The United States and India will work in the coming weeks to finalise an interim trade agreement, aiming to later conclude a full Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), the White House said in a fact sheet. The interim pact, part of a recently announced framework, is intended to boost reciprocal, mutually beneficial trade and strengthen economic ties. Talks will continue on key issues such as services, investment, labour and government procurement while both sides address remaining trade barriers. This step marks progress in US‑India negotiations toward deeper economic cooperation. (PC: PTI)

Pakistan’s interior minister and chairman of the PCB Mohsin Naqvi referred to Field Marshal Asim Munir during a press conference held amid uncertainty over Pakistan’s T20 World Cup match against India. The Pakistan Cricket Board chief said he and the government were not afraid of “threats” from India or the International Cricket Council. He said, “Neither am I intimidated… he never gets afraid.” The remarks came shortly before Pakistan confirmed it would play the February 15 match in Colombo. The Pakistan Cricket Board agreed after consultations led by the government and discussions with other cricket boards and partner countries. (PC: HT)

Pressure is rising on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer after controversy linked to the Epstein files and the appointment of former envoy Peter Mandelson. Senior aides, including chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, have resigned. As questions grow over Starmer’s leadership, attention has turned to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood as a possible successor. Mahmood has been an MP since 2010 and earlier held key shadow cabinet roles. She became Home Secretary in 2025. She recently defended tighter settlement rules, saying settlement is a “privilege, not a right”. If chosen, she would be the UK’s first Muslim woman Prime Minister. (PC: India Today)

King Charles has expressed “profound concern” as police review new allegations linked to Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein. Buckingham Palace said the King is ready to support authorities if asked. A spokesperson said the claims are for Andrew to answer, but the Palace would assist police as expected. Thames Valley Police confirmed they are assessing whether a complaint filed by anti-monarchy group Republic needs an investigation. The complaint cites suspected misconduct in public office and possible breach of official secrets. Newly released US justice department emails suggest Andrew shared confidential trade visit details with Epstein while serving as UK trade envoy in 2010 and 2011. (PC: BBC)

Penguin Random House India said it holds exclusive rights to Four Stars of Destiny, the memoir of former Army chief Manoj Mukund Naravane, and confirmed the book is not yet published. The statement came after reports of leaked copies and a political dispute in Parliament. The publisher said no print or digital version has been released. It added that any copy in circulation is a copyright violation and legal action will follow. Delhi Police has filed an FIR and started a probe through its Special Cell. The issue grew after Rahul Gandhi referred to the unpublished memoir inside the Parliament complex. (PC: NDTV)

Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar has reportedly completed the first draft of the sequel to Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. According to a Mid-Day report, the new story revisits the characters played by Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, and Abhay Deol many years later. The sequel will focus on mid-life choices, changing friendships, and unfinished goals. An insider said the film is “not a nostalgic rehash” and reflects how time has changed the three men. No official casting announcement has been made yet. Dates are being discussed with the lead actors. The project may begin after work on Dahaad 2 is completed. (PC: India Today)

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down several major demands from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as talks continue over Pakistan’s potential boycott of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group match against India. The PCB had sought ICC intervention for an India‑Pakistan bilateral series, an India‑Pakistan‑Bangladesh tri‑series, and a guarantee on India touring Bangladesh in 2026 — all were rejected, with the ICC stating such bilateral or tri‑nation series are outside its mandate and that tours are decided bilaterally. Discussions involving the PCB, ICC, and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) are ongoing as Pakistan weighs its participation after earlier boycott threats. 

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to issue a fresh summons to Tina Ambani, wife of industrialist Anil Ambani, after she failed to appear for questioning on Monday in a money laundering investigation linked to alleged financial irregularities involving the Reliance Group and related entities. Tina, 68, was initially called for deposition but did not attend, prompting the federal agency to re-summon her for further questioning in the case. The ED has also formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged laundering and fraud, following directives from the Supreme Court. (PC: PTI)

Freshly released Jeffrey Epstein files include a photograph showing Tesla/SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg at a 2015 dinner linked to the convicted sex offender, even years after his conviction, raising fresh scrutiny over Epstein’s network among Silicon Valley elites. The U.S. Department of Justice documents show the dinner — described by Epstein in an email as “wild” — also involved other prominent tech figures like Reid Hoffman and Peter Thiel. Both Musk and Zuckerberg have denied close ties to Epstein and stressed limited interaction, while the new images have gone viral online. (PC: DOJ & X)

Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav surrendered at Tihar Jail, Delhi, after the Delhi High Court rejected his plea for more time in a long-pending cheque bounce case linked to unpaid loans taken for his film Ata Pata Laapata. The case involves dues amounting to around ₹5 crore. Before surrendering, Yadav made an emotional statement, saying, “Mere paas paise nahi hain” (I don’t have money), highlighting his financial distress. The court noted repeated non-compliance with repayment orders and directed him to serve a six-month sentence, bringing an end to years of legal proceedings in the matter. (PC: Instagram)