Security agencies have uncovered a large hawala network in Jammu and Kashmir and frozen over 8,000 mule accounts in three years. Officials say these accounts were used to move illegal money linked to cyber fraud and possible anti-national activities. Investigators believe international syndicates may be involved. Mule accounts help criminals shift stolen funds into cryptocurrency. Police are working with banks to stop more accounts from opening. Many people gave access to their accounts for small commissions. Officials said even if they did not plan the scams, they helped launder money. Authorities have also restricted VPN use in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said political stability has helped increase investor trust after India signed new trade deals, including one with the United States. In an interview with PTI, he said India negotiated from a position of strength. He added that strong manufacturing, services and MSMEs supported these agreements. Modi said free trade deals with 38 countries will help sectors like textiles, leather and handicrafts. He listed three reform goals for the next decade: structural reforms, deeper innovation and simpler governance. He also highlighted growth in digital payments, AI development and defence modernisation under his government. (PC: DPR PMO/ ANI)

India national cricket team suffered an early setback when Abhishek Sharma fell for a “duck” in the opening over against Pakistan national cricket team in their T20 World Cup 2026 match in Colombo. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha took the new ball and dismissed the opener immediately. After the wicket, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma took charge of the innings. At the toss, captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha did not shake hands. India changed their playing XI, dropping Sanju Samson and Arshdeep Singh. Kuldeep Yadav and Abhishek Sharma were added. Pakistan named an unchanged side. (PC: X)

Indian student Saketh Sreenivasaiah, found dead in a California lake, had recalled a late IIT Madras batchmate in his final LinkedIn graduation post. Sharing a convocation photo in July 2025, he wrote, “This milestone would've been much better alongside my dearest friend and batchmate Kedar.” He was referring to Kedar Suresh Chougule, a student from the same 2021–25 BTech batch who died by suicide at IIT-M in April 2023. Both were Chemical Engineering students. In the same post, Saketh dedicated his degree to his late grandfather. US police have not released final findings and are continuing their investigation into the case. (PC: HT)

India captain Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Agha at the toss before their T20 World Cup match in Colombo on February 15. India won the toss and chose to bat first, with Pakistan set to bowl. The moment followed India’s no-handshake policy in place since the Asia Cup 2025. When asked about it, Suryakumar avoided details. He said, “Why put so much focus on that? We have come to play cricket.” Agha had earlier said, “Cricket should be played in the right spirit… It’s up to them to decide.” Similar incidents happened in earlier India–Pakistan matches last season. (PC: India Today)

India is weighing a cautious reset in ties with Bangladesh after the BNP won a landslide election victory. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman and promised support for a “democratic, progressive and inclusive” neighbour. Relations had worsened after former PM Sheikh Hasina fled to India in 2024. Analysts say cooperation on security and border control remains India’s main concern. Rahman has signalled an independent line, saying, “Not Dilli, not Pindi — Bangladesh before everything.” Experts say mistrust from past BNP rule still shapes Delhi’s view. They add that steady outreach and lower political rhetoric. (PC: BBC)

India national cricket team are set to make a major bowling change for the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan national cricket team in Colombo. Reports indicate pacer Arshdeep Singh could be left out, with spinner Kuldeep Yadav likely to come in. This would give India a three-spinner attack alongside Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel. Match-up numbers support the switch. Kuldeep has taken eight wickets in three T20Is against Pakistan at an economy of 6.58. Arshdeep has seven wickets in four matches with a higher economy rate. Weather has stayed clear so far, though clouds remain around the stadium. (PC: HT)

Imran Khan’s party has raised concern over reports that the former Pakistan prime minister could be moved from jail for medical treatment without family involvement. In a statement, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf said any such step done secretly would put his life at risk. The party called it a “blatant violation” of legal and human rights rules. PTI said medical checks must take place with his personal doctors and at least one family member present. Khan is currently held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said a later transfer to a new jail with medical facilities is planned. (PC: X)

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)