The US military said eight people were killed after strikes on three boats in the Pacific Ocean. The boats were accused of carrying illegal drugs. US Southern Command shared videos of the attacks online. It said the vessels were moving on known drug routes. The strikes are part of President Donald Trump’s campaign against drug gangs. At least 90 people have died in similar operations in recent months. Some legal experts said the strikes may break international law. They raised concern over civilian deaths. The White House said the actions were legal and meant to stop drugs from reaching the US. (PC: BBC)

A farmer from Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district sold his kidney after a small loan turned into huge debt. Roshan Sadashiv Kude had borrowed Rs 1 lakh from local moneylenders to start a dairy business. The plan failed after his cows died and crops were ruined. High daily interest caused the loan to rise to Rs 74 lakh. Kude sold his land, tractor and valuables, but the debt remained. He was later advised to sell his kidney and travelled to Cambodia for the surgery. He claims police did not act on his complaint. Kude has warned of self-harm if he does not get justice. (PC: NDTV)

European leaders have called for a multinational force to protect Ukraine after any peace deal with Russia. The proposal was discussed during talks in Berlin with US and Ukrainian officials. Leaders said progress was made after the US agreed to offer security guarantees to Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the move a major step forward. Former US President Donald Trump said a ceasefire may be closer than ever. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said talks remain difficult, especially on territory. Leaders also backed Ukraine’s path to the European Union and support for a strong national army. (PC: sky news)

Dashcam footage has revealed the final moments of a couple killed in the Bondi Beach shooting. Boris Gurman, 69, and his wife Sofia, 61, tried to stop one attacker by grabbing his gun. The video shows Boris wrestling the weapon and striking the gunman before being shot. Family members said the couple acted to protect others. They were the first victims killed in Sunday’s attack during a Hanukkah event. At least 15 people died and many were injured. Police said the attack targeted the Jewish community. Witnesses called the couple brave and selfless heroes after the tragic violence shocked Australia. 

Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Tuesday apologised to residents for rising air pollution. He said it was impossible for any government to fix AQI levels in nine to ten months. Sirsa blamed the previous AAP government for the crisis and said the current administration inherited a “disease of pollution.” Delhi’s AQI stood at 354 on Tuesday afternoon, slightly better than Monday’s severe level. Sirsa announced strict steps, including a ban on fuel for vehicles without valid PUC certificates. He said daily action is being taken to control pollution and improve air quality. (PC: HT)

An Indian-origin woman was detained by US immigration officers during a routine green card appointment in California. Babblejit “Bubbly” Kaur, 60, was taken into custody by ICE on December 1 at a USCIS office. Her family said the visit was for biometrics linked to an approved green card case. Kaur has lived in the US since 1994 and has no criminal record. She ran a popular Indian restaurant in Long Beach for many years. She is now held at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center. No official reason for her detention has been shared. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Luthra brothers were arrested at the Delhi airport on Tuesday after being deported from Thailand. Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra own the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, where 25 people died in a fire on December 6. Police said the brothers left India for Phuket just hours after the blaze. Thai officials detained them last week after a request from Indian authorities. A Goa Police team took them into custody at the airport. They will be produced before a Delhi court for transit remand. The probe into fire safety lapses is ongoing. (PC: HT)

The IPL 2026 mini auction was held in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Kolkata Knight Riders made the biggest move by signing Cameron Green for Rs 25.20 crore. He became the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. Royal Challengers Bengaluru bought Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 7 crore after a short bidding war with KKR. Lucknow Super Giants picked Wanindu Hasaranga for Rs 2 crore at base price. Delhi Capitals began the auction by signing David Miller for Rs 2 crore. Several big names, including Liam Livingstone, went unsold in the early rounds. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has filed a $5 billion lawsuit against the BBC, accusing it of defamation. The case relates to an edited clip of his January 6, 2021 speech shown in a Panorama documentary. Trump said the edit wrongly suggested he called for violence before the Capitol riot. The BBC apologised for the edit but denied any defamation and rejected compensation demands. The broadcaster said there was no harm caused and no intent to mislead. The lawsuit was filed in Florida. The BBC has not yet responded to the legal action. (PC: BBC)

The Congress on Tuesday claimed the National Herald case was part of a political conspiracy after the matter was dismissed. Addressing a press conference, senior leader Pawan Khera said the case was used to target Rahul Gandhi and break his morale. He said the conspiracy was not only against the Congress MP but also against the people of India. Khera accused the ruling establishment of misusing agencies to silence the opposition. He said the dismissal of the case exposed the truth. The Congress said it will continue to raise issues of democracy, justice and accountability. (PC: India Today)