Hamas has returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal. Israeli President Isaac Herzog said, “The hearts of an entire nation lie in tatters.” Among the dead are Shiri Bibas and her two young sons. Hamas claims they died in an Israeli strike, but Israel has not confirmed this. The fourth body is 84-year-old peace activist Oded Lifschitz. “We will not confirm anything before forensic testing,” Israeli officials stated. The Red Cross transported the bodies, surrounded by grieving crowds. This is the first time Hamas has handed over dead hostages since the war began.

The Indian government has started an investigation into USAID funding, checking if it influenced the 2024 elections. Officials have sent questions to some recipients and are reviewing foreign transactions. The US cancelled a $21 million grant meant for voter turnout efforts in India. The Modi government sees this as outside interference in elections. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asked for a white paper on USAID’s past funding in India. Opposition leaders argue they had no reason to take foreign money. Both Indian and US officials are studying a list of NGOs, influencers, and scholars linked to the funds

In a devastating incident on February 20, 2025, a double-decker bus carrying devotees to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj collided with a rice-laden truck in Sarokhanpur, Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh. The collision occurred around 5 a.m., resulting in six immediate fatalities and injuring approximately 40 passengers. The impact severely damaged the front section of the bus. Authorities, including District Magistrate Dinesh Chand, promptly arrived at the scene to oversee rescue operations and ensure medical treatment for the injured at a nearby hospital. This tragic event underscores the pressing need for enhanced road.

In a disturbing case from the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, videos of women bathing and changing clothes were allegedly recorded secretly and sold on social media. Reports suggest these videos were circulated for profit, sparking outrage. Upon receiving complaints, the police registered a case and launched an investigation. Authorities are tracking the perpetrators involved in this illegal act, which raises serious concerns about privacy violations at large public gatherings. The incident has led to demands for stricter surveillance and better security measures to prevent such crimes in the future.  

Former US President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a "dictator" after Zelensky criticized US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia. Trump accused Zelensky of playing President Biden and criticized his decision to suspend Ukrainian elections amid the ongoing war. European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, condemned Trump's remarks, affirming Zelensky's legitimacy. Zelensky responded, accusing Trump of living in a "disinformation space" and rejecting his attempts to access Ukraine's resources. Meanwhile, the EU imposed new sanctions on Russia.

India will face Bangladesh in their opening Champions Trophy match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 20, 2025. The pitch is expected to favor pace bowlers, with Mohammad Shami and Arshdeep Singh set to benefit from seam movement. Despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace department remains strong. Weather conditions are predicted to be overcast, with temperatures ranging from 26°C in the morning to 23°C in the evening, providing ideal conditions for cricket. The match could see both pace and spin play key roles, particularly in the latter half.  

British and European forces could soon be deployed to Ukraine to secure peace in the aftermath of a ceasefire with Russia. The force, expected to number under 30,000 troops, would focus on key areas such as cities, ports, and nuclear power plants, providing reassurance to the Ukrainian public and facilitating the return of displaced citizens. Additionally, air policing and warships for maritime security are being considered. This deployment would depend on US backing, with the goal of deterring any further Russian aggression, though Russia strongly opposes such a force.    

Afghanistan will face South Africa in their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 21 at Karachi's National Bank Stadium. The weather forecast predicts pleasant conditions with a temperature of 31°C and minimal chances of rain. South Africa leads the head-to-head ODI record 3-2. Afghanistan’s squad is led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, featuring strong batters like Gurbaz and Zadran, while Rashid Khan leads the spin attack. South Africa, captained by Temba Bavuma, will rely on key players like Rabada, Jansen, and Miller.  

As the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues, Hamas will return the bodies of four Israeli captives, including members of the Bibas family, in Gaza’s Khan Younis. Meanwhile, Gaza authorities claim Israel is blocking essential humanitarian aid, including mobile homes and bulldozers. The Gaza Health Ministry reports nearly 50,000 Palestinian deaths from the ongoing conflict, with many more presumed dead. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called for the end of Israel's occupation in southern Lebanon. The death toll in Israel stands at over 1,100 due to the October 7 Hamas-led attacks.

The Supreme Court has stayed an order from the Lokpal, which had granted jurisdiction to probe high court judges. The court found the development "disturbing" and issued notices to the Centre, the Lokpal office, and the complainant. The Lokpal had earlier directed that complaints about high court judges influencing cases be forwarded to the Chief Justice of India for consideration. The case concerns allegations that a high court judge had influenced another judge and a district judge to favor a private company with which he had past connections.