Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, speaking publicly from India for the first time, urged citizens to oppose the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. In a pre-recorded address played in New Delhi, Hasina said the administration could not ensure free and fair elections ahead of the February 12 polls. She alleged rising violence, lawlessness and attacks on minorities, women and journalists. Hasina called for an “ironclad guarantee” to protect vulnerable groups and demanded an impartial United Nations investigation into events after her government fell in August 2024. The Awami League leader has been living in exile in India. Her party has been barred from contesting the election. (PC: HT)

Several international airlines have suspended flights to parts of the Middle East due to growing safety concerns linked to US-Iran tensions. Airlines including KLM, Air France, Lufthansa, United Airlines and Air Canada have halted or limited services to destinations such as Dubai and Tel Aviv. Some carriers said they are avoiding airspace over Iran, Iraq, Israel and parts of the Gulf. Lufthansa has restricted flights to daytime operations in Israel. The move follows increased US military deployments in the region after unrest in Iran. US President Donald Trump confirmed that American warships, including an aircraft carrier, are moving toward the region as a precaution. Iran recently closed its airspace briefly, disrupting global flights. (PC: NDTV)

4 people were shot dead in the United States in what police believe was a domestic dispute in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Indian officials said one of the victims was an Indian national, though US authorities have not confirmed the nationality of all those killed. Police identified the suspect as 51-year-old Vijay Kumar, who was taken into custody after the incident. His wife, Meemu Dogra, and three relatives were among the dead. Investigators said an argument took place before the shooting. Three children, aged 12, 9 and 7, were found hiding in a closet at the home. The suspect’s 12-year-old son called emergency services. The motive remains under investigation. (PC: HT)

A disturbing trend of sex-selective abortions has emerged among Indian communities in the UK, with 118 boys born for every 100 girls between 2021-2025, significantly exceeding Britain's national average of 105:100 and the accepted upper limit of 107:100. The ratio dramatically jumped to 118:100 in 2023-24 for third children, suggesting targeted termination of female fetuses. Analysis reveals Indian parents with two daughters are aborting third female children, with approximately 400 terminations estimated between 2017-2021. Experts warn women face family pressure to terminate pregnancies or believe they're "worth more" producing boys. While the Abortion Act 1967 doesn't permit gender-based terminations, enforcement remains challenging amid cultural pressures. (PC: HT)

Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina delivered a defiant audio message from New Delhi, calling the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government a "murderous, fascist clique" and urging citizens to overthrow the "foreign-serving regime." Speaking at the Foreign Correspondents' Club via audio link during her first formal public appearance with former ministers since fleeing in August 2024, Hasina declared herself "democracy in exile." She accused the administration of creating "murderous anarchy" and targeting religious minorities including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. Former ministers Hasan Mahmud and Mohibul Chowdhury Nowfel attended the briefing. With Bangladesh's February 12 elections approaching and Awami League banned from participating, Hasina dismissed the polls as illegitimate under Yunus's "illegal government." (PC: X)

Bangladesh is pushing ahead with the Padma Barrage project costing 50,443.64 crore Taka as India-Bangladesh Farrakka Water Treaty renewal talks stall. The 1996 treaty, expiring in 2026, faces complications from deteriorating bilateral ties, with Bangladesh seeking guaranteed dry season flows while India pursues revised terms. Bangladesh claims the barrage is necessary due to disrupted water flow caused by India's upstream Farakka Barrage, affecting 37% of the country. The project aims to store monsoon water and supply seven to eight rivers year-round. Meanwhile, China's involvement in Bangladesh's Teesta Master Plan and recent visits near India's strategic Siliguri corridor add geopolitical complexity to regional water-sharing negotiations. (PC: NDTV)

A Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist was killed during a joint counter-terrorism operation by Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army, and CRPF in Kathua district's Billawar area on Friday. The operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs, with the area being cordoned off before contact was established. Search operations continue in the region. This incident occurs just ten days after security forces discovered three terrorist hideouts in the same area. Meanwhile, a separate operation is ongoing in Kishtwar district for the third consecutive day, where terrorists fled into forests after a gunfight that killed one paratrooper and injured seven others. Senior officials are monitoring both operations closely on the ground. (PC: X)

India received an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join the newly launched “Board of Peace,” an initiative aimed at overseeing peace and reconstruction efforts, particularly for Gaza. However, New Delhi did not join the launch at the World Economic Forum in Davos and has yet to decide on participation, instead watching developments closely. Officials are concerned the board’s broad mandate could undermine established multilateral institutions such as the United Nations. India’s absence stood out as Pakistan and other countries signed on, and New Delhi’s decision reflects careful diplomatic calculation amid geopolitical sensitivities. (PC: Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Brazilian President Lula da Silva on Thursday, reviewing the "strong momentum" in the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership and expressing anticipation for welcoming him to India soon. Preparations are underway for President Lula's state visit to India in February 2026, considered a key bilateral milestone as both nations face steep tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. The leaders previously discussed "imposition of unilateral tariffs" and recalled their goal of increasing bilateral trade to over $20 billion by 2030. Since 2023, Modi and Lula have met four times. Current bilateral trade reportedly surpasses $15 billion. Both nations collaborate through G20, BRICS, WTO, and the G4 grouping. 

Anti-government protests in Iran since late December 2025 have severely disrupted India's apple supply chain, causing shortages and price hikes. At Pune's APMC Gultekdi Market Yard, weekly Iranian apple arrivals plummeted from 8,000-10,000 crates to just 4,000-4,500 crates. Wholesale prices surged ₹150-200 per 10kg, with Iranian apples now selling at ₹1,350-1,500 per 10kg compared to Afghan apples at ₹900-1,000. November to February is typically the Iranian apple import season. Environmental factors compounded the crisis as reduced yields in Turkey and inadequate snowfall in key cultivating countries stunted harvests. Despite government reducing import duties on New Zealand apples from 50% to 25%, premium varieties remain unaffordable for most Indian consumers. (PC: The Indian Express)