The Canadian prime minister attended a vigil with federal leaders and paid tribute to the eight victims.
'Canadians are with you,' says PM at Tumbler Ridge vigil
Veteran Kannada filmmaker Joe Simon dies at 80 after suffering heart attack at KFCC meeting
Veteran Kannada film director and actor Joe Simon died on Friday after a heart attack, news agency PTI reported, citing industry sources. He was 80 years old.
The filmmaker was attending a meeting at the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce in Bengaluru when he suffered a heart attack on Friday afternoon. According to reports, he was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead at around 4.30 pm.
Joe Simon dies
Simon suffered a cardiac arrest at the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce in Bengaluru, where he had attended a meeting this afternoon. The Times of India reported that Joe Simon was actively participating, offering suggestions and discussing future plans in the meeting, and even proposed that a celebratory programme be organised. However, moments later, he collapsed. A person present at the meeting told the publication, “Shortly after stepping out of the meeting hall, he went and sat on the attendant’s chair, and he suddenly collapsed; it was a severe cardiac arrest.”
Tributes pour in
In a career that spanned decades, Joe Simon had directed several popular Kannada films, including Sahasa Simha, Snehada Kadalalli, Simha Jodi, and Mr Vasu. Simon had also served as the Vice President of the Kannada Film Directors Association.
Tributes poured in from both the world of cinema and politics. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar described Simon’s death as an “irreparable loss” to the Kannada film industry.
“It is saddening that renowned Kannada film director Joe Simon has passed away due to a heart attack. Joe Simon, who hailed from Mandya and had been active in the Kannada film industry for decades, worked in more than 100 films as an actor, director, and lyricist. His demise is an irreparable loss to the Kannada film industry. I pray that God grants eternal peace to his soul and gives strength to his family to bear this pain. Om Shanti,” Shivakumar wrote on X in Kannada.
Expressing grief over his passing, Leader of Opposition R Ashoka recalled Simon’s contribution as an actor, director, and dialogue writer, highlighting his successful films, including Vishnuvardhan’s Sahasa Simha.
T20 World Cup 2026: ENG vs SCO pitch report and Eden Gardens key stats | T20 World Cup 2026
The two-time champions, England, after a setback against West Indies, are set to take on Scotland in Match 23 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata today.
With Group C tightly poised, the contest carries huge Super Eight implications as both sides chase a crucial win to strengthen their qualification hopes. England, led by Harry Brook, will be eager to bounce back after their struggles against spin were exposed in the previous game — an area Scotland are likely to target with confidence.
Scotland arrive with momentum following a dominant victory over Italy, powered by strong performances from Michael Leask and the opening pair of George Munsey and Michael Jones. Having already spent significant time at the venue, the Scots appear well adapted to conditions and will look to challenge England’s middle order once again.
England vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 Eden Gardens pitch report
The Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata is generally known for offering a balanced contest between bat and ball, with good bounce early in the innings. Fast bowlers can get some assistance with the new ball, but as the surface settles, stroke-making becomes easier for batters. Spinners are expected to play a major role during the middle overs as the wicket tends to slow down slightly. The average T20 first-innings score at the venue usually ranges between 140 and 160, suggesting competitive totals rather than massive run-fests.
Dew later in the evening could influence captains’ decisions at the toss, making chasing a tempting option in this England vs Scotland clash.
T20 World Cup 2026 ENG vs SCO: Head-to-head stats at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
This will be the first time that England and Scotland take on each other in T20Is at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Most recent T20I match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
The most recent T20I match played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, was Match 7 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 between Scotland and Italy. Italy won the toss and opted to bowl first. Scotland put up a massive total of 207 for 4 on the board. In reply, the Italian side was bundled out for just 134, as Scotland walked away with a big 73-run win.
Eden Gardens, Kolkata: Key T20I stats
|
Category |
Stats |
|
Total Matches |
15 |
|
Matches won batting first |
7 |
|
Matches won bowling first |
8 |
|
Average 1st innings Score |
158 |
|
Average 2nd innings Score |
137 |
|
Highest total recorded |
207/4 (20 Ovs) By SCO vs ITA |
|
Lowest total recorded |
70/10 (15.4 Ovs) By BAN vs NZ |
|
Highest score chased |
162/4 (18.5 Ovs) By IND vs WI |
|
Lowest score defended |
186/5 (20 Ovs) By IND vs WI |
Jaden Smith walks away when Kanye West’s name gets dropped
During a recent interview, Jaden Smith walked out when the discussion shifted to Kanye West, linked to his work with designer Steven Smith, a former collaborator on Yeezy. This withdrawal comes on the heels of West’s controversial public apology regarding his antisemitic comments, which he attributed to his bipolar disorder.
