The Congress party has called for the postponement of the meeting to select the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), scheduled on February 17, 2025, until the Supreme Court's ruling on February 19 regarding the constitution of the selection committee. Congress leaders claim the government's exclusion of the Chief Justice from the panel signals an intent to control the Election Commission. As Rajiv Kumar is set to retire, Gyanesh Kumar will assume the position of senior-most election commissioner, with his tenure lasting until 2029. The government recently formed a search committee to streamline CEC selection.    

The Indian flag was absent from the roof of Karachi’s National Stadium before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, causing a stir on social media. Fans speculated that India’s matches would be played in Dubai, leading to the flag's omission. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) clarified that the ICC had instructed only four flags (the event authority, host nation, and the two competing teams) to be displayed on match days. India and Pakistan will compete in Group A, with their much-anticipated clash on February 23, 2025. India will play their opening match against Bangladesh on February 20.  

Saudi Arabia is hosting key Trump administration talks on Ukraine, highlighting its rising global influence. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit signals renewed warmth between Washington and Riyadh, reversing tensions from the Khashoggi fallout. The Kingdom has strategically deepened ties with Russia and China while maintaining US relations. Trump seeks a Saudi-Israel peace deal but faces resistance over Gaza. Riyadh rejected Trump’s proposal to remove Palestinians, instead advocating a two-state solution. Saudi Arabia’s growing diplomatic role underscores its ambition to shape global affairs.

A Goa court sentenced 31-year-old Vikas Bhagat to life imprisonment for the 2017 rape and murder of 28-year-old Irish-British tourist Danielle McLaughlin. Bhagat, who befriended McLaughlin during her visit, later murdered her after spending time together. Her body was discovered in a forested area in South Goa. The court imposed a fine of ₹25,000 for the crime and ₹10,000 for evidence destruction. The victim's family expressed gratitude for the justice delivered and acknowledged the thorough investigation. Bhagat will serve concurrent sentences for his crimes.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has expressed support for President Trump’s controversial Gaza plan, which involves relocating Palestinians from Gaza to reshape the region under U.S. control. Despite widespread criticism, Netanyahu views the proposal as the only solution for the future. Meanwhile, Israel received a shipment of heavy MK-84 bombs from the U.S., which were initially blocked by President Biden. The arms deal underscores Trump's "peace through strength" philosophy. As ceasefire talks continue, Israel’s security cabinet is preparing for the next phase, which involves further negotiations on hostages and a potential lasting truce.

Egypt, in collaboration with the World Bank, is developing a reconstruction plan for Gaza that excludes Hamas from governance. The initiative aims to establish a social or community support committee to oversee the process, with Arab nations like the UAE and Qatar prepared to fund the reconstruction, provided Gaza residents can remain in the region. The planned reconstruction is expected to take 3-5 years. However, security guarantees for Israel remain unresolved, as no Arab country is willing to deploy troops without Israel outlining a clear path to a Palestinian state.

Two Goan migrants, who attempted to reach the United States via the perilous 'Dunki route,' have shared their harrowing experiences. They were robbed, tortured, detained, and ultimately deported back to India. The 'Dunki route' involves traversing multiple countries, including Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico, to enter the U.S. illegally. This journey exposes migrants to significant dangers, including exploitation by human traffickers and harsh conditions. Despite the risks, many continue to undertake this treacherous path, driven by the hope of a better life in the U.S.

Russia has dismissed Europe’s role in Ukraine peace talks as European leaders gather in Paris for an emergency summit. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Europe wants the war to continue and should not be part of negotiations. He is set to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also in Saudi Arabia but says he is not involved in the US-Russia talks. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Britain is ready to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine when the war ends.

A severe winter storm has hit the US, causing deadly floods and extreme cold. At least 10 people died, including a mother and child in Kentucky. Roads are closed, and officials warn of historic damage. The National Weather Service predicts more freezing temperatures in the coming days. Northeastern Montana could see -42.7°C, with wind chills reaching -51°C. North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota remain under extreme cold warnings. Avalanche warnings are in place for the Rocky Mountains. Officials urge people to stay indoors as frostbite can occur within minutes in these conditions.

A new FIR has been filed against YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, and others for remarks made on the show India’s Got Latent. The complaint was lodged by the Jai Rajputana Sangh in Jaipur. The case includes sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. YouTube has also removed the episode featuring Allahbadia, Raina, and Apoorva Mukhija. This is the second FIR against them in connection to the show. The controversy has sparked debates online, with many criticising the remarks while others defend the creators’ freedom of speech.