Israel recovers bodies of four hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

 

Israel Receives Bodies of Four Hostages from Hamas in Gaza

For the first time, Israel has recovered the bodies of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza as part of an ongoing ceasefire agreement.

Hamas claims the deceased include three members of the Bibas family—mother Shiri and her young children, Kfir and Ariel, who were nine months and four years old when abducted.

BBC correspondent Paul Adams describes a profound sense of grief across Israel following the news.

Hamas alleges that the Bibas family members were killed in an Israeli strike over a year ago but has provided no evidence. The BBC has not independently verified this claim, and Israel has stated it will await forensic testing before confirming their deaths.

The fourth body recovered is that of 84-year-old Oded Lifschitz, a veteran peace activist, according to Hamas.

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Trump labels Zelensky a 'dictator' as tensions between the two leaders escalate.

 

Trump Labels Zelensky a 'Dictator' as Tensions Escalate

Former U.S. President Donald Trump spent the day attacking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, referring to him as a "dictator" and further straining relations between the two leaders.

Trump's remarks followed Zelensky’s reaction to U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, from which Ukraine was excluded. Zelensky accused Trump of "living in a disinformation space" influenced by Moscow.

At a Saudi-backed investment forum in Florida, Trump claimed that Zelensky’s only notable skill was "playing Joe Biden like a fiddle."

The "dictator" remark quickly drew criticism from European leaders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the statement "wrong and dangerous," defending Zelensky’s democratic legitimacy. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed his support for Zelensky in a phone call, with a Downing Street spokesperson emphasizing that suspending elections during wartime was a legitimate action, referencing the UK’s decision during World War II.

Zelensky is set to meet U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg on Thursday, stressing the need for constructive discussions and cooperation with the U.S. In a social media post, he emphasized that peace efforts would be more secure with U.S. and European backing.

Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, leading to the suspension of elections. Zelensky’s five-year term was originally set to conclude in May 2024.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also condemned Trump’s statement. Baerbock called the claim "absurd," pointing out that true dictatorship exists in Russia and Belarus, not Ukraine.

During his Florida speech, Trump repeated his accusation, citing Zelensky’s refusal to hold elections and claiming his approval ratings in Ukraine were low. He also accused the Ukrainian government of breaking a deal regarding rare-earth minerals.

In his Truth Social post, Trump escalated his criticism, stating that Zelensky had done a "terrible job," and that "millions have unnecessarily died." He claimed the U.S. was "successfully negotiating an end to the war with Russia."

A White House official suggested that Trump's post was in direct response to Zelensky’s earlier accusations of disinformation. The remarks followed high-level U.S.-Russia talks, the first since the invasion.

Trump’s comments aligned with Russian narratives, further disrupting the U.S. stance on Ukraine. In a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, he blamed Ukraine for the ongoing war, suggesting they could have "made a deal."

Zelensky dismissed Trump’s allegations, reiterating that Russia alone was responsible for launching the invasion. He emphasized that the world must choose between "Putin or peace."

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin reacted to the controversy, expressing his willingness to meet with Trump. The European Union, in response to Russia’s continued aggression, announced further sanctions targeting Russian aluminum, oil transport vessels, and additional Russian banks.

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US and Russia begin talks aimed at ending Ukraine war

 

US and Russia Hold Landmark Talks on Ukraine War in Saudi Arabia

For the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, high-level diplomatic talks between the United States and Russia are taking place in Saudi Arabia. The meeting marks a significant moment in international relations, but it is notable for who is absent from the discussion—neither Ukraine nor European nations have been invited.

Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, is meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in what is being seen as a tentative effort to explore possible diplomatic solutions to the ongoing war. The atmosphere before the meeting was tense, with both delegations sitting in silence. BBC correspondent Tom Bateman, who is covering the event, attempted to ask Rubio whether the United States was sidelining Ukraine by engaging in talks without its involvement. However, the Secretary of State did not respond.

