Catholics in the Bay Area are praying for Pope Francis as he battles critical health issues. During Sunday Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco, worshippers offered heartfelt prayers for the 88-year-old pontiff, who remains in serious condition in Rome.

Pope Francis faces breathing crisis, remains under watch

Thirty-three of a total of 55 BRO workers trapped under an avalanche in the high-altitude village of Mana in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district have been rescued, with concerns over the safety of the remaining 22 mounting as night fell on the snowbound slopes and the rescue efforts came to a temporary halt.

Uttarakhand avalanche: NDRF and SDRF deployed at the rescue site

Islam is becoming the third-largest faith in U.S. prisons, with thousands of inmates embracing the religion each year. Reports suggest that the structure, discipline, and sense of brotherhood in Islam are key reasons behind this growing trend. What’s driving these conversions, and how does faith shape the lives of those behind bars?

Islam gains ground in US prisons as thousands convert

Germany has reignited the nuclear sharing debate as Europe grapples with defense independence. While Friedrich Merz calls for greater European nuclear cooperation, France firmly rejects the idea, reaffirming full control over its nuclear deterrence. Meanwhile, Britain’s reliance on US warheads and missiles has drawn scrutiny, raising concerns over Europe’s smaller nuclear arsenal compared to global superpowers.

Shift in US strategy prompts questions over Europe's nuclear security

After a tense White House meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives in the UK to meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. With Russia calling his US trip a "complete failure," Zelensky is set to continue his diplomatic push, including talks with Italy’s PM on Sunday.

Zelensky also scheduled to meet Italy's Meloni

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, one of the world&rsquo;s most well-known sled dog competitions, is longer this year due to a route change caused by a lack of snow, said a report by Associated Press.&nbsp;
The ceremonial start takes place on March 1 in Anchorage, Alaska, with the official restart scheduled for March 3 in Fairbanks. The altered route extends the race distance to over 1,100 miles (1,770 kilometres).
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/angelina-jolies-kiss-to-will-smiths-slap-most-controversial-oscars-moments-8769393">Angelina Jolie's kiss to Will Smith's slap: Most controversial Oscars moments</a>
This year&rsquo;s event sees only 33 mushers at the starting line, tying with 2023 for the smallest field in the race&rsquo;s history. The number of participants has declined due to various challenges, including inflation, climate change, and pressure from animal rights groups. 
<h2>History of Iditarod</h2>
The Iditarod, first held in 1973, marks its 53rd edition this year. It was originally conceived to honour the historic Iditarod Trail, a route used for freight and mail transport in Alaska. This year&rsquo;s race also commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Serum Run, in which sled dog teams transported diphtheria serum to Nome, saving the town from an outbreak.
Each musher starts the race with at least 12 dogs and can have up to 16, meaning there could be as many as 528 dogs on the trail. During the ceremonial start, mushers are limited to eight dogs each, bringing the total to 264.
The race, traditionally described as a 1,000-mile event, has always varied in distance. The usual routes cover approximately 998 miles (1,606 kilometres) in odd-numbered years and 975 miles (1,569 kilometres) in even-numbered years. However, this year&rsquo;s rerouting has extended the distance to 1,128 miles (1,815 kilometres), making it the longest Iditarod on record.
The dogs play a crucial role in enduring the harsh conditions of the race. To protect their paws from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, they will use around 100,000 protective booties. Additionally, mushers rely on supply drops along the route, which include an estimated 180,000 pounds (81,647 kilograms) of dog food delivered to checkpoints.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/todays-ukraine-is-yesterdays-afghan-did-irans-khamenei-predict-us-treatment-of-zelensky-3-years-back-8769497">'Today&rsquo;s Ukraine is yesterday&rsquo;s Afghan': Did Iran's Khamenei predict US' treatment of Zelensky&nbsp;3&nbsp;years&nbsp;back?</a>
The winner is expected to reach Nome approximately 10 days after the official restart in Fairbanks. The 2025 Iditarod continues to test the endurance of mushers and their sled dog teams while honouring Alaska&rsquo;s sled dog racing tradition.
&nbsp;

The ceremonial start takes place on March 1 in Anchorage, Alaska, with the official restart scheduled for March 3 in Fairbanks. The altered route extends the race distance to over 1,100 miles (1,770 kilometres).

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, one of the world’s most well-known sled dog competitions, is longer this year due to a route change caused by a lack of snow, said a report by Associated Press. The ceremonial start takes place on March 1 in Anchorage, Alaska, with the official restart scheduled for March 3 in Fairbanks. The altered route extends the race distance to over 1,100 miles (1,770 kilometres). Also read: Angelina Jolie's kiss to Will Smith's slap: Most controversial Oscars moments This year’s event sees only 33 mushers at the starting line, tying with 2023 for the smallest field in the race’s history. The number of participants has declined due to various challenges, including inflation, climate change, and pressure from animal rights groups. History of Iditarod The Iditarod, first held in 1973, marks its 53rd edition this year. It was originally conceived to honour the historic Iditarod Trail, a route used for freight and mail transport in Alaska. This year’s race also commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Serum Run, in which sled dog teams transported diphtheria serum to Nome, saving the town from an outbreak. Each musher starts the race with at least 12 dogs and can have up to 16, meaning there could be as many as 528 dogs on the trail. During the ceremonial start, mushers are limited to eight dogs each, bringing the total to 264. The race, traditionally described as a 1,000-mile event, has always varied in distance. The usual routes cover approximately 998 miles (1,606 kilometres) in odd-numbered years and 975 miles (1,569 kilometres) in even-numbered years. However, this year’s rerouting has extended the distance to 1,128 miles (1,815 kilometres), making it the longest Iditarod on record. The dogs play a crucial role in enduring the harsh conditions of the race. To protect their paws from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, they will use around 100,000 protective booties. Additionally, mushers rely on supply drops along the route, which include an estimated 180,000 pounds (81,647 kilograms) of dog food delivered to checkpoints. Also read: 'Today’s Ukraine is yesterday’s Afghan': Did Iran's Khamenei predict US' treatment of Zelensky 3 years back? The winner is expected to reach Nome approximately 10 days after the official restart in Fairbanks. The 2025 Iditarod continues to test the endurance of mushers and their sled dog teams while honouring Alaska’s sled dog racing tradition.

