India and Greece are bolstering bilateral defence cooperation as Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias visited New Delhi for high-level talks with India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, focusing on expanding military and security collaboration between the two countries. The discussions covered regional and international security developments, defence-industrial cooperation, and strategic alignment between the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions. Dendias has also emphasised India’s growing importance as an indispensable partner for Europe and support for closer economic and security ties, including backing the proposed EU-India Free Trade Agreement. The visit reinforces the ongoing strengthening of India–Greece strategic relations. (PC: The Hindu)

Newly released documents and testimonies reveal that disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein discussed a highly unsettling idea to use his Zorro Ranch in New Mexico as a so-called “baby ranch” where women would be impregnated with his DNA to create a self-described “super race” of humans. The plan, rooted in transhumanist ideas but resembling discredited eugenics, was shared with scientists and wealthy associates over years, though there’s no evidence it was ever carried out. Epstein’s ranch was also linked to past sexual abuse allegations, and the files have renewed scrutiny of his influence and activities before his 2019 death. (PC: India Today)

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held talks with his Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin during a two-day visit to Canada. Officials said the meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation on the safety of citizens in both countries. The talks focused on intelligence sharing, law enforcement coordination, and action against violent extremist groups, including Khalistani-linked networks. Both sides agreed on a joint work plan covering drugs, cyber threats, and organised crime. India and Canada will also post security and law-enforcement liaison officers. Officials said the discussions marked a step toward rebuilding trust and improving coordination on public safety issues. (PC: X)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir hosted the Indian cricket team for a dinner at his Delhi residence ahead of their T20 World Cup match against Namibia on February 12. BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla was also present. It is the second team dinner hosted by Gambhir during his time as head coach. India began their campaign with a 29-run win over the USA at Wankhede Stadium. Captain Suryakumar Yadav scored an unbeaten 84 to guide the team to 161 for nine after early wickets. Indian bowlers then restricted the USA to 132 for eight to seal the victory. (PC: HT)

The Congress party has strongly criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over a now-deleted social media video that showed him firing at framed photos, including one of Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi wearing a skullcap. The clip was first posted by the state BJP handle with the caption “Point blank shot” and was later removed after backlash. Congress leader KC Venugopal called it “a call to genocide” and said the video spreads hate and fear. The party said the post “glorifies targeted violence against minorities” and asked for strict action. The BJP has not issued a detailed public response so far. (PC: X)

Abbas Araghchi, foreign minister of Iran, said US military deployment in the region “does not scare us” as nuclear talks with United States resume. Speaking at a forum in Tehran, he ruled out ending uranium enrichment even under threat of war. He said Iran has little trust in Washington and questioned its seriousness in negotiations. Araghchi said sanctions must be lifted in return for nuclear confidence steps. He also confirmed consultations with China and Russia. His remarks came after a US aircraft carrier group moved into nearby waters. The US and Israel want talks to also cover missiles and regional armed groups. (PC: NDTV)

A social media video posted by the Assam unit of the Himanta Biswa Sarma’s party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, has triggered strong opposition criticism after it showed the chief minister symbolically firing at men identified with Muslim imagery. The clip carried the words “point blank shot” and other slogans. It was later deleted after backlash. Opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress, called the video “deeply disturbing” and alleged it encouraged violence. Congress leaders said removing the post was “not enough” and demanded action. Trinamool Congress leaders also called it incitement. The BJP has not issued a detailed public response after deleting the video.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney has resigned after a controversy linked to the Jeffrey Epstein files and the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. The row grew after emails about Mandelson’s past links with Epstein became public. McSweeney said he advised the 2024 appointment and accepted responsibility for it. He said the decision was “wrong” and had damaged trust in politics. Mandelson served as UK ambassador to the United States from February to September 2025. The issue has increased pressure on Starmer’s office. No replacement has been announced yet. (PC: X)

Bangladesh has entered talks with Pakistan as the ICC faces a new problem over Pakistan’s plan to boycott the India match in the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam Bulbul has reached Lahore to meet PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Two ICC officials are also expected to attend the meeting. Pakistan has said it will not play India on February 15 after Bangladesh was removed from the tournament over venue security concerns. Naqvi called Bangladesh’s removal “unjust” and “politically motivated.” The ICC has warned Pakistan of strict penalties if it refuses to play. All sides are trying to settle the issue quickly. (PC: NDTV)

The Met Office has issued a new yellow warning for heavy rain across southern England and South Wales, with more than 200 flood alerts still active. The warning runs from 12pm Monday to midnight. Forecasters said, “Bands of rain and heavy showers will move east across southern parts of England and Wales.” Rainfall of 10–15mm is expected widely, with up to 30mm in some places. Areas affected include Hampshire, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Cardiff and Swansea. The Environment Agency has dozens of flood warnings in place. Officials said flooding could delay travel and affect some homes and businesses. People are advised not to drive through floodwater. (PC: Sky News)