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Japan and UK leaders comply with broaden defence and safety cooperation amid shifting world tensions

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Tokyo [Japan], February 1 (ANI): Japan and the United Kingdom have agreed to considerably deepen strategic cooperation spanning defence, cybersecurity, financial safety and important provide chains, throughout a high-level assembly between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo, reported JT.

The discussions held on Saturday (native time), which marked Starmer’s first official go to to Japan since taking workplace in July 2024, targeted on strengthening bilateral ties at a second of rising geopolitical uncertainty. Starmer described the partnership as very important towards a backdrop of ‘geopolitical, financial and technological shocks’ affecting world stability.

‘We set out a transparent precedence to construct a fair deeper partnership within the years to come back,’ Starmer mentioned after their bilateral summit on the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo, underlining commitments to safety cooperation throughout each the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific areas.

Takaichi echoed this sentiment, noting that Japan and the UK have ‘steadily and concretely superior their cooperation,’ and confirmed that the 2 governments would maintain a two-plus-two assembly of overseas and defence ministers later this yr to additional improve bilateral safety collaboration, reported JT.

At a joint news convention, the leaders additionally signalled an intention to work extra intently in areas past conventional defence cooperation. Agreements have been reached on increasing ties in cybersecurity, power know-how, wind energy and nuclear tasks, in addition to crucial minerals provide chains, that are seen as important to financial resilience and technological competitiveness.

‘Our priorities for this partnership additionally embrace boosting development and financial resilience,’ Starmer mentioned, highlighting innovation, know-how and commerce cooperation as pillars of the evolving relationship.

Takaichi harassed the significance of strengthening provide chains, significantly for crucial minerals, in response to export restrictions and broader issues about world useful resource safety. She mentioned the talks included discussions on a free and open Indo-Pacific, in addition to developments within the Middle East and Ukraine.

Security cooperation was additional underscored by joint commitments to deepen cyber defence partnerships and speed up work on a next-generation fighter plane mission with Italy, which each nations see as important to future navy interoperability and technological edge. (ANI)

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Cyber fraudsters posing as CBI officers

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Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], February 1 (ANI): Cyber fraudsters posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers digitally ‘arrested’ a 71-year-old retired official of Uttarakhand Jal Nigam and duped him of Rs 64.65 lakh, police mentioned.

The accused threatened the sufferer with arrest and imprisonment on false prices of cash laundering, forcing him to switch the cash.

Speaking to ANI, STF SSP Navneet Bhullar mentioned, ‘An FIR has been registered on the premise of the sufferer’s criticism.’ He added that an investigation is underway to hint the fraudsters and get well the quantity.

Meanwhile, the Cyber Crime Police Station, Goa, arrested two individuals in reference to a serious inter-state cyber fraud case involving a ‘digital arrest’ rip-off price Rs 1.42 crore, police mentioned on Saturday. The arrested accused have been recognized as Ashadul Islam (24) and Yasmina Ahmed (32), residents of Marigaon, Assam. The case, registered below Sections 318(4) and 319(2) learn with related provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66-D of the Information Technology Act, is predicated on a criticism filed by a resident of Bicholim in North Goa.

According to police, the accused impersonated officers of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Supreme Court, utilizing a number of WhatsApp numbers to put the sufferer below a faux ‘digital arrest.’ By creating concern and exerting psychological stress, they coerced the complainant into transferring Rs 1,42,04,868 to a number of financial institution accounts. Following an in depth technical evaluation of communications between the fraudsters and the sufferer, a particular staff of the Goa Crime Branch traced the accused to Nagaon district in Assam.

The arrests had been carried out by a staff led by Police Inspector Vikas Deykar, with Police Constables Arif Aga, Rupesh Gaikwad and Prakash. Police mentioned that in verification, it emerged that each accused had earlier been arrested in an FIR registered at Nagaon Police Station, Assam, below the BNS for related cyber fraud actions. In that case, the Assam Police seized 358 SIM playing cards, 5 cellphones, one Wi-Fi router, one DVR, and one laptop computer.

The similar cellphones had been discovered to have been used within the Goa cyber fraud case as effectively, and the seizure shall be formally linked to the Goa Police investigation. Investigators additional revealed that the identical cell numbers had been linked to a different ‘digital arrest’ criticism filed in Goa, involving a fraudulent quantity of Rs 63.50 lakh. (ANI)

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Union Budget 2026: CM Stalin flags ‘unfulfilled guarantees’, seeks justifiable share for Tamil Nadu

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Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], February 1 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday questioned whether or not the Centre would make concrete bulletins for the state within the Union Budget 2026, taking the upcoming elections under consideration.

