FirstUp: Jaishankar in South Africa, Rekha Gupta to take oath as Delhi CM, India vs Bangladesh match... Headlines today

February 20, 2025, marks a day of significance in political and sporting circles.

In West Asia, Hamas has agreed to release the bodies of hostages, including those of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, following mediation efforts.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrives in Johannesburg for the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Summit, where discussions on economic recovery, climate action, and geopolitical stability will take centre stage.

Across the Atlantic, US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg is on his three-day visit to Ukraine, holding crucial talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Washington redefines its policy towards Russia.

Meanwhile, in India, political attention shifts to Delhi’s Chief Minister oath-taking ceremony, with the BJP set to officially announce its leader for the national capital.

Adding to the day’s significance, the India’s campaign at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off, with the men in blue facing Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium.

Hamas to release hostages & return bodies

Hamas has announced plans to release six Israeli hostages on Saturday and return the bodies of four others on Thursday. This decision is part of a broader agreement involving the entry of heavy equipment into Gaza and the continued release of Palestinian prisoners.

The conflict has resulted in over 50,000 deaths in Gaza and Lebanon, with reconstruction costs estimated at $53.2 billion. International efforts are ongoing to address the humanitarian crisis and facilitate peace negotiations.

Jaishankar to attend G20 meeting in Johannesburg

Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, will visit Johannesburg, South Africa, on February 20-21 to participate in the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

Hosted by South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, the summit will address pressing global issues, including economic stability, climate change, and international security.

India aims to represent the interests of the Global South and contribute to collaborative solutions during the discussions.

US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv

Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, has arrived in Kyiv for discussions with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and top military officials.

This visit signifies a shift in US policy towards Russia, stating the importance of security guarantees to deter further aggression. The talks aim to strengthen bilateral relations and assess the current security situation in the region.

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Delhi prepares for new CM’s oath ceremony

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its pick for Delhi chief minister and it is Rekha Gupta. A first-time MLA, she will take oath today at the Ramlila Maidan.

The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for February 20 at Ramlila Maidan, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states expected to attend.

Security measures have been intensified, with over 5,000 personnel deployed to ensure the event proceeds smoothly.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India vs Bangladesh

The Men in Blue’s campaign at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 commences today, with Pakistan as the primary host nation.

India is set to face Bangladesh in their opening match on February 20 at the Dubai International Stadium.

Key players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to lead the batting lineup, while Mohammed Shami will spearhead the bowling attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for an early advantage in the tournament.

With inputs from agencies