The death of South African activist Muhsin Hendricks, known as the world’s first openly gay Imam, has left his family and friends reeling in shock. This is after he was brutally murdered on Saturday in the country’s Eastern Cape province. According to reports, the 57-year-old Muslim cleric, who ran a mosque in Cape Town for marginalized Muslims, was killed near the southern city. Watch this report for more details!

South Africa: Gay Imam Muhsin Hendricks' assassination sparks outrage

Is Jammu and Kashmir headed for a drought this summer? With January and February 2025 receiving negligible precipitation, water bodies have dried up, and forest fires have been rampant. Not only this, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir had to postpone the Khelo India Winter Games due to insufficient snow in the Ski Resort Gulmarg. Watch in for more details!

Jammu & Kashmir: Khelo India winter games postponed due to insufficient snowfall

It's day two today of the Indian Ocean Conference in Oman. Delegates from around 30 countries are meeting over expanding cooperation for maritime connectivity and security in that region. The conference is jointly hosted by Oman, India, and Singapore. It seeks to provide a platform for fostering greater cooperation with regional partners. India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made a keynote address at the inaugural session of the IOC. He highlighted the importance of the Indian Ocean as a global lifeline. Watch in for more details!

Indian Ocean conference 2025: Global trade & security in focus

Monday saw a gradual rise in Asian markets, with the tech sector in Hong Kong taking center stage. Asian tech stocks extended a blistering rally from last week, while Europe’s defense spending bets lifted stocks and bond yields. In fact, reports of discussions between Russia and Ukraine may start in Saudi Arabia, keeping geopolitics in the spotlight, and worries about the reciprocal US tariffs have subsided until April. Watch in for more details!

Global stock market: Asian shares cautiously higher, yen buoyed by upbeat GDP

The Venice Carnival 2025 brings a vibrant display of masked revelers and grand floats, including a giant rat cruising through the Grand Canal. Spectators enjoy the colorful spectacle as boat-filled participants add to the excitement, showcasing Venice's rich carnival tradition.

Venice carnival 2025: Masked revellers celebrate Venice carnival

Pakistan conducted air strikes along the Afghanistan border, targeting areas in North Waziristan and Paktika. While Pakistan claims the strikes were necessary, the Taliban have denied any air strikes occurred.

Pakistan conducts strikes at Afghanistan border, Taliban denies

India's external affairs minister S. Jaishankar met Iran’s foreign minister Araghchi to discuss enhancing India-Iran cooperation. Jaishankar is also attending the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Oman, expanding India’s regional footprint.

Indian Ocean Conference 2025: Jaishankar, Araghchi hold talks to enhance India-Iran cooperation

Salman Rushdie, the British-Indian author, expressed his strong disapproval of billionaire Elon Musk during an interview at the Hay Festival in Cartagena, Colombia. The 77-year-old writer openly stated that he is not a fan of Musk and shared his desire for the Tesla and SpaceX CEO to be the first person to travel to Mars.&nbsp;
Rushdie was responding to a question about freedom of speech and Musk&rsquo;s stance on the matter, particularly in relation to his social media platform. The author argued that Musk&rsquo;s actions contradict the notion of free expression, claiming that the platform curates discourse aligned with the extreme-right. "What you really do is the opposite [of defending free expression]. It&rsquo;s very dishonest,&rdquo; Rushdie remarked. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m not a fan of Mr. Musk. And I would love for him to be the first man on Mars,&rdquo; he added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-responds-after-influencer-ashley-st-clair-claims-to-be-mother-of-his-13th-child-8726612">Elon Musk responds after influencer Ashley St Clair claims to be mother of his 13th Child</a>
When the interviewer suggested that Musk should stay on Mars, Rushdie agreed, affirming his desire for the billionaire to leave Earth. He also recalled a meeting with Musk a decade ago, where the SpaceX founder had predicted a seven-year timeline to reach Mars. Rushdie expressed his frustration, stating, &ldquo;Seven years have already passed, and I really want him to leave.&rdquo;
<h2>Anti-immigration sentiment</h2>
The conversation also touched on the rise of anti-immigration sentiment in Western countries. Rushdie, who migrated from India to the UK and then to the US, reflected on the weakening support for values such as tolerance and empathy. He stated that migration had always contributed positively to culture and reminded the interviewer that, aside from Native Americans, everyone in the US is a migrant. &ldquo;Isn&rsquo;t the United States a nation of immigrants? Apart from Native Americans, everyone is a migrant,&rdquo; Rushdie noted, pointing out that even Musk is originally from South Africa.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/elon-musk-led-doge-cancels-21-million-intended-for-voter-turnout-in-india-bjp-responds-8725771">Elon Musk-led DOGE cancels $21 million intended for 'voter turnout in India', BJP responds</a>
Rushdie&rsquo;s comments came in the context of the Trump administration&rsquo;s immigration policies, which Musk has supported. The author also briefly referenced the attack he survived in August 2022, revealing that he had recently appeared in court for the ongoing trial, where he showed his blind right eye.

