India and the United Kingdom have agreed to expand defence training cooperation after the 19th UK–India Air Staff Talks held in New Delhi on February 12. Under a new agreement, the Indian Air Force will deploy three Qualified Flight Instructors to RAF Valley, the UK base that trains fast jet pilots. This is the first time Indian instructors will train British fast jet crews there. The deployment will be for two years. It follows the recent posting of an Indian officer as an instructor at RAF College Cranwell. UK officials said the agreement strengthens long-standing ties and improves interoperability. They called it a “significant step” toward deeper and more strategic air force cooperation between both countries. (PC: X/Indian Air Force)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called the latest national election a “sham” and demanded that the results be cancelled. In a statement, she accused interim leader Muhammad Yunus of staging a “voterless, illegal and unconstitutional” poll and asked him to resign. Hasina also called for the release of political prisoners and removal of restrictions on the Awami League. She alleged low turnout, booth capture, threats, and vote buying. Citing Election Commission data, she said turnout was under 15% by late morning. Hasina claimed many polling stations were empty and said minority voters and party supporters faced pressure and arrests before voting day. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has agreed to end a major immigration operation in Minnesota. Border official Tom Homan said Operation Metro Surge will now conclude. The drive began on 1 December and sent 3,000 armed ICE agents to the state, mainly Minneapolis. Federal officials said more than 4,000 people were arrested. The operation sparked protests across the city. Two protesters were killed during clashes with agents. One was a mother of three who was shot in her car. Another was a nurse who was shot during an arrest. The operation had faced criticism from rights groups and local leaders.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau on Thursday rejected reports claiming that the probe into Air India Flight AI-171 crash is complete. The agency called such reports incorrect and speculative. It said the investigation is still ongoing and no final conclusions have been reached. The bureau added that the enquiry is being conducted under the Aircraft Rules, 2025, and global aviation norms. It stressed that accident probes are technical and based on evidence. Their aim is to find the root cause and improve safety, not fix blame early. The final report will be released only after the investigation is fully completed. (PC: ITG)

India on Thursday said the joint statement with the United States remains the main guide for the proposed interim trade deal. The Ministry of External Affairs said the US amended a White House fact sheet to match the shared understanding between both sides. The earlier version mentioned tariff cuts on certain pulses and a $500 billion purchase commitment. These points were later removed. India said there was no final agreement on those issues. The revised document now says India “intends to buy” more US goods and will negotiate digital trade rules. Both countries aim to finalise the interim deal by March this year. (PC: AFP)

The city of Seattle has approved a $29 million (about Rs 260 crore) settlement for the family of Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula, who died after being hit by a police vehicle in 2023. She was studying at Northeastern University. Officer Kevin Dave was driving at high speed while responding to an emergency call when the crash happened. The city attorney said, “Her life mattered… to her family, her friends and to our community.” Prosecutors did not file felony charges, citing lack of proof of reckless intent. The officer was later fired and fined. Part of the payout will be covered by city insurance. (PC: NDTV)

India opener Abhishek Sharma has been discharged from hospital but his availability for the T20 World Cup match against Namibia is still unclear. He was treated for a stomach infection and viral fever after reaching New Delhi. He did not attend the team’s latest practice session. Teammate Tilak Varma said doctors completed his tests and the team will review his condition before the game. “We will decide by tomorrow, check how he feels and then take a call,” he said. Tilak also confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah is fit to play the next match. (PC: BCCI)

The UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has appointed its first woman Travelling Ticket Examiner in 145 years. Sarita Yolmo of Northeast Frontier Railway took charge on the toy train between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling on February 5. Railway officials confirmed she is the first woman to serve in this role on the route. “I am proud to be the first woman TTE in a Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train,” Yolmo said. She added she felt both “thrilled and anxious” as she had no earlier experience on this line. Yolmo joined the railway in 1991 and now works on the NJP–Darjeeling service on rotation. (PC: The Telegraph India)

The Defence Acquisition Council has cleared defence purchase proposals worth ₹3.60 lakh crore, including 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. Officials said most of the jets will be made in India. The approval also covers combat missiles and high-altitude surveillance air systems. The defence ministry said the Rafale deal will “enhance the capability of undertaking air dominance roles” and boost long-range strike power. The missiles are meant to improve deep-strike accuracy. New systems will support intelligence and surveillance work. Clearances were also given for Army vehicles, anti-tank mines, and Navy power and patrol aircraft projects. (PC: X)

Tobacco tycoon’s son Shivam Mishra was arrested four days after the Kanpur Lamborghini crash and was granted bail within hours by a local court. The crash involved a Rs 10-crore Lamborghini that hit an autorickshaw, a motorcycle and later a pole, leaving six people injured. Police say videos and witnesses show Mishra in the driver’s seat. His lawyer denied this and said driver Mohan was driving. Mohan told the court, “I was driving when the accident happened,” and claimed Mishra had a seizure. The court released Mishra on bail while the probe continues. The car has been seized for inspection and forensic checks. (PC: India Today)