**Summary:** Catherine Pégard, former president of the Château de Versailles and an advisor to Emmanuel Macron, has been appointed as the new Minister of Culture, replacing Rachida Dati. Dati resigned to campaign for the Paris mayoral election.

**Key points:**
- Pégard previously worked for the magazine « Le Point » and served as culture advisor to Nicolas Sarkozy.
- Sabrina Roubache returns as Delegate Minister for Vocational Education and Training and Apprenticeship.
- Maud Bregeon, the government spokesperson, becomes Delegate Minister for Energy.
- Camille Galliard-Minier is appointed Delegate Minister for Autonomy and Disabled Persons.
- Jeand-Didier Berger joins the Ministry of the Interior under Laurent Nuñez.

**Why it matters:** This cabinet reshuffle involves several key appointments in the French government, signaling changes in cultural leadership and other ministerial responsibilities.

Le Nouvel Obs - Catherine Pégard, une anti-Dati nommée ministre de la Culture

Sud Ouest - Ministère de la Culture : Catherine Pégard, ex-présidente du château de Versailles, succède à Rachida Dati

Catherine Pégard Named New French Minister of Culture, Succeeding Rachida Dati

**Summary:** Pakistan's security forces provided an immediate and effective response to what they termed "unprovoked action" and firing by the Afghan Taliban along multiple locations of the Pak-Afghan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on Thursday. The Taliban administration claimed their attacks were in retaliation for recent Pakistani airstrikes.

**Key points:**
- Pakistan's information ministry stated that Taliban regime forces were being punished in Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Bajaur sectors.
- Early reports from Pakistan indicated heavy casualties and the destruction of multiple Afghan posts and equipment.
- The clashes involved more than two hours of fighting before Pakistani troops retaliated, according to Pakistani officials speaking anonymously.
- The incident follows Pakistani airstrikes over the weekend targeting militant camps, which Afghanistan claimed killed civilians.

**Why it matters:** This flare-up along the 2,600-km Durand Line threatens a fragile ceasefire and adds to fears of renewed escalation between the two neighbours.

Express.pk - طالبان رجیم کی سرحدی خلاف ورزی پر پاکستان کا بھرپور جواب، افغانستان کو بھاری جانی و مالی نقصان

The Straits Times - Afghanistan launches retaliatory attacks on Pakistan border posts, Taliban says

Al Jazeera - Afghanistan says it launches attacks against Pakistan

Quetta Tribune - Pakistan giving ‘effective’ response to fresh ‘unprovoked fire’ by Afghan Taliban

Pakistan and Afghan Taliban exchange 'unprovoked fire' across border

**Summary:** Swedish defense forces intercepted a Russian drone that approached the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle while it was docked in Malmö, Sweden. The drone was neutralized after Swedish forces initiated jamming operations, though it is unclear if it returned to its source ship or crashed into the sea.

**Key points:**
- The drone was detected flying approximately 10 kilometers (about 7 nautical miles) from the port of Malmö.
- The drone reportedly took off from a nearby Russian vessel.
- The incident occurred while the Charles de Gaulle was in Malmö for strategic exercises.
- The French military confirmed the Swedish jamming device functioned perfectly and did not disrupt the carrier.

**Why it matters:** This incident highlights a direct security concern involving a major NATO ally's naval asset in Swedish territorial waters, involving an apparent Russian surveillance attempt during military cooperation.

Швеція перехопила російський дрон, який наблизився до французького атомного авіаносця

Un drone intercepté à proximité du porte-avions Charles de Gaulle en Suède

Российский беспилотник приближался к французскому атомному авианосцу: в СМИ рассказали, чем это закончилось

Swedish Forces Intercept Russian Drone Near French Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle

**Summary:** Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a two-day visit to Israel, where he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu elevated bilateral ties to a 'Special Strategic Partnership.' The leaders signed 17 agreements, focusing heavily on strengthening cooperation in technology sectors like AI and quantum technology.

**Key points:**
- The visit resulted in 27 overall outcomes, with 17 formal agreements signed between the two nations.
- Modi addressed the Israeli parliament (Knesset), receiving a standing ovation and affirming India's firm support for Israel following the October 7, 2023, attack.
- The leaders decided to establish a 'Significant and Emerging Technology Partnership' covering AI, cybersecurity, innovation, and critical minerals.
- Modi emphasized 'civilisational ties' between India and Israel during his address.
- Modi's visit was marked by a conspicuous silence regarding Israel’s ongoing military actions in occupied Palestinian territory.

**Why it matters:** This elevation of ties, anchored in defense and shared nationalistic leanings, deepens technological and economic cooperation, though analysts suggest it compromises India's historical pro-Palestine stance.

