A Russian drone strike hit the radiation shield at Chernobyl's damaged reactor, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed. The attack caused a fire, later extinguished, but radiation levels remain stable, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Russia denied the strike. Zelensky called for global pressure on Moscow, saying Putin is "not preparing for negotiations." The IAEA remains on high alert. Experts say the thick concrete sarcophagus prevents major radiation leaks. The attack follows rising military activity near Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Zelensky is set to discuss the war with U.S. officials in Munich.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is set to return to Earth on March 19 after an extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Williams, along with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, has been in space for over eight months. The Crew-10 mission will launch on March 12, conducting a week-long handover, after which Williams and Wilmore will board the Dragon spacecraft to return. Their extended stay was influenced by a demand from President Donald Trump for their immediate return, ensuring staffing levels aboard the ISS are maintained.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected any US-Russia-negotiated peace deal that excludes Ukraine, following Donald Trump’s call with Vladimir Putin. Trump suggested a “good possibility” of ending the war and said Ukraine's NATO membership was "unlikely." Talks involving Russian and American representatives are expected in Munich, but Kyiv denies any planned meetings with Russia. Zelensky insists Ukraine and European allies must be involved in negotiations. European leaders, including Germany and the UK, oppose any settlement dictated by Russia. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned against "appeasement" of Moscow, urging a stronger stance before negotiations begin.    

A kayaker, Adrian Simancas, narrowly survived being swallowed by a humpback whale off the coast of Chile. The incident, which occurred in the Strait of Magellan, was captured by Simancas' father. After being engulfed by the whale, Simancas feared for his life, but the whale released him moments later. While still shaken, he managed to stay afloat and safely reached shore with his father. The dramatic event highlights the unpredictable nature of marine wildlife and was a terrifying close call for the kayaker.

US President Donald Trump announced new "reciprocal tariffs" on trading partners, hours before meeting Indian PM Narendra Modi in Washington. Trump claimed India imposes "more tariffs than nearly any other country" and vowed to match them equally. "If they charge us, we charge them—no more, no less," he stated while signing an executive order. The move could impact India's $87 billion exports to the US. The White House will review deficits with key partners before enforcing additional duties. Trump acknowledged prices may rise but insisted tariffs would ultimately benefit US industries. Modi is expected to discuss trade concerns.

Kyiv has acknowledged losing two-thirds of the land it initially seized in Russia’s Kursk region during last year’s offensive. Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrsky, confirmed that only 500 sq km of the captured territory remains under Ukrainian control, down from 1,400 sq km. “We have our own security zone on Russian territory along the border,” Syrsky said. Ukraine reportedly hopes to use the occupied land as leverage in negotiations. Meanwhile, Russia continues its counteroffensive in the region. The situation remains fluid as both sides battle for strategic advantages along the border.

Ukraine will "of course" take part in peace negotiations, the Kremlin confirmed after Donald Trump claimed talks could start "immediately" following his conversation with Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned world leaders not to trust Putin's intentions. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte insisted that Putin must not gain more Ukrainian territory, while US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated peace negotiations would involve compromises unwanted by Moscow or Kyiv. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 after annexing Crimea in 2014. Talks remain uncertain as both sides hold firm.

A 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker drove a car into a crowd in Munich, injuring 28 people, including children. The attack happened near a union protest. Police fired at the vehicle before arresting the suspect. Authorities said his asylum application was rejected, but he remained in Germany due to security concerns in Afghanistan. Some victims are seriously injured. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack, calling it "horrible." He announced plans to resume deportations to Afghanistan. Security concerns are rising in Germany after similar attacks in recent months. The investigation is ongoing.

A UN report revealed that Hindus in Bangladesh faced violent mob attacks during the 2024 protests that led to Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) found instances of arson, property destruction, and attacks on Hindu temples. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Md Yunus, acknowledged 88 communal violence cases, mostly against Hindus. India had raised concerns over minority safety. The UN report also accused Hasina’s administration of human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and systematic suppression of dissent. Many attacks occurred in historically tense areas like Thakurgaon and Sylhet.

US President Donald Trump will announce "reciprocal tariffs" at 11:30 PM (IST) before his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 2:30 AM on February 14. Trump’s cryptic post, “Today is the big one: reciprocal tariffs!!!,” fueled speculation about trade measures targeting high tariffs on US imports. “It’s time to be reciprocal. If they charge us, we charge them,” Trump said earlier. The move may impact global trade and India-US relations. Modi, currently in Washington, will also meet Tesla CEO Elon Musk and US intelligence officials to discuss trade, defense, and strategic cooperation.