Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the first Russia-US-Ukraine trilateral meeting at the technical level will be held January 23-24 in the United Arab Emirates. Speaking at Davos after meeting US President Donald Trump, Zelensky said "it's better than not having any dialogue" and hoped it would help end the war. He indicated Ukrainian officials met with Trump's team Thursday, who will then meet with Russian representatives. Zelensky emphasized "Russians should be ready for compromises," adding "everyone should be ready, not just Ukraine." He also stated Europe relies too heavily on US security and needs its own armed forces, questioning what happens if America doesn't help defend the continent. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Brazilian President Lula da Silva on Thursday, reviewing the "strong momentum" in the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership and expressing anticipation for welcoming him to India soon. Preparations are underway for President Lula's state visit to India in February 2026, considered a key bilateral milestone as both nations face steep tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. The leaders previously discussed "imposition of unilateral tariffs" and recalled their goal of increasing bilateral trade to over $20 billion by 2030. Since 2023, Modi and Lula have met four times. Current bilateral trade reportedly surpasses $15 billion. Both nations collaborate through G20, BRICS, WTO, and the G4 grouping. 

Anti-government protests in Iran since late December 2025 have severely disrupted India's apple supply chain, causing shortages and price hikes. At Pune's APMC Gultekdi Market Yard, weekly Iranian apple arrivals plummeted from 8,000-10,000 crates to just 4,000-4,500 crates. Wholesale prices surged ₹150-200 per 10kg, with Iranian apples now selling at ₹1,350-1,500 per 10kg compared to Afghan apples at ₹900-1,000. November to February is typically the Iranian apple import season. Environmental factors compounded the crisis as reduced yields in Turkey and inadequate snowfall in key cultivating countries stunted harvests. Despite government reducing import duties on New Zealand apples from 50% to 25%, premium varieties remain unaffordable for most Indian consumers. (PC: The Indian Express)

US President Donald Trump launched his "Board of Peace" at Davos on Thursday, with Pakistan joining but India notably absent despite Prime Minister Modi receiving an invitation. Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif sat beside Trump, exchanged handshakes, and signed the charter, a move that was especially delicate in light of worries about cross-border terrorism. Around 35 countries signed, while France, UK, China, and Germany also skipped. The board aims to promote stability, initially focusing on Gaza reconstruction. Trump repeated claims his intervention prevented India-Pakistan conflict during May 2025's Operation Sindoor escalation assertions New Delhi denies. Diplomats question whether the initiative could dilute the UN's role, as no permanent Security Council member besides the US has committed. (PC: India Today)

Former US President Donald Trump, attending the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, stated that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war must end. Trump confirmed he had met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the forum and announced plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon to discuss peace. Emphasizing dialogue, he called for negotiations and a swift resolution to the conflict, highlighting the humanitarian and economic toll of the war. His comments come amid ongoing global efforts to mediate and stabilize the region, as world leaders convene at Davos to address geopolitical and economic challenges. (PC: Reuters)

A tragic incident in Noida has come to light after a video showed a young software engineer trying to call for help before drowning. The man’s car fell into a water-filled pit near a road late at night. He climbed out and used his mobile phone’s flashlight to signal rescuers while standing on the car. Due to darkness, fog, and deep water, rescue teams struggled to reach him in time. Despite efforts by police and emergency teams, he drowned. The incident has raised serious questions about road safety, poor barricading, and delays in rescue operations. Authorities have started an investigation.

Pakistan has been confirmed as a member of former US President Donald Trump’s newly formed “Board of Peace,” an international body aimed at promoting stability and peace in conflict zones, including overseeing reconstruction in Gaza. Israel has voiced strong opposition to Pakistan’s inclusion, citing concerns over Islamabad’s alleged links to Hamas and other militant groups. India, also invited to join the board, has not yet responded to the offer. The Board of Peace includes several other nations and is envisioned by Trump as a platform to address global conflicts, though some major Western countries have declined membership. (PC: Reuters)

Senior IAS officer Sanjeev Khirwar has been appointed as the Municipal Commissioner of Delhi’s MCD, marking his return to the capital after more than three years. He was transferred out of Delhi in 2022 following a controversy where it was alleged that a stadium was cleared early for him and his wife to walk their dog, which he later denied. With his new role, Khirwar will handle major civic issues such as sanitation, road conditions, and the growing street dog problem in Delhi. His appointment comes at a time when the city is facing public concern over stray dogs and urban management challenges. (PC: X)

Apple has requested an Indian court to prevent the Competition Commission of India from seeking its global financial records while it challenges the underlying antitrust law's validity. The US tech giant is embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle with the CCI, whose investigation accused Apple of abusing its position on its app store, allegations Apple denies. Apple fears potential fines up to $38 billion if the watchdog uses its global turnover for penalty calculations. Despite Apple's challenge to India's 2024 penalty rules, the CCI issued a December 31 order demanding financials. Apple's January 15 filing asks Delhi High Court to halt the investigation entirely. The court will hear the matter January 27. (PC: Reuters)

A Meitei community member, Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh, was abducted from his home in Tuibong area and shot dead near Natjang village in Manipur's Kuki-majority Churachandpur district on Wednesday evening, police confirmed Thursday. The abduction and killing mark a fresh escalation in the state's ongoing ethnic tensions. Authorities suspect members of the United Kuki National Army is not part of the Suspension of Operations agreement between the Indian government, Manipur administration, and several Kuki-Zo militant groups carried out the attack. A Joint Action Committee formed following the killing has demanded immediate arrests and requested a central investigation into the case, as ethnic violence continues plaguing the northeastern state. (PC: Times Now)