The artificial intelligence revolution is rapidly transforming the global landscape, reshaping industries, economies, and educational systems at an unprecedented pace. Recognizing the urgency of adapting to this technological shift, the Andhra Pradesh government has taken a decisive step by launching what is set to become India’s first dedicated Artificial Intelligence university. The university is scheduled to begin operations in Amaravati from February 19, marking a significant milestone

Uncertainty continues to surround Washington’s approach toward Tehran as President Donald Trump sends conflicting signals on whether the United States is moving closer to military action or renewed diplomacy with Iran. Speaking ahead of his first Cabinet meeting of 2026, the president indicated he was open to communication with Iranian leaders, even as the US expanded its military presence in West Asia and senior defense officials stressed readiness to act on presidential orders.

United States President Donald Trump and his two sons have filed a $10 billion civil lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service and the US Treasury Department, alleging systemic failures that allowed the unlawful disclosure of their confidential tax information. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Miami and accuses federal authorities of negligence in preventing internal misconduct that resulted in the release of sensitive financial records. According to the court filing, Tr

With renewed calls for peace, reconstruction, and an end to prolonged conflict, Dr. Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, is on her first official visit to India. Speaking to journalists in New Delhi on Thursday, she stressed the urgency of achieving Palestinian statehood, arguing that lasting peace in West Asia cannot be realised without ending occupation and restoring sovereignty to the Palestinian people. Dr. Shahin highl

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to travel to Turkey on Friday for high-level talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, as the two neighboring countries seek to strengthen cooperation across security, economic and regional issues. The visit comes amid heightened regional tensions and renewed diplomatic efforts to manage sensitive developments affecting the Middle East. According to Turkish Foreign Ministry sources cited in media reports, Fidan is expected

Annapolis Police are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found on a hiking trail in Truxtun Park, with authorities believing extreme cold weather played a significant role. Officers were called to the area near the tennis courts on Wednesday after receiving a report of an unresponsive person on the trail. Upon arrival, first responders located the woman and determined she had died at the scene. Preliminary findings suggest the woman slipped on ice while walking along t

As the Union Budget 2026 draws closer, India’s gems and jewellery industry has stepped up its demands for policy reforms aimed at reviving demand, supporting employment and improving transparency. Industry leaders believe the upcoming Budget can play a decisive role in restoring consumer confidence at a time when global trade uncertainty and high prices have made buyers cautious. With jewellery being both a cultural and economic mainstay, the sector is urging the government to adopt growth-

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed on Wednesday that two federal agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis have been placed on administrative leave, a move the agency described as routine procedure following any deadly use of force by federal officers. The announcement comes amid mounting public anger over ongoing immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota and increasing political pressure on the White House to address concerns about federal conduct on t

Bruce Springsteen has released a new protest song addressing recent fatal incidents in Minneapolis, using his music to respond to what he describes as escalating state violence tied to immigration enforcement. The song, titled Streets of Minneapolis, was unveiled this week and directly references the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, two individuals killed during encounters involving federal immigration agents. The release comes amid heightened tensions following an immigration

India has reiterated its firm support for Israel and renewed its condemnation of terrorism in all forms, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri drawing clear parallels between the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, and India’s long experience with cross-border violence. Speaking at an International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemoration hosted by the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi, Misri underscored India’s position that acts of terror cannot be justified under any circumstances and must be co

The United States government has officially launched a new investment program for newborns, called ‘Trump accounts,’ designed to help families start saving for their children’s future. The initiative, established under the One Big Beautiful Bill, provides an initial government deposit of $1,000 for every child born between 2025 and 2028. Officials estimate that approximately 25 million families will be eligible to participate over the next three years. Early adoption has been strong, with

Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are set to resume trilateral negotiations aimed at ending the prolonged war in Ukraine, with the next round of talks scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on February 1. The development comes after the first round of discussions held last weekend failed to deliver a breakthrough, highlighting the deep divisions and complexity surrounding the conflict. Despite the absence of immediate results, the decision to continue talks reflects a shared understanding amo

The sudden death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a tragic air crash has sent shockwaves across the state’s political landscape, leaving the Nationalist Congress Party facing deep uncertainty. As leaders, cadres, and voters struggle to come to terms with the loss, attention has swiftly shifted to a name that until recently stayed away from daily political combat: Sunetra Pawar. A Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and Ajit Pawar’s wife, she is now being widely discussed as

