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)

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)

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)

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 Roommate Baneet Singh said Saketh had become withdrawn and was “eating less and engaging less” in the last two weeks.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)

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)

An Indian student who went missing in California has been found dead after six days, officials confirmed. Saketh Sreenivasaiah, 22, a master’s student at the University of California, Berkeley, had been missing since February 9. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco said local police recovered his body and informed the mission. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family,” the Consulate said, adding it will help with formalities and repatriation of the mortal remains. He was last seen near Lake Anza in the Berkeley hills. His backpack with his passport and laptop was earlier found nearby. He was from Karnataka and a 2025 IIT Madras graduate. (PC: India Today)

Pakistani media has been rattled after India officially launched the Rs 5,129 crore, 1,856 MW Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project on Chenab River, the first major infrastructure push since suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistani outlets accused India of "Water Terrorism" and "Fifth Generation Warfare," claiming a "dewatering strategy" to "dry up Pakistan." Pakistan's Foreign Office expressed "grave concern," seeking consultations through Indus water commissioners. India maintains Sawalkote is a run-of-the-river project within developmental rights, not involving water diversion. Located in Udhampur and Ramban districts, the project features a 192.5m dam with underground powerhouse. Pakistan issued letters in July and February seeking information, while India asserts sovereign infrastructure management rights. 

Tarique Rahman emphasized a "Bangladesh First" foreign policy after BNP's landslide victory with 209 seats, stating "interests of Bangladesh and its people will determine our foreign policy." In his inaugural address, Rahman called for unity after the "fragile economy left by authoritarian regime." On Sheikh Hasina's extradition, he said it "depends on the legal process." Senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed demanded Hasina's return under bilateral treaty. PM Modi congratulated Rahman, reaffirming India's commitment to bilateral peace and prosperity. BNP acknowledged Modi's message, expressing intent for "constructive engagement" with India. A BNP leader suggested Modi might be invited to Rahman's swearing-in ceremony next week.

Tarique Rahman's top aide Humayun Kabir told NDTV that Bangladesh's new BNP government wants India ties based on "mutual respect and national interest," prioritizing people-to-people connections, trade, and investments. Kabir confirmed India will be among countries visited but emphasized domestic priorities come first. He criticized Sheikh Hasina's "opaque, one-way relationship" with India, pledging to move away from "country-centric foreign policy." On Pakistan relations, Kabir said Bangladesh won't take sides in India-Pakistan tensions, seeking to "normalize relations in the region." India views the BNP victory with "cautious optimism" after the disruptive Muhammad Yunus interim period, believing Rahman may adopt a pragmatic approach driven by economic realities and regional stability.