Thailand's ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, convicted of corruption, is released on parole from a police hospital. The billionaire, serving a one-year sentence, returned from self-imposed exile last August. Thaksin, 74, went directly to his Bangkok mansion, not spending a night in jail due to reported health issues. Criticism arises over the handling of his case, with his original eight-year term commuted to one year by the king. Thaksin, a polarizing figure, led an elected government from 2001-06 and continues to influence Thai politics through his family's Pheu Thai party currently in power.

Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced plans to sit in opposition in Parliament and launch nationwide protests against alleged election rigging. Despite backing independent candidates, PTI's efforts to form a government faltered. PTI leader Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif confirmed the decision, citing evidence of fraudulent results. The party issued a white paper documenting irregularities and called for the chief election commissioner's resignation. PTI's core committee finalized plans for peaceful protests, with former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser leading efforts to garner support. Khan emphasized a focus on national development without political vengeance upon returning to power.

Rawalpindi election official Liaquat Ali Chatta resigns, confessing to rigging Pakistan's election results. Chatta acknowledged manipulating independent candidates' victories with fake stamps, turning losers into winners by a 50,000-vote margin. He implicated the Chief Election Commissioner and Chief Justice, prompting demands for the CEC's resignation. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) alleges massive rigging in NA and PP seats. The confession raises concerns about electoral interference amid a national crisis. Pakistan Army's influence and allegations of stolen mandates add complexity to the political landscape after the February 8 elections.

During an Israeli military operation in southern Gaza's Nasser Hospital, at least four patients in intensive care died due to the cutoff of their oxygen supply. The raid aimed to find hostages allegedly held by Hamas. The UN warns of potential slaughter in Rafah, as Israel faces criticism for potential breaches of provisional orders. Meanwhile, South African requests at the UN court regarding Israel's Gaza operations are contested. Amid international concerns, President Biden urges Israel to avoid civilian harm in Rafah. Tensions rise as unauthorized items are found in the hospital, escalating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The UK government is exploring a proposal to allow overseas dentists to work in the NHS without taking an exam to address the severe shortage. The plan, part of the £200 million NHS Dental Recovery Plan, aims to attract more dentists by streamlining the hiring process. The General Dental Council may provisionally register overseas dentists without an exam, subject to a three-month consultation. The British Dental Association criticized the government, stating that the issues causing dentists to leave are not being addressed. The plan also includes increased pay for NHS work, "dental vans" for low-coverage areas, and bonuses for dentists in under-served communities.

Russian police arrested over 100 people as protests erupted across the country following the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Footage from Moscow and St Petersburg showed officers detaining demonstrators and confiscating placards. Navalny, a vocal critic of President Putin, died in prison at 47. Mourners, both in Russia and abroad, expressed anger and sadness. World leaders condemned the Kremlin's actions, with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy blaming Putin for Navalny's death. US President Biden stated Navalny's demise was a consequence of Putin's actions. UK's Foreign Secretary summoned the Russian ambassador, demanding accountability for Navalny's death.

Former President Donald Trump, along with his eldest sons and associates, faces a devastating blow as a New York judge orders them to pay over $350 million for intentional financial fraud spanning a decade. The ruling bars Trump and two executives from serving in New York corporations or entities for up to three years. Judge Arthur Engoron's decision follows a three-month trial where Trump's credibility was severely compromised. Despite Trump's denial of wrongdoing, the judgment signals a significant legal setback for the ex-president, impacting his ability to run businesses and adding to previous legal challenges.

Ukraine's military has pulled out its troops from Avdiivka, a key eastern town besieged by Russian forces. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi cited the need to avoid encirclement and protect soldiers' lives. Avdiivka, near Donetsk, has been a battleground since 2014. The move comes amid warnings of the town falling into Russian control due to a shortage of artillery ammunition. The US Senate approved a foreign aid package for Ukraine, but it awaits approval in the House of Representatives. Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg cautioned that the lack of continued military assistance from the US is impacting the battlefield.

Pop sensation Taylor Swift contributes $100,000 to a GoFundMe for Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a victim of the Super Bowl parade shooting in Kansas City. The 44-year-old woman lost her life during the tragic incident that left over 20 people wounded. Swift, also linked to Chiefs star Travis Kelce, expressed deepest sympathies in a note accompanying her donation. The fundraiser, initially set at $75,000, surpassed $316,000 with support from 4,100 donors. The funds aim to aid Lopez-Galvan's family in coping with the heartbreaking loss. The shooting, a result of a dispute, involved no terrorism connections, as per Kansas City police.

Yulia Navalnaya, wife of late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, vowed consequences for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his aides if Navalny's reported death proves true. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, she urged the global community to unite against Russia's "horrific regime." Navalnaya expressed distrust in Putin's government, emphasizing the need for accountability. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with her, offering condolences and asserting Russia's responsibility for Navalny's death. Navalny's mother, Lyudmila Navalnaya, contradicted reports, stating he was "alive, healthy, and happy" during a prison meeting on February 12.