Following viral claims by Indian travel influencer Sachin Awasthi that he was denied entry and detained for 38 hours upon arrival at Jeju Island, the Indian Embassy in Seoul released a detailed travel advisory for Indians visiting under the visa-waiver scheme. The embassy clarified that visa-free entry does not guarantee admission, as South Korean immigration authorities make final decisions. Travellers have been advised to carry confirmed return tickets, hotel bookings, proof of sufficient funds, travel insurance and clear itineraries to avoid inconvenience or denial of entry. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s February 2026 visit to Israel underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. Defence cooperation remains central, with India among the largest importers of Israeli military technology. Bilateral trade, currently around $3.75 billion, is set to expand further with ongoing talks on a Free Trade Agreement and investment frameworks. The visit also focuses on collaboration in technology, water management and agriculture. Regionally, discussions touch upon West Asia stability and connectivity initiatives, reflecting India’s calibrated diplomatic engagement in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. (PC: AP)

A wedding in Bihar’s Buxar district turned violent after an 18-year-old bride was shot on stage. The incident took place around 11 pm on Tuesday. The bride, Aarti Kumari, was standing with her groom during a ritual when a man from the crowd opened fire.   Police said the accused is Deenbandhu, a neighbour, who is now absconding. Locals suspect a past relationship. The bullet hit Aarti in the stomach. She was taken to a local hospital and later referred to Varanasi Trauma Centre. She remains critical.   Additional SHO Chandan Kumar said the accused was earlier jailed in a liquor case. Police are conducting raids to arrest him.

Tension remains high in Mexico’s Jalisco state after a deadly cartel rampage. Burnt cars and damaged shops are still visible in Guadalajara. The violence followed reports of the killing of a top leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.   President Claudia Sheinbaum said “peace and tranquillity” were returning and praised security forces. Troops and police are patrolling the city. Many schools and shops stayed closed as residents feared more attacks.   Café owner Anwar Montoya said, “Everybody was scared. And now some are afraid about what might still happen.”   Some local leaders warned that targeting cartel bosses often leads to more violence. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump has again said he stopped a nuclear war between India and Pakistan. Speaking during his State of the Union address, he claimed Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told him that 35 million people would have died without his involvement.   “In my first 10 months, I ended eight wars… Pakistan and India would have had a nuclear war. 35 million people… would have died if it were not for my involvement,” Trump said.   India has denied any third-party role. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar earlier said the US “was in the United States.” India has maintained that the ceasefire followed direct military talks after Operation Sindoor. (PC: India Today)

The Centre has issued a show-cause notice to a senior BSNL director after his detailed Prayagraj travel plan triggered criticism. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the itinerary was “improper” and against rules. The trip of Vivek Banzal, Director (CFA) at BSNL, was planned for February 25–26 but was cancelled a day earlier. A document listing 21 arrangements had gone viral. Nearly 50 officials were assigned for the visit. It also mentioned bath kits and personal care items. Scindia said, “It is improper and a violation of established rules and traditions. It is unacceptable to me. It is shocking.” He added that action will follow after a reply within seven days. (PC: HT)

A 57-year-old Sikh man, Avtar Singh, who served as a volunteer and head cook at a gurdwara in Tracy, California, was kidnapped on February 17 and later found dead near Lake Berryessa on February 20. Authorities from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said surveillance footage showed three unidentified individuals forcing him into a white SUV. Investigators believe Singh was not the intended target of the abduction and homicide, suggesting the perpetrators were pursuing someone else. Officials stressed it appears to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the community, and detectives are working to identify those responsible. (PC: PTI)

In his State of the Union address, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told him “35 million people would’ve died” if he had not intervened to end rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Trump asserted that the two nuclear-armed neighbours were on the brink of war and said, “Pakistan and India would have had a nuclear war.” He credited his administration with facilitating de-escalation. However, India has consistently maintained that any understanding with Pakistan was reached bilaterally and has rejected claims of third-party mediation in resolving the conflict. (PC: Reuters)

The Centre has issued a show-cause notice to Vivek Banzal, a senior director at Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), over a controversial itinerary prepared for his planned Prayagraj trip that went viral online. The proposed two-day visit scheduled for February 25-26 was criticised for detailed, VIP-style arrangements, including deployment of about 50 staff and items such as bathing kits, personal comfort items and temple visits, seen as misuse of public resources. Jyotiraditya Scindia called the itinerary “improper” and “unacceptable”, giving Banzal seven days to respond. The trip was subsequently cancelled amid mounting public and government scrutiny. (PC: HT)

Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant strongly criticised a new National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Class 8 Social Science textbook for referencing “corruption in the judiciary”, calling it a calculated attempt to undermine the institution’s credibility. The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance after concerns were raised that the content unfairly targets the judiciary without similar scrutiny of other institutions. The CJI asserted that the judiciary’s integrity must be protected and warned against attempts to defame it, stating that appropriate action would follow under the law. (PC: India Today)