Jaden Smith knows how to set boundaries. In an awkward interaction, Jaden Smith walked away mid-question, as soon as Kanye West’s name was mentioned. In the conversation, the rapper through his association with footwear designer Steven Smith, who worked with West on Yeezy for eight years before he was fired in 2024.
Jaden Smith walks away at the mention of Kanye West
In an Instagram video shared by Complex, the Journalist asks Jaden, “I see that you’re working with Steven Smith, who designed Yeezy footwear with Ye.” After a brief pause, Hardeman-Webb continued, “What are y’all cooking up?” Jaden, who was looking down before, glanced up and walked away as soon as Kanye West was mentioned.
This comes after Kanye West’s ‘To Those I’ve Hurt’ apology
The viral moment comes almost one month after West publicly addressed his history of making antisemitic remarks. West apologized in an open letter titled “To Those I’ve Hurt,” which appeared as a full-page advertisement (paid for by his Yeezy brand) on The Wall Street Journal. In the letter, West claimed bipolar disorder caused his erratic behavior and turned to antisemitism.
When Jaden Smith said Kanye West has ‘lost his mind’
West was a longtime collaborator of Steven’s before firing him. The designer told Fast Company at the time of his firing in 2024 that he had felt West “lost his mind,” adding, “The whole of Yeezy is circling the drain and this is just part of it. He has surrounded himself with toxic, C-grade losers.”Meanwhile, Jaden was named a Christian Louboutin creative director in September 2025. A press release revealed that he would “oversee the creation of four collections annually across men’s shoes, leather goods, and accessories,” in addition to helping develop the brand’s visual and emotional identity across marketing campaigns, corresponding events and experiences.
Barcelona stunned 0-4 by Atletico Madrid in Copa del Rey semi-final first leg
Barcelona were crushed at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano stadium as Diego Simeone’s side ran riot with a 4-0 win in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final on Thursday.
The result left Barcelona boss Hansi Flick fuming, particularly with the first-half display, wherein Atletico Madrid scored all four of their goals via Eric Garcia (own-goal; 7th min), Antoine Griezmann (14) Ademola Lookman (33), and Julian Alvarez (45+2).
“We didn’t play well in the first-half as a team, we didn’t play like a team. In the first 45 minutes, we were handed a big lesson,” said the German coach. Nevertheless, Flick held out hope of a miraculous comeback at home on March 3. “We have one game more and we will fight [to win] that,” he added.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
Zubeen Garg’s death case: Court hears key petitions, orders reserved for February 16
Guwahati: In the ongoing death case linked to singer Zubeen Garg, the Court of the District and Sessions Judge on Friday examined documents filed by the two accused, Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddhartha Sharma.
After the hearing, Zubeen’s wife, Garima, spoke with the media and informed them that Siddharth Sharma filed a discharge petition during the last hearing, with arguments scheduled for February 16.
She added that further proceedings in the matter will take place on the same day, marking a crucial development in the case.
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“Siddharth Sharma had filed a discharge petition on the last hearing. The argument will be held on the 16th… everything will be done on 16th,” Garima said.
Advocate Apurba Sarma told ANI, “Today, the case was fixed for hearing on the petition filed by Shyamkanu Mahanta. It has been heard, and an order will be passed on the 16th. Shyamkanu Mahanta filed a petition to refreeze his bank accounts. So, that has been heard, and an order will be passed on the coming 16th. Siddharth Sharma has filed three more petitions, and he is seeking all the documents, including digital copies of all the documents submitted before this court. The prosecution has objected to all of them, and the objections will be heard on February 16th, and the Court will pass an order on that day… We demand from the Government of Assam and India that a fast-track court be established that will conduct daily hearings…”
Last month, the family of Zubeen Garg had written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the constitution of a special court, expedited trial in Assam and appropriate diplomatic-legal intervention in Singapore following his death on September 19, 2025.
