Pakistan rejects the US designation as a "Country of Particular Concern" for religious freedom violations. The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, included Pakistan and China in the list, prompting Pakistan to defend its pluralistic traditions. The Pakistani foreign office termed the tag "discriminatory" and emphasized bilateral engagement to address concerns. Global criticism persists over Pakistan's blasphemy laws, misused against religious minorities. Forced conversions and kidnappings further raise human rights concerns. China, criticized for Uyghur treatment, also faces scrutiny. Both nations refute the allegations, highlighting the complexity of religious freedom on the global stage.

French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed 34-year-old Gabriel Attal as the country's youngest-ever prime minister, breaking barriers as the first openly gay man to hold the position. Attal, a rising star in Macron's Renaissance Party, served as education minister, implementing a ban on the abaya in public schools. His swift political ascent includes leading the public works ministry during the pandemic. Attal now faces the task of forming a new government and advancing Macron's agenda. The move follows Elisabeth Borne's resignation amid unpopular reforms. Attal's appointment aims to revive Macron's government ahead of European elections and the Paris Olympics.

Following diplomatic rift with India and a backlash from Indian tourists, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has urged China to boost tourism to his nation. The appeal comes after ministers in Maldives faced criticism for disparaging remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. President Muizzu, during his state visit to China, praised the Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting China as the Maldives' "closest" ally. Concurrently, a $50 million tourism project agreement was signed, emphasizing the importance of Chinese tourists. Despite India historically being a key tourism source, Muizzu aims to diversify, underlining the significance of a Free Trade Agreement with China.

Donald Trump faces a pivotal legal battle as Washington court hears arguments on whether his ex-presidential status shields him from 2020 election fraud charges. Trump, who plans to attend, asserts presidential immunity. The outcome could impact his future and 2024 political ambitions. Facing similar charges in Georgia, the case may escalate to the Supreme Court. Special counsel Jack Smith warns against allowing presidents to commit crimes with impunity. The three-judge panel's decision, expected later, may influence Trump's criminal trial set for March 4. Public opinion, as per a CBS poll, leans against Trump's immunity.

Prince Andrew is grappling with financial pressure as King Charles plans to cease funding security for the Royal Lodge, given mounting abuse claims from Jeffrey Epstein's court papers. The Duke of York, facing no clear income source, must now find a way to cover security and maintenance costs for the Windsor residence. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer supports calls for police investigation into the claims made against Prince Andrew, outlined in newly unsealed court documents. The Duke vehemently denies any wrongdoing, as questions about his royal status persist amidst the legal scrutiny.

South Korea's National Assembly has passed a groundbreaking bill outlawing the consumption of dog meat, a centuries-old tradition. The legislation, endorsed with a 208-0 vote, aims to contribute to animal rights values, fostering a respectful coexistence between humans and animals. The bill, effective from 2027, makes the slaughtering, breeding, trade, and sales of dog meat for human consumption illegal, carrying penalties of 2-3 years in prison. While the legislation doesn't specify penalties for eating dog meat, it provides assistance to those in the industry for transitioning to alternative livelihoods. Animal rights advocates celebrate the historic move.

Israeli forces conducted expanded operations in Gaza's Khan Younis, resulting in the death of approximately 40 Palestinian fighters. The military reported airstrikes targeting Hamas militants in Al-Maghazi, central Gaza. The offensive has concentrated on the southern and central regions, with Israel declaring the dismantling of Hamas infrastructures in the north. Ongoing battles persist between Israeli troops and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The escalation underscores the continuing tensions in the region, with both sides engaged in military confrontations.

A newly unsealed batch of court documents related to deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein contain shocking allegations about sex tapes involving powerful men. The documents claim an unnamed woman told investigators she had access to tapes of Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew and Richard Branson engaging in sexual acts with a woman. The woman later said she invented the tapes to draw attention to Epstein's behavior. Trump advisor Cheung denied the "baseless accusations," saying they "are simply false and have no merit." The allegations come from court documents unsealed Monday related to Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina responded humbly when asked to compare herself to other great women leaders like Indira Gandhi. In an interview after winning her fifth term, Hasina said "You mentioned Mrs Gandhi, Sirimavo Bandarnayake or Golda Mier. They are very great ladies. I am not. I am very simple, just a common person." She added, "I never felt that this is a position I have to run it no I felt this is an opportunity to serve my country, my people." Hasina said she looks after her people with motherly affection but does not let her gender affect her work. Hasina, who secured a landslide victory in an opposition-boycotted election, credited her enduring political journey to the trust and support of the Bangladeshi people.    

In an Israeli strike on south Lebanon, Wissam al-Tawil, deputy head of Hezbollah's elite Radwan force, was killed, as reported by three security sources. The strike targeted their car in the village of Majdal Selm. The sources express the severity of the impact, with expectations of increased tensions. Israeli bombardments have claimed over 130 Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon since cross-border shelling began in October. Hezbollah's leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, warned against a full-scale war in two televised addresses last week, stating consequences for those considering conflict with Lebanon.