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Author: JYOTHI PEDDABBINE

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Kospi Hits Record High as Asian Markets Defy Trump Tariff Hike Fears

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South Korea’s benchmark Kospi index surged to a fresh record high on Monday, extending its winning streak for a third straight session as Asian markets showed resilience despite renewed global tariff tensions.

The Kospi jumped 1.7%, driven by strong gains in heavyweight technology stocks. Semiconductor leaders Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix posted significant advances, supported by sustained global demand for memory chips and continued optimism around artificial intelligence and data center growth.

Investor sentiment remained positive across the Asia-Pacific region even after US President Donald Trump announced plans to raise global tariffs to 15% from 10%. Market participants appeared confident that strong corporate earnings, improving economic indicators, and robust demand in key sectors would help cushion the impact of rising trade barriers.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index climbed more than 2%, reflecting strong buying interest in financial and technology shares. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 also moved higher, supported by gains in mining and energy stocks. Meanwhile, China and Japan markets remained closed due to national holidays, limiting overall regional trading volume.

India’s benchmark Nifty 50 index recorded modest gains, highlighting the relative stability of emerging markets despite ongoing geopolitical and trade-related uncertainties. Analysts noted that investors are increasingly focusing on long-term growth opportunities in Asia, particularly in technology, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

Global markets showed mixed reactions to tariff developments. While Asian equities advanced, cryptocurrencies faced renewed selling pressure. Bitcoin dropped more than 3%, reflecting investor caution amid global economic uncertainty and tightening financial conditions.

Oil prices also declined, with Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate futures slipping as traders evaluated the potential impact of tariffs on global trade flows and energy demand.

Market experts said the strong performance of Asian equities, particularly South Korea’s Kospi, demonstrates investor confidence in the region’s economic fundamentals. The continued growth of semiconductor exports, technological innovation, and stable domestic demand have strengthened South Korea’s position as a key driver of global technology supply chains.

Looking ahead, investors will closely monitor further developments in US trade policy, global inflation trends, and central bank decisions. Despite short-term volatility, analysts believe Asia’s strong economic outlook and technological leadership will continue to attract global investment and support long-term market growth.

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Severe Snowstorm Forces Air India to Cancel New York, Newark Flights

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Air India has cancelled its flights to and from New York and Newark scheduled for February 23 following a severe winter storm alert issued across the northeastern United States. The airline said the cancellations were necessitated by heavy snowfall, strong winds, and poor visibility that could significantly disrupt airport operations.

Flights operating between Delhi/Mumbai and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) as well as Newark Liberty International Airport have been affected. Airport authorities in the region warned of hazardous runway conditions, potential de-icing delays, and air traffic congestion as the storm intensifies.

In an official statement, Air India emphasised that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority. “Due to adverse weather conditions and forecasted snowstorm activity in the New York region, certain flights scheduled for February 23 have been cancelled. We regret the inconvenience caused and are extending full support to affected passengers,” the airline said.

Helpline Numbers Issued

Air India has released dedicated helpline numbers and urged travellers to check their flight status before proceeding to the airport. Passengers can contact the airline’s customer support centres or use the official website and mobile app to reschedule flights or seek refunds.

The airline is offering:

  • Complimentary rebooking on the next available flight
  • Full refunds for cancelled sectors
  • Flexible date change options without penalty
  • Assistance with accommodation in select cases

Wider Travel Disruptions Expected

The winter storm is expected to bring several inches of snow along with freezing temperatures across New York and neighbouring states. Such weather events typically lead to cascading delays, aircraft rotations being disrupted, and crew scheduling challenges. Airlines often proactively cancel flights to avoid last-minute operational chaos and passenger inconvenience at airports.

Meteorological agencies have warned that conditions may worsen through the day, with wind gusts potentially causing further flight disruptions. Travellers are advised to allow extra time for travel once services resume, as airports work through backlogs.

