Bolivian authorities are working urgently to recover and destroy millions of banknotes that were scattered across the city of El Alto after a deadly cargo plane crash near El Alto International Airport on Friday afternoon. The accident killed at least 22 people and left around 37 others injured, with many victims struck as the aircraft went down in a densely populated area close to the airport. The military cargo plane was transporting newly printed currency intended for the country’s cent

Google has unveiled its latest AI image generation model, Nano Banana 2, revolutionizing the way we create visuals with AI. This cutting-edge tool combines the high-speed capabilities of Gemini Flash with the high-fidelity imaging of Nano Banana Pro. The result is an AI model that can generate accurate, stunning visuals faster and more efficiently than ever before. Whether you’re working on a social media campaign, presentations, or marketing materials, Nano Banana 2 can quickly generate im

On the birth anniversary of the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, V K Sasikala, once a prominent leader in the AIADMK, officially launched her new political party and unveiled its flag. The flag, designed with the images of iconic leaders C N Annadurai, M G Ramachandran (MGR), and Jayalalithaa, marks a significant step in her attempt to reclaim political relevance in Tamil Nadu. The new party, which Sasikala promises will follow in the footsteps of these Dravidian leaders, is positioned as

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

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will announce its latest monetary policy decision today, February 6, 2026, with markets largely expecting the central bank to keep the repo rate unchanged. This announcement follows a series of rate cuts, with the last one made in December 2025, reducing the repo rate from 5.50% to 5.25%. Experts predict that the RBI will maintain a pause in rate cuts as it assesses the impacts of the previous changes on inflation and growth. RBI Governor Sanjay Malho

Six Flags Great Adventure has announced plans to hire more than 3,000 part-time and seasonal employees as it prepares for the launch of its 2026 operating season, offering thousands of job opportunities for students, first-time workers, and those seeking additional summer income. The New Jersey theme park confirmed that its season will officially begin on March 28, with hiring efforts starting well in advance to ensure adequate staffing across attractions, guest services, entertainment, and o

Gold and silver prices fell sharply on Friday as markets reacted to growing expectations that Kevin Warsh will be nominated as the next chair of the Federal Reserve, a development that appeared to ease concerns about the central bank’s long-term independence. The sell-off marked a sudden reversal for precious metals, which have enjoyed a powerful rally over the past year amid global uncertainty and a weaker U.S. dollar. By early afternoon in U.S. trading, silver prices had dropped

US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Thursday following the central bank’s decision to leave interest rates unchanged, accusing him of delaying necessary rate cuts and undermining the nation’s economic strength, national security and global competitiveness. The comments came shortly after the Federal Open Market Committee announced it would maintain its benchmark interest rate, a move that aligned with market expectations but drew strong poli

The U.S. dollar has continued its recent decline, extending a trend that presents both opportunities and challenges for the American economy. President Donald Trump described the currency as “doing great,” reflecting his view that a moderately weaker dollar can provide strategic benefits in international trade. Despite this optimism, economists warn that the weakening greenback represents a “double-edged sword,” offering advantages to exporters while introducing risks related to inflatio

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

Former special counsel Jack Smith appeared publicly before the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday, offering a stark assessment of the state of American democracy and sharply criticizing actions taken by President Donald Trump following his return to office. Smith, who previously led two federal prosecutions involving Trump, warned lawmakers that the failure to impose accountability for attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election could have lasting and potentially catastrophic consequences. In his testimony, Smith said ongoing threats to US democracy remain unresolved because efforts to challenge the legitimacy of the 2020 election were never fully adjudicated in court. He described the conduct he investigated as criminal in nature and argued that the absence of accountability risks normalizing behavior that undermines constitutional processes. Smith’s remarks framed his past investigations as necessary safeguards rather than political actions, emphasizing that the justice system has a responsibility to confront efforts to subvert lawful elections. Republican lawmakers on the committee rejected that characterization. Chairman Jim Jordan accused Smith and other officials of pursuing Trump through prosecutions, impeachments, and investigations driven by partisan motives. Jordan argued that the cases reflected an effort to “get” Trump rather than a neutral application of the law, a claim Smith disputed during the hearing by reiterating that prosecutorial decisions were based on evidence and legal standards. Smith also delivered pointed criticism of Trump’s decision to issue mass pardons to individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. On his first day back in office, Trump granted clemency to all defendants in the case, including hundreds who were accused or convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers. Smith said he could not understand why anyone would pardon individuals who attacked police officers, noting that at least 140 officers were injured during the violence, with some requiring hospitalization. He described the officers who defended the Capitol as heroes and said pardoning their attackers sends troubling signals about respect for law enforcement. The hearing also revisited unresolved issues surrounding Smith’s investigation into Trump’s handling of classified documents. Democratic members highlighted limits on Smith’s ability to discuss the findings of that probe due to a court order issued by Aileen Cannon, who presided over the case. Smith explained that the order restricts the Justice Department from releasing or discussing details from his final report while related matters were pending. Under questioning from Vermont Representative Becca Balint, Smith confirmed that the order was imposed when charges against two Trump employees were still active. Those cases were later dismissed by the Justice Department under the Trump administration. Although advocacy groups and media organizations have sought the release of the classified documents report, Cannon ruled in late December that it would remain sealed for now, with a provision allowing limited disclosure beginning in February. Trump has since requested that the restriction be made permanent. Smith’s testimony underscored deep divisions in Washington over accountability, the rule of law, and the legacy of January 6. While Republicans framed the investigations as political overreach, Smith maintained that confronting efforts to overturn an election is essential to preserving democratic institutions. His appearance before Congress marked a rare public defense of the prosecutions he led and a renewed warning that unresolved challenges to democratic norms continue to pose serious risks to the nation.

