Bangladesh MPs to Be Sworn In on Tuesday after BNP Victory
Bangladesh will swear in newly elected Members of Parliament and cabinet members on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, after the BNP landslide victory in the 13th national election. MPs will take oath at 10:00 hours at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, administered by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. In the afternoon, at 16:00 hours, President Mohammed Shahabuddin will swear in the new cabinet at the South Plaza of Parliament. The ceremony marks a major shift in Bangladesh's political leadership and parliamentary majority for the BNP.
The Philippine eagle, Pithecophaga jefferyi, is one of the world’s largest birds of prey and a national symbol of the Philippines. The species is listed as Critically Endangered, with fewer than 500 mature individuals believed to remain in the wild. Its nickname, the monkey-eating bird, stems from early reports of hunting monkeys, though the eagle also preys on flying squirrels, civets and snakes. It is a daytime hunter and an apex predator, contributing to ecological balance in tropical forests. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and breeding programs to prevent extinction.
Scientific name: Pithecophaga jefferyi
Among the largest raptors; national symbol of the Philippines
Status: Critically Endangered; fewer than 500 mature individuals
Diet includes monkeys and other small vertebrates
Role as an apex predator helps maintain forest balance
India to Host First-Ever Global South AI Impact Summit 2026
New Delhi, 16 February 2026 — The AI Impact Summit 2026 opened in New Delhi at Bharat Mandapam, marking a historic moment as the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South. The five-day event brings together leaders and experts from more than 100 countries to discuss governance and cooperation on artificial intelligence. Ministerial delegations from over 45 nations are expected. India positions itself as a bridge between developed and developing nations to shape responsible AI policies. The summit will cover standards, safety, ethics, and international collaboration to guide AI deployment worldwide.
Five-day summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
First global AI summit in the Global South
Participants from 100+ countries; 45+ ministerial delegations
Focus on governance, standards, safety, and ethics
India positions itself as a hub for responsible AI policy
Four New Astronauts Arrive at the International Space Station
The International Space Station (ISS) has welcomed four new astronauts who will stay for eight to nine months. NASA’s Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway join France’s Sophie Adenot and Russia’s Andrei Fedyaev. The arrival follows NASA’s first medical evacuation in 65 years of human spaceflight last month. The new crew will conduct experiments and support station operations, while the health-related incident prompted renewed emphasis on crew safety and readiness. The ISS remains a platform for international cooperation in space research.
Crew: Meir, Hathaway, Adenot, Fedyaev
Mission duration: eight to nine months
Follows NASA’s first medical evacuation in 65 years
Crew conducts experiments and supports operations
Emphasis on crew safety and station readiness
India AI Impact Summit Begins Today; PM Modi Highlights Global Participation
The India AI Impact Summit begins today in New Delhi, attracting global participation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed participants and described the summit as a milestone for the Global South. The India AI Impact Expo 2026 runs from 16 to 20 February at Bharat Mandapam, with the Prime Minister inaugurating the expo at 1700 hours on Monday. The theme Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya reflects a shared commitment to human-centric AI progress. The event brings together world leaders, policymakers, researchers and industry players to discuss governance, standards and ethical AI deployment.
Expo runs 16–20 February; Modi inaugurates at 1700 hours
Theme: Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya
Global participation; leaders and researchers engaged
Pramod Bhagat Wins Fourth Consecutive SL3 Gold at BWF Para World Championships
India’s Pramod Bhagat won the men’s SL3 gold at the BWF Para World Championships, defeating Indonesia’s Muhammad Al Imran 21-12, 21-18 in the final. The 37-year-old athlete claimed his fourth consecutive singles gold at the world championships and his sixth SL3 world title, making him the most decorated singles champion in world championship history across the sport. The victory also places Bhagat ahead of Lin Dan’s five singles world titles in able-bodied badminton, underscoring India’s strength in para-badminton on the global stage.
Bhagat won SL3 gold; final score 21-12, 21-18
Fourth consecutive singles gold at world championships
Sixth SL3 world title; most decorated singles champion
Surpasses Lin Dan’s five titles in able-bodied badminton
Boosts India’s standing in para-badminton
Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026: India Wins Hammer Throw Medals
At the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, Indian athletes performed well in athletics. Kishorakumar Chandira Mogan won gold in the men’s Hammer Throw 30+ category with 37.92 metres, while Mohammad Ansar earned bronze. Earlier attempts measured 35.94 and 36.97 metres, with two no-marks affecting the series. The event showcased veteran Indian athletes competing internationally and contributing to India’s medal tally while inspiring senior athletes at home.
Gold for Kishorakumar Chandira Mogan in Hammer Throw 30+
Northeast’s First Emergency Landing Facility Inaugurated in Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Northeast India’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) at Moran, in Dibrugarh district, Assam. The ELF, located on the Moran Bypass, enables landing and take-off of military and select civil aircraft during emergencies, boosting defence readiness and disaster response in the region. The ceremony featured a 40-minute aerial display by the Indian Air Force, including fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters. This facility is the first of its kind in Northeast India and is expected to speed up rapid deployment during crises, strengthening security and relief operations in frontier areas.
