Iran and the United States held indirect diplomatic talks in Muscat, Oman, on February 6 aimed at reducing fears of a renewed regional conflict, especially after last year’s war and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The negotiations, mediated by Oman’s foreign minister, focused mainly on Iran’s nuclear programme and were described by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as a “good start,” though both sides acknowledged deep mistrust. Washington wants broader discussions including Iran’s missiles and regional influence, while Iran insists talks remain nuclear-focused. No breakthrough was announced, but both sides agreed to consult their capitals before possible further talks. (PC: AP)

India strongly condemned a deadly suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad, which killed dozens of worshippers during Friday prayers, and offered condolences to the victims and their families. In a statement, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs called the attack “condemnable” and categorically rejected Pakistan’s allegations of Indian involvement, describing such claims as “baseless and pointless.” New Delhi criticised Islamabad for blaming external actors instead of tackling its internal security challenges and societal issues. India maintained that Pakistan should focus on addressing its own domestic problems rather than deflecting responsibility. (PC: X)  

India and the United States finalised an interim trade framework that cuts U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from about 50%, easing earlier penalties tied to Russian oil purchases. India will reduce or remove tariffs on a wide range of U.S. industrial, food and agricultural products. The deal includes India’s plan to purchase up to $500 billion of U.S. energy, aircraft, technology and other products over five years and expands cooperation in technology trade. Both sides agreed to address non-tariff barriers and negotiate a broader bilateral trade pact, potentially lowering more tariffs. (PC: PTI)

India strongly condemned the Islamabad mosque suicide bombing that killed 31 and injured 169, while firmly rejecting Pakistani allegations of Indian involvement as "baseless and pointless." The Ministry of External Affairs stated Pakistan should address its "home-grown ills" instead of blaming others. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claimed the terrorist traveled from Afghanistan, alleging "collusion between India and Afghanistan." PM Shehbaz Sharif's spokesperson called it the "latest in murderous terrorist attacks orchestrated by India." The suicide bomber struck during Friday prayers at Tarlai's Khadijatul Kubra Imambargah, detonating at the gate. This marks Islamabad's deadliest attack since the 2008 Marriott Hotel bombing that killed 60 people.

A WhatsApp message from childhood coach Manish Ojha fueled Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's historic 175-run performance in the U19 World Cup final. After India's semi-final, Ojha reminded the 14-year-old that centuries had eluded him despite strong starts. Sooryavanshi responded with calculated brutality, smashing 15 sixes and 15 boundaries to dismantle England and seal India's sixth title. Starting cautiously at 15 off 17 balls, he reached his century in 55 deliveries and plundered 75 more runs in just 25 balls. He became India's leading U19 run-getter with 1,414 runs in 25 matches. His coach believes he's ready for senior team selection, potentially for the upcoming T20 World Cup starting February 7.

The Dalai Lama's name appeared 169 times in recently released Jeffrey Epstein files, according to the US Department of Justice. The DOJ released over 3 million documents, including 2,000 videos and 180,000 photos exposing Epstein's connections to influential figures including Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk. Emails from October 2012 suggest the spiritual leader was tipped to attend a function with Epstein. Journalist Michael Wolff claimed he saw the Dalai Lama at Epstein's Manhattan townhouse during gatherings, suggesting financial motivations for seeking philanthropic donations. The Dalai Lama's office did not respond to inquiries regarding donations or connections to Epstein. European outlet Nexta TV suggested Dalai Lama followers may have met Epstein. (PC: Times Now)

A white paper released in London on February 5, 2026, documents how Indian migrants decisively shaped the UK's economy, public services, and global standing across 70 years. Produced by Here & Now 365 and Aston University's Aston India Centre, it traces four migration phases: post-WWII recovery workers who stabilized the economy and NHS; 1970s East African Asian refugees who revived local economies; skilled professionals in medicine, finance, and engineering; and post-Brexit tech workers now comprising 15% of UK's technology workforce. Launched at House of Lords by Lord Loomba and Lord Bilimoria, the report emphasizes Indian diaspora contributions from rebuilding post-war Britain to powering its digital transformation, highlighting future economic cooperation lessons. (PC: X)

A suicide bomber killed at least 69 people and injured 169 at Tarlai Imambargah, a Shia shrine in Islamabad's Shehzad Town area. The attacker detonated explosives at the main gate during afternoon hours after alert guards prevented entry into the main worship hall. Video footage showed severe damage to the gate structure, shattered windows in nearby buildings, debris across roads, and dismembered bodies. Islamabad's Inspector General declared a citywide emergency as victims were transported to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Polyclinic Hospital. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, expressing "deep grief." This marks Islamabad's second major suicide bombing in three months, following November's court complex attack that killed twelve.

The United States imposed fresh sanctions on Iran's oil exports Friday, targeting 14 shadow fleet vessels including an India-flagged tanker, moments after indirect talks in Oman concluded. The State Department blocked transactions with vessels from Turkey, India, and UAE transporting Iranian oil. Indian entity Elevate Marine Management and director Akash Anant Shinde were sanctioned for managing a Cameroon-flagged tanker that transported Iranian petroleum products. The sanctions came as Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called talks a "good start," while US Secretary Marco Rubio demanded discussions include Iran's ballistic missiles and regional proxies. The talks aimed to create conditions for diplomatic negotiations amid tensions following Iran's brutal protest crackdown. (PC: X)

Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Syed Abdul Rehman Naqvi openly threatened to "disintegrate India" at a public event in Lahore attended by politicians, vowing to "set Agra on fire" and "shake Delhi." Speaking on Pakistan's "Kashmir Solidarity Day," Naqvi, who heads LeT's political front Pakistan Markazi Muslim League, declared they would "break united India into pieces." The brazen threats were delivered publicly in Pakistan's cultural capital, not from hiding, exposing continued state patronage of anti-India terrorism. This follows India's Operation Sindoor, which destroyed nine terror camps including LeT's Muridke headquarters after the Pahalgam attack that killed 26. LeT is reportedly rebuilding with clandestine government financial support.