European nations are escalating preparations for a potential nuclear conflict amid rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Following President Vladimir Putin's move to lower the threshold for using nuclear weapons, NATO countries, including Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, have issued emergency advisories. Citizens are urged to stock essential supplies such as food, water, and medicines. Sweden distributed pamphlets, marking only the 5th instance since WWII, while Finland updated its crisis preparedness guidelines. The United States’ provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine has heightened fears of escalation. Sweden’s checklist emphasizes durable foods like potatoes and soups, signaling the growing panic across Europe.

The Naga tribes of India are seeking the return of ancestral human remains held in UK museums. Recently, a Naga skull from Nagaland was withdrawn from auction following protests. Colonial administrators had taken thousands of items, including 41 human remains now housed in Oxford University’s Pitt Rivers Museum. The Naga Forum for Reconciliation emphasizes the spiritual and cultural significance of repatriation, with many unaware their ancestors' remains were abroad. Scholars are working to facilitate returns, despite challenges in identifying descendants and navigating international regulations. The initiative aims to honor ancestors, reclaim history, and restore dignity to the Naga people.

Russia's Defense Ministry reported on Tuesday that Ukraine launched six US-made ATACMS missiles at Bryansk following US President Joe Biden's decision to ease restrictions on the use of long-range American weapons. While five missiles were intercepted, one caused debris to ignite a fire at a military site; no casualties were reported. Ukraine claimed it targeted a military weapons depot. This development comes amid reports of Russia deploying North Korean troops along Ukraine's border. Moscow warned that the US's move escalates the Ukraine-Russia conflict, coinciding with President Vladimir Putin revising Russia's nuclear doctrine to address joint conventional-nuclear attacks.

Manipur remains tense as Meitei civil society groups rejected resolutions from the NDA meeting, demanding stricter action against Kuki insurgent groups. Six killings in Jiribam have reignited violence, with protests intensifying statewide. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum for revised resolutions, warning of government office shutdowns if unmet. Assam sealed borders, fearing violence spillover. The NDA's National People’s Party withdrew support from CM N Biren Singh's government. Meanwhile, Kuki groups held coffin rallies to protest alleged atrocities. Calls grow for declaring all Suspension of Operation (SoO) groups unlawful.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a doctrine lowering the nuclear weapons use threshold, threatening retaliation if Ukraine uses Western-supplied missiles to target Russia. This development follows Ukraine’s first US-made ATACMS strike on Russia’s Bryansk region, marking 1,000 days of the war. The Kremlin accused NATO of escalating the conflict, with Dmitry Peskov warning that Western targeting assistance makes them de facto participants. Meanwhile, Russian airstrikes on Odesa killed 8 people. Moscow has hinted at supplying long-range weapons to its allies if Western nations persist in aiding Ukraine. President-elect Donald Trump’s stance on US support for Ukraine adds further uncertainty.

Dense smog caused by severe air pollution has led to multiple accidents in Uttar Pradesh, leaving 2 bikers dead and dozens injured. In Noida, a bus and two trucks collided on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, injuring over 12 passengers. Near Agra, six vehicles piled up on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway due to poor visibility. In Bulandshahr, a truck fatally hit a biker, while another accident in Badaun claimed the life of a teacher. Severe pollution has turned visibility hazardous across North India, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay indoors as air quality remains in the 'severe+' category.

The G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro addressed climate change, wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and global inequality. Leaders called for increased climate finance but failed to outline concrete commitments. The group condemned the use of force in Ukraine but avoided naming Russian aggression. Calls for ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon focused on protecting civilians and releasing hostages. Brazilian President Lula pushed for taxing the ultra-wealthy and launched a global hunger alliance, with 82 countries pledging to reduce food insecurity by 2030. Discussions revealed tensions among global powers on addressing these critical issues.

A UN convoy of 109 aid lorries was attacked in Gaza, resulting in the looting of 97 vehicles, the UN agency Unrwa reported. Masked assailants armed with grenades forced drivers to unload supplies after entering southern Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing. The Unrwa commissioner general, Philippe Lazzarini, attributed the incident to a “total breakdown of civil order,” warning of worsening food shortages for 2M people reliant on aid. Hamas claimed to have killed over 20 gang members responsible. UN officials criticized Israel for failing to ensure the safe delivery of aid. The Israeli military has yet to comment.

A Russian-controlled segment of the International Space Station (ISS) is leaking, causing air and pressure loss. First identified in 2019, the leak has worsened this year, drawing serious concerns from NASA about the module's structural integrity and the risk of catastrophic failure. While Roscosmos downplays the threat and continues patching leaks, NASA believes the situation is dangerous for the crew. The agencies disagree on the severity of the problem, with NASA urging independent experts to assess the issue and find a resolution. This dispute marks the most critical issue facing the aging space station.

The Kremlin has warned of a "palpable response" if Ukraine uses US-made long-range missiles to strike Russian territory. This follows the US allowing Ukraine to deploy Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) against military targets inside Russia, a significant policy shift. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that such an action would mean direct involvement by the US and its allies. The move comes as Russia intensifies its aerial bombardments, particularly on the Ukrainian city of Odesa, where recent strikes killed 10 people. Ukrainian officials argue that the missiles could help shorten the war and shift the battlefield dynamics.