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  • Carney says Canada has no plans to pursue free trade agreement with China as Trump threatens tariffs

    Carney says Canada has no plans to pursue free trade agreement with China as Trump threatens tariffs

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has explicitly stated that Canada will not pursue a comprehensive free trade agreement with China, responding directly to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 100% tariffs on Canadian goods should such an arrangement materialize.

    The clarification came Sunday as tensions escalate between the neighboring nations regarding trade relationships with Beijing. Carney emphasized that recent tariff adjustments with China merely address specific sectoral issues that emerged in recent years, rather than constituting a broader free trade initiative.

    ‘Under our existing trade agreement with the United States and Mexico, we have commitments prohibiting the pursuit of free trade agreements with nonmarket economies without prior notification,’ Carney stated. ‘We have no intention of doing that with China or any other nonmarket economy.’

    The diplomatic friction originates from Canada’s recent decision to reduce its 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles to 6.1%, implemented during Carney’s visit to China earlier this month. In exchange, Beijing agreed to lower tariffs on Canadian agricultural products including canola oil, pork, and seafood that had been affected by previous trade measures.

    This arrangement includes an annual cap of 49,000 Chinese EV imports—approximately 3% of Canada’s annual vehicle market—with provisions for gradual increase to 70,000 over five years. Additionally, China committed to investing in Canada’s automotive industry within three years.

    President Trump responded vehemently on social media, characterizing the agreement as ‘a disaster for Canada’ and ‘one of the worst deals, of any kind, in history.’ He warned that Canada must not become a ‘drop off port’ for Chinese goods entering the U.S. market.

    The trade dispute occurs alongside broader geopolitical tensions, including Trump’s expressed interest in acquiring Greenland and suggestions about Canadian sovereignty. Carney has positioned Canada as a leader among middle powers seeking to counterbalance U.S. influence, notably declaring at Davos that ‘if you are not at the table, you are on the menu’—a remark widely interpreted as criticism of Trump’s approach to international relations.

  • US security agreement for Ukraine is ‘100% ready’ to be signed, Zelenskyy says

    US security agreement for Ukraine is ‘100% ready’ to be signed, Zelenskyy says

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Sunday that a comprehensive U.S. security guarantees agreement for Ukraine has reached completion following intensive multilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi. The breakthrough emerged from unprecedented trilateral discussions involving high-level diplomatic and military representatives from Ukraine, the United States, and Russia—marking the first such format in an extended period.

    During his diplomatic visit to Lithuania, Zelenskyy confirmed the security document stands ‘100% ready’ and awaits finalization of signing arrangements between partner nations. The finalized agreement will subsequently undergo ratification procedures through both the U.S. Congress and Ukraine’s parliamentary system.

    Parallel to security negotiations, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s strategic objective to achieve European Union membership by 2027, characterizing this geopolitical alignment as a crucial ‘economic security guarantee’ for the nation’s future stability.

    The Abu Dhabi talks, spanning Friday through Saturday, addressed the complex landscape of Russia’s ongoing invasion now approaching its fourth year. While acknowledging persistent fundamental disagreements—particularly regarding territorial integrity and Russia’s illegal annexation of eastern regions—Zelenskyy noted the discussions concluded constructively. He reiterated Ukraine’s non-negotiable position on territorial sovereignty, stating ‘Our position regarding our territory must be respected.’

    According to U.S. officials involved in the process, negotiators will reconvene in the United Arab Emirates on February 1 for subsequent rounds. The comprehensive agenda covered military and economic considerations, including potential ceasefire arrangements preceding a formal agreement. Outstanding issues remain, particularly regarding operational oversight of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant—Europe’s largest nuclear facility currently under Russian occupation.

    The diplomatic momentum coincides with reported backchannel discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former Trump administration officials, though the Kremlin maintains any peace agreement necessitates Ukrainian withdrawal from contested eastern territories.

  • Drake seeks appeal after defamation lawsuit against ‘Not Like Us’ song dismissed

    Drake seeks appeal after defamation lawsuit against ‘Not Like Us’ song dismissed

    Canadian rap superstar Drake has initiated appellate proceedings following the dismissal of his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) concerning Kendrick Lamar’s controversial 2024 track ‘Not Like Us.’ The legal battle stems from lyrical content within the song that labeled Drake a “certified pedophile” and suggested he be “placed on neighbourhood watch.”