In a put up on X, Stalin listed a collection of calls for, asking whether or not the Budget would come with a Rs 3,548 crore training fund to assist the research of scholars who’ve been detained and never promoted, funding for Coimbatore and Madurai Metro Rail tasks, Rs 3,112 crore for the Jal Jeevan Mission, which Tamil Nadu is implementing successfully, new railway tasks, and a 50% share of the Centre’s tax income for states, as really useful by the Finance Commission.

‘UnionBudget2026: Will the next bulletins for Tamil Nadu be included, even when it is with the same old Thirukkural quotes, conserving the elections in thoughts? The 3,548 crore rupees training fund for the research of scholars who’ve been detained and held again with out promotion Coimbatore, Madurai Metro Rail, 3,112 crore rupees funding for the #JalJeevan scheme, which Tamil Nadu is implementing notably successfully, New railway tasks, 50% monetary sharing to states of the central authorities’s tax income, as really useful by the Finance Commission,’ the ‘X’ put up stated.

He added that the listing of calls for was longer and expressed hope that this time the bulletins for Tamil Nadu can be made with out fail. Stalin additionally burdened that these shouldn’t stay mere bulletins, citing the Madurai AIIMS for example, and demanded that tasks be carried out inside stipulated timelines with correct budgetary allocation.

‘There’s much more on the listing. Keeping the elections in thoughts, we hope that this time the bulletins for Tamil Nadu might be made with out fail. We additionally demand that they not find yourself as mere bulletins just like the Madurai #AIIMS, however be carried out inside the stipulated time with correct budgetary allocation,’ the ‘X’ put up added.

Meanwhile, DMK MP Kanimozhi stated the Centre must allocate substantial funds to Tamil Nadu, notably as elections method.

‘They should give plenty of funds to Tamil Nadu, truly with the elections in shut quarters, I hope they do one thing for Tamil Nadu,’ Kanimozhi advised reporters.

Tamil Nadu is about to enter elections within the first half of this yr.

Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman created historical past at present when she presents her ninth consecutive Union Budget. This achievement makes her the primary Finance Minister in India to ship 9 consecutive budgets, surpassing her personal file. (ANI)

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Ex-stonemasonry exec convicted of murdering Tokyo temple priest – TokyoReporter

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TOKYO (TR) – A court docket right here final week sentenced a former govt of a stonemasonry firm to 25 years in jail for utilizing charcoal briquettes to kill the pinnacle priest of a temple in Adachi Ward three years in the past, experiences the Yomiuri Shimbun (Jan. 31).

At the Tokyo District Court on January 30, presiding choose Yuko Ito handed Junko Aoki, 66, to the 25-year time period for a criminal offense described as “extremely dangerous and despicable.”

Ito added that the crime was deliberate and the defendant had “a strong intent to kill.”

According to the ruling, Aoki conspired with the corporate president to interrupt right into a crypt within the basement of the temple on the night time of July 22, 2023. They then ignited charcoal briquettes in killing the pinnacle priest, then aged 70, by way of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Junko Aoki (X)

Aoki conspired with former defendant Ryuta Saito, 52, the president of stonemasonry firm Kokushodo, for which she served as an govt officer. Saito had already been convicted within the case.

At the opening of the trial, Aoki pleaded not responsible to allegations of homicide.

Presiding choose Ito mentioned, “[Aoki] cooperated with [Saito] and committed the act out of resentment toward the head priest, who was an obstacle to her work, and love for the president, with whom she had a close relationship both professionally and personally.”

The prosecution had sought a 30-year time period.

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Chaka Khan, Cher, Whitney Houston, Fela Kuti get Grammys Life Achievement Awards

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Chaka Khan, Cher, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon, Fela Kuti and Whitney Houston acquired the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy on the Grammys Special Merit Awards on…

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Self-described psychic accused of molesting Tokyo lady in ‘exorcism’ – TokyoReporter

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TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a self-described psychic over the alleged molestation of a teenage lady underneath the guise of exorcising spirits final yr, studies the Mainichi Shimbun (Jan. 29).

On May 10, Keisuke Yamada, 58, is suspected of committing lewd acts, together with groping, on the teenage lady in her condo within the capital.

When questioned on suspicion of indecent assault with out consent, Yamada denied the fees. “It was necessary for an exorcism,” he stated. “I only touched her after getting her permission.”

Keisuke Yamada (X)

According to Koiwa Police Station, the lady had been affected by poor well being for a few years. Her household looked for an exorcist on social media and located Yamada.

After Yamada visited her condo on May 10. “If you continue like this, you’ll get cancer,” he stated. “I’m the type who exorcises spirits by touching you with my hands.” During the go to, he touched her physique a number of occasions.

