At least 16 files related to notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have suddenly disappeared from the U.S. Department of Justice’s public website less than a day after being posted, without any explanation or public notice from authorities. Among the missing materials was a photograph showing President Donald Trump with Epstein, Melania Trump and Ghislaine Maxwell, raising concerns about transparency. The files were part of a larger release mandated by a new federal law requiring disclosure of Epstein-related documents, but critics say the unexplained removals and heavy redactions fuel suspicion and political controversy, with lawmakers demanding answers and transparency from the DOJ. (PC: India Today)

Dr. Nusrat Parveen, the Muslim AYUSH doctor at the centre of a heated hijab controversy in Bihar, has not yet joined her government posting despite deadlines and extended timelines after a viral video showed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar removing her hijab during an appointment event in Patna. Officials confirmed she did not report for duty by the expected date and contact with her or her family remains limited, keeping the issue in the spotlight. The widely-shared incident has ignited political and social debate about personal and religious rights — drawing reactions from leaders, bar associations, and rival states, while her future decision on whether to assume the job is still awaited. 

Protesters in Dhaka, Bangladesh, breached security barricades and entered the Parliament building on Saturday following the funeral of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, whose death has sparked nationwide unrest. Hadi, a prominent activist and political figure, was fatally shot on December 12 and died abroad, triggering intense protests demanding justice.  His funeral drew large crowds amid heavy security, but emotions boiled over as demonstrators overwhelmed barricades. The breach underscores rising tensions and political volatility in Bangladesh as factions clash and public frustration grows. 

An old interview of India head coach Gautam Gambhir has gone viral after Shubman Gill was dropped from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad. In the clip, Gambhir spoke about losing vice-captaincy to Virat Kohli during MS Dhoni’s captaincy. “Has it ever happened before that only the vice-captain is changed while the captain remains?” he said. The comment drew fresh attention as Gill, India’s vice-captain before the South Africa series, was dropped. The timing has added to the debate around selection calls and leadership decisions. (PC: PTI)

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar on Saturday expressed surprise over Shubman Gill being dropped from India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. Gill was also removed as vice-captain. Gavaskar said Gill struggled in a few recent matches but stressed that “class is permanent, form is temporary.” He added that Gill lacked rhythm after a long break from T20 cricket. The decision was taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India ahead of the tournament. Gavaskar said Gill remains a quality batter despite his recent dip in form. (PC: AFP)

Delhi recorded its first cold wave of the season on Saturday, with the maximum temperature dropping to 16.9°C, officials said. The India Meteorological Department said this was the coldest December day so far. Dense fog and grey haze reduced visibility and disrupted air travel. At least 129 flights were cancelled at Indira Gandhi International Airport, including arrivals and departures. The minimum temperature fell to 6.1°C. Air quality also worsened, with the AQI touching 401 in the evening, entering the severe category. Authorities warned that fog and poor air quality may continue on Sunday. (PC: India Today)

Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Saturday warned of strict action against polluting industries and construction work violating curbs. He said all polluting units in Delhi will be sealed from Sunday. Sirsa added that construction work is banned under GRAP Stage 4 and violators will face legal action. His warning came as Delhi’s AQI touched 398, close to the severe mark, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The India Meteorological Department predicted cold day conditions and dense fog on Sunday. Sirsa urged people to cooperate to protect public health. (PC: ANI)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may brief US President Donald Trump on possible strikes on Iran during a meeting later this month, a media report said. The two leaders are expected to meet at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Netanyahu is likely to warn that Iran is expanding its ballistic missile programme. Israeli officials see missiles as a more urgent threat than nuclear weapons. They fear Iran is rebuilding damaged nuclear and military sites. The White House said earlier US strikes had destroyed Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The meeting comes amid renewed tensions in the region. (PC: AFP/ File)

The United States carried out a “massive strike” against the Islamic State in Syria, the US military said on Saturday. US Central Command said fighter jets, helicopters and artillery hit over 70 IS targets across central Syria. The strikes followed a December 13 ambush in Palmyra that killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter. US President Donald Trump said the strikes were “very strong.” Aircraft from Jordan also joined the operation. US officials said the action aimed to destroy IS bases and weapons. (PC: US Air Force/Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the Trinamool Congress of pushing West Bengal into what he called “Maha Jungle Raj.” Modi addressed a BJP rally in Ranaghat virtually after fog stopped his helicopter from landing. He said TMC politics is anti-development and blocks welfare schemes. Modi also accused the party of protecting illegal infiltrators. “Infiltrators go back,” he said, promising strict action if BJP forms the government. He highlighted new road projects and urged voters to support a “double-engine” BJP government ahead of elections.