Mon Feb 24 00:55:13 UTC 2025: ## International and National News Roundup: Merz Wins German Election, Tunnel Rescue Stalled, and Pope Remains Critical

**Berlin, Germany/New Delhi, India – February 24, 2025** – Germany’s conservative leader Friedrich Merz is set to become the next chancellor after his party won Sunday’s general election, according to exit polls. The far-right AfD party made significant gains, nearly doubling its vote share to 19.5%, fueled by concerns over immigration and security.

Meanwhile, a rescue operation in Telangana, India, to save eight workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel remains stalled. The workers have been trapped for over 30 hours.

Pope Francis remains in critical condition, battling pneumonia and a lung infection, though he remains alert and responsive. Early kidney failure has been detected.

In other international news:

* Twelve Indians deported from the U.S. via Panama have returned to India.
* Virat Kohli led India to a resounding victory over Pakistan in a highly anticipated cricket match.
* The Trump administration announced the elimination of 2,000 USAID posts and the furlough of most remaining international staff.
* Israeli tanks have entered the occupied West Bank for the first time since 2002.
* An American Airlines flight from New York to Delhi diverted to Rome after an unspecified incident requiring Italian Air Force escort.

Domestically, news includes:

* A mother protested at Jantar Mantar, demanding justice for her son, Arvey Malhotra, who died three years ago from alleged bullying.
* Ukrainian President Zelenskyy offered to resign immediately in exchange for NATO membership.
* A Kuki National Organisation spokesperson was removed from a Delhi University Literature Festival panel due to alleged politicization.
* Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena reiterated claims that his phone is being tapped.
* Bangladesh declared February 25 as “national military martyrdom day,” commemorating the 2009 Pilkhana killings.
* The Maharashtra legislature’s Budget Session will be held from March 3 to 26, with the budget presentation on March 10.

These are just some of the top headlines from around the world and within India, as reported on February 24th, 2025.

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