Renowned West Bengal singer Pratul Mukhopadhyay, best known for the song 'Ami Banglay Gaan Gai' (I Sing in Bengali), has passed away at the age of 83. He died on Saturday morning at SSKM Hospital, where he had been admitted since early January. After losing consciousness on February 11, he was moved to the ICU but could not recover. Some of his other popular songs include 'Charlie Chaplin' and 'Dinga Bhawsao Alu Becho.' Born in Barisal, Bangladesh, in 1942, he was known among Naxalites as ‘Sejda Comrade.’ His first solo album, 'Jete Hobe,' was released in 1994.

Former US President Donald Trump announced that India has agreed to purchase oil and gas from the United States. Following a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump stated that Washington and New Delhi would work together to counter the threat of 'Islamic extremism.' Trump also accused India of imposing higher tariffs on American products than any other country. Earlier, he had threatened a reciprocal tariff policy, warning that the US would impose tariffs at the same rate India does.

At least 10 people were killed, and 19 others injured in a collision between a bus and a car in Uttar Pradesh, India. According to NDTV, the victims were traveling to the Maha Kumbh Mela for a ritual bath at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh has directed authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and arrange relief efforts. Earlier, on January 29, a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela resulted in 30 deaths and 60 injuries. The event, which started on January 13, is set to conclude on February 26.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United States at the invitation of President Donald Trump, where several significant issues were discussed, including trade, immigration, and visa policies. Notable figures such as Elon Musk and top White House officials were present. While the discussion avoided sensitive topics like mutual tariff policies, human rights, and minority persecution, experts suggest that India’s role as a major trade partner and counter to China has reduced the importance of human rights concerns for the US. Trump mentioned that Modi had promised to reduce unreasonable tariffs, making it more difficult for American goods to enter the Indian market. Modi also expressed support for Trump’s MAGA movement, and both leaders agreed on a prisoner exchange. Modi also expressed support for Trump’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

During a bilateral meeting in Washington, former U.S. President Donald Trump was asked about alleged U.S. involvement in Bangladesh’s recent regime change. Trump denied any deep state role and passed the question to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, Modi avoided commenting on Bangladesh and instead spoke about Ukraine. The discussion follows the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government amid a student-led uprising, with Awami League accusing the Biden administration of interference—an allegation U.S. officials have repeatedly denied.

A member of India’s Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) opened fire on his colleagues in Manipur, killing two officers and injuring eight others before turning the gun on himself. The incident took place on Thursday, with the officer using a government-issued firearm. The wounded have been admitted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal. Authorities have not yet disclosed the motive behind the attack.

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to increase arms sales to India following a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At a press conference in New Delhi, Trump confirmed agreements to supply advanced F-35 fighter jets and expand India’s imports of U.S. oil and gas. Modi revealed that both nations aim to elevate bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. According to the U.S. Congressional Research Service, India is expected to spend over $200 billion in the next decade to modernize its military.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to present a proposal to U.S. President Donald Trump during their meeting today, including tariff reductions, new trade agreements, and collaboration on China-related matters. These efforts are aimed at garnering the support of the Trump administration, according to Reuters. Since taking office, President Trump has been exerting pressure through tariffs on both allies and adversaries alike to secure new trade agreements, investments, and enhanced cooperation on law enforcement. In the past, Trump had labeled India as a “major trade abuser” and imposed additional tariffs on the country’s steel and aluminum industries.

Amid nearly two years of unrest, President’s Rule has been imposed in the Indian state of Manipur. Recently, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned from his position, and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has yet to announce a successor. Amid this political deadlock, President’s Rule was enforced on Thursday. The ongoing 18-month-long violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has claimed the lives of hundreds, and angry mobs have set fire to several lawmakers’ and the Chief Minister’s residences. Biren resigned, taking responsibility for the failure to restore normalcy.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the AI Summit in France, where an unexpected diplomatic moment caught attention. According to a report by Turkey’s Anadolu Agency, French President Emmanuel Macron seemingly ignored Modi while shaking hands with other world leaders. A viral video on social media shows Modi extending his hand while seated next to JD Dance, but Macron bypassed him entirely, greeting others instead. However, earlier during the welcome, Macron had embraced Modi.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been summoned by the court over allegations of making derogatory remarks against the Indian Army during the 2023 Bharat Jodo Yatra. The case stems from his comments made on December 16, 2022, regarding the clash between Indian and Chinese troops on December 9, 2022. The complaint alleges that his remarks were defamatory and harmed the reputation of the Indian military. Previously, Rahul Gandhi was convicted in a criminal defamation case, receiving a two-year sentence, which led to his disqualification from Parliament—though he later regained his seat.

Indian Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has called on the Indian government to closely monitor the situation in Bangladesh, warning that an unfavorable government in Dhaka could pose risks to India. As Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs, he stressed that India must commit to the welfare of all Bangladeshis rather than appearing biased towards any particular political party or group. Additionally, he supported the idea of granting asylum to Sheikh Hasina in India if necessary.

Indian actor and Trinamool Congress MP Dipak Adhikari, popularly known as Dev, has raised concerns in the Lok Sabha about the lack of barbed-wire fencing along large stretches of the India-Bangladesh border. According to an ABP report, Dev submitted questions about the total unfenced border area and the reasons behind it. The Indian government responded that 864.482 km of the border remains unfenced, with 174.514 km being impossible to fence due to opposition from Bangladesh’s Border Guard (BGB), land acquisition issues, water bodies, and landslides.

Just before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s U.S. visit on February 12, President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on aluminum and steel products, effective this week. This move could severely impact India’s $3 billion steel exports to the U.S. and is seen as a diplomatic challenge for Modi. Previously, Trump imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese imports and announced similar tariffs on Canada and Mexico, though the latter was temporarily postponed. Experts view this as a significant shift in U.S. trade policy.

On February 9, Indian security forces killed 31 Maoists in Chhattisgarh, while two policemen lost their lives in the operation. According to an Al Jazeera report, this was the largest operation of the year. The police and paramilitary forces conducted the mission based on intelligence inputs. However, the Maoist rebels have not yet issued any statement. Maoist insurgents have been engaged in an armed struggle against the Indian government since 1967.