External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced Thursday that the historic India-US trade deal is in final detailing stages and expected to be completed soon, marking a new phase in bilateral relations. Concluding his US visit, Jaishankar thanked Secretary of State Marco Rubio for warm hospitality, stating the deal "opens up vast possibilities for the relationship." He emphasized advancing cooperation on critical minerals, strategic issues, defense, and energy, noting "a strong momentum is evident." Jaishankar participated in a high-level meeting with over 50 countries, highlighting challenges of excessive supply chain concentration and India's de-risking efforts through its National Critical Mineral Mission and rare earth corridor, while expressing support for the FORGE initiative. (PC: ANI)

At least 16 laborers were killed and several remain trapped after an explosion at a suspected illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district Thursday morning. Director General of Police I Nongrang confirmed the death toll, stating the exact number trapped is yet to be ascertained. One injured person was referred to Shillong hospital for advanced treatment. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma ordered a comprehensive inquiry, promising strict accountability and legal action. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia from PMNRF for each deceased's kin and Rs 50,000 for the injured. The National Green Tribunal banned rat-hole coal mining in Meghalaya in 2014 citing environmental damage and safety risks.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed disappointment over Bangladesh's absence from the T20 World Cup, calling them "brothers" and thanking Bangladeshi supporters for backing Pakistan. Speaking at the pre-tournament captains' press conference in Colombo, Agha said, "It's really sad to not see them playing the World Cup," while hoping Bangladesh fans continue supporting Pakistan. Bangladesh was ejected from the tournament after ICC found no substance in their security concerns over traveling to India. The BCB had protested after BCCI directed Kolkata Knight Riders to remove Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL squad. Pakistan Cricket Board supported Bangladesh's concerns, but ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland. Pakistan government subsequently barred their team from playing India. (PC: X)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued an apology for believing Peter Mandelson's lies and appointing him as US ambassador, addressing the scandal during a speech in East Sussex. Starmer stated that when Mandelson was questioned about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, his answers were "intentionally intended to create the impression" that he "barely knew" him. When asked if he would resist party efforts to remove him as leader, Starmer said he remains focused on changing the country for the better. The PM expressed his intention to release the Mandelson files "as quickly as possible." Political editor Chris Mason described the moment as a prime minister "scrapping for his future with his back against the wall."

India's Ministry of External Affairs clarified its energy import stance after US President Donald Trump claimed India would shift crude oil sourcing from Russia to Venezuela following their bilateral trade deal. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "Venezuela has been a longstanding partner for India," emphasizing energy security needs guide New Delhi's decisions. India imported Venezuelan oil until 2019-20, resumed in 2023-24, but stopped after Trump imposed 25% tariffs on countries buying Venezuelan crude. Jaiswal added India remains "open to exploring commercial merits of any crude supply, including from Venezuela," while maintaining diversified sourcing aligned with market conditions. Trump claimed India agreed to stop Russian oil purchases, helping "END THE WAR in Ukraine."

Former England captain Nasser Hussain sparked controversy on Sky Sports' cricket podcast, questioning ICC's consistency after Bangladesh's T20 World Cup ouster. He asked whether ICC would similarly penalize India for government-mandated boycotts, stating, "With power comes responsibility." Social media users criticized Hussain's hypocrisy, recalling England's 2003 World Cup boycott of Zimbabwe under his captaincy, where he said he was "proud" of the decision. ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after Bangladesh refused to play matches in India citing security concerns, following BCCI's removal of Mustafizur Rahman from IPL amid attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Pakistan subsequently boycotted their February 15 India match in Colombo, with PM Shehbaz Sharif declaring solidarity with Bangladesh. (PC: NDTV)

Three minor sisters aged 16, 14, and 12 jumped to their deaths from their ninth-floor apartment in Ghaziabad's Bharat City Society early Wednesday. A recovered nine-page diary revealed intense attachment to Korean culture and distress over parental restrictions. The eldest sister allegedly wrote, "Korean was our life," expressing anguish over phone restrictions and fear of arranged marriage. Police linked the tragedy to addiction to a Korean interactive "love game." The girls hadn't attended school for two-three years, remaining confined to their room. Their father had restricted mobile phone usage recently, which may have triggered the decision. Mental health experts warn against excessive online immersion, noting adolescents struggle differentiating virtual from real life. (PC: News18)

India categorically dismissed a Bloomberg report claiming National Security Adviser Ajit Doval visited Washington last September to meet US officials. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "There is absolutely no basis for that report. No such meeting or no such visit has taken place." Bloomberg had reported Doval met Secretary of State Marco Rubio, telling him India-US relations should move past acrimony and return to trade negotiations, while asserting India wouldn't be bullied by President Trump's administration. India-US ties deteriorated last August when Trump raised tariffs on Indian exports to 50%, accusing India of financing Russia's war. Recently, Modi and Trump announced tariff reduction to 18% as part of a new trade deal. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, replying to the Motion of Thanks on the Presidential address. He emphasized India's growing global prominence, citing recent trade deals with the EU and US as evidence of the world's confidence in India's economic stability and speed. Modi criticized the Opposition, particularly Congress, for past governance failures and divisive politics. He highlighted his government's "reform, perform, transform" approach and stressed the importance of the current quarter-century as decisive for building 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). The PM condemned Opposition members for using "pathetic language" against the President and defended his administration's policies on national security, economic progress, and infrastructure development, including completion of the Sardar Sarovar dam.

Mass layoffs at The Washington Post cut about 30% of its workforce and removed more than 300 journalists and staff across divisions. Reports say entire desks were shut, including sports and books coverage. All Middle East correspondent and editor roles were cut. Several reporting and editing posts in India and Australia were also removed. At least one reporter was laid off while working in a war zone. Former executive editor Marty Baron called the move “among the darkest days” for the paper. He sharply criticised owner Jeff Bezos over leadership choices. Past reports put annual losses near $100 million. Union data shows median staff pay around $99,904. Bezos and publisher Will Lewis have not issued public statements. (PC: X)