Donald Trump has urged Elon Musk to be “more aggressive” in his role. Musk currently heads the newly established U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Trump created after assuming office for his second term last month. According to Reuters, Trump’s remark likely refers to Musk’s role in reducing federal spending. On Truth Social, Trump stated, “Elon is doing a great job, but I want to see him be more aggressive.” He hinted that “America needs saving, and the ultimate goal is to make the country bigger and stronger than ever before.”

Speaking at a rally in National Harbor, Maryland, on Saturday, Donald Trump announced that the U.S. is close to securing a deal with Ukraine to share revenues from the country’s mineral resources. The agreement is reportedly part of efforts to offset the billions of dollars in military aid Washington has provided to Kyiv in its fight against Russian forces. “We want to recover what we’ve invested,” Trump said, adding that the U.S. is interested in acquiring rare earth minerals, oil, and other valuable resources from Ukraine. He suggested that Washington’s interest in Ukraine’s mineral wealth is also driven by a strategic need to compete with China, which dominates the global supply of rare earth elements.

At an event on Sunday at the Sarda Police Academy, Home Minister’s Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated, “The state of Bangladesh belongs to all citizens, not to any political party, group, or community. The Bangladesh Police are independent employees of the republic, adhering strictly to the law.” Addressing the new recruits, he added, “Today marks the end of your year-long basic training. From now on, you will step into the field as well-trained, skilled, and intelligent police officers, dedicated to upholding the rule of law and serving the citizens. I welcome you to this new phase of your career.” He also congratulated the recruits for their impressive parade display.

Federal employees in the U.S. have been warned that failing to submit weekly work reports by Monday night could put their jobs at risk. This directive was communicated via an email sent on February 22. According to Reuters, Elon Musk, the head of the Trump administration’s Government Efficiency Division, posted on X that employees who fail to respond to the email will be considered as having voluntarily resigned. Trump has also urged the Department of Government Efficiency (DGE) to accelerate workforce reductions, targeting a significant cut in the 2.3 million federal employees. Questions remain about the legal standing of Musk’s directive and how employees working on classified projects should respond.

Pope Francis’ health has deteriorated, with Vatican authorities confirming on Saturday (February 22) that his condition is now critical. The 88-year-old Pontiff was admitted to a hospital in Rome on February 14 for treatment of bronchitis and a medical evaluation. Further tests revealed pneumonia in both lungs, exacerbating his pre-existing asthma condition. As a result, his health has become increasingly fragile. The Vatican reports that the Pope remains conscious and alert, spending most of his time seated, but requires additional oxygen and blood circulation support. His platelet count has also dropped significantly. Amid growing concerns, discussions about a possible resignation have begun within the Church.

Speaking at an event at Delhi University on Saturday, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar expressed concern over allegations made by the Trump administration regarding USAID. He stated that while USAID was originally allowed to operate in good faith, recent disclosures by Trump officials raise serious concerns. “It appears that certain individuals have been actively shaping a particular narrative,” Jaishankar remarked. The Indian government is currently investigating the matter. Previously, the U.S. had canceled a $21 million grant meant to influence Indian voters ahead of upcoming elections.

Mohammad Tajul Islam, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal, stated that Sheikh Hasina visited Pangu Hospital and ordered the cessation of medical treatment for those severely injured in the protests, saying “No Treatment, No Release.” Doctors and hospital staff have provided evidence on this matter, which has been presented to the court by the prosecution. Not only patients but also doctors have testified. He mentioned that under the administration’s instructions, the bodies of martyrs were not allowed to be examined, and in some cases, death certificates were not issued. Even when death certificates were provided, the cause of death from gunshot wounds was not mentioned.

The Taliban government has severely restricted Afghan women’s freedom of speech and education. However, ‘Radio Begum,’ a women-run radio station that was previously shut down, is set to resume broadcasting. According to the Ministry of Information and Culture, the station has been allowed to reopen after committing to follow certain conditions. Arab News reports that the station must operate under the guidelines of journalism and the Islamic Emirate’s regulations and must not violate them in the future. The channel is entirely run by women.

The funeral of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is set to take place today in Beirut. More than just a mourning ceremony, this event is expected to serve as a powerful demonstration of Hezbollah’s political strength, particularly at a time when the group is facing challenges. Nasrallah was killed on September 27, 2023, in an Israeli airstrike while meeting in a bunker on the southern outskirts of Beirut. A highly influential leader in the Arab world, he played a key role in expanding Hezbollah’s influence and was widely respected across the region. Thousands of people, including Iranian officials and representatives from various countries, are expected to attend the funeral.

Hamas has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deliberately undermining the ongoing ceasefire negotiations. The group claims that Israel has failed to initiate discussions for the second phase of the agreement, which was set to conclude on March 1. As per the ceasefire’s first phase, Israel agreed to release prisoners, withdraw forces from parts of Gaza, and allow humanitarian aid. Hamas leader Bassem Naim told Al Jazeera that Netanyahu’s actions signal preparations for renewed conflict rather than peace. Meanwhile, Hamas recently released six Israeli hostages, but Israel has yet to free 620 Palestinian detainees.

The government has officially declared February 25 as ‘National Martyred Soldiers Day’ to honor the 74 victims, including 57 army officers, of the 2009 Pilkhana massacre in Dhaka. Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid announced on Sunday that a gazette notification would be issued today, formalizing the annual observance. However, the day will not be a public holiday. This decision aims to recognize the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers while ensuring the tragic event remains a significant part of national memory.

A shooting incident at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico left one airman dead and another injured on Saturday morning. The U.S. Air Force confirmed that the injured officer was treated and released from the medical center, while the deceased airman was found at the scene. The identities of both individuals remain undisclosed as local authorities investigate the incident. The Kirtland Truman Gate Pass Office has been temporarily closed.

At least six people were killed, and 74 others injured when the roof of a food court collapsed at a shopping mall in Peru, according to AFP. Fire department commander Gelqui Gomez confirmed the fatalities, while local health official Anibal Morillo updated the number of injured, including 10 children and 12 critically wounded individuals.

A knife attack in Mulhouse, France, left one person dead and three police officers injured. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the incident as an “Islamist terrorist attack.” A 37-year-old Algerian suspect was arrested at the scene. Reports indicate that the attacker shouted “Allahu Akbar” before launching the assault. The deceased, a 69-year-old Portuguese national, was reportedly assisting the police when he was fatally stabbed.

A dispute over playing loud music at a wedding in Baraigram, Natore, led to a violent attack, resulting in the death of Kamal Bepari (45) on Saturday night. The altercation erupted when neighbors Shamsul Bepari, Shahjahan Bepari, and Shahadat Bepari objected to the music being played at the wedding of Kamal’s nephew. A heated argument escalated into a physical attack, and Kamal was fatally assaulted on the spot. Police have recovered the body, and an investigation is underway.