A federal judge in Seattle has temporarily halted President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, declaring it "blatantly unconstitutional." The order sought to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents. In response, the Department of Justice stated it will "vigorously defend" the order, asserting it "correctly interprets" the 14th Amendment. This legal battle underscores the contentious debate over immigration and constitutional rights in the United States. 

In a surprising statement ahead of the highly anticipated India-Pakistan Champions Trophy match on February 23, 2025, in Dubai, former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan expressed his desire for a Pakistan victory. Wassan believes that a win for Pakistan would intensify the tournament's competitiveness, stating, "I want Pakistan to win. Maza aayega (it will be fun, tournament-wise)." Pakistan, having lost their opening match to New Zealand, faces a must-win situation to remain in contention. Wassan also praised India's batting depth and supported the team's spin-heavy strategy tailored for Dubai's conditions. 

Neera Tanden, former domestic policy advisor to President Joe Biden, has rejoined the Center for American Progress (CAP) as its president and CEO. Tanden previously led CAP and its advocacy arm, the Center for American Progress Action Fund. As Biden's domestic policy advisor, she oversaw the White House Domestic Policy Council, coordinating initiatives across economic, social, and governance issues. CAP board chair John Podesta praised Tanden's return, highlighting her extensive experience in three White Houses and her role in defending the Affordable Care Act from repeal during the Trump administration. Tanden expressed enthusiasm about rejoining CAP to develop policies addressing current U.S. political challenges. 

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed imposing reciprocal tariffs on countries like India and China, citing unfair trade practices. He claims nations, including India, impose high duties on American goods while benefiting from lower U.S. tariffs. Trump emphasized that his administration would ensure equal trade treatment if reelected. This move could impact U.S.-India trade relations, especially under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. The proposal aligns with Trump’s broader protectionist policies, aiming to boost domestic industries. However, experts warn that such tariffs could escalate trade tensions and affect global supply chains.

On February 22, 2025, a section of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana's Nagarkurnool district collapsed, trapping eight workers approximately 200 meters inside the 500-foot-deep tunnel. At the time of the incident, 60 workers were present; 52 managed to escape, some with injuries. The trapped individuals include engineers Manoj Kumar and Sri Niwas from Uttar Pradesh, four laborers from Jharkhand, and two machine operators from Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab. Rescue operations, involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Army teams, are focused on dewatering and clearing debris to locate the workers. The collapse was reportedly caused by a sudden influx of water and soil into the tunnel.

Donald Trump vowed immediate action on key issues upon taking office. His administration has issued executive orders on immigration, including mass deportations and ending birthright citizenship, though legal challenges persist. He pardoned over 1,500 January 6 rioters and started talks on ending the Ukraine war, raising concerns in Kyiv. On economic matters, he proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico but delayed implementation. While he promised to cut prices, inflation remains a challenge. Some pledges have seen movement, but others face legal and political hurdles.  

India face Pakistan in a high-stakes Champions Trophy 2025 clash in Dubai on February 23. India lead recent encounters, winning 5 of their last 6 ODIs against Pakistan. However, Pakistan hold a 73-57 edge in overall ODIs and an 18-6 record in UAE. Pakistan, under pressure after losing to New Zealand, must win to stay in contention. India, led by Rohit Sharma, started strong with a victory over Bangladesh. Shubman Gill’s century and Mohammed Shami’s five-wicket haul boosted their confidence. Pakistan’s fate depends on this match and Bangladesh’s performance against New Zealand.

A knife attack in Mulhouse, France, left 1 dead and 3 injured, including 2 police officers. President Emmanuel Macron condemned it as "Islamist terrorism." The suspect, a 37-year-old Algerian national on a terror watchlist, was under judicial supervision and faced expulsion. The attack occurred during a demonstration supporting Congo. One officer suffered a carotid artery injury, while another was wounded in the thorax. France’s anti-terror prosecutors have taken over the investigation. Mulhouse Mayor Michèle Lutz expressed horror at the incident, calling for justice. Security was heightened in response to the attack.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer assured President Volodymyr Zelensky of the UK’s "ironclad support" for Ukraine in their latest call. Starmer emphasized that Ukraine "must be at the heart" of any peace talks with Russia. He plans to discuss Ukraine’s sovereignty with Donald Trump in Washington next week. Protests erupted in London, with demonstrators condemning Trump’s stance on the war. European leaders also convened to strategize amid fears of exclusion from negotiations. Starmer reiterated that securing a "just and enduring peace" is vital for European security.

  Pakistan has announced a PKR 1 billion "master plan" for the renovation and beautification of Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras. The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) approved the plan in Lahore, with chairman Syed Attaur Rehman stating that the funds will be used to enhance minority places of worship. The meeting, attended by Hindu and Sikh community leaders, also decided to appoint a project director for development work. Board secretary Farid Iqbal emphasized that revenue from trust properties would significantly increase under the revised scheme.