French President Emmanuel Macron, after meeting Donald Trump in Washington DC, stated that a Ukraine ceasefire could be reached within weeks. He emphasized that negotiations must include both Ukraine and Europe, warning against a rushed US-Russia deal. Trump has agreed to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Macron stressed the need for security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression, proposing a European troop presence in Ukraine. He also backed US access to rare earth minerals as part of the agreement. With over 6 million Ukrainian refugees and a $524 billion reconstruction cost, a resolution remains critical.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will introduce biannual Class 10 board exams starting in 2026, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The first session will run from February 17 to March 6, while the second will be held between May 5 and 20. Both exams will cover the full syllabus, and students can attempt a second exam to improve scores. Exam fees will be collected for both attempts. CBSE aims to ease academic pressure and shift the focus from rote learning. Stakeholders can submit feedback on the draft guidelines until March 9.

Federal workers in the U.S. faced confusion after an Elon Musk-backed demand required them to list their weekly tasks or face termination. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) initially clarified responses were voluntary, but President Donald Trump later insisted non-compliance would lead to job loss. Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency, reinforced the ultimatum, stating non-responders would be "terminated." Federal agencies, including the FBI and Health Department, issued conflicting guidance, prompting a lawsuit in California. "They're succeeding in driving us insane," an employee told BBC. Trump defended Musk’s move as "genius," intensifying uncertainty among federal workers.    

A 23-year-old man, Afan, allegedly killed five family members in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram district before surrendering to the police on Monday. The victims included his teenage brother, grandmother, uncle, aunt, and his girlfriend. His mother survived but remains critical.   According to police, Afan used a hammer to attack the victims across three locations. Reports indicate he showed no remorse and even left money scattered near his brother’s body. Authorities suspect drug abuse played a role in the crime. The investigation continues.

Three devotees were killed and two injured after a herd of 15 elephants attacked them near Talakona temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Annamayya district. The attack occurred around 2:30 am as 30 devotees walked through the forest road ahead of Mahashivratri celebrations. Police confirmed the deceased included two men and a woman from Railway Kodur and Urlagadda Podu Arundhati Nagar. Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan announced ₹10 lakh aid for the victims’ families and ₹5 lakh for the injured. Authorities urged increased safety measures for temple visitors. Survivors were escorted home, while the injured received medical care.

The Delhi Assembly witnessed chaos as 15 AAP MLAs, including ex-Chief Minister Atishi, were suspended over protests against the BJP government. The uproar followed the tabling of the Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) report, which highlighted irregularities in Delhi's liquor policy under the AAP government. AAP leaders accused BJP of replacing Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh’s portraits with PM Modi’s in the CM’s office. BJP countered, calling it a distraction from corruption charges. AAP MLAs staged a protest outside the Assembly, demanding justice. BJP leaders vowed to expose further alleged scams. More protests are expected as additional reports are tabled.

Bollywood actor Govinda and his wife Sunita Ahuja are reportedly heading for divorce after 37 years of marriage. According to Times of India, Sunita issued a separation notice months ago, though no further developments have been confirmed. Govinda declined to comment, saying he is focused on his upcoming film. His manager cited family-related issues as a cause of tension. Sunita previously revealed she lives separately from Govinda, while he stays in their bungalow due to late meetings. She has not responded to the latest rumors. Fans await official confirmation on the couple’s marital status.

The US voted against a European-backed UN resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, aligning with Moscow, North Korea, and Belarus. Instead, Washington pushed its own resolution at the UN Security Council, calling for an end to the war but omitting criticism of Russia. The move, marking a major shift under the Trump administration, stunned European allies, with the UK and France abstaining. "This posture is a dramatic shift from American ideals," said US Senator John Curtis. Ukrainian officials condemned the US stance, calling it a strategic realignment. The votes coincided with French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Washington.

The ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 Group B match between Australia and South Africa was abandoned without a ball being bowled, leaving the semifinal race wide open. Both teams now have 3 points, with South Africa leading on net run rate. England and Afghanistan remain in contention, making every upcoming match a potential knockout clash. South Africa can qualify by defeating England, while Australia needs a win over Afghanistan. England and Afghanistan must win both remaining games to advance. Group A’s semifinalists, India and New Zealand, await their opponents. The semifinals are set for March 4 and 5 in Dubai and Lahore.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report revealed that Delhi’s scrapped liquor policy caused a ₹2,002 crore revenue loss. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the report in the Assembly, leading to protests from AAP MLAs. The report highlighted irregularities, including ₹890 crore lost due to untendered licences and ₹144 crore waived against rules. Several AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, were arrested in connection with the scam. The BJP government promised to table all pending CAG reports. The session turned chaotic, resulting in the suspension of 12 AAP legislators, including former Chief Minister Atishi.