The Mumbai Police have given comedian Samay Raina until March 10 to appear for questioning regarding podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia’s controversial remarks on the now-deleted YouTube show India’s Got Latent. Allahbadia, known for his BeerBiceps channel, faces FIRs in Assam and Mumbai over inappropriate comments. Police have been unable to contact him, as his phone remains switched off and his residence locked. Meanwhile, Mumbai Cyber Cell has summoned 50 individuals, including panelists and guests, for statements. Raina has deleted all episodes, citing overwhelming stress, and pledged full cooperation with authorities.    

Punjab politics heats up as opposition slams the Centre for landing US deportee flights in Amritsar instead of other states. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann questioned if the move was meant to defame Punjab, while Congress MP Manish Tewari warned against humiliating the state. The BJP defended the decision, citing Amritsar’s proximity for US-bound flights. Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar called for introspection on illegal migration. The second flight carrying 119 deportees arrives on Feb 15, followed by a third on Feb 16. The Punjab government has formed an SIT to probe illegal migration networks.

New Zealand's undefeated performance in the recent tri-series in Pakistan has propelled them to the 4th position in the ICC ODI rankings, increasing their rating from 100 to 105 points. They secured the title by successfully chasing a 243-run target against Pakistan in just 45.2 overs. Despite this, India maintains a firm grip on the top spot with 119 points, following a dominant 3-0 series sweep over England on home soil. Australia, despite a 0-2 series loss to Sri Lanka, has reclaimed the second position with a 110-point rating, while Pakistan has slipped to third with 107 points.     

During a panel discussion, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly responded to a US Senator’s comment that "democracy doesn’t put food on the table." Showing the ink stain on his finger from a recent vote, he stated, "This is the mark of a person who just voted," highlighting the tangible influence of democracy. He contended that active participation in democracy empowers individuals, fosters economic growth, and enhances living standards. Jaishankar’s pointed counter-argument reinforced India’s dedication to democratic principles, disputing the notion that democracy and economic prosperity are distinct from one another. 

A bus carrying Palestinian prisoners released under the Gaza ceasefire deal arrived in Ramallah, where cheering crowds welcomed them. The 369 inmates were freed in exchange for three Israelis held hostage in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Wearing keffiyeh scarves, the prisoners were lifted onto shoulders and embraced by relatives before undergoing health checkups. Unlike previous releases, they wore jackets instead of prison uniforms. Israel had warned Hamas to release three living hostages or face renewed conflict. The Palestinian Prisoners' Club confirmed the latest exchange amid ongoing tensions.

Tennis's top-ranked player, Jannik Sinner, has consented to a three-month suspension after finalizing an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regarding two positive drug tests from 2024. The Italian, who triumphed at the Australian Open last month, is banned from February 9 until May 4 but will be back in time for the French Open. Initially, WADA sought a suspension of up to two years but accepted Sinner's account of unintentional contamination by his physiotherapist. Although an independent panel cleared him of wrongdoing last year, Sinner chose to take responsibility. He will be absent from significant tournaments, such as Indian Wells and Miami, before making his return in May.  

Social media influencer Apoorva Mukhija is receiving death and harassment threats following the controversy over Ranveer Allahbadia’s remarks on India’s Got Latent. Mukhija, who was on the show's panel, has also been removed from Rajasthan Tourism’s treasure hunt campaign in collaboration with IIFA. Her friend Rida Tharana condemned the threats, saying, “How do you feel safe when constantly threatened?” Meanwhile, Mukhija is also facing an FIR and has been questioned by the police. Allahbadia has apologized, and co-host Samay Raina has deleted all India’s Got Latent episodes from YouTube.

The Maharashtra government has set up a 7-member panel, led by DGP Sanjay Verma, to study legal aspects of a potential law against "love jihad" and forced religious conversions. The BJP cites the Shraddha Walkar case to justify the move, while the opposition calls it an attack on personal freedom. NCP leader Supriya Sule urged the government to focus on economic issues, while Congress leader Husain Dalwai called "love jihad" a myth. BJP MLA Mangal Lodha defended the initiative, claiming such cases were rising in Maharashtra. The panel will review similar laws in other states.

Abhinav Chandrachud, son of former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, is representing YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia in the Supreme Court amidst multiple FIRs for controversial remarks in the show India’s Got Latent. The Supreme Court is set to hear the case involving Allahbadia’s petition to merge the complaints. Abhinav is a well-educated lawyer with degrees from prestigious institutions, including Harvard and Stanford, and has also written books on law. Despite his father’s prominent position, Abhinav has never appeared before the Supreme Court during his father’s tenure.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed the creation of a unified European military force at the Munich Security Conference, urging Europe to reduce reliance on U.S. support amid shifting American policies. He stressed that Ukraine would not accept peace deals made without its involvement, calling for European autonomy in defense matters. In response, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended Europe's sovereignty, criticizing U.S. interference, particularly from Vice President JD Vance regarding democratic practices. The conference underscored Europe's growing desire for greater defense independence, highlighting the evolving dynamics of the transatlantic relationship amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.