A police officer was injured when terrorists opened fire in the Bemina area of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. The injured cop, Mohammad Hafiz Chad, was transported to a hospital for treatment, police said. The area of the attack has been cordoned off as the investigation gets underway just a day after final respects were paid to Inspector Masroor Ahmad Wani, who was fatally shot by militants in October. Wani was playing cricket when a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist fired three shots at close range into his eye, abdomen and neck. He is survived by his pregnant wife. Authorities continue search operations to find those responsible for the latest attack in Srinagar. [Representative Image]

The Biden administration has invoked emergency authority, allowing the immediate sale of 14,000 tank shells worth $106.5 million to Israel, bypassing congressional review. The move, part of a larger $500 million package for 45,000 shells, raises concerns about U.S. support for Israel's offensive in Gaza. Rights advocates question the alignment with efforts to minimize civilian casualties. Secretary of State Antony Blinken justifies the sale, citing national security interests. The tank cartridges, including High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose with Tracer rounds, aim to enhance Israel's deterrent capabilities. The decision sparks debate over the U.S.'s role in the intensifying conflict.

The United States vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on Friday, as Israel's military offensive against Hamas entered its third month. The resolution, proposed by the U.N. Secretary-General amid a deepening humanitarian crisis, was blocked by the U.S., with Deputy Representative Robert Wood calling it "divorced from reality." Meanwhile, the death toll rose to over 17,000 in Gaza, mostly women and children, and 91 in Israel. Israel vowed to eradicate Hamas after its October attack that killed 1,200 Israelis. The U.S. supplies billions in military aid to Israel annually. Its veto came despite warnings from the W.H.O. that Gaza's civilisation is collapsing.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced a technical correction after BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi denied signing the reply to a Parliament question on declaring Hamas a terrorist organization. Contrary to initial documentation, the MEA clarified that Union Minister V Muraleedharan provided the response in the Lok Sabha. Lekhi, expressing her denial on social media, tagged Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and the PMO, stating, "You have been misinformed as I have not signed any paper with this question and this answer, Dr. S Jaishankar, PMO India." MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi acknowledged the need for a correction, emphasizing, "This is being suitably undertaken," regarding Muraleedharan as the responding minister. The parliamentary query, raised by Congress MP Kumbakudi Sudhakaran, sought information on India's stance and any demands from the Israeli government.        

Turkey expresses "complete disappointment" after the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution for an immediate Gaza ceasefire. Turkish President Erdogan criticizes the UNSC, branding it the 'Israel protection council.' Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasizes global isolation for the US on this matter. The US and Israel argue against a ceasefire, citing potential benefits to Hamas. President Erdogan questions the fairness of the UNSC, declaring it an 'Israel protection and defence council' since October 7. Tensions rise as Turkey challenges the US stance on Gaza, asserting a need for an alternative global approach.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stated he was removed from office in 1999 by General Pervez Musharraf for opposing the Kargil conflict with India, saying "When I opposed the Kargil plan saying it should not happen...I was ousted (by Gen Pervez Musharraf)." Speaking on Saturday, the three-time PM questioned why he has repeatedly been prematurely ousted from the premiership despite delivering results. Sharif said he was sacked in 1993, 1999 and 2017, asking to be told the reasons. He specifically highlighted his opposition to the unauthorized Kargil infiltration into India as the trigger for Musharraf's 1999 coup. Sharif also emphasized the need for Pakistan to have good ties with India, citing his Lahore peace efforts with two Indian prime ministers during his tenures.

Sameena Bi, a Muslim woman assaulted by kin over voting BJP in Madhya Pradesh polls, met Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seeking safety. Accompanied by her two children, Bi said her brother-in-law Javed beat her up asking why she supported Chouhan's party. The CM assured protection saying Bi exercised her right constitutionally. "They will keep us safe so I can vote my choice," Bi stated, adding she backs BJP for Chouhan's welfare schemes. Though he led BJP to a second historic term in MP, Chouhan insists he's not in the CM race. Bi said she would vote BJP again considering Chouhan's concern over her plight after the attack.

Lok Sabha MP Danish Ali responded to his suspension from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Saturday by denying allegations of indulging in "anti-party activities." Ali stated that he made efforts to strengthen the BSP and would continue opposing the "anti-people policies" of the BJP government. He thanked party chief Mayawati for making him the Parliamentary party leader. "If raising my voice against injustice is a crime, I am ready to face punishment," Ali asserted in a press conference. He claimed he always followed the BSP's directives and called his suspension "unfortunate." Ali's statements come after the BSP suspended him citing repeated warnings against actions not in the party's interest, which have fueled rumors of his growing bonding with the Congress.

In a disturbing revelation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) uncovered a sniper rifle and ammunition cleverly hidden inside a teddy bear at a Gaza school. The 551st Division soldiers also found weaponry concealed in classrooms and United Nations bags at another educational facility. The IDF accused Hamas of endangering Gaza's children by using innocent-looking items to stash weapons. Meanwhile, in Shuja'iyya, a terrorist cell engaged by Israeli troops near a school met its end, revealing AK-47 rifles, grenades, and ammunition within classrooms. The Gaza Strip continues to face relentless airstrikes, raising concerns about the region's humanitarian crisis.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced an awkward moment before cameras while hosting Dutch PM Mark Rutte, as the two leaders got briefly locked out of 10 Downing Street. Viral footage shows Sunak welcoming Rutte for discussions on migration, Middle East and Ukraine, and posing for photos outside the PM's official residence. As they continued chatting, Sunak encountered errors with the door, forcing them to wait outside for custodians to open it. The incident sparked amusement online over the glitch at the British PM's iconic address. Sunak was hosting Rutte for wide-ranging talks on battling illegal migration, cooperating on Ukraine conflict, and issues like Rwanda deportation policy amid ongoing crises.