The trial of Urfan Sharif, Beinash Batool, and Faisal Malik at the Old Bailey reveals harrowing details of the events leading to the death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif. Urfan Sharif claims he found his daughter limp in Batool's arms, who allegedly blamed another child for Sara's injuries. Despite attempts to revive her, Sara died, and Sharif alleges Batool discouraged calling the police to protect the family. The trial highlights a history of abuse, with Sara suffering multiple injuries before her death. The accused fled to Pakistan, with Sharif claiming he intended to confess upon arrival.

In Georgia, tens of thousands protested against the alleged rigging of elections by the pro-Putin Georgian Dream party, which claimed victory. The opposition and President Salome Zurabishvili accused the party of using sophisticated methods linked to Russia to manipulate the vote. The election results have been condemned by international entities, including the EU and the US, citing irregularities and democratic backsliding. Despite the ruling party's claims of prioritizing EU membership, the opposition refuses to concede, accusing the government of authoritarianism. The situation has led to political uncertainty and calls for further investigations into the election process.

In Georgia's disputed elections, pro-Putin oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili claims victory amid allegations of vote-rigging, with opposition parties contesting the results. The ruling Georgian Dream party, which has shifted towards Moscow following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, faces accusations of electoral abuse, including ballot stuffing and vote-buying. Despite early results favoring Georgian Dream, opposition parties assert they have a majority, with exit polls showing conflicting outcomes. The elections are seen as pivotal for Georgia's EU membership aspirations, with the ruling party's pro-Russian rhetoric drawing criticism from Western allies. The political climate is tense, marked by violence and allegations of authoritarianism, as the country grapples with its geopolitical orientation between the West and Russia.

Sara Sharif's father, Urfan Sharif, left the courtroom in tears during a trial where neighbors testified about the abusive environment Sara endured before her death. Witnesses described the stepmother, Beinash Batool, as verbally abusive and aggressive towards the children, with Sara often singled out for mistreatment. The trial involves Urfan, Batool, and Faisal Malik, who are accused of murder and causing or allowing Sara's death. The court heard detailed accounts of the abuse, including Sara's forced chores and the physical injuries she suffered. All accused parties deny the charges, and the trial is ongoing.

Sara Sharif's stepmother, Beinash Batool, is accused of abusing the 10-year-old, with a neighbor, Rebecca Spencer, testifying about hearing screams and sounds of confinement. Sara was allegedly beaten to death before Batool, along with Sara's father, Urfan Sharif, and uncle, Faisal Malik, fled to Pakistan. The trial at the Old Bailey continues, with all three denying charges of murder and causing or allowing the death of a child. The case highlights severe child abuse and the failure to report it, despite evident signs.

Chinese internet sleuths on TikTok and Xiaohongshu have accused David Cholmondeley, the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, and his wife Rose Hanbury of possessing antique valuables looted from the Qing Dynasty at their Houghton Hall estate. The allegations target items believed to be inherited from the Sassoon family, known as 'the Rothschilds of the East', who amassed wealth during China's 'century of humiliation'. Houghton Hall's spokesperson has refuted the claims, stating the items were legally acquired by the Walpole family in the 18th century and were mostly made for export. The Sassoons have historically faced criticism for their involvement in the opium trade. Sybil Sassoon, the current Marquess's grandmother, is recognized for her contributions to the Hall's art collection.

Luis Har, a 71-year-old Israeli accountant, recounts his 129-day captivity under Hamas in Gaza and his subsequent rescue by the IDF. Har, along with his girlfriend's brother Fernando Marman and other family members, were taken hostage during a raid on their Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak. They endured psychological warfare and poor living conditions until the IDF's elite Yamam unit extracted Har and Marman in a dramatic nighttime operation. The family, including their pet dog, survived the ordeal and were reunited with their loved ones. Har is now advocating for the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza.

Liri Albag, a 19-year-old Israeli, remains captive in Gaza during the Jewish festival of Purim, held hostage by Hamas and forced into domestic slavery. Her family, from Yarhiv, central Israel, shared old photographs and their distress, refusing to celebrate the holiday. Liri was kidnapped from Nahal Oz near the Gaza border along with other teenagers. The family has learned of her harsh conditions through released hostages. The IDF has tracked her initial location, but her current whereabouts in the tunnels are unknown. The family, including her boyfriend Nir Alboro, who has recovered from a terrorist attack, holds onto hope for her return as negotiations for a hostage deal take place in Qatar.

Israel conducted a daring raid in Gaza to rescue four hostages from Hamas, including Noa Argamani, who was taken during the Supernova music festival. The operation, involving IDF helicopter squads, faced heavy resistance and resulted in the death of officer Arnon Zmora. The mission, planned for months, was hailed as a significant success by Israeli leaders, though it also led to numerous Palestinian casualties. The rescue has sparked mixed reactions in Israel, with some celebrating the hostages' return and others criticizing the lack of a ceasefire. International figures, including U.S. President Joe Biden and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, welcomed the hostages' release and called for further efforts to end the conflict.

Houghton Hall, a 106-room mansion in Norfolk, is under scrutiny from Chinese internet sleuths who claim it contains Qing Dynasty antiques looted by the Sassoon family. The estate, owned by David Cholmondeley, denies these allegations, stating that the items were legally acquired by the Walpole family in the 18th century. The controversy has sparked a debate on social media, with users highlighting the historical context of the Sassoon family's wealth and their role in the opium trade. The estate maintains that the items were made for export to Europe and not looted.