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)

In a tragic incident reported by India Today, a three-year-old girl was found dead in Gurugram, Haryana. According to police, the child had gone missing while playing near her home. Following a complaint by her family, authorities launched a search operation and reviewed CCTV footage, which led to the arrest of a neighbour. The accused has been booked under relevant sections of the IPC and the POCSO Act. Police recovered the child’s body from a nearby area. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have assured strict action in accordance with the law in Gurugram. (PC: India Today)

Mani Shankar Mukherjee, celebrated Bengali writer known by his pen name Sankar, passed away on Friday at a private hospital in Calcutta at the age of 92. Born in Howrah on December 7, 1933, Sankar began his career as a clerk to British barrister Noel Frederick Barwell at the Calcutta High Court, an experience that inspired his debut novel Koto Ajanare. His literary works inspired several acclaimed films, including Satyajit Ray's Seemabaddha and Jana Aranya, and the 1968 blockbuster Chowringhee. He also authored several books on Ramakrishna Paramhamsa and Swami Vivekananda. Sankar was conferred the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2021. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called his passing an irreplaceable loss to Bengali literature. (PC: The Telegraph)

Members of the Indian Youth Congress staged a dramatic shirtless protest at the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, raising slogans such as “PM is compromised” against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging the government had compromised national interests and failed youth. Around 10 protesters were detained and taken to Tilak Marg police station; police said legal action will follow. The demonstrators briefly disrupted the high-profile international event attended by global delegates. The protest drew sharp criticism from the BJP, which condemned it as disruptive and politically motivated. 

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived in Assam for a two-day trip focused on ramping up preparations for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, underscoring organisational strategy and candidate selection efforts. She chaired marathon screening meetings with party leaders and grassroots workers in Guwahati and offered prayers at the Kamakhya Temple before proceeding to intensive internal deliberations. During the visit, she released a 20-point “people’s chargesheet” accusing the ruling BJP government of corruption, economic mismanagement and alleged syndicate raj, positioning Congress for a tougher electoral challenge. The visit reflects the party’s heightened focus on strengthening its base and contest strategy in the poll-bound state. (PC: PTI)

A six-year-old girl lost her life after a speeding car rammed into an e-rickshaw in West Delhi’s Janakpuri while she was on her way to school with her grandmother. The impact overturned the vehicle, throwing both onto the road. The grandmother said she desperately pleaded with the driver and passersby to help rush the injured child to hospital, but immediate assistance did not come. The girl later succumbed to her injuries during treatment. Police have arrested the accused driver and seized the car. A case of rash and negligent driving has been registered, and further investigation is underway. (PC: NDTV)

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Galgotias University faced intense criticism after Professor Neha Singh introduced a robotic dog called “Orion,” claiming it was developed by the university’s Centre of Excellence. Online sleuths quickly identified it as a Chinese‑made Unitree Go2, sparking accusations of misrepresentation and embarrassment at a high-profile tech event. Organisers reportedly asked the university to vacate its exhibit. Galgotias apologised, saying Singh was “ill‑informed” and not authorised to speak, a move widely seen as blaming a faculty member for broader institutional lapses. The episode reignited debates on authenticity in India’s tech showcases. (PC: PTI)

In Nelamangala on Bengaluru’s outskirts, a 69‑year‑old woman named Shobha was strangled inside her home while caring for her wheelchair‑bound husband, who was present but unable to intervene. The suspect, 36‑year‑old neighbour Shivakumar, allegedly targeted her gold jewellery and fled with over 100 grams of gold after the brutal attack on Wednesday afternoon. Local police analysed CCTV footage, traced and arrested him within about six hours, recovering the stolen items. Investigators believe the motive was to repay debts, and further inquiries are ongoing into the suspect’s background. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined India’s “MANAV Vision” for artificial intelligence at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, emphasising a human‑centred, ethical and inclusive AI framework. He stressed that AI must be democratised so people are not reduced to mere data points, advocating moral systems, accountable governance, national data sovereignty, accessibility and legitimacy. Modi said AI should act as a tool for inclusion, empowerment and global good, particularly for the Global South. His address highlighted India’s ambition to lead responsible AI development while safeguarding safety and human values.

Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai praised India’s rapid rise in artificial intelligence at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting the country’s developer energy and innovation ecosystem. He emphasised that AI must be pursued responsibly to avoid deepening global inequality and announced Google’s planned $15 billion investment in a full-stack AI hub in Visakhapatnam with gigawatt-scale computing and new international subsea cable connectivity. Pichai also underscored initiatives for AI skill development, infrastructure partnerships and collective action to ensure inclusive access and real-world benefits from AI technologies. (PC: PTI)