World News

$18 trillion investment, record market highs, low inflation: Fact-checking Donald Trump's SOTU 2026

As of the evening of the speech, the White House's own website listed ‘major investment announcements’ totaling $9.7 trillion for his current term

Trump accuses Biden era of creating 'worst inflation', says America now 'hottest country'

Trump says he returned to the White House after inheriting a difficult situation, but claimed the country has since undergone a major 'transformation'.

Will Trump deliver longest SOTU ever? A look at past records from Nixon’s shortest to Clinton’s marathon

Historically, one of the lengthiest modern State of the Union speeches was delivered by Bill Clinton in 2000, lasting nearly an hour and a half

‘Countries that ripped us are now paying tariffs’: Trump calls Supreme Court setback ‘unfortunate’ in SOTU

In his State of the Union address, US President Donald Trump defended his tariff policy despite a Supreme Court setback, vowed the measures would remain in place to boost national security and ease costs, and promised Americans would soon pay the lowest prescription drug prices in the world.

‘Black people aren’t apes’: Democrat protests at Trump address over Obama video controversy

During his first second-term State of the Union, US President Donald Trump faced Democratic protests, including a sign reading “BLACK PEOPLE AREN’T APES!” following backlash over a deleted video about Barack Obama, even as he declared the union “strong” and said “we are winning.”

Trump says US has secured over 80 million barrels of oil from 'new friend' Venezuela

Stating that the US will “never go back” to where it was a “short while ago”, Trump noted that the border is now secure, spirits are restored, incomes are rising fast and the economy is “roaring like never before”

Prediction markets go all in as Trump's State of the Union sparks millions in online betting frenzy

Among the most commonly wagered outcomes are bets on repeated references to national terms like "America" or "American," and projected mentions of high-profile subjects such as former President Joe Biden

Trump declares ‘America is back’ in first State of the Union of second term, greets Supreme Court justices

In his first State of the Union of his second term, US President Donald Trump hailed a “roaring” economy and secure border, vowed lower interest rates, and briefly greeted Supreme Court justices days after a ruling struck down his signature tariffs.

'Iran is building missiles that could reach us,' says Trump: SOTU Highlights

This is first State of Union address by President term in his second term

Turkish Air Force F-16 crashes during mission in Balıkesir, pilot killed | Video

A Turkish Air Force F-16 jet went down shortly after takeoff from the 9th Main Jet Base in Balıkesir, killing the pilot and prompting a formal investigation into the cause of the crash.

PM Modi Israel visit live: India stands with Israel in this moment and beyond, reiterates PM Modi in Knesset

PM Modi Israel visit live: The visit, scheduled for February 25-26, comes at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

US warns Anthropic to allow unrestricted use of AI by military

The ultimatum marks an escalation in a growing dispute between the Defense Department and the AI startup over the company’s insistence on guardrails for use of its Claude AI tool that the military sees as unnecessary.

US imposes 126% countervailing duties on Indian solar imports, raises subsidy concerns

The US has announced countervailing duties on solar cells and panels from India, Indonesia and Laos, citing concerns that government subsidies are undermining domestic manufacturers.

US Secy of State Rubio briefs lawmakers, 'gang of eight' as Iran tensions escalate amid military build-up

President Donald Trump has taken a firm position, warning that Iran must either agree to US conditions or face escalation.

Former Israeli Ambassador Daniel Carmon says India-Israel ties go beyond leaders ahead of PM Modi’s visit

The visit comes at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and marks PM Modi’s second trip to Israel.

UK makes ETA travel permit mandatory for visitors from 85 countries starting February 25

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme requires all visitors who do not need a visa to enter Britain to purchase a pre-travel permit online at a cost of 16 pounds ($21.57).

UN chief António Guterres calls Ukraine war a ‘stain on humanity,’ urges immediate ceasefire

Referring to Russia's invasion, Guterres said: "We have witnessed the cascading consequences of this blatant violation of international law."

Inside the Mexican country villa that became 'El Mencho's' final refuge

The two-storey residence at No. 39 with stone walls and a red-tiled roof served as a discreet hideout for the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), who died on Sunday after a military ambush in the woods behind the home.

US nears stricter H-1B wage rules after federal review clearance

The development is particularly important for Indian professionals. As per USCIS data, Indians accounted for 71% of all approved H-1B applications in fiscal 2024 -- around 2.8 lakh approvals, including extensions.

US judiciary seeks control of courthouse management amid ‘crisis’

The GSA in a statement said it disagreed with the judiciary's claim that courthouses were in "crisis" due to mismanagement.

US sets Friday deadline for Anthropic in AI military dispute

At the heart of the conflict is Anthropic's refusal to let its Claude models be used for the mass surveillance of US citizens or in fully autonomous weapons systems.

French President Macron accepts resignation of Louvre museum chief after jewel theft

Laurence des Cars submitted her resignation letter to President Emmanuel Macron, which was accepted.

Iran FM Abbas Araghchi says nuclear deal 'within reach' ahead of US talks: 'If diplomacy given priority'

Tehran and Washington are due to hold a third round of nuclear negotiations on Thursday in Geneva, the latest since talks resumed earlier this month.

Pakistani journalist reveals how his country 'backstabbed' India in 1971

His comments refer to the aftermath of the 1971 conflict, when Pakistan’s defeat led to the creation of Bangladesh and a large number of Pakistani prisoners of war were held by India.

