In a significant development in international diplomacy, France has stated it found no solid evidence to support Russia's allegations of a Ukrainian drone attack targeting a residence of President Vladimir Putin. This statement comes amidst escalating global tensions and a series of other critical news updates from around the world and within India.
International Reactions and Conflicts
A French presidential source, on December 31, 2025, clarified that Moscow's claims lack credible proof, even after cross-verifying information with international partners. The source further characterized Russia's intensified strikes on Ukraine as "an act of defiance" against the US-led plan to end the ongoing war.
In another conflict zone, Israel announced a major policy shift affecting humanitarian work in Gaza. The Israeli government declared it would suspend the operations of several international aid organizations, including the renowned Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), effective January 1. The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs cited non-compliance with new vetting rules requiring detailed disclosures on staff, funding, and operations. Israel accused MSF of failing to clarify the roles of staff allegedly linked to Hamas, while aid groups have criticized the rules as arbitrary and dangerous for their personnel.
Major ED Action in Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam
Shifting focus to a major domestic investigation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached fresh assets worth over Rs 100 crore in connection with the alleged Rs 2,800 crore liquor scam in Chhattisgarh. The probe targets the previous Congress government's tenure between 2019 and 2023.
The federal agency alleged that a "criminal syndicate" of senior bureaucrats and political figures had "completely hijacked" the state's excise department. The attached properties include 78 assets such as luxury bungalows, premium flats, and commercial spaces, along with 197 investments including fixed deposits and shares. Assets worth Rs 38.21 crore belong to former excise commissioner Niranjan Das (an IAS officer) and 30 other officials, while properties worth Rs 68.16 crore are linked to three major distilleries in the state.
Myanmar Elections and Indian Electoral Updates
In Myanmar, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has claimed a commanding lead after the first phase of the general election, the first in five years. A senior USDP official stated the party won 88 out of 102 contested lower house seats. Voting is being held in three phases due to armed conflicts, with final results expected by late January. Notably, the military retains 25% of parliamentary seats under the constitution.
Domestically, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has revised the schedule for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh. The draft publication is now set for January 6, 2026, with the claims and objections window open until February 6. The final electoral roll will be published on March 6. This phase is part of a larger exercise covering several states and union territories.
These interconnected stories from the global stage and within India highlight ongoing geopolitical tensions, significant law enforcement actions against alleged corruption, and crucial democratic processes unfolding in a complex international landscape.
