Kshatriya Karni Sena chief Raj Shekhawat issued a stern warning to filmmakers, threatening to confront them at their homes in Mumbai over movies allegedly targeting «Sanatan Dharma» and hurting religious sentiments. The group specifically objected to «Yadav Ji Ki Love Story» and «Ghooskhor Pandat,» accusing filmmakers of disrespecting faith and social groups.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that a statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be replaced by one of C Rajagopalachari, India's first governor-general. This move signifies the nation's departure from colonial symbols and embrace of Indian heritage. The unveiling of Rajagopalachari's statue is scheduled for February 23rd

A Delhi court has remanded four Indian Youth Congress workers to five-day police custody, deeming their protest at the AI Impact Summit-2026 a «blatant assault on public order» that harmed India's diplomatic image. The activists wore provocative T-shirts, chanted slogans, and assaulted police personnel, raising concerns about potential external conspiracies and absconding associates.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva was touched by India's musical tribute during his state visit, recalling a similar gesture he made for PM Modi in Brazil. The visit saw both leaders aiming to boost bilateral trade to $20 billion in five years and signing agreements on rare earth minerals, digital partnership, and mining cooperation.

Eight individuals with alleged links to Pakistan's ISI and Bangladesh-based extremist groups were apprehended in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Intelligence reports indicated a potential terror plot targeting Delhi's Red Fort and prominent temples. The arrests followed specific inputs about a module planning subversive activities, with digital materials being analyzed to uncover a wider network.

Prime Minister Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat address, highlighted AI's role in animal healthcare and agriculture, showcasing innovations at the AI Impact Summit. He also remembered Jayalalithaa, urged embracing Indian culture over foreign influences, and cautioned against digital fraud, emphasizing the importance of local products and organ donation.

India and Brazil inked a critical minerals agreement and set a $30 billion trade target by 2030, aiming to build resilient supply chains and reduce dependence on China. Leaders also discussed UN reforms and technology cooperation, emphasizing Global South solidarity and shared progress.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah vowed to remove infiltrators from Assam's electoral rolls and deport them within five years if the BJP returns to power. He accused the opposition of turning infiltrators into a vote bank, claiming they encroached on vast tracts of land.

Niti Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam emphasized that states must now lead the reform charge for India to achieve developed nation status by 2047, as the Centre has completed most of its crucial tasks. He highlighted that land, labor, electricity, water, and roads are all state subjects, directly impacting growth outcomes.

India and Brazil inked a critical minerals agreement and set a $30 billion trade target by 2030, aiming to build resilient supply chains and reduce dependence on China. Leaders also discussed UN reforms and technology cooperation, emphasizing Global South solidarity and shared progress.

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.