As the Russia-Ukraine war entered its fourth year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a direct appeal to former US President Donald Trump, urging continued American backing for Kyiv in its ongoing fight against Moscow. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that sustained US support remains critical as the conflict with Russia shows no signs of resolution. In an interview ahead of the February 24 anniversary marking Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Zelenskyy stressed the strategi

United States President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to global trade partners, threatening significantly higher tariffs for countries he claims have taken advantage of the American economy for years. The remarks come amid heightened uncertainty following a recent Supreme Court ruling that has reshaped the administration’s tariff authority and complicated ongoing trade negotiations. In a post on Truth Social, Trump cautioned that any nation attempting to “play games” in the w

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.

Russia temporarily suspended operations at all four of Moscow’s international airports on Sunday following a wave of Ukrainian drone attacks that triggered heightened air safety concerns, officials said. The restrictions were imposed in the afternoon after Russian air defence systems reported intercepting multiple unmanned aerial vehicles approaching the capital. The federal aviation agency Rosaviatsia announced that flight operations were limited at Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky

Health officials in Northern Virginia have confirmed two new measles cases, prompting a public health alert and an extensive list of potential exposure sites in and around Manassas. The Virginia Department of Health is urging residents who may have visited the identified locations during specific time windows to monitor themselves closely for symptoms and take appropriate precautions. According to the department, at least 10 locations have been flagged as possible measles exposure sites. Ind

The North to Shore Festival is set to return in 2026 with an expansive lineup featuring prominent international performers alongside celebrated local talent. Organized by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the multi-venue event will run from June 13 through June 28, bringing live music, comedy, and cultural programming to audiences across Newark and Asbury Park. Festival organizers confirmed that the upcoming edition will include headline appearances by The Black Crowes,

India participated as an observer in the inaugural meeting of United States President Donald Trump’s newly announced Board of Peace initiative focused on Gaza, according to official participant records. The meeting was held at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, where India was represented by Chargé d’Affaires Namgya Khampa from the Indian embassy. New Delhi has not formally joined the Board of Peace but attended in a limited observer capacity as international discussions around Gaza reconstruction and regional stability continue to evolve. During the launch event, Trump announced a pledge of $10 billion toward the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, positioning the initiative as a major international effort following the recent ceasefire. Several Muslim-majority countries also committed financial and security support. Leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates each pledged at least $1 billion, according to officials present at the gathering. The White House Press Secretary later stated that total commitments from participating nations had crossed $6.5 billion, a figure that appeared to exclude the separate US contribution. The Board of Peace was convened in the aftermath of a ceasefire agreement reached in October following negotiations facilitated by the United States in coordination with Qatar and Egypt. The ceasefire aimed to halt nearly two years of intense conflict in Gaza. Under the proposed second phase of the framework, Hamas is expected to be disarmed as part of broader stabilisation measures. The current war was triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which led to a large-scale Israeli military response in the Gaza Strip. In a notable development, Morocco announced its readiness to contribute police personnel and officers to the newly proposed International Stabilisation Force, marking what officials described as a first-of-its-kind commitment by an Arab nation in the context of the Gaza peace initiative. The move is seen as part of wider efforts to establish security arrangements alongside reconstruction planning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among several global leaders invited by the US President to be associated with the Board of Peace, which was formally announced as part of the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire framework. India, however, had not been present at the earlier January 22 ceremony in Davos where Trump first unveiled the initiative aimed at fostering long-term peace in Gaza and potentially addressing other global conflicts. The Board of Peace has drawn attention in diplomatic circles due to perceptions that it could emerge as an alternative multilateral platform. Trump has previously suggested that the body “might” replace the United Nations, arguing that existing global institutions have not fully delivered on their mandates. Observers note that the structure, scope, and long-term objectives of the Board of Peace remain under discussion as participating countries evaluate their roles. India’s decision to attend as an observer reflects its cautious diplomatic approach to the evolving Middle East situation. Officials have not indicated any immediate plan to formally join the initiative, but New Delhi continues to monitor developments closely as international stakeholders shape the future framework for Gaza’s reconstruction and regional stability.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday warned that Russia is expected to continue launching large-scale strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, citing fresh intelligence assessments. The warning comes amid ongoing hostilities in the Ukraine war, now approaching its fourth year, and underscores growing concerns in Kyiv about the resilience of the country’s power grid during continued missile and drone attacks. Speaking about the latest intelligence findings, Zelensky

Amtrak will begin a significant phase of rail infrastructure work on Feb. 15 as crews transfer train operations from the aging Portal Bridge to the newly constructed Portal North Bridge across the Hackensack River, a month-long effort expected to disrupt regular service for thousands of daily commuters in northern New Jersey and New York City. The transition, commonly referred to as a cutover, is designed to prepare the new span to handle active rail traffic and marks a key step in a broader

Major US technology companies are increasingly turning to the H-1B visa programme to recruit skilled foreign professionals as they accelerate investments in artificial intelligence and related digital infrastructure. New data show that a large share of visa petitions filed by leading firms are tied directly to AI-driven roles, underscoring how access to global talent has become central to their long-term strategy. An analysis of labour condition applications indicates that more than

