India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed a resurfaced video where US President Donald Trump praised PM Modi, stating "Modi is a great man, that he loves Trump" and expressing he doesn't want to "destroy his political career." Jaiswal clarified he hadn't seen the video but stated India would "take appropriate action" if such remarks exist. The comments originated from Trump's October press conference with the FBI Director. Additionally, Jaiswal confirmed that recent US factsheet amendments on the India-US interim trade agreement framework reflect "shared understandings" between both nations. He emphasized the February 7 joint statement remains the basis for mutual understanding as both countries work toward finalizing the agreement.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), following its sweeping election victory, reaffirmed demands for Sheikh Hasina's extradition from India to face trial. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed the party will formally urge India to extradite the ousted former prime minister. Ahmed emphasized Bangladesh seeks normal ties with India based on equality and mutual respect, stating the extradition matter lies between foreign ministries. Hasina, living in Delhi exile since August 2024's mass uprising, was sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in November 2025 for crimes against humanity during the 2024 crackdown. She recently called Bangladesh's elections a "sham" and previously urged citizens to resist Muhammad Yunus's interim government. (PC: X)

Calcutta-born astrophysicist Kishalay De, a St James' School alumnus now at Columbia University, has solved a cosmic mystery by confirming a massive star's silent collapse into a black hole without a supernova explosion. The star, M31-2014-DS1 in the Andromeda galaxy, vanished after fading for nearly a decade, bypassing the explosive death typically expected from massive stars. De's team analyzed archival telescope observations spanning four decades, finding the star briefly brightened in infrared light around 2014 before rapidly disappearing. This confirms a decades-old prediction that some stars can skip the supernova stage. The research, published in Science journal, suggests such quiet collapses may represent an alternative stellar evolution pathway previously overlooked by astronomers. (PC: astro.columbia.edu)

Artificial intelligence company Anthropic announced raising $30 billion at a $380 billion post-money valuation, making it the third most valuable private firm globally behind OpenAI ($500 billion) and SpaceX. The funding, led by Singapore's GIC and Coatue, will support research, product innovation, and infrastructure expansion for its Claude chatbot. Elon Musk criticized Anthropic on X, calling it "misanthropic and evil," claiming the AI discriminates against certain demographics. His remarks coincide with restructuring at his own AI startup, xAI, ahead of a planned IPO following its SpaceX merger. Founded in 2021 by former OpenAI employees, Anthropic projects $14 billion in annual sales despite not yet being profitable.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Tarique Rahman following his Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) landslide victory in the 13th National Parliament election on Friday. Speaking with Rahman, Modi expressed delight over the remarkable electoral success and conveyed India's best wishes. The PM reaffirmed India's commitment to peace, progress, and prosperity for both nations, emphasizing deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the neighboring countries. Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Veena Sikri, hailed the results as a triumph for democracy and the Bangladeshi people. The BNP's decisive mandate marks their return to power after 20 years, with the election results being celebrated as a victory for democratic values in the region. (PC: X)

Zimbabwe national cricket team produced a major surprise by beating Australia national cricket team by 23 runs in a ICC Men's T20 World Cup group match in Colombo. Zimbabwe posted 169 for 2 in 20 overs after a steady batting effort. Australia were then bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs. Zimbabwe’s pace attack led the fight with four key wickets from their lead fast bowler. Captain Sikandar Raza said the team aimed for a safe score, adding, “If you look for 190 now, it is 140 all-out.” The result puts Australia in danger in the group stage. 

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Bangladesh election winner Tarique Rahman after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured a clear majority in the national polls. The BNP won 213 of 299 seats. In a post on X, Modi said he was “delighted” to speak with Rahman and congratulated him on the “remarkable victory.” He added that he shared his “best wishes and support” for meeting people’s aspirations. Modi said India remains committed to “peace, progress, and prosperity” of both countries. The vote was held on February 12 after a long period of political unrest in Bangladesh. (PC: HT)

Donald Trump has reversed a 2009 ruling that said greenhouse gases endanger public health, a decision that supported many US climate rules. The White House called it the “largest deregulation in American history” and said it would lower car costs. Officials estimate savings of about $2,400 per vehicle. Trump called the earlier rule “a disastrous Obama era policy.” Former president Barack Obama said removing it would make Americans “less safe, less healthy.” Environmental groups said they will challenge the move in court. Legal experts say the ruling has been the base for limits on vehicle, power plant and industry emissions. (PC: BBC)

Actor-director Farhan Akhtar is set to make his Hollywood acting debut in filmmaker Sam Mendes’ multi-part project on The Beatles. According to Variety, Akhtar will play sitar legend Ravi Shankar, who influenced George Harrison and helped bring Indian classical music into the band’s sound in the 1960s. The four-film series will tell the band’s story from each member’s point of view and is planned for an April 2028 theatrical release. Akhtar earlier appeared in the web series Ms Marvel. The casting news comes as reports continue around creative and financial disagreements linked to his film Don 3 and actor Ranveer Singh. (PC: X)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has chosen his teenage daughter Kim Ju Ae as his heir, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. Lawmakers were told she has reached the stage of “successor designation” after repeated high-profile public appearances. She has been seen at missile tests, military events and state ceremonies. Officials said the assessment is based on her visibility and signs she is giving policy input. Kim Ju Ae is believed to be about 13 years old. Analysts say the move is notable in North Korea’s male-dominated power system. The agency said it will watch upcoming party events for further signals. (PC: BBC)