Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will take a Break from the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from February 26 to March 1 to deliver two special lectures at his former school, Cambridge University. The decision was confirmed by Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh, citing Gandhi's prior commitments and important meetings in New Delhi. The yatra, aimed at promoting justice, will resume from Dholpur on March 2, covering several districts in Madhya Pradesh. Gandhi is also scheduled to visit the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain on March 5. The yatra, spanning 15 states, underscores the message of justice while engaging with citizens along the way.

The owner of an Indian restaurant in the UK has been banned as a company director until 2031 for hiring three illegal workers from Bangladesh without right-to-work checks. Ikbal Hussain, 51, hired the workers at his Taste of Raj restaurant before it was raided by immigration officials in 2020. The workers had been employed for up to two months without proper documentation of their right to work. Hussain failed to conduct the required checks or keep paperwork proving their eligibility. The Home Office said Hussain not only employed the illegal workers but failed to adhere to documentation and check requirements.

The police in the UK have arrested eight men following the murder of Vignesh Pattabhiraman (36), an Indian restaurant manager in Reading, on February 14. Pattabhiraman was cycling home from work when he was hit and killed by a vehicle which then fled the scene. A murder investigation was launched and police arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of committing the murder. Seven other men aged 20, 21, 24, 27, 31, 41 and 48, all from Reading, were also arrested for assisting the offender. A police spokesperson said to TOI: “It is believed that the cyclist was also assaulted by an occupant of the vehicle, which then left the scene." All eight men remain in police custody.

US Deputy Secretary Richard Verma stated the US remains engaged with India regarding the alleged plot to kill Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Verma acknowledged India's serious approach and looks forward to the findings of the Indian committee investigating the matter. The murder-for-hire case, involving an Indian official and Nikhil Gupta, created bilateral tensions. Verma also praised India's role in securing the Red Sea, emphasizing the need for increased trade and security cooperation. The overall India-US relationship is surging forward, addressing complexities and shared responsibilities.

India extends its submarine rescue capabilities to friendly nations during the 'Milan 2024' Navy exercise. With only six nations globally possessing Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs), India's move aims to strengthen influence. Keen interest from countries like Singapore, South Africa, and Japan noted. India's DSRVs, stationed on both coasts, demonstrate self-reliance, shaped at the Hindustan Shipyard. The ongoing exercise involves 50+ nations conducting advanced naval drills, fostering cooperation and maritime security.

Japan has pledged a 232.21-billion-yen ($1.55 billion) Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan for diverse projects in India, covering road connectivity, climate change, and horticulture. The funds will support crucial infrastructure ventures in North East India, including the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge and Chennai Peripheral Ring Road. Additionally, the loan aims to boost startup innovation in Telangana, sustainable horticulture in Haryana, and address climate change in Rajasthan. Notably, part of the funding will contribute to medical services in Nagaland and enhance urban water supply in Uttarakhand. The finance ministry confirmed these details, emphasizing Japan's commitment to India's development.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has stated, "The current relationship with Moscow is based on a stable and always very friendly relationship with Russia," during an interview with German newspaper Handelsblatt. He emphasized that Russia has never violated India's interests, despite its military aggression in Ukraine, and highlighted the stable nature of the bilateral ties. Jaishankar further explained, "The people I talk to today understand that you can’t completely ignore one part of a relationship." The diplomat also defended India's decision to buy Russian oil, stating, "If I am smart enough to have multiple options, you should be admiring me."

India falls one position to 85th in the Henley Passport Index 2024, surprising given increased visa-free access to 62 countries, up from 60 in 2023. France claims the top spot with passport access to 194 countries. Neighbors Pakistan and Bangladesh secure 106th and 102nd positions, respectively. Notably, Maldives ranks 58th, surpassing India. The Henley Passport Index analyzes 19 years of data, highlighting a global shift. In 2006, people had visa-free access to an average of 58 countries; by 2024, that number nearly doubled to 111 countries, marking significant changes in global mobility.

Melvin Thomas, 32, an Indian-American originally from Kerala, was arrested in New Jersey for the murder of his 61-year-old father, Manuel V Thomas. The Paramus Police Department responded to a possible murder report on February 16, discovering Manuel's body in the basement two days after the incident. Melvin faces charges including first-degree murder and desecration of human remains. Residents were alarmed by the police response, as major crimes are rare in the area. Melvin, an alumnus of St Stephen’s College Uzhavoor, called the police himself. The nature of the relationship between the victim and the accused remains undisclosed.    

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the Munich Security Conference, defended India's decision to continue buying Russian oil amid global tensions. Jaishankar asserted that having multiple options is a smart strategy and not a problem. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken smiled during the panel discussion as Jaishankar emphasized the complexities of international relationships. Jaishankar also highlighted India's strong ties with Western countries, positioning the nation as 'non-West' but not 'anti-West.' In 2023, Russia supplied over 35% of India's crude imports, totaling approximately 1.7 million barrels per day.