Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that the European Union poses a bigger threat to Hungary than Russia. He plans to reduce EU influence and foreign control before the upcoming elections in April. Orban, receiving support from U.S. President Donald Trump, sees the election as a choice between peace and conflict, contrasting his views with those of his political opponents.
Key Facts
Viktor Orban is the Prime Minister of Hungary.
Orban believes the EU is a greater threat than Russia to Hungary.
He plans to reduce EU influence in Hungary before the April 12 elections.
The opposition Tisza Party leads in polls, with an 8 to 12 percentage point advantage over Orban's Fidesz party.
President Donald Trump endorsed Orban in the upcoming election.
Orban has received support by portraying his opponent as aligned with the EU.
Orban described the elections as a decision between “war or peace” concerning the conflict in Ukraine.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Hungary soon.
Mansfield, a team from the lower League One division, defeated Burnley, a Premier League team, in the FA Cup, adding pressure on Burnley's manager, Scott Parker. Burnley has recently struggled, winning only two of their last 19 games, and this defeat intensified speculation about Parker's future with the team.
Key Facts
Mansfield beat Burnley with a late free-kick, winning 1-0 in the FA Cup.
Burnley, a Premier League team, has won only two of their last 19 matches.
The team is nine points away from safety in the Premier League standings.
Scott Parker, Burnley’s manager, faces criticism and pressure regarding his job.
Parker made nine changes to his team for the match against Mansfield, leading to negative reactions.
Burnley fans expressed their disappointment with boos during the match.
Chairman Alan Pace has angered some fans with recent comments and is currently unpopular.
The FA Cup was Burnley fans’ remaining hope for some success amid a tough season.
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed to increase economic pressure on Iran, mainly by targeting its oil sales to China. This move aims to influence Iran's actions regarding its nuclear program. The U.S. government also plans to continue nuclear talks with Iran while keeping military options open.
Key Facts
President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu decided to increase economic pressure on Iran.
The focus is on reducing Iranian oil sales to China, where over 80% of Iran's oil exports go.
A new executive order allows the U.S. to impose tariffs of up to 25% on countries, like China, that buy oil from Iran.
The U.S. plans to continue nuclear negotiations with Iran, alongside military preparations if diplomacy does not work.
Netanyahu and Trump agreed Iran should not have nuclear weapons but differed on how to achieve this.
U.S. advisers told Trump it is difficult to reach a deal with Iran, but negotiations will continue.
U.S. representatives Witkoff and Kushner are set to meet Iranian officials for further talks.
A reported U.S. proposal to halt Iranian uranium enrichment for a period was allegedly rejected, but U.S. officials deny this proposal was made.
An intentional avalanche was triggered by emergency teams near a ski resort in Chamonix, in the French Alps, as a safety measure. This action followed a deadly avalanche that killed three skiers and led to the closure of several major ski resorts due to high avalanche risks.
Key Facts
An avalanche was intentionally triggered near a ski resort in Chamonix by emergency teams.
This was done as a safety precaution due to increased avalanche risks.
A separate avalanche struck the French Alps, killing three skiers.
Several major ski resorts in the Alps were closed due to the high risk of avalanches.
The avalanche risk levels surged across the Alps, leading to maximum alert in the area.
A Palestinian protester named Leqaa Kordia claims she was treated in a harsh way while in ICE custody in the United States after having a seizure. She says she was kept from her lawyers and family during this time.
Key Facts
Leqaa Kordia is a Palestinian protester who was held in ICE custody.
She reports being chained to a hospital bed after a seizure.
She claims she could not contact her lawyers and family for several days.
Advocates argue that authorities are taking extreme measures to detain her.
ICE is a U.S. agency responsible for handling immigration enforcement.
Pakistan and India are set to face each other in a T20 World Cup cricket match, but many Pakistan fans expect another loss against their rivals. Political tensions and past defeats contribute to a somber mood, though fans will still watch the game attentively. Interest in the match remains high, with viewing gatherings planned across Pakistan.
Key Facts
Pakistan's cricket team plays against India in a T20 World Cup match in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Pakistan last won against India in this tournament in 2021.
Originally, Pakistan planned to boycott the match due to political reasons but later reversed this decision.
Political tensions between Pakistan and India have affected their cricket rivalry.
Despite a history of losing against India, Pakistan fans plan to watch the game closely.
The match takes place at 6:30 PM local time (13:30 GMT) on Sunday.
Fans across Pakistan, including those in Karachi, prepare to watch the match with friends and family.
The game is expected to affect local businesses, with many setting up screens for fans to watch.
Scotland won the Calcutta Cup by defeating England 31-20 in the Six Nations rugby match at Murrayfield. Finn Russell played a key role in Scotland's victory by leading the team with successful plays and strategies. England struggled with penalties and playing a portion of the game with only 14 players.
Key Facts
Scotland defeated England 31-20 in the Calcutta Cup.
The match took place at Murrayfield.
Finn Russell played a significant role in Scotland's win.
Scotland led 17-0 early in the game.
England's Henry Arundell received two yellow cards, causing England to play with 14 players for 30 minutes.
