Iran conducted live-fire missile drills in the Strait of Hormuz temporarily closing parts of the strategic waterway as indirect nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran concluded in Geneva after nearly three hours. Mediated by Oman, the talks yielded limited progress, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirming both sides agreed on broad "guiding principles" but cautioning no deal was imminent. Supreme Leader Khamenei simultaneously reaffirmed Iran's nuclear enrichment as an undeniable national right, warning against coercive US pressure. Washington insists on curbing Iran's nuclear programme and missile stockpile, while Tehran firmly rejects expanding negotiations beyond nuclear limits and sanctions relief. US President Trump confirmed indirect involvement, expressing cautious optimism.

Bengaluru police's Central Crime Branch narcotics wing, alongside multiple city units, arrested 15 individuals including three foreign nationals for drug trafficking across six police station jurisdictions: Amruthahalli, Hebbagodi, JB Nagar, Sheshadripuram, Mahalakshmi Layout, and Govindapura. Acting on specific intelligence, officers registered cases under the NDPS Act and conducted coordinated raids on multiple dates. Seized contraband included 9.46 kg hydro ganja, 34 kg ganja, 5.67 kg MDMA, 131 g cocaine, 29 LSD pills, 27 g LSD strips, and 462 ml hashish oil. Additional items confiscated included a car, two-wheeler, four mobile phones, and ₹24,500 cash. The estimated contraband value stands at ₹10.59 crore, with potential street value reaching ₹21.5 crore. (PC: The Indian Express)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared India's bold ambition to become one of the top three AI superpowers globally at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi marking the first global AI convening hosted in the Global South. Themed "Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhaye" (Welfare for All, Happiness for All), the summit unites world leaders and tech stakeholders around inclusive, human-centric AI. Modi highlighted AI's transformative role across healthcare, education, agriculture, and heritage preservation, linking it directly to India's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. He also announced robust safety frameworks including AI watermarking rules and the IndiaAI Safety Institute, stressing that human oversight must always govern AI decision-making.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron elevated India-France ties to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership" during Macron's three-day India visit. In Mumbai, the two leaders jointly inaugurated the H-125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line at Tata Airbus's facility in Vemagal, Karnataka,  a helicopter capable of flying at the altitude of Mount Everest. Modi declared the partnership has "no boundaries," spanning deep oceans to the tallest mountains, calling France a "special partner" and a pillar of global stability. Macron is also scheduled to attend the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi on February 18–19, further cementing India-France strategic and technological collaboration. 

Australia national cricket team are out of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup after the Ireland vs Zimbabwe group match in Pallekele was abandoned due to rain. The washout gave Zimbabwe national cricket team one point, which secured their place in the Super 8 stage with Sri Lanka from Group B. Australia had lost two of their first three matches and were depending on other results. The shared points made it impossible for them to qualify. Officials called off the game after long rain delays and pitch inspections. Australia’s final group match against Oman will not affect qualification. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron announced a Special Global Strategic Partnership during Macron’s visit to Mumbai on Tuesday. The visit marks the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, which aims to highlight growing cooperation in strategy and technology. Both leaders also inaugurated the year of innovation and are holding talks to strengthen ties in defence, trade, climate and new technologies. The visit includes meetings with business leaders, researchers and start-ups to expand collaboration. Macron’s three-day visit will also cover the AI Impact Summit and further bilateral talks in New Delhi. (PC: NDTV)

Gautam Gambhir has reportedly received an offer from Rajasthan Royals to join the IPL franchise as CEO, mentor and partner. A report said the new owners are ready to give him a small equity stake of around 2–3%. Gambhir is currently the head coach of the Indian men’s team and his contract runs till the 2027 World Cup. Rules based on Lodha Committee reforms do not allow a national team coach to hold a role with an IPL franchise due to conflict of interest. Because of this rule, he is unlikely to accept the offer at present. (PC: X/BCCI)

A six-month-old macaque named Punch has gone viral after videos showed him holding a plush orangutan for comfort at a zoo in Japan. Punch was born in July 2025 and was abandoned by his mother soon after birth. Keepers at Ichikawa City Zoo hand-raised him and gave him blankets and soft toys. He chose the stuffed orangutan and carries it while resting and meeting other monkeys. A post on X said he takes it everywhere and uses it like protection when other young monkeys “scold” him. Punch joined a macaque group in January but still stays close to the toy as he adjusts.

A second round of indirect nuclear talks between the United States and Iran began in Geneva on Tuesday, with Oman acting as mediator. The discussions focus on Iran’s nuclear programme and possible relief from US economic sanctions. President Donald Trump said he believes Iran wants a deal and warned of consequences if talks fail. “I hope they’re going to be more reasonable,” he told reporters. Iran’s foreign ministry said the US position has become “more realistic”. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said he wants a fair agreement but added that “submission before threats” is not acceptable. The talks come as both sides increase military presence in the region. (PC: BBC)

Delhi University has banned public meetings and protests on campus for one month after clashes linked to new UGC anti-caste discrimination rules. The order followed recent demonstrations that turned violent and led to cross-police cases. The rules require equity panels and helplines in colleges, but some groups say the definition of caste bias is unclear. The Supreme Court has stayed the 2026 rules for now and said there is “complete vagueness” and risk of misuse. Student groups and teachers have questioned the protest ban. The vice-chancellor urged calm and said “social harmony is the greatest thing” and asked students to await the court’s decision. (PC: HT)