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Who is Ahmad al-Sharaa? Islamist rebel leader named Syria’s interim president
Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly an al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadist, has become Syria’s interim president after leading the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Despite distancing himself from al-Qaeda and rebranding his group, his past leadership of the suppressive HTS raises concerns about his governance approach.
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Gukesh tightens lead at the top; Pragg back to winning ways
In Round 10 of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025, Gukesh Dommaraju retained his lead, defeating Max Warmerdam. Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu outplayed Vladimir Fedoseev, while Arjun Erigaisi drew against Vincent Keymer. Nodirbek Abdusattorov secured a win to stay close to Gukesh. The Challengers section saw defeats for Vaishali Rameshbabu and Divya Deshmukh.
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Donald Trump announces plans to detain ‘criminal illegal aliens’ at Guantanamo Bay
US President Donald Trump announced plans to detain ‘criminal illegal aliens’ at Guantanamo Bay, a facility known for housing terrorism suspects. The announcement accompanied the signing of new legislation permitting pre-trial confinement of undocumented migrants accused of theft and violent offenses, in a move aimed at doubling detention capacity and combating migrant crime.
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US President Trump signs Laken Riley Act, marking first law of his second presidency
President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act, enforcing the detention and potential deportation of undocumented individuals accused, but not yet convicted, of theft and violent crimes. The legislation, supported by both major political parties, honors a Georgia nursing student and highlights Trump’s commitment to stricter immigration policies, with potential further measures anticipated.
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US Federal Reserve leaves key lending rate unchanged in first decision after Trump inauguration
The Federal Reserve decided to maintain its benchmark lending rate between 4.25% and 4.50% despite President Trump’s calls for reductions. The Fed highlighted stable unemployment and solid labor conditions, while acknowledging elevated inflation. Experts are uncertain about future rate cuts amid Trump’s trade and immigration policies.
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Barack dating Jennifer Aniston rumor ‘beyond absurd’, so is Michelle Obama divorce speculation: Report
A Vanity Fair report dismissed the rumors of Barack Obama-Michelle Obama impending divorce and Barack Obama-Jennifer Aniston dating, crediting the rumors to prominent MAGA people like Meghan McCain, Megyn Kelly. Citing an unnamed source, the VF report said all these rumors are beyond absurd and the Obamas are not getting divorced.