Stay updated with the biggest headlines for Tuesday, 17 February – politics, crime, sports, and more – all summarized for quick reading. Get instant access to breaking news, major developments, and trending stories in just one click. Perfect for busy readers who want news on the go.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday announced a significant expansion of the India-France strategic partnership following delegation-level talks in Mumbai.
Addressing a joint press briefing, the two leaders outlined a roadmap for deeper cooperation in defence, technology, clean energy and cultural exchange.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described France as India’s “special partner” as he joined French President Emmanuel Macron to inaugurate the assembly line of H-125 helicopters in Mumbai. The event marked a significant step in deepening defence and industrial cooperation between the two nations.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Modi said India and France have decided to elevate their ties to a “special global strategic partnership,” underlining the expanding scope of collaboration beyond traditional defence ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday, February 17, for a high-level bilateral meeting aimed at strengthening strategic, defence, and trade ties between India and France.
The discussions come during Macron’s official visit to India from February 17 to 19, where he is also scheduled to participate in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, hosted by India.
At least 11 security personnel were killed in a devastating terrorist attack in Pakistan’s northwestern Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Pakistani army confirmed on Tuesday.
According to the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), terrorists affiliated with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) carried out the assault on February 16 by targeting a joint security checkpoint operated by security forces and law enforcement agencies.
Former captain and former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who led Pakistan to the 1992 World Cup victory, is currently imprisoned, and serious concerns are being raised about his health. According to reports, he has been imprisoned in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since his arrest in 2023. Fourteen former cricket captains from around the world have expressed concern over his condition and appealed to the Pakistani government for humane treatment.
Veteran Bollywood writer Salim Khan has been admitted to Lilavati Hospital after his health suddenly deteriorated. The news sparked concern among the film industry and fans. His son and actor Salman Khan was seen outside the hospital this morning, arriving amid tight security. However, the family has not yet released any official information regarding his health.
After a video of Salman Khan from outside the hospital went viral on social media, fans have been praying for Salim Khan's speedy recovery. The reasons for the 90-year-old's health deterioration remain unclear. Salman Khan did not make any statement while speaking to the media. Other family members were also not seen at the hospital in the initial hours, further fueling speculation.
Out-of-favour Indian team fast bowler Mohammed Shami has sent a strong message to the selectors with his impressive performance in domestic cricket. Playing for Bengal in the second semi-final of the Ranji Trophy, Shami took eight wickets in an innings against Jammu and Kashmir. His lethal bowling helped Jammu and Kashmir to score 302 runs, giving Bengal a crucial first-innings lead.
This is Shami's best performance in the Ranji Trophy, surpassing his previous record of 7/79. He has taken 36 wickets so far this season. Previously, he had shown excellent form by taking 16 wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and 15 wickets in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His consistent performances clearly indicate Shami's hunger for wickets remains intact and he is ready to return to the big stage.
The UP High School and Intermediate Board Exams are beginning from 18 February Wednesday and will continue till March 12 2026 across the state. The morning shift will be from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM, while the afternoon shift is scheduled from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM.
The global technological landscape is rapidly changing, and artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool but a crucial component of national sovereignty and strategy. Speaking at the AI India Impact Summit, NVIDIA's VP of Sovereign AI, Calista Redmond, stated that many countries, including India, are now focusing not on a single AI application, but on the entire technology stack - hardware, models, and infrastructure. According to her, nations are preparing to play the "long game," where the goal is to build sustainable technological capabilities.
On the second day of the five-day AI Impact Summit 2026 held in the national capital, Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the core objective of the summit is to understand how artificial intelligence can be used for public good and the benefit of all. Writing on the social media platform 'X', he emphasized the need to connect science and technology with human welfare and called responsible AI development the need of the hour.
Hundreds of experts, including heads of state, ministers, heads of global technology companies, researchers, and representatives of multilateral institutions, are participating in the summit. The event, which runs until February 20, is attended by over 100 government representatives, over 20 heads of state, and over 60 ministers and deputy ministers.
Gold and silver prices fell in the domestic futures market on Tuesday morning, February 17th. A strong dollar, weak spot demand, and profit-booking kept precious metals under pressure. Gold futures for April delivery on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) fell by nearly ₹1,200, or about 0.80%, to ₹1,53,532 per 10 grams, while March silver futures fell by more than ₹4,700, or nearly 2%, to ₹2,35,142 per kilogram.
An important astronomical event is set to occur today, on the new moon day of the month of Phalgun. An annular solar eclipse, known scientifically as the "Ring of Fire," is taking place. During this time, the Moon will cover approximately 96 percent of the Sun, creating a spectacular spectacle in the sky. Astronomers and the general public are both extremely curious about this event.
French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for their visit to India, where they welcomed by the Governor and Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The visit, which will last until February 19, is considered a significant step towards strengthening the India-France strategic partnership. This is Macron's fourth visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Indian stock market opened with a slight weakness on February 17th. The Sensex fell over 200 points in early trade amid post-earnings consolidation, while the Nifty tested the 25,600 level.
Selling pressure was visible on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange. During this period, Quality Walls fell nearly 3% and Eternal fell nearly 2%. The Indian rupee also weakened to 90.69 per US dollar, down from its previous close of 90.65.
Bangladesh's political landscape is poised for a significant turning point today. Tarique Rahman, President of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is set to be sworn in as the country's new Prime Minister on Tuesday. His party secured a clear majority in the recent general elections, paving the way for government formation. 60-year-old Tarique Rahman will assume the post of Prime Minister for the first time, raising hopes for a new political direction in the country.
The weather in North India is set to change once again. Due to the combined effects of an active western disturbance and the subtropical westerly jet stream, several states are expected to experience rain, snowfall, and temperature fluctuations between February 17 and 19. Meteorologists predict that the weather will vary in both the hilly and plain areas during this period.
According to the India Meteorological Department, light rain and snowfall are possible in the high altitude areas of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The weather is expected to be particularly active on February 17 and 18. Temperatures have risen due to sunshine over the past few days, but the impact of the western disturbance may bring a return of cold.
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