Three flights carrying deported Indian migrants from the US landed at Amritsar airport, highlighting Punjab's growing human smuggling crisis. An India Today investigation in Jalandhar exposed illegal immigration rackets, where agents offer dangerous routes to Western nations for high fees. Fraudulent political asylum applications in Canada and perilous "donkey routes" to Europe were uncovered. Agents like Sahil Verma and Raman facilitated these illegal journeys, exploiting immigration loopholes. With US deportations increasing, concerns over safety risks and policy misuse intensify. "The more money you spend, the better the journey," an agent revealed, underscoring the lucrative nature of this illicit industry.

Moscow is preparing to declare "victory" in Ukraine on February 24, marking three years since its invasion, according to Ukrainian intelligence. The Kremlin aims to frame the announcement as a triumph over both Ukraine and NATO, with Russian propaganda portraying the war as a broader conflict with the alliance. The report comes amid U.S.-Russia negotiations on the war and heightened tensions between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump, who has been critical of Zelenskyy, recently called him a "dictator" and urged a swift peace deal.

12 civilians died in Russian strikes on Ukraine, officials said. Homes and key infrastructure were hit. The White House urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to agree to a deal giving the US access to Ukraine’s critical minerals in exchange for aid. Meanwhile, the US and Russia are considering a possible meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, but no decision has been made. Reports say the US opposes calling Russia the "aggressor" in a G7 statement on the war’s third anniversary. The White House says all options are open for peace talks, but Ukraine is not included yet.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned Hamas for a "cruel and malicious violation" of the ceasefire agreement after the militant group returned a body misidentified as that of Israeli mother Shiri Bibas. While the remains of her two sons, Ariel and Kfir, were correctly identified, the third body was found to be that of a Gazan woman. Netanyahu has vowed to intensify military operations against Hamas in response to this incident, which has further strained the fragile ceasefire and heightened tensions in the region. 

  The remains of four Israeli hostages, including Shiri Bibas and her two children, Ariel and Kfir, have been returned to Israel. Hamas claims they were killed in an Israeli airstrike. The United Nations rights chief condemned the public display of bodies in Gaza as a violation of international law. Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed sorrow and sought forgiveness for failing to protect citizens during the attack. Hamas has indicated readiness to release all remaining hostages if the Gaza ceasefire agreement advances to its second phase. Arab states have scheduled an emergency summit on March 4 to discuss post-war reconstruction in Gaza, opposing a US plan for the region. Additionally, regional Saudi meetings aim to consolidate an Arab response to the war and the US proposals.    

  Kashyap 'Kash' Patel has been confirmed as the ninth Director of the FBI, becoming the first person of Indian origin to hold the position. The US Senate approved his nomination by a 51-49 vote, following President Donald Trump's endorsement. Born to Gujarati parents in New York, Patel has a strong background in law and national security, having served as the National Security Advisor. At his Senate confirmation hearing, Patel expressed gratitude and committed to making the FBI "transparent, accountable, and committed to justice." He also shared personal experiences of racism during his youth.    

      Russian forces reclaimed over 800 sq km in Ukraine’s Kursk region, while Moscow launched an overnight drone attack, with 80 drones shot down and 78 lost. Russia also struck Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in Odesa for a second time, leaving parts without power.Russia's central bank denied involvement in US sanction discussions. The Kremlin criticized UK peacekeeping plans, labeling them a threat. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's remarks about President Trump and urged Ukraine to reconsider its stance on rare earth mineral deals with the US.    

  On February 20, 2025, the U.S. Senate narrowly confirmed Kash Patel as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with a 51-49 vote. Patel, a long-time ally of President Donald Trump, is expected to implement significant reforms within the FBI, aiming to reduce political biases and restore public trust. During his confirmation hearing, Patel addressed concerns about his previous statements on the January 6 Capitol riot, emphasizing his commitment to reforming the bureau rather than dismantling it. His appointment has sparked debate, with critics questioning his qualifications and potential political motivations.  

US President Donald Trump asserted that the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE—"broke up" after he threatened to impose 150% tariffs on their goods. Trump claimed that the BRICS countries sought to undermine the US dollar by creating a new currency, prompting him to warn of severe tariffs. He emphasized that he hasn't heard from the BRICS bloc since issuing this threat in February 2023. Trump's earlier warnings in January also included imposing tariffs if BRICS attempted to replace the dollar.  

  On February 21, 2025, multiple bus explosions rocked Central Israel, prompting authorities to label the incidents as a suspected terror attack. No casualties were reported, but additional explosives were found on two other buses, heightening concerns. Police discovered five similar bombs, all featuring timing devices. Following the explosions in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, authorities conducted thorough searches for further threats. Prime Minister Netanyahu scheduled a security meeting, coinciding with the return of hostages' bodies by Hamas. Investigations are underway to determine whether a single or multiple perpetrators were involved in the attacks.