Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made digital history by becoming the first world leader and serving politician to surpass 100 million followers on Instagram — a milestone no other global head of government has reached. Joining the platform in 2014, Modi’s account has grown into one of the most engaging political profiles worldwide, with a following more than double that of US President Donald Trump. The combined follower count of the next five top global leaders still doesn’t match his total, highlighting his vast digital reach. This achievement underscores the rising importance of social media in modern political communication and global public engagement. (PC: X)

Ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s official visit to India, Ottawa has publicly stated that it no longer believes India is connected to violent crimes on Canadian soil — a marked shift from its predecessor’s stance amid years of diplomatic strain. Canadian officials said there is now “robust diplomatic engagement” and expressed confidence that alleged foreign interference or repression linked to India is not continuing. The move comes as Carney prepares to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen economic, security and strategic ties after tensions following the 2023 killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which had sparked a significant bilateral row. (PC: PTI)

Reeling from a heavy 76-run loss to South Africa, India’s T20 World Cup Super 8 campaign is on the brink as they must beat Zimbabwe in Chennai to stay alive for the semifinals. Despite the pressure of being in unfamiliar territory and needing victories in all remaining matches, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak says the team won’t panic and will stick to its aggressive brand of cricket while making strategic tweaks to the batting order. Calm training sessions and belief in their temperament are central to India’s approach as they aim to bounce back. (PC: PTI)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached Anil Ambani’s luxury Mumbai residence, ‘Abode’, valued at about ₹3,716 crore, in Pali Hill under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The action forms part of an ongoing probe linked to alleged bank fraud and money-laundering involving his group company Reliance Communications Ltd (RCOM), where loans totalling ₹40,185 crore turned non-performing. Earlier, part of the property was already attached for ₹473 crore, and with this order total seized assets now exceed around ₹15,700 crore. Ambani is expected to appear before the ED for further questioning. (PC: File)

A high-tension standoff unfolded in Shimla after Delhi Police arrested three Indian Youth Congress (IYC) activists linked to a shirtless protest at the AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi on 20 February. As the Delhi Police team tried to take the trio to New Delhi on transit remand, local Himachal Pradesh Police repeatedly detained them near Shoghi and Kanlog, alleging the arrests were made without proper procedure and filing a kidnapping FIR. Both forces clashed over documentation and authority into the wee hours, with repeated stops and demands for evidence handover. The incident spotlighted sharp inter-state police tensions, procedural disputes and broader political controversy around the protest. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset during his official visit to Israel. In his speech, Modi reaffirmed India’s strong support against terrorism and highlighted expanding cooperation in defence, agriculture, innovation, and technology. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warmly praised Modi, calling him “more than a friend, a brother,” and referenced the famous “Modi hug” as a symbol of deep bilateral ties. Modi was also honoured with the Speaker’s Medal, marking a significant milestone in strengthening India-Israel relations. (PC: NDTV)

Four men were killed after a US-registered speedboat clashed with Cuban border forces off the northern coast of Cuba on Tuesday. Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior said the boat entered its territorial waters near Villa Clara province.   According to officials, the people on board opened fire when officers moved to intercept the vessel. A Cuban patrol commander was wounded. Border forces returned fire, killing four people on the boat. Six others were injured and given medical treatment.   Cuba described those killed as “aggressors”. Authorities said investigations are ongoing. There was no immediate comment from US officials. (PC: X, India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Israeli Parliament and highlighted strong ties between the two countries. He said he “was born on the day India formally recognised Israel, September 17, 1950.”   Modi expressed condolences over the October 7 Hamas attack. “We feel your pain, we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly,” he said. He also recalled the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and stressed a policy of “zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards.”   Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Modi. During the visit, Modi laid a wreath and met children waving Indian and Israeli flags. (PC: X/@narendramodi)

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates addressed his past meetings with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a staff town hall at the Gates Foundation. The foundation said he “spoke candidly” and “took responsibility for his actions.”   According to The Wall Street Journal, Gates told employees, “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.” He called it a “huge mistake to spend time with Epstein” and said he “never spent any time with victims.”   Gates said he met Epstein in 2011 and did not properly check his background. He denied any improper conduct linked to Epstein. (PC: BBC)

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi shared a video of his meeting with Uttarakhand gym trainer Deepak Kumar, also known as Mohammad Deepak. Deepak had confronted a mob in Kotdwar on January 26 after it objected to a Muslim shopkeeper’s store name.   In the video, Gandhi said, “Those who try to spread hate and intimidate society are, in truth, cowards—never fear them.” Speaking to Deepak’s mother on phone, he added, “Do not be worried; these people are cowards, they won’t do anything.”   Deepak said he used the name “Mohammad Deepak” to show he is “Hindu, Muslim, Sikh as well as Christian.” (PC: The Indian Express)