Tropical Cyclone Alfred has intensified to a Category 3 system, producing wind gusts up to 185 km/h in the Coral Sea. Currently located approximately 930 km northeast of Mackay, Queensland, the cyclone is expected to remain offshore in the coming days. Meteorologists predict potential further intensification; however, the system is not anticipated to make landfall at this time. Residents in central and southeast Queensland are advised to stay informed about weather updates, as some scenarios suggest the cyclone could approach the coast as a weakened system over the weekend or next week. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.   

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, who launched to the ISS in June 2024 aboard Boeing's Starliner for an eight-day mission, face delays in returning due to propulsion system issues and helium leaks. NASA now plans their return using SpaceX's Crew Dragon. The Crew-10 mission is set for March 12, 2025, with their return expected on March 19. This highlights SpaceX's growing role amid Boeing’s setbacks.

In the early hours of Thursday, February 27, 2025, a 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck Assam's Morigaon district at 2:25 a.m., with tremors felt in Guwahati and other parts of the state. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 16 kilometers. Assam, located in India's Seismic Zone V, is highly susceptible to strong tremors. This event follows a recent 5.1-magnitude earthquake in the Bay of Bengal on February 25, which was felt in Kolkata and several parts of West Bengal. No immediate reports of damage or casualties have been reported from either event.     

  At the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi criticized Pakistan, labeling it a "failed state" that "thrives on instability and survives on international handouts." Tyagi condemned Pakistan for disseminating falsehoods and misusing the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation as a "mouthpiece" against India. He reaffirmed that Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India, highlighting the regions' recent political, social, and economic advancements. Tyagi also accused Pakistan of human rights abuses, minority persecution, and sheltering UN-sanctioned terrorists, urging Islamabad to address its internal issues rather than interfering in India's affairs. 

Donald Trump ruled out Ukraine's NATO membership, stating it "started the war." He emphasized European responsibility for Ukraine’s security while securing a deal for US access to rare earth resources. Trump claimed US presence in Ukraine would deter threats, but refused formal security guarantees. He insisted Russia was now open to compromise and hinted at a possible peace deal. French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Trump to back European security efforts. Zelensky will meet Trump on Friday to finalize agreements.

Of the 650 million devotees at Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, 3 million were foreigners. Visitors described feeling "oneness" and praised India's hospitality. Ana from Mexico called it a "magical" experience, while Lolly from California found it "better than imagined." Many highlighted India's generosity and spiritual energy. Security and organization were also commended. "I feel blessed," Ana added. Officials revised estimates from 1.5 million to 3 million due to global interest. Maha Kumbh 2025 showcased India's spiritual heritage to the world.

Thousands of Israelis lined highways, holding flags and orange balloons, as the funeral procession for Shiri Bibas and her sons, Ariel (4) and Kfir (9 months), moved through southern Israel. The hostages, killed in Gaza, were buried in a single casket beside Shiri’s parents, who were murdered on October 7, 2023. The Bibas family criticized Israeli officials for failing to protect them. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed retaliation, further heightening tensions. Hamas’ mistaken handover of remains and the stalled ceasefire negotiations have fueled uncertainty for the 60 remaining hostages’ families. "Our disaster should never happen again," said Ofri Bibas Levy.

Dattatraya Ramdas Gade (36), accused of raping a 26-year-old woman inside a parked bus at Pune’s Swargate bus station, remains on the run. Gade has multiple cases of theft, robbery, and chain-snatching in Pune and Ahilyanagar and was out on bail since 2019. Posing as a conductor, he lured the victim into the bus. CCTV footage captured them walking towards it. Authorities learned about the crime four hours later. Pune police have formed eight teams to track him down. "We are using all technical means to locate the accused," said Deputy Commissioner of Police Smartana Patil.

The Trump administration is preparing large-scale layoffs as Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, pushes a $1 trillion budget cut. At a cabinet meeting, Trump assured that health and retirement benefits would remain untouched. Over 100,000 federal employees have already accepted buyouts or been dismissed, with deeper cuts expected. Trump also seeks to extend the 2017 tax cuts, despite concerns over adding trillions to the national debt. Musk warned, “If this continues, the country will go de facto bankrupt.” The layoffs are expected to impact career employees beyond probationary workers.

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully conducted flight trials of the NASM-SR naval anti-ship missile from an Indian Naval Seaking helicopter in Odisha’s Chandipur. The missile, featuring advanced "Man-in-Loop" in-flight retargeting and an indigenous Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) Seeker, directly hit a ship target using a sea-skimming mode. Equipped with high-bandwidth two-way datalink and advanced navigation systems, it enhances India's maritime strike capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the test, calling it a major step in India’s indigenous defence development. The missile is being developed in collaboration with MSMEs and startups.