Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will visit India February 17-20 to attend the AI Impact Summit and hold bilateral talks with PM Modi on February 18. Orpo, accompanied by representatives from 22 Finnish companies, will deliver Finland's address at the summit hosted February 19 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The summit, running February 16-20, unites governments, industry leaders, researchers, and startups globally around three pillars: People, Planet, and Progress. Discussions will focus on AI governance, employment, skilling, sustainability, and economic development. Orpo emphasized Finland's AI expertise and importance of safe, responsible AI use. The recently concluded EU-India Free Trade Agreement opens significant opportunities for strengthening bilateral relations. (PC: The Tribune)

Dubai-based Indian businessman and film producer Rajan Lall won $1 million (₹8-9 crore) in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire raffle, days after turning 79. The cancer survivor who endured three heart attacks called it the "finest birthday present." Lall won with ticket number 3099 in Series 535, purchased January 30 at Concourse D. The victory ended a 25-year wait as he said, he'd bought one ticket annually without success. Living on Palm Jumeirah, Lall moved to Dubai in his fifties after facing income tax raids and alleged threats in 1990s Mumbai. He rebuilt his career from scratch through garment trading, initially living frugally while depending on friends. (PC: Instagram@rajan_lall)

Indian-origin climate scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan, 82, won the prestigious 2026 Crafoord Prize in Geosciences, often called the "Nobel of Geosciences." The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences recognized his groundbreaking research on super-pollutants and atmospheric brown clouds. In 1975, while at NASA, Ramanathan discovered chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) trap heat 10,000 times more effectively than carbon dioxide. Born in Madurai, raised in Chennai, he began his career at a Secunderabad refrigerator factory handling CFCs. His Indian Ocean Experiment identified atmospheric brown clouds over South Asia, linking air pollution to weakened monsoons and accelerated Himalayan glacier melting. Now Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Scripps Institution, his work underpins the Montreal Protocol. The prize includes $900,000 and a gold medal. (PC: PTI)

While Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured victory nationally, Jamaat-e-Islami swept regions bordering West Bengal like Satkhira, Kushtia, Khulna belt, and Rangpur raising security concerns for India. Intelligence assessments view this as threat escalation, noting these rural areas have deep mosque and madrassa networks. Jamaat questioned election integrity, citing "serious questions about the results process." Indian agencies warn Hindu minorities in border districts may face pressure through land disputes and intimidation. The concern extends beyond immediate violence to "permissive ecosystems" enabling radicalization through Friday sermons, madrassa curricula, and selective infiltration of trained ideologues. Intelligence suggests Jamaat's political legitimacy in border districts could shift operations from covert to semi-open, complicating detection efforts. (PC: AP)

India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed a resurfaced video where US President Donald Trump praised PM Modi, stating "Modi is a great man, that he loves Trump" and expressing he doesn't want to "destroy his political career." Jaiswal clarified he hadn't seen the video but stated India would "take appropriate action" if such remarks exist. The comments originated from Trump's October press conference with the FBI Director. Additionally, Jaiswal confirmed that recent US factsheet amendments on the India-US interim trade agreement framework reflect "shared understandings" between both nations. He emphasized the February 7 joint statement remains the basis for mutual understanding as both countries work toward finalizing the agreement.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), following its sweeping election victory, reaffirmed demands for Sheikh Hasina's extradition from India to face trial. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed the party will formally urge India to extradite the ousted former prime minister. Ahmed emphasized Bangladesh seeks normal ties with India based on equality and mutual respect, stating the extradition matter lies between foreign ministries. Hasina, living in Delhi exile since August 2024's mass uprising, was sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in November 2025 for crimes against humanity during the 2024 crackdown. She recently called Bangladesh's elections a "sham" and previously urged citizens to resist Muhammad Yunus's interim government. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman following his Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) landslide victory in the 13th National Parliament election on Friday. Speaking with Rahman, Modi expressed delight over the remarkable electoral success and conveyed India's best wishes. The PM reaffirmed India's commitment to peace, progress, and prosperity for both nations, emphasizing deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the neighboring countries. Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Veena Sikri, hailed the results as a triumph for democracy and the Bangladeshi people. The BNP's decisive mandate marks their return to power after 20 years, with the election results being celebrated as a victory for democratic values in the region. (PC: X)

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Bangladesh election winner Tarique Rahman after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured a clear majority in the national polls. The BNP won 213 of 299 seats. In a post on X, Modi said he was “delighted” to speak with Rahman and congratulated him on the “remarkable victory.” He added that he shared his “best wishes and support” for meeting people’s aspirations. Modi said India remains committed to “peace, progress, and prosperity” of both countries. The vote was held on February 12 after a long period of political unrest in Bangladesh. (PC: HT)

With the Bangladesh Nationalist Party set to form the next government, attention has shifted to the future of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is living in New Delhi after leaving Dhaka. BNP leader Tarique Rahman and party members have repeated their campaign demand for her extradition. Bangladeshi authorities have also moved under the bilateral extradition framework. Hasina has called the recent election a “sham” and urged supporters to oppose the interim setup. India has said her presence followed “certain circumstances.” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the decision about her next step rests with her. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured a clear victory in the parliamentary elections. In a message on X, Modi said the result showed “the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership.” He added that India will support a “democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh.” Modi also said he looks forward to working together to strengthen ties and development goals. Counting trends showed the BNP and its allies winning 177 seats, with most constituencies declared. Jamaat-e-Islami and its partners secured over 50 seats. The vote was the first national election since the 2024 political uprising. (PC: X)