National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides

The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS

Unitree Robotics targets $9 billion valuation in landmark IPO backed by DeepSeek and Tencent

India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata OTT: When will Kangana Ranaut's film stream online?

How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?

Shakib Al Hasan ready to return to Bangladesh—under one condition

‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal

Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch

Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine

Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states

Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions

Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy

Morale plummets on USS Abraham Lincoln: Are US sailors reaching a breaking point? | GRAVITAS

'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia

Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside

Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift

New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot

RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress

Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'

IAF officer held for sharing sensitive information in 'honey trap' case, booked under Official Secrets Act

Stray Kids under scrutiny? Fans react to Grammy submission silence after BTS boycott

Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances

Jugal Hansraj reunites with Shekhar Kapur after 40 years for Masoom: The Next Generation

New speed limits, automatic challans: Big traffic change coming to Delhi-Meerut Expressway. All you need to know

India officially names 27 places in Arunachal to counter China's renaming claims

Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed

US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance

Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built

Uttarakhand young innovator builds India's own flying vehicle, conducts first test flight: WATCH

Chilling video shows students take cover as teen opens fire at Thai school

Reese Witherspoon's father hospitalised after poolside incident in Nashville: Report

<p>Bangladesh is going to hold elections on February 12, 2026. More than one and a half years have passed since the violent protests that resulted in the ousting of the Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. Since then, the country has been governed by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. He is now facilitating the election in the capacity of the Chief Advisor and is also overseeing a referendum on the July Charter. July Charter finds its roots in the protests of 2024, and the Constitution Reform Commission, which is proposing anti corruption mechanism, electoral reforms, among other policies to remove the “autocratic structures” from Bangladesh's politics.</p><h2>When is the Bangladesh election?</h2><p>About 127 million registered voters are going to cast their votes for 1,981 candidates. The polling will begin from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm, on February 12, 2026. Counting of votes will commence from 4 pm on February 12, and the result is expected to be announced by the Election Commission in the early morning of February 13.</p><h2>How many seats are there in Bangladesh's parliament?</h2><p>There are 350 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad ( Parliament of Bangladesh), each of whom serve five year terms. Among them, 300 will be directly elected, and 50 others are reserved for women. They will be proportionally elected by the coalitions and parties, depending on their respective vote shares. The majority mark is 151; any party or coalition which gets 151 seats wins the election.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tasnim-jara-bangladesh-election-independent-oxford-graduate-1770144100452"><strong>Who is Tasnim Jara? Oxford-educated doctor takes on Bangladesh's politics as independent candidate</strong></a></p><h2>Key parties and alliances in the Bangladesh election</h2><p>The two leading alliances are the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its coalition of 10 parties; &nbsp;Jamaat-e-Islami (JIB) and its coalition of 11 parties, including National Citizen Party (NCP), which emerged from the July protest. The BNP is led by Tarique Rahman, the son of the late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and Shafiqur Rahman is leading the JIB and its alliance. Apart from the two major power blocs, Islami Andolan Bangladesh broke away from the JIB and the Jatiya Party, an ally of Hasina's Awami league is running independently after the ban. The Jatiya Party chief GM Quader is leading an alliance of 18 parties, the National Democratic Front (NDF). Then there is the Left coalition of Democratic United Front (DUF), comprising mainly the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) and the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (SPB) and is led by Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan. The BNP is competing in 288 seats, the JIB and 11-party alliance is competing in 298 seats, and the Islamic Andolan will be contesting 253 seats. According to a survey by the US-based International Republican Institute, BNP is tentatively leading the polls with 33 per cent respondent, closely followed by the Jammat.</p><h2>Key constituencies in the Bangladesh election&nbsp;</h2><p>BNP Chief Tarique Rahman has filed nomination from the Dhaka 17 constituency after returning from an exile of 17 years, and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has submitted papers from Thakurgaon-1. JIB chief Shafiqur Rahman filed nomination from Dhaka-15, and JIB Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar filed nomination from Khulna-5. JIB-backed Hindu candidate Krishna Nandy submitted his nomination from Khulna-1. The Jaitya Party chief &nbsp;GM Quader is contesting from Rangpur-3, while Secretary General Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary is contesting from Gaibandha-1 and Gaibandha-5. The DUF leadership, Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan, is contesting from Narsingdi-4. Historically, Gopalganj-3 &amp; Faridpur have been a stronghold of the Awami League. Parbatya Chattogram Jana Samhati Samiti, a regional party of Jumma people (Tibetian Budhhist) are contesting from the three constituencies of Chittagong Hill Tract. Dhaka 12 is the constituency with largest number of candidates 15, Ghazipur 2 is the largest constituency with 804,333 voters. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Bangladesh votes on February 12, 2026, with 127 million voters choosing 300 MPs. Here’s everything about parties, alliances, key seats and the July Charter referendum.

Bangladesh is going to hold elections on February 12, 2026. More than one and a half years have passed since the violent protests that resulted in the ousting of the Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. Since then, the country has been governed by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. He is now facilitating the election in the capacity of the Chief Advisor and is also overseeing a referendum on the July Charter. July Charter finds its roots in the protests of 2024, and the Constitution Reform Commission, which is proposing anti corruption mechanism, electoral reforms, among other policies to remove the “autocratic structures” from Bangladesh's politics. When is the Bangladesh election? About 127 million registered voters are going to cast their votes for 1,981 candidates. The polling will begin from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm, on February 12, 2026. Counting of votes will commence from 4 pm on February 12, and the result is expected to be announced by the Election Commission in the early morning of February 13. How many seats are there in Bangladesh's parliament? There are 350 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad ( Parliament of Bangladesh), each of whom serve five year terms. Among them, 300 will be directly elected, and 50 others are reserved for women. They will be proportionally elected by the coalitions and parties, depending on their respective vote shares. The majority mark is 151; any party or coalition which gets 151 seats wins the election. Also Read: Who is Tasnim Jara? Oxford-educated doctor takes on Bangladesh's politics as independent candidate Key parties and alliances in the Bangladesh election The two leading alliances are the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its coalition of 10 parties; Jamaat-e-Islami (JIB) and its coalition of 11 parties, including National Citizen Party (NCP), which emerged from the July protest. The BNP is led by Tarique Rahman, the son of the late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and Shafiqur Rahman is leading the JIB and its alliance. Apart from the two major power blocs, Islami Andolan Bangladesh broke away from the JIB and the Jatiya Party, an ally of Hasina's Awami league is running independently after the ban. The Jatiya Party chief GM Quader is leading an alliance of 18 parties, the National Democratic Front (NDF). Then there is the Left coalition of Democratic United Front (DUF), comprising mainly the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) and the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (SPB) and is led by Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan. The BNP is competing in 288 seats, the JIB and 11-party alliance is competing in 298 seats, and the Islamic Andolan will be contesting 253 seats. According to a survey by the US-based International Republican Institute, BNP is tentatively leading the polls with 33 per cent respondent, closely followed by the Jammat. Key constituencies in the Bangladesh election BNP Chief Tarique Rahman has filed nomination from the Dhaka 17 constituency after returning from an exile of 17 years, and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has submitted papers from Thakurgaon-1. JIB chief Shafiqur Rahman filed nomination from Dhaka-15, and JIB Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar filed nomination from Khulna-5. JIB-backed Hindu candidate Krishna Nandy submitted his nomination from Khulna-1. The Jaitya Party chief GM Quader is contesting from Rangpur-3, while Secretary General Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary is contesting from Gaibandha-1 and Gaibandha-5. The DUF leadership, Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan, is contesting from Narsingdi-4. Historically, Gopalganj-3 & Faridpur have been a stronghold of the Awami League. Parbatya Chattogram Jana Samhati Samiti, a regional party of Jumma people (Tibetian Budhhist) are contesting from the three constituencies of Chittagong Hill Tract. Dhaka 12 is the constituency with largest number of candidates 15, Ghazipur 2 is the largest constituency with 804,333 voters.

<p>Bangladesh votes on February 12, 2026, with 127 million voters choosing 300 MPs. Here’s everything about parties, alliances, key seats and the July Charter referendum.</p>

Bangladesh election 2026: Date, seats, key parties, alliances and constituencies

<p>Violent clashes between police and protesters erupted in Sydney and Melbourne as thousands gathered to protest the four-day state visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Multiple people were injured, including New South Wales Greens MP Abigail, who claimed to have been punched by the police while attempting to leave the site.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Herzog's visit came on invitation of the Australian government and was intended to express solidarity with the Jewish community after the December terror attack Sydeny's Bondi Beach that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah festival.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Police detained 27 people in Sydney, including 10 accused of assaulting officers, after unrest broke out on Monday evening when police moved to clear thousands of protesters who gathered near Sydney's town hall.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday said he was devastated to see violence in the rallies. "These are really scenes that I think shouldn't be taking place," he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"People should be able to express their views peacefully, but the police were very clear about the routes that were required if people wanted to march," he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-lavrov-deep-state-western-elites-1770711667756"><strong>Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Epstein files reveal "pure Satanism" of Western elites</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Herzog was taking part in an event for victims of the December 14 killings alongside thousands of mourners, near the site of the protest. He also met with students at a Jewish school in the Sydney suburbs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Israeli president is expected to meet with families of victims of the Bondi attack, the deadliest attack on the Jewish community since Hamas' assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.</p><p><br>On December 14, a father and son inspired by ISIS launched Australia’s deadliest terror attack at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach. The attackers targeted a crowd of 1,000 people with failed explosives and gunfire, killing 15 victims, including children and a Holocaust survivor. One gunman was killed by police, while the other was captured. The tragedy resulted in a national crisis, leading to significantly stricter gun laws and the current high-security visit of the Israeli President.</p>

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday said he was devastated to see violence in the rallies. "These are really scenes that I think shouldn't be taking place," he said.



Violent clashes between police and protesters erupted in Sydney and Melbourne as thousands gathered to protest the four-day state visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Multiple people were injured, including New South Wales Greens MP Abigail, who claimed to have been punched by the police while attempting to leave the site. Herzog's visit came on invitation of the Australian government and was intended to express solidarity with the Jewish community after the December terror attack Sydeny's Bondi Beach that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah festival. Police detained 27 people in Sydney, including 10 accused of assaulting officers, after unrest broke out on Monday evening when police moved to clear thousands of protesters who gathered near Sydney's town hall. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday said he was devastated to see violence in the rallies. "These are really scenes that I think shouldn't be taking place," he said. "People should be able to express their views peacefully, but the police were very clear about the routes that were required if people wanted to march," he added. Also Read: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Epstein files reveal "pure Satanism" of Western elites Herzog was taking part in an event for victims of the December 14 killings alongside thousands of mourners, near the site of the protest. He also met with students at a Jewish school in the Sydney suburbs. The Israeli president is expected to meet with families of victims of the Bondi attack, the deadliest attack on the Jewish community since Hamas' assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. On December 14, a father and son inspired by ISIS launched Australia’s deadliest terror attack at a Hanukkah event in Bondi Beach. The attackers targeted a crowd of 1,000 people with failed explosives and gunfire, killing 15 victims, including children and a Holocaust survivor. One gunman was killed by police, while the other was captured. The tragedy resulted in a national crisis, leading to significantly stricter gun laws and the current high-security visit of the Israeli President.