Scotland scored 14 points while Arundell was off the field.
Scotland maintained a strong defense despite England's late attempts to close the gap.
Ben Earl scored a late try for England, reducing the deficit.
Palmerston, a cat formerly serving as the "chief mouser" at the UK's Foreign Office, has died in Bermuda. After retiring in 2020, he took on a role as a "feline relations consultant" to Bermuda's governor in 2025. His death was announced on his social media account, highlighting his impact and popularity.
Key Facts
Palmerston was originally a rescue cat from Battersea Cats and Dogs home.
He served as the "chief mouser" at the UK's Foreign Office from 2016 to 2020.
In 2025, Palmerston took a role in Bermuda as a "feline relations consultant."
Palmerston passed away on February 12, as announced on his social media account.
He was named after Viscount Palmerston, a 19th-century UK Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister.
Palmerston had a friendly rivalry with Number 10 Downing Street's cat, Larry.
His social media account has around 99,000 followers.
South Africa defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in a Twenty20 World Cup match, thanks to a strong performance from captain Aiden Markram, who scored an unbeaten 86. Marco Jansen contributed by taking four wickets, helping South Africa move closer to the Super Eight stage of the tournament.
Key Facts
South Africa won against New Zealand by seven wickets in a T20 World Cup match.
Aiden Markram, the captain of South Africa, scored 86 not out in 44 balls.
South Africa's Marco Jansen took four wickets, dismissing most of New Zealand's top-order batsmen.
New Zealand scored 175-7 in their innings.
South Africa finished their run chase with 178-3, with 17 balls left.
Markram hit four sixes and eight boundaries during his innings.
David Miller hit the winning runs for South Africa with a score of 24 not out.
South Africa's next match is against the United Arab Emirates, while New Zealand will play Canada.
Five European countries have accused Russia of poisoning opposition leader Alexey Navalny with a toxin from dart frogs. Lab tests confirmed the presence of the deadly toxin epibatidine in Navalny's body, leading to international allegations against Russia. The countries intend to report Russia for violating chemical weapons treaties.
Key Facts
Five countries (UK, France, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands) say Russia poisoned Alexey Navalny.
Poison epibatidine is found naturally in dart frogs and was identified in Navalny’s body.
The countries allege Russia had the means and motive for the poisoning.
Navalny died in a Russian penal colony in February 2024 while serving a sentence.
The accusation will be reported to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
Russia denies involvement and called for public presentation of test results.
Navalny was a known critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The poison can kill by causing severe effects like shortness of breath and seizures.
An annual cigar festival in Havana, Cuba, was postponed due to a fuel shortage linked to a U.S. oil blockade. The shortage has led to power cuts and disrupted travel, affecting international visitors to Cuba. The U.S. blockade has worsened the economic situation in Cuba, impacting events like the Habano Festival.
Key Facts
The annual Havana cigar festival was postponed due to a fuel shortage.
The fuel shortage is related to the U.S. blocking oil shipments to Cuba.
The U.S. military seized oil from Venezuela, which used to supply Cuba.
Power cuts in Cuba have lasted up to 18 hours, affecting critical services.
Some airlines stopped flying to Cuba because of the fuel crisis.
International tourism to Cuba is limited due to the U.S. embargo.
Over 1,300 people from about 70 countries usually attend the festival.
U.S.-Cuba relations have been strained since 1959, with ongoing trade embargoes.
England's cricket team has had mixed performances in the T20 World Cup, including narrow wins and a loss to West Indies. Despite challenges, if they beat Italy, they can move to the next stage, needing two more wins to reach the semi-finals. England has previous victories in world cups even after early losses.
Key Facts
England narrowly won against Nepal and Scotland and lost to West Indies.
Beating Italy will advance England to the Super 8s stage.
England has won three World Cups in the past, including two 20-over tournaments.
Teams rarely remain unbeaten in the tournament; India achieved this last in 2024.
England's Tom Banton was the top scorer in the win against Scotland.
England's captain, Harry Brook, noted the team's inconsistency in performances.
Jofra Archer improved against Scotland with better accuracy.
England's fielding has improved under coach Carl Hopkinson.
The United States and Iran have different views as they prepare for talks amid international rallies by Iranians demanding change in Iran. The U.S. wants Iran to stop enriching uranium and developing missiles, which Iran rejects. Iranians abroad are holding large protests to call for an end to religious rule in Iran.
Key Facts
Iranians worldwide participated in rallies, opposing Iran's current government and demanding change.
The U.S. and Iran are set for upcoming talks amid global tensions.
The U.S. demands Iran stop its nuclear and missile activities, which Iran refuses.
President Trump announced sending another aircraft carrier to the Middle East and suggested regime change in Iran.
Iranian President Pezeshkian thanked regional countries for mediating to avoid military conflict.
Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last shah, urged Iranians abroad to participate in protests.
Major rallies took place in cities like Munich, Los Angeles, and Toronto, with tens of thousands participating.
The United Nations has documented the use of force against protesters in Iran.