Monitoring the Situation

Air India stated that it is closely monitoring weather updates and coordinating with airport authorities in the United States. Operations are expected to resume once weather conditions stabilise and safety clearances are provided.

Passengers booked on flights in the coming days are advised to remain alert for further announcements, especially if the storm system lingers longer than forecast.

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U.S. Supreme Court Limits Donald Trump’s Tariff Powers in Major Ruling

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The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a major setback to President Donald Trump by ruling that he exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs, marking a significant check on his expansive use of executive power.

In a 6–3 decision authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, the conservative-majority court struck down one of Trump’s signature economic policies. The ruling challenged Trump’s claim that he could use emergency powers to impose tariffs broadly in the name of national economic security.

The decision represents one of the most direct judicial rebukes of Trump during his second term, signaling limits on presidential authority even as he has exercised strong influence over Congress and federal institutions.

Trump reacted angrily to the ruling, reportedly saying he was “seething” upon learning of the decision. He publicly criticized the justices, including some he had appointed, calling their decision weak and embarrassing. Despite the setback, Trump insisted that the ruling would not significantly reduce his overall authority.

Tariffs have been central to Trump’s economic strategy. He has frequently described tariffs as his “favorite word” and used them to pressure foreign governments, influence trade negotiations, and support domestic industries. His administration had relied on emergency powers to justify imposing duties without direct congressional approval.

The Supreme Court’s decision challenges that approach and reinforces Congress’s constitutional role in regulating trade and taxation. Legal experts say the ruling could reshape how future presidents use emergency powers to impose economic measures.

The timing of the decision is politically significant, coming ahead of upcoming midterm elections and amid global economic uncertainty. Analysts say the ruling could weaken Trump’s ability to implement aggressive trade policies and may influence investor confidence and international trade relations.

Despite the defeat, Trump indicated he would continue pursuing his economic agenda, highlighting dissenting opinions that suggested presidents may still retain some authority to impose tariffs under certain circumstances.

The ruling underscores the Supreme Court’s role as a constitutional check on executive power and marks a pivotal moment in defining the limits of presidential authority in economic policymaking.

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WhatsApp Introduces ‘Group Message History’ Feature to Help New Members Catch Up

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WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature called Group Message History, one of its most anticipated updates, aimed at helping new members quickly catch up on group conversations. The feature allows existing participants to share a selection of recent messages when adding someone new to a group.

According to parent company Meta Platforms, the feature is among the platform’s “most requested” additions and is designed to improve user experience while maintaining privacy and transparency.

With the update, group members can choose to share between 25 and 100 previous messages with a newly added participant. This helps provide context without requiring users to manually send screenshots or forward multiple messages.

WhatsApp clarified that message history sharing is not automatic. Instead, it requires manual action by group members, and administrators have the option to disable the feature entirely for their groups. However, group admins will always retain the ability to share message history if needed.

For transparency, WhatsApp ensures that when message history is shared, all group participants are notified. The shared messages include clear timestamps and sender information and are visually distinct from regular chat messages, helping users easily identify them.

The company said the feature is designed with privacy protections in mind, ensuring that users maintain control over what content is shared with new members. This approach balances convenience with WhatsApp’s strong emphasis on secure communication.

The Group Message History feature is being rolled out gradually to users worldwide and is expected to significantly improve group chat usability, especially in large or active groups where conversations move quickly.

The update comes as Meta continues expanding its messaging and artificial intelligence capabilities, including recent partnerships and infrastructure investments aimed at enhancing its digital communication ecosystem.

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OpenAI Enters AI Hardware Race With Smart Speaker and Smart Glasses Plans

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OpenAI is developing a new family of artificial intelligence-powered consumer devices, including a smart speaker, smart glasses, and potentially a smart lamp, according to a report by The Information. The initiative highlights the company’s expansion beyond software into dedicated AI hardware.

More than 200 employees are currently working on the project, reflecting OpenAI’s growing investment in creating devices designed specifically to integrate with its AI technologies. The smart speaker is expected to be the first product released in the lineup.

