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)

Bangladesh is voting today in a crucial national election after about 18 months of political instability. The crisis period saw the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government and the formation of an interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. The transition also pushed India–Bangladesh relations to a low point. Officials in New Delhi are monitoring the vote because of border security, trade links, and regional cooperation. Major players include the Yunus-led interim setup, parties linked to Hasina, and opposition groups seeking power. Election authorities said voting is being held under tight security. The result will decide the next government and future ties with India. (PC: India Today)

A deadly shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia killed ten people, with the primary suspect found dead at the scene. Canadian media outlets, including Western Standard and Juno News, identified the suspect as 18-year-old Jesse Strang, confirmed by the suspect's uncle Russell G. Strang. Police haven't officially released the identity pending verification. Early reports suggested a possible second individual, though authorities haven't confirmed additional suspects. Media reports claim a YouTube account linked to Strang displayed a transgender flag and "she/her" pronouns, circulating widely on social media but remaining unconfirmed by law enforcement. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the incident "horrific," expressing condolences. Investigators analyze digital records, witness statements, and physical evidence. (PC: X/@Shorts91)

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif made stark admissions in Parliament, accusing the US of exploiting Pakistan for strategic interests then discarding it "like toilet paper." He termed Islamabad's involvement in two Afghan wars a "mistake," acknowledging current terrorism as blowback from past dictatorial decisions. Asif said realignment with Washington post-1999, especially after 9/11 attacks, proved devastating. Pakistan turned against the Taliban while America eventually withdrew, leaving Pakistan facing violence, radicalization, and economic strain. Challenging official narratives, he rejected claims religious obligation drove Afghan involvement, stating military dictators Zia-ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf joined wars "to appease a superpower," not for Islam. He called losses "irreversible" and acknowledged Pakistan's reshaped education system still embeds war-justifying ideology.

US President Donald Trump will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Wednesday. The meeting comes as talks with Iran over its nuclear programme enter a critical stage. Netanyahu is expected to urge Trump to demand limits on Iran’s missiles and support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.   Iran has said it is ready to limit its nuclear work in return for sanctions relief. But it has rejected other demands. Trump has warned of possible military action if no deal is reached. Both sides say a diplomatic solution is still possible. (PC: AFP via Getty Images)