian embassies with the pre-Islamic revolution one. "The time has come for them to be adorned with Iran's national flag, in place of the disgraceful banner of the Islamic republic," he said. The ceremonial, pre-revolution flag has become an emblem of the global rallies that have mushroomed in support of Iran's demonstrations. The Iranian foreign ministry summoned the British ambassador in Tehran on Sunday over the flag swapping, according to official outlet IRNA.

BRISBANE, Australia, Jan 12, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk has defended her "conscious choice" to address the plight of her country during the trophy presentation of a pre-Australian Open event in Brisbane. Like many Ukraine players, Kostyuk refuses to shake hands with Russians or Belarusians following Moscow's invasion of her homeland. In her speech at the trophy presentation, the 23-year-old Kostyuk said: "I want to say a few words about Ukraine. Sabalenka, who has said in the past that she does not support the war, congratulated Kostyuk on reaching the final in her on-court speech. "For me, it's a conscious choice to keep reminding people of what Ukraine and its citizens are going through.

In-form Bencic back in top 10 for first time since having babySYDNEY, Jan 12, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Belinda Bencic powered back into the top 10 Monday for the first time since having a baby, with the in-form Swiss brimming with confidence ahead of the Australian Open. The 28-year-old won all five singles matches at the season-opening United Cup in Perth and Sydney, including victories over world number two Iga Swiatek and seventh-ranked Jasmine Paolini. She finished 9-1 for the tournament, with her only defeat coming in the final mixed-doubles decider against Poland on Sunday. Bencic was ranked 421 at the start of the 2025 season, but making the last 16 at the Australian Open a year ago convinced her she could return to the upper echelons of tennis. "I'm always serious about the Australian Open," said the 2021 Tokyo Olympic gold medallist, who reached a career-high number four in February 2020.

Canada's relations with China have been among the worst of any Western nation. China was willing to work with Canada to bring relations "back to the right track", Xi added. - Cosying up to China -While Canadian foreign policy has for years been hawkish towards China, US President Donald Trump's mercurial trade policies and aggression towards allies could prompt a pivot. With Canada and China both heavily targeted by Trump's tariffs, Carney and Xi will likely try to dial down trade tensions between their two countries. China is Canada's second-largest trade partner, Carney's office said, totalling C$118.7 billion ($85.5 billion) in two-way merchandise trade in 2024.

Three teenagers, including a British-Bangladeshi, and an elderly taxi driver were killed in a road accident in Bolton, Manchester, in the United Kingdom. The Bolton Council of Mosques (BCoM) has confirmed the identities of the deceased. The other victim was taxi driver Mosrab Ali, who was in his fifties. Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit has launched an investigation into the incident. Bolton Council councillor Ayyub Patel described the incident as a huge loss for the entire community and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

A memorial meeting in memory of Begum Khaleda Zia, the first female prime minister of Bangladesh and a key architect of the country's democracy, will be held in Washington DC on Monday. The program is scheduled to take place at the National Press Club. Washington-based diplomats, senior US government officials, policymakers and media representatives are expected to attend the event. The event will be organised by Washington National Press Club member and Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, who previously served as Assistant Press Secretary to Begum Khaleda Zia from 2001 to 2006 during her tenure as prime minister. The event will commemorate Begum Khaleda Zia's political life, her role in the restoration and consolidation of democracy, and her significant contributions to the history of Bangladesh with due respect and dignity.

Asian equities edge up, dollar slides as US Fed Reserve subpoenaedHONG KONG, Jan 12, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Asian equities posted gains Monday while the dollar dipped as investors digested news that the US Justice Department subpoenaed the Federal Reserve, raising fears over US central bank independence. "The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President," Powell said in a statement late Sunday. Powell said the bank received grand jury subpoenas on Friday related to his Senate testimony in June, which had been about a major renovation project of Federal Reserve office buildings. Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul and Taipei climbed, tracking Wall Street's record close Friday. He also said that the Islamic republic's leadership had called seeking "to negotiate" and that a meeting was being set up.