According to the report, the smart speaker could be priced between $200 and $300 and is unlikely to ship before February 2027. The device will reportedly include a built-in camera, allowing it to observe its surroundings and gather contextual information to improve AI interactions and user assistance.

The planned devices are expected to provide more personalized and intuitive experiences by combining AI software with purpose-built hardware. This approach could allow users to interact with AI more naturally through voice, vision, and environmental awareness.

The move signals OpenAI’s ambition to compete in the rapidly evolving AI hardware market, where companies are increasingly developing devices designed around artificial intelligence assistants rather than traditional operating systems.

Smart glasses are also being explored as part of the product family, which could enable hands-free AI assistance, real-time information display, and augmented reality features. Similarly, a smart lamp could integrate AI-driven automation, environmental sensing, and intelligent home controls.

The development comes as technology companies race to define the next generation of computing platforms centered on AI assistants. Dedicated AI devices could eventually reduce reliance on smartphones and traditional computers by offering more seamless, always-available AI interaction.

If launched successfully, OpenAI’s hardware products could mark a major shift in how consumers access and use artificial intelligence in everyday life, extending the company’s influence beyond software into the broader consumer electronics market.

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North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Focuses on Economy, Promises Better Lives for Citizens

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un opened the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) in Pyongyang, pledging to lift living standards and accelerate economic development. The party congress, which occurs once every five years, is a major event where Pyongyang sets long-term goals in defense, diplomacy, and the economy.

In his opening speech, Kim stated that the nation faces “heavy and urgent historic tasks” and emphasized the need to transform all aspects of state and social life without delay. While military strength continues to be a top priority, he stressed that economic fortification and improving the lives of citizens are now central to his agenda. Kim also claimed that North Korea had overcome its “worst difficulties” over the past five years, entering a new phase of “optimism and confidence in the future.”

Observers noted that Kim made no mention of relations with South Korea or the United States, which South Korean analysts interpreted as a positive sign of stabilizing inter-Korean ties. Over the past year, subtle improvements have been reported, including the suspension of propaganda broadcasts and coordinated responses to recent drone incursions. North Korea’s praise for these measures, voiced by Kim Yo Jong, is unusual and reflects the changing tone of engagement with the South.

Despite these diplomatic signals, North Korea’s military posture remains firm. Kim unveiled 50 new nuclear-capable short-range missile launch vehicles during the congress, and analysts are scrutinizing satellite imagery for signs of large-scale military parades, which have historically showcased the country’s most advanced weapons.

The true state of North Korea’s economy is difficult to assess, but experts suggest gradual recovery, supported by increased trade with China and weapons exports to aid Russia in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Thousands of North Korean troops are reported to have participated in the conflict alongside Russian forces, and the country has exported significant amounts of ammunition.

The congress convenes around 5,000 party representatives, including 200 senior officials from the WPK headquarters and more than 4,700 regional and industrial delegates. Analysts are particularly watching for indications regarding the potential succession of Kim’s teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who could become a fourth-generation leader of the Kim dynasty.

The event underscores North Korea’s continued balancing act between maintaining military supremacy and promoting domestic economic development, while cautiously navigating its relationships with Seoul, Washington, and Beijing.

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Pakistan vs New Zealand Colombo Weather Forecast: Rain May Threaten T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Clash

Rain is expected to play a part during the Pakistan vs New Zealand Super 8 clash in the T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo, potentially impacting both teams’ chances in the tournament. Both sides qualified for the Super 8 stage after finishing second in their respective groups during the round-robin matches.

A cricket fan takes shelter under an umbrella during the T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo. (AFP)

After a highly entertaining 40 matches in the group stages of the T20 World Cup 2026, the tournament moves into the Super 8 stage today, with Pakistan facing New Zealand at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. However, weather forecasts indicate a high chance of rain affecting the match.

Pakistan enters the Super 8 stage after finishing second in Group A behind India, while New Zealand qualified with a second-place finish in Group D. The top two teams from each Super 8 group will advance to the knockout semi-finals scheduled for March 4 and 5.

