An avalanche near Mana village in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district has led to a massive rescue operation. Of the 55 workers initially trapped, 47 have been rescued, while 8 remain unaccounted for. The Indian Army, along with State and National Disaster Response Forces, is confronting severe weather, including heavy snowfall and the risk of additional avalanches, which have impeded progress. Efforts continue as authorities strive to locate and extract the remaining workers. 

In a major breakthrough, Pune police arrested 37-year-old Dattatray Ramdas Gade, accused of raping a 26-year-old woman inside a Maharashtra state transport (ST) bus at Swargate bus station. Gade was found hiding in a paddy field in his native village, Gunat, in Shirur taluka. Medical reports indicated ligature marks on his neck, suggesting an attempted suicide before his capture. Authorities had announced a ₹1 lakh reward for information leading to his arrest. The police plan to recognize and honor villagers who played a role in locating the fugitive.    

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced in Delhi that the EU and India aim to finalize a long-awaited free trade agreement (FTA) this year. A deal of this scale would be the largest of its kind globally. Talks, relaunched in 2021, face hurdles in agriculture and manufacturing but are progressing. The EU is also exploring a security and defense partnership with India. As U.S.-EU trade tensions escalate under Trump’s policies, Brussels seeks stronger Indo-Pacific ties. With $135 billion in bilateral trade, India and the EU are deepening collaborations in AI, semiconductors, and clean technology.    

On February 28, 2025, Pope Francis, aged 88, experienced a severe coughing fit leading to the inhalation of vomit, which necessitated non-invasive mechanical ventilation to support his breathing. This incident occurred during his two-week hospitalization at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he is being treated for double pneumonia. Despite the setback, the Vatican reports that the Pope remains conscious and alert, though his overall prognosis remains cautious due to the complexity of his condition. Doctors are closely monitoring him for potential complications, including sepsis. The Pope continues to work from the hospital, with global prayers dedicated to his recovery.   

On February 28, 2025, a suicide bomber targeted the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, during Friday prayers. The attack killed six people, including Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq, son of the late Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, a key figure linked to the Taliban. Around 20 others were injured. Despite tight security, the bomber managed to infiltrate the mosque. No group has claimed responsibility, though suspicions fall on ISIS-K. The attack has drawn strong condemnation from Pakistani leaders and the Afghan Taliban, as the seminary is known for educating many senior Taliban figures.

In a dramatic Oval Office meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clashed with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance over Ukraine's gratitude for American support. Vance questioned Zelenskyy's appreciation, leading to a heated exchange where Trump accused Zelenskyy of "disrespecting America" and warned of the potential for World War III. The confrontation resulted in the cancellation of a critical minerals agreement and a planned joint press conference. Despite the tensions, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude, stating, "Thank you America, thank you for your support... Ukraine needs just and lasting peace."   

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was asked to leave the White House after a heated Oval Office exchange with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Trump told Zelensky to “make a deal or we’re out,” while Vance accused him of not showing gratitude for US aid. A scheduled press conference was canceled, and Zelensky was escorted out. Hours later, he posted on X: “Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people.” Trump later said Zelensky could return “when he is ready for peace.”

Russia mocked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after his heated argument with US President Donald Trump at the White House. Kremlin spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claimed Trump showed “miraculous restraint” by not striking Zelensky. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called Zelensky an “insolent pig,” while Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s Direct Investment Fund, described the confrontation as “historic.” Zakharova accused Zelensky of lying about Ukraine’s isolation in 2022. The White House meeting, meant to finalize a rare earth minerals deal, collapsed after the fiery exchange, further complicating US-Ukraine relations.

Kate Middleton has stopped her children from taking part in an old royal tradition called "blooding." This practice involves smearing an animal’s blood on a child's face after their first hunt. Royal expert Tom Quinn said Kate "put her foot down" and will not allow Prince George, Princess Charlotte, or Prince Louis to join in. Many experts support her, calling the ritual "barbaric" and outdated. Prince William, who went through the tradition himself, agrees with her decision. Kate wants her children to have a normal childhood and does not support blood sports.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky left the White House after a tense exchange with US President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. Trump accused Zelensky of disrespecting the US and refusing to negotiate peace with Russia. The meeting, originally meant to finalize a rare earth minerals deal, ended abruptly, with Trump stating, “He can come back when he is ready for peace.” A planned joint press conference and lunch were also canceled. Trump warned Zelensky against “gambling with World War Three.” European leaders urged Trump to ensure security guarantees for Ukraine.