A First Step or a Risky Move?

According to US officials, the primary objective of the talks is to assess whether Russia is genuinely interested in negotiating an end to the war. They emphasize that this is only an initial step and that no formal agreements are expected at this stage. Russia, on the other hand, has stated that it hopes these discussions will serve as a foundation for restoring diplomatic ties with the United States, which have significantly deteriorated since the invasion.

However, the absence of Ukrainian representatives has sparked an immediate backlash from Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that Ukraine will not acknowledge or accept any agreements reached without its direct involvement. He reiterated that any decisions about Ukraine’s future must be made with Ukraine at the table, not behind closed doors between global powers.

European Leaders Demand Inclusion

European nations have also expressed concerns about being excluded from the negotiations. In response to the US-Russia talks, European leaders held an emergency summit yesterday to discuss their stance. The exclusion of key European allies has led to speculation that the US is pursuing a separate diplomatic track, raising concerns about its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and European security interests.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer weighed in on the situation, stating that he would consider deploying British troops to Ukraine in the event of a lasting peace agreement. However, other European nations were more hesitant, with many leaders reluctant to commit military support without clearer diplomatic guarantees.

As the talks unfold, the world is watching closely. While some see the meeting as a potential breakthrough, others fear it could undermine Ukraine’s position in the conflict. The outcome of these discussions remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—any agreement without Ukraine’s involvement is bound to face significant resistance.

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"I just survived a plane crash—Oh my God!" Witnesses share their harrowing escape in Toronto.

 

"Our plane crashed. It's upside down."

These were the shocking words of John Nelson, a passenger on a Delta Air Lines flight that crash-landed and flipped over while touching down at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Despite the dramatic incident, the airport's chief executive reported that all 80 people on board—76 passengers and four crew members—survived. Eighteen passengers sustained injuries. Local paramedics reported that three individuals—a child, a man in his 60s, and a woman in her 40s—were seriously hurt, though officials confirmed that no one had critical injuries.

"Most people appear to be okay. We're all getting off," Nelson said in a Facebook video posted shortly after the crash.

Later, he told CNN how the landing initially seemed routine. "There was no indication of anything unusual before we touched down," he recalled. "We skidded on our side, then flipped over on our back. There was a big fireball out the left side of the plane."

Like Nelson, fellow passenger Ashley Zook quickly took to social media to share her disbelief, filming herself saying, "I was just in a plane crash. Oh my God."

Passengers Trapped Upside Down

Those on board found themselves in a terrifying predicament.

"We were upside down, hanging like bats," passenger Peter Koukov told CNN.

Another passenger, Pete Carlson, described the disorienting moment to CBC: "One minute you're landing, expecting to see your friends and family, and the next minute you're physically upside down."

Nelson managed to unbuckle himself and push off to the floor, helping others as they struggled to free themselves. "Some people were hanging and needed help, while others were able to get down on their own," he said.

Despite the chaos, Carlson noted that passengers quickly banded together. "Suddenly, everyone on that plane became very close—helping one another, consoling one another," he said.

Escape and Aftermath

Video footage from the scene showed passengers climbing out of the overturned aircraft as fire crews doused it with foam. Airport staff assisted people out of the plane’s doors, with some running away from the wreckage.

Oddly enough, Diane Perry, who was inside the airport at the time, only learned about the crash when her family called her. "It was kind of ironic that we were at the airport and had no idea there was a crash happening outside," she told the BBC.

The cause of the accident remains unknown. Two runways will remain closed for several days as investigations continue, and passengers should expect delays.

For Nelson, the experience is still sinking in. "I'm stressed, nervous, shaky still," he admitted to CNN. "It's amazing that we're still here."

Carlson echoed that sentiment, grateful to be alive despite sporting a fresh cut on his head. "I'm a little balder than I was this morning," he joked.

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At least nine people killed due to floods and heavy rainfall in the US.

