In his recent address to Congress, President Donald Trump commended Elon Musk for his voluntary leadership of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Acknowledging Musk's commitment to streamlining federal operations, Trump noted, "He didn't need this. Thank you very much. We appreciate it." The DOGE, led by Musk, aims to identify and eliminate redundancies within the federal government, reflecting the administration's efforts to reduce bureaucracy. This initiative aligns with Trump's broader agenda to enhance domestic production of critical minerals and rare earth elements, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains. Musk's involvement underscores his dedication to public service and efficient governance.  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed regret over his tense White House meeting with Donald Trump, calling for constructive cooperation. "It is time to make things right," he stated. Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s willingness to sign a minerals deal with the US and proposed a “truce in the sky and sea” with Russia, urging an end to missile strikes and naval conflicts. The minerals deal, offering the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth resources, remains stalled after the dispute. “Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians,” Zelenskyy emphasized, hoping to negotiate under Trump’s leadership.

Six security personnel were killed in twin suicide bombings inside the Bannu cantonment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, on Tuesday. The attackers breached the perimeter wall and detonated explosives after sunset, during iftar in Ramadan. According to reports, five to six terrorists attempted to infiltrate the base but were met with heavy gunfire. A faction linked to the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility, stating that dozens of security personnel were killed. The attack follows a series of militant strikes in Bannu, raising concerns over growing extremism in the region. Authorities are investigating the incident.

Israel's military announced it had killed Hezbollah navy commander Khodr Said Hashem in an airstrike near Qana, southern Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) accused Hashem of violating the November ceasefire and engaging in activities that threatened Israel's security. "His actions posed a threat to Israel and violated the understandings between Israel and Lebanon," the IDF said. Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated in recent months, with cross-border attacks increasing despite international calls for de-escalation. Hezbollah has yet to respond to the strike, which marks another flashpoint in the ongoing conflict.

Serbian opposition lawmakers disrupted the opening of parliament’s spring session by lighting flares and using suspected tear gas to support anti-corruption protests. The protests stem from the fatal collapse of a train station roof in Novi Sad, which killed 15 people. Chaos erupted as MPs threw eggs and water at ruling party members. One lawmaker was hospitalized after a stroke. Students have led mass demonstrations, demanding reforms. The government has taken steps to address concerns, but tensions persist. Another large rally is planned for March 15 in Belgrade.

Serbian opposition lawmakers threw smoke grenades and tear gas inside parliament on Tuesday, protesting against the government and supporting student-led demonstrations. Chaos erupted as lawmakers scuffled with security, leaving two injured, including SNS MP Jasmina Obradovic, who suffered a stroke. Protesters outside parliament honored 15 victims of a railway station collapse that sparked mass anti-government protests. Demonstrations, now in their fourth month, have grown to include teachers and farmers, posing the biggest challenge to President Aleksandar Vucic’s rule. Protest leaders plan a major rally in Belgrade on March 15, demanding justice and action against government corruption.

US Vice President JD Vance has sparked criticism after dismissing the role of international forces in Ukraine, saying a US stake in its economy was a “better security guarantee than 20,000 troops from some random country.” UK opposition figures condemned the remark as disrespectful to British and French forces, who have pledged troops. Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty called it “unacceptable,” while former UK military personnel demanded an apology. Vance later clarified he did not mean the UK or France. His remarks come as the US pauses military aid to Ukraine following tensions between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.

US Congressman Brandon Gill criticized a Patidar community volleyball match in the US as “casteist,” warning against “foreign class allegiances.” Indian-Americans strongly opposed his remarks, accusing him of fueling anti-India and anti-Hindu sentiment. Gill’s comments targeted Dylan Patel, a Gujarati founder, for praising the community event. Patel and others defended the gathering as a cultural reunion, not caste-based discrimination. Hindu American Foundation’s Suhag Shukla condemned Gill’s statement, highlighting the dangers of misusing the term “caste.” Gill, known for controversial views, also plans a bill to put Donald Trump’s face on the $100 bill.

Russia welcomed the US decision to halt military aid to Ukraine, calling it the "best contribution to peace." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said this could push Kyiv toward negotiations. The suspension, announced Monday, immediately impacts hundreds of millions of dollars in weapons shipments. The US has been Ukraine’s primary military supplier since Russia’s invasion in February 2023. Peskov emphasized that Moscow would monitor the situation on the ground. The decision follows tensions between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, raising concerns about Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan revealed he switched off his TV during India's Champions Trophy match against New Zealand, thinking the team would lose. However, India staged a dramatic comeback, winning by 44 runs. "Hum to soche khel haar jayenge... par jeet gaye hum, kya baat hai INDIA!!!" he posted on X, delighting fans. As India faces Australia in the semi-final on March 4, excitement builds. Meanwhile, Big B praised Ranbir Kapoor’s ARKS sneakers, calling them "comfortable" in a heartfelt note. He will next appear in Ramayana alongside Ranbir Kapoor.