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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trumpclashed at a White House meeting on Friday, prompting an outpouring of reaction from members of Congress and other officials.

U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR MIKE WALTZ ON X

"President Trump is trying to achieve peace and this economic deal was part of it. Instead, President Zelensky chose to come into the Oval Office and downplay American contributions to defending Ukraine and disrespect our country. Too many people are dying to keep demanding more."

PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR JOSH SHAPIRO

"The Oval Office should be a place where we advance American values – not where we retreat from them. When the President and Vice President attacked President Zelenskyy today, they served to undermine the safety and security of America and our national security interests. I support a diplomatic end to this war. Achieving this requires an honest reckoning of who started the war and who the aggressor is, and to that question, there is only one answer: Russia."

STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON TAMMY BRUCE TO FOX BUSINESS

“What of course, we always recognize, and what's vitally important in the diplomatic world and the democratic world is that the people of Ukraine will decide those issues…. President Zelenskiy I think maybe is having some second thoughts, but he has a chance to turn this around, and he probably should, for the sake of his people."

"I remain hopeful that we can still achieve a real and lasting peace in Ukraine that ensures Ukraine will be free from further Russian aggression. I also urge President Zelensky to sign the mineral deal immediately. It will create an economic partnership between the United States and Ukraine. It is in both of our interests to get this deal done."

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM OF TRUMP'S REPUBLICAN PARTY, SPEAKING TO REPORTERS:

"What I saw in the Oval Office was disrespectful and I don't know if we can ever do business with Zelenskiy again."

"He either needs to resign and send somebody over that we can do business with, or he needs to change."

REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE DON BACON

"A bad day for America's foreign policy. Ukraine wants independence, free markets and rule of law. It wants to be part of the West. Russia hates us and our Western values. We should be clear that we stand for freedom.-Rep. Bacon in an emailed statement."

SENATOR JEANNE SHAHEEN, RANKING DEMOCRAT ON THE SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE, ON WMUR TV IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

"It's distressing to see the President is walking away from our commitment in Ukraine, and doesn't seem to understand what a murderous dictator Vladimir Putin is."

REPUBLICAN SENATOR BILL HAGERTY, WHO WAS U.S. AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN DURING TRUMP'S FIRST TERM, ON X

"The United States of America will no longer be taken for granted. The contrast between the last four years and now could not be more clear. Thank you, Mr. President."

REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE RALPH NORMAN ON X

"THIS is strong leadership that is ensuring we put the American people FIRST. Thank you @realDonaldTrump and @JDVance for standing up for our nation."

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DEMOCRATIC LEADER HAKEEM JEFFRIES IN A STATEMENT

"President Trump and his administration continue to embarrass America on the world stage. Today’s White House meeting with the President of Ukraine was appalling and will only serve to further embolden Vladimir Putin, a brutal dictator. The United States must not reward Russian aggression and continue to appease Putin.

"For three years, President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people have stood on the side of democracy, freedom and truth. Their success is in the national security interests of the United States. We should stand with Ukraine until victory is won."

DEMOCRATIC SENATOR JACK REED, RANKING MEMBER OF THE SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE, IN A STATEMENT

“Today’s spectacle in the Oval Office was a political ambush and a shameful failure of American leadership.

“President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine are fighting for their very lives and existence. Unlike Donald Trump or JD Vance, I have traveled to Ukraine and seen firsthand the death and destruction wrought by Vladimir Putin against innocent people. To mock Ukraine and our allies is a travesty that only benefits (Russian President Vladimir) Putin."

“Furthermore, today’s cruel and callous display does great harm to U.S. standing in the world. Trump and Vance are communicating to the world that the United States is not to be trusted. Adversaries and allies alike will take note."

DEMOCRAT GREGORY MEEKS, RANKING MEMBER OF THE HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, IN A STATEMENT

“The world just watched the supposed leader of the free world throw a temper tantrum in the Oval Office, lashing out at a war-time President fighting for his nation’s survival. Trump and (Vice President JD) Vance’s outburst did nothing to advance America’s interests or bring Ukraine closer to a just and sustainable peace." Reuters

The Mahakumbh, which concluded in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India on Wednesday, captured global attention. Held at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, known as Triveni Sangam, this festival is a unique blend of spirituality, culture and social harmony. The Mahakumbhis believed to offer liberation from sins and the attainment of salvation to those who bathe in its holy waters.

The Mahakumbh, which began on Jan 13, has been hailed as the largest religious, cultural and social gathering in human history. With an estimated 660m devotees participating, the event has drawn not only Hindus but also people from diverse communities worldwide. The festival’s organizers have effectively utilized digital media and social platforms to promote Mahakumbh’s significance which resulted in an unprecedented global turnout.

A global spectacle

The Mahakumbh transcended religious boundaries, attracting visitors from neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, as well as from distant nations such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Mauritius. Peter Grael, a traveler from the Netherlands, shared his awe after attending the festival: “I had never seen anything like this before. If I hadn’t come, I would have missed witnessing half the world’s spiritual essence.”

The event also showcased India’s organizational prowess. Gagan Yadav, the information officer for the Mahakumbh 2025, said the seamless arrangements made by the Indian government has instilled confidence in both domestic and international visitors. “We have used AI-based cameras to count the number of devotees, and the figures are astounding,” he said. “The festival’s success has not only boosted India’s global image but also strengthened cultural and religious ties with neighboring countries.”

