West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused authorities of conducting Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls using artificial intelligence, dubbing it a "huge scam." Speaking at a rally in Bankura ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, Banerjee claimed that poor and common citizens are being tortured through the SIR process. She criticized the BJP's recurring promise to build "shonar Bangla" (prosperous West Bengal) before every election, questioning how they would achieve this when atrocities are allegedly committed against Bengali-speaking people in BJP-led states. The Chief Minister's allegations come as political tensions escalate in the state ahead of crucial polls, with the electoral roll revision process becoming a contentious issue. (PC: The Indian Express)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over reports of alleged Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence, urging all parties to avoid actions undermining peace efforts. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones at Putin's state residence in Novgorod region on December 28-29, calling it "state terrorism." All drones were reportedly intercepted. US President Donald Trump, currently negotiating peace between the nations, said he was "very angry" after learning about the incident from Putin. Ukrainian President Zelensky dismissed Moscow's allegations as "complete fabrication." Modi emphasized that diplomacy remains the only viable path to ending hostilities and achieving lasting peace. (PC: X)

Former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, who died on Tuesday at 80, had a complex relationship with India. Early in her career, she opposed Indian transit rights and called toll-free road access a form of “slavery”. She also criticised the Farakka Barrage and resisted renewal of a key friendship treaty. During her terms, Bangladesh deepened defence ties with China, raising concern in New Delhi. From 2012, her approach softened. After visits to Delhi, she pledged that BNP governments would act against terror groups using Bangladeshi soil to target India. She later met Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi, signalling limited outreach. (PC: X)

Thick fog disrupted flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport for a second day on Tuesday. Officials said that by about 9.30 am, 118 flights were cancelled, over 200 were delayed, and 18 were diverted. The India Meteorological Department reported visibility of 350 metres at the airport at that time. Train services in the capital were also affected. The Airports Authority of India issued an advisory for several north India airports, warning of delays due to low visibility. Airlines, including IndiGo, asked passengers to stay in touch for updates and to allow extra time at airports as fog continues. (PC: HT)

Ranjit “Ricky” Gill, an Indian-origin adviser to US President Donald Trump, has received the National Security Council’s Distinguished Action Award for his role in talks linked to the May 10 India-Pakistan ceasefire. Gill is senior director for South and Central Asia at the NSC and special assistant to Trump. The US has not shared details of his role. India has denied any third-party mediation in the truce after Operation Sindoor. Born in New Jersey to Punjabi Sikh parents, Gill is a lawyer and Princeton graduate. He earlier served at the State Department and worked on the US embassy move to Jerusalem. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump said he wants talks to move to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire “very quickly”. He spoke after meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida. Trump said Hamas must disarm in a short time or face serious action. He added that Israel had followed the plan fully. Under phase two, Hamas would disarm, Israeli troops would leave Gaza, and a technocratic government would take charge before rebuilding begins. Trump also said the US could back fresh strikes on Iran if it restarts nuclear or missile work. Iran warned any attack would face an immediate response. (PC: BBC)

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed condolences over the death of her long-time rival Khaleda Zia. In a message shared by the Awami League, Hasina praised Zia for her role in the struggle to restore democracy and called her passing a “profound loss” to the country’s political life. Khaleda Zia, the first woman prime minister of Bangladesh, died on Tuesday at the age of 80 after a long illness. She led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and served two terms as premier. Hasina also conveyed sympathies to Zia’s family, including her son Tarique Rahman, and to BNP members. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump again claimed that Washington helped stop fighting between India and Pakistan, during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida. In a video from the meeting, Trump said he had settled “eight wars” and was not given credit. He said trade pressure helped bring an end to the India-Pakistan clash in May. Trump has repeated this claim many times since posting online on May 10 about a “full and immediate” ceasefire. India has rejected any third-party role. New Delhi says the ceasefire followed contact between military officials after India launched Operation Sindoor. (PC: NDTV)

Ukraine has denied Russia’s claim that Kyiv sent drones to attack a residence used by President Vladimir Putin in the Novgorod region. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said 91 long-range drones were launched overnight and all were destroyed by air defences. He said there were no casualties or damage. President Volodymyr Zelensky called the allegation “typical Russian lies” and said Moscow was trying to weaken peace talks. The claim came after US-Ukraine talks in Florida on a new peace plan. The White House said President Donald Trump later spoke to Putin and was told about the alleged incident. (PC: BBC)

Four people, including three women, died after a BEST bus reversed into pedestrians in Mumbai on Monday night. The accident happened around 10 pm on Station Road in Bhandup West. CCTV footage shows people standing by the roadside before the bus moved back and hit them, causing panic. Nine others were injured and taken to a nearby hospital. Police said the driver has been detained and a case registered. Officials said the bus was being reversed at the end of its route. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each victim’s family. The wet-leased midi bus was hired from Olectra Greentech.