23 Feb 2025 | 09:59:31 PM IST
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
Synopsis
Zelensky says ready to quit as president in exchange for Ukrainian NATO membership
Zelensky says ready to quit as president in exchange for Ukrainian NATO membership
Akhilesh Yadav attacks BJP over Maha Kumbh
Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav said, “… The trust of all the devotees who came to Kumbh increased when the Chief Minister said that we have made preparations for the arrival of 100 crore people for Maha Kumbh… When people saw that big, rich and renowned people were being invited, their trust increased… The biggest lie is that it (Maha Kumbh) is happening after 144 years… This is not a double engine government… This is a ‘double blunder’ government …”
On PM Modi’s Bihar visit, RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav says, “It is good that he will give gifts (Kisan Samman Nidhi to the farmers of Bihar), he didn’t give this earlier…”
PM Modi arrives in Bhopal
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bhopal; he was welcomed by Governor Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
- PM Modi will inaugurate the Global Investors Summit, tomorrow.
Israel ramps up West Bank offensive and says troops will remain in some areas for a year
Israel’s defense minister said Sunday troops would remain “for the coming year” in parts of the occupied West Bank where they have launched a weekslong offensive and would prevent tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians from returning, as Israel deepens its crackdown on the Palestinian territory.
Israel launched a broad offensive on the northern West Bank on Jan. 21 — two days after the ceasefire that paused the war in Gaza took hold — and then expanded it to include other nearby areas. Israel says it is determined to stamp out militancy amid a rise in attacks. Palestinians view such raids as part of an effort to cement Israeli control over the territory, where 3 million Palestinians live under military rule. The raids have been deadly, caused destruction to urban areas and displaced tens of thousands.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said he had instructed the military to prepare to remain in some of the West Bank’s urban refugee camps, from where he said some 40,000 Palestinians had fled — a figure confirmed by the United Nations — leaving the areas “emptied of residents.”
“BJP’s agenda is to transform Delhi into developed capital”: Virendraa Sachdeva
As the party meeting concludes before the commencement of the assembly session, Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Virendraa Sachdeva on Sunday said that the ruling party was working with an agenda to transform the national capital into a developed space.
Talking about the party meeting held today, he said that the BJP MLAs gave inputs regarding carrying out development works in their constituencies to assist people.
“Tomorrow, the Delhi assembly session will commence. BJP MLAs often meet before the assembly session starts. We met with the Delhi Chief Minister, the entire cabinet, and party MLAs. Our government is working only on one agenda: to transform Delhi into a developed capital. In today’s meeting, all participants gave inputs on how to progress with development works in their areas, to assist people. We need to move in this direction,” Sachdeva told reporters during a press conference.
“Frightened and frustrated…had been staged”: Mother of Israeli hostage Evyatar David after watching Hamas video
Galia David, the mother of hostage Evyatar David, has spoken out about the emotional turmoil she experienced watching her son in a propaganda video released by Hamas on Saturday, The Jerusalem Post reported.
In interviews with multiple Israeli media outlets, David shared her heartbreaking reaction to seeing her son, who has been held captive for 16 months, forced to watch the release of six other hostages.
Talking to the Army Radio she said, “I hesitated for a moment whether I wanted to watch the video, but I felt I had to see my child. He was frightened and frustrated; it was obvious that he had been staged.”
The sight of her son, who is not an actor, being forced to play a role with a gun to his head was particularly distressing for David.
State media say Israeli aircraft fly low over Beirut during Nasrallah funeral
Lebanese state media reported Sunday Israeli planes flying at low altitude over Beirut, with AFP journalists hearing the rumbling noise while tens of thousands attended Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral near the capital. “The hostile warplanes flew at low altitude over the skies of Beirut and its suburbs,” the National News Agency said.
Today, the total number of people who took the holy dip in Mahakumbh is going to cross the mark of 62 crore people. Now imagine, in this whole which religion or community exists where under a limited time period, the followers are coming to a place. Mahakumbh has become a medium to show gratitude towards one’s heritage, culture and religion…Almost every family has become a part of this event.
– Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath
Iran’s Khamenei vows ‘resistance’ to Israel, as funeral underway for Hezbollah chief
Previous government has left empty public exchequer for us; will surely implement monthly Rs 2,500 scheme for women: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh met senior BJP leaders to discuss issues related to J&K as well as the upcoming Budget Session of the J&K Assembly.
