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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday (Feb 15) said that the US has no reason to doubt or dispute the report by five European nations that blames Russia for poisoning opposition leader and fierce Putin critic Alexi Navalny in a prison in 2024. Rubio said that the report is "troubling" and that Washington had no reason to question it. He clarified that the US not joining the joint statement does not mean a disagreement between them. Five European countries, including the UK, France and Germany, accused Russia of "poisoning" Navalny with epibatidine toxin found in the skin of dart frogs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-killed-putin-critic-navalny-by-poisoning-with-rare-toxin-say-european-states-1771086288649">Russia killed Putin critic Navalny by poisoning with ‘rare toxin,’ say European states</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/navalny-death-probe-putin-s-critic-alexei-navalny-poisoned-with-rare-dart-frog-toxin-in-prison-1771123461934/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/navalny-death-probe-putin-s-critic-alexei-navalny-poisoned-with-rare-dart-frog-toxin-in-prison-1771123461934/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;"We obviously are aware of the report. It's a troubling report. We're aware of that case of Mr. Navalny and certainly... we don't have any reason to question it," Rubio told reporters at a news conference in Bratislava during a visit to Slovakia. When asked why the United States did not join the statement, Rubio said this was an endeavour by them. "Those countries came to that conclusion. They coordinated that. We chose - Doesn't mean we disagree with the outcome. We just, it wasn't, our endeavour. Sometimes countries go out and do their thing with based on the intelligence they've gathered. We're not disputing or getting into a fight with these countries over it. But it was their report, and they put that out there." Rubio said.&nbsp;UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed Navalny's "courage in the face of tyranny" in a social media post, slamming “Putin's murderous intent.” Meanwhile, Britain said that it will consider "increasing sanctions" against Russia following the findings.&nbsp;<h2>What Russia said on the allegations?</h2>Russia on Saturday (February 14) strongly rejected the claims calling it “a Western propaganda hoax.” Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was quoted by the Russian state's TASS news saying, "When the test results are available and the formulas for the substances are disclosed, we will comment accordingly. Until then, all such assertions are merely propaganda aimed at diverting attention from pressing Western issues." She also criticized the timing of these allegations. “Just as the investigation into the Nord Stream explosions was about to yield results, suddenly Navalny's poisoning is brought into focus. When asked for Navalny's test results, Western officials instead circulated sensational stories about the Skripals. This pattern continues unabated,” she added. The Russian embassy in London said, “One must ask what kind of person would believe this nonsense about a frog.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-alexei-the-world-has-not-forgotten-when-navalny%E2%80%99-director-dedicated-oscar-win-to-political-prisoner-691017">'Alexei, world hasn't forgotten your message': When Navalny director dedicated Oscar win to political prisoner</a><h2>What European countries claimed?</h2>A multi-agency inquiry involving the UK, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands released its findings on the sidelines of the Munich Security conference, ahead of the second anniversary of Navalny's death. Navalny, 47, a staunch critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, died in February 2024 in a Siberian penal colony while serving a 19 year prision sentence. The UK Foreign Office said that there is no plausible explanation for the toxin called epibatidine, being found in samples taken from Navalny's body. &nbsp;"Only the Russian state had the means, motive and opportunity to deploy this lethal toxin to target Navalny during his imprisonment in a Russian penal colony in Siberia, and we hold it responsible for his death," the UK Foreign Office added in a statement. Soon after, Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Navalny, said now it is proven scientifically that the Kremlin opponent had been murdered.

Marco Rubio called a European report on Alexei Navalny’s alleged poisoning “troubling” and said the US has no reason to doubt it. While Western nations blame Russia, Moscow denies the claims, calling them propaganda, as tensions rise over the case.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday (Feb 15) said that the US has no reason to doubt or dispute the report by five European nations that blames Russia for poisoning opposition leader and fierce Putin critic Alexi Navalny in a prison in 2024. Rubio said that the report is "troubling" and that Washington had no reason to question it. He clarified that the US not joining the joint statement does not mean a disagreement between them. Five European countries, including the UK, France and Germany, accused Russia of "poisoning" Navalny with epibatidine toxin found in the skin of dart frogs. Also Read: Russia killed Putin critic Navalny by poisoning with ‘rare toxin,’ say European states https://www.wionews.com/videos/navalny-death-probe-putin-s-critic-alexei-navalny-poisoned-with-rare-dart-frog-toxin-in-prison-1771123461934/embed "We obviously are aware of the report. It's a troubling report. We're aware of that case of Mr. Navalny and certainly... we don't have any reason to question it," Rubio told reporters at a news conference in Bratislava during a visit to Slovakia. When asked why the United States did not join the statement, Rubio said this was an endeavour by them. "Those countries came to that conclusion. They coordinated that. We chose - Doesn't mean we disagree with the outcome. We just, it wasn't, our endeavour. Sometimes countries go out and do their thing with based on the intelligence they've gathered. We're not disputing or getting into a fight with these countries over it. But it was their report, and they put that out there." Rubio said. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed Navalny's "courage in the face of tyranny" in a social media post, slamming “Putin's murderous intent.” Meanwhile, Britain said that it will consider "increasing sanctions" against Russia following the findings. What Russia said on the allegations? Russia on Saturday (February 14) strongly rejected the claims calling it “a Western propaganda hoax.” Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was quoted by the Russian state's TASS news saying, "When the test results are available and the formulas for the substances are disclosed, we will comment accordingly. Until then, all such assertions are merely propaganda aimed at diverting attention from pressing Western issues." She also criticized the timing of these allegations. “Just as the investigation into the Nord Stream explosions was about to yield results, suddenly Navalny's poisoning is brought into focus. When asked for Navalny's test results, Western officials instead circulated sensational stories about the Skripals. This pattern continues unabated,” she added. The Russian embassy in London said, “One must ask what kind of person would believe this nonsense about a frog.” Also Read: 'Alexei, world hasn't forgotten your message': When Navalny director dedicated Oscar win to political prisoner What European countries claimed? A multi-agency inquiry involving the UK, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands released its findings on the sidelines of the Munich Security conference, ahead of the second anniversary of Navalny's death. Navalny, 47, a staunch critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, died in February 2024 in a Siberian penal colony while serving a 19 year prision sentence. The UK Foreign Office said that there is no plausible explanation for the toxin called epibatidine, being found in samples taken from Navalny's body. "Only the Russian state had the means, motive and opportunity to deploy this lethal toxin to target Navalny during his imprisonment in a Russian penal colony in Siberia, and we hold it responsible for his death," the UK Foreign Office added in a statement. Soon after, Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Navalny, said now it is proven scientifically that the Kremlin opponent had been murdered.

Marco Rubio called a European report on Alexei Navalny’s alleged poisoning “troubling” and said the US has no reason to doubt it. While Western nations blame Russia, Moscow denies the claims, calling them propaganda, as tensions rise over the case.

US backs report on Navalny's poisoning as UK calls out 'Putin's murderous intent': Are sanctions next?

Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who pleaded guilty in a Manhattan federal court to charges of murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering in a foiled plot to assassinate Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, is reported to have done so to end ‘long and exhausting’ legal battle for himself and his family, said a report in the Indian Express.&nbsp;Sources close to Gupta’s family told the media outlet that his decision to plead guilty was motivated by a desire to bring an end to a “long and exhausting” legal battle that had taken a serious emotional and financial toll on his family.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/board-of-peace-members-have-pledged-over-5-billion-thousands-of-personnel-for-gaza-says-trump-1771174635077">Board of Peace members have pledged over $5 billion, thousands of personnel for Gaza, says Trump</a>&nbsp;“The family has been fighting this for so long. He would have sensed the toll it was taking on them and decided to put an end to it. He hasn’t turned approver or anything but has taken all the blame on himself, from what the family has been told by his lawyer,” says the report, citing one of the sources familiar with the family’s situation.Gupta’s family is reported to have learned about his plea through his lawyer only on Friday, just hours before the news broke in the media. His wife and mother are in shock, struggling to process the reality that Nikhil now faces a long prison sentence.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-white-collar-terror-probe-radicalised-doctors-formed-outfit-ansar-interim-to-carry-out-attacks-1771153445817">‘White-collar’ terror probe: Radicalised doctors formed outfit ‘Ansar Interim’ to carry out attacks</a>&nbsp;Gupta reportedly spoke to his family a few days before entering the plea but gave no hint about his decision.The prolonged legal battle has put a severe financial burden on the family.&nbsp;The sources cited in the report said the family had exhausted its resources while trying to retain private legal counsel in the US, ultimately requesting a government-appointed lawyer for Gupta.Despite repeated efforts, the family said they received no support from the Indian government, despite attempts to reach out to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-victory-is-not-declared-by-mere-rhetoric-as-our-neighbourhood-entities-do-says-cds-gen-anil-chauhan-1771085253490">‘Victory is not declared by mere rhetoric as our neighbourhood entities do,’ says CDS Gen Anil Chauhan</a>&nbsp;Gupta was arrested by Czech authorities at the Vaclav Havel Airport in Prague on June 30, 2023, while traveling from India, following a US extradition request. He was extradited to the US on June 14, 2024, and has been held in a Brooklyn jail pending trial.The US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York confirmed that Gupta is scheduled for sentencing before US District Judge Victor Marrero on May 29, 2026. Under the plea agreement, prosecutors have recommended a sentence of 21 to 24 years.

The sources said Nikhil Gupta’s family had exhausted its resources to retain private legal counsel in the US but ultimately requested a government-appointed lawyer for him. The family said they received no support from the Indian government, despite attempts to reach out to the MEA.

Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who pleaded guilty in a Manhattan federal court to charges of murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering in a foiled plot to assassinate Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, is reported to have done so to end ‘long and exhausting’ legal battle for himself and his family, said a report in the Indian Express. Sources close to Gupta’s family told the media outlet that his decision to plead guilty was motivated by a desire to bring an end to a “long and exhausting” legal battle that had taken a serious emotional and financial toll on his family. Also Read: Board of Peace members have pledged over $5 billion, thousands of personnel for Gaza, says Trump “The family has been fighting this for so long. He would have sensed the toll it was taking on them and decided to put an end to it. He hasn’t turned approver or anything but has taken all the blame on himself, from what the family has been told by his lawyer,” says the report, citing one of the sources familiar with the family’s situation. Gupta’s family is reported to have learned about his plea through his lawyer only on Friday, just hours before the news broke in the media. His wife and mother are in shock, struggling to process the reality that Nikhil now faces a long prison sentence. Also Read: ‘White-collar’ terror probe: Radicalised doctors formed outfit ‘Ansar Interim’ to carry out attacks Gupta reportedly spoke to his family a few days before entering the plea but gave no hint about his decision. The prolonged legal battle has put a severe financial burden on the family. The sources cited in the report said the family had exhausted its resources while trying to retain private legal counsel in the US, ultimately requesting a government-appointed lawyer for Gupta. Despite repeated efforts, the family said they received no support from the Indian government, despite attempts to reach out to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Also Read: ‘Victory is not declared by mere rhetoric as our neighbourhood entities do,’ says CDS Gen Anil Chauhan Gupta was arrested by Czech authorities at the Vaclav Havel Airport in Prague on June 30, 2023, while traveling from India, following a US extradition request. He was extradited to the US on June 14, 2024, and has been held in a Brooklyn jail pending trial. The US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York confirmed that Gupta is scheduled for sentencing before US District Judge Victor Marrero on May 29, 2026. Under the plea agreement, prosecutors have recommended a sentence of 21 to 24 years.

The sources said Nikhil Gupta’s family had exhausted its resources to retain private legal counsel in the US but ultimately requested a government-appointed lawyer for him. The family said they received no support from the Indian government, despite attempts to reach out to the MEA.

