A truck carrying liquefied petroleum gas overturned and exploded on Route 5 Norte near General Velásquez in Santiago, Chile, leaving four people dead, including the driver, and at least 17 others injured. The crash triggered a massive fireball, engulfing nearby vehicles and sending thick black smoke into the sky. Around 50 vehicles were reportedly damaged in the blaze. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, rescuing the injured and battling flames for hours. Several victims remain in serious condition. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fatal accident.

BJP workers in Mumbai waved black flags at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as he travelled to a court hearing, accusing him of tarnishing India’s image after Youth Congress activists staged a shirtless protest at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi. The demonstrators alleged Gandhi consistently opposes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives. Police maintained heavy security to prevent clashes. Congress leaders, including Sachin Sawant, condemned the black-flag show as a diversion from key public issues and accused the BJP of theatrics. The Nationalist Congress Party also denounced the protest as undemocratic. (PC: PTI)

Iran’s foreign minister says Tehran expects to have a draft counterproposal for the U.S. on its nuclear programme ready within days after indirect talks in Geneva, aimed at addressing concerns without ending enrichment. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran has roughly 10-15 days to reach a deal or face “really bad things,” including possible limited military strikes, as Washington boosts forces in the Middle East. The draft plan reflects “guiding principles,” not an agreement, and both sides agree military action would complicate diplomacy. (PC: AFP)

India is planning to expand defence ties with Israel, including joint work on anti ballistic missile defence systems. The move comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel on February 25-26. Officials said both sides are likely to sign an MoU on security cooperation. No defence deal will be signed during the trip. Israel is known for systems such as Arrow, David’s Sling and Iron Dome. India wants to boost Mission Sudershan to guard against long range missile threats. Talks may also include laser weapons, long range missiles and drones. (PC: HT)

Punch-kun, a seven-month-old macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo, appears to have been accepted by his troop after days of rejection. A video shows an adult monkey named Onsing pulling Punch into a close hug. The clip has gone viral online. “After enduring days of rejection, Baby Punch finally experienced the comfort of love,” a post on X said. Another video shows an adult gently grooming him. The zoo said Punch had earlier been scolded and dragged by an adult monkey. Officials explained that grooming helps monkeys build trust and social bonds within the group.

Security agencies have issued a high alert in Delhi after intelligence inputs warned of a possible terror plan by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. Sources said a temple in Chandni Chowk could be a target. The group may try to carry out an IED attack near the Red Fort and other crowded areas. Officials said the inputs are “under verification.” Security has been increased in Old Delhi. Police have stepped up CCTV monitoring and vehicle checks. Bomb squads and dog units are on standby. The alert comes months after a deadly car blast near the Red Fort killed 12 people and injured over 20. (PC: India Today)

In Faridabad’s Sunlight Colony of Basantpur village, a 30-year-old woman, identified as Sangeeta Devi, was shot dead by her estranged husband on Friday night amid a family dispute. Sangeeta, who had been living separately with their two children while her divorce case was pending, was shot on a public road after an argument escalated. The husband allegedly fired three rounds, injuring her fatally before fleeing the scene. Locals alerted police, and an FIR was registered at the Palla police station. Authorities are investigating and searching for the accused, with more details awaited.

In Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, a 25-year-old man allegedly strangled his 21-year-old sister, Roop Jahan, for being in a relationship with a man from another community, police said. The accused later called 112 to inform authorities and was arrested. Roop Jahan had previously left to stay with her partner’s relatives, but family and villagers brought her back. Her brother, angered by her relationship and social ridicule, killed her when others were away. Shockingly, the victim’s father defended the act as a “fit of rage”, saying it was right to kill her for bringing “disrespect” to the family. (PC: HT)

One of the three US-sanctioned, Iran-linked oil tankers seized by the Indian Coast Guard off the coast of Mumbai spent about eight days in Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) before being boarded in early February, an FIR shows. The Mali-flagged MT Asphalt Star reportedly switched off its tracking systems for nearly 11 hours, concealing its identity and movements, a tactic seen as suspicious. The vessel was caught engaging in unauthorised ship-to-ship fuel transfers with sister ships, using forged documents and false data, leading to investigations on smuggling, forgery, and related maritime violations. (PC: NDTV)

After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down key aspects of his tariff regime, U.S. President Donald Trump insisted there would be no change to the trade deal with India. Trump said India will continue to pay tariffs while the United States will not, describing the arrangement as a “fair deal”. He praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reiterated the agreement remains intact despite the court’s decision that invalidated broad reciprocal tariffs imposed under emergency powers. Trump also noted that a 10% global tariff has been introduced under a different authority until further changes are made. (PC: Reuters)