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 has intensified trade tensions with Canada by threatening to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian-made aircraft, opening a new chapter in an already strained bilateral relationship. In a statement issued on Thursday, Trump said the United States could levy tariffs of up to 50 per cent on aircraft sold from Canada into the US market, citing what he described as Canada’s refusal to certify American-made business jets. The president also announced plans to decertify all aircraft manufactured in Canada for use in the United States, a move he said would remain in effect until Canadian regulators approve a series of jets produced by Gulfstream Aerospace. The warning was delivered through a post on Truth Social, where Trump accused Canadian authorities of erecting regulatory barriers that unfairly block American products. In his remarks, Trump singled out the Bombardier Global Express business jet, which is manufactured in Quebec, arguing that Ottawa has benefited from access to the US market while allegedly denying similar treatment to American manufacturers. He claimed Canada had “wrongfully and illegally” refused to certify the Gulfstream 500, 600, 700, and 800 models, which he described as among the most advanced aircraft in the world. According to Trump, the lack of certification effectively prevents Gulfstream from selling its jets in Canada. Trump warned that unless the situation is resolved immediately, the United States would move forward with punitive tariffs on all aircraft imported from Canada. He framed the threat as a matter of fairness and reciprocity, asserting that American companies should not face obstacles abroad while foreign competitors enjoy broad access to the US market. The aircraft dispute is the latest flashpoint in a broader deterioration of relations between the United States and Canada since Trump returned to office last year. Political and economic friction between the two long-time allies has grown steadily, with trade policy emerging as a central source of conflict. Earlier the same day as Trump’s comments, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly urged Washington to respect Canadian sovereignty, following reports of contacts between US officials and Alberta separatist groups. Trade tensions have also been fueled by Canada’s recent diplomatic engagement with China. Trump has repeatedly warned Ottawa against deepening economic ties with Beijing, arguing that such moves could undermine US interests. He has threatened to impose tariffs as high as 100 per cent on Canadian goods if Canada proceeds with a trade agreement with China, a warning he reiterated over the weekend. In a series of earlier social media posts, Trump mocked Carney by referring to him as “Governor” and cautioned that Canada should not act as a conduit for Chinese goods entering the US market. He claimed that closer ties with Beijing would leave Canada economically vulnerable and pledged swift retaliation if such an agreement were finalized. The remarks came shortly after Carney visited Beijing, marking the first visit by a Canadian leader to China in nearly a decade. The escalating rhetoric underscores the growing uncertainty surrounding North American trade and the aerospace sector in particular. With aircraft manufacturing representing a significant industry for both countries, analysts say prolonged disputes over certification and tariffs could have far-reaching economic consequences. For now, the standoff highlights how regulatory disagreements and geopolitical concerns are increasingly shaping trade relations between Washington and Ottawa.

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

Shares of German software company SAP fell sharply on Thursday after the company reported weaker-than-expected growth in its cloud contract backlog for the fourth quarter, unsettling investors and triggering its steepest one-day decline in more than four years. The stock dropped as much as 16% during the session, marking its largest daily fall since October 2020, when the company suffered a sharp sell-off following disappointing quarterly results. By the close of trading, SAP shares were at t

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar was cremated with full state honours in Baramati on Thursday, as thousands of supporters, political leaders and family members gathered to bid him an emotional farewell. The town witnessed scenes of deep grief as Pawar’s mortal remains, draped in the national flag, were brought from his native village Katewadi to Baramati for the final rites. The atmosphere remained solemn as people from nearby villages and NCP workers lined the streets to pay their respects to the veteran leader fondly known as Dada. Ajit Pawar’s sons, Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar, performed the last rites and lit the funeral pyre amid chants of emotional slogans from supporters who struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss. Senior leaders from across party lines attended the funeral, underlining Pawar’s influence in Maharashtra’s political landscape. Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid his last respects, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were also present. Police personnel and state officials accorded ceremonial honours as part of the official proceedings. Ajit Pawar, aged 66, died on Wednesday morning in a tragic plane crash involving a chartered Learjet near the Baramati airstrip, around 100 kilometres from Pune. The aircraft reportedly crashed shortly after approach, killing all those on board. The sudden nature of the accident sent shockwaves across the state and triggered an outpouring of grief from supporters and political colleagues alike. Large crowds gathered at the Vidya Pratishthan sports ground in Baramati, chanting slogans expressing their disbelief and sorrow over the untimely demise of a leader who played a crucial role in Maharashtra politics for decades. Several prominent figures, including Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, actor Riteish Deshmukh and other dignitaries, visited Pawar’s residence in Katewadi to offer condolences to the family. Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, and their sons. The loss has left a significant void within the NCP, with party workers and leaders expressing concern over the future direction of the party in the absence of its chief. The fatal crash also claimed the lives of experienced pilot Captain Sumit Kapoor, co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, Ajit Pawar’s personal security officer Vidip Jadhav and flight attendant Pinky Mali. Authorities have registered an accidental death report in connection with the incident, and further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. As Maharashtra mourns the passing of Ajit Pawar, tributes continue to pour in, highlighting his political legacy, administrative experience and deep connection with the people of Baramati and beyond.