Nikhil Gupta pleaded guilty to end ‘long and exhausting’ legal battle for family: Report

China announced visa-free entry for Canadian and British citizens for up to 30 days. The decision comes on the heels of visits to Beijing by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.&nbsp;According to a Chinese foreign ministry statement, these nationals will be eligible for a visa-free stay in China for purposes of tourism, business, visiting friends and family and exchange purposes starting from February 17.&nbsp;"To further facilitate cross-border travel, China decides to, starting from February 17, 2026, extend its visa waiver policy to ordinary passport holders from Canada and the UK. Ordinary passport holders from the two countries can be exempted from visa to enter China and stay for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family/friends visit, exchange and transit purposes. The policy will be effective until December 31, 2026," the ministry said in a statement. The new visa rules leave only the US nationals from visa-free entry to China among the five-nation alliance Which is considered a core intelligence grouping of Western nations led by Washington.&nbsp;Following the announcement, passport holders from nearly 79 countries, including France, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, can travel to China without a visa.&nbsp;President Trump’s “America First” protectionist policies and tariff war against allies pushed Western nations to look for alternative partners, including China, amid Beijing’s growing role in global trade and geopolitics.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-struck-trade-deals-from-position-of-strength-pm-modi-1771165259741">India struck trade deals from position of strength: PM Modi; calls for higher private R&amp;D spending</a>&nbsp;Starmer, who become first British Prime Minister to visit in eight years, acknowledged China's growing role while keeping dialogue open on contentious matters.&nbsp;“China is a vital player on the global stage, and it’s vital to build a more sophisticated relationship where we identify opportunities to collaborate, but also allow a meaningful dialogue on areas where we disagree,” Starmer said.&nbsp;After nearly three years of strict Covid-19 lockdowns, China started widening its visa-free policy in November 2023 to bring foreing travelers and traders in country. According to the National Immigration Administration, in 2025, China recorded 30.08 million visa-free entries, a rise of nearly 50 per cent increase from 2024.&nbsp;

Following the announcement, passport holders from nearly 79 countries, including France, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, can travel to China without a visa.

China announced visa-free entry for Canadian and British citizens for up to 30 days. The decision comes on the heels of visits to Beijing by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. According to a Chinese foreign ministry statement, these nationals will be eligible for a visa-free stay in China for purposes of tourism, business, visiting friends and family and exchange purposes starting from February 17. "To further facilitate cross-border travel, China decides to, starting from February 17, 2026, extend its visa waiver policy to ordinary passport holders from Canada and the UK. Ordinary passport holders from the two countries can be exempted from visa to enter China and stay for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family/friends visit, exchange and transit purposes. The policy will be effective until December 31, 2026," the ministry said in a statement. The new visa rules leave only the US nationals from visa-free entry to China among the five-nation alliance Which is considered a core intelligence grouping of Western nations led by Washington. Following the announcement, passport holders from nearly 79 countries, including France, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, can travel to China without a visa. President Trump’s “America First” protectionist policies and tariff war against allies pushed Western nations to look for alternative partners, including China, amid Beijing’s growing role in global trade and geopolitics. Also Read: India struck trade deals from position of strength: PM Modi; calls for higher private R&D spending Starmer, who become first British Prime Minister to visit in eight years, acknowledged China's growing role while keeping dialogue open on contentious matters. “China is a vital player on the global stage, and it’s vital to build a more sophisticated relationship where we identify opportunities to collaborate, but also allow a meaningful dialogue on areas where we disagree,” Starmer said. After nearly three years of strict Covid-19 lockdowns, China started widening its visa-free policy in November 2023 to bring foreing travelers and traders in country. According to the National Immigration Administration, in 2025, China recorded 30.08 million visa-free entries, a rise of nearly 50 per cent increase from 2024.

Following the announcement, passport holders from nearly 79 countries, including France, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, can travel to China without a visa.

China grants UK and Canada visa-free travel, US sole Five Eyes member excluded

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Board of Peace member states have pledged more than $5 billion for reconstruction and humanitarian efforts in Gaza and will make the announcement at the upcoming meeting on Thursday.&nbsp;Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social that member states have also committed thousands of personnel for a UN-authorised stabilisation force and local police in the Palestinian enclave.The US president said the board’s first official meeting on Thursday will take place at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, which the State Department recently renamed after the president.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-white-collar-terror-probe-radicalised-doctors-formed-outfit-ansar-interim-to-carry-out-attacks-1771153445817">‘White-collar’ terror probe: Radicalised doctors formed outfit ‘Ansar Interim’ to carry out attacks</a>&nbsp;“We will announce that member states have pledged more than $5 billion dollars toward the Gaza humanitarian and reconstruction efforts, and have committed thousands of personnel to the International Stabilisation Force and local police to maintain security and peace for Gazans.” Trump wrote.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In his post, Trump said the Board of Peace will prove to be the most consequential International Body in History

&nbsp;&nbsp;“The Board of Peace will prove to be the most consequential International Body in History, and it is my honour to serve as its Chairman,” he added.&nbsp;Trump also stressed that Hamas must uphold its “commitment to full and immediate demilitarisation”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-victory-is-not-declared-by-mere-rhetoric-as-our-neighbourhood-entities-do-says-cds-gen-anil-chauhan-1771085253490">‘Victory is not declared by mere rhetoric as our neighbourhood entities do,’ says CDS Gen Anil Chauhan</a>&nbsp;Delegations from more than 20 countries, including heads of state, are expected to attend the meeting.The regional Middle East powers including Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Israel have joined the board, but global powers and traditional Western US allies have been more cautious.&nbsp;The creation of peace board was endorsed by a UN Security Council resolution as part of the Trump administration’s plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/security-agencies-freeze-8-000-mule-accounts-in-j-k-officials-suspect-funds-used-for-anti-national-activities-1771169618755">Security agencies freeze 8,000+ mule accounts in J&amp;K; officials suspect funds used for anti-national activities</a>&nbsp;The Board of Peace was originally intended to supervise Gaza’s temporary governance after ceasefire, but was later expanded to address global conflicts.&nbsp;Israel and Hamas agreed to the peace plan last year with a ceasefire officially taking effect in October, though both accuse each other repeatedly of violating the ceasefire terms.

US President Donald Trump said the first official meeting of the Board of Peace will take place on Thursday at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, which the State Department recently renamed after the president.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Board of Peace member states have pledged more than $5 billion for reconstruction and humanitarian efforts in Gaza and will make the announcement at the upcoming meeting on Thursday. Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social that member states have also committed thousands of personnel for a UN-authorised stabilisation force and local police in the Palestinian enclave. The US president said the board’s first official meeting on Thursday will take place at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, which the State Department recently renamed after the president. Also Read: ‘White-collar’ terror probe: Radicalised doctors formed outfit ‘Ansar Interim’ to carry out attacks “We will announce that member states have pledged more than $5 billion dollars toward the Gaza humanitarian and reconstruction efforts, and have committed thousands of personnel to the International Stabilisation Force and local police to maintain security and peace for Gazans.” Trump wrote.

US President Donald Trump said the first official meeting of the Board of Peace will take place on Thursday at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, which the State Department recently renamed after the president.

‘Board of Peace members have pledged over $5 billion, thousands of personnel for Gaza,’ says Trump

Barack Obama described the United States politics under President Donald Trump as a "Clown Show" days after a racist animated video showing him and Michelle Obama was posted on Trump's Truth Social account. He stated Majority of American finds the recent rhetoric from White House troubling.The Former President made these remarks during a podcast with left-leaning commentator Tyler Cohen's "No Lie" podcast, during which he addressed the controversial video.&nbsp;Following the backlash over the video, Trump removed it from his account but refused to apologise despite criticism from both Democratic and Republican Parties.&nbsp;"I think it's important to recognise that the majority of the American people find this behaviour deeply troubling," Obama said.&nbsp;The host raised concerns about the deteriorating quality of discourse in American politics, citing an instance of the administration labelling two US citizens killed in ICE raids as "domestic terrorists."&nbsp;"There's this sort of clown show that's happening on social media and on television," he said.&nbsp;Obama called the use of such language an attempt at "distraction" and insisted that common American Citizens still believe in "decency, courtesy, [and] kindness," adding "And what is true is that there doesn't seem to be any shame about this among people who used to feel like you had to have some sort of decorum and a sense of propriety and respect for the office, right? So that's been lost," he added.&nbsp;Obama also drew a contrast with Trump’s willingness to deploy federal force domestically, saying that while he could have “simply unilaterally ordered the military” into states that opposed him, he believed doing so “is contrary to how I think our democracy is supposed to work.”&nbsp;On the issue of voter frustration that Democrats are not pushing back forcefully enough, Obama defended a measured approach, saying, “Sometimes I think we're tough on Democrats.”

Obama also drew a contrast with Trump’s willingness to deploy federal force domestically, saying that while he could have “simply unilaterally ordered the military” into states that opposed him.

Barack Obama described the United States politics under President Donald Trump as a "Clown Show" days after a racist animated video showing him and Michelle Obama was posted on Trump's Truth Social account. He stated Majority of American finds the recent rhetoric from White House troubling. The Former President made these remarks during a podcast with left-leaning commentator Tyler Cohen's "No Lie" podcast, during which he addressed the controversial video. Following the backlash over the video, Trump removed it from his account but refused to apologise despite criticism from both Democratic and Republican Parties. "I think it's important to recognise that the majority of the American people find this behaviour deeply troubling," Obama said. The host raised concerns about the deteriorating quality of discourse in American politics, citing an instance of the administration labelling two US citizens killed in ICE raids as "domestic terrorists." "There's this sort of clown show that's happening on social media and on television," he said. Obama called the use of such language an attempt at "distraction" and insisted that common American Citizens still believe in "decency, courtesy, [and] kindness," adding "And what is true is that there doesn't seem to be any shame about this among people who used to feel like you had to have some sort of decorum and a sense of propriety and respect for the office, right? So that's been lost," he added. Obama also drew a contrast with Trump’s willingness to deploy federal force domestically, saying that while he could have “simply unilaterally ordered the military” into states that opposed him, he believed doing so “is contrary to how I think our democracy is supposed to work.” On the issue of voter frustration that Democrats are not pushing back forcefully enough, Obama defended a measured approach, saying, “Sometimes I think we're tough on Democrats.”

Obama also drew a contrast with Trump’s willingness to deploy federal force domestically, saying that while he could have “simply unilaterally ordered the military” into states that opposed him.

‘Clown Show’: Barack Obama reacts to Trump’s racist video portraying Obamas as apes

At least 11 people were killed acroos Gaza Strip on Sunday. The Israeli Defence Force carried out an air-strike on the tents of the displaced Palestinians ahead of the first meeting of Trump's Board of Peace on Thursday, February 19. The IDF has accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire, and the attack was a retalliation of the violation. The military claimed that "several armed terrorists" had been identified on the Israeli side of the "yellow line" in the north of the sealed-off coastal area.According to a Reuters report, which cites different sources to project the cumulative death toll at 11. According to Gaza Medics, air strikes at the displaced people's camp killed at least four people. According to Health officials, five others were killed in Khan Younis, and one was shot dead in the north.&nbsp;Israel has unilaterally moved the yellow line deep inside Gaza. It has not so far withdrawn its troops behind the yellow line, which was part of the ceasefire agreement. Hazem Qassem, Hamas spokesperson in Gaza, has accused Israel of committing a new massacre in Gaza against the displaced Palestinians.&nbsp;The Israeli military has called the strike precise. It said that terrorists apparently emerged from the underground tunnel and were hiding in proximity to the Israeli troops. The Israeli military claimed that it had continued to destroy an underground tunnel inside Gaza; no IDF claims could have been corroborated independently.&nbsp;The Gaza Health ministry have said that at least 600 people have been killed since the ceasefire, among whom 120 are minors, which is nearly 3 times the number of Israeli children died since October 7, 2023. According to Israeli government data, the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel killed more than 1,200 people. According to the Palestinian health ministry data, more than 72,000 people have been killed since that time. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights the casualty of minors are 21,289, among whom 70 per cent are in residential areas.&nbsp;

At least 11 people were killed in Gaza after Israeli airstrikes, as Hamas and the IDF trade accusations over ceasefire violations, according to Reuters and officials.

