World

In a stunning upset, Indian-origin Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City despite a $22 million campaign by 26 billionaires aimed at defeating him. Running on a progressive platform focused on affordable housing, free public transport and universal childcare, Mamdani’s victory underscores the power shift away from money-driven politics toward grassroots engagement and demographic change.

A powerful storm, Typhoon Kalmaegi, battered central Vietnam with fierce winds reaching up to 149 km/h and torrential rainfall, causing at least five deaths and widespread destruction. Houses collapsed in Gia Lai and Dak Lak provinces, roofs were blown off, windows shattered, and over a million homes lost power as authorities scrambled to respond to one of the strongest storms to hit the region this year.

A devastating explosion rocked a mosque inside a Jakarta high school during Friday prayers, injuring at least 54 students and staff. Authorities say a 17-year-old student is the prime suspect, with early investigations ruling out accidental causes. The attack, which shattered the city’s record of peace in religious spaces, triggered nationwide debate about youth extremism, security at schools, and the threat of radicalization in Southeast Asia.

A White House event on drug policy hosted by Donald Trump was paused after a man collapsed on stage. Television doctor Mehmet Oz, present as a guest, rushed to assist before paramedics arrived. The individual regained consciousness shortly after, and the incident sparked discussion on health preparedness at public events.

New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s rap background and viral song “Salaam” have become symbolic of his unconventional political rise. Music magazines say his artistic roots connected him with immigrant youth and progressive voters. His story blends activism, art and identity, reshaping American urban politics.

The body of a 22-year-old Indian student from Rajasthan’s Alwar has been found near Russia’s Ufa dam after being missing for days. Authorities recovered his clothes and phone, while the Indian Embassy in Moscow assists with repatriation. Investigators are probing whether the death was accidental or linked to foul play, raising concerns about safety of foreign students abroad.

Donald Trump is under fire from his own supporters after Zohran Mamdani’s shock win in the New York City mayoral race. MAGA loyalists blame Trump for failing to appeal to Indian-American and Muslim voters, accusing him of neglecting domestic voter outreach. Analysts see the backlash as the first major rift inside the Republican right wing ahead of the 2026 midterms.

An Indian-origin engineer in California faces up to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of secretly working for another technology firm while employed at a major defense contractor. Prosecutors said the dual employment violated federal security protocols tied to US defense projects. Authorities alleged he used classified access for private gain, though his counsel plans to appeal. The trial highlights rising corporate vigilance on moonlighting cases in critical sectors.

The Trump administration issued a statement describing a “disturbing pattern” after a fatal road crash in Illinois involving Indian trucker Jashanpreet Singh, who was reportedly working illegally in the US. The truck collided with two vehicles, killing three people. Trump’s spokesperson said the case underscored failures in immigration enforcement. Indian authorities have requested consular access to verify facts.

A man armed with a knife was arrested near the US Embassy in Tokyo just before President Donald Trump’s scheduled arrival in Japan. The suspect reportedly shouted anti-American remarks before being subdued by police. Authorities quickly increased security around the embassy complex, though no injuries were reported. Police began investigating his motives, ruling out terrorism so far but enhancing precautions ahead of Trump’s meetings with Japanese officials.