The United States has invited India to join President Donald Trump's Board of Peace for Gaza, aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas war. US Ambassador Sergio Gor confirmed the invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The board will oversee Gaza's ceasefire implementation, establish a Palestinian committee, deploy international security forces, disarm Hamas, and manage reconstruction. Permanent membership requires a $1 billion contribution, funding Gaza's rebuilding. Around 60 countries received invitations, including Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, Pakistan, Canada, Turkey, and Egypt. The board includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, former British PM Tony Blair, and World Bank President Ajay Banga. Trump would chair the board for life, initially focusing on Gaza before expanding globally.

Seven Indian soldiers were injured during a gunbattle with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district. The incident occurred during 'Operation Trashi-I' in Chatroo's Sonnar area when troops encountered two to three foreign terrorists, allegedly from Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad. The terrorists fired indiscriminately and lobbed grenades attempting to break the cordon. Security forces retaliated and evacuated injured soldiers to hospital. The White Knight Corps commended troops for their professionalism under challenging terrain conditions. Additional forces from the Army, CRPF, and police reinforced the cordon, with advanced surveillance equipment and drones deployed. This marks the third encounter in Jammu region this year, following December's operation targeting three dozen terrorists ahead of Republic Day celebrations. (PC: X)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a stark warning to the United States, stating any aggression against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would trigger all-out war. The warning follows President Donald Trump's remarks about possible intervention amid widespread Iranian protests. Pezeshkian blamed Washington's sanctions for Iranian hardships, calling them "inhumane." Trump previously stated Iran crossed a "red line" due to violent crackdowns on protesters. Mass demonstrations erupted in December over inflation and rial decline, evolving into anti-regime protests. The US-based Human Rights News Agency reports approximately 4,000 deaths and 24,000 arrests. Khamenei acknowledged "several thousand" deaths Saturday, attributing blame to America for the casualties. (PC: X)

Rights group Oxfam praised India's political reservation system in its annual inequality report released at the World Economic Forum. The organization highlighted India's quotas for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and marginalized groups as a "compelling example" of political empowerment for ordinary citizens. Oxfam noted that globally, billionaires are 4,000 times more likely to hold political office than average citizens. India's reservation system creates opportunities for economically disadvantaged and socially excluded communities to gain legislative representation and advance redistributive policies. The country provides reservations based on population and recently announced 33 percent reservation for women. Oxfam emphasized that institutional inclusiveness and political incentives enable meaningful participation despite structural inequality. (PC: X)

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Europe will not be blackmailed amid threats by US President Donald Trump over Greenland. Trump has warned of tariffs on eight European allies if they oppose his plan to take control of Greenland. European nations issued a joint statement backing Denmark and warning of a “dangerous downward spiral”. They said tariff threats harm transatlantic ties. EU members held an emergency meeting in Brussels. Trump argues Greenland is vital for US security. Protests were held in Denmark and Greenland against the proposal. NATO chief Mark Rutte said talks with Washington are ongoing. (PC: Reuters)

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will visit India on Monday to strengthen bilateral ties. The visit is at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the external affairs ministry said. Talks will focus on trade, investment, defence cooperation and energy. Regional issues, including West Asia and the Gaza peace process, may also be discussed. India and the United Arab Emirates share strong political and economic ties, boosted after a trade deal in 2022. The ministry said the visit will help chart new areas of cooperation and deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. (PC: HT)

7 soldiers were injured during a gunbattle with terrorists in Kishtwar on Sunday, sources said. The encounter began during a search operation in the Chatroo area under Operation Trashi-I. The operation is being led by the Indian Army along with the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Officials said two to three terrorists linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed opened fire and lobbed grenades. The troops retaliated and evacuated the injured soldiers to hospital. Reinforcements, drones and sniffer dogs were deployed. The operation is still underway.

Chile has declared a state of catastrophe as deadly wildfires spread across the south. President Gabriel Boric imposed emergency measures in the Ñuble and Biobío regions. At least 16 people have died and around 20,000 were evacuated. Fires destroyed about 250 homes near Concepción, including Penco and Lirquén. Firefighters are battling 24 fires nationwide. Strong winds and extreme heat are worsening the crisis. Authorities said all resources have been deployed to control the flames. (PC: EPA)

8 skiers were killed in a series of avalanches in Austria after heavy snowfall, authorities said. Three Czech skiers died in the Pusterwald area of Styria when they were buried under snow. Four others were rescued. In the Salzburg Pongau region, four skiers died in the Gastein Valley after another avalanche swept them away. A female skier also died nearby in Bad Hofgastein. Rescue teams, helicopters and dog squads were deployed. Officials said warnings about avalanche danger were issued repeatedly. The risk level was marked “considerable.” (PC: AP)

The Haryana Police has flagged over 1,000 social media posts and profiles during a month-long crackdown on online content. So far, 583 posts and accounts have been taken down, while others remain under review. The drive is being carried out with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Police said the content included anti-national material, posts hurting religious sentiments, obscene content, and fake investment apps. AI-generated images of leaders, including Narendra Modi, were also removed. Haryana DGP Ajay Singhal said the aim is to ensure a safe and trustworthy digital space. Citizens were urged to report suspicious content. (PC: Manisha Yadav, The Print)