Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf ignited controversy in a viral video where he confronted a fan in public, triggered after the fan requested a photo. Rauf's outburst included accusations of disrespect towards his father and a contentious remark suggesting the fan was Indian. Despite attempts to diffuse the situation, Rauf persisted, questioning the fan's nationality even after clarification. The incident coincides with Pakistan's underwhelming T20 World Cup performance and internal team scrutiny following leaked remarks from coach Gary Kirsten on discord within the squad.

Britain significantly reduced approvals for arms export licenses to Israel during the Gaza conflict, with permits' value dropping over 95% to £859,381 ($1.09 million) from October 7 to December 31. This marks a 13-year low, contrasting sharply with £20 million approved in the same period of 2022. The decline includes items like body armor and non-lethal military vehicles. Criticism from MPs and human rights groups persists over transparency in arms sales. While Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defends Israel's response to Hamas, calls for stricter controls on arms exports grow amid international scrutiny.

The UK issued a heatwave alert as temperatures reached 26°C, drawing amused reactions from Indian social media users familiar with much higher temperatures. The Met Office forecasts highs of 30°C, warning of possible thunderstorms. One user quipped, “26°C is a heatwave in the UK? How did they ever survive ruling India with our 40°C summers?” Another commented, “It's odd how people in the UK consider 26°C a heatwave, especially considering they once ruled India.” India, enduring one of its harshest heatwaves, has seen temperatures soar to 50°C in some areas, making the UK’s alert seem mild in comparison.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Varanasi on Tuesday, marking his first trip since starting his third term in office. At the PM Kisan Samman Sammelan, he released Rs 20,000 crore under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, benefiting over 9.26 crore farmers. Modi emphasized the importance of promoting Indian agricultural products globally and announced steps to support three crore women as 'Lakhpati didis'. The visit included participation in Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and a visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Since its inception, the PM-KISAN scheme has transferred over Rs 3 lakh crore to farmers' accounts.

Terrorists fired on security forces in Surankote, Poonch district, J&K, during a search operation on Tuesday. The Special Operations Group (SOG) of the police came under attack, leading to a heavy exchange of fire. This incident follows Union Home Minister Amit Shah's directive to intensify security measures in response to recent terrorist activities. Last week, multiple attacks in Reasi, Kathua, and Doda districts resulted in 10 deaths and 50 injuries. The region remains tense, with heightened security measures after a series of attacks, including an assault on a bus carrying pilgrims and a joint check post on the Bhaderwah-Pathankot road.

Sudhanshu Mani, the creator of Vande Bharat trains and former General Manager of Indian Railways' Integral Coach Factory, remarked that the "railway made a mistake" by not catering to common passengers. He criticized the focus on AC coaches for high-end travelers, noting it reduced non-AC options and pushed unreserved passengers into AC classes. Mani urged the government to restore and increase non-AC coaches, arguing for balanced travel solutions that address both comfort and affordability. This shift, he argued, is essential to meet the needs of all passengers and correct the current imbalance in the railway's offerings.

Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa has been arrested in connection with the murder of his fan, Renukaswamy. The 33-year-old fan was allegedly kidnapped and tortured after sending derogatory messages to Darshan's friend, Pavithra Gowda. Darshan and his friends were partying at a pub on the day of the murder and later went to a shed where the crime took place. The accused tried to cover their tracks by changing their blood-stained clothes at a Reliance Trends shop. The police have recovered Renukaswamy's gold chain and wallet from the accused's possession. Darshan and his friends have been taken into custody and may be taken to Mysuru to recreate the crime scene.

Legendary singer Alka Yagnik has revealed that she has been diagnosed with a rare sensory neural nerve hearing loss due to a viral attack. Yagnik shared the news on Instagram, explaining that she suddenly lost her hearing after a flight a few weeks ago. Despite her initial fear and courage, she has decided to speak out and appeal for prayers from her fans and well-wishers. The singer's diagnosis has left her unable to hear and has forced her to take a break from her career. Yagnik's fans have rallied around her, offering support and wishes for her recovery.

A curfew has been imposed in Odisha's Balasore town after a clash between two communities over alleged cow slaughter. The violence led to the arrest of 34 individuals from both sides, with more expected. To prevent further escalation, the administration has deployed 43 platoons of police and mobilized an additional 15. Internet services have also been suspended in the area. The state government has dispatched four IPS officers and senior police officials to monitor the situation. The curfew comes after initial prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 failed to contain the tension. The situation remains volatile, with authorities working to restore peace.

An Indian worker has died after collapsing during maintenance work on the Sinamale' Bridge in the Maldivian capital. The incident occurred on Monday night when the worker, who was employed by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. This is the second worksite accident in the Maldives involving an Indian national since May. The incident highlights the risks faced by foreign workers in the country's construction industry. An investigation into the incident is underway.