**Summary:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Israel’s Knesset, expressing condolences for the October 7 Hamas attack and affirming India's firm support for Israel against terrorism. Modi also stated that the Trump administration-led Gaza Peace Initiative is a just and durable solution for regional peace.

**Key points:**
- Modi recalled the 26/11 Mumbai attacks where innocent Israeli citizens were killed, emphasizing that no cause justifies terrorism.
- The visit is PM Modi's second to Israel in nine years, following the elevation of ties to a strategic partnership in July 2017.
- Discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu covered boosting bilateral ties in technology, water management, agriculture, and defense.
- India is exploring incorporating elements from Israel's Iron Dome air defense system into its indigenous 'Sudarshan Chakra' shield.
- Bilateral trade talks included signing the term of reference (ToR) for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.

**Why it matters:** The visit signals a new momentum in the robust India-Israel strategic partnership, occurring amid heightened regional tensions, including those between the US and Iran.

deccanchronicle.com - LIVE: Welcome, My Friend: Netanyahu Receives PM Modi

News18.com - 'Nothing Can Justify Terrorism': PM Modi Condemns Oct 7 Attacks, Says India Stands With Israel

News18.com - 'Gaza Peace Initiative Just, Durable Solution': PM Modi Addresses Palestine Issue At Israel's Knesset

PM Modi Addresses Knesset, Calls Gaza Peace Initiative Just Solution

**Summary:** German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in China for his first state visit, where he met with Premier Li Qiang, who called for stronger international cooperation against unilateralism and protectionism. Merz plans to discuss economic cooperation, the Ukraine war, and human rights with President Xi Jinping.

**Key points:**
- Li Qiang proposed joint upholding of multilateralism and free trade during his meeting with Merz in Beijing.
- China is Germany's most important trading partner, though the trade balance is uneven with Chinese exports significantly exceeding imports.
- Merz is accompanied by a large delegation of top managers.
- The visit occurs while US President Donald Trump declared a "golden age" for the USA in his State of the Nation address, focusing on domestic issues.
- The Bundestag's Budget Committee is set to decide on procuring 'Kamikaze drones' for the Bundeswehr, a move involving firms with controversial ties.

**Why it matters:** The visit navigates complex times marked by US-China rivalry and China's growing geopolitical and economic influence, requiring Germany to focus on mutual benefits in cooperation.

News kompakt : China wirbt für engere Kooperation mit Berlin

Deutschland und China : Die chinesische Herausforderung

German Chancellor Merz Visits China Amid Geopolitical Tensions

**Summary:** During his State of the Union address, US President Donald Trump claimed Iran continues to pursue nuclear weapons, which he vowed never to permit. He also boasted about the capture of Nicolás Maduro in January, calling it a spectacular military feat.

**Key points:**
- Trump stated the US has the strongest border in a long time, claiming no illegal crossings in the last nine months and a 56% drop in fentanyl flow.
- He defended his tariff policy despite a recent Supreme Court ruling against his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for 'reciprocal tariffs'.
- Trump suggested future tariff revenues could substantially replace the income tax system.
- The operation that captured Maduro was executed by US elite warriors, with Trump highlighting the role of the Space Force, which he founded in 2019.
- Trump mentioned working closely with the 'new president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez' for economic progress.

**Why it matters:** The address outlines the administration's key policy achievements and stances on major international and domestic issues, including trade, border security, and foreign adversaries, amidst a politically divided Congress.

VANGUARDIA - Aranceles no necesitarán la aprobación del Congreso: Trump durante el discurso del Estado de Unión

La Tercera - Trump proclama una “era dorada” de EE.UU. y destaca aranceles, frontera cerrada y recortes fiscales en su discurso sobre el Estado de la Unión

EL COMERCIO PERÚ - Trump dice que Irán sigue sin renegar de un arma nuclear, algo que “nunca” permitirá

EL COMERCIO PERÚ - Donald Trump presume de la captura de Nicolás Maduro, “uno de los más siniestros capos”

Trump Addresses Union, Boasts of Maduro Capture and Iran's Nuclear Ambitions

**Summary:** President Sheinbaum is set to reveal the final version of the electoral reform project tomorrow, February 25, 2026, despite ongoing disagreements with her allies, the PT and PVEM. Leaders from Morena, PVEM, and PT met at the National Palace to seek consensus on the reform.

**Key points:**
- PVEM coordinator Carlos Puente affirmed the legislative alliance with Morena and PT is 'stronger than ever' ahead of the debate.
- Key pillars of Sheinbaum's proposal include reducing the cost of elections, changes to proportional representation, and cutting party budgets.
- Morena Senator Gerardo Fernández Noroña urged allies to support the initiative, emphasizing the need to guarantee representation for minorities.
- A point of contention involves modifying how plurinominal positions are chosen, requiring candidates to campaign for votes.
- Ricardo Monreal, Morena coordinator in the Chamber of Deputies, expressed confidence that prudence would prevail among allies.

**Why it matters:** The presentation of the final electoral reform text marks a critical juncture for the ruling coalition, testing its unity on significant changes to Mexico's electoral system.

reforma.com - Buscan Morena y aliados consenso para reforma electoral

elnorte.com - Presenta CSP mañana reforma electoral; da 4 días a aliados

elfinanciero.com.mx - ‘Está más fuerte que nunca’: PVEM dice que alianza con PT y Morena sigue previo a reforma electoral

Sheinbaum to Present Final Electoral Reform Amid Coalition Disagreements

**Summary:** Following the reported death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias ‘El Mencho’, leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), in an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the situation in the state is normalizing. The operation led to violence, including road blockades and the burning of vehicles, which are reportedly being cleared.