 

Rescue efforts are underway in Clarksville, Tennessee.

At Least Nine Dead as Torrential Rains Flood Southeastern US

At least nine people lost their lives over the weekend as relentless downpours inundated parts of the southeastern United States, submerging roads and homes.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed eight fatalities in his state and warned that the death toll could rise. Speaking at a news conference on Sunday, he urged residents to avoid travel, emphasizing, "Stay off the roads right now and stay alive." Hundreds of people stranded in floodwaters—many trapped in their vehicles—were rescued.

In Georgia, a ninth death was reported after a man was killed in his bed when a fallen tree, uprooted by the storm, crashed into his home.

Widespread Storm Alerts and Power Outages

Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina were all under storm-related alerts. Many of these states are still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September.

As of Sunday night, more than half a million households across the eight states were without power, according to poweroutage.us.

Kentucky Hit Hardest

Kentucky bore the brunt of the storm’s destruction, with a mother and her seven-year-old child, as well as a 73-year-old man, among the victims. Some areas recorded up to 6 inches (15 cm) of rainfall, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), leading to widespread flash flooding.

Rising river levels and intense floodwaters left numerous vehicles submerged, as seen in dramatic images shared online. Governor Beshear reported more than 300 road closures and confirmed he had formally requested an emergency disaster declaration from the White House.

President Donald Trump approved the declaration on Sunday, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)—which he has previously suggested abolishing—to coordinate disaster relief efforts.

Threat Not Over Yet

Officials have warned that flooding could worsen in the coming days.

"The rivers are still going to rise," said Eric Gibson, Director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management.

Bob Oravec, a senior forecaster with the NWS, added: "The effects will continue for a while—there are a lot of swollen streams and ongoing flooding."

In Tennessee’s Obion County, heavy rainfall caused a levee to fail, triggering "rapid onset flooding," the local NWS office posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"If you are in the area, GET TO HIGH GROUND NOW! This is a LIFE-THREATENING situation," the warning stated.

The town of Rives, Tennessee, was particularly hard-hit, with floodwaters rushing through streets, submerging homes, and forcing emergency evacuations. Footage shows rescue workers navigating the rising waters in red boats.

Obion County Mayor Steve Carr declared a state of emergency and ordered mandatory evacuations in Rives, citing the dangerous combination of flooding, power outages, and freezing temperatures.

The town, located northeast of Memphis, has a population of roughly 300 residents.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency in 10 counties on Saturday, later expanding it to include three more on Sunday.

"Please continue to be cautious," Morrisey urged in a post on X.

Kristi Noem, head of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees FEMA, said she had been in contact with Governors Beshear and Morrisey and had left voicemails for Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey.

"While emergency management is best handled at the local level, we assured them that DHS stands ready to provide immediate resources and support," Noem stated.

Meanwhile, meteorologists have warned that a polar vortex is expected to hit the northern Rocky Mountains and the northern Plains early this week.

In Colorado, temperatures could plummet to 14°F (-10°C), prompting Denver to open shelters for its homeless population over the weekend.

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South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron found dead in Seoul, police confirm.

 Kim Sae-ron gained fame for her role in the film A Brand New Life.

South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron has been found dead in Seoul, police confirm.

South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron has passed away at the age of 24.

According to the BBC, a friend discovered the actress unresponsive at her home in Seoul on Sunday and immediately contacted the police.

Authorities have found no signs of foul play; however, investigations into the cause of her death are still ongoing.

For those unfamiliar, Kim was considered one of South Korea’s most promising actresses. She began her career as a child actor and gained recognition for her roles in A Brand New Life and A Girl at My Door.

She also starred in television dramas, including Mirror of the Witch.

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McClung Secures Third Consecutive NBA Slam Dunk Contest Victory

 

Mac McClung has appeared in just five NBA games during his career.

