As Germany nears a pivotal election, conservative frontrunner Friedrich Merz has vowed to restore the country's leadership in Europe and sideline the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). His Christian Democrats (CDU) are campaigning on economic revival and security concerns, intensified by recent attacks. AfD, polling near 20%, has gained traction with its anti-immigration stance. Meanwhile, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) struggle in third place, banking on undecided voters. Coalition talks will take weeks post-election, shaping Germany’s future role in the EU. The election’s outcome could significantly impact European stability and international alliances.

DGCA Seeks Report from Air India Following Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's Complaint About Broken Seat   The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has requested a detailed report from Air India after Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reported being assigned a defective seat on a flight from Bhopal to Delhi. Minister Chouhan expressed his dissatisfaction on social media, highlighting that despite the Tata Group's acquisition of Air India, service quality remains subpar. In response, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has directed Air India to address the issue promptly. Air India has issued an apology and initiated an investigation to prevent future occurrences.   

The city of Buriticupu, located in Brazil's northeastern Amazon region, has declared a state of emergency due to rapidly expanding sinkholes endangering approximately 1,200 residents. Over the past three decades, deforestation, unplanned construction, and the region's sandy soil composition have contributed to severe erosion, locally termed "voçoroca." Recent heavy rains have exacerbated the situation, causing several buildings to collapse and bringing sinkholes perilously close to more homes. City officials acknowledge the complexity of the crisis and the municipality's limited capacity to address both the ongoing erosion and the necessary relocation of affected residents.

In response to the Maharashtra Cyber Cell's summons over the 'India's Got Latent' controversy, actress Rakhi Sawant has questioned the prioritization of such issues over more severe crimes. The summons were issued following public backlash against YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia's inappropriate remarks on the show, leading to multiple FIRs and a National Commission for Women inquiry. Sawant expressed her disapproval, suggesting that law enforcement should concentrate on punishing rapists and addressing serious offenses rather than focusing on entertainment-related controversies.

In a recent Fox News interview, President Donald Trump stated he is not "forcing" his plan to depopulate and redevelop the Gaza Strip but believes it remains the "best approach." He questioned Israel's 2005 unilateral withdrawal from Gaza, referring to it as a "bad real estate deal." Trump also indicated support for Prime Minister Netanyahu's potential actions to rescue remaining hostages or eliminate Hamas. His proposal to displace Palestinians and redevelop Gaza has faced rejection from Arab states, including Egypt and Jordan.  

Bailey, a 5-year-old Aussie service dog, saved his owner from a dangerous fainting episode caused by Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Captured on video, Bailey sensed her rising heart rate, urged her to sit, and fetched water and medication. His quick response prevented a medical emergency. Social media users praised Bailey’s intelligence and devotion, with comments calling dogs “angels without wings.” The incident highlights the crucial role service dogs play in medical assistance. Last year, another rescue dog, Gita, helped locate her stranded 84-year-old owner, proving once again that dogs are lifesaving companions.

Hamas released 6 Israeli hostages, including Omer Wenkert, Omer Shem Tov, and Eliya Cohen, as part of the ongoing Gaza ceasefire agreement. The hostages, abducted from the Nova music festival on October 7, were handed over in Nuseirat before being transported to Israel. Two others, Tal Shoham and Avera Mengistu, were freed in Rafah, while a sixth hostage, Hisham Al-Sayed, is expected to be released in Gaza City. This marks the final stage of the first phase of the ceasefire deal that began on January 19. Hamas also returned the bodies of two Israeli children on Friday.

Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has been appointed as the second Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The 67-year-old ex-IAS officer, who retired as RBI Governor in December 2024, will assume office soon, as per the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. His tenure will be co-terminus with that of the Prime Minister. PK Mishra remains the first Principal Secretary, serving since 2019. Das, a 1980-batch Tamil Nadu cadre officer, played a crucial role in India's economic stability during crises like Covid-19. He was awarded a D Litt by Utkal University in 2021.

Shi Zhengli, a leading Chinese virologist known as "Batwoman," is renowned for her research on bat coronaviruses. She played a crucial role in identifying SARS-like viruses and linking them to bats, particularly at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Her studies raised debates about virus origins and pandemic preparedness. The new discovery further emphasizes her work in tracking zoonotic diseases.  

A UK petition demanding an immediate ban on using dogs in scientific and regulatory procedures has gained nearly 200,000 signatures. The petition highlights concerns over animal welfare, citing inhumane breeding conditions and harmful testing practices such as forced oral gavage. In 2023, thousands of dogs were used in experiments, many causing moderate to severe suffering. The petition argues that animal testing is not legally required in the UK and urges alternatives. Parliament will debate the issue soon.