US President Donald Trump revealed he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the Ukraine war, claiming Putin “wants to see people stop dying.” Trump said he instructed National Security Advisor Mike Waltz to initiate meetings, while Vice President JD Vance will meet Ukraine’s Zelenskyy in Munich. Trump proposed a $500M deal for Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals in exchange for security guarantees. Zelenskyy expressed openness to negotiations but stressed Ukraine’s need for protection. Putin remains unwilling to engage directly with Zelenskyy. Trump reiterated that the war "never would have happened" if he was president in 2022.

The BJP secured a majority in Delhi after 26 years, winning 48 of 70 assembly seats, while AAP managed 22. Congress failed to win any seats. Arvind Kejriwal lost to BJP’s Parvesh Verma by over 4,000 votes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the victory, saying, “Delhi’s mandate has made it clear that there’s no space for corruption.” The BJP last held Delhi in 1998, with Sushma Swaraj’s 52-day tenure. AAP’s dominance since 2013 ended after 12 years. Analysts cite anti-corruption sentiment and strategic caste-religion outreach as key factors in BJP’s victory.

The Trump administration announced a $4 billion cut in indirect costs for biomedical research grants, capping them at 15%, down from the current 30%. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) justified the move, stating funds should prioritize direct scientific research. Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency, claimed universities were misusing funds. Scientists warn the cuts will hinder research, slow medical advancements, and force lab closures. The Association of American Medical Colleges criticized the decision, while lawsuits against the cuts are expected. Critics argue it aligns with Project 2025’s conservative policy agenda.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocked Congress after BJP's landslide victory in the Delhi Assembly elections, calling its repeated losses a "double hat-trick of zeros." Congress has failed to win a single seat in the last six elections—three Assembly (2015, 2020, 2025) and three Lok Sabha (2014, 2019, 2024) polls. Speaking at BJP headquarters, Modi accused Congress of being a "parjeevi" (parasite) party that weakens its allies. BJP secured 48 of 70 seats, while AAP won 22. "The country doesn’t trust Congress anymore," he said. Congress, once dominant in Delhi, continues its electoral downfall.

Meta is set to lay off 3,600 employees next week. The notices will go out from Monday at 5 am in most countries, including the US. Employees in Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands will be exempt due to local laws. The layoffs target 5% of Meta’s "lowest performers." Unlike previous layoffs, Meta offices will remain open. The company is also speeding up hiring for machine learning engineers and other key roles. The process will continue until March 13. Meta aims to align its workforce with its 2025 priorities.

3 Israeli hostages were released by Hamas in a prisoner swap. Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami, and Or Levy appeared thin and weak. Sharabi’s family said he looked “skinny” and “pale.” The hostages were paraded before armed fighters before being handed to the Red Cross. In exchange, Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners. Sharabi's wife and children were killed in the 7 October attack, and his family fears he may not know. Talks continue for more releases. The war in Gaza has caused heavy casualties, with thousands killed on both sides.

A US federal judge has stopped Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) from accessing Treasury Department records. Judge Paul A. Engelmayer issued an order blocking access and ordered Musk’s team to destroy any copies. Nineteen state attorneys general sued, arguing the move violated federal law. They said Doge, which is not an official government agency, should not have access to personal financial data. The judge warned of risks to privacy and hacking. The order stays in place until a court hearing on 14 February. There was no comment from Musk, President Trump, or the White House.

Hamas has released three more Israeli hostages—Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami, and Or Levy—under the ongoing Gaza ceasefire deal. The hostages were handed to the Red Cross and later transferred to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). They have crossed into Israeli territory and are undergoing medical assessments. Family members say the hostages appear in poor condition. As part of the agreement, Israel is releasing 180 Palestinian prisoners. This marks the latest exchange in a deal that began on January 19, with 33 Israeli hostages set to be freed in the first phase.

AAP chief and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal conceded his party’s defeat in the Delhi elections, congratulating the BJP on its victory. In a video message, he stated, “We accept the people’s verdict. I hope BJP fulfills its promises.” Kejriwal highlighted AAP’s governance efforts and pledged to serve as a constructive Opposition. The BJP led in 48 of 70 seats, while AAP secured 22. Congress failed to win any seats for the third consecutive election. Kejriwal also praised AAP workers, saying, “We will always stand with the people.”

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal lost his New Delhi seat to BJP’s Parvesh Verma by 3,182 votes, marking a major political setback. Kejriwal, who won the seat in 2013 after defeating Sheila Dikshit, faced corruption allegations and the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy. Verma, a two-time West Delhi MP, accused him of neglecting civic issues. With BJP leading in 48 seats, AAP faces a crushing defeat after ruling Delhi for a decade. Celebrations erupted at BJP headquarters as Verma declared, “The darkness has gone, the lotus bloomed.” Kejriwal’s defeat underscores AAP’s sharp decline in Delhi politics.