Justin Bieber is set to make a highly anticipated return to the global spotlight as he prepares to perform at the Grammy Awards 2026, marking his first major public performance since 2022. The announcement has generated widespread excitement among fans and industry insiders, as the pop star steps back onto one of music’s biggest stages after a four-year hiatus from large-scale live events. The ceremony, scheduled to take place this Sunday, is expected to be a defining moment in Bieber’s o

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 Pawar family occupies a unique and dominant position in Maharashtra’s political history. For over five decades, the family has shaped regional politics through electoral victories, control over cooperative institutions, and sustained influence in policy-making. Ajit Pawar, a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party and a multiple-term Deputy Chief Minister, was a central pillar of this legacy. His untimely death in a tragic plane crash on January 28, 2026, has brought renewed pub

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

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar died on Wednesday after a chartered aircraft carrying him crashed while attempting an emergency landing at Baramati airport. He was 66. The tragic accident also claimed the lives of two pilots and two security personnel who were on board the aircraft. Authorities described the crash as extremely severe, with most parts of the plane engulfed in flames after impact. The incident has sent shockwaves across Maharash

Maharashtra was plunged into deep shock on Tuesday after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was dead in a plane crash during landing at Baramati airport. The charter aircraft, which was traveling from Mumbai to Baramati, met with a fatal accident at around 8:45 am while attempting to land. DGCA officials confirmed that there were no survivors in the crash and that five people were on board the aircraft, including Ajit Pawar, three passeng

A major incident shocked Maharashtra on Tuesday after reports emerged that a plane carrying Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed while landing in Baramati. According to early inputs shared through live updates, the aircraft encountered difficulties during the landing process, leading to a crash that immediately triggered emergency protocols at the site. First visuals from the location began circulating online, showing heightened security presence and rescue teams rushing to the scene. Aut

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.

United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has accused European nations of indirectly financing Russia’s war in Ukraine by purchasing refined oil products originating from Russian crude processed in India. His remarks come amid ongoing geopolitical tensions over energy trade and sanctions linked to the conflict in Eastern Europe. In an interview aired on Sunday, Bessent alleged that while European leaders publicly condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine, their trade practices ar

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

The Union Government on the occasion of Republic Day announced the Padma Awards 2026, approving a total of 131 civilian honours across the three prestigious categories – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. These awards, among India’s highest civilian recognitions, honour individuals for exceptional service and contributions across diverse fields such as arts, cinema, literature, sports, medicine, science and engineering, social work, civil service, public affairs, and trade and

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has strongly criticised remarks made by US President Donald Trump regarding the role of NATO troops in Afghanistan, calling the comments “insulting and frankly appalling” and suggesting that an apology is warranted. Starmer said that the remarks had caused deep pain to the families of those who served and to individuals who were killed or injured during the conflict. He emphasized that statements of this kind undermine the sacrifices made by international

Infosys, the global information technology giant, is set to hire 20,000 college graduates in FY27, reinforcing its strong push into the artificial intelligence (AI) services sector. The announcement comes at a time when many companies in the tech industry are facing layoffs, positioning Infosys as a major player in the growing demand for AI-driven solutions. CEO Salil Parekh confirmed the hiring plan at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, where he highlighted the changing demand landscap

The United Arab Emirates is set to host a historic round of trilateral discussions involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia, marking a potentially significant development in international efforts to end the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the upcoming talks while addressing global leaders and policymakers during a high-profile economic forum in Davos, describing the meeting as the first instance where representatives from all three sides wi

Mikie Sherrill was inaugurated Tuesday as New Jersey’s 57th governor, marking a historic transition of leadership following a campaign that centered on rising costs, energy policy, and opposition to President Donald Trump’s economic agenda. The 54-year-old former Navy helicopter pilot and four-term congresswoman becomes only the second woman to serve as governor of the state, which is home to nearly 9.5 million residents. Sherrill secured a decisive victory in November over a Republican opponent endorsed by Trump, framing the election as a referendum on federal policies that she argued were driving up everyday expenses. Throughout her campaign, she placed particular emphasis on the impact of tariffs on consumer prices and pledged immediate action to address escalating utility rates. That promise was reflected in her first official acts as governor, as she signed executive orders declaring a freeze on utility rates and initiating steps to expand electricity production, including investments in solar and nuclear energy. Speaking at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, Sherrill invoked the state’s role in the Revolutionary War and referenced grievances from the Declaration of Independence, drawing a sharp comparison between those historic complaints and her criticism of the current administration. She accused the president of overstepping constitutional authority through trade policies that, she said, benefited a narrow few while increasing costs for families and businesses. Sherrill emphasized that public office should be rooted in service to the public, a theme that resonated with supporters who formed the backbone of her winning coalition in urban centers such as Newark. Sherrill took the oath of office on a copy of the Constitution once owned by New Jersey’s first governor, underscoring the symbolic weight of the ceremony. While past inaugurations have featured artillery salutes along the Delaware River near the statehouse in Trenton, this year’s event included a ceremonial gun salute and a military helicopter flyover, reflecting both tradition and Sherrill’s own military background. She succeeds outgoing Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, who leaves office after two terms marked by a series of progressive policy initiatives. During his tenure, Murphy raised taxes on high-income earners, increased the minimum wage, expanded early childhood education, and fully funded the state workers’ pension system after years of underfunding. In his final news conference, Murphy said he had been in close contact with Sherrill during the transition and described his administration as having delivered on its campaign promises. However, Sherrill inherits a state budget that has grown significantly over the past several years, raising concerns about potential shortfalls if revenues decline. The budget also includes an ongoing commitment to a property tax relief program that remains unfunded beyond its initial phase, presenting an early fiscal challenge for the new administration. With Democrats maintaining control of both the governorship and the Legislature, Sherrill is expected to have a relatively favorable environment for advancing her agenda. Her inauguration coincides with a broader political moment, as attention begins to shift toward upcoming midterm elections. Party leaders hope that continued dissatisfaction with federal policies will influence key races across the country. An inaugural ball is scheduled for later Tuesday evening at the American Dream megamall in East Rutherford, concluding a day that formally ushers in a new chapter in New Jersey’s political leadership.