Former French Culture Minister Jack Lang has resigned as head of the Arab World Institute amidst an investigation linking him to an Epstein-related tax fraud scheme. Lang vehemently denies the allegations, stating his departure prioritizes the institution's integrity as the probe connects to broader investigations into Jeffrey Epstein's financial network.
Major US tech giants including Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Meta are collectively poised to invest a staggering $660 billion into AI during 2026, a move that has sent shockwaves through the market. This colossal capital expenditure has triggered a sharp tumble in technology stocks, as investors and Wall Street question the profitability and return on such massive infrastructure investments.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's Bhumjaithai Party won Thailand's snap general election on February 8, 2026, securing the most seats but falling short of an outright majority. This outcome necessitates a coalition government, with the progressive People's Party already refusing to join a Bhumjaithai-led administration amidst the nation's ongoing political instability.
Houthi rebels in Yemen have reportedly seized at least 69 United Nations staff members, all Yemeni nationals, on baseless espionage charges, according to Human Rights Watch. This alarming detention severely cripples vital humanitarian operations, exacerbating a crisis where over 22 million Yemenis desperately need aid.
Apple is poised to dramatically enhance its CarPlay system by integrating advanced AI chatbot functionality, including support for leading third-party applications like Google's Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT. Expected to roll out in the coming months, this strategic move promises more sophisticated in-car conversational AI experiences for drivers, while Apple's Siri will maintain its default role for core vehicle functions.
A three-storey restaurant building tragically collapsed in Kota, Rajasthan, on Saturday night, claiming two lives and trapping others as frantic rescue operations continue. Authorities are now investigating whether nearby construction work may have been the cause of this devastating incident.
