US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer identifies India as a critical "waystation" for American companies exiting China, though emphasizing domestic manufacturing remains Washington's priority. Speaking to Fox News, Greer acknowledged India's vast workforce and growing manufacturing capacity make it vital for diversifying global production amid US-China decoupling efforts. However, he stressed reciprocity, insisting the relationship remain a "two-way street" benefiting American workers and exports. The remarks reflect Washington's "China Plus One" strategy, where India serves as a preferred secondary hub while America rebuilds its industrial base. India's "Make in India" initiative and Production Linked Incentive schemes align with US supply chain security goals, positioning India as a regulated partner in achieving economic resilience. (PC: X/@ANI)

Mrinank Sharma, an Indian-origin AI safety engineer at Anthropic, has resigned after two years, citing global "interconnected crises" beyond just AI threats. In his farewell message, he expressed gratitude for meaningful work including studying AI sycophancy, developing safeguards against AI-assisted bioterrorism, and writing early AI safety cases. Sharma highlighted his pride in promoting internal transparency and examining how AI assistants might diminish human authenticity. He warned the world approaches a threshold requiring wisdom to match technological capacity, noting pressures within organizations and society to compromise core values. Without a fixed next role, Sharma plans exploring writing and academic pursuits beyond engineering.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif delivered a scathing parliamentary address, accusing the US of exploiting Pakistan "worse than toilet paper" before discarding it. He condemned Pakistan's post-1999 realignment with Washington over Afghanistan, calling it disastrous. Asif rejected official narratives claiming religious duty drove Pakistan's Afghan involvement, asserting the anti-Soviet war served American geopolitical interests, not genuine jihad. He blamed military rulers Zia-ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf for entangling Pakistan in external conflicts whose consequences remain devastating. After 9/11, Pakistan turned against the Taliban supporting US counter-terrorism efforts, only to face continued violence, radicalization, and economic strain after Washington's withdrawal. Asif declared these "irreversible mistakes" left Pakistan bearing uncompensated losses as a discarded pawn.

India's Information Technology Amendment Rules, 2026, mandate permanent metadata embedding in all AI-generated content, creating an unerasable digital fingerprint. Unlike removable watermarks, this "digital DNA" stays embedded in files across platforms, enabling complete traceability to originating AI models and creators. Rule 3(3) requires platforms to embed unique identifiers and technical provenance mechanisms, strictly prohibiting tools that remove such markers. Visible disclosure standards include 10% coverage for visual content and 10% duration for audio. Platforms enabling metadata removal lose legal safe harbor protection. The law aims to combat AI-driven misinformation by ensuring anonymity cannot shield deepfake creators, providing investigators smoking-gun evidence for three-hour takedowns and potential criminal proceedings under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. (PC: X)

US Customs and Border Protection officially notified removal of the additional 25% tariff on Indian goods effective February 7, 2026, following President Trump's executive order. The department confirmed duties eliminated for products entering consumption or withdrawn from warehouse from that date. This follows the India-US trade deal reducing tariffs from 50% to 18%. The August 2025 tariff penalty over Russian oil purchases has been lifted, though reciprocal tariffs remain. Trump's order claims India committed to stopping Russian oil purchases and increasing US energy imports, though India hasn't confirmed this. The framework includes India reducing tariffs on US industrial, food, and agricultural products. (PC: X)

Former Army Chief General MM Naravane shared Penguin Random House India's clarification Tuesday regarding his memoir "Four Stars of Destiny," intensifying the political controversy. Penguin reiterated the book remains unpublished, distinguishing between announced titles, pre-orders, and published books. BJP leaders attacked Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who cited a 2023 Naravane tweet stating "my book is available now" as evidence of inconsistency. Penguin clarified the tweet referenced only a pre-order link, withdrawn within two days. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla called Gandhi a "national embarrassment," questioning how he accessed the book and alleging possible Copyright Act and Official Secrets Act violations. Penguin warned current copies constitute copyright infringement.

Unidentified assailants brutally killed 62-year-old Hindu shopkeeper Susen Chandra Sarkar in Trishal, Mymensingh district, Bangladesh, Monday night. Attackers struck him with sharp weapons inside Bhai Bhai Enterprise, shuttered the shop, and fled with several hundred thousand taka. Family discovered him blood-covered when he failed to return home; he died at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. His son Sujan reported no known conflicts, demanding swift justice. This attack intensifies minority safety concerns following December's killing of radical youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council recorded 51 communal violence incidents in December 2025 alone, ahead of February 12 parliamentary elections, the first since Sheikh Hasina's August 2024 removal. (PC: X)

The ICC confirmed no financial, sporting, or administrative penalties will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board regarding the T20 World Cup controversy. Bangladesh retains rights to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee under existing regulations. As part of the understanding, Bangladesh will host an ICC event between 2028-2031, subject to standard hosting processes, demonstrating confidence in their capabilities. ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta emphasized Bangladesh remains a priority cricket ecosystem deserving long-term investment despite short-term disruptions. An ICC delegation led by Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja met with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and BCB President Aminul Islam in Lahore Sunday, finalizing a roadmap through mutual consultation after Pakistan's initial boycott announcement. (PC: AFP)

Ajit Pawar's family suspects sabotage rather than accident in the plane crash that killed Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister last month. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar held a press conference February 10, 2026, in Mumbai, demanding independent investigations by two international agencies. He highlighted contradictions between Air Traffic Control transcripts and Union Aviation Ministry reports regarding crash timing. Rohit Pawar raised concerns about last-minute itinerary changes, unvetted crew replacements, possible illegal fuel tank transportation, and questioned whether the pilot intentionally crashed rather than landing safely. The family seeks comprehensive answers about the one-and-a-half-hour detailed allegations presented during the press conference. (PC: Emmanual Yogini)

Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi claims the ICC backed down, not Pakistan, in the T20 World Cup standoff over the India match. Pakistan withdrew its boycott after negotiations, with the February 15 Colombo fixture proceeding as scheduled. Sethi asserts Pakistan's 15-day notice was strategic, aimed at securing concessions for Bangladesh regarding sanctions and revenue protection. He claims Pakistan no longer relies on ICC revenue, earning more from the Pakistan Super League than its USD 144 million ICC share (2024-27 cycle). However, PTI reports Pakistan faced potential USD 38 million annual losses if penalized. The standoff ended after Bangladesh Cricket Board and ICC negotiations yielded understanding on sanctions. (PC: AP)