Today's International News February 15, 2025

 

Today's International News February 15, 2025

International News

Middle East Developments

In the ongoing Middle East crisis, three Israeli hostages—Sagui Dekel-Chen, Sasha Troufanov, and Iair Horn—have been released by Hamas in exchange for 369 Palestinian prisoners. This marks the sixth exchange under a month-old ceasefire, which faced tensions earlier this week. IDF Chief Herzi Halevi stated that efforts are ongoing to secure the return of all remaining hostages and mentioned that offensive military plans are being prepared. U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed support for Israel should the conflict resume, while future diplomatic engagements are planned by U.S. officials in the region to discuss the ceasefire.

Ukraine Conflict

At the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a "fruitful" discussion aimed at achieving a "real and guaranteed peace" for Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia. President Trump praised Vance's speech, despite criticisms from European leaders regarding its content. Concurrently, a proposed U.S.-Russia peace summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been welcomed by the kingdom, which has been active in peace negotiations. Additionally, international leaders expressed concern over a recent Russian drone strike at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, emphasizing the persistent risks to nuclear safety.

AI Action Summit

The AI Action Summit, co-chaired by France and India, concluded in Paris on February 11, 2025. The summit saw 60 countries, including France, China, and India, signing a declaration on "inclusive and sustainable" AI. Notably, the U.S. and the UK refused to sign this declaration. The document, titled "Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet," serves as a principle declaration aiming to guide the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.

India and Pakistan

CBSE Board Examinations

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in India commenced the Class X and XII board examinations today, February 15, 2025. The exams are scheduled to run until March 18 for Class X and April 4 for Class XII. This year, the date sheet was released 86 days prior to the start of the exams, providing students ample time for preparation. The board has ensured that no two exams chosen by a student fall on the same date, accommodating over 40,000 subject combinations.

Diplomatic Relations

While specific updates regarding Pakistan for today are limited, it's important to note that both India and Pakistan continue to engage in diplomatic dialogues addressing various bilateral issues. Efforts are ongoing to enhance regional stability and cooperation, with both nations participating in international forums and discussions.

Entertainment Industry

Bollywood

American singer Jason Derulo has announced a collaboration with Bollywood star Nora Fatehi for his new single, "Snake." The music video was filmed in Morocco and features a "futuristic" visual theme. Derulo is also venturing into filmmaking, with plans to produce big-budget Hollywood blockbusters, including a comedy, a Marvel-style movie, and a Christmas film.

Hollywood

The 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival concludes today, February 15, 2025, in California. The festival featured 33 world premieres and 74 U.S. premieres from 60 nations, with 52% of the films directed by women. Honorees included Ralph Fiennes, Will Ferrell, Angelina Jolie, and Timothée Chalamet. The festival opened with "Jane Austen Wrecked My Life," a French-English romantic comedy by Laura Piani, and closed with "A Missing Part," a Belgian-French drama by Guillaume Senez.

Lollywood

Specific updates from the Pakistani film industry, Lollywood, are limited for today. However, the industry continues to thrive, with filmmakers and artists actively contributing to cinema and entertainment, both domestically and internationally.

Cultural Events

Sanremo Music Festival 2025

The 75th edition of the Sanremo Music Festival concludes today in Sanremo, Italy. The festival, running from February 11 to 15, featured 29 artists in the Big Artists section and 4 in the Newcomers' section. As per tradition since 2015, the winner earns the right of first refusal to represent Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.

Invictus Games 2025

The Invictus Games Foundation has announced Rob Owen OBE as its new Chief Executive Officer, starting February 2025. The upcoming Invictus Games are scheduled for Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, in February 2025, marking the first inclusion of winter sports in the competition.

This overview encapsulates the significant international events and developments as of February 15, 2025, across various sectors and regions.