Larry the Cat marked 15 years at 10 Downing Street on Sunday as Britain’s official Chief Mouser. The former stray was adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2011 under then Prime Minister David Cameron. He has served during six prime ministers and is seen as a steady presence during political change. His listed duties include greeting guests and checking security areas, along with “testing antique furniture for napping quality.” Photographer Justin Ng said Larry often appears during major visits and is “great at photo-bombing.” A Cambridge professor said his approval ratings are likely higher than most political leaders. (PC: ABC)

US President Donald Trump said member states of his proposed “Board of Peace” have pledged over $5 billion for Gaza’s reconstruction. He urged Hamas to agree to “full and immediate” disarmament before a February 19 meeting in Washington.   Trump said countries also promised thousands of personnel for a UN-authorised stabilisation force in Gaza. The plan is part of a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. It includes Israeli troop withdrawal and Hamas disarmament.   Hamas has called disarmament a red line. Some US allies have raised concerns about the board’s structure and membership rules. (PC: Reuters)

Hundreds of thousands of people protested against Iran’s government across the world on Saturday. The rallies followed a call by exiled prince Reza Pahlavi for a “global day of action.”   About 350,000 gathered in Toronto. Around 250,000 joined in Munich. Large crowds also marched in Los Angeles, London and other cities.   In Munich, Pahlavi told supporters, “Know that you are not alone.” He criticised Iran’s leaders and called the regime “corrupt” and “repressive.”   Protests began in Iran in December over rising prices. Activists say thousands were killed. Iranian officials say about 3,000 died, including security forces. (PC: Getty Images)

Hundreds of thousands of people joined protests across several countries against Iran’s government after a “global day of action” call by Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s former shah. Police in Munich estimated about 250,000 people attended his rally. Large crowds were also reported in Los Angeles and Toronto. Smaller demonstrations took place in London, Sydney, Lisbon and Tel Aviv. Pahlavi told supporters, “Know that you are not alone, and today the world stands with you.” Protests inside Iran began in late December over rising living costs and later turned into a wider anti-government movement. Death toll estimates vary by source. (PC: BBC)

11 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza on Sunday, local rescue and health officials said. Six people died after a strike hit a tent camp in northern Gaza. Five others were killed in the south. The Israeli military said it targeted militants after Hamas violated the ceasefire. Both sides have accused each other of breaking the truce since October 10. Gaza’s health ministry said about 600 people have died since the ceasefire began. The war started after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel then launched a large military operation in Gaza. (PC: Getty)

India is weighing a cautious reset in ties with Bangladesh after the BNP won a landslide election victory. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman and promised support for a “democratic, progressive and inclusive” neighbour. Relations had worsened after former PM Sheikh Hasina fled to India in 2024. Analysts say cooperation on security and border control remains India’s main concern. Rahman has signalled an independent line, saying, “Not Dilli, not Pindi — Bangladesh before everything.” Experts say mistrust from past BNP rule still shapes Delhi’s view. They add that steady outreach and lower political rhetoric. (PC: BBC)

Senior Democratic leaders at the Munich Security Conference sought to calm European allies about US policy under President Donald Trump. California Governor Gavin Newsom told an event, “Donald Trump is temporary. He’ll be gone in three years.” Several Democratic lawmakers said US ties with Europe would remain strong despite recent tensions. Senator Jeanne Shaheen said they were present to give “reassurance” about the value of European allies. Senator Ruben Gallego said, “This is not all Trump … We’re still here.” Some leaders also raised concerns about US election rules and executive powers. Republicans at the event said allies should not overreact to US political rhetoric. (PC: BBC)

Former US President Barack Obama has responded to a racist video shared on social media by President Donald Trump that showed him and Michelle Obama depicted as apes. Speaking on a podcast, Obama did not name Trump but said public discourse has worsened. He said the “decorum and a sense of propriety and respect for the office” once expected from leaders “has been lost.” The White House first defended the post as “fake outrage,” then said a staff member shared it and removed it. Trump later said he “didn’t see” that part of the video and did not apologise. (PC: BBC)

Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales marked Valentine’s Day by posting a joint portrait on social media. The couple shared a black and white photo of themselves sitting side by side in a field. The message with the image read, “Happy Valentine’s Day.” The post appeared on X on Saturday. Around the same time, Meghan Markle shared a rare picture of Prince Harry with their daughter, Lilibet. Both posts drew wide attention online. The images were shared as part of Valentine’s Day messages and did not include any additional personal statements from the couples. (PC: Sky News)

The UK and several European countries said Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was killed using a rare toxin linked to South American dart frogs. The claim follows new analysis of samples taken from his body. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said “only the Russian government had the means, motive and opportunity” to use the poison in a Russian prison. A joint statement by the UK, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands blamed the Russian state. Russia rejected the findings and called them an “information campaign”. Navalny died in a Siberian penal colony in February 2024 while serving a prison sentence. His wife has long alleged poisoning. (PC: BBC)