At least 11 people were killed acroos Gaza Strip on Sunday. The Israeli Defence Force carried out an air-strike on the tents of the displaced Palestinians ahead of the first meeting of Trump's Board of Peace on Thursday, February 19. The IDF has accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire, and the attack was a retalliation of the violation. The military claimed that "several armed terrorists" had been identified on the Israeli side of the "yellow line" in the north of the sealed-off coastal area. According to a Reuters report, which cites different sources to project the cumulative death toll at 11. According to Gaza Medics, air strikes at the displaced people's camp killed at least four people. According to Health officials, five others were killed in Khan Younis, and one was shot dead in the north. Israel has unilaterally moved the yellow line deep inside Gaza. It has not so far withdrawn its troops behind the yellow line, which was part of the ceasefire agreement. Hazem Qassem, Hamas spokesperson in Gaza, has accused Israel of committing a new massacre in Gaza against the displaced Palestinians. The Israeli military has called the strike precise. It said that terrorists apparently emerged from the underground tunnel and were hiding in proximity to the Israeli troops. The Israeli military claimed that it had continued to destroy an underground tunnel inside Gaza; no IDF claims could have been corroborated independently. The Gaza Health ministry have said that at least 600 people have been killed since the ceasefire, among whom 120 are minors, which is nearly 3 times the number of Israeli children died since October 7, 2023. According to Israeli government data, the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel killed more than 1,200 people. According to the Palestinian health ministry data, more than 72,000 people have been killed since that time. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights the casualty of minors are 21,289, among whom 70 per cent are in residential areas.

At least 11 people were killed in Gaza after Israeli airstrikes, as Hamas and the IDF trade accusations over ceasefire violations, according to Reuters and officials.

11 people killed in Israeli-airstrikes in Gaza ahead of Trump's Board of peace meeting

The White House's social media Valentine's Day post was brutally mocked by netizens. The White House Official account posted a picture of Donald Trump walking with Melania Trump holding hands. It was a feel-good holiday post, but it was soon hijacked by the US president’s ties to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Within an hour of the post, people flooded with comments with AI-generated pictures and memes mocking him for his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Happy Valentine&#39;s Day ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/Symy237CAD">pic.twitter.com/Symy237CAD</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2022679795419787743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The crudest response was that a user employed the Grok AI's image generation feature to replace Melania with Epstein. Another widely circulated post was an AI-generated picture of Trump and Epstein in a candlelight dinner, gazing into each other's eyes. Splashed across the image in bright pink lettering: “Pedo Valentine Day.” A picture replaced Melania with a child, with a comment beneath it, “More accurate”.&nbsp;One user posted the original post of the White House with the comment, “Happy Valentine’s Day to All the Pedos We Will Protect You.” Another user dragged the first lady back into the mix, along with Trump, Epstein and Maxwell, recreating the cover image of the 90s sitcom "Friends". While another just redacted Donald Trump from the image. One reply, edited over a Muppets version of Trump, Melania, Epstein, and Maxwell, simply read: “Release the Epstein Files”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://t.co/6hSae4mRQ3">pic.twitter.com/6hSae4mRQ3</a>&mdash; Ian Corona (@IanCorona) <a href="https://twitter.com/IanCorona/status/2022709928738140167?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">❤️ <a href="https://t.co/ZIYoROGOdo">pic.twitter.com/ZIYoROGOdo</a>&mdash; Pauly Rubino 🍕 Super-Shadow Banned! 🚨 (@PaulyRubino) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulyRubino/status/2022744629070958833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Happy Valentine&#39;s Day <a href="https://t.co/KKoJgEF9EN">pic.twitter.com/KKoJgEF9EN</a>&mdash; Harry Eccles (@Heccles94) <a href="https://twitter.com/Heccles94/status/2022789037866557870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This crude sense of humour is showing the moral outrage of the public, but it is detrimental to the social fabric of the nation, as it is merely normalising and desensitising the gruesome and violent crimes. The Attorney General Pam Bondi had been targeted for a contentious hearing in which a photograph of Bondi revealed that her office had reviewed lawmakers’ search histories while examining the unredacted Epstein files. GOP Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna have joined forces to push for the release of the rest of the files. The DOJ had released heavily redacted 3.5 million documents relating to the disgraced sex trafficker, Jeffrey Epstein. Trump features at least 5,300 times, while the lawmakers claim that the unredacted files have at least 1 million mentions of Donald Trump.

A White House Valentine’s Day post featuring Donald Trump and Melania Trump drew backlash as users flooded it with Epstein-related memes and calls to release files.

The White House's social media Valentine's Day post was brutally mocked by netizens. The White House Official account posted a picture of Donald Trump walking with Melania Trump holding hands. It was a feel-good holiday post, but it was soon hijacked by the US president’s ties to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Within an hour of the post, people flooded with comments with AI-generated pictures and memes mocking him for his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

A White House Valentine’s Day post featuring Donald Trump and Melania Trump drew backlash as users flooded it with Epstein-related memes and calls to release files.

'Pedo Valentine's Day': Trump mocked for his valentine's day post with Melania Trump

Bangladesh's Islamist Jammat-e-Islami-led 11-party coalition has formally submitted complaints to the Election Commission on Sunday (Feb 15), challenging the results of 32 constituencies, alleging widespread vote rigging, result manipulation, and overwriting on final tally sheets during the 13th General Elections.&nbsp;The alliance also announced a protest rally at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque's north gate, scheduled to begin at 4:30 pm on Monday (Feb 16)&nbsp;The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) alliance led by Tarique Rahman secured a landslide victory in the general elections, clinching 212 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, the Parliament of Bangladesh. While the Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI) led alliance won 77 seats.&nbsp;Tarique Rahman, the son of late BNP leader Khaleda Zia, only returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in exile in Britain. His father, President Ziaur Rahman, was assassinated in 1981, while his mother, Zia, served three terms as prime minister and dominated national politics for decades.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-from-today-we-are-truly-free-pm-in-waiting-tarique-rahman-dedicates-win-to-those-who-sacrificed-for-democracy-1771065207487">'Interest of Bangladeshi people comes first': PM-in-waiting Tarique Rahman on ties with India</a>&nbsp;On Saturday, Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman conceded, saying his party would "serve as a vigilant, principled, and peaceful opposition". But on Sunday, Jamaat officials submitted their complaints. "We have identified 32 constituencies where our candidates were unfairly defeated," said senior Jamaat official Hamidur Rahman Azad.&nbsp;"The election day began smoothly, but the ending was not what we had expected. Fake votes, the circulation of black money (bribes), threats, assaults, and attacks marred the atmosphere," he added.&nbsp;According to the police, political clashes during the campaign period left five people dead and more than 600 injured. However, on the voting day, no major violence was reported, while post-poll clashes resulted in the death of at least two people.&nbsp;Jammat-e-Islami and its partner, the National Citizen Party (NCP), formed by student leaders who spearheaded the violent uprising in 2024, reported attacks on their supporters.&nbsp;According to the Election Commission, voter turnout across 299 constituencies stood at 59 per cent, compared with 41.8 per cent recorded in the 2024 polls.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) alliance led by Tarique Rahman secured a landslide victory in the general elections, clinching 212 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad.

Bangladesh's Islamist Jammat-e-Islami-led 11-party coalition has formally submitted complaints to the Election Commission on Sunday (Feb 15), challenging the results of 32 constituencies, alleging widespread vote rigging, result manipulation, and overwriting on final tally sheets during the 13th General Elections. The alliance also announced a protest rally at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque's north gate, scheduled to begin at 4:30 pm on Monday (Feb 16) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) alliance led by Tarique Rahman secured a landslide victory in the general elections, clinching 212 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad, the Parliament of Bangladesh. While the Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI) led alliance won 77 seats. Tarique Rahman, the son of late BNP leader Khaleda Zia, only returned to Bangladesh in December after 17 years in exile in Britain. His father, President Ziaur Rahman, was assassinated in 1981, while his mother, Zia, served three terms as prime minister and dominated national politics for decades. Also Read: 'Interest of Bangladeshi people comes first': PM-in-waiting Tarique Rahman on ties with India On Saturday, Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman conceded, saying his party would "serve as a vigilant, principled, and peaceful opposition". But on Sunday, Jamaat officials submitted their complaints. "We have identified 32 constituencies where our candidates were unfairly defeated," said senior Jamaat official Hamidur Rahman Azad. "The election day began smoothly, but the ending was not what we had expected. Fake votes, the circulation of black money (bribes), threats, assaults, and attacks marred the atmosphere," he added. According to the police, political clashes during the campaign period left five people dead and more than 600 injured. However, on the voting day, no major violence was reported, while post-poll clashes resulted in the death of at least two people. Jammat-e-Islami and its partner, the National Citizen Party (NCP), formed by student leaders who spearheaded the violent uprising in 2024, reported attacks on their supporters. According to the Election Commission, voter turnout across 299 constituencies stood at 59 per cent, compared with 41.8 per cent recorded in the 2024 polls.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) alliance led by Tarique Rahman secured a landslide victory in the general elections, clinching 212 seats in the 300-member Jatiya Sangsad.

Bangladesh: Jamaat-led alliance submits poll rigging complaints, announces protest in Dhaka

Saketh Sreenivasaiah, an Indian student from Karnataka, who went missing earlier this week in the United States, was found dead, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco said on Sunday (Feb 15). The 22-year-old was a student of Chemical and Biomolecular engineering at the University of California, Berkeley and was last seen around a kilometre away from the campus on February 10, according to the Berkeley Police Department.“The Consulate deeply regrets to inform that local police have confirmed the recovery of the body of the missing Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time,” the Consulate said in a post on x. “The Consulate stands ready to provide all necessary assistance to the family, including coordination with local authorities and arrangements for the repatriation of mortal remains to India at the earliest. Our consular officers are in direct contact with the family and will support them with all required formalities and services.”<h2>What his roommate said</h2>In a LinkedIn post, his roommate, Baneet Singh, wrote, “Hey all, my Berkeley roommate, Saketh Sreenivasaiah, has been found dead in Lake Anza near the Berkeley hills.”Singh said that his behaviour changed in the last two weeks before his disappearance, saying that Sreenivasaiah “started eating less and engaging less, only surviving on chips and cookies.”He further described that the 22-year-old told him that he “did not care about anything.”“Why are you wearing a robe to class?” Singh asked him on one occasion. To this, Sreenivasaiah responded, “I’ve stopped caring, man. I’m cold and don’t care what anyone thinks of me. I don’t care about anything.”Singh added that he regretted laughing at his roommate’s remarks thinking he was being “silly.”“He was always up to something silly. Now I know that he really meant it. The opposite of life was never death. It was indifference. To stop caring, which led to him not caring for his own life, either,” Singh wrote.“I didn’t expect this from a friend who lived, ate, travelled, laughed and joked with me. It hurts,” he said. “Take this news as a way to bring together love with friends, instead of sitting in sorrow. Saketh would have wanted that for you all, too.”<h2>Who was Saketh Sreenivasaiah?</h2>A student at the University of California, Berkeley, Sreenivasaiah was pursuing his Master of Science in Product Development Programme, according to his LinkedIn profile. He completed his Bachelor of Technology in chemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.“I’m a Masters student in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department at UC Berkeley, with an undergraduate degree from IIT Madras. I’m passionate about deep-tech innovations in soft and active materials, semiconductors, and advanced materials,” his LinkedIn bio read.

