February 9, 2026

Abandoned Oil Tankers Surge Hits Merchant Sailors Hard Amid Shadow Fleet Rise

In 2025, 410 commercial ships were abandoned worldwide, leaving over 6,200 sailors stranded without pay or supplies. Shadow fleets under flags of convenience, linked to sanctioned countries, are driving this surge, putting merchant sailors like Ivan at great risk.

February 9, 2026

San Francisco Teachers Strike, Closing 120 Schools Over Pay and Benefits Dispute

For the first time in nearly 50 years, thousands of San Francisco public schoolteachers went on strike, closing all 120 district schools. They demand higher wages, better healthcare, and more support for special needs students. The standoff follows a year of talks with no agreement on salary raises or benefits.

February 9, 2026

15 Dead as Two Buildings Collapse in Lebanon's Tripoli Amid Neglect Warnings

Fifteen people died and eight were saved after two residential buildings collapsed in Tripoli, Lebanon. Authorities warn more may be missing and blame years of neglect. The city's mayor resigned, calling the situation a disaster. Government pledges full support and evacuation of unsafe buildings.

February 9, 2026

Migrant Boat Capsizes Off Libya, 53 Dead, Only 2 Survivors Rescued

A rubber boat carrying 55 migrants capsized off Libya's coast, leaving 53 dead, including two babies. The UN migration agency IOM confirmed only two Nigerian women survived. The tragedy highlights ongoing migrant risks crossing the Mediterranean.

February 9, 2026

Ongole ACB Catches Panchayat Secretary Taking ₹55,000 Bribe in Prakasam

The Ongole Anti-Corruption Bureau caught panchayat secretary Jangala Sampath Kumar red-handed taking ₹55,000 bribe from a contractor for clearing bills. The arrest happened at the village secretariat in Kothapatnam mandal. The accused will face the ACB Special Court in Nellore.

February 9, 2026

NHAI Opens New Elevated Corridor on Chennai-Bengaluru Highway to Ease Traffic in Ranipet

The National Highways Authority of India launched a new elevated corridor above a ₹22-crore underpass on NH48 in Ranipet. It aims to reduce traffic jams and accidents, especially at night. Initially, ambulances and government buses can use it. Streetlights and safety features are planned soon.

February 9, 2026

Varun Kumar Arrested in Thiruvalla Spa Gangrape Case, Police Hunt Continues

Varun Kumar, 36, was arrested in connection with the gangrape at a Thiruvalla ayurvedic spa. Police have now detained three suspects and are searching for the remaining accused.

February 9, 2026

Karnataka High Court Allows No-Confidence Motions Against GP Presidents Anytime After 15 Months

The Karnataka High Court ruled that no-confidence motions can be moved against grama panchayat presidents or vice-presidents anytime after 15 months from their oath, even near the end of their term. This keeps elected officials accountable throughout their term, says the court.

February 9, 2026

KDSS Protests Supreme Court Stay on UGC Equity Rules, Demands Quick Action

Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samiti holds a protest demanding swift enforcement of UGC's 2026 equity regulations. They criticise the Supreme Court's stay and highlight caste discrimination and student suicides in Indian universities.

February 9, 2026

Hukkeri Couple Organizes Adopted Son's Wedding in Veerashaiva Lingayat Style

In Hukkeri, a retired KSRTC driver and his wife joyfully hosted their adopted son's wedding following Veerashaiva Lingayat customs. The couple, who raised two orphaned boys, now sees Somashekar happily married, spreading a message of unity and love.