Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel's military strike on Hamas headquarters in Qatar's Doha, drawing parallels to America's post 9/11 response. Netanyahu called October 7 Israel's "9/11 moment" and accused Qatar of harboring Hamas terrorists while providing them "sumptuous villas" and financing. He referenced US operations against Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and killing Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, stating "We did exactly what America did." Netanyahu urged nations harboring terrorists to "either expel them or bring them to justice" or face Israeli action. Qatar condemned the strike as "cowardly" and violating international law. The attack occurred as Hamas leaders gathered to consider a US ceasefire proposal, marking significant escalation.

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot dead on Wednesday during a student event at Utah Valley University. Police said the shooter fired from a rooftop overlooking the courtyard, striking Kirk around 12:20 pm local time. He was rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital but later died. Nearly 3,000 people were present at the event. Two men, George Zinn and Zachariah Qureshi, were briefly detained but released after questioning. The FBI has now launched a manhunt and opened a digital tip line. Utah’s governor called it a “political assassination.” US President Donald Trump called Kirk “a martyr for truth and freedom.” (PC: Reuters)

Charlie Kirk, 31, conservative activist and Turning Point USA CEO, was fatally shot during a Utah Valley University debate. The incident occurred moments after Kirk responded to questions on gun violence. Spectators captured the shooting on video, showing Kirk bleeding heavily from the neck. President Donald Trump mourned Kirk as “Great, and even Legendary.” The suspected shooter remains at large, with one person detained but not identified as the assailant. The event had sparked campus controversy, with nearly 1,000 petitioning against Kirk’s appearance. The tragedy adds to a growing wave of political violence in the U.S., including recent attacks on lawmakers and public figures. Officials across party lines condemned the act.

France witnessed nationwide protests on Wednesday as Sébastien Lecornu took office as the country’s new prime minister. The demonstrations were led by grassroots movement Bloquons Tout (“Let’s Block Everything”), which opposes budget cuts and the political class. Protesters blocked streets, set fires, and clashed with police, with 250 arrests reported by morning. In Paris, around 1,000 people gathered near Gare du Nord station, where police used tear gas. Protesters demanded President Emmanuel Macron’s resignation, rent freezes, and higher taxes for the rich. Lecornu, France’s fifth prime minister in under two years, promised dialogue with opposition and trade unions. (PC: BBC)

A total of 112 tourists from Thane district, Maharashtra, are stranded in Nepal due to violent anti-government protests. The group, from Murbad taluka, is divided between Kathmandu and Pokhara. According to MLA Kisan Kathore, 47 tourists are in a hotel in Kathmandu, the worst-hit area, while 65 are in Pokhara. They have appealed to the Maharashtra government for swift evacuation. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Thane district collector have been informed. Tourists shared videos describing fear and uncertainty as protests turned violent after Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli resigned. Nineteen people have died in the unrest. (PC: X)

Nepal’s army is patrolling Kathmandu after anti-corruption protests turned violent. Prime Minister KP Oli resigned as government buildings, parliament, and politicians’ homes were torched. At least 29 people have died since Monday. Gen Z protesters leading the movement said the violence was caused by opportunists and “infiltrators,” not them. They are volunteering to clean up and protect public property. Nationwide curfews are in place, and checkpoints check IDs of all vehicles. Protests began after a social media ban and grew due to anger over corruption and nepotism. Citizens hope for independent leadership and better governance in Nepal. (PC: BBC)

Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice, is set to lead the country’s interim government after the fall of KP Sharma Oli. Gen Z protesters, who forced Oli’s resignation, voted in favor of Karki during a mass online meeting. Known for her zero-tolerance on corruption, Karki once jailed a sitting minister. She studied at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where she recalled learning both politics and dance. In 2017, she faced impeachment over alleged judicial activism. Protest leaders called her “fearless and fair.” Her appointment now awaits formal approval by Nepal’s army leadership. (PC: India Today)

Russia has denied aiming at Poland after Warsaw said 19 Russian drones entered its airspace during overnight strikes on Ukraine. “No objects on Polish territory were planned to be targeted,” Russia’s defence ministry stated, offering talks with Poland’s defence ministry. Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned Poland is at its “closest to open conflict since World War Two.” Nato chief Mark Rutte called the airspace breach “reckless behaviour,” stressing full solidarity with Poland. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the incident marked an “extremely dangerous precedent for Europe,” after Russia launched 415 drones in one of its largest attacks. (PC: BBC)

Nepal has been shaken by violent protests after Prime Minister KP Oli resigned. Homes of leaders, government buildings, and even Nepal’s Parliament were set on fire. Former PM Jhalanath Khanal’s wife died in one blaze. Gen Z protesters, who started the movement against corruption and censorship, said they were not behind the arson. They blamed “political opportunists” for hijacking their cause. Groups like Gen Z Nepal and Hami Nepal issued statements online, saying they are working to stop violence. The army has enforced curfew and security in Kathmandu. Many fear the movement could be turned into a political struggle. (PC: India Today)

Nepal’s crisis deepened after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned, with the army officially taking control of governance. Curfew was imposed across major cities, and troops patrolled streets to restore order. Protesters had earlier set fire to Parliament, the Supreme Court, and government homes. Chaos spread to prisons, where hundreds of inmates tried to escape. Security forces opened fire at Banke jail, leaving 5 dead and several injured. Over 1,600 prisoners have reportedly fled. Army Chief Ashokraj Sigdel met protest leaders and urged dialogue. President Ramchandra Paudel is expected to hold talks with youth protesters soon. (PC: X)