India and the United States held fresh discussions to strengthen trade and economic relations, with both sides describing the meeting as positive and productive.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met Howard Lutnick, the US Secretary of Commerce, along with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, on February 26 in New Delhi. The leaders reviewed ongoing trade issues and explored ways to expand cooperation between the two countries.

After the meeting, Goyal said the discussions were “very fruitful,” highlighting the shared commitment to deepen economic engagement. The US side also described the talks as highly productive, pointing to strong potential for further collaboration.

The meeting comes at an important time for India-US trade relations. The two countries have been working toward an interim trade agreement aimed at improving market access and reducing trade barriers. However, progress has been influenced by recent developments in US tariff policy.

India and the US share a significant economic relationship. The United States remains one of India’s largest trading partners and a key export destination for Indian goods, including engineering products, textiles, pharmaceuticals and agricultural items. Both governments are keen to ensure smoother trade flows and provide greater certainty to businesses.

Officials indicated that discussions covered tariff structures, investment opportunities, and ways to strengthen supply chains. While specific details were not disclosed, the focus was on building a stable and mutually beneficial trade framework.

The leaders also reaffirmed their broader strategic partnership, noting that stronger economic ties support growth, job creation, and innovation in both countries.

Although some negotiations have faced delays, both sides signalled that dialogue will continue. Analysts say sustained engagement is essential to finalise trade arrangements and maintain momentum in one of the world’s most important bilateral economic relationships.

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The next time a horse whinnies, listen carefully for there’s more happening than meets the ear. Scientists have found that horses can produce a deep rumble and a high-pitched whistle at the same time. This clever combination makes their calls richer and more expressive than anyone realized.

The low rumble comes from the horse’s vocal folds, working much like a human singing voice. Meanwhile, the high-pitched whistle is created in the throat as air passes through a tiny opening in the larynx. Together, these two sounds allow a single whinny to carry multiple messages, from signaling excitement or alerting the herd, to expressing location or mood.

This ability, called biphonation, is rare in large animals. While some small mammals can make multiple frequencies at once, horses are the first large mammals documented doing this. Even wild Przewalski’s horses show this dual-tone ability, while donkeys and zebras do not, hinting that it may be a unique trait in certain horse species.

To understand how it works, researchers studied live horses, recorded their calls, and even experimented with isolated larynxes. Passing helium through the excised vocal organs showed that the high-pitched whistle could change independently of the low rumble, confirming two separate sound mechanisms at work.

Experts say this discovery changes how we think about horse communication. A single whinny can convey more information than previously believed, helping horses stay in touch with each other, maintain herd cohesion, and express themselves in nuanced ways.

Horses are graceful and strong, now we know that they are also clever communicators. Even a sound we’ve heard thousands of times, the familiar ‘neigh’, hides layers of complexity, showing that nature often packs more intelligence into its creatures than we might expect.

For horse lovers and scientists alike, the whinny will never sound quite the same again.

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Actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda have officially tied the knot in an intimate destination wedding in Udaipur, bringing years of speculation about their relationship to a joyful close. The ceremony was held on February 26 at a luxury resort in the Aravalli hills in the presence of family members and a small group of close friends from the film industry.

Keeping the celebrations deeply personal, the couple chose to marry in two traditional ceremonies. One followed Telugu wedding customs, while the other reflected Kodava rituals, paying tribute to Rashmika’s Coorg roots. The blend of cultures made the occasion both meaningful and emotional for the families.

The main wedding took place at an auspicious morning muhurat, with the festivities spread across several days. Pre-wedding events included a lively sangeet, themed gatherings and a friendly cricket match organised for guests, a fun nod to the couple’s popular fan-given name, “ViRosh”.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his warm wishes to the couple ahead of their big day. His message was widely shared by fans online, further amplifying the celebrations surrounding the wedding.

Despite the massive public interest, the wedding was a strictly private affair with high security and a no-media policy. In a warm gesture after the ceremony, sweets were distributed to photographers waiting outside the venue, while fans continued to celebrate online as visuals from the functions slowly surfaced on social media.

The couple, who first shared screen space in Geetha Govindam, have long been one of the most loved on-screen pairs in South Indian cinema. Their real-life union has sparked widespread celebrations among fans across the country.

A grand reception in Hyderabad is expected in the coming days, where more members of the film fraternity are likely to join the celebrations.

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A confrontation between Cuban border forces and a US-registered boat that entered Cuban territorial waters without authorisation has left four people dead, according to official reports and international media coverage.

The incident occurred off the Cuban coast when the vessel was detected moving inside the country’s maritime boundary. Cuban authorities said border troops attempted to stop the boat for inspection, but the situation escalated into a violent clash. Gunfire was exchanged during the encounter, resulting in fatalities on board the vessel.

Cuba’s government stated that the boat had ignored repeated warnings and failed to comply with orders to halt. Officials described the event as a breach of national sovereignty and defended the actions of their border forces, saying they were responding in line with security protocols.

Initial reports indicate that the vessel was privately operated and registered in the United States, though the nationalities and identities of those killed have not been fully confirmed. Investigations are under way to determine the purpose of the journey, how the boat entered Cuban waters, and the sequence of events that led to the shooting.

The episode has drawn international attention and could add strain to already fragile relations between Havana and Washington. While there has been no immediate official response from the US government on the use of force, the incident is likely to prompt diplomatic engagement and calls for clarification.

Maritime experts note that the waters between the United States and Cuba are closely monitored due to past migration attempts, smuggling routes and political sensitivities. Any unauthorised crossing is treated seriously by Cuban authorities.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel has added fresh momentum to the strategic partnership between the two countries, with a strong focus on defence technology and long-term collaboration.

