Moscow and Washington held 12-hour talks in Saudi Arabia on Ukraine, with Russian negotiator Grigory Karasin calling them "useful." He stressed that discussions would continue, involving the UN and other nations. While acknowledging disagreements, Karasin emphasized the importance of dialogue. US officials also met Ukrainian negotiators in Riyadh, with further talks expected. President Donald Trump seeks a swift resolution to the three-year war. A joint statement on the discussions is expected soon. The negotiations signal a potential shift in efforts to end the conflict. (PC: AFP)

Hamdan Ballal, a Palestinian filmmaker who won an Oscar for No Other Land, was attacked by Israeli settlers in the West Bank village of Susya, activists say. His house was surrounded, and he was beaten before being taken by Israeli soldiers while in an ambulance, co-director Yuval Abraham said. The Israeli military denied detaining anyone from an ambulance but confirmed arresting three Palestinians and an Israeli for allegedly throwing rocks. Activists who witnessed the attack said settlers smashed car windows and assaulted people. The incident highlights rising settler violence in the West Bank since the 2023 Israel-Hamas war. (PC: Getty Images)

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant had a tough debut as his team lost to Delhi Capitals (DC) in a dramatic IPL 2025 match. Pant was out for a six-ball duck and missed a crucial stumping in the final over. After DC’s stunning one-wicket win, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka was seen talking to Pant and coach Justin Langer, reminding fans of his past exchange with KL Rahul. Pant later said luck played a role in the loss. Questions were also raised about LSG’s decision not to let Shardul Thakur complete his four overs. (PC: Screengrab/JioHotstar)

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed more than 65 people in the past day, including women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The death toll from the 17-month war has now surpassed 50,000. Meanwhile, Egypt has proposed a new ceasefire plan. Under the deal, Hamas would release five hostages in exchange for humanitarian aid and a temporary pause in fighting. Israel would also free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Israel admitted to mistakenly firing on a Red Cross office, saying soldiers misidentified a threat. The Red Cross confirmed the building was damaged, but no staff were hurt.

The BMC has demolished an illegal part of Mumbai’s Habitat Studio after stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra mocked Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde in a video. The action followed protests by Shiv Sena workers, who vandalised the venue. The BMC cited rule violations, including an unauthorised shed and improper use of the basement. After the attack, Habitat Studio announced its shutdown, saying it was unfairly targeted. The studio clarified that it does not control performers’ content. Police have been deployed for security. The future of the venue remains uncertain as officials review further action. (PC: Hindustan Times)

India is considering reducing tariffs on over half of US imports worth $23 billion. The move aims to counter new US tariffs that could impact 87% of Indian exports. A US trade delegation is set to visit India for talks. India may cut tariffs on products like almonds and quinoa but will not lower them for meat, maize, wheat, or dairy. Tariffs on automobiles may be reduced gradually. The government wants to protect key industries, including pharmaceuticals and machinery, while maintaining strong trade ties with the US. The final decision is yet to be made. (PC: REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)

In November 2024, 24-year-old Delhi native Harshita Brella was found murdered in the UK, allegedly by her husband, Pankaj Lamba, after enduring months of domestic abuse and dowry harassment. Despite her family's pleas to return to India, legal constraints prevented her departure. Her body was discovered in a car boot in Ilford, prompting an international manhunt for Lamba, believed to have fled to India. Her family continues to seek justice, criticizing both UK and Indian authorities for perceived inaction. (PC: The Times of India)

Comedian Kunal Kamra's recent performance in Mumbai included a satirical song labeling Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a "gaddar" (traitor) for his 2022 political defection. The act sparked outrage among Shinde's supporters, leading to vandalism at the Habitat comedy club by Shiv Sena members; over 10 individuals, including youth leader Rahul Kanal, were arrested. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned Kamra's actions, asserting that freedom of expression has limitations and hinting at further investigations. Kamra, however, defended his right to political satire and refused to apologize. Authorities have also begun demolishing parts of the Habitat club, citing illegal construction, prompting the venue to temporarily shut down. This incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding freedom of expression in India. (PC: News 18 & Tribune)

The Israeli military has intensified its offensive in Gaza, issuing new evacuation orders for northern regions and conducting airstrikes that have killed over 20 Palestinians overnight, bringing the total death toll to 730 since hostilities resumed last Tuesday. Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a plan to establish an administration within his department to facilitate the voluntary departure of Palestinians from Gaza, a move condemned by several countries as a violation of international humanitarian law. Amid escalating violence, Israel also targeted sites in Syria's Homs province, alleging they housed military capabilities. The situation has drawn international criticism and heightened calls for resolution. (PC: Shutterstock)

Kolli Abhishek, a native of Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh, was found dead in Princeton, Texas, a day after being reported missing. Authorities suspect suicide. Abhishek, married for a year, had been unemployed for six months and faced financial hardships. His brother, Aravind, initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses and repatriate Abhishek's body to India, raising over $18,000 in under 10 hours. The Telugu community in the U.S. has extended significant support to the family during this challenging time. (PC: M9 News)