Israel army says ‘world is a better place’ on day of Nasrallah funeral
Israel’s army on Sunday said “the world is a better place” on the day of the funeral for Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike in September. “Today is Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral. Today the world is a better place,” the army posted on X, as tens of thousands gathered in the outskirts of Lebanon’s capital for the funeral.
US Secy of State Marco Rubio affirms Iran can never be allowed to possess nuclear weapon
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has affirmed that Iran can never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon.
He said that US President Donald Trump has been clear about the issue and has issued an executive order to reinstate maximum pressure on Iranian government, especially because the Iranian regime has been using money to fund their weapons programs or to fund their sponsorship of terrorism.
In an interview with Catherine Herridge Reports on Thursday, Rubio accused Iran of funding attacks by Houthis on global shipping, Hamas, Hezbollah and the militias in Iraq. He said that the US has to stop a nuclear Iran and it cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.
When asked about his recent remarks against Iran in Israel and how far the Trump administration is willing to stop a nuclear Iran, Marco Rubio responded, “Well, ultimately, I think President Trump’s been clear. We’re not going to discuss tactics or measures. He’s issued an executive order to once again return to the maximum pressure, primarily because we’ve seen that Iran uses – the Iranian regime, let me be clear; I’m not talking about the Iranian people – the regime, they use any money that they make to fund their weapons programs, to fund their sponsorship of terrorism. If you look at all the destabilizing things that are happening in the Middle East – the Houthis and their attack on global shipping, Hamas, Hezbollah, the militias in Iraq that attack both Israel and the US presence there, the anti-ISIS presence that we have – all of them are sponsored by money from Iran. They’re behind all of this.”
BJP MLA Arvinder Singh Lovely says, “… The CAG report hasn’t come yet so how did they (AAP) know that efforts are being made to spread confusion… Why are they (AAP) scared?… You can guess their modus operandi.”
Army medical officer Surya Kiran says, “There are a total of three teams, from Army, NDRF and SDRF which are ready to evacuate the casualties… The first team has just gone in… We will know the situation once they return… We are ready with all the equipment and medicines…”
Central and state medical teams deployed for emergency treatment during the ongoing rescue operation inside the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel.
Delhi Assembly’s first session kicks off—oath-taking, Speaker election, and CAG report on agenda
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta says, “All the MLAs will take oath on the first session of the government of Delhi. Both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be elected. They are the pro tem speakers who will be sworn in tomorrow morning by the LG, and this is a three-day session which we have started. I want to say that there is a lot of work to be done for the people of Delhi. The rights of the people of Delhi should start from there and that is in this House. The most important thing is going to come. We said that we should put the CAG report on the House table in the first session….”
Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “So many big hospitals in India are being run by our religious institutions. So many research institutes related to health and science are being run by religious trusts. Crores of poor people are treated and served in these institutions… I am happy that another new chapter is going to be added to this glorious tradition in the form of Bageshwar Dham. Now the blessings of health will also be available in Bageshwar Dham.”
People should stay away from things like cigarette, bidi and tobacco which cause cancer: PM Modi
Chhattarpur, Madhya Pradesh | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “In this year’s budget, many announcements have been made to fight cancer, and Modi has decided that cancer medicines will be made cheaper. Cancer day care centres will be opened in every district of the country in the next 3 years…”
The country gave me opportunity to serve people; I have focused on ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ mantra: PM Modi
Trump administration wants Kyiv to ‘tone down’ UN resolution condemning Russia
The Donald Trump administration in the United States wants Ukraine to withdraw an annual resolution at the United Nations condemning Russia’s war and instead replace it with a US-sponsored statement calling for an end to the conflict that contains no mention of Russian responsibility, the Washington Post reported, citing officials and diplomats.
The suggestion has stunned Kyiv, which has refused to withdraw its resolution that is set to be voted on during a meeting of the UN General Assembly on Monday morning, coinciding with the three-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ukraine was informed of the new US proposal on Friday.
The abrupt shift in US posture at the United Nations, where the United States has long been at the forefront of resolutions supporting Ukraine and condemning Russia, is an indication of the increasing strains between Kyiv and Washington, according to The Post.
Ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj will continue to strengthen India’s unity: PM Modi.
