India on Tuesday said it was deeply concerned by reports that Ukraine tried to target Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region. Russia claimed 91 long-range drones were used in the incident, but said all were destroyed and no damage was caused. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied the charge and called it a false claim. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said all sides should stay focused on talks and avoid steps that harm peace efforts. He repeated that dialogue is the only way to end the war. Ukraine later said Russia gave no proof and warned that reacting to unverified claims can hurt the peace process. (PC: India Today)

A Hindu garment factory security guard was shot dead by a colleague in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district on Monday evening, police said. The incident took place at Sultana Sweaters Limited in Bhaluka upazila around 6.45 pm. The victim, Bajendra Biswas, 42, was an Ansar member on duty inside the factory barracks. Police said the accused, Noman Mia, 29, also an Ansar member, allegedly pointed a government-issued shotgun at Biswas during a conversation when it went off, hitting him in the thigh. Biswas was taken to a local hospital but died. The accused was arrested and the weapon seized. This was the third killing of a Hindu man in two weeks. (PC: India Today)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied Russian allegations that Kyiv launched 91 drones at Vladimir Putin's residence in Novgorod region, calling it "typical Russian lies" designed to derail peace negotiations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed all drones were intercepted by air defenses and threatened to revise Russia's negotiating position, labeling the incident "state terrorism." The allegations emerged after US-Ukraine talks in Florida, where Trump and Zelensky discussed peace plans. Trump spoke with Putin afterward, initially claiming shock and anger over the alleged attack, though later acknowledging uncertainty about its occurrence. Zelensky stated there's potential to end the war in 2026 with continued US support, while territorial issues and Donbas region remain unresolved. (PC: BBC)

China's state-run newspaper Global Times has strongly criticized Salman Khan's upcoming film Battle of Galwan following its December 27 teaser release. Based on the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops, the film stars Salman Khan as Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu and is scheduled for April 2026 release. Chinese military experts accused Bollywood of distorting historical facts and presenting one-sided narratives, claiming the films prioritize emotional storytelling over historical accuracy. Chinese netizens on Weibo harshly criticized the film's visuals, costumes, and historical portrayal, with one user mockingly saying "When history falls short, Bollywood steps in." Military experts warned the narrative could heighten ongoing diplomatic tensions despite recent improvements. (PC: News 18)

Assam Police busted a major terror module, arresting 11 individuals linked to Bangladesh-based extremist outfit Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK), an offshoot of banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh. The IMK, founded in 2018, propagates "Ghazwatul Hind" ideology advocating armed conquest of India. Following Bangladesh's August 2024 regime change, senior leaders of JMB, Ansarullah Bangla Team, and Al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent activated Indian modules, with Bangladeshi nationals Umar and Khalid coordinating operations in Assam. Investigations revealed recruitment through secure social media platform 'Purva Akash,' targeting individuals in Assam, West Bengal, and Tripura. The module systematically radicalizes members through extremist propaganda and literature. Cases registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

A US think tank has warned of potential armed conflicts involving Pakistan in 2026. The Council on Foreign Relations reports a "moderate likelihood" of renewed hostilities between India and Pakistan over terrorism in Kashmir, with moderate impact on American interests. This follows a four-day mini-war in May 2025 after Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 22 civilians in Pahalgam, prompting India's Operation Sindoor. Despite a ceasefire, both nations are rapidly acquiring defense equipment. The report also flags a moderate likelihood of conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, triggered by cross-border militant attacks. The second Trump administration has sought to mediate these tensions. Intelligence suggests over 30 Pakistani terrorists currently operate in Jammu region. (PC: India Today)

India overtook China as the world's largest rice producer this year, nearly doubling exports to over 20 million metric tons. However, farmers in Punjab and Haryana face a water crisis as rice cultivation depletes groundwater reserves. Borewells that reached water at 30 feet a decade ago now require drilling 80-200 feet deep, costing farmers tens of thousands of rupees annually. Government subsidies incentivizing rice production discourage switching to water-efficient crops like millets. India produces far more rice than needed domestically while extracting 35-57% more groundwater than aquifers naturally replenish. Experts question whether the world's most water-stressed country should prioritize rice exports over sustainable agriculture. (PC: The Tribune)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused authorities of conducting Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls using artificial intelligence, dubbing it a "huge scam." Speaking at a rally in Bankura ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, Banerjee claimed that poor and common citizens are being tortured through the SIR process. She criticized the BJP's recurring promise to build "shonar Bangla" (prosperous West Bengal) before every election, questioning how they would achieve this when atrocities are allegedly committed against Bengali-speaking people in BJP-led states. The Chief Minister's allegations come as political tensions escalate in the state ahead of crucial polls, with the electoral roll revision process becoming a contentious issue. (PC: The Indian Express)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over reports of alleged Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence, urging all parties to avoid actions undermining peace efforts. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones at Putin's state residence in Novgorod region on December 28-29, calling it "state terrorism." All drones were reportedly intercepted. US President Donald Trump, currently negotiating peace between the nations, said he was "very angry" after learning about the incident from Putin. Ukrainian President Zelensky dismissed Moscow's allegations as "complete fabrication." Modi emphasized that diplomacy remains the only viable path to ending hostilities and achieving lasting peace. (PC: X)

Former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia, who died on Tuesday at 80, had a complex relationship with India. Early in her career, she opposed Indian transit rights and called toll-free road access a form of “slavery”. She also criticised the Farakka Barrage and resisted renewal of a key friendship treaty. During her terms, Bangladesh deepened defence ties with China, raising concern in New Delhi. From 2012, her approach softened. After visits to Delhi, she pledged that BNP governments would act against terror groups using Bangladeshi soil to target India. She later met Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi, signalling limited outreach. (PC: X)