<p>Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday said he was devastated to see violence in the rallies. "These are really scenes that I think shouldn't be taking place," he said.</p>

Australian lawmaker among several injured as protests over Israeli president’s visit erupt in violence

<p>Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in an interview with Itogi Nedely weekly news roundup on the NTV television channel, said that the Epstein case has revealed the real face of the Western elites who intend to rule the world. He characterised the revelations as "pure Satanism" and claimed that it has exposed the “deep state” of the “collective West”. He also addressed the links of the disgraced sex trafficker to the Russian billionaires and elites, romanticising it. According to a report by Chinese news agency Xinhua, he quoted a famous Soviet poet, Vladimir Vysotsky: "Our penetration across the planet is especially noticeable from afar."</p><p>"This topic (the Epstein files) is about revealing the true face of what is called the collective West, what is called the deep state, or, better said, the deep union that rules over the Western countries and is trying to govern the entire world..I think it is unnecessary to explain to normal people that it is beyond human logic and that it is pure satanism," &nbsp;said Lavarov. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova also noted that the Epstein file reveals an extreme level of corruption among the Western elites.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-strike-alleged-drug-boat-eastern-pacific-legal-scrutiny-1770641785482"><strong>US military strike on alleged drug boat in Eastern Pacific kills two</strong></a></p><h2>Epstein files fallout&nbsp;</h2><p>Lavrov's comments come as the recent tranche of Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice has triggered fallout across Europe, with a Prince, a Princess, top politicians, an ambassador and senior diplomats either having resigned or been brought down, with some symbolic apologies. This list includes former Prince Andrew Mountabattan, British ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson and the Chief of Staff of British Prime Minister Morgan McSweeney. Norway’s economic crimes unit has brought corruption charges against former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland. Mona Juul, Norway's ambassador to Jordan, who was part of the Oslo Accord, has resigned. Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit has apologised for her connections to Epstein. In Slovakia, former Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák resigned as national security adviser, Swedish UN official, Joanna Rubinstein, resigned, and French Culture Minister Jack Lang has offered to step down as president of the Arab World Institute. But the US have somehow managed to isolate itself from the fallout even after having serious allegations against US President Donald Trump, former US Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton.&nbsp;</p>

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the Epstein files expose the ‘deep state’ and corruption of Western elites, calling the revelations “pure Satanism”.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in an interview with Itogi Nedely weekly news roundup on the NTV television channel, said that the Epstein case has revealed the real face of the Western elites who intend to rule the world. He characterised the revelations as "pure Satanism" and claimed that it has exposed the “deep state” of the “collective West”. He also addressed the links of the disgraced sex trafficker to the Russian billionaires and elites, romanticising it. According to a report by Chinese news agency Xinhua, he quoted a famous Soviet poet, Vladimir Vysotsky: "Our penetration across the planet is especially noticeable from afar." "This topic (the Epstein files) is about revealing the true face of what is called the collective West, what is called the deep state, or, better said, the deep union that rules over the Western countries and is trying to govern the entire world..I think it is unnecessary to explain to normal people that it is beyond human logic and that it is pure satanism," said Lavarov. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova also noted that the Epstein file reveals an extreme level of corruption among the Western elites. Also Read: US military strike on alleged drug boat in Eastern Pacific kills two Epstein files fallout Lavrov's comments come as the recent tranche of Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice has triggered fallout across Europe, with a Prince, a Princess, top politicians, an ambassador and senior diplomats either having resigned or been brought down, with some symbolic apologies. This list includes former Prince Andrew Mountabattan, British ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson and the Chief of Staff of British Prime Minister Morgan McSweeney. Norway’s economic crimes unit has brought corruption charges against former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland. Mona Juul, Norway's ambassador to Jordan, who was part of the Oslo Accord, has resigned. Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit has apologised for her connections to Epstein. In Slovakia, former Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák resigned as national security adviser, Swedish UN official, Joanna Rubinstein, resigned, and French Culture Minister Jack Lang has offered to step down as president of the Arab World Institute. But the US have somehow managed to isolate itself from the fallout even after having serious allegations against US President Donald Trump, former US Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton.

<p>Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the Epstein files expose the ‘deep state’ and corruption of Western elites, calling the revelations “pure Satanism”.</p>

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Epstein files reveals "pure Satanism" of Western elites

<p>In a big statement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday (Feb 9) said that efforts are being made to ban India and other partners from purchasing Russian oil. Lavrov directly named the United States, at a time when India and the US signed a trade deal with Trump claiming that India has assured it will stop the purchase of Russian oil. He accused Washington of using "coercive" measures like tariffs, sanctions and direct prohibitions in order to achieve its goal of economic domination. The Russian Foreign Minister also spoke about Russia-Ukraine peace talks and linked it to the Russian oil.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-see-nothing-new-kremlin-breaks-silence-over-trump-s-statement-on-india-halting-russian-oil-purchases-1770257609418"><strong>Kremlin breaks silence over Trump’s statement on India halting Russian oil purchases</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Speaking in an interview with TV BRICS, Lavrov said, "They (US) tell us that the Ukraine problem should be resolved. In Anchorage, we accepted the US Proposal... The US position was important to us. By accepting their proposal, we seem to have completed the task of resolving the Ukrainian issue and moving on to a dull-scale, broad-based and mutually beneficial cooperation. So far, the reality is quite the opposite. New sanctions are imposed, a 'war' against tankers in the open sea is being waged in violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. They are trying to ban India and our other partners from buying cheap, affordable Russian energy resources and are forcing them to buy US LNG at exorbitant prices." He also explained that while striking a peace deal, Moscow will also keep in mind that Washington is seeking to control its trade, investment cooperation, and military-technical ties with major strategic partners, such as India and other BRICS members."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-all-citizens-are-thanking-pm-modi-for-a-successful-trade-deal-piyush-goal-on-india-us-trade-agreement-1770119536603"><strong>'All citizens are thanking PM Modi for a successful trade deal': Piyush Goyal on India-US trade agreement</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>India's statement on Russian oil</h2><p>His statement comes after Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that "national interest" would continue to guide India's energy-related decisions, underlining that the key drivers of the country's energy policy are “adequate availability, fair pricing and reliability of supply.” He added that safeguarding the interests of Indian consumers remains a top priority for the government. Earlier on Sunday, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal clarified that India's decisions on Russian oil imports are taken solely by domestic buyers and are not dictated by the recently concluded India-US interim trade agreement framework, noting that it is in the country's "strategic interest" to diversify its energy sources. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also underlined that diversifying energy sourcing in line with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics remains central to India's strategy to ensure energy security for its population of 1.4 billion.</p><h2>India-US trade deal</h2><p>Prime Minister Modi confirmed the trade deal with the United States on Monday (Feb 2) and appreciated President Donald Trump’s leadership, terming it “vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity.” Trump claimed that India will stop buying Russian oil as the part of the deal. India or PM Modi has not commented on it yet. Trump, who had imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian exports late last year and later doubled the tariffs on India to 50 per cent punishing Delhi for buying oil from Russia, reduced the tariffs to 18 per cent. Releasing a statement on the deal on Feb 9, the White House called the deal “historic,” and mentioned key points of the deal. Notably, it did not mention anything concrete on India’s Russian oil purchase, and the sole mention of it was in form of a summary of the phone call between Trump and PM Modi. It said that the US "agreed to remove the additional 25% tariff on imports from India in recognition of India’s commitment to stop purchasing Russian Federation oil.”</p>

Russia’s FM Sergei Lavrov accused the US of coercive tactics to block India and others from buying cheap Russian oil, citing sanctions and tanker pressure. India reiterated energy decisions are guided by national interest amid claims linked to the India-US trade deal.

In a big statement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday (Feb 9) said that efforts are being made to ban India and other partners from purchasing Russian oil. Lavrov directly named the United States, at a time when India and the US signed a trade deal with Trump claiming that India has assured it will stop the purchase of Russian oil. He accused Washington of using "coercive" measures like tariffs, sanctions and direct prohibitions in order to achieve its goal of economic domination. The Russian Foreign Minister also spoke about Russia-Ukraine peace talks and linked it to the Russian oil. Also Read: Kremlin breaks silence over Trump’s statement on India halting Russian oil purchases Speaking in an interview with TV BRICS, Lavrov said, "They (US) tell us that the Ukraine problem should be resolved. In Anchorage, we accepted the US Proposal... The US position was important to us. By accepting their proposal, we seem to have completed the task of resolving the Ukrainian issue and moving on to a dull-scale, broad-based and mutually beneficial cooperation. So far, the reality is quite the opposite. New sanctions are imposed, a 'war' against tankers in the open sea is being waged in violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. They are trying to ban India and our other partners from buying cheap, affordable Russian energy resources and are forcing them to buy US LNG at exorbitant prices." He also explained that while striking a peace deal, Moscow will also keep in mind that Washington is seeking to control its trade, investment cooperation, and military-technical ties with major strategic partners, such as India and other BRICS members." Also Read: 'All citizens are thanking PM Modi for a successful trade deal': Piyush Goyal on India-US trade agreement India's statement on Russian oil His statement comes after Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that "national interest" would continue to guide India's energy-related decisions, underlining that the key drivers of the country's energy policy are “adequate availability, fair pricing and reliability of supply.” He added that safeguarding the interests of Indian consumers remains a top priority for the government. Earlier on Sunday, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal clarified that India's decisions on Russian oil imports are taken solely by domestic buyers and are not dictated by the recently concluded India-US interim trade agreement framework, noting that it is in the country's "strategic interest" to diversify its energy sources. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also underlined that diversifying energy sourcing in line with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics remains central to India's strategy to ensure energy security for its population of 1.4 billion. India-US trade deal Prime Minister Modi confirmed the trade deal with the United States on Monday (Feb 2) and appreciated President Donald Trump’s leadership, terming it “vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity.” Trump claimed that India will stop buying Russian oil as the part of the deal. India or PM Modi has not commented on it yet. Trump, who had imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian exports late last year and later doubled the tariffs on India to 50 per cent punishing Delhi for buying oil from Russia, reduced the tariffs to 18 per cent. Releasing a statement on the deal on Feb 9, the White House called the deal “historic,” and mentioned key points of the deal. Notably, it did not mention anything concrete on India’s Russian oil purchase, and the sole mention of it was in form of a summary of the phone call between Trump and PM Modi. It said that the US "agreed to remove the additional 25% tariff on imports from India in recognition of India’s commitment to stop purchasing Russian Federation oil.”

<p>Russia’s FM Sergei Lavrov accused the US of coercive tactics to block India and others from buying cheap Russian oil, citing sanctions and tanker pressure. India reiterated energy decisions are guided by national interest amid claims linked to the India-US trade deal.</p>

'Trying to ban India...': Moscow's BIG allegation on US amid uncertainty over Russian oil purchase after Washington's trade deal

<p>US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr on Monday (Feb 9) offered a candid explanation for why he enjoys working under President Donald Trump, saying the president gives him the freedom to do things others would not allow. Kennedy's admission has sparked alarm among critics online, with some describing it as "scary". &nbsp;</p><h2><strong>"A joy to work for him"</strong></h2><p>Speaking at the Heritage Foundation in Washington while marking one year of the "Make America Healthy Again" campaign, Kennedy described Trump as uniquely supportive of his approach to public health policy.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-health-secretary-robert-f-kennedy-jr-s-bizarre-link-with-paedophile-revealed-in-latest-epstein-file-dump-dinosaur-hunt-emails-1770444507541"><strong>Trump health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s bizarre link with paedophile revealed in latest Epstein file dump</strong></a></p><p>Kennedy praised Trump as the "most business-friendly president" since George W. Bush and said the president is willing to challenge powerful interests. Trump "will not tolerate overreach and doesn’t care about vested interests, doesn’t care about offending powerful people," said the US health secretary.</p><p>He added that "So it is a joy to work for him because he lets me do stuff that I don’t think anybody else would".</p><p>Watch what he said here:</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">HHS Secretary RFK Jr: Trump lets me do stuff that I don&#39;t think anyone else would let me do <a href="https://t.co/6eteCtGSgN">pic.twitter.com/6eteCtGSgN</a></p>&mdash; Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) <a href="https://twitter.com/HQNewsNow/status/2020916894404911324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The remarks drew immediate reaction online and from critics, who raised concern about the direction of US health policy under Kennedy’s leadership.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That&#39;s what we&#39;re scared of.</p>&mdash; James White (@JamesWhiteNI) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesWhiteNI/status/2020968242760851868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We know. That’s the problem.</p>&mdash; RJ (@RJSprouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/RJSprouse/status/2020918657618940185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-operation-dildo-blitz-goes-viral-anti-ice-protest-takes-shocking-turn-as-sex-toys-rain-down-on-federal-agents-in-minneapolis-in-pics-1770704251399"><strong>‘Operation Dildo Blitz’ goes viral: Anti-ICE protest takes shocking turn as sex toys rain down on federal agents | In Pics</strong></a></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We have unfortunately noticed that.<br><br>Thanks. 🙄</p>&mdash; Bill DeMayo (@BDeMayo) <a href="https://twitter.com/BDeMayo/status/2020917007139364946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">And that&#39;s not a good thing.</p>&mdash; --Fatwolf-- BE PROUD OF WHO YOU ARE 💙 (@Fat_Wolf) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fat_Wolf/status/2020942459556200779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Red flags should be flying here</p>&mdash; Sara Wheeler (@swheeler69) <a href="https://twitter.com/swheeler69/status/2021121677107535906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>Scepticism toward experts and vaccines</strong></h2><p>During his speech, Kennedy also questioned the role of experts in public decision-making, arguing that "trusting experts" was not central to democracy or science. Instead, he said, it was “a feature of religion and totalitarianism.”</p><p>Kennedy, long known for his scepticism toward vaccines, has continued pushing controversial changes since taking charge of the Department of Health and Human Services. Those moves include withdrawing federal recommendations on COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant women and healthy children, and reshaping advisory bodies at the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.</p><p>He also intensified criticism of ultra-processed foods, calling the issue "spiritual warfare" and warning that "we're going to lose our country” if the issue wasn't addressed. "It’s a war at scale against cellular activity. It's an assault on our children," he claimed.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has revealed the ‘concerning’ reason he enjoys working under President Donald Trump. Here's what he said.