Mac McClung Wins Third Consecutive NBA Slam Dunk Contest with Spectacular Performance

Mac McClung electrified the crowd at NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, securing his third straight Slam Dunk Contest victory with a series of jaw-dropping dunks—including one over a car.

The 26-year-old, who has played just five minutes in a single NBA game this season for the Orlando Magic, received perfect 50-point scores for all four of his dunks.

In the first round, McClung soared over a car parked beneath the basket, grabbing the ball from a person holding it through the sunroof before finishing with a reverse dunk. His second dunk featured him leaping over a standing man while twisting mid-air.

For his third perfect score, McClung executed a double dunk—grabbing one ball from a man spinning on a hoverboard while simultaneously dunking another held by someone standing on a ladder.

He sealed the title by dunking over 6-foot-11 Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley, who was elevated on a small platform.

"Truly, stuff like this doesn’t happen without standing on the shoulders of a lot of people," McClung told TNT after defeating San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle in the final round. "I had a lot of help. People were opening gyms to fit a car in. People were allowing me to use their car. I’m just really grateful right now."

Despite his All-Star Weekend stardom, McClung primarily plays in the NBA’s developmental G League, where he was named MVP last season. His limited NBA experience includes just five career games across stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, and Orlando Magic.

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Eighteen Dead in Stampede at New Delhi Station

 

Massive Crowds Trigger Deadly Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station

Deadly Crowd Crush at New Delhi Railway Station Kills 18

At least 18 people have died and 10 others were injured in a crush at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night.

Thousands of passengers flooded the station as they attempted to board delayed trains, leading to the deadly incident. According to officials, four of the victims were children, while 10 were women.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, saying his thoughts were "with all those who have lost their loved ones" in a post on X.

Overcrowding and Delayed Trains Contribute to Tragedy

Witnesses described chaotic scenes as massive crowds gathered, with many travelers heading to and from the Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The station was overwhelmed as people waited for delayed trains, including one bound for Prayagraj.

Ruby Devi, a traveler, said the station was so packed she couldn’t even enter. Umesh Giri, who lost his wife in the crush, recalled how the crowd became "uncontrollable" as he tried to board the Prayagraj Express.

"There were far more people than I have ever seen at this station," said Dharmendra Singh, another passenger. "In front of me, six or seven women were carried away on stretchers."

KPS Malhotra, deputy commissioner of police (railways), said authorities were investigating the incident. "This happened due to a delay in two trains arriving and more people gathering at the station," he explained.

Recurring Crowd Disasters in India

Mass crowd incidents are common in India, especially at religious gatherings and public spaces. Just weeks earlier, 30 people were killed in a pre-dawn crush at the Kumbh Mela, where millions of Hindu devotees had gathered to bathe in sacred waters.

Opposition leaders have criticized the government over the tragedy. Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition in parliament, accused officials of failing to manage the surge in travelers. "Considering the large number of devotees going to Prayagraj, better arrangements should have been made at the station," he posted on X.

Authorities continue to investigate the causes of the crush as families mourn their loved ones.

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Mother and child succumb to injuries following Munich car attack

 

Germany has been mourning the attack which took place on Thursday

Mother and Child Die Following Munich Car Attack

A 37-year-old mother and her two-year-old daughter have died from injuries sustained in Thursday’s car attack in Munich, German police confirmed.

At least 37 people were injured when a vehicle was deliberately driven into a crowd at a trade union rally. The suspect, identified by local media as 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker Farhad N., was arrested at the scene and has admitted to carrying out the attack. Authorities say he appeared to be religiously motivated.

The mother and child were among those hospitalized with serious injuries. “Unfortunately, we have to confirm the deaths today of the two-year-old child and her 37-year-old mother,” police spokesman Ludwig Waldinger told AFP on Saturday.

The attack has reignited security concerns just a week before Germany’s federal elections. Munich has seen multiple attacks involving immigrants, including two linked to Afghan nationals. The incident also took place on the eve of the Munich Security Conference, which began on Friday.

