US President Donald Trump has confirmed that Washington and Tehran will hold further talks following what he described as "very good" initial discussions in Oman, even as Iran reiterated it would not agree to completely halt uranium enrichment, CNN reported. The talks, held on Friday in the Gulf Arab state of Oman, marked the first round of negotiations between the two sides since the United States and Israel struck Iran last summer. Delegations from both countries participated in indirect discussions mediated by Oman. "Iran looks like it wants to make a deal very badly. We have to see what that deal is," Trump told reporters on Friday. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he said another round of talks would take place "early next week," though Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later said no date had yet been set. According to CNN, both sides agreed in principle to continue discussions after consulting their respective capitals. The negotiations came amid heightened tensions, including a US military buildup in the Middle East and repeated warnings by Trump that Washington could strike Iran if it refused to sign a nuclear deal or used lethal force against protesters. Ahead of the talks, Araghchi said Iran was entering diplomacy "with open eyes and a steady memory of the past year," while after the meeting he described the discussions as a "good start." However, sharp rhetoric persisted on both sides. Trump said earlier this week that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "should be very worried," while Araghchi warned that Iran would target US bases in the region if Washington carried out threats against the Islamic Republic. Despite describing the talks as productive, Trump said on Friday that a "big fleet" was heading toward Iran and would arrive soon, CNN reported. The talks involved Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff, with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner also participating. While the negotiations were formally indirect, Araghchi told Al Jazeera that he had direct contact with the US delegation and that the two sides exchanged a handshake. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi acted as mediator. Iranian media said the negotiations were meant to follow a format similar to earlier rounds of talks held before the 12-day Iran-Israel war in June, when Omani mediators shuttled between the two sides. Those talks collapsed after Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, followed by US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites. According to CNN, the Israeli government has said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet Trump in Washington next week to discuss the Iran negotiations. Netanyahu has insisted that any agreement must include limits on Iran's ballistic missile programme and an end to its support for regional proxy groups. Iran, however, has said that discussions were strictly limited to its nuclear programme. Araghchi told Al Jazeera that no talks were held on ballistic missiles or regional proxies. "We are prepared to reach an agreement that assures them that enrichment in Iran will be peaceful," Araghchi said, while stressing that Tehran would not accept a complete halt to enrichment. Iran has offered to accept monitoring and checks to ensure its nuclear programme is not weaponised, in exchange for the lifting of US sanctions. Washington and its allies have rejected Iran's insistence on continuing enrichment, viewing it as a potential pathway to developing nuclear weapons. Following the talks, the US announced new sanctions on Iranian oil and 14 vessels carrying it, signalling continued economic pressure. "Instead of investing in the welfare of its own people and crumbling infrastructure, the Iranian regime continues to fund destabilising activities around the world," State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, as quoted by CNN. The stakes remain high as the US continues to move military assets, including the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, closer to the region. Trump has previously said an "armada" was moving toward Iran "just in case." Regional countries have been pushing for de-escalation, fearing that a new conflict would destabilise the Middle East and disrupt global energy markets. Iran has warned that any US or Israeli attack would be met with a far stronger response than in previous confrontations, including possible strikes on US bases and disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil and gas supplies, CNN reported.
