India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, disclosed in Lok Sabha that 403 Indian students have died abroad since 2018 due to various reasons, with Canada reporting the highest number at 91, followed by the UK with 48. Jaishankar emphasized the government's commitment to the welfare of Indian students abroad. The data provided also showed deaths in countries like Russia, the US, Australia, and Germany. Indian missions prioritize addressing issues faced by students abroad. Meanwhile, India reaffirmed its longstanding support for Palestine's sovereignty and condemned terror attacks on Israel. The 'Neighbourhood First policy' remains central to India's approach to regional relations.

Despite repeated air strikes by the US and UK against Houthi rebels in Yemen, ship attacks in the region have intensified, with nine incidents reported in the past three weeks. Most targets now have ties to American or British entities, diverging from initial attacks linked to Israel. The Houthi tactics have also shifted, concentrating recent strikes further south in the Gulf of Aden. This escalation has led to a 29% drop in shipping along the vital Red Sea trade route. Measures taken by ship operators include employing armed security teams and disabling AIS tracking systems to mitigate risks.

Formula One star Lewis Hamilton announces departure from Mercedes after "amazing 11 years," set to join Ferrari in 2025. The 39-year-old expresses gratitude for Mercedes' support but sees the move as the right time for a fresh challenge. Hamilton, a seven-time champion, triggered a release clause, ending an era of success with Mercedes. Ferrari confirms the move on a multi-year contract. Speculations suggest he may replace Carlos Sainz. Mercedes acknowledges the successful partnership, while Hamilton emphasizes commitment to delivering a memorable final season with the Silver Arrows. New season kicks off with the Bahrain Grand Prix on February 28.

An explosion shook the vicinity of Pakistan's Election Commission office in Karachi, just days before the scheduled Parliamentary elections on February 8. According to local media, the blast, which occurred on Friday, caused no casualties. Initial reports suggested that the explosive materials were concealed in a shopping bag near the poll panel's office. Karachi Police dispatched a bomb disposal squad to the site as investigations continue to determine the nature and motive behind the explosion. The incident adds to the security concerns as Pakistan grapples with multiple bomb and grenade attacks, particularly in the restive Balochistan province, ahead of the polls.

England's debutant spinner Shoaib Bashir reflected on the visa delay, stating, "It's been a very special day." After claiming Rohit Sharma's wicket in his maiden Test appearance against India, the 20-year-old expressed gratitude, saying, "I always knew I would get the visa." Despite initial setbacks, Bashir remained confident, thanking the ECB and BCCI for resolving the issue swiftly. Emphasizing the significance of dismissing Sharma, he added, "To get Rohit Sharma out, my first wicket, feels incredible." Bashir also appreciated the support of senior players like Alastair Cook and Joe Root, highlighting their guidance during the match.

Belgian farmers intensify protests, blocking border crossings to the Netherlands over grievances on high taxes, rising costs, and bureaucracy. Antwerp, a key city and port, witnesses disruptions. Dutch authorities advise against travel to Belgium. Zeebrugge port faces truck blockades, with nearly 2,000 vehicles stranded. Local police provide support to drivers. The unrest echoes in Germany, Poland, Greece, Portugal, and Romania, revealing tensions over the EU's climate initiatives and trade dynamics. Protests highlight concerns about the impact on farming amid climate change measures and the influx of inexpensive Ukrainian imports.

France opens its doors to Indian tourists, allowing UPI payments via NPCI International Payments Limited and Lyra. Eiffel Tower leads the way as the first merchant in France to accept UPI transactions. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the milestone during his visit to France, emphasizing the global impact of India's digital advancements. CEO of NIPL, Ritesh Shukla, expressed ambitions for an interoperable global payment system through strategic partnerships. The move aligns with last year's initiative allowing NRIs from 10 countries, including the UK and the US, to use UPI for cross-border transactions.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg, along with four others, was acquitted in a London trial for breaking public protest laws during an oil and gas conference blockade. The judge ruled that the police failed to properly organize or communicate the public order to the protesters, leading to their acquittal. The arrests occurred during a protest at the Energy Intelligence Forum, where oil and gas executives were present. The trial sheds light on increased policing of protests following new laws enacted by the Conservative Government. Despite police efforts to impose a public order act, protesters were not adequately informed and were arrested prematurely.          

A massive fire erupted at the Adima Private Limited factory in the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) premises in Musalgaon, Sinnar, causing panic and chaos in the area. The blaze, which broke out around 4 pm, quickly engulfed the Adima Organics factory on Musalgaon Sinnar Expressway. Approximately 10 to 12 employees were present during the incident. Firefighters rushed to the scene, deploying five fire tenders to contain the flames. The intense fire, accompanied by sporadic explosions, led to plumes of smoke billowing into the air. Efforts are underway to bring the situation under control.

A massive gas explosion in Nairobi, Kenya claims at least three lives and injures nearly 300 as a gas-laden truck detonates in the Embakasi district. The blast, occurring around 23:30, engulfs the area in flames, damaging homes, businesses, and vehicles. Investigations into the explosion's cause are underway. One arrest has been made, and the death toll could rise. Many injured, including children, have been treated, while a search and rescue operation continues. Authorities clarify the explosion involved a truck in a parking yard, not a gas plant. The illegal gas facility's owners face calls for compensation and accountability.