SBI has launched the ‘Jan Nivesh SIP’ scheme to enhance financial inclusion, offering micro-SIPs starting at ₹250 without commission fees. The initiative aims to make financial services accessible to underserved communities, promoting saving and investing. SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch praised the scheme as a historic step in empowering small investors and fostering economic growth. SBI Chairman C.S. Setty emphasized the bank’s commitment to financial inclusion, highlighting the success of initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and expanding insurance coverage.  

Four Team India players received their ICC Awards and Team of the Year caps in Dubai ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, and Ravindra Jadeja were honored for their outstanding performances in 2024. Sharma and Pandya made the T20I Team of the Year, while Arshdeep was recognized for his bowling feats. Jadeja earned a spot in the Test Team of the Year. This event highlights India’s preparations for the Champions Trophy, where they are set to face Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand.     

Former President Donald Trump sent his close friend and real estate mogul Steve Witkoff to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for negotiations on the Russia-Ukraine war. Witkoff, a political outsider turned Middle East envoy, previously played a role in US-Russia prisoner swaps and Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks. His latest diplomatic mission, which excludes Ukraine and European allies, has raised concerns about a shifting global order. Witkoff, a longtime Trump ally, is now heading to Saudi Arabia for direct US-Russia talks, following a Trump-Putin call. His growing influence underscores Trump's unconventional foreign policy approach and its geopolitical implications.

Singapore’s Leader of the Opposition, Pritam Singh, was convicted of giving false testimony to a parliamentary committee regarding ex-lawmaker Raeesah Khan’s misconduct. The court found Singh, 48, guilty of two charges related to misleading the Committee of Privileges in December 2021. He faces up to 3 years in jail, a SGD 7,000 fine, or both per charge. His conviction could disqualify him from Parliament ahead of elections due by November 2025. "Any claim he made to the COP to the contrary was a lie he wilfully told," said Judge Luke Tan. Sentencing is pending.

Bhubaneswar’s KIIT campus saw protests after Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal, 3rd-year BTech, died by suicide. Allegations of blackmail surfaced, with a male student in custody. Dozens of Nepali students staged protests, later claiming forced eviction. Videos showed clashes with guards. “We were given an hour to leave,” a student said. Police deployed two platoons for security. Nepal’s PM KP Sharma Oli assured diplomatic intervention. KIIT initially ordered students to vacate but later invited them back. “Campus is calm now,” said officials. Investigations continue as tension lingers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Amir of Qatar, at Delhi airport on February 17, marking the start of his state visit to India. Accompanied by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the Amir's visit aims to strengthen the multifaceted partnership between India and Qatar. On February 18, the Amir will receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan and meet President Droupadi Murmu. His visit, including high-level talks with PM Modi, focuses on enhancing trade, investment, energy, and bilateral relations, reinforcing historic ties between the nations.    

The Supreme Court has delayed the hearing on petitions challenging the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, to the first week of April 2025. The Act mandates that the religious character of places of worship must remain as it was on August 15, 1947, and bars any changes. The Court expressed frustration over the frequent filing of new pleas, which complicates proceedings. This law has been a point of contention with some seeking its repeal, while others advocate for its strict implementation to preserve communal harmony and the status quo of religious sites.

The Congress party has raised concerns over the selection of a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) while the Supreme Court is set to hear a challenge regarding the appointment law on February 22. Rahul Gandhi, after attending a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to select a successor to Rajiv Kumar, submitted a dissent note. Congress argues that the meeting should be postponed until the court’s decision. The ruling government is accused of attempting to exert control over the Election Commission. Gyanesh Kumar is expected to be appointed as CEC based on seniority.  

The Congress party has called for the postponement of the meeting to select the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), scheduled on February 17, 2025, until the Supreme Court's ruling on February 19 regarding the constitution of the selection committee. Congress leaders claim the government's exclusion of the Chief Justice from the panel signals an intent to control the Election Commission. As Rajiv Kumar is set to retire, Gyanesh Kumar will assume the position of senior-most election commissioner, with his tenure lasting until 2029. The government recently formed a search committee to streamline CEC selection.    

The Indian flag was absent from the roof of Karachi’s National Stadium before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, causing a stir on social media. Fans speculated that India’s matches would be played in Dubai, leading to the flag's omission. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) clarified that the ICC had instructed only four flags (the event authority, host nation, and the two competing teams) to be displayed on match days. India and Pakistan will compete in Group A, with their much-anticipated clash on February 23, 2025. India will play their opening match against Bangladesh on February 20.