A 37-year-old Indian-origin information technology professional was killed after unidentified assailants opened fire on the vehicle he was travelling in at a shopping centre parking lot in Toronto, according to Canadian police officials. The victim, identified as Chandan Kumar, hailed from Bengaluru Rural district in Karnataka and had been living in Canada for the past six years while working with a private technology company. The incident occurred on Saturday, February 7, when poli

Amid mounting uncertainty surrounding his much-anticipated film Jana Nayagan, actor-turned-politician Vijay made a notable public appearance at a high-profile wedding in Chennai on Sunday, drawing widespread attention from fans and political observers alike. The appearance comes at a time when speculation continues to swirl around both the film’s delayed release and Vijay’s political future in T

Actor Sonam Kapoor marked her baby shower with signature elegance, hosting an intimate godh bharai ceremony at her Mumbai residence as she awaits her second child with husband Anand Ahuja. Known for setting fashion benchmarks, Sonam once again demonstrated how maternity style can be both rooted in tradition and refreshingly modern. The celebration was thoughtfully curated, reflecting Sonam’s preference for understated luxury over extravagance. Surrounded by close friends, family,

Several schools in the national capital were placed on high alert on Monday after bomb threat emails were sent to their official email IDs, triggering swift action from security agencies. According to officials, at least ten schools across different parts of Delhi received the threatening emails within a short time window, prompting immediate deployment of police teams, fire services, and bomb disposal squads to conduct thorough security checks on school premises. As per the informa

A new white paper has underscored the deep and lasting contribution of the Indian diaspora to modern Britain, describing the community as the country’s most economically successful migrant group and a central force in national growth. The report, launched at the House of Lords on 5 February, traces decades of migration and documents how successive generations of Indian migrants have supported Britain’s recovery, innovation and competitiveness across multiple sectors of the economy.

More than six people, including four Indian students and two police officers, were injured after a knife attack inside a foreign students’ hostel at a state medical university in Ufa, Russia, on Saturday, authorities said. The incident unfolded in the sports hall area of the dormitory when a teenage suspect allegedly entered the premises armed with a knife and began attacking those present, prompting an emergency response from law enforcement and medical teams. According to Russia’s Interior Ministry, the assailant forced his way into the hostel building and targeted students inside the hall. The situation escalated quickly as officers attempted to restrain and detain the suspect. During the arrest operation, the teenager reportedly resisted and stabbed two police officers before inflicting injuries on himself. Both officers sustained wounds while attempting to control the attacker, highlighting the volatility of the encounter. Officials have not immediately released the names or nationalities of all those injured, though early information confirmed that four Indian students were among the victims. The injured individuals were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Local reports indicated that the students and officers were admitted to a clinical hospital in the city, while the 15-year-old suspect was taken to a children’s hospital and remains in serious condition. The motive behind the knife attack remains under investigation, and authorities are continuing to gather evidence and question witnesses to determine the circumstances leading up to the violence. Security has been tightened around the university campus and residential areas as a precaution, and police are reviewing surveillance footage from the hostel. The Indian Embassy in Russia confirmed the incident and said it is closely coordinating with local authorities to ensure assistance for the affected students. In a statement, the embassy said officials from its consulate in Kazan are traveling to Ufa to provide on-ground support, medical assistance, and consular help to those injured. The embassy described the episode as unfortunate and assured that it is monitoring the situation closely. The university administration has yet to issue a detailed statement, but sources indicated that counseling and support services may be offered to students shaken by the incident. The attack has raised concerns about campus safety and the security of international students living in hostels, prompting calls for strengthened measures to prevent similar incidents. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the condition of the injured and the legal proceedings involving the suspect.

