World

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a historic address to Israel’s Knesset, backed the UN-endorsed Gaza Peace Initiative as a path to durable regional peace, reaffirmed India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, and pledged steadfast solidarity with Israel

Rachin Ravindra’s superb all-round performance helped New Zealand register a convincing win over Sri Lanka in the Super Eights clash, knocking the co-hosts out of the T20 World Cup and keeping the Kiwis firmly in contention for a semifinal berth

Bill Gates apologised to Gates Foundation staff for his association with Jeffrey Epstein, calling it a “huge mistake,” while denying any illicit conduct. He admitted past affairs and acknowledged reputational damage, maintaining he never engaged with Epstein’s victims or crimes

A 57-year-old Sikh man, Avtar Singh, was found dead in California days after being kidnapped in Tracy. Authorities said he was not the intended target. Investigation continues as community members mourn the longtime temple volunteer and head cook

A suicide blast at Dajil checkpost near Dera Darya Khan bridge in Bhakkar district killed two police personnel, shutting the key highway between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. The attack comes amid rising militancy in Pakistan following the TTP ceasefire collapse

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a two-day State visit to Israel, welcomed by President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The visit focuses on strengthening strategic ties, defence, innovation, AI, and addressing the Knesset, reinforcing India-Israel partnership and cooperation

The UN General Assembly passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire and reaffirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The resolution was supported by 107 countries, opposed by 12, and saw 51 abstentions, including India and the US.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath secured MoUs worth Rs 11,000 crore with leading Japanese firms during his Japan visit. Agreements across manufacturing, automotive electronics, infrastructure, hospitality and real estate aim to boost industrial capacity and strengthen India-Japan economic cooperation

A US military transport plane hit a concrete barrier while taking off from a road during contingency training in Laoac, Pangasinan, injuring five American personnel. The exercise was coordinated with Philippine authorities. Officials said the cause remains under investigation

China restricted exports to 40 Japanese companies, citing Japan’s “remilitarisation” after PM Sanae Takaichi hinted at intervention over Taiwan. Measures include dual-use export bans and watchlists, prompting strong protests from Tokyo amid rising Sino-Japanese tensions

US President Donald Trump used his marathon State of the Union address to tout economic gains, defend tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court, attack Democrats, and warn Iran, while previewing midterm themes focused on immigration, trade and national security

US President Donald Trump claimed in his State of the Union address that Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif told him 35 million lives were saved due to US intervention averting an India-Pakistan nuclear war, a claim India continues to deny

Tickets for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals and final go on sale at 7 pm IST on February 24. Fans can buy tickets for matches on 4, 5, and 8 March, with floating venues for semi-final 1 and the final

The full schedule for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is out. Twelve teams, including hosts England, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, will compete from 12 June to 5 July across England and Wales, featuring landmark match-ups in the group stages

Harry Brook’s 51-ball 100 guided England to a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan, securing a semi-final berth in the T20 World Cup. Brook’s innings, featuring 10 fours and 4 sixes, marked the highest score by an England skipper in T20 World Cups

As we track who is next in the Epstein files, a wilful uncertainty marks our forced ignoring of the genocides, the wars, the shootings, the media

India and Israel have begun talks for a free trade agreement to boost investments and trade. The four-day negotiations follow the signing of terms of reference last year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit adds importance to the discussions

An Iranian military helicopter crashed into a fruit and vegetable market in Dorcheh, Isfahan province, killing at least four people, including the pilot and co-pilot. The incident highlights Iran’s aging fleet amid sanctions limiting spare parts

Ninety-one countries and organisations have endorsed the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact following the AI Impact Summit 2026. The declaration promotes equitable, trustworthy and accessible AI, emphasising global cooperation, open ecosystems, digital infrastructure and inclusive growth under shared development principles

Ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s India visit, Canada has moved to revoke Tahawwur Rana’s citizenship, alleging he misrepresented residency details during his application. Extradited to India in 2025 for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Rana is contesting the decision in court

The United States said Pakistan has the right to defend itself after airstrikes on alleged militant camps near the Afghanistan border. India condemned the strikes over reported civilian casualties and reiterated support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty

Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell powered West Indies to 254/6 as they defeated Zimbabwe by 107 runs in a T20 World Cup Super Eights match in Mumbai. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 147 despite Brad Evans’ late resistance

The Board of Peace meeting to rebuild Gaza, held in the absence of any Palestinian representative, is a farce

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin alleged exclusion from key discussions during Muhammad Yunus’s interim government, claiming conspiracies to destabilise the country and create a constitutional vacuum, and asserting that he was kept unaware of foreign trips, ordinances, and state agreements