The UK and four other countries accused Russia of killing opposition leader Alexei Navalny using dart frog toxin, confirming presence of "epibatidine" a South American poison not naturally found in Russia. His widow Yulia Navalnaya declared his 2024 Arctic prison death is now a "scientifically proven" murder, based on smuggled biological samples analyzed last September. The countries reported Russia to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons for violating the Chemical Weapons Convention. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called it the "Kremlin's barbaric plot to silence his voice." Navalny was previously poisoned with Novichok nerve agent in 2020. Russian authorities strenuously deny involvement despite no innocent explanation for the toxin's presence.

At the 2026 Munich Security Conference, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly criticised what he called the west’s post‑war “delusion”, highlighting the dangers of mass migration and flawed economic policies. He argued that uncontrolled migration, deindustrialisation, and policy missteps have weakened social cohesion and threatened Western stability. Rubio called for nations to reassert border control, reform global institutions like the UN, and focus on strengthening domestic economies. While critical, he reaffirmed the importance of a strong trans‑Atlantic alliance, emphasising shared values and history as a foundation for future cooperation. (PC: AFP)

The acting mayor of Hebron, Asma al-Sharabati, said Palestinians are “not protected” after Israel expanded its control in the occupied West Bank.   Israel’s security cabinet approved new rules that increase its authority over planning and services in Palestinian-run areas. The changes also affect the Cave of the Patriarchs, a major religious site.   Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich said the move strengthens Israel’s roots in the land.   Palestinian leaders say the decision weakens past peace agreements. The UK government said it “strongly condemns” the decision and expects it to be reversed. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump said America will send a second aircraft carrier to West Asia. He warned Iran that more force will be used if nuclear talks fail. “If we don’t make a deal, we’ll need it,” Trump said.   The US is moving the USS Gerald R. Ford to join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the region.   Trump said the move will strengthen America’s position in talks. Tensions remain high in the Middle East. Recent sea incidents have raised concerns. Gulf nations have warned that any military action could spark a wider conflict. (PC: AP)

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) regained control of the government in the 2026 general election, securing a commanding more than two‑thirds majority in the 300‑seat Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament) after years out of power. BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, returning from years abroad, clinched victory in his constituencies and is poised to become the next prime minister. The election followed the end of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s long rule, with the ruling Awami League barred from contesting. Analysts say the result reflects popular desire for change, not a radical revolution, as BNP’s organisational strength delivered success at the polls. (PC: AP)

The United States is sending a second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, from the Caribbean to the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate, U.S. officials told media. The move will place two carrier strike groups in the region alongside the already‑deployed USS Abraham Lincoln, backed by destroyers and other naval assets. President Donald Trump said the deployment is a precaution in case negotiations with Tehran fail and stressed the need to reach a deal. Israeli leaders support efforts to pressure Iran on its nuclear and missile programs. The carrier is expected to take about a week to arrive. (PC: Reuters)

Senior BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, a prominent figure from Bangladesh's minority Hindu community, won his Dhaka constituency in the country's 13th national parliamentary elections on Friday. Roy's victory represents significant minority representation within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's landslide win. His success comes at a crucial time following concerns about minority safety in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina's ouster in August 2024. The election marks Bangladesh's first national vote since the mass uprising that ended Hasina's 15-year rule. Roy's win as a Hindu leader in a Muslim-majority nation underscores the BNP's attempt to project inclusive politics as it prepares to form the government after nearly two decades in opposition.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude in his first reaction after the party's landslide election victory. "I am grateful for the love you have shown me. Please pray for me," Rahman told supporters gathered outside his Gulshan residence before departing for Friday prayers at Bangladesh Navy Headquarters Mosque. He stopped his car to exchange words with well-wishers, drawing cheers from the crowd. The BNP secured a two-thirds majority, marking their return to power after two decades. Rahman is set to become prime minister, replacing interim chief Muhammad Yunus. PM Modi congratulated Rahman, expressing support for fulfilling Bangladesh's aspirations and reaffirming bilateral commitment. (PC: X)

Nikhil Gupta, accused in a failed plan to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York, has pleaded guilty in a Manhattan federal court. US prosecutors said Gupta admitted to murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges carry a maximum combined sentence of 40 years in prison. Gupta was extradited from the Czech Republic in June 2024 and had earlier pleaded not guilty. Authorities said the alleged hitman was an undercover federal agent, which exposed the plot. India has denied any role and said such actions are against government policy. A review panel was earlier set up to examine the US allegations.

The head of Dubai-based ports operator DP World has resigned after new documents showed long-term email contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem quit as chairman and chief executive with immediate effect, the company said. DP World named Essa Kazim as chairman and Yuvraj Narayan as chief executive. Reports say the files show hundreds of emails exchanged over about a decade. Being named in the documents does not itself show wrongdoing. The company has faced pressure from partners in recent days. Some investors paused new funding. The BBC said it contacted Sulayem for comment but did not receive a response. (PC: BBC)