KATHMANDU, Feb 10, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Nepal's rapper-turned-mayor Balendra Shah is preparing for the biggest fight of his political life -- a head-to-head battle with veteran leader KP Sharma Oli in the former prime minister's own constituency. Born in Kathmandu in 1990, he was a schoolboy during Nepal's decade-long Maoist civil war between 1996 and 2006, which killed thousands and eventually ended the monarchy. Trained as a civil engineer, he first gained national attention through Nepal's underground hip-hop scene, releasing songs that railed against corruption and inequality. His music, which has drawn millions of views online, helped him cultivate a devoted following on social media -- a platform he continues to favour over traditional media for communicating with supporters. That popularity translated into a political shock in 2022, when Shah became the first independent candidate elected mayor of Kathmandu, stunning Nepal's entrenched political establishment.

TOKYO, Feb 10, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) won 315 seats in weekend snap elections, giving it a two-thirds majority, official results confirmed Tuesday. The LDP's coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), won 36 seats, giving the ruling bloc 351 lawmakers in the 465-member lower house, the internal affairs ministry data showed. The election also saw the anti-immigration Sanseito party increase its tally to 15 seats from two, the results showed. The new Centrist Reform Alliance of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party and the LDP's previous partner Komeito suffered a disaster, with their tally collapsing to 49 from 167. With an eye on the rise of the populist Sanseito party, Takaichi has also promised to tighten rules on immigration.

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Another defeat damaged Liverpool's chances of Champions League qualification and Arne Slot's threadbare squad face another tough task in midweek away to Sunderland. AFP Sports looks at three talking points from the midweek round of fixtures:Can City provide title twist? The question now is whether a seismic win for Guardiola's side can be the launching pad towards another league title. Howe, by contrast, remains a much loved figure on Tyneside having ended the club's 70-year wait for a domestic trophy by lifting the League Cup last season and twice delivering Champions League football to St. James' Park. Fixtures (all times GMT)TuesdayChelsea v Leeds, Tottenham v Newcastle, Everton v Bournemouth (all 1930), West Ham v Man Utd (2015)WednesdayAston Villa v Brighton, Crystal Palace v Burnley, Man City v Fulham, Nottingham Forest v Wolves (all 1930), Sunderland v Liverpool (2015)ThursdayBrentford v Arsenal (2000)

MILAN, Italy, Feb 10, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Japan has filed an official protest with Olympic organisers after the figure skating medal podium at the Milan-Cortina Games left athletes with chipped skate blades following the team competition. Figure skaters rely on their blades being finely tuned so that they can execute ultra-precise moves, and medal podiums are usually covered in rubber to protect the edges from damage. Japan team official Yosuke Takeuchi said the podium in Milan was "a rough, asphalt-like substance made of cut stone", which chipped skaters' blades when they stepped onto it for Sunday's medal ceremony. Takeuchi said on Monday that Japan had lodged a protest with the Olympic organising committee. "Repairs to the chipped blades were carried out this morning at a specialist workshop," he said in a statement, adding that skaters from each of the three medal-winning teams were affected.

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Again, Ezra Cornell did say, “Any person … any study.” Cornell teaches more than 50 languages. The Messiah would focus on the dignity of the person, irrespective of their ideological bent. I suspect the Indigenous students, as well as the non-Indigenous Generation Z would be open. The value of personhood is culturally embedded among Indigenous students and resonates with Gen-Z. Karim-Aly Kassam Karim-Aly Kassam is an opinion columnist and professor in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment as well as the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman-File photoDHAKA, Feb 9, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman today said the 'Rickshaw' symbol in Dhaka-13 constituency embodies the unity of eleven parties, the aspirations of July Uprising, the youth and women and the struggle against domination. He urged voters to support the 'Rickshaw' symbol to ensure the victory of Maulana Mamunul Haque, the candidate backed by the eleven-party electoral alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Jamaat Ameer made the remarks while addressing a massive election rally at Mohammadpur Central Eidgah ground as the chief guest. "I will gift you the Dhaka-13 constituency free of drugs, terrorism and extortion," he added. Thousands of activists and supporters joined the rally, pledging to secure victory for the 'Rickshaw' symbol.

