China has reiterated its territorial claim over the disputed Shaksgam Valley, rejecting strong objections from India regarding its ongoing infrastructure projects in the region. Beijing insists that development activities there are “fully justified” and part of its sovereign rights based on a 1963 boundary agreement with Pakistan, dismissing New Delhi’s protest. India maintains the valley, located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, is Indian territory and has never recognised the Pakistan-China pact, calling the agreement illegal and invalid. Indian officials, including the Ladakh lieutenant governor, have condemned China’s claim and asserted India’s sovereign rights over the area, heightening geopolitical tensions. (PC: PTI & AP)

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced the NATO Unity Protection Act to prevent President Donald Trump from using funds to occupy, annex, or control Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark and NATO ally, after Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring it for “national security.” The legislation, led by Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, would bar the Defense and State departments from spending on such actions, aiming to uphold NATO commitments and discourage any aggressive move. Denmark and Greenland firmly reject U.S. control, and European allies express concern about potential damage to transatlantic unity. (PC: X)

Quick-commerce firm Blinkit has removed its “10-minute delivery” promise, shifting its branding to focus on doorstep deliveries without a fixed time guarantee, following intervention by the Union Labour Ministry amid concerns over worker safety and pressure on gig workers. The move comes after widespread protests and a nationwide strike by delivery workers demanding safer conditions and fairer work practices. Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held talks with major platforms, urging them to drop ultra-fast delivery claims that could lead to reckless driving. Other firms like Swiggy and Zepto may follow suit as the industry rethinks tight delivery timelines. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Iranians to continue nationwide protests, saying “help is on the way” as Washington weighs tough action against Tehran over the deadly crackdown. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Iranian patriots, keep protesting – take over your institutions,” and said he had cancelled talks with Iranian officials until the killings stop. He claimed Iran’s leaders had recently reached out “to negotiate”, but warned the US “may have to act before a meeting”. Trump said the administration is reviewing “very strong options”, including military steps. He also announced 25% tariffs on goods from countries trading with Iran. (PC: India Today)

Netflix has completed 10 years in India, changing how audiences watch content and how stars are made. Launched quietly in 2016, Netflix introduced binge-watching and focused on stories over big names. Shows like Sacred Games helped supporting actors gain fame. The platform also opened doors for new writers, directors, and creators. Netflix reduced subscription prices to reach more users but kept its premium image. It brought global content to Indian screens and pushed Indian stories worldwide. Industry voices say Netflix weakened Bollywood’s star system and made space for talent-driven work. Today, India is one of Netflix’s fastest-growing markets.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday. They discussed cooperation in trade, defence, energy, and security. Jaishankar said the conversation was positive and that both sides will stay in touch. US officials said the leaders also spoke about critical minerals and a possible meeting in February. India-US ties have been strained after US President Donald Trump imposed high tariffs on Indian goods in 2025. Talks on a bilateral trade deal have remained unresolved despite several negotiation rounds. (PC: PTI)

US President Donald Trump has cancelled all talks with Iran as protests spread across the country. In a post on Truth Social, he urged Iranians to continue demonstrating. “KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS,” Trump wrote. He also asked protesters to document abuses by authorities. Trump said those involved in killing protesters would “pay a big price” and added, “Help is on its way.” Iranian officials told Reuters that around 2,000 people have died during the unrest. The protests, driven by economic hardship, are now in their third week. Iran has blamed the violence on terrorists and foreign-backed groups. (PC: AP)

IT major Tata Consultancy Services has said job cuts may continue in 2026 if needed. The company has let go of around 30,000 employees in the last six months. TCS said the exits are part of an ongoing restructuring plan announced in 2025. The company added that there is no fixed target for layoffs. Every exit will follow an internal process and valid reasons. TCS’ total workforce fell to about 5.82 lakh by December 2025. The move comes as firms adjust to AI tools, lower demand, and cost pressures. Tighter office attendance rules and delayed appraisals have also raised employee concerns.

K-pop group BTS have announced a major world tour after a four-year break. The tour will have 79 shows across Asia, Europe and the US. It will begin in South Korea on April 9, 2026. London, Paris, Tokyo and Los Angeles are on the list. Tickets go on sale from January 22. Industry estimates say BTS could earn over $1 billion from concerts, music and merchandise. The band last toured globally in 2018. Their comeback follows the completion of mandatory military service by all seven members. Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the reunion. (PC: Getty Images)

Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack across Ukraine overnight. Ukrainian officials said it was the most intense air assault this year. At least four people were killed in strikes on Kharkiv. Another person died in a drone attack in the Donetsk region. Hundreds of thousands of homes lost power in Kyiv. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said energy systems were badly hit. Russia used nearly 300 drones and several missiles, including hypersonic weapons. Ukraine said it later struck a Russian drone factory in the Rostov region. Russia claimed it shot down more than 50 Ukrainian drones. Fighting continues on multiple fronts. (PC: AP)