The Budget Session 2026 of the Indian Parliament commenced on Wednesday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha in New Delhi. The opening of the session marks the beginning of one of the most significant legislative periods of the year, during which the government outlines its economic vision and policy priorities. Lawmakers from across political parties assembled as the President delivered her customary address, setting the tone for deb

A Department of Homeland Security report released this week has detailed the initial findings surrounding the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a Minnesota nurse who was killed during protests against federal immigration enforcement operations over the weekend. The document summarizes the preliminary conclusions of an internal investigation conducted by Customs and Border Protection following the confrontation that led to Pretti’s death. According to the report, federal officers atte

US President Donald Trump has pledged what he described as an “honourable and honest” investigation into the killing of Alex Pretti, as pressure mounts on his administration over the actions of federal agents involved in the incident. Speaking in a televised interview, Trump said he intends to personally monitor the probe, stressing that he wants to review the findings himself and ensure that the process meets the highest standards of integrity. He also expressed sympathy for Pretti’s family, calling the episode a deeply sad situation. The case has become a flashpoint after conflicting accounts emerged about how Pretti was killed during an encounter with Border Patrol agents in Minnesota. Pretti, an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital and a licensed gun owner, was fatally shot on Nicollet Avenue during a federal operation. Video footage circulating publicly appears to show him holding a cell phone while attempting to assist a woman who had been pushed to the ground by agents moments before shots were fired. According to witnesses and subsequent reports, Pretti was struck multiple times. The administration has faced criticism not only over the shooting itself but also over sharply different statements issued by senior officials in its aftermath. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller drew widespread backlash after publicly referring to Pretti as a “would-be assassin.” Trump later distanced himself from that characterization, indicating that such language did not reflect his own view of the situation while reiterating the need for a formal investigation to establish the facts. Initial official explanations further fueled controversy. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino claimed that Pretti had approached agents with a handgun and posed an imminent threat, describing him as a domestic terrorist intent on harming officers. A preliminary statement from the Department of Homeland Security asserted that a single agent fired defensive shots in response. Those accounts were later challenged by a government report sent to Congress, which revealed that two US Customs and Border Protection agents had discharged their weapons, contradicting earlier claims. The discrepancies intensified public outrage and sparked protests aimed at the Trump administration, with demonstrators demanding accountability and transparency. Critics argued that shifting narratives undermined public trust and raised serious questions about the use of force by federal agents. The administration has since acknowledged the inconsistencies and said they will be addressed as part of the ongoing inquiry. Amid the growing backlash, Trump announced several administrative steps. He reassigned operational control in Minnesota to border enforcement coordinator Tom Homan and said some federal agents would be withdrawn from the state. While the president publicly defended Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and ruled out her resignation, he confirmed that action had been taken against senior Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino. Despite softening his rhetoric, Trump has continued to emphasize the issue of gun possession during the incident. He repeated claims that Pretti was carrying a firearm and suggested that doing so contributed to the fatal outcome, arguing that weapons should not be present in such encounters. Earlier statements from the president similarly focused on Pretti’s decision to carry a gun, even as he pledged to review the circumstances of the shooting. As investigations proceed, the case remains under intense scrutiny from lawmakers, civil rights groups, and the public. With multiple agencies now involved and the president promising direct oversight, the outcome of the probe is expected to have broader implications for federal law enforcement practices and the administration’s handling of high-profile use-of-force cases.

