A special POCSO court in Prayagraj has ordered the police to register an FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciple over sexual exploitation allegations. This directive follows a complaint filed by Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj. The move occurs amidst ongoing controversy surrounding Swami Avimukteshwaranand, including a recent protest over being prevented from a ritual dip at Sangam.

BJP workers protested Rahul Gandhi in Mumbai with black flags following an Indian Youth Congress demonstration at the AI Summit in New Delhi. IYC workers, protesting against Prime Minister Modi, were detained after briefly disrupting the summit. BJP leaders accused Congress and Rahul Gandhi of orchestrating the disruption.

Speaking in the assembly, Omar urged legislators “not to politicise every issue” and clarified that the Feb 18 order was issued by the Kishtwar deputy commissioner (DC) after consulting religious leaders as a safety measure to check donation deceptions. “We shouldn’t mix religion with politics. Some matters require dialogue and understanding at the local level rather than political confrontation,” Omar said.

Army and Rajouri Police recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including an AK-47, during a search operation in Sunderbani sector. The recovery followed a foiled infiltration bid, with heavily bloodstained tracks suggesting injured terrorists. Operations continue with heightened vigilance.

Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi's Australia visit from Feb 16-19 focused on enhancing army-to-army cooperation. Discussions with senior defence leaders reviewed joint exercises, professional education exchanges, and interoperability, deepening strategic alignment. The visit also emphasized strengthening the bilateral Army Exercise AUSTRAHIND.

An Iran-linked oil tanker, seized by the Indian Coast Guard, spent days in Pakistan's maritime boundary with its tracking systems off. The vessel, along with two others, was apprehended for alleged illegal oil smuggling and forgery. Investigations revealed ship-to-ship transfers of fuel and bitumen without informing authorities.

The Indian Youth Congress staged a shirtless protest at the AI Summit, calling the Prime Minister «compromised» and highlighting the anger of unemployed youth. The group stated their demonstration was against perceived compromises on national interests. The protest drew sharp criticism from the BJP, accusing the Congress of attempting to humiliate India.

​​India was among more than 100 countries and international organisations that condemned Israel's ongoing efforts to consolidate control over the West Bank in a joint statement at the UN, saying such measures violated international law and undermined the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the region. India endorsed the statement late on Wednesday, just before the deadline for joint condemnation lapsed.

Calling Rahul Gandhi a «traitor,» a protesting BJP Yuva Morcha leader, who was being bundled into a van, said, «This shows their ideology against the country. If you want to protest, protest the policies. They have protested against their own country.» In a statement, the Indian Youth Congress said its workers were protesting against a «compromised Prime Minister who has traded the identity of the country at the Al Summit».

BJP has accused the Congress of disrupting the AI Impact Summit to damage India's global image, alleging the protest was directed by Rahul Gandhi. Youth Congress workers staged a demonstration, raising slogans against the Prime Minister, leading to detentions. BJP leaders condemned the act as an attempt to embarrass India on the world stage.

Union home minister Amit Shah accused the Congress of leaving Assam's borders open to infiltrators, aiming to alter the state's demographics. He contrasted this with the BJP government's efforts under CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, who he stated cleared vast lands occupied by infiltrators. Shah also highlighted the BJP's infrastructure development achievements in Assam.

As Kerala gears up for the 2026 elections, the future of the Left beyond chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan is a pressing concern. Despite his strong leadership, the absence of a clear successor and the need to connect with a new generation of voters pose significant challenges for the LDF's continued relevance and its status as India's sole communist-governed state.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, stating he is «rattled» by MP Gaurav Gogoi and resorting to personal attacks and «politics of polarization.» She asserted that Sarma's targeting of Gogoi and his family stems from the Congress leader pursuing the «politics of love» and walking the «right path.»

Rahul Gandhi appeared in a Sultanpur court on Friday for a 2018 criminal defamation case concerning remarks allegedly made about Amit Shah during the Karnataka Assembly elections. The case, filed by a BJP leader, accuses Gandhi of calling Shah an «accused in a murder case,» a statement Gandhi denies as politically motivated.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor hinted at an upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump, emphasizing growing AI and semiconductor cooperation. India's signing of the Pax Silica Declaration, alongside US officials, signifies a pivotal moment for bilateral ties, fostering collaboration in advanced technologies among trusted nations.

India attended the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace on Gaza as an observer. The US committed $10 billion to the board, which aims for redevelopment and lasting peace in Gaza, though India has not joined as a member.