Top News Stories: Hindu Man's Death in Bangladesh, Padma Awards 2026 List, RJD Leadership Row
Here are the top five news stories making headlines across India and the region, covering developments in crime, awards, politics, sports, and weather emergencies.
Sleeping Hindu Man Burnt to Death in Bangladesh; CCTV Footage Raises Foul Play Suspicion
A tragic incident has unfolded in Bangladesh where a 25-year-old Hindu man, identified as Chanchal Bhowmik, was burnt to death while asleep in a garage in Narsingdi. The fire occurred on Friday night, and the body was reportedly charred beyond recognition, making identification challenging for authorities.
While initial reports suggested the blaze might have been accidental, CCTV footage from the area has raised serious suspicions of possible foul play. The circumstances surrounding the death are now under intense investigation by Bangladeshi police, who are examining the footage and other evidence to determine if this was a targeted attack or a tragic accident.
This incident has drawn attention to the safety of minority communities in the region, with local leaders calling for a thorough probe to ensure justice is served.
Provisional List for Padma Awards 2026 Released Ahead of Republic Day
Ahead of Republic Day celebrations, a provisional list for the prestigious Padma Awards 2026 has been released, as per sources. The list is said to feature notable individuals like Kailash Chand and Dr. Shyam Sundar, among others, who have made long-term contributions across diverse fields.
The awardees are believed to represent a wide range of regions, including remote and underserved areas, with many having worked at the grassroots level for decades. This highlights the government's focus on recognizing unsung heroes and their impactful work in various sectors, from social service to arts and science.
The full list is expected to be officially announced soon, with the awards ceremony likely to be held around Republic Day next year.
Tejashwi Yadav Named RJD's National Working President Amid Sister's Protests
In a significant political development in Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, son of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav, has been appointed as the party's national working president. This move comes after the RJD faced setbacks in last year's Bihar assembly polls, where it was relegated to the margins.
However, the appointment has sparked internal strife, with Tejashwi's sister, Rohini Acharya, protesting the decision. She alleged that the party's control had slipped into the hands of infiltrators and conspirators, raising concerns about the direction of the RJD under the new leadership.
The announcement was made during the RJD's national executive meeting in Patna, with Lalu Prasad Yadav present on stage, signaling his support for his son's elevation.
Bangladesh Cricket Board Wanted to Play T20 World Cup in India but Government Denied Clearance
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has revealed that it was willing to participate in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India, but was unable to do so due to a lack of government clearance. BCB director Abdur Razzak stated that government approval is mandatory for all overseas tours, not just limited to the World Cup.
This decision has sparked a row in the cricketing community, as it affects Bangladesh's participation in a major international tournament. The BCB expressed its disappointment but emphasized that it is bound by the government's decision, which did not grant clearance for the tour to India.
The move raises questions about diplomatic and logistical factors influencing sports events in the region.
Heavy Snowfall in Manali Leaves Hundreds of Tourists Stranded; Highways Blocked
Heavy snowfall over the past 48 hours has paralysed life in the popular tourist destination of Manali, blocking national highways and leaving hundreds of tourists stranded amid freezing conditions. About 7–8 kilometres of the national highway near Manali remain blocked, causing severe disruptions.
Many tourists were forced to abandon their vehicles and trek long distances of 10–20 kilometers through deep snow, carrying their luggage. The situation has led to an 8-kilometer traffic jam on the highway, with authorities struggling to clear the roads and provide relief to those affected.
Local officials are working to restore normalcy, but the heavy snowfall continues to pose challenges for rescue and relief operations in the region.