Indian student Saketh Sreenivasaiah, 22, was found dead near UC Berkeley days after going missing. The Consulate confirmed his death as his roommate recalled troubling changes in his behaviour.

Saketh Sreenivasaiah, an Indian student from Karnataka, who went missing earlier this week in the United States, was found dead, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco said on Sunday (Feb 15). The 22-year-old was a student of Chemical and Biomolecular engineering at the University of California, Berkeley and was last seen around a kilometre away from the campus on February 10, according to the Berkeley Police Department. “The Consulate deeply regrets to inform that local police have confirmed the recovery of the body of the missing Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time,” the Consulate said in a post on x. “The Consulate stands ready to provide all necessary assistance to the family, including coordination with local authorities and arrangements for the repatriation of mortal remains to India at the earliest. Our consular officers are in direct contact with the family and will support them with all required formalities and services.” What his roommate said In a LinkedIn post, his roommate, Baneet Singh, wrote, “Hey all, my Berkeley roommate, Saketh Sreenivasaiah, has been found dead in Lake Anza near the Berkeley hills.” Singh said that his behaviour changed in the last two weeks before his disappearance, saying that Sreenivasaiah “started eating less and engaging less, only surviving on chips and cookies.” He further described that the 22-year-old told him that he “did not care about anything.” “Why are you wearing a robe to class?” Singh asked him on one occasion. To this, Sreenivasaiah responded, “I’ve stopped caring, man. I’m cold and don’t care what anyone thinks of me. I don’t care about anything.” Singh added that he regretted laughing at his roommate’s remarks thinking he was being “silly.” “He was always up to something silly. Now I know that he really meant it. The opposite of life was never death. It was indifference. To stop caring, which led to him not caring for his own life, either,” Singh wrote. “I didn’t expect this from a friend who lived, ate, travelled, laughed and joked with me. It hurts,” he said. “Take this news as a way to bring together love with friends, instead of sitting in sorrow. Saketh would have wanted that for you all, too.” Who was Saketh Sreenivasaiah? A student at the University of California, Berkeley, Sreenivasaiah was pursuing his Master of Science in Product Development Programme, according to his LinkedIn profile. He completed his Bachelor of Technology in chemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. “I’m a Masters student in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department at UC Berkeley, with an undergraduate degree from IIT Madras. I’m passionate about deep-tech innovations in soft and active materials, semiconductors, and advanced materials,” his LinkedIn bio read.

Indian student Saketh Sreenivasaiah, 22, was found dead near UC Berkeley days after going missing. The Consulate confirmed his death as his roommate recalled troubling changes in his behaviour.

Missing Indian student Saketh Sreenivasaiah found dead in US; friend says he had ‘stopped caring’

Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said that the US interest in taking over Greenland is “unfortunately not" over. Frederiksen, while speaking at the Munich Security Conference 2026 also warned that US President Donald Trump is serious about controlling the Arctic territory. She also reiterated Greenland's position and clarified that it cannot be bought. She added that the issue about Greenland is around “one of the most basic democratic principles." Additionally, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Arctic security is important for all nations and described recent diplomatic efforts as “quite instructive."&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/munich-security-conference-danish-pm-frederiksen-says-us-president-still-seeks-control-of-greenland-1771152281983">Munich Security Conference: Danish PM Frederiksen says US President still seeks control of Greenland</a>&nbsp;“Of course not. Can you put a price on a part of Spain, or a part of the US, or a part of anywhere else in the world?" she said. "The Greenlandic people have been very clear: they don’t want to become Americans," she added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-fm-says-if-greenland-is-militarised-moscow-will-take-adequate-countermeasures-1770825218246">Russian FM says if Greenland is militarised, Moscow ‘will take adequate countermeasures’</a><h2>Trump's Greenland obsession</h2>Just days ago, Trump, in a Truth Social post, shared a map of United States showing Greenland and Canada as its part. Trump has made a massive push to take over Greenland citing ‘national security.’ Trump also shared another post that showed Trump along with Vice President JD Vance and US Secretary of State Macro Rubio, hoisting US flag in Greenland. A board nearby read: “Greenland, US territory, EST. 2026.” It all started soon after US strike on Caracas and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Trump claimed that making the Danish territory part of the United States would serve US national security interests, given its strategic location on the Arctic.&nbsp;&nbsp;In January 2026, Trump linked his desire to take control of Greenland to his failure to win the Nobel Peace Prize, saying he no longer thought “purely of Peace.” In a text message to Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, Trump said, "Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America." In his message, Trump also repeated his accusation that Denmark cannot protect Greenland from Russia or China. "…why do they have a "right of ownership" anyway? There are no written documents, it's only that a boat landed there hundreds of years ago, but we had boats landing there, also."

Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen warned that US interest in Greenland is ongoing, stressing it cannot be sold. Donald Trump’s push for control has raised Arctic tensions, with global leaders highlighting security concerns and Greenlanders firmly rejecting US ownership.

Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said that the US interest in taking over Greenland is “unfortunately not" over. Frederiksen, while speaking at the Munich Security Conference 2026 also warned that US President Donald Trump is serious about controlling the Arctic territory. She also reiterated Greenland's position and clarified that it cannot be bought. She added that the issue about Greenland is around “one of the most basic democratic principles." Additionally, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Arctic security is important for all nations and described recent diplomatic efforts as “quite instructive." Also Read: Munich Security Conference: Danish PM Frederiksen says US President still seeks control of Greenland “Of course not. Can you put a price on a part of Spain, or a part of the US, or a part of anywhere else in the world?" she said. "The Greenlandic people have been very clear: they don’t want to become Americans," she added. Also Read: Russian FM says if Greenland is militarised, Moscow ‘will take adequate countermeasures’ Trump's Greenland obsession Just days ago, Trump, in a Truth Social post, shared a map of United States showing Greenland and Canada as its part. Trump has made a massive push to take over Greenland citing ‘national security.’ Trump also shared another post that showed Trump along with Vice President JD Vance and US Secretary of State Macro Rubio, hoisting US flag in Greenland. A board nearby read: “Greenland, US territory, EST. 2026.” It all started soon after US strike on Caracas and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Trump claimed that making the Danish territory part of the United States would serve US national security interests, given its strategic location on the Arctic. In January 2026, Trump linked his desire to take control of Greenland to his failure to win the Nobel Peace Prize, saying he no longer thought “purely of Peace.” In a text message to Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, Trump said, "Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America." In his message, Trump also repeated his accusation that Denmark cannot protect Greenland from Russia or China. "…why do they have a "right of ownership" anyway? There are no written documents, it's only that a boat landed there hundreds of years ago, but we had boats landing there, also."

Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen warned that US interest in Greenland is ongoing, stressing it cannot be sold. Donald Trump’s push for control has raised Arctic tensions, with global leaders highlighting security concerns and Greenlanders firmly rejecting US ownership.

'It's not over': Danish PM Frederiksen expresses fear over Trump's Greenland obsession

India, Germany, Japan and Brazil, the G4 countries, for the first time held a meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference 2026 in Germany. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posted a photo of his meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Brazilian FM Mauro Vieira and Japanese FM Toshimitsu Motegi.&nbsp;"A G-4 meeting of India, Germany, Japan and Brazil to discuss reformed multilateralism. Held on the sidelines of the @MunSecConf for the first time," EAM Jaishankar wrote on X.<h2>Background and objective of G4</h2>The alliance, formalised in the lead-up to the 2005 World Summit, marking the 60th anniversary of the United Nations, aims to push for comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), specifically expanding its permanent and non-permanent members to include new members, reflecting 21st-century geopolitical realities. The core objectives of the group are to support each other's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and to reinforce the Council's legitimacy by including major powers from Asia (India and Japan), Europe (Germany), and South America (Brazil). The group aims to make the council more representative and effective in handling modern conflicts.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lok-sabha-speaker-om-birla-to-attend-tarique-rahman-s-swearing-in-as-bangladesh-prime-minister-1771145600722">Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to attend Tarique Rahman's swearing-in as Bangladesh Prime Minister</a>&nbsp;Following the meeting in Munich, the Group pointed at slow progress of intergovernmental negotiations, and called for formal text-based negotiation with defined timelines.&nbsp;It also urged meaningful reform in the world body ahead of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations to prevent it from becoming obsolete. The G4 expressed its continued support for the Common African Position aimed at ensuring permanent African representation to rectify historic imbalances.<h2>Where does G4 Nations stand</h2>The G4 nations challenge the 1945 status quo by highlighting the geopolitical realities of 2026. After the Second World War, the victorious powers, the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France and China, became the P5, securing veto power in the UN Security Council.&nbsp;Today, the global balance of power has shifted significantly. India, the world’s most populous nation, and Brazil represent major regions that still lack permanent representation on the Council.&nbsp;Economically, Germany, India, and Japan rank among the world’s top five economies and contribute substantially to the United Nations. Militarily, India and Japan ranked fourth and seventh globally. India also contributes more peacekeepers to UN missions than all P5 members combined.

The core objectives of the group are to support each other's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and to reinforce the Council's legitimacy by including major powers.

India, Germany, Japan and Brazil, the G4 countries, for the first time held a meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference 2026 in Germany. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posted a photo of his meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Brazilian FM Mauro Vieira and Japanese FM Toshimitsu Motegi. "A G-4 meeting of India, Germany, Japan and Brazil to discuss reformed multilateralism. Held on the sidelines of the @MunSecConf for the first time," EAM Jaishankar wrote on X. Background and objective of G4 The alliance, formalised in the lead-up to the 2005 World Summit, marking the 60th anniversary of the United Nations, aims to push for comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), specifically expanding its permanent and non-permanent members to include new members, reflecting 21st-century geopolitical realities. The core objectives of the group are to support each other's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and to reinforce the Council's legitimacy by including major powers from Asia (India and Japan), Europe (Germany), and South America (Brazil). The group aims to make the council more representative and effective in handling modern conflicts. Also Read: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to attend Tarique Rahman's swearing-in as Bangladesh Prime Minister Following the meeting in Munich, the Group pointed at slow progress of intergovernmental negotiations, and called for formal text-based negotiation with defined timelines. It also urged meaningful reform in the world body ahead of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations to prevent it from becoming obsolete. The G4 expressed its continued support for the Common African Position aimed at ensuring permanent African representation to rectify historic imbalances. Where does G4 Nations stand The G4 nations challenge the 1945 status quo by highlighting the geopolitical realities of 2026. After the Second World War, the victorious powers, the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France and China, became the P5, securing veto power in the UN Security Council. Today, the global balance of power has shifted significantly. India, the world’s most populous nation, and Brazil represent major regions that still lack permanent representation on the Council. Economically, Germany, India, and Japan rank among the world’s top five economies and contribute substantially to the United Nations. Militarily, India and Japan ranked fourth and seventh globally. India also contributes more peacekeepers to UN missions than all P5 members combined.

The core objectives of the group are to support each other's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and to reinforce the Council's legitimacy by including major powers.

India, Germany, Japan and Brazil convene G4 meeting: What is the grouping about?

