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)

Former UK prime minister Rishi Sunak joked about Delhi’s traffic as he addressed the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. He began by apologising for reaching late to the session. “Sorry we're a few minutes late and it's entirely my fault. AI can do many things as we found out this week, but it can't yet fix Delhi's traffic,” he said. (PC: HT)   Sunak said there was no better place than India to discuss AI transformation. He said the summit provides a regular forum to talk about the technology. He added that AI can work for both developed and developing countries. Sunak said India is well placed to lead in AI due to its strong talent base and digital systems. (PC: HT)

Teen girls, some just 14, were forced into sex by criminal gangs in London, according to a BBC report. Some victims said they were raped many times to repay unpaid drug debts. Others said they were groomed and given alcohol or gifts before being abused. One survivor said, “I was 15. I was getting passed around different men.” Another said she felt pressured and later realised she was being used. Detective Sergeant John Knox said girls in gangs are “at the lowest rung” and “cannot say no to sex.” Police say about 2,000 child exploitation cases are reported each year in London. (PC: NDTV)

Donald Trump said the world will know within about 10 days if the US reaches a deal with Iran or moves toward military action. Speaking at the first meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington, Trump said, “we have some work to do” on Iran’s nuclear programme. He added, “we may have to take it a step further.” He said envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held “very good meetings.” US forces have increased their presence in the region, including the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Lawmakers like Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie oppose action without Congress approval.

Bangladesh has signalled a quick effort to fix cricket ties with India after tensions during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. New Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque said Dhaka wants to move past recent issues. He confirmed that he met India’s Deputy High Commissioner to discuss the matter. Haque said both sides should solve problems through “friendly talks.” He added that sport should help build strong ties between neighbours. Relations had come under strain during the World Cup. The minister’s remarks suggest the new government wants a fresh start after recent political changes, including the exit of Yunus. Officials have not shared further details of the talks. (PC: X)