ভারত-ইসরায়েলের মধ্যে ১৭ চুক্তি সই - Jagonews24.com

From Gaza to defence: Five key takeaways from Indian PM Modi’s Israel visit - Al Jazeera

India and Israel Elevate Ties to 'Special Strategic Partnership,' Sign 17 Agreements

**Summary:** North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated that Pyongyang can coexist with the United States only if Washington accepts North Korea's constitutional status as a nuclear power and withdraws its hostile policy. Kim also declared that North Korea will permanently exclude South Korea, calling it the most hostile entity, and vowed to continue expanding its nuclear arsenal.

**Key points:**
- Kim Jong Un made the diplomatic offer at the close of the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
- North Korea plans to focus on projects to increase the number of nuclear weapons and expand nuclear operational means.
- Kim stated that the future of US-DPRK relations depends entirely on the US attitude.
- The leader condemned South Korea's conciliatory attitude as a 'clumsy and deceptive farce'.
- The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) estimated North Korea holds about 50 assembled nuclear warheads.

**Why it matters:** This declaration signals North Korea's strategic confidence in maintaining its nuclear status and sets clear, non-negotiable terms for potential future engagement with the US, while hardening its stance against South Korea.

News18 - Kim Offers US A Choice: Accept North Korea's Nukes Or Face Endless Standoff

EL PAÍS - Kim Jong-un asegura que seguirá fortaleciendo las capacidades nucleares de Corea del Norte

Kim Jong Un Offers US Choice: Accept North Korea as Nuclear State or Face Eternal Confrontation

**Summary:** Børge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), announced his resignation following an independent review into his past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The WEF co-chairs accepted his decision, noting the review found no concerns beyond what was already public.

**Key points:**
- Brende, a former Norwegian Foreign Minister, led the Geneva-based forum since 2017.
- The resignation allows the WEF to continue its work without distractions, according to Brende.
- Disclosures from the US Justice Department revealed Brende attended three business dinners with Epstein and exchanged over 100 messages.
- Brende had previously stated publicly in November 2025 that he had no contact with Epstein.
- Alois Zwinggi, the current Managing Director, was named interim President immediately.
- The WEF Board of Trustees will begin the search for a permanent successor.

**Why it matters:** The resignation of the WEF President due to connections with Jeffrey Epstein highlights the reputational damage such associations can inflict on major global organizations. The incident underscores the scrutiny faced by global figures regarding past associations with controversial individuals.

Børge Brende: Präsident des Weltwirtschaftsforums tritt wegen Epstein-Affäre zurück

Kriminalität: Epstein-Skandal: Chef des Weltwirtschaftsforums tritt zurück

Borge Brende Quits As World Economic Forum CEO After Epstein Links Emerge

Affaire Epstein : Borge Brende, président du Forum économique de Davos, annonce sa démission

WEF President Børge Brende Resigns Over Jeffrey Epstein Connections

**Summary:** Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee this week regarding the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators. The testimony follows a contentious exchange where Republicans accused the Clintons of resisting oversight, which the Clintons deny, calling the proceedings a politically motivated "kangaroo court."

**Key points:**
- Hillary Clinton is set to appear on Thursday, with former President Clinton scheduled for the following day.
- The closed-door depositions will be recorded, and video footage is planned for later release.
- Bill Clinton took four trips on Epstein’s private jet between 2002 and 2003, some for Clinton Foundation work.
- Republicans, led by Chair James Comer (R-Ky.), claim the testimony is vital to understanding Epstein’s sex trafficking network.
- Hillary Clinton stated she never met Epstein but encountered Ghislaine Maxwell years ago.

**Why it matters:** This marks the first time in over 40 years that a former president will testify before Congress to address criminal allegations. The testimony is central to the ongoing congressional probe into Jeffrey Epstein's activities.

Epstein probe: Bill and Hillary Clinton to testify in Congress

The Clintons are about to testify on Epstein ties. Here's what to know

Bill and Hillary Clinton to Testify Before Congress on Jeffrey Epstein Ties

**Summary:** The third round of indirect nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington commenced in Geneva, mediated by Oman. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, presented a draft for a new nuclear agreement to the Omani mediator, demanding 'seriousness' from the US to achieve a successful negotiation.

**Key points:**
- The US delegation includes Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
- Iran is seeking the lifting of economic sanctions in exchange for limiting its nuclear program.
- The US aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, with Vice President JD Vance citing indications of a nuclear program rebuild.
- Iran rejects discussions on limiting its missile arsenal or ending support for groups like Hezbollah.

**Why it matters:** These negotiations are potentially decisive for resolving disputes over Iran's nuclear activities and the status of US economic sanctions.

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