HOCKLEY, Texas — A suspected gas leak prompted the evacuation of one Waller Independent School District elementary campus and precautionary shelter-in-place orders at two nearby schools Friday morning as emergency crews worked to contain the situation and ensure student safety. According to the Spring Creek Fire Department, elevated gas levels were detected at Roberts Road Elementary School shortly after the start of the school day. Officials determined that conditions inside the

Berlin’s main airport remained closed on Friday as dangerous black ice and freezing weather conditions made flight operations unsafe, disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers and forcing airlines to cancel or delay services across the region. Airport authorities said persistent ice on runways and taxiways had made it impossible for aircraft to safely take off or land, with no immediate timeline for when normal operations could resume. The disruption began a day earlier

Senior Republicans are expressing growing concern about the political landscape ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, as internal polling and recent contests suggest that Democrats could make significant gains in both chambers of Congress. Party strategists warn that a surge in Democratic voter enthusiasm could threaten not only control of the House but also the party’s narrow hold on the Senate, raising the stakes for an election cycle already viewed as pivotal for President Donald Trump’s final years in office. According to lawmakers and advisers familiar with the data, private surveys indicate that voter sentiment has shifted in several competitive states, with independents and moderate voters increasingly critical of the administration’s handling of economic conditions and immigration enforcement. While Republicans currently maintain a 53-47 advantage in the Senate, even a modest swing could erase that margin. With Democrats needing a net gain of four seats to reclaim control, strategists say several Republican-leaning states are now firmly in play. President Trump has cautioned allies that losing the House could open the door to renewed investigations and the possibility of another impeachment effort. Party leaders also acknowledge that a Democratic takeover of the Senate would dramatically limit the administration’s legislative agenda, judicial confirmations, and broader influence over federal policy. As a result, the midterms are increasingly being framed within Republican circles as a referendum not only on Congress but on the president’s governing approach. Recent electoral setbacks have intensified these worries. A closely watched special election in North Texas saw a Democratic candidate capture a state Senate seat in a district Trump had previously won comfortably. The upset has been described by several GOP senators as a warning sign that traditional strongholds may no longer be secure. Party officials view the result as evidence that turnout dynamics and shifting voter priorities could reshape races once considered safe. Battleground-state senators have also raised alarms during internal discussions. Lawmakers from Maine and North Carolina, among others, have cautioned colleagues that dissatisfaction with rising costs of living and strict border policies is resonating beyond the Democratic base. They argue that without a clear economic message and improved outreach to independents, the party risks losing ground in suburban and swing districts that often determine control of Congress. Republican leaders are now emphasizing the importance of mobilizing their core supporters. In Texas, Sen. Ted Cruz characterized the recent defeat in Tarrant County as a difficult outcome and stressed that strong turnout will be critical in November. Still, many strategists concede that enthusiasm gaps and evolving demographics could complicate those efforts. With control of the House, Senate seats, and the broader balance of power at stake, both parties are preparing for an intensely competitive campaign season. For Republicans, the coming months may determine whether they can preserve their congressional majority or face a political shift that reshapes the final stretch of the Trump presidency.

An alleged key participant in the 2012 Benghazi attack has been taken into custody and is expected to face federal charges in the United States, the Justice Department confirmed on Friday. The arrest marks the latest development in a long-running terrorism case stemming from the deadly assault on American facilities in Libya that left four U.S. officials dead, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens. Attorney General Pam Bondi, District of Columbia Attorney Jeannie Pirro, and FB

India's relationship with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations is evolving into a major trade partnership. In 2024-25, the bilateral trade between India and the six-nation bloc reached a substantial $179 billion, driven by strong exports such as gems, metals, electronics, and chemicals. With an existing free trade pact with the UAE since 2022, and a recent agreement with Oman, India is now focused on formalizing a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) with the GCC. This new agreement

In a significant legal blow to actor Vijay, the Madras High Court has upheld a Rs 1.5 crore tax penalty imposed by the Income Tax Department and dismissed his appeal challenging the levy. The penalty is linked to the alleged non-disclosure of additional income derived from the 2015 film Puli. According to the Income Tax Department, during tax searches conducted in 2015, it was revealed that of Vijay’s total remuneration of around Rs 15 crore, nearly Rs 5 crore was paid in cash and

Gwadar, a port in Pakistan's Balochistan province, has become a focal point for geopolitical tensions, local unrest, and external influence, especially from China. Originally a fishing settlement on the Arabian Sea, it is now home to Pakistan's third-largest port, which plays a crucial role in the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The strategic location of Gwadar, near the Strait of Hormuz, has made it a highly coveted asset for various powers. What is most remarkable about

