Gurugram police arrested a scrap collector for allegedly raping and strangling his three-year-old neighbour. The accused lured the toddler to a secluded spot in Sector 37 on Thursday. He confessed to the killing to hide his crime. Investigation is ongoing.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on February 18 for a high-profile trial over claims that social media platforms, including Instagram, can be addictive and harmful to children’s mental health. The lawsuit was filed by a California woman who says her early use of social media worsened her depression and contributed to suicidal thoughts. The case has attracted nationwide attention, raising questions about tech companies’ responsibilities toward young users.

During his testimony, Zuckerberg strongly denied that Meta intentionally designs its platforms to be addictive. He emphasized that the company prioritizes user safety and has implemented multiple safeguards, including age restrictions, parental controls, and safety tools aimed at protecting minors. “We do not intentionally make platforms addictive,” Zuckerberg told the court, while acknowledging that verifying users’ ages can be difficult because some provide false birth dates.

Plaintiffs’ lawyers highlighted internal Meta documents that discuss engagement goals and features designed to keep users on the platform longer. They argued that these features demonstrate a deliberate focus on maximizing user time and attention, despite known risks to mental health. The trial explores whether social media companies have a legal and ethical duty to warn users and parents about potential harms.

Experts observing the trial say it could set an important precedent for similar lawsuits across the United States, influencing how social media platforms design safety features, transparency measures, and user engagement strategies.

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Eight-year-old Ranvir Sachdeva became the youngest keynote speaker at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. He shared insights on AI, met tech leaders Sundar Pichai and Sam Altman, and inspired youth to innovate boldly.

On 20 February 2026, US President Donald Trump ordered the government to release files on UFOs, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and possible alien life. He said this decision comes from “tremendous public interest” and a need for more transparency.

Trump gave instructions to federal agencies, including the Pentagon, to locate and share records related to UFOs and extraterrestrial topics. He did not say exactly what documents would be released or when.

The announcement followed remarks by former President Barack Obama, who said he thinks alien life might exist because the universe is so big. Trump criticized Obama, claiming he had shared classified information with the public, calling it a “big mistake.”

Trump added that he does not know for sure if aliens exist, but noted that many people are curious about unidentified flying objects. White House officials said no formal speech on the matter has been planned yet.

Interest in UFOs has increased in recent years, especially after military videos of unexplained objects were released and Congress held hearings on the sightings. Past Pentagon reports have found no proof of alien life or technology, often explaining sightings as drones, planes, or natural phenomena.

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On February 19, 2026, former UK royal Prince Andrew, younger brother of King Charles III, was arrested by British police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest, at his Norfolk residence on his 66th birthday, came after revelations from the Jeffrey Epstein files, which allege he shared sensitive UK government and commercial information with the late convicted sex offender. After around 12 hours of questioning, Andrew was released under investigation. No formal charges have been filed.

The probe focuses on Andrew’s role as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment, with allegations that he forwarded official government briefs and business documents, including details of Afghan investments and oil deals, to Epstein. Emails from 2010, part of the US Department of Justice files, reportedly confirm this exchange.

This is an unprecedented move in British royal history, making Andrew one of the most senior royals ever detained. It is separate from previous civil claims by Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, which he settled in 2022 without admitting liability. Giuffre’s family welcomed the arrest, calling it a reminder that “no one is above the law.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized due process. Buckingham Palace confirmed full cooperation with authorities, while King Charles expressed concern and support for a fair investigation. Police also searched Andrew’s Norfolk residence and his former Royal Lodge, Windsor home. Investigators continue reviewing evidence to determine if charges will follow.

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US President Donald Trump again said he halted an India–Pakistan conflict by threatening steep tariffs, claiming 11 aircraft were downed and 25 million lives saved. New Delhi maintains the ceasefire was bilateral and rejects outside mediation on the issue firmly.

Pakistan hockey has been thrown into fresh turmoil after national team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt was handed a two-year ban for speaking publicly about mismanagement during the team’s recent tour of Australia, a controversy that also forced Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Tariq Bugti to resign.

The issue surfaced after Butt revealed the difficulties faced by players during the FIH Pro League tour. The squad reportedly landed in Sydney without proper hotel bookings and had to wait for hours before arranging accommodation on their own. Players were also forced to manage daily chores themselves, while pending payments and lack of financial clarity added to their stress.

Butt said the situation affected the team’s preparation and morale, raising concerns about how national players were being treated while representing the country. However, the PHF termed his statements a violation of discipline and imposed a two-year suspension, accusing him of bringing disrepute to the federation.