The newly released files related to the investigation into late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has releaved how his network managed the immigration status of several foreign women through student visas, sham marriages, English-language programs, and work permits. The emails among the documents showed how Karyna Shuliak, Epstein’s long-term girlfriend, secured her US citizenship through a fake marriage to another woman in New York.According to a Bloomberg report, the Belarus-born woman had moved to the United States as a transfer student. Epstein had arranged her admission to Columbia University’s dental school through a complicated process that started in 2011. In July 2012, the late pedophile reached out to his network to ensure Shuliak’s immigration status, seeking to quietly restore her student visa.However, by 2013, her legal status in the US had become uncertain. The emails in Epstein files revealed that the sex offender sought legal assistance to resolve the complications in her student visa and a pending asylum case.“She’s overstayed,” one lawyer said, warning that her reinstatement would be challenging.“We will need to decide if pushing the asylum and redoing it is a more likely path to success than the prosecutorial descretion re the reinstatement,” Epstein wrote in an email.In October 2013, Shuliak married a woman named Jennifer, who reportedly had been in a relationship with Elon Musk’s brother, Kimbal Musk. Following the marriage, Shuliak and her lawyer applied for a family-based green card. By early 2015, she received her green card and became a naturalised US citizen in 2018. She later filed for a divorce.“Now that she’s an american you should throw her a big ole party with a mechanical bull, red white and blue balloons, and deep fried snickers bars on flag toothpicks,” reads one email sent to Epstein by his immigration lawyers.The files also revealed that Epstein sponsored enrollment in English-language schools for several other foreign women to help them secure a US student visa. Apart from this, Epstein also filed a work visa application for a woman, citing her work with his company and modelling career.

New Epstein files show his network used student visas, English programs, work permits and a marriage to help women secure US citizenship.

The newly released files related to the investigation into late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has releaved how his network managed the immigration status of several foreign women through student visas, sham marriages, English-language programs, and work permits. The emails among the documents showed how Karyna Shuliak, Epstein’s long-term girlfriend, secured her US citizenship through a fake marriage to another woman in New York. According to a Bloomberg report, the Belarus-born woman had moved to the United States as a transfer student. Epstein had arranged her admission to Columbia University’s dental school through a complicated process that started in 2011. In July 2012, the late pedophile reached out to his network to ensure Shuliak’s immigration status, seeking to quietly restore her student visa. However, by 2013, her legal status in the US had become uncertain. The emails in Epstein files revealed that the sex offender sought legal assistance to resolve the complications in her student visa and a pending asylum case. “She’s overstayed,” one lawyer said, warning that her reinstatement would be challenging. “We will need to decide if pushing the asylum and redoing it is a more likely path to success than the prosecutorial descretion re the reinstatement,” Epstein wrote in an email. In October 2013, Shuliak married a woman named Jennifer, who reportedly had been in a relationship with Elon Musk’s brother, Kimbal Musk. Following the marriage, Shuliak and her lawyer applied for a family-based green card. By early 2015, she received her green card and became a naturalised US citizen in 2018. She later filed for a divorce. “Now that she’s an american you should throw her a big ole party with a mechanical bull, red white and blue balloons, and deep fried snickers bars on flag toothpicks,” reads one email sent to Epstein by his immigration lawyers. The files also revealed that Epstein sponsored enrollment in English-language schools for several other foreign women to help them secure a US student visa. Apart from this, Epstein also filed a work visa application for a woman, citing her work with his company and modelling career.

New Epstein files show his network used student visas, English programs, work permits and a marriage to help women secure US citizenship.

Student visa, fake marriage: How Epstein helped long-term girlfriend, Karyna Shuliak, secure US citizenship

US Congressman Lauren Boebert, in a conversation with Newsmax, added fuel to some of the disturbing conspiracy theories about cannibalism that have been over and over again denied and supposedly “debunked”. Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert has claimed to have seen in the unredacted files on sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein. In a social media post on the platform X, she mentioned that these are "very sick people" and doing some “very sick things.”"Terrifying language in the Epstein Files I viewed yesterday-Emails about torture -Frequent talk of "consumption"? -A restaurant called "The Cannibal"The women around Epstein were also deeply involved in trafficking children," read the post.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Terrifying language in the Epstein Files I viewed yesterday -Emails about torture -Frequent talk of &quot;consumption&quot;? -A restaurant called &quot;The Cannibal&quot; The women around Epstein were also deeply involved in trafficking children. These are sick, sick people.<a href="https://twitter.com/NEWSMAX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NEWSMAX</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SchmittNYC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SchmittNYC</a> <a href="https://t.co/4qHtGXGEpx">pic.twitter.com/4qHtGXGEpx</a>&mdash; Rep. Lauren Boebert (@RepBoebert) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepBoebert/status/2021669694453825873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-ghislaine-maxwell-shadow-commission-9-11-doj-release-1771133803234">Epstein files reveal Ghislaine Maxwell’s invitation to secret 'Shadow Commission on 9/11'</a>She suggested that the circle goes deeper than it appears from the outside. There was more than human trafficking going on, using “code words” to hide their crimes. These “code words” may suggest “some sort of consumption”. She further added that there was a mention of the restaurant called the “Cannibal”, whose owner is listed in the files among recurring discussions about "beef jerky."She went on to say that there were clear mentions of “torture”, which was a big driver. In 2009, Epstein wrote a short email to a recipient that the DOJ had initially redacted. “Where are you? are you ok, I loved the torture video,” he said at the time. The name was redacted. US Congressman Thomas Massie later revealed that it was Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO of Dubai’s DP World.&nbsp;Boebert's remarks come as there is massive redaction in the Epstein files, and the Trump administration faces backlash for not releasing the files in their entirety. The Department of Justice on Saturday sent a list of people to the congress, which included compromised "government officials and politically exposed persons” such as Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, Melania Trump, Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, JD Vance, Joe Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, to name a few. It also had people like Elvis Presley and Marlyn Monroe, which is absurd as Jeffrey Epstein would have been 9 years old when Marilyn Monroe died and 24 years old when Elvis Presley died.&nbsp;

Rep Lauren Boebert claims unredacted Epstein files contain references to “torture” and “consumption,” reigniting conspiracy debates amid DOJ redactions.

US Congressman Lauren Boebert, in a conversation with Newsmax, added fuel to some of the disturbing conspiracy theories about cannibalism that have been over and over again denied and supposedly “debunked”. Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert has claimed to have seen in the unredacted files on sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein. In a social media post on the platform X, she mentioned that these are "very sick people" and doing some “very sick things.” "Terrifying language in the Epstein Files I viewed yesterday -Emails about torture -Frequent talk of "consumption"? -A restaurant called "The Cannibal" The women around Epstein were also deeply involved in trafficking children," read the post.

Rep Lauren Boebert claims unredacted Epstein files contain references to “torture” and “consumption,” reigniting conspiracy debates amid DOJ redactions.

Boebert says unredacted Epstein files reference ‘consumption’ and ‘torture’

A party named BJP did win a seat in Bangladesh, but it refers to the Bangladesh Jatiya Party, not India’s BJP. Led by Andaleeve Rahman Partho, it secured one seat as an ally of the BNP, which swept the polls and is set to form the government.

Did BJP actually win a seat in Bangladesh Elections? Here's the truth

Epstein files had several mentions of terms like ‘cream cheese’ and ‘pizza’, which have been flagged by child <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/08/28/paedophiles-using-cheese-pizza-emojis-secret-code-social-media/">safety advisors</a> as terms that pedophiles use online to communicate among themselves without explicitly saying the term. The term ‘cream cheese’ appears at least 196 times, the word ‘ pizza ‘ appears 819 times, and ’pasta’ appears 409 times. On several occasions, these terms were placed in an awkward framing like “cream cheese baby”.&nbsp;“There are millions of babies, very little good vegetable cream cheese”“Lol, I don't know if cream cheese and baby are on the same level.. It's ok, there is still enough time today. I am trying to schedule priming for 5.30; fuel explosion 9.45 pm? Will bring a new engine startup video." The sender's details are redacted, which is puzzling.&nbsp;“Haha Do you want veggie cream cheese tomorrow? I would go look for it now”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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&nbsp;Another Epstein document showed a picture of a baby, also called "shrimp," in a sink holding cocktail sauce. The file then read, "Some are like shrimp, you throw away the head and keep the body.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-ghislaine-maxwell-shadow-commission-9-11-doj-release-1771133803234">Epstein files reveal Ghislaine Maxwell’s invitation to secret 'Shadow Commission on 9/11'</a>&nbsp;In another such correspondence between Harry Fisch, one of the prominent US doctors for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility and Jeffrey Epstein, a disturbing conversation unfolded. Epstein wrote, “I'm back, can you call in Stendra 100 at zitimer?” Stendra 100 is a pill listed to treat “erectile dysfunction (ED) in men”. Fisch responded, “You have refills available. Call them back.” Then Fisch again said, “After you use them, wash your hands and let's go get pizza and grape soda.”It is unclear why someone would take Stendra and go for “pizza and grape soda”, unless these words mean something sinister, even though the content of the Epstein files is disturbing enough without the use of secret codes.&nbsp;

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In a 2018 thread with filmmaker Woody Allen, there were messages from Epstein, &nbsp;“He didn't just cause heartburn, he ate them” “Hearts”; to which Woody Allen replied, “At least I'm thinner.” Then Epstein responded, “Because you also eat the bones, providing fiber” Woody continued, he doesn't like waste.The recent release of the Epstein files had many such references, which were considered conspiracy theories such as "hotdog” = boy, “pizza” = girl, “cheese” = little girl, “pasta” = little boy, “ice cream” = male prostitute, “walnut” = person of colour, “map” = semen, “sauce” = orgy. But the scale of Epstein's trafficking network and some of the gruesome mentions of torture and abuse make every theory plausible unless disproved.&nbsp;

The latest Epstein document release has reignited online debate over repeated mentions of “pizza” and “cream cheese,” terms long linked to conspiracy claims.

Epstein files had several mentions of terms like ‘cream cheese’ and ‘pizza’, which have been flagged by child safety advisors as terms that pedophiles use online to communicate among themselves without explicitly saying the term. The term ‘cream cheese’ appears at least 196 times, the word ‘ pizza ‘ appears 819 times, and ’pasta’ appears 409 times. On several occasions, these terms were placed in an awkward framing like “cream cheese baby”. “There are millions of babies, very little good vegetable cream cheese” “Lol, I don't know if cream cheese and baby are on the same level.. It's ok, there is still enough time today. I am trying to schedule priming for 5.30; fuel explosion 9.45 pm? Will bring a new engine startup video." The sender's details are redacted, which is puzzling. “Haha Do you want veggie cream cheese tomorrow? I would go look for it now”

The latest Epstein document release has reignited online debate over repeated mentions of “pizza” and “cream cheese,” terms long linked to conspiracy claims.

Epstein files fuel speculation over ‘pizza’ and ‘cream cheese baby’ references

Former US president Barack Obama answered a question that has created a social buzz for decades, saying that aliens are “real”. He made the remarks in a podcast interview released on Saturday (Feb 14), confirming the existence of extraterrestrial life. The former leader also addressed popular conspiracy theories linked to Area 51, the top-secret US Air Force base in Nevada that is rumoured to keep aliens.During the interview with YouTuber Brian Tyler Cowen, Obama was asked, “Are aliens real?”“They’re real,” Obama replied to the question, adding, “but I haven’t seen them.”Speaking about the Area 51 base, the former president said, “They’re not being kept in Area 51. There’s no underground facility, unless there’s this enormous conspiracy, and they hid it from the president of the United States.”Cowen further asked Obama, “What was the first question you wanted answered when you became president?” To this, the Democrat replied, “Where are the aliens?”This is not the first time the former president has spoken about aliens and UFOs. In an interview in 2021, Obama told The Late Late Show host James Corden, “When it comes to aliens, there are some things I just can’t tell you on air.”He later confirmed that UAP sightings are real and the US government has not been able to uncover details on where these objects come from or how they move.“But what is true and I’m actually being serious here is that there’s footage and records of objects in the skies that we don’t know exactly what they are,” Obama had said.<h2>What is Area 51?</h2>Area 51 is a highly classified US military facility located in southern Nevada. For decades, conspiracy theories have revolved around the top-secret US Air Force base, with many believing that the US government hides alien technology there. Several people have also claimed sighting unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs) in the area.In recent years, public curiosity has fueled after the US government released documentation on unexplained aircraft sightings.

In a podcast interview, former US president Barack Obama said aliens are “real” but dismissed claims that extraterrestrials are being held at Area 51.

