U.S. military forces boarded and seized the Aquila II, a sanctioned oil tanker, in the Indian Ocean after tracking it from the Caribbean Sea for thousands of miles, the Pentagon said. The operation targets vessels believed to be evading U.S. sanctions imposed on Venezuela’s oil exports and violating a “quarantine” order aimed at cutting illicit shipments. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the ship was intercepted without incident and described the action as enforcement of Washington’s broader maritime blockade against sanctioned vessels. The tanker was reportedly carrying Venezuelan crude oil bound for China. (PC: X)

Bangladesh and the United States have signed a reciprocal trade agreement reducing U.S. tariffs on Bangladeshi exports from 20 % to 19 %, just days before Bangladesh’s general elections. As part of the deal, certain apparel and textile products made with U.S. cotton and fibres may enter the U.S. duty-free, boosting the vital garment sector—which accounts for over 80 % of export earnings. Negotiations spanned nine months and include expanded market access with both countries cutting duties on thousands of goods. The pact is seen as a step toward deeper economic ties and comes after previous tariff cuts from a proposed 37 %. (PC: Z News)

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor hosted Indian ministers and diplomats at his New Delhi residence after the India–US interim trade framework was announced. Speaking at the event, Gor said the Trump administration is “paying attention” to India and credited the friendship between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for helping seal the deal. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal attended the reception. Goyal thanked Gor for supporting closer trade ties. Referring to a recent India vs USA T20 World Cup match, Goyal joked that the US “lost by 18%” and said zero tariffs might have changed the result. (PC: HT)

King Charles has expressed “profound concern” as police review new allegations linked to Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein. Buckingham Palace said the King is ready to support authorities if asked. A spokesperson said the claims are for Andrew to answer, but the Palace would assist police as expected. Thames Valley Police confirmed they are assessing whether a complaint filed by anti-monarchy group Republic needs an investigation. The complaint cites suspected misconduct in public office and possible breach of official secrets. Newly released US justice department emails suggest Andrew shared confidential trade visit details with Epstein while serving as UK trade envoy in 2010 and 2011. (PC: BBC)

Palestinian officials and several Arab states have criticised new Israeli cabinet measures in the West Bank, calling them a move toward “de facto annexation”. The steps were announced by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. They ease rules on land sales and property registration involving Jewish settlers. Smotrich said, “We will continue to kill the idea of a Palestinian state.” The changes remove limits on direct land sales and cut permit needs for property deals. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called the measures “dangerous” and urged US and UN action. Israeli rights group Peace Now warned the decision could lead to large-scale land takeover and weaken existing agreements. (PC: BBC)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting political turmoil after chief of staff Morgan McSweeney resigned over his role in advising the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States — a move now mired in controversy due to Mandelson’s past links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. McSweeney said the decision “damaged trust in politics,” intensifying criticism of Starmer’s judgment. The resignation follows the exit of communications director Tim Allan, marking multiple senior departures in days and fuelling calls within his party and from opponents for leadership change. Starmer insists he will stay focused on governance. (PC: Reuters)

Ghislaine Maxwell, the jailed associate of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, will use the Fifth Amendment and not answer questions before a US House committee, her lawyer said. Maxwell is serving a 20-year jail term for sex trafficking minors connected to Epstein’s network. Her lawyer David Oscar Markus said, “She will take the 5th,” and will read a prepared statement first. Lawmakers want to ask her about other possible co-conspirators and Epstein’s links with powerful people. The testimony comes as the Justice Department releases millions of pages of Epstein case files. Some members also want answers about her earlier statements and pardon talk. (PC: BBC)

Britain’s Prince William and his wife Kate have issued their first statement after new Epstein files renewed focus on Prince Andrew. A Kensington Palace spokesperson said the Prince and Princess of Wales are “deeply concerned” by the revelations and that their thoughts are with the victims. The files again mention Prince Andrew and his past links to Jeffrey Epstein, which Andrew denies. King Charles has not commented publicly but earlier removed Andrew’s royal titles. Prince Edward has also spoken, urging attention on the victims. The UK Royal Family has largely avoided detailed public comment.

Bad Bunny made history by becoming the first artist to perform a Super Bowl half-time show fully in Spanish. His 14-minute set celebrated Puerto Rico and Latin culture. The performance featured guest appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, and included messages of love, unity and pride. Bad Bunny ended the show with “God bless America” and named countries across the Americas. He did not make direct political statements. Despite this, US President Donald Trump criticised the show on social media, calling it “terrible” and saying people could not understand it. The performance drew wide attention for its cultural impact. (PC: Getty Images, Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin is named 1,005 times in documents linked to late financier Jeffrey Epstein, released by the US Justice Department. The files show Epstein repeatedly tried to arrange a meeting with Putin through Russian diplomats and European officials. These efforts took place during a sensitive period in US-Russia relations after the 2016 US presidential election. However, the documents provide no evidence that the two ever met. The Kremlin has rejected claims that Epstein worked with Russian intelligence agencies. Poland has announced a probe into possible Russian links mentioned in the newly released files.