Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US Vice President JD Vance at the Elysee Palace in Paris, congratulating him on the Republican victory. The leaders later addressed the AI Action Summit, where Modi emphasized AI’s impact on jobs, stating that technology changes work rather than eliminating it. Vance echoed this, saying AI will enhance productivity without replacing humans. Their meeting precedes Modi’s upcoming talks with President Donald Trump in Washington. Meanwhile, Trump’s new tariffs on steel and aluminium have raised concerns in India, with industry leaders warning of disruptions in global trade.

Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh expressed strong dissatisfaction with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) over delays in Tejas Mk1A fighter jet deliveries. Speaking at Aero India 2025, he stated, “At the moment, I am just not confident of HAL.” The IAF ordered 83 Tejas Mk1A jets in 2021 but has yet to receive any, with HAL citing engine supply issues from the US. Singh urged a “mission mode” approach, warning delays impact national security. The IAF is forced to retain aging MiG-21s as a result. HAL assured efforts to resolve the issue.

A powerful 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck Santorini, Greece, marking the strongest tremor in weeks of seismic activity. The quake, felt as far as Athens, follows over 12,800 tremors recorded since January. Landslides have occurred, but no injuries or structural damage have been reported. Schools remain closed, and 11,000 residents have evacuated. Experts warn of a possible major earthquake. A state of emergency will continue until March 3. Rescue teams and engineers are assessing the situation. Scientists attribute the tremors to tectonic movements, ruling out volcanic activity.

An IED blast, suspected to be planted by Pakistani terrorists, killed an Army captain and a soldier in Akhnoor sector, Jammu. Another soldier was seriously injured during a fence patrol. The White Knight Corps confirmed the casualties and launched search operations. The attack follows General Officer Commanding Navin Sachdeva’s review of security threats along the LoC in Rajouri. Intelligence reports indicate nearly 100 terrorists are present across the border. Pakistani terrorists have frequently used IEDs to target Indian forces. Security forces are on high alert, intensifying counter-terror operations in the region.

Podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia and comedian Samay Raina have been summoned by Mumbai Police after multiple FIRs were filed over a viral video from the YouTube show India’s Got Latent. Allahbadia’s ‘crass’ joke sparked outrage, leading to Maharashtra Cyber Cell booking 30 people, including Ashish Chanchlani and Jaspreet Singh. The National Commission for Women and Parliament’s Standing Committee are also involved. Allahbadia apologized, admitting, “Comedy is not my forte.” Authorities have ordered the removal of related content. YouTube has since taken down the controversial video following government intervention.

US President Donald Trump suggested Ukraine “may be Russian someday,” hinting at a policy shift toward Moscow. His remarks came before Vice President JD Vance’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference. Trump is pushing for negotiations while emphasizing financial returns on US aid, proposing a trade deal for rare minerals. Kyiv seeks NATO membership and military commitments, fearing a temporary ceasefire would help Russia rearm. Trump also announced his envoy Keith Kellogg will visit Ukraine on February 20. Meanwhile, the Kremlin neither confirmed nor denied reports of Trump speaking with Vladimir Putin.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has failed to name a new chief minister for Manipur two days after N Biren Singh’s resignation, sources told CNN-News18. With party MLAs divided, BJP northeast in-charge Sambit Patra met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to discuss the situation. The state has remained tense since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, killing 250 people. With no consensus, President’s Rule is likely under Article 356, transferring power to the Centre. Singh resigned amid internal dissent and a possible Congress-led no-confidence motion. BJP’s state chief called it a move to protect Manipur’s integrity.

Donald Trump is set for a tense meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah after proposing to relocate Gaza’s population to Jordan and Egypt. Jordan, already hosting millions of Palestinian refugees, strongly opposes forced migration, calling it a “declaration of war.” Trump threatened to cut $1.5 billion in US aid if Jordan refuses. Protests erupted in Amman, with Jordanians fearing economic strain and demographic shifts. “We will not allow it,” said former Jordanian deputy PM Jawad Anani. As regional tensions rise, Jordan’s stability is crucial for the US and Israel, making Trump’s pressure campaign a high-stakes gamble.

An improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Jammu and Kashmir's Akhnoor sector killed 2 soldiers and critically injured another during an army patrol near the Line of Control (LOC) on Tuesday. The explosion occurred at 3:30 pm in Laleali, prompting a large-scale search operation. The injured soldier was airlifted to an Army Hospital and is now stable. The Indian Army's White Knight Corps confirmed the incident, paying tribute to the fallen soldiers. Additional troops have been deployed to secure the area and prevent further attacks. Authorities suspect terrorist involvement in the blast.

Singer Arijit Singh gave Ed Sheeran a tour of his hometown, Jiaganj in West Bengal, on a scooter, ditching heavy security. The British singer, in India for The Mathematics Tour, spent five hours exploring Jiaganj with Arijit, riding through Phulmore and the Bhagirathi riverbank before taking a boat ride at Shibtala ghat. The local DIG confirmed Sheeran had requested no additional security. This follows Sheeran’s surprise street performance in Bengaluru, where police stopped him mid-way. He has already performed in Hyderabad and Chennai and will next take the stage in Shillong on February 12 and Delhi NCR on February 15.