The Election Commission (EC) has explained that a Status Information Report (SIR) hearing notice linked to Nobel laureate Amartya Sen’s voter registration in West Bengal resulted from a technical discrepancy—a reported age mismatch in his enumeration form during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Officials stressed that all voters are equal and that senior citizens over 85 like Sen will not be required to physically attend hearings; corrections can be made at their residence. The notice triggered political backlash, with the Trinamool Congress calling it a “shameful farce,” a claim the EC has rejected. (PC: The Telegraph)

Renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs sharply criticized U.S. foreign policy, calling the much-touted “rules-based order” a myth and accusing Washington of pursuing decades-long regime-change tactics driven by military and intelligence institutions rather than constitutional governance. Speaking after his UN Security Council testimony on Venezuela, Sachs described the U.S. capture of Venezuela’s leader as a violation of international law and highlighted the strategic motives tied to ideology and oil. He warned that Iran could be the next target, potentially provoking a far more dangerous global conflict, and urged BRICS nations to uphold international law. (PC: India Today)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly condemned recent post-poll alliances between local BJP leaders and rival parties, the Congress and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), in Ambernath and Akot municipal councils as “unacceptable” and a breach of party discipline. He clarified that such tie-ups were neither approved by BJP leadership nor aligned with party policy, and ordered that they be undone, warning of strict disciplinary action against those responsible. The controversial alliances have sparked political backlash, with critics from Shiv Sena (UBT) accusing BJP of opportunism and violating coalition norms. (PC: PTI)

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has publicly addressed its recent communication with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding security concerns for the national team at the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India. The issue followed controversy over pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL release, prompting Bangladesh to request their four World Cup matches be moved to co-host Sri Lanka. The ICC reportedly assured commitment to Bangladesh’s full participation and expressed willingness to collaborate on addressing safety issues, according to BCB. Both parties continue discussions to find a workable solution ahead of the February tournament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, exchanging New Year greetings and discussing ways to further strengthen the India–Israel strategic partnership in 2026. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment against terrorism and zero tolerance for terror in all forms, while also exchanging views on the evolving regional situation. Modi highlighted satisfaction with the momentum in bilateral cooperation and emphasized expanding collaboration across key sectors. The conversation underscored growing mutual trust, security cooperation and a forward-looking vision for deeper ties in the year ahead. (PC: X)

Russia has sent navy ships to escort an oil tanker that the United States is seeking to seize, US media reported. The vessel, earlier known as Bella 1 and now called Marinera, is believed to be sailing in the North Atlantic between Scotland and Iceland. The ship once carried Venezuelan oil and is accused of breaking US sanctions. American officials said they prefer to board and seize it rather than sink it. Russia said the tanker is sailing under its flag in international waters and accused the US and Nato of giving it unfair attention. The move follows Washington’s order to block sanctioned tankers linked to Venezuela. (PC: BBC)

Dhurandhar has become the highest grossing Hindi film, its makers said on Wednesday. Jio Studios said the Ranveer Singh film earned ₹831 crore net in India after 33 days. This beat the Hindi run of Pushpa 2, which made about ₹821 crore. The studio shared a poster to mark the record. Some trade trackers disputed the claim and said Dhurandhar’s total is closer to ₹782 crore. They said it still needs about ₹40 crore to cross Pushpa 2. The spy film is directed by Aditya Dhar and stars Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt and R Madhavan. Part two is due in March 2026. (PC: X)

The Trump administration has told Venezuela’s interim leadership that it can raise oil output only after cutting economic ties with China, Russia, Iran and Cuba, ABC News reported. Sources said the US also wants Venezuela to partner only with American firms and favour the US when selling heavy crude. The warning comes after US forces captured former president Nicolás Maduro last week and Delcy Rodríguez took charge. US officials believe pressure will work because oil tankers are already full and wells are being shut. Lawmakers said Caracas may face insolvency within weeks without oil sales. The White House has not denied the report. (PC: NDTV)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday continued hearing petitions on the stray dog issue and questioned why arguments focus only on dogs. The court asked if the lives of other animals like chickens and goats also matter. Lawyers for victims said people were suffering from dog attacks and called for stronger action, including no-dog zones in housing areas. An animal rights lawyer opposed mass removal and said global models rely on capture, sterilise, vaccinate and release. The court said its earlier order was limited to institutional areas such as schools and hospitals and asked why stray dogs should be allowed there. The Solicitor General said housing societies should decide the issue by majority. (PC: India Today)

The White House said using the US military to secure Greenland is “always an option”, raising concern among European allies. President Donald Trump has spoken in recent days about seeking control of the island, which is part of Denmark and a NATO member. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any US move by force could end NATO. Greenland’s prime minister said the territory cannot be taken “because you want to”. In a joint statement, leaders from several European states said they will continue to defend Greenland’s territorial integrity. US House Speaker Mike Johnson later said he did not think military action was appropriate and had not discussed it with Trump. (PC: Sky News)