Hamas has named Eli Sharabi, 52, Ohad Ben Ami, 56, and Or Levy, 34, as the next hostages to be released on Saturday. Israel will free Palestinian prisoners in exchange. Since the ceasefire began on January 19, 18 hostages have been freed, while Israel has released 383 prisoners. More releases are expected, with 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners to be freed in the first stage. Hamas accuses Israel of obstructing humanitarian aid, while Israel denies it. Meanwhile, Hamas held a funeral for senior commander Marwan Issa, confirming his death in an Israeli airstrike last March.

Washington, United States – President Donald Trump has called for the shutdown of USAID, claiming “corruption at levels rarely seen.” His administration has frozen foreign aid and ordered most of the agency’s 10,000 employees to leave. Elon Musk, backing Trump’s move, has shared photos of USAID signage being removed. Critics, including former USAID chief Samantha Power, warn this weakens U.S. global influence. A federal judge has paused plans to furlough 2,200 employees. Meanwhile, Trump also froze U.S. aid to South Africa over disputed land policies. Democrats vow legal action, while Musk faces scrutiny over Treasury data access.

The UK government confirmed plans to demolish London’s Grenfell Tower, where 72 people died in a 2017 fire. The process, expected to take two years, will begin after the disaster’s eighth anniversary on June 14. Authorities cited safety concerns, saying the building’s condition is deteriorating. Victims' families remain divided—some call the decision “disgraceful,” while others acknowledge safety risks. A public inquiry blamed the tragedy on “systematic dishonesty” by building firms and regulatory failures. Survivors also criticize delays in fire safety reforms and prosecutions. The site remains a painful yet sacred space for many.

The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) issued a notice to AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal after he alleged BJP offered ₹15 crore and ministerial posts to 16 AAP candidates. ACB asked Kejriwal to provide evidence and details of those contacted. An ACB team visited his residence, but AAP leaders blocked them, calling it a "political stunt." AAP's legal cell said ACB lacked a warrant. Kejriwal’s claim surfaced after exit polls suggested a BJP victory in the February 5 Delhi election. The final results will be announced Saturday.

Bangladesh’s interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, indicated elections may be held by year-end. In an interview with Japan’s NHK, he said the new government would have a "secure and strong foundation" to rebuild the nation. Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August 2024 following mass protests, leading to the formation of the interim government. The opposition BNP demands an election date, while Jamaat-e-Islami urges more time for Yunus. BNP leader Tarique Rahman warned, “Election must happen on time, no alternative exists.” The political divide intensifies as Bangladesh awaits an official announcement.

Orebro, Sweden, witnessed its deadliest mass shooting as a gunman killed 10 students at the Risbergska school before taking his own life. The victims, including Syrians and Bosnians, were studying at an adult learning center. Authorities have yet to confirm the shooter's identity, but local reports suggest he was a 35-year-old Swedish man. The attack has left Sweden’s immigrant communities fearful, with many questioning the motive. “We could not dream of this,” said Syrian Orthodox priest Jacob Kasselia. The lack of information from police has fueled anxiety, as residents demand answers.

The Indian government confirmed that 487 illegal Indian migrants in the US are set for deportation. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that Washington has issued removal orders for these presumed Indian nationals. The announcement follows the deportation of 104 migrants, mostly from Haryana and Punjab, who landed in Amritsar on January 5. Many claimed they were handcuffed during transit. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar acknowledged concerns over mistreatment, vowing to raise the issue with US authorities. Since 2009, 15,668 Indians have been deported. The Indian government is verifying identities before further deportations.

Prakriti Malla from Nepal has gained global recognition for her exceptionally beautiful handwriting. First noticed at age 16, her eighth-grade assignment went viral for its near-perfect script, astonishing handwriting experts. Many compare her writing to computer-generated text. Malla’s talent earned her honors from the Nepalese armed forces, and she even wrote a congratulatory letter to the UAE’s leadership on its 51st Spirit of the Union, personally delivering it to the embassy. As digital communication replaces handwriting, her calligraphy serves as a reminder of the art’s importance in education and personal expression.

US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling its actions "illegitimate" after it issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a Hamas commander. The sanctions freeze assets and ban visas for those assisting ICC investigations into US or Israeli officials. The Netherlands, where the court is based, condemned the move, emphasizing its role in fighting impunity. This marks Trump's second ICC sanction after his 2020 measures over US war crime probes in Afghanistan. Critics warn the order could impact global justice efforts. Netanyahu praised Trump’s decision, calling the ICC’s actions “immoral.”

A Bering Air Cessna 208B with 10 people on board, including the pilot, went missing near Nome, Alaska, 39 minutes after takeoff from Unalakleet. Alaska’s Department of Public Safety is leading search operations, with local volunteers assisting on the ground. However, poor weather and visibility have forced a pause in aerial searches. The US Coast Guard is scanning the area, while ground teams have searched from Nome to Topkok. Authorities have urged residents not to conduct private searches due to safety concerns. The fate of the passengers remains unknown as efforts continue amid challenging conditions.