The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25% for the first time in nearly five years. Announcing the decision, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra projected India's GDP growth at 6.7% for 2025-26. Home loan interest rates are expected to decline, boosting the real estate sector. The central bank also forecasted CPI inflation at 4.2% for the next fiscal year. With global uncertainties persisting, the RBI will maintain a neutral monetary stance. Additionally, it launched a financial literacy campaign for women starting February 24 to enhance their role in economic decision-making.

Villagers in northern India are knitting massive sweaters to protect rescued elephants from the winter chill. The initiative, led by the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Center, helps 20 elephants previously abused in circuses and logging camps. "It's important to keep our elephants protected from the bitter cold," said Wildlife SOS co-founder Kartick Satyanarayan, noting their vulnerability to ailments like pneumonia. The colorful, hand-knit garments ensure the animals stay warm and healthy. This compassionate effort highlights India's commitment to wildlife welfare and conservation, providing comfort to the gentle giants during the harsh winter.

Salvador Dalí’s surrealist masterpieces are being exhibited in India for the first time. The showcase, curated by Christine Argillet, features over 200 original sketches, etchings, and watercolors at Delhi’s India Habitat Centre (Feb 7-13) and Masarrat Gallery (Feb 15-Mar 16). Dalí, fascinated by Indian mysticism, incorporated elements of India into his works, including elephants and temples. Notably, in 1967, he designed ashtrays for Air India in exchange for a baby elephant. “Dalí’s art reveals new meanings with every look,” Argillet said. The exhibition highlights his surrealist vision and artistic legacy.

104 Indians were deported from the US, revealing harrowing stories of deception by agents. Sukhpal Singh from Punjab paid ₹22 lakh, believing he’d get a work visa but was smuggled via Mexico. Harvinder Singh, a 45-year-old farmer, spent ₹45 lakh, was forced onto the "donkey route," and endured months of hardship. Both were detained, chained, and deported without explanation. Their ordeal highlights the dangers of illegal immigration and exploitation by fraudulent agents. Many deportees remain in shock, struggling to rebuild their lives. Authorities have registered cases against agents in Haryana under the Immigration Act.

The Indian Army ambushed Pakistan's Border Action Team (BAT) in the Krishna Ghati sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, killing 7 infiltrators, including 2-3 Pakistan Army personnel. The attack, foiled on the night of February 4-5, coincided with Pakistan's 'Kashmir Solidarity Day.' Sources suggest the infiltrators included Al-Badr terrorists. This incident comes as Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif spoke of dialogue while terror commanders held a meeting in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India maintains that Jammu and Kashmir will remain an integral part of the country and ties with Pakistan can improve only in a terror-free environment.

A fire broke out at the ISKCON camp in Sector 18, Maha Kumbh Mela Kshetra, Prayagraj, on Friday. Fire tenders were immediately dispatched, and the blaze was fully contained, officials said. Thick smoke caused panic among devotees, and over a dozen nearby camps suffered damage. DIG Vaibhav Krishna confirmed that no casualties were reported. This marks the third fire incident in the Kumbh Mela area, following a major blaze last month. Authorities are investigating the cause. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath had earlier directed officials to enhance safety measures.

Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena has ordered a probe into AAP's claim that BJP attempted to poach its candidates before the February 8 election results. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal alleged that 16 party candidates were offered ₹15 crore and ministerial posts to defect. Delhi Minister Atishi accused BJP of manipulating exit polls to create pressure. BJP dismissed the allegations as defamatory, prompting the probe by the Anti-Corruption Bureau. The investigation comes as Delhi awaits its Assembly election results, determining whether AAP retains power or BJP breaks its long electoral drought in the capital.

US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling its actions "illegitimate" after it issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a Hamas commander. The sanctions freeze assets and ban visas for those assisting ICC investigations into US or Israeli officials. The Netherlands, where the court is based, condemned the move, emphasizing its role in fighting impunity. This marks Trump's second ICC sanction after his 2020 measures over US war crime probes in Afghanistan. Critics warn the order could impact global justice efforts. Netanyahu praised Trump’s decision, calling the ICC’s actions “immoral.”

A Bering Air Cessna 208B with 10 people on board, including the pilot, went missing near Nome, Alaska, 39 minutes after takeoff from Unalakleet. Alaska’s Department of Public Safety is leading search operations, with local volunteers assisting on the ground. However, poor weather and visibility have forced a pause in aerial searches. The US Coast Guard is scanning the area, while ground teams have searched from Nome to Topkok. Authorities have urged residents not to conduct private searches due to safety concerns. The fate of the passengers remains unknown as efforts continue amid challenging conditions.

The UK is set for a cold spell, with temperatures dropping to -7°C in rural Scotland. The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow cold health alerts for parts of northern and southeastern England from February 7 to 11. A blocked weather pattern over Scandinavia is bringing easterly winds, causing below-average daytime temperatures and strong wind chills. Some areas in the South and East may see light snow on Saturday and Monday. While this isn’t a "Beast from the East" event, the cold snap is expected to last through next week. Authorities advise caution against frost and icy conditions.