The Met Office has issued multiple yellow weather warnings for snow and ice across the UK, with sub-zero temperatures reaching -7.5°C in Cumbria. Scotland, Wales, and northern England face up to 20 cm of snowfall in higher areas, while southwest England could see 10 cm on Dartmoor. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected over the weekend, raising flood concerns. Over 100 schools in Scotland remain closed. The UK Health Security Agency issued an amber cold weather alert, urging caution for vulnerable populations. The RAC and AA warn drivers of breakdown risks and advise checking forecasts before traveling.

Exit polls for Maharashtra’s 288 Assembly seats reveal a tight race between the ruling Mahayuti coalition and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Predictions vary widely, with Mahayuti expected to secure 125-195 seats and MVA 69-150. Smaller parties might hold 2-25 seats, potentially influencing government formation. Key battles include Devendra Fadnavis in Nagpur, Eknath Shinde in Thane, and Ajit Pawar in Baramati. Voter priorities, including inflation and unemployment, challenge traditional loyalties. While Mahayuti is favored, some pollsters foresee a hung house, adding uncertainty. Results will reveal the electorate’s verdict on this unpredictable political landscape.

Ukraine has reportedly fired British Storm Shadow cruise missiles at Russian military targets, marking the first use of these long-range weapons in the conflict. The move comes as the UK approved the missile use in response to Russia deploying North Korean troops. Debris from Storm Shadow missiles was found in Russia's Kursk region, with others intercepted over Krasnodar's Yeysk port. This follows Ukraine's use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles. President Zelensky continues urging Western nations to strengthen military aid. The UK’s decision highlights increasing tensions, with the issue dominating discussions at the G20 summit in Brazil.

As the second phase of Jharkhand’s 2024 Assembly elections concluded, exit polls suggest a tight contest between the JMM-led INDIA alliance and the BJP-led NDA. The ruling JMM, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, seeks to retain power, while the BJP aims to unseat the government. In 2019, JMM and allies secured a victory, winning 13 of the 38 seats. Exit poll results vary, with some predicting a BJP win, while others forecast a JMM-led victory. Key contests include CM Hemant Soren and BJP’s Gamaliel Hembrom in Barhait.

The United States has stated it will veto a UN Security Council resolution calling for an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, citing concerns over the lack of hostages’ release in the draft. A senior US official said the Council's 10 non-permanent members rejected compromise efforts, especially proposals made by Britain. The draft resolution demands an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza but omits a clause on hostage release, which the US insists is essential. The Israeli military campaign, which began in October 2023, has resulted in nearly 44,000 deaths and massive displacement in Gaza.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an investigation into a massive bitcoin scam in Maharashtra, involving an alleged fraud of Rs 6,600 crore. The agency filed a case against two key suspects—Amit Bharadwaj, who recently died of a heart attack, and Ajay Bharadwaj, who remains at large. The CBI summoned Gaurav Mehta, another accused, for questioning. The investigation follows a Supreme Court order, and it comes after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had already registered FIRs against the Bharadwaj brothers. BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi has claimed that members of the NCP and Congress were involved in using bitcoin to influence election results, but Supriya Sule denies these allegations.

India's team management, led by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah and head coach Gautam Gambhir, is set to surprise with Ravichandran Ashwin as the lone spinner in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. Ashwin will replace Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar due to the presence of left-handers in the Australian lineup. Additionally, seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is expected to make his debut, adding depth to India's bowling attack. With a green top expected at the Optus Stadium, India is likely to field three fast bowlers and Ashwin in the XI.

Indian-American researcher Rajan Hooda, from the University of Chicago, has proposed a groundbreaking theory on the construction of the Egyptian pyramids. After over 50 years of research, Hooda introduced the 'Theory of The Conjoint Solution and The Shrinking Dual L Notch Ramps,' explaining how the massive stone blocks were moved with precision. His research suggests that the pyramids were built layer by layer, using a unique L Notch Ramp system, which was later removed, leaving no evidence behind. Hooda’s theory provides new insights into one of history's greatest architectural mysteries.

Ukraine’s military intelligence agency has accused Russia of launching a “massive informational and psychological attack” on Ukraine by spreading false messages about an impending rocket-bomb attack on Kyiv and other cities. The agency, part of the Ministry of Defence, urged citizens to only trust official sources and avoid panic. It emphasized that while the messages are meant to intimidate, Ukrainians should still heed air raid alerts. Russia’s tactics aim to exert psychological pressure on society amid ongoing tensions.

India’s practice session in Perth was marked by an intense battle between Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, with both players showcasing their skills ahead of the first Test against Australia. Kohli appeared in excellent form, while Bumrah’s precision and pace tested the batsman. Yashasvi Jaiswal, however, struggled against pacers, displaying discomfort. Shubman Gill, nursing a thumb injury, missed the session, with Devdutt Padikkal stepping in as a potential replacement. Dhruv Jurel, KL Rahul, and Kohli all showed good form, while Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy also impressed during the session.