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr on Monday (Feb 9) offered a candid explanation for why he enjoys working under President Donald Trump, saying the president gives him the freedom to do things others would not allow. Kennedy's admission has sparked alarm among critics online, with some describing it as "scary". "A joy to work for him" Speaking at the Heritage Foundation in Washington while marking one year of the "Make America Healthy Again" campaign, Kennedy described Trump as uniquely supportive of his approach to public health policy. Also read | Trump health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s bizarre link with paedophile revealed in latest Epstein file dump Kennedy praised Trump as the "most business-friendly president" since George W. Bush and said the president is willing to challenge powerful interests. Trump "will not tolerate overreach and doesn’t care about vested interests, doesn’t care about offending powerful people," said the US health secretary. He added that "So it is a joy to work for him because he lets me do stuff that I don’t think anybody else would". Watch what he said here:

<p>US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has revealed the ‘concerning’ reason he enjoys working under President Donald Trump. Here's what he said.</p>

Robert F. Kennedy Jr reveals why working for Trump is 'a joy,' claims 'he lets me do stuff' | Watch

<p>US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to block the opening of the new bridge connecting the US and Canada until the US is “fully compensated for everything" it has given to Canada. Mentioning Canada's prospective trade deal with China, Trump suggested that China will “eat Canada alive”, terminate all the Ice Hockey tournaments, including the Stanley Cup, and the US will get only “leftovers”.&nbsp;</p><p>"I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve, " wrote Trump in a Truth Social Post.</p><p>He further frowned on the fact that the $4.7 billion worth Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Ontario and Michigan was built without using US materials. Trump claimed that Canada owned both ends, but the website of the bridge mentions that it is being funded by Canada and is publicly owned by both Canada and Michigan. He took a dig at former US President Barack Obama for allowing Canada to bypass the Buy American Act and take “advantage of America.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-strike-alleged-drug-boat-eastern-pacific-legal-scrutiny-1770641785482"><strong>US military strike on alleged drug boat in Eastern Pacific kills two</strong></a></p><p>“What does the United States of America get — Absolutely NOTHING! Ontario won't even put US spirits, beverages, and other alcoholic products on their shelves; they are absolutely prohibited from doing so and now, on top of everything else, Prime Minister Carney wants to make a deal with China,” wrote Trump. Trump said that there will be immediate negotiations between the two sides, but it remains unclear how the US can stop the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.&nbsp;</p><h2>The Gordie Howe International Bridge</h2><p>The Gordie Howe International Bridge spans the Detroit River and is the second-largest freight port in the US by value and the largest on the US-Canada border. The bridge is named after the Canadian ice hockey player Gordie Howe and is valued at around $6.4 billion CAD. The construction of the bridge began in 2018, and it is expected to open in early 2026, following the pending formal tests and approvals. The US Homeland Security on January 30 declared the bridge an official port of entry to the country. The bridge was funded by Canada for land acquisition and construction, and it will be paid through the tolls collected on the Canadian side, but no toll will be collected on the US side. Under the 2012 Canada-Michigan Crossing Agreement, the bridge will be publicly owned by the Government of Canada and the State of Michigan and the Windsor–Detroit Bridge Authority will maintain and operate the bridge for 30 years.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

US President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of the $6.4 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge linking the US and Canada, demanding compensation and criticising Canada’s trade ties with China and bypassing the Buy American Act.

US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to block the opening of the new bridge connecting the US and Canada until the US is “fully compensated for everything" it has given to Canada. Mentioning Canada's prospective trade deal with China, Trump suggested that China will “eat Canada alive”, terminate all the Ice Hockey tournaments, including the Stanley Cup, and the US will get only “leftovers”. "I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve, " wrote Trump in a Truth Social Post. He further frowned on the fact that the $4.7 billion worth Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Ontario and Michigan was built without using US materials. Trump claimed that Canada owned both ends, but the website of the bridge mentions that it is being funded by Canada and is publicly owned by both Canada and Michigan. He took a dig at former US President Barack Obama for allowing Canada to bypass the Buy American Act and take “advantage of America.”

<p>US President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of the $6.4 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge linking the US and Canada, demanding compensation and criticising Canada’s trade ties with China and bypassing the Buy American Act.</p>

Trump threatens to block US–Canada Gordie Howe bridge, demands compensation from Ottawa

Bangladesh interim chief Muhammad Yunus has urged voters to back a ‘Yes’ vote in the Feb 12 referendum on the July National Charter-2025, aimed at constitutional reforms after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, even as critics question its legal validity.

Can Yunus continue to rule Bangladesh if he secures 'Yes' on referendum despite not contesting the elections?

<p>TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie released a new video appealing for help finding her mother as the Monday ransom deadline passed. Nancy Guthrie has been missing for nearly 10 days, and investigators have not identified any suspect or person of interest. Savannah said in the Instagram video that the family was "at an hour of desperation", and urged people even far from Tucson to report anything suspicious. The family says that Nancy was taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona, against her will. She was last seen on 31 January. Savannah says in the new video, "I just want to share a few thoughts as we enter another week of this nightmare. She was taken, and we don't know where. And we need your help." She urged people to report any activity that could lead them to their mother. &nbsp;"If you see anything, if you hear anything, if there's anything at all that seems strange to you, that you report to law enforcement".</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for any information. Officials said as the deadline approached that they are not aware of "any continued communication between the Guthrie family and suspected kidnappers". An email with a ransom note with the two deadlines sent to US media outlets is being taken seriously by the investigating agency, CBS reported. The first deadline ended on 5 February when the ransom was supposed to be paid in Bitcoin. The family has said that they are willing to pay the ransom and asked for proof of life.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-need-to-know-she-is-alive-nbc-anchor-savannah-guthrie-appeals-to-kidnappers-in-emotional-video-1770281148001"><strong>‘We need to know she is alive’: NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie appeals to kidnappers in emotional video</strong></a></p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUjPVoYEpci/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUjPVoYEpci/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUjPVoYEpci/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Savannah Guthrie (@savannahguthrie)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

<h2><strong>What FBI and sheriff's office said about Nancy Guthrie kidnapping</strong></h2><p>Meanwhile, just before the deadline ended on Monday, the Pima County Sheriff's Office said it had no new information to share on the matter. A statement added that the "investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance remains active and ongoing". The office said that "the FBI is handling all aspects related to any ransom note(s) or communications involving the Guthrie family". FBI agents from around the country "continue to deploy to Tucson", the office stated. The agency said last week that it was planning to put billboards in major cities and states near Tucson, Arizona, where Guthrie lives and was last seen.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>https://www.wionews.com/videos/usa-nbc-anchor-savannah-guthrie-issues-fresh-plea-as-mother-missing-for-nine-days-1770701742949/embed</p><h2><strong>Videos posted by Savannah Guthrie and her siblings</strong></h2><p>The family posted its first video five days ago on Instagram, with the siblings — Savannah, Camron and Annie — appearing in it and telling their 84-year-old mother that she is strong and God’s precious daughter. Savannah Guthrie said the family was ready to talk to those who may have kidnapped Nancy Guthrie. In the second video, Camron Guthrie urged "kidnappers" to talk to the family. “We need you to reach out, and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward, but first, we have to know that you have our mom.” In the third video posted on Sunday, Savannah Guthrie addressed the kidnappers and said the family had received their message and was ready to pay for Nancy Guthrie’s return. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace."</p>

Nancy Guthrie kidnapping: Savannah Guthrie released a new video as the Monday ransom deadline ended without any new information on her missing mother's whereabouts. She urged people to look out for any suspicious activities that could lead them to their mother.

TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie released a new video appealing for help finding her mother as the Monday ransom deadline passed. Nancy Guthrie has been missing for nearly 10 days, and investigators have not identified any suspect or person of interest. Savannah said in the Instagram video that the family was "at an hour of desperation", and urged people even far from Tucson to report anything suspicious. The family says that Nancy was taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona, against her will. She was last seen on 31 January. Savannah says in the new video, "I just want to share a few thoughts as we enter another week of this nightmare. She was taken, and we don't know where. And we need your help." She urged people to report any activity that could lead them to their mother. "If you see anything, if you hear anything, if there's anything at all that seems strange to you, that you report to law enforcement". The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for any information. Officials said as the deadline approached that they are not aware of "any continued communication between the Guthrie family and suspected kidnappers". An email with a ransom note with the two deadlines sent to US media outlets is being taken seriously by the investigating agency, CBS reported. The first deadline ended on 5 February when the ransom was supposed to be paid in Bitcoin. The family has said that they are willing to pay the ransom and asked for proof of life. Also Read: ‘We need to know she is alive’: NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie appeals to kidnappers in emotional video

<p>Nancy Guthrie kidnapping: Savannah Guthrie released a new video as the Monday ransom deadline ended without any new information on her missing mother's whereabouts. She urged people to look out for any suspicious activities that could lead them to their mother.</p>

Nancy Guthrie kidnapping: Savannah Guthrie issues fresh appeal as ransom deadline ends

Bangladesh is holding general elections alongside a referendum for the first time as interim chief Muhammad Yunus urges voters to back the July National Charter-2025. While Yunus says a ‘Yes’ vote will end misrule and reform the state

Bangladesh elections and Yunus' 'referendum' on Feb 12: Why he wants a ‘yes’ vote, what critics fear?

<p>The US military Southern Command has announced that it has carried out a kinetic strike on a vessel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean on February 9, Monday. The strike resulted in the death of two people aboard the vessel; one person is reported to be alive and is now the subject of a search and rescue operation led by the US Coast Guard. The military claimed that the boat was suspected of being involved in drug trafficking, without providing any supporting evidence.&nbsp;</p><p>“On Feb. 9, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organisations,” read a post by US military southern command.</p><h2>The third US strike since the abduction of Maduro</h2><p>These recent attacks bring the total number of attacks on alleged dug boats in the Pacific to three since the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in the early hours of January 3. According to a report by the NYT, the US has now carried out a total of 38 attacks against 39 vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean oceans since September, including the latest strike on Monday, killing at least 130 people. The recent strike on the alleged drug boat was authorised by Gen Francis L Donovan, a Marine who became the head of US SOUTHCOM last week.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cartel-de-los-soles-myth-trump-venezuela-1767690359221"><strong>DOJ silently admits there is no drug trafficking group named Cartel de los Soles</strong></a></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On Feb. 9, at the direction of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOUTHCOM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOUTHCOM</a> commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking… <a href="https://t.co/fa5vppjcCy">pic.twitter.com/fa5vppjcCy</a></p>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2021023735881564262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>US military strikes in the Pacific under legal scrutiny&nbsp;</h2><p>The strikes have drawn significant scrutiny, internally and externally. Legal and military experts have called the deliberate attacking and killing of unarmed civilians in international waters illegal. This is irrespective of their alleged involvement in criminal activity. The September 2 attack, which marked the initiation of the series of “extrajudicial killings” in international waters, has drawn bipartisan scrutiny from the US Congress, specifically for the “double-tap” nature of the strikes. In late 2025, the US Congress blocked 25 per cent of the travel budget for Secretary of War Pete Hegseth until the release of the unedited footage of the September 2 strike. However, the unedited video footage has not been released yet. But as the US Congress debates the legality of the operation, the military campaign expands.&nbsp;</p>

The US Southern Command carried out a lethal strike on an alleged drug trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific, killing two people. The expanding maritime campaign has drawn bipartisan criticism and legal scrutiny over extrajudicial killings in international waters.

The US military Southern Command has announced that it has carried out a kinetic strike on a vessel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean on February 9, Monday. The strike resulted in the death of two people aboard the vessel; one person is reported to be alive and is now the subject of a search and rescue operation led by the US Coast Guard. The military claimed that the boat was suspected of being involved in drug trafficking, without providing any supporting evidence. “On Feb. 9, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organisations,” read a post by US military southern command. The third US strike since the abduction of Maduro These recent attacks bring the total number of attacks on alleged dug boats in the Pacific to three since the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in the early hours of January 3. According to a report by the NYT, the US has now carried out a total of 38 attacks against 39 vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean oceans since September, including the latest strike on Monday, killing at least 130 people. The recent strike on the alleged drug boat was authorised by Gen Francis L Donovan, a Marine who became the head of US SOUTHCOM last week. Also Read: DOJ silently admits there is no drug trafficking group named Cartel de los Soles

<p>The US Southern Command carried out a lethal strike on an alleged drug trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific, killing two people. The expanding maritime campaign has drawn bipartisan criticism and legal scrutiny over extrajudicial killings in international waters.</p>

US military strike on alleged drug boat in Eastern Pacific kills two

<p>The Donald Trump White House on Tuesday (Feb 10) released its first fact sheet on the recently released trade deal between the United States and India. The WH said that the historic deal, which will open India's market of 1.4 billion people to American products, seeks to realise "balanced, reciprocal trade with an important trading partner." Notably, the document does not mention anything concrete on India’s commitment to stop buying Russian oil, which had appeared earlier in an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump. The sole mention of this can be found in a brief statement acknowledging that Trump “agreed to remove the additional 25% tariff on imports from India in recognition of India’s commitment to stop purchasing Russian Federation oil.”</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-lifts-25-tariff-on-india-says-new-delhi-committed-to-stop-directly-or-indirectly-importing-russian-federation-oil-1770427129351"><strong>Trump lifts 25% tariff on India, says New Delhi 'committed to stop directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Achieving reciprocal trade and tariff reductions</strong></h2><p>According to the White House, the agreement will open India’s market of more than 1.4 billion people to American goods by lowering tariffs and easing non-tariff barriers.</p><p>The agreement will see the United States reduce so-called reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from the earlier 25 per cent level, though the timeline for implementing that reduction has not yet been finalised. Meanwhile, India will eliminate or reduce duties on all US industrial goods and a wide range of agricultural products.</p><p>Among the specific products listed in the fact sheet are dried distillers’ grains (DDGs), red sorghum used for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, pulses, soybean oil, wine and spirits.</p><p>Washington has long argued that India maintains high trade barriers, and in the document cites average agricultural tariffs of "as high as an average of 37% for agricultural goods and more than 100% on certain autos".</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/t20-meets-trade-piyush-goyal-delivers-cricket-style-jab-on-india-us-tariff-deal-steals-spotlight-at-us-event-watch-1770699972794"><strong>Piyush Goyal delivers cricket-style jab on India-US tariff deal. Watch</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Digital trade and technology cooperation</strong></h2><p>One of the most significant commitments highlighted in the fact sheet is India’s decision to remove its digital services tax. "India will remove its digital services taxes and committed to negotiate a robust set of bilateral digital trade rules that address discriminatory or burdensome practices and other barriers to digital trade, including rules that prohibit the imposition of customs duties on electronic transmissions."</p><p>The two sides also agreed to expand cooperation in technology trade, strengthen supply chain resilience and coordinate on investment screening and export controls. The White House said the agreement would "significantly increase bilateral trade in technology products" and deepen collaboration in innovation and manufacturing ecosystems.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The White House has released its first fact sheet on the new US-India trade deal. The document mentions tariff relief for India but offers little detail on New Delhi’s reported pledge to stop buying Russian oil. All details here.

