Iran has said about 2,000 people died during recent nationwide protests and blamed “terrorists” for the violence. An Iranian official gave the figure to Reuters. In contrast, opposition-linked outlet Iran International claimed at least 12,000 protesters were killed by security forces. It said most deaths occurred on January 8 and 9 and were carried out by the Revolutionary Guard and Basij forces. The website said its estimate was based on internal security data, medical sources, and eyewitness accounts. Human rights groups have so far confirmed only several hundred deaths, saying full verification is difficult due to internet shutdowns and tight media controls inside Iran. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday warned states and dog feeders of strict liability in cases of stray dog attacks. During the hearing, the bench said, “For every dog bite, for every death, we will be likely fixing heavy compensation for states for not making requisite arrangements. And also liability to dog feeders. You take them to your house, keep them, why should they be allowed to roam around, biting, chasing? The effect of a dog bite is lifelong.” The court also asked who should be held responsible when a child is killed by dogs fed by an organisation. The bench said it is not possible to judge a dog’s mood on the streets.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has said it will not withdraw its request to shift its T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka, even after the ICC turned down the appeal. The issue was discussed in a video meeting between the two bodies on Tuesday. BCB officials again cited “security concerns” as the reason for their demand. The ICC responded that the tournament schedule had already been announced and asked Bangladesh to reconsider its position. In a statement later, the BCB said it was still in talks with the ICC and had not altered its stand. The row comes weeks before the tournament begins. (PC: NDTV)

The United States has said it will invite India to join Pax Silica, a US-led alliance focused on building a secure silicon and chip supply chain for the AI era. US Ambassador Sergio Gor said the move aims to create a full ecosystem, from mineral refining to advanced manufacturing. Pax Silica brings together partners such as Australia, Japan, Israel, South Korea, the UK, the Netherlands, the UAE, Singapore, and Qatar. The initiative seeks to reduce global reliance on China for rare earth minerals. India has large reserves but depends heavily on imports. Joining the bloc could help India diversify supplies and gain technology support. (PC: India Today)

Eyewitnesses across Iran have told BBC Persian that security forces used live fire against unarmed protesters last week, killing people in several cities. A man in southern Iran said troops shot directly into crowds with assault rifles. Residents of Tehran and nearby Fardis described Basij forces on motorcycles opening fire and unmarked cars shooting in narrow streets. Internet access has been largely cut, limiting reporting. Norway-based Iran Human Rights said at least 648 protesters have been killed, including minors, though figures cannot be independently verified. Medics said hospitals were overwhelmed, with many bodies brought to morgues and some not released to families. (PC: BBC)

Germany has announced that Indian passport holders will no longer need a Schengen Airport Transit visa while changing flights at its airports. The rule was revealed during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to India this week. It will apply to travellers transiting through hubs such as Frankfurt and Munich on the way to non-Schengen countries. Passengers must stay inside the international transit area and leave within 24 hours. The policy does not allow entry into Germany or any other Schengen state. The government has said the decision is yet to be implemented. Once active, it is expected to reduce paperwork, cost, and missed connections for Indian flyers. (PC: NDTV)

The BJP suffered a setback on Tuesday after losing the Vizhinjam ward bye-election in Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. The party had hoped the result would secure a clear majority. UDF candidate K H Sudheer Khan defeated LDF nominee N Noushad by 83 votes. Khan polled 2,902 votes, while Noushad secured 2,819. BJP candidate Sarvashaktipuram Binu finished third with 2,437 votes. With this result, the BJP remains at 50 seats in the 101-member council and needs the support of Independent councillor P Radhakrishnan to reach the majority mark of 51. The UDF’s tally has risen to 20 seats, while the LDF stays at 29. (PC: HT)

A small Spanish satellite has survived Isro’s troubled PSLV-C62 mission and sent data back to Earth, its maker said on Tuesday. Orbital Paradigm said its 25-kg Kestrel Initial Demonstrator, or “KID”, separated from the rocket and transmitted signals for over three minutes. The capsule was launched as a co-passenger on January 12. The main mission failed after a problem in the rocket’s third stage, likely losing the primary payloads. Isro has confirmed a deviation and is studying the data. Orbital Paradigm said the capsule recorded peak loads of about 28g and high heat during its unexpected re-entry, providing useful test results. (PC: India Today)

Blinkit has removed its 10-minute delivery claim after government talks with quick commerce firms over rider safety, sources said. The meeting included Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato and Swiggy. Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya led the effort to end strict delivery deadlines. Officials said the targets were pushing workers to take risks on the road. Other platforms are expected to follow in the coming days. The issue was raised in Parliament, where AAP MP Raghav Chadha said short timelines put lives in danger. The labour ministry has also issued draft rules under four labour codes to extend minimum wage, safety and social security benefits to gig workers. (PC: News18)

Iran faced continued unrest on Tuesday as an official told Reuters that about 2,000 people have been killed during nationwide protests. The official blamed “terrorists” for the deaths. Authorities began easing a communications blackout, allowing some international calls for the first time in days. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the regime may be in its “final days”, adding that a system surviving only through violence is finished. Protests began in late December over economic concerns and later turned political. Courts have started hearing protest cases, with senior judicial officials warning that charges such as moharebeh could bring the death penalty under Iranian law. (PC: X)