Following the conclusion of Maha Kumbh 2025 on February 26, a 15-day special cleanliness drive has begun at the Prayagraj Mela grounds. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honored sanitation workers for maintaining hygiene during the 45-day event, which saw over 66 crore devotees at Triveni Sangam. Over 15,000 sanitation workers and 2,000 Ganga Sewa Doots are engaged in restoring the site's sanctity. Temporary infrastructure, including 1.5 lakh toilets, will be dismantled, and waste is being processed at the Baswar plant. The Uttar Pradesh Fire Department has also started distributing Sangam water across all 75 districts.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025's scheduling has sparked criticism as Australia and South Africa face unnecessary travel ahead of the semi-finals. While India remains in Dubai for all matches, Australia and South Africa will fly to Dubai on Saturday but may return to Pakistan just a day later. The Group A runner-up faces the Group B winner, meaning one team will have to relocate twice before the knockout stage. Players, including Rassie van der Dussen and Pat Cummins, have criticized India’s venue advantage. The final semi-final match-ups will be confirmed after India's clash with New Zealand on Sunday.

After a tense Oval Office meeting with Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for U.S. support in Ukraine’s war against Russia. Zelenskyy thanked Trump, Congress, and the American people for their aid and confirmed Ukraine’s readiness to sign a minerals deal to strengthen economic and defense ties. He warned that a ceasefire without security guarantees would be dangerous for Ukraine. The meeting ended in a heated exchange, with Trump criticizing Zelenskyy for showing "disrespect" to the U.S. Despite tensions, Zelenskyy urged continued U.S. backing, stating, “No one wants peace more than we do.”

The Delhi government announced strict anti-pollution measures, banning fuel for vehicles older than 15 years from March 31. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said petrol pumps will install gadgets to enforce the rule. High-rise buildings, hotels, and commercial complexes must install anti-smog guns. The government also plans to phase out 90% of public CNG buses, replacing them with electric buses by December 2025. Petrol Dealers Association President Nischal Singhania welcomed the move. Additionally, Delhi will seek Centre’s approval for cloud seeding to induce artificial rain during severe pollution. The BJP and AAP continue to spar over pollution control.

Following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's tense exchange with US President Donald Trump at the White House, MP Oleksandr Dubinsky has called for his impeachment, labeling the incident a "diplomatic failure." Dubinsky urged an emergency parliamentary session, blaming Zelenskyy for Ukraine’s growing international isolation and loss of US support. He accused the president of authoritarian rule and suppressing opposition voices. Dubinsky, a controversial figure facing past treason charges, claimed Zelenskyy has failed both in diplomacy and governance. The demand for impeachment has intensified political tensions in Kyiv, raising questions about Ukraine’s leadership amid the ongoing war with Russia.

India may rest pacer Mohammed Shami for Sunday's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against New Zealand due to a calf issue from the Pakistan game. With five left-handers in New Zealand's lineup, Arshdeep Singh is likely to replace him. Shami, who bowled only 6-7 overs at training, is being managed ahead of the semi-finals. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate also provided an update on Rohit Sharma, confirming he is managing his injury well. On KL Rahul vs Rishabh Pant for wicketkeeping, Doeschate admitted it was a tough selection call but praised Rahul’s contributions in crucial moments.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed the need for global attention on Ukraine after a heated White House meeting with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The meeting, meant to secure more US support, ended in acrimony, with Trump and Vance berating Zelensky over Ukraine's war efforts and gratitude. Following the clash, Zelensky’s White House visit was cut short, and a minerals-sharing deal was left unsigned. European leaders quickly reaffirmed their support for Kyiv. "It is important Ukraine is heard and not forgotten," Zelensky stated, thanking supporters for diplomatic, financial, and political assistance.

Rescue operations continue in Uttarakhand’s Badrinath after an avalanche trapped 55 workers at a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp near Mana village. The Indian Army confirmed 4 deaths, with 5 still trapped. So far, 47 have been rescued, including 17 on Day 2. Harsh weather and seven feet of snow hinder efforts, but six helicopters are ferrying injured workers to Joshimath. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Home Minister Amit Shah are monitoring the situation. Authorities are prioritizing evacuations amid fears of further avalanches. Most trapped workers are from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir.

Friday’s dramatic Oval Office clash between President Zelensky and US leaders sparked international reactions—except from Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin leader remained silent, letting events unfold to Russia’s advantage. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called Zelensky’s treatment a “slap down,” while Russia’s foreign ministry praised Trump’s restraint. Meanwhile, Trump and Putin have grown closer, discussing economic cooperation and potential summits. Moscow sees this US-Ukraine rift as a strategic win. If US military aid to Ukraine falters, Kyiv’s defense against Russian forces weakens. The Oval Office spectacle only reinforced Russia’s belief that the war is tilting in its favor, while Ukraine’s position looks increasingly precarious.

In the Oval Office meeting, former President Donald Trump confronted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over alleged corruption within Ukraine's government. Trump asserted that U.S. aid should be contingent upon Ukraine addressing these corruption issues. Democrats criticized Trump's approach, labeling it as an inappropriate pressure tactic that undermines diplomatic norms. They argue that such confrontations could jeopardize the United States' commitment to supporting Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts. Conversely, Republicans praised Trump's stance, viewing it as a necessary measure to ensure accountability and the proper use of American taxpayer dollars. They believe that conditioning aid on anti-corruption efforts is a prudent strategy to promote transparency and reform within Ukraine's political system. This incident has further intensified partisan debates over U.S. foreign policy and aid distribution.