Upon arriving in the city, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance expressed condolences to the victims.

Suspect’s Background

Authorities say the suspect arrived in Germany in 2016. Although his asylum application was denied, he was allowed to stay due to risks of deportation to Afghanistan. He had a valid residence and work permit and no prior criminal record. Police say there is no evidence of ties to jihadist groups, and he appeared to act alone.

During questioning, the suspect admitted to intentionally driving his Mini Cooper into the crowd. Munich public prosecutor Gabriele Tilmann stated that he shouted “Allahu Akbar” upon his arrest, suggesting a possible Islamist motive.

Impact on German Elections

Germany’s upcoming election on 23 February has been dominated by heated debates over migration, following a series of violent incidents linked to asylum seekers.

In December, six people were killed and nearly 300 injured when a 50-year-old Saudi asylum seeker drove into a Christmas market. In January, a two-year-old child and a bystander were killed in a stabbing attack in Aschaffenburg, allegedly carried out by a 28-year-old Afghan asylum seeker.

The recent surge in violence has fueled support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, further intensifying the political climate ahead of the vote.

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Humpback Whale Swallows Kayaker in Chile as Father Captures Video

A terrifying encounter unfolded in Bahia El Aguila, Chile, when a 24-year-old kayaker was briefly swallowed by a humpback whale before being miraculously spat out. The dramatic moment was captured on video by his father, Dell, and has since gone viral on social media.

A Close Call in the Waters of Patagonia

The incident occurred on Saturday near the San Isidro Lighthouse in the Strait of Magellan, located in Chile’s remote Patagonia region. Dell, who was recording from a nearby kayak, initially mistook the approaching whale for “pretty waves.” Moments later, after the whale released his son, he was heard reassuring him, saying, “Stay calm, stay calm.”

Speaking to CNN, Adrian Simancas described the terrifying moment when he felt a slimy texture on his face and saw dark blue and white colors rushing toward him. Suddenly, he was pulled underwater. "I thought it had already eaten me and swallowed me," he recalled. However, within seconds, his life vest pulled him back to the surface, and he began to comprehend what had happened.

Fear and Survival

After resurfacing, Simancas worried about his father’s safety, the possibility of not reaching shore in time, and the risk of hypothermia. Despite the harrowing experience, both father and son made it back to shore safely.

When asked if they would go kayaking again, they answered without hesitation: "Of course."

Not the First Time

A similar incident occurred in November 2020 off a California beach, where a humpback whale nearly swallowed two kayakers while they observed the giant mammals feeding. The whale surfaced beneath their kayak, capsizing it and briefly engulfing them before they escaped unharmed.

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Prosecutors Report Jihadist Motive Behind Munich Attack

 

The attacker confessed to using his Mini Cooper to plow into the crowd in Munich.

An Afghan man arrested on suspicion of deliberately driving into a crowd in Munich, injuring 36 people, has admitted to carrying out the attack and appears to have had a religious motivation, according to prosecutors.

Munich public prosecutor Gabriele Tilmann stated that the suspect shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest) in Arabic upon his detention, suggesting that he "may have had an Islamist motivation."

Among the critically injured victims is a two-year-old girl, who remains in intensive care. In total, eight people sustained serious injuries. Police updated the casualty figures, reporting that 32 of the victims were male and four were female.

The car-ramming incident occurred near Munich central station just 10 days before Germany's federal elections, which have been overshadowed by prior attacks attributed to immigrants. Two of the alleged perpetrators in previous incidents had also come from Afghanistan.

As snow fell in Munich on Friday, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited the attack site, expressing his sorrow by stating, "The brutality of this act upsets us and leaves us stunned."

Munich police chief Guido Limmer confirmed that the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Farhad N., was interrogated for two hours following the attack as part of the ongoing investigation.