08 February,2026 10:22 AM IST | Washington | ANIPresident Donald Trump endorsed Nexstar Media Group's USD 6.2 billion purchase of broadcast rival Tegna on Saturday, an apparent reversal from earlier criticism of the deal. "We need more competition against THE ENEMY, the Fake News National TV Networks," Trump wrote on social media. "Letting Good Deals get done like Nexstar - Tegna will help knock out the Fake News because there will be more competition. ... GET THAT DEAL DONE." The acquisition, which Nexstar announced in August and requires regulatory approval, would bring together two companies with significant holdings in local broadcast media. Nexstar oversees more than 200 owned and partner stations in 116 markets nationwide and also runs networks like The CW and NewsNation. Meanwhile, Tegna owns 64 news stations across 51 markets. Trump criticised the purchase in November, saying: "If this would also allow the Radical Left Networks to 'enlarge,' I would not be happy." But the companies operate independently of the large broadcast networks such as ABC and NBC. In September, Nexstar, along with the right-leaning Sinclair Broadcast Group, suspended Jimmy Kimmel's ABC late-night talk show for about a week after Kimmel's comments on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The deal has occurred as the Federal Communications Commission is seeking to reform rules that limit local TV station ownership. Some court decisions have also struck down regulations that limited the number of top TV stations in a single market that one company could own. Nexstar has sought to portray the deal as consistent with the Trump administration's deregulatory moves. "The initiatives being pursued by the Trump administration offer local broadcasters the opportunity to expand reach, level the playing field, and compete more effectively with the Big Tech and legacy Big Media companies that have unchecked reach and vast financial resources," Nexstar CEO Perry Sook said when announcing the deal. Yet some conservative voices still oppose the deal. "The Nexstar deal means dangerous consolidation that will limit competition, harm conservative voices and dramatically increase consumer cable bills," the right-leaning network Newsmax said in a statement. "President Trump was right in November when he called for smaller networks and for keeping TV ownership caps to limit massive broadcast consolidation." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 February,2026 10:18 AM IST | Washington | APDozens of relatives and friends of Venezuelan opposition leaders, human rights defenders and others detained for their political activities protested Saturday outside a notorious prison in the capital to demand the immediate release of their loved ones. The demonstration outside Helicoide prison in Caracas comes during mounting pressure on the government of acting President Delcy Rodriguez to release all people whose detentions months or years ago have been linked by their families and nongovernmental organisations to their political beliefs. Her government last month announced it would free a significant number of prisoners, but families and human rights watchdogs have criticised authorities for the slow pace of the releases. Rodriguez last month also promised to close Helicoide, where torture and other forms of physical and psychological abuse of prisoners have been extensively documented. She said the facility, which was initially built to be a mall, would be turned into a cultural, social and sports centre for police forces and adjacent neighbourhoods. Those gathered Saturday outside the facility included political activists released from prison over the past month. They joined families and friends in prayer before marching about two blocks to reach the doors of Helicoide, where they sang Venezuela's national anthem and chanted "Freedom! Freedom!" "We, as family members, and I personally on behalf of my husband, Freddy Superlano, feel this is a mockery, a lack of respect," Aurora Silva, whose husband is a former lawmaker for the opposition, said. She was referring to the pace of releases since they were announced on January 8 by Rodriguez's brother and National Assembly leader, Jorge Rodriguez. "Releases have been carried out piecemeal, and I believe that's only prolonging the suffering of all the families outside the detention centres." Silva's husband is being held at a facility outside Caracas. The ruling party-controlled National Assembly this week began debating an amnesty bill that could lead to the release of hundreds of prisoners. Such an amnesty is a central demand of the country's opposition and human rights activists, who have so far reacted only with cautious optimism and with demands for more information on the contents of the proposal. Jorge Rodriguez on Friday posted a video on Instagram showing him outside a detention centre in Caracas and saying that "everyone" would be released no later than next week, once the amnesty bill is approved. "Between next Tuesday and Friday at the latest, they'll all be free," he said from the location where the loved ones of detainees have spent weeks waiting for their release. Delcy Rodriguez, who was sworn in as acting president after the capture of then-President Nicolas Maduro by the US military, has expressed hope that the law will help "heal the wounds left by the political confrontation" since the rise to power of the late Hugo Chavez, the self-proclaimed socialist leader who governed Venezuela from 1999 to 2013. