India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted deepening ties with the US during Donald Trump's presidency despite occasional issues. He noted improving relations across successive US administrations since Bill Clinton's tenure. Jaishankar also mentioned ongoing India-UK free trade agreement talks, aiming to benefit both nations economically. India seeks UK market access for IT and healthcare professionals and duty-free goods, while the UK aims for reduced import duties and expanded service opportunities in India. These negotiations reflect mutual interests in enhancing bilateral trade and connectivity.

Indian journalist Fazil Khan, 27, tragically dies in a fire incident at a Harlem apartment building in New York City. The fire, caused by a lithium-ion battery, injured 17 others. The Indian Mission in New York extends condolences and assists Khan's family with repatriation. Khan, a Columbia Journalism School graduate, worked as a data journalist at The Hechinger Report. The incident underscores safety concerns in residential buildings. Meanwhile, firefighters face challenges rescuing trapped residents, with several in critical condition. The community mourns Khan's loss, remembering him as a dedicated journalist and compassionate individual. Investigations into the fire's cause continue.

Multiple infants and a 78-year-old passenger experienced respiratory difficulties on Air Mauritius flight MK749 from Mumbai to Mauritius due to malfunctioning air conditioning. Passengers endured over 5 hours onboard without disembarking as the flight faced engine problems. Efforts to reach authorities and Air Mauritius for assistance were reportedly unsuccessful. The flight was eventually cancelled, and arrangements are underway. The incident highlights the discomfort and health risks passengers faced, raising concerns about airline maintenance and passenger safety protocols. Awaited statements from the airline are expected to address the incident and its aftermath.      

An Indian warship provides critical assistance to a Palau-flagged merchant vessel, MV Islander, after a suspected drone or missile attack in the Gulf of Aden. Indian Navy's explosive ordnance disposal team sanitizes the vessel for residual risk, enabling its safe transit. The incident highlights growing concerns over attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi militants. Indian Navy's swift response underscores its commitment to maritime safety. Recent efforts include foiling piracy attempts and rescuing crew members in the Western Indian Ocean. The Navy reinforces deployment for heightened maritime security in critical sea lanes.

Prosecutors won't pursue felony charges against Officer Kevin Dave, who struck and killed Indian graduate student Jaahnavi Kandula in Seattle, US. Kandula's death, on January 23, 2023, gained attention after another officer made insensitive comments. Dave, responding to an overdose call, was driving 74 mph in a 25 mph zone with lights and siren. The city's Police Accountability office found Officer Daniel Auderer's remarks damaging, but the prosecutor stated it doesn't affect charges. Possible lesser charges might emerge. Auderer's comments mocked assigning a value to Kandula's life, complicating the aftermath of this tragic incident.

UK Minister Lord Tariq Ahmed is heading to India for the Raisina Dialogue, underscoring the UK's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. Lord Ahmed will emphasize the importance of a "free and open" Indo-Pacific and highlight the link between security in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific areas. Discussions will focus on strengthening UK-India defense partnerships and addressing global security challenges. Additionally, Lord Ahmed will engage with Middle Eastern leaders to address humanitarian crises and hold high-level meetings with Indian counterparts to bolster trade relations. The Raisina Dialogue aims to address pressing global issues under the theme "Conflict, Contest, Cooperate. Create."          

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis are close to finalizing a partnership on migration and mobility. During a meeting in New Delhi, Modi expressed happiness over doubling bilateral trade by 2030 and welcomed Greece's participation in the Indo-Pacific. The leaders discussed collaborations in startups, shipping, defence, cybersecurity, and education. India and Greece plan to celebrate their 75th diplomatic anniversary with a joint action plan in science, technology, sports, and more. Mitsotakis affirmed support for India's UN Security Council bid. The visit marks the first bilateral head of state visit from Greece to India in 15 years.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor receives France's highest civilian honor, 'Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur', for his dedication to strengthening Indo-French ties and promoting international peace. French Senate President Gerard Larcher presents the prestigious award, praising Tharoor's multifaceted career as a diplomat, author, and politician. Tharoor expresses gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the significance of Franco-Indian relations and pledging to foster further collaboration between the two nations. The accolade underscores Tharoor's enduring commitment to diplomacy and cultural exchange, highlighting his influential role in promoting global cooperation.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will take a Break from the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from February 26 to March 1 to deliver two special lectures at his former school, Cambridge University. The decision was confirmed by Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh, citing Gandhi's prior commitments and important meetings in New Delhi. The yatra, aimed at promoting justice, will resume from Dholpur on March 2, covering several districts in Madhya Pradesh. Gandhi is also scheduled to visit the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain on March 5. The yatra, spanning 15 states, underscores the message of justice while engaging with citizens along the way.

The owner of an Indian restaurant in the UK has been banned as a company director until 2031 for hiring three illegal workers from Bangladesh without right-to-work checks. Ikbal Hussain, 51, hired the workers at his Taste of Raj restaurant before it was raided by immigration officials in 2020. The workers had been employed for up to two months without proper documentation of their right to work. Hussain failed to conduct the required checks or keep paperwork proving their eligibility. The Home Office said Hussain not only employed the illegal workers but failed to adhere to documentation and check requirements.