Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, speaking publicly from India for the first time, urged citizens to oppose the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. In a pre-recorded address played in New Delhi, Hasina said the administration could not ensure free and fair elections ahead of the February 12 polls. She alleged rising violence, lawlessness and attacks on minorities, women and journalists. Hasina called for an “ironclad guarantee” to protect vulnerable groups and demanded an impartial United Nations investigation into events after her government fell in August 2024. The Awami League leader has been living in exile in India. Her party has been barred from contesting the election. (PC: HT)

Russia carried out overnight drone and missile strikes across Ukraine, killing one person and injuring at least 23, officials said, even as talks with the United States continued. Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said a “massive enemy attack” damaged critical infrastructure, leaving about 6,000 buildings without heating in sub-zero weather. Four people were wounded in the capital, three of them hospitalised. In Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said 19 people were injured, with a maternity hospital and a shelter for displaced people damaged. Delegations from Russia, Ukraine and the US met in Abu Dhabi. A source said progress was limited, with territorial issues unresolved. (PC: BBC)

Several international airlines have suspended flights to parts of the Middle East due to growing safety concerns linked to US-Iran tensions. Airlines including KLM, Air France, Lufthansa, United Airlines and Air Canada have halted or limited services to destinations such as Dubai and Tel Aviv. Some carriers said they are avoiding airspace over Iran, Iraq, Israel and parts of the Gulf. Lufthansa has restricted flights to daytime operations in Israel. The move follows increased US military deployments in the region after unrest in Iran. US President Donald Trump confirmed that American warships, including an aircraft carrier, are moving toward the region as a precaution. Iran recently closed its airspace briefly, disrupting global flights. (PC: NDTV)

Several international airlines have suspended flights to parts of the Middle East due to growing safety concerns linked to US-Iran tensions. Airlines including KLM, Air France, Lufthansa, United Airlines and Air Canada have halted or limited services to destinations such as Dubai and Tel Aviv. Some carriers said they are avoiding airspace over Iran, Iraq, Israel and parts of the Gulf. Lufthansa has restricted flights to daytime operations in Israel. The move follows increased US military deployments in the region after unrest in Iran. US President Donald Trump confirmed that American warships, including an aircraft carrier, are moving toward the region as a precaution. Iran recently closed its airspace briefly, disrupting global flights. (PC: X)

The United States may consider rolling back 25% of the tariffs imposed on India after a decline in its purchases of Russian oil, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. He said the Trump administration imposed 50% tariffs in two phases, including a 25% levy linked to India’s oil trade with Russia. Speaking to US media, Bessent said India’s reduced imports of Russian crude have created conditions for easing part of the duties. He added that the tariffs remain in place for now. India has said its energy import decisions are guided by national interest and not external pressure. (PC: India Today)

4 people were shot dead in the United States in what police believe was a domestic dispute in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Indian officials said one of the victims was an Indian national, though US authorities have not confirmed the nationality of all those killed. Police identified the suspect as 51-year-old Vijay Kumar, who was taken into custody after the incident. His wife, Meemu Dogra, and three relatives were among the dead. Investigators said an argument took place before the shooting. Three children, aged 12, 9 and 7, were found hiding in a closet at the home. The suspect’s 12-year-old son called emergency services. The motive remains under investigation. (PC: HT)

Prince Harry has said the sacrifices made by NATO troops in Afghanistan must be spoken about “truthfully and with respect” after comments by US President Donald Trump. Trump said allied forces stayed “a little back” from the front lines during the war. Prince Harry, who served two tours in Afghanistan, said he lost friends in the conflict and paid tribute to those killed, including 457 British personnel. He noted NATO invoked Article 5 after the 9/11 attacks and allies fought alongside the US. His remarks followed criticism from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and leaders from several NATO countries. (PC: X)

Israel’s Economy Minister Nir Barkat has warned Iran of a strong military response if it attacks Israel again. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Barkat said Israel would retaliate “seven times harder.” He accused Iran of backing armed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah to destabilise the region.   Barkat also ruled out Pakistan from any peacekeeping role in Gaza, saying countries that supported terror were not welcome. He said Israel’s focus remains defence, not regime change, and hoped for peace if Iran changes its path.

Iran has warned US President Donald Trump that any attack on Tehran would be treated as an “all-out war,” after he said American warships were heading toward the region. A senior Iranian official said Iran would use “everything at its disposal” to respond to what it sees as a constant military threat from the US. Trump described the deployment as a large naval force moving toward Iran. Reports said the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, three destroyers armed with missiles, and US fighter jets have been sent to the Middle East. Iranian officials said the country is on high alert but did not detail any planned response. (PC: India Today)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticised US President Donald Trump over comments suggesting British and NATO troops were not on the front lines in Afghanistan. Starmer said the remarks were “insulting and frankly appalling” and caused pain to veterans and families of the fallen. He said he would apologise if he had made such comments. Trump repeated his view in an interview, saying NATO troops stayed “a little off the frontlines.” Downing Street said Trump was wrong to downplay the role of UK forces. Officials noted British troops served in sustained combat operations alongside allies. The UK lost 457 soldiers in Afghanistan, with many more wounded. (PC: Sky News)