Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman, the government announced. Officials said his visit shows the value New Delhi places on ties with Dhaka. Birla, who serves as Lok Sabha Speaker, will attend the ceremony on behalf of the Indian government. The statement said the participation “underlines the importance” of India’s relationship with Bangladesh. Both sides are expected to continue talks on bilateral cooperation and regional issues. The visit comes as the new government in Bangladesh prepares to take office after the recent national election. (PC: India Today)

Weather concerns remain ahead of the T20 World Cup clash between India national cricket team and Pakistan national cricket team in Colombo, with dark clouds around the Premadasa Stadium and rain expected to affect play. Two hours before the toss, rain had stayed away but conditions were cloudy and humid. Reports said there was still no sign of the Indian team at the ground at that time. Ground staff kept the outfield fully covered and drainage systems ready. The match also comes amid continued tension over India’s no-handshake policy against Pakistan. Predicted XIs for both sides were announced before the game. (PC: X)

Senior Democratic leaders at the Munich Security Conference sought to calm European allies about US policy under President Donald Trump. California Governor Gavin Newsom told an event, “Donald Trump is temporary. He’ll be gone in three years.” Several Democratic lawmakers said US ties with Europe would remain strong despite recent tensions. Senator Jeanne Shaheen said they were present to give “reassurance” about the value of European allies. Senator Ruben Gallego said, “This is not all Trump … We’re still here.” Some leaders also raised concerns about US election rules and executive powers. Republicans at the event said allies should not overreact to US political rhetoric. (PC: BBC)

Newly released US Justice Department records show messages between Anil Ambani and Jeffrey Epstein about business funding and defence trade discussions during meetings at Epstein’s luxury home. According to document reviews reported by The Indian Express, the two exchanged messages between 2017 and 2019. In one April 2019 iMessage, Ambani wrote, “Will spk. To agree. How can u help to arrange financing at corporate level?” Epstein replied in other chats about hosting finance figures and ministers. One exchange also included a request to “arrange” a woman for a visit. Ambani’s name appears multiple times in the released files. Political reactions have followed in India. (PC : NDTV)

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised India’s no-handshake policy with Pakistan, calling it “silly” and against the spirit of the game. India have followed this policy since the Asia Cup 2025 after the Pahalgam terror attack. Ahead of the T20 World Cup clash, Manjrekar said teams should either follow normal cricket customs or not play. “Either play properly within the spirit of the game or don’t play at all,” he wrote on X. India captain Suryakumar Yadav did not confirm if he will shake hands. Pakistan captain Salman Agha said cricket should be played in the right spirit. (PC: India Today)

Indian student Saketh Sreenivasaiah, who was found dead in California after going missing, had told his roommate “I don’t care about anything” days earlier, according to a social media post by the friend. The 22-year-old UC Berkeley master’s student was reported missing on February 9. His body was later recovered from Lake Anza by local police. Roommate Baneet Singh said Saketh had become withdrawn and was “eating less and engaging less” in the last two weeks. He said Saketh was “only surviving on chips and cookies.” Singh wrote the community was “shocked to the core” and said he is helping the family with travel support. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received a formal invitation to attend the oath ceremony of Bangladesh leader Tarique Rahman on February 17, sources said. Rahman is set to be sworn in as prime minister after his party’s election win. The ceremony is expected at the Bangladesh Parliament complex in Dhaka. BNP sources called it a “historic day for Bangladesh.” Officials said Modi is unlikely to attend due to prior commitments in Mumbai with French President Emmanuel Macron. India may instead be represented by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar or the Vice President. Invitations have been sent to leaders from 13 countries. (PC: NDTV)

Former US President Barack Obama has responded to a racist video shared on social media by President Donald Trump that showed him and Michelle Obama depicted as apes. Speaking on a podcast, Obama did not name Trump but said public discourse has worsened. He said the “decorum and a sense of propriety and respect for the office” once expected from leaders “has been lost.” The White House first defended the post as “fake outrage,” then said a staff member shared it and removed it. Trump later said he “didn’t see” that part of the video and did not apologise. (PC: BBC)

Former India batter Dinesh Karthik has warned that India could face a very tough contest against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup match in Colombo. He said Pakistan are better prepared for the local pitch and conditions. “Tomorrow will be one of India’s biggest challenges against Pakistan in recent memory,” Karthik told Cricbuzz. He said slow surfaces could test India’s batting against spin bowling. He highlighted Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq as a major factor. Karthik added that India’s batting numbers drop on slow tracks compared to flat pitches. India, however, still hold a strong head-to-head record against Pakistan in T20 World Cup games. (PC: X)

Saketh Sreenivasaiah, the Indian student found dead in California after being missing since February 9, was an engineering graduate with a strong academic record. The 22-year-old was pursuing a master’s degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. He earlier completed his BTech in chemical engineering from IIT Madras in 2025. On LinkedIn, he wrote that he was “passionate about deep-tech innovations” and advanced materials. He was last seen near Tilden Regional Park. Police later recovered his body, the Indian Consulate said. Authorities have not yet shared details about the cause or circumstances of his death. (PC: X)