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

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

Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts is preparing to introduce a Senate resolution that would formally condemn and seek the reversal of a proposed sale of 500,000 advanced artificial intelligence chips annually to the United Arab Emirates, arguing the transaction could threaten U.S. national security and raise serious ethical questions about conflicts of interest. The measure is expected to be brought to the Senate floor on Thursday, where Warren plans to call for lawmakers to block the exp

After several weeks of persistent cold and widespread winter hazards, weather conditions across much of the United States are beginning to moderate as the overall atmospheric pattern shifts. Forecasters report that a strengthening ridge of high pressure is developing over large portions of the country, allowing milder air masses to advance northward and gradually replace the Arctic air that dominated January. The transition marks the first broad return to above-average temperatures in weeks a

US President Donald Trump held an extended telephone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, engaging in wide-ranging discussions that touched on trade ties, energy cooperation, agricultural purchases, and several pressing geopolitical concerns, according to remarks shared by the American leader. Posting about the exchange on his social media platform, Trump described the dialogue as “excellent,” emphasizing that the call was both lengthy and substantive. He

Cancer remains one of the most significant global health challenges, with incidence rates varying dramatically across countries. The Age-Standardised Incidence Rate (ASIR) of cancer is influenced by various factors, including lifestyle habits, healthcare infrastructure, population age, and access to screening and prevention programs. On World Cancer Day 2026, experts highlight the top 10 countries with the highest cancer rates, shedding light on the impact of these factors on global cancer pr

World Cancer Day 2026, observed on February 4, is a crucial reminder of the growing health challenge cancer poses, both in India and worldwide. The day aims to increase awareness about cancer, emphasize the importance of early detection, promote prevention, and advocate for better healthcare access for all. As cancer cases rise in India, with millions affected every year, experts highlight the life-saving benefits of detecting cancer early. With timely medical action, regular screening, and e

WASHINGTON — A prolonged stretch of frigid temperatures has gripped the Washington, D.C., region, leaving portions of the Potomac River covered in ice and prompting renewed safety warnings from local authorities who say the frozen surface is far more dangerous than it appears. Officials report that the recent cold snap has caused sections of the river near the Georgetown waterfront to freeze over, creating the illusion of a solid walking surface. Police say they have already recei

Legendary investor Ray Dalio has cautioned that the global economy is approaching a dangerous tipping point, warning that mounting geopolitical frictions and unstable financial markets could trigger what he describes as a “capital war,” in which nations weaponize money, trade, and investment flows to exert influence over one another. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Dalio said the international system is not yet in such a conflict but is “on the brink,” with conditions that could quickly escalate. He described capital war as a scenario where governments restrict access to markets, impose sanctions, enforce capital controls, or use debt holdings and trade leverage to pressure rivals. According to Dalio, rising mistrust among major economies is increasing the likelihood of these tools being deployed more aggressively. He pointed to growing tensions between the United States and its allies and competitors as a key source of concern. Discussions surrounding Washington’s interest in Greenland, a Danish territory, as well as broader disagreements over trade and security policy, have unsettled investors. Dalio said some European holders of U.S.-denominated assets fear potential sanctions or restrictions, while American policymakers may worry about losing reliable foreign buyers for government debt. European investors have played a significant role in financing U.S. borrowing needs, accounting for a large share of foreign purchases of Treasurys in recent months. Any disruption to those flows could amplify volatility in global markets and increase funding pressures. Dalio noted that “capital, money, matters,” emphasizing that financial interdependence has become both a strength and a vulnerability for the global system. Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has introduced and, at times, rolled back punitive tariffs targeting several trading partners. Those policy shifts have added to market swings and uncertainty. Dalio said similar patterns in the past have often preceded broader economic confrontations, with governments imposing foreign exchange restrictions and tightening controls to protect domestic interests. Drawing parallels with history, he referenced periods leading up to major conflicts, when sanctions and trade barriers intensified rivalries between nations. He suggested that today’s environment could produce comparable strains, particularly in relations between the United States and China, or between the United States and Europe, where trade deficits and capital imbalances remain sensitive issues. Against this backdrop, Dalio reiterated his long-standing view that gold remains an effective hedge during periods of stress. Although prices have fluctuated recently, he said the precious metal continues to serve as a reliable diversifier for portfolios. Rather than focusing on short-term movements, he advised investors, central banks, and sovereign wealth funds to maintain a steady allocation to gold as protection against systemic risk. Ultimately, Dalio urged a disciplined approach to investing, stressing that diversification across assets and regions is the best defense in an increasingly uncertain economic landscape.

The number of reported sightings of rogue drones operating near military installations in the United Kingdom has more than doubled over the past year, raising fresh concerns over national security and prompting the government to consider significant changes to military powers. Official figures show that incidents increased from 126 in 2024 to 266 in 2025, representing a rise of more than 100 per cent and highlighting what ministers describe as an evolving and increasingly complex threat envir