In the letter, the family described Garg as “not only a member of our family but a cultural voice of Assam and India’s North-East”, adding that his sudden passing left behind a grieving family and millions of followers seeking clarity on the circumstances of his death.
Taking to her official handle, Zubeen’s wife, Garima Garg, shared the letter, which reads, “Respected Sir, We, the family of Late Zubeen Garg, humbly place this memorandum before you with faith in the constitutional authority of your office and in the commitment of the Government of India to justice, dignity, and the rule of law. Zubeen Garg was not only a member of our family, but he was also a cultural voice of Assam and of India’s North-East.”
Garg, who died in Singapore in September last year, was “severely intoxicated” and had drowned in the waters off Lazarus Island after declining a life jacket, a Coroner’s court was told, according to a report by Lydia Lam in Channel NewsAsia (CNA).
The iconic singer, 52, was at a yacht party on September 19, 2025, and initially wore a life jacket but removed it and later declined to put on a second one offered to him, the chief investigating officer told the court in the opening of the inquiry, according to the news report.
At the time of the incident, he was “heavily intoxicated”, and several witnesses saw him attempting to swim back to the yacht before he went limp and began floating face-down in the water, the report said.
Looking for a Job? You could get Rs 1,500 monthly under the Yuva Sathi scheme | Personal Finance News
New Delhi: The West Bengal government’s “Banglar Yuva Sathi” scheme aims to provide financial support of Rs 1,500 per month to unemployed youth while they search for jobs or pursue skill development opportunities. The programme is expected to be rolled out from April 1, 2026, with applications being accepted through special registration camps.
Under the scheme, educated unemployed individuals aged between 21 and 40 years who have passed at least the secondary (Class 10) examination can apply for the allowance. Applicants must also be residents of West Bengal and should not be receiving benefits from most other state welfare schemes, although certain scholarships will not affect eligibility.
The monthly stipend will continue until the beneficiary finds employment or for a maximum period of five years, whichever comes first. The financial assistance is intended to help young job seekers meet basic expenses and remain connected to employment opportunities and skill-building programmes.
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To apply, eligible candidates must submit documents such as identity proof, bank account details, photographs, and educational certificates during the registration process. The initiative is part of the state government’s broader effort to support unemployed youth and improve workforce participation through targeted assistance programmes.
Premier League: Thomas Frank sacked at Spurs as Michael Carrick lifts United and chaos spreads
The Premier League never stays quiet for long, and this week has delivered drama on multiple fronts. Tottenham’s latest managerial change has sparked fresh debate about dressing-room power, while Manchester United’s interim revival under Michael Carrick is offering supporters a very different kind of storyline.
Elsewhere, instability continues at Nottingham Forest, transfer rumours have been firmly batted away by Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, and Liverpool are once again counting the cost of injuries at the worst possible time. Arsenal, meanwhile, are hoping Viktor Gyokeres can rediscover his scoring touch with the help of Mikel Arteta’s guidance.
There is also movement in the market, with Tottenham eyeing German midfielder Felix Nmecha, Bournemouth celebrating another smart piece of recruitment in teenage Brazilian Rayan, and West Ham slowly finding hope under Nuno Espirito Santo. Even with the window shut, a list of notable free agents remains available for clubs looking to strengthen.
Spurs sack Thomas Frank
When chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning” come from your own fans, you know as a coach that your job is in serious jeopardy. The problem for Thomas Frank was that many players wanted him gone too.
Several senior players held dressing-room discussions and voiced their frustration, annoyance and, in one or two cases, anger that Frank had continually praised bitter rivals Arsenal for their performances. He often used Mikel Arteta’s tactics as an example. The level of dissatisfaction with their own coach reached senior management and eventually the owners. Players felt that instead of pointing out Arsenal’s superiority, Frank should have concentrated on improving the Spurs set-up tactically. He also had both public and private disagreements with Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence, Yves Bissouma and Mathys Tel. One player said, “We just wanted him to shut up about Arsenal!”