Location: Moran Bypass, Dibrugarh district
Inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi
ELF enables emergency landings for military and select civil aircraft
40-minute IAF aerial display featured
First ELF in Northeast; enhances rapid deployment and disaster response
Joe Simon Dies After Cardiac Arrest at KFCC Meeting
Veteran Kannada filmmaker Joe Simon died after a sudden cardiac arrest during a Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) meeting. He was 80 years old. Reports say he collapsed around 4:30 p.m. on Friday as he participated in discussions and proposed ideas for a celebratory program. With a prolific career spanning decades, Simon directed and produced more than 100 films. His death is a significant loss to the Kannada film industry, where he contributed as a filmmaker, producer and promoter of cinema.
PM Modi Announces PM RAHAT Scheme for Accident Victims
New Delhi, 16 February 2026 — The Government of India announced a new health scheme PM RAHAT for road accident victims, following Cabinet approval on 14 February 2026 at Seva Teerth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said eligible patients will receive cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per person for seven days from the date of the accident. The plan aims to ensure that no road accident victim is denied life-saving care due to lack of money. Officials highlight the Golden Hour principle, where rapid treatment improves survival. The scheme strengthens India's emergency healthcare system and reduces financial barriers for families.
PM RAHAT stands for Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment
Cabinet approved the scheme on 14 February 2026 at Seva Teerth
Cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per person for seven days
Eligibility tied to road accident victims
Emphasis on treating patients within the Golden Hour
The Union Cabinet approved a major infrastructure project—the Brahmaputra Rail-Road Twin Tunnel—in a greenfield corridor in Assam. The 33.7-kilometre project will connect Gohpur on NH-15 with Numaligarh on NH-715 at an estimated cost of ₹18,662 crore, implemented under Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC). The centerpiece is a 15.79-kilometre twin-tube tunnel: one rail tube and a four-lane highway, with a 1.26-kilometre road cut-and-cover and a four-kilometre rail cut-and-cover section. Officials say the tunnel will transform connectivity across Northeast India by enabling faster travel for people and goods.
Cabinet approval for the Brahmaputra Rail-Road Twin Tunnel
33.7-kilometre greenfield corridor in Assam
Cost: ₹18,662 crore; EPC mode
Twin-tube design: rail and highway
Improved northeast connectivity for people and goods
3rd International AYUSH Conference and Exhibition 2026 Begins at Dubai World Trade Centre
The 3rd International AYUSH Conference and Exhibition 2026 opened at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The three-day event runs until 17 February and focuses on Evidence-Based AYUSH Interventions in Mind-Body Health. Minister of State for AYUSH Prataprao Jadhav inaugurated the conference, highlighting India’s traditional knowledge in global health discussions. Delegates from multiple countries discuss holistic and evidence-based solutions that connect body, mind and environment, while showcasing AYUSH therapies and research. The event emphasizes international collaboration and the growing role of traditional medicine in contemporary health care.
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre; dates Feb 16–17
Theme: Evidence-Based AYUSH Interventions in Mind-Body Health
Inaugurated by Prataprao Jadhav
Global delegates discuss AYUSH therapies and research
Highlights the place of traditional medicine in global health
International Childhood Cancer Day Observed Worldwide
International Childhood Cancer Day is being observed globally to raise awareness and support for children and adolescents with cancer. In New Delhi, AIIMS and the IRSLA organized a walkathon at India Gate with cancer survivor children and their families. Health experts emphasise early detection, complete treatment and long-term follow-up care. The event links researchers, clinicians and the public to improve outcomes and access to therapy. Governments and organisations continue to emphasise sustained funding for pediatric oncology and survivorship programs.
Global observance of International Childhood Cancer Day
AIIMS and IRSLA walkathon in New Delhi
Emphasis on early detection and complete treatment
Berlin International Film Festival 2026 Opens with Star-Studded Gala
The 76th Berlin International Film Festival opened on 12 February 2026 with gala events at Berlinale Palast. Festival Director Tricia Tuttle and Jury President Wim Wenders presided over the opening. The International Jury will be introduced, and Michelle Yeoh is awarded the Honorary Golden Bear. Academy Award winner Sean Baker will deliver the laudatory speech. The Berlinale gathers filmmakers, critics and audiences to showcase international cinema and cross-cultural collaboration, highlighting diverse voices and new trends in global film.
Open date: 12 February 2026
Gala at Berlinale Palast; Tricia Tuttle and Wim Wenders preside
Honorary Golden Bear awarded to Michelle Yeoh
Sean Baker to deliver laudatory speech
Festival emphasizes international cinema and cross-cultural collaboration
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