The Trump administration notified Congress it is taking initial steps to possibly reopen the US Embassy in Venezuela, closed since 2019, as it explores restoring relations after the US military ousted Nicolas Maduro. Temporary staff will work from an interim facility while the compound is updated, gradually expanding duties before full embassy operations resume.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian warned US “threats” would only fuel instability as the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group positioned in Middle Eastern waters amid tensions over Tehran’s deadly protest crackdown. He told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that threats harm regional security, while Iran warned neighbours against hosting attacks.
IndiGo has extended the cancellation of flights to Tbilisi, Almaty, Tashkent and Baku until February 11 due to the prevailing situation in Iran. The airline is avoiding Iranian airspace amid escalating regional tensions. Flights were earlier suspended until January 28. IndiGo’s A320neo aircraft lack the range to operate longer alternate routes safely.
The United States announced a multi-day Air Force exercise in the Middle East as tensions rise with Iran over its deadly crackdown on anti-government protests. The drills follow the arrival of the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group. Officials said the exercise will showcase rapid airpower deployment, though no dates or locations were disclosed.
South Africa is considering tariffs of up to 50% on vehicle imports from China and India to protect local manufacturers amid a surge in shipments. An internal trade review is assessing higher duties aligned with WTO limits. Chinese imports rose 368% in four years, while Indian shipments increased 135%. Officials are also exploring tax measures […]
Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered state agencies and public universities to halt new H-1B visa petitions until May 31, 2027, citing the need to prioritize Texans and curb alleged misuse. Supporters warn the pause could worsen staffing shortages and hurt research and healthcare. Exceptions may be granted by the Texas Workforce Commission when justified officially.
New updates say a fresh shooting schedule for ‘Spirit’, starring Prabhas and Triptii Dimri, is set to begin at the end of January 2026 in Mussoorie, though Prabhas may not join that schedule. The multilingual action drama is directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and also features Vivek Oberoi and Prakash Raj in key roles.
Famous singer Arijit Singh has announced his retirement from playback singing through an Instagram post. He thanked fans for their love and support over the years and said he will not take any new playback assignments. Calling it a wonderful journey, his sudden decision has shocked and saddened many fans across the country.
‘Sirai,’ a Telugu-dubbed Tamil crime drama starring Vikram Prabhu, is now streaming on ZEE5. Set around a tense prisoner escort case, the film focuses on a head constable’s moral struggle. With strong performances, especially by L. K. Akshay Kumar, engaging suspense, and emotional depth, ‘Sirai’ is a well-made and gripping watch despite a slow start.
Bollywood actor Sunny Deol’s ‘Border 2,’ starring Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty, is performing exceptionally at the box office and is set to cross Rs. 200 crore. Riding this success, the makers have announced ‘Border 3,’ with T-Series and JP Films producing. Fans eagerly await details on the cast and plot.
A country boat carrying 22 people sank in the Brahmaputra river in Assam’s Barpeta district after hitting a whirlpool. Six passengers, including four children, are missing. Most people were rescued by nearby boats. Rescue teams have launched search operations as officials continue efforts to locate the missing.
After Australia, France has approved a bill banning children under 15 from using social media, with implementation planned from September. Backed by President Emmanuel Macron, the law aims to protect young minds from harmful online content and excessive screen time. The measure also restricts mobile phone use in high schools and aligns with EU digital […]
Jharkhand has announced long-pending municipal elections, with polling scheduled for February 23 and counting on February 27. The Model Code of Conduct is now in force in urban areas. Elections will be held in 48 urban local bodies on a non-party basis, covering over 43 lakh voters across 1,087 wards and 4,304 booths.
‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’, the final film in the Conjuring Universe, became the biggest Hollywood horror opener in India, surpassing ‘The Nun’. Directed by Michael Chaves and starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, it’s based on the Smurl haunting case. From February 13, 2026, Jio Hotstar will stream it free in multiple languages.
Congress MP Imran Masood criticized the government for forcing citizens and religious leaders to prove their faith, calling it an insult to saints and an attempt to spread societal hatred. He alleged that identity checks at temples and sacred sites divert attention from key issues like employment, education, and the economy.