During questioning, the suspect admitted to intentionally driving his Mini Cooper into a crowd participating in a trade union protest.

Farhad N was scheduled to appear in court on Friday afternoon. Authorities confirmed that he had no prior criminal record and that there was no evidence linking him to a jihadist group. Police also stated that he appeared to have acted alone.

Having arrived in Germany in 2016, Farhad N’s asylum application was denied, but he was permitted to remain in the country with a valid residence and work permit. Munich prosecutors confirmed that he had been residing in Germany legally.

The attack occurred on the eve of the Munich Security Conference. Upon arriving in the city on Friday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed his condolences to the 36 people injured in the incident.

Initially, authorities suggested that the suspect had been convicted of shoplifting. However, Bavaria's Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann later clarified that he had been employed as a store detective and had testified as a witness in shoplifting cases, rather than being an alleged offender.

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Joann, the struggling fabric retailer, is shutting down 500 of its 800 locations.

 

A Joann store in El Cerrito, California, scheduled for closure. [David Paul Morris/Bloomberg/Getty Images]

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Joann to Close 500 Stores Amid Bankruptcy Struggles

Joann, the fabrics and crafts retailer, is shutting down more than half of its 800 stores in the coming months as it continues to navigate bankruptcy.

In a statement to CNN, the company confirmed approximately 500 store closures across the U.S., stating that “right-sizing our store footprint is a critical part of our efforts to ensure the best path forward.”

“This was a very difficult decision to make, given the major impact we know it will have on our team members, our customers, and the communities we serve,” a Joann spokesperson said.

While the company has not released an official list of affected locations, court filings indicate closures in all 50 states, with California, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington among the hardest hit.

The downsizing comes after Joann filed for bankruptcy last month—its second filing in less than a year. The retailer first declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2024 but quickly re-emerged as a private company, keeping all its stores open.

In its latest filing, Joann cited unexpected inventory disruptions as a major challenge, revealing in court documents that some critical products faced a “ramp-down or complete cessation of production.” The company had also been seeking a buyer, but court records now indicate that a subset of underperforming stores will be excluded from any potential sale.

Joann, which previously rebranded by dropping “Fabrics” from its name, is one of many brick-and-mortar retailers struggling in today’s shifting consumer landscape. Inflation has led many Americans to cut back on discretionary spending, making survival even tougher for traditional retailers.

Other major chains also closing stores this year include Kohl’s and Macy’s. In total, more than 15,000 stores are expected to shut down in 2025—more than double last year’s closures, according to Coresight Research.

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🔴 ECS Malta, 2025 | Day 4 | 11 Feb 2025 | T10 Live Cricket

 

🔴 ECS Malta, 2025 | Day 4 | 11 Feb 2025 | T10 Live Cricket | European Cricket

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Trump announces upcoming tariffs on steel and aluminum.

 

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Trump Announces New Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

Former President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 25% import tax on all steel and aluminum entering the U.S., a move expected to have the greatest impact on Canada.

Trump also indicated that later this week, he would announce reciprocal tariffs on countries that tax U.S. imports. However, he did not specify which nations would be targeted or if exemptions would be granted.

"If they charge us, we charge them," Trump stated.

This marks another escalation in Trump's trade policy, which has previously led to retaliation from China. Canada and Mexico, two of the U.S.'s largest steel trading partners, are particularly affected, with Canada being the top supplier of aluminum to the U.S.

During his first term, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on steel imports and a 10% tariff on aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico, and the European Union. A year later, a deal was reached to remove these tariffs for Canada and Mexico, but the EU tariffs remained until 2021.

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump confirmed that the new tariffs would apply to all steel and aluminum imports.

"Any steel coming into the United States is going to have a 25% tariff," he said.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized Trump’s move, calling it "shifting goalposts and constant chaos, putting our economy at risk." Canada’s steel industry is heavily concentrated in Ontario.

