1. Trump ordered US agencies to work closely with Elon Musk's attempt to shrink the federal workforce.

2. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Europe and the Middle East from February 13 to 18. He will make stops in Germany, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

3. More than 10 million devout Hindus seeking absolution from their sins took a dip in holy waters in northern India during a span of four hours.

4. Ukrainian graphite mine hopes for Trump deal, but says returns won’t be instant.

5. India's record $1.4 billion back tax demand from Volkswagen, after 12 years of scrutiny, raises concerns about prolonged investigations deterring foreign investment.

6. EU scrapped draft rules regulating technology patents, AI and consumer privacy on messaging apps, saying it did not expect them to receive the green light from EU lawmakers and countries.