Fresh political tension surfaced in Bangladesh during the swearing-in of the Tarique Rahman-led BNP government as Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party warned of street protests over the July Charter issue. The dispute centers on a second oath linked to constitutional reforms under the July Charter referendum. BNP MPs took oath as lawmakers but refused to take oath as members of the Constitution Reform Council. Jamaat and NCP had earlier threatened to boycott the ceremony if BNP avoided the reform oath. Later, both parties went ahead and took both oaths. Jamaat leaders alleged election manipulation and post-poll violence, calling the new ruling force “fascist.”

Fourteen former international cricket captains, including Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, have written to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asking for urgent medical care for jailed former PM and World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan. The letter cites reports about his falling health and vision problems in custody. The group asked for “immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention” and humane jail conditions. They also sought regular family visits and fair legal access. Other signatories include Greg Chappell, Steve Waugh and Clive Lloyd. No former Pakistan captain has signed the joint appeal. (PC: X)

Adani Group will invest $100 billion by 2035 to build green, AI-ready data centres in India. The company said the move will create a sovereign AI backbone. It expects the investment to attract another $150 billion in related sectors. These include servers, cloud platforms and semiconductor systems. Together, this could build a $250 billion AI ecosystem. The group plans to expand its data centre capacity from 2 GW to 5 GW. It has partnered with Google in Visakhapatnam and Microsoft in Noida, Hyderabad and Pune. Shares of Adani Enterprises rose after the announcement.

US President Donald Trump said he will be “indirectly” involved in nuclear talks with Iran set to begin in Geneva. Speaking on Air Force One, he called the discussions “very important.” Iran said the meeting will focus on its nuclear programme and possible lifting of US sanctions. Washington also wants to discuss Iran’s missile programme. Trump warned of consequences if no deal is reached. The US has increased its military presence in the Middle East. Iran has also carried out military drills. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said reaching an agreement would be difficult but possible. (PC: Getty Images, Reuters)

Parts of the UK face a risk of flooding for months after record rainfall in January. The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology said rivers in southern England reached very high levels. Northern Ireland and southwest England recorded their wettest January. Soil in many areas is fully saturated. Experts warned of groundwater flooding, where water rises from below the ground and enters homes. The Environment Agency said parts of Dorset and Wiltshire face significant risk. More rain is forecast. Officials have urged residents to stay alert and check flood warnings as wet conditions continue.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said visas are not a right and can be withdrawn. Speaking in Budapest, he said no one is entitled to a US visa. He added that a visa is only permission to enter the country. Rubio warned that visas will be revoked if visitors act against US national security or interests. The policy applies to students, tourists and journalists. Last month, the US paused immigrant visa approvals for nationals of 75 countries. A group of lawyers and advocacy groups has challenged the order in a federal court in New York. (PC: AFP)

Bill Gates will attend the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, the Gates Foundation confirmed. A spokesperson said he will deliver his keynote as scheduled. The statement dismissed earlier reports claiming he would skip the event. Gates is listed among key speakers, including OpenAI chief Sam Altman and Google CEO Sundar Pichai. The summit is being held at Bharat Mandapam. It brings together global tech leaders, startups and policymakers. Gates also praised Andhra Pradesh’s use of AI in health, agriculture and education during his recent visit. The event is expected to draw over 2.5 lakh visitors. (PC: AP)

Several Indian cities recorded temperatures above 30°C in mid-February. In Delhi, the mercury crossed 31°C on February 16. The India Meteorological Department said temperatures are 2°C to 4°C above normal in many regions. Experts say it is too early to predict the full year. However, early heat may signal a longer and stronger summer. Clear skies and weak cold winds have pushed daytime temperatures higher. If this trend continues, 2026 could be hotter than 2025. Scientists warn that rising temperatures may increase heatwaves, health risks, crop stress and higher power demand across the country. (PC: PTI)

‘He screamed for help for 10 minutes,’ said the mother of 23-year-old Sahil Dhaneshra, who died in a crash in Delhi’s Dwarka on February 3. The accident involved an SUV, a cab and Sahil’s bike. Police said a minor was driving the SUV without a licence. Sahil was taken to hospital but died from severe injuries. His mother claimed, ‘There were 13 challans on this car,’ adding that many were for over speeding in Uttar Pradesh. The teen driver is on interim bail for board exams. Police have assured a fair investigation.

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mumbai for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders will review the India-France strategic partnership. A new Rafale fighter jet deal is likely to be discussed. India may procure 114 additional Rafale jets from France’s Dassault Aviation. The Defence Acquisition Council has approved the proposal. India has already bought 36 Rafale jets and ordered 26 more for the Navy. Modi and Macron will also launch the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. Macron is on a three-day visit to attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. (PC: AFP)