Security forces killed five terrorists during an encounter in Kulgam district, Jammu & Kashmir, early Thursday. Acting on intelligence about the presence of militants in the Kadder area of Behibagh, a cordon-and-search operation escalated into a gunfight when terrorists opened fire. Two soldiers sustained injuries and were hospitalized. The identities of the killed terrorists are yet to be confirmed, and a search operation in the area is ongoing. This comes days after police attached a property under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the district, signaling intensified efforts to counter militancy.

A 29-year-old Uzbek man has been detained in Moscow for the killing of Russian General Igor Kirillov. The explosive device was hidden in an electric scooter and detonated remotely as Kirillov left his apartment. Russia's Investigative Committee claims the man was recruited by Ukrainian special services, though no evidence has been provided. The suspect allegedly admitted to being promised $100,000 and a European passport for the killing. Ukraine's security service had already charged Kirillov for war crimes. Russia has vowed to find and punish those responsible for the assassination.

Ukraine's military expressed shock over the actions of North Korean troops in the war, stating they "don’t understand what's happening" with several hundred casualties. Meanwhile, France's foreign minister revealed evidence of Russia attempting to manipulate French influencers. Over 2,000 content creators in Europe were contacted to spread Russian propaganda, with at least 20 agreeing, including nine French influencers. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy admitted Ukraine cannot push Russian forces out of Crimea and eastern regions and called for diplomatic pressure to force Russia into negotiations.

A UK court ruled that police can seize over £2m from Andrew and Tristan Tate for unpaid taxes. The brothers are accused of dodging taxes on £21m earned from their online businesses in the UK. They allegedly hid the money in accounts, including one in a woman’s name. Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring called it a “straightforward cheat of the revenue.” The case used civil standards, needing less proof than criminal trials. Andrew Tate denies the claims, calling it an attack on his freedom. UK police are waiting to see if the brothers appeal the decision.

North Korean troops, deployed alongside Russian forces in Ukraine's Kursk region, have faced "several hundred" casualties, including 50 deaths in three days, according to Ukrainian special forces. A US military official revealed the casualties ranged from minor injuries to deaths, affecting soldiers of all ranks. Ukrainian forces, identifying the North Koreans by their large group movements, described them as easy artillery targets. “They don’t understand what’s happening,” a Ukrainian drone commander said, adding that such tactics are unprecedented. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported 10,000-12,000 North Korean troops in the conflict, intensifying global scrutiny of Pyongyang's involvement.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Manish Tewari have been named to a parliamentary committee tasked with reviewing the "One Nation, One Election" bill. This bill, introduced by the BJP, proposes simultaneous Lok Sabha and state elections, requiring constitutional amendments. The committee, which will include Congress and Trinamool members, is expected to engage with MPs, legal experts, and the Election Commission. The bill has sparked intense debate, with opposition parties, including Congress and the Trinamool, voicing concerns over its impact on India's federal structure. The committee will have 90 days to submit its report.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a major overhaul of the H-1B visa programme, effective January 17, 2025. The new rule aims to streamline the visa approval process, helping US companies fill critical job vacancies more effectively. Indians, who hold the majority of H-1B visas, are expected to benefit most. The changes include quicker processing for returning H-1B workers, flexibility for F-1 visa students transitioning to H-1B status, and strengthened programme integrity. The new rule also modernises the definition of specialty occupations and clarifies eligibility for non-profits and government research organisations.

Iranian lawmakers are seeking to amend a controversial bill tightening hijab regulations, stirring fresh debate. The proposed "Law on Supporting the Family through the Promotion of the Culture of Chastity and Hijab" imposes penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment or $6,000 fines for promoting "nudity" or "indecency." Shahram Dabiri, vice president for parliamentary affairs, confirmed the parliament's request to hold off on finalizing the bill, citing needed amendments. Protests over mandatory hijab laws escalated after Mahsa Amini's 2022 death in custody, leading to months of unrest and global criticism of Iran's human rights policies.

Controversial influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan must forfeit over £2M after failing to pay taxes on £21M earned through online ventures, including OnlyFans. A UK judge ruled the brothers evaded taxes between 2014 and 2022, describing their scheme as a "straightforward cheat of the revenue." Devon and Cornwall Police seized £2.8M from frozen accounts linked to the brothers and an associate known as "J." The Tates are also facing criminal charges in Romania for trafficking and exploitation. Both deny all allegations and remain barred from leaving Romania, awaiting extradition to the UK for further legal proceedings.

Russia detained a 29-year-old Uzbek man accused of assassinating Lt Gen Igor Kirillov, head of Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Forces, and his assistant in Moscow. Kirillov, 54, was killed when an explosive device hidden in a scooter detonated near his residence. Russia's FSB claimed the suspect was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence, allegedly promised $100,000 and EU relocation for the attack. Ukraine called Kirillov a "legitimate target," citing alleged war crimes and 4,800 chemical weapon uses under his leadership. Russian officials plan to address the assassination at the UN Security Council meeting on Friday.