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 February,2026 10:16 AM IST | Caracas | APPrime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour at the Perdana Putra building here on Sunday, as part of his ongoing two-day official visit to Malaysia. The ceremonial reception at Perdana Putra took place after PM Modi's arrival in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, when Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim personally welcomed him at the airport. Malaysian Minister of Human Resources Ramanan Ramakrishnan and Deputy Foreign Minister Lukanisman bin Awang Sauni were also present to extend the welcome. The arrival ceremony featured a red-carpet welcome accompanied by traditional music and dance performances, celebrating the shared cultural heritage between India and Malaysia. Reflecting on the warm reception, PM Modi posted on X: "Deeply touched by the warm welcome extended by my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the airport. I look forward to our conversations and to further strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and Malaysia." Later, both prime ministers travelled together in the same vehicle to the venue of an Indian community event in Kuala Lumpur, which PM Anwar Ibrahim also attended. Sharing an update on X, PM Modi wrote, "Celebrating the India-Malaysia people-to-people connect! PM Anwar Ibrahim and I are heading to the community programme in Kuala Lumpur." Following these welcoming engagements, PM Modi and PM Anwar Ibrahim are scheduled to hold wide-ranging bilateral discussions on Sunday, February 8. The talks are expected to result in multiple agreements aimed at expanding cooperation across various sectors. In his departure statement before the visit, PM Modi had set the tone by highlighting the priorities of the engagement. "The historic ties between India and Malaysia have seen steadfast progress in recent years. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and further enhancing our comprehensive strategic partnership," he said. "We will aim to deepen our defence and security ties, enhance our economic and innovation partnership, and expand our collaboration into new domains." External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underscored the importance of the visit, stating that it carries a "rich agenda and will give a major boost to the special partnership between India and Malaysia". "The visit is expected to impart significant momentum to our close & multi-faceted partnership," he added. This marks PM Narendra Modi's third visit to Malaysia and his first since the two countries upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024. India and Malaysia share deep-rooted relations shaped by common history, civilisation and culture. These ties are further reinforced by Malaysia's Indian-origin population of about 2.9 million, which forms the world's third-largest overseas Indian community. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 February,2026 10:08 AM IST | Kuala Lumpur | IANSIt wouldn’t feel like the Super Bowl for them if they weren’t all there. And this might be the last time they all do it. That’s what three old friends were coming to grips with just before this year’s Super Bowl. The trio of octogenarians are the only fans left in the exclusive “never missed a Super Bowl” club. Don Crisman of Maine, Gregory Eaton of Michigan and Tom Henschel of Florida were back for another big game this year. But two of them are grappling with the fact that advancing years and decreasing mobility mean this is probably the last time. “This will definitely be the final one,” said Crisman. “We made it to 60.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 February,2026 10:06 AM IST | Kennebunk, Maine | AgenciesAn affiliate of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility overnight for a deadly suicide bombing inside a Shiite mosque on the outskirts of Pakistan’s capital that killed 36 people and wounded 169 others, as mourners gathered Saturday under tight security at the same mosque for funerals for the victims. The regional Islamic State affiliate, known as Islamic State in Pakistan, claimed responsibility in a statement posted on its Amaq News Agency. It said the attacker opened fire on security guards who tried to stop him at the main gate and detonated his explosive vest after reaching the mosque’s inner gate. A police official said that during the operation late on Friday night, four suspects, including a mastermind, were arrested in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in connection with the blast. According to investigation officials, an identity card recovered from them helped establish the attacker’s identity as 32-year-old Yasir from Peshawar. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was grateful for the messages of sympathy and support received “from across the globe” following what he called the “heart-wrenching suicide attack in Islamabad.” He said international support remained critical to Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 February,2026 09:35 AM IST | Islamabad | AgenciesAttorneys for the federal government have until Thursday to reach an agreement with human rights lawyers who are seeking to ensure the right to counsel for people detained at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Minnesota, US District Judge Nancy Brasel said on Saturday. Advocates said people held at the facility on the edge of Minneapolis who face possible deportation are denied adequate access to lawyers, including in-person meetings. Brasel told Justice Department attorney Christina Parascandola that there seemed to be a “very wide factual disconnect” between what the human rights lawyers allege and the government’s claims of adequate access at what ICE depicts as only a temporary holding facility. “The gap here is so enormous I don’t know how you’re going to close it,” the judge said. Democratic US Representative Kelly Morrison, of Minnesota, said in a statement on Saturday that conditions at the detention center continue to be poor. Some Minnesota detainees including families with children have been sent to the Texas facility, and some have returned to Minnesota after courts intervened. “I am stunned by the inability or unwillingness of the federal agents to answer some of the most basic questions about their operations and protocols,” Morrison said in a statement. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 February,2026 09:33 AM IST | Minneapolis | AgenciesPresident Donald Trump refused to apologise on Saturday after posting and then deleting a racist video depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes in a jungle, insisting he hadn’t seen the final frames containing the offensive content and blaming a staffer for the mistake. Trump himself denied responsibility as he met with a gaggle of reporters on Air Force One, saying he only watched the start of the short video clip, which included false claims about his 2020 election defeat. “No, I didn’t make a mistake,” Trump said, refusing calls to apologise. “I look at thousands of things. I looked at the beginning of it. It was fine.” The video was posted late Thursday night and remained online for nearly 12 hours before the White House took it down amid bipartisan outrage, including from Trump allies. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 February,2026 09:23 AM IST | Washington | AgenciesA 24-year-old man was rushed to the Rangueil Accident and Emergency unit in Toulouse, France, with a World War I artillery shell lodged in his rectum, triggering the hospital’s evacuation. According to sources, the patient was “in a state of extreme discomfort, having inserted a large object up his rectum.” The intensity of the man’s pain prompted surgeons to perform an emergency surgery, which is when they discovered the explosive source of his agony — a live, eight-inch bomb shell from 1918 which had found its way up inside him. The shell might’ve looked like this and was not a safety threat. PIC/REDDIT@ASIR100 Fearing the safety of everyone in the hospital, medical personnel alerted the bomb squad and fire brigade. Evacuation was carried out and a security perimeter was formed around the medical centre. After investigation, the pointed and over-an-inch-wide explosive was deemed not to be a threat. Experts suspected the source of the man’s discomfort could have been the result of a party stunt gone awry, however it was not a new case as the facility is said to be “accustomed to treating victims injured during sexual games.” Prosecutors are considering action against the patient for handling “category A munitions,” which turn up surprisingly regularly during the annual “Iron Harvest” of mostly unexploded munitions from both world wars found in the countryside. In a similar case in 2022, a French hospital was partially evacuated after an 88-year-old arrived with a WWI artillery shell in his anal cavity. Keeping it in the family Siblings in love protest German anti-incest laws PIC/THE MIRROR A brother-and-sister duo, Patrick Syuebing and Susan Karolewski, are challenging Germany’s anti-incest laws after allegedly falling in love with each other. Karolewski is also said to have mental disabilities. The siblings were forced to split up when Patrick was attacked by their father, but reunited later and moved in together after the death of their mother in December 2000. It was during this time that Syuebing served two prison sentences for incest-related offences, while stating that he felt no guilt over his relationship with his sister. ‘Astrological’ mistake PIC/ISTOCK A woman allegedly caused car accidents in her Shanghai neighbourhood after adjusting the position of a traffic mirror opposite her house, which was, according to a feng shui expert, the source of her bad luck. Mehenge, mehenge momo In Uttar Pradesh, a class 7 boy’s love for momos led to his family losing jewellery worth nearly R85 lakh after three men running a local stall told him to hand the jewels over for “free” momos.
08 February,2026 08:27 AM IST | France | A CorrespondentPrime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that a new Indian consulate will soon be opened in Malaysia, further strengthening bilateral ties, and lauded the Union government’s “historic decision” last year to extend Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card eligibility to Malaysian citizens of Indian origin up to the sixth generation, news agency ANI reported. Addressing the Indian diaspora during a community event in Kuala Lumpur, as part of his two-day visit, PM Modi said, “India will always embrace you with open arms. That is why we made a historic decision just a few months ago. We extended the OCI card eligibility to Malaysian citizens of Indian origin up to the 6th generation.” He also introduced the Thiruvalluvar Scholarships, aimed at enabling Malaysian students to pursue studies in India, ANI reported. “We have been supporting the Indian Scholarships Trust Fund. Now, we are also going to give Thiruvalluvar Scholarships for students to study in India. And we look forward to seeing you in the Know India Program. You would be happy to know that we will soon be opening a new Consulate of India in Malaysia. This will bring us even closer,” PM Modi said. During his visit, PM Modi also toured a special Person of Indian Origin (PIO) History and Heritage Exhibition, organised to celebrate the rich legacy, resilience, and contributions of the Indian diaspora in Malaysia over generations, ANI reported. He appreciated the efforts of the Indian community in curating the exhibition, calling it an inspiring tribute. PM Modi hails extended OCI benefits, announces