**Key points:**
- The body of 'El Mencho' is being held at the facilities of the Fiscalía Especializada en Materia de Delincuencia Organizada (Femdo) awaiting family identification.
- In his alleged hideout in Tapalpa Country Club, authorities found numerous food items, including almond milk, fruit juices, and renal medications.
- Tourists present during the operation reported being trapped in a "state of war" due to gunfire and narcoblockades.
- The operation resulted in the deaths of 25 National Guard agents and over 30 CJNG members.
- Authorities are working to reopen the Guadalajara airport and resume classes in the area.

**Why it matters:** The death of a major cartel leader like 'El Mencho' has triggered significant security responses and violence in Jalisco, impacting public services and the lives of civilians in the region.

El Financiero - La ‘última cena’ de ‘El Mencho’: Lo que encontraron en la cocina de su supuesto escondite en Tapalpa

notimerica.com - Sheinbaum afirma que Jalisco "se está normalizando" tras la violencia desatada por el arresto de 'El Mencho'

El Financiero - ¿Cuerpo de ‘El Mencho’ será cremado si nadie lo reclama? Abogado explica cómo se aplica la Ley

Vanguardia - ‘Estábamos en estado de guerra’: viven drama turistas hospedados en complejo donde se ocultaba ‘El Mencho’

After 'El Mencho's' Death, Jalisco Sees Normalization Amid Aftermath

**Summary:** Laurence des Cars, President of the Louvre Museum, has resigned, and French President Emmanuel Macron has accepted the resignation, calling it an "act of responsibility." This follows months of controversy surrounding the museum, notably the spectacular robbery of the French Crown Jewels in October.

**Key points:**
- Des Cars had previously submitted her resignation shortly after the October robbery, but it was rejected by the French government at that time.
- The resignation comes amid a period of controversy for the Louvre, including security deficiencies revealed by an administrative investigation, a water leak causing damage, and worker strikes.
- Macron thanked Des Cars for her action and engagement and proposed entrusting her with a mission related to G7 cooperation between major museums.
- Des Cars stated her belief that the modernization she led could no longer continue under her tenure, as the museum needs a "new impulse."

**Why it matters:** The resignation of the head of the world's largest museum signals a significant leadership change following major security failures and operational issues.

Museen: Louvre-Direktorin tritt zurück

Dimite la presidenta del Museo del Louvre tras la crisis desatada por el robo de las joyas

Dimite (a la segunda) la directora del Louvre, Laurence des Cars, tras el escándalo por el robo en el museo

French President Macron accepts the resignation of Louvre director Laurence des Cars

Louvre : la présidente du musée, Laurence des Cars, a remis sa démission à Emmanuel Macron qui l’a accepté en saluant un "acte de responsabilité"

Louvre President Laurence des Cars Resigns, Macron Accepts

**Summary:** Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) confirmed receiving a higher takeover offer from Paramount Skydance Corp (PSKY) and is reviewing it against its existing agreement with Netflix. The WBD board currently recommends the Netflix transaction, but if the Paramount bid is deemed superior, Netflix will have four days to improve its offer.

**Key points:**
- Paramount's revised proposal is reportedly higher than its previous $30 per share hostile tender offer for all of WBD.
- The existing Netflix merger agreement values WBD's studio and streaming assets at $27.75 per share, totaling about $72 billion.
- If WBD favors Paramount's offer and Netflix does not counter, Netflix is entitled to a $2.8 billion breakup fee, which Paramount has agreed to fund.
- A combined Paramount-WBD entity would merge HBO Max with Paramount+ and unite Warner Bros. and Paramount Skydance Studios.

**Why it matters:** This development escalates the bidding war for WBD, forcing the board to weigh the immediate, higher offer from Paramount against the previously accepted deal with Netflix, which could result in a significant breakup fee payment.

CNBC - Warner Bros. Discovery says Paramount makes higher bid, board will weigh offer against Netflix deal

Moneyweb - Warner Bros says its board is reviewing new Paramount offer

WBD Board Reviews Higher Paramount Offer Against Existing Netflix Deal

**Summary:** On the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that Russia has failed to break Ukraine and vowed to secure a strong, dignified peace. The commemorations were overshadowed by divisions among European allies, particularly Hungary's veto on new sanctions and a major loan package for Ukraine.

**Key points:**
- Zelenskyy addressed the European Parliament, urging a clear timeline for Ukraine's EU accession.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated the military operation continues as goals are not fully achieved.
- The US has been mediating peace talks, but they remain deadlocked over territory, with Russia occupying about 20% of Ukraine.
- Britain announced its largest package of measures against Russia since the war's early months, sanctioning Transneft.
- European leaders including Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv to reaffirm unwavering support.

**Why it matters:** The anniversary highlights the ongoing, protracted nature of the conflict and the critical need for sustained international military and financial backing for Ukraine, even as internal disagreements among key allies persist.

Zelensky says Ukraine unbroken after 4 years, but Russia vows to fight on

Zelenskiy marks war anniversary vowing to fight on, with Ukraine's allies divided

Video: Ukraine’s Zelenskyy receives standing ovation from EU Parliament

Zelensky Marks 4-Year War Anniversary, Seeks Sustained Ally Support Amid Divisions