World News LIVE: Mamata Banerjee sends flowers to Tarique Rahman, Indian student found dead in US, and other developments

China expands nuclear sites as satellite images reveal growing arsenal concerns

New satellite images show China expanding nuclear sites in Sichuan, including Zitong and Pingtong. A recent estimate by the Pentagon suggests that China had over 600 warheads by the end of 2024 and may reach 1,000 by 2030.

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir stopped in Munich, asked to show ID

At the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir was briefly asked to show his ID. The moment went viral. The incident prompted debate amongst netizens; some described it as an embarrassment at a global level.

US Military prepares for possible weeks-long operations against Iran

Sustained military operations lasting weeks are being planned by the US military in case President Donald Trump orders an attack on Iran, two US officials told Reuters. According to the report, the preparations suggest that any potential action may not be limited to short-term. Instead, it could turn into a prolonged confrontation. Officials indicated that the scale of planning points to a conflict far more serious than previous flare-ups between the United States and Iran, as per Reuters.

‘Bangladesh first’: Tarique Rahman outlines foreign policy stance in response to query on India ties

After securing a sweeping mandate in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Elections, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman outlined his government’s foreign policy priorities at a press conference, placing national interest at the centre of all decisions. “The interests of Bangladesh and its people will determine our foreign policy,” he said in response to a question on ties with India.

Mamata Banerjee sends flowers to Tarique Rahman after BNP victory in Bangladesh

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reportedly sent flowers and sweets to Bangladesh Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman after his party's win in the general elections, as per Hindustan Times. The gifts were received by BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Ruman at Rahman's political office in Gulshan, according to state-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha. Read the full story here.

Indian student found dead in US

A 22-year-old Indian student at the University of California, Berkeley, has been found dead, nearly a week after he went missing in California. Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a postgraduate student in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, had been missing since February 9. Read the full story here.

PM Narendra Modi invited to attend Tarique Rahman's swearing-in in Dhaka

'Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received an invitation to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman as the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh on February 17 in Dhaka. Read the full story here.