Global

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Killed in Air Strikes, Iran Faces Leadership Uncertainty Iran’s Supreme Leader Dead After Decades in Power Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled Iran for 36 years and shaped the country into a powerful anti United States force, has been killed in air strikes, according to Iranian state media.The 86 year old leader was reportedly killed on Saturday after strikes carried out by Israel and the United States destroyed his central Tehran compound. His death comes after decades of diplomatic tensions and failed negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.Khamenei’s long tenure transformed Iran’s regional posture. Under his leadership, the country expanded its military influence across the Middle East while firmly...

OpenAI Secures U.S. Defense Department Deal to Deploy AI Models on Classified Network OpenAI has reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to deploy its artificial intelligence models across the agency’s classified network, marking a significant development in the integration of advanced AI within U.S. military infrastructure.The announcement was confirmed by OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman, who outlined the foundational safeguards embedded in the agreement.Safety Principles Integrated Into DoD Agreement Altman stated that two of OpenAI’s core safety principles include a prohibition on domestic mass surveillance and a firm commitment to ensuring human responsibility in the use of force, particularly in the...

Anthropic to Challenge Pentagon Over ‘Supply Chain Risk’ Label on AI Technology Anthropic has announced it will challenge the United States Department of Defense in court after being designated a “supply chain risk,” a move that could sharply restrict its business with the US government and military-linked contractors.The development comes at a crucial time for the San Francisco-based AI startup, which began 2026 with surging sales, viral product traction, and a major funding round that strengthened its position in the global artificial intelligence race.Trump Administration Orders Federal Halt on Anthropic Software US President Donald Trump on Friday directed federal agencies to stop using Anthropic’s software. The company’s...

US-Iran Nuclear Talks Advance Without Breakthrough US President Donald Trump said he was not satisfied with Iran’s position as negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program continued this week. Speaking to reporters before departing for Texas, Trump reiterated that while he wants to reach an agreement, Iran cannot be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon.The talks have unfolded against the backdrop of a significant US military buildup across the Middle East. Despite the heightened security posture, Trump stated that he does not want to use military force against Iran, though he added that such action is sometimes necessary.Diplomatic engagement is ongoing. Oman’s foreign minister traveled to Washington on Friday to discuss the issue with...

Gates Says He “Took Responsibility” During Employee Meeting Bill Gates said he “took responsibility for his actions” regarding his past relationship with late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a scheduled town hall with employees of the Gates Foundation, according to a spokesperson for the philanthropic group.The remarks came after a report stated that Gates had apologized to staff during the internal meeting about his association with Epstein.DOJ Documents Detail Meetings After Epstein’s Prison TermDocuments released by the U.S. Department of Justice showed that Gates and Epstein met multiple times after Epstein completed a prison term. The discussions, according to the documents, focused on expanding...

Donald Trump Urges Congress to Pass ‘Dalilah Law’ Targeting Commercial Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Proposal Announced During State of the Union Address US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called on lawmakers to pass new legislation aimed at preventing undocumented immigrants from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses in the United States.Speaking during his State of the Union address, Trump introduced what he referred to as the “Dalilah Law,” a proposal he said would bar any state from issuing commercial driver’s licenses to individuals living in the country without legal status.“Many, if not most, illegal aliens do not speak English and cannot read even the most basic road signs,” Trump said. He urged Congress...

Trump Raises Third Term Prospect Despite Constitutional Bar United States President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address to lay out his second term priorities while again floating the possibility of serving a third term, even though the Constitution bars it.Addressing lawmakers, Cabinet officials, and Supreme Court justices in the House chamber, Trump said, "The first year of the second term… it should be my third term. But strange things happen," drawing a mix of applause and murmurs.The remark revived a theme he has periodically raised since returning to office. In March 2025, he told NBC News that he was "not joking" about the idea of running again in 2028. At other times, he has acknowledged, "It's pretty clear, I'm...

Ottawa Meeting Focuses on Reporting Protocols and Public Safety Canadian officials have expressed disappointment after senior representatives of OpenAI did not present new safety measures during a meeting in Ottawa, held in the aftermath of a mass killing in British Columbia involving a former ChatGPT user.The meeting was convened by Evan Solomon, the federal minister responsible for artificial intelligence, following confirmation that OpenAI had banned an account linked to the suspect but did not alert law enforcement at the time.Account Banned But Not Reported to Police Eighteen year old Jesse Van Rootselaar is suspected of killing eight people on February 10 in the town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, before taking her own...

US Democrats Slam Donald Trump’s ‘State of the Union’ Speech as ‘Disconnected From Reality’ Senior Democrats have sharply criticized US President Donald Trump over his latest “State of the Union” address, calling the unusually long speech “delusional” and out of touch with the struggles faced by ordinary Americans.The annual address, delivered before a joint session of the United States Congress, saw Trump defend his administration’s record and lay out his priorities for the future during his second term in office. However, leading Democratic lawmakers argued that the speech painted a picture of the country that does not reflect everyday realities.Chuck Schumer Says Speech ‘Worlds Apart’ From Reality Top Democratic senator Chuck...

Donald Trump Revives Third Term Talk During State of the Union Address United States President Donald Trump once again raised the prospect of serving a third term in office during his State of the Union address on Tuesday, renewing a theme he has frequently referenced in recent months.Speaking before lawmakers, Cabinet officials, and Supreme Court justices gathered in the House chamber, Trump remarked, “The first year of the second term... it should be my third term. But strange things happen.” He was defeated in the 2020 presidential election by Joe Biden.Third Term Remarks Resurface Trump has repeatedly toyed with the idea of seeking a third term, despite constitutional limits. In March 2025, he told NBC News that he was “not...

