February 18 witnessed several important developments across politics, governance, law enforcement, sports, health, and entertainment. From a major political shift in Assam to diplomatic engagement with Bangladesh and sharp political exchanges in West Bengal, the day reflected how fast-moving events continue to shape the national conversation.

Here is a detailed roundup of the top 20 news stories from across India and beyond.

1. Major Political Shift in Assam

The Assam Congress suffered a significant setback as former state party chief Bhupen Borah announced that he would join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on February 22. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the move, calling it an important political development ahead of key elections.

2. PM Modi’s Vision 2047: India as a Global AI Power

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has the talent and resources to become one of the world’s top three artificial intelligence superpowers by 2047. He also projected that India’s IT sector could grow to $400 billion by 2030.

3. Invitation to Bangladesh’s New Prime Minister

PM Modi sent a formal letter inviting Bangladesh’s new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit India, underlining efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and regional cooperation.

4. Patna NEET Student Death Case: CBI Probe Continues

The Central Bureau of Investigation revisited the victim’s family home for the second time in three days, questioning relatives and examining crucial mobile phone evidence linked to the case.

5. Minister Joins College as Assistant Professor

Bihar minister Ashok Choudhary joined A.N. College as an assistant professor and shared an emotional note recalling his late father and his connection to academics.

6. Tejashwi Yadav Announces Bihar Tour

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said he would begin a statewide tour of Bihar after Holi to strengthen party organization and revive the Rashtriya Janata Dal’s national status.

7. Illegal Arms Factory Busted in Bhagalpur

A joint operation by Bihar and West Bengal Special Task Forces exposed a mini illegal arms manufacturing unit in Nathnagar, Bhagalpur. Five people were arrested and several weapons seized.

8. Ranchi Police Station Protest

Chaos erupted at Doranda police station in Ranchi after a High Court lawyer was detained in connection with a case where a young man was dragged on the bonnet of a luxury car.

9. Gumla Triple Murder Conviction

A Jharkhand court convicted Vipta Oraon for killing three people in 2021 due to superstition. The sentence is scheduled to be pronounced on February 18.

10. Supreme Court Allows ED Custody in Coal Smuggling Case

The Supreme Court of India granted permission to the Enforcement Directorate to take coal smuggling accused Anup Majhi (also known as Lala) into custody for questioning.

11. Mamata Banerjee’s Remarks on Election Commission

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Election Commission of India of acting under political pressure and termed it a “torture commission,” alleging that nearly 5.8 million voter names were removed from electoral rolls.

12. Allegations of Bangladesh Funding

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed that funds from Bangladesh were linked to Babri Masjid-related activities. These allegations were denied by Humayun Kabir, who called them baseless.

13. Police Notice to BJP MLA Ashok Dinda

Police summoned BJP MLA Ashok Dinda in East Medinipur over allegations of extortion involving fish transport trucks, escalating political tensions in the region.

14. T20 World Cup Super 8 Schedule Announced

India’s fixtures in the Super 8 round were confirmed against South Africa, Zimbabwe, and West Indies. Pakistan’s qualification depends on its match with Namibia.

15. Australia Knocked Out of T20 World Cup

Australia exited the tournament after consecutive defeats by Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, sparking debate about the team’s decline since the Ricky Ponting era.

16. AI Healthcare Projects Launched

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda launched AI-based initiatives SAHI and BODH to expand digital healthcare access across the country.

17. CMAT 2026 Final Answer Key Released

The National Testing Agency published the final CMAT 2026 answer key, enabling candidates to check scores and prepare for results.

18. Salim Khan’s Health Update

Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan was admitted to Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital. Doctors said his condition is stable and he is out of danger.

19. New Drama in Reality Show “The 50”

The latest episode of The 50 featured emotional tension and jealousy after Chahat Pandey hugged Prince Narula, sparking speculation about a new romantic angle.

20. Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse on March 3

Astronomers confirmed that a lunar eclipse, popularly called the “Blood Moon,” will be visible in India on March 3, just 15 days after the recent solar eclipse.

From political realignments in Assam and sharp exchanges in West Bengal to diplomatic outreach toward Bangladesh and major developments in sports, science, and culture, February 18 offered a wide spectrum of impactful stories. These events highlight the fast-changing political and social landscape of India, with important implications for governance, public policy, and public opinion in the days ahead.