Russia has ordered a nationwide block on WhatsApp as part of tighter controls on foreign messaging platforms. The Kremlin said the action was taken because Meta did not follow Russian legal rules. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Meta could return if it “complies with the law and enters into dialogue.” WhatsApp said the step would push over 100 million users toward a state-backed app and called it “a backwards step.” Regulators also moved to limit Telegram, citing security concerns. Authorities are promoting the state-developed Max messenger as an alternative. Critics say the app could allow surveillance, while state media deny those claims. (PC: BBC)

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is set to return to power after 20 years, crossing the majority mark in the general elections. Early counting trends showed the BNP-led alliance winning about 209 seats, well above the 151 needed to form a government. Party leader Tarique Rahman emerged as the frontrunner for the prime minister’s post. Jamaat-e-Islami secured only double-digit seats, showing a limited impact on the final outcome. Turnout was over 60 per cent, according to election officials. Voting took place in 299 constituencies under tight security. More than 70 people were injured in scattered clashes, but authorities reported no election-related deaths. (PC: India Today)

Seattle city has agreed to pay $29 million, about Rs 260 crore, to the family of Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula in a wrongful death lawsuit. The 23-year-old was killed in January 2023 after a police SUV hit her while speeding to an emergency call. Officials said the vehicle was moving at 119 kmph in a 40 kmph zone. Prosecutors later filed no criminal charges against the driver, citing lack of sufficient evidence. Another officer faced action over remarks caught on bodycam footage. Both officers were later fired. The city attorney said Kandula’s death was “heartbreaking” and added, “Her life mattered.” (PC: NDTV)

A court-appointed lawyer has reported that Imran Khan has lost about 85% vision in his right eye while in jail, citing delayed medical care and long isolation. The report by amicus curiae Salman Safdar says Khan complained of blurred vision for months but received no timely treatment. He was later diagnosed with a blood clot that caused severe damage. The lawyer wrote that Khan looked “visibly perturbed and deeply distressed.” The report also says he has spent over two years in solitary confinement and had limited access to doctors, family, and lawyers. It calls for urgent specialist treatment and restored legal and family meetings. (PC: NDTV)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called the latest national election a “sham” and demanded that the results be cancelled. In a statement, she accused interim leader Muhammad Yunus of staging a “voterless, illegal and unconstitutional” poll and asked him to resign. Hasina also called for the release of political prisoners and removal of restrictions on the Awami League. She alleged low turnout, booth capture, threats, and vote buying. Citing Election Commission data, she said turnout was under 15% by late morning. Hasina claimed many polling stations were empty and said minority voters and party supporters faced pressure and arrests before voting day. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has agreed to end a major immigration operation in Minnesota. Border official Tom Homan said Operation Metro Surge will now conclude. The drive began on 1 December and sent 3,000 armed ICE agents to the state, mainly Minneapolis. Federal officials said more than 4,000 people were arrested. The operation sparked protests across the city. Two protesters were killed during clashes with agents. One was a mother of three who was shot in her car. Another was a nurse who was shot during an arrest. The operation had faced criticism from rights groups and local leaders.

A pamphlet linked to a Jamaat-e-Islami led coalition in Bangladesh allegedly offers 15,000 taka to voters and promises of “salvation” if they vote for the party. The document, reported by NDTV, asks voters to bring camera phones and take photos of stamped ballots as proof. It says payments will be sent through bKash or cash after results. The leaflet also tells voters to keep the message secret. The election is the first after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s removal. Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman is contesting and said his party will accept results if the vote is fair. Authorities have reported multiple poll complaints. (PC: NDTV)

Government data shows that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign visits between 2021 and 2025 cost ₹462.58 crore. The trips covered 43 countries, with some destinations visited more than once. The United States, UAE, and Japan were visited four times each. France was visited three times. The US accounted for the highest share of spending at ₹74.4 crore, or about 16% of the total. Japan and France followed at nearly 9% each. The costliest single visit was to France in February 2025 at ₹25.5 crore. The June 2023 US visit was next at ₹22.8 crore, followed by a September 2021 US trip costing ₹19.6 crore. (PC: The Hindu)

Newly released emails show close contact between Sarah Ferguson, former Duchess of York, and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after his 2009 jail release. Messages show Ferguson called Epstein a “legend,” joked “just marry me,” praised his kindness, and sought financial help, including an urgent £20,000 rent loan. Records say she visited him in the US with her daughters soon after his release, with aides arranging flights. Emails also reference a proposed business venture in which Epstein would hold a majority stake. The documents show association and financial ties but do not accuse Ferguson of involvement in Epstein’s crimes. (PC: India Today) 

Bangladesh is holding a national election after the 2024 protest movement removed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from power. The student-led uprising ended her 15-year rule. Officials say around 1,400 protesters were killed in the crackdown. Hasina denies ordering it. Her party, the Awami League, is banned from contesting this vote. The main contest is between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies. Voters are also taking part in a referendum on constitutional changes. An interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has been in charge since Hasina left the country. (PC: BBC)