After the session, she contacted him. “I want to perform another exorcism,” she stated. He visited her once more two days later.

However, her signs didn’t enhance. The girl then turned suspicious and consulted her household. They then known as police.

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Justin Rose enters closing spherical at Farmers with 6-shot lead

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(Photo credit score: Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images)

England’s Justin Rose shot a 4-under-par 68 on Saturday within the third spherical of the Farmers Insurance Open to hold a six-stroke lead into the ultimate spherical in San Diego.

Despite three bogeys on the Torrey Pines South Course’s again 9, Rose will enter Sunday’s play at 21-under 195 for the event.

Joel Dahmen additionally posted a 68, placing him in second place. Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune (68) and South Korea’s Si Woo Kim (69) share third place at 13 below. Max McGreevy (71) is subsequent at 12 below.

Rose was 4 below via seven holes and added a birdie on No. 10 earlier than a pair of bogeys. His birdie on the thirteenth gap obtained him again on observe, whereas he completed the spherical with a birdie putt from about 3 1/2 toes on the par-5 18th.

Maverick McNealy (70), Germany’s Stephan Jaeger (65) and Ireland’s Seamus Power (74) are at 11 below.

Jaeger had one of the best spherical of the day with all pars and birdies. Defending champion Harris English recorded a 67 and sits tied for twentieth at 8 below via three rounds.

The next-best rounds of 4 below had been turned in by Adam Schenk and Keith Mitchell – each at 9 below – together with Australia’s Jason Day, Rose, Hisatsune and Dahmen.

Brooks Koepka, in his first event since defecting from the LIV Golf, will not issue within the closing spherical after posting his second 73 of the event throughout an erratic spherical. He’s at 2 below and tied for 61st.

–Field Level Media

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Taiwan detects one sortie of Chinese PLA plane, six PLAN vessels round its territory

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Taipei [Taiwan], February 1 (ANI): Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Sunday stated that it detected one sortie by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) plane and 6 People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels working round its territory as much as 6 am (UTC+8).

It added that the sortie crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s jap Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

‘1 sorties of PLA plane and 6 PLAN vessels working round Taiwan have been detected up till 6 a.m. (UTC+8) at the moment. 1 out of 1 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s jap ADIZ. We have monitored the scenario and responded,’ Taiwan’s MND said in a put up on X.

Earlier on Saturday, the MND detected three sorties of Chinese army plane and eight naval vessels working round its territory.

‘3 sorties of PLA plane and eight PLAN vessels working round Taiwan have been detected up till 6 a.m. (UTC+8) at the moment. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the scenario and responded,’ the MND stated in a put up on X.

Meanwhile, South Korea and Japan have agreed to renew their bilateral naval search-and-rescue train for the primary time in 9 years as a part of efforts to advertise army trade, Seoul’s defence ministry stated, based on the nation’s state media.

The assembly between the 2 US allies comes amid rising safety threats from China and North Korea.

Ties between Tokyo and Beijing had additionally deteriorated since late final 12 months following Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks during which she steered {that a} Chinese assault on Taiwan could possibly be thought of a ‘survival-threatening scenario’, which might allow Japan to take army motion. Beijing considers Taiwan as its personal territory and maintains its proper to take management of the island at some point, together with by power.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Taiwan is an integral and indivisible a part of China, which has been separated from the mainland since 1949.

Under its ‘one nation, two techniques’, reaching China’s full reunification is a shared aspiration of all Chinese individuals, each throughout the nation and overseas. The Communist Party of China and the Chinese authorities regard the fulfilment of this purpose of peaceable reunification as a historic mission and have been working persistently towards it. (ANI)

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Taiwan’s financial development hits 15-year excessive of 8.63% in 2025

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New Delhi [India], February 1 (ANI): Taiwan’s gross home product (GDP) elevated an estimated 8.63 per cent in 2025 from a 12 months earlier, marking its strongest development in 15 years.

According to a Focus Taiwan report, the financial growth was pushed primarily by a surge in exports and rising demand for synthetic intelligence (AI) purposes. The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) launched these findings on Friday, noting that the efficiency considerably exceeded earlier projections.

The full-year development determine exceeded a previous forecast by 1.26 share factors, permitting Taiwan to surpass regional friends. DGBAS specialist Chiang Hsin-yi informed reporters that Taiwan’s per capita GDP reached USD 39,477 in 2025, approaching the USD 40,000 mark.

This determine displays robust efficiency, transferring Taiwan forward of Japan (USD 34,713) and South Korea (USD 35,962). Chiang defined that change price features from a strengthening Taiwan dollar additionally contributed to the rise in per capita figures.