The Donald Trump White House on Tuesday (Feb 10) released its first fact sheet on the recently released trade deal between the United States and India. The WH said that the historic deal, which will open India's market of 1.4 billion people to American products, seeks to realise "balanced, reciprocal trade with an important trading partner." Notably, the document does not mention anything concrete on India’s commitment to stop buying Russian oil, which had appeared earlier in an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump. The sole mention of this can be found in a brief statement acknowledging that Trump “agreed to remove the additional 25% tariff on imports from India in recognition of India’s commitment to stop purchasing Russian Federation oil.” Also read | Trump lifts 25% tariff on India, says New Delhi 'committed to stop directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil' Achieving reciprocal trade and tariff reductions According to the White House, the agreement will open India’s market of more than 1.4 billion people to American goods by lowering tariffs and easing non-tariff barriers. The agreement will see the United States reduce so-called reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from the earlier 25 per cent level, though the timeline for implementing that reduction has not yet been finalised. Meanwhile, India will eliminate or reduce duties on all US industrial goods and a wide range of agricultural products. Among the specific products listed in the fact sheet are dried distillers’ grains (DDGs), red sorghum used for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, pulses, soybean oil, wine and spirits. Washington has long argued that India maintains high trade barriers, and in the document cites average agricultural tariffs of "as high as an average of 37% for agricultural goods and more than 100% on certain autos". Also read | Piyush Goyal delivers cricket-style jab on India-US tariff deal. Watch Digital trade and technology cooperation One of the most significant commitments highlighted in the fact sheet is India’s decision to remove its digital services tax. "India will remove its digital services taxes and committed to negotiate a robust set of bilateral digital trade rules that address discriminatory or burdensome practices and other barriers to digital trade, including rules that prohibit the imposition of customs duties on electronic transmissions." The two sides also agreed to expand cooperation in technology trade, strengthen supply chain resilience and coordinate on investment screening and export controls. The White House said the agreement would "significantly increase bilateral trade in technology products" and deepen collaboration in innovation and manufacturing ecosystems.

<p>The White House has released its first fact sheet on the new US-India trade deal. The document mentions tariff relief for India but offers little detail on New Delhi’s reported pledge to stop buying Russian oil. All details here.</p>

White House releases first official fact sheet on US-India trade deal; no mention of New Delhi ending Russian oil purchase

<p>Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday (Feb 9) used a touch of humour to highlight India's evolving trade relationship with the United States, drawing an unusual comparison between tariffs and cricket during a diplomatic reception. Speaking at an event hosted at the residence of US Ambassador Sergio Gor, Goyal referred to India’s recent victory over the United States in a T20 World Cup match and linked it to the newly announced tariff framework between the two countries.</p><h2><strong>Goyal's 18% jab at Gor</strong></h2><p>Praising the US's performance at the T20 World Cup match, the Indian commerce minister, in jest, said that America may have won the match "if only" President Donald Trump had "made the reciprocal tariff zero".</p><p>"The US may not have won yesterday’s match, but I must say, for a country which has not known cricket and has started on cricket only a few years ago, the performance was fabulous," Goyal said, praising the American team’s showing.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jimmy-lai-s-son-sebastien-lai-asks-trump-to-tell-xi-the-prison-sentence-is-a-mistake-warns-if-he-dies-1770685339030"><strong>Jimmy Lai’s son Sebastien Lai asks Trump to tell Xi the prison sentence is a ‘mistake,’ warns ‘if he dies...’</strong></a></p><p>He then recalled a light-hearted exchange with Ambassador Gor during the game. "Sergio pointed out one very important factor — the US lost the match by 18%. And a very humble request I made to him, as a suggestion, that if only you had made the reciprocal tariff zero, you would possibly have won the match," said Piyush Goyal.</p><p>Watch what he said here:</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: &quot;...The US may not have won yesterday&#39;s match (against India in the T20 World Cup), but I must say, for a country which has not known Cricket and has started on Cricket a few years ago, the performance was fabulous. Sergio was there to enjoy the match...Sergio… <a href="https://t.co/bmwimEor1u">pic.twitter.com/bmwimEor1u</a></p>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2020874074814361955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The remark came just days after India and the United States released a joint statement outlining details of a new trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs and expanding market access on both sides.</p><h2><strong>India-US trade deal</strong></h2><p>Under the agreement, US tariffs on Indian exports will fall sharply from about 50 per cent to 18 per cent, easing pressure on several export-oriented sectors. Indian industries expected to benefit include textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber goods, organic chemicals, home decor products, artisanal items and select machinery.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-lifts-25-tariff-on-india-says-new-delhi-committed-to-stop-directly-or-indirectly-importing-russian-federation-oil-1770427129351"><strong>Trump lifts 25% tariff on India, says New Delhi 'committed to stop directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil'</strong></a></p><p>In return, India has agreed to reduce or eliminate duties on a broad range of American goods. These include industrial products as well as agricultural and food items such as dried distillers’ grains, red sorghum used for animal feed, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruits, soybean oil, and wine and spirits.</p><p>Negotiations for the deal began in February 2025 and continued for months before the agreement was finalised.<br> </p>

Piyush Goyal used cricket humour to describe India’s improving trade ties with the US, joking that America might have beaten India in a T20 match “if reciprocal tariffs were zero.” His remark came after both countries finalised a deal cutting US tariffs on Indian exports to 18%.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday (Feb 9) used a touch of humour to highlight India's evolving trade relationship with the United States, drawing an unusual comparison between tariffs and cricket during a diplomatic reception. Speaking at an event hosted at the residence of US Ambassador Sergio Gor, Goyal referred to India’s recent victory over the United States in a T20 World Cup match and linked it to the newly announced tariff framework between the two countries. Goyal's 18% jab at Gor Praising the US's performance at the T20 World Cup match, the Indian commerce minister, in jest, said that America may have won the match "if only" President Donald Trump had "made the reciprocal tariff zero". "The US may not have won yesterday’s match, but I must say, for a country which has not known cricket and has started on cricket only a few years ago, the performance was fabulous," Goyal said, praising the American team’s showing. Also read | Jimmy Lai’s son Sebastien Lai asks Trump to tell Xi the prison sentence is a ‘mistake,’ warns ‘if he dies...’ He then recalled a light-hearted exchange with Ambassador Gor during the game. "Sergio pointed out one very important factor — the US lost the match by 18%. And a very humble request I made to him, as a suggestion, that if only you had made the reciprocal tariff zero, you would possibly have won the match," said Piyush Goyal. Watch what he said here:

<p>Piyush Goyal used cricket humour to describe India’s improving trade ties with the US, joking that America might have beaten India in a T20 match “if reciprocal tariffs were zero.” His remark came after both countries finalised a deal cutting US tariffs on Indian exports to 18%.</p>

T20 meets trade: Piyush Goyal delivers cricket-style jab on India-US tariff deal, steals spotlight at US event. Watch

<p>Syria's former president, Bashar al-Assad, was obsessed with sex, and one of his lovers helped get women for her, including wives of his own officials. According to a report by The Atlantic, instead of trying to save his regime, Assad spent his time on sex and smartphone games. He also made terrible decisions, replacing experienced powerbrokers with younger people who did not match the former's level of competence. &nbsp;Luna al-Shibl was a former Al Jazeera journalist who later became Assad's confidante and his lover, the outlet quoted the sources as saying. &nbsp;Shibl arranged women for Assad, which included the wives of senior Syrian officers. However, when Assad's control started to wane, Shibl is believed to have changed her allegiance and started sharing confidential information with Russia. In July 2024, she died under mysterious circumstances. Police found her dead in her BMW on a highway outside Damascus, with state media claiming that she was killed in a car accident.</p><h2><strong>Assad played videos games on his phone</strong></h2><p>However, some believe that Assad himself ordered her killing. Even though Shibl was found with her skull completely smashed, the car barely had any damage. There were also reports that Iran got her killed after she leaked some data to Israel. But the Assad theory was widely believed by those around them. Assad also didn't seem to care about the military and political crises in Syria in 2024. Instead, he spent his time on his phone, playing games like Candy Crush, his former courtiers and officers say. One former Hezbollah operative said he spent hours on his phone and was not interested in tackling the grave problem at hand.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>https://www.wionews.com/videos/syrians-rejoice-on-first-anniversary-of-assad-s-fall-1765217024314/embed</p><h2><strong>Assad and his silence on Israel-Hamas war</strong></h2><p>After the October 2024 attack on Israel, Assad chose to remain silent. Meanwhile, Israel launched strikes across Syria and Lebanon, killing leaders like Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Assad's remaining mum on the situation fuelled suspicion that he was sharing secrets with Israel. When rebels advanced towards Aleppo on November 27, Assad was not in Russia. His commanders were left to fight them alone as he did not intervene. When Russia refused to fight the war, Assad reached Damascus and assured aides that they would win against the rebels. An official statement was released stating that he was at the palace carrying out his "constitutional duties". &nbsp;However, insiders say that it was a lie and Assad had already fled on a Russian jet. The new Syrian government issued an arrest warrant against Assad, and he remains missing.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Bashar al-Assad spent his last hours as president of Syria playing video games on his phone, according to reports. His personal life revolved around sex, so much so that his lover arranged women for him, including wives of his own officials.

Syria's former president, Bashar al-Assad, was obsessed with sex, and one of his lovers helped get women for her, including wives of his own officials. According to a report by The Atlantic, instead of trying to save his regime, Assad spent his time on sex and smartphone games. He also made terrible decisions, replacing experienced powerbrokers with younger people who did not match the former's level of competence. Luna al-Shibl was a former Al Jazeera journalist who later became Assad's confidante and his lover, the outlet quoted the sources as saying. Shibl arranged women for Assad, which included the wives of senior Syrian officers. However, when Assad's control started to wane, Shibl is believed to have changed her allegiance and started sharing confidential information with Russia. In July 2024, she died under mysterious circumstances. Police found her dead in her BMW on a highway outside Damascus, with state media claiming that she was killed in a car accident. Assad played videos games on his phone However, some believe that Assad himself ordered her killing. Even though Shibl was found with her skull completely smashed, the car barely had any damage. There were also reports that Iran got her killed after she leaked some data to Israel. But the Assad theory was widely believed by those around them. Assad also didn't seem to care about the military and political crises in Syria in 2024. Instead, he spent his time on his phone, playing games like Candy Crush, his former courtiers and officers say. One former Hezbollah operative said he spent hours on his phone and was not interested in tackling the grave problem at hand. https://www.wionews.com/videos/syrians-rejoice-on-first-anniversary-of-assad-s-fall-1765217024314/embed Assad and his silence on Israel-Hamas war After the October 2024 attack on Israel, Assad chose to remain silent. Meanwhile, Israel launched strikes across Syria and Lebanon, killing leaders like Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Assad's remaining mum on the situation fuelled suspicion that he was sharing secrets with Israel. When rebels advanced towards Aleppo on November 27, Assad was not in Russia. His commanders were left to fight them alone as he did not intervene. When Russia refused to fight the war, Assad reached Damascus and assured aides that they would win against the rebels. An official statement was released stating that he was at the palace carrying out his "constitutional duties". However, insiders say that it was a lie and Assad had already fled on a Russian jet. The new Syrian government issued an arrest warrant against Assad, and he remains missing.

