Happy Valentine's Day! Here are your NEWS Briefs for today:

International Relations and Politics:
US-Russia Relations: U.S. Vice President JD Vance has warned Moscow, urging Europe to increase defense spending, following discussions on the international stage.

India-US Relations: India and the US have agreed to resolve ongoing trade and tariff disputes after talks between Trump and Modi.

Hamas and Hostages: Hamas has recommitted to the release of hostages, indicating a potential shift in Middle Eastern dynamics.

Economy and Business:
Tesla and EV Contract: Tesla was not awarded a $400 million electric vehicle contract by the State Department.

Cryptocurrency Market: The crypto market today shows subtle movements with Bitcoin holding steady while XRP leads among top altcoins.

Eurozone GDP: The Eurozone's preliminary GDP for Q4 was slightly better than expected at +0.1% quarter over quarter

Entertainment:
Infinity Nikki: New outfits have been released in the game, adding to the Valentine's Day celebrations among fans.

Movie Releases: The first single 'Premalo' from the film 'Court: State vs A Nobody' was released, stirring excitement for its upcoming premiere.

Taylor Swift: There's ongoing discussion around her and President Donald Trump, following her Super Bowl appearance, with Trump's social media posts reigniting their feud.

Weather and Local News:
Portland, Oregon: A cold breeze is expected to bring drizzle, impacting Valentine's Day plans (yahoo.com).

Edinburgh: Local news includes updates on new schools, church closures, and weather forecasts.

Sports:
Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025: The cricket league kicks off today with five teams competing.

Today, January 30, 2025, several key events have dominated the news cycle:

Fatal Midair Collision Near Washington D.C.:
A significant incident occurred when an American Airlines passenger jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, leading to both crashing into the Potomac River. This event has caused multiple fatalities with 64 people on board the plane and three soldiers in the helicopter. The crash has prompted a live news conference by Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, highlighting its severity and the immediate response efforts.

Hostage Release in Gaza:
Amidst ongoing tensions, Hamas has released several hostages, including Israeli and Thai nationals, as part of a ceasefire deal. This development follows previous releases and indicates a continuation of negotiations or agreements aimed at de-escalating the conflict.

Economic and Market Updates:
Gold prices have surged to a new record high of ₹83,800 per 10 grams in India, reflecting broader economic trends and investor behavior. The Indian stock market also saw significant activity with the anticipation of the Union Budget 2025, affecting stock recommendations, particularly in sectors like railways.

Political Developments in the U.S.:
Notable political news includes contentious Senate hearings for Donald Trump's health pick, RFK Jr., and discussions on immigration policies with plans to utilize Guantanamo Bay for migrant facilities. These topics are stirring significant debate and reaction on both national and international levels.

International Affairs:
NATO's interest in acquiring drones capable of operating in Arctic conditions was also in the news, suggesting a strategic focus on new military technology in response to geopolitical tensions.


These events encapsulate both human tragedy, political maneuvering, economic shifts, and international security concerns, making them central to today's news discussions.

Here are some of the most current news points from Nepal:

Nepal Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire Agreement: The Nepalese government has expressed support for the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, emphasizing the need for peace and urging the release of Bipin Joshi and other hostages.

Power Cuts in Lalitpur: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) announced scheduled power cuts in various parts of Lalitpur to replace electric poles, affecting local residents and businesses.

Hydropower Project Agreement: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has signed a deal with SJVN Ltd., GMR Energy Ltd., and Nepal Electricity Authority for a 900 MW Hydropower Project in Nepal.

Disaster Statistics: According to the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC), 679 people died, 66 went missing, and 1,323 were injured in Nepal due to natural disasters like floods, landslides, and fires over a recent period.

Political Instability: Observers are noting the recent political instability in Nepal, which complicates its foreign relations, particularly with India and China. This has been discussed in relation to the frequent changes in government leadership.

Legislative Updates: The Public Service Broadcasting Bill was recently passed, with Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung acknowledging there is still much work to be done in this area.

Transgender Candidates in Elections: In a significant step for representation, two transgender candidates ran for election in Nepal, marking a historic moment for transgender political participation.

Election Update: As of the latest data, national polls show a close race between Vice President Kamala #Harris and former President Donald #Trump, often within a margin of error. Many polls indicate that they are roughly tied, with both candidates receiving around 47-49% of the vote, depending on the specific poll and methodology.

General sentiment among voters appears divided, with many expressing concerns about key issues such as the economy, healthcare, and social justice. While some voters remain staunchly loyal to Trump, others are motivated by a desire for change, bolstered by Harris’s platform.

Election Update: #Harris and #Trump Prepare for Showdown as Voting Begins

In less than a week, Vice President Kamala Harris will face off against former President Donald Trump in the highly anticipated 2024 election. As the countdown continues, early voting figures reveal that over 48 million ballots have already been cast across the nation.

Despite the surge in early voting, national polls indicate a tight race, with both candidates locked in a dead heat. Nearly 100 electoral votes remain too close to call, particularly in key battleground states where neither candidate has gained a definitive advantage. As Election Day approaches, the outcome hangs precariously in the balance, with voters poised to make their voices heard.

#Tesla Update: Your 30-day complimentary trial* of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) (your model name) has been extended.

Under your supervision, Full Self-Driving (Supervised) can drive your Tesla almost anywhere. It will make lane changes, select forks to follow your navigation route, navigate around other vehicles and objects, and make left and right turns. You and anyone you authorize must use additional caution and remain attentive. It does not make your vehicle autonomous. Do not become complacent.

This trial will end on November 29, 2024.

Cybersecurity firm #CrowdStrike said the issue was caused by its update and a fix has been deployed, noting it was not a security incident or cyberattack. Experts now start tinkering so much to rely on one single SAS provider for so much being on stake.

#Apple hastily dived into AI race in a cleaver way to boost iPhone Sales but #Tesla CEO Elon Musk says he is worried about data privacy through Apple’s partnership with the #Microsoft backed company #OpenAI therefore he won't allow Apple products to be used throughout his companies. Although Musk has a vested interest in his own xAI, having his own rival AI start-up, he can be right as Microsoft is very well known for quietly collecting a vast amount of user data for decades. - Part of the update - curtsy of Barron's

Apple M-series Mac Wallet #Security Risk #Update