The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has requested assistance from India's Ministry of Law and Justice to serve a complaint to Adani Group founder Gautam Adani and his nephew, Sagar Adani. The SEC's efforts to serve the complaint are ongoing, as both individuals are currently in India and not under U.S. jurisdiction. The allegations involve a $265 million bribery scheme to secure solar energy contracts in India, with charges of misleading U.S. investors about the company's anti-corruption practices. The Adani Group has denied these allegations, labeling them as "baseless" and pledging to pursue all possible legal recourse. 

President Donald Trump has defended the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) decision to cancel a $21 million U.S. aid package intended to boost voter turnout in India. He questioned the necessity of such funding, citing India's substantial financial resources and high taxation rates. Trump stated, "Why are we giving $21 million to India? They have a lot more money." The cancellation, announced by DOGE on February 16, has sparked political debate in India, with the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress party calling for investigations into potential foreign interference in India's electoral process.

Oil-rich Qatar has announced a $10 billion investment in India. The news came after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. Both leaders signed agreements to boost trade and explore a free trade deal. Qatar will invest in infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, and more. The Qatar Investment Authority will open an office in India to support the project. India’s trade with Qatar, currently around $15 billion, is expected to double by 2030. Leaders also condemned terrorism. Qatar remains a key supplier of LNG and LPG to India. This investment will boost bilateral ties.

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli addressed the suicide of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal at KIIT, Bhubaneswar, amid protests. He stated that the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi dispatched officials to counsel affected students, allowing them to either stay in their hostel or return home. Protesting students accused the university of mishandling the case and alleged a cover-up. KIIT linked the incident to personal issues and ordered Nepali students to leave campus, sparking outrage. Hundreds of students demanded justice and transparency in the investigation. Videos showed them chanting slogans and confronting officials.

Singapore’s Leader of the Opposition, Pritam Singh, was convicted of giving false testimony to a parliamentary committee regarding ex-lawmaker Raeesah Khan’s misconduct. The court found Singh, 48, guilty of two charges related to misleading the Committee of Privileges in December 2021. He faces up to 3 years in jail, a SGD 7,000 fine, or both per charge. His conviction could disqualify him from Parliament ahead of elections due by November 2025. "Any claim he made to the COP to the contrary was a lie he wilfully told," said Judge Luke Tan. Sentencing is pending.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Amir of Qatar, at Delhi airport on February 17, marking the start of his state visit to India. Accompanied by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the Amir's visit aims to strengthen the multifaceted partnership between India and Qatar. On February 18, the Amir will receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan and meet President Droupadi Murmu. His visit, including high-level talks with PM Modi, focuses on enhancing trade, investment, energy, and bilateral relations, reinforcing historic ties between the nations.    

A Goa court sentenced 31-year-old Vikas Bhagat to life imprisonment for the 2017 rape and murder of 28-year-old Irish-British tourist Danielle McLaughlin. Bhagat, who befriended McLaughlin during her visit, later murdered her after spending time together. Her body was discovered in a forested area in South Goa. The court imposed a fine of ₹25,000 for the crime and ₹10,000 for evidence destruction. The victim's family expressed gratitude for the justice delivered and acknowledged the thorough investigation. Bhagat will serve concurrent sentences for his crimes.

Two Goan migrants, who attempted to reach the United States via the perilous 'Dunki route,' have shared their harrowing experiences. They were robbed, tortured, detained, and ultimately deported back to India. The 'Dunki route' involves traversing multiple countries, including Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico, to enter the U.S. illegally. This journey exposes migrants to significant dangers, including exploitation by human traffickers and harsh conditions. Despite the risks, many continue to undertake this treacherous path, driven by the hope of a better life in the U.S.

In Nadia, West Bengal, tension escalated when BSF personnel were attacked while attempting to seize a large stock of contraband Fencidil in Mathurapur, Krishnagar. The BSF vehicles were vandalized, and jawans were physically assaulted during the confrontation. The situation on the Bengal border remains extremely tense, with local residents and alleged smugglers clashing with security forces. Authorities have yet to issue a full statement, but the incident highlights the increasing challenges faced by border security in combating illicit trade.

A U.S. military plane recently deported 104 Indian nationals, including Daler Singh, who had spent six months and $45,000 to enter the U.S. illegally. The deportees, aged 4 to 46, were handcuffed and leg-chained during the flight to Amritsar, Punjab. This action aligns with President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown and has sparked criticism in India, especially ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington. India's Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar, emphasized the need to target the illegal migration industry while easing visa processes for legitimate travelers.