The family of Alexei Navalny, the late Putin critic who died in a Russian prison, has been informed that his body will not be released for two weeks, citing "chemical analysis." A spokesperson confirmed Navalny's mother received this information. Russian authorities have not disclosed the body's whereabouts, rejecting attempts to locate it. Navalny's wife accused the authorities of hiding the body and directly blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for her husband's death. In a video, Yulia Navalnaya vowed to continue Navalny's fight for a "free Russia," alleging the body is being held until traces of Novichok poisoning disappear.

The Belize-flagged, British-registered cargo vessel, Rubymar, faces abandonment by its crew after being struck by missiles in the Gulf of Aden by Houthi rebels. The ship, nearing the Bab al-Mandab Strait, suffered "catastrophic damage." The UK condemned the attack, with allied naval vessels responding. Houthi attacks on merchant vessels and warships in the Red Sea prompt concerns and impact global trade. The EU approves a maritime security mission to protect shipping in the Red Sea. This marks one of the most damaging Houthi attacks, emphasizing the ongoing challenge to deter their actions in the region.

The European Union officially initiates the Aspides naval mission to protect Red Sea shipping from Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have been targeting the vital shipping lane since November. The mission, set to be operational in a few weeks, aims to ensure freedom of navigation and enhance maritime security in collaboration with international partners. While the United States leads its naval coalition in the area, the EU mission, named "shield" in Greek, focuses solely on defensive measures at sea. Recent Houthi attacks have disrupted shipping in the Red Sea, prompting coordinated efforts to address the escalating situation.

Russian authorities plan to keep Alexei Navalny's body for "at least two weeks" for examination, his spokesperson revealed. This move, described as a ploy by Navalny's supporters, comes after Russia reported his death on Friday. Navalny's mother has been denied access to his body, fueling accusations of a cover-up. His spokesperson condemned the decision, alleging it aims to conceal evidence of murder. President Putin's spokesperson stated the Kremlin wouldn't dictate the body's release. Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, accused Putin of her husband's death. Expectations are that authorities will extend the retention period, drawing parallels to past obstruction in Navalny's case.

Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, accuses Vladimir Putin of poisoning her husband and orchestrating a cover-up. Amidst the family's demand to see Navalny's body, Russian authorities allegedly block access while traces of nerve agents vanish. Navalnaya pledges to continue her late husband's work, vowing to reveal details of his death soon. EU ministers meet Navalnaya to express solidarity with Kremlin opponents, considering fresh sanctions. Despite ongoing investigations, officials withhold information on Navalny's demise, extending the postmortem period. Navalny's death triggers protests worldwide as mourners demand justice and transparency in the face of suspected foul play.

Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), announces a reversal in its decision, revealing that independent candidates backed by the party in the February 8 elections will now align with the Sunni Ittehad Council. Initially slated to join Shia and Sunni parties, this shift follows a formal agreement with the Sunni Ittehad Council. PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan emphasizes that the decision aims to secure reserved seats, potentially strengthening PTI's position in the National Assembly. The move adds complexity to the political landscape amid post-election alliances by rival parties in Pakistan.

UK government has decided to implement a comprehensive ban on mobile phones across all schools. The Education Secretary emphasized the need to minimize disruptions and create an optimal learning environment. The Department for Education issued guidelines ensuring a uniform ban throughout England, allowing schools to choose from four implementation scenarios. Violators will face detention or phone confiscation. The government aims to promote physical activity and face-to-face socializing among students, believing it will positively impact their mental health. The move provides clarity and consistency, addressing variations in school policies.

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, disclosed his refusal of a power-sharing arrangement where his party and Nawaz Sharif's would alternate in the prime minister's seat. Despite PPP's third-place finish in the February 8 elections, with 54 seats, Bilawal emphasized his commitment to earning the prime ministership through the people's mandate. Speaking at a rally in Thatta celebrating PPP's victory in Sindh province, Bilawal reiterated his stance, stating that the party would collaborate with those who received voter support, rejecting ministerial positions offered in exchange for cooperation.

A judge in Brazil has fined officials and construction companies $48.3m over a 2007 building site collapse in São Paulo. The sinkhole, which claimed seven lives during metro system expansion work, resulted from "negligent" and "dangerous" actions, the judge stated. Ignoring expert warnings for "urgent" support structures, the construction project continued, causing a 2,200-sq-m sinkhole that buried a minibus, destroyed homes, and displaced 200 residents. Former São Paulo Metrô president, an engineer, and a construction inspector, among others, are held responsible. Prosecutors note the "extraordinarily intense" trauma inflicted on São Paulo's populace.

Russia asserts complete control over Avdiivka following the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces, marking its largest gain since seizing Bakhmut in May 2023. The intense urban battle has left Avdiivka in ruins, with some Ukrainian troops reportedly sheltered in a Soviet-era coke plant. Moscow declares an 8.6km (5.3 miles) advancement on the 1,000km (621-mile) front line. President Putin hails the victory, emphasizing its significance. Ukraine attributes its withdrawal to preventing encirclement after months of fierce combat. Avdiivka's fall poses challenges for Ukraine in repelling Russian forces amid ammunition shortages and limited manpower.