India and Israel are in advanced discussions on a major agreement that could give India access to some of Israel’s most sophisticated defence systems through technology transfer and joint development. The proposed framework is expected to cover systems linked to the Iron Dome air-defence shield, the Iron Beam laser interceptor and advanced missile platforms. Instead of direct purchases, the emphasis is on co-developing and manufacturing these technologies in India, in line with the country’s push for self-reliance in defence.

The visit began with a warm and personal welcome from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, reflecting the close rapport between the two leaders. A lighter moment during the reception, when he  pointed out the saffron colour of Sara Netanyahu’s attire,  quickly drew attention and highlighted the friendly atmosphere surrounding the high-level talks.

Israel has been one of India’s key defence partners for years, supplying critical equipment and systems. The new push towards technology sharing and joint production is being seen as a shift from a traditional buyer-seller relationship to a deeper, future-oriented partnership.

PM Modi’s trip, his second to the country, is being viewed as an important step in strengthening ties and building a more comprehensive strategic alliance based on trust, advanced technology and shared security interests.

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Tecno grabbed attention at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 with a futuristic concept that could change how smartphones are designed and used. The company introduced what it calls the world’s thinnest modular smartphone ecosystem,  a device that allows users to attach and remove different smart modules depending on their needs.

The concept phone is extremely slim and is built to support magnetic add-ons. These snap-on modules can enhance the phone’s camera, battery, or other functions, turning one device into a multipurpose gadget. Instead of carrying separate devices, users could simply attach what they need.

Alongside the concept, Tecno also revealed its growing AI-powered ecosystem. The company showed how its artificial intelligence will connect smartphones, laptops, wearables and smart glasses to work together more smoothly. The aim is to make everyday tasks, from content creation to productivity, faster and more personalised.

A major highlight of the event was the new Camon 50 series. The upcoming smartphones are expected to focus heavily on AI photography and imaging. Tecno said the devices will use advanced AI tools to improve photos and videos in real time, even in difficult lighting conditions.

The brand also presented several future technologies, including new imaging solutions and next-generation smart devices, giving a glimpse of what its product lineup may look like in the coming years.

With these announcements, Tecno is positioning itself as a company that wants to move beyond affordable smartphones and compete in innovation.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a landmark speech in Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset, reaffirming India’s firm support for Israel in its fight against terrorism and calling for a deeper, technology-driven partnership between the two countries. During the visit, he was conferred the Speaker’s Medal, the highest honour awarded by the Knesset, in recognition of his role in strengthening bilateral relations.

In his address, PM Modi drew a clear parallel between the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the assault carried out by Hamas in 2023, stressing that both nations have suffered from terrorism and share a policy of zero tolerance. He said India stands with Israel “with full conviction” and emphasised that the global community must unite against terror in all its forms.

Highlighting the historical connection between the two nations, the Prime Minister recalled the role of Indian soldiers in the liberation of Haifa during World War I. He noted that India’s rapidly expanding economy and Israel’s leadership in innovation and high technology create a natural partnership for the future. Greater cooperation in trade, investment, defence, agriculture, water management and digital technologies figured prominently in his vision for stronger ties.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed PM Modi with exceptional warmth, describing him as “a true friend and brother” and praising India’s rise as a major global power. He said the relationship between the two countries had moved to new heights in recent years, with growing collaboration in strategic and economic sectors.

The visit also reviewed progress on key initiatives, including connectivity and infrastructure projects linking India with West Asia and Europe.

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Japan will deploy air-defence missiles on the remote island of Yonaguni by 2031, in a major step to reinforce its security presence near Taiwan. The island sits at the far western edge of Japan and is closer to Taiwan than to the Japanese mainland, making it a key location in the region’s shifting military balance.

The government says the new missile unit will help defend its territory and improve its ability to monitor and respond to threats. The plan is part of a wider strategy to strengthen Japan’s southwestern island chain, where military installations have been expanding in recent years.

Tokyo’s decision comes at a time of growing concern about China’s military activity and the future of Taiwan. Japanese leaders have warned that instability in the Taiwan Strait would directly affect Japan’s security, prompting calls for stronger defences.

Officials stress that the deployment is meant to deter attacks, not provoke conflict. By building up its capabilities, Japan hopes to make any potential aggression less likely.

However, the move is expected to draw criticism from China, which views such military steps as a challenge to regional stability. Beijing considers Taiwan its own territory, while Taiwan maintains it is self-governed.

On Yonaguni itself, the plan has sparked debate. Supporters say the military presence brings jobs, infrastructure and a sense of protection. Opponents fear the quiet island could become a target if tensions escalate.

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Travelling to the United Kingdom has become a little more formal for millions of visitors. The country has made its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system compulsory, which means people who earlier did not need a visa must now take online permission before starting their trip.

Under the new rule, travellers from many visa-free countries must fill out an online form, pay a fee and get approval before they board a flight, train or ferry to the UK. If they reach the airport without a valid ETA, airlines will not allow them to travel.

The ETA is not a visa. It is a digital pre-travel check that allows short visits of up to six months for tourism, business or meeting family and friends. Once approved, it is valid for two years and can be used for multiple trips, as long as the passport does not expire.

UK officials say the system will make the border more secure and entry faster. By checking travellers before they arrive, authorities can decide in advance who is allowed to enter the country. The system is similar to those already used by countries like the United States and Australia.

The rollout has been done in phases. It was first introduced for a few nationalities and later extended to European travellers. Now that the transition period is over, the permit has become mandatory for everyone who is eligible.

British and Irish citizens and people who already have a UK visa or residence permit do not need to apply for the ETA.

For travellers, the biggest change is that last-minute trips will be difficult. Even for a short holiday or a quick business visit, they will have to apply online in advance.

The UK government says most applications are approved within minutes. Still, the new system means that visa-free travel no longer means travelling without paperwork.

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