Marriage to an American citizen no longer guarantees a US Green Card, warns immigration attorney Brad Bernstein. Under the Trump administration, marriage-based Green Card applications face heightened scrutiny, with officials emphasizing genuine relationships over legal paperwork. Bernstein, with over 30 years' experience, stresses that cohabitation not just marriage is essential for approval. Couples living separately risk immediate application rejection, as US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assesses relationships' totality to determine "good faith" marriages. Immigration officers disregard reasons for living apart, whether work, school, or financial constraints. The development follows Trump's comprehensive Green Card review for permanent residents from 19 "countries of concern" and suspension of the Diversity Visa Lottery program, reflecting stricter immigration pathways and increased marriage fraud investigations. (PC: X)

At least 40 people are presumed dead and approximately 100 injured following a devastating fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, a luxury Swiss Alps ski resort, during New Year's celebrations. The blaze erupted shortly after midnight as revellers welcomed 2026. Swiss police have ruled out terrorism but investigations continue into the exact cause, with speculation surrounding pyrotechnics used during a concert. The tragedy represents one of Switzerland's worst peacetime disasters in recent years. Emergency responses overwhelmed local hospital facilities, including intensive care units. Foreign nationals are among the casualties. A temporary no-fly zone was imposed, and the area remains cordoned off. Authorities established a reception center and helpline for victims' families as identification efforts proceed.

A Hindu businessman, Khokan Chandra, narrowly escaped death after being beaten, stabbed, and set ablaze by a mob in Bangladesh on New Year's Eve. The 40-year-old pharmacy owner was attacked in Tiloi area while returning home. Assailants stabbed him multiple times, poured petrol, and ignited him before he jumped into a nearby pond, sustaining critical burn injuries. This marks the fourth attack on Hindu minorities within two weeks. Recent incidents include Bajendra Biswas's shooting, Amrit Mondal's lynching, and Dipu Chandra Das's blasphemy-related murder. The violence escalates amid protests over anti-India youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi's death. India has condemned the unremitting hostility against Bangladeshi minorities, raising international concerns about their safety.

Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City in a symbolic early-morning ceremony held at the abandoned City Hall subway station, marking a historic moment in the city’s political history. At 34, Mamdani becomes the youngest mayor, as well as the first Muslim, first South Asian, and first African-born leader of the city. He took the oath on the Quran, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity. A Democratic socialist, Mamdani has pledged to focus on housing affordability, public transport, childcare, and social equity. A larger public inauguration is scheduled later in the day. (PC: The Hindu)

A large fire tore through a bar in the Swiss resort town of Crans-Montana during New Year celebrations, killing “several tens” of people and injuring about 100, police said. Many of the victims suffered severe burns. The bar, Le Constellation, was crowded at the time. Swiss police said it is too early to confirm the cause but ruled out terrorism. Helicopters and ambulances rushed injured people, including foreign tourists, to nearby hospitals. Italy’s foreign ministry said about 40 people may have died. Regional officials said the local hospital’s intensive care unit and operating rooms quickly reached full capacity due to the high number of patients. (PC: X)

Marriage to a US citizen is no longer a sure way to get a Green Card, says American immigration lawyer Brad Bernstein. He said officials now check if couples really live together and share daily life. Applications are under tighter review, with more focus on genuine relationships. Couples who stay apart, even for work or study, may face rejection. Bernstein said officers do not rely only on legal papers and can open fraud checks if spouses do not share a home. US Citizenship and Immigration Services reviews the full relationship to see if the marriage was in good faith and not only for immigration benefit.

A devastating explosion and blaze ripped through the “Le Constellation” bar in the luxury Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana around 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day, killing dozens of people and injuring about 100 more, Swiss authorities said. The venue was crowded with revelers, many from abroad, when the incident occurred. Emergency services, including helicopters and ambulances, responded as hospitals filled with severe burn victims. Officials have ruled out terrorism and launched an investigation into the cause, which remains unclear. A no-fly zone has been imposed and support centers established for affected families. �

Even as China conducted large-scale military drills — including live-fire exercises and simulated blockades dubbed “Justice Mission 2025” — around Taiwan’s coast, everyday life largely went on as usual for residents, Al Jazeera reports. Many locals carried on routines like socialising and working without disruption, reflecting an enduring normalization of cross-strait tensions. While the exercises underscored Beijing’s growing assertiveness over Taiwan, they did not visibly alter civilian activities. The drills, widely covered in media and discussed online, highlight persistent geopolitical friction as China asserts claims over Taiwan, which it views as part of its territory. (PC: Al Jazeera)

At least 40 people were killed and around 100 others injured after an explosion caused a major fire at a luxury bar in Switzerland on New Year’s Eve, officials said. The blast occurred in the basement of Le Constellation Bar and Lounge in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana. More than 150 people were inside at the time. Swiss police said the incident is being treated as a fire and not a terror attack, adding the toll could only be described as “tens”. The cause remains unknown, though local media cited possible fireworks during a concert. Hospitals in the area were overwhelmed with burn victims. An investigation is underway. (PC: X)

Most of the world has now welcomed 2026 after fireworks and public events across major cities. New York marked the new year with the Times Square ball drop, while Dubai lit up the Burj Khalifa. London, Paris, Sydney and Beijing also held large shows. However, a few Pacific islands were still in 2025 for several hours. Niue Island was due to reach midnight at 11:00 GMT. By 12:00 GMT, the uninhabited Baker Island in the central Pacific would become the last place to enter 2026. At the same time, parts of Kiribati were already into January 2 due to wide time gaps. (PC: BBC)