Newly released documents in the Jeffrey Epstein case show that an Indian girl was listed among victims and US officials tried to trace her for compensation support. An internal email dated January 13, 2020 mentioned efforts to locate her in India. Officials wrote that they would work with the US embassy if her address and contact details were found. The email subject read “Epstein Victims” and several parts were blacked out. The message also explained steps for victim compensation claims. It mentioned paperwork to be sent to the FBI and therapy support under emergency victim assistance programs. (PC: NDTV)

A 22-year-old Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah, was found dead near Lake Anza in California on February 14. He had gone missing on February 9. His roommate said Saketh showed signs of distress in recent weeks. “I’ve stopped caring, man. I’m cold and don’t care what anyone thinks,” he had said.   Saketh was studying Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. His backpack was found near Tilden Regional Park.   The Indian Consulate in San Francisco confirmed his death and offered support to his family. Authorities are continuing their investigation.

22-year-old Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah, was found dead in Lake Anza in California on February 14. He was a postgraduate student at UC Berkeley. He had been missing since February 9. His roommate said Saketh had shown signs of distress. He was “surviving on chips and cookies” and eating less. He once said, “I’ve stopped caring, man.” His backpack was found earlier in a nearby area. Police are yet to confirm the cause of death. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco expressed condolences and is helping his family with formalities and travel arrangements. (PC: LinkedIn)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India now negotiates trade deals from a “position of strength”. In an interview with PTI, he said, “Political stability and predictability have restored investor confidence.” He added that growth in manufacturing, services and MSMEs has strengthened India’s global standing. India has signed free trade agreements with 38 countries. These deals aim to help sectors like textiles, leather and gems. Modi also criticised the previous UPA government, saying talks would “begin and then breakdown”. Recently, India signed trade pacts with the US, EU and UK to boost trade and market access. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said political stability has helped increase investor trust after India signed new trade deals, including one with the United States. In an interview with PTI, he said India negotiated from a position of strength. He added that strong manufacturing, services and MSMEs supported these agreements. Modi said free trade deals with 38 countries will help sectors like textiles, leather and handicrafts. He listed three reform goals for the next decade: structural reforms, deeper innovation and simpler governance. He also highlighted growth in digital payments, AI development and defence modernisation under his government. (PC: DPR PMO/ ANI)

Indian student Saketh Sreenivasaiah, found dead in a California lake, had recalled a late IIT Madras batchmate in his final LinkedIn graduation post. Sharing a convocation photo in July 2025, he wrote, “This milestone would've been much better alongside my dearest friend and batchmate Kedar.” He was referring to Kedar Suresh Chougule, a student from the same 2021–25 BTech batch who died by suicide at IIT-M in April 2023. Both were Chemical Engineering students. In the same post, Saketh dedicated his degree to his late grandfather. US police have not released final findings and are continuing their investigation into the case. (PC: HT)

Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman, the government announced. Officials said his visit shows the value New Delhi places on ties with Dhaka. Birla, who serves as Lok Sabha Speaker, will attend the ceremony on behalf of the Indian government. The statement said the participation “underlines the importance” of India’s relationship with Bangladesh. Both sides are expected to continue talks on bilateral cooperation and regional issues. The visit comes as the new government in Bangladesh prepares to take office after the recent national election. (PC: India Today)

Newly released US Justice Department records show messages between Anil Ambani and Jeffrey Epstein about business funding and defence trade discussions during meetings at Epstein’s luxury home. According to document reviews reported by The Indian Express, the two exchanged messages between 2017 and 2019. In one April 2019 iMessage, Ambani wrote, “Will spk. To agree. How can u help to arrange financing at corporate level?” Epstein replied in other chats about hosting finance figures and ministers. One exchange also included a request to “arrange” a woman for a visit. Ambani’s name appears multiple times in the released files. Political reactions have followed in India. (PC : NDTV)

Indian student Saketh Sreenivasaiah, who was found dead in California after going missing, had told his roommate “I don’t care about anything” days earlier, according to a social media post by the friend. The 22-year-old UC Berkeley master’s student was reported missing on February 9. His body was later recovered from Lake Anza by local police. Roommate Baneet Singh said Saketh had become withdrawn and was “eating less and engaging less” in the last two weeks. He said Saketh was “only surviving on chips and cookies.” Singh wrote the community was “shocked to the core” and said he is helping the family with travel support. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received a formal invitation to attend the oath ceremony of Bangladesh leader Tarique Rahman on February 17, sources said. Rahman is set to be sworn in as prime minister after his party’s election win. The ceremony is expected at the Bangladesh Parliament complex in Dhaka. BNP sources called it a “historic day for Bangladesh.” Officials said Modi is unlikely to attend due to prior commitments in Mumbai with French President Emmanuel Macron. India may instead be represented by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar or the Vice President. Invitations have been sent to leaders from 13 countries. (PC: NDTV)