The US has downplayed threats to the Gaza ceasefire after Hamas said it needs more time to recover the remaining bodies of Israeli hostages. Under the first phase of the peace plan, Hamas returned 20 living hostages and nine bodies. Two bodies handed over Wednesday night were identified by Israel as Sergeant-Major Muhammad al-Atarash, 39, and Inbar Hayman, 27. Senior US advisers described talks with mediators as “positive” and said Hamas intends to honour the agreement. Meanwhile, Israel is preparing to open the Rafah crossing for civilians, though aid continues to enter through other checkpoints. (PC: BBC)

A 10-year-old girl from Mid-Wales has been highly commended in the BBC’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 awards. Her photo, taken on a cold, frosty morning, shows an orb-weaver spider curled up inside its silken hideaway. The image won praise in the 10 Years and Under category of the international competition. She captured the picture near her home in Mid-Wales, UK. The young photographer said she loves exploring nature and spotting small creatures. The annual competition, run by the Natural History Museum in London, highlights the wonder and beauty of wildlife photography worldwide. (PC: BBC)

Migrants coming to the UK will soon need stronger English skills under new government rules. From 8 January 2026, applicants for skilled worker, scale-up, and high potential individual visas must reach B2 level English — equal to A-level standard. The current requirement is B1, or GCSE level. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said migrants must “learn our language and play their part.” The new rule aims to cut immigration and ensure better integration. Critics say the standard is too high and may stop skilled workers from coming. The government says the changes could reduce migration by 100,000 people each year. (PC: Reuters)

Ismael Ayala-Uribe, 39, died after falling ill in a US immigration detention centre in California. He had lived in the US since he was four. His mother said he suffered from fever and cough but did not receive proper care. He was later taken to hospital for surgery but died before the operation. His family learned of his death only after police informed them. Ayala-Uribe had been detained for five weeks after an immigration raid. His death has raised concerns over poor medical care in detention centres. At least 15 people have died in US immigration custody this year. (PC: Sky News)

Three thousand UK claimants are suing Johnson & Johnson, alleging the pharmaceutical giant knowingly sold baby powder contaminated with asbestos-linked minerals since the 1960s. Internal documents reveal J&J identified tremolite and actinolite fibers both asbestos forms causing deadly cancers in its talc-based powder. A 1973 memo allegedly discussed keeping findings "confidential." The lawsuit claims J&J pushed US regulators to accept lower sensitivity standards tolerating up to one percent asbestos contamination while marketing the powder as pure. Many claimants suffer ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after prolonged use. J&J denies wrongdoing, stating its powder "was compliant with regulatory standards, did not contain asbestos, and does not cause cancer." UK damages could reach hundreds of millions. (PC: Bloomberg)

US President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that Israeli forces could resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas refuses to disarm, stating Israel would return "as soon as I say the word." In a CNN phone interview, Trump emphasized the fragile ceasefire depends entirely on Hamas's compliance with disarmament terms. He revealed Israel's eagerness to continue military action, saying, "If Israel could go in and knock the crap out of them, they'd do that." Trump disclosed tensions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating "I had it out with Bibi" while pressing for restraint. The President portrayed himself as the key restraining force, repeatedly saying he "had to hold them back" from resuming the Gaza campaign. (PC: X)

Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed on Wednesday to a 48-hour ceasefire after deadly clashes along their shared border. Dozens of people were killed, and many were wounded. The ceasefire started at 6 pm PKT (6:30 pm IST). Pakistan said it had killed Afghan soldiers and militants and destroyed tanks in overnight operations. Afghanistan has not confirmed Pakistan’s claim or commented on the ceasefire. The Taliban said Pakistan destroyed a border outpost and a tank was captured. Tensions have risen as terrorist groups, including ISIS, try to expand. India’s restored ties with Afghanistan also concern Pakistan. (PC: NDTV)

Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan rose after Pakistani airstrikes killed 15 civilians. In a counterattack, the Taliban seized Pakistani border outposts and displayed captured soldiers’ trousers and weapons in public. Videos of Taliban fighters on a captured Pakistani tank went viral. Many Afghans said they support the Taliban fighters and are ready to help against Pakistan. The conflict is linked to the disputed Durand Line border. Both sides exchanged deadly fire over the weekend, with heavy casualties reported. A fragile 48-hour ceasefire is in place, but tensions remain high. (PC: India Today)

Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire on Wednesday after dozens were killed and many wounded in violent border clashes. The truce comes following intense fighting along their shared frontier, which saw Taliban forces release drone strike footage bombing Pakistani outposts and seizing military equipment including a Serbian-procured T-55 tank. Earlier reports indicated Taliban claimed 15 civilian deaths with over 100 injured, including 80 women and children in Spin Boldak district, while Pakistan's military reported killing approximately 50 Taliban fighters across multiple border engagements. The conflict marked the worst violence between the neighbors since Taliban's 2021 power seizure, prompting Islamabad to seek mediation from Qatar and Saudi Arabia before this ceasefire agreement.

Fresh clashes erupted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Tuesday night, leaving over 50 people dead, including soldiers, Taliban fighters, and civilians. Pakistan launched airstrikes in Kandahar after claiming Afghan forces attacked its border posts. Pakistani officials said about 30 Taliban fighters died, while Afghan sources reported 15 civilian deaths and dozens injured. The violence follows last weekend’s cross-border attacks, escalating tensions between the two neighbors. Pakistan and Afghan forces have blamed each other for provocations. Qatar and Saudi Arabia intervened to halt fighting, but the border remains tense. Security forces on both sides are on high alert. (PC: HT)