A powerful winter storm has caused widespread disruption across the United States, leaving at least a dozen people dead and affecting travel and power services. The storm swept from Texas to Maine over the weekend, bringing heavy snow, icy roads and freezing temperatures. Thousands of flights were cancelled or delayed as airports struggled to operate. Power outages were reported in several states, with more than 200,000 customers without electricity in parts of Tennessee. Major cities, including New York, recorded heavy snowfall. Authorities in the US and Canada warned that conditions remain dangerous. Weather officials said another significant winter storm could affect the eastern US later this week. (PC: BBC)

The US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and three accompanying warships have reached the Middle East, raising fresh questions over possible military action against Iran. US Central Command said the strike group is deployed to support regional security and stability. President Donald Trump said the ships were sent as a precaution and added that force may not be used. Iran said its armed forces are closely monitoring US movements and warned of a strong response to any attack. Tensions have risen amid concerns over Iran’s internal crackdown and wider regional instability. The United Arab Emirates said it will not allow its territory, airspace or waters to be used for attacks on Iran. (PC: X)

The Trump administration has shifted its response after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis sparked public backlash. Initial claims that Pretti posed a major threat were questioned as videos of the incident circulated online. The White House has since avoided strong language and said a full investigation will be conducted. President Donald Trump called the death tragic and blamed Democratic leadership for unrest. He also sent immigration official Tom Homan to Minnesota to oversee federal operations. Democrats have intensified criticism of immigration enforcement tactics, while some Republicans voiced concern over the administration’s early statements. The episode has renewed scrutiny of federal law enforcement actions. (PC: BBC)

India and the European Union have completed talks on a proposed Free Trade Agreement, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Monday. He said the deal is balanced and aims to boost trade and investment on both sides. Legal review of the text is underway and may take five to six months. The agreement is expected to be signed after that and take effect next year. The pact was fast-tracked after talks resumed in 2022 following a long pause. Leaders from India and the EU met in New Delhi during the Republic Day celebrations and the India-EU Summit. (PC: X)

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is likely to visit India in early March as both countries work to reset relations and expand trade. Agreements are expected in energy, uranium supply, critical minerals and new technologies, according to officials quoted by Reuters. Talks may also cover oil, gas, nuclear cooperation, education and culture. Relations have improved since Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Carney at the G7 last year. Formal talks on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement are expected to begin in March after a long pause. The visit comes as Canada looks to diversify trade beyond the United States amid global uncertainty. (PC: India Today)

Former UK home secretary Suella Braverman has quit the Conservative Party and joined the anti-immigration Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. Speaking at a London event, Braverman said she was ending her 30-year association with the Conservatives over what she called failure to control immigration. The British-Indian MP said public services were under strain and people felt unsafe. Farage welcomed her move, calling it long overdue. Braverman is the latest senior Conservative figure to defect after Robert Jenrick and Nadhim Zahawi, taking the total number of defections to eight. The Conservatives later amended an initial statement that drew criticism. (PC: NDTV)

Britain will expand the use of AI and facial recognition as part of major police reforms, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced. The government will invest £140 million to modernise policing in England and Wales. AI tools will help analyse CCTV, phone footage and digital evidence, and cut paperwork. (PC: PA)   Live facial recognition vans will increase from 10 to 50 to help catch wanted criminals. The plan aims to free up police time and put more officers on the streets.   Reforms also include merging police forces, creating a national FBI-style service, and stricter standards for officers. Police leaders welcomed the changes, but critics warned of too much power being centralised.

7 people were killed after a private jet crashed during a snowstorm in the US state of Maine, officials said. The Bombardier Challenger 600 went down while taking off from Bangor International Airport on Sunday night. One crew member survived with serious injuries.   The Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft flipped over and caught fire on the airfield. An air traffic controller was heard saying the aircraft was “upside down.”   The airport was closed after the crash and will remain shut until Wednesday. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation. The crash happened as a major winter storm hit large parts of the United States, disrupting flights and roads. (PC: X/@WCNorbit)

China has launched an investigation into General Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, over allegations of leaking "core technical data" from China's nuclear weapons program to the United States. The 75-year-old general, considered a loyal Xi Jinping ally and Politburo member, faces additional accusations including accepting bribes for promotions, forming political cliques, and overseeing corrupt military procurement practices. The Wall Street Journal reports internal briefings detailed these charges before the public announcement. While Chinese authorities confirmed the probe for "serious violations of discipline and law," they haven't officially confirmed the nuclear leak allegations. This investigation is part of a broader crackdown that has targeted over 50 senior military officers since 2023. (PC: India Today)

Israel said it has recovered the remains of the last hostage held in Gaza. The body was identified as Master Sgt Ran Gvili, who was abducted on October 7, 2023. The military had been searching for him since the ceasefire with Hamas began in October.   Under the truce, all hostages were to be returned within 72 hours. Others were handed over earlier, but Gvili’s body had not been located. Israel had delayed further steps until he was found.   The Israel Defense Forces said Gvili died in battle on October 7. With his return, Israel said all Gaza hostages are now accounted for. The move allows talks to advance to the next phase of the peace plan proposed by Donald Trump. (PC: Courtesy of Bring Them Home Now/Handout via REUTERS)