FDA issues show cause notice to pharma firm in Palghar for illegal export of opioids
PM Modi lays foundation stone of Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Centre at Chhatarpur in Madhya Pradesh
Israel’s defence minister says troops preparing to remain in some West Bank refugee camps for next year
Key BJP’s Delhi unit meet underway
Madhya Pradesh: PM Narendra Modi offers prayers at the Bageshwar Dham in Chhatarpur.
Former Maharashtra CM and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan says, “The border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka has been going on since the formation of Maharashtra in 1960. In 2000, the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Vilasrao Deshmukh, took the matter to the Supreme Court. This matter has been pending in the Supreme Court for the last 25 years… People of Belagavi are forced to speak Kannada. The Marathi language there is slowly vanishing… We request the central government to get this case heard in the Supreme Court…”
AAP’s Atishi slams BJP over CAG Report: ‘They’re spreading misconceptions’
Delhi: On the CAG report to be tabled in the Delhi Assembly, AAP leader Atishi says, “As CM, I had sent the CAG report to the speaker of the Delhi assembly… These CAG reports were sent to the assembly in a sealed envelope before the elections… BJP is trying to spread the misconception that the CAG report is being presented by them… The misconception being spread among the people of Delhi should be brought before the public…”
Russia launched ‘record’ 267 drones on Ukraine overnight: Ukrainian army
Russia launched 267 drones on Ukraine overnight, a “record” since the February 2022 invasion, the Ukrainian air force said Sunday. Air force spokesman Yuriy Ignat called the 267 drones spotted in Ukrainian skies between Saturday and Sunday “a record for a single attack” since the invasion began nearly three years ago.
Among them, 138 were intercepted by air defence while 119 were “lost” without causing damage, he said in a post on Facebook.
He did not say what happened to the remaining 10 but a separate armed forces statement on Telegram said several regions, Kyiv included, had been “hit”.
AAP picks Atishi as Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly
Former CM Atishi chosen Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly at AAP MLAs’ meeting, says party
Gulmarg, Baramulla: On Khelo India Winter Games, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah says, “…This year we did not get as much snow as we wanted. Despite this, skiers are enjoying it. Heliskiing is starting from today… Snowfall is expected for three more days. After that experts from the Ski Federation will be sent. They will inspect the slopes, if they feel that there is enough snow for the Khelo India Winter Games, then the event will be organised immediately.”
China Satellite communications announces successful launch of Chinasat 10R satellite
Russia launched ‘record’ 267 drones on Ukraine overnight: Ukrainian army
Israel delays Palestinians’ release after six Gaza hostages freed
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that freeing Palestinian prisoners under the Gaza ceasefire deal will be delayed until Hamas ends its “humiliating ceremonies” while releasing Israeli hostages.
Since the ceasefire’s first phase began on January 19, Hamas has released 25 living Israeli hostages in ceremonies before crowds at various locations in Gaza.
Armed masked fighters escort the captives onto stages adorned with slogans. The hostages have spoken and waved.
The Red Cross has previously appealed to “all parties” for the swaps to be carried out in a “dignified and private” manner.
In the seventh such transfer, Hamas released six Israeli captives on Saturday but Israel put off releasing Palestinian prisoners in exchange.
Former Delhi CM Atishi reaches Aam Aadmi Party Office in Delhi to attend the legislative party meeting.
India sends 26 tons of humanitarian aid to Honduras after tropical storm SARA
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal tweets, “India dispatched humanitarian assistance of 26 tons to Honduras in the wake of the recent Tropical storm SARA. The consignment comprising medical supplies & disaster relief material including surgical supplies, glucometers, oximeters, gloves, syringes & IV fluids, blankets, sleeping mats and hygiene kits has departed from India”
Hamas says Israel’s claim that handover ceremony is ‘humiliating’ is false and pretext to evade its obligations: Statement.
Pope, in critical condition, had a peaceful night: Vatican
“The night passed peacefully, the pope rested,” the Holy See said in a short update. On Saturday evening it said he had suffered a respiratory attack and required blood transfusions.
Next Russia-U.S. meeting on Ukraine will be at level of heads of departments, Izvestia says
Polls open in pivotal German election
Putin says Russian soldiers in Ukraine defend ‘national interests, Russia’s future’
PM Modi says he will hand over his social media accounts for a day to inspiring women to mark National Women’s Day.
