National News

Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun, made a global impact by featuring in the NBA halftime show with the song Peelings. The performance highlighted Indian cinema's growing reach. This exposure brings unprecedented international visibility to the Telugu film. The halftime show platform is a strategic move to build hype and engage a global audience.

The US Department of Justice released documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, revealing a contact list with high-profile names such as Ivana Trump and Mick Jagger. While flight logs and contact details were among the documents, the release did not provide new or significant revelations. The phase one release left observers wanting more substantial disclosures.

Astronomy enthusiasts have a final opportunity to witness a rare seven-planet alignment on February 28, 2025, marking the culmination of a celestial event not to be seen again until 2040. To view this planetary parade, seek a pollution-free location with clear skies, and consider using binoculars or a telescope for Neptune and Uranus.

Pune police arrested Dattatray Ramdas Gade, accused of raping a woman inside a bus at Swargate bus station. A ligature mark was found on his neck, suggesting a suicide attempt. Gade, with prior criminal records, was traced and caught in a paddy field after a massive manhunt involving drones and canine units.

Elon Musk is allegedly losing interest in Tesla, according to former communications manager Esben Pedersen. Musk is reportedly shifting focus to SpaceX, Neuralink, and his social media platform, X. This shift comes as Tesla faces labor disputes and market challenges, particularly in the Nordic region, potentially impacting the company’s future and competitive edge.

Vicky Kaushal's 'Chhaava' excels at the box office, becoming his biggest hit. Experts attribute its success to the film's larger-than-life appeal and cultural resonance. They emphasise the return of audiences to cinemas for grand productions, which offer unique experiences not replicable on OTT platforms.

P V Ramana, former Asian Games bronze-medalist in volleyball and father of badminton star P V Sindhu, emphasizes the balance between sports and academics for middle-class families, noting that sports open up many opportunities, including job prospects. He underlines the importance of trust in children's instincts and the role of coaches in guiding young athletes.

Indian stock markets experienced a significant decline in February, with Sensex dropping over 4,000 points, leading to a Rs 40 lakh crore erosion in market capitalization. The Nifty 50 encountered its longest losing streak since 1996. Experts see this as a mostly technical correction, potentially leading to a future rebound.

A deadly blast at Darul Uloom Haqqania in Pakistan's Akkora Khattak district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province killed at least five people and injured 20. Authorities linked the attack to Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned this act of terrorism and called for comprehensive measures against such threats.

Shikhar Dhawan praised Shubman Gill for his exceptional form in the ICC Champions Trophy, highlighting his elegant batting and professionalism. Dhawan also commended Rohit Sharma's leadership. He acknowledged Jasprit Bumrah's absence but saw it as an opportunity for Harshit Rana to prove himself. India has secured a semi-final spot with wins against Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The EPFO has retained an 8.25 per cent interest rate on EPF deposits for 2024-25, maintaining the increase set in 2023-24 from 8.15 per cent. The rate remains subject to Ministry of Finance approval before being credited to the accounts of over seven crore subscribers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the European Commission's visit to India aims to finalize a long-pending free trade agreement between the EU and India by year's end. This will be the largest deal of its kind globally, focusing on trade, technology, and inclusive development in the Indo-Pacific and Africa.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin criticized the implementation of a three-language policy, advocating the use of Artificial Intelligence for translation instead of burdening students with additional languages. He emphasized innovation over linguistic imposition. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi supported the New Education Policy 2020, arguing it provides more opportunities for youth and allows them to choose languages.

Kangana Ranaut and Javed Akhtar's legal dispute, arising from Ranaut's allegations against Akhtar regarding threats during her public spat with Hrithik Roshan, has been resolved. Kangana shared their reconciliation on Instagram and revealed Akhtar will write songs for her next directorial venture. The case has been ongoing since 2020 and recently concluded through mediation.

Mumbai Police have initiated an investigation following a WhatsApp threat from a Pakistani number to attack Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. Meanwhile, two individuals were arrested for sending a bomb threat to Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde. Security measures have been intensified to ensure the safety of state officials.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Delhi to discuss enhancing their strategic partnership. Von der Leyen, leading the EU College of Commissioners, has emphasised the importance of India as a trusted friend and ally, aiming to deepen bilateral ties.

Osamu Nishimura, a prominent Japanese wrestler, has died at 53 after battling esophageal cancer. Despite his late-stage diagnosis, he continued wrestling until December 2024. Nishimura was also a Tokyo Bunkyo Ward Assembly representative and food education instructor. WWE star Shinsuke Nakamura paid tribute. His death was announced on February 28, 2025.

A 25-year-old Mumbai manager, Manav Sharma, committed suicide in Agra, alleging marital harassment. He recorded a distressing video before his death, expressing loneliness and pleading for awareness of men's struggles. Police are investigating the case after his family's complaint.