The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has intensified its opposition to the central government's proposed three-language policy, asserting it imposes Hindi on Tamil Nadu's education system. DMK MP Kanimozhi questioned the necessity of learning Hindi, stating, "What do we gain by learning Hindi?" She also accused the Centre of withholding ₹5,000 crore in funds due to the state's refusal to implement the National Education Policy (NEP), which mandates the three-language formula. BJP state president Annamalai criticized the DMK's stance, alleging hypocrisy, as children of DMK leaders reportedly study multiple languages, while underprivileged students are denied similar opportunities. 

In the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2025, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal's Bagmati Province at approximately 2:36 AM. The epicenter was located about 189 km north of Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Tremors were felt across parts of Bihar, including Patna, as well as in Siliguri, West Bengal. Residents reported being awakened by the shaking, with some observing moving ceiling fans and swaying buildings. Despite the intensity, there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Nepal, situated in a seismically active zone, frequently experiences such tectonic activities due to the ongoing collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.

Pune Police have detained Dattatray Gade, the primary suspect in the recent rape of a 26-year-old woman inside a stationary state transport bus at Swargate bus station. Gade, a 37-year-old with a history of theft, robbery, and chain-snatching, was apprehended around midnight in Shirur tehsil, Pune district. The incident occurred early Tuesday when Gade allegedly misled the victim into an unoccupied 'Shiv Shahi' AC bus and assaulted her. In response, authorities deployed 13 police teams, utilizing drones and sniffer dogs in sugarcane fields, and announced a ₹1 lakh reward for information leading to his capture. 

King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited Kolkata-born chef Asma Khan at her Darjeeling Express restaurant in London. The royals joined a pre-Ramadan gathering, helping pack chicken biryani and dates for hospital iftar donations. Asma Khan, known for her celebrated Kolkata biryani, shared that the King humorously remarked, “I may be past my sell-by date,” when offered a packing job. The visit, which highlighted the King’s appreciation for culinary heritage and charitable causes, comes ahead of Ramadan celebrations, emphasizing the spirit of giving during the holy month.

   IAS officer Tuhin Kanta Pandey has been appointed as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), replacing Madhabi Puri Buch, whose tenure ends on February 28. A 1987-batch Odisha cadre officer, Pandey previously served as Finance Secretary and Secretary of DIPAM. He holds a Master’s in Economics from Panjab University and an MBA from the University of Birmingham. His appointment follows a selection process initiated by the Finance Ministry. Buch’s predecessors, Ajay Tyagi and UK Sinha, had extended tenures. Pandey's leadership will shape SEBI’s regulatory landscape in the coming years.

Israel and Hamas have started negotiations in Cairo on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire, with officials from Israel, Qatar, and the US involved. Egypt’s state information service said discussions include securing hostages' release, Israeli troop withdrawal, and increasing humanitarian aid. Tensions remain as Israel refuses to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor despite the ceasefire terms. Hamas called this a “blatant violation,” warning that adherence to the deal is crucial for hostage releases. US envoy Steve Witkoff is set to visit. Egypt has warned that the ceasefire remains fragile and risks collapse without full compliance.

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, were found dead in their Santa Fe home, with police calling the deaths “suspicious enough” to warrant investigation. Hackman was discovered in a side room, while Arakawa was in a bathroom with a heater and scattered pills nearby. Their German Shepherd was also found dead. Authorities found no signs of forced entry or gas leaks. Tributes poured in, with Francis Ford Coppola calling Hackman “a great artist” and “magnificent in his work.” The French Connection and Unforgiven star had retired to New Mexico for a quiet life.

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign ended in embarrassment as their final group match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi was abandoned due to rain. With just 1 point and a -1.087 net run rate, the defending champions finished last in Group A, marking the worst-ever finish for a title holder in the tournament’s history. Pakistan’s disastrous campaign even surpassed Australia’s record-low performance in 2013. The Mohammad Rizwan-led side faced heavy criticism as fans and experts questioned their preparation and strategy. Meanwhile, Bangladesh also exited the tournament, sharing a point from the abandoned game.

Pune police have launched a massive manhunt for 37-year-old Dattatraya Ramdas Gade, accused of raping a 26-year-old woman inside a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus at Swargate depot on February 25. Gade, a resident of Gunat village in Shirur taluka, has a criminal record, including robbery and theft cases.   To aid his arrest, police have announced a ₹1 lakh reward and released his photograph. Investigators are scanning CCTV footage and questioning his family and friends. The crime, which occurred barely 100 meters from Swargate police station, has triggered protests. Informants' identities will be kept confidential.

Singer Katy Perry will fly aboard Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission in spring 2025, marking the first all-female astronaut crew since 1963. Led by Jeff Bezos' fiancée Lauren Sanchez, the mission includes CBS anchor Gayle King, activist Amanda Nguyen, producer Kerianne Flynn, and ex-NASA scientist Aisha Bowe. Perry, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, hopes to inspire young dreamers. The New Shepard rocket will offer four minutes of weightlessness. “I hope my journey inspires my daughter,” Perry stated. Blue Origin’s 11th human flight follows past celebrity missions featuring William Shatner and Michael Strahan.