Every week, there’s always a lot happening around the world. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most important news stories from this week. Whether it’s about space, science, or politics, we’ve got it all covered. Let’s catch up on the top news of the week.
Telangana tunnel collapse: 8 workers trapped, rescue operation ongoing | what we know so far
In a recent incident, a part of the roof in an under-construction section of the SLBC tunnel collapsed at the 14 km point near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana. A three-meter section of the roof fell. This happened just four days after construction work had started again after a long break. While some workers were able to escape, eight workers were still trapped inside.
USAID gave India $750 million in 2023-24—but not for elections
The Finance Ministry recently shared that USAID gave money for seven projects in India, worth a total of USD 750 million in 2023-24. This has led to a big political argument. Some people think USAID was trying to influence Indian elections. However, the report clearly states that no money was given to increase voter turnout.
Who is Friedrich Merz? the man set to lead Germany as Chancellor
Friedrich Merz, a man with no prior government experience, is now poised to lead Germany at a time when the country is battling with its toughest economic and diplomatic challenges in decades. Europe is also urgently seeking new leaders to guide it through growing tensions with the United States.
Merz’s conservative party secured the top spot in Germany’s national election on Sunday, outpacing their closest competitor, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), giving him the mandate to form a coalition government.
“Germany will be governed reliably again,” Merz told supporters after the results were announced.
Is a new pandemic emerging? What we know about the HKU5-CoV-2 bat virus
A new bat virus called HKU5-CoV-2 has raised concerns because it might spread from animals to humans, leading some to worry about another pandemic like COVID-19. While researchers in China are sounding alarms, experts in India believe there’s no immediate threat. They’ve advised that the virus should be monitored closely, but for now, there’s no need to panic.
BJP MLA Vijender Gupta elected as Delhi Assembly Speaker
On Monday (February 24, 2025), Rohini MLA Vijender Gupta was elected as the Speaker of the Delhi Assembly. His nomination for the post was confirmed on Thursday (February 20, 2025).
Mr. Gupta, who is serving his third term as the MLA from Rohini, was previously the Leader of the Opposition (LoP). He had recently accused the AAP government of blocking 14 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports from being presented in the Assembly. After being nominated, he had assured that these pending reports would be tabled before the House as his first priority.
Trump confirms 25% tariffs on Canada, Mexico—no delays, no exceptions
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that his government will go ahead with 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. These two countries are the biggest trading partners of the United States. The tariffs will be imposed starting next month as planned.
Trump made this announcement during a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, who is currently visiting the US. Speaking to reporters, Trump said, “We’re on time with the tariffs, and it seems like that’s moving along very rapidly.” “Many countries, not just Canada and Mexico, have mistreated us and taken advantage of us,” he continued.
Free drone blood delivery: Gujarat sends blood to emergency patients in 25 minutes
A free blood delivery service has been launched in Gujarat, with a 35 km radius from Halol to Bodeli and Ghoghamba. In the last three months, drones have been able to deliver blood to eight patients in far-flung areas. Drones, with the capability to carry six kilograms—good for eight units of blood—can deliver within 20-25 minutes, greatly minimizing waiting times in life-threatening emergencies.
In tribal regions around Vadodara, conditions such as sickle cell anemia and overall anemia are common, so blood supply becomes even more essential. Women who suffer excessive blood loss during delivery also find the service useful. This project, in partnership with Polycab India, seeks to provide such immediate medical requirements with swift and effective blood transport.
Advantage Assam 2.0: PM Modi launches mega summit as Adani, Ambani announce big investments
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Advantage Assam 2.0 Infrastructure and Investment Summit 2025 on Tuesday in Guwahati. The summit aims to bring innovation and sustainable development to the state. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the Prime Minister and business leaders, highlighting Assam’s progress and investment opportunities. Several union ministers and business tycoons attended the event, along with high-level delegations from countries like Australia, South Korea, Singapore, and Japan.
$5M for U.S. citizenship? Trump introduces exclusive ‘Gold Card’ for immigrants- Explained
President Donald Trump announced the introduction of a new “Gold Card” initiative, providing an alternative to the standard Green Card with high value. It costs $5 million and is likely to grant immigrants residency rights as well as a direct route to U.S. citizenship.
Speaking from the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump pointed out that the drive is aimed at bringing wealthy people to the nation.
“We’re gonna be selling a gold card. You have a green card, this is a gold card. We’re gonna be putting a price on that card of about $5 million, and that’s gonna give you green card privileges plus,” Trump said as he signed executive orders with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
CBSE proposes two board exams for class 10: Students can choose to appear once or twice
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a new plan for Class 10 board exams starting next year. According to the draft rules released on Tuesday, students will have the option to take the exam once or both times. If they choose to take both exams, they can “opt out” of subjects or papers they do not want to retake.
Telangana makes Telugu mandatory in schools; Tamil Nadu protests over three-language policy
The Telangana government has announced that Telugu will be a mandatory subject in all schools across the state. This rule will apply to all schools, including those affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The decision aims to ensure that students learn their mother tongue or, in the case of students from outside the state, the regional language.
To make learning easier, the government has also decided to simplify the syllabus for students in Classes 9 and 10. Starting from the 2025/26 academic year, Class 9 students will learn a ‘simple Telugu’ syllabus instead of ‘standard Telugu.’ This change will also apply to Class 10 students from 2026/27 onwards. The simplified syllabus will help students whose mother tongue is not Telugu.
Amy Gleason takes charge of Trump’s DOGE
After weeks of speculation, the White House announced on Tuesday that Amy Gleason will be the acting head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). There had been increasing pressure on theTrump administration to reveal who was officially in charge of DOGE, especially after court documents showed that billionaire Elon Musk, who PresidentTrump had said was leading the program, actually had no control over it.
Maha Kumbh 2025: 65 crore devotees, ₹3 lakh crore boost in 45 days
The Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s biggest religious gathering, ended yesterday after 45 days. During this time, 65 crore people visited the event. Many pilgrims came to the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj early in the morning to take a holy dip, especially on Maha Shivratri, the last big bathing day.
On Maha Shivratri, the last day of the Kumbh, a huge number of devotees gathered to take a holy dip at the Sangam. By 2 AM on Wednesday, 11.66 lakh people had already bathed. The crowd kept growing, reaching 25.64 lakh by 4 AM, 41.11 lakh by 6 AM, and 81.09 lakh by 10 AM.
NASA launches satellite to find water on the moon
NASA has launched a special satellite into space to search for water on the moon. This satellite, called Lunar Trailblazer, was sent from Florida on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Scientists believe there might be ice in certain areas of the moon, especially in places that are always in the dark. Finding water on the moon is important because it can help astronauts in future missions.
Tuhin Kanta Pandey appointed as SEBI chairman
The Indian government has appointed Finance and Revenue Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The decision was announced on Thursday, February 27, 2025. Mr. Pandey will take over from Madhabi Puri Buch, who is completing her three-year term on Friday, February 28, 2025.