The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a nationwide alert to banks and financial institutions, warning of a significant rise in ATM jackpotting attacks, a form of cyber-enabled theft that forces machines to dispense cash without legitimate transactions. Authorities say the trend is accelerating, with financial losses mounting as criminal groups refine their techniques and expand operations across the United States. According to federal officials, nearly 1,900 ATM jackpotting incidents have been reported nationwide since 2020. More than 700 of those cases occurred in 2025 alone, resulting in losses exceeding $20 million. The sharp increase has prompted urgent calls for banks to strengthen ATM security controls, monitor suspicious activity more closely, and share threat intelligence with law enforcement. At the center of the surge is malware from the Ploutus family, a tool specifically designed to hijack ATM systems. Rather than targeting individual customer accounts, the malware attacks the machine’s internal software layer. It exploits the Extensions for Financial Services, or XFS, which normally manages how ATMs physically dispense cash. By injecting unauthorized commands into this layer, attackers can override standard authorization checks and trigger withdrawals without bank approval, card use, or customer credentials. Security analysts warn that once installed, the malware can give criminals direct control of the machine. Because many ATMs operate on widely used operating systems, the attack can often be adapted across different manufacturers with minimal modification. In many cases, cash-out operations can be completed within minutes, allowing perpetrators to leave before alerts are triggered or the machine runs empty. Investigators emphasize that physical access remains the most common entry point for these attacks. Criminals frequently use generic keys to open ATM cabinets and then deploy malware using one of two primary methods. In some incidents, the machine’s hard drive is removed, infected on a separate computer, and reinstalled. In others, the original drive is replaced entirely with a compromised device preloaded with malicious software. Because the malware operates independently of standard banking communications, it can dispense cash without interacting with customer accounts or triggering traditional fraud detection systems. Officials have outlined several warning signs that may indicate a compromised ATM, including unexpected door alerts outside maintenance windows, sudden low-cash notifications, unauthorized devices connected to the machine, missing or tampered hard drives, and machines abruptly marked out of service. Financial institutions are being urged to review physical security protocols, enhance monitoring of service patterns, and report suspicious activity promptly as part of a broader effort to contain the growing ATM cyberattack threat.

Bangladesh has signaled a major shift in its cricket diplomacy, expressing its willingness to repair strained cricket relations with India following the fallout over the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The move comes shortly after the new Bangladesh Nationalist Party government took office, with newly appointed Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque emphasizing the importance of restoring friendly relations through dialogue and cooperation. His remarks have raised hopes among cricket fans and

Taliban’s newly introduced penal code has sparked global concern after reports revealed provisions that allow husbands to physically punish their wives and children under certain conditions. The controversial law, signed by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organisations and international observers, who warn that it severely undermines women’s rights and legal protections in Afghanistan. According to reports, the penal code

Poland has formally prohibited Chinese-made cars and other technologically advanced vehicles from entering the country’s military facilities, citing concerns over potential data security risks. The decision, announced by the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, is intended to reduce the possibility of uncontrolled acquisition and use of sensitive information by modern automotive systems. According to the Polish military, the move follows a detailed risk assessmen

In one of the wealthiest cities in the world, thousands of residents are living inside spaces barely larger than a mattress. Hong Kong, famous for its glittering skyline and ultra-luxury real estate, is also home to nearly 2 lakh people who survive in cramped 16-square-foot “coffin homes” hidden inside ageing buildings. For 14 consecutive years, Hong Kong has ranked as the world’s mo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended a warm invitation to Bangladesh’s newly sworn-in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman following the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) electoral victory, signaling India’s intent to deepen engagement with Dhaka’s new leadership. In a congratulatory letter sent soon after the swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka, PM Modi expressed confidence that bilateral relations would grow stronger under Rahman’s leadership and emphasized the importance of shared dev

Russia has fully blocked access to M

A former BrewDog bar in Columbus’ Franklinton neighborhood has been placed on the leasing market, opening the door for a new operator to take over the high-profile space weeks after the Scotland-based brewery closed the location as part of a broader pullback in the city. Roth Real Estate Group is marketing the freestanding property at 463 W. Town St. as a turnkey opportunity for a restaurant, cafe, brewery, bar or creative retail concept. The building offers more than 4,900 square

For the first time in Indian history, a sitting Chief Minister will argue a case in the Supreme Court. Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, is set to make history by appearing in person to argue a case before the country’s highest court. The case involves the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, a topic that has stirred significant political debate in the state. Mamata Banerjee’s appearance in the Supreme Court as a "party in person"

