Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s claim that India’s Modi-led government lost the 2024 election due to its Covid-19 response has sparked controversy. Speaking on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Zuckerberg suggested most governments were defeated post-pandemic. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and IT, called the remarks disinformation and demanded an apology. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw refuted the claims, highlighting the NDA's decisive victory and achievements, including free food for 800M people and 2.2B vaccines. Vaishnaw called for facts and credibility, while Meta remains silent. Parliamentary action against the tech giant is now expected.

Negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release are progressing in Qatar, with Israel and Hamas reportedly nearing an agreement. Indirect talks, held in the same building for the first time, have led to a tentative deal framework. Hamas is set to release hostages in exchange for Israel withdrawing troops from key areas and releasing 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. US President Joe Biden and Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani are mediating. Despite opposition within Israel's government, optimism grows as the war continues to devastate Gaza, with over 46,500 fatalities reported. Details are being finalized to start phased peace efforts.

Amid growing criticism of Gautam Gambhir's tenure as India's cricket coach, former England spinner Monty Panesar suggested the BCCI explore separate coaches for different formats. Gambhir, under whose leadership India lost ODI and Test series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, is reportedly under scrutiny. Panesar highlighted challenges in Gambhir’s transition to coaching, noting his past batting struggles in Australia and England. Panesar proposed VVS Laxman as a Test coach, citing his credibility and success across conditions. Laxman’s expertise could command greater respect within the team, potentially addressing concerns over Gambhir’s effectiveness. Discussions within the BCCI are anticipated.

Six Army jawans from the Gorkha Rifles sustained injuries during a routine patrol near Khamba Fort in Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir, on Tuesday. The accidental mine blast occurred at approximately 10:45 am. The injured personnel were promptly transported to a nearby hospital, where their condition is reported to be stable. The vehicle involved, part of the 11 Madras Light Infantry (11 MLI), was traveling from Nilam Headquarters to Balnoi Ghora Post. Authorities are investigating the incident, and further details are awaited.

Ukraine launched a major combined drone and missile attack on Russian regions overnight, targeting key industrial sites. Russian officials reported damage to at least two factories and school closures in the southern city of Saratov. Over 200 Ukrainian drones and five U.S.-made ATACMS missiles were reportedly downed by Russia. The Bryansk region governor confirmed a missile attack but did not specify which missiles were used. The strike caused flight restrictions in several Russian cities, including Kazan and Penza. The Russian defense ministry has yet to comment on the attack's scale or specifics.

Los Angeles is bracing for hurricane-force winds as wildfires continue to devastate the region, claiming at least 24 lives and destroying hundreds of homes. Four of the six wildfires have burned over 160 square kilometers, larger than San Francisco, with the Palisades and Eaton fires being among the most destructive in California's history. Authorities warn that winds gusting up to 70 mph could intensify fire behavior and cause new blazes. Over 92,000 residents are under evacuation orders, while thousands of first responders battle the flames. Governor Gavin Newsom has requested $2.5 billion for recovery efforts.

In his final foreign policy speech, US President Joe Biden announced progress toward a Gaza ceasefire, including a hostage release and increased aid for Palestinians. "So many innocent people have been killed. Palestinian people deserve peace," Biden emphasized. While talks in Doha continue, up to 33 hostages could be freed. Biden also highlighted America's strengthened alliances and claimed adversaries like Iran were "weaker" after 2024 attacks. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump expressed optimism about the ceasefire deal, stating it must happen soon. Biden’s farewell speech is scheduled for Wednesday before leaving office.

Around 300 North Korean soldiers have been killed, and 2,700 wounded while fighting for Russia in Ukraine, according to South Korea's spy agency. The soldiers, part of North Korea's elite Storm Corps, were sent to aid Moscow's efforts in return for technical assistance for Pyongyang's weapons programs. The high casualties reflect their lack of modern warfare understanding. Some soldiers were ordered to commit suicide to avoid capture, with one attempting to detonate a grenade before being shot. Ukraine has captured two North Korean soldiers, offering a potential exchange for captured Ukrainian troops.

Los Angeles braces for stronger winds as wildfires, including the 23,000-acre Palisades Fire, burn uncontrollably. The Eaton Fire has destroyed 14,000 acres, with containment efforts hindered by 70 mph winds expected Tuesday. At least 24 are dead, 23 missing, and nine arrested for looting. Lawsuits allege negligence by Southern California Edison and LADWP over fire and water supply failures. Mayor Karen Bass has initiated emergency measures, while President Biden pledged federal support. National Guard troops patrol evacuation zones. Volunteers, including actor Will Arnett, provide aid, with 500 daily meals distributed to victims. Affected families fear rebuilding amid uncertain safety.

Hamas is likely to release 33 hostages during the first phase of a 42-day truce deal with Israel, mediated in Doha. The agreement, presented by Qatar, includes Israeli and Hamas representatives alongside Mossad and Shin Bet chiefs. U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed Washington’s efforts to finalize the deal, aiming to free hostages, halt fighting, and aid Palestinians. President-elect Donald Trump expressed optimism about sealing the deal soon. Discussions on detainee exchanges and Gaza border security arrangements are ongoing. The truce follows Hamas’ October 7 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis, while Israeli military operations have caused over 46,500 Palestinian deaths.