    The dispute originated during the peak of a highly publicized musical feud between the two artists in May 2024. Drake’s legal team contended that UMG, his longtime label partner of over a decade, knowingly promoted and distributed material containing defamatory statements that endangered his safety and damaged his global reputation.

    In October 2025, U.S. District Judge Ada E. Vargas dismissed the case, ruling that the lyrics constituted artistic expression within the context of a “heated rap battle” where reasonable listeners would recognize hyperbolic rhetoric rather than factual assertions. The court emphasized the established tradition of exaggerated insults within hip-hop diss tracks.

    Drake’s attorneys now argue this ruling establishes a “dangerous” precedent that effectively creates immunity for defamatory content in musical disputes. Legal representative Michael J. Gottlieb asserted that the decision implies “rap diss tracks cannot contain statements of fact,” thereby insulating them from defamation liability regardless of their damaging nature.

    The appeal documents stress the particular severity of pedophilia accusations and their potential to incite violence against the accused. Drake’s team maintains that many listeners interpreted Lamar’s lyrics as factual claims rather than artistic hyperbole.

    UMG’s legal counsel has until March 27 to formally respond to the appellate filing. This case continues to highlight the complex intersection of artistic expression, defamation law, and the competitive traditions of hip-hop culture.

  • Death toll rises to 16 following landslide in Indonesia’s West Java

    Death toll rises to 16 following landslide in Indonesia’s West Java

    Rescue operations in Indonesia’s West Java province continue under challenging conditions as the confirmed death toll from a devastating landslide has risen to sixteen. The disaster struck the Cisarua area within West Bandung Regency, burying numerous homes under tons of earth and debris.

    According to official statements from West Java Police spokesman Hendra Rochmawan, only seven of the sixteen recovered victims have been formally identified through conventional means. The remaining nine bodies are undergoing sophisticated DNA analysis to establish their identities, with all unidentified remains temporarily housed at a local hospital facility.

    The scale of the tragedy appears far more extensive than initially reported. Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency has mobilized approximately 250 specially trained personnel to locate an estimated 80 individuals who remain missing and are presumed buried beneath the landslide debris.

    The rescue mission represents a complex multi-agency effort hampered by extremely difficult terrain conditions. Authorities have deployed technological assets including surveillance drones and specially trained tracking dogs to enhance search capabilities. However, the operation faces significant limitations as unstable ground conditions prevent the full deployment of heavy machinery that could accelerate debris removal but potentially compromise rescue team safety.

    The geographical characteristics of the Cisarua region, known for its steep slopes and volcanic soil composition, have historically made it susceptible to landslides, particularly during Indonesia’s rainy season which typically extends from November through March. The incident highlights ongoing challenges facing disaster response agencies in Indonesia’s topographically diverse archipelago.

  • Sharma hits 14-ball 50 as India beats NZ with 10 overs to spare and wins T20 series

    Sharma hits 14-ball 50 as India beats NZ with 10 overs to spare and wins T20 series

    In a spectacular display of power-hitting, India secured an emphatic series victory against New Zealand, triumphing by eight wickets in the third Twenty20 international on Sunday. The match, held in Guwahati, witnessed one of the most dominant performances in T20 cricket history as India chased down New Zealand’s total of 153-9 with a staggering 10 overs to spare.

    Young opener Abhishek Sharma delivered a career-defining performance, blasting an unbeaten 68 runs from just 20 deliveries. His explosive innings featured a remarkable half-century reached in only 14 balls, including four massive sixes that demoralized the New Zealand bowling attack. Sharma found perfect synergy with captain Suryakumar Yadav, who contributed 57 not out from 26 balls, as the pair orchestrated a devastating 102-run partnership in just 40 deliveries.

    The victory was set up by India’s bowling unit, which saw the triumphant return of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. The premier fast bowler made an immediate impact with figures of 3-17 from his four overs, effectively restricting New Zealand to a below-par score despite Glenn Phillips’ battling 48 off 40 balls and Mark Chapman’s contribution of 32 runs.

    With this comprehensive win, India established an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, having previously claimed victory in Nagpur by 48 runs and in Raipur by seven wickets. The teams now look ahead to the fourth T20 encounter scheduled for Wednesday in Visakhapatnam, where India will aim to extend their dominance while New Zealand seeks to salvage pride in the concluding matches.