Saudi Arabia is deploying significant political influence and billions of dollars in financial support in an effort to stabilize Yemen and consolidate control over areas held by the internationally recognized government, marking a renewed regional focus after years of concentrating on domestic reforms. Officials familiar with the strategy say Riyadh aims to unify fragmented armed groups, strengthen state institutions and create conditions that could eventually pressure Houthi rebels into nego

India and the United States are moving closer to concluding what officials describe as a landmark trade agreement, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar indicating that the final details are being worked out and an announcement could come soon. Speaking at the conclusion of his visit to Washington on February 5, Jaishankar said negotiations had reached an advanced stage and expressed confidence that the pact would usher in a new phase of cooperation between the two countries.

The ongoing standoff between the government and the Opposition took a new turn as the Congress-led Opposition staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The protest erupted as Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued his speech on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address. The Opposition, led by Mallikarjun Kharge, demanded that Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, be allowed to speak, especially after the Lok Sabha Speaker’s refusal to let Gandhi quote

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharply criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for calling Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu a "traitor," accusing the Congress of harboring hatred toward Sikhs. Addressing the Rajya Sabha, PM Modi described Gandhi's comments as reflecting "arrogance at its peak" and an insult not only to Bittu but to the Sikh community as a whole. The heated exchange between Rahul Gandhi and Ravneet Singh Bittu took place outside Parliament on Wednesday. Gandhi, as Bi

In a press statement today, DCM Pawan Kalyan strongly addressed the ongoing Tirumala laddu controversy, accusing the previous YSRCP government of a major scam in the preparation of the sacred prasadam. Kalyan claimed that palm oil and harmful chemicals had been used instead of pure ghee in the preparation of the famous Tirumala Srivari Laddu, which he said not only hurt the faith of devotees but also compromised their health. Kalyan emphasized the seriousness of the issue, pointing

Mohan Babu and his son, actor-politician Manchu Vishnu, are embroiled in a controversy in Tirupati after a police case was registered in connection with a student protest at Mohan Babu University. The protest, organized by leaders from the Students Federation of India (SFI) and SV University, was aimed at the university's fee structure. The students raised concerns over the high fees and staged the protest in response to the perceived exploitation. The situation took a dramatic turn

India’s national security advisor Ajit Doval conveyed a firm message to senior United States officials months before the announcement of a new trade agreement between New Delhi and Washington, underscoring that India would not yield to public pressure or coercive tactics during negotiations. According to officials familiar with the discussions, Doval made it clear during meetings in Washington that India was prepared to wait out the current US administration if necessary rather than accept terms it viewed as unfavorable. The visit took place in early September, shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling an active diplomatic phase for New Delhi across major global powers. During his interaction with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Doval reportedly emphasized that while India remained committed to reviving trade talks, it expected a more measured tone from Washington and less public criticism that could complicate bilateral ties. Officials said Doval sought to put recent acrimony behind the two countries and expressed interest in restarting substantive discussions on a trade deal that has been under negotiation for several years. At the same time, he warned that India would not be “bullied” by President Donald Trump or senior members of his team, stressing that any agreement must respect India’s economic interests and strategic autonomy. The remarks came months before Trump publicly announced progress on a trade deal with India following a phone call with Modi on February 2. That announcement marked a fresh attempt by both sides to rebuild momentum in economic cooperation after a period marked by tariff disputes and disagreements over market access. Diplomatic observers note that India’s approach reflects a broader foreign policy strategy that balances engagement with firmness. By signaling willingness to continue talks while resisting overt pressure, New Delhi appears intent on safeguarding domestic priorities while preserving its long-term partnership with Washington. The United States remains one of India’s largest trading partners, and both governments view closer economic integration as central to strengthening strategic ties in the Indo-Pacific. The Washington meeting is seen as part of quiet backchannel diplomacy aimed at lowering tensions and creating space for practical negotiations. With both sides now indicating readiness to resume dialogue, officials say the focus will be on rebuilding trust and advancing a mutually beneficial trade framework that supports growth and stability in the relationship.