Iran's ambassador to India dismissed reports claiming Indian nationals were arrested during anti-government protests in Tehran, urging reliance on credible sources. The demonstrations, triggered by economic hardship with Iran's rial collapsing to 1.4 million per dollar, have resulted in at least 544 deaths and over 10,600 detentions according to US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. President Trump threatened military action, stating he's considering cyberattacks and strikes, prompting Iran's parliament speaker to warn that US military bases and Israel would become "legitimate targets." Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei faces unprecedented challenges as protesters demand regime change. Internet blackouts complicate information verification, though Starlink transmitters enable some footage distribution showing widespread demonstrations across multiple Iranian cities.

Indian security forces opened fire and deployed counter-drone measures after multiple suspected Pakistani drones were spotted along the Line of Control and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday evening. The first drone was detected at 6:25 PM moving from Tain towards Topa in Poonch district's Mankote sector. A second drone appeared at Khabbar village in Rajouri district at 6:35 PM, while another hovered over Chak Babral village in Samba's Ramgarh sector around 7:15 PM. Following Counter-UAS deployment, the drones retreated across the border. Separately, forces launched search operations in Kanachak after intercepting suspected terrorist satellite phone communications. Nearly three dozen terrorists are believed active in the region.

ISRO launches its PSLV-C62 mission today from Sriharikota at 10:17 AM IST, carrying 16 satellites into Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit. The primary payload is DRDO's EOS-N1 (Anvesha), featuring advanced hyperspectral imaging for Earth observation. Revolutionary highlights include AayulSAT, India's first on-orbit refueling demonstrator, and MOI-1, India's inaugural orbital AI-image laboratory offering space computing at $2 per minute. MOI-1 houses MIRA, the world's lightest space telescope at 502 grams. The mission includes international payloads: Nepal's Munal CubeSat, Spain's atmospheric re-entry capsule, Indo-Mauritius satellite, Brazilian maritime rescue satellite, and an "Orbital Temple" storing 14,000 names. This launch marks ISRO's ambitious start to 2026. (PC: X)

Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian said the government has a duty to hear public concerns but warned that “rioters” must not be allowed to disrupt society as protests spread across the country. Speaking to state TV, he said protesting was a right but claimed some groups were backed by the United States and Israel. Activists cited by the Associated Press said at least 538 people have died since demonstrations began in late December over inflation and a weak currency. Large crowds have taken to the streets since Thursday, prompting authorities to cut internet and phone services. Rights groups say hundreds have been arrested, including women and children. The government has blamed unrest on foreign influence. (PC: X)

Iran warned it would retaliate if attacked by the United States as protests continued across the country despite a heavy security response. Verified videos showed clashes in Tehran, Mashhad, Ilam and other cities. Hospital staff told the BBC that dozens of bodies had been brought in over two days, and rights groups say the true toll is far higher. Iran’s parliament speaker said US military and shipping sites, and Israel, would become targets if Washington acted. President Donald Trump said the US “stands ready to help”. Iran’s leaders blamed the unrest on the US and Israel. Authorities have imposed a near total internet shutdown and arrested thousands since late December. (PC: X)

India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the first ODI in Vadodara to take a 1–0 lead in the series on Sunday. Chasing 301, India were well placed before Virat Kohli was out for 93 in the 42nd over. His dismissal triggered a brief slide in the middle order. Ravindra Jadeja and Shreyas Iyer fell quickly as pressure built. With Washington Sundar injured, Harshit Rana came in and hit 29 to steady the chase. KL Rahul stayed calm at the other end and finished the game with a six. Earlier, New Zealand posted 300, led by Daryl Mitchell’s 84. (PC: India Today)

Security forces detected suspected drone movement along the International Border and the Line of Control in parts of Samba, Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday evening, officials said. The objects were seen over Indian areas for a few minutes before going back towards Pakistan. Troops fired machine guns in the Nowshera sector after spotting a drone over Gania-Kalsian village around 6.35 pm. Similar sightings were reported in Teryath, Ramgarh and Mankote sectors. The drones had blinking lights. Search operations were launched on the ground after the incidents. On Friday, arms allegedly dropped by a drone were recovered in Samba. (PC: India Today)

Virat Kohli said he does not feel good when fans cheer his arrival after the dismissal of a teammate, after such a reaction followed Rohit Sharma’s wicket in the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara. Kohli said he had seen the same response when MS Dhoni walked in to bat during IPL games. “I honestly do not feel good about it,” Kohli said, adding that he stays focused on the match and feels grateful for fan support. Kohli was out for 93, missing his 85th international hundred. India chased 300 to win by four wickets, with KL Rahul finishing the game late.

US President Donald Trump has warned Cuba that it must strike a deal with the United States “before it is too late,” as Venezuelan oil and financial support to the island is set to stop. Trump said Cuba had long depended on Venezuelan oil and money but added “zero” will go to Havana now. His message, posted on social media, did not explain specific deal terms or consequences. The warning follows a recent US operation in Venezuela that captured leader Nicolás Maduro and has cut off Venezuelan oil shipments. Cuba has not formally replied to Trump’s call to negotiate. (PC: X)

Heater and brazier use during the winter has led to a rise in deaths across North India. Recent cases were reported from Delhi, Punjab, Bihar and Jammu and Kashmir. In Tarn Taran, a young couple and their infant died after fumes built up in a closed room. In Delhi, a family of three died in a flat fire linked to a room heater. Doctors say carbon monoxide is a “silent killer” because it has no smell or colour. In closed rooms, heaters burn oxygen and release toxic gas. Victims often feel dizzy or weak before losing consciousness. (PC: X)