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)

A 13-year-old boy was arrested after two students were stabbed inside a secondary school in north-west London. The victims, aged 12 and 13, suffered neck injuries and were taken to hospital in serious condition. Witnesses told local media the suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the attack. Police said counter-terror officers are leading the probe due to the circumstances, but the case has not been declared a terrorist incident. Officers reached the school within minutes and later recovered the suspected weapon. The incident happened inside a classroom. Students present are being treated as witnesses. Authorities asked the public to share verified information only. (PC: X)

A tragic mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Canada has left 10 people dead, including the suspected shooter, and around 27 others injured, police said. Six fatalities were found inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, two at a nearby residence, and one victim died en route to hospital, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported. The suspected shooter appears to have died from a self-inflicted injury, and authorities believe there is no ongoing threat to the public. The remote community of about 2,400 residents was profoundly affected, with schools closed and counselling offered as officials continue their investigation. (PC: X)

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif delivered an unusually blunt critique of Islamabad’s past ties with the United States, telling the National Assembly that Pakistan was “used like toilet paper and then thrown away” after serving U.S. strategic goals, particularly in Afghanistan. He described the country’s alignment with Washington after 1999 and post-9/11 as a grave miscalculation that inflicted long-term damage, including prolonged violence and economic strain. Asif challenged the official narrative that Pakistan’s involvement in Afghan wars was driven by religious duty, instead calling it a damaging mistake. His remarks signal deep frustration in Pakistan’s political discourse over its foreign policy legacy. (PC: Getty Images)