Former US president Barack Obama answered a question that has created a social buzz for decades, saying that aliens are “real”. He made the remarks in a podcast interview released on Saturday (Feb 14), confirming the existence of extraterrestrial life. The former leader also addressed popular conspiracy theories linked to Area 51, the top-secret US Air Force base in Nevada that is rumoured to keep aliens. During the interview with YouTuber Brian Tyler Cowen, Obama was asked, “Are aliens real?” “They’re real,” Obama replied to the question, adding, “but I haven’t seen them.” Speaking about the Area 51 base, the former president said, “They’re not being kept in Area 51. There’s no underground facility, unless there’s this enormous conspiracy, and they hid it from the president of the United States.” Cowen further asked Obama, “What was the first question you wanted answered when you became president?” To this, the Democrat replied, “Where are the aliens?” This is not the first time the former president has spoken about aliens and UFOs. In an interview in 2021, Obama told The Late Late Show host James Corden, “When it comes to aliens, there are some things I just can’t tell you on air.” He later confirmed that UAP sightings are real and the US government has not been able to uncover details on where these objects come from or how they move. “But what is true and I’m actually being serious here is that there’s footage and records of objects in the skies that we don’t know exactly what they are,” Obama had said. What is Area 51? Area 51 is a highly classified US military facility located in southern Nevada. For decades, conspiracy theories have revolved around the top-secret US Air Force base, with many believing that the US government hides alien technology there. Several people have also claimed sighting unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs) in the area. In recent years, public curiosity has fueled after the US government released documentation on unexplained aircraft sightings.

In a podcast interview, former US president Barack Obama said aliens are “real” but dismissed claims that extraterrestrials are being held at Area 51.

‘Aliens are real’: What former US president Barack Obama said about extraterrestrial and Area 51

India's Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will represent New Delhi at the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman as Bangladesh's Prime Minister in Dhaka on 17 February. The invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi was extended on Saturday evening, but he is unable to attend due to a scheduled meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day. The decision to send the Speaker and the top diplomat shows India's engagement with the new government amid efforts to rebuild ties following a period of turbulence.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-invites-india-and-12-other-nations-to-tarique-rahman-s-cabinet-oath-ceremony-1771096731770">Bangladesh invites India and 12 other nations to Tarique Rahman’s cabinet oath ceremony</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-bnp-s-tarique-rahman-vows-stability-unity-in-latest-remarks-1771126199022/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-bnp-s-tarique-rahman-vows-stability-unity-in-latest-remarks-1771126199022/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The ceremony follows the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) landslide victory in the 13th parliamentary elections earlier this month, the first since mass protests ousted Sheikh Hasina in 2024. The BNP secured a decisive two-thirds majority, with over 200 seats in the 300-member parliament, paving the way for Rahman, who returned from 17 years of exile in London, to take office.&nbsp;Newly elected MPs will take their oaths in the morning, administered by the Chief Election Commissioner, with Rahman's cabinet sworn in during an evening event at the National Parliament's South Plaza. Invitations were sent to leaders from 13 countries, including China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan. BNP foreign policy adviser Humayun Kabir described the outreach as a "goodwill gesture" to prioritise regional diplomacy. "The region is important to us," he told WION. "It is an important part of [the] foreign policy of Tarique Rahman [to make] this region [an] influential region."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-s-newly-elected-mps-likely-to-take-oath-on-feb-17-after-bnp-s-sweeping-win-1771095772420">Bangladesh’s newly-elected MPs likely to take oath on Feb 17 after BNP’s sweeping win</a>&nbsp;Rahman has emphasised national unity, restoring law and order, and economic stabilisation in his initial public statements. He appealed for collective efforts to strengthen democracy and institutions after years of political upheaval.&nbsp;India's response has been prompt and positive. On 13 February, shortly after results were announced, PM Modi held a direct conversation with Rahman, becoming the first foreign leader to do so. He congratulated him on the BNP's victory, calling it a sign of public trust in his leadership, and reaffirmed India's commitment to a "democratic, progressive, and inclusive" Bangladesh. The phone call and high-level representation at the inauguration signal optimism in New Delhi-Dhaka relations.

India will send Om Birla and Vikram Misri to Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in as Bangladesh PM, signalling renewed ties after political shifts. With Modi unable to attend, New Delhi is showing support for the new government and regional engagement

India's Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will represent New Delhi at the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman as Bangladesh's Prime Minister in Dhaka on 17 February. The invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi was extended on Saturday evening, but he is unable to attend due to a scheduled meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day. The decision to send the Speaker and the top diplomat shows India's engagement with the new government amid efforts to rebuild ties following a period of turbulence. Also Read: Bangladesh invites India and 12 other nations to Tarique Rahman’s cabinet oath ceremony https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-bnp-s-tarique-rahman-vows-stability-unity-in-latest-remarks-1771126199022/embed The ceremony follows the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) landslide victory in the 13th parliamentary elections earlier this month, the first since mass protests ousted Sheikh Hasina in 2024. The BNP secured a decisive two-thirds majority, with over 200 seats in the 300-member parliament, paving the way for Rahman, who returned from 17 years of exile in London, to take office. Newly elected MPs will take their oaths in the morning, administered by the Chief Election Commissioner, with Rahman's cabinet sworn in during an evening event at the National Parliament's South Plaza. Invitations were sent to leaders from 13 countries, including China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan. BNP foreign policy adviser Humayun Kabir described the outreach as a "goodwill gesture" to prioritise regional diplomacy. "The region is important to us," he told WION. "It is an important part of [the] foreign policy of Tarique Rahman [to make] this region [an] influential region." Also Read: Bangladesh’s newly-elected MPs likely to take oath on Feb 17 after BNP’s sweeping win Rahman has emphasised national unity, restoring law and order, and economic stabilisation in his initial public statements. He appealed for collective efforts to strengthen democracy and institutions after years of political upheaval. India's response has been prompt and positive. On 13 February, shortly after results were announced, PM Modi held a direct conversation with Rahman, becoming the first foreign leader to do so. He congratulated him on the BNP's victory, calling it a sign of public trust in his leadership, and reaffirmed India's commitment to a "democratic, progressive, and inclusive" Bangladesh. The phone call and high-level representation at the inauguration signal optimism in New Delhi-Dhaka relations.

India will send Om Birla and Vikram Misri to Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in as Bangladesh PM, signalling renewed ties after political shifts. With Modi unable to attend, New Delhi is showing support for the new government and regional engagement

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to attend Tarique Rahman's swearing-in as Bangladesh Prime Minister

The latest tranche of Epstein files reveals that Ghislaine Maxwell was invited to a secret “Shadow Commission on 9/11” by Edward Jay Epstein, an investigative journalist known for his 1966 book Inquest, a critic of the "Warren Commission" which investigated the John F Kennedy assassination. The disgraced socialite Ghislaine Maxwell politely declined the invitation. The communication happened in January 2003, almost a year and a half after the collapse of the Twin Towers. The exact nature, purpose, or official standing of this "Shadow Commission" beyond being an invitation for a secret group related to 9/11 is not detailed.&nbsp;“Any interest in being on the Shadow Commission on 9/11. The membership list is secret" wrote Ed Epstein.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghislaine-maxwell-fifth-amendment-2016-deposition-epstein-case-1770893974254">From sealed deposition to prison sentence: Ghislaine Maxwell’s legal strategy</a>In a separate conversation, Ghislaine Maxwell was seen explaining a fictional future without any “Arabs”. In the fictional universe where “Arabs” have been eradicated, a conversation between a man and his child plays out. The man points to the spot where the World Trade Centre stood, and “the father sighs and comments, ‘to think that right here used to be the Twin Towers…'”. The child asks what the WTC was. The father responded they were two huge buildings that were destroyed by the "Arabs". The boy then asks what the “ Arabs were.” Maxwell sent the email to &nbsp;Thomas Pritzker, Jewish-American billionaire and Executive Chairman of the Hyatt Hotel chain.&nbsp;Another such communication between Philip Levine, former Mayor of Miami Beach and Ghislaine Maxwell, after a week of the 9/11 attacks- “Where is the real pilot?” Again, the nature of the correspondence is extremely ambiguous, specifically due to the nature of the release by the Department of Justice. There is no synchronicity, no indexing, just a huge dump of PDF files. &nbsp;This has become one of the greatest media events, like an augmented reality, individuals, journalists and content creators on social media are invited to piece together the puzzle and reveal the Easter Eggs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

New Epstein files show Ghislaine Maxwell was invited to a secret “Shadow Commission on 9/11,” fueling speculation amid a chaotic DOJ document dump.

The latest tranche of Epstein files reveals that Ghislaine Maxwell was invited to a secret “Shadow Commission on 9/11” by Edward Jay Epstein, an investigative journalist known for his 1966 book Inquest, a critic of the "Warren Commission" which investigated the John F Kennedy assassination. The disgraced socialite Ghislaine Maxwell politely declined the invitation. The communication happened in January 2003, almost a year and a half after the collapse of the Twin Towers. The exact nature, purpose, or official standing of this "Shadow Commission" beyond being an invitation for a secret group related to 9/11 is not detailed. “Any interest in being on the Shadow Commission on 9/11. The membership list is secret" wrote Ed Epstein.

New Epstein files show Ghislaine Maxwell was invited to a secret “Shadow Commission on 9/11,” fueling speculation amid a chaotic DOJ document dump.

Epstein files show that an email dated one week after the 9/11- “Where is the real pilot?”

Reza Pahlavi urged US military action to hasten Iran’s regime collapse and offered to lead a democratic transition. While Trump hints at regime change and builds military pressure, nuclear talks continue amid deep mistrust and uncertainty over a deal.

Reza Pahlavi urges Trump to ditch Iran talks as US envoys calls nuclear deal 'difficult to impossible': What's next?

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Saturday (Feb 14) sent a letter to Congress with hundreds of names mentioned in the documents related to investigations into late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The list included names of high-profile “government officials and politically exposed persons”, including US President Donald Trump, named in the files. The letter also outlined its justifications for the redactions made in the files in the six-page letter sent to the Senate and House Judiciary committees.The letter, which was first reported by Politico, notes that the names appeared in a “wide variety of contexts,” from individuals who directly emailed with Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell to those who had no interaction with the sex offender but were mentioned in the documents. The letter does not specify which name appeared in what context.<h2>Who is named in letter?</h2>The names in the letter included Trump, Vice President JD Vance, former president Barack Obama, former president Joe Biden, and former vice president Kamala Hariss. The document also mentioned former US president Bill Clinton, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk among the names.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">JUST IN: DOJ sends Hill a letter purporting to fulfill requirement in Epstein Files Transparency Act for an explanation of all redactions from released files. The six-page letter is a lot less detailed than 1 would get in run-of-the-mill <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FOIA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FOIA</a> case. Doc: <a href="https://t.co/5PT7HWgJ0N">https://t.co/5PT7HWgJ0N</a>&mdash; Josh Gerstein (@joshgerstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/joshgerstein/status/2022826922254717353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>‘Stop protecting predators’</h2>The Trump administration is facing increased scrutiny for its handling of the investigation into the case related to Epstein, with critics alleging that it has not been transparent in releasing the files.Rep. Ro Khanna has accused the DOJ of “purposefully muddying the waters on who was a predator and who was mentioned in an email.”In a post on X, Kanna wrote, “To have Janis Joplin, who died when Epstein was 17, in the same list as Larry Nassar, who went to prison for the sexual abuse of hundreds of young women and child pornography, with no clarification of how either was mentioned in the files is absurd.”“Release the full files. Stop protecting predators. Redact only the survivor’s names,” he added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The DOJ is once again purposefully muddying the waters on who was a predator and who was mentioned in an email. To have Janis Joplin, who died when Epstein was 17, in the same list as Larry Nassar, who went to prison for the sexual abuse of hundreds of young women and child… <a href="https://t.co/kM0toLsitd">https://t.co/kM0toLsitd</a>&mdash; Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoKhanna/status/2022842441309602066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The DOJ sent Congress a letter listing hundreds of names from Jeffrey Epstein case files, including Donald Trump and other high-profile individuals.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Saturday (Feb 14) sent a letter to Congress with hundreds of names mentioned in the documents related to investigations into late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The list included names of high-profile “government officials and politically exposed persons”, including US President Donald Trump, named in the files. The letter also outlined its justifications for the redactions made in the files in the six-page letter sent to the Senate and House Judiciary committees. The letter, which was first reported by Politico, notes that the names appeared in a “wide variety of contexts,” from individuals who directly emailed with Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell to those who had no interaction with the sex offender but were mentioned in the documents. The letter does not specify which name appeared in what context. Who is named in letter? The names in the letter included Trump, Vice President JD Vance, former president Barack Obama, former president Joe Biden, and former vice president Kamala Hariss. The document also mentioned former US president Bill Clinton, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk among the names.