PM Modi praised the daughters of the country, stating that respect for them has always been deeply rooted in Indian culture. He acknowledged the significant role of women in India’s freedom struggle and the drafting of the Constitution. In a special initiative for Women’s Day, he announced that on March 8, he would hand over his social media accounts, including X and Instagram, to inspiring women across the country. They will share their work and experiences, offering a platform to showcase their contributions and inspire millions.
Such women who have achieved in different fields, have innovated, have created a different identity for themselves in different fields. On March 8, they will share their work and experiences with the countrymen. PM said that even though the platform will be mine, there will be a discussion about their experiences, their challenges and their achievements.
Jharkhand: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’, in Ranchi.
A century in Space and a vision for science: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in the 119th episode of Mann Ki Baat, striking a fresh chord by using cricket as a metaphor. He noted that while the Champions Trophy is creating a cricket buzz, India has scored a different kind of century—one in space.
He highlighted the successful launch of ISRO’s 100th rocket, calling it a testament to India’s determination to push the boundaries of space science. The scope of ISRO’s successes has been quite large, with about 460 satellites launched in the last 10 years, including those from other countries. One of the notable achievements in recent years has been the increasing participation of women scientists in ISRO’s team, strengthening India’s space ambitions.
Cricket fever grips India, but we’ve scored a century in Space: PM Modi during 119th Mann Ki Baat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in the 119th episode of Mann Ki Baat, striking a fresh chord by using cricket as a metaphor. He noted that while the Champions Trophy is creating a cricket buzz, India has scored a different kind of century—one in space.
He highlighted the successful launch of ISRO’s 100th rocket, calling it a testament to India’s determination to push the boundaries of space science. From humble beginnings to global recognition, he acknowledged the challenges faced by scientists and their relentless efforts in expanding India’s space ambitions.
With National Science Day approaching, PM Modi urged students and young minds to cultivate a passion for science. He introduced the idea of ‘One Day as a Scientist,’ encouraging people to visit research labs, planetariums, or space centres to experience the scientific process firsthand. He emphasised that such experiences would enhance curiosity and deepen understanding.
The Prime Minister also spoke about India’s achievements in artificial intelligence. Sharing his experience from a recent AI conference in Paris, he stated that global leaders have acknowledged India’s rapid progress in the sector. This recognition, he said, reflects the country’s growing influence in cutting-edge technology.
The monthly radio programme, airing on All India Radio, Doordarshan, and digital platforms, remains a significant medium for the Prime Minister to connect with citizens. PM Modi shared a picture on his X account, reminding people to tune in for this edition of Mann Ki Baat.
As India continues to make strides in space, science, and AI, the Prime Minister’s message reinforces the importance of innovation, curiosity, and global engagement in shaping the country’s future.
China accuses Australia of ‘hyping’ Chinese naval drills
China defence ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said on Sunday that Australian complaints over recent Chinese live-fire naval drills in international waters between Australia and New Zealand were “hyped up” and “inconsistent with the facts”.
Australia Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Saturday that Beijing had failed to give satisfactory reasons for what he called inadequate notice for live-fire drills a day earlier, which he said had forced airlines to divert flights.
Qian said in a post from the Chinese defence ministry that China had issued repeated safety notices in advance, and that its actions complied with international law and did not affect aviation flight safety.
“Australia, fully knowing this, made unreasonable accusations against China and deliberately hyped it up,” Qian’s post said. “We are deeply surprised and strongly dissatisfied.”
Hyderabad: On a portion of SLBC tunnel collapsed, BJP leader N Ramchander Rao says “SLBC tunnel collapsing is an unfortunate incident. Many people are stuck in the tunnel. Meanwhile, BJP leaders were prompt to inform the NDRF and also other central agencies to come for rescue operations. At this stage, the rescue operation is very important. The lives of the workers have to be saved. We are with the administration to save the lives of the people who are stuck.”
PM Modi to Visit Bhopal: Foundation stone for cancer hospital, BJP meet on agenda
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav says, “We have made all the preparations for PM Modi’s arrival… PM Modi will first go to Bageshwar Dham and lay the foundation stone of the cancer hospital… He will also hold a meeting with BJP MLAs and MPs… For the first time, PM Modi will stay at the Raj Bhavan… Under the leadership of PM Modi, Madhya Pradesh will touch new heights of development”
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrives at Patna Airport
Bihar: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrives at Patna Airport.
