World News LIVE: Sam Altman says India leads world in AI adoption, Trump blasts UK's Chagos Deal with Mauritius, and other top developments

Who is Carlos Turcios? MAGA activist's remarks over Texas-based Hanuman statue sparks major debate

A 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman has sparked political controversy after comments by Texas Republican activist Carlos Turcios. The statue, known as the 'Statue of Union,' stands at the Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land. It was unveiled in August 2024. Read the full story here.

How rich is UK's former Prince Andrew? Questions grow over his mysterious wealth after arrest

Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Thames Valley Police said on February 19 that a man in his 60s from Norfolk was detained, and searches were carried out in Berkshire and Norfolk. He remains in custody, The Guardian reported. Read the full story here.

Ex-Prince Andrew arrested amid fresh ‘misconduct’ allegations linked to Epstein files

Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and brother of King Charles, has been arrested in the UK on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Thames Valley Police said. Officers are also searching properties in Berkshire and Norfolk. Authorities have not named him publicly and cautioned that the case is active.

At least 16 dead in suspected gas explosion in Karachi

At least 16 people, including several children, were killed and 14 others injured after a suspected gas leak triggered an explosion in a residential building in Karachi, Pakistan, on Thursday morning, February 19, PTI reported. The blast led to the partial collapse of the building, which officials said was already in a weak and damaged condition.

'I can't wait to see what comes next': Sam Altman says India leading the world in AI adoption

Highlighting India's key role in global technology, CEO of OpenAI Sam Altman said on Thursday that the country is currently leading the world in AI adoption. He noted that India is set to become one of the largest markets for this technology. Altman emphasised that India is not just taking part in the AI revolution; it is leading it. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, he expressed optimism about the country's digital future and pointed out that the work happening in India's tech scene is "amazing" and setting the pace globally. He described India as a major driver of future innovation that will significantly influence how technology evolves around the world.

Nigeria mine explosion leaves over three dozen dead

A catastrophic gas explosion ripped through a mining site in Plateau State in central Nigeria, killing at least 38 miners and injuring dozens more, officials and witnesses say. The blast occurred in a region long plagued by unsafe mining practices and poor regulation. Read the full story

'Do not give away Diego Garcia': Donald Trump blasts UK's Chagos Deal with Mauritius

US President Donald Trump has asked Britain to reconsider its decision to hand over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, which it says would compromise a strategic advantage in the Indian Ocean. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Do not give away Diego Garcia," criticising the UK's decision to hand over the Chagos Islands while leasing back the vital military base for 99 years. Read full story.