FBI Director Kash Patel joined the U.S. men’s hockey team in a jubilant locker-room celebration in Milan after their dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over Canada secured the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Videos circulating on social media showed Patel enthusiastically drinking beer, spraying drinks, and even receiving a gold medal from a player as the team celebrated the United States’ first men’s hockey Olympic gold since 1980.
Patel later addressed critics on X, emphasizing that he was honored to celebrate with the athletes, framing the moment as an expression of national pride and unity. While supporters praised the gesture as a show of solidarity with American champions, his appearance has also sparked debate about priorities for someone in his position. The director’s visit to Italy included official duties, such as meetings with Italian law enforcement and U.S. security partners to strengthen Olympic safety operations. Advocates argue that celebrating the team aligns with fostering morale and supporting national achievement.
Kash Patel has been serving as FBI Director since February 21, 2025, after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate, becoming the ninth person to lead the agency. Prior to this role, he built a diverse legal and national security career, starting as a public defender, then serving as a federal prosecutor, adviser to the House Intelligence Committee, and holding senior positions at the National Security Council and Department of Defense. His appointment was notable, as he had previously been a vocal critic of the FBI. As director, Patel now oversees the agency responsible for investigating federal crimes, counterterrorism, and national security matters across the United States.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from @Kash_Patel.
Describing his bond with the people of Tamil Nadu as “flesh and blood,” Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Monday claimed that all parties seem to be united against him in the upcoming Assembly elections. Speaking at a rally in Vellore, he called the polls “a battle against corruption” and urged politicians to account for their assets before and after entering politics.
Vijay highlighted governance issues, pointing to inadequate bus services, hospitals, and other basic facilities in several hill villages. Criticizing the DMK government’s “Be Safe Model,” he claimed women feel unsafe and promised that under his party, law and order would be strengthened, ensuring safety for all citizens.
He mocked the DMK administration as a “fake model” and “stand-up comedy” government. Drawing parallels to former Assam CM DK Baroah’s remark “India is Indira, Indira is India,” Vijay said, “Tamil Nadu is Vijay, Vijay is Tamil Nadu,” framing the election as a direct contest between TVK and DMK.
The actor-turned-politician urged people to vote for TVK’s “whistle” symbol, accused CM MK Stalin of making false promises, and vowed to personally meet citizens across the state if elected. He described the election as a historic moment, emphasizing it is “with the Tamil Nadu people and against the DMK government.” The elections are scheduled in the first half of this year, with the main contest between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) and the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Vijay, who recently retired from acting, is making his political debut with TVK.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@TVKPartyHQ.
Major General APS Bal, General Officer Commanding of the Counter-Insurgency Force Delta, stated that Operation Trashi-I stands as a strong example of determination, strategic clarity, meticulous planning, and the sustained efforts of Indian forces and security agencies in combating terrorism.
Addressing the media, Major General APS Bal said the operation reflected seamless coordination at every level — from troops on the ground to senior leadership including co-commanders, ADGs, IGs, the DGP, and the Army Commander. He emphasised that collective contributions from all stakeholders ensured the operation’s decisive success.
He also pointed out the existence of a support network that enabled terrorists to build infrastructure and transport supplies to hideouts. Without naming individuals, he said the police possess the necessary information and will take appropriate action against those involved. The General highlighted that the operation was carried out in a calm, composed, and collaborative manner, resulting in success without any troop casualties. The only loss was that of a brave dog named Tyson, who initiated the mission.
He further confirmed that counter-terror operations will continue, noting that six Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists were eliminated in February, including operatives in Udhampur and Kishtwar. In a post on X, the White Knight Corps stated that a 326-day high-altitude joint operation in Kishtwar led to the elimination of seven terrorists in Chatroo. Troops from White Knight Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Central Reserve Police Force worked using a coordinated intelligence network developed by civil and military agencies.