He says, “Tejashwi Yadav should know that today the Prime Minister is going to Madhya Pradesh, there is no election there. Tomorrow, he will come to Bihar and then go to Assam; there is no election there. Look at the previous visits of the Prime Minister, our Prime Minister does not stay confined in his bungalow, he goes among the people.”
Jaipur: Fire Officer Devang Yadav says “At around 6:30 AM, we got information that a fire broke out at STC Mall in Aatish Market. At least 10 fire tenders were rushed to the spot. It took us around 2 hours to control the fire…”
Budget for FY26 to be tabled in Andhra assembly session commencing on February 24
Andhra Pradesh state budget for the fiscal 2025-26 is to be tabled in the Assembly during its session that will commence on Monday. Governor S Abdul Nazeer will address the state legislature, comprising the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council on the opening day of the Assembly session while the Business Advisory Council (BAC) will decide on the duration of the session.
According to a source from the Legislature, the budget is expected to be tabled on Friday, February 28.
Finance Minister P Keshav is expected to present the budget for the full financial year, following a Rs 2.94 lakh crore budget he had presented in November 2024 when a little over four months were left in FY25 after two vote–on–account budgets.
Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel collapse incident | Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi spoke to Telangana CM Revanth Reddy over the ongoing rescue operations. CM Revanth Reddy elaborated on the steps taken for the medical relief of those injured and the reach out to the families of those trapped inside. Rahul Gandhi urged the government to leave no stone unturned to try to save the trapped workers: CMO
“My father is fitter than Nitish Kumar”: Tejashwi Yadav responds to Bihar CM’s son
As the race for Bihar’s next Chief Minister begins, the ‘fitness’ of the two towering leaders CM Nitish Kumar and Rashtriya Janaya Dal supremo Lalu Yadav is emerging as the centre of discussion.
This time, it seems to be centred around the fitness of the chiefs of both leading parties–Janata Dal (United) and Rashtriya Janata Dal.
Following JD (U) chief Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant Kumar’s appeal to the public to elect his father in the upcoming Bihar Assembly Election, claiming that he is “100 per cent” fit, RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav responded that his father, Lalu Yadav, is “fitter than” the Bihar CM.
Speaking with the media on Saturday, Tejashwi Yadav said that Nishant Kumar should ‘worry’ about the past comments of JD(U)’s alliance leaders on Nitish Kumar’s health, noting that Chirag Paswan called him “not mentally stable” in the past.
“Nishant Kumar will have to think that people like Samrat Chaudhary, Vijay Sinha, Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, PM Modi who are with Nitish Kumar. Chirag Paswan used to say that he is not mentally stable, Manjhi ji used to say that he is not healthy,” Yadav said.
Soren urges Reddy to ensure rescue of workers trapped in tunnel collapse, offers help
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren urged Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to ensure all possible assistance for the rescue of workers who are trapped in a tunnel after a section of it collapsed in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project. At least eight workers, including four from Jharkhand, were trapped in the tunnel that collapsed in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district on Saturday, officials said.
“There are reports of some workers from other states including Jharkhand being trapped in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal Tunnel accident in Nagarkurnool district of Telangana. I request the Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr @revanth _anumula ji, to provide all possible rescue help in the tunnel accident. I pray for the safety of all the workers trapped in the accident from Marang Buru,” Soren posted on X on Saturday night.
The Jharkhand government is coordinating with the Telangana administration, and is ready to provide all necessary help, he said.
China Defence Ministry Spokesperson: Australia ‘hyping up’ Chinese naval drills.
Telangana tunnel collapse: NDRF races to rescue 8
Rescue operations for the workers trapped in Telangana’s Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel continued on Sunday morning, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) making significant progress and advancing deeper into the tunnel. Eight labourers are feared to be trapped inside.
PM Modi’s 119th ‘Mann Ki Baat’ today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address his 119th monthly radio address ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday. The programme will be broadcast live at 11 am. A special event is being organised in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur to celebrate the programme. The broadcast will be held at the Vivekananda Pratima Sthal, Kargil Park, Motijheel. The programme will be organised on such a big platform for the first time in the city. People will listen to ‘Mann Ki Baat’ at 20,845 booths in the PM’s radio programme.
