International News from Monday, February 9th, 2026

UK's Starmer refuses to heed calls to quit over fallout from Epstein scandal

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused on Monday to heed calls to quit, even by the leader of his party in Scotland, pledging to fight on after his appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador plunged his government into crisis.
Russian drone attacks on Ukraine kill 4

Russian overnight drone attacks across Ukraine killed at least four people and knocked out power for tens of thousands of people, Ukrainian officials said on Monday.
Japan's 'Iron Lady' Takaichi forges historic election win

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's coalition has swept to a historic election win on Sunday, paving the way for promised tax cuts that have spooked financial markets and military spending aimed at countering China.
Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in national security trial

Hong Kong's media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in jail on national security charges, including two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one of publishing seditious materials.

News

UAE launches Ramadan campaign to save children from malnutrition
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched a Ramadan campaign to save 5 million children under the age of 5 from "death due to malnutrition and hunger".
New express bus from Dubai to Hatta launched
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced a bus service between Dubai Mall and Hatta, with operations starting from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily.
Remote learning on Fridays during Ramadan for UAE public schools
The UAE’s Ministry of Education has announced that public school students will switch to remote learning on Fridays during the holy month of Ramadan, marking the second consecutive year of the initiative.