Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Qureshi has rejected a report by a US agency that claimed the US government funded Indian elections. Qureshi criticized the allegations as misleading and affirmed that there was no foreign involvement in the Indian electoral process. The report raised concerns about the integrity of the elections, but Qureshi's response emphasized that India's democratic institutions are free from external interference. He further argued that such claims could potentially undermine public trust in the electoral system. The article highlights the broader implications of foreign influence in elections, stressing the importance of electoral integrity.

The Indian Army retaliated against Pakistani troops after they opened small arms fire on an Indian post in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, on February 16, 2025. The firing occurred along the Line of Control (LoC) and was met with an appropriate response by Indian forces. The incident follows a series of attacks in the region, including terrorist activities and landmine explosions. Over the last year, counteroffensives against terrorism in J&K have intensified, leading to numerous terrorist eliminations and casualties on both sides. Three government employees were recently dismissed for alleged ties to terror activities.

Russian drone attacks have hit a thermal power plant in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, leaving over 100,000 residents without heating amid freezing temperatures. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy condemned the assault as a war tactic targeting civilians. Despite Ukraine's defense forces downing the majority of incoming drones, the damage has left many vulnerable. Zelenskyy also pushed for stronger air defense systems and unity in European support. Meanwhile, high-level peace talks are expected soon between Russian and U.S. officials, with Europe expressing concern about being sidelined.

A 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck Delhi-NCR early on February 17, with its epicenter in Dhaula Kuan. Despite the moderate size, the quake felt stronger due to its shallow depth (5 km) and proximity to densely populated areas. High-rise buildings amplified the shaking, while soft alluvial soil in parts of Delhi intensified the tremors. The region, located near active fault lines, is prone to such seismic events. Experts noted this was not a tectonic earthquake but a local effect. Authorities urge residents to stay prepared for aftershocks.

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has requested access to sensitive IRS taxpayer data, including Social Security numbers and bank account information. This move has raised significant concerns among state attorneys general, who argue that such access poses cybersecurity risks and violates federal laws. In response, a federal judge has temporarily blocked DOGE from accessing these records while considering a preliminary injunction. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing legal challenges and debates over the balance between government efficiency and data privacy.

Harbhajan Singh downplayed the much-anticipated India-Pakistan match at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, predicting it would be a one-sided game in India’s favor. Singh highlighted India's superior squad strength and Pakistan's recent inconsistencies. He pointed out that key Indian players are in strong form, while Pakistan's lineup lacks depth beyond Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Harbhajan also suggested Afghanistan could be a strong contender, alongside India, for the tournament. India is aiming for its third Champions Trophy title, while Pakistan is looking to defend its 2017 crown.  

Singapore’s opposition leader, Pritam Singh, has been convicted of lying under oath to a parliamentary committee, related to his handling of former lawmaker Raeesah Khan, who had lied to Parliament in a separate case. The trial comes as Singapore prepares for its next general election. Singh's Workers' Party holds nine out of 87 parliamentary seats. District Judge Luke Tan found evidence showing Singh’s direct involvement in guiding Khan to continue her false narrative. Prosecutors are seeking a fine of S$7,000 for each of Singh's two charges. Singh maintains his innocence.

Early Monday morning, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck Delhi-NCR at 5:36 am, with its epicenter near Durgabai Deshmukh College in Dhaula Kuan, at a depth of five kilometers. Residents reported a loud sound accompanying the tremors, prompting many to evacuate high-rise buildings in Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the situation, urging everyone to "stay calm" and remain vigilant for potential aftershocks, assuring that authorities are closely monitoring developments. Delhi Police also reached out via social media, expressing hope for residents' safety and providing emergency contact information. No immediate reports of damage or injuries have been received.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced support for US President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to remove Gaza’s population and resettle them in neighboring countries. After meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Netanyahu said they were working on a “common strategy” for Gaza’s future. The UN has condemned forced displacement as illegal. Meanwhile, the Israel-Hamas war has killed over 48,200 people in Gaza, and a fragile ceasefire remains under threat. The US also resumed sending heavy bombs to Israel, while Hamas accused Israel of violating the truce with recent airstrikes in Rafah.

On February 17, 2025, former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, accompanied by his wife Akshata Murty and their two daughters, visited the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, India. The family arrived at the monument in the morning and spent approximately an hour exploring its majestic architecture and lush gardens. Sunak expressed admiration for the Taj Mahal, describing it as a "breathtaking testament to timeless love and artistry." This visit is part of the Sunak family's private tour of India, during which they have also planned to explore other cultural and historical sites across the country