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.

US President Donald Trump revealed he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the Ukraine war, claiming Putin “wants to see people stop dying.” Trump said he instructed National Security Advisor Mike Waltz to initiate meetings, while Vice President JD Vance will meet Ukraine’s Zelenskyy in Munich. Trump proposed a $500M deal for Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals in exchange for security guarantees. Zelenskyy expressed openness to negotiations but stressed Ukraine’s need for protection. Putin remains unwilling to engage directly with Zelenskyy. Trump reiterated that the war "never would have happened" if he was president in 2022.

The BJP secured a majority in Delhi after 26 years, winning 48 of 70 assembly seats, while AAP managed 22. Congress failed to win any seats. Arvind Kejriwal lost to BJP’s Parvesh Verma by over 4,000 votes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the victory, saying, “Delhi’s mandate has made it clear that there’s no space for corruption.” The BJP last held Delhi in 1998, with Sushma Swaraj’s 52-day tenure. AAP’s dominance since 2013 ended after 12 years. Analysts cite anti-corruption sentiment and strategic caste-religion outreach as key factors in BJP’s victory.

The Trump administration announced a $4 billion cut in indirect costs for biomedical research grants, capping them at 15%, down from the current 30%. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) justified the move, stating funds should prioritize direct scientific research. Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency, claimed universities were misusing funds. Scientists warn the cuts will hinder research, slow medical advancements, and force lab closures. The Association of American Medical Colleges criticized the decision, while lawsuits against the cuts are expected. Critics argue it aligns with Project 2025’s conservative policy agenda.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocked Congress after BJP's landslide victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, calling its repeated losses a "double hat-trick of zeros." Congress has failed to win a single seat in the last six elections—three Assembly (2015, 2020, 2025) and three Lok Sabha (2014, 2019, 2024) polls. Speaking at BJP headquarters, Modi accused Congress of being a "parjeevi" (parasite) party that weakens its allies. BJP secured 48 of 70 seats, while AAP won 22. "The country doesn’t trust Congress anymore," he said. Congress, once dominant in Delhi, continues its electoral downfall.

Meta is set to lay off 3,600 employees next week. The notices will go out from Monday at 5 am in most countries, including the US. Employees in Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands will be exempt due to local laws. The layoffs target 5% of Meta’s "lowest performers." Unlike previous layoffs, Meta offices will remain open. The company is also speeding up hiring for machine learning engineers and other key roles. The process will continue until March 13. Meta aims to align its workforce with its 2025 priorities.