France’s Prime Minister Michel Barnier announced his resignation after losing a historic no-confidence vote in parliament. The motion, supported by 331 MPs, was triggered by Barnier’s controversial use of special powers to pass a €60 billion deficit reduction budget. The far-right National Rally and left-wing New Popular Front united against the budget, calling it “toxic for the French.” President Emmanuel Macron, unaffected constitutionally, must now appoint a new PM while facing mounting calls for his own resignation. Macron plans to address the nation on Thursday. This marks the first French government collapse via no-confidence in over 60 years.

Hindu monks in West Bengal have escalated their protests against alleged attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, threatening boycotts and larger demonstrations. Led by Kartik Maharaj of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, the monks submitted a memorandum to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, demanding action. Maharaj called for Prime Minister Modi's intervention and urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to join protests organized by Hindu groups. Additionally, posters calling for a boycott of Bangladeshi products were distributed, and a hotel association in Malda has banned rooms for Bangladeshi nationals. Protests are scheduled in Kolkata and along the India-Bangladesh border.

Eknath Shinde’s decision to accept the deputy chief minister role in Maharashtra came after a crucial 20-minute meeting with Devendra Fadnavis. Despite initial reservations, Shinde was assured of key portfolios like the home department, MSRDC, and energy. Shinde had resisted stepping down from the chief minister’s post but faced mounting pressure from Shiv Sena MLAs and party leaders. Fadnavis’s persistence and support from Shinde's allies ultimately convinced him to take on the role, marking a pivotal moment in Maharashtra’s political landscape. The move ensures unity within the Mahayuti alliance and strengthens governance.

French lawmakers ousted Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government through a no-confidence vote, the first in 62 years. Supported by the far right and hard left, the motion stems from disputes over austerity budgets and France's political deadlock. President Emmanuel Macron, facing rising calls for his resignation, must swiftly appoint a new premier as protests grow over cost-cutting measures. Macron’s term runs until 2027, but the crisis raises doubts about his leadership. Public-sector strikes are planned, and Macron is set to address the nation. Opposition parties, including Marine Le Pen's, demand accountability as unrest spreads.

Israeli settlers raided the Palestinian villages of Beit Furik and Huwara in the West Bank, injuring a Palestinian and setting buildings on fire. The attacks occurred after Israeli forces evicted a nearby settlement outpost. In Beit Furik, settlers burned vehicles and a grocery shop, while in Huwara, they torched homes and cars. One resident was injured in Huwara after his house was set alight. The Israeli army arrested eight suspects for the attacks. Tensions have risen in the region since the Gaza war, with ongoing violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Bangladesh's interim government, led by Advisor Muhammad Yunus, has directed all embassies and consulates globally to simplify visa issuance for Pakistani nationals and those of Pakistani descent. The new policy aims to make it easier for Pakistanis to visit Bangladesh, eliminating visa-related obstacles. The directive, sent by the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, applies to all Bangladeshi diplomatic missions abroad. The move comes after Bangladesh's embassy in Agartala halted visa services following protests, while discussions between Bangladesh’s Ambassador and Pakistani leadership led to the new policy.

Hamas has warned of "neutralising" hostages if Israel conducts a rescue operation, citing the June 2024 Nuseirat raid, which freed 4 captives but left over 200 Palestinians dead. Hamas' internal directive instructed operatives to tighten captives' conditions and implement "neutralisation orders" immediately if Israel acts. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that pressure on Hamas is intensifying, hinting at progress in hostage negotiations. Since the October 2023 attack by Hamas, which killed 1,200 Israelis and took 250 hostages, over 44,500 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military campaign, devastating Gaza.

Iran’s parliament has passed a controversial ‘chastity’ law, imposing stricter dress code rules, particularly targeting women’s attire. The legislation enforces harsher penalties for non-compliance, including significant fines and prison terms. President Ebrahim Raisi expressed disapproval, citing potential backlash and further unrest. The move has sparked criticism internationally and domestically, with activists condemning it as oppressive. Human rights groups warn it may escalate tensions following months of protests triggered by Mahsa Amini’s death in custody last year. Many Iranians view the law as a setback for gender equality and personal freedoms. Global reactions call for respect for women’s rights in Iran.

South Korea's opposition lawmakers filed an impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol following his failed martial law declaration. Yoon claimed the order aimed to prevent a North Korean takeover, but it sparked mass protests and condemnation. Opposition leaders accused Yoon of "insurrectionary behavior" and demanded his resignation. Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun and top aides have resigned amid the fallout. Parliament will vote on the impeachment by Saturday, needing support from at least 200 lawmakers. If passed, Yoon will face a Constitutional Court trial. Meanwhile, nationwide protests and labor strikes continue, pressuring the president to step down.

Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accused interim leader Muhammad Yunus of "genocide" in her first public address since fleeing to New Delhi. Speaking virtually, she alleged Yunus failed to protect minorities, highlighting attacks on Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. She cited the destruction of 11 churches and arrests of Hindu leaders like ISKCON’s Chinmoy Krishna Das. Hasina claimed there was a plot to assassinate her and her sister, mirroring her father’s 1975 assassination. India expressed serious concerns over rising extremist rhetoric and minority violence in Bangladesh, urging the interim government to ensure minority safety and justice. Relations between the nations remain tense.