Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a "European army" as he warned that Europe can no longer fully rely on the US. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he said, "Let’s be honest—now we can’t rule out the possibility that America might say no to Europe." His remarks come as US President Donald Trump signals possible peace talks with Russia. Zelensky insisted, "The Armed Forces of Europe must be created." European leaders backed his call, with Poland’s Prime Minister saying, "There’s no time to lose." Ukraine is also negotiating security guarantees from the US and Europe.

Hamas released 3 Israeli hostages in exchange for 369 Palestinian prisoners. The swap happened under the ceasefire deal that began on 19 January 2025. The freed hostages are Sagui Dekel-Chen, Yair Horn, and Alexander Troufanov. They were handed over in Khan Younis and later taken to a hospital in Israel. Most Palestinian prisoners were sent to Gaza, while some went to the West Bank. Five needed medical help. Israel warned that fighting would resume if Hamas delayed releases. So far, 19 hostages and over 1,000 prisoners have been freed under the deal. More exchanges are expected soon.

14 US states have sued Elon Musk, challenging his authority as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). They say Musk has too much power and was not approved by the Senate. The lawsuit argues that the US President cannot create or remove federal agencies. The states, led by New Mexico, call Musk an "agent of chaos" and say his actions are unlawful. This is the second lawsuit against Musk’s role. Musk and President Trump say DOGE is only removing government waste. The case was filed in a federal court in Washington, D.C.

YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia said he and his family are getting death threats after his remarks on India's Got Latent. He posted on Instagram that people were visiting his mother’s clinic, pretending to be patients. His mother is a doctor in Mumbai. He said he feels scared and does not know what to do. His lawyer had asked the Supreme Court for urgent help, but the court refused. Some people have even called for his tongue to be cut off. The controversy started after his comments on the now-deleted comedy show. Allahbadia has not given any further statement.

Satellite data confirms that Earth's sea-ice levels have reached an all-time low, with both Arctic and Antarctic ice extents shrinking significantly. As of February 13, the combined ice cover measured 15.76 million sq km, breaking the previous record from early 2023. Warming seas, high air temperatures, and strong winds have contributed to the decline, particularly in Antarctica, which scientists believe has entered a new phase of lower ice extents. In the Arctic, delayed ice formation and extreme weather have exacerbated the trend, signaling a worsening climate crisis with long-term implications for global temperatures and sea levels.

    A coalition of 14 U.S. states has sued the federal government, arguing that Elon Musk's appointment as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is unconstitutional. Led by New Mexico, the lawsuit claims Musk’s role bypasses Senate confirmation, violating the Appointments Clause. Attorneys general allege Musk has unlawfully accessed sensitive government data and implemented sweeping changes without oversight. Labeling him a "designated agent of chaos," the plaintiffs seek to block his directives and prevent further unauthorized actions, raising concerns over executive overreach and the legitimacy of his position.    

A Johns Hopkins University study found Punjabi speakers made up 66% of Indian asylum-seekers in the US from 2001-2022. However, between 2017-2022, Hindi-speaking asylum claims rose by 30%. The US has intensified deportations, with 104 undocumented Indians sent back on February 5 and more flights expected. Indian asylum claims surged 470% in five years, from 6,000 in 2020 to 51,000 in 2023. Economic hardship and changing immigration policies drive this trend. The US has also shut down the CBP One app, canceling 300,000 migrant appointments.

  Conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair announced that she secretly gave birth to Elon Musk’s 13th child five months ago. St. Clair, known for her book Elephants Are Not Birds, said she kept the birth private for the child’s safety but decided to reveal it due to impending media reports. She urged privacy for their family and announced a temporary social media hiatus. Musk, who has children with Justine Wilson, Grimes, and Shivon Zilis, has not commented on the claim. The revelation has sparked widespread media attention.     

In the wake of a tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, which claimed at least 30 lives and injured 60 others, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has called for an extension of the event to accommodate elderly and ailing devotees. Yadav criticized the BJP-led Central and Uttar Pradesh governments for inadequate management and emphasized the need for better administrative measures to prevent such incidents. He also urged increased financial assistance for the victims' families and suggested that the Indian Army take over the event's management to restore public faith. 

    The UK government is under parliamentary scrutiny over Prince Andrew’s use of public funds, as Labour peer George Foulkes pushes for greater transparency in royal finances. Foulkes has questioned ministers about Ministry of Defence briefings given to Andrew after his Royal Navy service and during his role as Special Representative for International Trade. He has also sought details on the royal family’s annual security costs. The inquiry comes amid growing concerns about Andrew’s financial activities and the limited parliamentary oversight of monarchy-related expenses since the introduction of the sovereign grant in 2012.