A 25-year-old Hindu man, Mithun Sarkar, died after jumping into a canal while fleeing a mob chasing him over theft suspicion in Bangladesh's Bhandarpur village. His body was recovered Tuesday afternoon. This incident adds to escalating violence against religious minorities as Bangladesh prepares for February 12 parliamentary elections the first since the 2024 uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina's government. Recent attacks include a Hindu businessman fatally shot in Jessore, a grocery shop owner killed in Narsingdi, and Khokon Chandra Das burned alive in Shariatpur. The Council for Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian Unity reported 51 targeted incidents in December alone, including 10 murders, raising concerns about coordinated intimidation ahead of elections. (PC: NDTV)

Counter Intelligence Kashmir conducted extensive raids across 22 locations in Srinagar, Budgam, Shopian, and Kulgam, targeting a cyber fraud-terror funding network. The court-approved operation uncovered a sophisticated syndicate using "mule accounts" bank accounts opened under names of poor, unemployed, or unsuspecting individuals to launder money from cyber frauds, illegal online betting, and gaming platforms. Funds stolen through fake investment apps, phishing scams, and online extortion were rapidly transferred through multiple accounts, obscuring their origins. Investigators seized mobile phones, laptops, storage devices, and financial documents. Twenty-two suspects have been detained for questioning. Officials warn the investigation may expose a larger network extending beyond Jammu and Kashmir with potential national and cross-border dimensions, emphasizing strong legal consequences for banking system misuse. (PC: AFP)

The ICC has rejected Bangladesh's request to relocate their T20 World Cup matches from India, instructing them to play as scheduled or face point forfeitures. The decision follows escalating tensions after the BCCI directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL amid political backlash over reported violence against minorities in Bangladesh. The BCB raised security concerns for their players and cited Pakistan's hybrid model participation as precedent. Bangladesh has since banned IPL broadcasts domestically. While the ICC conveyed its decision in a virtual meeting, the BCB claims no official communication has been received. Mustafizur has joined Pakistan Super League, and uncertainty continues as Bangladesh hasn't confirmed its next steps. (PC: AP)

India batter Ruturaj Gaikwad was overlooked for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand despite scoring a century in the previous series versus South Africa, triggering debate over selection choices. Former India player Robin Uthappa advised Gaikwad to persevere, saying success in Indian cricket demands resilience — especially for players outside major centres like Mumbai, Delhi and Punjab. Gaikwad, who debuted in ODIs in 2022, has had limited opportunities and was left out after Shreyas Iyer’s return from injury. Critics argue consistent runs and patience remain key for his India comeback. (PC: HT)

U.S. President Donald Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “not that happy with me” due to steep tariffs Washington has imposed on Indian goods, particularly linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil, during remarks at a House GOP retreat in Washington. He reiterated that despite a “very good relationship,” New Delhi is bearing high tariff costs, partly from a 50 % duty, including a 25 % levy tied to Russian oil imports. Trump also referenced long-pending Apache helicopter deliveries to India. The comments reflect ongoing trade tensions amid efforts to pressure India over energy and bilateral commerce. (PC: Reuters)

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) carried out a pre-dawn demolition drive near the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque in the Turkman Gate area to remove unauthorised encroachments, including a dispensary and community hall, following a Delhi High Court order. Authorities deployed 17 bulldozers with heavy police presence to enforce the court directive. The action sparked tension and protests, with some residents pelting stones, leading to the use of tear gas and minor injuries to five police personnel. Traffic advisories were issued due to road closures affecting key routes around Ramlila Maidan.

U.S. President **Donald Trump and his advisers are actively discussing plans to acquire Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, calling it a national security priority due to its strategic Arctic location and mineral resources. The White House confirmed that a range of options — including the possible use of U.S. military force — is being considered, though officials emphasized this is not an imminent invasion. European and Danish leaders strongly rejected any forced takeover, insisting Greenland’s future must be decided by its people, warning that any attack on a NATO ally could jeopardize the alliance. (PC: AP)

Global oil prices showed mixed movement as markets balanced expectations of ample supply in 2026 with uncertainty over Venezuela’s future crude output following geopolitical developments and U.S. actions. Analysts say oil supply is likely sufficient this year even if Venezuela’s production stays constrained, keeping price pressure intact due to weak demand and oversupply concerns. Brent and WTI prices edged modestly, reflecting the cautious investor sentiment. The potential for increased Venezuelan output exists if political stability and investments improve, but any significant boost is expected to take time, moderating near-term market impact. (PC: CNBC)

Uttar Pradesh’s draft electoral roll saw a massive cleanup with 2.89 crore names deleted, about 18.7% of the earlier list after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise by the Election Commission. Of those removed, 46.23 lakh were deceased, 2.17 crore had shifted or were absent, and 25+ lakh were duplicate entries. The capital Lucknow recorded the highest deletions.The draft roll now lists 12.55 crore voters from a previous 15.44 crore. A claims and objections period (Jan 6–Feb 6) allows affected citizens to appeal before the final list is published on March 6. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump said “many, many” Cuban soldiers were killed during a military raid that led to the capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro. He called the operation “brilliant” while speaking to party members. Local media in Venezuela reported that 23 Venezuelan and 32 Cuban troops died when US special forces stormed Maduro’s guarded compound. The US has not confirmed these figures. In Caracas, armed police were seen patrolling key areas, according to images shared by the interior ministry. Videos posted online showed security forces chanting slogans of loyalty. Many officials from Maduro’s government remain in place, and residents say fear continues across the capital. (PC: BBC)