Catherine Loubier, a Canadian political adviser, acknowledged the seriousness of Trump's stance but remained hopeful for a resolution due to the deep economic ties between the two nations.

"Hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs depend on steel and aluminum imports from Canada," she told the BBC. "Nobody wins with these tariffs."

Trump’s comments triggered a decline in shares of major South Korean steel and auto manufacturers, as South Korea is a key exporter of steel to the U.S.

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that his government would push for an exemption, as Australia had previously secured one during Trump’s first term. Albanese also confirmed he had a meeting scheduled with the U.S. president to discuss the matter.

Trump attended a meet-and-greet, which included family members of the victims of this year’s New Orleans truck attack.

Trump Announces Metal Tariffs Amid Escalating Trade Tensions with China

Trump’s announcement of new metal tariffs comes as China imposes retaliatory import taxes on select American goods.

China’s latest measures follow the U.S.'s decision last week to implement a 10% levy on all Chinese imports. In response, Beijing has introduced a 15% border tax on U.S. coal and liquefied natural gas, along with a 10% tariff on American crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large-engine vehicles.

Additionally, China has placed export controls on 25 rare metals, crucial components for various electronic products and military equipment.

Chinese government spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated, “There are no winners in a trade war or tariff battle. What is harmed are the interests of the people of both countries.” He urged the U.S. to “correct its erroneous approach and stop politicizing and weaponizing economic and trade issues.”

Victor Gao, a Chinese diplomat and economist, described the rare metal export restrictions as "direct retaliation" for U.S. policies limiting China's access to semiconductor chips and AI technologies. "This is truly tit-for-tat because China wants free trade for all of these things," he said. Gao also suggested that China would not suffer significant economic damage due to continued U.S. demand for affordable Chinese goods.

"Even with a 10% tariff, Chinese products remain competitive," he told the BBC.

Tariffs are central to Trump’s economic strategy, which he views as a means to boost the U.S. economy, protect jobs, and increase tax revenue.

Earlier this month, Trump threatened to impose a 25% import duty on Canadian and Mexican products but postponed the decision for 30 days—until early March—after discussions with the leaders of both countries.

He also enacted a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, prompting Beijing’s countermeasures, which took effect on Monday.

Trump has since vowed to announce additional retaliatory tariffs “on Tuesday or Wednesday,” stating that they would take effect “almost immediately” afterward.

“The ones that are taking advantage of the United States, we're going to have reciprocal tariffs,” he said. “It’ll be great for everybody, including other countries.”

Trump Declares ‘Gulf of America’ Day Amid Controversial Renaming of Gulf of Mexico

During his trip to New Orleans, Trump signed a proclamation designating February 9 as "Gulf of America Day" to commemorate his decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico. The announcement came as his plane flew over the body of water.

Mexico has pushed back against the move, arguing that the U.S. lacks the authority to rename the Gulf. Under UN regulations, a nation’s sovereignty extends only 12 nautical miles from its coastline, making international waters beyond that outside U.S. jurisdiction.

When asked whether he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump responded, “I don’t want to talk about it, and if we are talking, I don’t want to tell you about the conversations too early, but I do believe we’re making progress.”

He added, “I would imagine I would be meeting with Putin at the right time… at the appropriate time.”

Trump also repeated his controversial remarks about the U.S. potentially taking over Canada and the Gaza Strip, suggesting that Canada would be better off as the “51st state” and stating he was “committed to buying and owning Gaza.”

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Tears of joy as freed Thai hostages return home

 

Freed Thai Hostages Return Home After 500 Days in Captivity

Five Thai farm workers, who were released by Hamas in Gaza last month, have arrived home in Bangkok after enduring nearly 500 days in captivity.

Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saethao, and Surasak Lamnao had been working in southern Israel when they were kidnapped during Hamas's attacks on 7 October 2023.

Emotional scenes unfolded at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday morning as the five men were reunited with tearful relatives in the arrivals hall.

