U.S.-backed airstrikes have struck two Islamic State-linked militant camps in the Bauni forest of Sokoto State, northwest Nigeria, targeting foreign fighters infiltrating from the Sahel, the Nigerian government said. The operation, approved by President Bola Tinubu and coordinated with U.S. forces, involved 16 GPS-guided munitions launched from maritime platforms and was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on social media, who said the group had targeted Christians. Nigerian authorities reported no civilian casualties, though debris fell in nearby towns in Sokoto and Kwara states. Officials highlighted heightened security cooperation amid rising extremist threats in West Africa. (PC: Reuters)

Switzerland’s Army Chief, Lieutenant General Thomas Suessli, has warned that the country is currently unable to defend itself against a full-scale military attack, particularly amid rising geopolitical tensions with Russia, according to his interview with a Swiss newspaper. He said Switzerland is prepared for cyberattacks and assaults by non-state actors, but faces major equipment shortages, with only about one-third of soldiers fully outfitted. Suessli stressed that neutrality alone is not enough without credible military strength and called for increased defence spending and modernisation, including new fighter jets. However, planned upgrades face financial constraints, and full readiness is unlikely before 2050, he said. (PC: The Hindu)

In London, members of the Indian and Bangladeshi Hindu diaspora held a protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission, condemning reported killings of Hindus in Bangladesh and demanding international attention and protection for minority rights. Demonstrators chanted slogans like “Hindu Lives Matter” and played Bangladesh’s national anthem to highlight alleged violence against Hindu minorities. However, a small group of pro-Khalistan activists arrived, chanting their slogans and waving flags, leading to a brief confrontation before UK police intervened to separate the groups and restore order. The incident reflects deep-seated tensions among diaspora factions over religious and political issues. 

Hyderabad-based Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has urged Australian health authorities to review a recent alert about counterfeit rabies vaccine batches circulating in India, saying the warning may cause undue public anxiety. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation had cautioned that fake Abhayrab vaccine batches might have been in use since November 2023, advising travellers to consider revaccination. IIL countered that the issue involved only one specific counterfeit batch identified and reported in January 2025, which is no longer on the market, and has asked for the advisory to be revised to reflect the isolated nature of the incident. 

In Satna district, Madhya Pradesh, a woman has accused Ashok Singh, husband of a BJP councillor, of raping her at knifepoint, secretly recording the assault and then threatening her with the video to coerce compliance, according to her complaint to police. A viral clip shows Singh allegedly telling her, “Nothing will happen to me,” asserting influence and intimidating authorities, while the distraught woman talks about filing a complaint. She alleges ongoing harassment and fear for her and her family’s safety. Police are verifying the video and evidence and have begun investigation; no confirmed arrest yet. 

In Kalamboli, Navi Mumbai, a 30-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly strangling her six-year-old daughter, Mansi, driven by a preference for a male child, police said. Initially claiming the girl died of ill health, she took the child to a hospital; doctors alerted police after suspicious findings. A post-mortem revealed suffocation, prompting a murder case. During interrogation, the mother admitted to killing her daughter, also expressing unhappiness that the child spoke mainly Hindi and not Marathi and had speech difficulties. She has been remanded in custody as the investigation continues.

The Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognisance of the escalating controversy over its Aravalli Hills definition and mining issues, scheduling a hearing on Monday before a three-judge bench led by the Chief Justice. The move follows nationwide protests by environmentalists and citizens who fear the recent definition — which counts only landforms above 100 m as part of the Aravalli Range — could weaken protections and spur mining. Public outcry and ecological concerns prompted the apex court to re-examine the November verdict amid calls for stronger conservation measures. (PC: India Today)

More Indians were deported from Saudi Arabia than the United States between 2021 and 2025, government data shows. In a written reply, Ministry of External Affairs said deportations were mainly due to visa overstays and labour law violations. Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh said illegal border crossings were not a major reason. Saudi Arabia recorded the highest deportations of Indians worldwide during this period. In contrast, deportation numbers from the US remained much lower. The government said Indian missions continue to help affected citizens and ensure their safe return. (PC: AFP)

A strong winter storm covered New York City with its heaviest snow in nearly four years. National Weather Service said Central Park recorded 4.3 inches of snow. Some areas of the state saw over seven inches. Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in many counties. Nearly 700 flights were cancelled in the region, data from FlightAware showed. Thousands more were delayed nationwide. Roads were slippery and temperatures stayed below freezing. Authorities activated a code blue to shelter homeless people. Meanwhile, California faced damage from severe storms and flooding. (PC: AFP via Getty Images)

Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said two pollution rules under GRAP-4 will now be permanent. Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will not get fuel in Delhi until further orders. Sirsa also said vehicles from outside Delhi that do not meet Bharat Stage VI norms will not be allowed to enter the city. The decision was taken by the Delhi cabinet to curb air pollution. Officials said vehicular emissions are a major cause of poor air quality. Delhi’s air remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Saturday, with AQI near 391. (PC: HT Photo)