Four years after the Kremlin launched its full invasion of Ukraine, signs of strain are visible across parts of Russia. In towns like Yelets, army recruitment posters offer large payments to new soldiers. Murals honour local men killed in the war. Authorities do not release official casualty figures. Residents speak of rising prices and higher utility bills. “Prices are crushing us. It’s very hard to get by,” said Irina, a bus worker. Drone alerts have led to shelters being built in some areas. Even supporters feel the impact. “Pensions go up, but then prices go up even more,” said pensioner Ivan. (PC: BBC)

Clashes broke out across Mexico after security forces killed cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho. He headed the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Mexico’s defence ministry said he was badly injured in a shootout in Jalisco. He died during an air transfer to Mexico City. After his death, violence spread in Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and other areas. Buses were set on fire. Roads were blocked. Some flights were disrupted. The US Deputy Secretary of State called the operation a “great development.” The Mexican Embassy in the US said a viral airport fire video was “false” and created using artificial intelligence. (PC: HT)

The United States will stop collecting a group of import tariffs introduced by former President Donald Trump from Tuesday. The decision follows a ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States, which said the duties were unlawful. The court order came more than three days ago. The tariffs were part of a major trade policy that changed global supply chains. They also led to disputes with key trading partners. Officials said the government will end the collection process immediately. The ruling marks a major setback for a policy that had reshaped US trade in recent years. (PC: India Today)

Student-led protests against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei entered a second consecutive day at universities in Tehran and Mashhad, even as US-Iran nuclear negotiations advanced toward a crucial Geneva meeting confirmed for Thursday, February 26, by Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi. The diplomatic push follows President Trump's stark 10-15 day ultimatum demanding Iran finalise a nuclear deal or face consequences he described as "unfortunate." Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed both sides were working toward a deal while warning Iran would retaliate if attacked. Separately, Axios reported Trump was presented with options including a plan targeting Khamenei. A significant US military presence of 13 warships including aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln remains stationed across the Middle East. (PC: X & HT)

Jalisco state in Mexico declared a statewide "Code Red" after the Mexican military killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera in Tapalpa, triggering widespread cartel retaliation. Roadblocks paralysed Guadalajara, vehicles were set ablaze in Puerto Vallarta, flights were diverted, and public transport suspended. Unrest rapidly spread beyond Jalisco as Michoacán's governor confirmed disturbances across 13 municipalities, while additional violence erupted in Veracruz, Guanajuato, Colima, Tamaulipas, and Guerrero. The US Embassy issued an urgent shelter-in-place advisory for American citizens across multiple affected states. Hotels advised guests to remain indoors as security forces maintained visible presence while authorities prioritised citizen protection amid Mexico's worst cartel-triggered crisis in recent memory.

The Mexican army killed powerful drug lord Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, 59-year-old leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco state. Wounded in the clash, Oseguera died while being airlifted to Mexico City. He carried a $15 million US bounty on his head. The operation, conducted with US intelligence assistance, also killed six cartel gunmen, wounded three soldiers, and seized weapons including rocket launchers. Retaliatory cartel violence erupted immediately, over 20 roads were blocked with burning vehicles spreading chaos across Jalisco, Michoacan, and Puerto Vallarta. Schools, events, and businesses were shut down. US and Canadian airlines cancelled dozens of flights amid the widespread unrest. (PC: X & NDTV)

Indian national security agencies arrested eight suspects for allegedly plotting a terrorist attack, with investigators probing suspected links to Pakistan's ISI and Bangladesh-based outfits. Six arrests were made across multiple Tamil Nadu locations Including Uthukuli, Palladam, and Thirumuruganpoondi during a joint intelligence-based operation, while two others were picked up in follow-up action. Several accused are believed to be Bangladeshi nationals using fraudulent Aadhaar cards to secure employment in Tiruppur's garment industry. Authorities seized eight mobile phones and sixteen SIM cards. Intelligence agencies simultaneously warned of a Lashkar-e-Taiba conspiracy targeting prominent religious sites including Akshardham, Kashi Vishwanath, Ram Mandir Ayodhya, and ISKCON Delhi. All accused are being transported to Delhi for detailed interrogation. (PC: X)

All four major airports in Moscow were shut on Sunday after Russian authorities said air defences destroyed 11 Ukrainian drones near the capital.   Russia’s civil aviation agency Rosaviatsia said flights were halted at Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhhukovsky and Sheremetyevo airports due to safety concerns.   Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said, “Air defences have intercepted another UAV flying towards Moscow.” He later added that the total number of downed drones had reached 11.   Russia says Ukrainian drones often target its regions, including Moscow. The closures came as the conflict between the two countries nears its fourth year. (PC: NDTV)

India on Sunday criticised Pakistan’s airstrikes inside Afghanistan, calling them an attempt to shift focus from its own internal issues.   External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the strikes caused civilian deaths, including women and children, during Ramadan. “India strongly condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan territory,” he said. He added that it was “another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures.”   India also reaffirmed support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.   Pakistan said it targeted militant camps after recent attacks in its territory. Kabul rejected the strikes and warned of a “necessary and measured response.”

A 21-year-old man was shot and killed after entering the inner security perimeter of former US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. The US Secret Service said the incident happened at about 01:30 local time. Officers spotted the man near the north gate carrying a shotgun and a fuel can. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said officers ordered him to drop the items. “He dropped the can and raised the shotgun to a firing position,” Bradshaw said. Agents then fired to “neutralise the threat.” US media identified him as Austin T. Martin of North Carolina. Trump was not in Florida. The FBI is leading the investigation. (PC: BBC)