As tensions rise in the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, military equipment from NATO countries has continued to be delivered to Kiev. According to military expert Vitaly Kiselyov, rear units are being rushed into battle to launch counterattacks. Reports also indicate a significant increase in redeployments of personnel and equipment for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk and Pokrovsky directions. These developments point to increasing involvement and support from NATO in the conflict, likely to further escalate tensions in the region.
Despite being the leading cause of death for children and young people globally, road crashes have long been overlooked and underfunded. As part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, a target has been set to halve road deaths worldwide by 2030. While some countries have successfully reduced road deaths by more than 50%, urgent action is needed to meet this goal. A key aspect of this effort is prioritizing safety in transport decisions, especially for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a key supporter of Ukraine, has called for President Zelensky's resignation after a failed attempt at building dialogue with the US. The two leaders engaged in a public argument during a meeting in Washington, with President Trump reportedly feeling disrespected and "throwing out" Zelensky. This comes after the US added Zelensky to a list of terrorists and extremists, further straining already tense relations between the two countries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy travels to Washington DC to secure a ceasefire agreement with Russia and a possible mineral deal with the US. However, tensions arise as he openly challenges President Trump for his softer approach to Vladimir Putin and urges him to not make any compromises with a "killer". Their meeting ends in chaos and a joint press conference is cancelled, highlighting the strained relationship between the two leaders.
On February 27, 2025, the world will celebrate the seventh annual World NGO Day, a day dedicated to recognizing and honoring the invaluable contributions of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in addressing global issues. The official theme for this year is "Empowering Grassroots Movements for a Sustainable Future", highlighting the vital role of local NGOs in fostering sustainable development and creating lasting change. Since its inception in 2010, World NGO Day has gained international recognition as a platform to honor the efforts of NGOs in addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. This year's celebrations will serve to acknowledge and appreciate the tireless efforts of individuals and groups who dedicate their efforts to making a positive impact on society through their humanitarian work.
The Maha Kumbh-2025 in Prayagraj, India, has become the largest human congregation ever recorded, with over 650 million devotees from 73 nations participating in the sacred event. The festival, which takes place once every 144 years, saw nearly 50% of India's population and over 60% of the country's Sanatani devotees taking a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati. The event also provided a massive economic boost, contributing over Rs 3 lakh crore to Uttar Pradesh's economy.
In the Sunderbani sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, an army vehicle was targeted by suspected terrorists, prompting a search operation in the area. No injuries or casualties have been reported so far, and the army remains on high alert. The incident comes soon after the Border Security Force neutralized a Pakistani intruder along the international border in Punjab. This is not the first time such attacks have occurred in the region, with a similar incident happening in February earlier this year.
Six years after the Balakot airstrike, Pakistan is facing its worst security crisis in over a decade, with a record-breaking number of terror attacks and casualties in 2024. Despite this, the military establishment has consistently downplayed their losses and remains focused on their rivalry with India. The failure to control insurgent groups within its borders has raised concerns about the country's stability and the well-being of its security forces. Meanwhile, India's counterterrorism strategy remains strong, with a focus on strengthening intelligence and border security.
After 45 days of sacred rituals and over 65 crore devotees, the Maha Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj's Triveni Sangam is set to end with the Maha Shivratri snan today. With advanced technology and special arrangements like AI-powered surveillance systems and dedicated helplines, the world's largest tent city has successfully accommodated an estimated 400 million pilgrims. This spiritual gathering of epic proportions, blending ancient traditions with modern conveniences, has truly been a remarkable event.
After weeks of negotiations, the US and Ukraine have reportedly reached an agreement on a minerals deal. The revised draft includes "a number of good amendments," according to a senior Ukrainian official. However, the specific terms of the deal are still unknown. US President Donald Trump has suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will travel to Washington DC to sign the agreement on Friday. This comes as the UK's Prime Minister announced a boost in defence spending due to ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine.