India will mark its 77th Republic Day on 26 January with a large parade in New Delhi. This year’s chief guests are European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. Experts say the choice reflects India’s growing focus on ties with the European Union. The chief guest sits next to the president, giving the role strong diplomatic meaning. Since 1950, India has used the invitation to highlight key partners, from neighbours to major global powers. Former diplomats say decisions are based on strategic goals, regional balance and timing. Past guest lists have also reflected shifts or strains in India’s foreign relations. (PC: BBC)

The International Cricket Council has warned Pakistan of serious sanctions if it withdraws from the T20 World Cup, sources said. Officials said a boycott would challenge ICC authority and harm global tournaments. Possible penalties include suspension from the Asia Cup, loss of ICC funding, and limits on foreign players in the Pakistan Super League. Bilateral series could also be halted. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan will follow government directions and no final decision has been taken yet. Sources said the PCB is aware that a withdrawal could cause long-term financial damage and isolate Pakistan from international cricket. The warning follows Bangladesh’s recent exit from the tournament over security concerns. (PC: India Today)

A 28-year-old Indian-origin man was shot dead in Burnaby, Canada, and police say the killing may be linked to gang activity. The victim was identified as Dilraj Singh Gill, a Vancouver resident who was known to police. Officers responded to reports of shots fired near Canada Way on January 22 and found Gill at the scene. He died despite efforts to save him. Soon after, police found a vehicle on fire several kilometres away and said it was connected to the shooting. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team is leading the probe. Police said the case appears linked to an ongoing gang conflict and urged witnesses to come forward. (PC: NDTV)

Protests broke out in Minneapolis after a US Border Patrol officer shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, during a demonstration. Pretti was the second person this month to die after an encounter with a federal agent in the city. Authorities said he approached officers with a handgun and resisted arrest. Videos verified by Reuters appear to show him holding a mobile phone and trying to help other protesters. The incident followed earlier protests over the killing of Renee Good on January 7. Demonstrations spread to several US cities. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said the state should lead the investigation as officials urged calm. (PC: HT)

The first three-way peace talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States ended in Abu Dhabi with no clear breakthrough. Fighting continued during the talks. Ukrainian officials said Russian drone and missile strikes hit energy facilities, killing one person and injuring 35. Kyiv and Kharkiv reported damage to heating, hospitals and shelters as temperatures stayed below zero. Russia accused Ukraine of attacking an ambulance and later reported strikes on energy sites in Belgorod. These claims could not be independently verified. President Volodymyr Zelensky said talks focused on terms to end the war and on US oversight. A US official said the sides will meet again on 1 February. (PC: BBC)

A 33-year-old Mumbai college professor, Alok Kumar Singh, was stabbed to death by a fellow commuter after a minor argument aboard a Borivali–Churchgate local train near Malad railway station on Saturday evening. The dispute unfolded as both men were disembarking, escalating into violence when the unidentified attacker pulled out a sharp weapon and stabbed Singh in the abdomen. He collapsed on the platform and was later declared dead at hospital. Police are examining CCTV footage and searching for the suspect as a murder case is registered at Borivali GRP station. (PC: NDTV)

A 51-year-old Indian-origin man, Vijay Kumar, has been arrested in Gwinnett County, Georgia, US, after allegedly shooting his wife, Meemu Dogra (43), and three relatives during an apparent family dispute, police said. The incident happened early Friday at a home on Brook Ivy Court, where the victims — Gourav Cumar (33), Nidhi Chander (37), and Harish Chander (38) — were found with fatal gunshot wounds. Three children, including Kumar’s 12-year-old son, hid in a closet and survived, with the son’s 911 call alerting officers. Kumar faces multiple murder and assault charges; the motive remains under investigation. (PC: Facebook)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has uploaded on its official website the names of West Bengal voters flagged under the ‘logical discrepancies’ list during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, following a Supreme Court directive. Around 1.25 crore voters are on the list due to mismatches like incorrect parental details or implausible age differences. District electoral officers will download and display these lists at local panchayat and block offices to ensure transparency and allow affected voters to verify and raise objections. The move aims to improve electoral roll integrity ahead of state polls. (PC: ANI)

A 23-year-old Hindu man, Chanchal Chandra Bhoumik, was burned alive inside a garage in Narsingdi district, Bangladesh, late Friday night, prompting his family to call it a premeditated murder. Eyewitnesses say unknown assailants poured petrol on the garage shutter and set it on fire while Bhoumik was sleeping inside, trapping him in the blaze. His charred body was later recovered after firefighters controlled the fire. The incident has sparked tension in the area and raised concerns about the safety of minorities. Police are examining CCTV footage and evidence and have begun a case. (PC: India Today)

Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital, was fatally shot by federal immigration agents during a protest in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. His parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, called for transparency and truth, rejecting official claims that he was armed, and saying video shows him holding a phone with hands raised while aiding a woman before being shot. They described him as kindhearted, devoted to helping others, and “heartbroken but very angry” at what they called “sickening lies” about his death. The incident has intensified national debate over federal enforcement tactics and sparked calls for accountability. (PC: AP)