Wed Feb 26 01:01:18 UTC 2025: ## International and National News Roundup: February 26, 2025

**Ukraine and U.S. Forge Economic Deal:** Ukraine and the United States have finalized a framework for a major economic agreement, encompassing the development of rare earth minerals. (Source: Three senior Ukrainian officials)

**Rescue Efforts Hampered in Srisailam Tunnel:** Rescue teams attempting to reach eight individuals trapped in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel have concluded that breaching the final 50-meter section, filled with debris, poses an unacceptable risk.

**Mahashivratri Celebrations Culminate:** Millions of pilgrims gathered at the Triveni Sangam for the holy dip on Mahashivratri, marking the end of the Maha Kumbh.

**Israeli Airstrike Kills Two in Lebanon:** Lebanese state media reported that an Israeli airstrike killed at least two and injured two others, targeting Hezbollah militants in eastern Lebanon.

**Venezuelan “Doctor of the Poor” to be Canonized:** Pope Francis approved the canonization of Dr. José Gregorio Hernández, a revered Venezuelan physician known as the “doctor of the poor,” making him the country’s first saint. A date for the canonization has yet to be set.

**U.S. Judge Orders Release of Foreign Aid:** A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to release billions of dollars in frozen U.S. foreign aid within 48 hours, citing a lack of compliance with a previous court order.

**Indian Podcaster Faces Cyber Complaint:** Podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia admitted to making controversial statements on a YouTube show, following a complaint filed with the Maharashtra Cyber cell.

**Article 370’s “Temporary” Status Explained:** Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clarified that Article 370’s description as “temporary” reflected the incomplete formalization of J&K’s status during its accession to India in 1947.

**Delhi’s Scrapped Excise Policy Defended:** Former Delhi Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Atishi defended the AAP government’s decision to scrap the 2021-22 excise policy, amidst criticism over a ₹2,002-crore loss to the exchequer.

**The Hindu Journalist Arrested:** The Enforcement Directorate arrested Mahesh Langa, The Hindu’s Ahmedabad correspondent, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

**Madhya Pradesh Attracts Massive Investment:** Madhya Pradesh’s Global Investor Summit concluded with investment commitments totaling ₹26.61 lakh crore, expected to generate 17.3 lakh jobs.

**NAAC Defends HEI Assessment on Caste Discrimination:** The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) informed the Supreme Court that its existing measures effectively address concerns regarding caste discrimination in higher education institutions.

**Increased Employment Participation Rates:** A National Statistics Office survey revealed increased participation in employment and related activities for men (75%) and women (25%) aged 15-59 in 2024 compared to 2019.

**CBSE Proposes Twice-Yearly Class 10 Exams:** The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) proposed allowing Class 10 students to take the board exams twice, starting in the 2025-26 academic year.

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