The world’s largest rubber duck is set to make a highly anticipated return to Ohio this spring, marking her third appearance in the state and bringing a colorful spectacle to downtown Cuyahoga Falls. Event organizers confirmed that the towering inflatable attraction, widely known as Mama Duck, will be featured during the Ohio Rubber Duck Dash and Festival from April 24 through April 26 along the Cuyahoga River. The three-day event is expected to draw families, visitors, and touris

India on Friday issued a firm response to a message written by Zohran Mamdani, stating that elected representatives in democracies should respect the independence of judicial institutions in other countries and refrain from commenting on ongoing legal matters. The reaction followed the circulation of a handwritten note addressed to jailed activist Umar Khalid, who is accused in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case. At a regular press briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs underscored that public office carries responsibilities that require restraint, particularly on sensitive judicial issues. Responding to questions on the matter, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said India expects public representatives to be respectful of the independence of the judiciary in other democracies. He added that expressing personal views or prejudices on such matters does not befit those holding public office and that attention should instead remain on the duties entrusted to them by their constituents. The remarks came after a photograph of the note written by Mamdani was shared publicly by a close associate of Khalid. The message, written on the day Mamdani was ceremonially sworn in as mayor of New York City, conveyed personal sentiments and support for Khalid. According to those familiar with the interaction, the note was handed to Khalid’s parents during their visit to the United States in December 2025. The development has drawn attention in India amid ongoing legal proceedings related to the violence that erupted in parts of the national capital in February 2020. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of India declined to grant bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, observing that the two stood on a qualitatively different footing compared with other accused, given the nature of the allegations and the evidence cited by the prosecution. In the same order, the apex court granted bail to several other accused, including Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmad, noting that their alleged roles appeared limited in scope. The court, however, made it clear that similar relief could not be extended to Khalid and Imam at this stage. Officials indicated that India’s response was rooted in principle rather than politics, emphasizing the need for mutual respect among democratic institutions across borders. The government maintained that judicial processes in India are governed by law and evidence, and external commentary by foreign public figures on active cases is neither appropriate nor constructive. The episode has also highlighted the sensitivities surrounding international commentary on domestic legal matters, particularly in high-profile cases. Indian officials reiterated that while democratic societies value free expression, elected representatives are expected to exercise caution and uphold the norms of diplomatic and institutional respect when addressing issues beyond their jurisdiction.

The United States intercepted and seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic on January 7, marking a significant escalation in its global enforcement of sanctions linked to Venezuelan oil exports. The vessel, now identified as the Marinera and previously known as Bella 1, was boarded in international waters after a pursuit that extended for more than two weeks across ocean routes from the Caribbean. U.S. European Command confirmed that the operation was conduc

Gold and silver prices have surged to record highs as investors rush back to precious metals, turning them into one of the strongest signals of global economic anxiety. A year that began cautiously is ending with aggressive buying, driven by inflation concerns, interest rate expectations, geopolitical tensions, and fears emerging from global bond markets. On Tuesday, gold prices climbed sharply, with spot gold rising to fresh all-time highs and futures also posting strong gains. Sil

Japan’s central bank on Thursday began its final policy meeting of the year, with markets widely expecting a further increase in benchmark interest rates as officials continue the gradual shift away from years of ultra-loose monetary policy. The decision, scheduled to be announced on Friday, could mark the highest borrowing costs Japan has seen in three decades, underscoring the Bank of Japan’s determination to normalize policy amid persistent inflation pressures. Market pricing

Google has launched Gemini 3 Flash as its new default AI model across the Gemini app and Search, saying it delivers faster performance and stronger reasoning skills than previous releases. The company claims Gemini 3 Flash not only surpasses 2.5 Flash, but also comes close to matching its advanced Pro model. The move strengthens Google’s position in the competitive AI market, where OpenAI recently released GPT-5.2. With Gemini 3 Flash now becoming the primary experience for millions of user

Thousands of passengers across multiple continents faced significant travel disruptions after Airbus ordered an immediate software update for approximately 6,000 A320-series aircraft. The unexpected directive, one of the largest issued in the manufacturer’s history, resulted in widespread grounding of narrow-body jets during a peak travel period and triggered delays and cancellations across Asia, Europe, the United States, and Australia. Airlines were instructed to complete the corrective a

India’s economy recorded a faster pace of expansion in the July–September quarter, with official data showing that gross domestic product rose 8.2% year-on-year. The acceleration reflects a combination of stronger consumer demand, a revival in manufacturing activity, and accelerated production schedules ahead of India’s major festive season. Economists had widely expected the quarter to deliver robust growth, but the latest figure surpassed the projected 7.3% expansion for the period, e

The massive fire that devastated several high-rise buildings in Hong Kong, claiming 55 lives and injuring more than 70 residents, has triggered a detailed investigation into the construction materials used during the renovation of the tower complex. Authorities believe these materials played a significant role in the unusually fast spread of the flames. Three senior officials from the engineering company handling the renovation have already been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, after ea