Joe Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race, stating it is "in the best interest of my party and the country." The 81-year-old president announced his decision in a letter, endorsing Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. Biden cited the need to focus on his current duties and expressed gratitude for the support he has received. His withdrawal follows months of speculation about his age and ability to serve another term. The Democratic nominee to face Republican Donald Trump will now be chosen at the Democratic National Convention in August.

More than 4,500 Indians and nearly 540 citizens from Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives have returned from Bangladesh due to violent protests over job quotas. The Indian high commission in Dhaka arranged security escorts for safe travel to border crossings. A countrywide curfew and army deployment in Bangladesh followed the protests, which resulted in at least 110 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The Indian external affairs ministry stated that the missions in Bangladesh remain in contact with local authorities to ensure the safety of Indian nationals and provide any necessary assistance.

US President Joe Biden is annoyed with Democratic allies, including Barack Obama, for urging him to drop out of the 2024 presidential race. Isolated at his Delaware beach house recovering from COVID-19, Biden is frustrated with the pressure to end his campaign. Many party leaders believe he should step aside, fearing loss of control in the House. Biden feels Obama is orchestrating this push. Despite the public show of continuing his campaign, sources say Biden might step down before the Democratic National Convention.

French MP Thomas Portes of France Unbowed faced intense backlash after declaring that Israeli athletes are “not welcome” at the Paris Olympics due to the Gaza conflict. Portes stated at a rally, “The Israeli delegation is not welcome in Paris. Israeli sportspeople are not welcome at the Paris Olympic Games.” Yonathan Arfi, head of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France, condemned the remarks as “irresponsible” and argued that Portes was “putting a target on the backs of Israeli athletes.” Socialist MP Jerome Guedj emphasized, “All athletes are welcome, regardless of nationality.”              

The BCCI has announced a significant financial contribution of INR 8.5 crores to the Indian Olympic Association for the 2024 Paris Olympics. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah shared the news on X, expressing pride in supporting the 117 athletes and 140 support staff representing India. The funds aim to enhance the preparation and logistics for the games. Shah encouraged the athletes to make the nation proud, highlighting the BCCI's commitment to promoting Indian sports across various disciplines. This support is expected to bolster the Indian contingent's efforts to achieve excellence on the global stage.

Yemen's Houthi rebels vowed a strong response after an Israeli strike on Hodeida port. The conflict started with attacks from Iran-backed groups, prompting Israeli strikes on Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen. The violence has killed dozens in Gaza. Israel intercepted a missile from Yemen targeting Eilat. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree promised a "huge" retaliation. In Hodeida, three people died, and 87 were injured. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned of more strikes if Houthis attack again. Israeli PM Netanyahu is set to meet US President Biden to discuss the ongoing conflict.

Protests in Bangladesh persist even after the Supreme Court reduced the job quota system. The ruling cut reserved government jobs from 56% to 7%. Students demand further changes, with 93% of positions based on merit. Deadly clashes between police and protesters have resulted in a strict curfew and military involvement. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reviewed the security situation but cancelled her diplomatic tour. The unrest is linked to frustration over limited job opportunities and alleged misuse of quotas by the government. The U.S. advised against travel to Bangladesh amid the violence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address the US Congress on Wednesday, becoming the first foreign leader to do so four times. With mounting civilian casualties in Gaza and US-Israel tensions, Netanyahu will also meet President Joe Biden to discuss a potential ceasefire deal with Hamas. The October 7 Hamas attack killed 1,195 Israelis and led to the capture of 251 hostages. Israel's retaliatory strikes have claimed 38,919 lives in Gaza. Despite international criticism, the US continues to mediate and support Israel militarily.

Bangladesh's Supreme Court reduced government job quotas, mandating 93% of positions based on merit and reserving 7% for war veterans' relatives and other categories, following violent student protests that left 133 dead. The High Court's prior reinstatement of a 30% quota triggered nationwide unrest. Authorities extended a strict curfew and granted police shoot-on-sight orders to control the violence. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government has shut down educational institutions and blocked internet access, leading to broader anti-government demonstrations. Nearly 1,000 Indian students have been evacuated amid the crisis.

Bangladesh faces escalating violence as student-led protests against government job quotas have resulted in 105 deaths. The government imposed a national curfew and deployed the military. The US raised its travel advisory to level four, advising against travel due to civil unrest in Dhaka and authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency personnel. Canada urged for a peaceful resolution, expressing concern over the violence. Nearly 1,000 Indian students returned home, with ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of remaining students. Protests demand an end to job quotas favoring veterans' relatives.