The DOJ sent Congress a letter listing hundreds of names from Jeffrey Epstein case files, including Donald Trump and other high-profile individuals.

DOJ’s letter to Congress lists ‘politically exposed persons’ in Epstein files – Trump, Biden, Netanyahu among names

Russia has on Saturday (February 14) strongly rejected the claims by European nations that late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was killed by the Russian administration using toxin from poison dart frogs. This comes after Britain, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands said that analyses of samples from Navalny's body "conclusively" confirmed the presence of epibatidine, a toxin found in poison dart frogs in South America and not found naturally in Russia. The Russian government called the allegations “a Western propaganda hoax.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-killed-putin-critic-navalny-by-poisoning-with-rare-toxin-say-european-states-1771086288649">Russia killed Putin critic Navalny by poisoning with ‘rare toxin,’ say European states</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/navalny-death-probe-putin-s-critic-alexei-navalny-poisoned-with-rare-dart-frog-toxin-in-prison-1771123461934/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/navalny-death-probe-putin-s-critic-alexei-navalny-poisoned-with-rare-dart-frog-toxin-in-prison-1771123461934/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was quoted by the Russian state's TASS news saying, "When the test results are available and the formulas for the substances are disclosed, we will comment accordingly. Until then, all such assertions are merely propaganda aimed at diverting attention from pressing Western issues." She also criticized the timing of these allegations. “Just as the investigation into the Nord Stream explosions was about to yield results, suddenly Navalny's poisoning is brought into focus. When asked for Navalny's test results, Western officials instead circulated sensational stories about the Skripals. This pattern continues unabated,” she added. The Russian embassy in London said, “One must ask what kind of person would believe this nonsense about a frog.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-alexei-the-world-has-not-forgotten-when-navalny%E2%80%99-director-dedicated-oscar-win-to-political-prisoner-691017">'Alexei, world hasn't forgotten your message': When Navalny director dedicated Oscar win to political prisoner</a><h2>What European countries claimed?</h2>Five European countries, including the UK, France and Germany, accused Russia of killing opposition leader and fierce Putin critic Alexi Navalny in a prison in 2024 by "poisoning" him with a “rare toxin.” The allegations were made at the Munich Security conference. The UK Foreign Office said that there is no plausible explanation for the toxin called epibatidine, being found in samples taken from Navalny's body. &nbsp;"The epibatidine toxin found in the skin of dart frogs native to South America was found in samples and "highly likely resulted in his death", the European states said. "Only the Russian state had the means, motive and opportunity to deploy this lethal toxin to target Navalny during his imprisonment in a Russian penal colony in Siberia, and we hold it responsible for his death," the UK Foreign Office added in a statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;Navalny, 47, a staunch critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, died in February 2024 in a Siberian penal colony while serving a 19 year prision sentence. A multi-agency inquiry involving the UK, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands released its findings on the sidelines of the Munich Security conference, ahead of the second anniversary of his death.&nbsp;&nbsp;Soon after, Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Navalny, said now it is proven scientifically that the Kremlin opponent had been murdered. "Two years ago, I came on stage here and said that it was Vladimir Putin who killed my husband. I was, of course, certain that it was a murder, but back then, it was just words. But today these words have become science-proven facts," Yulia said on the sidelines of the conference.

European nations claim Alexei Navalny was killed using a rare toxin, citing scientific evidence, while Russia dismisses the allegations as propaganda. The findings renew tensions, with Navalny’s allies asserting the Kremlin’s direct role in his death.

Russia has on Saturday (February 14) strongly rejected the claims by European nations that late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was killed by the Russian administration using toxin from poison dart frogs. This comes after Britain, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands said that analyses of samples from Navalny's body "conclusively" confirmed the presence of epibatidine, a toxin found in poison dart frogs in South America and not found naturally in Russia. The Russian government called the allegations “a Western propaganda hoax.” Also Read: Russia killed Putin critic Navalny by poisoning with ‘rare toxin,’ say European states https://www.wionews.com/videos/navalny-death-probe-putin-s-critic-alexei-navalny-poisoned-with-rare-dart-frog-toxin-in-prison-1771123461934/embed Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was quoted by the Russian state's TASS news saying, "When the test results are available and the formulas for the substances are disclosed, we will comment accordingly. Until then, all such assertions are merely propaganda aimed at diverting attention from pressing Western issues." She also criticized the timing of these allegations. “Just as the investigation into the Nord Stream explosions was about to yield results, suddenly Navalny's poisoning is brought into focus. When asked for Navalny's test results, Western officials instead circulated sensational stories about the Skripals. This pattern continues unabated,” she added. The Russian embassy in London said, “One must ask what kind of person would believe this nonsense about a frog.” Also Read: 'Alexei, world hasn't forgotten your message': When Navalny director dedicated Oscar win to political prisoner What European countries claimed? Five European countries, including the UK, France and Germany, accused Russia of killing opposition leader and fierce Putin critic Alexi Navalny in a prison in 2024 by "poisoning" him with a “rare toxin.” The allegations were made at the Munich Security conference. The UK Foreign Office said that there is no plausible explanation for the toxin called epibatidine, being found in samples taken from Navalny's body. "The epibatidine toxin found in the skin of dart frogs native to South America was found in samples and "highly likely resulted in his death", the European states said. "Only the Russian state had the means, motive and opportunity to deploy this lethal toxin to target Navalny during his imprisonment in a Russian penal colony in Siberia, and we hold it responsible for his death," the UK Foreign Office added in a statement. Navalny, 47, a staunch critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, died in February 2024 in a Siberian penal colony while serving a 19 year prision sentence. A multi-agency inquiry involving the UK, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands released its findings on the sidelines of the Munich Security conference, ahead of the second anniversary of his death. Soon after, Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Navalny, said now it is proven scientifically that the Kremlin opponent had been murdered. "Two years ago, I came on stage here and said that it was Vladimir Putin who killed my husband. I was, of course, certain that it was a murder, but back then, it was just words. But today these words have become science-proven facts," Yulia said on the sidelines of the conference.

European nations claim Alexei Navalny was killed using a rare toxin, citing scientific evidence, while Russia dismisses the allegations as propaganda. The findings renew tensions, with Navalny’s allies asserting the Kremlin’s direct role in his death.

'This nonsense about frog...': Russia dismisses European nations' 'poisoning' allegations over Alexei Navalny's death

As the search enters its second week to find NBC broadcaster Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos warned that it could take years to find her. The sheriff promised that his team would remain dedicated to finding Nancy despite hitting several dead ends in the investigation, even if the search goes on for longer than intended. Nanos also shared new details about the federal operation that took place on Friday (Feb 13).“Maybe it’s an hour from now,” Nanos told The New York Times. “Maybe it’s weeks or months or years from now. But we won’t quit. We’re going to find Nancy. We’re going to find this guy.”So far, multiple ransom notes and thousands of tips have been received related to the disappearance of the 84-year-old. “It’s exhausting, these ups and downs,” Nanos said. “But we will keep moving forward.”No arrests yetEarlier on Friday night, the FBI executed a federal search warrant at a nearby home, where three people were detained. However, they were later released. Nanos noted that it was a standard procedure to allow investigators freedom to conduct the search.The sheriff added that no arrests were made and there was “no sign of Nancy was found.”He added that a man earlier detained in connection with the investigation and later released “was our person of interest.” He told Fox News on Saturday (Feb 15) that the man detained in a traffic stop outside the Culver’s restaurant Friday night was the investigators’ “person of interest”. He added that he was cooperative.Search continuesMeanwhile, Fox News reported that authorities are using a high-tech Bluetooth scanner placed on the bottom of law enforcement helicopters to detect Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker signal. The helicopters are flying at a slow pace and low altitude, typically in a grid pattern, to pick up signals.Investigators earlier recovered unidentified DNA from Guthrie’s Tucson area property that does not belong to her or anyone known to have been in regular contact with her. “Investigators are working to identify who it belongs to,” the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said.

The search for Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy, has entered its second week, with no arrests so far. Authorities are following thousands of tips as the investigation continues.

As the search enters its second week to find NBC broadcaster Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos warned that it could take years to find her. The sheriff promised that his team would remain dedicated to finding Nancy despite hitting several dead ends in the investigation, even if the search goes on for longer than intended. Nanos also shared new details about the federal operation that took place on Friday (Feb 13). “Maybe it’s an hour from now,” Nanos told The New York Times. “Maybe it’s weeks or months or years from now. But we won’t quit. We’re going to find Nancy. We’re going to find this guy.” So far, multiple ransom notes and thousands of tips have been received related to the disappearance of the 84-year-old. “It’s exhausting, these ups and downs,” Nanos said. “But we will keep moving forward.” No arrests yet Earlier on Friday night, the FBI executed a federal search warrant at a nearby home, where three people were detained. However, they were later released. Nanos noted that it was a standard procedure to allow investigators freedom to conduct the search. The sheriff added that no arrests were made and there was “no sign of Nancy was found.” He added that a man earlier detained in connection with the investigation and later released “was our person of interest.” He told Fox News on Saturday (Feb 15) that the man detained in a traffic stop outside the Culver’s restaurant Friday night was the investigators’ “person of interest”. He added that he was cooperative. Search continues Meanwhile, Fox News reported that authorities are using a high-tech Bluetooth scanner placed on the bottom of law enforcement helicopters to detect Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker signal. The helicopters are flying at a slow pace and low altitude, typically in a grid pattern, to pick up signals. Investigators earlier recovered unidentified DNA from Guthrie’s Tucson area property that does not belong to her or anyone known to have been in regular contact with her. “Investigators are working to identify who it belongs to,” the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said.

The search for Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy, has entered its second week, with no arrests so far. Authorities are following thousands of tips as the investigation continues.

‘No sign of Nancy found’: Pima County Sheriff warns ‘exhausting’ search for Guthrie could take years

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have reportedly agreed to intensify economic pressure on Iran to force Tehran give up its nuclear program, and also reduce its oil sales to China. This comes after the two leaders held a meeting in Washington on Wednesday (Feb 11) to discuss Iran.“We agreed that we will go full force with maximum pressure against Iran, for example, regarding Iranian oil sales to China,” a senior US official told Axios.According to the report, more than 80 per cent of Iranian oil exports are sent to China. Reducing Beijing’s oil purchases from Iran could significantly increase economic pressure on Tehran. The pressure campaign will take place alongside the talks on Iran’s nuclear program and ongoing US military buildup in the Middle East if negotiations fail.Earlier this month, Trump signed an executive order allowing his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, and the Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, to recommend that the US president impose tariffs of up to 25 per cent on countries conducting business with Iran.The report added that while Trump and Netanyahu agreed on ramping up pressure on Iran, they disagreed about the ways to get there. Axios reported, citing a US official, that Trump told Netanyahu that he believes there is a chance to reach a deal with Iran, but the Israeli leader claimed that Tehran will not abide by it even if a deal is signed.Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law and advisor Jared Kushner are set to hold a second round of talks with Iranian officials on Tuesday (Feb 17) in Geneva, where the US officials are expected to receive a response from Iran. “We are sober and realistic about the Iranians. The ball is in their court. If it is not a real deal, we will not take it,” a US official told Axios.Meanwhile, Rubio on Saturday (Feb 14) said that Trump is ready to meet Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to resolve issues between the two countries. &nbsp;

Trump and Netanyahu agreed in Washington to ramp up “maximum pressure” on Iran, targeting its nuclear program and oil exports to China, with plans to intensify economic sanctions on Tehran.