'Iditarod 2025': The famous dog race to become longer due to lack of snow! Check out all the details

Protesters in Athens hurled gasoline bombs and smashed-up paving stones as they clashed with police during mass demonstrations Friday to mark the second anniversary of a devastating train crash. Watch this report for more details!

Greece: Violent protests in Athens, police use water cannon and tear gas

The US on Friday approved potential foreign military sales to Israel worth $3 billion, according to the State Department. Watch in for more details!

US announces $3 billion arms sales to Israel

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a "terrorism-free" era for Turkiye as Kurdish militant group PKK announces a ceasefire after 40 years of insurgency. Jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan has urged the group to disband, raising hopes for a lasting peace.

Erdogan hails ‘terrorism-free’ Turkiye as PKK declares ceasefire

JD Vance has launched a scathing attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, escalating tensions after Zelensky’s clash with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. As Trump’s potential VP pick, Vance’s aggressive stance is drawing both criticism and praise. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has openly endorsed Vance, calling him "our future president."

JD Vance attacks Zelensky As Trump’s VP pick gains momentum

Donald Trump has pledged to launch a full investigation into the White House cocaine scandal, suggesting possible involvement of Joe Biden or his son, Hunter. With questions mounting over the role of the US Secret Service, Trump hints at a potential cover-up.

Trump vows full investigation into White House cocaine scandal

As China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) convenes, a major military shakeup unfolds. Fourteen PLA officials have been removed amid a widening corruption investigation, signaling Xi Jinping’s tightening grip on the armed forces. The annual political gathering, often seen as China’s largest political festival, now highlights a deepening corruption crackdown within military ranks.

China’s NPC begins amid military purge and corruption crackdown

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert, predicting above-normal temperatures and prolonged heat spells across the country. With February already marking the hottest month since 1901, experts warn of little respite from the extreme heat this summer.

Weather office: There will be little respite from heat this summer

Violence surges in the Democratic Republic of Congo as ADF rebels, linked to the Islamic State, launch deadly attacks in Ituri province. At least 23 people have been killed, and 20 others taken hostage. Despite Uganda-Congo joint military operations, the ADF continues its brutal assaults, targeting farmers and civilians.

DRC crisis: ADF rebel kill 23, take 20 hostages in Democratic Republic of Congo

The holy month of Ramzan has begun, with millions of Muslims around the world gathering for nighttime Tarawih prayers and preparing for a month of fasting and devotion. In Indonesia, Istiqlal Mosque overflows with worshippers, while in Gaza, bustling markets come alive as people prepare for the sacred month. From spiritual gatherings to vibrant celebrations, Ramzan unites communities in faith and tradition.

Ramzan begins with night prayers, fasting, and festive gatherings

Germany revives nuclear sharing debate as Europe rethinks security

China has escalated its military activities near Taiwan, intensifying regional tensions. On February 28, 2025, Taiwan's defense ministry reported detecting 17 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, eight naval vessels, and three official ships near its territory, with 15 aircraft entering Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

Taiwan deploys jets and warships as China intensifies military drills

Tensions ran high as US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in a heated exchange in the Oval Office. Trump criticized Zelensky’s attitude, accusing Kyiv of lacking gratitude for US aid. Meanwhile, a joint press conference was abruptly canceled, and key deals, including a minerals agreement, were left unsigned. With Trump insisting on compromises and Zelensky refusing to back down against Putin, this diplomatic showdown marks a pivotal moment in US-Ukraine relations.

Trump-Zelensky meet: Joint press conference cancelled, minerals deal left unsigned

The Muslim holy month of Ramazan began at sundown on Wednesday, as the faithful prepared for a month of dawn-to-dusk fasting intended to bring them closer to God and to remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate.

Muslims welcome the holy month of Ramzan

Russia has formally requested the US to reopen its airspace for direct flights, a move that comes two years after the US and its allies imposed restrictions. Talks in Istanbul focused on removing diplomatic tensions, with Moscow emphasizing the need to improve bilateral relations. Will the US agree to restore air travel? Stay tuned for updates.

Russia seeks to reopen US airspace, pushes for better bilateral ties

Kumbh Mela Wraps Up with Shivratri - The world’s largest spiritual gathering comes to a grand conclusion with Mahashivratri, marking an auspicious farewell to the Kumbh Mela. 
Carnival Season Takes Over the World!

Shivratri at Maha Kumbh and carnivals worldwide

As US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in the White House, they were seen locked in a series of tense exchanges. 
Trump stressed that he is not aligned with anybody, adding that he is aligned with the good of the world. 

“I am not aligned with anybody. I am aligned with the United States of America and the good of the world,” he said.

Trump-Zelensky meet: Unprecedented, heated bilateral exchange at the Oval Office

As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met US President Donald Trump, the meeting turned into a raging fight of word as Trump and US Vice President JD Vance teamed up against Zelensky. Watch in for more details!

US President Trump warns Zelensky: 'Make a deal or we're out.'

#Gravitas Tech billionaire Elon Musk has said that members of the U.S. Congress should receive salary increases to discourage corruption. In its history, the U.S. has witnessed a series of high-profile political corruption scandals that have shaken public trust among Americans.

How corrupt are American politicians?

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