Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that India has raised concerns with the US over the treatment of 104 deported Indian migrants. The deportees, sent back on a US military aircraft, were reportedly shackled throughout the journey. Misri stated that India would continue addressing mistreatment cases. He revealed that the US has issued "final removal orders" for 487 presumed Indian citizens. “This deportation was described as a national security operation,” Misri noted. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that such deportations have been ongoing for years under established procedures. Discussions between India and the US on the matter continue.

A US judge has blocked Donald Trump’s move to place 2,200 USAID employees on leave, hours before it was set to take effect. The ruling follows a lawsuit by unions, arguing the action violates the Constitution. Trump, seeking to dismantle the agency, claims it is corrupt and wasteful. The decision restores jobs for affected staff until February 14. USAID, the world's largest aid donor, faces drastic cuts, sparking criticism. “One of the worst foreign policy blunders,” ex-USAID chief Samantha Power warned. The case returns to court Wednesday, with long-term implications for global aid efforts.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is set to miss its hat-trick in the Delhi Assembly elections as the BJP maintains a lead. With counting underway, BJP is ahead in 45 seats, while AAP trails with 25. Key AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, Atishi, and Manish Sisodia, are behind in their constituencies. The Congress faces another humiliating defeat, failing to secure a single seat for the third consecutive election. BJP’s rising vote share, now at 46.87%, signals a power shift in Delhi. Congress leaders blame AAP’s leadership for the opposition's poor performance.

The BJP is heading towards a clear victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, leading in 45 of 70 seats, while AAP trails with 25. The BJP’s vote share stands at 46.87%, ahead of AAP’s 43.29%. As counting progresses into later rounds, the gap continues to widen. PM Narendra Modi is set to visit the BJP headquarters at 7 PM to celebrate the party’s return to power after 27 years. Meanwhile, activist Anna Hazare criticized Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of being influenced by “money power.” Key AAP leaders, including Saurabh Bharadwaj, are trailing.

The US Coast Guard located the wreckage of a missing single-engine plane southeast of Nome, Alaska. All 10 aboard, including the pilot, were confirmed dead. Rescuers found three bodies, while seven remain inside the wreckage. The Bering Air flight, en route from Unalakleet to Nome, vanished Thursday after a rapid loss of speed and altitude. Search teams, including the Coast Guard and FBI, worked tirelessly. Authorities cited poor weather conditions but have yet to determine the exact cause. The victims' families have been notified, but names remain undisclosed.

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is leading in the New Delhi assembly seat, seeking a fourth term. BJP’s Parvesh Verma trails closely, with Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit far behind. As of 10:00 am, Kejriwal has 4,679 votes, while Verma has 4,425. AAP has dominated this seat since 2013, ending Congress' reign. In 2015, Kejriwal won by over 31,000 votes and retained his hold in 2020. While AAP's welfare schemes remain popular, concerns over governance and infrastructure persist. The final outcome remains crucial in shaping Delhi’s political future.

Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit stated he has "no idea" about a post-poll alliance with AAP, saying it’s for the high command to decide. Vote counting for the Delhi Assembly elections began at 8 AM on Saturday. Exit polls predict a BJP edge over AAP, though AAP leaders remain confident. BJP targeted AAP over Yamuna pollution and Kejriwal's residence renovation, while AAP highlighted its education reforms. Congress also attacked AAP over alleged corruption. Key battles include New Delhi and Atishi’s constituency. The voter turnout was 60.54%.

The Union Cabinet has approved a new income tax bill to replace the 1961 Income-tax Act, aiming to simplify direct tax laws. The bill removes complex provisions and explanations, ensuring clarity without imposing additional tax burdens. It will be introduced in Parliament next week and sent to the Standing Committee on Finance. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) reviewed 6,500 stakeholder suggestions. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the bill in Budget 2025-26. The ongoing budget session’s first phase ends on February 13, with the second phase resuming on March 10.

Hamas has named Eli Sharabi, 52, Ohad Ben Ami, 56, and Or Levy, 34, as the next hostages to be released on Saturday. Israel will free Palestinian prisoners in exchange. Since the ceasefire began on January 19, 18 hostages have been freed, while Israel has released 383 prisoners. More releases are expected, with 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners to be freed in the first stage. Hamas accuses Israel of obstructing humanitarian aid, while Israel denies it. Meanwhile, Hamas held a funeral for senior commander Marwan Issa, confirming his death in an Israeli airstrike last March.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) surged ahead in early Delhi Assembly election trends, leading in 42 of 70 seats. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Arvind Kejriwal (New Delhi), Atishi (Kalkaji), and Manish Sisodia (Jangpura) are trailing against BJP candidates. AAP, aiming for a fourth term, is leading in 25 seats. Congress struggles to avoid a third consecutive zero. Delhi recorded a 60.54% voter turnout. "He will become CM again," Atishi claimed earlier. BJP hopes to break its 27-year losing streak and form a "double engine government." Counting continues.