<p>Bashar al-Assad spent his last hours as president of Syria playing video games on his phone, according to reports. His personal life revolved around sex, so much so that his lover arranged women for him, including wives of his own officials.</p>

Sex crazed Bashar al-Assad had lover arrange wives of his officers, spent hours playing Candy Crush

<p><strong>*Disclaimer: WION is only reporting the names that have been mentioned in the Epstein files and is not accusing anyone of any wrongdoing. Readers are advised to use their discretion on this article.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Amid growing controversy over former Prince Andrew's links with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, United Kingdom's King Charles III said that he is "ready to support" the police in their investigations on brother. The UK police is particularly probing if Andrew passed sensitive reports to Epstein when he was a UK trade envoy. Expressing “profound concern”, King Charles ensured that he would help the police in their investigation. This comes after the Buckingham Palace in its statement said that the King and Queen's "thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse". Prince William and Princess of Wales Catherine also issued a statement saying they were "deeply concerned" by the latest revelations about Epstein. Notably, in July-Aug, 2025, FBI Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche interviewed Maxwell in which she denied any wrongdoing by public figures like Bill Clinton, Elon Musk, including former Prince Andrew.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-names-emerge-from-epstein-files-as-lawmakers-reveal-likely-incriminated-1770693677528/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-names-emerge-from-epstein-files-as-lawmakers-reveal-likely-incriminated-1770693677528/embed</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“The King has made clear... his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr (Andrew) Mountbatten-Windsor's conduct. While the specific claims in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police we stand ready to support them as you would expect,” the palace said in a statement. The statement comes after Thames Valley Police confirmed it is assessing whether there are grounds to investigate a complaint by the anti-monarchy group Republic, which reported Mountbatten-Windsor for suspected misconduct in public office and breach of official secrets. Several emails from the latest tranche of Epstein Files released by the US Department of Justice reveal the long-running links between Andrew and Epstein.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/kiswa-on-jeffrey-epstein-s-floor-new-image-from-esptein-files-shows-sex-offender-standing-on-sacred-islamic-cloth-of-kaaba-sparking-outrage-1770648751796"><strong>Kiswa on Jeffrey Epstein’s floor? New image shows sex offender standing on sacred Islamic cloth of Kaaba, sparks outrage</strong></a></p><h2>Andrew and Epstein links</h2><p>The latest tranche of Epstein Files reveal a deep connection between Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and late convicted sex offender Epstein. Andrew was reportedly introduced to Epstein in 1999 by Ghislaine Maxwell, whom the ex-royal has known since university. Both got along well with Andrew inviting Epstein to Buckingham Palace in 2010, soon after he was released from jail for sex crimes. He also attended royal events like Princess Beatrice's birthday party. A victim alleged that Epstein trafficked her to London in 2010 for a sexual encounter with Andrew. Earlier, Andrew's name surfaced when Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre alleged she was trafficked to Andrew three times, starting when she was 17. Andrew even paid a financial settlement to Giuffre to settle a civil sexual assault claim in 2022.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/epstein-accomplice-ghislaine-maxwell-seeks-clemency-from-trump-what-is-it-can-she-walk-free-if-it-is-granted-1770695651376/1770695651377"><strong>Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell seeks 'clemency' from Trump: What is it? Can she walk free if it is granted?</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>New documents released by DOJ include photos of Andrew crouching over a clothed female lying on the ground. The images are reportedly from Epstein's Manhattan mansion. It also reveals that he sent photographs of Beatrice and Eugenie to Epstein in 2010 and 2011. Moreover, new emails released by DoJ show Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, in contact with Epstein. Several emails also mention Andrew's daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. An email from July 2009 suggests Ferguson brought both daughters to a lunch meeting with Epstein in Miami, In the emails, Ferguson refers to Epstein as a “legend” and the “brother I have always wished for”. One email also contains the phrase “Just marry me”. The emails confirm she remained in close contact with Epstein well after his 2008 conviction.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Amid renewed scrutiny over Prince Andrew’s links with Jeffrey Epstein, King Charles III said he is ready to support police investigations if approached. The move follows revelations from Epstein files, as UK police assess complaints alleging misconduct during Andrew’s time as a trade envoy

*Disclaimer: WION is only reporting the names that have been mentioned in the Epstein files and is not accusing anyone of any wrongdoing. Readers are advised to use their discretion on this article. Amid growing controversy over former Prince Andrew's links with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, United Kingdom's King Charles III said that he is "ready to support" the police in their investigations on brother. The UK police is particularly probing if Andrew passed sensitive reports to Epstein when he was a UK trade envoy. Expressing “profound concern”, King Charles ensured that he would help the police in their investigation. This comes after the Buckingham Palace in its statement said that the King and Queen's "thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse". Prince William and Princess of Wales Catherine also issued a statement saying they were "deeply concerned" by the latest revelations about Epstein. Notably, in July-Aug, 2025, FBI Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche interviewed Maxwell in which she denied any wrongdoing by public figures like Bill Clinton, Elon Musk, including former Prince Andrew. https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-names-emerge-from-epstein-files-as-lawmakers-reveal-likely-incriminated-1770693677528/embed “The King has made clear... his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr (Andrew) Mountbatten-Windsor's conduct. While the specific claims in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police we stand ready to support them as you would expect,” the palace said in a statement. The statement comes after Thames Valley Police confirmed it is assessing whether there are grounds to investigate a complaint by the anti-monarchy group Republic, which reported Mountbatten-Windsor for suspected misconduct in public office and breach of official secrets. Several emails from the latest tranche of Epstein Files released by the US Department of Justice reveal the long-running links between Andrew and Epstein. Also Read: Kiswa on Jeffrey Epstein’s floor? New image shows sex offender standing on sacred Islamic cloth of Kaaba, sparks outrage Andrew and Epstein links The latest tranche of Epstein Files reveal a deep connection between Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and late convicted sex offender Epstein. Andrew was reportedly introduced to Epstein in 1999 by Ghislaine Maxwell, whom the ex-royal has known since university. Both got along well with Andrew inviting Epstein to Buckingham Palace in 2010, soon after he was released from jail for sex crimes. He also attended royal events like Princess Beatrice's birthday party. A victim alleged that Epstein trafficked her to London in 2010 for a sexual encounter with Andrew. Earlier, Andrew's name surfaced when Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre alleged she was trafficked to Andrew three times, starting when she was 17. Andrew even paid a financial settlement to Giuffre to settle a civil sexual assault claim in 2022. Also Read: Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell seeks 'clemency' from Trump: What is it? Can she walk free if it is granted? New documents released by DOJ include photos of Andrew crouching over a clothed female lying on the ground. The images are reportedly from Epstein's Manhattan mansion. It also reveals that he sent photographs of Beatrice and Eugenie to Epstein in 2010 and 2011. Moreover, new emails released by DoJ show Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, in contact with Epstein. Several emails also mention Andrew's daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. An email from July 2009 suggests Ferguson brought both daughters to a lunch meeting with Epstein in Miami, In the emails, Ferguson refers to Epstein as a “legend” and the “brother I have always wished for”. One email also contains the phrase “Just marry me”. The emails confirm she remained in close contact with Epstein well after his 2008 conviction.

<p>Amid renewed scrutiny over Prince Andrew’s links with Jeffrey Epstein, King Charles III said he is ready to support police investigations if approached. The move follows revelations from Epstein files, as UK police assess complaints alleging misconduct during Andrew’s time as a trade envoy</p>

‘Ready to support’: King Charles issues fresh statement as UK police probe if Andrew shared official secrets with Epstein

<p>A newly surfaced email from the Jeffrey Epstein document release has reignited political controversy in Washington, with Democrats accusing the US Justice Department of trying to cover up potentially damning information that could contradict President Donald Trump’s claims about his ties with the disgraced financier.</p><h2><strong>What's in the damning email?</strong></h2><p>Congressman Jamie Raskin, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, on Monday (Feb 9) said the email was among the partially redacted documents released by the Justice Department earlier this month under the Epstein Transparency Act.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-health-secretary-robert-f-kennedy-jr-s-bizarre-link-with-paedophile-revealed-in-latest-epstein-file-dump-dinosaur-hunt-emails-1770444507541"><strong>Trump health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s bizarre link with paedophile revealed in latest Epstein file dump</strong></a></p><p>According to Raskin, the message was forwarded by Epstein to his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell and contained a summary of a conversation between lawyers representing Epstein and lawyers representing Trump. In that exchange, Epstein’s legal team reportedly quoted Trump as saying Epstein "was not a member" of his Mar-a-Lago club but remained a "guest" who had never been asked to leave.</p><p>"Epstein’s lawyers synopsized and quoted Trump as saying that Jeffrey Epstein was not a member of his club at Mar-a-Lago — but he was a guest at Mar-a-Lago, and he had never been asked to leave," the Democrat told reporters.</p><p>Raskin added the information had been "redacted for some …inscrutable reason", questioning whether the omission was justified under federal disclosure rules.</p><h2><strong>Questions continue over Trump–Epstein ties</strong></h2><p>Trump has long maintained that he cut ties with Epstein in the mid-2000s. Speaking to reporters after Epstein’s 2019 arrest on sex trafficking charges, Trump said he had a "falling out" with Epstein and had not spoken to him for about 15 years. That timeline would place the break around 2004, several years before Epstein’s 2008 conviction in Florida for soliciting prostitution, including from a minor.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosive-epstein-files-accuse-trump-of-raping-13-year-old-murdering-a-new-born-white-house-says-this-about-allegations-1769823565436"><strong>Explosive Epstein files accuse Trump of raping 13-year-old, murdering a newborn; White House says THIS about allegations</strong></a></p><p>Last year, Trump claimed that he barred Epstein from Mar-a-Lago after the paedophile "stole" staff from his spa. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing connected to Epstein, and he has never been charged in relation to the financier’s crimes.</p>

An email from the DoJ's latest Epstein files dump has sparked political controversy in Washington, with House Democrats alleging that it contradicts Donald Trump’s account of his ties with Jeffrey Epstein.

A newly surfaced email from the Jeffrey Epstein document release has reignited political controversy in Washington, with Democrats accusing the US Justice Department of trying to cover up potentially damning information that could contradict President Donald Trump’s claims about his ties with the disgraced financier. What's in the damning email? Congressman Jamie Raskin, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, on Monday (Feb 9) said the email was among the partially redacted documents released by the Justice Department earlier this month under the Epstein Transparency Act. Also read | Trump health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s bizarre link with paedophile revealed in latest Epstein file dump According to Raskin, the message was forwarded by Epstein to his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell and contained a summary of a conversation between lawyers representing Epstein and lawyers representing Trump. In that exchange, Epstein’s legal team reportedly quoted Trump as saying Epstein "was not a member" of his Mar-a-Lago club but remained a "guest" who had never been asked to leave. "Epstein’s lawyers synopsized and quoted Trump as saying that Jeffrey Epstein was not a member of his club at Mar-a-Lago — but he was a guest at Mar-a-Lago, and he had never been asked to leave," the Democrat told reporters. Raskin added the information had been "redacted for some …inscrutable reason", questioning whether the omission was justified under federal disclosure rules. Questions continue over Trump–Epstein ties Trump has long maintained that he cut ties with Epstein in the mid-2000s. Speaking to reporters after Epstein’s 2019 arrest on sex trafficking charges, Trump said he had a "falling out" with Epstein and had not spoken to him for about 15 years. That timeline would place the break around 2004, several years before Epstein’s 2008 conviction in Florida for soliciting prostitution, including from a minor. Also read | Explosive Epstein files accuse Trump of raping 13-year-old, murdering a newborn; White House says THIS about allegations Last year, Trump claimed that he barred Epstein from Mar-a-Lago after the paedophile "stole" staff from his spa. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing connected to Epstein, and he has never been charged in relation to the financier’s crimes.

<p>An email from the DoJ's latest Epstein files dump has sparked political controversy in Washington, with House Democrats alleging that it contradicts Donald Trump’s account of his ties with Jeffrey Epstein.</p>

Damning email contradicting Trump claims on kicking Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago mysteriously redacted, Democrats EXPOSE alleged cover-up

Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell invoked her Fifth Amendment right and refused to answer questions before a US House committee, as her lawyer said she would speak if granted clemency by President Donald Trump. The move has revived debate over presidential pardon powers

Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell seeks 'clemency' from Trump: What is it? Can she walk free if it is granted?

