Rekha Gupta has been chosen as Delhi’s new chief minister by the BJP. She will take oath on February 20 at Ramlila Maidan. This marks the BJP’s return to power in Delhi after 27 years. Gupta, a former student leader and long-time BJP member, has risen through the party ranks. She is a first-time MLA and has strong ties to the RSS. Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory for the oath-taking event. The BJP has congratulated Gupta on her new role, and preparations are underway for the ceremony.

Nearly 300 migrants, including Indians, are stuck in a Panama hotel after being deported from the U.S. Many held signs reading "Help" and "We are not safe in our country." The migrants come from 10 countries, including Iran, Nepal, and China. Panama is acting as a stopover, as the U.S. cannot deport them directly. Security Minister Frank Abrego said they are receiving food and medical care. Over 170 have agreed to return home, while others are seeking third-country relocation. Those who refuse to leave may be moved to a remote facility in Darien province.

  Rekha Gupta will take oath as the next Chief Minister of Delhi, with Parvesh Verma as Deputy CM. This follows the BJP's sweeping victory in the February 5 Assembly elections, ending the AAP's decade-long rule. Gupta will replace Atishi and lead the new BJP government, which secured 48 out of 70 seats. A grand oath ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow at Ramlila Maidan, attended by top BJP leaders and celebrities. The BJP government has promised several welfare schemes, including financial assistance for women, senior citizens, and free healthcare initiatives.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath dismissed concerns about water pollution at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Speaking in the assembly, he said, "Misinformation is being spread that Kumbh water quality is deteriorating. Kumbh water is absolutely fine to take a dip." His statement came after the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported high faecal coliform levels in the Sangam, making the water unsafe for bathing. Adityanath assured that the UP Pollution Control Board is monitoring cleanliness. The CPCB report had raised concerns about sewage contamination, but the CM insisted that the water remains safe.

During the Pakistan vs New Zealand match in Karachi, the Indian flag was seen flying in the stadium. This came after a controversy over missing flags of non-participating teams at Pakistan venues. Fans had mixed reactions. Some Indian supporters took to social media to troll Pakistan, while Pakistani fans said it showed their sportsmanship. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) earlier said only flags of teams playing in Pakistan were raised. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) responded, saying all participant nations’ flags should be displayed. The Champions Trophy 2025 is being played in a hybrid format.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will announce Delhi’s new chief minister today. A meeting of BJP’s elected MLAs will decide the leader. The swearing-in ceremony is set for February 20 at Ramlila Maidan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top leaders will attend. Security has been tightened, with over 25,000 personnel deployed. Traffic restrictions are in place to manage the crowd. Reports suggest a woman MLA could be chosen as CM. The final decision will be made after discussions with the party’s leadership. Preparations for the grand event are in full swing.

On February 16, 2025, the Foundation of Indian-Americans (FIA) New England honored Saurabh Dwivedi, Editor-in-Chief of The Lallantop, for his outstanding contributions to quality journalism. The event, held in Quincy, Boston, highlighted Dwivedi's impact on media and the launch of his new initiative, Pragyan, aimed at supporting research scholars and fostering collaborative intellectual efforts. He also shared a list of 20 books that shaped his career. The gathering included notable Indian-American community members, reinforcing the importance of journalism and intellectual discourse in strengthening diaspora connections

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina recently shared insights into the key tactical moves that led to India’s unbeaten victory in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. He credited the decision to promote Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan as openers, a move that provided stability and aggressive starts. Raina also praised MS Dhoni’s strategic brilliance, particularly his field placements, use of the DRS, and trust in all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. He highlighted how these decisions played a crucial role in India’s success, proving to be masterstrokes that shaped the title-winning campaign.  

In her address to the state legislature, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel announced that over the past eight years, the state has received investment proposals totaling approximately ₹45 lakh crore, with more than ₹15 lakh crore already implemented. These investments have generated employment for over 60 lakh youth. The Governor highlighted significant infrastructure developments, including the operationalization of four major expressways—Yamuna, Agra-Lucknow, Purvanchal, and Bundelkhand—and ongoing construction of the Ganga Expressway and Gorakhpur Link Expressway. She also noted progress in the UP Defence Industrial Corridor, attracting investments of ₹9,500 crore across its various nodes.   

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticized the handling of the recent Maha Kumbh Mela, referring to it as 'Mrityu Kumbh' (Death Kumbh) due to incidents of stampede. She claimed that authorities have concealed the actual number of fatalities to downplay the severity of the situation. Official reports indicate that at least 30 people died and 60 were injured in a stampede in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj last month, with an additional 18 fatalities occurring during a recent stampede at an overcrowded New Delhi railway station. Banerjee emphasized that under the current administration, the sacred gathering has transformed into a tragic event.