Two soldiers, Captain Karamjit Singh Bakshi and Naik Mukesh Singh Manhas, were killed in an IED blast while on patrol near the LoC. Both were set to marry in April, leaving their families mourning their tragic loss. The articles detail their planned celebrations turned into sorrowful events.
Tensions erupted in Hyderabad’s old city when meat was found inside the Lord Shiva Temple within the Hanuman Temple complex. Protests ensued, leading authorities to investigate. CCTV footage later revealed that a cat had brought the meat, quelling potential unrest after police clarified the situation.
A theft suspect from Madhya Pradesh, Suresh Anuragi, died at Jammu’s government medical college after complaining of chest and abdominal pain while in police custody. The police, under scrutiny for custodial practices, clarified all procedures were followed, and an inquiry and postmortem had been ordered to rule out any foul play.
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a 1.5-hour phone call discussing the urgent need to end the war in Ukraine immediately. Both leaders agreed to initiate negotiations and highlighted the potential benefits of collaboration. Trump outlined a team to lead the negotiations and expressed optimism over resolving the conflict.
Virat Kohli is unlikely to lead RCB in IPL 2025, prompting the franchise to consider internal options for captaincy. Rajat Patidar has emerged as the leading candidate, with Krunal Pandya also in contention. A captaincy announcement is expected at a special media gathering on February 13. Patidar led Madhya Pradesh to Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final this year where they lost to Mumbai in the title clash. He was the second-highest run-getter this season with 428 runs in nine innings.
Shubman Gill scored a magnificent century, leading India to a 142-run victory over England, securing a 3-0 series sweep. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer played significant supporting roles as India posted 356. The Indian bowlers dominated, dismissing England for 214 in 34.2 overs. The Indian bowling unit subsequently took control, dismissing England for 214 in 34.2 overs to secure their second-largest ODI victory by runs against this opposition.
French President Macron personally escorted PM Modi to Marseille airport after his productive visit. Modi’s trip focused on AI cooperation, defence, space, and civil nuclear energy. Modi co-chaired the AI Action Summit, and inaugurated the first Indian Consulate in Marseille. Key agreements on small modular reactors and support for Indian startups were signed. Modi hailed the visit as historic.
India has offered its Pinaka rocket system to France amid finalizing the purchase of 26 Rafale-Marine jets and collaboration on additional Scorpene submarines. Discussions also include joint projects in missile, helicopter, and jet engine development, indicating strengthening bilateral defense cooperation.
PM Modi will visit Washington DC for a brief 36-hour trip, culminating in a meeting with President Trump. Key discussions will include tariffs, immigration, and strategic concerns, although larger strategic considerations are expected to take precedence over these issues. Modi is the fourth foreign leader to meet Trump in such a short period.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed their commitment to the India-France partnership by signing crucial agreements and launching the India-France Roadmap on Artificial Intelligence. They emphasized the importance of cooperation in defence, civil nuclear energy, and space and stressed the need for UNSC reforms.