Frank met with the club owners on Monday and left with the impression that he had their support. Two days later, after yet another embarrassing home loss, this time to Newcastle, he was shown the exit door. CEO Vinai Venkatesham was ashen-faced, as he and Frank believed Tottenham could win the match. Frank leaves with Spurs in 16th place and uncomfortably close to the relegation zone, having managed only two wins in 17 Premier League games.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe knew he also had to win this game, or at least come away with something, as he is under immense pressure too. Howe sympathised with Frank and said the manager’s job is difficult and demanding, and with Tottenham’s long injury list it is not always just the manager’s fault.
The rumour mill has gone into full speed with several names being thrown around as Frank’s successor. Fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino is being linked with a return, while former Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso is also being suggested. Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner and even ex-Manchester United legend Roy Keane have been discussed. There is no definite decision as I write this column. Harry Redknapp or Ryan Mason could possibly be brought in as interim coach until Pochettino is free after working with the USA at the World Cup.
Carrick’s clever United tweaks
One of the main reasons Michael Carrick has started so well as interim coach at Manchester United is his flexibility in approach to every game. Previously, Ruben Amorim was determined not to change his back-three system, resulting in uninspiring performances. Players such as Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes were almost shackled, much to their frustration.
Carrick’s United are fast, attacking and move with urgency. They are never static or boring. Supporters are believing again. It was this tinkering approach that gave Leicester City a shock title win in 2016 under Claudio Ranieri, who regularly rotated players.
Beating Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the first three matches was not luck, but preparation and work on the training ground. Players moved positions constantly, allowing the likes of Kobbie Mainoo to play to the best of their abilities. Amorim never came close to achieving that.
On the training ground, Carrick personally puts on his tracksuit and boots and joins every session. Players are familiar with what he wants, something Amorim never achieved. Against Spurs, Carrick moved Bryan Mbeumo from central striker to the left to pressure full-back Archie Gray. As a result, Fernandes, Cunha and Diallo caused Tottenham’s defence all sorts of problems, leading to Romero being sent off and a very difficult afternoon for Van de Ven and Destiny Udogie.
Forest managerial chaos continues
When any manager takes over at Nottingham Forest, they can never be certain how long the job will last. Owner Evangelos Marinakis has shown little patience and on Wednesday evening he waved goodbye to Sean Dyche, who had been in the job for only 114 days.
Ange Postecoglou lasted only 39 days at the City Ground after replacing Nuno Espirito Santo, who was sacked after only three matches this season.
Losing one manager is unfortunate, losing two might be coincidence, but three is remarkable. Forest are about to become the first club to have four managers in one season.
Palmer silences Chelsea rumours
Cole Palmer has been rumoured to be unhappy at Chelsea and wanting a move. As if to make his point, he produced a 25-minute hat-trick for the Blues. He celebrated in his usual “cold” way, then covered his ears and ran towards the 3,000 Chelsea fans who had travelled 200 miles to watch them beat Wolves 2-0.
The 23-year-old took his chance to address the rumours. The message was clear: he is not listening, and neither should anyone else. Palmer is worshipped at Stamford Bridge and is considered one of the “untouchables” by senior management.
Liverpool injury list grows
When it comes to signing big-name players who then suffer injury, Liverpool have had more than their fair share of bad luck.
With striker Alexander Isak out for the season after breaking a leg following his goal in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Tottenham, manager Arne Slot now has a headache in central defence.
Sixty million pounds centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, due to arrive from Rennes this summer, is set to have surgery on shoulder damage suffered in defeat to Lens. Slot approved the operation.
Jeremie Frimpong is out with a muscle injury. Joe Gomez could not train properly before Sunderland and only appeared late on. Conor Bradley will miss the rest of the season with knee ligament damage, though not a full ACL rupture. Slot currently has only Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as fit senior centre-backs.
Gyokeres fights scoring drought
Mikel Arteta says Viktor Gyokeres has a poker face and must learn to live with dry spells. He needs two more goals to reach double figures this season after prolific spells at Sporting Lisbon and Coventry City.
Gyokeres admitted his struggles but scored last weekend from inside the box. Arteta urged him to take more risks closer to goal.
The striker said this week, “Taking Mikel Arteta’s advice is helping me so much. I have restored my confidence and I expect to score plenty more goals.”
Spurs eye Nmecha move
Tottenham are ready to spend 52 million pounds to sign German midfielder Felix Nmecha. Borussia Dortmund are reluctant to sell, but that fee could tempt them.