Rain Forecast and Match Implications

According to the UK Met Office (metoffice.gov.uk), rain is likely to begin in Colombo in the afternoon, with a 50–60% chance of precipitation. The situation is expected to worsen later in the day, with an 80% likelihood of rain from 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM, which overlaps with the scheduled start time of the match at 7 PM IST. The rain probability is expected to decrease later in the night.

As per ICC rules, there is no Reserve Day for Super 8 games. Reserve days are provided only for the knockout matches, including the semifinals and final. For a match to yield a result, a minimum of five overs per side is required. If the Pakistan vs New Zealand clash is washed out, both teams will share points, potentially impacting their chances of progressing to the semifinals.

R. Premadasa Stadium Record

So far, the R. Premadasa Stadium has hosted five matches in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, with teams batting first winning on four occasions. The venue has already seen high-profile clashes, including India vs Pakistan, and witnessed a major upset when Zimbabwe defeated Australia.

Following the Pakistan vs New Zealand game, the stadium will host two additional Super 8 matches — New Zealand vs Sri Lanka on February 25 and England vs New Zealand on February 27.

Predicted Playing XI

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Khawaja Nafay, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza,

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi

Cricket fans will be closely monitoring the skies in Colombo, as weather could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this Super 8 opener. Teams will need to adapt their strategies accordingly, with rain potentially shortening overs or altering pitch conditions.

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Super 8 Action Begins in T20 World Cup With Semi-Final Berths at Stake

The Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup gets underway today, marking the beginning of the high-stakes phase of the tournament. In the opening Super 8 clash, New Zealand will face Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 PM IST, with both sides aiming for a strong start in the second round.

India will launch their Super 8 campaign tomorrow against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The highly anticipated encounter is expected to draw a packed crowd, with both teams entering the stage in strong form.

Super 8 Format and Groups

The Super 8 round features two groups of four teams each:

Group 1: India, Zimbabwe, West Indies, South Africa
Group 2: Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, New Zealand

Each team will play the other three teams in their group once. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. All teams begin the Super 8 stage with zero points, as results and net run rate from the group stage are not carried forward.

The format ensures a fresh start, increasing competitiveness and making every match crucial in determining the semi-finalists.

Group Stage Recap

The group stage concluded with Australia defeating Oman by nine wickets in the final Group B match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka. Chasing a modest target of 105, Australia reached the total comfortably in just 9.4 overs, showcasing dominant batting performance.

Earlier, Oman were bowled out for 104 in 16.2 overs, struggling against disciplined Australian bowling. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa delivered a standout performance, claiming four wickets and earning the Player of the Match award.

What to Expect

With powerhouse teams now competing in tighter groups, the Super 8 stage is expected to deliver intense contests, strategic battles, and standout individual performances. Teams will need consistency across all departments — batting, bowling, and fielding — to secure a place in the knockouts.

Fans can look forward to high-pressure encounters, as traditional rivals and top-ranked sides battle for a coveted semi-final berth in what promises to be a thrilling phase of the tournament.

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Files Reveal Epstein Was Offered Opportunity to Invest in Pentagon-Linked Property

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Newly released emails from the United States Department of Justice files indicate that late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was offered the opportunity in 2016 to invest in a large office complex tied to the US Department of Defense, according to a report by ITV News.

The 84,710-square-metre property, located about 1.6 kilometres from the The Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, was described in investor materials as a “mission-critical” site. Marketing documents reportedly claimed it was the only property in Arlington besides the Pentagon itself capable of meeting the space and infrastructure requirements of the Department of Defense.

The proposed transaction was valued at approximately $116 million. Under the deal structure outlined in the documents, Epstein would have become a co-owner of the property and, effectively, a landlord to the US government. There is no evidence that the transaction was ever completed.