February 4, 2026, is shaping up to be a critical day in Andhra Pradesh politics with significant developments involving top political figures in the state. A high-profile meeting between Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan is expected to make waves as the two leaders convene to discuss several pressing political issues. This meeting is anticipated to cover important topics such as the ongoing Tirumala Laddu controversy and the political exchanges between th

A moderate earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar late Tuesday evening, sending noticeable tremors across parts of eastern India and neighbouring Bangladesh. The seismic activity, recorded by international monitoring agencies, caused brief panic among residents but did not result in any immediate reports of damage or injuries. According to data released by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the epicentre of the Myanmar quake was located approximately 70 miles east of Akyab. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported that the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres, a factor that often increases the intensity of shaking felt at the surface. The tremors were strong enough to be experienced in several areas of West Bengal, including Kolkata, as well as multiple regions across Bangladesh. Residents living in high-rise buildings and office complexes in Kolkata said they felt buildings sway for a few seconds shortly after 9 pm. Many people temporarily evacuated their homes and workplaces as a precaution. The shaking subsided quickly, and normalcy returned soon after. Authorities confirmed that no structural damage or casualties had been reported at the time of writing. Seismologists noted that this was the third felt earthquake in Myanmar within the past 71 hours, highlighting a period of heightened seismic activity in the region. Experts continue to monitor the situation for possible aftershocks, though no significant follow-up events have been recorded so far. Bangladesh also experienced another tremor earlier the same day. The National Centre for Seismology stated that a separate earthquake of magnitude 4.1 struck the country at a depth of about 150 kilometres. While deeper earthquakes generally produce less surface impact, residents in some districts still reported mild shaking. Scientists explain that earthquakes occur frequently around the globe, with minor seismic events happening roughly every 30 seconds. Most are too weak to be detected without instruments. However, the energy released increases sharply with each step on the logarithmic Richter scale, meaning a 5.9 magnitude quake releases substantially more energy than lower-intensity events. Officials have advised residents to remain alert and follow basic safety protocols during any future tremors. Disaster management teams continue to assess the situation while reassuring the public that there is currently no cause for alarm.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday launched a fierce political and institutional attack on the Election Commission of India following a nearly 90-minute meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in New Delhi. Accompanied by senior Trinamool Congress leaders and families allegedly affected by the Special Intensive Revision process, Banerjee accused the poll panel of deleting voters’ names arbitrarily and functioning as an extension of the BJP. Emerging from the

Bangladesh’s political turmoil deepened further on Monday as a Dhaka court sentenced deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment in two corruption cases related to alleged irregularities in government land allocations. The verdict, delivered by Dhaka’s Special Judge’s Court, marks another major legal setback for the former leader, who has been facing a barrage of cases since her removal from power in 2024. The cases revolve around the Rajuk New Town Project

Amid continuing global economic uncertainty and renewed debate over the stability of major reserve currencies, Chinese President Xi Jinping has reiterated China’s ambition to build a “strong currency” and gradually elevate the yuan’s status in the global financial system. Xi said China aims to expand the use of the yuan in international trade, investment, and foreign exchange markets, underscoring a long-standing policy goal to strengthen the country’s financial influence worldwide. Xi’s remarks were outlined in a speech delivered in 2024 to senior provincial and ministerial officials and later published on Saturday in Qiushi, the Communist Party’s leading theoretical journal. The publication of excerpts from the address comes at a time of heightened volatility in global markets and growing scrutiny of the dominance of the US dollar, adding significance to Beijing’s renewed emphasis on currency strength and financial resilience. In the speech, Xi set out what he described as the essential characteristics of a global financial powerhouse. These included a solid economic foundation, world-leading technological and industrial capabilities, and a widely accepted and credible currency. He argued that currency strength was inseparable from broader national competitiveness and institutional capacity, noting that financial influence must be supported by real economic and technological power rather than short-term market movements. Xi also stressed the importance of a capable and independent central bank able to implement effective monetary policy and macroprudential management. He said globally competitive financial institutions, along with influential international financial centres, were necessary to attract global capital and exert pricing power in international markets. According to Xi, these elements must be matched with strong regulation, a reliable legal framework, and a deep pool of skilled financial professionals to ensure long-term stability and credibility. While acknowledging China’s scale in global finance, Xi noted that the country still faced structural limitations. He said China ranked among the world’s largest economies in terms of banking assets, foreign exchange reserves, and capital market size, but remained “big but not strong” overall. Transforming China into a true global financial powerhouse, he added, would be a gradual and long-term undertaking rather than an immediate achievement. Beijing has promoted the internationalisation of the yuan for more than a decade, with measurable progress in its use for cross-border trade settlement. The currency’s role in global markets, however, remains limited when compared with established reserve currencies. China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System currently clears an average of about 700 billion yuan, or roughly 100 billion US dollars, in transactions each day. This figure remains well below the nearly 2 trillion US dollars cleared daily through the dollar-based Clearing House Interbank Payments System. Yuan-denominated debt issuance in international markets also accounts for a small share of global activity, representing less than one percent of total issuance. These figures highlight the gap between China’s ambitions and the yuan’s current global footprint, despite steady domestic financial expansion. In recent months, the yuan has generally held firm against the US dollar, even amid trade tensions and uneven global growth. This stability contrasts with the sharper depreciation seen during former US President Donald Trump’s first term, when market observers speculated that Chinese authorities tolerated a weaker currency to offset the impact of tariffs. International investment banks continue to argue that the yuan remains below its long-term fair value, reflecting both policy controls and cautious foreign investor sentiment. The republication of Xi’s speech signals continuity in China’s financial strategy rather than a sudden shift. As global markets navigate uncertainty and reassess existing monetary structures, Beijing appears intent on steadily advancing its vision of a stronger yuan and a more influential role in the international financial system over the long term.