<p>Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, along with Google-owned YouTube, on Monday (Feb 9) were accused of "engineering addiction" in children. The accusation against the tech giants was levelled as a closely watched trial against major social media companies began in California. The trial would see Meta and YouTube facing accusations that their platforms were deliberately designed to be addictive for children. It marks one of the first times a jury will directly consider whether social media companies can be held legally responsible for the mental health impact of their platforms on children.</p><h2><strong>"Engineered addiction"</strong></h2><p>The case, unfolding before a Los Angeles jury, could set an important legal precedent for hundreds of similar lawsuits across the United States. At the centre of the trial is a 20-year-old woman identified in court documents as Kaley G.M., who claims she suffered severe mental harm after becoming addicted to social media as a child.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jimmy-lai-s-son-sebastien-lai-asks-trump-to-tell-xi-the-prison-sentence-is-a-mistake-warns-if-he-dies-1770685339030"><strong>Jimmy Lai’s son asks Trump to tell Xi the prison sentence is a ‘mistake’</strong></a></p><p>In opening arguments, plaintiffs’ attorney Mark Lanier accused tech companies of intentionally engineering their platforms to hook young users. "This case is about two of the richest corporations in history who have engineered addiction in children's brains," Lanier told the jury. Stacking children's toy bricks, he described the case "as easy as A-B-C," A for addicting, B for brains, and C for children.</p><p>Lanier argued that companies built systems designed to maximise engagement, comparing social media features to gambling mechanisms. "They don't only build apps; they build traps," he said, adding that Meta and YouTube pursued "addiction by design".</p><p>He told jurors that Kaley began using YouTube at the age of six, and her family was never warned that "the goal was viewer addiction," or about the risks of algorithm-driven addiction among children.</p><p>The case is being treated as a “bellwether” trial, meaning its outcome could influence how future lawsuits against social media companies are handled, including potential compensation for plaintiffs.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-health-secretary-robert-f-kennedy-jr-s-bizarre-link-with-paedophile-revealed-in-latest-epstein-file-dump-dinosaur-hunt-emails-1770444507541"><strong>Trump health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s bizarre link with paedophile revealed in latest Epstein file dump</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Companies reject responsibility</strong></h2><p>Lawyers for Meta strongly pushed back against the claims, arguing that social media was not the primary cause of the young woman’s struggles. "If you took Instagram away and everything else was the same in Kaley's life, would her life be completely different, or would she still be struggling with the same things she is today?" Defense attorney Paul Schmidt asked jurors. He said that personal challenges, including bullying and family issues, played a larger role in her mental health difficulties.</p><p>YouTube also denied the allegations. A company spokesperson said the claims were "simply not true,” pointing to ongoing efforts to introduce safety tools for younger users.</p>

A landmark trial in California has begun against Meta and YouTube, with plaintiffs accusing the companies of deliberately designing their platforms to ‘addict’ children and harm their mental health. All you need to know.

Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, along with Google-owned YouTube, on Monday (Feb 9) were accused of "engineering addiction" in children. The accusation against the tech giants was levelled as a closely watched trial against major social media companies began in California. The trial would see Meta and YouTube facing accusations that their platforms were deliberately designed to be addictive for children. It marks one of the first times a jury will directly consider whether social media companies can be held legally responsible for the mental health impact of their platforms on children. "Engineered addiction" The case, unfolding before a Los Angeles jury, could set an important legal precedent for hundreds of similar lawsuits across the United States. At the centre of the trial is a 20-year-old woman identified in court documents as Kaley G.M., who claims she suffered severe mental harm after becoming addicted to social media as a child. Also read | Jimmy Lai’s son asks Trump to tell Xi the prison sentence is a ‘mistake’ In opening arguments, plaintiffs’ attorney Mark Lanier accused tech companies of intentionally engineering their platforms to hook young users. "This case is about two of the richest corporations in history who have engineered addiction in children's brains," Lanier told the jury. Stacking children's toy bricks, he described the case "as easy as A-B-C," A for addicting, B for brains, and C for children. Lanier argued that companies built systems designed to maximise engagement, comparing social media features to gambling mechanisms. "They don't only build apps; they build traps," he said, adding that Meta and YouTube pursued "addiction by design". He told jurors that Kaley began using YouTube at the age of six, and her family was never warned that "the goal was viewer addiction," or about the risks of algorithm-driven addiction among children. The case is being treated as a “bellwether” trial, meaning its outcome could influence how future lawsuits against social media companies are handled, including potential compensation for plaintiffs. Also read | Trump health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s bizarre link with paedophile revealed in latest Epstein file dump Companies reject responsibility Lawyers for Meta strongly pushed back against the claims, arguing that social media was not the primary cause of the young woman’s struggles. "If you took Instagram away and everything else was the same in Kaley's life, would her life be completely different, or would she still be struggling with the same things she is today?" Defense attorney Paul Schmidt asked jurors. He said that personal challenges, including bullying and family issues, played a larger role in her mental health difficulties. YouTube also denied the allegations. A company spokesperson said the claims were "simply not true,” pointing to ongoing efforts to introduce safety tools for younger users.

<p>A landmark trial in California has begun against Meta and YouTube, with plaintiffs accusing the companies of deliberately designing their platforms to ‘addict’ children and harm their mental health. All you need to know.</p>

‘Addiction by design’? Meta, YouTube accused of 'engineering addiction' in children during US trial

<p>Bangladesh has struck a trade deal with the United States days ahead of elections in the country. Announcing the terms and conditions of the trade deal on Monday (Feb 9), Bangladesh said that the tariff has been reduced to 19 per cent under a trade agreement and exemptions have been given for some textiles and garments manufactured with US material. The US had imposed a tariff of 37 per cent as part of its reciprocal tariffs in April 2025. Later in August 2025, Washington revised the tariff to 20 per cent. The current reduction to 19 per cent in the tariff rate is one per cent more than what India (18 per cent) secured in the trade deal with Washington recently.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-polls-women-rally-against-jamaat-to-benefit-bnp-1770654961334/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-polls-women-rally-against-jamaat-to-benefit-bnp-1770654961334/embed</a>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to the White House, Bangladesh has committed to provide “preferential market access” for US industrial and agricultural goods, including chemicals; medical devices, machinery and motor vehicles and parts, information and communicational technology (ICT) equipment, energy products, soy products, dairy products, beef, poultry, and tree nuts. After securing the deal, Bangladesh’s interim head Muhammad Yunus said that Washington had “committed to creating a mechanism” that would allow select Bangladeshi textile and apparel goods made with US-produced cotton and man-made fibre to enter the US market at zero reciprocal tariff.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-yunus-govt-seeks-un-assistance-to-probe-killing-of-osman-hadi-1770555817339"><strong>Bangladesh: Yunus govt seeks UN assistance to probe killing of Osman Hadi</strong></a></p><h2>Key terms of the new deal</h2><p>According to the 32-page US-Bangladesh agreement, Dhaka will purchase $15 billion in US energy and goods, including a significant order of 25 Boeing aircraft and approximately $3.5 billion of US agriculture products. American pharmaceutical ingredients and aircraft parts have been granted duty-free access in Bangladeshi markets. The statement from the White House highlighted that Dhaka will strengthen labor reforms, environmental protections, and intellectual property (IP) rights, as well as properly enforce comprehensive anti-corruption laws.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-this-is-a-crime-by-the-state-bangladesh-awami-league-leader-ramesh-chandra-sen-dies-in-custody-days-ahead-of-elections-1770532566292"><strong>'This is a crime by the state': Bangladesh Awami League leader Ramesh Chandra Sen dies in custody days ahead of elections</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Moreover, the deal states that Bangladesh will allow companies to move digital information across borders without requiring them to store it on local servers. It also supports a permanent ban on WTO customs duties for digital products like software, music, and streaming services. The deal also talks about opening Bnagladesh's insurance sector to the US by allowing American companies to compete directly with local providers or establish a larger “commercial presence.”</p>

Bangladesh has secured a reduced 19% US tariff under a new trade agreement, with exemptions for select textiles made using American materials. In return, Dhaka will grant preferential market access to a wide range of US industrial and agricultural products, the White House said.

Bangladesh has struck a trade deal with the United States days ahead of elections in the country. Announcing the terms and conditions of the trade deal on Monday (Feb 9), Bangladesh said that the tariff has been reduced to 19 per cent under a trade agreement and exemptions have been given for some textiles and garments manufactured with US material. The US had imposed a tariff of 37 per cent as part of its reciprocal tariffs in April 2025. Later in August 2025, Washington revised the tariff to 20 per cent. The current reduction to 19 per cent in the tariff rate is one per cent more than what India (18 per cent) secured in the trade deal with Washington recently. https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-polls-women-rally-against-jamaat-to-benefit-bnp-1770654961334/embed According to the White House, Bangladesh has committed to provide “preferential market access” for US industrial and agricultural goods, including chemicals; medical devices, machinery and motor vehicles and parts, information and communicational technology (ICT) equipment, energy products, soy products, dairy products, beef, poultry, and tree nuts. After securing the deal, Bangladesh’s interim head Muhammad Yunus said that Washington had “committed to creating a mechanism” that would allow select Bangladeshi textile and apparel goods made with US-produced cotton and man-made fibre to enter the US market at zero reciprocal tariff. Also Read: Bangladesh: Yunus govt seeks UN assistance to probe killing of Osman Hadi Key terms of the new deal According to the 32-page US-Bangladesh agreement, Dhaka will purchase $15 billion in US energy and goods, including a significant order of 25 Boeing aircraft and approximately $3.5 billion of US agriculture products. American pharmaceutical ingredients and aircraft parts have been granted duty-free access in Bangladeshi markets. The statement from the White House highlighted that Dhaka will strengthen labor reforms, environmental protections, and intellectual property (IP) rights, as well as properly enforce comprehensive anti-corruption laws. Also Read: 'This is a crime by the state': Bangladesh Awami League leader Ramesh Chandra Sen dies in custody days ahead of elections Moreover, the deal states that Bangladesh will allow companies to move digital information across borders without requiring them to store it on local servers. It also supports a permanent ban on WTO customs duties for digital products like software, music, and streaming services. The deal also talks about opening Bnagladesh's insurance sector to the US by allowing American companies to compete directly with local providers or establish a larger “commercial presence.”

<p>Bangladesh has secured a reduced 19% US tariff under a new trade agreement, with exemptions for select textiles made using American materials. In return, Dhaka will grant preferential market access to a wide range of US industrial and agricultural products, the White House said.</p>

Bangladesh secures trade deal with US, tariff reduced to 19%: What are the key points

<p>Sebastien Lai, the son of jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, has called on US President Donald Trump to talk to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, saying his father’s 20-year prison sentence is a "mistake" and potentially fatal given his age and health. Speaking in London on Monday, Sebastien said he hoped diplomatic pressure from Washington could persuade Chinese President Xi Jinping to reconsider the case of the 78-year-old pro-democracy figure.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-did-troublemaker-jimmy-lai-do-all-we-know-about-his-national-security-verdicts-1765786604355"><strong>Explained | What did 'troublemaker' Jimmy Lai do? All we know</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Trump can tell Xi it's a 'mistake'</strong></h2><p>"The president interceding in my father's case will show Xi Jinping how much of a mistake it is, the persecution of my father," Sebastien Lai said. Talking to AFP, he warned that continued imprisonment could have serious consequences, both for his father’s health and for China’s global image.</p><p>"If he dies, many countries will be rightfully outraged," he said, adding that there was "no upside" to what authorities were doing.</p><p>Trump had previously promised during his election campaign to work toward securing Lai’s release.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison</strong></h2><p>78-year-old Jimmy Lai, the founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, on Monday (Feb 9) was convicted under Hong Kong’s national security law, which Beijing imposed in 2020 following massive anti-government protests in the financial hub. Authorities accused him of colluding with foreign forces, charges his family and supporters strongly reject.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-sentences-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-to-20-years-in-prison-what-was-the-case-against-him-1770604509612"><strong>Hong Kong sentences media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison</strong></a></p><p>Sebastien described the sentence as effectively a "death sentence" for his father, who has faced multiple health issues in recent years. He also criticised Hong Kong authorities for what he called a politically motivated prosecution.</p><p>"The Hong Kong government has essentially decided to destroy their greatest asset -- their legal system -- in order to vindictively go after my father," he said, insisting Jimmy Lai has "committed no crime"</p><p>He is "a man who over the last few years and multiple show trials where they have found nothing -- the only thing they came up with is this vague idea of colluding with foreign forces," added Sebastien.&nbsp;</p>

Sebastien Lai has urged US President Donald Trump to intervene with Chinese President Xi Jinping over the 20-year prison sentence handed to Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai. Here's what he said

Sebastien Lai, the son of jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, has called on US President Donald Trump to talk to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, saying his father’s 20-year prison sentence is a "mistake" and potentially fatal given his age and health. Speaking in London on Monday, Sebastien said he hoped diplomatic pressure from Washington could persuade Chinese President Xi Jinping to reconsider the case of the 78-year-old pro-democracy figure. Also read | Explained | What did 'troublemaker' Jimmy Lai do? All we know Trump can tell Xi it's a 'mistake' "The president interceding in my father's case will show Xi Jinping how much of a mistake it is, the persecution of my father," Sebastien Lai said. Talking to AFP, he warned that continued imprisonment could have serious consequences, both for his father’s health and for China’s global image. "If he dies, many countries will be rightfully outraged," he said, adding that there was "no upside" to what authorities were doing. Trump had previously promised during his election campaign to work toward securing Lai’s release. Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison 78-year-old Jimmy Lai, the founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, on Monday (Feb 9) was convicted under Hong Kong’s national security law, which Beijing imposed in 2020 following massive anti-government protests in the financial hub. Authorities accused him of colluding with foreign forces, charges his family and supporters strongly reject. Also read | Hong Kong sentences media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison Sebastien described the sentence as effectively a "death sentence" for his father, who has faced multiple health issues in recent years. He also criticised Hong Kong authorities for what he called a politically motivated prosecution. "The Hong Kong government has essentially decided to destroy their greatest asset -- their legal system -- in order to vindictively go after my father," he said, insisting Jimmy Lai has "committed no crime" He is "a man who over the last few years and multiple show trials where they have found nothing -- the only thing they came up with is this vague idea of colluding with foreign forces," added Sebastien.

