US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to India, Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa over their BRICS alliance. He threatened to impose a 150% tariff if BRICS nations attempt to introduce a new currency to rival the US dollar. Accusing them of trying to "destroy the dollar," Trump emphasized that any country seeking to move away from the US currency must sever ties with America. No official response has been received from BRICS nations yet.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized India’s tariff policies and expressed discontent over Elon Musk’s plans to set up a Tesla factory and showroom in India, according to NDTV.

Trump believes that allowing Tesla to manufacture in India would be “unfair” to the U.S. economy. He has previously stated that the U.S. should impose tariffs on India at the same rate as India imposes on American goods. While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi objected to this approach, Trump has maintained a firm stance.

On the other hand, Musk remains focused on expanding Tesla’s presence in India, despite Trump’s opposition.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a dictator, criticizing his refusal to hold elections. Trump remarked that while the U.S. had previously provided financial and military aid to Ukraine, his administration has shifted its approach and initiated talks with Moscow. He noted that Zelenskyy’s presidential term had already expired and insisted that he should hold elections immediately; otherwise, Ukraine might cease to exist as a nation. Trump also expressed frustration over the U.S. spending $35,000 per soldier in the ongoing war.

A devastating whale stranding has occurred on a beach in Tasmania, Australia, where 157 whales have become trapped. Among them, 67 have already died, while rescue efforts are underway to save the remaining 90.

The stranded whales belong to the false killer whale species, known for their medium-sized black bodies. Australia’s Department of Environment has deployed marine specialists to the site to coordinate rescue operations.

Experts estimate that the whales have been stranded for 24 to 48 hours. Authorities are assessing whether the surviving whales can be safely returned to the ocean. Due to the risks involved, the public has been advised to avoid the area.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for complaining about Ukraine’s exclusion from Saudi-hosted peace talks. Trump argued that Ukraine could have avoided the war by making a deal. He expressed disappointment with Kyiv’s reaction and reiterated his past claim that Ukraine was responsible for the conflict. Meanwhile, after U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh, both sides agreed to appoint delegations for war-ending negotiations. Trump, reacting to these developments, stated he is now “much more confident” about ending the war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to direct talks with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed. Despite questioning Zelensky’s legitimacy after his term ended, Russia is willing to negotiate if peace is the goal. Meanwhile, a summit in Riyadh aims to discuss the Ukraine war and U.S.-Russia relations. However, Ukraine has been excluded, prompting Zelensky to reject any peace deal made without Kyiv’s involvement. The summit may lead to a Putin-Trump meeting.

Internal conflicts among Republicans in the U.S. House and Senate are escalating over Trump’s two key legislative agendas, with lawmakers employing conflicting strategies to push them forward.

The House Budget Committee has advanced a massive spending bill incorporating various Trump-backed initiatives, following weeks of internal disputes. The bill is set for a vote next week, though opposition from moderates and conservatives could hinder its passage.

Meanwhile, Senate Republicans have also cleared their own proposal through the Budget Committee, with a vote expected this week. Both chambers are now in a race to pass their respective bills, while House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is attempting to mediate a compromise.

Keith Kellogg, a special envoy for former U.S. President Donald Trump, stated that no peace deal would be imposed on Kyiv. Speaking at a press conference at NATO headquarters, he said discussions about Washington’s commitment to European peacekeeping efforts would take place later.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Saudi Arabia today to discuss the Ukraine war and bilateral relations. Kellogg also announced that he would visit Kyiv this week to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

European leaders are pushing for broader participation in Ukraine peace talks, but the U.S. envoy clarified that not all parties could be included.

On Saturday, a U.S. citizen in Florida shot and injured two Israeli tourists, mistakenly identifying them as Palestinians. The suspect, Mordechai Brafman, has been arrested, and a case was filed against him on Sunday.

According to police reports, Brafman admitted that while driving his truck in Miami Beach, he fired at the two men, believing them to be Palestinians and intending to kill them. However, they survived. Authorities later confirmed that the victims were Israeli tourists, not Palestinians.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent his foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, and top foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, to Saudi Arabia to meet with U.S. officials. The main topics of discussion will include the restoration of Russia-U.S. relations and the potential for peace talks regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are also expected to attend. The meeting is part of preparations for a potential summit between President Trump and President Putin.

The head of the UN AIDS program has warned that millions of people could die from AIDS due to President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend US aid programs. AFP reports that the US is the world’s largest government donor of development aid. After returning to office for a second term, Trump halted these funds, causing humanitarian organizations to struggle. Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of UNAIDS, said, "This has created a catastrophic situation in many countries." Trump's aid freeze initially suspended the "Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief" for 90 days, though later, an exception was made for life-saving drugs.

Torrential rains and severe flooding have claimed at least 10 lives across the southeastern United States, submerging roads and homes. More than 400,000 people are without power. CNN reported on Monday that Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed nine fatalities in his state, warning that the death toll may rise. Authorities have advised residents to stay off the roads while rescue operations continue. In Georgia, a fallen tree claimed another life.

U.S. Presidential Envoy for Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff, stated on Sunday that despite complexities in negotiations, the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire will definitely commence, as President Trump is keen to see its implementation. In an interview with Fox News, Witkoff mentioned productive discussions with the Israeli and Qatari prime ministers and Egypt’s intelligence chief, covering both parties’ stances and future plans. He emphasized that the ceasefire is not just about stopping the war but also includes dismantling Hamas' power in Gaza.

Shakib Al Hasan has been released by the Los Angeles Knight Riders for the upcoming season. Despite playing four matches last season and scoring 60 runs, Shakib has been dropped from the team. The Knight Riders have retained only three foreign players: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Spencer Johnson. Shakib is currently banned from bowling for one year after failing the bowling action test. It remains uncertain whether any team will pick Shakib in the Major League Cricket draft scheduled for February 19.

The United States has canceled significant foreign aid to Bangladesh and several other nations, including a $29 million initiative aimed at enhancing political stability in Bangladesh. This decision, announced by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under CEO Elon Musk, is part of a broader budget-cutting strategy led by the Trump administration. Other affected countries include India, Mozambique, Cambodia, and Nepal. The cuts align with efforts to reduce the U.S. budget deficit and prevent national bankruptcy.