In a strategic move following its significant defeat in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections, the Indian National Congress has appointed Harshwardhan Sapkal as the new president of its Maharashtra unit. Sapkal, a Maratha leader from Vidarbha, is recognized for his grassroots organizational skills and close association with Rahul Gandhi. His appointment aims to rejuvenate the party's presence in the state. Concurrently, Vijay Wadettiwar, an OBC leader, has been named the legislative party leader, balancing the party's leadership along caste lines. Both leaders hail from Vidarbha, a region where the Congress seeks to regain its former stronghold.

    During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's US tour, US President Donald Trump presented to him a one-of-a-kind gift: a coffee table book titled Our Journey Together, signed with "Mr. Prime Minister, you're great." The coffee table book of 320 pages is a collection of moments of key events like Howdy Modi and Namaste Trump. Trump also praised Modi’s leadership and bargaining strength, calling Modi a "much tougher" and "better" negotiator. In a friendly conversation, Trump praised Modi and emphasized the close relationship between the two leaders, vowing to deepen India-US cooperation, particularly in defense and trade.    

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met former US President Donald Trump at the White House, exchanging warm gestures despite new US tariffs on Indian exports. Trump praised Modi as a "tough negotiator" but defended the tariffs, citing a $100 billion trade deficit. Modi introduced "MIGA" (Make India Great Again), calling for a "MEGA" US-India partnership. The tariffs will impact Indian textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. As Modi departed, he emphasized strengthening India-US ties, despite tensions. Trump's move signals economic hardball even as political camaraderie remains high.

During his recent visit to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proudly donned the traditional Kulluvi cap, a signature headgear from Himachal Pradesh known for its intricate embroidery and cultural significance. By wearing the cap during his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Modi highlighted India’s rich regional heritage on an international platform. The gesture was widely appreciated across political lines, with Himachal’s Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh calling it a proud moment for the state. The move underscores the importance of preserving and promoting India’s diverse traditions on the global stage.

JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar have merged to create a new streaming platform, JioHotstar, combining their extensive content libraries. With over 50 crore users and 3 lakh hours of entertainment, the platform aims to provide affordable and personalized entertainment. The service will offer new subscription plans starting at Rs. 149 per quarter. Current subscribers of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar will seamlessly transition to JioHotstar. The platform promises AI-driven content recommendations and support for 19 languages, ensuring a more tailored experience for its diverse audience.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India's dynamic and strong partnership with the United States, calling it a "mega partnership for prosperity." Speaking of the significance of cooperation between the two nations, Modi emphasized strategic, economic, and technological cooperation that is shaping the two nations’ futures. The assertion was made when the two countries deepen cooperation in defense, trade, and innovation. Alluding to mutual benefits, Modi emphasized that the partnership is beyond geopolitics, spreading advancement and stability across the globe. The statement is a reflection of India's attempts to deepen engagement with the US, reaffirming economic advancement and shared values on a global scale.  

A kayaker, Adrian Simancas, narrowly survived being swallowed by a humpback whale off the coast of Chile. The incident, which occurred in the Strait of Magellan, was captured by Simancas' father. After being engulfed by the whale, Simancas feared for his life, but the whale released him moments later. While still shaken, he managed to stay afloat and safely reached shore with his father. The dramatic event highlights the unpredictable nature of marine wildlife and was a terrifying close call for the kayaker.

  During a news conference in a joint session with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House, US President Donald Trump was asked a question by an Indian journalist in connection to anti-India activities in the US. Trump answered that he could not get to know the question due to the journalist’s “accent,” adding, “I can’t understand a word.” The incident, making rounds on social media, was a dramatic one in which Trump dodged the question. Modi, present at the news conference, saw it happen, during Modi’s two-day US tour.  

  On February 13, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former U.S. President Donald Trump met at the White House, exchanging a warm handshake and hug. Trump said, "We missed you a lot," to which Modi responded, "It's great to see you again." The meeting focused on deepening defense and economic ties, including the potential sale of F-35 jets and the ‘Mission 500’ goal to boost trade to $500 billion by 2030. Trump also confirmed the U.S. approved the extradition of 26/11 suspect Tahawwur Rana, reaffirming India-US cooperation on security and counterterrorism.    

  In a pivotal summit in Washington, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump have outlined plans to deepen defense and economic cooperation between the two nations. The leaders discussed the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to India, aiming to enhance India's defense capabilities. They also set an ambitious target, dubbed 'Mission 500', to elevate bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Additionally, President Trump announced the approval of the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a suspect involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, reflecting a shared commitment to combating terrorism. These developments underscore the strengthening strategic partnership between India and the United States.