US President Donald Trump said Elon Musk will help uncover “hundreds of billions” in fraud within federal agencies. Speaking to Fox News, Trump stated that Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), will investigate wasteful spending, starting with the Department of Education and the military. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz suggested Pentagon shipbuilding could also be scrutinized. Meanwhile, a judge blocked Musk’s move to furlough 2,000 USAID employees, and over 40 lawsuits challenge Trump’s policies. The White House dismissed the lawsuits as political resistance, affirming its commitment to cost-cutting reforms.

Political strategist Prashant Kishor criticized Arvind Kejriwal’s decision to resign as Delhi Chief Minister after securing bail, calling it a "major strategic blunder." Speaking to India Today TV, Kishor argued that Kejriwal should have stepped down immediately after his arrest, which could have strengthened AAP’s position. He claimed the delayed resignation weakened the party's credibility, contributing to its electoral losses. AAP has been struggling amid corruption allegations and leadership challenges. Kishor’s remarks come as the party faces a political crisis in Delhi following its recent electoral setbacks.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned on Sunday but has been asked by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to continue as caretaker CM until a new appointment. Singh has been advised against making major policy decisions while handling routine governance. The BJP government faces a potential no-confidence motion after losing ally NPP’s support, though it retains a majority with 32 seats and backing from JD(U) and NPF. Ethnic violence since 2023 has worsened political instability, with over 250 deaths reported. The 12th Manipur Assembly’s 7th session is set to begin on February 10.

Israeli forces withdrew from the Netzarim Corridor, which had divided Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return north. Many found their homes destroyed. The move follows the January 19 Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, under which 16 Israeli hostages and 566 Palestinian prisoners have been released. The ceasefire's first phase aims to free 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners. Talks in Qatar are set to discuss further releases and a possible full withdrawal. Meanwhile, Trump’s call for Gaza’s depopulation sparked global outrage, with Saudi Arabia and Egypt rejecting it as "ethnic cleansing" and the Arab League planning an emergency summit.

Israeli forces have withdrawn from the Netzarim Corridor, which had divided Gaza into two. Following the pull-out, hundreds of Palestinians began returning to northern Gaza, finding widespread destruction. The withdrawal is part of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, which has led to the release of hostages and prisoners. Talks continue in Qatar to discuss the next steps. Meanwhile, Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu is returning from the US, where President Trump proposed removing Gaza’s population—a plan widely rejected by Arab nations. An emergency Arab League summit is set for 27 February to discuss the crisis.

Bangladesh's interim government launched "Operation Devil Hunt" to track down those involved in attacks on ex-minister AKM Mozammel Haque’s home in Gazipur. Violence erupted nationwide after a student group protested against assaults on its activists. Reports indicate mobs targeted supporters of deposed PM Sheikh Hasina, vandalizing homes and businesses. Hasina, in exile since August, faces demands for her trial. The government deployed army troops, promising action against attackers. Opposition BNP warned against escalating unrest, calling it a "broader conspiracy." The operation aims to restore order amid rising political tensions following the Awami League’s ouster after 16 years in power.

Salvage crews have recovered all major wreckage from the American Airlines jet and Black Hawk helicopter that collided mid-air over Washington DC on January 29, killing 67 people. The aircraft plunged into the Potomac River, and all victims' remains have been retrieved. Investigators have found both black boxes and are analyzing debris in Arlington, Virginia. Officials revealed the helicopter was flying above the allowed altitude and had its ADS-B safety system turned off. A laser-equipped aircraft scanned the crash site for additional debris. The FAA is reviewing high-risk airports, while Senator Ted Cruz raised concerns about aviation safety measures.

In a fierce encounter in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, 31 Maoists and two security personnel were killed. The operation, led by the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Special Task Force (STF), targeted Maoist cadres in the National Park area. The toll was initially reported as 12 Maoists, but later confirmed to be 31. The security forces lost two jawans, while two others were injured. This attack follows a deadly Maoist ambush last month, part of ongoing operations aimed at curbing Naxalism by 2026, as stated by Home Minister Amit Shah.

After 491 days in Hamas captivity, Eli Sharabi was freed in a prisoner exchange but returned to Israel to devastating news—his wife and two daughters were killed in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Sharabi, unaware of their fate, had expressed joy about reuniting with them. His brother, Yossi, also died in captivity. Sharabi was among 3 hostages freed, with Israel releasing 183 Palestinian prisoners under a ceasefire deal. His family described his frail condition, saying, “The light is gone from his eyes.” The war in Gaza has killed over 47,000 Palestinians, with thousands more imprisoned.

Five Thai farm workers kidnapped during Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel arrived home in Bangkok after 15 months in captivity. Emotional reunions unfolded at Suvarnabhumi Airport as relatives embraced the released men. “I am truly grateful,” said Pongsak Thaenna, thanking officials for securing their freedom. The hostages had spent 10 days in an Israeli hospital before their return. The Thai government will provide financial support to ensure they do not return to Israel for work. One Thai hostage remains unaccounted for. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra thanked Qatar, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, and the U.S. for their mediation efforts.