Economic impact

The Mahakumbh is not just a spiritual event; it is also a significant economic driver. Over the past six years, the Indian government has invested billions of rupees in infrastructure development to accommodate the massive influx of visitors. Bridges, roads and accommodations were constructed, leaving a lasting legacy for future tourism and economic growth.

The economic benefits extend beyond Uttar Pradesh to the entire nation. Local businesses, from small vendors to luxury hotels, have thrived during the festival. Rajendra Bhandari, a hotel owner near the Nepal-India border, shared how his business has boomed: “Our hotels are fully booked 24/7. This is all thanks to the Kumbh Mela.”

Similarly, transportation services, including buses, trains and flights, have seen a surge in demand, contributing to the local economy.

The festival has also provided a platform for local artisans and farmers to showcase their products, turning the Kumbh Mela into a vibrant marketplace. The economic ripple effect has been felt across sectors, with millions of jobs created and billions of rupees generated in revenue. The Uttar Pradesh government alone expects to earn InRs 250bn from the event.

Cultural and spiritual significance

The Maha Kumbh Mela is a unique confluence of religion, culture, and spirituality. It is held every 12 years in Prayagraj, with an Ardh Kumbh Mela occurring every six years. This year’s event, however, was particularly special as it marked the completion of a 144-year cycle, known as the Mahakumbh. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has elevated the festival to a matter of national pride to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage to the world.

The festival has also strengthened the bond between India and Nepal, as many Nepali pilgrims visited Prayagraj to participate in the sacred rituals. Notable figures from Nepal, including politicians, celebrities, and business leaders, were among the attendees. Gagan Kumar Thapa, General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, and cricketers Sompal Kami and Karan KC were among those who took part in the holy bath.

Organizing an event of this scale is no small feat. The sheer number of attendees posed significant challenges in terms of crowd management, security and logistics. Despite a few incidents, including a stampede during the Amrit Snan (holy bath) that resulted in 30 fatalities, the overall management of the festival has been commendable. The Indian government, along with the Uttar Pradesh administration and local authorities, worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.

The Mahakumbh has also highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism. The infrastructure built for the festival will serve as a foundation for future development, benefiting the region long after the event concludes. The festival has set a new benchmark for large-scale event management, demonstrating India’s capability to host world-class gatherings.

The Mahakumbh  was more than just a religious festival. It was a testament to the enduring power of faith and the potential of cultural events to drive economic growth. For the millions who attended, it was a life-changing experience, offering spiritual renewal and a sense of unity. For India, it was an opportunity to showcase its rich heritage and organizational prowess to the world.

“Being here, bathing in the Ganga, has filled me with a sense of peace and energy I’ve never felt before. This is an experience I will cherish forever,” said Sajana Sapkota, a young Nepali pilgrim who traveled to Prayagraj with her parents. 

As the festival concludes, its impact will continue to be felt for years to come. The Mahakumbh not only strengthened India’s cultural and spiritual identity but also provided a significant boost to its economy. For neighboring countries like Nepal, it has opened new avenues for religious tourism and cultural exchange, further solidifying the bonds of friendship and cooperation in the region.

How is the state of air pollution in our federal capital? Those who breathe in the city air day in, day out know all too well. It will be no wonder if our relevant state organs at local, provincial and federal levels too know about air pollution in the city as it is a small world and those at the helm of those organs also take in the same air.

Recent data from IQAir, whose website claims that it operates the world’s largest free real-time air quality monitoring platform—empowering individuals, researchers and governments to monitor, understand and act to protect the health of populations around the globe—show how unhealthy, how polluted, how unbreathable air is becoming worldwide. 

For example, live AQI (air quality index) City Ranking of around 4 pm, February 27 has a faraway Dakar, the capital city of Senegal in Africa, as the city with the worst air quality ranking (235). Then come a series of cities in our immediate neighborhood, including Beijing, which stands third in terms of worst air quality with an AQI (air quality index) score of 188, Mumbai, which stands fourth with a score of 177, Kolkata (fifth) with a score of 167, Shanghai (sixth) with a score of 165 and Dhaka (seventh) with a score of 162. Per IQAir data, our federal capital is not lagging much far behind these mega cities as it figures as the ninth worst city in terms of air quality with a score of 153 as second-place Hanoi (196) and eighth-place Istanbul (155) give it some breathing space.

Per the website, AQI 0-50 is good, 51-100 moderate, 101-150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151-200 unhealthy, 201-300 very unhealthy and 301+ hazardous.   

Also on the list of most polluted countries, which is based on annual average PM 2.5 concentration (μg/m³), Nepal does not lag much behind, though it is not a country with a robust industrial base. Based on the data of the year 2023, Nepal stood eighth with a score of 42.4 on the list that featured Bangladesh on top with a score of (79.9), followed by Pakistan (73.7), India (54.4), Tajikistan (49), Burkina Faso (46.6), Iraq (43.8) and the UAE (43).

Let’s hope against hope that these unmasked data will prompt our competent authorities to take some serious measures to make the air breathable. 

An earthquake measuring 6. 1 on the Richter scale struck Sindhupalchowk in the wee hours of Friday, with its epicenter at Bhairab Kunda of the district.

According to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center, the quake was recorded at 2. 51 am.

The tremor was also felt in Kathmandu Valley.

No immediate reports of damage or casualties have been received.