US technology companies are using H-1B visas to hire artificial intelligence experts because there are not enough skilled workers inside the country. A Forbes report says firms like Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft and Apple depend on foreign engineers and researchers for AI work. Many of these workers are international students trained in US universities. In 2025, over 80% of new H-1B jobs at major tech firms were linked to AI roles. However, tighter visa rules and higher fees may slow hiring and push companies to move AI jobs outside the US.

Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison under the city’s national security law after being convicted in December of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious material through his now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper. The ruling by three judges comes after a legal saga beginning with his arrest in August 2020 and marks one of the most high-profile applications of the Beijing-imposed law. Lai, 78, will serve this term alongside nearly six years from a previous fraud conviction. The sentence has drawn international criticism as emblematic of declining press freedom in Hong Kong. (PC: AFP)

Newly released documents and testimonies reveal that disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein discussed a highly unsettling idea to use his Zorro Ranch in New Mexico as a so-called “baby ranch” where women would be impregnated with his DNA to create a self-described “super race” of humans. The plan, rooted in transhumanist ideas but resembling discredited eugenics, was shared with scientists and wealthy associates over years, though there’s no evidence it was ever carried out. Epstein’s ranch was also linked to past sexual abuse allegations, and the files have renewed scrutiny of his influence and activities before his 2019 death. (PC: India Today)

Abbas Araghchi, foreign minister of Iran, said US military deployment in the region “does not scare us” as nuclear talks with United States resume. Speaking at a forum in Tehran, he ruled out ending uranium enrichment even under threat of war. He said Iran has little trust in Washington and questioned its seriousness in negotiations. Araghchi said sanctions must be lifted in return for nuclear confidence steps. He also confirmed consultations with China and Russia. His remarks came after a US aircraft carrier group moved into nearby waters. The US and Israel want talks to also cover missiles and regional armed groups. (PC: NDTV)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney has resigned after a controversy linked to the Jeffrey Epstein files and the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. The row grew after emails about Mandelson’s past links with Epstein became public. McSweeney said he advised the 2024 appointment and accepted responsibility for it. He said the decision was “wrong” and had damaged trust in politics. Mandelson served as UK ambassador to the United States from February to September 2025. The issue has increased pressure on Starmer’s office. No replacement has been announced yet. (PC: X)

Newly released documents from the Epstein Files reveal disturbing details about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s plans before his 2019 death while facing federal sex-trafficking charges. According to the files, Epstein discussed using his sprawling New Mexico ranch to impregnate women with his DNA in an effort to create a so-called “super race” of humans — a concept linked to transhumanism and compared to eugenics. He shared this idea with scientists, advisers and elites over years, although there’s no evidence the plan was ever carried out. The releases also fuel continued scrutiny of Epstein’s influence and network. (PC: X)

Italian police fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse protesters near a Winter Olympics venue in Milan on Saturday. The clash happened after a small group broke away from a larger protest and threw firecrackers, smoke bombs and bottles at officers. Police said six people were arrested. Around 10,000 people joined the main march to protest rising housing costs and the environmental impact of the Games. Demonstrators criticised Olympic construction projects, saying they damaged local ecosystems. The International Olympic Committee said most venues use existing facilities to limit harm. Police later brought the situation under control.

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit is under intense scrutiny after hundreds of emails with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were released by the U.S. Justice Department, revealing exchanges from 2011–2014 and a four-day stay at his Palm Beach home. Critics are questioning her judgment and suitability as future queen as charities reconsider ties, and public criticism grows. In response, she issued a formal apology saying she regretted the association and the embarrassment it caused the Royal Family. The situation is compounded by her son’s ongoing rape trial, adding further strain to the monarchy’s reputation. (PC: Getty Images)

Washington Post publisher and CEO Will Lewis has stepped down just days after the newspaper laid off about one-third of its staff, including over 300 journalists, in a sweeping cost-cutting move that shuttered key departments like sports and photography. Lewis, whose two-year tenure was marked by internal turmoil, subscriber losses and strategic shifts, announced his departure in a brief email, saying it was the “right time” to step aside. Jeff D’Onofrio, the Post’s chief financial officer, has been named acting publisher and CEO as the paper seeks stability and a sustainable future. (PC: AP)

Manchester United owners the Glazer family have made a reported £1.3 billion ($1.8 billion) bid for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as they renew efforts to enter the IPL. According to State of Play, the offer was placed through Lancer Capital, linked to Avram Glazer. The family are also in the race to buy Rajasthan Royals. Reports say they are among the top bidders from nine groups for RCB. The bid is not final and more rounds are expected. The Glazers earlier failed to secure IPL expansion teams in 2021. BCCI rules do not allow multi-team ownership, so they may have to choose one franchise if both bids succeed. (PC: X)