Political Tensions Surface During Address at US Capitol US President Donald Trump delivered the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, marking the first such address of his second term before a joint session of Congress.The speech unfolded amid visible protests and pointed political messaging from several Democratic lawmakers, underscoring the sharp partisan atmosphere in the chamber.Al Green Exits Holding Protest Sign During the address, Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, exited the chamber while holding a sign that read, "BLACK PEOPLE AREN'T APES." The moment drew attention as the president continued delivering his remarks.Before the address began, Green was also seen in a...

Starting Wednesday, visitors to Britain from 85 countries must secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation before departure or risk being denied entry, the UK’s interior ministry has announced.The move marks a strict enforcement phase of the country’s border digitisation programme, bringing tighter pre-travel screening requirements for non-visa nationals.What Is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme? The Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme requires travellers who do not need a visa to enter Britain to apply online and pay a fee of £16 before their journey.The programme was first introduced in 2023 and was extended to European visitors in April last year. However, authorities had not strictly enforced compliance until now...

Pentagon Pressures Anthropic to Remove AI Restrictions for Military Use The US Department of Defense has reportedly given Anthropic a firm deadline to open its artificial intelligence systems for unrestricted military use or risk losing its government contract. According to a person familiar with a recent meeting, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei that the company must comply by Friday or face potential consequences.The development places one of the leading AI firms at the center of an escalating debate over the role of artificial intelligence in national security and warfare.Anthropic Stands Apart on Military AI Access Anthropic, the developer of the chatbot Claude, remains the only major AI company...

Donald Trump Revives Third Term Talk During State of the Union Address United States President Donald Trump once again raised the prospect of a third term in office during his State of the Union address on Tuesday, renewing a theme that has surfaced repeatedly in recent months.Speaking before lawmakers, Cabinet officials and Supreme Court justices in the House chamber, Trump reflected on his current tenure and said, “The first year of the second term... it should be my third term. But strange things happen.” He had earlier lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden.Trump Signals Interest in 2028 Run In March 2025, Trump told NBC News that he was “not joking” about the possibility of running again in 2028. His remarks added to...

Donald Trump’s 2026 State of the Union: War Claims, AI Energy Concerns, and Insider Trading Ban Take Center Stage In his 2026 State of the Union address, US President Donald Trump returned to familiar themes of national security, economic protectionism, and voter integrity, while introducing new policy proposals aimed at addressing public concerns over artificial intelligence and rising living costs.The address, delivered ahead of the November midterm elections, placed affordability at the heart of the administration’s messaging, as persistent inflation and ongoing international conflicts continue to weigh on public sentiment.Trump Repeats Claim of Preventing Eight Wars During the speech, President Trump repeated his assertion that...

The US Department of Commerce has announced significant countervailing duties on solar cells and panels imported from companies operating in India, Indonesia, and Laos. The move aims to counteract government subsidies that US officials say have made American solar products uncompetitive in the domestic market.Commerce Department Backs US Solar Manufacturers In its decision released Tuesday, the US Department of Commerce concluded that companies in the three countries benefited from government subsidies that distorted competition in the American solar sector. The ruling aligns with domestic solar manufacturers who have long argued that subsidized imports undermine investments in US-based production.This action marks the latest...

In a politically charged State of the Union address on Capitol Hill, US President Donald J. Trump laid out a series of proposals spanning retirement savings reform, tax relief measures, and a significant shift in trade and fiscal rhetoric.The speech combined policy announcements with campaign-style pledges, placing Social Security, income taxes, and tariffs at the centre of his legislative and economic agenda.New Federally Backed Retirement Plan for Private-Sector Workers President Trump announced that his administration would introduce a new retirement savings option aimed at private-sector employees who do not have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans with matching contributions.Beginning next year, eligible...

Commerce Department Cites Subsidies Behind Solar Imports The United States has announced preliminary countervailing duties on solar cells and panels imported from India, Indonesia and Laos, escalating its efforts to counter what it describes as unfair government subsidies supporting Asian solar manufacturers.The decision, unveiled on Tuesday by the US Commerce Department, follows a trade case filed last year by a coalition representing part of the domestic solar manufacturing sector. US trade officials concluded that companies operating in the three countries benefited from government backing that made American solar products less competitive in the domestic market.Subsidy Rates Cross 100 Percent for India and Indonesia According to...

PM Narendra Modi Congratulates New Dutch Leader, Signals Deeper Bilateral Engagement New Delhi, February 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Rob Jetten on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, expressing optimism about further strengthening ties between the two countries.In a message shared on X, PM Modi noted that India and the Netherlands share an extensive relationship spanning multiple sectors. He said he looks forward to working closely with the new Dutch leader to deepen cooperation between the two nations and their people.Over 75 Years of Diplomatic Ties Anchor Growing Partnership India and the Netherlands maintain a robust and steadily expanding bilateral relationship built on more than 75...

Sugar Shipments Cross 2 Lakh Tonnes by February in 2025-26 Marketing Year New Delhi, February 16: India has exported 201,547 tonnes of sugar through February in the ongoing 2025-26 marketing year, with the United Arab Emirates emerging as the leading destination, according to the All India Sugar Trade Association.Sugar exports this year continue under government-regulated quotas allocated proportionally among mills. The Centre has approved total exports of 2 million tonnes for the 2025-26 marketing year, which runs from October to September. This includes an additional 500,000 tonnes that was recently permitted.White Sugar Dominates Export Mix Out of the total shipments so far, white sugar accounted for 163,000 tonnes, while refined...