"I don't know how to put it into words," said Mr. Pongsak, one of the freed hostages.

"I'd like to thank all the officials who helped us get to where we are today. We wouldn't be here without you. We are deeply touched and so grateful to be back home."

Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa called their return "very inspiring" following their release on 30 January.

Somboon Saethao, Mr. Bannawat's father, expressed his overwhelming happiness, saying the family would welcome his son home with a traditional Thai ceremony.

"I don't think I want him to be far from home again," he told AFP.

Mr. Bannawat had moved to Israel nine months before his abduction in search of better financial opportunities for his family.

His wife, Wiayada Saethao, recalled the anguish of the past 15 months, describing it as a period of immense suffering.

"Don't be afraid anymore. We're home now. We're in Thailand. We're going back home," she reassured him.

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India vs England, 2nd ODI Match Live

 

India vs England, 2nd ODI Match | Live Cricket Match Today | IND vs ENG Live Match | IND vs ENG

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India vs England, 1st ODI

 

India vs England, 1st ODI | Live Cricket Match Today | IND vs ENG Live Match | IND vs ENG

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Thousands Evacuate as Floods Devastate Australia

 

Heavy rainfall has triggered flooding in parts of northern Queensland.

A woman has died in Australia, and thousands have been forced to evacuate after torrential rainfall triggered severe flooding in northern Queensland.

Authorities have warned that floodwaters could reach second-storey levels, describing the situation as dangerous and life-threatening.

More than 700mm (26in) of rain has fallen in parts of North Queensland over the past 24 hours, with concerns that "record rainfalls" will continue into Monday, according to Queensland State Premier David Crisafulli.

Meteorologists predict these could be the worst floods the region has seen in over 60 years.

Crisafulli stated that conditions were unlike anything northern Queensland had experienced "for a long time."

"It's not just the intensity, but also the longevity of it," he told Australian broadcaster ABC.

In the city of Townsville, thousands of residents were ordered to evacuate by midday on Sunday, while authorities deployed 100,000 sandbags to hold back floodwaters.

Flooding has also cut off parts of the road between Townsville and the tourist hub of Cairns, complicating efforts to deploy rescue teams and deliver sandbags to affected areas.

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Trump imposes tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada.

 

Trump had vowed to impose significant tariffs upon taking office.

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Trump Announces Sweeping Tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada

US President Donald Trump has unveiled broad new tariffs on all goods imported from America's three largest trading partners—China, Mexico, and Canada.

The US will impose tariffs of 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico, while Chinese goods will face a 10% tariff. Canadian energy products will receive a reduced 10% tariff.

Trump had previously warned of these measures unless the three nations addressed his concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Together, they accounted for over 40% of US imports last year.

"Today's tariff announcement is necessary to hold China, Mexico, and Canada accountable for their promises to stop the flood of poisonous drugs into the United States," the White House stated on X.

On Truth Social, Trump confirmed that the tariffs were enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) due to the "major threat of illegal aliens and deadly drugs killing our citizens, including fentanyl."

China quickly responded, warning against protectionist policies and raising concerns over a renewed trade war. Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang previously stated that China seeks a "win-win" trade resolution and aims to expand imports.

Both Canada and Mexico have vowed to retaliate while reassuring Washington of their efforts to address border security concerns. In an attempt to avoid the tariffs, Canada pledged C$1.3 billion ($900 million) in new security measures.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to address the media Saturday evening. The new tariffs on Canada take effect Tuesday.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce condemned the move as a "profoundly disturbing decision," warning it would "drastically increase costs for everyone" and have "immediate and direct consequences" on both economies.

The White House defended the tariffs, citing the role of Mexican cartels in drug trafficking and accusing China of fueling the fentanyl crisis. Tariffs on Canada, it said, will remain in place until it cooperates with US efforts against drug trafficking and border security.

This story is developing. More updates to follow.

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