A new India Today-CVoter Mood of the Nation poll shows that 65% of voters want the INDIA bloc to continue despite internal issues. However, 26% think it should end. Rahul Gandhi is the top choice to lead the alliance, with 24% support. Mamata Banerjee follows with 14%, while Arvind Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav have 9% and 6%, respectively. The poll also predicts that if elections were held today, the INDIA bloc would drop to 188 seats, while the BJP-led NDA would win 343 seats. The NDA’s vote share is expected to rise to 47%.

YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia has skipped a second police summons in Mumbai. His phone is switched off, and his home is locked. He was asked to appear at Khar Police Station over his controversial remarks on the show India’s Got Latent. Mumbai Police tried to contact him but got no response. Allahbadia has now moved the Supreme Court, seeking protection from multiple FIRs. He also applied for anticipatory bail. Meanwhile, Assam police have filed a case against him and others for promoting obscenity. The National Commission for Women has also summoned him for questioning on February 17.

India has reduced tariffs on bourbon whiskey from 150% to 100%. This move follows US President Donald Trump's remarks about India’s high taxes on American goods. The new tariff includes a 50% basic duty and an additional 50% levy. The change benefits US brands like Jim Beam but does not apply to other liquors. Experts see this as a step to ease trade tensions with the US. India’s liquor industry welcomes the decision, saying it may improve trade. The US is the largest exporter of bourbon to India, supplying nearly one-fourth of its total bourbon imports.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's U.S. visit, he met with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to discuss collaboration in space exploration, mobility, technology, and innovation. Musk expressed interest in launching his Starlink satellite internet service in India, despite facing regulatory challenges and competition from domestic telecom companies. Additionally, Musk plans to introduce Tesla electric vehicles to the Indian market, aiming to contribute to India's goal of increasing electric vehicle sales by 30% by 2030.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv is prepared for direct negotiations with Russia only after aligning its stance with the U.S. and Europe. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he emphasized the need for a unified approach to counter "the dangerous Putin." U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted negotiations don’t require trust, but a strategic plan. European leaders fear Trump may push Ukraine into an unfavorable deal. Trump previously claimed he discussed Ukraine peace talks with Putin, signaling potential concessions on NATO and territory. Ukraine remains firm on consulting allies before engaging with Moscow.

Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, confirmed it will release three Israeli hostages on Saturday, including one held by Islamic Jihad. Spokesman Abu Obeida announced the release on Telegram but did not provide names, as Israeli authorities have yet to confirm them. The exchange deal comes amid ongoing negotiations and international pressure for hostage releases. While details remain unclear, this marks another step in the broader efforts to secure the freedom of captives. The Israeli government has not commented on the announcement, and further developments are expected as the situation unfolds.

YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia has approached the Supreme Court to consolidate multiple FIRs filed against him for allegedly obscene remarks on ‘India’s Got Latent.’ Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna assured that the case would be listed soon. Allahbadia issued a public apology, admitting his comments were inappropriate and lacked humor. He urged the show's producers to remove the insensitive sections. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned Allahbadia, comedian Samay Raina, and others over derogatory remarks, with a hearing set for February 17 in New Delhi. The controversy has sparked nationwide debate on online content accountability.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor praised PM Narendra Modi’s handling of illegal immigration concerns following his meeting with former US President Donald Trump. Tharoor called Modi’s stance “encouraging” but emphasized that the treatment of undocumented Indian migrants deported from the US should have been addressed. “While it’s good to see concerns raised, we must ensure our citizens receive fair treatment,” Tharoor stated. The meeting between Modi and Trump focused on immigration policies, with India seeking to protect its diaspora from harsh measures. Opposition leaders continue to monitor India’s diplomatic approach to Indian migrants abroad.

The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has seen a dramatic increase in sexual violence against children, with armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, targeting minors. UNICEF reports a disturbing surge in rape cases, with 170 children among 572 total rape victims in just a few weeks. In some cases, entire families were subjected to this violence. Children as young as 12 are being recruited to fight. With escalating violence and rising displacement, UNICEF calls for immediate action to stop these grave human rights violations.  

A special flight from the United States is scheduled to arrive at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar on Saturday, carrying 119 deported Indian nationals. This marks the second such flight following a U.S. crackdown on illegal immigrants. Among the deportees, 67 are from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, and 8 from Gujarat. The remaining individuals hail from Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. This deportation initiative is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to address illegal immigration.