The US Embassy granted visas to Nilam Shinde's family after she suffered severe injuries in a road accident in California. Nilam, a 35-year-old student at California State University, is in a coma after being struck by a speeding vehicle. The accident caused multiple fractures and traumatic brain injuries. Nilam's father and brother, who attended a visa interview in Mumbai, are now authorized to visit her in Sacramento. The Indian consulate in San Francisco has been actively involved, offering support and staying in contact with Nilam’s medical team. MP Supriya Sule raised the issue with the Ministry of External Affairs to expedite the visa process.

Donald Trump has announced that tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods will take effect on March 4, 2025, with a 25% duty, alongside a new 10% tariff on Chinese imports, raising the total Chinese tariff to 20%. The move aims to combat the continued flow of fentanyl into the U.S., which remains a major health crisis. Despite the efforts, progress from Mexico and Canada has been deemed insufficient. The freeze on U.S. foreign aid and delayed screening measures are hindering drug interdiction efforts. Trump’s actions echo his previous trade tactics, putting pressure on foreign nations to curb drug trafficking and respond to the fentanyl crisis.

In a remarkable celestial event, all seven planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—will align in the night sky on February 28, 2025. This rare planetary parade offers stargazers a unique opportunity to observe multiple planets simultaneously. While Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye, viewing Mercury, Uranus, and Neptune will require binoculars or a telescope. The optimal time for observation is just after sunset, with planets appearing along the ecliptic plane. Such an alignment won't occur again until 2040, making this a must-see event for astronomy enthusiasts. 

On February 27, 2025, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer met U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., seeking U.S. security guarantees for British and European peacekeeping troops in post-war Ukraine. Trump dismissed the need for additional American support, stating, “The British have incredible soldiers… they can take care of themselves.” While Britain was not requesting U.S. ground troops, it sought aerial surveillance and potential air cover if Russia attacked again. Trump instead pointed to a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal as a deterrent, claiming it would ensure stability. European leaders remain uncertain about NATO’s future security commitments in Ukraine.  

On February 27, 5:00 PM EST, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss key issues, including the Ukraine conflict and trade relations. During the meeting, Starmer delivered a personal invitation from King Charles III for President Trump to undertake a second state visit to the United Kingdom, an unprecedented gesture underscoring the strong ties between the two nations. President Trump accepted the invitation, expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming visit. The leaders also explored the possibility of a trade agreement that could exempt the UK from impending U.S. tariffs, aiming to strengthen economic cooperation amidst global challenges.   

In 2024, the UK received a record 108,138 asylum applications, an 18% increase from the previous year and surpassing the previous peak in 2002. Notably, 32% of these applicants arrived via small boats across the English Channel. Despite the rise in asylum claims, overall migration decreased due to a 33% reduction in work and student visas, with health and care sectors particularly affected. The number of asylum seekers housed in hotels rose to over 38,000 by December 2024, highlighting ongoing challenges in the asylum system. 

Neelakanta Bhanu Prakash, a 14-year-old prodigy from India, has set a remarkable feat by breaking six Guinness World Records in mental calculations in a single day. Known as the "Human Calculator," Bhanu achieved this extraordinary milestone by solving complex arithmetic problems at lightning speed. His records surpass those set by previous champions in speed and accuracy. This achievement cements his position as one of the fastest human calculators in the world. Bhanu, who has won several international accolades, aims to revolutionize math education and inspire young minds to embrace mental calculation as a vital skill.  

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, residence. A devastated caretaker discovered the couple unresponsive and made a frantic 911 call, repeatedly expressing shock and pleading for help. Authorities found no signs of foul play, though investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of death. Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, retired from acting in 2004 and lived a quiet life with Arakawa, a former classical pianist. The tragic news has left Hollywood and fans mourning the loss of the legendary actor and his longtime partner.

  On February 27, 2025, U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco issued a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration's directive to terminate thousands of probationary federal employees. The judge ruled that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) exceeded its legal authority by instructing agencies to carry out mass firings, stating that OPM "does not have any authority whatsoever... to hire or fire any employees but its own." This decision responds to a lawsuit filed by labor unions and nonprofit organizations challenging the administration's efforts to significantly reduce the federal workforce. The ruling temporarily halts further terminations and requires OPM to rescind its directives.    

On February 28, 2025, Andhra Pradesh's Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav presented a ₹2.94 lakh crore budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. The budget allocates ₹29,909 crore to school education, ₹18,421 crore to healthcare and family welfare, and ₹16,739 crore to Panchayat Raj and rural development. Revenue expenditure is projected at ₹2,35,916.99 crore, with capital expenditure at ₹32,712.84 crore. The estimated revenue deficit stands at ₹34,743.38 crore (2.12% of GSDP), and the fiscal deficit at ₹68,742.65 crore (4.19% of GSDP). The government emphasizes infrastructure development, including the revitalization of Amaravati as the state's capital.