An Iran-based rights group has claimed that more than 3,400 people have died during nationwide protests that began in December after the currency crash and rising prices. Iran Human Rights, based in Norway, said at least 3,428 deaths have been recorded so far. It cited sources in Iran’s health system and said the real number may be higher. The group also reported cases where injured protesters were allegedly killed on the streets and inside medical centres. Iranian authorities have not confirmed the figures. At the same time, Iran briefly closed its airspace, and the United States has moved some staff from regional bases amid growing tensions. (PC: X)

Four astronauts from the International Space Station have returned to Earth about a month ahead of schedule after a crew member fell ill, Nasa said. The Dragon Endeavour capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast. The crew includes Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, Japan’s Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. They had reached the station on 1 August and were due to stay for six and a half months. A planned spacewalk last week was cancelled before Nasa revealed the medical issue. The agency has not shared details but said the affected crew member is stable and receiving care. 

India and France have broadly agreed on terms to buy 114 Rafale F4* fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, with the contract expected in 2026 or early 2027. The deal is valued at about ₹3.25 lakh crore. Eighteen aircraft will be delivered in fly-away condition, while the rest will be built in India in phases with up to 60% local content. The final assembly line will come up at Dassault’s Nagpur unit. Existing IAF Rafales will be upgraded to the F4 standard, with an option for future F5 upgrades. Deliveries may start around 2030. (PC: The Print)

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has summoned Captain Varun Anand in the probe into the Air India 171 crash, Air India told him. Anand is related to Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, the pilot in command who died in the accident. The Federation of Indian Pilots has sent a legal notice to the bureau, saying it has not explained why Anand was called. The body said he had no role in the flight, planning, or site work and is not a witness or expert. It also cited ICAO rules against summoning family members. Anand has offered to join the process through video call. (PC: NDTV)

The Indian Army is using the Aeroarc-made Multi-Utility Legged Equipment, or MULE, as a robotic support partner in difficult terrain. The four-legged robot is designed to walk across snow, sand and shallow water. It can climb steps, carry supplies and reduce risk to troops in dangerous zones. The system can be fitted with cameras and sensors to help in watch duties and in detecting explosive threats. Around 100 units have been supplied by Delhi-based firm Aeroarc and have been shown at public events and field trials. The robot is built to work in extreme heat and cold and can also move in groups with other MULE units. 

The Supreme Court on Thursday heard the Enforcement Directorate plea on alleged interference in its raids at political consultancy I-PAC in West Bengal. The ED sought suspension of state DGP Rajeev Kumar and alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and senior police officers blocked searches and took documents. Appearing for Banerjee, senior advocate Kapil Sibal said the agency waited two years and raided the office close to elections. He claimed the premises held sensitive poll data and that no material was seized. The ED denied wrongdoing and said the chief minister committed theft. The court said it will hear all sides. (PC: India Today)

Denmark said there is a “fundamental disagreement” with the United States over Greenland after talks in Washington on Wednesday. Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the meeting with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio was frank but constructive. He said President Donald Trump is pushing to take control of Greenland, which Denmark and Greenland oppose. The three sides agreed to set up a high-level working group to discuss future ties. Denmark and Greenland said they are open to more US military bases on the island. Trump later repeated that the US needs Greenland for national security. (PC: BBC)

Air India cancelled at least three US-bound flights on Thursday after Iran closed its airspace without notice. The shutdown forced Indian carriers to reroute long-haul services that normally pass over Iran. Two Delhi to New York and Newark flights and one Mumbai to New York service were cancelled, sources said. The airline warned that some Europe routes may also face delays. Air India said flights over the region are using longer alternate paths, which may cause delays or more cancellations. IndiGo and SpiceJet also issued travel advisories, saying some international flights were impacted by the sudden closure. (PC: The Telegraph)

Delhi recorded its coldest night in three years on Thursday as the minimum temperature at Safdarjung fell to 2.9 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department said. The last lower reading was 2.6 degrees on January 18, 2023. Dense to very dense fog covered many areas during night and morning hours. Visibility at Palam airport dropped to nearly 50 metres at 5.30 am, while Safdarjung reported about 100 metres. Other stations also saw low readings, including Palam at 2.3 degrees and Ayanagar at 2.7 degrees. The IMD said fog is likely till January 19. (PC: HT)

The United States has started withdrawing military personnel from select bases in the Middle East as tensions with Iran continue to rise. The move comes amid security concerns following regional instability and warnings from Tehran against foreign military action. Adding to the uncertainty, Iran temporarily shut its airspace to civilian flights, forcing airlines to reroute services and raising fears of a wider conflict. While US officials have not confirmed any imminent military action, the developments have fueled speculation about potential confrontation. The situation has heightened global concern, with diplomatic and security agencies closely monitoring the rapidly evolving regional dynamics. (PC: India Today)