Retired IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal Anil Chopra explained that the Tejas crash investigation will proceed quickly, with HAL teams already present in Dubai. Since the crash occurred on foreign soil, wreckage recovery requires diplomatic support and local administration assistance. Chopra noted that airshow flying differs from test flying—pilots fly much closer to ground and aim to impress professionals worldwide. Video analysis suggests the pilot failed to recover from a negative G manoeuvre at low altitude, a signature Tejas display move. The transition from negative G to level flight will be scrutinized frame-by-frame. This marks only the second Tejas crash in 24 years, maintaining the aircraft's best IAF safety record.

India will host the T20 World Cup 2026, with the marquee India-Pakistan clash scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. Defending champions India have been grouped with Pakistan, USA, Namibia, and Netherlands. The tournament, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, runs February 7 to March 8, marking the first T20 World Cup during Asian winter. India opens against USA at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 8, followed by matches against Namibia (Delhi, February 12) and Netherlands (Mumbai, February 18). Mumbai hosts a semi-final on March 5, while the final will be held in Ahmedabad on March 8. Pakistan's potential semi-final or final appearances would be played in Colombo.(PC: Hindustan Times & TOI)

An IAF Tejas Mk1 crashed during the Dubai Airshow on Friday, killing the pilot, just one day after the PIB fact-check unit debunked "oil leakage" propaganda. The government had clarified that circulating videos showed routine water draining from the aircraft's Environmental Control System, not technical failure, calling the narrative "deliberately pushed" to undermine the jet's reliability. The crash occurred during aerial manoeuvres at Al Maktoum International Airport. While some speculate sabotage, aviation experts urge restraint pending the court of inquiry. This marks only the second Tejas crash in 24 years, following a March 2024 Rajasthan incident where pilots ejected safely. The HAL-developed fighter has served since 2016.(PC: India Today)

Wing Commander Namansh Syal of the Indian Air Force was killed after a Tejas LCA Mk-1 fighter jet crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday at 2:10 pm. Initially unclear if he had ejected safely, the IAF later confirmed his death, expressing deep regret and announcing a court of inquiry to determine the cause. Syal, hailing from Himachal Pradesh, was remembered by Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu as a courageous son of India, with heartfelt tributes shared on social media. The tragedy has cast a shadow over India’s showcase of its indigenous Tejas aircraft, underscoring the risks faced by pilots during high-profile aerial displays.(PC: HT)

Three Amur Falcons from Manipur have amazed scientists with a record-breaking migration to Kenya in under a week. Apapang flew an astonishing 6,100 km non-stop, while Alang covered 5,600 km with only brief pauses before crossing the ocean. Their journey highlights the extraordinary endurance of these small raptors, which weigh barely 150 grams yet traverse continents with precision. The migration underscores Manipur’s role as a critical stopover for Amur Falcons, celebrated for their resilience and ecological importance. Researchers say the feat is a breathtaking reminder of how nature’s smallest wings can carry the biggest stories, inspiring conservation efforts and global admiration for these remarkable birds. (PC: X) 

Karnataka police have arrested two employees of Malpe Cochin Shipyard in Udupi for allegedly spying for Pakistan, sparking a major security alert. The accused, Rohit and Santhri from Uttar Pradesh, were contracted through Sushma Marine Pvt. Ltd. and are accused of leaking confidential shipyard data for 18 months via WhatsApp in exchange for money. The information reportedly included sensitive details of vessels built for the Indian Navy and private clients. The arrests followed a formal complaint by the Cochin Shipyard CEO. Investigators warn the leaks could compromise national security, with national agencies suspecting a wider espionage network. The suspects have been produced in court as the probe intensifies. (PC: India Today)

India’s Women’s ODI World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur will be honoured with a wax statue at Jaipur’s historic Nahargarh Fort. The Jaipur Wax Museum announced the statue will be unveiled on March 8, 2026, International Women’s Day, commemorating India’s 2025 World Cup triumph and celebrating women’s achievements in sports. Museum founder Anup Srivastava described Harmanpreet as a symbol of courage and global ambition, joining cricket icons MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli at the venue. Sculptors are using her 2025 World Cup appearance as reference, employing advanced techniques to capture her intensity. Positioned among women achievers like Kalpana Chawla and Saina Nehwal, the statue aims to inspire young girls nationwide. (PC: BCCI)

Frida Kahlo’s 1940 self-portrait El sueño (La cama) has sold for $54.7m at Sotheby’s, setting a new auction record for a female artist and surpassing Kahlo’s previous record of $34.9m in 2021. The surrealist painting depicts Kahlo asleep beneath a skeleton entwined with dynamite, created during a turbulent period marked by personal upheaval. Originally auctioned for $51,000 in 1980, the work’s meteoric rise reflects growing recognition of women artists. The sale eclipsed Georgia O’Keeffe’s $44m record set in 2014. Kahlo, celebrated for her psychologically charged portraits, often explored themes of pain and resilience shaped by illness and injury. Mexican authorities classify her works as national artistic monuments, limiting exports. (PC: BBC)

Fatima Bosch of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand, triumphing in a turbulent 74th edition marked by chaos. Bosch overcame public bullying from host Nawat Itsaragrisil, who had chastised her during a livestream, prompting a dramatic walkout. She later won support from fellow contestants and praise from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The contest saw further turmoil: two judges resigned, one alleging vote-rigging, while others cited personal reasons. Contestants also suffered mishaps, including Miss Britain’s stage fall and Miss Jamaica’s hospitalization after an accident. Despite the controversies, Bosch prevailed over finalists from Thailand, Venezuela, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines, securing Mexico’s crown in a pageant marred by protests, resignations, and dramatic stumbles.

Taliban Commerce Minister Al-Haj Nooruddin Azizi met India’s Minister of State for Commerce Jitin Prasada in New Delhi, urging India to expand trade ties and establish cargo hubs in Afghanistan. Azizi requested India’s assistance in launching scheduled shipping services via the Indian-operated Chabahar Port in Iran, highlighting Afghanistan’s shift away from Pakistan after repeated border clashes and closures. Discussions included investment, joint ventures, and boosting Afghan exports. Azizi proposed dry ports in Nimroz province, streamlined cargo processing at Nhava Sheva, and faster visa approvals for Afghan traders. He also suggested collaboration in pharmaceuticals, cold storage, fruit processing, industrial parks, and SME centres to strengthen bilateral commerce.