The revelation has raised concerns among analysts about potential security implications, given the sensitivity of facilities linked to the Department of Defense. The prospect of a convicted individual acquiring a financial stake in property serving a key national security institution has prompted renewed scrutiny of oversight mechanisms surrounding federal leasing and real estate arrangements.

Among millions of emails released last month, a memo attributed to an FBI informant alleged that Epstein had connections to Israel’s intelligence services, including claims that he was a “Mossad agent.” The memo also referenced Epstein’s relationship with Ehud Barak, who served as Israel’s prime minister and previously held senior military and intelligence roles.

Barak reportedly visited Epstein’s New York residence multiple times between 2013 and 2017. However, no official confirmation has been provided regarding any intelligence affiliations, and the claims contained in the informant memo remain unverified.

The released documents also detail Epstein’s financial contributions to various Israeli organisations and charitable groups. The renewed focus on his international ties follows broader disclosures related to his associations with political figures, business leaders, and members of global elite circles.

The Pentagon-linked proposal appeared in three documents within the file release: an internal email, an investor presentation, and a deal summary. The disclosure adds another dimension to ongoing examinations of Epstein’s financial network and the extent of his business dealings prior to his 2019 death while in federal custody.

Legal and national security experts say the case underscores the importance of transparency and due diligence in transactions involving government-linked properties. The newly revealed communications are likely to prompt further review by policymakers and investigators examining the scope of Epstein’s connections and influence.

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US Envoy Says It Would Be ‘Fine’ If Israel Expanded Across Middle East

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Mike Huckabee, the United States ambassador to Israel, has sparked global debate after suggesting he would not object if Israel expanded its territorial control across much of the Middle East, citing religious and historical interpretations of the region’s borders.

In an interview with commentator Tucker Carlson, Huckabee was asked about the biblical concept of Israel stretching from the Nile River in Egypt to the Euphrates River in Iraq. The area referenced in that interpretation includes present-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and portions of Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

“It would be fine if they took it all,” Huckabee said during the discussion. However, he later clarified that his remarks were not meant to suggest imminent territorial ambitions and described the statement as “somewhat of a hyperbolic expression.”

Huckabee, who was appointed ambassador by Donald Trump, has consistently voiced strong support for Israel throughout his political career. He emphasized in the interview that Israel is not currently seeking territorial expansion and that any such outcome would likely be linked to defensive circumstances rather than deliberate policy.

He added that territorial changes could occur only if Israel were attacked and subsequently gained control during conflict. “If they end up getting attacked and they win that war, then the situation becomes different,” Huckabee noted, suggesting that outcomes of military conflict could reshape territorial realities.

The remarks have drawn international attention, particularly as tensions remain high across the Middle East due to ongoing conflicts and geopolitical rivalries. Diplomats and analysts say comments from senior US officials can influence perceptions of American foreign policy and its neutrality in regional disputes.

The US State Department has not issued an official clarification regarding Huckabee’s remarks or whether Secretary of State Marco Rubio shares similar views. Historically, US policy has supported negotiated settlements, respect for sovereignty, and diplomatic solutions rather than unilateral territorial expansion.

Observers note that such statements may reflect ideological perspectives held by certain political and religious groups in the United States, but do not necessarily represent formal government policy. Nonetheless, the comments have prompted renewed discussion about the role of religion, diplomacy, and geopolitics in shaping Middle East policy.

Experts warn that rhetoric involving territorial expansion can increase regional sensitivities, especially amid ongoing conflicts involving Israel and neighboring states. Many countries in the region continue to advocate for peaceful resolutions and adherence to international law.

The controversy also highlights the delicate balance US officials must maintain while supporting allies and preserving diplomatic relations with other nations in the Middle East. Analysts say that messaging from ambassadors and senior officials can significantly influence regional trust and strategic partnerships.

As geopolitical tensions evolve, the United States is expected to continue engaging with regional partners to promote stability, security cooperation, and diplomatic dialogue. Huckabee’s comments underscore the broader political and ideological debates shaping international discussions about sovereignty, security, and the future of the Middle East.

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