Global

A rare show of unity across borders has emerged as former cricket captains from India and beyond voice concern over the health and detention conditions of Pakistan’s jailed ex-prime minister and World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan. A Humanitarian Appeal Beyond Rivalry Former Indian captains Sourav Ganguly and Mohammad Azharuddin have joined Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar in urging humane treatment for jailed Pakistan leader…

A Diplomatic Opening Amid War Fears The United States and Iran are set to resume high-stakes nuclear negotiations in Geneva, with the latest round unfolding against a backdrop of rising military deployments and warnings of escalation. The indirect talks, mediated by Oman, mark the second engagement in February 2026 and come as tensions remain elevated after…

Defiance Abroad Amid Mounting Criticism at Home Facing sustained criticism for failing to fully restore democratic normalcy and safeguard vulnerable minorities, Bangladesh’s outgoing Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus used his farewell address to project defiance beyond his country’s borders. In remarks delivered just before the transition to a new political leadership, Yunus struck a nationalist tone and…

Strategic Acquisition Announcement Alkem Laboratories has moved to deepen its presence in medical technology through a binding offer by its devices arm to acquire a controlling stake in Occlutech Holding AG. The proposed transaction involves purchasing up to 55% of the Swiss cardiovascular device manufacturer for roughly $118 million, valuing the company at around €180 million. The deal,…

The United States and Taiwan have concluded a significant bilateral trade arrangement aimed at reshaping commercial ties and reinforcing supply-chain resilience. Finalised in February 2026 through the American Institute in Taiwan, the agreement arrives at a time of heightened geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific and evolving protectionist trends in global trade policy. By reducing barriers and committing…

Crackdown on Meta and the Rise of a “National Messenger” Russia has moved to block Meta-owned WhatsApp nationwide after authorities said the platform failed to meet domestic data-storage and content-control requirements. Officials framed the decision as a matter of digital sovereignty, arguing that foreign platforms must comply with local regulations or risk exclusion. With the ban…

A Landmark Settlement Following a Fatal Crash Seattle has agreed to pay approximately ₹260 crore ($29 million) to the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, the Indian graduate student who died after being struck by a police vehicle in 2023. Finalized in February 2026, the settlement stands among the largest ever issued in Washington state in a police-involved…

A Nation at the Polls After Political Upheaval Bangladesh is conducting its first parliamentary election since the August 2024 student-led uprising that forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from office, marking a critical transition for the country’s political order. Voting began on February 12, 2026, under heavy security and the oversight of an interim administration. The election…