Russia launched a “massive” overnight attack on Ukraine, killing at least three people, including a four-year-old child, officials said. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia fired hundreds of drones and missiles, targeting cities and energy sites. “People simply want to be with their families and safe,” he said. Power cuts were reported in several regions. Russia claimed it struck military-linked facilities. The attack came despite peace talks and a proposed Christmas truce. Zelensky said Vladimir Putin “still cannot accept that he must stop killing.” (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan lawmaker Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticised his own government over strikes on Afghanistan that caused civilian deaths. Speaking in Karachi, he said, “If we justify attacks across the border, then we cannot object to India doing the same.” Rehman questioned the logic of the Pakistan army led by Asim Munir. He referred to India’s Operation Sindoor, saying Pakistan had lost moral ground. India has condemned Pakistan’s strikes on Afghan civilians and reaffirmed support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty.

Fresh violence broke out in Karbi Anglong, Assam, after clashes linked to an eviction drive. At least eight people were injured. Police used lathi-charge and tear gas to control the crowd. The Assam government suspended internet services in two districts to maintain peace. Heavy security was deployed in the area. Authorities imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita, banning gatherings and night movement. Officials said talks were held with both sides. People were urged to follow legal routes and not take the law into their own hands. (PC: PTI)

India has summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah for the second time in a week amid growing tensions. The move came hours after Bangladesh called in Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma over security concerns. India raised objections about threats near its mission in Dhaka and blamed extremist groups. The Ministry of External Affairs said Bangladesh must ensure the safety of Indian missions. Ties have been strained since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took charge. India said it supports peace and fair elections in Bangladesh. (PC: PTI)

The US Justice Department has released about 30,000 new documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The files include an email claiming Donald Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet at least eight times between 1993 and 1996. The email says Trump travelled with Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and family members. One flight reportedly listed only Trump, Epstein, and a 20-year-old passenger. Authorities said Trump is not accused of any crime. The Justice Department warned some claims are false and sensational. The release follows a new law ordering full disclosure of Epstein files.

Unrest continued in Bangladesh on Tuesday as Inqilab Moncho held a protest rally in Dhaka over the killing of student leader Osman Hadi. The group demanded swift justice and warned of intensified agitation ahead of national elections. Protests also spread in India, where Hindu organisations demonstrated outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and other cities over recent violence against minorities. Police detained protesters and used baton charges in some locations to control crowds. The developments have further strained India-Bangladesh ties, with Dhaka summoning the Indian envoy and suspending visa services at select missions, citing security concerns. (PC: X)

A Sikh religious procession was disrupted in South Auckland, New Zealand, after members of a far-right group blocked the route and performed a haka. Videos showed protesters chanting Christian slogans and stopping the nagar kirtan on Great South Road. The agitators were linked to supporters of Brian Tamaki, leader of the Destiny Church. Police remained between the groups to prevent violence. Organisers said the procession had official approval. Several New Zealand lawmakers criticised the disruption and voiced support for the Sikh community. Political leaders in India also urged authorities to raise the issue with New Zealand, calling the incident a threat to religious freedom. 

The US Justice Department on Tuesday released a large set of records linked to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, including emails and flight logs that mention Donald Trump. Authorities said Trump has not been accused of any crime. The release includes about 11,000 files, nearly 29,000 pages, and several video clips. An internal email dated January 2020 states Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet at least eight times between 1993 and 1996. Some flights reportedly included Ghislaine Maxwell, family members, and one unnamed 20-year-old. Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019. (PC: India Today)

Bangladesh on Tuesday summoned India’s envoy to protest incidents near its diplomatic missions in India, citing security concerns. The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry said demonstrations outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and the visa centre in Siliguri endangered diplomatic staff. Protests by groups including the Vishva Hindu Parishad led police to use crowd-control measures after barricades were breached. Dhaka condemned what it called acts of intimidation against diplomatic establishments. The move comes amid strained ties linked to unrest in Bangladesh and the exile of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in India. Bangladesh has suspended visa services at some missions, citing safety concerns. (PC: India Today)

A youth wing leader of the Pakistan Muslim League on Tuesday warned India against any action targeting Bangladesh, saying Pakistan would respond if its neighbour’s autonomy was threatened. Kamran Saeed Usmani, from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s party, said Pakistan would not accept Bangladesh being pushed under India’s influence. In video statements, he accused India’s Border Security Force of creating unrest and repeated claims about the “Akhand Bharat” idea. Usmani also urged Pakistan and Bangladesh to form a military alliance, including mutual military bases, and linked the proposal to regional strategy involving the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. (PC: India Today)