From major political developments in Bangladesh to dramatic twists in the ICC T20 World Cup, February 17 brings a packed news cycle. The spotlight is on the swearing-in of Tarique Rahman and what his leadership could mean for India-Bangladesh ties. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s dominant win has pushed Australia to the brink of elimination in the global cricket tournament.

Here is a detailed roundup of the top 20 national and international headlines of the day.

1. Tarique Rahman to Lead Bangladesh: What It Means for India Relations

Bangladesh is set to witness a new political chapter as Tarique Rahman prepares to take oath. With shifting political equations, analysts are closely watching how ties between India and Bangladesh may evolve.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has indicated that bilateral trade and diplomatic engagement with India will continue, even amid debates surrounding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

2. India May Begin Commercial Chip Production Soon

At the AI Impact Summit 2026, officials revealed that India could begin its first commercial semiconductor manufacturing operations by the end of February. Micron Technology is reportedly preparing production under the government’s semiconductor mission, signaling India’s entry into advanced chip manufacturing.

3. Sri Lanka Defeat Australia in T20 World Cup

In a major upset at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Pathum Nissanka scored an unbeaten century to lead Sri Lanka to an eight-wicket victory over Australia. Sri Lanka have secured a Super 8 berth, while Australia now face an uphill battle.

4. Can Australia Still Reach Super 8?

Despite the loss, mathematical possibilities remain open for Australia. Qualification now depends on net run rate calculations and results from other group matches.

5. Political Row Over RSS Remark

Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge sparked controversy after criticizing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, prompting a strong rebuttal from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

6. Mani Shankar Aiyar’s Sharp Words Stir Congress Debate

Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar criticized party figures including Rahul Gandhi, triggering fresh internal tensions.

7. Over 200 Fall Ill at Maha Shivratri Fair

In Jharkhand’s Palamu district, more than 200 people reportedly suffered food poisoning after consuming street food at a religious fair. Authorities have launched an investigation.

8. Hemant Soren Given Traditional Tribal Role

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was ceremonially assigned a traditional leadership role in his ancestral village, reflecting cultural significance.

9. Train Services Disrupted Until February 22

Several train routes in Jharkhand are affected due to rolling block work by Indian Railways. Passengers are advised to verify schedules before travel.

10. Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi Deny Charges

In the land-for-jobs case, Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi denied corruption allegations in court, paving the way for a full trial.

11. Bihar Restricts Open Meat Sales

The Bihar government has implemented restrictions similar to Uttar Pradesh’s model, prohibiting open meat sales.

12. BDO Video Sparks Outrage in Bihar

A viral video allegedly shows a Block Development Officer slapping a युवक after a minor vehicle incident, leading to administrative scrutiny.

13. Pakistani Mother-Daughter Living in India Under Scanner

Authorities are probing how a Pakistani national and her daughter, reportedly residing in India for decades, obtained voter IDs and passports.

14. MBA vs MCom: Which Offers Better Career Prospects?

Education experts advise students to weigh career goals, skills, and industry trends before choosing between MBA and MCom programs.

15. CBSE Class 10 Exams Begin Today

The Central Board of Secondary Education has commenced Class 10 board exams, emphasizing mandatory attendance from the first paper.

16. AI Platform Bharat-VISTAAR for Farmers

The government is set to launch Bharat-VISTAAR, an AI-powered multilingual platform aimed at providing farmers with real-time agricultural guidance.

17. Unique Goat Birthday Celebration Goes Viral

A grand birthday celebration for goats in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi district has gone viral, featuring religious recitations and a community feast.

18. First Solar Eclipse of 2026

The year’s first solar eclipse will not be visible in India. Experts confirm that no sutak period will apply domestically.

19. Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 Streaming Online

Actor Kapil Sharma’s film Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 is now available on JioHotstar.

20. New Film Releases This Week

Theatres are set to release a mix of romance, courtroom drama, and historical films this week, offering diverse entertainment options.

February 17’s headlines highlight shifting regional politics, high-stakes cricket action, domestic controversies, education updates, and entertainment releases. As Tarique Rahman assumes office and the T20 World Cup drama unfolds, both diplomacy and sport remain at the forefront of public attention.

Stay tuned for further developments throughout the day.