<p>Sebastien Lai has urged US President Donald Trump to intervene with Chinese President Xi Jinping over the 20-year prison sentence handed to Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai. Here's what he said</p>

Jimmy Lai’s son Sebastien Lai asks Trump to tell Xi the prison sentence is a ‘mistake,’ warns ‘if he dies...’

<p>An Iranian man reportedly took his life after posting a video message in which he appealed to US President Donald Trump to abandon any diplomatic engagement with Iran’s ruling establishment. The man hailed from the southern port city of Bushehr, as per the local media.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“America attacking Iran is the only hope we have right now,” said Pouria Hamidi, an Iranian man from Bushehr, adding, “We can&#39;t fight this regime alone. Our people need foreign intervention.” <br><br>Hamidi delivered the remarks in a 10-minute English-language video addressed to… <a href="https://t.co/j2MKjqqA9R">pic.twitter.com/j2MKjqqA9R</a></p>&mdash; Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) <a href="https://twitter.com/IranIntl_En/status/2020506651653009439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The man was identified by activists and Iranian media as Pouria Hamidi. He recorded a 10-minute-long video speaking in English that circulated widely on social media over the weekend. In the shared clip, the man sought to draw international attention to what he described as a violent crackdown on recent anti-government protests in Iran.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“America attacking Iran is the only hope we have right now. We can't fight this regime alone. Our people need foreign intervention," he said in the clip.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He said at the beginning of the video that he might no longer be alive when the video was viewed. He claimed that tens of thousands of people had been killed during the unrest, alleging mass casualties during protests that erupted earlier this year. “Please, do whatever you can to stop this deal," he said, adding that protesters had continued demonstrations, believing international pressure would follow.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-wants-new-improved-nuclear-treaty-with-russia-says-us-to-introduce-battleships-100x-better-than-those-during-ww-2-1770322884405">Trump wants ‘new, improved’ nuclear treaty with Russia; says US to introduce battleships '100X better than those during WW 2'</a></p><h2>Iran - US deal: What's latets&nbsp;</h2><p>Iran has hinted it may dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to 60 per cent if America lifts all sanctions on Tehran, Iran's atomic chief Mohammad Eslami said on Monday (Feb 09).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“In conclusion, in response to a question about the possibility of diluting 60 per cent enriched uranium… the head of the Atomic Energy Organisation said that this depends on whether all sanctions would be lifted in return," the official IRNA news agency reported.</p>

An Iranian man died by suicide after posting a video urging US President Donald Trump to abandon talks with Tehran, calling American military action the only hope amid Iran’s protest crackdown.

An Iranian man reportedly took his life after posting a video message in which he appealed to US President Donald Trump to abandon any diplomatic engagement with Iran’s ruling establishment. The man hailed from the southern port city of Bushehr, as per the local media.

<p>An Iranian man died by suicide after posting a video urging US President Donald Trump to abandon talks with Tehran, calling American military action the only hope amid Iran’s protest crackdown.</p>

‘America attacking Iran is the only hope we have’: Iranian man takes life after urging Trump against deal with Tehran

<p>Amid the diplomatic tensions with the US, Iran has hinted it may dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to 60 per cent if America lifts all sanctions on Tehran, Iran's atomic chief Mohammad Eslami said on Monday (Feb 09).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“In conclusion, in response to a question about the possibility of diluting 60 per cent enriched uranium… the head of the Atomic Energy Organisation said that this depends on whether all sanctions would be lifted in return," the official IRNA news agency reported.</p><h2>What does 'diluting uranium' mean?</h2><p>Diluting uranium simply means mixing it with a water blend to reduce the enrichment level. As per the AFP, before US and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities in June 2025, Iran had been enriching uranium to 60 per cent, which far exceeded the 3.67 per cent limit that was allowed under a now-defunct nuclear agreement reached with world powers in 2015.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-wants-new-improved-nuclear-treaty-with-russia-says-us-to-introduce-battleships-100x-better-than-those-during-ww-2-1770322884405">Trump wants ‘new, improved’ nuclear treaty with Russia; says US to introduce battleships '100X better than those during WW 2'</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Western countries, led by the US, have alleged Tehran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a claim denied by Iran. Moreover, the UN has claimed that Iran is a non-nuclear-weapons state enriching uranium to 60 per cent. It is also unknown where more than 400 kg of highly enriched uranium that Iran possessed before the war has ended up.</p><h2>‘America attacking Iran is the only hope we have’</h2><p>Amid all this, an Iranian man reportedly took his life after posting a video message in which he appealed to US President Donald Trump to abandon any diplomatic engagement with Iran’s ruling establishment. The man hailed from the southern port city of Bushehr, as per the local media.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The man was identified by activists and Iranian media as Pouria Hamidi. He recorded a 10-minute-long video speaking in English that circulated widely on social media over the weekend. In the shared clip, the man sought to draw international attention to what he described as a violent crackdown on recent anti-government protests in Iran.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“America attacking Iran is the only hope we have right now. We can't fight this regime alone. Our people need foreign intervention," he said in the clip.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Iran says it may dilute 60 per cent enriched uranium if the US lifts all sanctions, linking nuclear concessions to economic relief amid renewed tensions and concerns over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Amid the diplomatic tensions with the US, Iran has hinted it may dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to 60 per cent if America lifts all sanctions on Tehran, Iran's atomic chief Mohammad Eslami said on Monday (Feb 09). “In conclusion, in response to a question about the possibility of diluting 60 per cent enriched uranium… the head of the Atomic Energy Organisation said that this depends on whether all sanctions would be lifted in return," the official IRNA news agency reported. What does 'diluting uranium' mean? Diluting uranium simply means mixing it with a water blend to reduce the enrichment level. As per the AFP, before US and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities in June 2025, Iran had been enriching uranium to 60 per cent, which far exceeded the 3.67 per cent limit that was allowed under a now-defunct nuclear agreement reached with world powers in 2015. Also read: Trump wants ‘new, improved’ nuclear treaty with Russia; says US to introduce battleships '100X better than those during WW 2' Western countries, led by the US, have alleged Tehran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a claim denied by Iran. Moreover, the UN has claimed that Iran is a non-nuclear-weapons state enriching uranium to 60 per cent. It is also unknown where more than 400 kg of highly enriched uranium that Iran possessed before the war has ended up. ‘America attacking Iran is the only hope we have’ Amid all this, an Iranian man reportedly took his life after posting a video message in which he appealed to US President Donald Trump to abandon any diplomatic engagement with Iran’s ruling establishment. The man hailed from the southern port city of Bushehr, as per the local media. The man was identified by activists and Iranian media as Pouria Hamidi. He recorded a 10-minute-long video speaking in English that circulated widely on social media over the weekend. In the shared clip, the man sought to draw international attention to what he described as a violent crackdown on recent anti-government protests in Iran. “America attacking Iran is the only hope we have right now. We can't fight this regime alone. Our people need foreign intervention," he said in the clip.

<p>Iran says it may dilute 60 per cent enriched uranium if the US lifts all sanctions, linking nuclear concessions to economic relief amid renewed tensions and concerns over Tehran’s nuclear programme.</p>

Iran will dilute its enriched uranium IF US lifts all sanctions, says Tehran nuke chief

<p>A 37-year-old Indian-origin man working as an IT professional was killed in a shooting in a Toronto parking lot when unidentified assailants opened fire on the vehicle he was travelling in, said Canadian police officials. The victim has been identified as Chandan Kumar, a native of Karnataka’s Bengaluru Rural district. Kumar had been living in Canada for the past six years and was working as an IT professional with a private company.</p><p>His family in India has been informed about the tragic incident. Chandan’s father, Nandakumar, is a retired schoolteacher.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to Toronto Police, the shooting occurred on Saturday, February 7, in the car park of a shopping centre.</p><p>Police officers responded to reports of gunfire at the location and found Kumar with multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but succumbed later to injuries.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-pomegranate-can-t-enter-from-afghanistan-but-terrorists-keep-coming-jamiat-chief-fazlur-rehman-slams-pak-military-1770656737862"><strong>‘Pomegranate can’t enter from Afghanistan, but terrorists keep coming’: Jamiat chief Fazlur Rehman slams Pak military</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Police said the exact circumstances that led to the attack remain unclear. Investigators have not yet determined whether one or more suspects were involved or how many shots were fired. Authorities, however, indicated that it appears to have been a targeted attack.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BJP MP K. Sudhakar tweets, &quot;The tragic and heartbreaking news that Chandan Kumar, a resident of Tyamagondlu village in Nelamangala taluk, originally from Karnataka, who had settled in Toronto city, Canada, as an IT professional, has fallen victim to a shooting incident that took… <a href="https://t.co/c9pn5kGqwI">pic.twitter.com/c9pn5kGqwI</a></p>&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://twitter.com/ians_india/status/2020823269872632117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Images from the crime scene shared on local media showed a white SUV with visible bullet holes in the windshield and a shattered driver-side window, suggesting the victim was shot while he was inside the vehicle. Investigators believe Kumar may have been ambushed by the attackers.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-register-fir-over-leak-of-general-mm-naravane-s-unpublished-memoir-1770650121647"><strong>Delhi Police register FIR over leak of General MM Naravane’s unpublished, unapproved memoir</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Inspector Errol Watson of the Toronto Police Service said officers are continuing to piece together details of the shooting.</p><p>The killing comes days after a 28-year-old Indian-origin man was killed in a targeted shooting in Burnaby, British Columbia, in what investigators believed was linked to the ongoing BC gang conflict.</p><p>“I can understand how a shooting like this, especially at a mall, can cause concern for the safety of the public,” he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-very-very-balanced-supreme-court-upholds-madras-hc-order-on-deepam-row-backs-curbs-on-namaz-1770644306951"><strong>‘Very, very balanced’: Supreme Court upholds Madras HC order on Deepam row, backs curbs on namaz</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Police have appealed to the public for assistance, urging anyone with information, dashcam footage, or surveillance video from the area to come forward. Authorities said the killing marks Toronto’s third homicide of 2026. No arrests have been made so far in the case, while the investigation is going on.</p>

Toronto Police officials said the exact circumstances that led to the attack on Chandan Kumar are not yet clear. The investigators have not been able to determine whether one or more suspects were involved or how many shots were fired, but indicated that it appears to be a targeted attack.

A 37-year-old Indian-origin man working as an IT professional was killed in a shooting in a Toronto parking lot when unidentified assailants opened fire on the vehicle he was travelling in, said Canadian police officials. The victim has been identified as Chandan Kumar, a native of Karnataka’s Bengaluru Rural district. Kumar had been living in Canada for the past six years and was working as an IT professional with a private company. His family in India has been informed about the tragic incident. Chandan’s father, Nandakumar, is a retired schoolteacher. According to Toronto Police, the shooting occurred on Saturday, February 7, in the car park of a shopping centre. Police officers responded to reports of gunfire at the location and found Kumar with multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but succumbed later to injuries. Also Read: ‘Pomegranate can’t enter from Afghanistan, but terrorists keep coming’: Jamiat chief Fazlur Rehman slams Pak military Police said the exact circumstances that led to the attack remain unclear. Investigators have not yet determined whether one or more suspects were involved or how many shots were fired. Authorities, however, indicated that it appears to have been a targeted attack.

<p>Toronto Police officials said the exact circumstances that led to the attack on Chandan Kumar are not yet clear. The investigators have not been able to determine whether one or more suspects were involved or how many shots were fired, but indicated that it appears to be a targeted attack.</p>

Indian-origin IT professional shot dead in Toronto parking lot, targeted attack suspected

Presidents Day was originally established to honour the first president, George Washington’s legacy. Over time, it came to recognise other US presidents as well. The holiday is observed on the third Monday of February as a federal holiday.

