International News from Thursday, February 12th, 2026
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India backs $40 billion military upgrade with more fighter jets
India on Thursday gave initial clearance for a 3.6-trillion-rupee ($40 billion) boost to the country's armed forces, including procurement of more Rafale fighter jets for the air force and Boeing P-8I reconnaissance aircraft for the navy.
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Russia fully blocks WhatsApp, talks up state-backed alternative
US messenger app WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, has been completely blocked in Russia for failing to comply with local law, the Kremlin said on Thursday, suggesting Russians turn to a state-backed "national messenger" instead.
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Russian air attack knocks out power, heat to thousands of Ukrainians
Russia pounded Ukraine with drones and ballistic missiles overnight on Thursday, further battering its energy system and leaving tens of thousands in the capital Kyiv and the cities of Dnipro and Odesa without heat, power and water, officials said.
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Bangladesh votes in landmark election after Gen Z uprising
Bangladeshis lined up outside polling booths on Thursday as voting began in a pivotal election for the country after the 2024 ouster of long‑time premier Sheikh Hasina in a Gen Z‑driven uprising.
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Canadian police identify suspect in mass school shooting
The suspect in a deadly school shooting in western Canada has been identified as an 18-year-old woman with mental health issues who killed her mother and stepbrother before attacking her former school.
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Teacher dies after Thailand school shooting
A teacher has died on Thursday in southern Thailand's Hat Yai district after a gunman opened fire at a school where she worked at, the provincial administration said on social media.
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Israel to join Trump's 'Board of Peace', Netanyahu says
Israel will join US President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" initiative, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday during his visit to Washington where he met Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
News
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Emir of Qatar welcomed by UAE President on visit to Abu DhabiUAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks in Abu Dhabi on Saturday with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar.
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UAE, Pakistan leaders discuss boosting economic tiesUAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has held talks with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on strengthening economic and development cooperation between the two countries.
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UAE, Bosnia FMs discuss strengthening bilateral relationsHis Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Elmedin Konaković, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, have explored prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation during a telephone conversation.
