Galgotias University faces severe backlash after a viral video surfaced showing a representative claiming its Centre of Excellence developed "Orion", later exposed as Unitree Go2, a Chinese AI powered robodog commercially available for Rs 2–3 lakh. The Greater Noida institution clarified it never claimed to have built the device, calling it a student learning tool procured from Chinese robotics firm Unitree. However, an X community fact-check directly contradicted this, stating: "They have named the robot 'Orion' and explicitly claimed it was developed by their team." The university defended its global sourcing strategy, citing technology imports from the US, China, and Singapore, saying, "Innovation knows no borders. Learning should not either."

Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai has reached India to attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where he will give the keynote address on February 20. After landing, Pichai shared a message on X saying, “Nice to be back in India for the AI Impact Summit.” The five-day event began on February 16 at Bharat Mandapam and is organised under the IndiaAI Mission and the Ministry of Electronics and IT. The summit focuses on responsible and inclusive use of artificial intelligence. Several global tech leaders and policymakers are taking part. Pichai said Google wants to be a long-term AI partner for India. (PC: HT)

The United States has moved two carrier strike groups near Iran while missile threats and sharp warnings are being exchanged, even as talks continue through Omani mediation in Geneva. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said American power “would not succeed in destroying the Islamic Republic” and warned a US warship could be sunk. Experts say the military build-up increases risk but does not confirm war. Professor Simon Mabon said this is a “very serious moment” and called it pressure-based diplomacy. Iran has also signalled it could target US bases and disrupt the Strait of Hormuz. Negotiations are focused mainly on Iran’s nuclear programme. (PC: X)

Mental health experts say many Indian students studying overseas are facing stress due to academic pressure, loneliness, and cultural gaps. The issue has gained attention after the death of a Karnataka student in the US. Mumbai psychologist Urvashi Musale said high achievers often struggle when they no longer feel “top of the class.” She called this an “identity collapse,” where students feel lost and disconnected. Many feel guilty about spending their parents’ money and fear poor grades. Musale said support systems and hobbies can help. “Innovation in coping starts with small wins,” she said. She also advised parents to do “emotional check-ins,” not only academic reviews. (PC: The Indian Express)

The father of a 17-year-old boy accused in a fatal Dwarka SUV crash has apologised and said he did not know his son was driving. Police said the SUV hit a motorcycle on February 3 near Sector 11, killing 23-year-old Sahil Dhaneshra at the spot. The vehicle then struck a parked car and injured a cab driver. The minor was caught at the scene and later sent to an observation home. His father has also been booked under the Motor Vehicles Act. He told reporters, “I didn’t know my son was driving” and added, “I am regretful that this happened.” Police investigation is ongoing. (PC: HT)

Rescue teams are searching for 10 missing skiers after an avalanche struck a backcountry group near Truckee in California’s Lake Tahoe region. Authorities said the group had 16 people, including four guides and 12 clients. At least six people survived and are waiting at the site for rescue. The sheriff’s office said “highly-skilled rescue ski teams” and a SnoCat vehicle were sent to the area. A total of 46 responders are involved. Officials warned that conditions remain dangerous. The Sierra Avalanche Center said the risk level is “high” and large avalanches are expected. Heavy snowfall and strong winds have also closed nearby roads. (PC: BBC)

Galgotias University has issued a clarification after facing online criticism over a robotic dog shown at the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi. Social media posts claimed the university presented a Chinese-made robodog as its own product named “Orion.” In a statement, the university said the device was bought from Chinese firm Unitree and used only for student learning. It said, “Galgotias has not built this robodog, nor have we ever claimed to.” The institute called it a teaching tool for experiments and training. A community note on X disputed the claim and said the robot was presented as developed by the university team. (PC: India Today)

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and handed over a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi inviting him to visit India. The letter congratulated Rahman on his party’s election win and his swearing-in as prime minister. Modi wrote, “I extend my warmest congratulations to you” and said he hopes Bangladesh will move ahead with “peace, stability and prosperity.” The letter also invited Rahman and his family to visit India at a mutually convenient time, adding that “a warm welcome awaits you.” Modi could not attend the swearing-in ceremony due to prior commitments and deputed Birla to represent India. (PC: NDTV)

In one of the biggest upsets of the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, former champions Australia have been eliminated from the tournament. Australia crashed out after a brutal combination of on-field defeat and rain intervention sealed their fate on Tuesday. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, marched into the Super Eight after their match against Ireland in Pallekele was abandoned due to persistent rain, earning them a crucial point that pushed them to second place in Group B with five points. It was Zimbabwe who had set the wheels in motion last week, stunning Australia by 23 runs, weirdly mirroring their famous upset in the tournament's inaugural edition 19 years ago. Sri Lanka, who crushed Australia by eight wickets on Monday, top the group and have already secured their Super Eight berth. (PC: X)

India is set to deal Pakistan a significant blow this summer. The Shahpur Kandi barrage on the Ravi River, 46 years in the making will be completed by March 31. It will permanently cut off surplus water that has flowed into Pakistan for decades due to India's incomplete infrastructure. J&K Minister Javed Ahmed Rana confirmed the move bluntly: "Excess water to Pakistan will be stopped. It has to be stopped." With nearly 80% of Pakistan's agricultural land dependent on the Indus system and agriculture contributing 25% of its GDP, the consequences are severe. Combined with the already suspended Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan's water crisis is no longer looming but, it has already arrived. (PC: India Today)