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)

The US Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is facing major plumbing problems while deployed near Iran. An internal memo dated 18 March 2025 recorded more than 205 toilet breakdowns in four days. The ship carries over 4,500 sailors.   Reports said the vacuum-based sewage system can fail if a single valve breaks. Sailors have faced long queues, sometimes up to 45 minutes. Hull technicians are working extended shifts to manage repairs. Permanent fixes can only be done in dock. Shelby Oakley of the Government Accountability Office said sailors should at least have proper living facilities. The carrier was earlier deployed near Venezuela. (PC: The Print)

Ukraine marked four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion with memorial events across the country. A minute’s silence was observed in Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky said, “Ukraine never chose this war,” and added, “We have defended our independence.” The Kremlin said its aims “haven’t been fully achieved yet.” (PC: BBC)   Russia controls nearly 20% of Ukraine’s territory. Heavy fighting continues in the east. European leaders joined events in Kyiv in a show of support. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Russia gained “0.8% of land… at a terrible cost.” French President Emmanuel Macron said he was “very sceptical” about near-term peace.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a rare, classified briefing to the “Gang of Eight” — senior congressional leaders from both parties — on rising tensions with Iran amid a significant U.S. military buildup in the Middle East. The session, attended by lawmakers and reportedly joined by CIA Director John Ratcliffe, focused on Iran’s nuclear programme and regional threats, as Washington weighs its strategic options. The briefing came just hours before President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, where Iran policy was expected to feature prominently. Some Democrats urged clearer justification for potential military action. (PC: Getty Images)

U.S. President Donald Trump strongly criticised the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn key parts of his tariff programme during his State of the Union address, calling the ruling “very unfortunate” as justices watched from the gallery. The high court held that Trump exceeded his authority by imposing broad import duties under emergency trade powers. Defending his approach, Trump said tariffs were vital for American economic and national security and suggested tariffs could even replace income tax. He pledged to pursue new legal and legislative avenues to reinstate his trade policies and protect U.S. industries amid global competition. (PC: India Today)

Former US President Donald Trump has made a dramatic new claim regarding the India-Pakistan conflict, stating that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif “would have died” if the situation had escalated further. Trump reiterated that his intervention, including warnings of severe trade consequences, helped prevent a full-scale war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. While Pakistan has acknowledged US diplomatic engagement during past tensions, India has consistently maintained that de-escalation was achieved through direct military-level talks without third-party mediation. Trump’s remarks have reignited debate over Washington’s actual role in easing the crisis. (PC: Bloomberg)