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)

India’s chief negotiator will visit the United States next week to finalise the legal framework of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA). Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said a delegation led by Joint Secretary Darpan Jain will hold talks. India and the US had announced an interim trade deal on February 7. Under the deal, the US will cut tariffs on Indian exports to 18%. In return, India may reduce or remove tariffs on selected US imports. Agrawal said exports from April 2025 to January 2026 rose to $720.76 billion, marking a 6.15% increase over last year. (PC: PTI)

Billionaire Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is not attending the AI Summit in New Delhi. His name was also missing from the event’s ‘Global Visionaries’ list. The development has sparked speculation. Sources said his absence comes amid renewed scrutiny over his past links to Jeffrey Epstein. Gates has earlier acknowledged knowing Epstein. There is no official statement linking his absence to the controversy. The AI Summit continues in Delhi with global leaders and tech experts discussing artificial intelligence, innovation and digital policy. Organisers have not commented on the change in the guest list. (PC: Reuters)

India is providing 33% more data to ChatGPT than the United States, former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said at the AI Summit 2026 in New Delhi. Speaking on Day 2 of the event, Kant said India plays a key role in the global AI space. He stressed that artificial intelligence must not create inequality. He warned that AI could lead to an unequal society if benefits are limited to a few. Kant said strong Digital Public Infrastructure is needed to ensure inclusive growth. He added that AI will create new jobs and improve sectors like healthcare and public services.

A video filmed inside an SUV shows the moments before a fatal crash in Delhi. The accident happened on February 3 near Lal Bahadur Shastri College in Dwarka. A teen was driving the Scorpio without a valid licence. The video shows him speeding on a road without a divider. The SUV then hit a motorcycle head-on. The biker, 23-year-old Sahil Dhaneshra, died from severe head injuries and heavy bleeding, according to the autopsy report. The teen was produced before the Juvenile Justice Board and later granted interim bail due to his Class 10 board exams.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai today during his three-day visit to India. The talks will focus on defence cooperation, artificial intelligence and strategic ties. Discussions are expected on HAMMER missiles for the Indian Air Force and support for Rafale jets. Both sides may also review plans for joint manufacturing of helicopters and other defence projects under Make in India. The leaders will assess progress in the India–France Strategic Partnership and discuss regional issues. Macron will also attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi before concluding his visit. (PC: Reuters)

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested an Indian “illegal alien” accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. The agency identified the man as Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli. ICE said he faces charges of sexual assault and larceny in New Jersey. He is also accused of shoplifting and public disorder. The agency stated that he will remain in custody during removal proceedings under US immigration law. ICE did not share details about the date of arrest. The case comes during a wider immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump’s administration in the United States.

Muhammad Yunus stepped down as Bangladesh’s chief adviser after the election of a new government. In his farewell speech, he spoke about stronger regional ties. He mentioned Nepal, Bhutan and India’s northeastern “Seven Sisters” while outlining a plan for sub-regional economic cooperation. He proposed better trade, connectivity and maritime access through Bangladesh. His remarks may draw attention in New Delhi, as ties between India and Bangladesh have been tense. Yunus said his government focused on sovereignty and national interest. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by Tarique Rahman, won the recent election and will form the next government.