The UK Parliament approved the Assisted Dying Bill, permitting terminally ill adults expected to die within six months to seek help in ending their lives. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who introduced the bill, celebrated the historic vote, calling it "a step towards dignity." Proponents, including campaigners in pink attire, highlighted stories of suffering, while opponents, including disability activists, warned of societal risks. The debate featured emotional speeches, including one from MP Kit Malthouse, who criticized NHS burdens. Despite passing, the bill faces further scrutiny. Outside Parliament, tears of both joy and fear marked a day that divided opinion nationwide.

France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, will visit India next month with three other French warships, strengthening Indo-French defence ties. The carrier, capable of deploying Rafale naval jets, will participate in joint exercises with Indian Navy vessels, including INS Vikrant or INS Vikramaditya. Italy's defence minister will also accompany the Amerigo Vespucci, a training ship, signaling enhanced Indo-Italian defence cooperation. The visit reflects Western nations' strategic pivot to the Indo-Pacific amid rising Chinese aggression in the South China Sea and tensions over Taiwan. The renewed collaboration follows India lifting its ban on Italy’s Leonardo defence conglomerate.

Several US universities, including MIT and Yale, have issued travel advisories urging international students, especially Indians, to return before Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Concerns stem from Trump’s pledge to implement strict immigration policies on his first day in office, recalling the travel bans of 2017. The University of Massachusetts cautioned students about potential delays in visa processing and advised being in the US by January 19. Indian students, forming the largest international student group in the US, are particularly impacted. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has urged nationals to stay updated on travel rules amid growing uncertainties.

The West Bengal government has introduced a standard operating protocol (SOP) for feeding street dogs, mandating designated areas in towns and cities, feeding times before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m., and dietary guidelines. Caregivers must clean feeding sites and avoid crowded or children’s play areas. The SOP, developed after a Calcutta High Court observation, includes penalties for violations and harassment of caregivers. Permitted food includes rice, chapati, boiled potatoes, and meat leftovers. Disposable biodegradable materials are advised for feeding. The initiative aims to resolve disputes between animal lovers and citizens while ensuring safer and more organized street dog feeding practices.

A woman bypassed multiple security checkpoints at New York's JFK Airport and boarded a Paris-bound Delta Airlines flight without a boarding pass or ID. TSA confirmed she cleared security screening with no prohibited items. Discovered in the aircraft bathroom near the end of the 7-hour flight, the stowaway prompted French police intervention upon landing. Passengers were informed of a "serious security issue" only after the flight landed in Paris. Delta Airlines and TSA have launched investigations into the breach, calling safety their top priority. Details of how the breach occurred and the woman’s arrest status remain unclear.

Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus's press secretary, Shafikul Islam, assured that Hindus remain "safe" in Bangladesh despite recent tensions over ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das's arrest. Das, charged with sedition, was denied bail, sparking protests and calls to ban ISKCON. Islam confirmed there are no plans to ban the Hindu organization and emphasized Das would receive a fair trial. Addressing unrest, Bangladesh’s government has engaged with Hindu leaders and visited temples to address concerns. Responding to India's criticism of the arrest, Islam called it an "internal matter." Meanwhile, Bangladesh's High Court rejected a petition seeking to prohibit ISKCON's activities.

Cyclone Fengal, intensifying into a cyclonic storm, is set to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry today. Heavy rains and winds reaching 90 kmph disrupted life in Tamil Nadu, prompting flight suspensions and closures of schools and colleges. Relief camps have been established, and the Indian Navy and NDRF are on high alert. Fishermen have been advised to stay ashore, and public transport on coastal routes has been suspended. Authorities urged IT firms to allow remote work to ensure safety. Emergency numbers and resources are deployed for evacuation and relief efforts.

UK MP Bob Blackman stated, "Hindus across Bangladesh are being subjected to death, with their houses and temples being burnt," during a session in Parliament. He condemned the arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das and highlighted attempts to ban ISKCON in Bangladesh, calling it a direct attack on religious freedom. Blackman urged action to protect minorities, stressing, "It cannot be acceptable that religious minorities are persecuted in this way." India’s Ministry of External Affairs demanded Bangladesh ensure the safety of minorities. Diaspora group FISI UK supported these concerns, denouncing ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested a ceasefire deal where unoccupied Ukrainian territories join NATO, ensuring security against further Russian aggression. He proposed negotiating the return of occupied regions diplomatically. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for NATO to "immediately" cover Ukraine's controlled areas, warning of Russian resurgence otherwise. The statement marks a shift from Kyiv's earlier refusal to cede territory. Zelenskyy also expressed willingness to engage with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, emphasizing the importance of direct communication. Russia, however, insists on retaining occupied territories. Approximately 20% of Ukraine remains under Russian control since its invasion.

Bangladesh accused India of "double standards" in protecting minorities, citing "industrial scale misinformation" from Indian media. Law Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul condemned India's concern for Bangladeshi minorities while neglecting its own. A Voice of America survey found 64.1% of Bangladeshis believe their interim government improved minority security. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam urged Bangladeshi journalists to counter India's narratives. Protests erupted at Dhaka University against India's alleged interference, border killings, and ISKCON activities. Protesters demanded Sheikh Hasina's extradition and a review of India-Bangladesh agreements. India's Ministry of External Affairs highlighted extremist threats in Bangladesh, urging minority protection.