External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a sharp response to European criticism during a high-profile geopolitical discussion in Finland. Responding to questions over India's purchase of Russian oil, Jaishankar highlighted what he described as a contradiction in Europe's position, pointing out that European weapons have been used against India while no European country has ever been attacked with Indian weapons. The minister defended India's energy policy, arguing that decisions are driven by national interest, affordability and energy security. He also noted that changes in global energy markets after the Russia-Ukraine conflict forced India to diversify its sourcing strategy.

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, a monstrous "Everest-style" avalanche thundered down Castle Peak near Donner Summit, engulfing a guided group of 15 backcountry skiers. As a ferocious "thunder-snow" blizzard hammers Northern California with up to 40 inches of fresh snow and 80 mph winds, search crews are racing against a freezing clock to find 9 skiers still buried alive.