Indian-American Jay Bhattacharya, chosen as National Institutes of Health (NIH) head by US President-elect Donald Trump, was a critic of lockdowns and vaccine mandates during COVID-19 pandemic. "I think the lockdowns were the single biggest public health mistake," he said in 2021. He authored a document opposing lockdowns and recommending focus on high-risk individuals.

Pakistan's security forces mounted a sweeping midnight raid aimed at clearing jailed ex-PM Imran Khan's supporters who stormed Islamabad, demanding his release. The raid was mounted in darkness and a barrage of teargas was fired, with gathering being almost completely dispersed, reports said. Four security personnel and two others were killed as protesters clashed with the personnel on Tuesday.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed that Russia is now India's largest crude oil supplier, making up more than 35% of the country's total imports. "For quite some time now, Russia has been the largest supplier of crude to India. The percentage would be upwards of 35%, but it varies from month to month," he said.

Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan expressed concern over the situation of Hindus in Bangladesh after the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari. He urged the Bangladesh government to stop atrocities against the Hindu community. "Indian Army blood was spilled...for Bangladesh's formation. We are deeply disturbed by the targeting of our Hindu brothers and sisters," he said.

US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday confirmed appointment of Indian-American Jay Bhattacharya as Director of National Institutes of Health (NIH)- US' top public funder of medical research. Jay would work with Robert F Kennedy Jr to "restore NIH to a Gold Standard of Medical Research", Trump said. Bhattacharya, who's a Stanford University-trained physician, had criticised COVID-19 lockdown.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar defended India's Russian oil imports, highlighting national interest amid criticism. Pointing out Europe's selective approach, he said, "If [it's] a matter of such...deep principle, then Europe itself should've cut off business with Russia." He further said, "Why should we pay higher prices to make you happy? Life's about respecting other's...interests."

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has condemned the state-sponsored violence against its protesters in Islamabad. The party accused security forces of a brutal crackdown resulting in deaths and injuries. Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif called it an attack by protesters and demanded accountability. Tensions rise amid demands for Imran Khan's release.

After India expressed "deep concern" over arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges in Bangladesh, the latter has responded. "It is with utter dismay and deep sense of hurt that Government of Bangladesh notes that...arrest of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das has been misconstrued by certain quarters," said Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry. It called the arrest Bangladesh's internal issue.

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu cited three reasons for accepting a ceasefire with Lebanon-based Hezbollah, saying the first reason is to 'focus on the Iranian threat'. He said second reason is to give Israeli forces a break after months of fighting and to replenish weapon stocks. The ceasefire would also separate the fronts and 'isolate Hamas', Netanyahu said.

The world’s oldest man, Briton John Tinniswood, passed away at the age of 112 in a care home in England's Southport. He had become the world’s oldest man in April 2024 following the death of Venezuelan Juan Vicente Perez, who was 114 years old. Tinniswood served in World War II as part of the Army Pay Corps.