Senior US and Iranian officials are holding indirect talks in Oman amid fears of military confrontation following Iran's violent crackdown on anti-government protests that killed at least 6,883 people and arrested over 50,000. The discussions, led by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, aim to establish a framework for negotiations. The US demands Iran freeze its nuclear programme and discard 400kg of enriched uranium, while Iran insists talks focus solely on nuclear issues. President Trump has threatened military action, deploying an "armada" to the region. Iran's weakened regime faces potential US strikes unless successful negotiations occur. Both sides remain far apart despite mutual interest in avoiding conflict. (PC: BBC)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed Parliament that India is closely monitoring the Iran situation and maintaining regular contact with 9,000-10,000 Indian nationals across 16 provinces, including students, workers, pilgrims, and business persons. The government doesn't view Indians as "stranded" since Iranian airspace remains open with regular connectivity. Special evacuation hasn't been arranged, though Indians wishing to leave are advised to use commercial flights. Jaishankar discussed the situation with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. This follows deadly anti-government protests since December that killed thousands and arrested tens of thousands, prompting US military threats. India's Budget 2026 allocated zero funds for Chabahar port despite the 2024 operating agreement. (PC: X)

Netflix removed the teaser and promotional material for Neeraj Pandey's film "Ghooskhor Pandat" after the Indian government's directive amid massive backlash. The BJP confirmed the Centre's swift action, with spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia commending the removal and FIR registration against the filmmakers. The controversy erupted after the title sparked outrage on social media, leading to an FIR at Lucknow's Hazratganj police station and an NHRC notice to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. Director Neeraj Pandey and lead actor Manoj Bajpayee defended the film, calling it a "fictional cop drama" where "Pandat" is merely a colloquial character name, not representing any caste, religion, or community. BJP emphasized zero tolerance for content demeaning communities.

Violent clashes erupted outside Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus' Dhaka residence as government employees demanding implementation of the Ninth National Pay Scale confronted police. The unrest occurred six days before general elections meant to restore elected governance since August 2024's violence that forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India. Protesters marched from Shaheed Minar to Jamuna chanting "there is no rice in the stomach," accusing authorities of ignoring livelihood concerns. Police deployed water cannons, tear gas, sound grenades, and lathi charges, injuring several demonstrators. A deputy commissioner questioned protesters about election sabotage, prompting threats to boycott voting. Heavy security remained deployed around Shahbagh and Jamuna as tensions persisted.

Pakistan boycotted a T20 World Cup match against India while simultaneously giving World Bank President Ajay Banga, an India-born executive, a lavish reception. The contradictory diplomacy reflects Pakistan's economic desperation, as it seeks $20 billion in World Bank assistance over the next decade. Banga's visit to his ancestral Khushab home featured horse-mounted escorts, marching bands, and banners alongside Punjab's Chief Minister. Pakistan owes roughly $27 billion of its $135 billion external debt to the World Bank. The timing is crucial as India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam attack, threatening Pakistan's agriculture sector. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif admitted feeling "ashamed" seeking international financial assistance. (PC: X)

A suicide bombing at a Shia imambargah in Islamabad's Shehzad Town killed at least 31 people and injured 169 during Friday prayers. The explosion at Tarlai Imambargah scattered severed limbs across the prayer area as desperate families searched for loved ones. Emergency services rapidly transported victims to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Polyclinic hospitals, which declared emergencies. The attack coincides with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's state visit and follows recent deadly clashes between Pakistani forces and the Balochistan Liberation Army. This marks Islamabad's second major bombing in six months, after November's court complex suicide attack killed 12. Videos showed security personnel cordoning off the site as forensic teams and medical staff flooded the area.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi hit a stunning 175 off 80 balls to power India to a record 411/9 against England in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 final in Harare. The 14-year-old opener set the tone with aggressive stroke play from the start. His knock is the fastest century in an U19 World Cup final. He also became the first player to score 150 or more in a title clash. The total is the highest ever in a knockout match in the tournament. Captain Ayush Mhatre made 53 off 51 balls. Abhigyan Kundu scored 40, and Kanishk Chouhan added 37 late runs. (PC: X)

The Pakistan Cricket Board may change its stand on a possible boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India, former BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma said. The PCB has not yet given the ICC a final reply on whether it will play the group match. Sharma predicted a reversal after February 12. He said the board is expected to confirm participation and added, “Pakistan will play India.” His comment comes as the ICC waits for official clarity on the fixture. There has been no formal response from the PCB so far on his claim or the reported boycott plan. (PC: HT)

A new white paper released in London says the Indian diaspora has played a major role in building modern Britain, from post-war recovery to today’s digital economy. The report was launched by Here & Now 365 founder Manish Tiwari with the Aston India Centre at Aston University. It maps four waves of Indian migration to the UK since Independence, covering labour, business, public services, and technology sectors. The study says Indian-born professionals now make up about 15% of the UK’s technology workforce. It adds that Britain’s tech industry ranks second globally after the US and China, with strong Indian participation. Manish Tiwari said, “Indian migrants helped rebuild Britain after the war, powered its digital revolution, and strengthened its health and care systems in times of crisis.” Aston University noted the diaspora “supports public services and powers innovation” while strengthening UK–India economic links.  

At least 31 people were killed and 169 injured in a suicide bombing at a Shia imambargah in Islamabad on Friday. The blast took place at Tarlai Imambargah in the Shehzad Town area while worshippers were offering Friday prayers. Police said early findings point to a suicide attacker. One officer told Reuters, “We have shifted several people to hospitals. I can’t say how many are dead at this moment, but yes people have died.” Emergency services reached the site soon after the explosion. An emergency was declared at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. The wounded were moved to PIMS and Polyclinic hospitals for treatment. (PC: X)