Apple's iPhones in China will leverage Alibaba's AI technology, a partnership driven by local regulations requiring collaboration with accredited Chinese companies. This move follows Apple's efforts to find a suitable AI provider, with Alibaba emerging as the chosen partner. The collaboration could enhance Apple's AI capabilities in China and help revive iPhone sales, which have seen a decline due to competition from Huawei. While the partnership is long-term, it’s unclear whether Alibaba will be Apple's exclusive AI provider in the region.  

The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme 2025 offers 3,000 visas for Indian nationals aged 18-30, allowing them to live, work, and study in the UK for up to two years. To apply, individuals must enter an online ballot from February 18-20, 2025. Eligibility includes a UK-recognized degree, proof of £2,530 in savings, and no dependent children. Selected candidates will receive an invitation to apply for the visa. Fees include £298 for the visa and £1,552 for healthcare. The visa does not allow dependents or extensions.

In the 5-8 classification game of the Freestyle Grand Slam Tour in Germany's Weissenhaus, India's chess prodigy D Gukesh suffered a hard loss to World No. 3 Hikaru Nakamura. The game proceeded to rapid tiebreaks after initial draws, in which Nakamura triumphed 1.5-0.5. Afterward, Nakamura was complimentary of Gukesh's time trouble, stating that his intuition is not that great. He also took a shot at Gukesh's independent analysis of games, stating that working without cooperation of colleagues such as Fabiano Caruana is a huge handicap. Gukesh is to play Alireza Firouzja in the seventh-place playoff in his quest for his first win in the tournament.  

India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has acknowledged the impact of Jasprit Bumrah's absence from the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy due to a lower back injury sustained during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney. Gambhir emphasized focusing on the available talent, highlighting the opportunity for young pacers like Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh to make significant contributions. He also noted the importance of experienced bowler Mohammed Shami's return to the squad. Gambhir expressed confidence in the team's depth and readiness to compete in the tournament, which runs from February 19 to March 9.   

YouTuber Samay Raina has been summoned by Maharashtra's cyber cell for a second time amid controversy over a comment by podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia on Raina’s YouTube show, "India’s Got Latent". Allahbadia's controversial remark about intimacy between parents sparked debates on free speech and decency. Despite issuing an apology, the matter escalated, leading to police investigations and the involvement of various authorities, including the National Commission for Women. Raina has requested more time to respond, while authorities continue to investigate the situation.

The Indian Army has confirmed that the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan remains intact, refuting reports of instability. While minor incidents like cross-LoC firing and an IED blast have occurred, they are being managed through established protocols. The Army emphasized no heavy-caliber weapons have been exchanged, and the situation remains stable, with a high state of alertness maintained. Recent media reports of ceasefire violations in Jammu & Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts were addressed, and the Indian Army continues to closely monitor the region.  

Rajat Kumar, 25, who saved cricketer Rishabh Pant's life after his 2022 car accident, attempted suicide with his girlfriend, Manu Kashyap, 21, in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. Their families opposed their relationship due to caste differences, leading to arranged marriages elsewhere. Both consumed poison; Ms. Kashyap died, while Mr. Kumar is in critical condition. Ms. Kashyap's mother alleges Mr. Kumar kidnapped and poisoned her. Mr. Kumar and Nishu Kumar were hailed as heroes for rescuing Pant from his burning car, receiving scooters as a gift from the cricketer. This tragic turn of events has shocked the community.

Andhra Pradesh is experiencing a bird flu (H5N1) outbreak, primarily in Nellore. In response, the government has implemented strict biosecurity guidelines for poultry farmers. These guidelines include disinfecting farms, sanitizing equipment, restricting access, and properly disposing of dead birds. Farmers are also advised to protect their farms from wild birds, maintain strict hygiene for workers, and immediately report any unusual bird deaths. Response teams are monitoring farms and collecting samples. Poultry farmers are urged to be vigilant and adhere to all safety measures to control the outbreak.  

  Virat Kohli, former captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has expressed his support to Rajat Patidar after he was appointed captain of RCB for IPL 2025. Kohli wished Patidar luck, saying, "We will be right behind you." Kohli also praised Patidar's improvement in his game, commenting on his potential to take the team to triumph. Kohli's motivational message is a reflection of his belief in Patidar's leadership potential, promising a great future for the team under their new captain. Fans of RCB are hopeful of a winning season in the next IPL season with this leadership change.  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a 100,000 to 150,000-strong multinational force to secure Ukraine after a ceasefire, despite over 600,000 Russian troops occupying the country. European diplomats acknowledge the continent’s current inability to assemble such a force without U.S. involvement, which remains uncertain. One diplomat criticized the U.S. stance as premature, arguing it could embolden Russia to demand more in future negotiations. As the ceasefire talks approach, concerns grow over Europe’s readiness and Russia’s potential to exploit perceived diplomatic concessions.