Flights Resume in Texas After Defense Neutralizes Cross-Border Drones
Flight operations at El Paso International Airport were briefly suspended on Wednesday after several drones believed to be linked to a Mexican drug cartel entered United States airspace near the Texas border, prompting swift action from federal authorities and defense officials. According to a senior administration official familiar with the matter, the unmanned aircraft crossed into restricted airspace during the early hours of the morning. Security forces quickly intervened and to
Russia warns of countermeasures over Greenland militarisation
Russia has warned that it will respond with military countermeasures if Western nations expand their security presence in Greenland, escalating tensions around the strategically important Arctic territory and widening strains between Moscow, Washington and European capitals. Speaking to Russian lawmakers on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said any move to militarise Greenland or establish military capabilities that could threaten Russia would prompt trigger a proportional
US Disables Cross-Border Drones as FAA Pauses Flights Over El Paso
Federal authorities confirmed on Wednesday that unmanned aerial vehicles believed to be operated by Mexican drug cartels crossed into United States airspace near El Paso, Texas, prompting heightened security measures and a temporary halt to flight operations at the city’s main airport. The incident triggered a 10-day suspension of flights ordered by the Federal Aviation Administration, which cited security-related concerns while officials assessed potential risks to civilian aviation and th
Nine killed in British Columbia shooting at secondary school and nearby home
At least nine people have been killed in a violent incident in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, that unfolded across a secondary school campus and a nearby residence, prompting a large-scale police response and renewed concerns about public safety in the remote northern community. Federal authorities confirmed that seven victims were fatally shot inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, while two others were later found dead at a separate home location connected to the case. According
China signals support for India’s UNSC bid amid renewed diplomatic engagement
China has said it understands and respects India’s aspiration for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council, marking a notable shift in tone as the two Asian powers work to stabilise relations after several years of tension. The statement came during high-level diplomatic talks in New Delhi and is being viewed as a cautious but significant gesture aimed at rebuilding trust between the neighbours. China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu conveyed the po
Meta and YouTube accused of engineering addictive platforms for minors
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, and Google-owned YouTube are facing serious allegations in a closely watched trial that began Monday in California, with plaintiffs accusing the companies of deliberately designing social media platforms to be addictive for children. The case marks one of the first times a jury has been asked to directly assess whether major technology companies can be held legally responsible for the mental health consequences their products may have on you
Chloe Kim set for Milan Cortina halfpipe return despite shoulder injury
Chloe Kim is set to make her long-awaited debut at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics this week, stepping into the women’s snowboard halfpipe with both momentum and adversity shaping her return. The 25-year-old American star, widely regarded as one of the most dominant riders in the sport, will compete in Italy for the first time while managing a lingering shoulder injury that has tested her preparation in the lead-up to the Games. The women’s halfpipe qualification rounds begin
Big tech stocks mixed as AI spending surge drives volatility
Big technology stocks traded unevenly on Monday as investors attempted to stabilize after a turbulent week that erased more than $1 trillion in combined market value across the sector. While several large-cap names posted gains on renewed optimism around artificial intelligence and cloud demand, others slipped as concerns lingered over rising capital expenditure and broader market volatility. Oracle led the advance, climbing about 9 percent after receiving an upgrade from D.A. David
US tech firms rely on H-1B hiring to fuel artificial intelligence growth
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
Modi, Ramgoolam discuss India–Mauritius ties and Indian Ocean stability
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a telephone conversation with Mauritian Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the special and historic relationship between India and Mauritius. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral ties, expanding development cooperation, and ensuring peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region, underscoring the strategic significance of the island nation in India’s foreign pol
Iranian activist’s video appeal to Trump surfaces after reported suicide amid Iran unrest
An Iranian man has reportedly taken his own life after recording and sharing a video message in which he appealed directly to former US President Donald Trump to halt any diplomatic engagement with Iran’s current leadership. The man, identified by activists and Iranian media as Pouria Hamidi, was from the southern port city of Bushehr. His death has drawn renewed attention to ongoing political tensions inside Iran and the wider international debate surrounding Tehran’s relations with Wash
Indian-origin tech professional killed in targeted Toronto parking lot shooting
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
Syria and Saudi Arabia sign major investment deals to boost reconstruction
Syria and Saudi Arabia have signed a series of major economic and infrastructure agreements aimed at accelerating Syria’s post-war reconstruction and strengthening bilateral ties, marking one of the most significant rounds of cooperation between the two countries in recent years. Officials said the deals span aviation, telecommunications, energy, and development projects, with billions of dollars expected to flow into key sectors of the Syrian economy. The agreements include the l
Report charts Indian migration waves shaping UK economy and tech sector
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.
US imposes fresh sanctions on Iran oil trade after Oman nuclear talks
The United States announced a new round of sanctions on Friday targeting Iran’s oil and petrochemical trade, hours after indirect diplomatic talks between Tehran and Washington concluded in Oman, underscoring the fragile balance between pressure and engagement as both sides attempt to manage tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme. The measures, unveiled by the US State Department, apply to 15 entities and 14 vessels that officials say are linked to Iran’s so-called shad
Gas leak prompts evacuation at Waller ISD elementary school in Hockley
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 airport remains closed as black ice halts flights across eastern Germany
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