Presidents Day 2026: What it is, when it falls, and what’s open or closed

<p>Centre-left candidate Antonio Jose Seguro scored a convincing win over far-right rival Andre Ventura in Portugal's presidential election on Sunday, with the run-off vote held after days of devastating storms. The result was quickly welcomed by European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron. With more than 99 percent of the ballots counted,&nbsp;Seguro had won 66.8 percent of the vote to Ventura's 33.2 percent. That means the 63-year-old Socialist candidate will, as expected, succeed the conservative Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa as president.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The election campaign had been upended by two weeks of storms and fierce gales that killed at least seven people and caused an estimated four billion euros ($4.7 billion) in damage. The storm disruption forced around 20 of the worst-hit constituencies to postpone the vote by a week, but it went ahead for nearly all the 11 million eligible voters in Portugal and abroad. "The winners tonight are the Portuguese people and democracy," the president-elect said, pledging to be a leader for "all Portuguese". Ventura conceded defeat while noting that his party had achieved the “best result in its history.” "We lead the right in Portugal and we will soon govern this country," he told supporters.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>EU chief von der Leyen said Portugal had demonstrated its support for "shared European values" remains "strong".</p><p>Macron welcomed the result, saying he hoped to reinforce ties between the two countries.</p><h2>Storm-hit campaign</h2><p>Far-right Ventura, 43, had criticised the government's response to fierce weather and sought in vain to have the entire election postponed. Ventura is the first extreme-right candidate to make it through to a run-off vote in Portugal.</p><p>Seguro is a veteran political operator and former Socialist party leader, having begun his career in the party's youth wing. In 2014, he lost an internal power struggle, and was pushed out as secretary general of the party by future prime minister Antonio Costa, who is now president of the European Council.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Despite being out of the public eye for the past decade, he never renounced his belief in a "modern and moderate left".</p><p>He began his presidential campaign without the backing of the Socialist Party's leadership, though most of them came around to support him. He slowly climbed in the polls, with one on Wednesday crediting him with 67 percent of voting intentions in the run-off election -- a figure reflected in Sunday's exit polls.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>His camp had nevertheless been concerned that the recent foul weather and complacency among his supporters might hurt them. Earlier Sunday, casting his vote in Caldas de Rainha, where he lives, Seguro said: “Come and vote. Make the most of this window of good weather.” Ventura campaigned on a promise to break with the parties that have governed Portugal for the past 50 years. Seguro positioned himself as a unifying candidate and warned of a "nightmare" if his opponent won.</p><h2>Far right rising</h2><p>Seguro took the most votes in the first round of the election in January, in which 11 candidates stood, with 31.1 percent, ahead of Ventura on 23.5 percent. Since no one won a majority, the top two went through to a second round. Seguro secured the support of many political figures from the far left, centre and the right. But Prime Minister Luis Montenegro declined to endorse either candidate in the second round. His minority centre-right government relies on support from either the Socialists or the far right to get legislation through parliament.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ventura's Chega (Enough) party, created as recently as 2019, became the leading opposition force at the May 2025 general election. He is seeking to "assert himself as the true leader of the Portuguese right", political science professor Jose Santana Pereira told AFP. In Portugal, the head of state has the power to dissolve parliament and call early elections but otherwise has a largely symbolic role. The new president will take office in early March.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</i></p>

Portugal elects Antonio Jose Seguro as new president, defeating far right rival Andre Ventura

Centre-left candidate Antonio Jose Seguro scored a convincing win over far-right rival Andre Ventura in Portugal's presidential election on Sunday, with the run-off vote held after days of devastating storms. The result was quickly welcomed by European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron. With more than 99 percent of the ballots counted, Seguro had won 66.8 percent of the vote to Ventura's 33.2 percent. That means the 63-year-old Socialist candidate will, as expected, succeed the conservative Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa as president. The election campaign had been upended by two weeks of storms and fierce gales that killed at least seven people and caused an estimated four billion euros ($4.7 billion) in damage. The storm disruption forced around 20 of the worst-hit constituencies to postpone the vote by a week, but it went ahead for nearly all the 11 million eligible voters in Portugal and abroad. "The winners tonight are the Portuguese people and democracy," the president-elect said, pledging to be a leader for "all Portuguese". Ventura conceded defeat while noting that his party had achieved the “best result in its history.” "We lead the right in Portugal and we will soon govern this country," he told supporters. EU chief von der Leyen said Portugal had demonstrated its support for "shared European values" remains "strong". Macron welcomed the result, saying he hoped to reinforce ties between the two countries. Storm-hit campaign Far-right Ventura, 43, had criticised the government's response to fierce weather and sought in vain to have the entire election postponed. Ventura is the first extreme-right candidate to make it through to a run-off vote in Portugal. Seguro is a veteran political operator and former Socialist party leader, having begun his career in the party's youth wing. In 2014, he lost an internal power struggle, and was pushed out as secretary general of the party by future prime minister Antonio Costa, who is now president of the European Council. Despite being out of the public eye for the past decade, he never renounced his belief in a "modern and moderate left". He began his presidential campaign without the backing of the Socialist Party's leadership, though most of them came around to support him. He slowly climbed in the polls, with one on Wednesday crediting him with 67 percent of voting intentions in the run-off election -- a figure reflected in Sunday's exit polls. His camp had nevertheless been concerned that the recent foul weather and complacency among his supporters might hurt them. Earlier Sunday, casting his vote in Caldas de Rainha, where he lives, Seguro said: “Come and vote. Make the most of this window of good weather.” Ventura campaigned on a promise to break with the parties that have governed Portugal for the past 50 years. Seguro positioned himself as a unifying candidate and warned of a "nightmare" if his opponent won. Far right rising Seguro took the most votes in the first round of the election in January, in which 11 candidates stood, with 31.1 percent, ahead of Ventura on 23.5 percent. Since no one won a majority, the top two went through to a second round. Seguro secured the support of many political figures from the far left, centre and the right. But Prime Minister Luis Montenegro declined to endorse either candidate in the second round. His minority centre-right government relies on support from either the Socialists or the far right to get legislation through parliament. Ventura's Chega (Enough) party, created as recently as 2019, became the leading opposition force at the May 2025 general election. He is seeking to "assert himself as the true leader of the Portuguese right", political science professor Jose Santana Pereira told AFP. In Portugal, the head of state has the power to dissolve parliament and call early elections but otherwise has a largely symbolic role. The new president will take office in early March. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

<p>The result was quickly welcomed by European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron. With more than 99 percent of the ballots counted,&nbsp;Seguro had won 66.8 percent of the vote to Ventura's 33.2 per cent</p>

<p>Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has slammed Pakistan’s handling of militancy and its Afghanistan policy, questioning how extremists continue to cross the border freely even as trade remains totally blocked. Addressing a gathering in Rawalpindi on Sunday, Rehman pointed out a glaring contradiction in Islamabad’s approach towards Afghanistan. “In all these decades, we never paused to ask why our Afghan policy failed so miserably. Not a single pomegranate or melon can enter Pakistan, yet terrorists keep crossing the border,” he said.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Maulana Fazlur Rehman:<br><br>It’s unbelievable, not a single pomegranate can cross from Afghanistan into Pakistan, yet terrorists are coming in nonstop?! <br><br>Does this sound like reason or logic to anyone? <a href="https://t.co/S5x35KB34r">pic.twitter.com/S5x35KB34r</a></p>&mdash; Open Source (@Open_Sourc3w) <a href="https://twitter.com/Open_Sourc3w/status/2020550286352540061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-register-fir-over-leak-of-general-mm-naravane-s-unpublished-memoir-1770650121647"><strong>Delhi Police register FIR over leak of General MM Naravane’s unpublished, unapproved memoir</strong></a></p><h2>‘If they are coming, stop them, eliminate them’</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Referring to frequent claims by Pakistani authorities that militants were entering from Afghanistan, Rehman said, “Authorities say terrorists are coming from there. If they are coming, stop them. If they are coming, eliminate them. The Afghan government has never objected to your actions.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The JUI-F leader also condemned Pakistan’s foreign and economic policies, and termed them “complete failures”.</p><p>He said Islamabad’s diplomatic approach had left the country increasingly isolated.</p><p>“India is our enemy, Afghanistan is our enemy, and even Iran and China are upset with us,” Rehman said.</p><p>“A nation cannot survive when its policies produce only isolation, mistrust and insecurity.”</p><p>He further said that Pakistan’s foreign policy was not being driven by elected governments but by the military establishment.</p><p>“One general comes and says we will negotiate; another comes and says we will wage war,” he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-very-very-balanced-supreme-court-upholds-madras-hc-order-on-deepam-row-backs-curbs-on-namaz-1770644306951"><strong>‘Very, very balanced’: Supreme Court upholds Madras HC order on Deepam row, backs curbs on namaz</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s question to the Field Marshal and DG ISPR:<br><br>If even fruits cannot cross from Afghanistan into Pakistan, how are terrorists entering? <br><br>And why has Pakistan never been willing to cooperate with any Afghan government, from Zahir Shah’s era to the present? <a href="https://t.co/RZSdYIXblY">pic.twitter.com/RZSdYIXblY</a></p>&mdash; برهان الدین ‏| Burhan uddin (@burhan_uddin_0) <a href="https://twitter.com/burhan_uddin_0/status/2020559940751180141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>‘CPEC has seen no real progress, China no longer trusts us’</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rehman also took pot shots at the Shehbaz Sharif government’s handling of the China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC), claiming that the flagship infrastructure project had stalled due to declining Chinese confidence.</p><p>“CPEC has seen no real progress during this tenure because China no longer trusts us,” he said, questioning whether “even a single brick” had moved under the current government.</p><p>He claimed Beijing had expected the Pakistan democratic movement (PDM) government to stabilise relations and revive projects, but remained dissatisfied.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-year-law-student-kills-girl-in-class-shoots-self-in-punjab-s-tarn-taran-1770632612292"><strong>First-year law student kills girl in class, shoots self in Punjab’s Tarn Taran</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rehman’s remarks come amid heightened tensions following a suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad on Friday that killed 69 people and injured more than 170, according to local media reports citing hospital officials.</p><p>The blast occurred at Imambargah Qasr-i-Khadijatul Kubra in the Tarlai area during Friday prayers.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Afghanistan slams Pak defence minister</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif suggested on X that preliminary findings pointed to the attacker having travelled to and from Afghanistan, Kabul rejected the allegation. Afghanistan’s ministry of national defence termed the claim “irresponsible and baseless” and urged Pakistani authorities to take responsibility for internal security lapses.</p><p>The Afghan ministry said similar accusations had been made in the past following attacks in Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan, without conclusive evidence.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unnao-rape-case-supreme-court-refuses-to-hear-kuldeep-sengar-s-appeal-against-conviction-1770637292043"><strong>Unnao rape case: Supreme Court refuses to hear Kuldeep Sengar’s appeal against conviction</strong></a></p>

Jamiat chief Fazlur Rehman condemned Pakistan’s foreign and economic policies as complete failures. He said Islamabad’s diplomatic approach had left the country increasingly isolated. He added that Pakistan’s foreign policy was not being driven by elected government but by the military.

Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has slammed Pakistan’s handling of militancy and its Afghanistan policy, questioning how extremists continue to cross the border freely even as trade remains totally blocked. Addressing a gathering in Rawalpindi on Sunday, Rehman pointed out a glaring contradiction in Islamabad’s approach towards Afghanistan. “In all these decades, we never paused to ask why our Afghan policy failed so miserably. Not a single pomegranate or melon can enter Pakistan, yet terrorists keep crossing the border,” he said.

<p>Jamiat chief Fazlur Rehman condemned Pakistan’s foreign and economic policies as complete failures. He said Islamabad’s diplomatic approach had left the country increasingly isolated. He added that Pakistan’s foreign policy was not being driven by elected government but by the military.</p>

‘Pomegranate can’t enter from Afghanistan, but terrorists keep coming’: Jamiat chief Fazlur Rehman slams Pak military

DOJ-released Epstein Files reveal Harvard professor Martin Nowak’s close ties with Jeffrey Epstein, including a $6.5 million donation, private travel, and disturbing email exchanges that raise ethical concerns.

‘Did you torture her?’: Emails of Jeffrey Epstein and Martin Nowak reveal shocking details. All about ‘$6.5 million to Harvard’ and  private travels

world

World, News on World, stories on World, articles on World, World stories at Wion, World news, World latest news

world news

Bangladesh election 2026: Date, seats, key parties, alliances and constituencies

Australian lawmaker injured as protests against Israeli president turn violent

Sergei Lavrov says Epstein files reveals "pure Satanism" of Western elites

Russia says US 'trying to control' its ties with India

RFK Jr eveals why working for Trump is 'a joy,' claims 'he lets me do stuff'

Trump threatens to block opening of US-Canda bridge until 'fully compensated'

Can Yunus continue to rule Bangladesh if he secures 'Yes' on referendum?

Nancy Guthrie kidnapping: Savannah issues fresh appeal as ransom deadline ends

Bangladesh elections and Yunus' 'referendum' on Feb 12: What's at stake

US military strike on alleged drug boat in Eastern Pacific kills two

WH fact-sheet on US-India deal finds no mention of ending Russian oil purchase

Piyush Goyal delivers cricket-style jab on India-US tariff deal. Watch

Sex crazed Bashar al-Assad had lover arrange wives of his officers

‘Ready to support’: King Charles issues fresh statement as UK police probe if Andrew shared official secrets with Epstein

EXPOSED: Damning mail contradicting Trump’s Epstein claim mysteriously redacted

Ghislaine Maxwell seeks clemency from Trump: Can she walk free if it is granted?

Meta, YouTube accused of 'engineering addiction' in children during US trial

Bangladesh secures trade deal with US, tariff reduced to 19%: Key points here

Jimmy Lai’s son asks Trump to tell Xi the prison sentence is a ‘mistake’

Iranian man takes life after urging Trump against deal with Tehran

Iran will dilute its enriched uranium IF US lifts all sanctions: Nuke chief

Indian-origin IT professional shot dead in Toronto, targeted attack suspected

Presidents Day 2026: What it is, when it falls, and what’s open or closed

Portugal elects Antonio Jose Seguro as new president

‘Pomegranate can’t enter from Afghanistan, but terrorists can’: Jamiat chief

‘Did you torture her?’: Emails of Epstein and Nowak reveal shocking details