Louis Reed from Mansfield Town scored a noteworthy free kick against Burnley, leading to a victory in the FA Cup. This allowed Mansfield Town to advance to the fifth round of the competition.
Key Facts
Louis Reed plays for Mansfield Town.
He scored a free kick in a football match.
The match was against Burnley, a Premier League team.
Mansfield Town won the match with a score of 2-1.
This victory allowed Mansfield Town to advance to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The term "set-piece" refers to a situation in football where the ball is returned to play with a planned move, often from a free kick or corner.
Archbishop Richard Moth officially became the leader of Catholics in England and Wales at a ceremony in Westminster Cathedral. He acknowledged the church's past failures, especially in cases of abuse, and emphasized the importance of listening to victims. Archbishop Moth follows Cardinal Vincent Nichols and will also focus on social justice and accountability.
Key Facts
Archbishop Richard Moth is the new leader of Catholics in England and Wales.
He was installed at a ceremony in Westminster Cathedral.
He highlighted the Church's past failures, particularly in abuse cases.
Moth stressed the importance of listening to and learning from abuse victims.
He follows Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who retired after 16 years.
Dame Sarah Mullally, the new Archbishop of Canterbury, attended the ceremony.
Moth aims to address issues like peace, dignity, and protection for the vulnerable.
The Archbishop had previously served as the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton.
Indian cricket captain Suryakumar Yadav stated that the team is not worried about the possibility of rain affecting their T20 World Cup match against Pakistan. Despite earlier tensions, Pakistan agreed to play the game in Colombo. India is preparing to face key Pakistani bowler Usman Tariq.
Key Facts
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav said rain is not a big concern for the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match.
Pakistan initially refused to play but changed its decision and will compete in Colombo.
Weather forecasts predict heavy rain on the day of the game.
India recently defeated Namibia and is familiar with the playing conditions in Colombo.
India and Pakistan have both won two games each in the tournament so far.
Captain Salman Ali Agha of Pakistan noted Usman Tariq as a crucial player, describing him as a "trump card."
Player Abhishek Sharma of India might play after missing a game due to illness.
At the start of the 39th African Union summit, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who leads the African Union Commission, called for an end to what he described as the "extermination" of Palestinians.
Key Facts
The statement was made at the 39th African Union summit.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf is the Chairman of the African Union Commission.
He used the term "extermination" to describe the situation of the Palestinian people.
The African Union is a group of African countries that work together on various issues.
Youssouf called for the situation affecting Palestinians to stop.
The World Health Organization (WHO) criticized a planned U.S.-funded vaccine trial in Guinea-Bissau as unethical. The study aimed to compare the effects of giving a hepatitis B vaccine at birth versus at six weeks old to newborns. Due to public backlash and WHO's concerns, the Guinea-Bissau government suspended the trial.
Key Facts
The trial was funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and involved about 14,000 babies.
WHO called the trial unethical and expressed concerns about scientific and ethical standards.
WHO emphasized that the hepatitis B vaccine is a proven life-saving intervention.
Guinea-Bissau planned to introduce the birth-dose vaccine by 2028, aligning with WHO recommendations.
More than 12% of Guinea-Bissau's adult population has chronic hepatitis B.
Public outrage in Guinea-Bissau led to the suspension of the study.
Critics, including Guinea-Bissau's former health minister, opposed treating local babies as test subjects.
The U.S. health department involved in the trial was led by Robert F Kennedy Jr., known for questioning vaccines.
Ireland's rugby team defeated Italy 20-13 in the Six Nations tournament held in Dublin. Despite trailing at halftime, Ireland scored key tries in the second half to secure the win and prevent Italy from earning their first championship victory in Dublin.
Key Facts
The match took place during the Six Nations tournament in Dublin, Ireland.
Ireland won against Italy with a final score of 20-13.
Rob Baloucoune, playing his first Six Nations game, scored a decisive try for Ireland.
At halftime, Italy led with a score of 10-5.
Italy's Paolo Garbisi contributed with a conversion and two penalty kicks.
Ireland was under pressure following a recent defeat by France and sought to improve their performance.
Italy aimed for their first Six Nations win in Dublin but were unsuccessful.
Ireland's key players included Jamie Osborne, Jack Conan, and Jack Crowley, who scored for the team.
At the Munich Security Conference, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that Europe should be ready to defend itself and enhance cooperation with the EU. He announced the deployment of a UK carrier strike group to the Arctic to counter Russian threats and reaffirmed the UK's commitment to NATO. European leaders discussed the need for increased security measures and closer economic ties, especially given potential threats from Russia.
Key Facts
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke at the Munich Security Conference about Europe's need to be prepared for defense.
Starmer announced the UK would send a carrier strike group to the Arctic to address Russian threats.
The UK aims to strengthen its defense commitments independently and in cooperation with NATO allies like the US and Canada.
Starmer reaffirmed the UK's support for NATO's Article 5, which states that an attack on one member is an attack on all.
European leaders, including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized the need for Europe to take on more defense responsibilities.
There were discussions about improving economic ties between the UK and EU for mutual security and growth.
Spanish and Danish leaders also called for enhanced European defense capabilities.