Spurs have midfield depth, though they also have an option to buy Joao Palhinha for 27 million pounds. Nmecha would be keen on a Premier League move, especially with his brother playing for Leeds.
Bournemouth’s Brazilian gem
Bournemouth sold Antoine Semenyo in January and many feared it would derail them. Instead, they sit 11th, thanks in part to Brazilian teenager Rayan, signed from Vasco da Gama for 25 million pounds.
He has impressed immediately with goals and assists, earning comparisons with Chelsea’s Estevao and Inter legend Adriano.
West Ham find new hope
West Ham’s new coach Nuno Espirito Santo is slowly giving supporters hope. Under Graham Potter, they never clicked, but Nuno is getting more from the squad.
A win at Burnley leaves the Hammers in 18th, just two points behind Forest and five behind Spurs, with three wins in five matches.
Yirenkyi draws top scouts
Ghanaian midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi is being watched by scouts from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. The FC Nordsjaelland talent scored and assisted in a derby win.
Brighton see him as a possible successor to Carlos Baleba. The Danish club rejected a 15 million pounds bid in January and will only consider offers above 25 million pounds.
Free agents still available
The winter transfer window is closed, but several notable players remain available on free transfers.
Jesse Lingard is looking for a club after a loan spell in South Korea. Diego Costa, now 37, wants another Premier League return. Divock Origi is also unattached at 30.
Tiemoue Bakayoko remains available with modest wage demands. Antonio Rudiger could be free this summer if Real Madrid do not sell him first, with Spurs, Crystal Palace and West Ham among the clubs his agent has contacted.
– Ends
She taught us how to speak to a nation: Shammi Narang, Voice of the Metro, writes on Doordarshan legend Sarla Maheshwari
In 1983, when I was selected as a Hindi newsreader at India’s national broadcaster Doordarshan, the joy I felt went far beyond the excitement of appearing before millions on television. What thrilled me even more was the opportunity to work alongside the most respected voices of that era, and that included Sarla Maheshwari.
There were also Salma Sultan, JV Raman, Shobhna Jagdeesh and Avinash Kaur in the Hindi section, besides Geetanjali, Neethi, Komal and Tejeshwar in English, if I remember it well.
In those days, Doordarshan newsreaders were not celebrities; they were the nation’s voice — steady, credible, composed. Sarla Maheshwari embodied that ideal completely.
Our training was rigorous. We were taught that reading the news demanded more than mere looks or confidence. It required command over language, flawless pronunciation, precise modulation, clarity of thought, camera poise, and dignified conduct.
“If you want to see all these qualities in one person, just watch Sarla Maheshwari reading the bulletin,” I remember a producer telling me.
Fate ensured that my first meeting with her happened on the very day of my debut broadcast. She had come to read the 8:30pm National Bulletin, while I was scheduled for the 7pm Local Bulletin before her.
Nervous yet determined, I greeted her in the make-up room and introduced myself. I told her I had just been entrusted with the responsibility of reading the news and that I considered her my idol.
Summoning courage, I requested that she watch my performance and offer her honest opinion.
There was no trace of seniority or distance in her response — only warmth. She agreed with a reassuring smile that instantly eased my anxiety.
Touch wood! My very first bulletin lived up to the expectations of the news producer. But more than anything else, I was eager to know Sarla-ji’s feedback and reaction. Thanking the entire team, I hurried towards the make-up room.
Before I could say anything, Sarla herself spoke: “Oh! It didn’t feel at all that you were facing the camera for the first time… you read very well.”
And that one sentence filled my life with renewed enthusiasm and confidence.
Learning and teaching continued side by side, but the formalities of senior and junior had almost faded away. With the support of colleagues and the blessings of viewers, within two–three months I too got the opportunity to read the National Bulletin. I began receiving immense love from people.
My journey of presenting the news alongside stalwarts like Sarla, Salma, Avinash and Shobhna kept moving forward with consistent success.
Sarla, true to her nature, was never just a colleague. She was a friend, a guide, almost like a sister, always ready to help. Gradually, our relationship was no longer confined to the workplace; it became familial.
In 2001, owing to increasing commitments in my business, I bid farewell to Doordarshan. Some time later, Sarla too retired from DD.
Naturally, our meetings became less frequent, but through phone calls and family occasions like our children’s weddings, all of us anchors stayed connected.
