US President Donald Trump spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, confirmed by American Ambassador Sergio Gor, who posted "STAY TUNED…" alongside a 2020 photograph of both leaders. This marks their first publicly confirmed conversation in 2026, following their December 11 discussion on bilateral relations and global peace. Trump simultaneously shared India Gate's image on Truth Social, calling it a "beautiful triumphal arch" amid his Washington DC monument plans, and posted an India Today magazine cover featuring both leaders as "The Mover & The Shaker." The call coincides with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's US visit for critical minerals discussions with Secretary Marco Rubio. 

Bad Bunny made Grammy history as the first Latin artist to win Album of the Year in 68 years for "Debí Tirar Mas Fotos," beating Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar. The 2026 ceremony became a platform for immigration protests, with stars including Bad Bunny, Olivia Dean, and Billie Eilish defending immigrants against Trump's ICE crackdown. Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for "Wildflower" her third win this decade. Kendrick Lamar overtook Jay-Z with 27 total Grammys. Host Trevor Noah's Epstein joke about Trump prompted a lawsuit threat. British winners included Olivia Dean (Best New Artist), Lola Young, and FKA Twigs. Golden became K-Pop's first Grammy winner. 

Donald Trump expressed his desire to build an India Gate-inspired triumphal arch in Washington DC, sharing India Gate's image on Truth Social with the caption: "India's beautiful triumphal arch; ours will be the greatest of all." Trump plans a 250-foot-tall "Independence Arch" by the Potomac River to commemorate America's 250th independence anniversary this year. The proposed structure would dwarf the Lincoln Memorial (100 feet) and White House (70 feet). Trump rejected smaller 165-foot and 123-foot designs, wanting an "everlasting impression." However, his ambitious two-month construction timeline appears unlikely, as final designs haven't been submitted for federal review, and the Memorial Circle site requires National Park Service approval. (PC: India Today)

Air India grounded a Boeing 787-8 aircraft after pilots reported a possible fuel control switch defect on Monday's London-Bengaluru flight. The LEFT engine fuel switch failed to lock in RUN position during start, moving toward CUTOFF risking inadvertent mid-flight shutdown. This incident evokes the June 12 Air India Flight 171 crash from Ahmedabad to London that killed 260 people, where both engine fuel switches moved to CUTOFF after takeoff. Air India notified DGCA and involved Boeing's manufacturer for priority inspection. The airline had previously inspected all Boeing 787 and 737 fuel switches following DGCA directives after the fatal crash. Safety remains top priority, both companies stated. (PC: HT)

India refuses to recognize proceedings by The Hague's Court of Arbitration under the Indus Waters Treaty, declaring the entire exercise illegitimate. Following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, India placed the 1960 treaty "in abeyance," linking water cooperation to Pakistan's terrorism. The court ordered India to produce hydroelectric plant logbooks for February hearings, but New Delhi won't participate, calling the court "illegally constituted." Pakistan, whose agriculture depends 80-90% on Indus waters, has launched ten legal actions and international lobbying. India maintains disputes belong with a neutral expert, not arbitration, rejecting Pakistan's "forum shopping" while keeping the treaty suspended. (PC: AFP)

A derogatory remark about Indians by former Norwegian diplomat Terje Rød-Larsen surfaced in newly released Epstein files. The alleged email, dated December 25, 2015, stated: "When you meet an Indian and a snake, kill the Indian first!" The comment was reportedly made in response to a message forwarded by Jeffrey Epstein from an Indian politician. Rød-Larsen previously served as president of the International Peace Institute and UN envoy, resigning in 2020 after his Epstein connections emerged. The US Justice Department released over three million pages related to Epstein, referencing numerous influential figures including tech executives, financiers, and foreign dignitaries. All named individuals deny involvement in Epstein's crimes. (PC: Reuters)

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission after a 90-minute meeting with CEC Gyanesh Kumar, alleging mass voter deletions during the Special Intensive Revision exercise. She accused the poll panel of acting as "BJP's IT cell," claiming 58 lakh voters were removed without hearings over minor spelling variations in Bengali surnames. Banerjee questioned why BJP-ruled Assam was exempt from SIR while Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu faced scrutiny. She alleged the CEC "misbehaved" and provided "garbage of lies," eventually walking out. The EC countered, citing TMC leaders' threatening language and vandalization of election offices, asserting rule of law would prevail. 

Mumbai Police has denied viral social media reports that claimed a high alert was issued over child trafficking and multiple missing children cases. The reports said 12 minors went missing in 36 hours across the city. Police called the claims false and misleading. In a statement on X, the department said, “We categorically deny these claims” and described the posts as rumour spreading. Officials said legal action has started against those sharing false information. “Action, including the registration of FIRs… is under process,” the statement said. The clarification came after online posts triggered panic among residents and wide message sharing. (PC: HT)

Board of Control for Cricket in India vice-president Rajeev Shukla supported the International Cricket Council warning to Pakistan over its planned boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India. He said the ICC stand is correct and stressed the need for sportsmanship. “The ICC has issued a big statement. It has highlighted element of sportsmanship. We completely agree,” Shukla told reporters. He added that BCCI will comment further only after speaking with the ICC. The match is scheduled in Colombo on February 15. Reports say Pakistan’s move is linked to wider political and tournament disputes around team participation and venue issues. (PC: NDTV)

Jonas Gahr Støre said he agrees with Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway after she admitted “poor judgement” over past contact with Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released US justice files list many email exchanges between them from 2011 to 2014. In a statement, the princess said, “I showed poor judgement and regret having any contact with Epstein at all.” She also shared “deep sympathy” for victims. The prime minister said her own words were clear and sufficient. Reports say she visited one of Epstein’s homes in 2013 when he was not present. The disclosures have led to renewed public scrutiny in Norway. (PC: BBC)