Elon Musk denied leading a "hostile takeover" of the U.S. government as President Donald Trump signed an order empowering Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) to cut 30% of the federal workforce. Critics, including Democrats, accused Musk of undermining democracy, while Trump claimed the move would eliminate $1 trillion in wasteful spending. Musk defended the cuts as "common sense" and necessary for solvency. Courts have temporarily blocked some of Doge’s efforts, including USAID staff reductions. A CBS poll showed Republican support for Musk's policies, though 66% of Americans want Trump to prioritize lowering prices.

Turkey has issued a warning against bootleg alcohol after 103 people died from poisoning in Ankara and Istanbul since January. Authorities reported 230 hospitalizations, with 40 in critical condition. The rise in illegal alcohol sales follows increased taxes under President Tayyip Erdogan’s government, making legitimate alcohol unaffordable for many. Police have arrested 24 suspects and seized over 86,000 liters of smuggled alcohol. Istanbul’s governor has enforced stricter regulations, including mandatory shop cameras and license suspensions. This crisis follows similar methanol-related deaths in Laos, where six tourists, including an American and a British backpacker, lost their lives.

Mumbai Police questioned influencer Apoorva Mukhija after she arrived at Khar police station regarding Ranveer Allahbadia’s remarks on Samay Raina’s show, ‘India’s Got Latent.’ Allahbadia’s controversial statements led to an FIR, summoning 30 past guests. Assam Police also launched a probe into the case, targeting Allahbadia, Raina, Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Mukhija. The Maharashtra Cyber Department has registered complaints against 30-40 people linked to the show. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned Allahbadia and others, with a hearing scheduled for February 17. The controversy continues to escalate.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were originally meant to stay only 8-10 days in space, have been stuck for over eight months following their flight aboard Boeing's Starliner. The mission got postponed, and the astronauts were in a dilemma. In a recent twist, NASA announced that they would be flying back to Earth aboard a previously flown SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule as part of the Crew-10 mission to the ISS. This is a significant switch, as the Crew Dragon would be utilized to bring back the astronauts after their extended stay in space.  

Ahead of Prime Minister Modi's US visit, Mumbai Police received a terror threat on February 11, warning of a potential attack on his aircraft. The call, made to the police control room, prompted immediate investigation. The suspect, arrested from Chembur, is reportedly mentally ill. This is not the first such threat; similar warnings were received last December, including claims of a bomb plot involving alleged ISI agents. Authorities continue to investigate and ensure safety measures for the prime minister's travel. PM Modi is currently on a four-day official visit to France and the US.  

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has assured the Indian Air Force (IAF) that deliveries of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets will begin soon after resolving technical issues. This comes after Air Chief Marshal AP Singh expressed "no confidence" in HAL over delays. The IAF, which ordered 83 jets in 2021, has been awaiting their induction to enhance combat capabilities. HAL Chairman DK Sunil acknowledged concerns, attributing delays to technical challenges rather than inefficiency. The issue gained attention during the Aero India show in Bengaluru, where the Air Chief's remarks sparked discussions on HAL’s performance.

Prime Minister Modi is set to visit Washington for a 36-hour trip, where he will stay at Blair House, directly across from the White House. He will meet President Trump to discuss strategic issues, including trade and tariffs. The visit will feature six bilateral meetings, culminating in a private dinner. Notably, there will be no engagements with the US Congress due to the short duration. Despite differences over tariffs, both sides are expected to focus on larger strategic matters, with Modi becoming the fourth foreign leader to meet Trump since his re-election.

NASA has activated emergency measures as asteroid 2024 YRF’s chance of hitting Earth on December 22, 2032, rises to 2.3%. Estimated between 40-90 meters wide, the asteroid could unleash energy equivalent to 15 megatons of TNT. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will conduct observations in March and May to refine its trajectory and impact risk. The International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) warns of “severe blast damage” in a potential collision. Scientists are assessing planetary defense options, including deflection strategies. The asteroid was first spotted by NASA’s ATLAS station in Chile last December.

Lakhs of devotees took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj for Maghi Purnima, marking the fourth bathing event at Maha Kumbh 2025. The sacred bath also concludes the month-long Kalpavas, with 10 lakh Kalpvasis set to leave. Authorities enforced no-vehicle zones and deployed 1,200 additional buses to manage crowds. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath monitored the situation, extending wishes to devotees. “May Maa Ganga bless all,” he tweeted. Over 45 crore pilgrims have bathed at Sangam since January 13. The final Amrit Snan will take place on February 26.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the final day of his France visit, inaugurated India’s second consulate in Marseille and paid tribute to Indian soldiers at the Mazargues War Cemetery. He and French President Emmanuel Macron visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a key nuclear fusion collaboration. Modi highlighted India-France ties, recalling freedom fighter Veer Savarkar’s connection to the city. His three-day visit included the AI Action Summit, diplomatic meetings, and engagements with the Indian diaspora. “Our partnership continues to strengthen,” Modi stated.