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.

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.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25% in its first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting under Governor Sanjay Malhotra. The move aims to inject liquidity into the market, following a previous decision to keep the rate at 6.5%. The Sensex dropped 192 points, while Nifty fell by 73 points after the announcement. Malhotra projected a 6.75% GDP growth for the next year and emphasized the stability of commercial banks. The RBI reaffirmed its commitment to inflation targeting, stating it has served the Indian economy well.

US President Donald Trump sparked controversy by calling the Washington plane crash that killed 67 people “amazing.” Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast, he said the tragedy would lead to better air traffic control systems. Comparing the collision to golf balls at a driving range, Trump claimed the US air control system is outdated and blamed “obsolete equipment.” His remarks drew sharp criticism, with many calling them insensitive. Earlier, Trump blamed diversity hiring for the crash. The accident involved an American Airlines flight and a Black Hawk helicopter near Washington’s Ronald Reagan National

2 Indian students, Cherukuri Suresh Chowdhary and Bhargav Chitturi, died in a car crash near Carlow, Ireland. Their Audi A6 veered off the road and hit a tree. Two others, also Indian students, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and are receiving treatment at St Luke’s General Hospital. Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin expressed shock, while the Indian Embassy in Dublin extended condolences and offered support. Authorities urged people to avoid sharing crash images. A community fundraiser raised over €25,000 to assist the victims' families with funeral costs.

An Indian Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter jet crashed in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri during a routine training flight on Thursday. Both pilots ejected safely before the crash, and no casualties were reported. Officials suspect a technical issue caused the crash, but a detailed investigation has been ordered. The Mirage 2000 has been a key part of the IAF’s operations for years. The crash has raised concerns over the safety of ageing aircraft in the fleet. Authorities have secured the site, and further inquiries are underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.

A US Border Patrol video showing 104 deported Indians in shackles has triggered a political storm in India. The deportees, including women and minors, were flown on a military plane to Amritsar. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, condemned the treatment, demanding a parliamentary discussion. "They are humans, not prisoners," protesters chanted outside Parliament. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated deportation is not new but did not comment on the shackles. The government is considering the Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024 to protect migrant rights.

Congress has moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, urging a discussion on the deportation of 104 Indian nationals by the US. The deportees, mainly from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat, were reportedly shackled and treated poorly. The motion, introduced by Congress deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi, calls for addressing the dehumanization of Indians abroad. On Wednesday, the US military aircraft C-17 landed in Amritsar, and the deportees were questioned by Indian authorities before being sent to their home states.