Morning Digest: Delhi-NCR wakes up to strong tremors on Feb 17; third group of U.S. deportees lands in Amritsar, and more
The Hindu
The Hindu Morning Digest gives a select list of stories to start the day. Read the top news today on February 17, 2025
A United States aircraft carrying around 112 undocumented Indian immigrants, deported from the U.S. landed at Punjab’s Amritsar International Airport on Sunday night (February 16, 2025), even as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urged the youth of Punjab to learn lessons from the deportation of illegal migrants, appealing to them to shun the idea of going abroad by wrong means.
The Railways has formed a two-member high-level administrative grade committee to investigate the stampede that occurred on Saturday night (February 15, 2025) at New Delhi Railway Station, officials in the Ministry of Railways said on Sunday (February 16, 2025). The committee of Northern Railways’ Principal Chief Commercial Manager Narsingh Deo and Principal Chief Security Commissioner Pankaj Gangwar will investigate the stampede that claimed 18 lives, including four children and a septuagenarian woman.
An earthquake of 4.0 magnitude rocked parts of Delhi-NCR early on Monday (February 17, 2025), the National Center for Seismology said. The tremors rocked several parts of the city and the adjoining National Capital Region. The location of the earthquake was New Delhi, at a depth of five kilometres, it said in a post on X.
A fresh exchange of fire was reported on the Line of Control (LoC) in the Pir Panjal Valley’s Poonch on Sunday. No casualties were reported in the incident. An Army official said a brief exchange of fire took place on the LoC in Poonch district. “Around 11 a.m., Pakistan troops opened fire from small arms on an Indian post across the LoC in Poonch sector. The fire was retaliated appropriately by the Indian Army. No casualties to our side,” an Army official said.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain in Muscat on Sunday (February 16, 2025), in a meeting aimed at defusing tensions and addressing “challenges” between Delhi and Dhaka over attacks on minorities and the continued stay of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (February 16, 2025) said he is optimistic that the textile sector will achieve the Rs 9 lakh crore annual exports target ahead of the 2030 deadline.
A day before the arrival of the Qatari Emir to India for an important visit, the seven former Indian Navy officials who returned last year after being imprisoned for nearly 18 months in Doha, have called for the repatriation of the last remaining Indian who is stuck in the Gulf sheikhdom.
Saudi Arabia expels Iranian military staff amid escalating tensions and ongoing missile attacks during the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
Russia claims control of Potapivka village in Ukraine's Sumy region amid ongoing military efforts to establish a buffer zone.
Iranian missile strikes on Israeli towns cause widespread damage and injuries, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
As Gor makes first trip as U.S. Special envoy to South Asia, Delhi watches strategic signals closely
Sergio Gor's inaugural trip as U.S. Special Envoy to South Asia signals strategic U.S. engagement amid regional tensions.
Slovenians vote in a tight election between liberal and populist candidates, impacting the country's future domestic and foreign policies.
Netanyahu asserts U.S.-Israel alliance fights Iranian threats, emphasizing global security after missile strikes on Israeli and European targets.
Israeli settlers attack Palestinian villages in the West Bank, causing injuries and destruction amid ongoing settlement expansion.
Britain asserts no evidence of Iran planning missile strikes on Europe, despite Israeli claims of missile capabilities.
UNESCO reports over half of countries have banned phones in schools due to concerns about attention, cyberbullying, and social media impact.
Analysis reveals a U.S.-operated Patriot missile likely caused a pre-dawn explosion in Bahrain, injuring numerous civilians.
Sri Lanka raises fuel prices by 25% amid ongoing West Asia conflict, impacting petrol and diesel costs significantly.
Iran strikes near Israeli nuclear research center as Trump threatens attacks on Iranian power plants
Iran's missile strikes near Israel's nuclear site escalate tensions as Trump threatens retaliation against Iranian power plants.
Saudi Arabia intercepts one of three ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh amid ongoing regional tensions and threats from Iran.