Ukraine requires $524 billion to rebuild after three years of war, according to a new assessment by the World Bank, UN, and EU. The figure marks a 7% increase from last year’s estimate, with energy infrastructure damage rising by 70% due to Russian attacks. Housing, transport, and industry remain the most affected sectors. Ukraine’s government has allocated $7.37 billion for 2025 but faces a $10 billion funding gap. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed a peace deal could be reached in weeks. Over 2.5 million households have been affected, with debris clearance alone estimated at nearly $13 billion.

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.    

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.

Iran has strengthened security around its nuclear sites, fearing a possible attack by the US and Israel, reports The Telegraph. The country has deployed more air defence systems to protect key nuclear and missile facilities. Concerns are rising over a joint military operation by Israel and the US. Earlier, US intelligence warned both the Biden and Trump administrations about Israel’s plans to target Iran’s nuclear sites. Tensions in the region remain high as Iran continues military drills. The situation is being closely watched by global powers.

The United States has diverged from its European allies by refusing to assign blame to Russia for the Ukraine conflict in recent UN votes. This shift has led to a split within Western nations, with the U.S. abstaining from resolutions that explicitly condemn Russia's actions. In contrast, European countries have consistently supported measures holding Russia accountable. This division underscores the evolving dynamics in international relations concerning the Ukraine war.

French President Macron suggested a truce between Ukraine and Russia could be reached soon, with discussions on security guarantees and peacekeeping troops involved. He emphasized a deal must ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty, not lead to its surrender. Macron is collaborating with European leaders on a peacekeeping plan, while Trump advocated for European nations to bear the cost of peacekeeping efforts. Macron also voiced concerns over Trump’s characterization of EU support for Ukraine. At the UN, the US sided with Russia in a resolution that lacked criticism of Moscow. Meanwhile, the EU and UK imposed new sanctions on Russia.

Elon Musk has raised alarms about California's financial stability, warning that the state could face bankruptcy without urgent changes. His concerns align with the state's growing budget deficit, which exceeds $68 billion. Musk criticized California's high taxes and regulatory environment, which led him to relocate Tesla's headquarters to Texas in 2021. Additionally, Musk has expressed similar concerns about the United States' financial future, advocating for substantial federal spending cuts to avoid national bankruptcy.

US President Donald Trump claimed the Russia-Ukraine war could end “within weeks” after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House. Macron urged Trump to continue supporting Kyiv, emphasizing that Ukraine “must be involved” in peace talks. This follows reports of Trump engaging in direct discussions with Moscow. Macron’s visit aimed to ensure Western unity in handling the conflict. While Trump has criticized US aid to Ukraine, his remarks suggest potential diplomatic moves to resolve the war. The White House has not clarified details of the discussions, but European leaders remain wary of any shift in US policy.