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.

Hamas declared it would not discuss extending the Gaza ceasefire unless Israel releases 620 Palestinian prisoners, as previously agreed. Israel delayed the release, citing Hamas’s “humiliating” hostage handovers. A senior Hamas official warned the deal was in “grave danger” and urged mediators, including the US, to intervene. The ceasefire’s first phase, set to end Saturday, has facilitated hostage-prisoner exchanges and Israeli troop withdrawals. The White House backed Israel’s stance, while Trump’s envoy seeks an extension. With 48,346 deaths in Gaza reported, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for the ceasefire’s continuation and the “dignified release of all remaining hostages.”

Bollywood star Katrina Kaif visited the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj with her mother-in-law, Veena Kaushal. Dressed in a powder pink Indian outfit, she met spiritual leaders Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati at Parmarth Niketan ashram. The ashram's official X handle praised her presence for blending spirituality with entertainment. Katrina joins several Bollywood stars, including Akshay Kumar, Vidyut Jammwal, and Tamannaah Bhatia, who took a holy dip at the Kumbh. Meanwhile, she lauded husband Vicky Kaushal’s performance in Chhaava, calling him “outstanding” and praising the film’s “monumental” storytelling.