World

Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine, targeting power stations and energy infrastructure while Ukraine shot down most drones. The attacks coincided with US-mediated talks aimed at ending nearly four years of war, with 8 civilians wounded.

A drone attack by Sudan’s RSF on a kindergarten in Kalogi, South Kordofan, killed 50 people, including 33 children. The attack comes amid intensified fighting with the Sudanese military, displacing thousands and raising global humanitarian concerns.

Security forces in Pakistan killed nine TTP terrorists in separate intelligence-based operations in Tank and Lakki Marwat, with weapons recovered at the sites. ISPR said the militants were involved in major attacks, amid rising terror activity since the TTP ended its ceasefire in 2022.

The death toll from a mass shooting at an illegal shebeen in Pretoria has risen to 11, including three minors. SAPS has launched a manhunt for three gunmen, while 14 survivors remain hospitalised. The incident adds to South Africa’s growing gun-violence crisis.

Major US media outlets cast the Modi–Putin summit as a high-stakes test of India’s strategic balancing act, highlighting pressures over Russian oil, Washington’s geopolitical expectations, and the personal chemistry between the two leaders as New Delhi navigates ties with both Moscow and the West.

US Senator Ruben Gallego has urged stricter oversight of the H-1B visa programme, warning that major US tech firms are laying off domestic workers while hiring thousands of foreign professionals. The move could impact Indian engineers, who form the largest H-1B beneficiary group.

A 24-year-old cyber security professional from Hyderabad, Sahaja Reddy Udumala, died after a fire broke out at her residence in Albany, US. Firefighters rescued her but she succumbed to severe burns. Authorities are investigating the cause, while efforts are underway to repatriate her body.

At least 10 people were killed and nine injured after a car rammed into a Christmas gathering in Sainte-Anne, Guadeloupe. Authorities are investigating the cause, while witnesses suggested the driver may have suffered a medical emergency. A crisis unit was activated.

Pakistani and Afghan forces exchanged heavy fire at the Chaman border late Friday, with both sides blaming each other for the clash. Three people were injured, and no official statements have been released amid rising tensions over cross-border militancy.

Singer Mary Millben praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the most influential global leader, lauding his handling of the New Delhi summit with Vladimir Putin. Criticising recent U.S. policy towards India, she urged Washington—and Donald Trump—to reset bilateral ties and invite PM Modi for talks.

Soungoutou Magassa’s late strike earned West Ham a 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Dalot had earlier put United ahead, but missed chances and defensive lapses cost them as they failed to climb higher in the Premier League table

India defeated Ireland 4-0 in their final Pool C match at the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup in Santiago. Purnima Yadav scored twice, while Kanika Siwach and Sakshi Rana added goals as India dominated throughout the contest

Australia built a 44-run lead in the Brisbane Ashes Test after reaching 378 for six at stumps on Day 2. Weatherald, Labuschagne and Smith scored half-centuries, while England’s dropped catches and erratic bowling allowed the hosts to capitalize

Indian assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said the team is focused on process and batting responsibility ahead of the ODI decider against South Africa in Visakhapatnam, stressing the dew factor and the advantage of chasing as key challenges

South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, will face India in the ODI series decider at Visakhapatnam. With Kohli in form and Markram, Jansen shining for the visitors, fans can expect a thrilling finale at the VDCA-ACA Stadium

At the 2026 World Cup draw, FIFA president Gianni Infantino awarded US President Donald Trump the federation’s newly created Peace Prize, praising his global mediation efforts. The award — a departure from FIFA’s sporting focus — came amid criticism of Trump’s ongoing foreign policy actions

The announcement comes as both countries sign multiple agreements, covering sectors from fertilisers and food safety to shipping and maritime logistics

Modi says India and Russia are making rapid progress towards this goal

Beyond its namesake television and motion picture division, Warner owns HBO Max and DC Studios

The European Union fined Elon Musk’s X 120 million euros (USD 140 million) for breaching the Digital Services Act. Violations included misleading blue checkmarks, incomplete ad databases, and limited access for researchers. Regulators aim to enforce stricter transparency and user protection rules.

Foxconn’s Henyang plant closure exposed the fragility of China’s industrial economy, leaving 30,000 workers displaced and commercial districts deserted. Rising costs, erratic regulations, and the US-China trade war accelerated Apple and multinational firms’ relocation to India, Vietnam, Japan, and Australia.

Khaleda Zia’s planned transfer to London for advanced treatment has been delayed to Sunday after a Qatar-provided air ambulance failed to reach Dhaka. The critically ill former Bangladesh PM remains in Evercare Hospital as BNP leaders and family prepare for her travel

At the 23rd India-Russia summit, PM Modi affirmed India’s support for peace in Ukraine while meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi. The talks focused on defence cooperation, trade, and small modular reactors. Agreements on Indian workers’ movement, logistics, and trade, including fertilizers and exports, are expected to be signed

A bulk carrier traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait was attacked twice by suspected pirates on Friday. Armed guards aboard returned fire, and the crew remained safe. The strait, linking the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, has seen piracy and Houthi attacks, though Houthi operations are paused under a Gaza ceasefire