A $1.9 billion error made by the Biden administration has been rectified by DOGE, a government efficiency department led by Elon Musk. The funds, misallocated within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), were recovered and are now available for other uses. HUD Secretary Scott Turner worked alongside DOGE to ensure the de-obligation of the funds. DOGE's efforts also led to the cancellation of questionable grants and identified significant savings, demonstrating a commitment to responsible government spending.

After being deported from the US, 117 illegal immigrants arrived at Amritsar airport, sharing their distressing experience of being shackled and handcuffed during their 66-hour journey. Most deportees, including men, expressed resentment over the restraints, though some acknowledged they were for safety reasons due to fragile emotional states. Many of the deportees, including Mandeep and Mantaj, faced depression and hopelessness. The Indian government has been engaging with US authorities to ensure deportees' treatment is respectful, as per the US standard procedure for deportation since 2012, which includes the use of restraints.

At Bharat Tex 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence in tripling India's textile exports from the current ₹3 lakh crore to ₹9 lakh crore ahead of the 2030 deadline. He highlighted India's position as the world's sixth-largest textile exporter and credited the sector’s growth to decade-long policy consistency and increased foreign investments, which have doubled in the period. Modi emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening textile manufacturing, boosting employment, and enhancing global competitiveness. This ambitious target aligns with India's broader economic vision of becoming a global leader in textile exports.  

In a candid response, Pakistan's vice-captain addressed the question of whether defeating India holds more significance than winning the ICC Champions Trophy. He emphasized that while the rivalry with India is intense, the primary goal remains to secure the Champions Trophy title. He stated, "Our focus is on winning the tournament; any match, including against India, is part of that objective." This perspective underscores the team's commitment to the broader championship rather than individual rivalries.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has canceled a $21 million grant aimed at boosting voter turnout in India, citing a reduction in wasteful spending. Other cuts include $29 million for political strengthening in Bangladesh and $40 million for a gender equality hub. BJP has criticized the move, calling it external interference in India's elections. This aligns with DOGE's mission to eliminate unnecessary government expenses, though its actions have raised concerns about transparency and Musk's influence over public funds.

The Punjab Police's Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested an immigration agent in connection with a complaint from a U.S. deportee. This marks the first arrest following allegations from individuals deported from the U.S. The SIT, led by ADGP NRI Affairs Praveen Sinha, is investigating complaints from deportees who were defrauded by travel agents. The team has recorded statements of deportees and registered FIRs against fraudulent travel agents. DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav urged citizens to come forward with information to help arrest the culprits.

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to commence on March 22, 2025, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. The season will feature 74 matches over 65 days, culminating in the final on May 25 at the same venue. Eden Gardens will also host Qualifier 2 on May 23. Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator are scheduled for May 20 and 21, respectively, at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Matches will be held across 13 cities, including Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Dharamsala, with 12 double-headers planned. Afternoon games will start at 3:30 PM IST, while evening matches are slated for 7:30 PM IST. Notably, KKR and Delhi Capitals have yet to announce their captains for the season. 

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has stepped down as CEO to focus on research and development, appointing co-founder Shailesh Kumar Davey as the new group CEO. Vembu emphasized the need for Indian tech companies to prioritize sustainable growth over short-term valuations, aiming for $100 billion in revenue to drive economic progress. He also advocated for India's self-reliance across various sectors, warning against over-specialization. Additionally, Vembu called for stricter safety measures in adventure sports following the tragic death of a young entrepreneur in a paragliding accident.

On February 17, 2025, a 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker carried out a stabbing attack in Villach, Austria, killing a 14-year-old boy and injuring five others. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner confirmed the attack was linked to the Islamic State (IS) group, stating the suspect was radicalized online in a short time. A delivery worker intervened to prevent further casualties. The attack has reignited debates over Austria’s asylum laws, with the far-right Freedom Party demanding stricter immigration controls. Authorities continue investigations as political leaders consider potential changes in governance amid ongoing tensions.

On February 16, 2025, a US military aircraft carrying 157 Indian deportees landed at Amritsar's Shri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport. This marks the third group repatriated under the Trump administration's intensified crackdown on illegal immigration. The majority of these individuals are from Haryana. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has expressed concerns over Amritsar being used as a deportation hub, emphasizing the city's cultural and religious significance. Earlier deportations included 104 individuals on February 5 and 117 on February 15. Reports indicate that deportees were handcuffed during transit, prompting condemnation from various political parties and organizations.