Maharashtra halts buses to Karnataka after attack
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has ordered the suspension of the state transport buses to Karnataka after an MSRTC bus and its driver were attacked in the neighbouring state. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus, which was plying from Bengaluru to Mumbai, was attacked in Chitradurga around 9.10 pm on Friday by pro-Kannada activists, Sarnaik said
Trump questions US election funding for India, Bangladesh
Addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, US President Donald Trump says, “$29 million goes to strengthen the political landscape and help them out so that they can vote for a radical left communist in Bangladesh. You got to see who they supported… $18 million for helping India with elections? Why don’t we go back to old paper ballots and let them help us with our elections?… They don’t need money…”
Tejashwi Yadav on Nitish’s son: My father is healthier
On the statement of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says, “My father is healthier than him (Nitish Kumar). Lalu Prasad Yadav did social justice, got a package of Rs 1 lakh 65 thousand crore for Bihar from the Centre… No one has done what Lalu Prasad Yadav did (for Bihar)… Nishant Kumar is my brother and he should settle now. But Nishant Kumar will have to think that people like Samrat Chaudhary, Vijay Sinha, Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, PM Modi who are with Nitish Kumar, used to say that he is not mentally stable
Kash Patel will keep Indian culture alive abroad: Uncle
Krishnakant Patel, Kash Patel’s uncle, expressed his pride and happiness over his nephew’s appointment as FBI Director, highlighting the significance of Patel’s oath-taking ceremony. Krishnakant Patel said that the FBI Director’s gesture of taking oath by placing his hand on the Bhagwad Gita is a big thing, as he kept his culture alive.
Germany preps for elections as right-wing party gains momentum
Germany is preparing for high-stakes elections, amid fears that far-right sentiment rising while migration policies sit at the centre of political debate, as reported by Al Jazeera reported. Currently, the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), are ahead in polls compiled by the Berlin-based election research institute Infratest Dimap. The Union parties enjoy a lead of more than 10 per cent points over the far-right populist Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is polling second, DW reported.
Elon doing great, but should be more aggressive: Trump
Trump says US wants return on Ukraine aid money
US President Donald Trump on Saturday said he was trying to get money back for the billions of dollars sent to support Ukraine’s war against Russia. His comments came as Washington and Kyiv negotiate a mineral resources deal Trump wants as compensation for the wartime aid his predecessor Joe Biden gave Ukraine. It was the latest twist in a whirlwind first month since he took office, during which he has upended US foreign policy by making diplomatic overtures towards the Kremlin over the heads of Ukraine and Europe.
Explain last week in 48 hours: Musk to federal workers
Hundreds of thousands of federal workers have little more than 48 hours to explain what they accomplished over the last week as part of billionaire Elon Musk’s crusade to slash what he describes as “waste everywhere” in the federal government.
Pennsylvania ICU hostage crisis: Gunman, officer killed
Pennsylvania officials said a man entered a hospital’s intensive care unit and took staff members hostage before he was killed by police on Saturday. An officer also died in the shooting. York County District Attorney Tim Barker said the man entered UPMC Memorial Hospital with a bag carrying handgun and zip ties. He went straight to the ICU department, and fired the gun, striking three staff members, including a doctor, a nurse and a custodian. A responding officer was killed in a shootout, while two others were injured before the gunman was fatally shot.
Pee-wee’s Playhouse’ actor Lynne Marie Stewart passes away at 78
Lynne Marie Stewart, the actor best known for her iconic role as Miss Yvonne in Pee-wee’s Playhouse and appearances in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has passed away at the age of 78, as reported by Variety. Stewart became a beloved figure through her portrayal of Miss Yvonne in the Pee-wee franchise, which included appearances in The Pee-wee Herman Show (1981), Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985), Pee-wee’s Playhouse (1986-’90) Big Top Pee-wee (1988), Christmas at Pee-wee’s Playhouse (1988) and Pee-wee’s Big Holiday (2016).
Israel delays release of Palestinian prisoners
Israel says the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners is delayed “until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies” at handovers of Israeli captives in Gaza. The statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office came early Sunday as military vehicles that normally move in advance of the buses carrying prisoners left the open gates of Ofer prison, only to turn around and go back in. The release of 620 Palestinian prisoners had been delayed for several hours and was meant to occur just after six Israeli hostages were released on Saturday. It was meant to be the largest one-day prisoner release in the Gaza ceasefire’s first phase.
Pope Francis remains in critical condition
Pope Francis, who has been hospitalised for over a week, remains in “critical” condition after developing an “asthmatic respiratory crisis” earlier on Saturday, CNN quoted the Vatican as saying in a statement.