upcoming Indian consulate in Malaysia “Today’s community programme in Kuala Lumpur included an exhibition on the Indian community in Malaysia. The Indian Government’s decision of extending OCI card eligibility to Malaysian citizens of Indian origin up to the 6th generation has caused immense happiness among the diaspora. In the times to come, an Indian consulate will also be opened in Malaysia, thus bringing our nations even closer,” PM Modi stated in a post on X. Indian culture shines bright in Malaysia!In Kuala Lumpur, I saw several diverse aspects of our people-to-people linkages. This includes a Ramayan-themed Bharatanatyam performance by dancers from the Temple of Fine Arts, Kuala Lumpur and a Silambam martial arts demonstration by… pic.twitter.com/PpES5vitwh — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 7, 2026 The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also noted the historical bonds between the two countries, calling them the “foundation” of India-Malaysia ties. “Historical bonds at the core of India-Malaysia friendship! Together with PM Ibrahim Anwar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi walked through an inspiring PIO History and Heritage Exhibition—a tribute to the rich legacy, resilience, and contributions of the Indian diaspora in Malaysia and their journey across generations. Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of Indian diaspora in showcasing this impactful exhibition,” the MEA posted on X. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Malaysia to further strengthen the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through enhanced cooperation in economic, digital, cultural, and people-to-people domains. (With ANI inputs)
07 February,2026 09:44 PM IST | Kuala Lumpur | mid-day online correspondentUnion Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday hailed the framework announced on the India US trade agreement and said that this would bring huge benefits to farmers and Indian MSMEs. He said, "Agricultural products from Indian farmers will be exported to the United States at zero duty. At the same time, no tariff concessions have been granted for agricultural products from US farmers entering the Indian market." On the trade deal, the Minister said it brings new hopes and opportunities in India's growth story. "The 50 percent reciprocal tariff has been reduced to 18 percent which is less compared to our neighboring countries, and will provide a lot of help to out exporters. The deal brings new hopes and opportunities in India's growth story," he said. While addressing a press conference on the India US Joint Statement, Minister Goyal said, "Agricultural products from Indian farmers will be exported to the United States at zero duty. At the same time, no tariff concessions have been granted for agricultural products from US farmers entering the Indian market. The agreement also makes it clear that genetically modified (GM) food will not be allowed into India." "I can state categorically and without any hesitation that India's farmers, MSMEs, artisans, and craftsmen will not suffer any loss. On the contrary, India will benefit from greater access to the US market," the minister said. "It is a big thrust to MSMEs employing a large number of women and youth. With exports from labour intensive sectors like textiles & apparel, leather & footwear, toys, and gems & jewellery to the US set to scale, lakhs of jobs will be created while boosting domestic manufacturing," he added. The Minister also detailed out tenets of the framework saying that tariffs on a wide range of goods would now go down to zero. "Additionally, tariffs will go down to zero on a wide range of goods, including generic pharmaceuticals, gems & diamonds, and aircraft parts, thereby further enhancing India's export competitiveness and Make in India. India will also get exemptions under section 232 on aircraft parts, tariff rate quota on auto parts and negotiated outcomes on generic pharmaceuticals, leading to tangible export gains in these sectors," Goyal said. "These also include spices, tea, coffee, coconut oil, cashew nuts, and several fruits and vegetables such as avocado, banana, mango, pineapple, and mushrooms, along with select bakery products," the Commerce Minister added. The Minister described the announcement of the framework as historic and said the day would go down in history as a Golden letter day. "Discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the US President Donald Trump, which began in February 2025, have culminated in a breakthrough that will be remembered as a historic moment. This day will be written in golden letters, as a USD 30 trillion economy has now opened its doors wider for Indian exporters. The joint statement issued by both countries offers new hope, renewed enthusiasm, and fresh resolve to every Indian," the minister said. The US and India announced in a joint statement that they have reached a framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal, mutually beneficial trade (the Interim Agreement) and have agreed on its terms. On February 2, a phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump led to the announcement of the conclusion of negotiations on the much-awaited trade deal. The Trump administration had imposed tariffs on major exporters to the US, including India and China. The BTA, formally proposed in February 2025, seeks to more than double bilateral trade, from the current USD 191 billion to USD 500 billion by 2030. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
07 February,2026 03:11 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIADVERTISEMENT
-1770456723767_d.png "Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. File Pic")