India on Tuesday said it was deeply concerned by reports that Ukraine tried to target Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region. Russia claimed 91 long-range drones were used in the incident, but said all were destroyed and no damage was caused. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied the charge and called it a false claim. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said all sides should stay focused on talks and avoid steps that harm peace efforts. He repeated that dialogue is the only way to end the war. Ukraine later said Russia gave no proof and warned that reacting to unverified claims can hurt the peace process. (PC: India Today)

Assam Police busted a major terror module, arresting 11 individuals linked to Bangladesh-based extremist outfit Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK), an offshoot of banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh. The IMK, founded in 2018, propagates "Ghazwatul Hind" ideology advocating armed conquest of India. Following Bangladesh's August 2024 regime change, senior leaders of JMB, Ansarullah Bangla Team, and Al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent activated Indian modules, with Bangladeshi nationals Umar and Khalid coordinating operations in Assam. Investigations revealed recruitment through secure social media platform 'Purva Akash,' targeting individuals in Assam, West Bengal, and Tripura. The module systematically radicalizes members through extremist propaganda and literature. Cases registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

A US think tank has warned of potential armed conflicts involving Pakistan in 2026. The Council on Foreign Relations reports a "moderate likelihood" of renewed hostilities between India and Pakistan over terrorism in Kashmir, with moderate impact on American interests. This follows a four-day mini-war in May 2025 after Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 22 civilians in Pahalgam, prompting India's Operation Sindoor. Despite a ceasefire, both nations are rapidly acquiring defense equipment. The report also flags a moderate likelihood of conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, triggered by cross-border militant attacks. The second Trump administration has sought to mediate these tensions. Intelligence suggests over 30 Pakistani terrorists currently operate in Jammu region. (PC: India Today)

India overtook China as the world's largest rice producer this year, nearly doubling exports to over 20 million metric tons. However, farmers in Punjab and Haryana face a water crisis as rice cultivation depletes groundwater reserves. Borewells that reached water at 30 feet a decade ago now require drilling 80-200 feet deep, costing farmers tens of thousands of rupees annually. Government subsidies incentivizing rice production discourage switching to water-efficient crops like millets. India produces far more rice than needed domestically while extracting 35-57% more groundwater than aquifers naturally replenish. Experts question whether the world's most water-stressed country should prioritize rice exports over sustainable agriculture. (PC: The Tribune)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over reports of alleged Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence, urging all parties to avoid actions undermining peace efforts. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones at Putin's state residence in Novgorod region on December 28-29, calling it "state terrorism." All drones were reportedly intercepted. US President Donald Trump, currently negotiating peace between the nations, said he was "very angry" after learning about the incident from Putin. Ukrainian President Zelensky dismissed Moscow's allegations as "complete fabrication." Modi emphasized that diplomacy remains the only viable path to ending hostilities and achieving lasting peace. (PC: X)

Former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, who died on Tuesday at 80, had a complex relationship with India. Early in her career, she opposed Indian transit rights and called toll-free road access a form of “slavery”. She also criticised the Farakka Barrage and resisted renewal of a key friendship treaty. During her terms, Bangladesh deepened defence ties with China, raising concern in New Delhi. From 2012, her approach softened. After visits to Delhi, she pledged that BNP governments would act against terror groups using Bangladeshi soil to target India. She later met Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi, signalling limited outreach. (PC: X)

Ranjit “Ricky” Gill, an Indian-origin adviser to US President Donald Trump, has received the National Security Council’s Distinguished Action Award for his role in talks linked to the May 10 India-Pakistan ceasefire. Gill is senior director for South and Central Asia at the NSC and special assistant to Trump. The US has not shared details of his role. India has denied any third-party mediation in the truce after Operation Sindoor. Born in New Jersey to Punjabi Sikh parents, Gill is a lawyer and Princeton graduate. He earlier served at the State Department and worked on the US embassy move to Jerusalem. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed sorrow over the death of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia. In a post on X, he said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of her passing and offered condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh. Modi recalled meeting Zia in Dhaka in 2015 and said the discussion had been warm. He added that her vision and legacy would continue to guide cooperation between the two neighbours. Modi also noted Zia’s role in strengthening India–Bangladesh relations and said her contributions would be remembered. Zia, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson, died in Dhaka after a long illness. (PC: HT)

Many Indian migrants in the United States are cutting travel as visa rules become stricter under the Trump administration, a KFF and New York Times survey shows. The study found that 27% of all immigrants avoided travel inside or outside the country to avoid contact with immigration officials. Among H-1B holders, the figure was 32%. About 15% of naturalised citizens also limited travel. Nearly two thirds of undocumented migrants avoided all travel. Reports say the TSA has begun sharing some travel data with immigration agencies. Recent changes include ending remote visa renewals, adding higher fees, and widening social media checks. Lawyers and firms have advised caution on travel. (PC: India Today)

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Dec 29, 2025 strongly dismissed Pakistan’s criticism of India over treatment of religious minorities, calling the remarks baseless and hypocritical. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal rejected Islamabad’s claims, saying Pakistan has its own “horrific and systemic victimisation of minorities of various faiths” and that its “abysmal record speaks for itself.” India added that Pakistan’s accusations won’t change realities and urged it to focus on its internal issues rather than pointing fingers at New Delhi. The rebuttal highlights ongoing diplomatic tensions between the neighbors on human rights narratives. (PC: India Today)