Prime Minister Modi is set to visit Washington for a 36-hour trip, where he will stay at Blair House, directly across from the White House. He will meet President Trump to discuss strategic issues, including trade and tariffs. The visit will feature six bilateral meetings, culminating in a private dinner. Notably, there will be no engagements with the US Congress due to the short duration. Despite differences over tariffs, both sides are expected to focus on larger strategic matters, with Modi becoming the fourth foreign leader to meet Trump since his re-election.

NASA has activated emergency measures as asteroid 2024 YRF’s chance of hitting Earth on December 22, 2032, rises to 2.3%. Estimated between 40-90 meters wide, the asteroid could unleash energy equivalent to 15 megatons of TNT. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will conduct observations in March and May to refine its trajectory and impact risk. The International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) warns of “severe blast damage” in a potential collision. Scientists are assessing planetary defense options, including deflection strategies. The asteroid was first spotted by NASA’s ATLAS station in Chile last December.

Lakhs of devotees took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj for Maghi Purnima, marking the fourth bathing event at Maha Kumbh 2025. The sacred bath also concludes the month-long Kalpavas, with 10 lakh Kalpvasis set to leave. Authorities enforced no-vehicle zones and deployed 1,200 additional buses to manage crowds. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath monitored the situation, extending wishes to devotees. “May Maa Ganga bless all,” he tweeted. Over 45 crore pilgrims have bathed at Sangam since January 13. The final Amrit Snan will take place on February 26.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the final day of his France visit, inaugurated India’s second consulate in Marseille and paid tribute to Indian soldiers at the Mazargues War Cemetery. He and French President Emmanuel Macron visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a key nuclear fusion collaboration. Modi highlighted India-France ties, recalling freedom fighter Veer Savarkar’s connection to the city. His three-day visit included the AI Action Summit, diplomatic meetings, and engagements with the Indian diaspora. “Our partnership continues to strengthen,” Modi stated.

India suffered a major setback as pacer Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a lower back injury. The BCCI confirmed Harshit Rana as his replacement, while spinner Varun Chakaravarthy replaced Yashasvi Jaiswal in the squad. Bumrah’s absence is a blow, given his outstanding performances, including 32 wickets in the Australia Test series. India, two-time Champions Trophy winners, now faces an uphill battle. Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj, and Shivam Dube remain on standby. The tournament begins on February 19.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to end the Gaza ceasefire if Hamas does not release Israeli hostages by Saturday. Hamas announced it would not release three Israelis this weekend, citing alleged ceasefire violations by Israel. Netanyahu said the Israeli military is prepared to resume “intense fighting” until Hamas is “finally defeated.” Former U.S. President Donald Trump predicted Hamas would miss the deadline and suggested Israel should “let hell break out.” Meanwhile, Trump hosted Jordan’s King Abdullah amid tensions over his Gaza resettlement plan. Israel has so far freed hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in the exchange.

Maharashtra cyber police have filed an FIR against podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, comedian Samay Raina, and 30 others for allegedly transmitting obscene content on Raina’s show India’s Got Latent. The case, registered under Section 67 of the IT Act, follows a similar FIR in Assam. Authorities, including the Maharashtra Women’s Commission, have called for action, urging a halt to the show’s telecast. Mumbai police have summoned Allahbadia, Raina, and other participants. Lawyers for Ashish Chanchalani and another artist appeared at Khar police station. Investigations into the controversial show are ongoing.

Indian-Americans are protesting Elon Musk’s decision to rehire Marko Elez to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) despite his past racist remarks. Elez, who once posted "Normalize Indian hate," was defended by US Vice President JD Vance. Indian-American leaders, including Congressman Ro Khanna, condemned the move, demanding accountability. The controversy has fueled concerns about rising anti-Indian sentiment in the US, with reports of racial bullying. "This is what happens when Indian hate is normalized," said a protester. The backlash continues as Indian-Americans demand Elez’s apology and stronger action against racism.

Following AAP’s Delhi defeat, speculation grows over Arvind Kejriwal’s political future. With no official position, he may enter the Rajya Sabha from Punjab, replacing an AAP MP. Another option is contesting the Ludhiana West bypoll to become Punjab CM, though party leaders deny such plans. Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa claimed Kejriwal “cannot remain without power” but warned Punjab rejects outsiders. Others suggest he should focus on rebuilding AAP nationally. Legal troubles may impact his choices. With AAP still holding 43% of Delhi’s vote share, Kejriwal’s next move will shape the party’s future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the ITER nuclear fusion project in Cadarache, France, on Wednesday. India has invested ₹17,500 crore, contributing 10% of the project’s ₹2 lakh crore cost. The world's largest cryostat, a key reactor component, was ‘Made in India’ by Larsen & Toubro. ITER, involving the US, Russia, China, and others, aims to generate 100% clean energy by replicating the Sun’s fusion process. However, India lags in staffing, with only 25-30 engineers instead of the allowed 100. Experts urge policy reforms to maximize India’s scientific gains from this historic collaboration. Operations are set for 2035.