Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has invited Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu for a state visit despite an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Merz assured Netanyahu that Germany would ensure his visit without arrest, calling the warrant "absurd." The ICC insists its decisions must be enforced under the Rome Statute. Germany, bound by international law, previously backed the ICC’s warrant for Russia’s Vladimir Putin. The Left party slammed Merz’s stance as “double standards.” Israel rejects ICC jurisdiction, while Germany faces a diplomatic dilemma between its legal obligations and historical ties with Israel.

India secured a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals after defeating Pakistan by 6 wickets, with Virat Kohli scoring a century. Pakistan, the defending champions, were eliminated in the group stage following New Zealand’s 5-wicket victory over Bangladesh. Pakistan's exit marks a major embarrassment, prompting speculation over coach Aaqib Javed's dismissal. Javed Miandad criticized the team's lack of "passion and fire." Meanwhile, New Zealand advanced, thanks to Rachin Ravindra’s hundred. Pakistan will face Bangladesh on February 27, but a washout could leave them without a single win.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has cautioned Bangladesh over its inconsistent stance on India, calling out “ridiculous” claims made by its interim leaders. Speaking at a public event, he said Dhaka must “make up its mind” on its relationship with India instead of blaming New Delhi for its domestic issues. He also raised concerns over communal attacks on minorities and Pakistan’s growing influence in Bangladesh. During his meeting with Bangladeshi Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain in Muscat, Jaishankar warned Dhaka against normalizing terrorism. He reiterated India’s message that it seeks stability but won’t tolerate hostile rhetoric from Bangladesh.

French President Emmanuel Macron met Donald Trump in Washington, warning him against appearing weak to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "How can you be credible with China if you're weak with Putin?" Macron said. He urged Trump to involve Europe in peace talks on Ukraine. The meeting happened on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Trump recently held direct talks with Russia, sparking concerns in Europe. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also meet Trump soon. Both leaders want to ensure Europe has a say in decisions about Ukraine’s future.

US President Donald Trump has appointed podcaster and former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino as deputy director of the FBI. Bongino, 50, a staunch Trump ally, has promoted false claims about the 2020 election and criticized the FBI. His appointment does not require Senate confirmation, making him the second top official at the agency without FBI experience, alongside Director Kash Patel. Bongino pledged to fight crime and remove "woke culture" from the bureau. Trump announced Bongino would step away from his podcast, where he often defended the former president. Critics warn the move risks politicizing the FBI’s leadership.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised the Opposition for their remarks on the Maha Kumbh. "Vultures found corpses, pigs found filth, and devotees found God," he said, targeting critics who highlighted stampede deaths and cleanliness issues. Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav accused Yogi of using "inappropriate" language. "Words should respect the spiritual significance of Maha Kumbh," he said. Mamata Banerjee called it "Mrityu Kumbh," linking it to stampede deaths. Despite the controversy, the Maha Kumbh has drawn millions of devotees. Political debates over its organisation continue.

The US and Ukraine are close to a deal on minerals, a top Ukrainian official said. Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna called the talks "constructive" and said most details are final. The US wants access to Ukraine’s minerals in exchange for military aid. Ukraine, however, wants security guarantees in return. The talks come as the war with Russia enters its third year. European leaders and Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are in Kyiv to show support. President Zelensky says a peace deal could start with a full prisoner exchange. UK PM Keir Starmer says Russia does not "hold all the cards."

Canada has changed its immigration rules, allowing officials to cancel study and work visas under certain conditions. This could impact thousands of Indian students and workers. The new rule applies if a person gives false information, becomes ineligible, or is not expected to leave Canada on time. Canada recently ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programme, making it harder for Indian students. The government says affected people will be informed, but many fear financial losses and uncertainty. With over 4.2 lakh Indian students in Canada, this rule change may create big challenges for them.

Rescue teams in Telangana are facing new risks as they try to save eight workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel. Experts warn that the slush inside is rising, making the situation more dangerous. Officials say 3,200 litres of water are flooding the tunnel every minute, mixing with sand and debris. This could be due to a new leak or a slow buildup. Rescue work may slow down to avoid further collapse. Geologists and drone experts have inspected the tunnel. Their report has raised serious concerns. Authorities are now deciding the next steps to safely continue the rescue mission.

The BJP and AAP are in a heated argument over a photo of BR Ambedkar in the Delhi CM’s office. Arvind Kejriwal claimed the BJP removed Ambedkar’s photo and replaced it with PM Modi’s image. BJP leader Amit Malviya denied this and shared a picture showing Ambedkar’s photo still there. He accused Kejriwal of “cheap politics.” Kejriwal said removing Ambedkar’s image hurt millions of his followers. The BJP called his claim false and said he was trying to mislead people. The argument comes after AAP’s big loss in the Delhi elections.