A magnitude 3.9 earthquake struck Hollywood as celebrities gathered for Oscars afterparties. The quake, with its epicenter in North Hollywood, hit just after 10 PM local time, causing brief panic but no reported injuries or damage. Attendees at the Vanity Fair afterparty felt a sudden jolt, with high-rise buildings swaying. BBC’s Emma Vardy, on the 15th floor, described the experience as “like jelly.” A resident described the experience, saying, "I felt that in my bones," surprised at the quake’s strength.   The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed no need for emergency measures. This marks the 40th earthquake in Southern California since March began, though most were minor. The USGS confirmed no tsunami threat.

U.S. President Donald Trump criticized European nations for their focus on Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting they should instead address internal issues like migrant-related crimes. Trump emphasized the importance of prioritizing domestic safety and security over external geopolitical concerns. He argued that while international relations are significant, ensuring the well-being of citizens by tackling internal challenges should take precedence. This perspective aligns with his longstanding advocacy for stringent immigration policies and national security measures. Trump's remarks have sparked discussions across Europe regarding the balance between addressing external threats and internal societal issues. The debate continues on how best to allocate resources and attention to effectively manage both domestic and international challenges.

In a memorable ICC Champions Trophy match in Dubai, India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs, securing a semi-final spot against Australia. The pivotal moment came when spinner Axar Patel dismissed New Zealand's captain, Kane Williamson, who was anchoring the chase with a well-crafted 81 runs. Williamson's attempt to advance down the pitch led to a missed shot, resulting in a swift stumping by wicketkeeper KL Rahul. Celebrating this crucial breakthrough, Indian stalwart Virat Kohli humorously approached Patel and mimicked touching his feet, a gesture of respect in Indian culture, acknowledging the significance of the wicket. This light-hearted interaction delighted fans and highlighted the team's camaraderie.

No film achieved a clean sweep at the Oscars 2025, but Anora led with 5 awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Sean Baker. The Brutalist followed with 3 wins, including Best Actor for Adrien Brody. Wicked and Emilia Pérez secured 2 awards each, with Zoe Saldaña making history as the first Latina to win Best Supporting Actress. Dune: Part Two also claimed 2 wins, dominating technical categories. The night showcased a mix of veteran stars and rising talent, celebrating a diverse range of cinematic excellence.

Congress spokesperson Dr Shama Mohamed deleted her post criticizing Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma’s fitness after backlash from BJP. She had called Sharma “overweight” and the “most unimpressive captain India has ever had.” Defending herself, she claimed it was a “generic” remark on fitness, not body-shaming. “It was not body-shaming… I just tweeted about that,” she told ANI. Congress distanced itself from her comments, with leader Pawan Khera stating it was not the party’s stance. BJP leaders, including Shehzad Poonawalla, hit back, calling Congress’ criticism ironic given its election record. Shama was advised to be more cautious.

The Oscars 2025 red carpet was a mix of glamour, drama, and bold style choices. Bows made a strong comeback, with Elle Fanning in Givenchy and Cynthia Erivo in Louis Vuitton leading the trend. Doja Cat turned heads in a leopard-print Balmain, while Ariana Grande wowed in a sculptural Schiaparelli gown. Metallics were everywhere, with Mindy Kaling and Halle Berry embracing the shimmer. Red remained a classic favorite, seen on Gal Gadot and Zoe Saldana. But the biggest surprise? Adam Sandler ditched the usual tux and arrived in shorts and a sweatshirt, making the ultimate fashion statement.

Ola Electric has laid off over 1,000 employees and contract workers in its second round of job cuts in four months. The move affects charging infrastructure, customer relations, and sales as the company automates operations. Ola posted a 50% rise in losses for Q4 2024, while its stock has fallen 60% since its August IPO. CEO Bhavish Aggarwal had set a 50,000-unit sales target for breakeven, but February sales hit just 25,000 units. Ola says restructuring aims to cut costs and improve margins, though consumer complaints and competition continue to challenge its market position.

Congress distanced itself from spokesperson Shama Mohamed’s remark calling Rohit Sharma "fat for a sportsman" and the "most unimpressive" Indian captain. Following backlash from BJP leaders and cricket fans, Congress asked her to delete the post. BJP accused Congress of "body-shaming" a World Cup winner, with Radhika Khera slamming the party for "humiliating athletes for decades." Mohamed defended her comment, stating it was about fitness, not body-shaming. Meanwhile, India secured a 44-run victory over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy, entering the semi-finals against Australia on March 4. Congress reiterated respect for sporting icons and urged caution.

UK PM Keir Starmer unveiled a four-point plan to secure Ukraine’s sovereignty, forming a “coalition of the willing” with European nations. At a summit with 18 leaders, including Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, Starmer stressed military aid, economic pressure on Russia, and post-war security guarantees. France and the UK proposed a one-month truce, while the EU called for rearming Europe. Starmer announced £1.6B for Ukraine’s air defense. Zelensky, after a tense meeting with Trump, met King Charles III and reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to sign a U.S. minerals deal. NATO Secretary General Rutte emphasized Europe's commitment to sustaining Ukraine’s fight.

At the 97th Academy Awards, host Conan O'Brien surprised viewers by greeting Indian audiences in Hindi during his opening monologue. He said, "Namaskar. Nashte ke saath Oscar dekhna," translating to, "Greetings to the people of India. It's morning there, so I hope you're having breakfast with the Oscars." This marked the first time an Oscars host addressed Indian viewers in their native language. The gesture received mixed reactions on social media; some praised O'Brien's effort to connect with the Indian audience, while others critiqued his pronunciation. One user commented, "Conan O'Brien deserves an Oscar for best attempt at a foreign language! Good job, though the Hindi was definitely Hinding!" Another remarked, "Good attempt, but frankly, Conan totally butchered the Hindi greeting!" Nonetheless, O'Brien's attempt highlighted the Oscars' recognition of India's growing global cinematic influence.