The decision triggered widespread criticism from former players, fans and the wider hockey community, many of whom said the captain had only highlighted genuine problems. As the backlash grew and questions were raised over administrative lapses, PHF president Tariq Bugti stepped down from his post. He submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and called for an independent investigation into the entire episode.

The controversy has also led to a blame game between the PHF and the Pakistan Sports Board over the release and utilisation of funds for the tour, further exposing governance issues within the system.

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India has joined more than 100 countries in criticising Israel’s recent actions in the West Bank, calling them illegal and a threat to peace efforts in the region. The move aligns New Delhi with a United Nations-backed statement supporting Palestinian rights and urging a negotiated settlement.

The statement, circulated by the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the UN, condemns Israel’s plans to expand settlements and alter the status of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. It stresses that such unilateral measures violate international law, change the region’s demographic balance, and undermine the chances of a lasting peace.

Initially, around 85 countries signed the declaration, but India added its support after the number of signatories crossed 100. The statement also enjoys backing from major international groups, including the European Union, the Arab League, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Signatories reaffirmed that a two-state solution remains the only viable way to achieve peace, in line with UN resolutions, the Madrid terms of reference, and the Arab Peace Initiative. They emphasised that Israel and Palestine must coexist peacefully within recognised borders for stability in the region.

India’s support reflects its long-standing stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. New Delhi recognised Palestine in 1988 and has consistently advocated for a sovereign Palestinian state living alongside Israel through dialogue and negotiation.

The Israeli actions in question involve settlement expansion and land regulation in the West Bank. Critics argue these moves could increase Israeli control over large parts of the territory, further complicating peace talks.

By joining the joint statement, India has reaffirmed its commitment to international law and the two-state framework, while maintaining its strategic relations with Israel. The move signals New Delhi’s balanced approach: supporting Palestinian rights while engaging with Israel on security, technology, and defence cooperation.

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India has officially joined the US-led Pax Silica initiative, a global coalition aimed at securing supply chains for artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and critical technologies. The announcement came on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting closer ties between New Delhi and Washington amid rising global tech competition.

Pax Silica, launched by the US in December 2025, seeks to create resilient technology ecosystems among allied nations, reducing reliance on potentially hostile sources and addressing market concentration in areas like critical minerals and semiconductor manufacturing. The initiative spans the entire tech supply chain — from raw materials to advanced manufacturing and AI infrastructure.

India’s inclusion follows months of diplomatic talks and builds on recent trade agreements that eased tariffs on Indian exports to the US, boosting economic and technological collaboration. Senior officials from both countries, including Indian Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, were present at the signing.

US officials say India’s participation adds a fast-growing digital economy, a large tech talent pool, and emerging semiconductor capabilities to the alliance. Experts note that India’s engineering expertise and strategic position in global supply chains make it a vital partner for building a secure and innovation-driven technology ecosystem.

Industry leaders have welcomed the move. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized that secure supply chains are crucial for expanded cooperation and highlighted planned investments in infrastructure, including subsea cables and enhanced digital connectivity, as part of US-India tech collaboration.

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The United Kingdom has declined a United States request to use a key British airbase for potential military strikes on Iran, highlighting legal concerns and exposing rare differences between the two close allies.

The government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer did not grant permission for American forces to launch offensive operations from RAF Fairford, a strategically important base near Swindon that frequently hosts US long-range bombers. Under defence agreements, Washington must obtain explicit approval from London before using UK-based facilities for combat missions, and British authorities chose not to authorise the move.

Officials in London are understood to be concerned that supporting a pre-emptive strike on Iran could breach international law. British legal policy has long maintained that the UK can be held responsible if it knowingly assists military action later deemed unlawful, making the government cautious about direct involvement.

The request came as the United States, led by President Donald Trump, increases military preparedness in the Middle East amid rising tensions with Tehran. RAF Fairford is considered a vital launch point for long-distance bomber missions and its denial limits immediate operational options from British soil.

The development has also drawn attention to Diego Garcia, the joint UK-US military facility in the Chagos Islands. While American forces can operate from Diego Garcia with prior notification, any combat use of bases located in mainland Britain requires formal political clearance.

President Trump publicly criticised the British decision and warned against reducing Western military flexibility at a time of heightened regional tensions. The disagreement comes at a sensitive moment, as London and Washington are also engaged in discussions over the future of the Chagos Islands and the continued strategic role of the base there.

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