The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, concludes on February 26, coinciding with Maha Shivratri. Devotees flock to the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj for the final holy dip, marking the end of six weeks of religious rituals. This year’s Kumbh included six special ‘snan’ days, with the final one on Maha Shivratri. Authorities have enhanced security, deploying 37,000 police officers, 14,000 home guards, and advanced surveillance. Railways have arranged additional trains for safe travel, while the region remains on high alert to manage the massive influx of devotees and avoid incidents.

The Border Security Force (BSF) shot a Pakistani intruder attempting to cross the International Border (IB) at Pathankot during the early hours. Despite being challenged by troops, the intruder continued moving, prompting the BSF to neutralize the threat. The identity and motives of the intruder are under investigation. The BSF has vowed to lodge a formal protest with Pakistani Rangers. This incident follows recent escalations, including retaliatory firing by the Indian Army at Pakistani troops along the Line of Control (LoC). The situation highlights ongoing tensions and security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order suspending the security clearances of Covington & Burling attorneys who provided pro bono legal services to Special Counsel Jack Smith. This action targets the law firm that represented Smith during investigations into Trump's alleged mishandling of classified documents and involvement in the January 6, 2021, insurrection. Trump criticized the firm's assistance to Smith, labeling it as political targeting. Covington & Burling maintains that their representation of Smith was in a personal capacity and remains committed to defending his interests.

BJP leader Jaiveer Shergill criticized Air India, claiming it would win an "Oscar" for "worst airlines" due to broken seats, poor staff, and terrible customer service. His X post sparked responses from other passengers, including Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who also reported broken seats on a flight. Chouhan questioned the airline's management under Tata, while the airline apologized and promised to address concerns. Despite criticism, some defended Air India, noting its fleet and service improvements since Tata's takeover in January 2022. Congress also took a jab, pointing out issues in aviation and railway sectors. Air India has made significant investments in fleet upgrades.

President Trump announced a new gold card visa program, aimed at wealthy immigrants, which could disrupt Indian applicants seeking U.S. green cards via the EB-5 route. The gold card, costing $5 million, will offer a pathway to U.S. citizenship, promoting job creation and high economic contributions. This scheme will replace the EB-5 visa, which currently requires a lower investment of $1.05 million for applicants to obtain green cards by funding businesses and creating jobs. Critics, like immigration reform advocate Ajay Bhutoria, argue the scheme unfairly prioritizes the ultra-wealthy while ignoring skilled workers trapped in decades-long green card backlogs.

The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India, concludes on February 26 after 45 days, drawing a record 63 crore visitors. The final Amrit Snan takes place on Mahashivratri. Despite grand celebrations, the event saw tragic incidents, including a January 29 stampede that killed 30 and injured 60. Authorities deployed massive security and arranged 350 additional trains for pilgrims. Dignitaries like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu attended. The event, held every 144 years, remains the world’s largest religious gathering, steeped in Hindu traditions and mythology.

Ukraine requires $524 billion to rebuild after three years of war, according to a new assessment by the World Bank, UN, and EU. The figure marks a 7% increase from last year’s estimate, with energy infrastructure damage rising by 70% due to Russian attacks. Housing, transport, and industry remain the most affected sectors. Ukraine’s government has allocated $7.37 billion for 2025 but faces a $10 billion funding gap. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed a peace deal could be reached in weeks. Over 2.5 million households have been affected, with debris clearance alone estimated at nearly $13 billion.

Atishi defended AAP’s scrapped liquor policy, blaming BJP for obstructing its revenue goals. She claimed the Centre, CBI, and ED disrupted implementation by filing cases against AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. “The CAG report confirms the policy was transparent and aimed at stopping black sales,” Atishi said. She argued BJP critics follow “headquarters pointers” instead of facts. The new policy had projected ₹9,000 crore in revenue, double the previous ₹4,100 crore. The Delhi Assembly saw uproar over the issue, leading to the suspension of 21 AAP MLAs, including Atishi, for three days.

Rescue teams in Telangana continue efforts to save 8 trapped workers inside the collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel. Indian Army, Navy, NDRF, and GSI experts say the operation is among the “most complex” due to thick silt and water flow. Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy cited geological factors for the collapse and stressed safety concerns for rescuers. Authorities are considering drilling from the top or side to reach the trapped workers. No communication has been established yet. Nagarkurnool officials confirm that dewatering efforts continue, but heavy sludge is blocking access beyond the tunnel boring machine.

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has fired back at an Australian digital sports platform for allegedly misquoting him on India’s advantage at the Champions Trophy. Although sidelined due to an ankle injury, Cummins participated in an interview with Yahoo Australia, stating, “I think it’s good in that the tournament can go on, but obviously, it does give them (India) a huge advantage playing on the same ground.” He refuted claims circulated by Code Cricket, which alleged he had called the tournament a ‘farce’ and criticized the ICC for favoring India. Cummins took to X, asserting, “I have definitely never said this.”