US President Donald Trump announced an upcoming deal with Ukraine to access its valuable rare earth minerals. Trump's directive aims to boost US production of critical minerals. However, last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the deal due to inadequate security guarantees, leading to strained US-Ukraine relations amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
Related news
Elon Musk is visiting the Pentagon on an invitation from defense secretary Pete Hegseth. Controversy arose after the New York Times reported Musk would be briefed on a secret war plan against China, a claim denied by both Trump and Pentagon officials. They assert the meeting focuses on innovation and efficiencies, not war strategies.
A plane crash off the coast of Roatán, Honduras, resulted in at least 12 fatalities and left one passenger missing. The Lanhsa Airlines jet crashed into the sea due to suspected mechanical failure. Honduran musician Aurelio MartÃnez was among the dead, while a 40-year-old French survivor is receiving treatment. Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing.
US diplomats met with Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad. Concerns remain about minority and women's rights under the Islamist-led government. International powers are calling for an inclusive government, while Kurdish groups fear Turkish attacks. Demonstrations in Damascus protested against religious rule.
Namal Rajapaksa, son of former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa, was indicted by Colombo's high court for alleged misappropriation of funds from an Indian investment before 2015. He was released on bail, with the case scheduled for March 27. The Rajapaksa family claims the charges are part of a political witch hunt, as they face revived corruption investigations under the new NPP government.
US President Donald Trump plans to have discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping following a promising phone call. Topics included trade, TikTok, Taiwan, and Fentanyl. Trump, who had previously threatened higher tariffs, now intends to solve problems collaboratively. He has also expressed interest in visiting China within his first 100 days in office to strengthen ties.
Kash Patel was confirmed by the Senate as the next FBI Director with a 51-49 vote. Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voted against Patel, citing concerns about his previous political activities possibly influencing his tenure. Mitch McConnell, despite opposing many prominent Trump picks including Tulsi Gabbard and RFK Jr, supported Patel.
North Korea launched an unidentified projectile towards the East Sea, following a January 6 display of a hypersonic missile system. This event underscores Pyongyang’s advancing military capabilities and its alignment with Russia amid the Ukraine war. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un continues to criticize US security ties with Seoul and Tokyo while bolstering stringent anti-US policies.
Virginia Giuffre, a key figure in the Jeffrey Epstein case, shared a tragic update on Instagram, revealing she has days to live after a severe car accident led to kidney failure. Known for her advocacy for sexual abuse victims, Giuffre's post has garnered global support. Reflecting on her journey, she remains determined to see her children one last time.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont led a mission to India, aiming to enhance trade ties and attract investments. The delegation engaged industry leaders and government officials in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, discussing collaborations in technology, biosciences, and financial services, and signed an MoU with Tamil Nadu to expand cooperation.
Since its founding in 1971, Southwest had two perks: open seating and bags fly free. But now both are gone, first, they did away with open seating and then free baggage. CNN called this move a "seismic shift" for the Southwest and the 'Bags fly free' policy which was also its tagline set Southwest apart from its competitors.