Pune police have launched a massive manhunt for 37-year-old Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, accused of raping a 26-year-old woman inside a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus at Swargate depot on February 25. Gade, a resident of Gunat village in Shirur taluka, has a criminal record, including robbery and theft cases.   To aid his arrest, police have announced a ₹1 lakh reward and released his photograph. Investigators are scanning CCTV footage and questioning his family and friends. The crime, which occurred barely 100 meters from Swargate police station, has triggered protests. Informants' identities will be kept confidential.

Singer Katy Perry will fly aboard Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission in spring 2025, marking the first all-female astronaut crew since 1963. Led by Jeff Bezos' fiancée Lauren Sanchez, the mission includes CBS anchor Gayle King, activist Amanda Nguyen, producer Kerianne Flynn, and ex-NASA scientist Aisha Bowe. Perry, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, hopes to inspire young dreamers. The New Shepard rocket will offer four minutes of weightlessness. “I hope my journey inspires my daughter,” Perry stated. Blue Origin’s 11th human flight follows past celebrity missions featuring William Shatner and Michael Strahan.

Donald Trump said the U.S. will impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods, escalating trade tensions. He also confirmed a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, set to take effect on March 4. Trump blamed the countries for failing to curb fentanyl trafficking, stating, “Drugs are still pouring into our country.” China has vowed retaliatory tariffs. Economists warn these measures could raise U.S. consumer prices and hurt investment. Despite concerns, Trump dismissed fears, saying, “We are the pot of gold.” Markets remained steady, but trade uncertainty looms.

Meta has apologized after an Instagram error caused violent and graphic videos to appear in users' Reels feeds. Many users, despite enabling the 'sensitive content control' setting, reported seeing inappropriate content. The company did not disclose how many were affected or the cause of the glitch but confirmed it has resolved the issue. "We apologize for the mistake," a Meta spokesperson said. The company recently faced criticism for scrapping its US fact-checking program, raising concerns over content moderation and user safety.

Nael Barghouti, the longest-serving Palestinian prisoner, was released after 45 years in Israeli jails under a hostage-prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas. Barghouti, 67, was initially jailed in 1978 for the murder of an Israeli officer and attacks on Israeli sites. Previously freed in 2011, he was re-arrested in 2014. Upon release, he was expelled to Egypt. The swap, part of a fragile Gaza truce, saw Israel release 643 Palestinian prisoners while Hamas returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages. The ceasefire has halted months of fighting that left Gaza devastated. Further negotiations remain uncertain.

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, and their dog were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. Deputies discovered them during a welfare check. Authorities confirmed no signs of foul play but have not disclosed the cause of death. Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner for The French Connection and Unforgiven, retired from acting two decades ago. He and Arakawa lived a quiet life with their German shepherds. Their deaths come just days before the Oscars. Fans and Hollywood stars mourn the loss of the legendary actor. Investigations continue.

A vehicle plowed into pedestrians at a bus stop near the Pardes Hanna-Karkur intersection in Israel, injuring 10 people, including two critically. The attacker then stabbed two police officers before being shot dead by security forces. Israeli police are treating the incident as a suspected terror attack. The assailant, a 24-year-old Israeli Arab from Ma'ale Iron, had no prior criminal or security record. Emergency responders confirmed the victims, aged 20 to 70, were rushed to hospitals. Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited London’s Darjeeling Express, owned by British-Indian chef Asma Khan, to participate in Ramadan preparations. The royal couple helped pack dates and biryani boxes for donation to hospitals. A video shared by the royal family showed Charles and Camilla interacting with staff and assisting an all-female kitchen team. "You're packing dates faster than I can seal them," Khan joked. The event highlighted Ramadan’s significance and the contributions of Muslim women. The King and Queen emphasized the importance of charity and community during the holy month. [Video Courtesy: X/@Saudi_Gazette]

Archaeologists in Tamil Nadu have uncovered iron objects dating back 5,000–5,400 years, potentially rewriting global iron history. Found at six sites, including Adichchanallur and Mayiladumparai, the discovery suggests early independent ironworking in India. Experts emphasize the need for further validation but acknowledge its significance. "If confirmed, this ranks among the world's earliest records," said archaeologist Parth R Chauhan. The finds include iron tools, weapons, and a furnace, pointing to advanced metallurgy. While Turkey is considered the birthplace of iron smelting, these findings challenge that narrative, sparking intense academic discussion.

Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar criticized Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy after Pakistan’s Champions Trophy exit, calling him "abnormal." Speaking on PTV, he blamed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for poor leadership choices. Ex-captain Shoaib Malik interrupted, challenging Akhtar to "fix the system." Akhtar responded, saying he could reform domestic cricket in three years if given control. Mohammad Hafeez joked, "Isn't three years too long?" Pakistan's six-wicket defeat to India sealed their fate in the tournament. Akhtar’s remarks have sparked intense debate over the team’s future.