During a meeting in Muscat with Bangladesh’s foreign affairs adviser Tawhid Hossain, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized certain Bangladeshi political figures for their contradictory stance. He pointed out that while some blame India for internal issues, they simultaneously seek strong bilateral relations. He stated that Dhaka must decide what kind of relationship it wants with New Delhi. Jaishankar also expressed concerns over communal violence in Bangladesh, reminding them of India’s role in 1971.

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck Kolkata and Odisha on Tuesday morning, with mild tremors felt in Dhaka due to its proximity. Reports from Live Mint indicate that the earthquake’s epicenter was in the Bay of Bengal, 91 kilometers below the surface. The Hindustan Times reported that the quake was felt at 6:10 AM. No casualties or damages have been reported so far. A separate earthquake of magnitude 3.7 was also recorded in Himachal Pradesh the same day.

Kangana Ranaut has criticized Bollywood for distorting the traditional concept of marriage. In response to the film Mrs., where a woman sacrifices her dreams for her in-laws, Kangana objected to the portrayal of joint families and housewives being compared to paid workers. She emphasized that marriage is not only about personal attention but also about supporting the elderly and newborns. Kangana argued that marriage should be about fulfilling one’s duties, as per traditional values, and that Bollywood films have tarnished this concept.

According to Indian media outlet NDTV, a tragic accident occurred in Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh, on Monday when a jeep returning from the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela collided with a bus. The crash resulted in six fatalities and left two others critically injured. The victims were residents of Karnataka. District Collector Deepak Saxena stated that the jeep driver lost control, hitting a road divider and a tree before veering onto the highway’s opposite lane, where it collided with an oncoming bus. All six passengers in the jeep died on the spot.

Speaking at an event at Delhi University on Saturday, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar expressed concern over allegations made by the Trump administration regarding USAID. He stated that while USAID was originally allowed to operate in good faith, recent disclosures by Trump officials raise serious concerns. “It appears that certain individuals have been actively shaping a particular narrative,” Jaishankar remarked. The Indian government is currently investigating the matter. Previously, the U.S. had canceled a $21 million grant meant to influence Indian voters ahead of upcoming elections.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to auction $10 billion through a three-year currency swap to address the banking sector’s liquidity crisis. This initiative, starting February 28, aims to inject approximately 870 billion rupees into the system. Analysts suggest it may also signal a shift in RBI’s forex policy. Despite a recent repo rate cut, cash shortages persist. The RBI has already infused 3.6 trillion rupees into banks, but further measures are needed as the liquidity deficit reaches 1.7 trillion rupees.

Breaking a 90-year-old tradition, the Assam government under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has removed the two-hour break for Friday prayers during state assembly sessions. Muslim legislators in Assam were denied the usual Friday prayer break for the first time. The chief minister justified the move, stating that work should take precedence over tradition. This practice was introduced in 1937 by Syed Saadulla of the Muslim League. Earlier, the state government formed a seven-member team to assess the need for the break. AIUDF legislator Rafiqul Islam condemned the decision, calling it an injustice imposed by the majority on the minority. Meanwhile, the Congress party has demanded designated prayer spaces nearby.

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly narrowly escaped a road accident. While traveling to Bardhaman for an event, a truck rear-ended his car. Fortunately, neither Ganguly nor his companions were injured, though two of his escort vehicles were damaged. This marks the second accident in his family, as his daughter Sana was also involved in a crash in January when a bus hit her car.

Rekha Gupta, MLA from Shalimar Bagh, has been selected as the Chief Minister of Delhi by the BJP. Her name was announced on Wednesday evening in front of the party legislators as the parliamentary leader. She will take the oath along with her cabinet members at Ramlila Maidan. Representing the Banik community, Gupta was previously a leader of ABVP. Notably, she became the Chief Minister in her very first term as an MLA. After 27 years, BJP has regained power in Delhi with 48 seats, while Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured only 22 seats.

In a recent interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that India would not be exempt from Washington’s reciprocal tariff policies.

Trump revealed that he had told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “We are going to implement reciprocal tariffs. Whatever you impose on us, we will impose the same on you.” When Modi expressed his disapproval, Trump reaffirmed his stance.

India has historically imposed high tariffs on imported American goods, particularly in the automobile sector, where duties can reach up to 100%. During the interview, Trump boldly asserted, “No one can argue with me. If they impose tariffs, I will impose the same amount!”

Costa Rica has announced it will offer a temporary place for Indian immigrants being deported from the United States. Around 200 immigrants from the Middle East and India will be relocated there. Panama and Guatemala had previously taken similar steps. Costa Rica stated that they are willing to accommodate the illegal immigrants being deported by the U.S., with the country’s president’s office making the official announcement. Temporary camps will be set up for them, but it has not yet been confirmed when they will return to their home countries.

Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, arrived in India for a two-day visit, receiving an exceptional welcome from Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Delhi Airport on Monday. Breaking usual protocol, Modi personally greeted the Emir, emphasizing the strong ties between the two nations. Sheikh Tamim is set to meet President Droupadi Murmu and Modi on Tuesday. India’s Foreign Ministry stated that this visit will further enhance diplomatic and economic cooperation. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met the Emir on Monday night.

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.