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Russia conducted a series of secret military satellite launches around the time of its invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, U.S. intelligence officials began delving into the mystery of what, exactly, the Russians were doing. Later, spy agencies discovered Russia was working on a new kind of space-based weapon that could threaten the thousands of satellites that keep the world connected. In recent weeks, a new warning has circulated from U.S. spy agencies: Another launch may be in the works, and the question is whether Russia plans to use it to put a real nuclear weapon into space — a violation of a half-century-old treaty. The agencies are divided on the likelihood that President Vladimir Putin would go so far, but nonetheless the intelligence is an urgent concern to the Biden administration.

Russia on Sunday said it had full control of the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka after Ukraine withdrew though Moscow said that some Ukrainian troops were still holed up in a vast Soviet-era coke plant after one of the most intense battles of the war. The fall of Avdiivka is Russia's biggest gain since capturing the city of Bakhmut in May 2023, and comes almost two years to the day since President Vladimir Putin triggered a full-scale war by ordering the invasion of Ukraine. Russia's defence ministry said its troops had advanced 8.6 km (5.3 miles) in that part of the 1,000-km (620-mile) front line, and that Russian troops were pressing forward after a deadly urban battle that has left the town an almost completely depopulated wreck.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday asserted that ministers would have no choice but to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls if that was the overwhelming opinion of local MLAs and party leaders, setting off worries in sections of ministers who are loath to the idea. The CM, responding to queries at Malavalli in Mandya district over social welfare minister HC Mahadevappa’s public refusal to contest the LS polls, said the party would go by the recommendation of the local MLAs, party candidates who lost the assembly polls, as well as block, and district presidents. Be it Mahadevappa or any other minister, the party would give the ticket to whoever the local leaders wanted, the CM said, suggesting that the ministers would have to take the plunge if the situation demanded that. The social welfare minister had, on Saturday, told the media that he did not want to contest the polls when he was told his name was among the potential candidates the party’s survey had revealed. A displeased Mahadevappa said the survey should probably also include the names of the CM and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar as they were also competent and popular leaders to contest the LS election.

US ambassador to Moscow visited a makeshift shrine to Alexei Navalny on Sunday, as Russian authorities suppressed memorials and tributes to the late opposition leader. Rights groups say police have detained over 400 people at gatherings for the politician, a leading critic of President Vladimir Putin who died in an Arctic prison Friday.

Jagran has reported. The top court had declared that Masih, the designated council member, must appear before the top court on February 19. Earlier on 5 February, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud-led bench which included Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra observed that the returning officer Anil Masih must be prosecuted as he was clearly seen defacing the ballot papers on video.

2024 Lok Sabha elections, said sources as quoted by India Today. Speculation is rife that former Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath might ditch the Congress and switch to the BJP. He reached Delhi on Saturday, reportedly to meet the BJP leadership there.

‘Smart enough to have multiple options,’ Jaishankar hails India's diplomatic versatility, Antony Blinken smiles Sino-U.S. relations have shown signs of improvement in recent months as both sides took steps to re-establish channels of communication after ties between the two global superpowers sank to their lowest levels in decades. But many points of friction remain.

BAFTA) Awards scheduled for February 18 evening. The BAFTA is scheduled for Sunday, February 18, at London's Royal Festival Hall, marking the venue's second consecutive year hosting the event, having previously been held at the Royal Albert Hall for several years. The award show will take place in the United Kingdom from 7 to 9 pm today, Sunday, February 18.

Kamal Nath and his son Nakul Kamal Nath arrived in Delhi on Saturday amid reports of their switch to the BJP. Kamal Nath has not denied the rumours. The nine-time Parliamentarian has not met any top BJP leaders.

ended on February 16th. Mr Navalny’s death was blamed by Russian prison authorities on a blood clot—though his doctor said he suffered from no condition which made that likely. Whatever ends up on his death certificate, he was killed by Vladimir Putin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin personally sent congratulatory messages to his troops An ‘artificial deficit’ of arms for Ukraine risks giving Russia breathing space, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on withdrawing troops from Avdiivka. He further highlighted the need for artillery and long-range weapons.

Biden vs Trump: The lineup in the 2024 US election has long been a foregone conclusion, with a rematch between the two presidents appearing all but certain. But what would happen if, for any number of reasons, one of the two contenders does not end up taking part in the November vote? Apart from immense political confusion, here is what would happen, according to the rules and experts: What would cause President Joe Biden, an 81-year-old Democrat, or ex-president Donald Trump, the 77-year-old Republican, not to be on the ballot? Age for one.

Pakistan has established a high-level committee to probe the rigging allegations made by Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha. The decision came after Chatha resigned from his post in protest against electoral irregularities on Saturday, Dawn reported.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, has confirmed his death and demanded that his body be handed over to his family «immediately.» Yarmysh accused Russian officials of lying in order to delay the process, CNN reported. Yarmysh's statement comes after Russian prison service said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's critic Navalny died on Friday after he felt unwell during a walk in his prison and fell unconscious. The cause of his death is not clear.

Biden versus Trump: The lineup in the 2024 US election has long been a foregone conclusion, with a rematch between the two presidents appearing all but certain. But what would happen if, for any number of reasons, one of the two contenders does not end up taking part in the November vote? Apart from immense political confusion, here is what would happen, according to the rules and experts:

Israel has sent negotiators for truce talks in Cairo as requested by US President Joe Biden but they did not go back for further talks because Hamas' demands were "delusional," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday. Netanyahu also said Israel would not give in to «international dictates» regarding a statehood agreement with the Palestinians, which he said could only be reached through direct negotiations without preconditions.

Netherlands on Saturday night, said police adding that tear gas was also used to quell the unrest in The Hague as rioters torched police cars and a bus, AP reported. Images from the scene showed vehicles in flames and dozens of men in the street, some throwing rocks. “It got seriously out of hand," The Hague Municipality spokesman Robin Middel said.

artificial intelligence race, and there is no way forward but for the Indian government to step up and invest to create these enabling conditions, according to experts and industry representatives. Abhishek Singh, president and CEO, National eGovernance Division, and managing director and CEO, Digital India Corporation, said that once key pieces like compute and access to Prasar Bharati content are solved, maybe Indian startups will start building foundational models.

By Nathan Layne and Gram Slattery

Alexei Navalny, the Russian President Vladimir Putin's high-profile critic allegedly has passed away in a prison surrounded by the most security. An Oscar-winning documentary film has been made about him.

(Corrects to remove erroneous reference to Italy about to approve new aid package for Ukraine)