Hamas has handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including one soldier, who were killed in Gaza. This development comes as negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas appear to regain momentum. The bodies were retrieved by the Israeli military and identified. The move follows renewed diplomatic efforts, particularly by Egypt and Qatar, to broker a pause in fighting and a potential prisoner exchange. While tensions remain high, this gesture is seen as a step toward de-escalation and a possible framework for further hostage releases and humanitarian relief in Gaza.  

On February 27, 2025, SpaceX successfully launched the Athena lunar lander, developed by Intuitive Machines, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. This mission, known as IM-2, aims to achieve a precise landing near the moon's south pole on March 6. A key objective is to deploy a drone named Grace into a permanently shadowed crater to search for frozen water, a critical resource for future lunar missions. NASA has invested $62 million in this endeavor, reflecting the growing collaboration between private companies and government agencies in lunar exploration.   

In a significant move to curtail government spending, President Donald Trump's administration has commenced large-scale layoffs, influenced by downsizing chief Elon Musk's proposal to slash $1 trillion from the current $6.7 trillion budget. During the first cabinet meeting of his second term, Trump emphasized that health and retirement benefits, constituting nearly half of the budget, will remain unaffected. To date, over 20,000 federal employees have been dismissed, with plans for further reductions targeting career staff. Agencies are required to submit workforce reduction plans by March 13, aiming for implementation in the upcoming fiscal year.   

The United States has introduced a new immigration initiative under former President Donald Trump's "Gold Card" plan, allowing American firms to recruit Indian graduates. This move is aimed at attracting skilled professionals and streamlining pathways to U.S. citizenship. The plan focuses on highly educated individuals, particularly in STEM fields, providing them with long-term work opportunities and potential residency benefits. This policy shift is expected to enhance the U.S. workforce while benefiting Indian talent. Experts believe it could reshape immigration dynamics, boosting economic ties between India and the U.S. The plan has sparked discussions on its long-term impact.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, who launched to the ISS in June 2024 aboard Boeing's Starliner for an eight-day mission, face delays in returning due to propulsion system issues and helium leaks. NASA now plans their return using SpaceX's Crew Dragon. The Crew-10 mission is set for March 12, 2025, with their return expected on March 19. This highlights SpaceX's growing role amid Boeing’s setbacks.

Donald Trump ruled out Ukraine's NATO membership, stating it "started the war." He emphasized European responsibility for Ukraine’s security while securing a deal for US access to rare earth resources. Trump claimed US presence in Ukraine would deter threats, but refused formal security guarantees. He insisted Russia was now open to compromise and hinted at a possible peace deal. French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Trump to back European security efforts. Zelensky will meet Trump on Friday to finalize agreements.

Thousands of Israelis lined highways, holding flags and orange balloons, as the funeral procession for Shiri Bibas and her sons, Ariel (4) and Kfir (9 months), moved through southern Israel. The hostages, killed in Gaza, were buried in a single casket beside Shiri’s parents, who were murdered on October 7, 2023. The Bibas family criticized Israeli officials for failing to protect them. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed retaliation, further heightening tensions. Hamas’ mistaken handover of remains and the stalled ceasefire negotiations have fueled uncertainty for the 60 remaining hostages’ families. "Our disaster should never happen again," said Ofri Bibas Levy.

The Trump administration is preparing large-scale layoffs as Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, pushes a $1 trillion budget cut. At a cabinet meeting, Trump assured that health and retirement benefits would remain untouched. Over 100,000 federal employees have already accepted buyouts or been dismissed, with deeper cuts expected. Trump also seeks to extend the 2017 tax cuts, despite concerns over adding trillions to the national debt. Musk warned, “If this continues, the country will go de facto bankrupt.” The layoffs are expected to impact career employees beyond probationary workers.

South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson has proposed a $250 bill featuring Donald Trump’s face, making him the first living former president on U.S. currency if approved. Wilson claims the bill is necessary due to "Bidenflation," referencing inflation under President Biden. While inflation has dropped to 3% in 2025, concerns persist, especially with Trump's new tariffs. Critics call the proposal a waste of resources, while supporters argue it’s practical for large transactions. The bill has not yet been introduced to Congress, and no timeline has been set for its approval.

Donald Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will sign a "very big agreement" in the US on Friday. The deal reportedly involves Ukraine sharing its mineral wealth in exchange for past US aid and potential security guarantees. "We've been able to make a deal where we're going to get our money back," Trump stated, adding that Russia must make concessions in a broader peace agreement. Zelensky, however, noted that security guarantees are not yet included. Trump suggested American workers in Ukraine would serve as a deterrent. The agreement's full details remain unclear.