February 8, 2026

Five Arrested After Magistrate, Mother Held in Crypto Ransom Kidnapping in France

French police arrested five suspects after a magistrate and her mother were held captive for 30 hours in a cryptocurrency ransom case. The victims escaped injured but no ransom was paid.

February 8, 2026

US Oil Blockade Pushes Cuba to Energy Crisis, Triggers Emergency Measures

Cuba faces harsh fuel shortages and almost daily blackouts due to a US oil blockade. The government has cut workweeks, limited transport, and closed some schools and tourism to save fuel. Cuba blames Washington’s sanctions for the crisis while seeking more renewable energy use. UN warns the island's humanitarian situation may worsen without relief.

February 8, 2026

Alberta separatists' secret US meetings prompt treason claims, revive fears of foreign interference

Alberta separatists secretly met US officials, seeking support for independence, triggering treason accusations and worries about foreign meddling in Canada’s unity, echoing Quebec’s 1990s separatist moves.

February 8, 2026

Ramadan 2026 Likely to Begin February 19 in UAE and Gulf; 29 Days of Fasting

Muslims in UAE and Gulf countries prepare for Ramadan 2026, expected to start on February 19 with 29 days of fasting. Moon sighting will confirm exact dates. Eid al-Fitr will follow on March 20 or 21.

February 8, 2026

Japan’s Black Bears Enter Towns Drawn by Leftover Fruits, Not Hunger: Study

A study from western Japan reveals black bears invade human areas not due to starvation but because of leftover fruits on farms. Even when acorns were scarce, bears remained well-fed but attracted by easy meals like fallen persimmons. Experts urge clearing fallen fruit to keep bears away.

February 8, 2026

Speeding Luxury Car Kills Father, Son, and Relative in Rewa Motorcycle Crash

A speeding luxury car hit a motorcycle near Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, killing three family members instantly while they were distributing wedding invites.

February 8, 2026

Russia Arrests Second Suspect in General's Moscow Shooting, Extradited from Dubai

Russia's FSB has arrested Lyubomir Korba in Dubai for shooting Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alekseyev in Moscow. The suspect fled hours after the attack and is now extradited to Russia.

February 8, 2026

Man Linked to South Africa Police Corruption Probe Found Dead at Petrol Station

Wiandre Pretorius, tied to South Africa’s police corruption inquiry, died after reportedly shooting himself at a petrol station. His death adds to suspicions of a deadly syndicate linked to the 2022 murder of witness Emmanuel Mbense.

February 8, 2026

Thailand Votes in Crucial Election Between Reformists and Conservatives

Thailand has voted in a critical election between the reformist People's Party and the conservative Bhumjaithai party led by PM Anutin. Results are expected by 10 PM local time, with no clear majority forecast.

February 8, 2026

Training Plane Crashes Near Mangalooru, Karnataka; Pilot and Trainee Injured

A training aircraft from Red Bird Academy crashed near Mangalooru village, Karnataka on February 8, 2026. The pilot and trainee ejected safely but sustained minor injuries. Both are stable and recovering in hospital, as police investigate the incident.