During the recent visit to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron agreed to co-develop small and advanced modular nuclear reactors, enhancing bilateral civil nuclear cooperation. They also declared 2026 as the "India-France Year of Innovation," unveiling its logo at the 14th India-France CEOs Forum. Additionally, both nations signed a Declaration on Artificial Intelligence and committed to expediting the development of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat museum in New Delhi. The visit concluded with the inauguration of the Indian consulate in Marseille, symbolizing deepening ties between the two countries

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is expected to meet Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain in Muscat, Oman, next week. The meeting is anticipated to occur on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference, scheduled for February 16-17, which Jaishankar will co-chair alongside Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi and Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. This would mark their second bilateral discussion since August 5, 2024, following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The dialogue aims to ease prevailing tensions between the neighboring countries.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Washington, D.C., marking his first visit to the U.S. since President Donald Trump's second term began. The leaders are set to discuss defense cooperation, trade tariffs, and the recent deportation of 104 Indian nationals. Trump has previously criticized India's trade practices, labeling the nation a "very big abuser" due to high tariffs. In response, India has reduced import duties on several U.S. products and is considering further cuts. Both nations aim to strengthen strategic ties, with the U.S. viewing India as a key counterbalance to China's regional influence.     

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora as he reached the United States on a two-day visit. Braving harsh winter conditions, community members waited outside Blair House, the official state guest house opposite the White House, to greet him. Slogans of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Modi, Modi" filled the air as people expressed their eagerness for his visit. PM Modi's visit, at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, is focused on strengthening the India-US relationship with meetings with the US leadership. He was welcomed at Joint Base Andrews by India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, among other officials.

India has been ranked 96th among 180 countries in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International, dropping three places from last year. India is positioned alongside Gambia and Maldives with an overall score of 38, down from 39 in 2023 and 40 in 2022.   Among the neighbors, Pakistan ranked 135, Sri Lanka 121, Bangladesh 149, and China 76. Denmark (90) is the least corrupt, while South Sudan (8) is the most corrupt. The other least corrupt nations are Finland (88), Singapore (84), and New Zealand (83).

India and France have agreed to build 3 more Scorpene-class submarines in Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the deal during Modi’s visit to France. India already operates six Scorpene submarines, with the latest featuring Indian-made technology. The new submarines will have advanced features, including the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, allowing them to stay underwater longer. Both leaders also discussed cooperation on missiles, helicopters, and jet engines. Modi invited France to consider India’s Pinaka rocket system, strengthening defence ties further. The visit highlighted growing Indo-French military and technological collaboration.

A Singaporean woman of Indian descent has been in the news for her unconventional daily commute—flying to work in Malaysia instead of renting a house there. She contends that flights, when combined with transport costs, are less expensive than Malaysia's high rent. She went on social media to explain how airline prices, discount promotions, and clever planning make this an affordable alternative. Her story has sparked debate on the subject of the high cost of living and creative solutions to housing affordability costs. Her unconventional approach is a testament to the high cost of living for working professionals in large cities today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the ITER project in France, which aims to create a miniature Sun on Earth. ITER, the world’s largest fusion energy experiment, involves seven countries, including India. Modi inspected the reactor with French President Emmanuel Macron. India has invested ₹20,000 crore in the project and will gain full access to its technology. Scientists are working to generate clean energy by fusing atoms, similar to the Sun. The project is delayed but expected to be ready by 2035. Modi praised Indian scientists and engineers contributing to this global effort for a sustainable energy future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron of France talked about how to take India-France relations forward in defence, civil nuclear cooperation, and space. They started a roadmap for cooperation in AI and launched the 'India-France Year of Innovation 2026'. The two leaders emphasized the need for UN Security Council reforms and agreed to strengthen trade, investment, and global cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. They also discussed nuclear energy, the Jaitapur project, and signed agreements on training and education on advanced nuclear reactors. France affirmed support for India's permanent membership of the UNSC.  

Denmark topped the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) as the world’s least corrupt nation, followed by Finland and Singapore. India dropped to 96th place from 93rd last year, scoring 38/100. Transparency International’s report ranked 180 countries based on perceived public sector corruption. South Asian neighbors fared poorly, with Pakistan at 135th and Bangladesh at 149th. The US fell to 28th place, while Russia’s score dropped due to its Ukraine invasion. Transparency International warned corruption hinders economic growth and democracy. Somalia and South Sudan remained the most corrupt, scoring below 10.