London Indian restaurant 'Rangrez' to close after 16 years, owner cites Pakistani attacks, costs and safety concerns

The combination of unresolved concerns and ongoing pressures has now culminated in the decision to close Rangrez, bringing an end to its 16-year presence in London.

Arnault tightens grip on LVMH as his stake crosses the 50% mark

Arnault’s family raised its stake in LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE to 50.01%, up from 49.77% at the end of last year, the company said

Western countries skip Russia’s UN address on Ukraine war anniversary

Several Western nations stayed away, leaving Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky speaking to a bare-looking hall.

Apple investors approve executive pay, reject China proposal

The iPhone maker shared the results on Tuesday during its annual meeting of shareholders, which was held virtually

Most Americans say Trump is growing erratic with age: Report

White House spokesman Davis Ingle said the poll results were examples of 'fake and desperate narratives'

Russia probes Telegram founder Pavel Durov for ‘aiding terrorism’ amid crackdown on messaging apps

Moscow has restricted access to both Telegram and WhatsApp, Russia's two most popular messaging apps, as it tries to shift users onto Max -- a state-backed alternative which critics say lacks privacy -- but so far without much success.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards hold coastal drills as US weighs possible military action

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards conducted military drills along the Gulf coast involving drones and missiles amid rising US tensions over nuclear talks, as Washington boosts naval forces and warns of possible strikes.

S&P 500 rebounds as Anthropic’s update tempers AI concerns

The S&P 500 Index was up 0.6% at 11:04 a.m. in New York, with seven of 11 sectors in the green, led by consumer discretionary and information-technology stocks

Sarabjeet Kaur case: Indian husband moves Lahore High Court to nullify her Pakistan marriage, cites Islamic law

The case dates back to November 4 last year, when Sarabjeet Kaur travelled to Pakistan as part of a jatha of over 2,000 Sikh pilgrims to mark Guru Nanak Dev Parkash Purv.

Trump’s State of Union to address economic worries ahead of midterm vote

President Donald Trump will use his State of the Union speech to defend immigration policies, tariffs and foreign policy actions while arguing the economy is strong ahead of key elections amid criticism.

PM Modi in Israel for two days: What's on agenda and why the visit matters for India | Explained

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the visit as historic and has repeatedly referred to Modi as a “dear friend”, underscoring the personal rapport between the two leaders.

'Putin has not broken Ukraine': Zelensky marks war anniversary as Russia vows to press on

On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Volodymyr Zelensky said “Putin has not broken Ukraine” as Moscow vowed to continue fighting. Both sides remain deadlocked over territory amid heavy battlefield losses.

Putin says Russia has intel on possible explosion targeting Black Sea gas pipelines, targets ‘anti-peace forces’

Putin said Russian security agencies had received operational information suggesting preparations for an explosion targeting underwater gas infrastructure.

Imran Khan’s sister Noreen falls into under-construction drain in Rawalpindi

PTI leaders were stopped from meeting jailed former prime minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, where two women were injured, as medical reports showed improvement in his eyesight following treatment.

Ukraine war: UK announces largest sanctions package on Russia since 2022 invasion

The UK announced its largest sanctions package against Russia since 2022, targeting oil exports, military suppliers, energy sectors and pro-Russian media, as London marked the Ukraine invasion anniversary.

Cyclone Horacio becomes world’s first Category 5 storm of 2026: How powerful is it and is India safe?

Horacio is currently active over the remote waters of the South Indian Ocean and is being closely tracked by weather agencies due to the speed at which it intensified.

Indian-origin Sikh kidnapped, killed in California in suspected mistaken identity case

Avtar Singh, a 57-year-old Sikh man in California, was kidnapped outside a gurdwara and later found dead near Lake Berryessa in a suspected case of mistaken identity, police said.

‘Complete intelligence failure’: How Pakistan airstrikes in Afghanistan missed TTP targets, killed civilians

The strikes did not eliminate any senior TTP commander or key militant leader, despite Pakistan’s stated objective of targeting terrorist infrastructure operating from Afghan territory.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese evacuated from official residence after security threat

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was evacuated from The Lodge in Canberra after a reported security incident, though police later said no suspicious items were found and there was no ongoing threat.

At Ukraine war anniversary, Johnson urges Europe to match Trump’s pressure on India over Russian oil

At a Kyiv forum marking four years of war, Boris Johnson backed Donald Trump’s push to curb India’s Russian oil purchases, as Europe debated stronger measures against Vladimir Putin.

PM Modi's Israel visit: What is ‘Hexagon of Alliances’ and why Israel wants India on board | Explained

Netanyahu has proposed what he calls a "Hexagon of Alliances," a six-nation strategic framework designed to link countries in and around West Asia through security, diplomatic and economic cooperation.

Why is US Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur visiting Bangladesh — and why does it matter?

US Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur’s March visit to Bangladesh signals deepening ties, focusing on trade, defence agreements, Rohingya repatriation and strategic engagement following the formation of the new government.

From summons to standoff: Why France is blocking the US Ambassador until he responds | Explained

The controversy centres on Charles Kushner, the US ambassador to France and the father of Charles Kushner, who is the son-in-law and adviser of US President Donald Trump.

Jailed former PM Imran Khan receives eye treatment as aide demands access for personal doctor

Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan received eye treatment in Islamabad, as aides demanded access to his personal doctor and family amid claims of worsening vision and alleged medical neglect.