The Corps added that advanced technology such as FPV drones, satellite imagery, RPAs/UAVs, and modern communication systems played a crucial role in tracking and neutralising terrorists in harsh weather and difficult terrain. In the past 20 days alone, six terrorists were killed in operations across Jammu. Two were neutralised under Operation KIYA in Basantgarh’s Jophar Forest, while others were eliminated in Kishtwar during Operation Trashi-I through sustained cordon and search operations.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Security agencies have placed the national capital on high alert after receiving intelligence about a possible terror plot. The warning indicates that the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) may be planning attacks targeting crowded religious and heritage locations in Old Delhi, raising concern due to the heavy daily footfall in the area.
According to reports, intelligence inputs suggest that terrorists could attempt an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in and around the Red Fort and nearby temples located in Chandni Chowk, one of the busiest commercial and religious hubs in the city, making it a highly sensitive target zone. Officials believe the suspected plot may be linked to a recent mosque blast in Islamabad on February 6, with agencies suspecting it could be a retaliatory move. Authorities have also warned that prominent temples in other parts of the country may continue to face threat alerts in the coming days.
Following the intelligence warning, Delhi Police and central security forces have intensified surveillance across sensitive areas, particularly in Old Delhi. Additional personnel have been deployed, vehicle checks have been increased, and anti-sabotage inspections are underway near religious places and tourist landmarks as precautionary measures.
The latest alert comes nearly three months after the November 10, 2025 car bombing near the Red Fort, one of the deadliest attacks in Delhi in recent years. An explosives-laden vehicle detonated near the Red Fort Metro Station, killing at least 12 people and injuring over 20, while also setting several vehicles ablaze. Investigators later confirmed the use of ammonium nitrate-based explosives.
Probe agencies identified the suspected driver as Umar Mohammad alias Umar Un Nabi, a doctor allegedly linked to Al-Falah University in Faridabad. DNA analysis of remains recovered from the site confirmed he was inside the vehicle at the time of the blast. Authorities later connected him to a wider terror module operating in neighbouring Haryana.
Investigators reported that the explosion occurred just hours after security agencies recovered around 2,900 kilograms of explosives in Faridabad. Several alleged members of the network were arrested, and sources suggested the suspect may have detonated the vehicle prematurely due to mounting pressure from the security crackdown. With fresh intelligence indicating potential threats, security forces remain on maximum alert, continuing close monitoring and strengthening preventive measures across the capital.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X.
Members of the Arctic Response Company Group (ARCG) were seen walking along a road in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, as part of the Canadian Armed Forces’ annual ‘Operation Nanook-Nunalivut.’ This series of exercises is designed to showcase and strengthen the military’s readiness and ability to defend Canada’s Arctic regions.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
On Saturday, President Donald Trump increased the US global import tariff to 15%, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that invalidated much of his previous tariff program. Trump described the new 15% rate as “fully allowed and legally tested,” replacing the earlier 10% plan, and said it would be temporary under current trade law for 150 days. Questions remain about how enforceable this measure is and what will happen once the 150-day period ends. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the implications with Angela Mancini, Partner and Head of the Global Risk Analysis Practice for Asia Pacific at Control Risks.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
In his first remarks following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the former prince’s situation as an extraordinary fall from grace. Although Albanese supports a republican Australia, he stated that this scandal would not trigger another referendum. Speaking with Guardian Australia’s political editor Tom McIlroy, the PM also criticized Pauline Hanson’s remarks about Muslim Australians and addressed the potential return of the 34 wives and children of Australian Islamic State fighters currently in Syria.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
A group of 34 Australian women and children, who were held by the Islamic State for years without facing charges, have been sent back to a detention camp after trying to escape Syria and return home. Reged Ahmad talks with senior reporter and former foreign correspondent Ben Doherty about the heated discussion surrounding their repatriation and the implications for Australian citizenship.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
On Saturday (14 Feb), hundreds of thousands joined global protests against the Iranian government. Daniel Martin talks with Malminderjit Singh, Founder and MD of Terra Corporate Affairs.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