Three young brothers died Monday after falling through the ice on a private pond near Bonham, according to officials in Fannin County. The incident has left the local community in mourning and prompted an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Authorities said emergency crews were dispatched to a pond located off Rec Road No. 3 after receiving reports that children had fallen into the icy water. First responders, along with a nearby resident, worked quickly to rescue the boys from the pond as temperatures and conditions complicated rescue efforts. Two of the children, ages 8 and 9, were pulled from the water and immediately given first aid at the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital. Despite lifesaving measures, both boys later died. A third child, a 6-year-old, did not initially resurface after breaking through the ice. Officials said an extensive search was conducted before the youngest boy was recovered from the pond. All three children were pronounced dead, and authorities stated that their names would be released after family members were formally notified. The Fannin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deaths Monday evening and said details remain limited as the investigation continues. Officials have not yet released information regarding how long the children were on the ice or whether additional safety factors may have played a role. Investigators said more information would be shared as it becomes available. The local school district confirmed that all three boys were elementary students within the district. In a statement issued Monday, district officials expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended condolences to the children’s family, classmates, and teachers. The district said the deaths have deeply affected students and staff across its campuses. To support those impacted by the tragedy, the school district announced that counselors would be available for students and staff members in need of emotional support. Administrators encouraged families to reach out if their children require assistance processing the loss, emphasizing the importance of compassion and collective care during the difficult time. On Tuesday, the sheriff’s office publicly thanked multiple agencies and individuals who assisted during the emergency response. Those acknowledged included state and local emergency responders, fire and police departments, emergency management officials from neighboring counties, and community members who attempted to help at the scene. Officials said the coordinated response reflected the strong sense of community in the area. Authorities also urged residents to remain cautious around frozen ponds and bodies of water, particularly during periods of cold weather when ice conditions can be unpredictable. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with thin ice, especially in rural areas where private ponds are common. As the investigation continues, officials reiterated their condolences to the family and all those affected, noting that the loss has resonated throughout the Bonham community and beyond.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine expects to become a member of the European Union in 2027, underlining that a clear accession timeline must be part of any future peace agreement. Speaking during a joint press conference with the presidents of Lithuania and Poland in Vilnius on Tuesday, Zelenskyy stressed that a fixed date for EU membership would serve as a crucial security guarantee for Ukraine and reduce the risk of political or procedural delays in the accession process. The president said that Ukraine’s integration into the European Union is not only a strategic objective for Kyiv but also an essential element of long-term stability for the continent. According to Zelenskyy, a defined accession date would reinforce confidence among international partners and help anchor Ukraine firmly within Europe’s political, economic, and security framework at a time when the country continues to face sustained military pressure from Russia. Zelenskyy also held a telephone conversation with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, during which the two leaders discussed Ukraine’s path toward EU membership and the worsening energy situation caused by repeated Russian attacks. Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been targeted extensively in recent months, resulting in widespread disruptions to electricity and heating supplies across several regions. In a statement shared on social media, Zelenskyy said the daily strikes on energy facilities were aimed at leaving millions of Ukrainians without basic services, particularly during critical periods. He welcomed Austria’s recent decision to allocate financial assistance to support Ukraine’s energy sector, calling the move an important signal of solidarity. The discussion also covered additional measures that could help stabilize and protect Ukraine’s power system against ongoing attacks. Beyond energy concerns, Zelenskyy briefed the Austrian chancellor on recent trilateral discussions involving Ukrainian, American, and Russian representatives that took place in the United Arab Emirates. Those talks, he noted, focused primarily on military matters and potential security guarantees, reflecting continued diplomatic efforts to address the broader conflict. Reiterating his position on European integration, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine’s EU membership would strengthen not only national security but also Europe’s collective resilience. He argued that Ukraine brings significant security, technological, and economic capabilities that would contribute positively to the European Union as a whole. For this reason, he emphasized the importance of setting 2027 as a concrete target and expressed confidence that partner nations would support this goal. Zelenskyy also extended an invitation to Chancellor Stocker to visit Ukraine for in-person discussions, signaling Kyiv’s intention to maintain active diplomatic engagement despite the ongoing war. Meanwhile, Russian attacks continued to take a toll on civilians. Ukrainian regional authorities reported multiple fatalities following drone strikes and shelling in several areas. In the southern port city of Odesa, a drone barrage resulted in two deaths and left dozens of people injured. In eastern Donetsk region, a couple aged 45 and 48 were killed in the city of Sloviansk, while a 58-year-old resident was killed in a drone strike on a home in the Zaporizhzhia region. Another civilian, a 72-year-old woman, died in her home in the southern Kherson region as a result of shelling. As the conflict persists, Ukrainian officials continue to frame EU accession as a central pillar of the country’s future security and recovery, linking political integration with Europe to broader efforts to end the war and rebuild national resilience.

US First Lady Melania Trump issued a rare public political statement as protests intensified across Minnesota following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal border patrol agents. Speaking amid growing unrest in Minneapolis, Melania Trump called for unity and urged demonstrators to express their anger through peaceful means as tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement continued to rise. In an interview with Fox News, the First Lady emphasized the need for calm and

North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles into nearby waters on Tuesday, triggering renewed condemnation from South Korea and Japan and drawing attention to ongoing discussions between Seoul and Washington over the future direction of their security alliance. The launches underscore persistent tensions on the Korean Peninsula as Pyongyang continues to advance its missile capabilities amid shifting regional and global defence dynamics. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff sai