In this bulletin;
- German chancellor Olaf Scholz concedes election defeat.
- The Vatican says Pope Francis is in critical condition but alert.
- Carlton's Jagga Smith to miss entire AFL season after scans confirmed he ruptured his ACL.
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Votes are being counted in Germany's election, with opposition leader Friedrich Merz in a strong position to become the country's next chancellor.
He hailed what he called a "terrific election campaign" - and says there's no time to waste in forming a government.
Early projections indicate Germany's conservative bloc has secured some 29 per cent of the votes, ahead of the far-right anti-immigration AfD party on around 20 per cent - almost double its share of the vote in the last election in 2021.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democratic Party is projected to slump to its worst result in the post-war period, with 16 per cent of the vote.
Mr Scholz conceded defeat, saying he takes responsibility for the result - which he says are "bitter" for his party.
He vowed the SPD would play an important role in opposing the AfD going forward.
"We acted together in difficult times. And if there is one thing I can wish for - it is that we continue to be a strong SPD that joins ranks, that fights to ensure that social democracy plays a key role in Germany's future."
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As Ukraine marks three years since Russia's full-scale invasion, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he is willing to give up the position if it means peace for his country.
Following a push from US President Donald Trump for Ukraine to hold elections, Mr Zelenskyy also says he is willing to exchange the departure for Ukraine's entry into NATO.
"If it's about peace in Ukraine and you really want me to leave my position, I am ready to do that (in exchange for peace). Secondly, I can exchange it for NATO (membership) if there is such an opportunity. I'll do it immediately without a long conversation about it. I am focused on Ukraine's security today and not in 20 years. I don't plan to be in power for decades. Therefore, that's my aim and my dream."
Meanwhile, European Union officials say leaders are planning to hold a special summit on the conflict on March 6th.
European leaders are expressing concern over US negotiations to end the conflict that have begun with Russia - without the involvement of officials from Ukraine or Europe.
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Catholics around the world are praying for Pope Francis' recovery as he spends his tenth day in hospital.
The Vatican says the 88-year-old's condition remains "critical", but he remains alert and has not had any further respiratory crises, after being admitted to hospital for double pneumonia.
In a statement, the Pope thanked the doctors and health workers treating him, and well-wishers who have sent in messages.
At the Vatican, worshippers gathered for mass without the Pope.
Elvira Romana was among them. She says she is sick with worry.
"I am very, very sad. I don't know how you can continue normally at this moment. I would just stay in prayer, all of us in prayer for him. For me, he is a special person. I truly have no words."
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The Australian Medical Association says it's hard to know if Labor's $8.5 billion funding boost for bulk billing will reach those who need it most.
Australians will have access to an extra 18 million bulk-billed general practitioner visits a year as part of a major election pledge from the federal government.
Fewer GP clinics have been taking on bulk-billed patients as they struggle to keep up with rising operational costs and increasing service complexity.
AMA President, Dr Danielle McMullen says the funding would need to reach those who need it most to make an impact.
"I think in some parts of Australia we will see a significant increase in bulk billing rates, but it is quite difficult to see how it will make a huge increase in some of our central metropolitan areas. My hope for this is that it really does target some of our more disadvantaged patients, but who weren't eligible for the bulk billing incentives before now, that it will make a difference to the lives of those Australians."
The election date has yet to be announced but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised a re-elected Labor government would prioritise expanding public health care and training new GPs and nurses.
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Carlton's first-round draft pick Jagga Smith will miss the entire AFL season after scans confirmed he has ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament.
Smith had looked sharp across half-forward in his first senior hit-out during the Blues' pre-season clash with St Kilda at Ikon Park on Saturday.
The 19-year-old limped from the field with a knee injury during the third quarter but was able to complete some post-match running in what was taken as a positive sign.
But scans on Sunday revealed the worst possible result for Smith, who was selected with the number-three pick at last year's draft.
