U.S. President Donald Trump praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “great man” and claimed his own intervention helped halt last year’s India-Pakistan hostilities following Operation Sindoor. Speaking at a peace event, Trump said he personally called both Modi and Pakistan’s leadership, threatening steep 200 % tariffs to pressure the sides into a ceasefire, asserting this averted further escalation and saved lives. He reiterated controversial claims that multiple jets were shot down and that economic leverage forced peace. India, however, has consistently rejected any third-party mediation, saying the truce was achieved through direct military-to-military dialogue. (PC: ANI)

Social media users erupted in memes and skepticism after U.S. President Donald Trump said he will direct government agencies to identify and release files on aliens, UFOs and unidentified aerial phenomena, citing “tremendous interest.” Trump made the announcement on social media, prompting speculation online that the move was a distraction from public demand for the Epstein files—a massive archive of documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal case and powerful figures. Many users mocked the timing and questioned whether any groundbreaking evidence on extraterrestrial life will emerge, while some defended the disclosure push. (PC: X)

A six-year-old girl lost her life after a speeding car rammed into an e-rickshaw in West Delhi’s Janakpuri while she was on her way to school with her grandmother. The impact overturned the vehicle, throwing both onto the road. The grandmother said she desperately pleaded with the driver and passersby to help rush the injured child to hospital, but immediate assistance did not come. The girl later succumbed to her injuries during treatment. Police have arrested the accused driver and seized the car. A case of rash and negligent driving has been registered, and further investigation is underway. (PC: NDTV)

India participated as an observer nation in the inaugural meeting of Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” convened in Washington, D.C., aimed at overseeing reconstruction and peace efforts in the Gaza Strip following the Israel-Hamas conflict. Represented by Namgya C. Khampa, Charge d’Affaires at India’s embassy, New Delhi chose not to formally join the board but attended the session at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace. During the meeting, Trump announced a US $10 billion commitment to the initiative alongside pledges from other countries, while the board’s role and potential implications for global institutions such as the United Nations continue to draw discussion. (PC: AP)

India will soon restore all categories of visa services for Bangladeshi citizens, a senior Indian diplomatic official in Sylhet announced, signalling warming ties between the two neighbours after months of limited operations. Currently, only medical and double-entry visas are being issued, but steps are underway to resume travel and other visas as normal, the official said at a press event. Visa services were suspended or scaled back amid strained relations following political upheaval and anti-India protests that led to closures of Indian visa centres and reciprocal curbs by Bangladesh. Full resumption is expected to strengthen India-Bangladesh diplomatic and people-to-people connections. (PC: HT)

The United Kingdom government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused a US request to use RAF Fairford, located near Swindon, for possible military strikes on Iran. The request was reportedly linked to plans discussed during Donald Trump’s political engagements. UK officials cited concerns over international law and the risks of escalating tensions in the Middle East. The move may strain UK-US relations and comes amid sensitive geopolitical discussions, including security arrangements involving the Chagos Islands and the broader Western response to Iran. (PC: ET)

Britain’s former royal Prince Andrew was released under investigation hours after his arrest over alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein. Thames Valley Police said the 66-year-old was freed on Thursday evening after being held for about 11 hours. He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Police said, “The arrested man has now been released under investigation.” This means he has not been charged. Searches at his Norfolk home have ended, but officers are still examining a property in Berkshire. King Charles III said in a signed statement, “The law must take its course.” Andrew has denied wrongdoing in past statements. (PC: NDTV)

Zimbabwe stunned Sri Lanka by six wickets in Colombo to finish Group B unbeaten and enter the Super Eight. Chasing 179, Zimbabwe reached 182 for 4 in 19.3 overs. Brian Bennett scored an unbeaten 63 off 48 balls and held the innings together. Sikandar Raza made 45 off 26 balls and shifted the momentum with key sixes.   Zimbabwe started well and managed the chase calmly. Raza attacked in the middle overs to ease the pressure. Tony Munyonga hit the winning six in the final over. Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 178 for 7, with Pathum Nissanka scoring 62.

The upcoming Super 8 clash between India and South Africa has divided the Morkel family. Albie Morkel is South Africa’s consultant coach. His younger brother Morne Morkel is India’s bowling coach. The teams will meet on February 22 in Ahmedabad.   Their mother, Mariana Morkel, faces a tough choice. Albie said they have not shared coaching notes. “No, we don't talk to each other. I think my mother, she's more worried than us. She doesn't know who to support - India or South Africa,” he said. Albie added that the tournament becomes tougher from this stage. He said experienced players can handle pressure and he is “not too worried.” (PC: X)

India on Thursday took part in the first meeting of the Gaza “Board of Peace” in Washington as an observer. Chargé d’Affaires Namgya C Khampa represented India at the US Institute of Peace.   The White House had invited 50 countries to join the group. Around 26 nations have joined as founding members. The board was launched last month on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. It aims to support stability, rebuilding and civilian governance in Gaza after the conflict.   US Army Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers said five countries have committed troops for an International Stabilization Force. Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania have pledged support. Jeffers said Indonesia accepted the role of deputy commander for the force. (PC: X)