Every week, there's always a lot happening around the world. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most important news stories from this week. Whether it's about space, science, or politics, we've got it all covered. Let’s catch up on the top news of the week.

US stops military aid to Ukraine after Trump-Zelensky clash

US President Donald Trump has ordered a pause on all military aid to Ukraine. This decision was made on Monday, just days after a tense meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. The pause raises concerns about the future of US support for Ukraine, which is currently at war with Russia.

Himachal Pradesh to increase toll charges from April 1

Traveling to Himachal Pradesh will soon cost more as toll charges are set to increase. From April 1, 2025, the state will raise toll fees for both private and commercial vehicles to fund road maintenance and improve infrastructure.

The toll hike will apply at 55 toll points, including popular routes to Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, and other tourist destinations, making travel more expensive. The new charges will affect all types of vehicles, from private cars and taxis to buses and heavy trucks. Authorities say the increased toll will help maintain better roads, ensuring smoother and safer travel for everyone.

The new toll charges in Himachal Pradesh, effective from April 1, 2025, will impact both private and commercial vehicles. Private vehicle owners will now pay Rs 70 for a 24-hour pass, up from Rs 60. Passenger vehicles with 6 to 12 seats will be charged Rs 110, while those with more than 12 seats will have to pay Rs 180.

India's first dolphin survey finds over 6,324 Gangetic dolphins

India's first detailed dolphin population survey has found that there are 6,324 Gangetic dolphins in the Ganga and Brahmaputra river basins, along with three Indus river dolphins in the Beas river basin in Punjab.The survey, conducted between 2021 and 2023, covered 8,406 km of river stretches in the Ganga and Brahmaputra basins, including their tributaries, and a 101 km stretch of the Beas River.

According to the report, the estimated dolphin population in the Ganga is 5,689 (ranging from 5,371 to 6,024), while the Brahmaputra has around 635 dolphins. This brings the total estimated population in these rivers to 6,234, with a possible range between 5,977 and 6,688.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the report of India’s first dolphin population survey during the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife at Gir National Park on Monday.

Russia develops plasma engine to cut Mars travel time to just 30 days

Scientists have fantasized about transporting humans to Mars for decades, but there was always one key obstacle in their way—time. Currently, it takes a spacecraft nearly a year to arrive at the Red Planet. Russian scientists at Rosatom, however, might have discovered a solution that could turn the game around. They developed a unique plasma engine that has the potential to cut the journey time to between 30 to 60 days.

This groundbreaking engine was created by researchers at Rosatom's Troitsk Institute. It employs a magnetoplasma system, accelerating particles to a whopping 100 kilometers per second. Rather than using conventional fuel combustion like rockets do today, the plasma engine utilizes electric power and hydrogen to produce thrust.

Khelo India Winter Games 2025 to be held in Gulmarg from March 9 to 12

The Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 will now take place in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, from March 9 to 12. The games were originally scheduled from February 22 to 25 but had to be postponed due to insufficient snowfall. Kashmir experienced one of its driest winters in recent history, making it difficult to host winter sports. However, heavy snowfall in recent days has created the perfect conditions for the games to go ahead.

Kannada actress, IPS officer’s daughter arrested at Bengaluru airport with 15kg gold

Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru International Airport after officials found 14.8 kg of gold in her possession, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) said on Tuesday.

She was arrested on Monday night and taken to an economic offences court, which sent her to 14 days of judicial custody. Officials said Rao had arrived from Dubai on an Emirates flight and was under watch because of her frequent international trips.

Investigators found that she had allegedly smuggled the gold by wearing some of it and hiding gold bars in her clothing. Authorities became suspicious after noticing that Ranya Rao had travelled to Dubai four times in 15 days. This led them to closely monitor her return.

Trump appoints 13-year-old cancer survivor as youngest secret service agent

During his first joint session speech to Congress, US President Donald Trump surprised the nation by bestowing on 13-year-old DJ Daniel, a Texas boy who has fought cancer for years, the honorary title of Secret Service agent.

While sitting in the gallery, Trump told the inspiring story of how the young boy was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer in 2018 and received only five months to live. But DJ beat the odds, battling the disease while maintaining his long-term wish to become a police officer.

India now has 191 billionaires of which 26 joined last year: Report

India's high-net-worth individual (HNWI) population, comprising those with assets exceeding USD 10 million, grew by 6% in 2024, reaching 85,698, according to the latest findings by global property consultant Knight Frank. 

This represents a strong increase from 80,686 last year, which further cements India's position as an emerging powerhouse in world wealth generation.

The Indian population of HNWIs is forecast to grow to 93,753 by 2028, indicating continued economic momentum, growing investment opportunities, and a booming luxury market, the report said.

Women in long-term live-in relationship cannot claim rape: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has ruled that a woman cannot accuse a man of forcing her into a sexual relationship with a false promise of marriage if they were in a long-term live-in relationship. The top court said that when a couple has lived together for a long time, it is difficult to say that the only reason for their relationship was a promise of marriage.

Sunil Chhetri comes out of retirement to rejoin Indian football team

Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has decided to come out of international retirement to help the national team in their upcoming FIFA friendly matches this month. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) made the announcement on Thursday, stating, "Sunil Chhetri is back. The captain, leader, and legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March."

Chhetri, now 40 years old, announced his retirement in June last year after playing his final international match against Kuwait in Kolkata. He left the national team as India's all-time top goal scorer and most-capped player. His return is seen as a major boost for Indian football as the team prepares for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.

Nauru: A Pacific island is selling citizenship for 91 lakhs

Nauru, a small island nation in the south-west Pacific Ocean, has rolled out a controversial new program—selling citizenship at a minimum cost of $105,000 (Rs 91.38 lakh). The administration aims to collect funds to tackle the increasing menace of rising sea levels, storm surges, and coastal erosion, which threaten the island nation's very survival.

One of the world's most climate-exposed nations, Nauru does not have the means to safeguard itself against a crisis created in large part by richer countries. The amount from the sale of citizenship will finance the relocation of 90% of the island's 12,500 population to higher ground and the creation of a new settlement.