Economic momentum accelerated sharply within the ultimate months of the 12 months. Fourth-quarter GDP development reached an estimated 12.68 per cent, representing a 4.77 percentage-point leap from earlier projections. Chiang mentioned this surge was a significant factor in lifting the full-year development price. She attributed the robust efficiency to ‘unexpectedly sturdy AI-related demand’ and the ‘absence of U.S. tariffs on semiconductor merchandise,’ which had initially led to extra conservative financial forecasts.

The export sector remained the first engine of the economic system all year long. Taiwan’s AI and high-performance computing sectors continued to gas this development by boosting gross sales of chips, servers, and parts. Beyond exterior commerce, Chiang famous that ‘non-public consumption and funding additionally contributed’ to the GDP improve.

This inner development was supported by a recovering automotive market, authorities money handouts to residents, and energetic buying and selling inside the stock market.

Data from the DGBAS confirmed that Taiwan’s 8.63 per cent development outperformed a number of neighbouring economies. China reported 5 per cent development, adopted by Singapore at 4.8 per cent, Hong Kong at 3.5 per cent, and South Korea at 1 per cent.

Looking forward, the DGBAS indicated {that a} not too long ago concluded Taiwan-U.S. commerce settlement is predicted to additional assist exports. The settlement lowers tariffs to fifteen per cent and is designed to enhance competitiveness for conventional industries, together with machine instruments, bicycles, and {hardware}.

‘According to the DGBAS, a brand new development forecast for 2026 shall be issued on Feb. 13, with analysts anticipating an upward revision,’ the report mentioned. (ANI)

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Melania Trump's atypical, divisive doc opens in theaters

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“Melania,” the Amazon MGM-produced documentary following the usually guarded U.S. first girl as she prepares for her husband Donald’s second inauguration, opened in theaters Friday.

The extensive launch got here a day after a lavish premiere on the Kennedy Center, just lately redubbed the Trump-Kennedy Center, the place the 55-year-old former mannequin’s outspoken husband referred to as the movie “glamorous, very glamorous.”

At a displaying in Washington, the place a serious winter storm has snarled transit, Savannah Harrison advised AFP she had bought her ticket as a result of she “was just very intrigued to see the behind the scenes.”

Unlike most reviewers in U.S. media, she was delighted by the movie.

“In contrast of what we see from President Trump everyday, it’s just another aspect that it humanizes them a little bit more,” she stated, admitting that she went into the movie with a optimistic view of the primary girl.

In Los Angeles, the place voters opted in opposition to Trump 2-to-1 in 2024, a billboard for the documentary was defaced to make it seem as if the primary girl was defecating on an American flag.

The 1 hour 44 minute movie follows the usually guarded Melania through the 20 days main as much as the January 20, 2025 inauguration. After its theatrical launch will probably be accessible for streaming on Prime Video.

From the presidential couple’s Florida property to Trump Tower in New York and the White House, the primary girl goes from appointment to appointment, making ready her outfits for Inauguration Day and deciding on decor for his or her return to Washington.

There are not any sensational revelations, although she does focus on the deep impression of her mom’s loss of life. She additionally says her favourite singer is Michael Jackson.

Surprise visitors additionally make appearances, together with French first girl Brigitte Macron, who holds a video name along with her incoming American counterpart.

While the movie grants uncommon entry into her life, “Melania” has additionally given an perception into the best way U.S. enterprise titans have lined as much as pay tribute to the Trump administration previously yr.

Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos has grown notably nearer to Trump, securing a primary seat on the inauguration and telling the Washington Post newspaper he owns to favor pro-business editorials.

U.S. media say that of Amazon’s $40 million licensing deal for the movie, Melania, who served as government producer, will obtain 70 %. The subsequent highest bid, from Disney, was reportedly solely $14 million.

At a viewing in Florida, Jannet Iglesias was enthusiastic concerning the movie, calling it “incredible.”

“I think that everyone has to come and see it. I’m going to come for the second time,” she stated.

U.S. media has been much less enthusiastic in its opinions, with The Atlantic calling the documentary a “disgrace” and the Variety commerce journal describing it as a “shameless infomercial.”

Expected viewership for the movie has additionally been a lot mentioned on-line, with many anticipating weak gross sales.

In South Africa, the movie was withdrawn from main theaters simply earlier than its launch, with the distributor citing “the current climate.”

South Africa’s authorities has had very tense relations with Trump, notably over his unfounded allegations of there being a “genocide” in opposition to White individuals within the nation.

The movie has additionally been roundly critiqued for its director: Brett Ratner.

The director behind the “Rush Hour” franchise was in 2017 accused of sexual assault by actresses Natasha Henstridge and Olivia Munn, in addition to 4 different girls, within the midst of the #MeToo motion. He has denied any wrongdoing.

© 2026 AFP

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