Then came WhatsApp, and we began hearing from each other almost daily. Most of the light-hearted, humorous posts were usually sent by me, and the very first response would almost always come from Sarla. Perhaps very few people knew that she had a wonderful sense of humour, too, besides that poise.
But over the past few days, her responses had started becoming infrequent. Whenever I called, she would say, “Just busy with some family matters.”
The truth, however, came to light only 2-3 months ago: due to diabetes, her kidneys had stopped functioning properly. Even then, all of us kept thinking that in today’s times diabetes is so common that the situation would soon come under control.
But on the morning of February 12, it was from Sarla’s own phone that the devastating news of her passing away reached us. For a while, I simply could not believe it — perhaps I did not want to.
My question to God was not “how did this happen?”, but rather, “Why did this happen?”
Sarla,ii is not just my belief but that of the entire nation that you were the embodiment of grace and courtesy, reminding us that true beauty lies not merely in appearance but also in the heart, and in one’s sincere conduct. Your presence on the Doordarshan screen carried a rare aura. You respected each and everyone and elevated every space you were part of. Undoubtedly, you will be missed immensely, Sarla.
–
(About the writer: Shammi Narang is an Indian media personality, voiceover artist, and entrepreneur based in Delhi. His face is familiar to millions from his years as newsreader with Doordarshan. He is also the voice behind the announcements in the Delhi Metro.)
Danish PM says more Greenland talks due after meeting US’s Marco Rubio | Donald Trump News
New opinion poll finds seven in 10 US adults disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of Greenland issue.
Denmark’s prime minister and Greenland’s premier met with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and agreed that talks would be pursued on the running of Greenland, the semi-autonomous Danish territory that President Donald Trump has threatened to take over.
Rubio held a 15-minute meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Friday.
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Greenland’s leader Nielsen said in a post on social media that during the meeting with Rubio, “it was emphasised that the conversations being made are the right way forward and the interests of Greenland were once again clearly highlighted”.
Prime Minister Frederiksen said on X after the meeting: “Constructive talk with Secretary of State Marco Rubio together with Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Chairman of Naalakkersuisut, at the Munich Security Conference.”
“Work will continue as agreed in the high-level working group,” she said.
The meeting between the Danish and Greenlandic leaders and the US state secretary comes amid severely strained ties between Europe and Washington, and NATO allies, amid President Trump’s repeated threats to take over Greenland and criticism of European nations as “decaying” and “weak”.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said, “We’re negotiating right now for Greenland.”
“I think Greenland’s going to want us, but we get along very well with Europe. We’ll see how it all works out,” he said.
After months of bellicose language regarding the US’s necessity to acquire Greenland, Trump abruptly stepped back from his threats last month, saying that he had reached an understanding with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte that would give the US greater influence in the mineral-rich Arctic territory.
Late last month, the US, Denmark and Greenland also launched talks to find a diplomatic path out of the crisis.
Poll finds most US adults disapprove of Trump’s Greenland plan
The US administration has cited key national security concerns related to Russia and China to justify its demand to take control over Greenland and has accused Denmark, and Europe more broadly, of being unable to defend the strategic territory.
But, according to a new opinion poll conducted by The Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, Trump’s push to seize control of Greenland has gone down badly with the US public and members of his own party.
The survey, conducted between February 5-8, found that about seven in 10 US adults disapprove of how Trump is handling the Greenland issue – a higher disapproval rating than the share of those who dislike how he is handling foreign policy generally.
Even among Republican supporters, about half disapprove of his attempt to turn Greenland into US territory, according to the poll.
Sweden said on Thursday that it would send fighter jets to patrol Greenland as part of a newly launched NATO mission in the Arctic aimed at placating Trump’s concerns over the threats posed by Moscow and Beijing.
The government said in a statement that Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets would patrol Greenland as part of the newly-launched NATO mission, Arctic Sentry.
“As a NATO ally, Sweden has a responsibility to contribute to the security of the entire territory of the Alliance. The Arctic region is becoming increasingly important from a strategic perspective,” Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said.
In a separate statement, the Swedish Armed Forces said the fighter jets would be based out of Iceland, where six aircraft have been stationed since early February as part of the rotating incident response force, NATO Air Policing.
Swedish special forces would also be sent to Greenland to take part in training exercises for a couple of weeks, the military said.
