Egypt has unveiled a comprehensive $27 billion initiative to reconstruct Gaza, directly opposing former U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to depopulate the territory and place it under U.S. control. The Egyptian plan, championed by real estate magnate Hisham Talaat Moustafa, aims to construct 200,000 housing units over three years to accommodate approximately 1.3 million displaced Palestinians. This initiative emphasizes local resettlement without displacement, focusing on rebuilding infrastructure and essential services. Egypt is actively seeking international collaboration, engaging with European and Arab nations to secure funding and support for the reconstruction efforts.   

Sudan's civil war, now in its second year, has left the country in turmoil. The Sudanese army is fighting to reclaim Khartoum and liberate its capital, facing off against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Brutal attacks, including airstrikes and shelling, have killed tens of thousands of civilians. Amidst the chaos, local volunteers like Momen continue to assist, despite losing their fellow volunteers to violence. The struggle for civilian rule continues as soldiers and revolutionaries unite for a common goal, even as tensions rise within the ranks.     

The NSPCC has raised alarm over a loophole in the UK’s Online Safety Act that leaves children at risk of sexual abuse via messaging apps. They urge the government to address this gap, which is exacerbated by platforms like Snapchat using end-to-end encryption, preventing detection of harmful activity. The charity reported alarming statistics, including over 38,000 recorded child sexual abuse crimes in 2023. NSPCC calls for stronger safeguards to protect children online.

Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister, advocates for a "US security guarantee" as the sole path to peace in Ukraine. After an emergency summit in Paris, he emphasized that this approach is crucial to deter future Russian aggression and safeguard Europe’s collective security. Starmer is set to meet Donald Trump in Washington to discuss the key elements for a lasting peace. Amid Trump's unilateral peace talks with Russia, Starmer stressed that Europe must also contribute more to the region’s defense and security.

On February 17, 2025, Delta Connection Flight, operated by Endeavor Air, crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport while arriving from Minneapolis. The Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft flipped upside down upon landing due to strong winds and icy runway conditions. Of the 80 people onboard—76 passengers and 4 crew members—18 sustained injuries, including one child, though none were critical. Emergency teams quickly evacuated passengers and contained a fire. The incident led to temporary airport closures, delaying flights. Investigations by Transport Canada and the NTSB are underway to determine the cause of the accident.

IAS officer Gyanesh Kumar was appointed as India’s new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Monday. Kumar, a 1988-batch Kerala-cadre officer, previously served as an Election Commissioner and worked with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. His term runs until January 26, 2029. The decision, made by a panel including PM Narendra Modi and Law Minister Arjun Meghwal, was opposed by Rahul Gandhi, who called the process “meaningless.” Kumar will oversee key elections, including the Bihar Assembly polls in 2025 and Lok Sabha elections in 2029. He is the first CEC appointed under the new selection law.

Taiwan is negotiating a multi-billion-dollar arms deal with the US, aiming to bolster defense amid China’s military pressure. Sources estimate the deal between $7-10 billion, including HIMARS rockets and coastal defense missiles. The White House has not commented, but US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz supports expediting arms deliveries. Taiwan plans a special defense budget focusing on precision ammunition and anti-drone technology. Despite Trump’s past criticism of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, his administration continues supporting Taiwan militarily, resisting China’s sovereignty claims. Taiwan’s government welcomes US backing, while China urges Washington to "correct its mistakes."

The Supreme Court will hear Ranveer Allahbadia’s plea on February 18 regarding multiple FIRs over his controversial remarks on India’s Got Latent. Allahbadia remains "out of contact," while co-accused Samay Raina’s request for a virtual hearing was denied by Maharashtra Police. The NCW has summoned the panelists again for March 6. A third FIR has been registered, adding to cases in Mumbai and Guwahati. Meanwhile, the contestant involved defended the comedians, stating they are being unfairly targeted. Allahbadia has been asked to appear before the cyber cell on February 24.

Israel announced it is preparing to receive the bodies of four hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, while efforts continue to bring back six living captives. Relatives marked 500 days since Hamas' October 7 attack by displaying the number 500 on Tel Aviv’s beach. Meanwhile, Israel confirmed the killing of Hamas' Lebanon operations chief Mohammad Shaheen in Sidon. Hamas described him as a military commander. Despite Lebanon’s deadline for full Israeli withdrawal by February 18, Israel said forces would stay in five strategic locations for security reasons. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun insisted the ceasefire agreement "must be respected."

Former President Donald Trump sent his close friend and real estate mogul Steve Witkoff to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for negotiations on the Russia-Ukraine war. Witkoff, a political outsider turned Middle East envoy, previously played a role in US-Russia prisoner swaps and Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks. His latest diplomatic mission, which excludes Ukraine and European allies, has raised concerns about a shifting global order. Witkoff, a longtime Trump ally, is now heading to Saudi Arabia for direct US-Russia talks, following a Trump-Putin call. His growing influence underscores Trump's unconventional foreign policy approach and its geopolitical implications.