The government of Madhya Pradesh, under Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, has announced plans to rename 54 villages in Dewas district, triggering widespread debate. Officials claim the move aims to “respect local sentiments” by replacing names associated with Muslim historical figures. However, critics argue that this is an attempt to fuel communal divisions and erase India’s pluralistic heritage. Many local residents have voiced their opposition to the decision, calling it unnecessary and divisive.

The United States has deported 113 undocumented Indian immigrants in its third phase of repatriation. On Sunday, February 16, their flight landed in Amritsar, Punjab. NDTV reported that among the deportees, 31 were from Punjab, 44 from Haryana, 33 from Gujarat, two from Uttar Pradesh, and one each from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. In previous phases, the US deported 104 and 116 individuals, many of whom were shackled during transit. However, it remains unclear whether similar measures were taken this time.

An earthquake shook India’s capital, New Delhi, early Monday morning at 5:36 AM. Residents rushed out of their homes in panic. The tremor measured 4.0 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter in Dhaula Kuan, Delhi, at a depth of five kilometers. Though the quake lasted only a few seconds, locals reported hearing a loud noise along with the tremors. Many claim they have not experienced such a quake in the past 25 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to remain calm and stay safe.

In February 2025, India Today conducted an opinion survey across eight northeastern states of India. The survey, titled India Today Mode of the Northeast, asked citizens their opinions on the Indian government’s decision to shelter Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The survey presented three main options. 23% of respondents expressed support for the notion that “Sheikh Hasina is an ally of India, and it is appropriate to shelter her.” On the contrary, 37.6% opposed it. A significant 55% of respondents stated, “In the current situation, to advance India’s relations with Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina should be sent back.” Meanwhile, 21.1% opposed this viewpoint. Only 16% of those surveyed suggested, “Sheikh Hasina should not be sent back to Bangladesh, but could be asked to go to another country,” while 29.1% disagreed.

In a controversial move, the United States has sent back a second batch of illegal Indian immigrants, with reports claiming their hands and feet were tied during the return. This follows a similar incident on February 5, sparking political outrage in India. Despite Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with President Trump, where he advocated for humane treatment of Indians, the U.S. continued its harsh deportation practice. Indian Congress leader P. Chidambaram criticized the failure of Indian diplomacy to prevent such actions.

A satirical cartoon depicting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with shackles on his hands and feet in front of U.S. President Donald Trump was published by Vikatan, a century-old weekly magazine in Tamil Nadu. The controversial illustration sparked a massive outcry, with allegations that the magazine’s website was blocked shortly after its release. According to a report by ABP Ananda, this incident came to light after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised objections against the magazine. The incident has raised concerns about the curtailment of press freedom in India. Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister has condemned the act. The cartoon was created in response to the issue of forcibly sending back illegal immigrants, symbolized by shackles on their hands and feet.

At least 18 people, including 11 women and 4 children, were killed in a stampede at Delhi Railway Station due to overwhelming crowds. Many others sustained injuries. According to an NDTV report on February 16, the situation spiraled out of control on two platforms as Kumbh Mela pilgrims overcrowded the station. Indian Railways has launched an investigation into the incident. Compensation of 1 million rupees for the deceased, 250,000 rupees for the injured, and 100,000 rupees for minor injuries has been announced.

As the U.S. tightens its immigration policies, another batch of 119 Indian nationals is being deported, following the return of 104 individuals earlier this month. The latest deportation flight is set to land in Amritsar, Punjab, tonight—just like the previous one. This has sparked outrage from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who accused the central government of treating illegal immigration as solely Punjab’s problem. He called it a national issue and criticized the decision to land deportation flights only in Punjab. Mann demanded that future flights land in Delhi or Ahmedabad to ensure Punjab’s dignity is upheld.

The US has tightened visa renewal rules for Indian applicants, making the process more complicated. The renewal period for B1 and B2 visas has been reduced from 48 months to 12 months, forcing applicants to renew more frequently. This change is expected to increase congestion at US embassies, making interview appointments harder to secure. Currently, the wait time for visa interviews in major Indian cities ranges from 415 to 440 days. These new restrictions will significantly extend the overall waiting period for US visas.

Renowned West Bengal singer Pratul Mukhopadhyay, best known for the song 'Ami Banglay Gaan Gai' (I Sing in Bengali), has passed away at the age of 83. He died on Saturday morning at SSKM Hospital, where he had been admitted since early January. After losing consciousness on February 11, he was moved to the ICU but could not recover. Some of his other popular songs include 'Charlie Chaplin' and 'Dinga Bhawsao Alu Becho.' Born in Barisal, Bangladesh, in 1942, he was known among Naxalites as ‘Sejda Comrade.’ His first solo album, 'Jete Hobe,' was released in 1994.

Former US President Donald Trump announced that India has agreed to purchase oil and gas from the United States. Following a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump stated that Washington and New Delhi would work together to counter the threat of 'Islamic extremism.' Trump also accused India of imposing higher tariffs on American products than any other country. Earlier, he had threatened a reciprocal tariff policy, warning that the US would impose tariffs at the same rate India does.

At least 10 people were killed, and 19 others injured in a collision between a bus and a car in Uttar Pradesh, India. According to NDTV, the victims were traveling to the Maha Kumbh Mela for a ritual bath at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh has directed authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and arrange relief efforts. Earlier, on January 29, a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela resulted in 30 deaths and 60 injuries. The event, which started on January 13, is set to conclude on February 26.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United States at the invitation of President Donald Trump, where several significant issues were discussed, including trade, immigration, and visa policies. Notable figures such as Elon Musk and top White House officials were present. While the discussion avoided sensitive topics like mutual tariff policies, human rights, and minority persecution, experts suggest that India’s role as a major trade partner and counter to China has reduced the importance of human rights concerns for the US. Trump mentioned that Modi had promised to reduce unreasonable tariffs, making it more difficult for American goods to enter the Indian market. Modi also expressed support for Trump’s MAGA movement, and both leaders agreed on a prisoner exchange. Modi also expressed support for Trump’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

During a bilateral meeting in Washington, former U.S. President Donald Trump was asked about alleged U.S. involvement in Bangladesh’s recent regime change. Trump denied any deep state role and passed the question to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, Modi avoided commenting on Bangladesh and instead spoke about Ukraine. The discussion follows the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government amid a student-led uprising, with Awami League accusing the Biden administration of interference—an allegation U.S. officials have repeatedly denied.

A member of India’s Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) opened fire on his colleagues in Manipur, killing two officers and injuring eight others before turning the gun on himself. The incident took place on Thursday, with the officer using a government-issued firearm. The wounded have been admitted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal. Authorities have not yet disclosed the motive behind the attack.