At least 25 people died in Ukraine after new Russian strikes, officials said. In Donetsk, missiles hit homes and a shopping centre, killing 11 and injuring 40. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of targeting rescuers. Attacks also hit Kharkiv and Odesa, damaging infrastructure. Polish PM Donald Tusk warned, "This is what happens when someone appeases barbarians." Meanwhile, the US paused military aid to Ukraine, with former President Donald Trump saying dealing with Ukraine was "more difficult" than Russia. The EU pledged more support, while Ukraine continued to target Russian sites. The war, now in its third year, rages on.

Hollywood legend Gene Hackman reportedly lived with his wife Betsy's dead body for a week before he passed away. "He had no knowledge of her death," officials said, revealing that Hackman suffered from advanced Alzheimer’s. Betsy died on February 11 from hantavirus, a rare disease spread by mice. Hackman, 94, was found dead on February 26 at their New Mexico home. He died from heart disease and severe dehydration. "There was no food in his stomach," the autopsy stated. Officials believe Hackman’s illness prevented him from understanding his wife’s death.

An 82-year-old woman suffered serious injuries at Delhi airport after allegedly being denied a pre-booked wheelchair by Air India. "She waited for an hour, then had to walk. Her legs gave way, and she fell," her granddaughter Parul Kanwar said. The woman, widow of a Lieutenant General, suffered head injuries and is in the ICU. Air India claimed the family arrived late and a wheelchair was unavailable due to high demand. "We fully empathise and pray for her recovery," the airline stated. The family alleges she was not given proper first aid after the fall.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India is working on a "good" trade agreement with the US to boost growth and keep supply chains smooth. She stressed the need for smart policies to protect India from dumped goods due to rising US tariffs. India and the US aim to double trade to $500 billion by 2030. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently returned from trade talks in Washington. Sitharaman also said India is reviewing old trade deals to protect national interests. She urged careful negotiation and regular consultations with stakeholders to ensure a balanced and beneficial trade policy. 

Violence erupted in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district as police clashed with Kuki protesters. One protester, 30-year-old Lalgouthang Singsit, was killed, and over 40 others were injured. The clashes began when police fired tear gas to disperse protesters opposing Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s free movement directive. Protesters set vehicles on fire and blocked roads. The Kuki Zo Council announced an indefinite shutdown in Kuki areas. Security forces reported firing from the crowd. The Federation of Civil Society’s peace march was also halted. Protesters demand a separate administration and refuse free movement in their areas.

3 Bulgarian nationals have been found guilty of spying for Russia in the UK. A London court convicted Katrin Ivanova, 43, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, of carrying out surveillance for Russian intelligence. They spied on journalists, diplomats, and Ukrainian soldiers. Their leader, Orlin Roussev, received €200,000 for the operations. The group used hidden spy devices and planned fake protests. Some members had links to Austrian businessman Jan Marsalek, a wanted Russian agent. They will be sentenced in May and could face up to 14 years in prison.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the approval of the Mahila Samridhi Yojana, providing Rs 2,500 per month to eligible women. The scheme, backed by a Rs 5,100 crore budget, aims to ensure financial security and empowerment. A committee, chaired by Gupta, will oversee implementation, with a registration portal launching soon. “This scheme guarantees prosperity and security for Delhi’s sisters,” Gupta stated. The government emphasized Aadhaar-based e-KYC for seamless disbursement. The initiative aligns with the BJP’s manifesto promises and seeks to create a self-reliant community of women in the capital.

US President Donald Trump claimed Russia holds the upper hand in Ukraine war negotiations, stating Moscow has "all the cards." He reiterated his intent to end the conflict before offering security guarantees. Trump also suggested dealing with Ukraine was "more difficult" than with Russia. Despite stopping intelligence sharing, he hinted at new sanctions on Russia to push for talks. Meanwhile, UK PM Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed forming a “coalition of the willing” to support Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists on "clear security guarantees" before any peace deal.

India dismissed US President Donald Trump’s criticism of its “massive” tariffs, stating that reductions align with past agreements with nations like Australia and the UAE. A government source clarified that these reductions are not extraordinary but part of ongoing negotiations. India and the US are discussing a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) to enhance market access and supply chain integration. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s Washington visit included tariff discussions. The government emphasized that such talks are standard, with similar agreements reached with the EU and UK. India remains committed to balanced trade relations.

Hamas leader Mushir al-Masri accused Donald Trump of “blatant double standards” in hostage negotiations, as the US confirmed direct talks with Hamas. Al-Masri claimed Trump prioritizes Israeli hostages over 10,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons. The talks aim to secure hostage releases and a Gaza ceasefire, but Israel refuses direct negotiations. Trump warned Hamas to release all hostages or face consequences. Meanwhile, the Arab League proposed an interim committee for Gaza’s governance. Hamas insists forced displacement will fail. The situation remains tense, with potential US military intervention looming.