Iran's football federation has claimed that FIFA revoked its allocation of fan tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage just days before the tournament begins. According to the federation, participating nations are entitled to distribute 8% of match tickets to their supporters, but Iran says it can no longer provide those tickets despite already starting sales.   The federation called the move unfair and accused organisers of allowing political issues to influence the tournament. The dispute comes amid growing tensions over travel restrictions linked to the Middle East conflict. Iran has also complained about visa denials for several team officials and has shifted its training base from the United States to Mexico before the World Cup. (PC: BBC)

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee met Congress leader Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi on Tuesday as her party battled a deepening internal crisis. The meeting came amid claims by rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar that nearly 20 TMC Lok Sabha MPs have decided to support the BJP-led NDA.   As the political turmoil intensified, a CBI team visited Mamata Banerjee's residence in Kolkata, adding another layer to the high-profile developments. TMC has accused the rebel camp of siding with the BJP, while the dissident leaders have questioned the party's functioning and leadership. (PC: HT)

India on Tuesday strongly condemned the reported killing of Kashmiris in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and called on the international community to hold Pakistan accountable. The Ministry of External Affairs described the incident as a "massacre" and accused Islamabad of continuing its oppressive policies in the region.   India said the violence reflected Pakistan's failure to protect civilians and respect human rights in the territory under its control. Reiterating its long-standing position that PoK is under Pakistan's illegal occupation, New Delhi expressed hope that the global community would take note of the incident and ensure accountability for those responsible. (PC: India Today)

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday hit back at rebel MPs, with senior leader Kalyan Banerjee saying those who no longer support the party should step down. "If someone has differences of opinion with the party... and instead chooses to support someone else, then it is their moral responsibility to resign," he said.   Banerjee also praised former Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy's resignation, saying he had "upheld ethical standards and political morality." He questioned the rebel camp's claim that around 20 TMC Lok Sabha MPs were ready to back the NDA, asking why the alleged letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker had not been made public.  

Israel launched air strikes on the southern Lebanese city of Tyre on Tuesday, hours after ordering residents to evacuate parts of the area. Lebanese media reported that at least three people were killed in attacks across southern Lebanon, although the Israeli military had not officially confirmed the strikes.   The escalation comes a day after Iran said it would halt further attacks on Israel if Israeli operations against Lebanon stopped. Israel has accused the Iran-backed Hezbollah group of violating the ceasefire and says its military actions are aimed at preventing attacks on northern Israeli communities. The latest developments have heightened fears of a wider regional conflict. (PC: BBC)

Indian-American politician Nithya Raman has secured a place in the November run-off election for mayor of Los Angeles after narrowly overtaking her Republican rival in the first round of voting. The 44-year-old Democrat will now face incumbent mayor Karen Bass in a closely watched contest.   Born to immigrants from Kerala, Raman is a former urban planner and current Los Angeles City Council member known for her work on affordable housing and homelessness. She thanked supporters for helping her advance to the final round and pledged to change the city's "broken status quo." If elected, Raman would become one of the most prominent Indian-American leaders in the United States. (PC: X)

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir remained tense on Tuesday after deadly clashes in Rawalakot left at least 11 people dead and more than 70 injured, according to official reports. Authorities have tightened security and suspended mobile internet services ahead of a planned protest march by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).   The unrest follows a crackdown on the banned group, with officials alleging that some protesters used firearms and petrol bombs during the violence. JAAC supporters, however, have accused security forces of using excessive force. The region has witnessed repeated protests over rising prices, governance issues and political representation, with fresh unrest adding to instability in the area. (PC: India Today)

India has operationally deployed 12 nuclear warheads for the first time, according to the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The report says India is moving from keeping warheads and delivery systems separately stored to placing some weapons in a ready-to-use posture.   SIPRI estimates that India's nuclear stockpile has increased to around 190 warheads as of January 2026. The report also points to the country's growing sea-based deterrence capability, including ballistic missile submarines and deterrence patrols. India, however, continues to maintain its official "No First Use" nuclear policy, under which nuclear weapons are intended only for retaliation. (PC: NDTV)

All 24 Indian seafarers aboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT Marivex were rescued safely after the vessel caught fire off the coast of Oman following a US military strike. Indian authorities confirmed that the crew members were evacuated with the help of Omani rescue teams and brought to safety without any reported casualties.   The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where commercial shipping has faced growing security risks. According to US Central Command, the unladen tanker was disabled after allegedly attempting to violate the blockade against Iran. Indian agencies coordinated with Omani authorities, the Indian Navy and the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the crew's safe evacuation. (PC: BBC)

An Indian-origin entrepreneur and researcher has cautioned Indian students against taking huge loans to study at what he called "scammy" private universities in Germany. Mayukh Panja, founder of AI firm Populations, said some institutions function like "visa mills" and attract foreign students with promises of easy careers in Europe.   Sharing his observations from Berlin, Panja claimed that many Indian students end up working long hours in delivery services, restaurants and other gig jobs while struggling to repay debts. He urged families not to sell land or borrow heavily for such admissions and advised students to carefully research universities before applying. His remarks sparked a wider discussion online about the risks of expensive overseas education and unrealistic expectations. (PC: HT)