Pakistan's Senate has unanimously passed a resolution condemning Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's proposed "hexagon of alliances," which includes India, Greece, the Greek Cypriot Administration, and select Arab, African, and Asian nations. Islamabad labeled the plan an "anti-Muslim Ummah bloc," calling it a deliberate attempt to undermine Muslim unity. Netanyahu unveiled the alliance concept ahead of PM Modi's Tel Aviv visit, framing it as a counterweight to Iran-led radical Shia networks and an emerging radical Sunni axis linked to ISIS remnants. The resolution, moved by PPP lawmaker Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, also rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland and reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for Palestinian self-determination. (PC: NDTV)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is ready for both conflict and agreement before new nuclear talks with the United States in Geneva. He warned that any clash could turn into a “devastating” regional war.   “The US has built a huge military presence around us,” he said. “There will be no victory for anybody.”   Araghchi said a “fair, balanced” deal is still possible. However, he ruled out ending uranium enrichment. “We are not ready to give up our right for peaceful use of nuclear tech,” he said.   He also rejected US claims on protest deaths, calling them “fake news.” (PC: India Today)

Prince Harry and Meghan visited a refugee camp and hospital in Jordan as part of a two-day trip to the Middle East. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Amman at the invitation of World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.   They met children at the Za’atari refugee camp and visited a youth centre run by Questscope. The couple joined music classes and played football with young people. They also attended a WHO roundtable with UN officials and donors.   The visit aims to highlight support for communities affected by conflict and displacement. The couple are also expected to meet health workers and aid teams in Jordan. (PC: BBC)

Bill Gates has apologised to staff at the Gates Foundation after fresh scrutiny over his past links with Jeffrey Epstein. During a town hall, Gates said spending time with Epstein was “a huge mistake.” He added, “I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made.”   Gates also acknowledged two affairs with Russian women mentioned in newly released documents. He said these were not connected to Epstein’s victims. “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” he told employees.   The controversy followed the release of US Justice Department records. Earlier, Gates withdrew from the India AI Impact Summit. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump said he will ask federal agencies to start releasing files related to aliens and UFOs. He made the announcement on Truth Social. Earlier, Trump criticised former President Barack Obama for saying on a podcast that “aliens are real.” Trump said, “He’s not supposed to be doing that… He made a big mistake.”   When asked if he believes in aliens, Trump said, “I don’t know if they’re real or not.”   Obama later clarified on Instagram that he saw no evidence of extraterrestrial contact during his presidency. The Pentagon has earlier said there is “no evidence” of alien life linked to reported UFO sightings. (PC: representatives image)

Pakistan’s Senate has unanimously condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal for a “hexagon of alliances” that names India and other countries as partners in a strategic bloc against what he termed “radical axes”. Lawmakers described the plan as an attempt to undermine the unity and integrity of the Muslim Ummah and threaten regional peace. The resolution, moved by PPP senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, also criticised Israel’s settlement expansion, disregard for international law and recognition of Somaliland’s independence, reaffirming Pakistan’s steadfast support for Palestinian self-determination. (PC: NDTV)

Tension remains high in Mexico’s Jalisco state after a deadly cartel rampage. Burnt cars and damaged shops are still visible in Guadalajara. The violence followed reports of the killing of a top leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.   President Claudia Sheinbaum said “peace and tranquillity” were returning and praised security forces. Troops and police are patrolling the city. Many schools and shops stayed closed as residents feared more attacks.   Café owner Anwar Montoya said, “Everybody was scared. And now some are afraid about what might still happen.”   Some local leaders warned that targeting cartel bosses often leads to more violence. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump has again said he stopped a nuclear war between India and Pakistan. Speaking during his State of the Union address, he claimed Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told him that 35 million people would have died without his involvement.   “In my first 10 months, I ended eight wars… Pakistan and India would have had a nuclear war. 35 million people… would have died if it were not for my involvement,” Trump said.   India has denied any third-party role. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar earlier said the US “was in the United States.” India has maintained that the ceasefire followed direct military talks after Operation Sindoor. (PC: India Today)

The Centre has issued a show-cause notice to a senior BSNL director after his detailed Prayagraj travel plan triggered criticism. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the itinerary was “improper” and against rules. The trip of Vivek Banzal, Director (CFA) at BSNL, was planned for February 25–26 but was cancelled a day earlier. A document listing 21 arrangements had gone viral. Nearly 50 officials were assigned for the visit. It also mentioned bath kits and personal care items. Scindia said, “It is improper and a violation of established rules and traditions. It is unacceptable to me. It is shocking.” He added that action will follow after a reply within seven days. (PC: HT)

In his State of the Union address, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told him “35 million people would’ve died” if he had not intervened to end rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Trump asserted that the two nuclear-armed neighbours were on the brink of war and said, “Pakistan and India would have had a nuclear war.” He credited his administration with facilitating de-escalation. However, India has consistently maintained that any understanding with Pakistan was reached bilaterally and has rejected claims of third-party mediation in resolving the conflict. (PC: Reuters)