Indian-origin FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam has publicly addressed controversy over alleged bias in the company’s H-1B visa hiring practices, sparked by reports that FedEx increased hiring of foreign workers after winning a major federal contract, even as U.S. job cuts drew criticism. Subramaniam emphasized that FedEx follows merit-based hiring and stressed his belief in legal immigration, sharing his own journey from India to the U.S. as an example of opportunity. He reiterated that employment decisions are based on skills and business needs, countering claims of favoritism. (PC: X)

Gold prices stayed near record highs, with spot gold around $4,675 per ounce, driven by rising global trade-war risks and a flight to safe-haven assets. U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and push regarding Greenland soured market sentiment, weakening the dollar and triggering sell-offs in stocks and bonds. Silver also traded close to its record level, though slightly lower. Investors favoured precious metals amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty and expectations of lower interest rates, which reduce the cost of holding bullion. Continued tensions and potential escalation of trade disputes could push gold above $4,700. (PC: Reuters)

Oscar-winning composer Shankar Mahadevan weighed in on the controversy sparked by AR Rahman’s comments about a slowdown in his Bollywood work, which Rahman suggested might be linked to shifting industry power dynamics and a “communal thing”. Shankar offered a different view, explaining that creative artists and decision-makers are often separate, with non-musical personnel controlling what music gets released — which affects opportunities. He didn’t directly support or refute Rahman’s remarks but framed the issue as structural rather than communal. Rahman also shared a video about his deep cultural connection to India. (PC: NDTV)

Bangladesh cricket captain Litton Das has declined to comment on the T20 World Cup 2026 controversy, stating it's "not safe" for him to respond. With just two weeks remaining, Bangladesh's participation remains uncertain due to a standoff with the ICC over the Bangladesh Cricket Board's request to relocate their matches from India to Sri Lanka citing security concerns. Despite numerous talks, the ICC appears reluctant to approve the request. When asked about World Cup preparation during a Bangladesh Premier League game Tuesday, Litton highlighted the uncertainty, saying "everyone is uncertain... the whole of Bangladesh is uncertain at this moment." The tournament is scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. (PC: AP)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU is "on the cusp" of signing a historic trade agreement with India, calling it the "mother of all deals" that would create a two-billion-person market representing nearly a quarter of global GDP. Von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will attend India's Republic Day celebrations and co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27, when the deal is expected to be signed. The agreement, decades in the making after negotiations relaunched in July 2022, gains urgency amid US tariff threats and shared concerns about China's dominance. India seeks market access for textiles and gems; the EU wants entry for automobiles and beverages.

India has designated Bangladesh a "non-family" posting for diplomats due to escalating security concerns, ordering families of officials to return home as a precautionary measure. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka and four assistant high commissions in Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet will remain operational at full strength. Officials cite threats from extremist and radical elements, and freedom given to Pakistani elements by Muhammad Yunus's interim government. This represents one of India's most stringent security measures for diplomats. Relations have deteriorated since the caretaker government took office in August 2024, with violent protests occurring outside Indian missions. Despite tensions, India recently engaged Bangladesh Nationalist Party ahead of February 12 elections. (PC: PTI) 

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has retired after 27 years of service, effective December 27, 2025. The Indian-origin astronaut logged 608 days in space across three missions, ranking second among NASA astronauts for cumulative time. Her final mission aboard Boeing Starliner, initially planned for 10 days, extended to nine-and-a-half months on the ISS. Williams completed nine spacewalks totaling 62 hours, most by any female astronaut and was the first to run a marathon in space. Selected by NASA in 1998, she flew missions in 2006, 2012, and 2024. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacson praised her as a trailblazer whose work advanced science and paved the way for Artemis lunar missions and Mars exploration. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump has once again claimed credit for preventing nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan during May 2025's Operation Sindoor crisis. Speaking at the White House on Tuesday, Trump alleged he ended eight wars in ten months, highlighting the India-Pakistan standoff where "eight planes were shot down" and nations "were going to go nuclear." He cited Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif's praise for saving millions of lives and suggested he deserved Nobel Prizes for each resolved conflict. Trump has maintained since May 2025 that US diplomatic pressure and tariff threats forced the ceasefire. However, India firmly rejects external mediation claims, stating the truce resulted from direct India-Pakistan communication after Operation Sindoor targeted terrorist infrastructure following Pahalgam's deadly April 2025 attack. 

The European Union and India are close to finalising a long-pending free trade deal. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said talks have made strong progress. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, she said the deal could create a market of two billion people. It would account for nearly a quarter of global GDP. Negotiations began in 2007 and resumed in 2022. Some issues remain, including tariffs and labour mobility. Von der Leyen will visit India soon and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both sides hope to close the deal soon. (PC: Reuters)

The European Parliament plans to suspend approval of a US tariffs deal agreed last year. Sources said the move may be announced in Strasbourg on Wednesday. The decision follows fresh tariff threats by US President Donald Trump over Greenland. The standoff has hit global markets, with stocks and the dollar falling. European leaders warned against US pressure on sovereignty. French President Emmanuel Macron urged the EU to consider retaliation. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asked Europe not to retaliate. The deal needs EU approval to take effect. (PC: Bloomberg via Getty Images)