World: Salman Rushdie also recalled a meeting with Musk a decade ago, where the SpaceX founder had predicted a seven-year timeline to reach Mars. Expressing frustration, Rushdie said, “Seven years have already passed, and I really want him to leave.”

Salman Rushdie, the British-Indian author, expressed his strong disapproval of billionaire Elon Musk during an interview at the Hay Festival in Cartagena, Colombia. The 77-year-old writer openly stated that he is not a fan of Musk and shared his desire for the Tesla and SpaceX CEO to be the first person to travel to Mars. Rushdie was responding to a question about freedom of speech and Musk’s stance on the matter, particularly in relation to his social media platform. The author argued that Musk’s actions contradict the notion of free expression, claiming that the platform curates discourse aligned with the extreme-right. "What you really do is the opposite [of defending free expression]. It’s very dishonest,” Rushdie remarked. “I’m not a fan of Mr. Musk. And I would love for him to be the first man on Mars,” he added. Also read: Elon Musk responds after influencer Ashley St Clair claims to be mother of his 13th Child When the interviewer suggested that Musk should stay on Mars, Rushdie agreed, affirming his desire for the billionaire to leave Earth. He also recalled a meeting with Musk a decade ago, where the SpaceX founder had predicted a seven-year timeline to reach Mars. Rushdie expressed his frustration, stating, “Seven years have already passed, and I really want him to leave.” Anti-immigration sentiment The conversation also touched on the rise of anti-immigration sentiment in Western countries. Rushdie, who migrated from India to the UK and then to the US, reflected on the weakening support for values such as tolerance and empathy. He stated that migration had always contributed positively to culture and reminded the interviewer that, aside from Native Americans, everyone in the US is a migrant. “Isn’t the United States a nation of immigrants? Apart from Native Americans, everyone is a migrant,” Rushdie noted, pointing out that even Musk is originally from South Africa. Also read: Elon Musk-led DOGE cancels $21 million intended for 'voter turnout in India', BJP responds Rushdie’s comments came in the context of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, which Musk has supported. The author also briefly referenced the attack he survived in August 2022, revealing that he had recently appeared in court for the ongoing trial, where he showed his blind right eye.

‘Want him to leave Earth’: Salman Rushdie criticises Elon Musk’s views on freedom of speech

President Donald Trump attended the Daytona 500 NASCAR race in Florida. The president saluted the iconic race as a celebration of American culture. Watch in for more details!

US President Trump visits Daytona track as NASCAR season kicks off

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says he saw no reason for Europeans to take part in Ukraine peace talks. He accuses Europe of wanting to "continue the war" in Ukraine. Speaking at a press conference in Moscow, the Russian Foreign Minister said "I don't know what they would do at the negotiating table. If they are going to sit at the negotiating table with the aim of continuing the war, then why invite them there?" The statement comes even as Lavrov is set to hold talks with a Marco Rubio-led U.S. team in Riyadh on Tuesday. Watch in for more details!

