Israel has delayed the release of 602 Palestinian prisoners after Hamas freed six Israeli hostages. The swap was expected to happen today, but Israeli media reports say the government postponed it until a security cabinet meeting. One of the freed hostages, Hisham al-Sayed, had been held in Gaza for nearly a decade. He is now in Israeli military custody and has crossed into Israeli territory. The situation remains tense as negotiations continue. Families of the remaining hostages and prisoners are waiting for further updates. The prisoner exchange deal is part of ongoing ceasefire efforts.

Pope Francis remains in critical condition after a severe respiratory crisis, the Vatican said. The 88-year-old pontiff is receiving high-flow oxygen and has had blood transfusions. He is alert but more unwell than before. Doctors are treating him for pneumonia in both lungs at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. He was first admitted on 14 February after struggling to breathe. Due to his health, he will not lead Sunday’s prayer for the second week in a row. Doctors say there is no immediate danger, but his condition is serious. The Vatican continues to monitor his health closely.

A knife attack in Mulhouse, France, left one dead and two police officers seriously injured during a demonstration. Three more officers sustained minor injuries. The 37-year-old suspect, who was on a terror prevention watchlist, was apprehended, according to prosecutor Nicolas Heitz. Authorities are investigating the attack's motives, as concerns over extremism rise in France. The incident adds to security challenges faced by the country. The government has vowed to strengthen counterterrorism measures. The attack has reignited debates over national security and surveillance of individuals on terror watchlists.

The Washington Post reported no evidence of a $21 million USAID-funded voter turnout program in India, contradicting Donald Trump’s claim. The report cited U.S. officials stating USAID had a $21 million contract for Bangladesh, not India. Congress used the report to attack the BJP, with spokesperson Pawan Khera mocking the ruling party. Trump previously suggested the funding was meant to influence India’s elections. The controversy, fueled by Elon Musk’s DOGE claim, remains a political flashpoint. The BJP has accused Congress of seeking foreign interference. The debate continues as no official records support Trump’s assertion.

Congress has asked the Modi government to clarify former US President Donald Trump’s claim that $21 million in USAID funds were sent to India for voter turnout. Congress leader Pawan Khera said fact-checks showed the funds were for Bangladesh, not India. He accused the BJP of misleading people and questioned why the government had not explained USAID’s financial support. Congress also pointed out that USAID funds have been used for major government projects like Digital India. Meanwhile, the BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of working with foreign powers to weaken the government. The issue remains a topic of debate.

Hamas has freed 6 Israeli hostages in exchange for 602 Palestinian prisoners. Four of the hostages were taken during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The other two had been held in Gaza for years. Families welcomed their return with joy, but many are still waiting for their loved ones. Around 59 hostages remain in Gaza, and talks for their release are ongoing. The prisoner exchange is part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Crowds in Tel Aviv cheered as they watched the release. Families urged leaders to secure a deal for all remaining hostages.

A big blunder happened before the Australia vs England match in Lahore. The organisers mistakenly played the Indian national anthem instead of Australia’s. The mistake lasted for a few seconds before they stopped it and played the correct anthem. The incident surprised players and fans at the Gaddafi Stadium. India is not playing in Pakistan and has all its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai. This is not the first mistake in the tournament. Earlier, India's flag was missing in Karachi, and Pakistan's name was left out from a broadcast banner. The ICC has promised to avoid such errors.

Tesla is set to enter India, but its cars may still be expensive. A report by CLSA says even with reduced import duty, Tesla's cheapest Model 3 could cost ₹35-40 lakh on-road. In the US, this model costs around $35,000 (₹30.4 lakh). Extra costs like road tax and insurance will push prices higher. Tesla has started hiring in India and plans to launch in Delhi and Mumbai. Experts say Tesla must set up a factory in India to lower prices. Without local production, its cars may be too costly for most Indian buyers.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke about the USAID funding controversy for the first time. Former US President Donald Trump claimed that $21 million was sent to India for voter turnout. He suggested the money was used to influence elections. Jaishankar called the claims “worrisome” and said the government is investigating. He stressed that if wrongdoing is found, the country should know who is responsible. Trump accused the Biden administration of trying to influence India’s elections. Jaishankar also said Prime Minister Modi’s US visit strengthened ties with Washington. The controversy has sparked debate on foreign funding in India’s elections.

A lesser-known singer, Steven Wilmot, covered Taylor Swift’s leaked song Need on TikTok. Fans thought Swift had given him the song, leading to controversy. Wilmot said he had a license to cover it and never claimed ownership. But backlash grew, and he took the song down. Some fans supported him, but many spread false information. He first planned to fix the credits and repost it, but later removed it forever. Wilmot said he was disappointed by the hate but thanked those who liked his music. The situation highlights how quickly misinformation spreads in online music communities.