British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting political turmoil after chief of staff Morgan McSweeney resigned over his role in advising the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States — a move now mired in controversy due to Mandelson’s past links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. McSweeney said the decision “damaged trust in politics,” intensifying criticism of Starmer’s judgment. The resignation follows the exit of communications director Tim Allan, marking multiple senior departures in days and fuelling calls within his party and from opponents for leadership change. Starmer insists he will stay focused on governance. (PC: Reuters)

Ghislaine Maxwell, the jailed associate of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, will use the Fifth Amendment and not answer questions before a US House committee, her lawyer said. Maxwell is serving a 20-year jail term for sex trafficking minors connected to Epstein’s network. Her lawyer David Oscar Markus said, “She will take the 5th,” and will read a prepared statement first. Lawmakers want to ask her about other possible co-conspirators and Epstein’s links with powerful people. The testimony comes as the Justice Department releases millions of pages of Epstein case files. Some members also want answers about her earlier statements and pardon talk. (PC: BBC)

Britain’s Prince William and his wife Kate have issued their first statement after new Epstein files renewed focus on Prince Andrew. A Kensington Palace spokesperson said the Prince and Princess of Wales are “deeply concerned” by the revelations and that their thoughts are with the victims. The files again mention Prince Andrew and his past links to Jeffrey Epstein, which Andrew denies. King Charles has not commented publicly but earlier removed Andrew’s royal titles. Prince Edward has also spoken, urging attention on the victims. The UK Royal Family has largely avoided detailed public comment.

Bad Bunny made history by becoming the first artist to perform a Super Bowl half-time show fully in Spanish. His 14-minute set celebrated Puerto Rico and Latin culture. The performance featured guest appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, and included messages of love, unity and pride. Bad Bunny ended the show with “God bless America” and named countries across the Americas. He did not make direct political statements. Despite this, US President Donald Trump criticised the show on social media, calling it “terrible” and saying people could not understand it. The performance drew wide attention for its cultural impact. (PC: Getty Images, Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin is named 1,005 times in documents linked to late financier Jeffrey Epstein, released by the US Justice Department. The files show Epstein repeatedly tried to arrange a meeting with Putin through Russian diplomats and European officials. These efforts took place during a sensitive period in US-Russia relations after the 2016 US presidential election. However, the documents provide no evidence that the two ever met. The Kremlin has rejected claims that Epstein worked with Russian intelligence agencies. Poland has announced a probe into possible Russian links mentioned in the newly released files.

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)