Seven people were killed and one crew member was critically injured after a private business jet crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday evening, as a large winter storm swept across New England and much of the United States. Federal aviation authorities confirmed the fatalities and said the sole survivor was transported for emergency medical treatment with serious injuries. The aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 600, was carrying eight people when i

A Newark-based chef is challenging traditional perceptions of food trucks by delivering a refined, restaurant-style experience from a mobile kitchen, blending culinary creativity with accessibility. Nyreek Aliuthmar, professionally known as Chef Hub, operates Hitting Ur Belly, a food truck that has become known for inventive combinations and a rotating menu that keeps customers returning for new flavors. Unlike conventional food trucks that rely on a fixed set of popular items, Hitt

Gold prices surged to a fresh all-time high on Monday, crossing the $5,100 per ounce mark as investors increasingly turned to the precious metal for safety amid escalating geopolitical tensions and growing concerns over global fiscal stability. The rally extended gold’s record-breaking run, reinforcing its role as a preferred hedge during periods of uncertainty in financial markets. Spot gold climbed as much as 2.4 percent to trade near $5,102 per ounce, equivalent to approximatel

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has launched a scathing attack on the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of plunging the country into "murderous anarchy." In an audio message played at an interactive session organized by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia, Hasina described the state of Bangladesh as a "blood-soaked landscape" where democracy is now "in exile." She painted a grim picture of the country, once known for its peace and prosperity, now grappling with extreme violence, fear, and destruction. Hasina, who was ousted from power in August 2024 following violent protests and is currently living in exile in India, blamed Yunus and his government for the worsening situation in Bangladesh. She accused Yunus of taking power through a conspiracy, which led to widespread violence, torture, and the unchecked assault on religious minorities, particularly Hindus. The former Prime Minister also criticized Yunus’ government for suppressing freedoms, claiming that the country had become a "vast prison and execution grounds" under the interim administration. As Bangladesh heads toward the general elections in February 2026, Hasina warned of a "legitimacy crisis" if her party, the Awami League, remains banned from contesting. She claimed that law and order had completely collapsed under Yunus’ rule, and the country was in a state of political crisis. Despite Yunus’ promises to restore stability and oversee elections, critics, including Hasina's supporters, allege that the interim government's actions have undermined democratic processes and raised serious concerns over the credibility of the upcoming polls. With deepening political divisions and rising tensions, Hasina’s remarks underscore the challenges Bangladesh faces as it navigates a crucial period in its political history. Her comments on the nation’s future raise significant questions about whether the transition will bring about stability or prolong the ongoing crisis.

In a bold and surprising move, the Andhra Pradesh government has proposed banning social media access for children under the age of 16. This decision comes as part of an ongoing effort by the state government to protect the younger population from the harmful effects of social media platforms, including exposure to abusive content, misinformation, and online harassment. IT Minister Lokesh spoke with Bloomberg about this development, suggesting that the ban could be an effective way to safegua

A graduate student in Chicago is taking on an extraordinary challenge: running every street in all 77 neighborhoods of the city. Joabe Barbosa, who studies at Roosevelt University, treats the sprawling urban landscape as his personal treadmill, running at all hours and in all kinds of weather. “I run 1 a.m., 3 a.m., 7 a.m., 5 p.m. — any time of the day, any weather,” Barbosa said. “I’m always safe and I always meet lovely people.” Barbosa’s journey began in August 2024 a