Voters in Haryana's Municipal Corporation (MC) elections displayed significant enthusiasm, with long queues observed at polling stations. The elections, initially delayed due to electoral roll revisions, were held in March 2025. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aiming for a third consecutive term, faces competition from the Congress party, which seeks a comeback. Both parties have been actively campaigning, with BJP recently inaugurating its election office in Sirsa. Voter turnout is expected to be high, reflecting the public's keen interest in local governance.     

A massive avalanche buried 54 workers at a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp near Mana village, Uttarakhand. Rescue teams saved 46, but eight died. On Day 3, the last worker’s body was recovered. Over 200 personnel from the Army, ITBP, SDRF, and NDRF were involved, using advanced drones, Cheetah helicopters, and thermal imaging. Heavy snowfall initially hampered efforts, but clear weather aided the final search. The avalanche blocked the Badrinath-Joshimath highway at multiple points. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured full support for relief efforts.

Financial expert Robert Kiyosaki, author of "Rich Dad Poor Dad," has echoed Elon Musk's concerns about the U.S. economy, highlighting systemic issues within the monetary system. In a recent post on Musk's platform, Kiyosaki criticized America's escalating debt, which includes obligations from social programs like Medicare and Social Security, totaling over $230 trillion when combined with the national debt of $36 trillion. He cautioned that if major bond purchasers like Japan and China cease their investments, it could lead to soaring inflation and a potential collapse of both the U.S. economy and the dollar. Despite Bitcoin's recent drop to $85,000—a 22% decrease from its January peak—Kiyosaki views such downturns as buying opportunities, advocating for investments in Bitcoin, gold, and silver over traditional currency.

Israel has agreed to a U.S. proposal to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover. The plan includes releasing half of the remaining hostages on the first day and initiating talks for a permanent truce. However, Hamas has rejected this proposal, insisting on negotiating the second phase of the ceasefire, which aims for a complete Israeli withdrawal and lasting peace. In response, Israel has halted all humanitarian aid to Gaza, a move Hamas deems as "cheap extortion" and a violation of previous agreements.     

  Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut criticized Maharashtra's Deputy CM Eknath Shinde for questioning Uddhav Thackeray's absence from the Maha Kumbh, turning the tables by questioning why Shinde didn’t question RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, who also skipped the event. Raut pointed out that prominent RSS figures, including its founder and Hindutva ideologues like Vinayak Savarkar, never attended the Kumbh. Raut further criticized the political significance of PM Modi’s Kumbh visits and questioned Shinde’s dissatisfaction with his role in the Maharashtra government, claiming he seeks to merge Shiv Sena into the BJP for a CM position.    

  In a crucial Group A clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl against India at Dubai International Stadium. India’s top order collapsed early, losing Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, leaving them at 30/3. Despite a slow start, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership. This match will determine the Group A leader, with India needing a win to face Australia in the semi-finals. Kohli’s 300th ODI was marked by a rare failure, as he was dismissed for 11.    

India and New Zealand, both unbeaten, face off in their final group-stage match of the 2025 Champions Trophy on March 2 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This encounter is particularly significant as it marks Virat Kohli's 300th ODI appearance, making him the seventh Indian to achieve this milestone. Kohli, coming off a century against Pakistan, aims to continue his stellar form. New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell returns after illness, bolstering their batting lineup. Both teams have already secured semifinal spots, but this match will determine the group leader. India's strategy includes a four-man spin attack, with Varun Chakaravarthy replacing pacer Harshit Rana, a move that could be pivotal against New Zealand's proficient batting lineup.

Israel has halted all humanitarian aid to Gaza after the expiration of phase one of the ceasefire deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office cited Hamas’s refusal to accept a US-backed six-week ceasefire extension. Hamas condemned the move as “blackmail” and urged international pressure on Israel. The ceasefire, in effect since January 19, saw the release of hostages and prisoners but stalled on phase two negotiations. Hamas demands guarantees of Israel’s troop withdrawal and further exchanges. Netanyahu insists no ceasefire will continue without hostage releases. The US proposal includes phased releases and negotiations, but Israel warns of consequences if Hamas refuses. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens as tensions escalate.

A suicide bomb blast during Friday prayers at the Jamia Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including prominent cleric Hamid ul Haq. The attack occurred a day before Ramadan. Hamid ul Haq, leader of a faction of the Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam party, was the son of Maulana Samiul Haq, known as “the father of the Taliban,” who was assassinated in 2018. The seminary has historically been a training ground for the Afghan Taliban. The explosion took place in the first row of worshippers just behind the imam. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is hosting a special defense summit in London with leaders from Europe, Canada, and Turkey to address the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. This initiative follows a contentious meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which ended abruptly, jeopardizing a proposed minerals deal and raising concerns about continued U.S. military support for Ukraine. European leaders are seeking security guarantees, such as air cover, from Washington as part of any potential peace agreement with Russia. Starmer, who recently announced the largest increase in defense spending since the Cold War, aims to encourage European nations to bolster their defense capabilities independently of U.S. support. The summit seeks to solidify a lasting peace and ensure Ukraine's future sovereignty and security.