  • Dubai Police’s horse riding therapy helps 765 individuals, children of determination

    Dubai Police’s horse riding therapy helps 765 individuals, children of determination

    Dubai Police’s innovative therapeutic horse riding initiative has demonstrated significant success, providing comprehensive support to 765 individuals including children with special needs. This groundbreaking program, operated through the Dubai Police Mounted Police Station, represents one of the most effective contemporary approaches to addressing both physical and intellectual challenges through equine-assisted interventions.

    The comprehensive therapy program delivers dual benefits, facilitating physical rehabilitation while simultaneously enhancing psychological well-being. The initiative has garnered complete trust from parents and guardians, achieving an unprecedented 100% satisfaction rate according to official statements from Dubai Police authorities.

    Supervised by highly qualified specialists at the Mounted Police Station, the therapeutic sessions utilize specially trained horses equipped for rehabilitation purposes. The affiliated Equestrian School plays a pivotal role in training riders and delivering specialized equestrian services to diverse community segments. The program incorporates advanced technological solutions through the Smart Stable project, which implements cutting-edge technologies in equine care and management alongside specialized strategic planning initiatives.

    The program’s outstanding results were formally announced during an inspection visit by Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police. During his assessment, Al Marri emphasized the multifaceted role of mounted patrols in supporting conventional police operations while enhancing public safety perceptions across the emirate.

    Beyond its therapeutic achievements, the Mounted Police Station recorded exceptional operational metrics: a 99.1% job happiness rate, perfect 100% training completion, 81.67% physical readiness rate, and earned the prestigious Gold ‘Wosool’ accessibility certification from Dubai Municipality, recognizing the facility as fully equipped for people of determination.

  • China successfully conducts first metal 3D printing experiment in space

    China successfully conducts first metal 3D printing experiment in space

    China has marked a monumental advancement in space technology by successfully executing its inaugural metal 3D printing experiment in orbit. This pioneering achievement represents a critical transition from terrestrial research to practical space-based engineering verification, positioning China at the global forefront of in-orbit manufacturing capabilities.

    The groundbreaking experiment was conducted using a specialized retrievable scientific payload developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Mechanics. The equipment traveled aboard the Lihong-1 Y1, a commercial recoverable suborbital vehicle engineered by CAS Space primarily for space tourism applications. On January 12th, the spacecraft launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, reaching an altitude of approximately 120 kilometers and crossing the Kármán line—the recognized boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space.

    Upon achieving microgravity conditions, the system autonomously fabricated metal components, overcoming extraordinary challenges unique to the space environment. Researchers conquered complex obstacles including stable material transport in weightlessness, full-process closed-loop control systems, and seamless coordination between the experimental payload and launch vehicle.

    Following the mission, the payload capsule safely returned to Earth via parachute-assisted landing, enabling scientists to recover invaluable data on melt pool dynamics, material transport mechanisms, solidification behavior, and the geometric precision and mechanical properties of space-manufactured components.

    The Lihong-1 Y1 vehicle, celebrated for its cost-effectiveness and operational flexibility, demonstrated its viability as a platform for scientific experimentation. Beyond the 3D printing apparatus, the mission also transported precious rose seeds for agricultural research purposes.

    According to deputy chief designer Wang Yingcheng, ongoing development focuses on incorporating crew-life-support systems and high-reliability escape technologies, potentially enhancing both low-cost suborbital research capabilities and commercial space tourism prospects. This breakthrough establishes a foundation for future space infrastructure development and advanced manufacturing operations beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

  • Dubai billionaire says India could lose millions of outsourcing jobs to AI

    Dubai billionaire says India could lose millions of outsourcing jobs to AI

    DUBAI – Artificial intelligence is poised to trigger a seismic shift in global labor markets that could cost India millions of outsourcing jobs, according to prominent Dubai billionaire Hussain Sajwani. The Damac founder and chairman issued this stark warning during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, Switzerland.

    Sajwani drew historical parallels to illustrate the transformative power of AI, comparing its potential impact to the Industrial Revolution and the internet’s emergence. “AI will revolutionize the world tenfold, perhaps even a hundredfold, compared to the internet’s impact,” he stated. “Nations that fail to embrace this technology risk being left behind, much like the Ottoman Empire’s decline after rejecting the typewriter.”

