The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has retained the interest rate on provident fund deposits at 8.25% for 2024-25, as confirmed by sources. This rate was increased from 8.15% for 2023-24, reversing a decrease to 8.1% in 2022-23, the lowest in over 40 years. The Central Board of Trustees (CBT) has proposed this rate, which now awaits approval from the Finance Ministry. Once approved, over 7 crore EPFO subscribers will see the updated rate credited to their accounts. The EPFO interest rate has varied over the years, reflecting broader economic conditions.

Russia's state seizures of foreign firms' assets, including U.S. and European companies like Glavprodukt and Carlsberg, offer a stark warning to those considering returning under a potential Trump-inspired thaw in relations. These assets have been placed under "temporary management," yet many businesses, including Glavprodukt, report lasting losses and diminishing control. Moscow's intention to restore ties with Western firms remains uncertain, with no clear plan for returning assets. The Russian state's takeover strategy, which includes shifting ownership to regime loyalists, has thus far been damaging for the companies involved, with little chance of reversal.

Sunil Gavaskar has declined to compare Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, emphasizing that comparisons across eras are illogical. Speaking on the 'Dressing Room' show, Gavaskar highlighted the differences in playing conditions, opposition, and pitches across eras, making such comparisons unfair. He referred to this tendency to compare as a "subcontinent weakness," noting that similar comparisons are rarely made in other regions, like between Australian legends Ricky Ponting and Greg Chappell. Kohli, with 82 international centuries, has surpassed Tendulkar’s ODI century count, but Gavaskar believes the legacy of each player should be celebrated independently.

Pune police have arrested Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, a 26-year-old man, in connection with the rape of a 26-year-old woman aboard a state-operated bus at the Swargate depot. The incident occurred on Tuesday when the woman, en route to Phaltan, was misled by Gade into a parked MSRTC Shivsahi bus, where he assaulted her. Authorities launched a 72-hour manhunt, deploying 13 teams, including eight from the Crime Branch, and offering a ₹1 lakh reward for information leading to his arrest. Gade, a history-sheeter with prior theft and robbery charges, was apprehended on Thursday.

Kashmir, Jammu, and Ladakh regions experienced heavy snowfall on February 28, 2025, causing significant disruptions. Key highways, including Srinagar-Jammu and Srinagar-Ladakh, were closed due to snow accumulation and landslides. Areas like Rajouri, Doda, and Anantnag witnessed intense snowfall, dropping temperatures significantly. At Srinagar airport, the snow had to be cleared from runways. Despite the challenges, farmers in some areas expressed optimism about the fresh snowfall. A snow avalanche alert was issued for Lahaul & Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, urging caution. Authorities advised limiting travel to safe routes.

Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, according to a new report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The country now possesses 142.1 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%, nearing the threshold for nuclear weapons production. This marks a 20.6-kilogram rise since the last IAEA report. The agency also expressed concerns over Iran’s continued restrictions on inspections. These developments come amid stalled diplomatic efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, raising tensions between Iran and Western nations, particularly the U.S. and European allies, who fear further nuclear escalation.  

The Centre has drafted a "Yamuna Master Plan" to clean the river in Delhi, which will be submitted to PM Modi for approval. The plan follows a commitment made by the BJP during Delhi elections. The Jal Shakti Ministry consulted experts who previously worked on the Sabarmati river front for its formulation. The clean-up plan includes waste removal, cleaning major drains, monitoring sewage plants, and expanding treatment infrastructure. The issue has become a political flashpoint between the BJP and AAP, with allegations exchanged regarding pollution from Haryana. The Supreme Court also noted potential improvements in implementation due to changed circumstances in Delhi.

During a meeting at the White House on February 27, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Starmer sought U.S. military support for Ukraine against Russia, emphasizing the strong historical ties between the U.S. and the U.K. In response, Trump praised Britain's "incredible military" and, in a lighthearted moment, asked, "Could you take on Russia by yourselves?" He added that if British forces needed assistance, the U.S. would "always be with the British." This exchange highlighted the differing perspectives on military involvement in Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump expressed respect for Ukrainian President Zelensky ahead of their White House talks, stating he couldn't believe he had once called him a "dictator." Trump predicted a productive meeting, with Zelensky seeking security guarantees amid the ongoing war. The US is poised to sign a deal giving it access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals, which Trump suggested would deter future Russian attacks. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the UK's readiness to deploy peacekeeping forces post-war, contingent on US involvement. Despite Russia's refusal to concede territory, efforts to end the war continue amid complex diplomatic discussions.

YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Ashish Chachlani were summoned by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell over controversial comments made on a show. Ranveer admitted his mistake, apologized, and expressed regret for the comment that sparked outrage. He explained that his appearance on Samay Raina's show was out of friendship, and he acknowledged the inappropriateness of his statement. Following the incident, he was temporarily banned from performing shows and traveling abroad. The National Commission for Women also intervened, and further proceedings are set for March. Several celebrities, initially critical, later called for leniency, while the investigation continues.