Russia: No point in inviting Europe for Ukraine peace talks | Russia-Ukraine War | WION Breaking

Chinese AI model DeepSeek has been temporarily removed from South Korean app stores due to privacy law concerns. The company admitted to a privacy oversight, leading to the suspension of downloads. South Korea is investigating the potential risks further.

DeepSeek pulled from South Korean stores amid privacy concerns

At least nine people have died in the eastern United States,...

Including eight in Kentucky,...

As powerful storms brought flooding and exceptionally powerful winds,...

Downing trees and cutting power.

US flooding: Storms kill 9, including 8 in Kentucky

Mauritius foreign minister Dhananjay Ramful has said that India has been 'supportive in finalizing' the Chagos deal. In October 2024, the UK agreed to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

India supportive in finalizing chagos deal, says Mauritius FM Dhananjay Ramful

As the US continues to crackdown on illegal immigrants, a plane carrying third batch of deportees landed at the Amritsar International Airport

Third batch of US deportees lands in Punjab

The India-US trade deal includes reciprocal tariffs, which could affect India's exports to the US. These tariffs may raise the cost of Indian goods, potentially making them less competitive. However, the deal also opens doors for greater cooperation and market access in the long run.

What is the impact of reciprocal tariffs on India?

Indian Railways Boosts Measure After Stampede. At least 18 people, including 11 women and five children, have tragically died in a stampede at the New Delhi railway station. The incident occurred as a surging crowd scrambled to catch trains to Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. According to officials, the stampede took place around 10 p.m. local time on Saturday when an unprecedented rush of passengers gathered on platforms 14 and 15, waiting to board trains to Prayagraj. Watch in for more details!

New Delhi station stampede: Indian railways boosts measure after stampede

The Venice Carnival 2025 promises an unforgettable celebration of history, love, and magic with vibrant costumes and grand festivities. Visitors from around the world will immerse themselves in the city's rich cultural heritage and enchanting atmosphere.

Venice carnival 2025: Celebrating history, love, and magic

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has pledged to dismantle both the military and political influence of Hamas in Gaza. His vow comes as part of a broader strategy to weaken the group's control and secure Israel’s long-term security.

Israel's PM Netanyahu vows to eliminate Hamas military and political rule in Gaza

The United States has announced that Europe will be excluded from upcoming peace talks, signaling a shift in diplomatic strategy. This move has raised concerns about Europe’s role in international negotiations.

US: Europe to be excluded from peace talks

The name for Delhi's new Chief Minister is expected to be announced tomorrow, creating anticipation in the political landscape. Speculation grows over who will take the reins in the capital's leadership.

Delhi CM's name to be announced tomorrow?

Oman is hosting the eighth edition of the Indian Ocean Conference from the 16th to 17th of February. This major diplomatic event is organized by the India Foundation in partnership with Oman's Foreign Ministry. Watch in for more details!

Indian ocean conference 2025: Oman hosts Indian ocean conference 2025

At least 18 people, including 11 women and five children, have tragically died in a stampede at the New Delhi railway station. The incident occurred as a surging crowd scrambled to catch trains to Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. According to officials, the stampede took place around 10 p.m. local time on Saturday when an unprecedented rush of passengers gathered on platforms 14 and 15, waiting to board trains to Prayagraj. Watch in for more details!

New Delhi station stampede: Opposition reacts to the unfortunate incident

Two special trains for the Maha Kumbh were delayed, causing a sudden rush of passengers at the New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night, which resulted in an overcrowded scenario where many fell unconscious and had to be taken to the hospital, officials said. Around 8 p.m., while people were waiting to board trains to Prayagraj, a chaotic situation broke out on the station's platforms 14 and 15. According to officials, four fire engines were hurried to the scene, and more security personnel have been sent in to help manage the situation at the train station. They stated that Ashwini Vaishnaw, the railway minister, is en route to the station and that the situation is under control.

New Delhi railway station stampede: Police says 'confusion' caused the stampede

Victims family recounts the exact moment of the stampede

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