    The billionaire specifically highlighted India’s vulnerability due to its massive outsourcing industry. “Approximately 80% of accounting positions, nursing roles, and similar occupations face replacement by AI systems,” Sajwani projected. “This technological displacement eliminates the necessity for Western companies to maintain offshore staffing arrangements in South Asia.”

    Sajwani identified distinct tiers of AI adoption globally: “China, America, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia are establishing leadership through substantial investments and strategic implementation. While smaller economies like the UAE may not single-handedly influence global trends, American and Chinese advancements will undoubtedly drive this revolution.”

    Conversely, Sajwani expressed skepticism about Europe’s approach: “European nations appear to be lagging in AI development. I anticipate they will implement restrictive regulations to protect existing jobs, ultimately hindering their competitive position.”

    UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi echoed these sentiments during separate Forum remarks, noting the Emirates’ increasing reliance on robotics and AI to address labor shortages in construction and manufacturing sectors. “Our aging unskilled workforce presents significant challenges,” Al Zeyoudi explained. “Robotic solutions have become essential for maintaining economic development.”

    The discussion expanded to include Middle Eastern prosperity and reconstruction initiatives, with Sajwani expressing support for peace efforts in Gaza while noting that primary reconstruction funding would necessarily originate from governmental rather than private sources.

  • Pakistan announces 15-member squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

    Pakistan announces 15-member squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

    The Pakistan Cricket Board has officially revealed its 15-player roster for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, introducing six newcomers to mega-event cricket while retaining experienced campaigners. The announcement came during a Sunday morning press conference at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium featuring PCB Director of High Performance Aqib Javed, T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, and white-ball head coach Michael Hesson.

    Pakistan finds itself positioned in Group A for the tournament’s initial phase, commencing their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7th in Colombo. The 20-team competition will see each nation play four group stage matches between February 7th and March 8th, progressing through Super Eight and Knockout stages.

    The selection blend combines fresh talent with seasoned professionals. Captain Salman Ali Agha leads a group of six players receiving their first major tournament call-ups: Faheem Ashraf, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Tariq. This infusion of new blood complements nine veterans with previous World Cup experience including star batter Babar Azam, pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, and all-rounder Shadab Khan.

    Preparation begins immediately with a three-match T20I series against Australia scheduled for January 29th, 31st, and February 1st at Gaddafi Stadium, serving as crucial match practice before the global tournament. The selection strategy appears to balance explosive batting potential with versatile bowling options, particularly emphasizing all-round capabilities across the squad.

    Complete Squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.

  • US preparing to deport Iranians despite unrest, killings, NGO says

    US preparing to deport Iranians despite unrest, killings, NGO says

    The Trump administration is moving forward with plans to deport Iranian nationals back to their home country despite ongoing security concerns following recent violent suppression of mass protests, according to revelations from the National Iranian American Council (NIAC). This would mark the first deportation flights to Iran since widespread uprisings rocked the nation, reaching their peak in early January before being brutally suppressed with thousands reported killed.

    The Iranian-American advocacy organization disclosed Thursday that it had obtained information indicating the administration’s intention to resume deportation flights to Iran, following previous removal operations conducted in September and December. NIAC President Jamal Abdi expressed grave concern over the decision, stating: “The same administration that promised Iranians that ‘help is on the way’ amid a deadly crackdown is now forcibly sending Iranians back into danger.”

    According to Iranian diplomat Abolfazl Mehrabadi, who represents Tehran’s interests in the United States, approximately 40 Iranian nationals are scheduled for deportation. The individuals are expected to depart from an airport in Phoenix, Arizona, according to statements made to Iran’s official IRNA news agency.

    The development comes amid complex diplomatic tensions between Washington and Tehran. President Trump had previously threatened military action against Iran in response to the government’s violent crackdown on protesters, though those threats appeared to diminish after Tehran reportedly suspended planned executions.

    Current reports indicate that at least two men subject to deportation orders remain detained at an immigration facility in Arizona, with legal efforts to prevent their removal still underway. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has not immediately responded to media inquiries regarding the planned deportations, leaving many questions unanswered about the timing and rationale behind this controversial decision.