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have reportedly agreed to intensify economic pressure on Iran to force Tehran give up its nuclear program, and also reduce its oil sales to China. This comes after the two leaders held a meeting in Washington on Wednesday (Feb 11) to discuss Iran. “We agreed that we will go full force with maximum pressure against Iran, for example, regarding Iranian oil sales to China,” a senior US official told Axios. According to the report, more than 80 per cent of Iranian oil exports are sent to China. Reducing Beijing’s oil purchases from Iran could significantly increase economic pressure on Tehran. The pressure campaign will take place alongside the talks on Iran’s nuclear program and ongoing US military buildup in the Middle East if negotiations fail. Earlier this month, Trump signed an executive order allowing his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, and the Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, to recommend that the US president impose tariffs of up to 25 per cent on countries conducting business with Iran. The report added that while Trump and Netanyahu agreed on ramping up pressure on Iran, they disagreed about the ways to get there. Axios reported, citing a US official, that Trump told Netanyahu that he believes there is a chance to reach a deal with Iran, but the Israeli leader claimed that Tehran will not abide by it even if a deal is signed. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law and advisor Jared Kushner are set to hold a second round of talks with Iranian officials on Tuesday (Feb 17) in Geneva, where the US officials are expected to receive a response from Iran. “We are sober and realistic about the Iranians. The ball is in their court. If it is not a real deal, we will not take it,” a US official told Axios. Meanwhile, Rubio on Saturday (Feb 14) said that Trump is ready to meet Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to resolve issues between the two countries.

Trump and Netanyahu agreed in Washington to ramp up “maximum pressure” on Iran, targeting its nuclear program and oil exports to China, with plans to intensify economic sanctions on Tehran.

‘We will go full force’: Trump and Netanyahu agree to ramp up ‘maximum pressure’ on Iran’s oil

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on 17 February, as he hosts French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day. The oath-taking ceremony in Dhaka marks a significant milestone following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) landslide victory in the country's 13th parliamentary elections earlier this month. The BNP secured a decisive majority, paving the way for Rahman, who returned from 17 years of exile in London, to assume the premiership.Invitations were extended to heads of government from 13 countries, including India, China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan. The outreach, confirmed by Humayun Kabir, foreign policy adviser to BNP Chairman Rahman, in an interview with WION, was described as a deliberate goodwill gesture to prioritise regional diplomacy."The region is important to us," Kabir said. "It is an important part of [the] foreign policy of Tarique Rahman [to make] this region [an] influential region... Sense of priority in sending out [invites] for inauguration."The invitations reflect Dhaka's ambition to reset foreign relations after months of strained ties. Rahman has emphasised national unity, improved law and order, and economic stabilisation in his first public remarks on Saturday.Newly elected MPs are scheduled to take their oaths in the morning of 17 February, administered by the Chief Election Commissioner. Rahman's cabinet will be sworn in during an evening ceremony.PM Modi's early congratulatory call to Rahman after the election results highlighted New Delhi's interest in fostering a "democratic and progressive" Bangladesh. However, with Modi's schedule firming up months ago for bilateral talks with Macron, including inaugurating initiatives tied to the India-France Year of Innovation, attendance in Dhaka appears unfeasible. India could send a ministerial-level representative to the event.While confirmations from leaders remain pending, the larger diplomatic outreach signals Dhaka's intent to strengthen South Asian cooperation during a fragile post-election transition.

Rahman has emphasised national unity, improved law and order, and economic stabilisation in his first public remarks on Saturday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on 17 February, as he hosts French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on the same day. The oath-taking ceremony in Dhaka marks a significant milestone following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) landslide victory in the country's 13th parliamentary elections earlier this month. The BNP secured a decisive majority, paving the way for Rahman, who returned from 17 years of exile in London, to assume the premiership. Invitations were extended to heads of government from 13 countries, including India, China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan. The outreach, confirmed by Humayun Kabir, foreign policy adviser to BNP Chairman Rahman, in an interview with WION, was described as a deliberate goodwill gesture to prioritise regional diplomacy. "The region is important to us," Kabir said. "It is an important part of [the] foreign policy of Tarique Rahman [to make] this region [an] influential region... Sense of priority in sending out [invites] for inauguration." The invitations reflect Dhaka's ambition to reset foreign relations after months of strained ties. Rahman has emphasised national unity, improved law and order, and economic stabilisation in his first public remarks on Saturday. Newly elected MPs are scheduled to take their oaths in the morning of 17 February, administered by the Chief Election Commissioner. Rahman's cabinet will be sworn in during an evening ceremony. PM Modi's early congratulatory call to Rahman after the election results highlighted New Delhi's interest in fostering a "democratic and progressive" Bangladesh. However, with Modi's schedule firming up months ago for bilateral talks with Macron, including inaugurating initiatives tied to the India-France Year of Innovation, attendance in Dhaka appears unfeasible. India could send a ministerial-level representative to the event. While confirmations from leaders remain pending, the larger diplomatic outreach signals Dhaka's intent to strengthen South Asian cooperation during a fragile post-election transition.

Rahman has emphasised national unity, improved law and order, and economic stabilisation in his first public remarks on Saturday.

PM Modi unlikely to attend Tarique Rahman's swearing-in due to prior commitments

Former US President Barack Obama has broken his silence over the controversy faced by US President Donald Trump after he posted a video depicting ‍Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes. Obama praised American people stating that the majority find the behaviour deeply troubling, but he deplored the “lack of shame” from those in office. He did not name Trump in his response. The former Democratic president also criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents’ operation in Minnesota as dangerous and compared it to dictatorships.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-shares-racist-video-depicting-obamas-as-primates-blames-error-on-staff-member-1770519053747/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-shares-racist-video-depicting-obamas-as-primates-blames-error-on-staff-member-1770519053747/embed</a>&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-same-excuse-trump-s-2015-intern-error-post-surfaces-online-amid-backlash-over-obama-racist-video-controversy-1770517420375">'Same excuse...': Trump's 2015 'intern' error post surfaces online amid backlash over Obama racist video controversy</a><h2>What Obama said about monkey clip video by Trump?</h2>On Saturday (Feb 14), Obama said, "It is true that it gets attention. It's true that it's a distraction…There's this sort of clown show that's happening in social media and on television…And what is true is that there doesn't seem to be any shame about this among people who used to feel like you had to have some sort of decorum and a sense of propriety and respect for the office, right? That's been lost." Trump faced widespread criticism over after the video was posted. It was later deleted with White House saying that one of its staffer ​"erroneously made the post." However, Trump said that he would neither fire the staffer nor apologise because he did not make a mistake. “No, I looked at the first part. It was really about voter fraud and the machines – how crooked it is, how disgusting it is. Then I gave it to the people, generally they’d look at the whole thing but I guess somebody didn’t and they posted it. And then we deleted it," Trump told reporters. The video amplified the Republican US president’s false claims that his 2020 election defeat was the ​result of fraud. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt even described the row as “fake outrage.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disgusting-behaviour-by-president-most-openly-racist-trump-shares-video-depicting-obamas-as-monkeys-sparks-outrage-1770392209346">‘Disgusting behaviour by President’: ‘Most openly racist’ Trump shares video depicting Obamas as monkeys, sparks outrage</a><h2>What Obama said about ICE?</h2>Speaking in an interview with podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama called the ICE action in Minnesota “deeply concerning and dangerous.” “It is important for us to recognize the unprecedented nature of what ICE was doing in Minneapolis, St. Paul, the way that federal agents — ICE agents — were being deployed, without any clear guidelines, training, pulling people out of their homes … tear-gassing crowds simply who were standing there, not breaking any laws,” Obama said. He added that American citizens should be commended for engaging in “peaceful protests and shining a light on the sort of behavior that, in the past, we’ve seen in authoritarian countries and we’ve seen in dictatorships, but we have not seen in America.” Obama had in January said that the killing of nurse Alex Pretti should be “a wake-up call” that America’s core values are “under assault."

Barack Obama criticised the lack of decorum in US politics after a racist video controversy linked to Donald Trump, while also condemning ICE operations in Minnesota as dangerous, warning such actions resemble tactics seen in authoritarian regimes.

Former US President Barack Obama has broken his silence over the controversy faced by US President Donald Trump after he posted a video depicting ‍Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes. Obama praised American people stating that the majority find the behaviour deeply troubling, but he deplored the “lack of shame” from those in office. He did not name Trump in his response. The former Democratic president also criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents’ operation in Minnesota as dangerous and compared it to dictatorships. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-shares-racist-video-depicting-obamas-as-primates-blames-error-on-staff-member-1770519053747/embed Also Read: 'Same excuse...': Trump's 2015 'intern' error post surfaces online amid backlash over Obama racist video controversy What Obama said about monkey clip video by Trump? On Saturday (Feb 14), Obama said, "It is true that it gets attention. It's true that it's a distraction…There's this sort of clown show that's happening in social media and on television…And what is true is that there doesn't seem to be any shame about this among people who used to feel like you had to have some sort of decorum and a sense of propriety and respect for the office, right? That's been lost." Trump faced widespread criticism over after the video was posted. It was later deleted with White House saying that one of its staffer "erroneously made the post." However, Trump said that he would neither fire the staffer nor apologise because he did not make a mistake. “No, I looked at the first part. It was really about voter fraud and the machines – how crooked it is, how disgusting it is. Then I gave it to the people, generally they’d look at the whole thing but I guess somebody didn’t and they posted it. And then we deleted it," Trump told reporters. The video amplified the Republican US president’s false claims that his 2020 election defeat was the result of fraud. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt even described the row as “fake outrage.” Also Read: ‘Disgusting behaviour by President’: ‘Most openly racist’ Trump shares video depicting Obamas as monkeys, sparks outrage What Obama said about ICE? Speaking in an interview with podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama called the ICE action in Minnesota “deeply concerning and dangerous.” “It is important for us to recognize the unprecedented nature of what ICE was doing in Minneapolis, St. Paul, the way that federal agents — ICE agents — were being deployed, without any clear guidelines, training, pulling people out of their homes … tear-gassing crowds simply who were standing there, not breaking any laws,” Obama said. He added that American citizens should be commended for engaging in “peaceful protests and shining a light on the sort of behavior that, in the past, we’ve seen in authoritarian countries and we’ve seen in dictatorships, but we have not seen in America.” Obama had in January said that the killing of nurse Alex Pretti should be “a wake-up call” that America’s core values are “under assault."

Barack Obama criticised the lack of decorum in US politics after a racist video controversy linked to Donald Trump, while also condemning ICE operations in Minnesota as dangerous, warning such actions resemble tactics seen in authoritarian regimes.

'We’ve seen in dictatorships': Obama calls out 'rogue behaviour' of Trump's ICE agents, breaks silence on US president's 'ape video'

Marco Rubio said Donald Trump prefers diplomacy with Iran and is open to meeting Ayatollah Khamenei, even as military deployments and regime change remarks raise tensions. Talks may continue, but the US is also preparing for possible escalation if negotiations fail.

Rubio says Trump 'open to meeting Khamenei' but US president backs 'regime change' in Iran, deploys another warship - What's happening

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