Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has formally written to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirming his government's support for removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the British royal line of succession. Andrew, currently eighth in line to the throne, was arrested by Thames Valley Police on February 19 at his Sandringham residence on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Allegations tied to claims he shared confidential information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during official overseas visits. Released after 11 hours of questioning, he remains under investigation without charges filed. Removing Andrew from succession would require primary legislation approved by both Houses of Parliament, royal assent from King Charles III, and consent from 14 Commonwealth realms including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. (PC: India Today)

Violence broke out in several parts of Mexico after drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, was killed during an army operation in Jalisco state.   The Mexican defence ministry said four cartel members were killed and three soldiers were injured in Tapalpa. After his death, suspected members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel set up roadblocks and burned vehicles in at least a dozen states.   About 250 roadblocks were reported across the country. President Claudia Sheinbaum said there was “absolute co-ordination” between authorities and urged people to stay calm. The US had offered a $15m reward for information on El Mencho. (PC: BBC)

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has accused former chief adviser Muhammad Yunus of trying to remove him in an unconstitutional way. In an interview with Kaler Kantho, he said there were efforts to “destroy the peace and order” and create a constitutional vacuum.   He claimed Yunus did not follow constitutional rules. “He travelled abroad 14 to 15 times, but not once did he inform me,” the president said. He also alleged he was made a “palace prisoner” and that his planned visits to Kosovo and Qatar were blocked.   Shahabuddin said the Army and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party supported him during the crisis. (PC: NDTV)

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has faced criticism after the team’s 76-run loss to South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026. Former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad questioned the team selection and said the playing XI was not balanced. He pointed to Kuldeep Yadav being left out and said, “India's bowling attack is not complete; they still aren't playing Kuldeep Yadav.” Shehzad added, “Gautam Gambhir is the one who is doing all the planning. So I think they need to reconsider their strategy.” South Africa made 187 for 7. David Miller scored 63. Marco Jansen took four wickets as India were bowled out for 111. (PC: X)

Days after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman took oath, Bangladesh carried out major changes in its army leadership. The orders were issued by Army Headquarters following the new government’s formation. Lieutenant General M Mainur Rahman was appointed chief of general staff. Major General Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury was named director general of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence. Other senior posts were also reassigned. The BNP government also recalled Brigadier General Mohammad Hafizur Rahman from his post as defence adviser at the Bangladesh High Commission in India. He has been promoted to major general and appointed GOC of the 55th Infantry Division. The reshuffle follows BNP’s two-thirds majority win in the February 12 elections. (PC: NDTV)

Four years after the Kremlin launched its full invasion of Ukraine, signs of strain are visible across parts of Russia. In towns like Yelets, army recruitment posters offer large payments to new soldiers. Murals honour local men killed in the war. Authorities do not release official casualty figures. Residents speak of rising prices and higher utility bills. “Prices are crushing us. It’s very hard to get by,” said Irina, a bus worker. Drone alerts have led to shelters being built in some areas. Even supporters feel the impact. “Pensions go up, but then prices go up even more,” said pensioner Ivan. (PC: BBC)

Clashes broke out across Mexico after security forces killed cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho. He headed the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Mexico’s defence ministry said he was badly injured in a shootout in Jalisco. He died during an air transfer to Mexico City. After his death, violence spread in Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and other areas. Buses were set on fire. Roads were blocked. Some flights were disrupted. The US Deputy Secretary of State called the operation a “great development.” The Mexican Embassy in the US said a viral airport fire video was “false” and created using artificial intelligence. (PC: HT)

The United States will stop collecting a group of import tariffs introduced by former President Donald Trump from Tuesday. The decision follows a ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States, which said the duties were unlawful. The court order came more than three days ago. The tariffs were part of a major trade policy that changed global supply chains. They also led to disputes with key trading partners. Officials said the government will end the collection process immediately. The ruling marks a major setback for a policy that had reshaped US trade in recent years. (PC: India Today)

Student-led protests against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei entered a second consecutive day at universities in Tehran and Mashhad, even as US-Iran nuclear negotiations advanced toward a crucial Geneva meeting confirmed for Thursday, February 26, by Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi. The diplomatic push follows President Trump's stark 10-15 day ultimatum demanding Iran finalise a nuclear deal or face consequences he described as "unfortunate." Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed both sides were working toward a deal while warning Iran would retaliate if attacked. Separately, Axios reported Trump was presented with options including a plan targeting Khamenei. A significant US military presence of 13 warships including aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln remains stationed across the Middle East. (PC: X & HT)

Jalisco state in Mexico declared a statewide "Code Red" after the Mexican military killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera in Tapalpa, triggering widespread cartel retaliation. Roadblocks paralysed Guadalajara, vehicles were set ablaze in Puerto Vallarta, flights were diverted, and public transport suspended. Unrest rapidly spread beyond Jalisco as Michoacán's governor confirmed disturbances across 13 municipalities, while additional violence erupted in Veracruz, Guanajuato, Colima, Tamaulipas, and Guerrero. The US Embassy issued an urgent shelter-in-place advisory for American citizens across multiple affected states. Hotels advised guests to remain indoors as security forces maintained visible presence while authorities prioritised citizen protection amid Mexico's worst cartel-triggered crisis in recent memory.