Blinkit has removed its 10-minute delivery claim after government talks with quick commerce firms over rider safety, sources said. The meeting included Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato and Swiggy. Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya led the effort to end strict delivery deadlines. Officials said the targets were pushing workers to take risks on the road. Other platforms are expected to follow in the coming days. The issue was raised in Parliament, where AAP MP Raghav Chadha said short timelines put lives in danger. The labour ministry has also issued draft rules under four labour codes to extend minimum wage, safety and social security benefits to gig workers. (PC: News18)

Iran faced continued unrest on Tuesday as an official told Reuters that about 2,000 people have been killed during nationwide protests. The official blamed “terrorists” for the deaths. Authorities began easing a communications blackout, allowing some international calls for the first time in days. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the regime may be in its “final days”, adding that a system surviving only through violence is finished. Protests began in late December over economic concerns and later turned political. Courts have started hearing protest cases, with senior judicial officials warning that charges such as moharebeh could bring the death penalty under Iranian law. (PC: X)

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said on Tuesday that Indian forces were prepared to launch ground operations during Operation Sindoor if Pakistan had taken any hostile step. He said the Army expanded the scope for conventional action and changed earlier views that such conflicts would quickly turn nuclear. The operation began on May 7 last year after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Indian strikes hit terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Dwivedi said around 100 Pakistani personnel were killed. He added that Pakistan sought a ceasefire on May 10 after Indian counter strikes. He said the response remains firm against future threats. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday warned states that it may fix heavy compensation for every dog bite, injury or death, especially involving children and the elderly. Justice Vikram Nath said the court wanted strict use of existing laws and that the issue had turned into a “public platform”. He added that people who feed stray dogs may also face liability. The remarks came during a hearing on rising dog bite cases. The court had earlier ordered removal of stray dogs from schools, hospitals and transport hubs. It also directed local bodies to stop dogs from returning to unsafe areas and to set up proper shelters and feeding zones. (PC: NDTV)

Congress has criticised the BJP for holding talks with a Chinese Communist Party team in Delhi amid reports of Chinese activity in the Shaksgam Valley in Jammu and Kashmir. Party leader Supriya Shrinate said China was asserting claims while political meetings were taking place in India. She cited reports of construction in the area and raised concerns over border tensions. The BJP confirmed that a CCP delegation led by Sun Haiyan met party leaders at its headquarters. BJP leader Vijay Chauthaiwale said the meeting was part of routine inter party dialogue. The row has revived debate over past India China political engagements. (PC: India Today)

President Donald Trump has been briefed on military and covert options for possible action in Iran, US officials told CBS News. The options include long range air strikes, cyber moves and steps to disrupt command systems. The talks come as rights groups say more than 600 protesters have died in three weeks of unrest. Trump has warned that the US could act if the killings continue. He also announced a 25% tariff on goods from countries that trade with Tehran. Iran’s foreign minister said the country is open to talks but “prepared for war”. A White House meeting on Iran is due on Tuesday. (PC: BBC)

Delhi airport will face daily airspace closures from January 21 to 26 due to Republic Day security drills. A NOTAM says the airspace will shut from 10:20 am to 12:45 pm each day. Aviation data firm Cirium estimates over 600 flights may be affected during this window. The period is busy as many passengers land in Delhi to connect to Europe and other cities. Airlines may cancel or reschedule flights. Some passengers may be moved to later services or offered refunds. Fog in winter could worsen delays. Travellers should update contact details with airlines to get timely alerts. (PC: Reuters)

China has reasserted its claim over Shaksgam Valley in Jammu & Kashmir, defending ongoing infrastructure projects as "beyond reproach" despite India's strong objections. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated the territory "belongs to China" and cited the 1960s China-Pakistan boundary agreement as justification. India firmly rejected these claims, with MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal declaring Shaksgam Valley as Indian territory and the 1963 China-Pakistan agreement "illegal and invalid." India also reiterated non-recognition of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passing through Pakistani-occupied territory. The dispute intensified following reports of China constructing an all-weather road in strategically crucial Shaksgam, located north of Siachen, prompting India to reserve rights for necessary countermeasures. 

US President Donald Trump announced an immediate 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran, potentially threatening India's $1.7 billion bilateral trade with Tehran. The sweeping tariff aims to pressure Iran's leadership over its violent protest crackdown, which reportedly killed nearly 600 people and arrested thousands. Trump declared the order "final and conclusive" via Truth Social, while also considering potential military action against Tehran. This development could significantly disrupt India's trade relationship with Iran and complicate ongoing India-US trade negotiations. The tariff threat sends shockwaves through global markets, forcing nations to choose between maintaining Iranian trade ties or facing substantial penalties on their American business dealings. (PC: X)

New US Ambassador Sergio Gor emphasized India's critical importance to America, calling it "the most essential partner" and projecting their relationship as potentially "the most consequential partnership of this century." Speaking at the US embassy, Gor announced continued trade negotiations with another round scheduled for Tuesday, while acknowledging disagreements as normal among "real friends." He highlighted President Trump's friendship with PM Modi and invited India to join Pax Silica, the US-led silicon supply chain initiative as a full member next month. India's participation comes after its notable absence at December's launch, which included nine founding nations. Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is currently attending critical minerals discussions in Washington. (PC: PTI)