Author: Web Desk

Spain: Spain has instructed prosecutors to examine social media companies X, Meta and TikTok over allegations that AI-generated child sexual abuse material has been circulating on their platforms. The Spain government has taken the step as part of a broader effort to curb online abuse and strengthen safeguards for children in digital spaces. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has raised concerns about the impact of such content on minors and has emphasised the need for accountability among large technology firms. Sanchez said that, these platforms have been undermining the mental health, dignity and rights of children, adding that the state cannot…

Dhaka: Tarique Rahman has been sworn into Bangladesh’s parliament with other elected representatives, marking the first legislature since the 2024 uprising that removed the previous administration. The Tarique Rahman leadership has prepared to take charge of the country of 170 million people after an interim government oversaw governance for a year and a half following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s administration. Members of parliament have pledged loyalty to Bangladesh during the ceremony conducted by chief election commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has been expected to formally confirm Tarique Rahman as parliamentary leader, after which President…

Berlin: Volkswagen has moved forward with a wide-ranging efficiency drive designed to cut overall costs by 20 percent by the end of 2028, according to a report by German business magazine Manager Magazin. The Volkswagen leadership has outlined the proposal during a closed-door meeting with senior executives in Berlin in mid-January, where chief executive Oliver Blume and finance chief Arno Antlitz have detailed the scale of the planned reductions. The cost-cutting push has focused on restoring sustainable returns as the group has faced weaker demand in China, tariff pressures from the United States and intensifying global competition. Volkswagen has already…

Colombo: The T20 World Cup has delivered another high-profile encounter as India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in Colombo, confirming progression to the Super 8 stage. The win has extended India’s unbeaten run in completed matches against Pakistan and strengthened standing in the group. India posted a competitive total of 175 for seven after being put into bat. Opener Ishan Kishan provided early momentum with a quick 77 from 40 balls on a turning surface, laying the foundation for a strong score despite regular wickets during the middle overs. Contributions from the middle order ensured India crossed a challenging total…

Cape Canaveral: The International Space Station has returned to full operational strength after a SpaceX mission delivered a new group of astronauts to the orbiting laboratory. The SpaceX capsule carried a multinational crew from the United States, France and Russia, reaching the International Space Station a day after launch from Cape Canaveral. The new arrivals have included Nasa astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, French astronaut Sophie Adenot and Russian cosmonaut Andrei Fedyaev. The mission has been planned to replace colleagues who had to leave early following a serious health issue during a previous expedition. The earlier departure marked Nasa’s…

Sydney: New Zealand floods have disrupted communities across the North Island after intense rainfall and severe gales triggered evacuations, power cuts and transport damage. Weather forecasters have warned that the storm system is expected to intensify further before conditions begin to ease. Authorities have confirmed that one person has died after being trapped in a vehicle in floodwaters. Emergency services have continued response operations as heavy rain has affected several regions since February 13, leading to road collapses, landslides and evacuations from vulnerable homes. A state of emergency has remained in place in the Otorohanga district, a rural area south…

Munich: The Ukraine war has dominated talks among Western leaders, with Germany’s chancellor Friedrich Merz stating that the conflict will only end when Russia becomes economically or militarily exhausted. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Merz has described the gathering as a key indicator of relations between the United States and Europe and said the war has forced Europe to re-engage with global security challenges. The Ukraine war has entered its fifth year and has remained high on the conference agenda. France’s president Emmanuel Macron has said any peace settlement must safeguard Ukraine, maintain European security and avoid encouraging future…

Valentine’s Day, observed each year on February 14, has become one of the most widely recognised celebrations of affection and emotional connection. While often associated with romantic partners, the day has gradually expanded into a broader expression of appreciation for friends, family members and even oneself. Across the United Kingdom and beyond, millions mark the occasion with cards, gifts, shared meals and messages of care. Yet behind the familiar symbols of roses and chocolates lies a history shaped by religion, culture and social change. Historical roots and early legends The origins of Valentine’s Day remain complex and partly debated by…

New Delhi: The T20 World Cup has seen defending champions India continue strong momentum after a comprehensive 93-run win over Namibia in a Group A match at Arun Jaitley Stadium. India have posted 209 for nine after being put into bat, before bowling Namibia out for 116 in 18.2 overs to register a second successive victory. The result in the T20 World Cup has placed India at the top of the group on net run rate, narrowly ahead of Pakistan, with both teams on four points from two matches. The win has also set the stage for a high-profile clash…

Dhaka: The Bangladesh Nationalist party (BNP) has marked a turning point in Bangladesh after parliamentary elections delivered a decisive majority to the opposition party. Early results have shown the Bangladesh Nationalist Party securing a strong lead in seat counts, placing Tarique Rahman in line to become the country’s next prime minister. The BNP victory has followed months of political upheaval and public unrest that had reshaped the country’s political environment. The election has been widely viewed as the first competitive vote in more than 17 years after previous polls faced allegations of irregularities and limited opposition participation. Turnout has been…