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Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has ignited fierce political and international backlash after advocating what he described as “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians from parts of the West Bank. The controversial remarks have intensified debate over the future of the occupied territories and the broader Israel-Palestine conflict. Smotrich, a prominent far-right leader within Israel’s governing coalition, suggested that encouraging Palestinians to leave certain areas could alter long-term security and demographic realities.

Major NATO military exercises are underway in Germany as NATO launches Steadfast Dart 26, a large-scale drill involving around 10,000 troops from 11 allied nations. The exercise is being hosted in Putlos, Germany, underscoring Berlin’s growing role in European defense coordination.

Indonesia’s capital Jakarta is facing a mounting waste emergency, with landfills serving the city and its surrounding satellite towns pushed to the brink. Once envisioned as a fast-growing Southeast Asian megacity, Jakarta is now grappling with overflowing garbage sites, environmental hazards, and public health concerns.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that the next round of peace negotiations aimed at ending the war with Russia is expected to take place before the end of the month. The talks are likely to be held in Switzerland, continuing international efforts to de-escalate the conflict. Speaking after discussions on Wednesday, Zelensky indicated that trilateral negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and mediators could be convened soon. While previous rounds of dialogue have struggled to deliver a breakthrough, diplomatic channels remain active amid ongoing military tensions.

Pak all-rounder Shadab Khan, who played an important role in team's win on Feb 18 vs Namibia, acknowleged that the matches in Super 8 will be tough but Ramadan - holy month in Islam which started Feb 17 - will help them in matches.

Actress Kalyani Priyadarshan has given a major update about the sequel of Lokah Chapter 2. The first was released in cinemas in 2025. Read to know more.

Bill Gates will skip the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi after being named in US DOJ’s Epstein files. The Gates Foundation said Ankur Vora will represent the organisation at the event instead.

US Congressman Brad Sherman slammed President Donald Trump’s pressure on India over Russian oil imports, calling it unfair and inconsistent. He said India, which imports about 21 per cent of its crude from Russia, was being ‘singled out’. Here's what he said.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and cricket legend is said to have expressed fears for his life while imprisoned in Adiala Jail, according to his sisters, Dr. Uzma Khan and Aleema Khan. They allege a “lethal conspiracy” involving Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, claiming Khan himself warned them that “these people will kill me” if left in custody.

Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the stand in federal court to defend Instagram against explosive allegations that the platform was deliberately designed to be addictive to children and teenagers. The high-stakes case marks the first time Zuckerberg has testified before a jury specifically about child safety and the mental health impact of social media.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that a next round of peace talks will take place following negotiations held on Wednesday. In his statement, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to pursuing diplomatic solutions while maintaining strong defense against continued aggression.

US President Donald Trump has strongly urged the United Kingdom not to “give away” Diego Garcia, as London moves forward with plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back the strategically vital military base. Trump said the land “should not be taken away from the UK,” warning that such a move would be a “blight on our Great Ally.” His remarks come amid growing debate over the future of the British Indian Ocean Territory and the long-term status of one of the most important US-UK military facilities in the Indian Ocean.

Notably, India and Pakistan have played 17 matches in 50-over and T20 World Cups combined. India have won 16 matches including the bowl out in 2007 T20 World CUp group stage match which had ended in a tie. The only win for Pakistan vs India came in 2021 T20 World Cup.

A senior Israeli far‑right minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has called for policies that would encourage the emigration of Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip as part of a broader push to tighten Israeli control and nullify the Oslo Accords. Smotrich described this move as a “long‑term solution” to the conflict and said Israel must eliminate what he termed an “Arab terror state,” even as critics argue the measures effectively amount to de facto annexation and ethnic displacement.

Galgotias University has apologised after a robot dog showcased at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 was wrongly presented as an in-house innovation, but later identified as a Chinese Unitree model. It blamed an “ill-informed” Professor Neha Singh for the controversy.

The United States has deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford to the Middle East as tensions continue over prospects of an attack on Iran. The world's largest warship will join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, a warship already on standby.

Newark Airport closed: An emergency closed down operations at the Newark Liberty International Airport for nearly two hours. A plane experienced engine issues after take-off and had to return. This caused a brief shutdown of services and spiralling delays.

As Switzerland gears up to host the AI Summit in Geneva in 2027, the president stressed building on previous gatherings, including the New Delhi summit. Read the full interview below.

Makers unveiled the trailer of The Gates, which showcased James Van Der Beek's appearance for one last time. The late actor will be seen playing the role of an evil pastor.