Australian Open 'underdog' Medvedev says he will be hard to beatBRISBANE, Australia, Jan 12, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Three-time Australian Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev will be an underdog at the opening Grand Slam of the year, but the Russian warned he will be hard to beat in his current form. "So I'm happy with the way I'm playing, and I know that when I'm playing good, there are not that many players that can beat me easily or at all." Medvedev, who reached the final of the Australian Open in 2021, 2022 and 2024, will be an underdog in Melbourne with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz overwhelming favourites. Last year Medvedev lost in the Australian Open second round to 19-year-old Learner Tien over five gruelling sets, before going out in the first round at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and Flushing Meadows. He has since split with long-time coach Gilles Cervara and started working with a former Australian Open champion, Thomas Johansson, and Rohan Goetzke.

The best comedy actress nominee for her work on "Only Murders in the Building" radiated joy as she arrived on the arm of her husband Benny Blanco. She oozed sophistication in a black Chanel column gown with a frothy white feathered strapless neckline, her black bob swept into soft waves. Gomez was not alone in striking an understated pose, with lots of stars opting for black or dark, wintry hues. Her plunging green Versace gown at the Grammys in 2000 is still a reference for winning the red carpet by adopting the "less is more" rule. - Stars slam deadly ICE shooting -Hollywood never quite has a night out without a bit of politics coming into play.

WASHINGTON, United States, Jan 12, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell revealed Sunday that the central bank had been subpoenaed by the Justice Department, blasting the move as part of President Donald Trump's extraordinary pressure campaign on US monetary policy decisions. Powell said in a statement that the bank received grand jury subpoenas on Friday related to his Senate testimony in June, which had been about a major renovation project of Federal Reserve office buildings. "This unprecedented action should be seen in the broader context of the administration's threats and ongoing pressure," Powell said. Trump has consistently pressured Powell and the central bank to move faster in lowering interest rates. Powell's term as chairman of the Federal Reserve ends in May, and Trump told Politico in an interview last month that he would judge Powell's successor on whether they immediately cut rates.

Trump says Iran 'want to negotiate' after reports of hundreds killed in protestsWASHINGTON, United States, Jan 12, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - US President Donald Trump said Sunday that Iran's leadership had called him seeking "to negotiate" after he repeatedly threatened to intervene militarily if Tehran killed protesters. "The leaders of Iran called" yesterday, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, adding that "a meeting is being set up... The US-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) said it had received "eyewitness accounts and credible reports indicating that hundreds of protesters have been killed across Iran during the current internet shutdown". "Unverified reports indicate that at least several hundreds, and according to some sources, more than 2,000 people may have been killed," said IHR. He later urged Iran's security forces and government workers to join the demonstrators.

DHAKA, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS) - Opener Hassan Eisakhil, the son of the Afghanistanall-rounder Moahmmad Nabi, struck a brilliant 50 ball-92 on his BangladeshPremier League (BPL) debut to lead Noakhali Express to a strong 184-7 againstDhaka Capitals at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today. The match, however, saw a father-son duo playing same team for the first timein the history of franchise cricket. Opening the innings for Noakhali, Eisakhil struck seven fours and five sixesin his knock before missing out the well deserved century. After electing to bat first, Eisakhil and his fellow opener Soumya Sarkarmade a solid start by sharing 101 runs in just 9.2 overs. Eisakhil with his father Mohammad Nabi then brought the side back into thecontest again by adding 53 runs for the fourth wicket.

Police have recovered the body of a 17-year-old schoolgirl from her home in South Banasree, with her throat slit. The teenager, identified as Fatema Akter Nili, is a 10th grader at Radiant School. Khilgaon Police chief Mohammad Shafiqul Islam said the body was recovered from a house named Pritam Villa at Block L of South Banasree on Saturday. An officer said, “The girl’s father Sajeeb Mia owns a hotel, and a young man who worked there entered the house to have lunch at the time. He is the key suspect.”CCTV footage from the house and surrounding areas is being reviewed, he added.

General Daily Insight for January 12, 2026 Steady effort may run into tender feelings around commitments. The Sun in your public 10th house squares careful Chiron, currently in your sign. Your 9th House of Exploration takes focus as the vibrant Sun squares tender Chiron, nudging you to test a belief by practicing it in decisions. A sensitive topic wants honesty as the Sun pokes aching Chiron, reaching from your intense 8th house to your networked 11th house. Your 4th House of Caring and your 7th House of Connections are both activated by the Sun and Chiron’s dynamic trine.