A Meitei community member, Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh, was abducted from his home in Tuibong area and shot dead near Natjang village in Manipur's Kuki-majority Churachandpur district on Wednesday evening, police confirmed Thursday. The abduction and killing mark a fresh escalation in the state's ongoing ethnic tensions. Authorities suspect members of the United Kuki National Army is not part of the Suspension of Operations agreement between the Indian government, Manipur administration, and several Kuki-Zo militant groups carried out the attack. A Joint Action Committee formed following the killing has demanded immediate arrests and requested a central investigation into the case, as ethnic violence continues plaguing the northeastern state. (PC: Times Now)

Ten Indian Army soldiers were killed and nine injured when their vehicle fell into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Wednesday. The accident occurred at Khanni top along the Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha confirmed the deaths and extended condolences to the bereaved families, stating "we will always remember the outstanding service and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers." The injured soldiers were airlifted to hospital for treatment. Sinha directed senior officials to ensure the best possible medical care and prayed for their speedy recovery. The entire nation stands in solidarity with the families affected by this tragic accident.

India strongly condemned the trespassing and vandalism of its embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, by "anti-India elements," citing Vienna Convention protections for diplomatic premises. The Ministry of External Affairs took up the matter with Croatian authorities in New Delhi and Zagreb, demanding accountability for the perpetrators. Pro-Khalistani activists reportedly removed the Indian flag and replaced it with a Khalistan flag, according to video shared by Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The incident occurred days before the India-EU Summit scheduled for January 27 in New Delhi. Croatia is an EU member. Last year, Prime Minister Modi visited Zagreb, the first-ever Indian PM visit where Croatia backed India's counter-terrorism efforts.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has confirmed it will not play its T20 World Cup matches in India, despite the risk of being removed from the tournament. The stance follows the ICC’s rejection of Bangladesh’s request to shift matches to Sri Lanka. The ICC said security assessments found no credible threat to Bangladesh players in India. Bangladesh Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul said, “We will not bow down,” adding that player safety could not be compromised. Bangladesh is scheduled to play matches in Kolkata and Mumbai. Talks between the ICC and BCB have not led to a resolution. The ICC is now likely to replace Bangladesh with Scotland if the boycott continues. (PC: India Today)

A suspected gunman remains at large following a deadly shooting in Lake Cargelligo, New South Wales, Australia on Thursday afternoon, police said. Emergency services were called to Walker Street around 4:40 p.m. after reports of gunfire. Three people — two women and a man — were killed, and another man was seriously injured and taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition, authorities added. A major police operation and manhunt is underway in the small country town of about 1,500 residents, with armed units deployed and residents urged to stay indoors. The shooting occurred on a national day of mourning for victims of a previous mass shooting in Sydney, intensifying concern and prompting heightened law enforcement response. (AFP)

Global financial markets rebounded sharply as U.S. President Donald Trump walked back threats to impose tariffs on several European countries and ruled out seizing Greenland by force, easing investor concerns about potential trade wars. European stocks climbed, and Asian equities, especially South Korean markets, strengthened, lifting broader indexes. The U.S. S&P 500 notched its largest gain in months, while gold prices retreated from recent highs and the U.S. dollar steadied. Positive Australian jobs data lifted the Australian dollar, and traders eyed upcoming central bank meetings and economic data. Despite relief, analysts cautioned that volatility could return amid geopolitical uncertainties. (PC: AP)

At least 10 Indian Army personnel were killed and 10 others injured after a military vehicle fell into a deep gorge in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The accident occurred near Khanni Top on the Bhaderwah–Chamba road while the vehicle was moving towards a forward post in a high-altitude area. Officials said the vehicle lost control on the narrow, winding mountain road and plunged nearly 200 feet into the gorge. Rescue operations were launched immediately by the Army, police, and local volunteers. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, with some airlifted for advanced treatment. Condolences poured in from senior officials and leaders.

The Supreme Court has allowed both Hindus and Muslims to offer prayers at the Bhojshala Temple–Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar on Friday. Hindus can pray from sunrise to sunset as Basant Panchami falls on the same day. Muslims have been permitted to offer Friday namaz between 1 pm and 3 pm. The court asked the Muslim community to submit a list of worshippers to the district administration. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant urged both sides to maintain peace and cooperate with authorities. The order came while hearing a plea seeking exclusive prayer rights for Hindus on the festival day. Security has been tightened in Dhar ahead of the prayers. (PC: NDTV)

Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot walked out of the state Assembly on Thursday after reading only two lines of his customary address. The move came amid a fresh disagreement between Raj Bhavan and the state government. Officials said the governor objected to parts of the government-drafted speech. He reportedly wanted 11 paragraphs removed, citing references critical of the Centre and its policies. When the changes were not made, Gehlot concluded the address early and left the House. A video of the brief address circulated widely. The incident adds to a series of recent disputes between governors and elected state governments across the country over legislative procedures and content of official addresses.

US President Donald Trump has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said India and the United States would reach a trade deal. Speaking to Moneycontrol at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump said, “I have great respect for your Prime Minister. He’s a fantastic man and a friend of mine.” Asked about trade talks, he added, “We are going to have a good deal.” Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing negotiations to resolve trade disputes between the two countries. He has earlier warned India of higher tariffs over Russian oil purchases, saying, “We can raise tariffs on them very quickly.” India has denied giving any assurances and said its energy policy is guided by national interest. Talks are continuing. (PC: X)