The family of a 37-year-old US nurse shot dead by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis has rejected official claims about the incident. Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital, was sprayed with an irritant before being shot at least 10 times on Saturday. His family said he was unarmed and trying to protect a woman during the encounter. They accused the Trump administration of spreading “sickening lies” about him. Federal officials said Pretti was carrying a handgun and ammunition. Minneapolis police said he was a lawful gun owner. Investigations into the shooting are continuing.

A college professor was stabbed to death at Malad Railway Station in Mumbai, police said on Saturday. The victim, Alok Singh, taught at a college in Vile Parle. The attack followed a brief argument inside a local train over boarding and alighting at the gate. After the train stopped, the dispute continued on the platform. The accused, identified as 27-year-old Omkar Shinde, allegedly stabbed Singh several times and fled. Government Railway Police used CCTV footage from the station to trace the suspect. He was later arrested from Vasai. Police are probing whether other factors led to the attack. (PC: NDTV)

Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is likely to be awarded the Ashok Chakra on Republic Day. The honour follows his 18-day mission to the International Space Station in June 2025. Shukla flew as part of the Axiom-4 crew. He became the second Indian to travel to space and the first to visit the ISS. During the mission, he carried out several microgravity experiments. The work generated data needed for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. Officials say the mission tested crew endurance and systems in low Earth orbit. The award recognises service linked to national space goals. (PC: India Today)

A 25-year-old Hindu man was found dead after a fire in Narsingdi, Bangladesh, police said on Saturday. The victim, Chanchal Bhowmik, was asleep inside a garage when the blaze broke out late Friday night. Firefighters broke open the shutter but could not save him. His body was found badly burned. Police said CCTV footage from the area shows a person moving near the site before the fire. Officers are examining whether the blaze was caused by an electrical fault or an external act. No arrests have been made so far, and the investigation is ongoing, police added. (PC: X)

American climber Alex Honnold has completed a free solo climb of Taipei 101, a 101-floor skyscraper in Taiwan. He climbed the 508-metre building without a rope, harness, or safety equipment. The ascent took one hour and 31 minutes and was streamed live by Netflix. Wet weather delayed the climb by one day. Taipei 101 was once the world’s tallest building. Honnold’s time was faster than French climber Alain Robert, who climbed the tower in four hours using safety gear. Taiwan’s vice president congratulated Honnold after the climb. Honnold is best known for his rope-free ascent of El Capitan, shown in the film Free Solo. (PC: BBC)

Rashtriya Janata Dal founder Lalu Prasad Yadav has appointed Tejashwi Yadav as the party’s national working president. The decision was announced at the opening session of the RJD national executive meeting in Patna. Lalu Yadav formally handed over the appointment letter in the presence of senior party leaders. Tejashwi Yadav, a former Bihar deputy chief minister, has led the party in recent elections and is seen as its main leader. The RJD said the move aims to strengthen the party’s organisation and outreach. Tejashwi earlier led the RJD to emerge as the largest party in the 2020 Bihar Assembly polls. (PC: NDTV)

Scotland have been confirmed as Bangladesh’s replacement for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and will travel to India immediately. Cricket Scotland said the squad is preparing to arrive soon to adjust to local conditions before the tournament begins on February 7. The ICC invited Scotland after Bangladesh withdrew, citing security concerns. Cricket Scotland accepted the offer in a letter and thanked the ICC for the opportunity. Chief executive Trudy Lindblade said the team had been training for upcoming tours and was ready to compete. Scotland were selected based on ICC rankings and have played in five previous T20 World Cups. (PC: India Today)

A video shared online shows the moments before federal immigration agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a nurse, in Minneapolis. Pretti, 37, is seen surrounded by officers and pushed to the ground as bystanders shout at the agents. Shots are fired during the struggle, and Pretti later dies at the scene. Witnesses blew whistles as officers moved away from his body. Pretti was an American citizen and worked as an ICU nurse at a veterans hospital. His death comes weeks after another fatal shooting by an ICE officer in the city. The incident has triggered protests and clashes with authorities.

India will mark its 77th Republic Day on 26 January with a large parade in New Delhi. This year’s chief guests are European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. Experts say the choice reflects India’s growing focus on ties with the European Union. The chief guest sits next to the president, giving the role strong diplomatic meaning. Since 1950, India has used the invitation to highlight key partners, from neighbours to major global powers. Former diplomats say decisions are based on strategic goals, regional balance and timing. Past guest lists have also reflected shifts or strains in India’s foreign relations. (PC: BBC)

The International Cricket Council has warned Pakistan of serious sanctions if it withdraws from the T20 World Cup, sources said. Officials said a boycott would challenge ICC authority and harm global tournaments. Possible penalties include suspension from the Asia Cup, loss of ICC funding, and limits on foreign players in the Pakistan Super League. Bilateral series could also be halted. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan will follow government directions and no final decision has been taken yet. Sources said the PCB is aware that a withdrawal could cause long-term financial damage and isolate Pakistan from international cricket. The warning follows Bangladesh’s recent exit from the tournament over security concerns. (PC: India Today)