“Our students, staff, and school community do not deserve to have their daily schedules disrupted by senseless threats of violence,” said SCSD Superintendent Bob Hill. • Keket: Our reporters sat down with a local restaurant owner concerned that immigration enforcement fears could close her business. • Law enforcement: Local law enforcement officials say they will work to “maintain the peace” amid any ICE surge, but they won’t enforce federal immigration law. • City leaders: The Springfield City Commission unanimously passed a resolution asking federal immigration agents to follow local rules when conducting enforcement activities. • Springfield City Hall, school, county hit by threats tied to Haitian immigration concerns• VIDEO: What to know about Haitian immigration in Springfield

Meredith Village Savings Bank is deepening its commitment to local economic growth by once again participating in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston’s Jobs for New England program. From left, Tate Miller, MVSB commercial loan officer; Tina Simpson, MVSB VP commercial loan office; and Dan Osetek, MVSB SVP senior commercial lending officer. (Courtesy photo)

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman has pledged to create 10 million jobs if his party is elected to govern. Speaking on Pirjangi Mazar Road, Tarique said unemployment among young people was a major problem not only in Dhaka but across Bangladesh, reports bdnews24.com. He said the BNP had drawn up programmes and plans to address the issue and would, if elected, create 10 million employment opportunities over the next five years. Tarique also outlined his party’s economic plans, saying a BNP government would encourage domestic investment, attract foreign investors, and expand industry by establishing mills and factories to help reduce unemployment. The BNP candidate in the Dhaka-8 seat is Mirza Abbas.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has been deployed across coastal and riverine areas to ensure law and order and overall security during the 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum 2026. Director General of Bangladesh Coast Guard Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Haque shared the information on Monday after inspecting the law and order situation in several electoral areas of Chandpur, said a press release. He said the Coast Guard has been working relentlessly to maintain security in coastal regions, inland waterways, and river-surrounded remote areas, adding that the force has earned public trust in riverine districts like Chandpur by ensuring effective law enforcement. According to him, around 3,585 Coast Guard personnel, organized into 100 platoons, have been deployed for 28 days from January 18 to February 14, 2026, in connection with the election scheduled for February 12. The Coast Guard will continue to coordinate closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure a peaceful and secure voting environment, he said.

Two supporters of independent candidate Advocate Farhad Iqbal in Tangail-5 (Sadar) constituency died after falling ill while attending a campaign on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred in Tangail Sadar upazila as supporters gathered for the candidate’s final-day election rally. Eyewitnesses said one supporter suddenly fell ill shortly before the procession began, while another became sick during the rally. The incident cast a pall of gloom over the area, with deep grief prevailing among the victims’ families and relatives. Expressing condolences, independent candidate Advocate Farhad Iqbal said all possible assistance would be extended to the bereaved families, and that arrangements for the burial and funeral rites had already been made.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has extended heartfelt gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the International Cricket Council (ICC), and all parties involved for their positive roles in navigating the recent T20 World Cup challenges. BCB President Md Aminul Islam, who returned from a brief visit to Pakistan on Sunday, has urged Pakistan to play its upcoming World Cup fixture against India, scheduled for 15 February in Sri Lanka. “Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and given the forthcoming outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on 15 February against India for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem,” he said. In a statement released on Monday night, the BCB specifically thanked PCB Chairman Mohsin Raza Naqvi, his Board, and Pakistan’s cricket fans, praising their solidarity and exemplary sportsmanship. The appeal comes as the ICC, BCB, and PCB appear to be on the brink of resolving the ongoing T20 World Cup controversy.

Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, authorities have deployed a record number of security personnel amid heightened fears of clashes, particularly between supporters of the main contenders – BNP, Jamaat and the NCP. This is significantly higher than the 40,000–42,000 personnel deployed in the 2024, 2018, and 2008 elections. Any complaints or incidents of violence inside or outside polling stations will be reported through the election security app for rapid intervention. He said that record security deployment is necessary because the risk of conflict and violence is highest on election day and in the immediate days after. He added that the army is now authorized to enter polling centers and exercise magisterial powers.