Four years after the Kremlin launched its full invasion of Ukraine, signs of strain are visible across parts of Russia. In towns like Yelets, army recruitment posters offer large payments to new soldiers. Murals honour local men killed in the war. Authorities do not release official casualty figures. Residents speak of rising prices and higher utility bills. “Prices are crushing us. It’s very hard to get by,” said Irina, a bus worker. Drone alerts have led to shelters being built in some areas. Even supporters feel the impact. “Pensions go up, but then prices go up even more,” said pensioner Ivan. (PC: BBC)

Defending champions India slipped to the bottom of Group 1 after a big defeat to South Africa national cricket team in the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Super 8 round. South Africa moved to the top with two points and a strong net run-rate of 3.8. India now have a negative NRR of -3.8. India must beat Zimbabwe and West Indies to stay in the race. They may also need big winning margins if teams finish level on points. As per ICC rules, teams level on points are ranked by wins. If still tied, net run-rate decides. Head-to-head results are considered next. (PC: X)

Clashes broke out across Mexico after security forces killed cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho. He headed the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Mexico’s defence ministry said he was badly injured in a shootout in Jalisco. He died during an air transfer to Mexico City. After his death, violence spread in Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and other areas. Buses were set on fire. Roads were blocked. Some flights were disrupted. The US Deputy Secretary of State called the operation a “great development.” The Mexican Embassy in the US said a viral airport fire video was “false” and created using artificial intelligence. (PC: HT)

The United States will stop collecting a group of import tariffs introduced by former President Donald Trump from Tuesday. The decision follows a ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States, which said the duties were unlawful. The court order came more than three days ago. The tariffs were part of a major trade policy that changed global supply chains. They also led to disputes with key trading partners. Officials said the government will end the collection process immediately. The ruling marks a major setback for a policy that had reshaped US trade in recent years. (PC: India Today)

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt made a memorable impression at BAFTA 2026, presenting the award for Best Film Not in the English Language at London's Royal Festival Hall. Following in the footsteps of Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone, Alia brought unmistakable desi charm to the global stage, greeting the audience with a warm "Namaskar" before introducing the award entirely in Hindi, then translating for the international audience. Her witty speech "Don't reach for the subtitles just yet" drew widespread applause. On the red carpet, the Love & War actress channelled Marilyn Monroe in a custom silver Gucci gown paired with a white stole. The award itself went to Norwegian film Sentimental Value.

Football across Mexico has been postponed following the eruption of widespread cartel violence triggered by the killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera during a Mexican military operation. The decision to suspend matches reflects the severity of the unrest gripping multiple Mexican states, with roads blocked by burning vehicles, public transport suspended, and businesses shuttered across Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero, and beyond. Jalisco state, notably scheduled to host four FIFA World Cup games this summer, had already cancelled all large public gatherings on Sunday. The football postponements underline the catastrophic scale of cartel retaliation, which has paralysed daily life, diverted flights, and prompted emergency shelter advisories from both US and Indian embassies.

India scripted history at the 79th BAFTA Film Awards as Manipuri-language film Boong claimed the Best Children's and Family Film award becoming the first Indian film ever to win this prestigious category. Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, and others, Boong defeated international contenders including Zootopia 2 and Lilo & Stitch at London's Royal Festival Hall. Director Lakshmipriya Devi delivered a deeply emotional acceptance speech, praying for peace in conflict-ridden Manipur and for displaced child actors to reclaim their joy and innocence. The film, which tells the story of a young Manipuri boy searching for his missing father, premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.

Student-led protests against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei entered a second consecutive day at universities in Tehran and Mashhad, even as US-Iran nuclear negotiations advanced toward a crucial Geneva meeting confirmed for Thursday, February 26, by Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi. The diplomatic push follows President Trump's stark 10-15 day ultimatum demanding Iran finalise a nuclear deal or face consequences he described as "unfortunate." Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed both sides were working toward a deal while warning Iran would retaliate if attacked. Separately, Axios reported Trump was presented with options including a plan targeting Khamenei. A significant US military presence of 13 warships including aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln remains stationed across the Middle East. (PC: X & HT)

Robert Aramayo made BAFTA history on Sunday night by becoming the first performer ever to win both the Rising Star and Leading Actor awards in a single evening. The English actor claimed Best Actor for his portrayal of Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson in the British film I Swear, stunning audiences by defeating heavyweight contenders including Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet. Kerry Washington announced his name, visibly shocking Aramayo himself. In his acceptance speech, the Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power star expressed disbelief and paid heartfelt tribute to fellow nominee Ethan Hawke, crediting a Juilliard talk by Hawke on an actor's longevity as profoundly shaping his own career journey.

India's unbeaten run in the T20 World Cup 2026 ended dramatically with a crushing 76-run defeat to South Africa in Ahmedabad, giving them a damaging net run rate of -3.8. The loss has validated former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir's bold pre-tournament prediction, where he notably excluded India from his semifinalists, favouring South Africa and West Indies instead. Pakistan batting legend Mohammad Yousaf took to social media praising Amir for "rattling India from the studio," while also lauding South Africa's all-round performance crediting their lower-order batting and exceptional bowling discipline. India, who won all four Group A matches, now face an uphill battle to qualify for the semifinals even with two remaining matches.