Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and US President Trump have warned Hamas that the ceasefire is terminated if they do not release Israeli hostages by Saturday. Netanyahu stated that they will resume hostilities if the hostages are not freed. Trump also threatened that there would be severe consequences if the hostages are not freed. The warning comes after Hamas announced that it would delay the release of more hostages, accusing Israel of breaching the ceasefire deal. The two leaders made it clear on the deadline, and Israel is preparing for possible violence if Hamas does not comply.

President Donald Trump has paused enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), a law restricting U.S. companies from bribing foreign officials. Trump, critical of the FCPA, believes it harms American business interests. This move follows accusations from the Biden administration against India's Adani Group for allegedly bribing officials, which the group denies. Trump’s executive order directs a review of ongoing FCPA cases. Following the pause, Adani stocks surged. U.S. Congress members also criticized the Biden administration’s pursuit, claiming it jeopardized U.S.-India relations without national security justification.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed swapping Kursk, a Ukrainian-held Russian region, for territories occupied by Russia in Ukraine—if US President Donald Trump brokers a peace deal. Zelenskyy emphasized security guarantees, rejecting any agreement without US involvement. He also invited American firms to aid Ukraine’s reconstruction. Trump has sent special envoy Keith Kellogg to discuss ceasefire terms. Ukraine fears any weak agreement would allow Russia to regroup. “For us, it’s about survival,” Zelenskyy told The Guardian, underscoring Ukraine’s strategic resources.

Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, passed away at 83 after suffering a brain stroke. He was undergoing treatment at SGPGIMS Lucknow. A spiritual figure since age 20, Das played a key role in temple affairs, including relocating idols before the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992. He recently celebrated the Pran Pratishtha anniversary. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had visited him in the hospital. Das was widely respected for his insights on religious matters and featured in the 2024 documentary The Battle of Ayodhya.

Elon Musk denied leading a "hostile takeover" of the U.S. government as President Donald Trump signed an order empowering Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) to cut 30% of the federal workforce. Critics, including Democrats, accused Musk of undermining democracy, while Trump claimed the move would eliminate $1 trillion in wasteful spending. Musk defended the cuts as "common sense" and necessary for solvency. Courts have temporarily blocked some of Doge’s efforts, including USAID staff reductions. A CBS poll showed Republican support for Musk's policies, though 66% of Americans want Trump to prioritize lowering prices.

Turkey has issued a warning against bootleg alcohol after 103 people died from poisoning in Ankara and Istanbul since January. Authorities reported 230 hospitalizations, with 40 in critical condition. The rise in illegal alcohol sales follows increased taxes under President Tayyip Erdogan’s government, making legitimate alcohol unaffordable for many. Police have arrested 24 suspects and seized over 86,000 liters of smuggled alcohol. Istanbul’s governor has enforced stricter regulations, including mandatory shop cameras and license suspensions. This crisis follows similar methanol-related deaths in Laos, where six tourists, including an American and a British backpacker, lost their lives.

Mumbai Police questioned influencer Apoorva Mukhija after she arrived at Khar police station regarding Ranveer Allahbadia’s remarks on Samay Raina’s show, ‘India’s Got Latent.’ Allahbadia’s controversial statements led to an FIR, summoning 30 past guests. Assam Police also launched a probe into the case, targeting Allahbadia, Raina, Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Mukhija. The Maharashtra Cyber Department has registered complaints against 30-40 people linked to the show. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned Allahbadia and others, with a hearing scheduled for February 17. The controversy continues to escalate.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were originally meant to stay only 8-10 days in space, have been stuck for over eight months following their flight aboard Boeing's Starliner. The mission got postponed, and the astronauts were in a dilemma. In a recent twist, NASA announced that they would be flying back to Earth aboard a previously flown SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule as part of the Crew-10 mission to the ISS. This is a significant switch, as the Crew Dragon would be utilized to bring back the astronauts after their extended stay in space.  

Ahead of Prime Minister Modi's US visit, Mumbai Police received a terror threat on February 11, warning of a potential attack on his aircraft. The call, made to the police control room, prompted immediate investigation. The suspect, arrested from Chembur, is reportedly mentally ill. This is not the first such threat; similar warnings were received last December, including claims of a bomb plot involving alleged ISI agents. Authorities continue to investigate and ensure safety measures for the prime minister's travel. PM Modi is currently on a four-day official visit to France and the US.  

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has assured the Indian Air Force (IAF) that deliveries of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets will begin soon after resolving technical issues. This comes after Air Chief Marshal AP Singh expressed "no confidence" in HAL over delays. The IAF, which ordered 83 jets in 2021, has been awaiting their induction to enhance combat capabilities. HAL Chairman DK Sunil acknowledged concerns, attributing delays to technical challenges rather than inefficiency. The issue gained attention during the Aero India show in Bengaluru, where the Air Chief's remarks sparked discussions on HAL’s performance.